Homeownership

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – January 5, 2022

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FOR YOUR HOME

It’s January – time for a fresh start! For many people, this means making New Year’s resolutions. While the tradition dates back to ancient Babylon, January 1 resolutions started gaining popularity in the 1800s.

Today, New Year’s resolutions usually involve self-improvement – exercising more, eating healthier, pursuing a new hobby. But home reorganizing, redecorating, and renovating are also popular resolutions. Here are 4 project ideas to help you with a fresh look for your home in 2022.

1. Declutter and reorganize. Start by creating a plan for each space you want to tackle – for example, kitchen, home office, family room, basement, or garage. If you don’t want to start with an entire room, start with your closets or pantry.

2. Refresh your décor. Updated window treatments, new bedding, new paint, and even rearranging your furniture to quickly create a new look.

3. Create a relaxation space such as a reading nook. Choose a quiet corner, a sunny window, or even a space outdoors.

4. Plant the garden you’ve always wanted. If you’re new to gardening, perhaps start with a container garden with annuals or fresh herbs. 

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – December 29, 2021

NEW YEAR’S TRADITIONS TO RING IN 2022

Cultures around the world celebrate the New Year with a variety of traditions to bring good health and good fortune to our lives. For many of us here in the U.S., New Year’s wouldn’t be complete without watching Times Square ball drop (from the comfort of our living rooms).

Here are some other traditional New Year’s customs:

Brazil: Wear white, go to the beach, and jump over seven waves for good luck.

Spain: Eat 12 grapes for luck at midnight.

Italy: In Italy, lentils are eaten right after midnight.

Philippines: Eat 12 round fruits to bring luck for the entire year.

Scotland: Hogmanay, the New Year’s celebration in Scotland, involves street   festivals and fireworks.

Wishing you a safe and healthy New Year. May 2022 bring good health, joy, and prosperity to you and your loved ones!!

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – December 22, 2021

5 LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS DECORATING TIPS

It’s Christmas week and the holiday rush is in full force. Still looking for a few ideas to adorn your home for the holidays? Here are five quick ideas to add some festive cheer.

1. Hang extra Christmas ornaments from ribbons along your staircase railings.
2. Arrange garland around doorways to create a welcoming entry.
3. Create a farmhouse style table centerpiece by filling a large vase with pinecones. Tie a ribbon around the base.
4. Fill mason jars with candy canes, peppermint candies, or Christmas hard candy for a colorful table.
5. Display your holiday cards by clipping them to ribbons tied from the top of a door or by arranging them in a tree shape on a door or wall.

Wishing you and your loved one a home and holiday filled with peace, health, hope, and joy.

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – December 15, 2021

SAFETY TIPS FOR STRESS-FREE HOLIDAY TRAVEL

Holiday travel is already picking up and is expected to stay busy right through New Year’s weekend. If you’re planning a holiday getaway, keep these home and travel safety tips in mind while you’re packing your suitcases.

At any time of year, you don’t want to call attention to an empty house. Here are some tips to make it look like someone is home:

• Use smart lighting or timers to schedule lights to turn on and off both days and evenings.
• Monitor your home security cameras while you’re away – most home security systems work with smart phone apps.
• Let friends or neighbors know your plans. Make sure they know how to reach you in an emergency.

Be prepared for winter weather travel. If you’re driving, here are some essentials:

• Have your car checked before you hit the road – brakes, tires, windshield wiper blades, oil and fluids.
• Don’t forget snow scrapers, a small shovel, and a bag of snow melt.
• Check that your spare tire is in good shape.
• Consider enrolling for emergency roadside assistance service.

With a little advance planning, your holiday travel will be fun and carefree.

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – December 1, 2021

FAMILY HANUKKAH ACTIVITIES TO ENJOY AT HOME

Happy Hanukkah! This year, Hanukkah began on November 28 and lasts through December 6. Celebrating Hanukkah with family and friends means honoring traditions at home, from lighting the menorah to playing games and eating together.

Here are some ideas for family Hanukkah activities that everyone can enjoy, from the youngest children to teenagers and adults.

* Decorate the table: Add festive touches to your table such as decorated napkins and table runners, hand-crafted place cards, and sparkling blue glasses.

* DIY menorah: Kids will enjoy making a sand art menorah. Layer different colors of art sand in glass jars. Craft stores carry the materials or ready-made kits.

* Hannukah cookie craft: Start with making sugar cookies with cookie-cutters in the shape of numbers 1-8, plus Stars of David or dreidels. Each person decorates cookies with blue and white icing, edible paint decorating pens. Top with sprinkles and colored sugar.

* Homemade chocolate coins: Make your own chocolate coins, or “gelt.” Drop small circles of melted chocolate onto waxed paper. Before the chocolate hardens, decorate the coins with mini M&Ms or crushed cookies.

Wishing you light and joy for your family this Hanukkah!