Archives December 2018

Theo tin Kovels.com trong prweb.com

Cherished family Christmas decorations may also be real treasures. The Kovels suggest keeping an eye out for these 5 vintage decorations.

CLEVELAND (PRWEB) DECEMBER 20, 2018

The antiques experts at Kovels.com have listed 5 vintage holiday decorations that are great collectibles. German immigrants brought the tradition of Christmas tree ornaments with them when they settled in America in the 1840s. Old Christmas ornaments are cherished for sentimental reasons and holiday beauty but they may also have monetary value. As you hunt for festive holiday decorations, the Kovels suggests keeping an eye out for these 5 vintage treasures:

1. Blown glass balls and figural ornaments. The most valuable are those made in Germany before 1940. Kugels (meaning “ball” in German) are thick glass handblown balls with a silvery patina that were made in Germany starting about 1830. They sell for the most money. Too heavy to hang on a tree, they were used to decorate other parts of a home. Thinner versions were made after 1855 and used as tree ornaments. After World War I, American makers began mass-producing glass ornaments and these sell for less. Look for those with metal caps marked Shiny-Brite, made from 1937 to 1960. Clever figural glass animals, birds, people, fruit, pine cones, icicles and vehicles are also desirable. Those in rare colors like red or amber are worth more.

2. “Dresden” ornaments are another favorite. They were made from about 1880 to 1910 in the Leipzig-Dresden area of Germany. They were not made of porcelain as one might think but dampened cardboard that was pressed into complex shapes (not always associated with Christmas), painted, and decorated with gilt, tin, tinsel and other trim. Look for shapes from angels and gnomes to Swiss chalets and zeppelins.

3. Vintage Christmas tree lights are gaining in popularity. Candles had long been used to light up trees, but by the 1880s, electric bulbs were tried but were dangerous. Tree lighting didn’t become popular until after 1917, when safety bulbs were invented, and lights were put on strings. Collectors are drawn to midcentury examples like bubble lights (now being made again), candles and large teardrop shapes.

4. Santa is always the star. Collectors look for his likeness on ornaments, candy containers, toys and advertising in materials from cardboard and celluloid to papier-mache and tin. Especially desirable are Coca-Cola ads beginning in 1930 that feature Santa drinking Coke that helped shape America’s image of Santa.

5. Newer decorations sure to be collector favorites are those with space-age “sparkle” like aluminum trees and garlands, modern and unique blown glass pieces, non-religious celebrity or event-related items and depictions of Christmas villages or nativity scenes made of wood, cardboard and pottery.

And don’t forget the glass pickle! According to popular Christmas tradition, the first person to find the pickle hidden on the tree on Christmas morning will be blessed with good fortune and maybe an extra gift! Happy Holidays from the Kovels!

Terry Kovel is one of America’s foremost authorities on antiques and collectibles. She is the well-known columnist and author of more than 100 books on antiques and collecting. The 2019 edition of Kovels’ Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide is available at Kovels.com and local bookstores. This all-new 51st edition of Kovels’ popular annual price guide features 16,000 prices and more than 2,500 photos, larger than ever before, on items in categories most sought-after by collectors. New this edition – 300 marks to help identify and date pottery, porcelain, glass and other collectibles. Terry Kovel will discuss antiques and collectibles topics with accredited media. Photographs are available. Contact pr(at)kovels(dot)com.

About Kovels.com
Kovels.com, created by Terry Kovel and her daughter, Kim Kovel, provides collectors and researchers with up-to-date and accurate information on antiques and collectibles. The company was founded in 1953 by Terry Kovel and her late husband, Ralph. Since then, the Kovels have written some of America’s most popular books and articles about antiques, including the best-selling annual Kovels’ Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide. The website, Kovels.com, online since 1998, offers more than a million free prices, and includes a free weekly email, “Kovels Komments.” It gives readers a bird’s-eye view of the market through the latest news, auction reports, a Marks Dictionary, readers’ questions and answers and much more.
Contact Information:
Liz Lillis
216.752.2252
Pr(at)kovels(dot)com

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Theo tin Family Features Editorial Syndicate trong prnewswire.com

Tips for creating a festive space while leasing your home

MISSION, Kan., Nov. 19, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — (Family Features) Seasons change, and so do rental contracts and housing arrangements. If you’re leasing, you can still make your rental feel like home for the holidays with seasonal decor.

There are plenty of ways to create a festive holiday setting that makes your temporary space feel like a cozy, inviting home for the holidays, according to Meghan Giddens, design expert for Invitation Homes, a leading owner and operator of more than 80,000 single-family homes for lease.

“When it comes to decorating, renters often feel limited by the temporary nature of their living arrangements,” Giddens said. “We believe people should be able to make their house a home, one they’re proud to share with loved ones in-person or on their social feeds, no matter how long or short the stay.”

These seasonal decorating tips can help you create a space worthy of your newsfeed that won’t break the bank or your lease guidelines.

A festive entryway
When friends and family come to visit in celebration of the season, their first impressions often start when they walk up to the entryway. While festive touches are important to lead into the rest of the home, be careful not to overwhelm. Think of your holiday home decor as a series of unique moments, each designed to give your guests a positive experience or create an opportunity for a share-worthy photo.

A holiday staple is a creatively decorated wreath hanging on the front door. Start with a plain wreath and add some holiday flair by wrapping it with thin red ribbon and tucking pine cones into areas they will hold firmly. For added detail, weave in artificial cranberry twigs that won’t lose their eye-catching pops of red color in the winter weather. Then affix your wreath to the door with a removable hook, of course.

A small tree trimmed with white lights and miniature ornaments just inside the door is a welcoming touch for guests as they step inside – just make sure it’s clear of the door and there’s still ample room for removing wet shoes and coats.

Magical holiday mantels
Nothing says “holiday” quite like a crackling fire adorned with festive decorations. In many homes, the mantel is already a focal point and the backdrop to many family photos, so it’s an opportunity to make a big impact in a relatively small space. Think of your mantel as a blank canvas to create your own holiday scene. You can remove your everyday decor and add seasonal accent pieces or stash what you normally display and introduce something completely new.

Greenery in swags or a garland laid across the mantel is a classic way to dress it up for the holidays. You can add seasonal blooms like poinsettia and items like pinecones, faux antlers and berries for a nature-inspired look that can positively stand out. Or opt for oversized wire-edged ribbon to run across the mantle with gentle ripples and waves to add dimension. An easy DIY project like weighted boxes wrapped like gifts can lend extra visual appeal and festive color – simply wrap unused shoe boxes or other cardboard boxes with holiday wrapping paper, tie a bow with ribbon and stack like gifts.

Remember, the mantel is also an excellent place to display a holiday collection, such as nutcrackers or treasured figurines.

Talk of the neighborhood
There’s no reason to limit your seasonal celebrating to the indoors when you can create yard decor that’s the envy of the neighborhood. Holiday lights add instant holiday flair, and there are a nearly endless number of low-profile, affordable clips available that allow you to hang lights without permanently fixing or stapling anything to a home’s exterior. Keep colors and patterns in mind, whether you’re planning to go all-out on different colored strings or simple white all around. Other options like illuminated figures, inflatables or projection lights let you get extra creative and show a little personality, too.

Although the impact on your lease is probably less of a concern outdoors, there are some important safety precautions you should take to protect the property. Be sure you’re aware of the home’s electric capacity and don’t overload the system. Use power cords and plug-ins designed for outdoor use and follow all the manufacturers’ safety guidelines to prevent fire risks.

Also remember the details are what will make your outdoor design truly exceptional, so don’t overlook everyday features like the mailbox, which you can dress up for the season with a pretty bow.

Decorating your home in a temporary yet festive manner can be accomplished with these ideas and more. Find additional tips to make your house a home any season of the year at invitationhomes.com.

Decorating Do’s and Don’ts
When it comes to decorating, a DIY approach can be intimidating. Get started with these pro tips from Invitation Homes:

Do: mix textures
The holiday season is the perfect opportunity to add more texture to your home’s decor. Mixing and matching textures can add depth and diversify the space. Fuzzy, festive throw pillows, colorful knit blankets or a vibrant seasonal rug all bring a temporary sense of holiday spirit.

Don’t: be afraid to use color
For a season that is built around bright reds and greens, the holidays are the perfect time to play with bold colors. For optimal color balance, a common rule of thumb is to use three colors: one anchor and two accents. The anchor will be more neutral as it takes up most of the space. The two accents can be bright and contrasting, helping give the room character.

Do: layer lighting
Especially if you’ll be entertaining, don’t overlook the importance of lighting when planning your holiday decor. Many rooms are lit by a single overhead light. Although this ambient light typically gets the job done, the area is often left with a flat feel. Give the space dimension with varying, angled light from floor or table lamps to lend a warm glow that makes the room inviting while highlighting your favorite holiday decorations.

Don’t: sacrifice function
It’s easy to get carried away with filling your home with decorative pieces that really have no purpose except to look pretty. Too many showy items can lead to an overly cluttered area that looks more garish than great (and may prevent guests from fully enjoying all your hard work). Avoid holiday decorations that take up too much room or minimize seating.

Michael French
mfrench@familyfeatures.com
1-888-824-3337
editors.familyfeatures.com

About Family Features Editorial Syndicate
A leading source for high-quality food, lifestyle and home and garden content, Family Features provides readers with topically and seasonally relevant tips, takeaways, information, recipes, videos, infographics and more. Find additional articles and information at Culinary.net and eLivingToday.com.

SOURCE Family Features Editorial Syndicate

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Theo tin Mister Sparky trong prnewswire.com

HOUSTON, Dec. 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — December is one of the deadliest months for electrical fires, and each year, hundreds of home fires are caused by holiday decorations and Christmas trees. It’s critical for home owners to safeguard the home now – and throughout the season – in order to avoid potential disasters.

The Mister Sparky® electric team has the following safety tips to help ensure home owners and house guests stay safe this holiday season.

Check holiday decorations for flammability.
Water and electricity don’t mix! Be sure all outdoor illuminations like light strings are rated for outdoor use or properly protected. Be sure to never exceed the recommended wattage and plug outdoor electrical equipment into ground-fault protected circuits.
Avoid plugging too many lights into one outlet; overloaded circuits can easily start fires.
Make sure to turn off the lights when you go to bed and to take your decorations down after the holidays. They can deteriorate over time and cause problems in the future.
While most decorations are flameproof, treat all decorations as highly combustible and keep away from holiday candles. Keep your holiday trees watered; dry trees are a fire hazard.
Prep your house for winter weather.
If you need to use a space heater to stay warm, consider the safety features of the unit, the size of the area you want to heat and the energy efficiency of the heater. Finding a heater that fits your space is critical to safety.
Never leave a space heater on when you’re not home, and unplug the device when you’re not using it. It’s also important to keep combustibles at least three feet from the heat source. This can include holiday decorations and curtains.
Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, or install new ones. Mount smoke alarms high on walls or ceilings. It is recommended that one smoke detector be placed on every floor of the home, including basements and attics, as well as in every bedroom of the house.
Consider upgrading your outdoor lighting on stairs and walkways, in advance of dark and icy weather, to protect your family and guests during the winter months.
Call in the experts before the holiday rush.
Your local Mister Sparky electricians are available to ensure your house is ready before decorations go up and guests arrive. Professional installation of safe and convenient electrical outlets for your holiday lights will help defend your home from surges.
Getting a full home inspection, including GCFI protection for all wet areas in your home, can highlight the problems that will cause a headache during your celebrations.
Mister Sparky locations are a part of the Direct Energy family of brands with independently-owned and operated locations throughout North America. For more holiday-related safety information and tips, contact the Mister Sparky location in your area. To find the location nearest you, visit www.mistersparky.com.

About Mister Sparky®
The Mister Sparky electric team has an impeccable record for delivering fast, on-time service, accurate upfront pricing, and an overall pleasant experience for customers. We differentiate ourselves from all other electrical companies by our unique message to the marketplace: Mister Sparky – America’s On-Time Electrician®, We’re On Time, You’ll See, Or The Repair Is Free!®. We have trademarked “on-time” in the electrical industry and we champion it in the marketplace. The Mister Sparky brand is part of the Direct Energy® family of brands. Franchised locations are independently owned and operated businesses.
©2018 Clockwork IP, LLC

About Direct Energy
Direct Energy is one of North America’s largest retail providers of electricity, natural gas, and home and business energy-related services with over four million customers. Direct Energy gives customers choice, simplicity, and innovation where energy, data, and technology meet. A subsidiary of Centrica plc (LSE: CNA), an international energy and services company, Direct Energy, its subsidiaries and/or affiliates, operate in 50 U.S. states plus the District of Columbia and 4 provinces in Canada. To learn more about Direct Energy, please visit www.directenergy.com.
©2018 Clockwork IP, LLC

SOURCE Mister Sparky

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Theo tin WatermarkPointe trong prweb.com

Cyber Week sales data shows growth in key areas

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIF. (PRWEB) DECEMBER 12, 2018

MailPix, the photo-printing, canvas and gifting ecommerce company, announces the most-popular photo gifts so far for the 2018 holiday season. Products may be ordered online or with convenient MailPix mobile apps.

Among the most-popular offerings during Cyber Week:

Photo ornaments make great gifts. Choose from a variety of photo layouts, shapes and materials to fit in with any distinctive style and add text to further personalize the holiday ornament creation.

Home photo decor products add a unique flair to living rooms, bedrooms, home offices or family rooms. No matter the occasion, the MailPix collection of personalized photo gifts are an affordable and stylish way to showcase a family’s brightest memories.

Photo magnets are now available in two sizes, a 2×3” wallet or 4×6”. They are perfect to put on your refrigerator, in a locker or even to give as gifts to family and friends.

Photo panels are ready for hanging without any framing required. Photo panels have a glossy surface and reproduce images with a crisp color and clarity making it a great addition to your home or office. Photo panels come in sizes 11×14, 12×12, 16×20 and 20×24 and have a beveled edge and are a solid 5/8″ thick with a glass-like scratch resistant surface.

“MailPix has hundreds of gifts ideas for holidays,” says Fred H. Lerner, CEO and founder, MailPix. “Whether ordered from our revised easy-to-use website or our convenient mobile apps, MailPix photo gifts bring something new for your holiday every year.”

MailPix photo apps, for both iOS and Android platforms, deliver to more than 20,000 U.S. retail locations.

ABOUT MAILPIX.COM

MailPix.com is the pre-eminent site for printing photos instantly at thousands of retailers from phone app or PC and also offers convenient mail-to-home. MailPix preserves photo memories as photo books, canvas, prints, cards, enlargements and other photo gift products. The service is seamlessly integrated to print photos from any phone, device or computer. MailPix offices are located in Huntington Beach, Calif.
Fred H. Lerner is the founder and CEO of MailPix, his latest startup. He previously founded Ritz Interactive, which included RitzCamera.com, WolfCamera.com and others. Fred also founded two imaging companies which were acquired by Kodak and became the CEO of Kodak Processing Labs. He is a United Nations’ Hall of Fame recipient from the International Photographic Council and Past President of the Photo Marketing Association International.
Peter Tahmin, co-founder and COO of MailPix, was the former vice president at Ritz Camera & Image and co-founder, senior vice president and COO of the Ritz Interactive e-commerce network, which included RitzCamera.com, WolfCamera.com, BoatersWorld.com and others. He brings more than 25 years of e-commerce experience and a lifetime of imaging industry experience to MailPix.

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Theo tin Scentsy, Inc. trong prnewswire.com

MERIDIAN, Idaho, Dec. 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — If you’re lounging by the fire, snuggled up in a blanket, sipping hot cocoa and thinking to yourself, “Now, this is the life,” then you’ve discovered hygge (HOO-ga), the Danish idea of coziness.

And what better time to embrace hygge than the holidays? Here are three easy ways to turn down the stress and turn up the cozy.

1. Fill your home with holiday scents — no baking required.
Try out these heavenly scents from Scentsy’s exquisitely fragranced Hygge Wax Collection:
Calming Woods – Vanilla bean, creamy sandalwood and rich cedarwood.
Cozy Kitchen – A blissful batch of warm oats with brown sugar and spicy cinnamon.
Quiet Clementine – Sweet orange, vanilla orchid and sandalwood.
Toasty Cabin – Bergamot zest, black pepper, wild fern and acacia wood.
Woolly Slippers – Slide into a sweet-and-cozy cloud of sugared lavender, marshmallow and vanilla.

The Hygge Wax Collection comes in a giftable purple stocking priced at $24.

2. Simplify your decorating.
Talk about a win-win: This home décor makes decorating a snap and fills your home with sumptuous scents.
Merry Mug Warmer will help you deck your halls with the jolliest mug this side of the North Pole priced at $30. Or celebrate the jingle that makes every heart skip a beat with Sleigh Bell Warmer priced at $35.

3. Streamline your shopping.
The hardest part of the holidays is finding the perfect gifts. To the rescue: Scentsy’s Classic Curve Warmer in gray, navy or white. This special gift bundle comes with these three FREE Scentsy Bar fragrances: Black Raspberry Vanilla, Luna and Vanilla Bean Buttercream. Buy a bundle and save a bundle priced at $30.
And who wouldn’t love a cuddly, cool companion like Olaf? He comes with an Olaf: Warm Hugs Scent Pak (think snow-covered woods and warm vanilla with a surge of cool mint). Take Olaf home for $35.

You’ll find plenty more hygge-inspired ideas to cozy-up your holidays here.

Lonni Leavitt-Barker
C: (208) 995-7706
O: (208) 286-3972
llbarker@scentsy.com

About Scentsy
Scentsy, Inc. (www.scentsy.com) features safe, fragrant alternatives to traditional wicked candles, on-the-go fragrances, laundry care, inventive cleaning solutions and luxurious personal care products for women, men and kids. Scentsy products are sold through a network of Independent Consultants running home-based businesses throughout North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

SOURCE Scentsy, Inc.

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Theo tin WatermarkPointe trong prweb.com

Pittsburgh-based business specializes in unique paper animal kits for all ages

PITTSBURGH (PRWEB) DECEMBER 05, 2018

New paper animal kits have been added to Resident’s product line to offer more options for holiday shopping.

Products vary from beginner to expert paper craft kits to satisfy a variety of skill levels and creativity needs. Each product page includes a specific description and level of difficulty to ensure you purchase the design you like but also at the appropriate skill level.

What comes in the kits? Everything you need to successfully build each paper sculpture! It includes all of the cut and scored pieces, glue, a practice piece (which you build into a whale along with a video on the assembly page), and a tool to help with folding and gluing.

Resident was founded on creativity and a passion for hands-on building. Tristan, Resident’s founder, has always had a knack for design, making things with his hands since elementary school. With a degree in Architecture, he began working for a few mid-sized startups in 2011 while creating his paper designs on the side. Once he was satisfied with the quality and style of his DIY animal kits, he felt confident enough to branch out on his own and pursue his paper craft passion full time. Tristan set out to make paper craft modeling accessible to all interests and skill levels. Combining his love for architecture, high quality design, and paper, Resident Design was born.

Since its inception in 2015, Resident has fulfilled more than 5,000 orders, filling people’s homes with modern DIY decor. Drawing inspiration from his customers, Tristan is constantly expanding his product lines to fulfill everyone’s wildest paper craft dreams. Resident has an expansive product line ranging from a DIY Panda all the way to a DIY Parasaurolophus kit. Tristan envisions his designs as a way to get people away from their desk and to feel the satisfaction of creating something with their hands, whether it be alone or as a means of bringing people and families together. Everyday he works to make his animal kits easier and more fun while keeping the quality of design as high as possible.

Resident is offering a free $10 gift card for all orders over $100 & free shipping for the holidays.

Want to check out the paper animal kits in person? Resident is exhibiting at One of a Kind Show in Chicago from December 6th-9th

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Theo tin WatermarkPointe trong prnewswire.com

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y., Nov. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — With relaxed living amongst spectacular amenities, WatermarkPointe Westchester condominiums offer a laid back, resort-inspired lifestyle. These residences are the ideal setting to welcome family and friends to share in the holiday festivities. WatermarkPointe shares four ways to get your home ready for the holidays.

Spruce up your décor. The holiday season is the perfect time to decorate with elegant flair. Add some winter white pillows and blankets to your expansive open floor plan or put up some soft decorative lighting to add a cozy feel. Twinkle lights are a great way to amp up the holiday atmosphere. Stock up on scented candles reminiscent of holidays past.

Enjoy your gourmet kitchen. The winter season is the perfect time to bake and cook up some delicious, comforting meals in your luxurious kitchen. Cookies and other treats baked with friends and family can be a fun way to start new traditions. If you are having guests over for the holidays, plan the menu ahead of time, put a holiday tablecloth on the dining room table and set out the holiday dinnerware. Finish the table with sophisticated glasses and customized place cards to truly wow your guests.

Prepare for guests. Prepare the rooms and baths to help family and friends feel more comfortable. Include some festive decorations and cozy towels so guests feel right home. Make sure there are plenty of throw blankets, include plenty of toiletries and, if you have overnight guests, add fluffy bathrobes so they can attain the highest level of relaxation.

Take advantage of incredible amenities. For a refreshing change of scenery, don’t forget the WatermarkPointe clubhouse. You and your guests can lounge in cozy oversized chairs as you take in incredible views of the picturesque Long Island Sound. Delight in a sporting event on the large screen TV or enjoy the game tables and entertainment bar. Your more active guests may want to work off those holiday goodies at the fully-equipped fitness center via the cardio machines, weight machines, and free weights.

About WatermarkPointe
WatermarkPointe features high-end, luxury residences that offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy waterfront living while being close to Manhattan. A strong, hands-on Westchester builder/developer, National Realty & Development Corp, whose diverse background encompasses residential, commercial and retail projects throughout the Northeast, is fully dedicated to creating a spectacular waterfront residential lifestyle. Media Contact: Desiree Freeman, fishbat Media, 855-347-4228, desiree@fishbat.com

SOURCE WatermarkPointe

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