winter Archives - Other CMS

Winter Steps To Help Your Spring Garden

CENTRESTAGEFILMS — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 08:30:00 +0000

Winter Steps To Help Your Spring Garden

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How to Save on the Ski Slopes This Winter

CENTRESTAGEFILMS — Wed, 23 Nov 2022 23:20:20 +0000

Skiers are known to be particularly avid about their sports, most notably in their willingness to brave freezing temperatures and icy winds for the opportunity to experience the adrenaline rush that comes with swooshing down alpine hillsides at high speeds. Little surprise, then, that for many of them, skiing is not a pastime but something closer to being a way of life.

And a rather expensive one at that. Long before the recent surge in inflation, skiing carried the reputation of being a pricey proposition given what resorts charge for lift tickets, equipment rentals, overnight stays and meals. There are ways around that, however, and with fall the prime season for planning winter ski getaways, here are a few money-saving tips to consider before you hit the slopes.

Look for Lift Bargains: Yes, lift tickets are expensive but that does not mean there are not bargains out there if you look hard enough. For instance, you can save a substantial amount of money by planning ahead and buying your lift tickets early. Also consider signing up for websites like Liftopia that track lift prices and alert when you a bargain becomes available. In addition, bear in mind that many resorts offer cut rates for students, disabled skiers, families, large groups, seniors and first timers.

Go Small: Let’s face it – skiing North America’s most popular resorts does not come cheap. Keep in mind, however, that the converse is also true, that you can ski smaller, lesser-known destinations for less and enjoy the added benefit of noticeably shorter lift lines. And if you must ski one of the marquee resorts, consider a mid-week visit when you are more likely to find bargains.

Avoid Resort Mark-Ups: Everything is more expensive once you set foot at the resort, so frugal skiers are well advised to rent skis and any other essential equipment before you arrive. Likewise, if you need lodging, you are far better off booking a room nearby and using resort shuttles or public transportation to reach the slopes.

Bring Your Own: The same concept holds true for food. There is no getting around the fact skiing can be hungry work but that does not mean you have to purchase marked-up resort meals. Skiers can save a few bucks by bringing food with them – granola bars are a great choice, or you can even pack a sandwich to fit in your pants pocket.

Half-Day’s the Way: Particularly as you age, it is worth asking yourself: “Do I really have seven hours of skiing in me?” If no, go for the half-day lift ticket, which usually gives you three of four afternoon hours of skiing for significantly less money.

Off-Season Discounts: In certain parts of the country, ski season extends well past winter, as snow can fall in the mountains in March and even into April. Lift tickets, equipment rentals and lodging are all discounted toward the end of the season, so consult your favorite resort to see if it offers a spring pass program.

At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

The post How to Save on the Ski Slopes This Winter appeared first on Other CMS.

Tips for How Best to Winterize Your Manufactured Home

CENTRESTAGEFILMS — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 22:35:19 +0000

With the holiday season nearly upon us, there’s no escaping the fact winter is coming on fast. That’s the reason now is the ideal time for owners of manufactured homes to begin winterizing their units, before the season’s cold temperatures and wet conditions settle in.

As you proceed, keep in mind winterizing’s three main goals – prevent cold air from coming into your unit, keep the warm air inside from escaping, and ensure that even the chilliest temperatures won’t freeze your plumbing and pipes. Here are some easy steps you can take to make sure you and your manufactured home get through the season in comfort.

Full Speed Reverse: Those ceiling fans you use to cool off in the summer can serve a different purpose in winter. Simply reverse the fans so the blades spin clockwise. This pulls up cold air, pushing all that naturally rising warm air around the room. The result will be a warmer room and lower energy costs.

Stand for Inspection: Hot water is never more welcome than in winter, so now is the time to have your water heater tank inspected. Tanks are generally built to last 10-15 years, after which deterioration can happen quite rapidly. You or a professional should inspect tanks for cracks and, if any are found, the tank should be replaced.

What a Drip: Everyone knows running water is much less likely to freeze than still water. Given that, if your manufactured home experiences freezing temperatures, consider letting the faucets drip a little. The dripping won’t run up the water bill significantly, and that little movement of fluid can prevent pipes from freezing or bursting.

Caulk Talk: Caulk is an essential and inexpensive tool if you’re looking to keep the heat in and the cold out. Simply apply caulk or weatherstrip seals to any gaps you discover in windows and doors. If caulking and/or weatherstripping doesn’t solve the problem, the window or door in question may need to be replaced.

No Shirking Skirting: Skirting helps manufactured homes retain heat and prevents snow from building up under the unit. After all, it’s a lot harder to warm a home that’s sitting on a pile of snow, so all exposed areas should be skirted. Metal, vinyl and specialty plastic skirts are common, but make sure you use a material that’s appropriate for your climate. For instance, vinyl skirting may not hold up as well in high winds and is susceptible to impact damage.

Circulation: To be clear, no one is saying you need to have all your closets and cabinets open at all times, turning the home into an obstacle course. But by exposing spaces that don’t have vents to circulate heat, you keep the walls and floors heated everywhere in your unit. This better protects pipes and enhances your home’s overall coziness.

At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

The post Tips for How Best to Winterize Your Manufactured Home appeared first on Other CMS.