Robert C. White & Company - February 2024

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FEBRUARY 2024

Snow ‘Daze’ WE HATE SNOW SO YOU CAN LOVE IT

There is a great “Calvin and Hobbes” comic strip where Calvin wakes up on a snowy day. “It snowed last night! Turn on the radio! Maybe they closed school!” Calvin cries out while looking out his window in his PJs in the first box. “Maybe the school buses all froze up! Maybe the principal can’t get out of his driveway!” he screams as he runs to see his mom in the second box. In the third box, standing in front of his mother in the kitchen, looking up at her, she announces, “Get dressed, Calvin. It only snowed an inch.” In the final box of the strip, he is boarding the school bus with a dejected look on his face. He concludes, “Getting an inch of snow is like winning 10 cents in the lottery.” I hate to admit it, but after being in the property management business for over 10 years, getting only an inch of snow is way more exciting than winning 10 cents in the lottery. And even better than that is a big storm bust, one where the weather forecasters predict big snowfalls, and we get nothing. I love those. The truth is that I don’t know many property managers who like snow. I would go so far as to say that most have grown to dislike it, and some even hate it. I am not all the way to the “hate” side of the “love-hate” snow spectrum, but I definitely don’t enjoy it the way I used to.

When I was a kid, snow days were the best. My brothers and I would get dressed early in our snow gear. We’d clear the front walkway to our house, grab the sleds and shovels, and disappear for hours. I have great snow memories and am nostalgic about many of those adventures. And I have some great memories with my kids in the snow, building forts, making snow slushies, having snowball fights, sledding in the front yard, and sledding down a monster hill in our hometown. But I have property manager scars related to snow, too: snowplow vendors whose trucks broke and were very delayed (or didn’t show up at all), upset tenants at the timing or quality of snow removal, or so much snow that we had to bring in a loader and dump truck to haul snow away from a parking lot, tenants on vacation, sidewalks not being cleared, and then the snow became so hard that we had to bring grub axes to the site to break it up and clear it. Our goal is to deliver peace of mind to our clients. And we do that by being proactive, having strong processes in place, having strong vendor partners ... and by taking the worry and stress on our own shoulders. In essence, the only way we can make sure you are far on the “love” side of the “love- hate” snow spectrum is for us to be much further on the “hate” side. We have to plan, communicate, follow up, and double-check so you don’t have to. We have to expect

My kids playing in the snow

things to go wrong and sweat it a bit (or a lot depending on how much snow we are supposed to get). That is one of our jobs as your property manager. And we need to correct and improve whenever things don’t go as planned. We take it seriously. And we hope that leads to less stress and more peace of mind for you. Yes, I miss the joy that used to be part of a snowstorm before I got involved in property management. But I and the rest of the RCW team love serving our clients, delivering for them, and bringing them peace of mind. For me, it is a simple, worthy trade.

Yours in a snow “daze,”

P.S. We have more snow headed our way this week. Last night, my kids found out and started excitedly speculating on whether they would end up with a day off. I loved listening to the snow plans they were laying out. It reminded me of me and my brothers many years ago.

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SOPHISTICATED BABY-PROOFING Safety That Complements Your Home Decor

Maximizing Space and Style Clever Home Decoration Strategies

Welcoming a new baby into the home is a delightful experience, but it also creates safety concerns. The good news is you don’t have to compromise your interior decor to ensure a safe environment for your little one. A wide array of elegant baby- proofing solutions are available, blending safety with style. Assess your home with a designer’s eye. To create a stylish and secure environment for your child, adopt a designer’s perspective when evaluating your home. Consider your home’s existing color palette and decor style so you can make the most of your baby-proofing efforts. For example, consider sleek, clear corner guards if your home has a modern minimalist aesthetic. These unobtrusive guards provide protection from sharp edges while maintaining the clean lines and simplicity of your decor. They seamlessly blend in with your surroundings, ensuring both safety and aesthetics. For homes that lean toward a more traditional decor, wooden safety gates that complement your furniture can be an excellent choice. These gates will blend with your decor’s charm while providing a protective barrier and peace of mind. Ensure safety in the kitchen. The kitchen is often a focal point of potential hazards, but it’s possible to maintain safety without sacrificing style. Consider implementing magnetic cabinet locks that offer robust security without adding unsightly plastic attachments or hardware to your cabinets and drawers. These locks remain discreetly concealed, ensuring your kitchen’s aesthetics remain intact while keeping curious hands away from potential dangers.

In home design, achieving functionality and aesthetic appeal is a balancing act. But with the right strategies, any space can transform into a stylish and practical haven. Here are four expert tips to maximize both space and style in your home. Utilize every wall. A common mistake in home decoration is neglecting wall space. Designer wisdom dictates that every wall should contribute to the room’s overall look and feel. This doesn’t mean overcrowding walls with decor but thoughtfully using them to enhance the room. Consider adding art, mirrors, shelves, or decorative rails. These elements fill empty spaces and add character and dimension to your living area. Conquer clutter with style. Clutter is the enemy of a well-designed space. Use baskets and storage solutions that complement your decor to keep clutter at bay. Baskets are not just functional; they can also be stylish accents that add texture and warmth to any room. They come in various sizes and materials, allowing you to choose those that align with your home’s aesthetic. This way, you keep your space tidy while adding an element of design. Install creative lighting. Lighting is pivotal in setting the mood and highlighting your home’s best features. Incorporating various types of lighting — wall lamps, standing lamps, ambient lights, and table lamps — creates layers of illumination that enhance the room’s atmosphere. Pay special attention to your pendant lamp; it’s not just a light source but a decorative piece that can be a focal point in the room. A well-chosen pendant lamp adds elegance and can tie a room together. Harmonize color and texture. Integrating varying textures and colors can dramatically change a room’s appearance and feel. Soft furnishings like throw pillows and rugs bring comfort and visual interest. Experiment with contrasting textures and complementary colors to create a dynamic yet cohesive look.

Create a stylish play area in the living room.

Transforming your living room into a secure play area need not disrupt your interior design. Chic, foldable play yards come in various colors and materials, serving as stylish accessories that effortlessly blend with your living room decor. They provide a safe play area and do not detract from your space’s overall visual appeal.

It is possible to baby-proof your home without sacrificing style. By thoughtfully selecting elegant and versatile safety products, you can create a secure and aesthetically pleasing living space for you and your new family member.

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Valentine’s Day is not just about the grand gestures; the little things count, too. Nothing speaks louder than a handmade token of love in a world brimming with store-bought gifts. This year, dive into DIY and create gifts from the heart. Here are seven DIY Valentine’s Day crafts you can make from home. Personalized Love Jars Gather some Mason Jars and fill them with notes of appreciation, favorite memories, or future date ideas. Decorate the jars with ribbons, stickers, or paint to personalize them. Every note is a reminder of the special moments you share. Handcrafted Photo Frame Nothing says “I cherish our memories” like a handmade photo frame. Use materials like beads, seashells, and glitter to create a unique frame, then insert a favorite photo of you and your loved one. Customized Candle Holders Transform ordinary glass candle holders into something special. Use paint, glitter, or etching to add a romantic touch. Place a scented candle inside, and you’ve got a perfect mood-setter for a romantic dinner at home. Love-Themed Garden Stones For those who love gardening, creating love-themed garden stones is a great idea. Paint rocks or stepping stones with heartwarming messages or designs. These can be placed in your garden as a reminder of your affection. A Craft for Your Valentine UNIQUE DIY VALENTINE’S GIFTS TO CHERISH

Homemade Bath Bombs Mix a batch of bath bombs using simple ingredients like baking soda, citric acid, and essential oils. Choose scents and colors that your partner loves. It’s a great way to add a bit of luxury to your partner’s relaxation time. Knitted or Crocheted Items If you’re skilled with knitting needles or a crochet hook, you can make a cozy scarf, hat, or even a small plush heart. These handmade items carry the warmth of your love. Heart-Shaped Baked Goods Nothing beats the smell of freshly baked goods. Whip up a batch of heart-shaped cookies or a cake decorated with your partner’s favorite colors. Crafting a Valentine’s Day gift is an intimate and enjoyable journey. It’s about embedding a piece of your heart into something tangible. This Valentine’s Day, let your love take a creative form and watch as these crafts bring a smile to your loved one’s face.

TAKE A BREAK

Puff Pastry Berry Hearts

Inspired by Weelicious.com

Ingredients

• 1 package frozen puff pastry, defrosted • 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 tsp powdered sugar • 1/2 cup fresh raspberries (or berries of your choice)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Unfold the puff pastry and use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut into heart shapes. 2. On a baking sheet, place puff pastry hearts and bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown. 3. In a standing mixer, whip the cream on medium-high speed for 2–3 minutes. Add the powdered sugar and beat on high for 30 more seconds or until thick and fluffy. 4. Remove hearts from the oven and allow to cool completely. Slice each heart in half between pastry layers to create 2 hearts. Top the bottom half with whipped cream and berries, and place the other half on top to form a sandwich.

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57 DODGE AVE., STE. 107 NORTH HAVEN, CT 06473 860.613.6290

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INSIDE

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Snow ‘Daze’

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Make the Most of Your Space

Child-Proofing Safety With Style

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Heartfelt DIY Crafts for Your Valentine!

Puff Pastry Berry Hearts

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Home Harmony: Unveil the Secret of Indoor Plants!

BREATHE LIFE INTO YOUR HOME: DISCOVER THE POWER OF INDOOR PLANTS!

Imagine stepping into a room where the air feels fresher and the ambiance is more relaxing. This isn’t just a dream — it’s the reality you can create with the right indoor plants. From the elegant Peace lily , known for its air-purifying qualities, to the hardy Zanzibar Gem that thrives in low light, each plant brings a unique touch to your living space.

But it’s not just about aesthetics. Indoor plants like the Ficus elastica and Philodendron Hope are

more than just decor; they’re companions that grow with you, adapting to your home’s

environment and adding a touch of nature’s resilience to your daily life. Whether a seasoned plant parent or a beginner, you can find a plant that fits your home and skill level. Create your own indoor oasis today. Embrace the joy and tranquility plants bring, and watch as they transform not just your home but also your well-being.

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