Monday, December 16, 2019

#GreenLivingTips: Tips on Preparing for Snow!


As cooler weather approaches, it's important to be prepared for snow! Once fall is over, winter weather can come quickly. Are you ready for a snowstorm? If you're prepared ahead of time, it will make your life much less stressful. That way, you can enjoy a snow day at your apartment! Check out these tips to start preparing for snow! 

Prepare ahead of time: We have all seen the panic set in before a snowstorm: the emptying of the grocery store shelves and everyone filing up their cars with gas. However, you can skip the panic if you plan ahead of time! Save yourself the trouble so that when the time comes for snow, you won't be rushing around.

Stock up: By stocking on food, blankets, and other snow necessities ahead of time, you will save a lot  of time and stress in the long run. Stock up on your apartment with things lie batteries, a battery-operated radio, and flashlights in case the electricity goes out. Additionally, make sure you have plenty non-perishable food, water bottles, and toilet paper.

Dress the part: We all love gong out to play in the snow, but it's important to ensure that you and your children are properly dressed before doing so. Before it gets too cold, check that you and your families winter coats still fit! If your child's coat doesn't fit- consider donating it to a coat drive for these in need. Conveniently, Grady Management is hosting a coat drive in December! Make sure that you also have winter boots with good traction, hats, scarves, and gloves in case you go out in the snow.

Make sure everything works: Before the snow comes, it's important to make sure that your appliances such as your stove and washer/dryer are working correctly. Be sure to charge up all your electronics like phones, computers, and rechargeable batteries once you find out that snow is on its way.

Prepare your home: As the snowstorm approaches, prepare your home for the wintery weather. Bring in your plants from the patio or cover them with sheets. Additionally, you can keep your pipes from from freezing by leaving the water running at a slow drip and keeping the cabinets under the sink open. The on-site management team works hard to keep the parking lots, sidewalks, and stairs as clear as possible.

Service your car: Regardless of whether or not you have 4-wheel or all-wheel-drive vehicle, consider taking your car to be serviced well before the storm hits. If you must venture out into the storm, it's important that everything works properly. The shop you take your car to will know what to check, including your brake pads, fluids, and tire treads.

During the snow storm: Stay safe during a snowstorm by limiting your travel to emergency reasons only. Playing outside in the snow is generally safe as long as you dress properly and the snow isn't coming down too hard. Otherwise, it is important to stay indoors to protect yourself. Stay hydrated, and listen out for weather updates on the radio or TV if you have electricity.

Once you finish preparing for snow, enjoy the snow day! The kids may be off school and you may be off work, so snuggle up with some hot chocolate or build a snowman! 

Show us how you decorated your apartment today!
Grady's GreenLiving Tips was created in 2014 by Grady Management, Inc.  Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more from our website or Facebook page.

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

#GreenLiving: DIY Decor for the Holidays!

The holiday season is finally here and the joy and cheer of decor is near! With that being said, holidays can get expensive due to parties, gifts and food that come with celebrating. To remain budget friendly, here are a couple of do-it-yourself tips on homemade decor that will look amazing in your home during the holidays!

DIY Ornaments: A very inexpensive and fun for the whole family activity is creating ornaments at home! This is a unique way to put a festive spin on your holiday tree this year. Some fun ideas could be: tie-dying plastic ornaments and paper mache ornaments. 

DIY Wreaths: The wreath is one of the first decoration pieces that you see once you enter your home- you want to make sure this stands out from the rest! Create a snowball wreath by attaching styrofoam balls onto a wreath mold- you can even paint these into any color of your choice. Don't forget to add the bow in the middle!

DIY Garlands: A simple way to create a garland is by using construction paper! Grab any color that will set the perfect holiday mood in your home- cut them into shapes of leaves! Print out a traceable image of different leaves to help speed up this process. Once you're done- use string or yarn to attach the leaves together after you hole punch them. After they're connected hang them up! 

DIY Gift Boxes: Recycle and re-use! During the holidays we receive so many packages and boxes. Instead of throwing these away- recycle them! Grab some gift wrapping paper and cover the plain box. Place the box under your holiday tree for decoration or store it there to re-use to put a gift inside. 


Take a picture of your homemade creations and post them online to inspire someone else! Make sure to enjoy the holidays with your family and friends this year.

Show us how you decorated your apartment today!
Grady's GreenLiving Tips was created in 2014 by Grady Management, Inc.  Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more from our website or Facebook page.