Stay Warm Tips

The winter weather has finally arrived and you are trying desperately to stay warm!

Here are some ways to warm up - the smart way!

1. When you're coming home to a cold house, don't crank the thermostat up too high too fast. Thermostats don't work that way and it will just end up costing you money.

2. At night, or when you're not home, don't let it get too cold. Otherwise it will take a long time to heat back up. The key is to not try and go to extremes with your temperature. Dropping by just a couple of degrees at night is the better way to go.

3. Make use of a programmable thermostat. Automatic adjustments will happen more slowly and more efficiently.

4. During the day, keep your blinds open to let in the warmth of the sunlight. Make sure all of the windows are locked to prevent drafts.

5. Don't close the heating vents in rooms that aren't used often. This could cause an imbalance in your heating system.

Do you have any stay warm tips this winter?

Positive News for Homeowners in 2016

Predictions for the 2016 Housing Market appear strong on a variety of fronts. According to an article in the Washington Post several factors will encourage another year of positive growth.

• Home prices should continue to increase
• Credit requirements - especially for first time home buyers are beginning to normalize
• Housing remains on a more solid foundation with less mortgages underwater
• Homeowners looking to sell and move on to new homes should have an easier time selling in 2016

To read the whole article click here

Color of the Year

For the first time Pantone is introducing two colors of the year - Rose Quartz and Serenity.  Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute describes the two tone color combination as "an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue".

The emotional attributes of Rose Quartz and Serenity are a sense of calm and relaxation.

For more information visit the official site of Pantone's "Color of the Year"

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year from the board at LongCreek!

Whether you'll be ringing in 2016 downtown or from the comfort of home - we wish you a safe and happy New Years!

Looking for something to do?  Here are a few ideas:

Famously Hot New Year
Main Street - Downtown Columbia
Concerts and Fireworks!

New Years Eve at Noon
Children's Celebration
Edventure

New Years Eve Masquerade
Music, dancing and fireworks
Newberry Opera House

Find a full list of NYE activities at Free Times

Christmas Fun Facts

A very Merry Christmas from all of us at LongCreek Plantation!

Thank you for a wonderful year!

We're wishing you a blessed time with family and friends.  If you need a little help with small talk this holiday...here are a few pieces of Christmas trivia you may enjoy!

1. The typical Christmas tree grows for 15 years before it is ready to be cut and sold.
2. Alabama was the first state to officially recognize Christmas as a holiday - in 1836.
3. The earliest Christmas trees were decorated with apples.
4. Americans send on average 1.5 billion Christmas cards.
5. "Jingle Bells" was originally written for Thanksgiving.
6. For Santa to visit all the homes he needs to on Christmas Eve, he would have to visit 822 homes a second.
7. The best selling Christmas song is "White Christmas" by Bing Crosby.
8. Ebenezer Scrooge's original catch phrase was "Bah Christmas" - then changed to "Bah Humbug".
9. If someone was to receive all of the gifts from the 12 Days of Christmas you would receive 364 gifts.
10. The busiest shopping days of the year are the Friday and Saturday before Christmas.

Happy Holidays!

Seasonal Safety Tips

Tis the season for lights, Christmas trees, decorations, gifts and entertaining! Keep your friends and family safe this holiday season by following these safety tips.

1. Inspect all lights before hanging - both outdoor and in. Make sure all bulbs are working and cords are not frayed. Don't overload extension cords or connect too many strands of lights. Turn lights out when not home or going to bed.

2. Look for a fresh Christmas tree. Keep watered and away from heat sources.  Don't use live flames or candles around the tree.

3. Make sure candles are placed on sturdy stands and away from children. Never fall asleep with a lit candle in the room. Don't leave candles in unattended areas.

4. Always have a fire extinguisher in the house. Don't leave food unattended on the stove.

5. Never leave valuables exposed in your car. Keep your car locked at all times - even at home. Shop during the day when possible and always be aware of your surroundings.

What safety tips do you have?

New Homeowner Gifts

Need a Christmas gift for the new homeowner on your list? Here are some unique options with a more personal twist. What ideas do you have for a new homeowner gift?