Introducing elements of Fall décor

Yes it’s still the end of Augusta and yes, the temperatures are sky high but it’s not too early to begin introducing fall elements do your current décor.  This doesn’t mean it’s time to bring out the pumpkins but there are other more subtle ways to transition into a new season.

Consider using apples instead of pumpkins.  Green varieties are especially vibrant and can be a good transition fruit appropriate for this time of year.

Change out your flower arrangements to incorporate more yellows and oranges.

Fill pitchers or containers with dried wheat bundles.

Begin pulling out throw blankets for pillows you may want to have around the house.

It’s the perfect time to start planning for your fall décor that may out after Labor Day.  Does last year’s fall wreath need some refreshing? What will your porch theme be?  Are you going to use a consistent color palette throughout the home?

The stores are ready for all things Autumn so now is a good time to stock up on faux pumpkins, florals and plaids!

What do you do to transition your décor for the seasons?
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Building a Custom Home is an adventure. But as with any great adventure, you need a guide.

Since 1999, Paradime Construction has been helping homeowners fulfill their dream of homeownership. Stan O'Brien, President, takes great pride in providing personal attention to all Paradime customers. His success is evident by the number of satisfied customers and repeat business that Paradime has in new home construction in Chapin, Columbia, Lexington, Irmo, Prosperity and the Lake Murray area of South Carolina. O'Brien's level of education and experience combine to give him the expertise to build custom homes that are both functional and stylish. Building the homes with Universal Design so that your home can grow with you. Also, incorporating High Performance Home techniques makes the home environmentally friendly, comfortable, healthy, and affordable. Paradime Construction will build the custom home that best fits your family's needs.

Getting Organized - Without Spending a Fortune

Most everyone feels they could be more organized. Whether it’s your closet, filing cabinet, garage, pantry or overall living spaces – organization can help provide clarity and peace of mind.

Your local dollar store can be a great place to go when you’re trying to get organized. Here are a few things you can pick up to help clean up the clutter.

-        Use file sorters for more than just files! You can organize old magazines, children’s books or even washcloths and hand towels in your linen closet.

-        Pick up a small muffin in to organize small objects in your office (paper clips, push pins, alligator clips etc) or in the bathroom to hold hair bows and ties.

-        Use plastic totes and bins to organize your sets of sheets and keep them all in one place

-        Pick up some removable wall hooks to use on your kitchen cabinets. They can hold measuring cups and spoons!

-        Organize your kitchen drawers with small plastic tubs perfect for holding tea, coffee or lemonade packets including assorted sugars and creamers.

-        Keep all of your cleaning supplies in a portable tote with separate compartments for each container.

-        Use bins in the refrigerator or freezer to group like items together and create more space!

What are some of your favorite organization tips on a budget?

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No Oven Meal Ideas

In the dog days of summer it’s hard to do much besides keep cool. So the idea of turning on an oven for dinner may not sound all that appealing.  Good news! You can still have a great dinner without heating up the kitchen!  Here are a few ideas you can take and make your own.  They are simple too so you can enjoy these last days of summer doing what you really want!

Crockpot BBQ

The crockpot is a fantastic tool any time of year but especially on hot summer days. Simply put in your favorite cut of pork and slather in a bottle of BBQ. Close the lid and cook on low for at least 8 hours for fork tender goodness.  Shred and serve with some extra sauce and cole slaw for a delicious summer meal.

Chicken Salad

Make use of the ever popular rotisserie chicken to add some protein to your salad and elevate it to dinner status.  Include some hearty salad mix-ins for a healthy and filling meal.  We suggest chick peas, cheese, hard boiled eggs, tomatoes, carrots, and purple onion.

Ham and Cheese Wraps

Lay out a flour tortilla and layer some deli ham and cheese. Wrap up and slice into circles secured with a toothpick. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and a tomato cucumber side salad.

What do you like to cook on hot summer days?

In the dog days of summer it’s hard to do much besides keep cool. So the idea of turning on an oven for dinner may not sound all that appealing.  Good news! You can still have a great dinner without heating up the kitchen!  Here are a few ideas you can take and make your own.  They are simple too so you can enjoy these last days of summer doing what you really want!

Crockpot BBQ

The crockpot is a fantastic tool any time of year but especially on hot summer days. Simply put in your favorite cut of pork and slather in a bottle of BBQ. Close the lid and cook on low for at least 8 hours for fork tender goodness.  Shred and serve with some extra sauce and cole slaw for a delicious summer meal.

Chicken Salad

Make use of the ever popular rotisserie chicken to add some protein to your salad and elevate it to dinner status.  Include some hearty salad mix-ins for a healthy and filling meal.  We suggest chick peas, cheese, hard boiled eggs, tomatoes, carrots, and purple onion.

Ham and Cheese Wraps

Lay out a flour tortilla and layer some deli ham and cheese. Wrap up and slice into circles secured with a toothpick. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and a tomato cucumber side salad.

What do you like to cook on hot summer days?

In the dog days of summer it’s hard to do much besides keep cool. So the idea of turning on an oven for dinner may not sound all that appealing.  Good news! You can still have a great dinner without heating up the kitchen!  Here are a few ideas you can take and make your own.  They are simple too so you can enjoy these last days of summer doing what you really want!

Crockpot BBQ

The crockpot is a fantastic tool any time of year but especially on hot summer days. Simply put in your favorite cut of pork and slather in a bottle of BBQ. Close the lid and cook on low for at least 8 hours for fork tender goodness.  Shred and serve with some extra sauce and cole slaw for a delicious summer meal.

Chicken Salad

Make use of the ever popular rotisserie chicken to add some protein to your salad and elevate it to dinner status.  Include some hearty salad mix-ins for a healthy and filling meal.  We suggest chick peas, cheese, hard boiled eggs, tomatoes, carrots, and purple onion.

Ham and Cheese Wraps

Lay out a flour tortilla and layer some deli ham and cheese. Wrap up and slice into circles secured with a toothpick. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and a tomato cucumber side salad.

What do you like to cook on hot summer days?

In the dog days of summer it’s hard to do much besides keep cool. So the idea of turning on an oven for dinner may not sound all that appealing.  Good news! You can still have a great dinner without heating up the kitchen!  Here are a few ideas you can take and make your own.  They are simple too so you can enjoy these last days of summer doing what you really want!

Crockpot BBQ

The crockpot is a fantastic tool any time of year but especially on hot summer days. Simply put in your favorite cut of pork and slather in a bottle of BBQ. Close the lid and cook on low for at least 8 hours for fork tender goodness.  Shred and serve with some extra sauce and cole slaw for a delicious summer meal.

Chicken Salad

Make use of the ever popular rotisserie chicken to add some protein to your salad and elevate it to dinner status.  Include some hearty salad mix-ins for a healthy and filling meal.  We suggest chick peas, cheese, hard boiled eggs, tomatoes, carrots, and purple onion.

Ham and Cheese Wraps

Lay out a flour tortilla and layer some deli ham and cheese. Wrap up and slice into circles secured with a toothpick. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and a tomato cucumber side salad.

What do you like to cook on hot summer days?

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Defining Open Floor Plans

Open floor plans which have risen in popularity over the years come with pros and cons.  The ability to all be in the same space whether cooking or watching T.V. makes entertaining and family life a little easier. But having all that open space can be a little intimidating to decorate and style.  Here are a few ways to break up the space into defined areas – whether dining, play or more formal.

-        Use bookshelves. Creating a half wall with a bookshelf is a great way to define a room without blocking it off.

-        Use paint.  Make spaces different colors to show that the space has a different use.  Darker colors can make a space feel more formal.

-        Install columns to create separate spaces with a little more architectural flair.

-        Arrange furniture into cozy spaces around focal points like fireplaces or bay windows.

Open floor plans offer a lot of flexibility if you have the vision to make it work for you and your family lifestyle.

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Decluttering Habits for Real Life

Decluttering is all the rage today. Partially owing to the popularity of Marie Kondo and her organizational methods.  And while organizing can be helpful in so many ways, we rarely have time to devote a whole week to it!  Here are a few tips that can help you declutter and organize while living life!

1.      Never leave a room empty handed.  When going from one room to another pick up something that doesn’t belong and take it to where it does.

2.     Look at one area at a time. Don’t get discouraged by looking at your whole house but instead pick one small corner or piece of furniture at a time.

3.     Make a room by room list.  Get a journal just for decluttering and organizing. Walk through each room and write down everything you want to change or clean about that room.  Use this list to check off one or two items a day.

4.     Don’t bring anything in without taking something out.  If you buy something new for the home, remove something that you longer want.

5.     Have boxes in the garage labeled Trash, Donate or Store.  Fill up the boxes, empty and move on!

How do you declutter your home?  What difference has it made for you?

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Preparing Your Home for Vacation Season

It’s vacation season and while you may have thought of everything – sunscreen, road trip games and plenty of snacks, did you think about what you left behind? Your home and yard? They will need some TLC before you leave to make sure all is well when you return.

Here are a few things to do before you leave town.

-        Unplug everything – all electronics and appliances. This will protect against power surges and keep them from using unnecessary power

-        Stop your mail service to keep mail from piling up. This can be down online weeks ahead of time.  Do the same for newspapers if you get them.

-        Pay bills online or in advance if any will be due while you are away.

-        If you have pets make arrangements at a kennel or with a trusted friend who will check in and care for the pet.

-        Clean out the refrigerator of any expired food or leftovers

Day Before or Day Of

-        Close all blinds and curtains

-        Set thermostat to upper 70’s

-        Water all house plants

-        Turn out all lights and turn off ceiling fans

Follow this list and you’ll enjoy a little more peace of mind on your vacation.  Bon Voyage!

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