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Embracing the Spirit of Christmas: Traditions and Giving Back
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Christmas is more than just twinkling lights, decorated trees, and the aroma of freshly baked cookies—it’s a season of joy, connection, and generosity. While holiday traditions vary across cultures and families, the universal theme of Christmas is love and giving. This festive season provides the perfect opportunity to reflect on cherished traditions and explore ways to give back to our communities.
Cherished Christmas Traditions
Decorating the Christmas Tree
The ritual of putting up a Christmas tree, often accompanied by laughter, music, and a touch of nostalgia, is a cornerstone of holiday celebrations. Many families have ornaments passed down through generations, each telling a story or marking a special memory.
Baking and Sharing Treats
Kitchens come alive with the scents of gingerbread, cinnamon, and chocolate during the holiday season. Baking cookies or preparing festive meals brings families together and provides a way to share joy with neighbors, friends, and even strangers.
Caroling and Singing
From classic carols like Silent Night to modern holiday hits, “the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear”. Some communities organize caroling events, where groups sing door-to-door or at nursing homes, bringing smiles to everyone they meet.
Secret Santa and Gift Exchanges
Gift-giving is central to Christmas, and traditions like Secret Santa add an element of surprise and fun. These exchanges emphasize thoughtfulness, as participants strive to choose meaningful gifts.
Attending Church or Candlelight Services
For many, Christmas is a deeply spiritual time. Church services, often featuring candlelight and hymns, provide a space for reflection and gratitude.
Acts of Kindness and Giving Back
A tradition growing in popularity is dedicating time and resources to helping others. Whether it’s donating to a food bank, volunteering, or making care packages, giving back embodies the true spirit of Christmas.
Ways to Give Back This Christmas
Support Local Charities
Many organizations run special campaigns during the holidays. Consider donating money, toys, or warm clothing to charities that serve families in need.
Volunteer Your Time
Food banks, shelters, and community centers often need extra hands during the holiday season. Volunteering is a tangible way to make a difference.
Adopt a Family or Child
Programs like “Adopt-a-Family” or “Angel Tree” connect donors with families or children in need. By fulfilling their holiday wish lists, you can bring joy to those who might otherwise go without.
Spread Kindness Locally
Small acts of kindness can have a big impact. Pay for a stranger’s coffee, leave a generous tip, or surprise someone with a thoughtful note.
Eco-Friendly Giving
Consider donating to environmental organizations or giving eco-friendly gifts. Planting a tree or supporting a wildlife conservation program is a gift that keeps giving.
Create Care Packages
Assemble packages with essentials like socks, toiletries, and non-perishable food items for the homeless. Adding a personal touch, such as a handwritten note, can make these gifts even more special.
Visit the Lonely or Elderly
Loneliness is particularly poignant during the holidays. Spend time with seniors in care homes, or check in on neighbors who might be alone during Christmas.
Why Giving Back Matters
The holidays can be a challenging time for many. Giving back not only uplifts others but also fosters gratitude and fulfillment in our own lives. By embracing the spirit of generosity, we create ripples of kindness that extend far beyond the festive season.
This Christmas, let’s balance our cherished traditions with meaningful acts of giving. Together, we can make the holiday brighter for everyone—spreading warmth, joy, and the true essence of the season.
How will you give back this Christmas? Share your ideas and stories to inspire others!
November 15th is Clean out your Refrigerator Day!
Leave a CommentAbout 20 years ago, Whirlpool created a special day for the most important appliance in our homes; Clean out Your Refrigerator Day is observed on November 15th! We thought it would be fun to offer some great advice on how to celebrate this significant day.
What you need to get started:
- Large Cooler
- Trash and/or compost bags
- Recycle bin
- Sink full of warm soapy water
- Soft cloth or microfiber cloth
- Vacuum
Step 1:
Empty the fridge. That’s right take everything out. It will be so much easier to clean the inside of the refrigerator with all the contents removed. Place the current perishables (milk, eggs etc) in the cooler. Your kitchen counter will be a disaster, but trust us, having it all out in the open will make it simpler to sort.
Step 2:
Remove the shelves and bins if possible and wash them in your warm soapy water.
While they are drying take a soft cloth and some Eco friendly cleaner and wipe down the inside and outside of the fridge, including the walls, handles and any stationary bins.
Wipe under the produce drawers especially, making sure to gather all those lost bread and milk tabs. Lol
Dry off the shelves and bins and return them to their place.
Step 3:
Before you put everything back in the fridge, check expiration dates. Salad dressings, pickles and condiments are easy to lose track of when you purchased them last. Toss or recycle anything past its Best Before date. Wipe down the jars and containers you intend to keep to capture any sticky residue, yes Strawberry jam, we are talking about you.
Time to return the rest of your items to the fridge. If possible, keep “like things” together on the shelves for easy organization. Maybe include a Lazy Susan to help keep things visible and easy to access.
Step 4:
If possible, it’s a great time to pull the refrigerator out and clean the floor under the fridge. Gather those missing cat toys, vacuum the floor and the grates of the fridge. It’s amazing how much dust can accumulate, making your fridge work harder to cycle fresh air.
Step 5:
Check your filters. If you have water access or an icemaker in your refrigerator, the filter should be changed every 6 months. Also check to see if your Fresh Flow Filter in your crisper needs to be replaced.
So, mark your calendars and grab your cleaning supplies to celebrate Clean Out Your Fridge Day on November 15th!
If all the above seems like your old fridge just isn’t worth it, November 15th could also be “Call Homestead for a New Fridge Day”! Our sales associates will be happy to find you a new refrigerator with all the space and storage you need.
October: A Time to be Thankful
Leave a CommentAs Autumn approaches and our thoughts turn to Thanksgiving, gathering with family and friends, I thought it would be great to share some personal fall favourites of your friends here at Homestead.
Heather
- Do you have any fall traditions?
I love getting the pantry stocked with preserves, ready for winter - If you could only pick one cozy fall clothing item, what would it be?
Fleecy pajamas for those lazy Sundays - What movie or TV show reminds you of fall?
Indian Summer - What is your favourite Fall comfort food?
Home made soup - What are you Thankful for?
Good friends and a loving family - Do you prefer the cozy side of Fall or the Spooky-ness of Hallowe’en?
Nothing beats a warm fire on a crisp autumn evening. Cozy! - What is your favourite Fall scent?
Warm vanilla or Patchouli - What song or album reminds you of autumn?
Harvest Moon – Neil Young - If you are going to a Fall dinner party, what dish are you bringing?
Apple Galette for dessert. Something gooey and cheesy for an appetizer Like a Queso dip - What is your favourite Fall activity?
Walking in the forest with my camera. Capturing the colours of autumn is wonderful
Corina
- Do you have any fall traditions?
Decorating for Thanksgiving and rolling into Halloween Décor. - If you could only pick one cozy fall clothing item, what would it be?
Brown Suede Boots - What movie or TV show reminds you of fall?
Beetlejuice - What is your favourite Fall comfort food?
Pasta - What are you Thankful for?
I am Thankful for every opportunity that has come my way and to be able to persevere through all the hard times. - Do you prefer the cozy side of Fall or the Spooky-ness of Hallowe’en?
Love, Love, Love Hallowe’en…It’s my Favourite!! - What is your favourite Fall scent?
Pumpkin Spice of course - What song or album reminds you of autumn?
November Rain – Gun’s & Roses - If you are going to a Fall dinner party, what dish are you bringing?
Stuffed Potatoes and/or Bacon Garlic Pinwheels - What is your favourite Fall activity?
Craft Shows & Haunted Experiences
Miranda
- Do you have any fall traditions?
Every Thanksgiving my Dad and I take our dog for a long walk in a farmer’s field - If you could only pick one cozy fall clothing item, what would it be?
Over sized hoodies! There is nothing better thank snuggling your entire body into a fleece hoody. - What movie or TV show reminds you of fall?
Who doesn’t love the Thanksgiving episodes on Friends? Every single one is a classic, feel-good laugh. The show Friends just makes you thankful for your own friends. - What is your favourite Fall comfort food?
Anything served in a pot, whether it be chili, soup, gumbo or beef stew. If it’s served by a ladle, I love it. - What are you Thankful for?
So, so much. I am so grateful and blessed for my health, my family, my friends, my partner, my pets, my career, SUNSHINE, the bliss of 4 seasons. What isn’t there to be thankful for? - Do you prefer the cozy side of Fall or the Spooky-ness of Hallowe’en?
Cozy side: easily. I am so easily spooked that I absolutely avoid anything spooky and/or scary - What is your favourite Fall scent?
APPLE CINNAMON! - What song or album reminds you of autumn?
Fallen Leaves-Billy Talent. I know it’s not about autumn per se, but it’s title is. - If you are going to a Fall dinner party, what dish are you bringing?
A candy apple fondue dessert station, with all the fixings! If you you’re curious, ask me! - What is your favourite Fall activity?
Drinking apple cider; is it hot? Is it cold? Is it alcoholic? I don’t care, it’s apple cider and it’s delicious.
Autumn is a wonderful time of year to make new memories with friends and family. We hope your Fall is filled with laughter and finds you warm and cozy.
You can Paint with all the Colours of the Wind
Leave a CommentBringing the colours of autumn into your decor
As the summer winds down and the leaves begin to change, your thoughts may turn to transitioning your home decor to embrace the warm hues of autumn. Inspired by nature’s beautiful, seasonal colours we have put together 10 great colour palettes to get you started.
Blue and Orange
This colour palette invokes crisp fall leaves and the clear blue skies of Autumn. They are also one of the 7 complimentary colours on the colour wheel, making them a natural combination.
Brown and Cream
Pairing the brown colours of chestnuts, tree bark and the earth itself, with the cream tones reminiscent of a warm cable knit sweater, gives this palette the welcoming cozy feel you crave for autumn.
Sage and Wood
Before the last of the green leaves make their change, there is this wonderful mix of tones of summer greens and the bare wood of the exposed branches. A calming, arboreal inspired fusion of colours.
Grey and Gold
Hints of beautiful yellow leaves, or a ray of sunshine through a stormy sky, this palette is a beautiful contrast of moody colours. The grey is such a versatile neutral backdrop for the dramatic golden hues of fall.
Black and Tan
As the days get shorter, why not embrace the darkness? Anchoring the room with black makes it feel extra cozy and dramatic. Balance the stark contrast by adding hues of soft beiges and tans, keeping the look chic and comforting.
Orange and Grey
A soft, contemporary combination of autumn colours come together in this selection. Like the forest on a foggy October morning, adding shades of muted oranges, or even a leafy pattern to a neutral grey background gives you an effortless seasonal switch.
Tan and Wood
All the tones of warm wood and a newly raked pile of dry leaves are the inspiration for this palette. Natural leathers, soft woven rugs and the grain of wood accents all layer together for a space worthy of snuggling up with a cup of hot cider.
Green and Gold
Sunny Mums with their green foliage came to mind when choosing this nod to everyone’s favourite front-porch fall flower. When paired together these 2 Autumn jewel tones are a rich and luxurious looking addition to your décor.
Orange and Cream
This palette reminds me of the colours of traditional pumpkins and the new Casper white pumpkins that are so popular for decorating. Even the most neutral of cream palettes can use a pop of cozy seasonal orange. Add a simple throw, some pillows or an awesome accent piece of furniture.
Black and Orange
Dress up for the spooky season with this dramatic colour palette. The deep rich blacks and charcoals of nighttime come together with tones of rusts and oranges for the quintessential Autumn combination.
Finding inspiration in nature for your home décor is always a great place to start in any season, but it is particularly motivating to take in all the beautiful colours that autumn has to offer.
Residence Decorating 101
Leave a CommentThe season for students leaving for and returning to college is upon us. Heading off to school can take a lot of thought about packing and what to bring to create a lovely place for studying, relaxing and spending time with friends. This month’s blog is all about how to dress up your basic dorm room with a few helpful ideas available here at Homestead.
More Like Home with a Headboard
An upholstered headboard will not only personalize your room, but it will also make it feel cozier and potentially add some much needed back support for late-night study sessions.
Incorporate Storage
Dorm rooms are small, so make use of every inch of space. A storage ottoman or bench pulls double duty as a great place for bulky winter sweaters and then they provide extra seats for guests.
Fun and Functional Lighting
Brighten up the room with ambient lighting such as a unique floor lamp. Then add task lighting for studying. Lamps with added USB ports are a great space saver too!
Warm the Floor with Rugs
Dorm room floors are usually a hard, cold surface. Bring in some comfort and softness with a fun area rug. They add a dash of style and also can help absorb the sonds of a busy residence.
Create a Kitchenette
Having a few kitchen essentials in your room goes a long way to making it feel more like home. Adding a mini-fridge and microwave (yes, they have an air fry option now!) ensures easy access to quick meals and late-night study snacks.
The Essential Desk
Every student needs a functional workspace. A simple slim desk is a great space saver with room for a bit of storage underneath. Some writing desks are versatile enough to offer a bit more surface space with fold out top panels. A super idea to accommodate space for extra reading material or even a bit of dining space.
Nightstand and More
If space allows, moving in a bed side set of drawers provides some really great storage for small items or toiletries. There are a wide variety of nightstands that plug in, allowing for extra electric outlets and handy USB chargers.
Mattress Protection
Mattress protection not only shields the mattress from stains, spills and sweat, but it also enhances the lifespan of your bedding. Our mattress protectors are comfortable and smooth, hypoallergenic, waterproof yet breathable, lightweight and silent. They serve as a barrier for dust mites, *EW, bacteria and allergens which enables a healthy irritant free sleep.
Affordable Seating
Maybe your accommodation is off campus, and you need some new furniture for your rental. Canadian makers, Trendline have introduced a fabulous new line of upholstered furniture in their “Affordable Living” series. Select from fashionable, durable fabrics to suit your own personal style.
Decorating your educational home away from home is a wonderful, exciting prospect. Your taste may change a bit but by selecting pieces of good quality and timeless style you can easily transition your residence décor to your first apartment. Welcome back to school, your next adventure awaits!
Creating the Retreat of Your Dreams
Leave a CommentIn this fast-paced world, finding some serenity or a bit of time for relaxation can be a bit of a challenge. What about creating a small retreat to get away from it all? For the Gents, maybe a “Man Cave” or for the ladies perhaps a “She Shed” would be just the place to unwind. Here are some great ideas to inspire your new hideaway.
Pick A Theme
The idea of creating a retreat for yourself, is to decorate it how you would like. Finding a theme is a great way to start. Sports or games are an easy choice, but what about a pub theme? A bibliophile would love the look of a library, or the audio enthusiast would enjoy all things music related. From Chic and modern to rustic and dark and everything in between, choose something that will reflect your personal style.
Comfy Seats
This is your place to relax, choosing comfortable seating is a must. An oversized armchair or recliner might fit the room or a large plush sofa for you to share your space with friends and family. If you have chosen a more stylish theme, maybe tailored chairs would be more fitting. Consider a piece in a bright coloured fabric if you have chosen a darker paint for your walls, giving the room a pop.
Chill Out
Any Man Cave or She shed would be incomplete without a place to store some cold beverages. While a traditional bar fridge is a great addition, why not consider built in refrigerator drawers? For something a bit more vintage looking there are some wonderful new Retro Style fridges in a variety of colours and sizes.
That’s Entertainment!
Maybe a relaxation space wasn’t in your plans. Perhaps a place for the gang to gather and watch a movie in a new home theatre is more what you had in mind. Think of adding leather reclining seating built for your screening room, complete with cupholders!
Or perhaps some more serious gaming is in your future. Large leather recliners would also be a fantastic compliment to any digital game console you may be installing.
Adding a good old fashioned games table will allow for hours of fun playing poker with your friends.
Step up to the bar
If space or budget are a challenge in having a full-sized bar built, give a thought to a cool bar cart. With plenty of styles and sizes to choose from, there is bound to be one to suit your room and satisfy your inner mixologist.
On the Shelf
Another great addition to your retreat would be some shelving. Whether it be open shelves or a full-on entertainment unit, including some sort of cabinetry is an excellent way to maximize the storage in your space. It also allows you to display all your special collectibles, your cherished souvenirs, family games or your well-loved book collection.
Creating your own retreat should give you a place to unwind and offer a restful , happy area to let you be you.
Whatever you would like to call it, “Man Cave” or “She Shed”, we all want a little personal space to call our own.
10 New Instagram Worthy things!
Leave a CommentSome great new things have arrived or are coming soon here at Homestead this month.
We thought we would share some of our favourites with a fun social media mash-up …Enjoy June’s Instablog.
We are feeling inspired by all these fantastic new products to offer. As always, our design team is here to help you choose your wonderful new looks and get your home “Gram” ready.
#shoplocal
10 Living Room Layout Hurdles
Leave a CommentHere are 10 common living room layout hurdles:
…and tips on how to get over them!
Decorating your living room can be a challenge. Choosing the right layout is so important to not only how the room looks, but how it functions for you and your family. Here is a quick list of common mistakes to avoid and some suggestions to follow to make your living room the best it can be.
- Lack of Focus
Solution: any great living space should have one great focal point. A wonderful view out the window, a fireplace, or a marvellous piece of art works well. Arrange your furniture to take advantage of any of these examples and think about how each seat will view the focal point for an inviting space. Including a swivel chair is a great idea to accommodate everyone’s viewpoint.
- Inadequate Table Space
Solution: As a rule of thumb each seat in your living room should be able to reach a table surface. Place end tables to safely put down your drink, a coffee table for magazines, or a serving tray for atop your soft ottoman. Also consider nesting tables that can be pulled out when needed.
- Seating arrangement seems distant.
Solution: Place the sofas or sofa and chairs opposite each other. This arrangement encourages conversations and interactions making your space feel cozier and more engaging.
- Empty space
Solution: Give those awkward or empty spaces a purpose. Creating designated functions within your space gives it structure and adds interest to your design. For example, add an occasional chair and small table for a beautiful reading space.
- Sofa with its back to the entrance of the room.
Solution: Introduce a console or sofa table behind the sofa. This will help anchor the space and adds an extra surface to decorate, landing your eye on something of interest, instead of the blank back of your couch. The right console table may even have some extra storage.
- Crossed paths
Solution: Make a defined and clear path for a smooth flow through the room. It makes your space accessible and welcoming. Think about doorways, general traffic patterns and walking in front of someone sitting in the regular “spot”.
- Wall Flowers
You would think that pushing your furniture flat against your living room walls would make it feel more open, but it actually has the opposite effect.
Solution: Pull the sofa away from the walls, giving it some “breathing” space and a more airy feel to the whole room.
- Not enough Light
Solution: layers of lighting create the mood throughout the day and evening. Use a mixture of lamps, a floor lamp for lighting up a dark corner and table lamps for reading.
- Off Balance
Solution: achieving a good balance in the living room is key to eye catching design. Making sure the weighty or hefty pieces, like sectionals are offset by other pieces. Choose a bold colour or a chair with an interesting shape.
This will keep the room in harmonious balance.
- No place for your stuff
Solution: Think about storage in your layout. Bookshelves or cabinets area great addition to your living room. Dress them with interesting family pieces or books you have loved. Consider an ottoman with hidden storage. By including a few clever pieces, it will keep your living room organized and clutter free.
Keeping the size and shape of your room while considering these points will help you create a space that is functional and looks great too! Don’t be afraid of experimenting with different layouts until you find the one that works for you.
Bring the Spring
Leave a CommentBring in the Spring!
Spring is the season of renewal. Plants sprouting and turning green, birds returning, and our thoughts turn to warmer weather to come. It’s also the time to tackle those spring-cleaning jobs and give your home a fresh, revived look. Including some of the latest design trends for spring can really boost your home’s interior.
Add Pops of Colour
Having a neutral toned sofa, grey or beige, gives you a chance to easily add some bright primary colours to bring in some spring. Yellows, lime greens, pinks and oranges are super choices for cushions or throws. For those feeling a little bolder, selecting a vibrant colour for a piece of furniture can be an impactful statement for your room.
Mix and Match
The trend this spring is focusing on botanical prints, but then mixing those with different patterns like plaids, ginghams and houndstooth fabrics. By adding layers of similar and complimentary tones, the room becomes welcoming and inviting.
Global Inspired Prints
Another great new trend this season is adding prints that reflect a global influence. Wonderful inspiration can be found in rich velvets, jewel toned patterns and warm, welcoming linens. They are sure to add some worldly charm to your home.
Personalize “Your” Design
Being your authentic self and reflecting your personal taste should always be in style, but this season it has certainly come to the forefront of design. Reflect your style through textures and materials that tell your story. Including off beat accessories or conversation starting pieces elevates the look of your room and adds charm. Sometimes the kookier the better. Let your imagination go.
Following this season’s trends can be a wonderful guideline for refreshing your decor for spring. Using bursts of colour and amazing textures, is a great way to bring a bit of newness in to your home. Also, this season brings the trend of Bucking the trend. The very embodiment of spring is finding and nurturing your personalized and unique style for your own little nest. Love what you surround yourself with and relish the fresh, new season.
Applicable Appendix for Appliances
Leave a CommentApplicable Appendix for Appliances
Appealing alliteration aside, the language surrounding today’s household appliances and their new features may seem a little complex. Our knowledgeable sales staff here at Homestead are always on hand to help you navigate through the new terminology, but we thought we would put together a handy glossary to familiarize yourself before your next appliance purchase.
Energy Star: a Rating that is granted indicating that the appliance is energy efficient.
Energy Guide: the label provided by manufacturers that estimates the annual use and operating cost of the appliance.
ADA Compliant: signifies a product’s compliance with the standards of accessibility of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Refrigerators
Max Cool: a feature that drops the refrigerator temperature to the coldest level within one hour to help chill groceries, beverages, and ingredients for serving. After 2 hours, the temperature will automatically be restored to previous setting.
Counter Depth: Refrigerators that are designed to match the depth of your cabinets and counter tops. On average they measure 28-30” deep, while their full-sized friends on average are 33” deep.
Ranges
Induction: the type of heating elements on cook tops or ranges that uses electromagnetic energy to create heat. The magnetic waves heat the contents of the pot while the surface of the cooktop remains cool. Special magnetic cookware is required for cooking.
Fan Convection/True Convection: A fan in the oven that moves the hot air around the inside of the oven, allowing for a more even bake or roast. In True convection, there is a heated element behind the fan that generates more warm air for the fan to circulate throughout the oven.
Bridge Element: a feature on cooktops or ranges that lets you connect 2 burners to make 1 longer cooking surface. Great for roast pans and making gravy!
Dishwashers
Dual Power Filtration: Skip pre-rinsing with this convenient feature. Dual Power Filtration combines 100% microfiltration and a 4-blade stainless steel chopper to filter out then disintegrate any food in its path.
3rd Level Rack: a specialized wash zone for small mugs or bowls and long cutlery. This extra rack brings more loading space and cleaning power right to the top of the dishwasher.
Microwaves
Flush Mount: when closed, the door sits flush with standard depth cabinets for a stylish and seamless look.
Under counter Drawer: a top loading microwave that installs in a kitchen island or wall, freeing up counter space for food preparation.
Washers
Agitator: the central column in the drum of the washer that rotates in the opposite direction of the spin.
Impeller: similar to a “fan” of water at the base of the washer, also spinning in the opposite direction, but uses water to create a counter current through the clothes to get them clean.
Dryers
Moisture sensor: found in dryers it detects the amount of moisture in the drum and helps prevent over drying.
Steam Refresh: releases wrinkles and reduces odours without rewashing. Using water and a bit of heat, items will be ready to wear in no time!
Appliance features sure have advanced lately, we hope this guide will help you understand just some of the new technology and its terminology for all the great appliances that make your life easier in your home.