Fall Time Tasks Around the House I’m really enjoying connecting with you all this way and giving you a little more of me.   The fall leaves are such a beautiful part of our area and the crisp rainy days are what it is all about! Bonfires, smore's, camping trips, football games, family time, and so much more! Fall is one of my favorite times of year here. Growing up in California, fall wasn't really a thing! Our trees were evergreens or palm trees and I didn't experience the beauty of fall until I was living in Tennessee. It also meant I had no idea you had to do some of these things! We didn't get much rain and had concrete patios instead of wood decks. I had no idea! So, I'm going to include some information for you all that I wish I knew! Let’s talk FALL TIME and what we should do for our HOMES! This is just a quick little list of things you may not think to do but should probably check out soon before the weather gets cold! Let’s get to cleaning out gutters and cleaning out the garage for a fresh coat of paint! Welcome to fall time in Tennessee!   Clean/ seal your deck- J.B. Sassano, president of Mr. Handyman, recommends “walk around the deck and sprinkle water on several different areas. If water soaks into the boards, it’s time to reseal the deck. If water forms a puddle or beads up, the deck is repelling water and will be safe for the winter.”   How to protect deck wood in the winter- Check for loose nails and screws. Tighten or replace fasteners as needed. Power wash the deck on a day no colder than 40 degrees. Inspect for cracks or areas that are splintering. Fill cracks with epoxy wood filler. Add a water-repelling stain to protect from melting ice and snow.   Winterize your driveway- Most people don’t give their driveway a second thought when winterizing the home. However, snow, ice and salt can take its toll on concrete and asphalt surfaces. Pull Weeds: If grass or weeds have sprung up throughout your driveway or sidewalk, pluck them out before fixing and sealing the gaps. Repair Cracks: During the winter, water can collect in and worsen existing cracks in concrete and asphalt. Use concrete caulk to patch hairline cracks and concrete sealer to fix larger gaps. For cracks in asphalt driveways, applying asphalt crack sealer will do the trick. Clean and Seal the Surface: Before the temperatures drop below 40 degrees, pressure wash your driveway and seal it with a concrete or asphalt sealer to prevent damage from snow and salt.   Clean your fireplace   Check  all heating and air units   Stock up on sidewalk salt, firewood and windshield wiper fluids   Clean all gutters   Remulch and winterize the gardens   Winterize Pools and Irrigation Systems   Disconnect Hoses from Outdoor Spigots   Switch fan direction- Ceiling fans should turn clockwise in the colder months, which pushes warm air back down into the room. Most fans have a simple switch that reverses the direction. (I didn’t even know this til recently!)   Clean up your lawnmower and other yard tools   Prepare your patio for winter- Clean your patio furniture thoroughly before putting it away for the winter. Empty the dirt in any decorative clay or ceramic pots – otherwise it can freeze and crack the pots. More importantly, check for any cracks or dents in your deck or patio. Any small problem you have now will grow bigger during the cold season, especially if water gets into the cracks and freezes.   Add a fresh coat of paint- The weather is still warm without being oppressive, so now is the perfect time to redo the outside (and maybe even the inside) of your home with a fresh coat of paint. With the milder fall temperatures, you will be able to keep your windows open to get rid of the fumes quickly.   Look at weather-proofing- Doors and windows should be sealed against the elements with weather stripping and/or caulking. These protective materials keep nasty weather out and the heat in—cracked, chipping, or otherwise damaged seals can cause much higher energy bills as you lose heat to the outdoors. Also check that doors and windows are properly attached to their frames, with no gaps or cracks.   Clean out the garage- Old paint cans/ junk Old sports equipment Baby gear Overused holiday decor Ancient electronics Unfinished projects The real nitty gritty list- Wash walls/ windows/ seals/ baseboards Clean washer and dryer Dust door frames and window frames Clean grouts Clean under and in refrigerator and in dishwasher and oven Flip mattresses Switch seasonal clothing Polish wood furniture Dust fake plants Dust ceiling fans Trash expired foods Run cut lemons and ice through the garbage disposal Test smoke detectors and monoxide detectors, replace batteries ‍  

Embracing the Beauty of Fall: A Guide to Fall Decorating As the leaves change color and a crispness fills the air, there's no denying that fall is a season of warmth, coziness, and a sense of nostalgia. What better way to celebrate this wonderful time of year than by bringing the beauty of fall into your home through fall decorating? Whether you're a seasoned decorator or a newbie, this blog will guide you through the art of creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that captures the essence of fall. Embrace the Colors of Autumn Fall is synonymous with a rich and warm color palette. The shades of red, orange, yellow, and brown are the stars of the season. Use these colors as your foundation when decorating. Incorporate them into your decor through items like throw pillows, blankets, and candles. These earthy tones will instantly create a cozy atmosphere that reflects the beauty of fall. Bring the Outdoors In One of the most enchanting aspects of fall is the vibrant foliage and the harvest season. To capture this natural beauty, consider incorporating elements from the outdoors into your home decor. A few ideas include: - Gather a variety of colorful leaves and place them in glass vases or create a captivating leaf garland.- Arrange a selection of pumpkins, gourds, and pinecones on your mantel or as a centerpiece for your dining table.- Hang a wreath made from dried leaves or corn husks on your front door or in your home. By adding these natural elements, you can infuse your space with the true essence of fall.   Layer Textures Fall is all about comfort and warmth, so layering different textures can create a cozy and inviting ambiance. Consider incorporating soft blankets, plush rugs, and flannel or knit cushions. These textures not only add comfort but also visually enhance the fall aesthetic of your space. Seasonal Scents Scent is a powerful trigger for memories and emotions. To complete your fall decorating, don't forget to introduce autumnal scents into your home. Candles with scents like cinnamon, apple pie, or pumpkin spice can instantly make your space feel like a warm and inviting haven. Seasonal Art and Decor Swap out your regular artwork and decor for pieces that reflect the fall season. Consider investing in or crafting fall-themed art, like watercolor paintings of fall foliage or rustic wooden signs with autumnal quotes. These touches add a personalized and seasonal touch to your home. Cozy Lighting The right lighting can significantly impact the atmosphere of a room. During fall, opt for warm, soft lighting to create a cozy ambiance. String lights, candles, and lanterns can all contribute to a warm and inviting atmosphere. Outdoor Decor Don't limit your fall decorating to the indoors. Extend your decor to your outdoor spaces as well. Adorn your porch or patio with seasonal wreaths, potted mums, and lanterns. These decorations not only enhance your home's curb appeal but also create a seamless transition from the outdoor beauty of fall to the cozy interior of your home. Have Fun Fall decorating is an opportunity to celebrate the beauty of the season and create a warm, inviting environment that you and your guests will love. By embracing the colors, textures, scents, and natural elements of autumn, you can transform your home into a cozy haven that captures the essence of this magical time of year. So, get inspired and let your creativity run wild as you embark on your fall decorating journey.