Hosting the Big Game!

Whether you are a serious professional football fan or not, the Super Bowl has gained it's place in the line of American past times.  Friends gather to eat, cheer on their favorite teams, watch the half time show or rate the commercials.

This year you're in a new home and the Super Bowl is a perfect opportunity to show it off!  Thanks to Pinterest - we've got plenty of great ideas on how you can make your party a winner!

Need some entertainment for your non-football loving guests? Game Day Bingo!

Personal size snacks - cut down on the double dipping and mess

Fun ways to incorporate retro candy

DIY Decor!

Ways to Warm Up

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?

Strong Outlook for 2016 Housing Market

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

So will 2016 be the year you purchase your new dream home?

To read the whole article click here

Pantone 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"