With the many expenses of being a homeowner, we all want to cut back where we can to lower costs. There are several ways to save on your electric bill. 

Try these tips to lower your bill:

Get an Energy Audit

Check and see if your utility company offers a free home energy audit. If so, it’s well worth it to have them come out. They can point out areas where you can trim your energy use. Home Energy Audit

Install Dimmer Switches

Dimmer switches will allow you to only use as much light as you need. How to Install a Dimmer Switch

Keep Your Fridge & Freezer Full

The food that you store in your fridge and freezer serves as insulation, so the more you have in there, the less your appliance must run to keep itself cold.

Install Ceiling Fans

If you keep the air circulating in your home, your AC will not have to work as hard to keep the house cool. You can also use your ceiling fan to keep warmer in the winter. To do this, reverse the motor in the ceiling fan so it rotates clockwise at a low speed. This creates an updraft which forces warm air near the ceiling down into your space. It won’t change the temperature in the room, but it will help keep you warm.  But don’t forget to turn the fan off when you leave the room to save even more electricity!

Cover and Repair Windows

If your windows are not insulated for cold weather, they can be a major source of lost heat from inside your home. Make sure they are properly sealed and weatherized to help prevent heat from escaping and cold air from coming in. You can use caulking on small gaps or apply weatherstripping to cover them.

Line Dry Your Laundry

Let “Mother Nature” dry your clothes for you on warm, sunny days. When that is not possible, try using a drying rack indoors.

Eliminate “Phantom Loads”

You may be shocked to know that about 75% of the energy used by home electronics is consumed when they are turned off. Some examples of these “phantom” users are: televisions, CD players, computers, and various kitchen appliances. The simple solution is to plug these items into a power strip and then turn the power strip off when not using them.

Install an Attic Fan

An attic fan will pull cool air into your home and help to remove hot air.

Shield Your Home from the Sun

You can cut down on air conditioning use by closing your curtains and blinds on the sunny side of the house. You may also want to consider planting trees that will provide shade during the sunny times of the day.

Schedule Yearly HVAC Maintenance

Having your HVAC inspected and cleaned each year will save you money in the long run…and it will help provide cleaner air to your home.

Change Your Filters Regularly

Filters should be changed every 30 days to keep your HVAC running at peak efficiency.

Switch to LEDs

LED light bulbs use 90 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs.  Switch out the bulbs you use the most in your home and then change the rest as they burn out.

Lower the Temperature of Your Hot Water Heater

13% of your home’s energy goes to heating water. You can lower this percentage by setting your hot water heater to 120 degrees.

Get a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat allows you to monitor and set your heat usage so that you are not heating an empty house while you’re away. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, adjust it manually before leaving the house.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call them today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Ahh…Christmas. A time for happiness and good cheer. And shopping. And cooking. And wrapping. And decorating. And baking. Are you tired yet? I am…just from typing this list of things we all do during the holiday season. Don’t despair! It doesn’t have to be this way. You can experience the magic of Christmas without exhausting yourself to the point that you can’t even enjoy it. Embrace minimalism this Christmas and you will breathe a sigh of relief as you savor the joy of the season.

Here are some tips to help:

• The Three Gift Rule

If maxing out your credit cards and spending hours wrapping gifts doesn’t sound like fun, you may want to consider the “Three Gift Rule”. With the Three Gift Rule each person gets one thing they need, one thing they want, and one surprise. Turn the focus from quantity to quality while saving yourself time, energy, and a little money.

• Keep Your Tree Simple

Unless every single ornament you own is super meaningful to you, you don’t have to use them all. If you are overwhelmed thinking about how much time it takes to decorate your Christmas tree, then consider toning it down this year. If you have three bins of ornaments, just use one this year. Next year you can use another one. When it comes to your Christmas tree, there is beauty in simplicity. If you decorate it so much that you can’t even see any of the actual tree…you are probably doing too much!

• Don’t be “Extra”

You may have heard kids using this term lately. It refers to someone trying too hard or being over the top. We can all get caught up in trying to outdo our friends, neighbors, social media acquaintances, and/or family members during the holidays. But do you need all the additional stuff at Christmas? Stick to the basics…a lovely Christmas tree, a few special gifts and a wreath on the door…and you can still have a magical holiday!

• Give Homemade Edible Gifts

We all have SO. MUCH. STUFF. When thinking about what gifts to give to neighbors, friends and family, consider making and/or baking edible gifts. Not only will your time and thoughtfulness be appreciated, but the food will be enjoyed and won’t add to the collection of stuff taking up space in our homes.

• Go Easy on the Stockings

If you fill a stocking so full that you can’t leave it hanging because it’s too heavy, you have put too much in it! Use Christmas stockings to hold small items like candy, lip balm and socks.

• Secret Santa

If you are part of a large extended family or a large friend group, it can be stressful and expensive trying to find the perfect gift for every person in the group. Avoid that stress (and expense) by suggesting that you all do a “Secret Santa Gift Exchange”. This way, each of you will only have to buy for one other person. You will not only save money; you will be able to focus on finding a special gift that your chosen person will love!

• Give the Gift of Experiences

When Christmas is over, many people find themselves with a bunch of things they will never use again. But if you give the gift of a future experience…think tickets to a show or movie, gift card to a restaurant or spa experience…not only will there be less “stuff” to put away, but there will be things to look forward to as the holiday season draws to a close.

• Only Decorate the Room You Spend the Most Time In

You don’t have to decorate your whole house. Skip the Christmas shower curtain in the bathroom and focus on decorating where you and your family spend the most time. Some people enjoy decorating their entire home, but if you don’t, it’s ok. Do what brings you joy and skip the rest!

The bottom line is that the holiday season should be a time of peace and happiness.  Do what works for you and your loved ones so that you can truly experience the joy of the season!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call them today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

2444 Winchester Road, Montgomery, AL 36106

MLS# 549594

4 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 2,511 Square Feet | Vaughn Meadows

Welcome to 2444 Winchester Road in Vaughn Meadows, conveniently located in Midtown Montgomery! You will love the spacious layout this well maintained one owner home offers! Upon entering you will notice there are plenty of areas for your family and friends to spread out. The kitchen offers beautiful granite counter tops, a nicely tiled backsplash, unique brick flooring and all the needed space for cooking! You will fall in love with the high ceilings and natural light flooding into the freshly painted great room. Down the hall are four nicely sized bedrooms, two bathrooms and plenty of storage closets. In the backyard you will immediately notice this house backs up to a wooded area, adding privacy to the yard. There are two patio areas, one of which is covered, for relaxing on those nice breezy evenings. Don't miss your opportunity to see everything this wonderful house has to offer!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor, Alison Bertschy, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

‘Tis the season to be jolly…and that means enjoying the plethora of festive holiday events that can be found in Montgomery and surrounding areas.

Here is a handy list of special events going on this holiday season:

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Capital City Christmas Parade

December 8, 2023 – 6:15 pm to 8:15 pm

Lower Dexter Park
29 Dexter Ave.
Montgomery, AL

Join us in Downtown Montgomery for the annual Christmas Parade! There’s no better way to start the holiday season!

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A Charlie Brown Christmas – Live on Stage

Monday, December 11, 2023 – 7:30 pm
Tuesday, December 12, 2023 – 7:30 pm

Pike Road Intermediate School
4710 Pike Road
Pike Road, AL 36064

Experience the holiday magic like never before with 'A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage'! This enchanting production brings Charles M. Schulz's beloved Peanuts characters to life in a heartwarming journey that captures the true essence of Christmas.

Set to the iconic music of Vince Guaraldi, this live adaptation of the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning television special takes audiences on a joyous ride filled with singing, dancing, and laughter. The familiar scenes and delightful antics of the Peanuts gang remind us all of the importance of friendship, kindness, and the true spirit of the season.

Purchase Tickets Here

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Candy Cane Cabaret

December 15 & 16 – 6:00 PM
December 16 – 3:00 PM

Join our Penguin Project company of special needs artists sing and dance their way into your hearts for the holiday season! Dec 15-16

Purchase Tickets HERE

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Safari of Lights

Alabama Safari Park
1664 Venable Way
Hope Hull, AL 36043

Join us for Safari of Lights beginning December 15^th and going through New Year’s Eve. Enjoy the beauty of the Safari Park at night as you drive through thousands of sparkling lights!

After your drive, enjoy an illuminated walk through our Candy Cane Forest and visit all your favorite farm animals in the petting area. Santa will be in attendance on December 16, 17, 23 and 24…providing the perfect opportunity to drop off last-minute Christmas letters while snapping a treasured photo. Make Safari of Lights an annual family holiday tradition!

For more information go to Alabama Safari Park

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Brunch With Santa

Saturday, December 16, 2023 – 9:00 am to 10:30 am

Bonefish Grill
7020 Eastchase Parkway
Montgomery, AL

Brunch with Santa is the perfect way to see Santa this holiday season! Tickets benefit Child Protect and include breakfast for the kiddos, kid's activities, and special time with Santa himself!

All tickets are exclusively for children under 13 years old. A special menu will be available for purchase for adults during the event.

Attendees receive one breakfast per ticket. Kids under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.

Purchase Tickets HERE

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White Christmas – The Musical

Sunday, December 17, 2023 – 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Pike Road Intermediate School
4710 Pike Road
Pike Road, AL 36064

Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil's former army commander. With a dazzling score featuring well-known standards including “Blue Skies,” “I Love A Piano,” “How Deep Is the Ocean” and the perennial title song, White Christmas is an uplifting, wholesome musical that will delight audiences of all ages.

Purchase tickets HERE

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Holiday Dish(ing)

December 17, 2023 – 2:00 PM
December 19 & 21, 2023 – 7:00 PM

Get your besties, your mama, your book club, or work pals together for a Christmas outing sure to make you laugh as Kim, Adrian and Kristy sort through baking, decorating and all the traps of making Christmas into impossible to achieve, Hallmark movie moments! Forget the milk and cookies?  Got wine? 

For more information, click HERE

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Zoofari Winter Camp – A Wild Global Winter

December 18, 2023, to December 22, 2023 – 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Museum
2301 Coliseum Parkway
Montgomery, AL 36110

Campers will enjoy unique, educational, and fun daily winter-themed activities, make crafts, experience behind the scenes animal encounters, and perhaps make a new friend or two.

Get more information at Montgomery Zoo

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call them today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com  for more information.

116 Brantwood Drive, Montgomery, AL 36109

MLS# 549535

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,618 Square Feet | Morningview

This one-owner Morningview home is ready to move into! Classic 1950's design boasts large living room, dining room, and updated kitchen with sunny breakfast room. Knotty pine 3rd bedroom off kitchen has fireplace with Alabama sandstone and could swing as a wonderful cozy den/family room. The central hallway leads to the guest bath, 2nd bedroom, and main bedroom. The former back porch is enclosed to make laundry room (hence small window unit in that room.) Large, fenced back yard has patio and big storage/workshop building (former 1 car garage.) Convenient to schools, shopping, dining, downtown, and interstate! A solid brick home that has been loved by the same family for over 70 years, and now it can be yours!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor, Billy Young, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

476 Caldwell Place, Montgomery, AL  36109

MLS# 549446

2 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,648 Square Feet | Wing Wood

This immaculate, custom-built, one-owner home in desirable Caldwell Place has so much to offer! Perched on a bluff in a quiet cul-de-sac, this patio home feels private and secluded. Beautiful landscaping (fed by an in-ground sprinkler system) welcomes you not only from the front approach, but also via the rear alley driveway, where you will find plenty of off-street private parking. Inside, the Living room is spacious and boasts volume ceiling. The dining room for formal meals pairs nicely with large sunny breakfast room off kitchen for everyday meals. Although this is a two-bedroom home, there is a study/office/bonus room (no closet) that could be used as a third bedroom. Main bedroom also has volume ceilings and lots of light. Main bath has big walk-in closet, double vanity, garden tub and separate walk-in shower. A covered rear porch is the perfect place for relaxing and enjoying the private backyard with all its wonderful flower beds and shrubs. This home is centrally located in Montgomery and close to shopping, dining, and schools.

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor, Billy Young, Sandra Nickel Hat Team

 

The statistics for household childhood injuries are staggering. Over 3.4 million children experience some kind of accidental injury in the home each year. While there is no way to guarantee child safety at home, there are certainly many things you can do to help prevent accidents and injuries…especially during the holidays! 

Here are some tips for keeping little ones safe at home during the holiday season:

• CHOKING HAZARDS

Choking and swallowing small items is something you must be extra careful to prevent during the holidays. Young children are attracted to all things bright and shiny…and this time of year there is a lot of bright and shiny! Things like tree ornaments, ornament hooks, light bulbs, tinsel, and small toys are all potential choking hazards for small children because they may block the airway. If something is small enough to fit in a young child’s mouth, chances are it will find its way in! So, keep small items out of reach and watch little ones carefully!

• BE AWARE OF POISONING RISKS

You might not realize this, but many plants commonly used as decorations during the holidays are considered poisonous and should be kept out of reach of children. These include mistletoe, holly, poinsettias, and Jerusalem cherry plants. Symptoms of plant poisoning can include rashes, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you ever think your child has ingested part of a plant, immediately call your pediatrician or the national poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

• FALLING CHRISTMAS TREE

Make sure your Christmas tree is very secure in its stand and can’t be pulled over easily. The last thing you want to find is your little one trapped under a fallen tree. And trust me, they will pull at it if given the opportunity.

• KITCHEN ACCIDENTS

Kitchen accidents increase during the holiday season. Many people spend a lot of extra time in the kitchen preparing special meals and baking sweets to share. Young children want to help…and they should. It can be a fun experience for the whole family! But be aware of potential hazards that can happen when you’re busy in the kitchen.

Again, while childproofing your home will not guarantee safety, it will go a long way toward protecting your children from injuries or worse. The peace of mind you will have knowing you have done everything you can to protect your children will be well worth the effort and time put into making sure your home is as safe as possible, especially during the holidays!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call them today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information! 

Thanksgiving is just a day away, and most people will likely be feasting on turkey with their families. And chances are there might be lots of turkey leftover after the fabulous feast. You might find yourself wondering what to do with it all.

Here are some great ideas for ways to enjoy your terrific turkey after Thanksgiving is over:

• The Classic Turkey Sandwich

It doesn’t have to be just turkey and bread…there are lots of ways to dress up those turkey slices to make a scrumptious sandwich. Turkey Sandwiches That Are Even Better Than the Full Bird! 

• Turkey Tostadas

Feeling like a “fiesta” to continue the holiday season? How about making some turkey tostadas? Warm up some tortillas and top them with chopped or shredded turkey, lettuce, cheese and pico de gallo. For a finishing touch add a dollop of sour cream.

• Turkey Chili with Corn & Black Beans

Continue the fiesta with a warm bowl of turkey chili. Dark meat is especially good shredded and used to create this comforting dish. Add some kidney beans, tomato, bell pepper, garlic and spices to taste and enjoy with a side of tortilla chips and salsa!

• Turkey Hash

Turkey for breakfast! Dark meat works well for a delectable turkey hash and is delicious served up with a fried egg. Sauté some shredded potatoes, a medium onion, and diced green or red bell pepper in a bit of olive oil until the vegetables are golden brown. Add a cup of shredded dark meat from your Thanksgiving turkey and season to taste. Cook until crispy and top with a fried egg and shredded cheese. YUM!

• Turkey Pot Pie

If comfort food is what you desire, there is nothing better than a leftover Thanksgiving turkey pot pie! From the warm, savory filling to the crispy, flaky pie crust, this recipe is sure to delight everyone in your family! Classic Turkey Pot Pie

• Turkey Tetrazzini
  
  This scrumptious baked pasta recipe uses creamy, cheesy white wine sauce as the base. Cooked spaghetti, mushrooms, green peas, black olives, turkey, and bacon make this a casserole you can’t resist…especially after it is topped with panko breadcrumbs!  Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe

So, don’t let leftover turkey get you down. Just be creative, and you and your family will enjoy all different kinds of mouthwatering meals until the turkey is all gone!  Happy Thanksgiving!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call them today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com  for more information!

2215 Crossroads Pass, Pike Road, AL 36064

MLS# 549270

4 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1 Half Baths | 2,315 Square Feet | Villages of Pike Road

Welcome to the Villages of Pike Road! This like-new home is one of the larger, open floor plans with 2315 sq ft, 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. As soon as you walk through the front door you will be impressed with the thoughtful design that maximizes both functionality and aesthetics including beautiful crown molding, tall ceilings, and tons of natural light. The gorgeous kitchen has a huge island for gathering around while open to the living area. The downstairs master suite has a generous sized bedroom and bath with walk-in shower and soaking tub. Three spacious bedrooms upstairs with versatile space perfect for a home office and a door to the upstairs balcony where you can watch the sunset. The covered patio overlooks a pretty field. This charming neighborhood has a community pool and green space and is just 10 minutes from Vaughn Rd. Check it out today!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor, Lauren Keen, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

All is Bright Parade

Friday, November 17, 2023
6pm

The Shoppes at EastChase
7274 Eastchase Pkwy
Montgomery, AL

The MAGIC is returning this holiday season at The Shoppes at EastChase! Join in for All is Bright presented by MAX Credit Union!

Bring the entire family out on Friday, November 17 at 6 PM to help us welcome Santa to The Shoppes + enjoy a tree lighting ceremony!

During + following the parade, families can enjoy:

• Glow cotton candy
• Balloon twisting
• Photo booth
• Face painting
• Live band
• and maybe even a little snow!

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A Christmas Carol

November 16 - December 24, 2023

Alabama Shakespeare Festival
1 Festival Drive
Montgomery, AL 36117

ASF returns to a full production of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol on the Festival Stage. When miserly Ebenezer Scrooge receives an unwanted visit from the ghost of his former business partner on Christmas Eve, an overnight voyage of epic proportions begins. Journey with Scrooge as he learns from his ghosts (and Bob, Tiny Tim, and the Cratchits) a heartwarming lesson in forgiveness and the change we can make around us. This play is a joyful Christmas tradition for the entire family!

Buy Tickets Here

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Turkey Day Classic

November 23, 2023
2pm

Hornet Stadium at Alabama State University
915 S Jackson St
Montgomery, AL 36104

ASU will welcome Tuskegee University back to the 99^th Turkey Day Classic Game, one of the nation’s oldest HBCU football classics.

TDC Parade
Downtown Montgomery
8:30 a.m., Pre-parade Entertainment
9 a.m. parade starts

Pre-Game Block Party
Harris Way, 11 am

Hornet Walk
Harris Way, 11:45 a.m. – noon

Tickets: visit www.ticketreturn.com or call 334-229-4551
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3^rd Annual Move Montgomery Gobble Wobble 5K Run/Walk

November 24, 2023 – 8:00 am to 12:00 pm

Vaughn Road Park
3620 Vaughn Rd.
Montgomery, AL 36106

Register online to be entered into the T-shirt Giveaway at the event!

Wobble is an event created by Move Montgomery as part of its mission to promote wellness in the River Region by encouraging Montgomery residents to live healthier, happier lives. The run/walk will allow participants to exercise at their own pace while staying healthy and having fun!

Registration for the event is FREE! 

REGISTER HERE!!
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Small Business Saturday

Saturday, November 25, 2023

Once Upon a Christmas

Thursday, November 30^th,  7pm
Saturday, Dec 2^nd,  2pm
Saturday, Dec 2^nd,  5pm
Sunday, Dec 3^rd,  2pm

Wetumpka Depot Players, Inc.
300 South Main St,
Historic Downtown Wetumpka

It’s December, and all the creatures on the river and in the Wild Wood are excited about Christmas…except Badger. Badger hates Christmas. Nothing but a bother, as far as he’s concerned, and he’s determined to enjoy a quiet holiday with Ratty and Mole.

But the three confirmed bachelors are in for a surprise. Otter has taken a bad tumble, and someone must care for his young pups. Otter's pups are brimful of energy and mischief. Are Badger and his friends up to the task? It’s Christmas on the river. Anything could happen! Join in for a musical adaptation of this beloved classic.

Buy Tickets Here!
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Christmas Lights Festival at the Montgomery Zoo

December 2, 2023 – December 25, 2023 – 6:00pm to 9:00 pm

Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Museum
2302 Coliseum Parkway
Montgomery, AL 36110

See the Montgomery Zoo transformed into a Winter Wonderland displaying thousands of sparkling and twinkling lights and festive decorations at the Christmas Lights Festival. Take a leisurely stroll or enjoy a brisk train ride. Safely visit Santa and the Christmas Tree Village as the Mann Museum, enjoy the live entertainment at the Overlook Café, and no winter’s night would be complete without some warming hot chocolate and fresh baked cookies from the Overlook Café. Make plans to swing by the Zoo and Museum Gift Shops for last minute gift purchases, souvenirs, and to participate in the Zoo Animal Angel Tree, helping conservation efforts at the Zoo and around the world.

Come out and enjoy this River Region holiday tradition!
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Christmas on the Riverfront

Tuesday, December 5, 2023
6-8pm

Riverfront Park
355 Commerce Street
Montgomery, Alabama 36104

Enjoy live music, real snow, Santa Claus, great food, and more! The evening will culminate with the lighting of the Christmas tree. 

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If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call them today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com  for more information!