My Thoughts on Memorial Day

What comes to mind when you think about this day? What are your thoughts when it arrives? Are you thinking of the fallen soldiers, or perhaps the workday you might be getting off? I would like to share my thoughts with you about it. 

Memorial Day is not Veterans Day    

While in my belief our veterans should be commemorated every day, Memorial Day’s purpose is not to remember our service men and women who have served previously and were able to come back home, this day serves as a reminder of those who have fought for our freedom and protection and have given their lives for it.

Memorial Day is only for our Military, but it shouldn’t be

It is true that only our soldiers are formally recognized on this day, but I believe this day signifies more than that. People understand that Memorial Day is to remember the soldiers who have given their life for our freedom, again it is for them, although it should also serve to recognize our fallen police officers, firefighters, emergency respondents, and all other public servants that have served America. They have given their lives in a continual battlefield for our national securities and freedom.

Please note when I say this, it isn't to detract from the honorarable service that our soldiers made that led to giving their lives for it, but to recognize all others whom have served as well. Once you realize how many others have served and given their lives for America, you will be astounded to find out.

Memorial Day is not only remembering those who died, but celebrating their Victory

We remember the Servant, but in times not the service. Remember why and what these men and women who have served our Country have accomplished. They have endured what no other has, they have been through the wars this world has brought us and given their lives to gain Freedom, Security, and Well-Being.

Memorial Day is not a happy day

We are happy and joyful because we can celebrate that we have Rights and Freedoms our Country’s servants have provided, but this day is not a happy occasion for most people.

Never wish somebody a “Happy Memorial Day”, be cautious, words can be a destructive tool to those who might be grieving. While you may be planning to celebrate by having a BBQ or simply enjoying a day off from work with family, there is nothing wrong with that but please remember to think about the Men, Women, Brothers and Sisters, that have put their lives on the line. Honor them, pray for their families.

This sacred holiday is to venerate those who have fallen, be that friends, family, comrades, even people you don’t know. They deserve it.

Remember them not only on this Memorial Day, but every day. Remember the sacrifice that was made for your rights, liberty and safety.

This is to you, we love you, honor you, and are indebted for all you have done for us.

This article was written by Jonathon Benedict, Marketing Major at Grand Valley State University and Marketing Intern at Redwood. 

How To Decorate A House That Sells

If you're trying to sell your house, proper home-staging is a must. Familiarize yourself with these techniques to get the most bang for your buck.

1. Get Rid Of The Clutter

Your personal items make a house a home...to you. Being surrounded by another person's knick knacks makes most people feel like a guest, and therefore less comfortable. Buyers walk into a potential home trying to envision themselves existing in the space, and it's hard to do that when you're in the "Should-I-ask-if-I-can-go-to-the-bathroom" mode. Help them out by providing a nice clean slate that they can mentally fill with their own plans.

2. Let Your Furniture Tell Them What They Can Do With The Space

Furniture groupings can give purpose to even the smallest corners in a home and show the versatility of any space. Maybe your family didn't see a need for a reading corner, but whose to say that a potential buyer won't? Many buyers aren't in a home long enough to truly envision the perfect layout for their needs, so suggest a possibility or two by grabbing a chair and side table to create a reading nook. Show off how large your dining room may be by adding the leaves that you never use to your dining room table. Rearranging what you have can guide a buyer to the possibilities in their new home.

3. Get The Details Right

Lighting
Most homes are pretty poorly lit. Think about creating a cozy feeling by using different types of lighting instead of leaning on the old stand-by of one lonely ceiling fixture:

• Ambient Lighting - Overhead or general lighting
• Task Lighting - Functional light sources preferable for reading or lighting dark spaces such as cabinetry
• Accent Lighting - Use on side tables and walls to highlight architectural details and art

Drapery
*Designer Tip: make windows seem larger by hanging drapes from the ceiling line, and extend them past the width of the window.

Paint
Create the illusion of a larger space by painting adjacent rooms the same color.

Add Plants
Plants are the secret weapon of many interior designers. Nothing breathes life into a space like something that is...well...alive. A couple flowers or branches clipped from your garden is a finishing touch that instantly brightens the day for prospective buyers.

Best of luck in your home-selling journey!

*Post written by Sharae Terrell, Digital Marketing Associate for Redwood Living 

DIY Vase Your Mom Will Love

Your Mom (and your wallet) will love this!
 

From the time we were little kids, our Mothers always loved the presents we made: the handmade cards, the (poorly) drawn pictures, and the macaroni necklaces. They didn’t care that our gifts cost little to nothing; they cared that we put in our time and love.  Even though our bank accounts have grown (albeit slightly for some), that doesn’t mean we have to use them.

This year, I decided not just to get my mother flowers, but to put them in a one-of-a-kind vase. Below is a step by step guide on how to make the same for your Mom. 

This whole project only costs $24 (or less if you have some materials at home!

Materials

Scissors

Glass Vase 

Vellum Paper  

 Paint Brush  

 Decoupage Formula  

 Printer

Stickers and gems (optional)

Pro tips:

• You can buy the decoupage formula at any crafts store, or just make it yourself (the magic formula is 3 parts glue and 1 part water).
• Before you go to the crafts store, print coupons!
• Get a vase with as few curves as possible; vases that go in and out and have wider rims can be tricky. Square is the easiest shape to work with.
• Think about sticking to one color scheme.

 

Step 1: The Research 

• Look through old photos 
•  Look for or type up your own quotes and inside jokes
• Look up funny mom memes 
• Include photos of places that mean something to both of you
• Vacation spots 
• Your home
• Favorite restaurant
• Books she used to read you

Step 2: Preparation 

•  Print out your research on Vellum pape.
• Cut out shapes.
•  Line up all your images so you can get a general sense of how you will arrange them.

 
Pro Tip:
Have an extra page of bonus shapes (ex: hearts, stars, flowers) that you can print, these are helpful to fill in blank spaces.

Step 3: Dive in!

 

• Apply decoupage to a small area on the vase (thin layer!)
• When placing your images on the vase, make sure to push down on the edges to avoid bubbles and wrinkles.
•  Once you have all your images attached,  go back and add in the bonus shapes
• Let sit for about 10 minutes 
• Apply an even top layer of the decoupage formula  

 Pro Tip: 

• Once everything dries (about 40 minutes) examine your piece, if you need to, go back and add more of your bonus shapes to hide blank areas

Step 4: Add Flowers and Give to Mom!