Jim Hairston Blog

Major paint companies and color experts have once again announced their colors of the year. They're expected to be the top shades in design, and many reflect what we're looking for in the new year. Some are vibrantly optimistic, while others are soothing.
  
The following are some 2021 colors of the year, and our REALTORS® suggest ways you can incorporate them into your home.  

• HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams – Passionate HGSW2032  
  The color palette for 2021 will be all about vibrant colors, according to Sherwin-Williams. The company's Passionate HGSW2032, a rich, bold red, is its 2021 color of the year. It can create a backdrop for neutral furniture paired with accents inspired by nature. Or pair it with a vivid blue or green for a more vibrant look.

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COVID-19 has presented us with many challenges this year, and one of them is figuring out the best way to workout safely. Even as gyms have reopened, millions of people are still reluctant to take the chance as social distancing protocols remain in place. To further complicate matters, getting out for a quick jog in the middle of winter isn't always the most comfortable way to burn calories. 

It's no wonder the home fitness industry has exploded this year, as several innovative products have hit the market. While a lot of these products come with a big price tag, there are simple ways to set up a gym on any budget. As more and more people look for ways to workout from home, our REALTORS® thought it'd be helpful to pull together some tips for setting up your own home gym.

1. Determine your fitness goals
   Before you can decide what equipment you need, it's a good idea to identify your fitness goals. Think about what you're trying to accomplish: weight loss, muscle gain, strength, or endurance? Once you've identified your training style, you can figure out what weights and machines are best suited for your home gym.

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It's the season to keep an eagle-eye on the weather forecast and wonder if you can wear more than one sweater at a time. As fall turns to winter, the environmentally-conscious and budget-minded alike start thinking about energy efficiency. And our REALTORS® regularly encounter homebuyers concerned about heating efficiency in the homes they view during the colder months. Whether you're looking to sell your home or stay comfortable in the one you have, a few hints on smart heating use will save you money and make those chilly winter nights a little cozier.

• Keep Those Home (Furnace) Fires Burning 
  Furnaces don't require much in the way of upkeep and are built to last 15 years or more. But neglecting basic maintenance can make your furnace less efficient and possibly shorten its life. Change the air filters on your furnace before you begin using heat in the fall and at least once during the winter. Having your furnace professionally inspected before you turn on the heat in autumn can help you spot problems before they literally leave you in the cold.
  
  

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The holidays are often associated with days and nights spent enjoying the company of friends and family. With COVID-19 having been the highlight of 2020, large holiday gatherings are being discouraged. But that doesn't mean that you and your quarantine partners can't enjoy the holiday season. From making a Christmas card to baking your favorite Christmas cookies, there are many crafts and activities that will bring the cheery spirit, keep your little ones entertained, and allow them to show their creativity. Here are our REALTORS® suggestions for crafts and activities that you can do with your kids over Christmas break at home.

• Cut Paper Snowflakes
  Making paper snowflakes is a fun activity that's easy to set up and execute. All you need are two essential supplies: paper and a pair of scissors. You probably have paper lying around in the house, but buying some origami paper or some colored construction paper can add some artistic flair and make the project more interesting. You can learn the basics of making paper snowflakes online, and once you're done, you can tape the snowflakes to the wall or hang them on the Christmas tree.

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A lot of people will be celebrating the holiday season differently this year. To reduce the spread of COVID-19, many families are choosing to stay at home and are having get-togethers via video chat. Just because you aren't entertaining in a traditional way, it doesn't mean you shouldn't decorate your home for the holidays. Our REALTORS® know that this is a challenging time for everyone, including those with Mansfield homes for sale. Whether you're buying, selling or staying put, these tips for creative holiday decorating can lift your spirits and put you in a festive mood.

• Go Green
  Exploring eco-friendly décor isn't just good for the planet—it's a fun way to mix things up and let your imagination run wild. Two cool sustainable ideas for holiday decorating are wrapping presents in fabric instead of paper or using brown paper bags for wrapping paper. It's a great way to get kids involved—they can use colored pencils or markers to create their own designs on the outside of the paper.

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