Posts with tag 'for owners'
16
Small Earth-Friendly Changes Have a Big Impact
The first Earth Day on April 22, 1970, paved the way for a movement that is still going strong, uniting people around the globe to take action to protect our planet.
Celebrated on April 22 each year, Earth Day prompts us to think globally but act locally, making sustainable, eco-friendly choices in our daily lives at home and in our communities. When practiced nationwide or worldwide, small changes can add up to significant benefits.
Most of the choices you can make are easy to implement but have a big impact. Taking these small steps helps reduce your carbon footprint and may even save you...
9
Yard Laws
Town Meeting Day happened recently, so I heard lots of chatter from folks in the town I reside in, work in, and the others that surround both of those places. I will admit—a bit sheepishly—that I was not well-informed on what was up for vote in my town, but I made a vow to prioritize being educated on it for next year. However, I heard from a friend of mine who lives in the town over that they were voting on some sort of zoning amendment regarding regulations around what could be left out and visible in landowners' yards.
I have to say, I was a bit surprised by this. In the land of Live Free or Die, I kind of just always figured you could keep whatever you wanted in your yard, within reason of course. I suppose the whole "within reason" part is why ord...
27
False Spring
The past few days, the sun was shining bright, and the temps climbed into the 50s, so I kept the door wide open at my store for the duration of my work days. The thermostat read the room at a comfortable 65 with the fresh air rolling in, and it was magical, to say the least. I saw so many local folks and their dogs out for walks, many of whom I hadn't seen for what felt like months, since the cold kept everyone from wanting to be outside for extended periods of time. We all collectively agreed that we're probably in the middle of False Spring, but I can't help myself—I've fallen right into its trap.
Something about days like this reminds me of being a teenager. This time of year, the high school ski team season was over, and spring sports hadn't started yet, so school...
26
Budgeting for Your First Year of Homeownership
Purchasing a new home is a milestone worth celebrating. It comes with so many great benefits and a lot to get excited about. Still, there are some challenges to the process to keep in mind.
One major aspect to prepare for and consider as you move into first-time home ownership is managing your finances and planning for additional costs that may not always be obvious.
Here are some things to remember to budget for in your first year of homeownership.
One–Time and Initial Costs
There are some additional costs that come with buying a new property and moving in. One such category is your closing costs. You should also remember to include the one-time moving f...
19
A Home For Hosting
My grandmother loved to host parties and could find any occasion to do so. It didn't matter what we were celebrating, she had specific decorations and menus. Sometimes she would let me help her create the hors d'oeuvres, other times she put me in charge of passing them out to her guests. She was never afraid to set a dress code, either, so all her friends would show up with a bit of dazzle and glam. I used to feel so special just to be around everyone, even though I didn't know them and was one of the only kids in the room.
I often think back on those parties, and how fun they were, but also how out of reach something like that feels for me. I have hosted small gatherings at my house, but nothing like the events my grandparents put on, an...