Winter is coming!!!! No, really it is.   And in order to save money and have a cozy well maintained home in general, winter maintenance and preparation is essential as a homeowner.  Here are some ways to prepare your home for Winter. You can save money in the long run with most of these tips! 

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How to Protect Your Home | Free Printable Checklist | {{+ a giveaway]]

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As a new homeowner I am always trying to take the best steps to make my home safe and secure.  There are so many things that can happen to anyone, anywhere.  Whether it's outside vandalism, breaking and entering, or whatever - it can be scary to have a house of your own and you can go crazy worrying about it.  So here are some things you can do to keep your home safe every single day.  Whether it's a new home or your current home, it's never too late to start.

[Install Dead Bolt Locks on Exterior Doors]

Any exterior entry ways like doors leading into the garage, front doors, basement doors, porch doors, etc. should  all be securely locked with a dead bolt.  Have you ever tried to break into your own door with a dead bolt on it? Exactly. It's a very worthy investment and it definitely feels good knowing you took that extra step.

[Keep Blinds Shut]

If you have windows without curtains or blinds, get some! When you aren't home make sure your blinds are drawn so no one can see in and scope out your house.  When you are home, especially at night when the lights are on inside, shut your blinds! You don't want anyone peeking in. I mean unless you WANT to give a peep show. This also prevents any potential burglars from scoping out what you have.

[Garden Lights]

Lighting around the outside of your home is a great way to deter people from snooping around in your yard or near your home.  Some people use spot lights that aim at their home, other people use solar lighting.  And please if you come to my house don't judge me when you see Rocky lift his leg on my garden lights.  Oops. 

[A Security Camera]
A security camera is by far the best investment you can ever make for your home.  The NuCam IR 720P is a great addition to your home, as it is to mine.  It fits all standard E26 Light Fixtures and has a remote controlled 3W white flood light.  This means you can install it in a place where you already have lighting.  This is great for the exterior of a home like a porch, patio, or garage.  The NuCam IR 720P has a wide angle lens with automatic night vision mode.  You can hear and see whatever goes on and it easily pairs with both iOS and Android! There's even a digital video recorder with an SD card slot.  I love the quality of images from this camera.  I'm very impressed to see they aren't stretched or fuzzy.  I can't even tell you how much piece of mind I have from my NuCam! It even comes with a flood light remote control and an 8" light bulb socket extension.  It's just so easy to adjust the camera viewing area with this.  The fact that I can check my home whenever I'm away is so amazing to me and gives me a great sense of security. You can purchase one here: http://www.nuvending.com/product/nucam-720p

**The awesome folks at NuCam have offered 20% off for anyone who purchases their camera from Amazon. Just use the code GETNUCAM!

[Have A Plan]

Seriously it might be scary to think of this but it's a healthy type of fear. have a plan in your head for what you would do in different scenarios, like if someone breaks in while you're home. where will you run, where will you hide, when will you call the cops, how will you escape. have a plan for each possible scenario like if they come through a front door, a basement, a window, etc.

[Protect Your Home When You're Away]

When you plan to be on vacation there are several things you can do to keep your home secure like notifying the police so they can come by daily and check your house.  Make it look like you're home by having timed lights come on or keeping an exterior light on.  Notify a person you trust so they can come by and check your home.  Don't advertise that you're leaving your house empty on social media.

[Don't Hide Keys]

I don't care what anyone else does, this is the most foolish thing a person can do.  Burglars know to look for this stuff so they WILL check under mats, above door frames, and fake rocks.  If you are so worried about locking yourself out someday, make sure you either keep a spare on your self or get a garage door opener that you mount outside that you put a passcode into.  That way if you do forget your keys you can at least get in the garage.

[Lock Doors Always]

If you're home you still need to lock your doors. Creepy people can walk in at anytime, even if they know you're home.  Always lock your doors. Keep your windows locked as well.  If you are out back, lock the front door so no one can slip in when they see you are busy out back.

[Get A View Hole]

When we first moved in our house didn't have a peep hole on the front door.  So we installed one ourselves and now we can always peek out whenever the doorbell rings.  This way, you won't answer the door unless you absolutely want to. And never open the door for people you don't know. It's totally okay to ignore solicitors.  Seriously, you have no idea how weird and vulnerable I felt when I realized we didn't have one and the doorbell rang for the first time!

[Display Signage]

Those signs that say Beware of Dog are a great deterrent. So are No Soliciting signs and signs that say you have video cameras.

[Arrive Home Safely]

If you park in your garage when you arrive home, make sure you shut the garage door behind you as soon as you pull in. Make sure it closes and make sure no one slips in behind you.

[Privacy Film]

If you have windows in a shed, garage, or small bathroom that you don't want people looking in as they attempt to find a way to enter the home - use privacy film.   No one can see in so not only will they miss what's inside for them to get into, but they won't even be able to see if the coast is clear!

And that's not all - One of you will win a NuCam IR 720P Camera of your own!

 

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5 Ways to Improve Your Home's Curb Appeal

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The front yard is the first thing people see when they look at your house. At least I know that's what people enjoy looking at with our new home.   Why do you think curb appeal is such a big deal?  Sometimes the best money you can invest in your home is to make the outside look beautiful.   So whether you are looking to sell your home or just improve the way it looks on the outside, here are 5 ways to make it look more welcoming.

1\\ White Stones
I can't stand the look of mulch and maybe it's just me but I think stones make everything look cleaner and there is much less maintenance.   I spent a couple hundred bucks putting stone down in our front yard and it looks beautiful!  So clean and simple!  It's so much easier to maintain because weeds aren't growing in! 

2\\ Pathway Lights
These Modern Tier Solar Lights are from Outdoor Solar Store and I couldn't be more pleased with the way they light up the front walk.  You could also look for Solar Patio Lights.

These are so beautiful! Not only do these help people see at night when they come up to the door or are leaving a get together but they also help me feel more secure because who would want to break into a house if it's all lit up so everyone can see?   

3\\ Flower Pots
Look for pretty flower pots on sale and you will be amazed how much they improve the welcoming look of your home!

4\\ Minimal Shrubs
We got rid of so many shrubs and the ones we do have we keep up with by trimming and pruning them on a weekly basis.

5\\ A Hose Box
Minimizing clutter for a cleaner look can be as simple as getting rid of a hose on the ground by getting a hose box.   Get rid of any little embellishments that you don't use as well. 

6\\A New Roof
Although it is a big investment, SHS Roofing professionals believe the best way to upgrade your home's curb appeal is a long-term investment like replacing the roof of your home. Not only will a repaired or replaced roof make your home more attractive, but it will also be an attractive selling point if you choose to put your home on the market in the future.

How have you updated your home's curb appeal?

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It's a Snap with Filter Snap

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Did you know that the air in your house isn't as clean as you probably think it is? If you don't change your air filters often you are pretty much wasting energy and increasing your monthly energy bill by up to 15% percent!   Besides that, you are exposing yourself and your family members to some creepy pollutants!  Of course that means adding "Change air filter" to your Spring and Summer to do list.  When you own a home there are so many things to remember to do on a weekly, monthly, or yearly basis.   So why not make It easier with a filter subscription service like Filter Snap.  Here's how it works.  

 

Basically, you just tell the company your filter size, choose a filter quality (basic, standard, ultimate), and decide on a replacement schedule (1,2,3,6, or 12 months) and you'll get a new filter delivered to your door.   That's one less trip to make to the store and one less task to remember on your own.  By the time it arrives at your door, you will get the reminder you need to replace the air filter. 

 

 

 

I actually tested it out and got a deluxe filter for my dad. He is so happy with the fast delivery and so so happy with the quality.   It was so convenient and I consider it a luxury!   No need to run up to the home improvement store and get overwhelmed by all the options and prices.   Filter Snap makes it quick, simple, and easy!   The different types of filters are meant for the different needs of a household.   And if you don't know the size of yours, you can get help from the company.

 

 

Just another way to make your life easier.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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