Michiana House and Home January 2023

Complimentary January 2024

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Color of the Year Furniture Trends Your Home’s History

Friday, Saturday and Sunday

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PO Box 188 • 206 South Main St. Milford, IN 46542 800.733.4111/Fax 800.886.3796 Editorial ext. 2311 & Advertising ext. 2328

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Deb Patterson dpatterson@the-papers.com EDITOR Lauren Zeugner lzeugner@the-papers.com

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PUBLISHER Ron Baumgartner rbaumgartner@the-papers.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Karen Johnson kjohnson@the-papers.com BUSINESS MANAGER Annette Weaver aweaver@the-papers.com

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contents

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Steve Meadows smeadows@the-papers.com

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Documenting Your Home’s History

8

Furnace on the Fritz?

What to Know Before Calling a Pro shutterstock.com

Michiana House and Home has not independently tested any services or products advertised herein and has verified no claims made by its advertisers regarding those services or products. MHH makes no warranties or representations and assumes no liability for any claims regarding those services or products or claims made by advertisers regarding such products or services. Readers are advised to consult with the advertiser and/or other home repair and renovation professionals regarding any such claims and regarding the suitability of an advertiser’s products.

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Mailed subscriptions are available, prepaid with order at $47.00 for one year; and $79.00 for two years. Mail the order form, along with your check to Michiana House and Home, P.O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542. Your cancelled check will serve as your receipt.

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Cataloging Your Possessions for Your Home Insurance Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce Names BAEC December Business of the Month Servin’ Up Good Eats

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Copyright © Michiana House and Home All rights reserved, 2023

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Around Michiana

Michiana House and Home (MHH) is a newsmagazine with emphasis on home decor, design and remodeling. MHH does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial content, nor does MHH or its staff assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial content appear in any publication.

MHH reserves the right to determine the suitability of all materials submitted for publication and to edit all submitted materials for clarity and space.

NO. 9

Announcing Pantone Color Institute’s Color of the Year

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kimberly Zellers

DIRECTOR OF CIRCULATION Jerry Long jlong@the-papers.com

VOLUME 20

Furniture Trends

FEATURE WRITERS BethAnne Brink-Cox, Dani Messick, Julie Young

MARKETING ASSISTANTS Darlene Eichelberger darlene@the-papers.com Taelynne Ousley tousley@the-papers.com

January 2024

Did You Know?

In with the New

14

Business Gallery

6 8 10 11 12 13 14 16 16 17 18

cover photo: shutterstock.com

| Michiana House and Home | January 2024 | 3

editor’s note...

Welcome to 2024! Can you imagine we’re at the start of a new year?

Well it’s not only a new year, it’s Michiana House and Home’s 20th anniversary. To celebrate, we’ve gone back in time to see what we covered in 2004 and picked a topic to see how things have changed.

For January, we’re going to look at what was trending in bedroom furniture back in ’04 and what’s popular today.

Writer BethAnne Brink-Cox had fun looking into how furniture trends have and have not changed since 2004.

And since it’s the beginning of a new year, we’re looking at colors of the year. We’re starting the year off with Pantone’s Color of the Year, which is peach fuzz. Over the next few months we’ll check out some of the colors of the year for major paint brands.

I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure what to think of peach as the color of the year. But after seeing it used as an accent in

how much you will need to be reimbursed.

accessories, I love how it works with different colors such as teal and navy.

Julie Young did an article about taking care of your furnace and what to do if it goes on the fritz.

Lauren Zeugner, Editor

Dani then did an article on recording the history of your home, from pulling public records to writing your home’s history by detailing renovations and events that take place.

Email: Since it’s the beLzeugner@ ginning of the year the-papers.com with tax time looming, now is a good And finally, I picked time to make sure a Michael Symon you have your personal docrecipe. It is a fairly easy mac uments in order. To help with and cheese recipe that’s that, Dani Messick did an great on a cold night. article on how to record your possessions for your home Happy New Year! insurance. This is a good idea in case you ever have a house fire. Having a record of your possessions will help your insurance company determine

Lauren

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e r u t i n r Fu rends T

Mindy Meehan-Forsey, an associate at C. Kramer Interiors in Granger, said their customers were asking for different things. “The trend going now is more transitional, with streamlined pieces and straight edges. We have had a little more request for traditional furniture, but it is more about soft curves with 6 | Michiana House and Home | January 2024 |

cleaner lines. It’s more livable. It’s not the heavy, ornate furniture it used to be.”

Meehan-Forsey continued, “We try to have a variety of furniture on the floor, and we do sell from the floor. Most of our customers special order the furniture, so they can pick the fabrics and finishes they want. This past year we have been pretty busy. It is always slow at this time of the year, and it picks up in the spring and into the summer. During and after COVID the lead times for furniture were really long (some waited a year) but the industry is back to the 8 weeks for special order furniture to come in.”

Nice to know the long wait is over! What will you be looking for? Are you thinking of just one room or a whole house full? Are you redecorating or starting from the beginning? Do you have exactly what you want in mind or do you need the expert assistance of helpful people such as Mindy and Carolyn? They, and the rest of the staff in both stores, are ready to make your visions a reality! n

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Carolyn Kitchens (“yes, Kitchens, like the room where you eat!”) a sales associate at Kountry Cabinets and Home Furnishings in Nappanee, said, “These days? Overstuffed, big sectional couches. And entertainment centers or great big heavy strong wood TV stands. That would be the top items, the most requested, I would say, that I’m getting from the customers. Right now customers have been ordering rather than choosing from the showroom.” Asked if there was a busier time for furniture shopping at any point in the year, Kitchens explained, “Right before Thanksgiving they come in for a new dining set! And in February or March, after the tax refund checks come in? That is a busy time. But we were kinda busy a couple of weeks ago, too, so it’s hit and miss.”

kountrycabinets.com

Twenty years ago, when Michiana House and Home premiered, the biggest trend in bedroom furniture was sleigh beds and other big heavy pieces of furniture that often resembled family heirlooms and bygone days. And that look still appeals to many. But what is the look today for those starting to furnish a home, maybe for the first time? What might they be seeing in the showrooms?

kountrycabinets.com

By BethAnne Brink-Cox House and Home Feature Writer

Specializing in High Quality Steel Roofing

Premier Roofing & Construction LLC Nappanee, IN 46550

PremierRoofingIndiana.com | (574) 354-1533 | Michiana House and Home | January 2024 | 7

Announcing Pantone Color Institute’s

Color of the Year...

@stacyzaringoldberg

8 | Michiana House and Home | January 2024 |

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By BethAnne Brink-Cox House and Home Feature Writer

According to The Pantone Color Institute, the Color of the Year educational program originated in 1999 to engage the design community and color enthusiasts around the world in a conversation around color. Every year since then has shown wonderful, rich colors–some vivid, some soft–and interesting reasons for the choice. Some were meant to be calming and soothing during our pandemic/quarantine days.

Some were meant to be joyous as we came out in public again, energizing far beyond the ordinary arrival of spring.

This year? It’s called “Peach Fuzz,” and it’s beautiful! To look at it is to almost touch the softness of a perfectly ripened and fuzzy peach, a blend of pink and orange. I’m especially happy to see this one, because it’s exactly what I wanted for my bedroom and didn’t know what to call it!

Now, why was this one chosen? It’s meant to share a feeling of tenderness, caring and sharing. It’s warm and cozy, whether you’re with others or enjoying your sense of sanctuary in a room so painted. But it’s not just paint. Find throws, blankets or pillows in this tactile shade, add a touch of it to a room as an accent. Chances are, all eyes will gravitate toward those very things; the color draws you in. It lends itself well to certain patterns, not necessarily florals–paisley, even plaid, which means it works well for bathrooms or kitchens.

And it can be stunning in a formal dining room. But that doesn’t mean it can only be the colors on the walls. It can be a collection of china or pottery. It can be a greenhouse window with flowering plants. It’s a nice color for a little girl’s room, too, a refreshing change from the more common pink and/or purple, managing somehow to look both cool or warm, depending on what you mix it with.

When it comes to clothing choices, peach is often one of the most flattering colors for most skin tones–and that doesn’t mean only for women. There are beautiful classic dress shirts for men, usually Oxford cloth, in varying shades of blue and pink and yes, peach. It doesn’t have to look like the 70s classic of peach and brown we saw so often at the Prom and at weddings of the day; it can recall the Great Gatsby look of linen suits or a surprising pairing with navy.

Nor does it mean you can only use it with pastels to decorate; I have a beautiful rug that is deep green, cream, indigo and you guessed it, a coral/peach color. Looks like it’s time to move that rug into the bedroom, hit up the paint store for a gallon or two and repaint those walls! n | Michiana House and Home | January 2024 | 9

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Documenting your home’s

HISTORY

By Dani Messick House and Home Feature Writer

If you’ve ever wondered about renovation work done on your home by previous owners, or the warranty on your stove, then you’ll understand the value of documenting your home’s history.

“Imagine moving into an old house, visiting the local historical society, and having the opportunity to read a large file on your house and all the previous residents,” Daniel Lane wrote in his 2014 article “How and Why to Write a Good History of Your House” for Old House Guy. “Well it has to start somewhere so let’s start with you right now.”

For Lane, documenting why you made the changes is just as important as documenting the changes themselves.

“House history research has much in common with genealogy, or family history, research. Like families, in fact, houses and buildings tell many stories, depending on where you look,” the Library of Congress House History guide notes.

“Refer to locations – rooms, etc. by north-east corner or street side,” Lane said. “Rooms are changed, walls are removed, kitchens are relocated, but street and compass locations remain.”

You can even take this to the next level by telling the stories of your family while living there. List all family members and pets. Explain why you moved there or built the home including move-in and move-out dates, and stories about the first nights in the home.

You could even choose to enclose photographs of the home, careers, family traditions and neighbors.

Lane suggests marking the calendar to add to the story every year. You can even choose to include photos.

Start with documenting the changes you’ve made since you moved in. Include additions, modifications, remodeling, right down to the paint, gutters and door knobs.

Make it as detailed as possible and include dates, receipts if possible and reasons.

“Keep in mind, however, local institutions, such as state or county archives, courts or clerks’ offices, or local and regional libraries and historical societies, have a mission to collect and preserve records of that specific place,” The Library of Congress guide notes.

“As a result, local institutions will often have deeper and more extensive collections specific to their own locations. In addition, the kinds of materials most often referred to as records, such as deeds, building permits, and tax assessments, are found at the local level. House history research will almost certainly bring you to multiple repositories.”

“Remember what is insignificant to you will be very significant to a future resident,” Lane said. The way you feel about covering the hardwood with carpet or painting that wood banister white may well be how they feel about your replacement cabinet handles and rain garden.

Keep a copy of this in the cloud and at home, but also take it to the historical society for safekeeping.

Information like this can be filed privately for future owners and genealogy research. A neighborhood association, university library or court records may also be willing to store it.

“The past residents are part of your house just as much as you are now,” Lane said. “You are all part of the history – part of the energy of the house, and will remain part of the house forever.”

10 | Michiana House and Home | January 2024 |

By Susie Klepinger Michiana Master Gardener

For years, I have searched for a logical explanation to justify why my home is filled with 100 houseplants and every spot of bare soil outside is soon filled with something growing. At last I have found a scientific excuse for my hobby: biophilia. According to an article from Deesnursery, this is the human tendency to interact with nature or living things which has been implanted into our DNA. I now have a genetic excuse to buy more plants!

Fortunately, this is not the only reason to enjoy indoor gardening. Several studies have shown that nurturing houseplants can improve mental health and outlook. Who doesn’t need that during our long, often sunless, winter? I can lose myself in pruning and weeding outdoors, yet have found the same benefits in my living room.

A change of focus happens when we care for our plants. We become more involved in watering (or not), looking for insects or disease, dusting leaves (yes) or repotting. We can no longer dwell on our personal concerns but concentrate on the task at hand. Often that will cause negative thoughts to turn positive as we fulfill our need to nurture. The beauty of a new leaf or flower can make the sun appear for a moment.

It is well established that houseplants clean the surrounding air. Some are known to be more efficient than others. Plants do this by taking in carbon dioxide and converting it to oxygen, removing toxins along the way. You can find lists of effective plants online, but it is recommended to have 2 plants every 100 feet.

If we go one step further in this discussion, tending houseplants will make one leave the comfort of the couch and get up and move. With my menagerie, just watering makes me move from the kitchen sink and back numerous times just to fill the watering can. These can be counted as steps as long as you don’t stop for a cookie with each trip.

Now that you are ready to add some foliage and flowers to your winter months, I would recommend some easy care varieties. Succulents with thicker leaves need less water, but do enjoy good light. An occasional mealy bug may appear, but is easily apprehended with a dab of rubbing alcohol.

Snake plants or sansevierias are making a resurgence in popularity. There are many forms from which to choose, each with interesting characteristics. They need low light and need watering less often. Others that are easy to care for include philodendron, pothos and spider plants.

There are so many varieties from which to choose depending on the environmental conditions in your home. Do a little research, and shop with knowledgeable growers. There are many in our area.

Now that I have given you every excuse possible, add some green to your winter and enjoy. n

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| Michiana House and Home | January 2024 | 11

michiana around

JAN. 1-31 (SELECTED DATES) | SOUTH BEND

FARMERS MARKET

Indoor market featuring home-grown produce, dairy products, meats, eggs, maple syrup, jams and jellies, handcrafts, artwork, jewelry, more.

7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday Free admission 1105 Northside Blvd.

(574) 282-1259 southbendfarmersmarket.com JAN. 5 | GOSHEN

FIRE AND ICE FESTIVAL

Goshen First Fridays event Noon to 5 p.m.

Downtown Goshen Admission is free JAN. 6 | CULVER

FREE COMMUNITY YOGA

Culver Pediatrics Center 9-10 a.m.

Beach Lodge 819 E. Lake Shore Drive, Culver (574) 544-2343 JAN. 7 | SOUTH BEND

39TH ANNUAL BRIDAL SPECTACULAR

SEASONED CITIZENS MATINEE MOVIE: HIGH NOON

2-4 p.m.

Admission fee The REES 100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth JAN. 11-14 | SOUTH BEND

VALLEY RV & CAMPING SHOW

Noon, Jan.11 - 7 p.m. Jan. 14 Century Center 120 Doctor M.L.K. Jr. Blvd. South Bend JAN. 13 | BRISTOL

WINTER ASTRONOMY

6-7:30 p.m.

Register by Jan. 12 at elkhartcountyparks.recdesk.com/Community/ Program/Detail?programid=1208 Admission is $3 per person Meet at Briar Patch Shelter Bonneyville Mill County Park CR 131, Bristol JAN. 14 | SOUTH BEND

MOVIES AT THE MORRIS Movies at the Morris presents The Super Mario Bros Movie at 2 p.m.

Tickets are required although admission is free.

Visit morriscenter.org/event for more information and to get free tickets.

IBE MLK FAMILY SKATE DAY

4:30-6:30 p.m.

Free admission and skates with advance registration for students in Elkhart County. Adults $2.50 in advance.

Tickets available at eventbrite.com Holiday Roller Rink 28736 CR 20 (574) 226-4328 JAN. 20 | SOUTH BEND

BREWFEST 2024

1-4 p.m. Saturday VIP, General and Designated Driver tickets available Admission $25-$85 For more information go to OnTapTickets.com Century Center 120 Doctor M.L.K. Jr. Blvd.

JAN. 20 | WARSAW

YOUNG ARTIST STATEWIDE COMPETITION

10 a.m.

Symphony of the Lakes hosting Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts 2515 E. Center St., Warsaw (574) 267-8041 JAN. 22-FEB. 10| ELKHART

MINI ART SHOW

Pick up a kit with paint brush and 4” X 4” canvas between Jan. 22 and Feb. 10 while supplies last. Works will be displayed beginning Feb. 15 with voting for Best in Show Elkhart Public Library — Cleveland Branch 53715 CR 1, Elkhart

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Noon - 4 p.m.

Fashion show at 2:30 p.m.

Pre-register for door prizes and giveaways at www.indianabridalspectacular.net Admission: $5 Century Center 120 Doctor M.L.K. Jr. Blvd.

JAN. 10 | PLYMOUTH

JAN. 14 | ELKHART

12 | Michiana House and Home | January 2024 |

Furnace on the fritz?

what to know before calling a pro

By Julie Young House and Home Feature Writer

shutterstock.com

When it’s cold outside, you need heat – not a costly repair bill – so if your furnace won’t fire up, or you suspect your HVAC system is going to go haywire, it’s important to be prepared. Not every issue requires a service call and we’ve got the top troubleshooting tips you need to know before you call in the pros!

SIMPLE SOLUTIONS Ockham’s Razor says the simplest answer tends to be the right (and least expensive) one so before you request a service call, check your thermostat to ensure it’s working properly. Settings can be bumped from “heat” to “cool” easily, batteries go dead, and blowers left in the “on” position can create a wind chill effect when the furnace isn’t heating your space. Double check your thermostat settings and replace old batteries before investigating the furnace unit itself.

Assuming your thermostat is operational, if your vents are blowing cold air then chances are your system is overheating. Corey Hurtekant, HVAC technical manager at Mid-City Supply Co. Inc., says this phenomenon is usually caused by a lack of airflow through the heat exchanger.

“A clogged furnace filter is usu-

ally the reason for this,” he said.

“Homeowners are surprised to learn replacing your furnace filter on a monthly basis when your furnace is in use can keep the unit running smoothly.”

Hurtekant says when a furnace is truly on the fritz, it typically kicks up an error code which a homeowner can relay to their service professional.

The more that is known prior to the service appointment, the better your technician can diagnose the problem and make the repair, quickly saving homeowners time and money.

“If you get a blinking red light, it is important to cycle the power off for five seconds in hopes of resetting the computer inside the furnace’s ‘brain,’” he said.

“Sometimes it is just a question of rebooting it, so to speak.”

A STEP BEYOND While furnaces make some noise while they are running, if you hear something unfamiliar (such as squealing or rattling, then a service call is required to get to the bottom of the problem. Perhaps something needs to be tightened or a more serious issue needs to be diagnosed.

“Often noise suggests a problem in the duct work, or a control board issue,” Hurtekant said.

If your heating bills (which typically remain consistent at various times of the year) are suddenly erratic, this could indicate your furnace is not running as efficiently as possible. While your system may be badly in need of a servicing, it could also indicate that it is time for a replacement. The typical lifespan of a furnace is 15 years but if properly maintained and serviced from one year to the next, you could squeeze out some additional mileage from your HVAC system.

In the meantime ...

If you find that you are out in the cold this winter season and in need of a service call, there are things that you can do to stay warm until your professional arrives on the scene. · Cover all windows and doors to prevent cold air from getting in. · Generate heat from your electric oven set at 150-degrees with the door open (NOT recommended for families with children who could easily get burned.) · Close off unused rooms. · Use electric space heaters to warm up small spaces. n | Michiana House and Home | January 2024 | 13

Cataloging your

POSSESSIONS

for your home insurance

.com

rstock

shutte

A house is where you live.

A home is what’s inside.

Homeowners insurance is designed to protect both.

That’s why it’s important to catalog your possessions in case of accidents.

By Dani Messick House and Home Feature Writer

“When you make a claim, you typically submit information on everything that was lost — which can be difficult to do off the top of your head for all your possessions,” a blog from the AmFam Team in May 2022 says. “Remembering to replace your TV or computer are no-brainers, but when it comes to remembering each piece of jewelry in your jewelry box, things tend to get overlooked.”

American Family Insurance says the best home inventories also include photos, descriptions, and dollar values of each belonging on the list.

“The more detail, the better,” the blog says. “It’ll help you provide a comprehensive list to your agent of items lost in the event your home is damaged or destroyed, allowing you to get the most out of your coverage.”

In-depth descriptions are preferred. For example, don’t just say ‘diamond ring.’ Identify the cut, the accents, the material, and any other identifying information about the ring. If the product has a make, model, or serial number, note that. Note the date of purchase and the store bought at if possible, and

nens

li Clothing and s

Accessorie E lectronics

14 | Michiana House and Home | January 2024 |

include receipts and photos.

You should also include the estimated cost to replace it, which may be different than when you bought the item. If your items were appraised for insurance purposes, include that information as well.

How should you sort all of this information?

The AmFam Team suggests creating folders, physical or digital for each room of your house or apartment, including sheds and garages. Folders should contain the information above for clothing and linens, accessories, electronics, furniture and decor, hobby items, collectibles, and heirlooms. Add those detailed notes and photos describing every item. It’s a massive undertaking. Photos are great, but you can improve the inventory by creating a video tour of your home to further prove the value of home contents.

“Including a home appraisal is the best way to show the value of your home should the unexpected occur,” the blog adds.

Don’t forget to create a backup copy. You never know what will happen. Make sure the backup copy is outside of the home - whether online or in a safety deposit box. Be sure to keep it up-to-date. In general, though, keep the list in a place that you’ll remember, but isn’t easily accessible. There are also mobile apps you can use.

“Anytime you purchase something that you want insured, add it to your list,” the blog noted. n

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| Michiana House and Home | January 2024 | 15

Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce names

BAEC December business of the month The Builders Association of Elkhart County, 25428 CR 20, Elkhart, has received a Business of the Month Award from the Greater Elkhart Chamber Business Recognition Council. Founded in 1967, The Builders Association of Elkhart County is a not-for-profit trade association that is the respected voice of the professional building industry.

The founding vision is still the driving mission today: growing the members through strong partnerships between builder members and associates, dedicating efforts to continued community education and advocating for effective legislation resulting in affordable quality housing. They coordinate and produce 6 major annual events to showcase members products and services to the public.

The BAEC is the fourth largest association in Indiana by membership numbers, and all members must agree to abide by a code of ethics and are expected to meet or exceed the Indiana Quality Assurance Builder Standards. Their leadership board has industry leaders and professionals from a variety of backgrounds who have a passion for the Elkhart County Community and the building Industry as a whole.

The BAEC has a program, Build Your Future, that works to ensure high school students are aware of the opportunities available in the industry, and that the talent pool and future leadership pool remains strong for the industry in the years to come in Elkhart County.

Recipe by Chef Michael Symon Dinner Impossible Food Network

Gina Storm of Centier Bank, left, presents Niki Groves, executive director of Builders Association of Elkhart County and BAEC Board President Todd Meier of TEAM Construction with the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce Business of the Month award.

Photo provided by the Greater Elkhart Chamber.

i n o r a c a M d e k Ba an d Cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees In a medium saucepan, melt butter, add onion and garlic and sweat over medium heat for 3 minutes with a pinch of salt until vegetables are translucent and aromatic. Add flour and stir with wooden spoon until the flour is completely incorporated with the vegetables, cooking for about 2 minutes. Add the chicken stock 1/3 cup at a time, stirring vigorously to enom sure no lumps form. Bring to boil and reduce to merk.c two e n dium-low heat and simmer for 40 minutes. Remove pan d foo from heat and whisk in the half and half, Cheddar, mascarpone and egg. Toss sauce with macaroni and place in a 2-quart casserole dish. Mix breadcrumbs and parsley in a small mixing bowl and sprinkle on top of pasta. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes or until breadcrumbs are golden brown. n 16 | Michiana House and Home | January 2024 |

3 ounces butter 1/2 medium onion, chopped 1 clove garlic, minced Kosher salt 3 ounces all-purpose flour 1 cup chicken stock 2 cups half and half 6 ounces smoked cheddar grated 3 ounces mascarpone 1 large egg 1 pound cooked macaroni 4 ounces panko bread crumbs 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley leaves

e th h it w n I

Did You Know?

NEW

By Julie Young House and Home Feature Writer

Author L.M. Montgomery (Anne of Green Gables) once wrote, “Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it.” That sentiment is never truer than on Dec. 31. A new year gives us 365 fresh starts, so why not make the most of them? In addition to providing folks with a mental reset button, it also offers a fresh slate upon which to write the next chapter of our lives. If you are ready to let go of the past, embrace the present and set goals for the future we are ready to help make 2024 your best year ever!

Polls say the top five New Year’s resolutions in the US are: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Improve fitness Improve finances Improve mental health Lose weight Improve diet

Hail, Caesar!

Avoid buying mattresses, major appliances and jewelry until February and wait until March for snow gear and luggage to take advantage of end-of-season and spring break sales.

k.c toc ers

If you are planning to do any shopping this month, be sure to get the best deals on January’s top items including: • Small kitchen appliances, especially those that are centered on diet and healthy eating.

• Fitness gear (or a gym membership!)

• Personal care items • TVs (though Black Friday is the best day to score a sale, retailers offer deep discounts on the weekends leading up to Super Bowl Sunday.)

• Soft home items. The January “White Sale” is a great time to stock up on towels, bedsheets, pillows, comforter sets and other staples.

• Floral arrangements. This one surprised us too, but there are some good deals that can help you get a jump on Valentine’s Day.

om

Making a list?

In addition to declaring Jan. 1 a national holiday, Julius Caesar also added the 31st day to the month in 46 BC. The New Year’s kiss also began with the Romans and was used as part of their annual Saturnalia festival. The concept of the Baby New Year dates back to 600 BC in Greece when an infant was paraded around in a basket during the celebration of Dionysus as a symbol of rebirth.

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According to a YouGov poll, approximately 37 percent of Americans make New Year’s resolutions, however the average goal typically lasts 2-3 months. (The second Friday in January is unofficially referred to as “Quitters Day.”) If you hope to be one of the nine percent of people who successfully keeps their New Year’s resolutions, consider setting an action-oriented goal as opposed to avoidance-oriented ones and don’t be afraid to start with something manageable and work your way into larger goals.

Although snow crystals typically form unique patterns, identical snowflakes do happen! In 1988, two snowflakes collected in Wisconsin were determined to be “twins” at a Colorado atmospheric research facility.

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You say you want a resolution?

Some snowflakes are exactly alike

When is New Year’s Day? The start of the new year depends largely on the culture that is celebrating it. Not everyone recognizes Jan. 1 as New Year’s Day. In fact, there are several other cultures that celebrate at other times of the year: · Chinese New Year: Feb. 10-24, 2024 · Seollal (Korea): Feb. 10, 2024 · Nyepi (Bali) March 11-12, 2024 · Nowruz (Iran): March 19, 2024 · Ugadhi (Telegu and Kannada): April 9, 2024 · Aluth Avurudda (Sri Lanka): April 13, 2024 · Puthandu (Tamil and portions of Singapore): April 14, 2024 · Diwali (Hindus, Sikhs, and Janis in India and beyond): Nov. 1, 2024 · Rosh Hashana (Judaism): Oct. 2-4, 2024 · Aboriginal Murador New Year (Australia): Near Oct. 30, 2024

... and now you know! | Michiana House and Home | January 2024 | 17

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