Do you realize the positives in good and bad times?

Whew! We made it to the final week of another year. Before this week is done, be sure to remember your wins! We all know life can be difficult and human nature tends to focus on the things that aren’t going the way we expect. That’s why this is a good time to deliberately reflect on all that has gone right throughout the year. End 2016 on a positive note by recognizing your accomplishments and counting your blessings. In fact, this is something Oprah Winfrey does at the end of every year. Noting positive things that have happened (your "wins") is something successful people do every day. In fact, many write them in a journal. There are definite benefits to being grateful mentally, emotionally, and physically. “Be thankful for the bad things in life. They open your eyes to see the good things you weren't paying attention to before.” Whether a quick list or a full written account of the experience, a gratitude journal is one way to count your blessings. Yet, there can be times when moments of gratitude are hard to find. Good is hidden in the bad. When we reflect on bad times, there’s a good chance we will find more to be grateful for than we expected. It could be the situation that generated a positive life-changing lesson- making us better people or simply causing us to appreciate things even more. Whether you write gratitude and blessings down or not, I hope you fondly remember many good things from 2016. In just a few days it will be time to celebrate the final countdown. Whichever way you choose to celebrate, I hope your celebration is as quiet or robust as you prefer. See you in the New Year.            Matt Capell            President of Capell Flooring and Interiors

Have a Pet-Friendly Christmas!

They are entertaining, comforting, and forever curious – the three key words to describe family pets. Each has its unique personality and habits, and all the sparkle and glitter twinkling about this time of year can bring out the worst in them. That’s why it’s important to pet-proof your Christmas. Oh, Christmas Tree! Whether real or artificial, anchor the Christmas tree so it won’t fall over. Imagine the world from the perspective of a cat. Those Christmas bulbs may be fun to swat at, but it can be terrifying if it causes the entire tree to fall on you. In fact, placing the ornaments higher up may prevent temptation.   If your tree is real, be sure to cover the water reservoir underneath and keep those falling needles cleared away to prevent an opportunity for your pets to ingest what is not good for them. Plant Paradise! Speaking of ingesting, beware of holiday plants like poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe. Not only can eating these upset a pet's tummy, but it can cause severe or fatal side effects. Consider pet-friendly or artificial options. It’s not Tinsel Town! Sparkly and shiny things catch a pet’s attention, and our furry friends often want to taste things. Avoid tinsel because any consumption of this can cause an upset stomach, digestive obstruction, and dehydration should constant vomiting occur. Plus, non-food items don’t always pass through their systems. In some cases, surgery is required to remove indigestible things. It’s for humans only! Be sure to keep those candies, nuts, and sweet dishes covered or put away. Aside from finding what the cat swatted under the furniture at some point in the new year, pets eating the wrappers to the chemical components can be harmful. In fact, when it comes to food, though eager and willing to consume just about anything, human foods are not the best options. Some human foods will make pets sick. So no matter how much they beg, resist. What will they get under the tree? Of course, pets love to get in on the excitement and what better fun than to wrap a pet’s gift and watch them open it at Christmastime.     Your Flooring Consultant For Life,        Matt Capell        President of Capell Flooring and Interiors  P.S.  End the headache of shopping for new floors with our FREE Design Audit!™  The Design Audit™ is a diagnostic tool that allows my expert floor consultants help you choose the right floor for your decorating taste and lifestyle.  They’ll walk you through a series of questions that will help narrow down the thousands of options to the two or three that exactly match your unique situation.  They’ll also give you a written, customized “maintenance” plan with their professional recommendations for getting the longest life and beauty out of your floor.  Call or visit us today for your FREE Design Audit!™

When do you and your family start Christmas decorating?

The question was, “When do you and your family start Christmas decorating?” The response was a mix of celebration and “bah humbug!”  Avid fans begin decorating as soon as possible – primarily the first week of November. While other people decide not set out a hint of Christmas until Thanksgiving is over. Another group will not decorate until Christmas Eve, while others do not celebrate Christmas at all. For those who do decorate, the array of ideas and styles is never ending. How extreme are your decorating habits? Those who adore Christmas go all out in and outside their home. Some even to the extreme of the Griswold family in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Maybe this year you know a family that wants to take Christmas off and go somewhere else. Hopefully not like the experience witnessed in Christmas with the Kranks. Some strive to be unconventional in their holiday decorating, like a tree constructed with blown up colorful surgical gloves or the homeowner who strung a single cord of lights spelling out Ditto and an arrow pointing to their neighbor’s home, which resembled the brightly lit home of the Griswold’s. If you’re looking to be unconventional this year, here are 40 ideas for a non-traditional Christmas tree. I like the first image. However, if you enjoy the holiday season but don’t want your surroundings overdone with ‘traditional’ holiday spirit, here are 21 winter décor ideas that don’t scream Christmas. If you are among those who do celebrate Christmas, while getting your home ready and waiting for the big day, here are The 100 Best Christmas Movies of All Time to share with your family.   Your Flooring Consultant For Life,        Matt Capell        President of Capell Flooring and Interiors  P.S. Continue reading this month's copy of the Home Advisor - by clicking the link below. Be Sure to Enter the Mega Trivia Contest - for a chance to win a Free Gift Certificate to a restaurant of your choice.  See past winners and archives here in case you missed an issue.