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Smart Design With Suzette: A Design Trend That’s Ruining Your Sleep Quality

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Surveys have found that people with blue-painted bedrooms get the most sleep. Courtesy photo
 

By SUZETTE FOX
Los Alamos

A good night’s sleep is incredibly important for health. In fact, just as important as eating right and exercising.

Your bedroom should be a healthy environment for getting rest. You might think that just having comfortable bedding is enough, but there are other factors in bedroom design that influence how well you’re able to sleep at night.

One design trend that’s incredibly popular, but a big problem for sleep, is light and bright bedrooms. Airy, sun-filled bedrooms Read More

Smart Design With Suzette: Organization

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A well-organized closet. Courtesy photo
 

By SUZETTE FOX
Los Alamos

It’s that time of year again. Many New Year’s resolutions involve getting organized. Why is that? Disorganization puts tremendous pressure on both the mind and the body. Taking the time to organize your home can lift a great weight off of your shoulders and reduce stress.

But let’s face it, getting organized can be difficult and time consuming. One of the toughest part is getting starting and knowing the process. Here are some tips to help you.

Clear Out Some Clutter

The first step is to get rid of things you don’t need. This Read More

Smart Design With Suzette: Answering Holiday Decorating Questions

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Decorating outside with wreaths and greenery. Courtesy photo
 
By SUZETTE FOX
Los Alamos

December brings hot cocoa, blankets, movies and lets face it, lots of anxiety with the holidays. There is quite a lot going on trying to get everything done, keeping everyone happy, juggling your schedule with shopping, party hopping and decorating this time of year.

A few clients brought some of their decorating issues to me in hopes that I might help calm their anxiety and get it all done. Have you wondered how to hang wreaths on a brick fireplace? How to hang wreaths from windows on the outside of the house? Read More

NIST: Why You Should Water Your Christmas Tree

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A live Christmas tree burn conducted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) shows just how quickly a dried out Christmas tree fire burns, with flashover occurring in less than one minute, as compared to a well-watered tree, which burns at a much slower rate. Courtesy/NIST
 
Courtesy/NIST
 
NIST News:
 
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), more than 200 home fires each year start with a Christmas tree. In these videos, Click here, NIST fire researchers demonstrate what could happen if a fire starts in a watered Christmas tree vs. a dry Christmas
Read More

Homebuyer Assistance Program Launches Tomorrow

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COUNTY News:

Income-qualified homebuyers needing assistance to make a down payment on a home are invited to apply for Los Alamos County’s new Homebuyer Assistance Program (HAP) starting Wednesday, Nov. 15.

The County has contracted with Los Alamos Housing Partnership (LAHP) to oversee the program, which is funded by the County Council for $150,000 for the first year.

HAP is designed to help income-qualified homebuyers purchase a home by providing a loan for a down payment using County funds, without adding to monthly mortgage costs. The homebuyer makes no payments until the home is sold or Read More

On The Job In Los Alamos: Housing Partnership Board

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On the job in Los Alamos Monday night during a meeting in the New Mexico Bank & Trust Building, from left, Los Alamos Housing Partnership Executive Director Steve Brugger, LAHP Board Member Lesley Harelson who is vice president and Banking Center manager at NMB&T, Board Secretary Craig Wehner who owns Los Alamos Landscaping, Board President Karl Hjelvik who is an internal auditor manager with Zia Credit Union, Board Treasurer Carol A. Clark who owns and publishes the Los Alamos Daily Post, Attorney Debora Ramirez of Rodey Law Firm, Board Vice President Denise Terrazas who is president Read More

Smart Design With Suzette: Fireplace Design

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Fireplace with a glass wall. Courtesy photo
 

By SUZETTE FOX
Los Alamos

While each person has his own vision of the perfect home, there are certain design elements that leave everyone equally stunned. If I had to choose an item that suits every home and is always welcomed by people with various interests that would certainly be a fireplace!

Fireplace design ideas aren’t easy to find. Many of my clients need help with their fireplace whether updating it, redesigning it or adding one to suit their taste, wants and needs.  

Why are fireplace designs so special? Think about all those special Read More

Just One More Thing To Do This Week: Look Around The Room

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By MARY BETH MAASSEN
Los Alamos
 
I think I have an addiction. I have tried avoiding the temptations, weaning myself, and even going cold turkey, but nothing seems to help.
 
Eventually I am once again, back on the couch, falling victim to another HGTV home renovation show. I love these shows, and I love home renovation. I have lived with ongoing remodeling project chaos for years at a time. As long as there is the slightest bit of improvement, I can wait it out. As soon as one effort is complete, I am jonesing for another, usually bigger, project.
 
My husband, not so much. He wants to be
Read More

McQuiston: 8 Ways To Save On Home Insurance

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By ALLEN MCQUISTON
The Jemez Agency
 
If you feel like you’re paying more for homeowners insurance than you used to, you might be right. Homeowners insurance rates have been rising and with the recent hurricanes, forest fires out west and other natural disasters, expect rates to continue to rise.
 
You want to make sure your home is protected, but you don’t want to pay more than you have to, either. Here are eight things you can do to make sure you get the best deal on homeowners insurance:
 
  • Shop around. Rates can vary dramatically from one company to another – and there are hundreds,
Read More

Smart Design With Suzette: Fall Décor On A Budget

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By SUZETTE FOX
Los Alamos

I LOVE this time of year! Of all the seasons, fall is the easiest and least expensive to decorate. As the days get shorter and cooler, walk out your front door and you have found your inspiration and resources. From the exterior to the interior of your home, fall decor colors can be rich and robust or subtle and subdued. Here are some ideas to inspire you.

Bring Nature Inside
What better way to decorate then to snip some fall leaves and put them in a vase.
Red, yellows and oranges bring a beautiful pop of color to any room.

Use Your Fireplace To Showcase Seasonal Décor
Your fireplace Read More