Liz's Havasu Lifestyle Blog: December 2009

All too often, the cold winter chill sets into our homes because of fireplaces, drafty attics, open vents and window.  This creates tons of wasted energy and can end up costing us a fortune on high energy bills.  However, fixing the problem to these drafty areas can save us both energy and money.

Here are some techniques to easily and inexpensively insulate and seal up those problem areas:

Drafty Attics:

When installing attic stairs, there is a large hole created that causes a draft.  At night, turn on the light in your attic and close the door. Then look up at the attic from below to see how much light you can see. This is how much draft you have.  To fix the problem, purchase an insulated attic stair cover.  This will seal the stairs and stop all drafts, saving you money and energy.

Fireplaces:

Over 100 million homes in North America alone are built with wood or gas-burning fireplaces.  Studies have shown that open fireplace dampers on an unused fireplace, even on a well-insulated house, can raise your heating costs by 30%.  This could be an average of $500 or more per winter just because of your fireplace.

Dryer Vents:

In many homes, the clothes dryer is located in the coldest room of the house.  Your dryer is connected to an exhaust duct that is open to the outdoors and, in the winter, this allows very cold drafts to seep through the duct and into your home.  A low-cost solution to this problem is to purchase a dryer vent seal.  A vent seal will help reduce drafts and also keep unwanted pests such as rodents and bees from entering your home.  The vent will keep closed when the dryer is not in use and open when in use by allowing a floating shuttle to rise, allowing warm air, lint and moisture to escape the vent.

Windows:

Windows are another big culprit of energy loss, especially the single-pane windows that many U.S. homes have.  If your home has single-pane windows, consider replacing them with double-pane windows to save energy and money. 

Following these simple tips will save you energy and money each winter and summer.  You will soon notice the difference on your utility bills.  For more tips and advice, please visit my website.

Your Lake Havasu City, Arizona Real Estate Professional ~ Realtor® Liz Miller

As it gets closer and closer to Christmas, there will be quite a few great events going on around Lake Havasu City that will be great for the whole family.  Therefore, I am compiling a list of those events and their details so you can take complete advantage of them during the Holiday season. 

* 12/18/2009 - 12/20/2009 - The Wizard of OZ (Grace Arts Live Performance) - A live theater production about little Dorothy of Kansas who dreams of what lies over the rainbow, when one day a twister hits her family farm and carries her away to the end of the rainbow and sets her down in Munchkinland.  Play begins Friday & Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 2:00pm at 2146 McCulloch Blvd.  Tickets are $25 for adults and $12 for children.  For more information, contact (928) 505-ARTS.

* 12/19/2009 - 12/20/2009 - Live Drive-Thru Nativity - Live performers and animals will reenact the story of Christmas.  Presentation provided by Havasu Bible Fellowship.  Drive-Thru hours are from 6:00pm through 10:00pm at Desert Hills, London Bridge Rd.  For more information, contact Carol McDougall at (928) 505-2876.

* 12/19/2009 - Christmas Magic at the Library - Free crafts, fun and stories for all children 12 & under with their grown-ups.  Fun begins at 9:00am at the Mohave County Library, 1770 N. McCulloch Blvd., in the K-mart Shopping Plaza.  There will also be face painters, clowns and magicians there for added fun.  For more information, contact (928) 505-3630.

* 12/26/2009 - Lake Havasu Vehicle Swap Meet - This event is always held on the last Saturday of the month from 8:00am - 4:00pm at the London Bridge Plaza Parking Lot.  This is an ideal event to sell or buy what you have been looking for such as autos, trailers, motor homes, motorcycles, quads, classics, rods, parts, accessories, and more.  Admission is free.  For more information, contact Al de la Pena at (928) 854-2733.

* 12/31/2009 - New Year's Eve Street Party - Come for live bands, fun, the big ball drop and much more at 9:00pm on Main Street in Lake Havasu City.  For more information, contact Jeanne Nelson at (928) 208-1251.

Looks like you and your family won't be lacking for fun and entertainment in Lake Havasu City, Arizona this Holiday season.  There are too many great events for the whole family to fill your free time.

Realtor® Liz Miller ~ Lake Havasu City Real Estate

Lake Havasu citizens will get the chance to give their opinions and possibly select future businesses that set roots in Lake Havasu City next month.  So, get ready Lake Havasu citizens and shout it loud.  This is your town and Lake Havasu City real estate is a hot spot.  Therefore, get your opinion on the table, too.

The City of Lake Havasu City will be doing a Retail Recruitment Survey that is being organized by the Partnership for Economic Development.  Residents will receive the survey along with their water bill.  And, depending on the response rate that they receive, lucky national retailers could select Lake Havasu City as their home destination. 

Over 26,000 survey forms were sent out to see what kind of reaction the citizens will be giving.  The survey will give insight for eight large retail stores, 14 restaurants and 35 small retail locations.

Many companies have already said they are very interested in coming Lake Havasu City, Arizona, but are just not sure how many people are interested in having them come.  Therefore, the city came up with a great plan to let the citizens tell them which companies they are most interested in having come and ask them which ones they would most frequent.

The City of Lake Havasu and interested businesses alike are hoping people will respond so they can clearly see just how many residents are interested in which stores they want in their community.  Once the information is compiled, the store or stores chosen will be announced in February.

So, Lake Havasu City citizens, shout your opinion loud and make sure you are heard.

Realtor® Liz Miller ~ Lake Havasu City Real Estate

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When you get in the holiday spirit, you just can't help but want to decorate your home to add cheer and spice up its environment.  Therefore, I have a few Christmas decorating ideas to help you create memories that will last a lifetime.  And don't forget to get your kids to join in on the fun.

* Fill your home with a festive scent by gathering evergreen branches and boughs.  Place them on your mantle, staircase, front door, etc. for beautiful decorations.

* Consider a completely different Christmas tree this year.  Maybe one with only white lights or a completely bare tree so you can marvel at nature's perfection.

* Place large pine cones in groups bound with ribbon.  You can then hang them from doorknobs, windows or stair banisters.

* Add Christmas cheer in unexpected places around your home like the bathrooms.  Adding lights around the mirrors or hanging festive ornaments from the lighting will surely spice up these rooms.

* Nuts are a traditional holiday favorite.  You can use them decoratively by hanging nut clusters from pretty bows and attaching them to boughs throughout your home.

* Natural fruit can be placed in decorative bowls for a great added touch.  Items such as pomegranates, oranges and apples make a great mix.

* Finish off your rooms with nativity scenes, angel figurines, decorative ornaments or any of your other favorite Christmas decorations.

I hope these Christmas decorating ideas are helpful in getting your home in the holiday spirit.

Happy Holidays ~ Realtor® Liz Miller

Lake Havasu City Real Estate