Did You Know?

Want to keep up with what is going on in Longcreek? Important documents including board minutes are available on the POA website. Take a look - you might be surprised how much information is available!

Energy Saving Tips

As the weather continues to fluctuate and cold temperatures have you pushing up your thermostat, you may wonder if there is anything you can do to keep your home energy costs low.  The answer is yes! Even as winter continues on, there are simple things you can do around your new home to help balance out your energy usage.

Here are a few tips:

• Use your dishwasher! It takes less water to run the dishwasher than wash by hand. Make your dishwasher more efficient by running full loads then let the dishes air dry instead of using the dry setting on your dishwasher.
• When washing and drying clothes, make sure you always clean the lint trap in your dryer. Dry consecutive loads to take advantage of built up heat from the previous load.
• Lower your thermostat at night and during the day when you aren't home. Reverse your ceiling fans to help circulate warm air from near the ceiling.
• Check the temperature on your water heater. Lowering this temperature a few degrees can help save on energy costs.
• Allow foods to cool before putting them in your refrigerator. Putting warm or hot items in the refrigerator cause it to work harder to maintain a cool temperature.
• Replace regular light bulbs with more energy efficient LED or CFL bulbs

What do you do to keep energy costs low?

Olympic Themed Snack Ideas

The winter Olympic games have begun and in honor of this event here are some ideas on hosting your own Olympic themed viewing party! You don't have to be at the games to really get into the spirit. Let these snack ideas inspire your Olympic-sized ambitions!

The Olympic Torch

 Fill ice cream cones with cheddar flavored popcorn.

Gold Medals

Use Golden Oreos and roll out fruit snacks

Olympic Rings

Give cups of hot chocolate a dusting of colored sanding sugars for a real Olympic treat!

What ideas do you have for hosting an Olympic-themed party?

5K's in Columbia

Sticking to your New Year's resolution to lose weight?

What if you could do get fit and help a cause?  You can!

Many local races are for runners of all kinds - experienced and beginners, plus proceeds go to a good cause. Here are a few coming up in the Midlands.

Cupid's Chase - Feb 8 - Supporting Community Options - A nonprofit that supports local adults with disabilities. http://www.comop.org/

St. Lawrence Place - Race for the Place - Feb 8 - http://www.stlawrenceplace.org/event/race-for-the-place-5k/

Lexington Race Against Hunger - Feb 22 - http://lexrah.org/d/LexingtonsRaceAgainstHunger.aspx

Home Maintenance for Winter

Although most of us saw our first dusting of snow this past week and may be ready for warmer weather, spring is still a few months away.  Weather conditions in the south can often swing from one extreme to another so here are some tips to keep your new home protected from another wintry blast.

If you were impacted by the winter storm, walk around your home and do a thorough check for any areas that could be leaking water. Clean up fallen branches or debris. Inspect for cracks along window sills and doorways.

Going away this winter? Make sure your home thermostat doesn't go below 55 degrees. Ask neighbors to check on the home after any winter precipitation.

Protect your pipes from freezing and causing water damage. If the temperature is expected to dip especially low, run a trickle of water to help relieve pressure in the pipes. Keep cabinet doors open to allow the heat in - just be sure to hide away any chemicals that could be dangerous to children or pets.

Always have an emergency kit on hand. 

This should include:
Flashlights
Bottled Water
Batteries
Non-Perishable Food
Blankets
Phone Number of Utility Companies
and First Aid Materials

Hopefully Old Man Winter is on his way out of the South but it pays to take precautions just in case. What do you do to prepare your home for winter weather?

Interior Design Trends 2014

Along with predictions about the year's popular paint colors, interior designers across the country report on what they see as the top trends in interior design and decor.  We've done the research for you and compiled some of their top predictions. Take a look and let us know if you agree or think they are way off the mark.

Window Coverings - Sheers instead of heavy draperies. Focus is on transparency and natural light.
(Source - Wall Street Journal)

Corduroy Upholstery - A new texture and look for your furnishings.
(Source - Wall Street Journal) 

Spa Bathrooms - Tranquil rooms with walk-in showers and/or separate standing tubs.
(Source- Realtor.com)

Flex Rooms - Rooms without a set purpose that can be used in a variety of ways. Important as multi-generational living becomes more popular.
(Source - Realtor.com)

Metal Backsplash - A new look in the kitchen. Also popular are glass and stone slab.
(Source MSN Living)

Light Hardwoods - Wood grain remains popular but without the dark stain. Butcher block countertops and hardwood flooring are examples of this trend.
(Source MSN Living)

Black Kitchen Counters - Solid surface black countertops with light colored cabinetry.
(Source Zillow)

Dark Accent Walls - Using a moody shade of black or grey to add some drama to a room.
(Source DesignTrend.com)

So what do you think? Would you take the plunge with any of these new design trends?

SC Is the Place to Be!

United Van Lines released their 37th Annual Migration Study this month detailing which states people are moving to and moving from.

South Carolina came in second for the most in-migration followed by North Carolina. Oregon took the number one spot for the most new residents.

As far as where people are moving from?  The number one spot was New Jersey followed by Illinois and New York.

According to UCLA Economist Michael Stoll, the Southeast has a lot to offer in the way of business incentives, industrial growth and lower cost.

As more and more baby boomers retire they are finding themselves drawn to the climate and coastlines of the Carolinas.

What do you love about living in South Carolina?