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New is the Year, New are the Hopes, New is the Resolution, New are the Spirits, and New are my Warm Wishes just for YOU! 

Have a promising and fulfilling New Year! 2021

If you have a pet that gets anxious or scared when fireworks go off, then you know how stressful New Year’s Eve can be. How can you enjoy your night when you know your sweet fur baby is terrified by the loud noises?  Here are some ways to try to help alleviate your dog’s anxiety:

• If your dog is crate trained, New Year’s Eve is a good night to confine her to the crate. It provides a sense of security and safety. Provide a blanket or towel with your scent for extra security. Don’t try this if your dog has not been crate trained. Introducing something new when your dog is already anxious will just make things worse. Understanding, Preventing & Treating Dog Anxiety
   
• Make sure your dog gets lots of exercise.  Take your dog for a long walk earlier in the day so that he is good and tired by the time the fireworks start. Dogs are less likely to panic if they are tired and have less energy.
   
• Go somewhere else for the night. If you live in a neighborhood that is particularly rowdy on New Year’s Eve, you may want to take your pooch on a little respite to get away from the loud noises.
   
• Distract your dog with a special treat or chew toy. If you haven’t spent a New Year’s Eve with your dog before and you’re not sure how he will handle the fireworks, giving treats will help him associate the loud noises with something positive. A Complete Guide to Dog-Calming Treats
   
• Have the tv on or even better, play some soothing music. The constant noise will help muffle the sounds outside and be a distraction from the fireworks.
   
• Have a talk with your veterinarian if you are concerned about your dog’s anxiety. If your dog gets super anxious, a vet may be able to prescribe something to help keep her calm.

Our pets are beloved family members and the last thing we want to do is celebrate when we know they are suffering.  So, be prepared for the fireworks and hopefully you can ring in the new year with a calm and happy pup!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: companionpetstn.com

As you gather with family and friends to celebrate this year, take time to think about the origins of some of the traditions of Christmas.

• Santa Claus – his story begins in the 4^th century with St. Nicholas, the Bishop of Myra (an area in modern day Turkey). St. Nicholas was known to be a generous man especially devoted to children. Because he was so kind and benevolent, rumors began that he could perform miracles.  He became the patron saint of Russia and was known for his red cape and flowing, white beard. He has his own feast day that is celebrated on December 6…a day of gift giving and charity. The story of St. Nicholas was passed down through generations and his name transformed over time. The Dutch called him Sinterklaas. Dutch children would leave their wooden shoes by the fireplace and Sinterklaas would reward good children by placing treats in their shoes. This tradition traveled to America with Dutch colonists and here the Anglican name of Santa Claus emerged.
• Christmas Trees – the decorating of fir trees originated in 16^th century Germany where trees would be adorned with apples, roses, candies and colored paper.  The Christmas tree was brought to England by Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, from his native Germany.  The first Christmas trees in America were introduced by Pennsylvania Germans and became popular by the middle of the 19^th century.
• Mistletoe – mistletoe was used by Druid priests 200 years before the birth of Christ in their winter celebrations. They held the plant in high esteem because it had no roots, yet remained green throughout the winter season.  The ancient Celts thought that the plant had magical healing powers. It was also seen as a symbol of peace and it was said that when enemies met under mistletoe, they would lay down their weapons and embrace. Scandinavians associated the plant with Frigga, the goddess of love. This is perhaps where the custom of kissing under the mistletoe began.  It is thought that those who kiss under the mistletoe have the promise of happiness and good luck in the year to come.
• The Christmas Wreath – The Christmas wreath is another tradition that has been around for a long time.  The first wreaths were created from fresh evergreens. Because they are green year round they were the obvious choice for winter months.  The word “wreath” is derived from an English word meaning “to twist”, such as in a circle.  Some believe that initially wreathes were hung on doors in Ancient Rome to represent victory.  The circle shape with no beginning or end represents eternity or life never ending.

While celebrating with these ancient traditions and with your own family traditions this year, may you be surrounded by peace and joy. Merry Christmas! 

The holidays wouldn’t seem complete without poinsettia plants; one of the most popular holiday flowers. While you may be familiar with the gorgeous red blooms of poinsettias, these days you can find them in an array of beautiful colors. And you may not know this, but they aren’t actually flowers. They are modified leaves called "bracts".  The inviting bracts attract insects to the tiny yellow flowers in their centers. Poinsettias need a little TLC to keep them in bloom throughout the holidays and beyond. While you might just buy new ones every year, it IS possible to get them to rebloom the next season. 13 Christmas Plants Perfect for a Magical, Indoor Holiday Garden

How to Care for a Poinsettia:

1. Be sure to provide enough light for your poinsettia.  Place it near a window that gets a lot of sunlight.  South, east, or west-facing windows are all better than a north-facing window.  They are tropical plants and will soak in all the direct sunlight they can get.
2. Use a loose, well-draining, peat-based potting soil.
3. When the surface of the soil feels dry to the touch, it’s time to water your poinsettia. Water until it drains out the bottom of the pot, but do not OVER water. The plant should not sit in water. So, make sure the pot has a hole in the bottom for drainage. And if your poinsettia is in the typical foil wrapping, remove the foil so that water can drain. If your plant sits in water, the roots will rot.
4. Poinsettias, being tropical plants, like mild temperatures.  For them to stay in bloom as long as possible, maintain a temperature of 65-75 F during the day.  Dropping the temp to about 60 F at night won’t harm them, but cold drafts, allowing the leaves to touch a cold window, and lack of decent light can result in premature leaf drop. If you live in a dry climate, you may need to water your poinsettia more often, but you should never water it every day.
5. You will not need to fertilize your poinsettias during the blooming period. But if you plan to keep the plant all year, begin fertilizing it in spring at half-strength when there is no growth.  Feed every three to four weeks.

With the right care, your poinsettia will stay healthy and robust throughout the holiday season. They will need enough sun, warmth, and water to achieve the ideal seasonal color. 

If you wish to keep your poinsettia through more than one season and force reblooming, follow these steps. Getting a poinsettia to rebloom is not an easy process, so don't be disheartened if you don't have success your first try.

• January – March: Continue watering poinsettia when the surface of the soil is dry.
• April: Beginning on April 1, slowly decrease the amount you water, allowing the soil to get dry between waterings. Watch that the stem does not begin to shrivel. This is a sign of stress and indicates the plant is dying. After a couple of weeks, when the plant has acclimated to the drying process, move it to a cool spot, such as a basement or garage. You will want to keep it at a temp of about 60 F. Now is also the time to prune stems back four to six inches to promote new growth.
• May: Around mid-May cut stems back to about four inches and repot in a slightly larger pot with new potting soil.  Water it regularly. Place the poinsettia by a window that gets lots of natural sunlight and go back to keeping it in temps between 65 F and 75 F. Water whenever the surface feels dry and watch for new growth. As soon as you see new growth, begin to fertilize every two weeks with a Complete Fertilizer. Be sure to follow the fertilizer label instructions.
• June: Move the poinsettia outside. Make sure it is in a partially shaded location and maintain your schedule of watering and fertilizing.
• July: Early in July, Pinch back each stem by approximately 1 inch. This will encourage a burly, well-branched plant. A poinsettia that is left unpinched will grow tall and spindly.
• August: The stems should have branched and leafed out by mid-August.  Once again, pinch or cut the new stems, leaving three to four leaves on each one.  Bring you poinsettia back indoors and place by your brightest window again. Keep watering and fertilizing!
• September: Continue watering and fertilizing. Be sure to keep the temperature above 65 F.
• October: Poinsettias are Short-Day Plants, which means their bud set is affected by the length of daylight. To rebloom, they need about 10 weeks with 12 hours or less of sunlight per day. It will be necessary to artificially create these conditions and you must be diligent in doing so. Starting on October 1^st, keep your plant in complete darkness between 5:00 PM and 8:00 AM.  Any exposure to light during those hours will delay blooming.  You can use a box or fabric to cover the plant and keep sunlight out.  Move your poinsettia back to its sunny window during the daytime and continue watering and fertilizing.
• November: You can discontinue the darkness treatment around the last week of November and allow your poinsettia to remain in its sunny window.  You should start to see flower buds at this point.
• December: Discontinue fertilizing around December 15^th. Keep watering and treat your poinsettia the way you did when you first brought it home in bloom. Hopefully, if all has gone well, you will have a pretty poinsettia back in bloom for another holiday season!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: diynetwork.com

You have placed your house on the market and now it’s time for potential buyers to come and look at it. Keeping it clean, tidy and ready to show can be challenging in the best of circumstances, but even more so when you have young children.  Here are a few staging tips for keeping your house ready for last minute showings while making it attractive to buyers at the same time:

• Remove excess toys and clutter. Cumbersome toys like play kitchens and picnic tables take up a lot of space and can made a room look crowded and smaller than it is - so it is a good idea to put these in storage while you are trying to sell.
   
• Allow your children to pick out a few favorite toys that can be easily stored in attractive containers when showing the house. Choose an option that makes tidying up quick and easy.  Store all other toys out of sight. Toy Storage Ideas
   
• Potential buyers like to be able to see the house as they would have it. So, remove kids’ art work from the refrigerator and convert the playroom into a multi-purpose room. For example, you can stage the playroom as an office by adding a desk and chair, or as a den by adding a small sofa. That will make the room more appealing to buyers without children.
   
• Consider a fresh coat of paint, especially if you have colorful rooms that were painted to appeal to your little ones. Not only will the new paint cover finger-prints and marks on the walls, but choosing neutral colors for all the rooms will help sell your home more quickly and easily. 26 of the Best Paint Colors for Selling Your House
   
• Don’t forget that the outside of your house is the first thing potential buyers see. Keep outdoor toys to a minimum and make sure they are stored neatly. You never know when buyers might be driving by and you don’t want a bunch of toys to create and eye-sore that makes them hesitate to look at your home.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: realtor.com

The decision to move is a big one. Chances are a lot of time, thought and energy went into making it. But now that you have decided, it’s time to start thinking about getting ready for the move. You’ve already answered the “should I stay or should I go” question, now it’s time to ask yourself “what should I bring with me and what should I get rid of”?  Whether you have kept a lot of things because of sentimental value, or you are just a tad lazy and have let things accumulate over the years, it’s time to decide what to keep and what to let go. Here are some things you should definitely “let go” of before you move:

1. Clothes you don’t wear anymore - You know…that dress that you don’t like, but keep just in case you need a dress for something, or that suit that fit a few years ago and might fit again if you can just lose a little weight? Yep. Time to go. Same with any clothes you simply don’t wear anymore, whether because of style or fit. There is no reason to drag them to your next home. If they are in good condition, place them in a donation bag and drop them off. And if they are trash, well…you get the idea.
    
2. Gag gifts and free promotional items - Been to a golf tournament recently? If so, you likely came home with a “swag bag” of sorts. If you consider chip clips, notepads, pens and plastic cups “swag”, then by all means, hang onto it. But if the bag has been sitting on the kitchen counter for weeks, it’s time to say goodbye. Same with any other similar items. Gag gifts are fun to open, but they just end up cluttering your junk drawer. Don’t take junk with you when you move. Trust me…you won’t miss it.
    
3. Kitchen appliances you rarely (if ever) use -  Who even uses a “Fry Daddy” anymore? All that grease and fat? Yuck. Just because it was a wedding gift 25 years ago, doesn’t mean you should bring it along with every move. Any appliance that you haven’t used in over a year needs to go. Why take up space in your moving boxes with something you likely won’t use again? Bye, bye!
    
4. Cheap art - Maybe you were on a tight budget when you were decorating your current home, so you bought some inexpensive posters and art for your walls. If you’ve outgrown them, don’t take them with you. 
    
5. Most things you have more than one of - I bet you’ve replaced a lap top or cell phone during the years you have lived in your current home. And how many new pairs of eye glasses have you gotten during that time? I also bet that when you replaced those items, you didn’t get rid of the original items you were replacing. Am I right? Well, now is the time my friend. Outdated technology doesn’t have to end up in a landfill, nor does it need to stay with you forever. Take it to be recycled!  And you can donate all those old eye glasses to Lion's Club International where they will distribute them to people in need. Electronics: Recycling and Donating
    
6. All the fancy bath products you got as gifts - Seriously. If you haven’t use them yet, you probably never will. If you have a stash of bath bombs and such that you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to use, either use them before you move or get rid of them. 
    
7. Stuff you borrowed from friends - As you’re cleaning out cupboards and closets you may come across items you borrowed long ago. Or items friends left at your house after a party of cook-out. GIVE THEM BACK.  You might be a little embarrassed if a lot of time has passed, but your friends will appreciate it and it will be one (or two, or three) less things you have to pack and move.
    
8. Anything you forgot you had to begin with - If you come across something that you have genuinely been missing and thought was lost forever, yay! That’s awesome. But if you come across something that you are surprised you ever had to begin with? It goes.
    
9. Stuffed animals - Sigh. Even as a grown-up this one can be tough. They are so cute and cuddly. But depending on how many there are, they can take up a lot of space. Pick a few favorites if you must, and keep your childhood favorite. But if you have a huge collection (whether they are yours or your children’s) I recommend you weed out as many as possible. 

The bottom line is, the less you have to pack, the less overwhelmed you will feel about your move. Less truly is more…more time, more energy, more peace of mind.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: geauxmovers.com

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! And if you have your house on the market, you might be packing up everything you own very soon. The last thing you want to do is unpack all your Christmas decorations only to have to pack them back up again. In addition, if you are showing your home to potential buyers, you are going to want to keep your holiday décor as simple as possible. You don’t have to be a scrooge though! You can decorate beautifully without spending a lot of money and without having to unpack all your personal treasures. Here are five inexpensive ways to decorate for Christmas:

Homemade Garland - A lot of craft stores have great sales and coupons this time of year.  Grab some greenery and then head on over to a dollar store and pick up some pretty ornaments.  You can find DIY instructions for making a festive garland on YouTube. How to Make a Fabulous Christmas Garland

Real Tree - If you have been using an artificial tree and don’t want to unpack it, this is a good time to buy a real tree. Some can be very expensive, but you can find a pretty tree for as little as $30 in some places. Consider using a smaller tree and placing it on a table top instead of on the floor. Decorate with old-fashioned strings of popcorn and cranberries. And you might be surprised at the sparkly ornaments you can find at very little cost.

Wrapped Gifts - Beautifully wrapped gifts can be used to create any aesthetic you desire. For a more formal look, wrap gifts in shiny silvers and golds. Want to go whimsical? Try wrapping paper in fun shades of red, green, pink and white. And if you’re going for a winter wonderland look, use blues and silvers.  The point is that you can use the gifts themselves to create gorgeous holiday décor.

DIY Christmas Wreaths - All you need is a hot glue gun, some inexpensive ornaments, ribbon, and a coat hanger and you can make pretty wreaths. There are lots of other ways to make them to. Check some out here: 36 Christmas Wreaths You Can DIY

Poinsettias - You can find pretty poinsettias just about anywhere this time of year. Care for them properly, and they will last the whole holiday season.  Display them in reds, pinks and whites to create a classy ambiance in your holiday home.

So, don’t let your house being on the market keep you from enjoying this festive season! Enjoy some new Christmas décor that won’t break the bank and might just get a “SOLD” sign in your front yard before the new year!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: countryliving.com

Did you know?:

-    The first Thanksgiving was held in the autumn of 1621 and included 50 Pilgrims and 90 Wampanoag Indians and lasted three days. Many historians believe that only five women were present at that first Thanksgiving, as many women settlers didn't survive that difficult first year in the U.S.

-    Thanksgiving didn't become a national holiday until over 200 years later! Sarah Josepha Hale, the woman who actually wrote the classic song “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” convinced President Lincoln in 1863 to make Thanksgiving a national holiday, after writing letters for 17 years campaigning for this to happen.

-    No turkey on the menu at the first Thanksgiving: Historians say that no turkey was served at the first Thanksgiving! What was on the menu? Deer or venison, ducks, geese, oysters, lobster, eel and fish. They probably ate pumpkins, but no pumpkin pies. They also didn't eat mashed potatoes or cranberry relish, but they probably ate cranberries. And no, Turduckens (a turkey stuffed with a duck stuffed with a chicken) were nowhere to be found during that first Thanksgiving.

-    Thanksgiving was almost a fast — not a feast! The early settlers gave thanks by praying and abstaining from food, which is what they planned on doing to celebrate their first harvest, that is, until the Wampanoag Indians joined them and (lucky for us!) turned their fast into a three-day feast!

As you gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, take time to remember all that you have to be grateful for.  

Wishing you and yours a day filled with joy. Happy Thanksgiving! 

Thanksgiving is just a day away, and chances are you will be feasting on turkey with your family. And chances are you might have some turkey leftover after your 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 for days following Thanksgiving:

1. 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.  The 15 Best Turkey Sandwiches
    
2. 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.
    
3. 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!
    
4. 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 Hash Recipe
    
5. 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

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, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: tasteofhome.com

Buying a home in the midst of the holiday season might sound like a crazy idea, but the truth is this time of year can be a great time to buy!  Here are 5 good reasons to purchase a home during the holidays:

1. Less Real Estate Market Activity:  Because fewer people are looking for houses this time of year, there is less competition for buyers. And with less competition, buyers have more leverage when negotiating purchases. People selling homes during the holidays must often lower asking prices or make other concessions to sell. So, if you buy this time of year, you might get a bargain! Montgomery AL Real Estate Market
    
2. Highly Motivated Sellers:  If someone is selling their house at the end of the year, it’s because they need to. Usually sellers avoid the end of the year due to shorter days and cold weather, so if they are selling this time of year they are likely under pressure and motivated to make a deal.
    
3. Lower Interest Rates: Because of limited demand during the holiday season, there is greater competition among lenders so there is a general trend of lower rates. Current Mortgage Interest Rates
    
4. Tax Perks: Buy a house before the end of the year and you can deduct any points you paid upon closing.  You can also deduct property taxes and mortgage interest. Learn about the tax benefits of buying a home and find out if it is to your advantage to buy before year’s end. While your decision to buy a home shouldn’t be made solely for tax reasons, you certainly want to take advantage of the perks that exist!
    
5. Faster Closings: Everybody involved in the home buying/selling process has incentive to complete transactions before the end of the year.  Lenders want to close their books, Realtors want to receive their commissions before the new year and sellers are anxious to move on.  Since everyone is so motivated, and there is less real estate activity, closings should happen quickly and efficiently.

So, if you’ve been thinking about buying a home, but thought you should wait until the new year, think again! NOW just may be the right time for you to find a new home for the holidays!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, let Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call them today at 334-834-1500!

Photo Credit: irishtimes.com