Petit Home Team BLOG: December 2014 Monthly Newsletter

December 2014 Newsletter

I. Ten Unique Ways to Decorate Your Front Door

II. Saving on home utility cost

III. Sold properties

IV. Stocking stuffer ideas

10 Unique Ways to Decorate Your Front Door

Salvage Show

Re-purpose architectural elements. Two pairs of over sized shutters, painted jaunty red and hinged together, add a dash of holiday spirit without going over the top. Reclaimed shutters have an appealing weathered look, but you could simply buy them from a home improvement store and paint them the color of your choice.

Glistening Columns

Mass outdoor lights for a magical effect. Take traditional Christmas lights in a different direction by wrapping them tightly around columns, railings and other front-entry architectural details to yield an extra-radiant shimmer. You also could use this technique with tree trunks, mailboxes, trellises or any other part of the landscape that lends itself.

Local Flair

Rethink the standard garland. Pine, fir, spruce? You've done them all, and you're in the mood for something new. Instead, go for different types of evergreens that grow in the area where you live. For example, a Southern front porch and door would look pitch-perfect with a garland of magnolia leaves. Over sized white bulbs mimic the look of flower buds.

Initial Appeal

Show off your monogram. Embrace family pride with a custom monogram crafted from wood or another material. It’s easy to personalize this idea to suit the lines of your home and the style of your holiday decor.

Layered Look

Blend traditional colors and themes with unexpected touches. Old-fashioned ice skates, bountiful bows and lush greenery mingle with wooden clogs, twig trees and a jaunty plaid pillow. The combination feels homey, relaxed, slightly rustic and stylish. You could put your own spin on this approach by layering items you have around the house or inexpensive thrift-store finds.

Watch Your Step

Illuminate your walkway. Simple glass candle holders with sprigs of greenery and berries, cast a gentle glow to guide guests to your door. Just as a blazing fire draws people to the hearth, the candles set an unmistakable tone of welcome. They look especially bewitching in the snow, but if you live in a warmer climate, try tucking shatterproof silver and white ornaments among the votives to create the impression of glittering ice. Or use sand, shells and beach grasses in a coastal setting.

Modern Greenery

Freshen up the scheme with contemporary elements. Pheasant feathers and green apples inspire the palette of this sophisticated front door ensemble. The feathers feel slightly edgy yet still suitable for the classic garland, wreath and topiary trio. Keeping the colors monochromatic also helps to modernize the look.

Personal Welcome

Pay tribute to your favorite crafts and hobbies. Yarn-covered balls are grouped into a one-of-a-kind wreath that leaves no doubt as to the owner's love of handmade treasures. This one features wintry cream, blue and gray tones; go with reds and greens if you like the traditional Christmas color scheme. Or try bright blue and white for Hanukkah.

Door Frames

Try a frame treatment. Got an old picture frame that’s begging for a fresh face? Transform it into a festive holiday door decoration that makes a fun alternative to a wreath. Here, a frame painted brilliant turquoise sets off a cluster of ornaments. Choose one with sculptural lines and detailing to create visual depth. Amp up the effect by hanging three of them in a vertical stack — keep them identical for a contemporary look, or vary the sizes, shapes and colors if your style is more collected.

Gift-Box Topiary

Pile up the presents. Large boxes, wrapped in sturdy paper and topped off with ribbon, perch atop a footed urn for a whimsical twist on the usual topiary. Want to take this idea a step or two farther? Line porch steps with tiny wrapped boxes, stack faux gifts like columns beside the front door, or glue small boxes in varying sizes to a wreath form and mount it on the door.

Saving on home utility cost

1. Auto-temperature. By installing a programmable thermostat, homeowners can save up to $180 a year in heating and cooling bills.

2. Stop gushing. Turn the valves under the kitchen and bathroom sinks halfway off. When you open a faucet above, the water won't come gushing out, but there'll be plenty to wash dishes or brush teeth.

3. Hang out. Your electric clothes dryer is the biggest energy-gobbling appliance in your home after the refrigerator, costing about $85 a year to run. So hang clothes outside, or inside until they're almost dry, then pop them into the dryer.

4. A drip in time. Your AC system and dehumidifier pull water out of the air that's perfect for gardening or car washing. Some devices will route the water to your garden.

5. Winter savings. Inflatable fireplace dampers keep your home's warm air from escaping through a fireplace with a leaky metal damper. Pay $50 to $200 once and save $50 to $200 every year.

6. B.Y.O.B. Supermarkets in some areas charge 5 cents a bag. Some big stores give credits if you bring your own bag. Target discounts 5 cents for each throwaway bag not used, while CVS issues a $1 coupon every fourth time a customer checks out with a 99-cent "Green Bag Tag" that's sold at the store.

7. Power down. If you have an electric water heater, install a switch so that it's on only when you need hot water. Or buy a timer to do the job automatically. Turning down the temperature on an electric or gas water heater will also save you money year-round.

8. Don't fill the kettle. When you boil water for a cup of tea, put in just the amount you need. You're wasting energy for anything extra.

9. Heat health. To conserve energy, turn off radiators or close heating and cooling vents in vacant rooms. Heavy drapes also lower energy bills.

10. Unplug. Disconnect your cellphone and other electronic gadgets when they are fully charged, or you're just wasting energy. They draw power when they are plugged in, so don't let them soak up juice all night.

Sold properties

196 Gannett Rd, Mooresville NC 28117

Sale price $483,000

Waterfront house lot sits in a popular cove on Lake Norman! Located just off Brawley School Rd and Isle of Pine Rd, located on a quiet, dead end street. This .71 acre lot is ready for your dream home to be built. Luxury properties surround the area. Bring your own builder if you wish. Boat slip and floating dock already in place. Septic and well systems are on site.

http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/196-Gannett-Rd-Mooresville-NC-28117/6053806_zpid/

4. Fifty Stocking stuffer ideas

General:
- $5 gift card to restaurant or store
- Magazines
- Flower or plant seeds
- Slipper socks
- Puzzle books (Crossword, Sudoku, etc.)
- Rubix cube
-Scarf, mittens, hat, other winter accessories
- Bookmarks
- CD's
- DVD's
- Tickets to a concert, museum, or other show
- Pajamas
- Umbrella
- Books you recommend

Children:
- Piggy bank with "starter" penny
- Stickers
- Play dough
- Stuffed animal
- Hot Wheels or Matchbox cars
- Paint set
- Ready-to-make craft sets
- Barbie dolls
- Coloring book
- Silly Bandz
-Hair clips/headbands
- Bubbles
- Pez dispenser
- Crayons or markers
- Pencils

Adults:
- Stationary
- Phone case
- Nail polish
- Chapstick
- Wine stopper
- Lottery tickets
- Scented candles
- Mini tool set
- Cookie cutters
- Magnets
- Hot chocolate or coffee in fun packaging
- Coffee mug
- Reusable grocery bags
- Ear buds/headphones
- Body lotion
- Mini sewing kit
- Golf balls