5 Essential Ideas For A New Year’s Home Makeover

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Organizing your home for the new year is one of the classic things to do during the season. Everybody feels a weight, a burden that represents the old year, and one of the best ways to lift it is to renew your surroundings. But where to begin? Well, for answering that question, we’ve gathered for you some essential tasks that you can apply to your New Year home makeover. Keep reading and find out!

Organize the garage and closet

Before you even plan on remodeling, upgrading your furniture, or painting the house, the best way to go will always be cleaning up your mess. The peace of mind that gives a clean closet and a well-organized garage is unmatchable. So, this new year, take out all the past trash, rescue the items you really would need, and leave your home with free space. Open arms for all the upcoming year’s blessings.

Service your HVAC system

During the extreme-weather seasons like summer and winter, surely you’re HVAC system gets used more often. But, have you noticed a drop in your air quality? That may be the result of having dirty air filters. Air filters get all dusty with time, so make sure to check them out and change them if needed. Your nose and lungs are going to thank you. Plus, you’ll sleep better at night. 

Update lighting

Another essential home improvement. Frequently overlooked, your lights are a crucial part of your house’s aesthetics and performance. Dull lightbulbs and badly located lights can affect your comfort while at home and are an essential component for your home living, so pay special attention to solving this problem first. Also, once you’re on this task, consider buying LED lights or another type of low consuming lightbulbs.

Paint your old walls

Speaking of light, there are few better ways to illuminate and freshen up your home than with a good painting session. By doing this, not only will your old walls gain a new layer of protection, but also the new color will stimulate your eyes and uplift your attitude. In fact, with brighter colors, your rooms could look bigger, and neutral colors could attract the future buyers of your home (in case you’re planning to sell it).

Clean the chimney

The cold months will take a while to end. And if you have a fireplace at home, you must keep it clean. It’s proven that most of the house fire incidents are provoked by badly maintained chimneys. Soot and creosote in the interior walls of the fireplace are extremely flammable and can drag fire into your walls. If your chimney hasn’t been cleaned in months, consider calling a professional for doing a deep clean.

What do you think? We hope these few ideas will give you the motivation you need to inaugurate the year the best way. Remember: start working on the essentials, organize and declutter, and finally begin that house makeover that you dream about. And if you need any help with that remodeling or painting, contact us, and we’ll give you a quote.

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6 Christmas Decoration Ideas For Small Houses

There is nothing that can light up our Christmas spirits than a pretty holiday decoration. In these festive days, all people have their house decorations ready, but what happens with persons who live in apartments or small houses. Having little space can be an issue, so if you’re looking for apartment holiday decorating ideas or very small house decorating ideas, keep reading and take note.

Compact versions of Christmas trees

Perhaps the most popular Christmas decoration. Either natural or plastic, how could you not have one in the corner of your house? Unless you are a purist, you’ll want to try out a compact version of the Christmas tree. More people every day are deconstructing the famous tree with creative results: a minimalistic silhouette in the wall, a bouquet or branches with ornaments, even buying little pine trees.

Pinecones as Christmas trees

Speaking of Christmas trees, what better way to spread Christmas vibes in any corner of every room that with some little pinecone Christmas trees. Of course, this little ornament doesn’t substitute the main tree, but it can be as pretty. You need to gather some pinecones, paint them green, put a small star in the peak, and place them in cute little pots. Tip: be sure to combine the color of the star and the container.

Garlands everywhere

Above every window, door, or hanging from the table, garlands can adapt almost any surface or spot in your home. Even better: they produce instant holiday vibes and don’t take up much space. Perhaps you think that garlands are a basic Christmas decoration, and you wanted more creative ideas, but don’t underestimate your personal touch and skillful eye. If you choose the right colors and order, you would have the jolliest decoration ever.

Switch to festive artwork

The pillow’s covers, the table’s cloths, the window’s curtains, all of this are nothing but your canvas, waiting to be covered with your holiday spirit. Switching to festive artwork is a great way to spare some space in your tiny apartment or small house; although, you have to look in stores and warehouses for the best covers, tablecloths, and curtains. Find matching artwork! Or, if you’re feeling crafty, you can do it yourself. 

Decorate cabinets, doors, and windows

Other spots that you can take advantage of. Your doors and cabinets are already there, so why don’t you decorate them with holiday vibe? There are many creative ideas, from cupboards with pretty ribbons like presents to a white fridge door as a friendly snowman. And for your windows, how about buying little Christmas ornaments, like spheres and garlands? Even better: you can make your own paperboard snowflakes to hang from your window.

Of course: Christmas lights!

When having little space for holiday decorating, you can trust in the power of the fairy lights. Everybody puts holiday lights outside but for you, putting small extensions in strategic indoor spots can make all the difference. Try installing some white and red lights above windows and door frames, also in the ceiling or any place you put garlands. Just remember, always be careful with the electric plugs to avoid any incidents.
There you have it! Express your Christmas spirit with these decorating ideas. On another topic, if you want to repaint your house for the holidays, contact us, and we’ll do the job for you. Happy holidays!

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6 Great Holiday Events near Hoboken, New Jersey

Jingle bell times are here! Being in Hoboken, you absolutely have many options to go to holiday festivals and parties. If you’re looking for the best Hoboken festivals 2019 this December, or the classic Hoboken tree lighting 2019, this is the list that will guide you.

Grand Holiday Bazaar

Every Sunday from November 24 to December 22

Finding good presents for your loved ones can be difficult, and even more if you’re looking for something original, crafty, and creative. The Grand Holiday Bazaar, located on grand Bazaar NYC, is the place that will give you all of this and more. Starting from November 24 and every Sunday until December 22, this place is going to be filled up with great hand-picked independent local artisans and dealers. Candles, handmade holiday decorations, skin-care, fashion, vintage accessories and more.

More info here

Hoboken City Hall Tree Lighting

December 2

Of course, a list of holiday events can be complete without the classic Tree Lighting. Particularly the children will enjoy the magic show before the lights on. Elvis the Elf, Santa and Mrs. Santa will be the guests of honor, along with Girl Scout Junior Troop and the Middle School Chorus and Flute Ensemble. At 7 PM, the Tree Lighting will happen and officially Christmas time will begin in Hoboken.

More info here

Brooklyn Navy Yard Annual Holiday Market

December 7 & 8

Going to Brooklyn this December? Don’t forget to visit the annual holiday market in the Navy Yard. Go see for yourself all the possible gifts you could give away, pick with your own hands Brooklyn-made presents, even make your own creation in this year’s make-your-own-gift section where you can decorate cookies, do ornament engraving, and screen printing on bags and prints. The bazaar will have over 30 vendors with home goods, fashion accessories, food, and wine.

More info here

Breakfast with Santa

December 7

The First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn invites you to its annual breakfast with Santa. This is the perfect event for the whole family, especially little children who will have the opportunity to sit in Santa’s lap (don’t forget your camera to capture this joyful moment). Breakfast will be served at 9:00 AM; delicious pancakes, bacon, eggs, coffee, and juice. And finally, there will be a craft section where you can make your won decoration and take it with you

More info here

New Year’s Eve at JIMMY

December 31

JIMMY at the James is a rooftop bar that offers incredible views above Soho. In warmer months people can enjoy the terrace, a rooftop with its own pool, NY 70’s style. But this End of the Year the party is going to be almost entirely indoors, with premium open bar, passed desserts, midnight champagne toast, and an incredible NYC DJ spinning until 1:00 AM. Experience the urban lifestyle of New York City in all its glory.

More info here

New Year’s Eve 2020 at The Empire Rooftop

December 31

Another rooftop party worth to mention is The Empire Rooftop’s New Year’s Eve 2020, a bar and lounge celebration with great food, drinks, music and even greater views of the midnight fireworks. Party starts at 9:00 PM, with live music featuring Steve Maglio and The Stan Rubin Orchestra, appetizers, and open bar. Of course, a champagne toast will happen at midnight, right before the clock gives the welcome to the new year 2020. Buy your tickets with anticipation.

More info here
Fun and good times will not be missed this holiday near Hoboken. If you’re planning to spend a few days out of home, be sure to contact us for your house maintenance. We’re Paragon Painters, at your service.

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9 DIY Time and Money-Saving Decor Ideas for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving decorations are more than a tradition: they’re an opportunity for expressing the happiness and thankfulness that you and your family feel. That’s why many people opt for DIY decor and crafty ornamentation. The only obstacle could be money and time.

If you want to save money on holiday decorations, there are many simple projects that you and your family can do in less than an hour and made with easy-to-find materials. Keep reading to find 9 DIY time and money-saving decor ideas for Thanksgiving.

Natural Wood Cake Stand 

If you have an old tree trunk in your house, and you’re looking for cheap DIY holiday decorations, this one is a no brainer. A nice slice of wood, big enough for a cake, is all you’ll need. Wash it, varnish it, and you’ll have the perfect cake stand for your Thanksgiving dessert. If there is no old wood in your backyard, you can buy it from Amazon.

Buy wood slice

Bay Leaf Votive Centerpiece

Have you smelled bay leaves being delicately lit? It’s a wonderful smell, so fall season. Stick some bay leaves in your candle holders and you’ll have it in your home. Put one leaf next to another to surround the votive. And that’s it. Simple but effective.

Buy votives

Edible Thanksgiving centerpiece

Stop storing your centerpiece and instead eat it after Thanksgiving. Go to your nearest grocery store and let the fall harvest be your color pallet. Consider pomegranates, pears, oranges, and cranberries. But be careful: don’t buy them well in advance or they can spoil.

How to do it

Pottery Barn Inspired Candle Centerpiece

Feeling inspired? Embellish your candleholders with some grapevine wreaths and seasonal fruits. Choose fall colors like orange, brown, and pale green. Your imagination is the limit. 

How to do it

Carved Gourd Candle Holders

Your little gourds will look beautiful with a candle on top. Easier than carving, you only will need a knife to make a hole on each gourd, put a fitting candle and lit it. These look great on a tray, on your coffee table, or scattered around the dinner table.

How to do it

DIY Harvest Wheat Bundle

Originally, fall was harvest season, a time to celebrate the food that earth gives us. Few things represent this like a wheat bundle in your table. Super simple to put together and you can reuse it for years to come.

How to do it

DIY Falling Leaves Garland

A glittering project that your kids will love! In fact, you can use their help to avoid getting your hands messy with glue and glitter. Your children will enjoy it and you’ll have an excellent ornament for Thanksgiving.

How to do it

Thankful tree turkey-style

Here’s another one that your kids will appreciate. Sometimes, Thanksgiving looks even better with crafts made by children. Be sure to use plywood for resistance and old forks to hold the photographs.

How to do it

Give Thanks Banner

Let’s not forget about the true meaning of Thanksgiving. Your holiday decorations can remember it to your guest, right there, on the wall in front of the dinner table. Add some floral touches you are done. 

Tutorial
We hope all your Thanksgiving planning and decorations cheer up the celebration in your home. If you want some extra maintenance in your house, like painting, don’t delay calling us. We are professional painters in Hoboken, New Jersey.

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5 Thanksgiving Recipes to Give Your Dinner an International Twist

Thanksgiving is coming: ovens are lit, turkeys are served, and the family reunited. Although it is a very heart-warming tradition, it also can be kind of repetitive with the same recipes and flavors every year. In fact, more and more families have been adding different dishes and styles to their Thanksgiving dinners.

Our country is home to many immigrants who have added their culinary touch to this celebration, so there’s a good reason to have a diverse Thanksgiving with these international recipes for dinner. So, if you wondering what to cook for thanksgiving, the following recipes are non-traditional thanksgiving dinner ideas, and while some of them are entirely foreign dishes, others are the traditional ones but using some exotic ingredients.

Hasselback potatoes

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, this Sweden recipe will be a fantastic side dish in your Thanksgiving dinner. These delicious potatoes are named after the Swedish restaurant Hasselback where it is said they were first served. This dish is one of the easiest to make, you just need four potatoes per portion, butter, some romano cheese, and salt and pepper to taste. To prepare, take the potatoes and slice them without crossing them completely until they form a small accordion (you can check here how they should look). Then add melted butter, salt, and pepper to taste and put them to bake. 

Full recipe here.

Warm Indian-spiced acorn squash salad

Acorn squash salad could be a known dish in Thanksgiving dinners, but have you tried adding Asian flavors? Pomegranate, date and a mixture of Indian spices called garam masala are the international ingredients that will make this salad an exotic dish that will surprise your guests. To prepare this salad, put the seasoned acorns in the oven, mix the remaining solid ingredients and spice up all of it with garam masala.

Full recipe here.

Sweet and spicy Korean braised turkey

If you’re feeling adventurous, try this Korean version of the famous big bird. It’s a big change: besides the sweet and spicy glaze (made with soy sauce, mirin, ginger, and garlic) and the butternut squash stuffing (with chestnuts, glutinous rice, and jujube dates), this turkey is cooked on the stove instead of the much-used oven. It’s definitely a recipe that you should review carefully but it is worth it, especially if your guests are foreigners and want to surprise them.

Full recipe here.

Filipino lumpia

If you want just a little change in your Thanksgiving dinner, these Filipino appetizers will combine wonderfully with the traditional turkey. This dish is the Filipino version of rolled eggs and is easy to prepare as it is for it to melt in your mouth. You’ll need a pound of ground pork, onions, cabbage, little carrots, and most importantly, lumpia wrappers that you can find in your nearest Asian grocer. Once rolled and fried, cut them in half and serve them with your favorite sweet dipping sauce. Your guests will love them!

Full recipe here.

Dulce de leche hazelnut pumpkin pie

The beloved by all pumpkin pie with a sweet Latin American twist. This recipe will guide you to do the hazelnut pastry, the pumpkin filling, and the dulce de leche whipped cream. If you already know how to do these homemade pies, then you know half the recipe already! Serve this dessert covered with another portion of dulce de leche and hazelnuts for more delight.

Full recipe here.

Whether you add a single new dish to your dinner or change it completely, we hope your Thanksgiving celebration to be a moment of peace and joy with your loved ones. Happy Holidays!

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5 Standout Halloween Decoration Ideas for 2019

If there’s a time of the year where you’re not only allowed but encouraged to go absolutely over the top with your decoration, that time is Halloween. There really isn’t such a thing as too spooky! Since it’s fair to say that most of the neighborhood (and even people from outside) will visit your porch for at least a couple of minutes when trick-or-treating, it’s fair to say that you should go all out with your decorations as you do for the paint outside. And if you’re hosting a party, there’s no better time to consider indoor decorations as well.

Here are our ideas for spooky Halloween decoration ideas for outside your home. 

1. Bloody Handprint & Splatters Window Clings

Window decorations are fun and spooky to look at, and they can really tie the whole Halloween motif together for your house, but the real horror comes when it’s time to clean them up. Well, with these bloody hand and bloodstain window clings, there’s nothing to worry about! They stick to the windows all by themselves (no adhesive needed) and are just as easy to remove. Use them in any glossy, smooth surfaces such as glass doors, windows, and mirrors.

2. Plow & Hearth Cat-Shaped Pumpkin Holders Display Stand

Jack-o-lanterns are to Halloween what fish to the sea, yet some people prefer not to use them as decoration because they rot so quickly once they’ve been carved out. If you’re one of those people but still want to include pumpkins as part of your porch decorations, these holders in the shape of plump black cats are perfect for you! They come in big and small variants and they can hold a 15” and 5” width pumpkin respectively. Not only do they look original, but their eyes light up with the flip of a switch.

3. DIY Eyeball Halloween Wreath

Want to perfect your wreath-making skills and make an awesome DIY seasonal decoration at the same time? This tutorial by Polka Dot Chair is exactly what you need. All you really need is a wire wreath frame and chenille ties to make it, but the results are way more than the sum of its part. You start out tying bows onto the frame with the mesh ribbon, then securing each bow with a chenille tie. When the wreath is filled out, add a bunch of fabric bows in seasonal colors, and glue plastic eyeballs all over the place. It’s that easy!

4. 71″ Life Size Hanging Animated Talking Witch Prop Decor

Do you want the really scary outdoor Halloween decoration ideas? This awesome 6-feet tall animated witch will definitely scare your neighbors out of their costumes once they see and hear her come to life. Sound and touch will activate her, lighting up her eyes and making her say one of her pre-recorded phrases such as “You’re not scared, are you?”, “Boo!”, “Beware… Ah-ha-ha-ha-ha!”, a crazy cackle, and more. Being so tall, this is a decoration that will tower over every child and even most of the adults, but it only needs a couple of AA batteries, so you don’t have to worry about “operating costs” with her. 

5. DIY Halloween Tombstones

This DIY gravestone tutorial by the talented Jen Woodhouse will let you transform your yard into a spooky cemetery without digging up an inch of dirt because these are all free-standing! The cool part is that you can do as many as you want and cover the whole lawn or simply place them in a small patch next to your porch for a spooky ambiance. They are greatly complemented by the use of a fog machine and some fake cobwebs, but let your own imagination run wild when installing them!

6. Gemmy Outdoor Inflatable Ghost

Lawn inflatables have become a staple of Halloween and this cute little ghost will surely become a staple of your decoration set. It isn’t a big and impractical one, either, coming in at just 3.5’ tall so it will be at eye level with most of the kids visiting your lawn. This is an excellent choice for people that want to decorate their house without going too hard on the scary stuff since the shape and face of the ghost are more on the silly side, and it does an excellent job of showing the way for trick-or-treaters.

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5 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in New Jersey

Although one of the smallest states in the United States, New Jersey is home to many premier tourist attractions. From national parks with areas of outstanding natural beauty to excellent museums and historical places, New Jersey is well-deserving of its nickname “The Garden State” for being a place worth taking time to explore and have to have an adventure.

Here’s a list of the top-rated places to visit in New Jersey:

1. Atlantic City and Boardwalk

Often called the Las Vegas of the East Coast, Atlantic City is one of the most well-known coastal resort cities in the United States, full of rich history, nightlife, a popular Boardwalk and even the inspiration for one of the most famous board games in the world. Originally built in 1870, its famous Boardwalk is four miles long and the home of most of the city’s main attractions, from casinos to hotel resorts. 

Although walking on the Boardwalk is still a must, you can now also rent bikes, take the electric tram, rickshaw, scooters and more. Visit also the Steel Pier, an amusement park for guests both young and old, with a huge observation wheel. No worries about being uncomfortable while you ride it, since its gondolas are climate-controlled and very stable, offering tranquil and amazing views of the city and ocean. 

One of the busiest Hoboken, NJ sites to see, the boardwalk still stands as one of America’s historic symbols of great times and culture. This time, however, you can tell that Atlantic City’s future is no longer dependent on a roll of the die. While you’re there, check out the Entrance to the Stars, with handprints of celebrities such as Frank Sinatra. This city is also home to several historical and cultural attractions.

2. Cape May

There is so much to see and do in this lovely town that you probably won’t have enough time do enjoy it all at once. From winery tours to a Gourmet Marketplace, you can enjoy fine restaurants and food festivals, as well as the Cape May County Park and Zoo, or spotting some whales at the Cape May Whale Watcher. The nearby Washington Street Mall is also a perfect place to visit because of its many shops and restaurants. And, if you’re in time, you should definitely visit Cape May’s Food & Wine Festival where great food, fine wine, and many other culinary delights meet. 

In the 18th century, Cape May earned its reputation as an attractive resort town as it was increasingly visited by the wealthy. It’s located in Delaware Bay, and it has charming homes in a Victorian style that draw many tourists every year. It was so successful as a resort town that six US presidents had summer homes here, attracted to the beautiful beaches, Cape May Point Lighthouse, and its many elegant Victorian-style holiday homes, with one of the best examples being Emlen Physick Estate. 

3. Liberty State Park

Created from reclaimed land to give way for a park that stretches 1,212 waterside acres in the Upper New York Bay, Liberty State Park has one of the best views of Manhattan, Ellis Island, and Liberty Island, but that’s just half of what brings millions of people each year to the site. The two-mile promenade, Liberty Walk, is connected to the picnic area, interpretive center and the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal, but it also offers visitors more dramatic views of the Hudson River and Manhattan.

It’s also home to the Communipaw Cove, a salt marsh designated a nature preserve, as well as home to memorials and monuments. Among these is the Holocaust memorial “Liberation,” as well as “Empty Sky,” in remembrance of those New Jersey residents who died during the September 11 attacks, as well as in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. Last but not least, the park has recreational facilities, from fishing to picnic areas, kayaking, and cycling.

4. Thomas Edison National Historical Park

This Historic National Park is the site of the former laboratory and home of Thomas Edison. Within these two buildings, Thomas Edison experimented and invented objects such as the first-ever batteries and first movie cameras and sound recording devices. Of all the Hoboken historical sites on the list, this is the one that offers the most opportunities to learn.

When you visit the park, it allows you to get a closer look at the labs as well as original objects used by Edison himself. His home is a 29-room mansion and has been maintained excellently. Tickets for tours of the estate are limited and should be booked in advance.

5. Princeton

This University is widely recognized, and the name of Princeton has many achievements that made a reputation for its university and research programs. It was founded in 1756 which consists of an impressive 1,600 acres worth of grounds. The tours of the grounds, which last around an hour, are run by students of the university and are very informative and entertaining.

After hours of exploring New Jersey, you’d think you’re still fit to paint your home. Take a moment and relax after a tiring day of adventure with your family or friends when you take places to visit in New Jersey in summer.

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Professional Paint Service in Hoboken, NJ

Our team of professionals are trained, friendly, and functional. Our commitment is to give you the best results of all New Jersey, so we offer you and your home a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We work quickly but will never cut any corners to bring you the quality results that you expect from us. We want you to feel comfortable and on top of the situation at all times, so our customer service staff will always be courteous and have an answer to your questions. The safety of your family and your home is very important to us, which is why our company is fully insured and all of our employees are experts in the use of the equipment we use. You never have to worry about anything when we are on the job!

Paragon Painters

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201-492-5555

info@paragonpainters.com

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