As the year shifts further into autumn, temperatures continue their downward trend in most parts of the US. With the approach of winter weather, many people are looking for new ways to save energy (and money).
  Perhaps you need to conserve your energy use due to budget constraints or a desire to build up your savings. You may also be thinking about your carbon footprint and its effect on our planet. Whatever your reason(s) for wanting to save energy this winter, you’ll benefit from putting at least some of the following tips into action:

 
• Layer up – Get into the habit of keeping your heat set a few degrees lower than you have in the past. The general rule of thumb is that you can save 5% on your heating bill for each degree that you lower

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The holiday season brings colder weather, joyful celebrations and mesmerizing decorations. There is no better way to get into the spirit than by attending events with family and friends in Middle Tennessee.

 

The 63rd Annual Nashville Christmas Parade

Join this years Grand Marshall, Kelly Clarkson, at the 2016 Nashville Christmas Parade on December 3rd starting at the intersection of 8th Ave and Broadway at 9am. This will be televised live on NEWS 2, WKRN-TN in Nashville.

 

TPAC Winter Holiday Fest Marketplace

The Tennessee Performing Arts Center will be hosting it’s first-ever Winter Holiday Marketplace on December 3rd. Come out to shop local artisans and vendors, enjoy specialty food and beverages, arts and crafts, and free photo

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In general, most people have become more aware of the importance of recycling materials that are accepted by recycling companies. Taking a few moments to learn about the ever-expanding size of the landfills in the United States is all it takes to get more serious about recycling plastics, paper, glass and more.

 
Sometimes, rather than tossing used containers and other items into the recycling bin after you’ve used them, you can potentially repurpose them to use them again in a different way! Doing so means you don’t have to purchase a new item (because you can make it from materials you already own). Getting more than one use out of a single item is even more environmentally friendly than traditional recycling. The more uses you can get out of…

Whether you’ve been hosting Thanksgiving dinner for years or if this your first time, preparing the yearly feast can definitely be overwhelming. The pressure to present the perfect holiday dinner can be intense, even if it’s pressure you put on yourself. Combined with a larger than usual audience (your entire extended family), it’s easy to understand why the holidays conjure stressful images for those who are in charge of meal prep.
 

One of the main factors that leads to high levels of stress on Thanksgiving is the fact that so many dishes must be prepared and served at the same time for things to be considered “successful.” This requires a great deal of coordination and planning, and even a small error in judgement can cause your plans to

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With all of the excitement of the holiday season, it is easy to forget that there are still so many in need. It takes an abundance of volunteers to prepare, supply, and deliver meals to people in need that they cannot do themselves. If you want to take the time out of your busy schedule this season, here are some places you can volunteer your time.

 

Nashville Rescue Mission

 

The Nashville Rescue Mission works in collaboration with the community to provide hope for the homeless, hungry and hurting. They always have a need for volunteer help as they host many events throughout the year. Take a look at the abundance of events in the coming weeks to plan a time to give back.

 

Nashville Food Project

 

The Nashville Food Project focuses on

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Featured on the Parade of Homes, this Britt Development beauty showcases well over 1,800 sq ft of outdoor living space! Winner of Best Front Porch, Best Game Room, Best Outdoor Living and Best Landscaping! Stunning features include a show-stopping two-story Foyer, 9 outdoor living areas, gorgeous views of the golf course with Hole #4 right across the lawn, accordion doors to let the outside in, transom windows and an amazing bonus “19th Hole” above the golf cart garage which was named, “Best Game Room.”  Hideaway at Arrington offers 18-hole golf course, resort-style pool and spa, clubhouse, fishing ponds, tennis courts, walking and biking trails. Seller will provide the golf cart, pay the Buyer’s golf membership initiation fee AND the first

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The home décor style known as ‘shabby chic’ has been embraced by homeowners and renters alike all around the world. Because of its focus on imperfection, shabby chic design appeals to those who prefer a home that feels and looks lived-in and comfortable rather than perfect and austere.
  If you’re interested in incorporating the shabby chic design style into either your home’s interior, exterior (or both), you’ll want to try to find the right balance of rustic, weathered pieces combined with new décor items so that your home feels eclectic and welcoming.
  Try adding some of the below listed components and elements to your existing home design to give your living space a simple, elegant shabby chic makeover:

 
• Texture variety: By

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Now that new vintage revival has become one of the more popular home decor styles, antiquing is hitting a new progression. And finding hidden treasures in Middle Tennessee can be easier than you think, if you are looking in the right places.

 

Nashville

• Tennessee Antique Mall
• Music Valley Antiques & Marketplace
• Vintage Market Nashville
• Gas Lamp Antique & Decorating Mall

 

Franklin

• West Main Antiques
• Winchester Antique Mall
• Antiques at the Factory
• CR-71
• Franklin Antique Mall

 

Hendersonville

• No. 38 Vintage Marketplace
• Then & Again

 

Goodlettsville

• Goodlettesville Antique Mall
• Tara’s Antique Mall

 

Murfreesboro

• Hylabrook Antique Mall
• Pick-it Fence Junktique
• Simply Southern Marketplace

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This fabulous Twelve | Twelve condo in the Gulch is on the 15th floor and offers an amazing view along with stylish decor. It come complete with outstanding upgrades like floor-to-ceiling windows, custom draperies, electric shades with remote, and two Sono sound systems. This condo gives you the accessibility to walk to Predators and Titans games as well as the new pedestrian walk coming soon. The perfect place for an urban, city lifestyle. Listed for $729,000 by Luanne Story from PARKS in Cool Springs. Find out more about this condo here. 

Have you ever walked into a friend’s home and felt an immediate sense of comfort? It might not be immediately obvious why a particular abode feels so cozy and comforting, but there are a multitude of little things you can do to make your home feel just as welcoming.

 

Take a look around the rooms in your home where you most often welcome guests. If these areas feel like “something’s missing,” you can try adding a few items to turn up the ambience-meter. Some homes have more of a welcoming ambience than others just on their own, but if your house or apartment lacks built-in charm, don’t despair! By answering the following questions, you’ll know better how to make your home more inviting.

 

Is your own personal style evident?

In…