How to Tie a Wreath Bow in Five Different Styles

Posted on December 16, 2022December 14, 2022 by Shield Insurance Agency

Plus, the best ribbon to use for each wreath bow technique.

MarthaStewart.com | By Roxanna Coldiron | November 22, 2019 | Wreath Bow | Visit Shield Insurance

The holiday season means decorating the house with lights, ornaments, and garlands of winter evergreens. And while the Christmas tree may take center stage in your home, it’s the wreath that welcomes your guests at the front door. In most cases, this is the first thing that people see when they come calling at your door, and it’s a hint at the rest of the holiday décor that awaits them inside. “Wreaths are like small, round Christmas trees,” says Cynthia Sheen, owner and interior designer at Cinzia Interiors. “A lot of the bow styles that I do for Christmas trees can be done for wreaths as well.”

Some wreaths don’t seem complete until they are finished off with a large, lavish bow, which enhances the overall look of the wreath and can be complementary to the other décor in your home. A crisp ribbon will make the nicest bow; grosgrain, satin, taffeta, and velvet are ideal choices. You can tie different styles of bows on your wreath. We asked designers for their ideas on styling your own wreath bows.

Traditional Bow

Of course, a traditional bow on your Christmas wreath is a classic choice. Ideally, use a wide ribbon in one of these classic colors—red, green, gold, or white. Cut ribbon to the desired length. (A bow with extra-large loops or extra-long tails will require more length.) Form the ribbon into two equal loops with about 12 inches of ribbon between them. Cross the right loop over the left. Knot the loops by pushing the right loop behind the left, under, and through the hole. Pull the knot tight, adjusting loops and tails to the desired size. Lightly fold the ends and cut, creating a notch. Attach the finished bow to the wreath with a small piece of green florist’s wire.

Rosette Wreath Bow

Rosette bows are tufted with several loops, and therefore, have a lot of fullness to them. Sheen makes large rosette bows using 16 to 19 loops, but you can make fewer loops for a smaller wreath. Satin ribbon is perfect for this style because it keeps its shape and does not easily fall flat. To tie a rosette, fold a length of ribbon accordion-style into a stack, with as many loops as you like. Cinch the middle of the stack with wire, and twist to secure. Cover the wire with more ribbon if desired (just glue it in back), and fluff the loops.

Curly Wreath Bow

Kade Laws-Andrews, owner and interior designer at Kade Laws Interior Design, is partial to the curly bow. For a large bow, you will need 24 to 36 inches in length for the ribbon. “Wired ribbon is best,” Laws says. “Cinch the middle with a pipe cleaner.” Then, roll up the ribbon and unroll it to make spiral curls. This style of bow is ideally placed on the top or bottom of the wreath. A bow with shorter curls looks nice on the top of a wreath, while one with longer curls looks best from the bottom.

Layered Bow

For more bows click here…

More great articles featured by Shield Insurance Agency

13 Fall Home Improvement Projects That Pay Off Big in Winter

Posted on December 9, 2022December 5, 2022 by Shield Insurance Agency

Some are simple DIY tasks, others should be done by a professional

AARP.org | By Sheryl Jean | October 19, 2022 | Home Insurance | Home Improvement

As winter approaches, fall is the perfect time to prepare your home so you stay warm and dry in colder weather.

A checklist of inspections and projects will ensure your home’s systems and appliances work properly, which may increase its energy efficiency and lower your utility bills. Think of it as an annual checkup for your home just like you see your family doctor regularly.

“Staying on top of simple maintenance pays dividends in the long run,” says John Wessling, president of the American Society of Home Inspectors. “Little things can make a huge difference … and prevent bigger problems. That window caulking now may prevent a $35,000 wall repair because water got behind the siding.”

Lora Novak, an editor for the House Method website that provides home service recommendations and reviews, advises scheduling service sooner than later. It may take longer to get an appointment as many companies may be short of staff or parts due to supply chain issues, she adds.

Here are 13 home improvement chores to focus on this fall:

1. Fine-tune your furnace: Home Improvement

Novak says a furnace check is crucial so you don’t risk losing heat during winter. Change the air filter, which becomes dirty and inefficient over time. Hire a professional for a full maintenance check, which may include a furnace inspection, duct cleaning, and an airflow evaluation.

A furnace inspection could cost less than $100, but a tuneup may cost more than $200. If you’ve got a tight budget, Wessling suggests getting a heating and cooling inspection every other year but only if you change the filter regularly yourself. Look for HVAC specialists through Air Conditioning Contractors of America and North American Technician Excellence.

2. Clear gutters and downspouts: Home Improvement

Even if you don’t have trees, leaves, pine needles, and other debris can clog gutters in the fall. That can cause ice dams or water to back up, potentially damaging the roof, siding, or trim. Clean out gutters and downspouts, and direct downspouts 2 to 4 feet away from the foundation, says Mark Graham, vice president of technical services for the National Roofing Contractors Association. DIY is possible, but if you don’t feel safe on a ladder, hire a professional. The average cost for a single-story house is about $160.

3. Check seals and weatherstripping

If you see gaps between exterior windows or door frames, you may need to re-caulk them or install new weatherstripping. Check that storm windows are secure. Cover screen doors with glass or replace them with storm doors for energy efficiency, says Wessling, who owns Wessling Home Inspection Services in St. Louis.

4. Repair roofs

For more of the story…

What Is Financial Leverage?

Posted on November 18, 2022November 14, 2022 by Shield Insurance Agency

Experian.com | August 23, 2022 | By Marianne Hayes | Financial Leverage

Quick Answer

Financial leverage is when you borrow money to make an investment that will hopefully lead to greater returns. It’s built on the idea of spending money to make money. Examples of financial leverage can include: Buying a home, investing in a business and buying an investment property.

We’ve all heard the saying, “You’ve got to spend money to make money.” In finance, leverage is when you borrow money to make an investment that will hopefully lead to greater returns. No investment is ever a 100% guarantee—there’s always risk. Financial leverage leans into the idea that borrowing cash to cover a new investment has the potential to pay off in the long run.

Let’s look more closely at how financial leverage works, along with its potential benefits and drawbacks.

How Financial Leverage Works

What is leverage? It has to do with maximizing your advantage. Leverage in personal investing involves using borrowed funds to buy into an investment. It’s widely used in the corporate world as well. Lots of companies, especially startups, continually seek leverage in the form of investor capital they can use to grow their businesses and meet important milestones.

Individual consumers use financial leverage in a different way. Here the focus is on building personal wealth. If you’re an entrepreneur or business investor, that might involve putting money into growing businesses. Otherwise, financial leverage covers any personal investment that’s made with borrowed funds.

Examples of Financial Leverage

Borrowing Money to Buy an Investment Property

Buying an investment property is a prime example of financial leverage. That may be a rental property that you maintain and lease out to tenants, which can create a steady flow of passive income each month. Alternatively, you may fix and flip properties. In this case, the goal is to turn a profit after buying a property, sprucing it up and putting it back on the market.

Both options require upfront capital. In addition to making the purchase, rental properties require ongoing maintenance and repairs. There are also property taxes, homeowners insurance and other recurring expenses.

Flipping homes has its own financial demands. You’ll need funding to complete the purchase and all the necessary repairs and upgrades, which will determine your asking price when you’re ready to sell. Unless you’ve got cash on hand to cover the purchase, you’ll have to take out a loan to buy an investment property. It’s typically more complicated than buying a primary residence, and may require a larger down payment (usually 20% to 30%). Interest rates and credit score requirements are usually higher too.

Taking Out a Mortgage to Buy a New Home

Everyday folks who take out a mortgage to buy a new home are also flexing their financial leverage. That’s because the money you borrow through your home loan is being used to purchase an asset, which is part of your financial portfolio. Every monthly payment you make reduces your loan balance and increases your home equity. This is the amount of your home’s value you actually own. The more equity you have, the more money you’ll pocket when it comes time to sell.

You can also use home equity to unlock financing. This includes a home equity loan or line of credit, as well as a cash-out refinance. Each option allows you to trade equity for upfront cash. You might use it to cover home renovations, college costs, debt repayment or other major life expenses.

Learn more about Financial Leverage

Getting Student Loans for College

Check out the full story here…

Native American Heritage

Posted on November 17, 2022June 14, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

November 2022 | National American Heritage | Native American | Special Event Insurance

About National Native American Heritage Month

What started at the turn of the century as an effort to gain a day of recognition for the significant contributions the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of the U.S., has resulted in a whole month being designated for that purpose.

One of the very proponents of American Indian Day was Dr. Arthur C. Parker, a Seneca Indian, who was the director of the Museum of Arts and Science in Rochester, N.Y. He persuaded the Boy Scouts of America to set aside a day for the “First Americans” and for three years they adopted such a day. In 1915, the annual Congress of the American Indian Association meeting in Lawrence, Kans., formally approved a plan concerning American Indian Day. It directed its president, Rev. Sherman Coolidge, an Arapahoe, to call upon the country to observe such a day. Coolidge issued a proclamation on Sept. 28, 1915, which declared the second Saturday of each May as an American Indian Day and contained the first formal appeal for recognition of Indians as citizens.

The year before this proclamation was issued, Red Fox James, a Blackfoot Indian, rode horseback from state to state seeking approval for a day to honor Indians. On December 14, 1915, he presented the endorsements of 24 state governments at the White House. There is no record, however, of such a national day being proclaimed.

November is National American Indian Heritage Month The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to the rich ancestry and traditions of Native Americans.

The first American Indian Day in a state was declared on the second Saturday in May 1916 by the governor of New York. Several states celebrate the fourth Friday in September. In Illinois, for example, legislators enacted such a day in 1919. Presently, several states have designated Columbus Day as Native American Day, but it continues to be a day we observe without any recognition as a national legal holiday.

In 1990 President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November 1990 “National American Indian Heritage Month.” Similar proclamations, under variants on the name (including “Native American Heritage Month” and “National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month”) have been issued each year since 1994.

Native American Heritage Month

Click here for more dedicated websites

Check out more great articles by Shield Insurance Agency

The 11 Best Remote Control Cars for Kids – And Some for Adults, Too!

Posted on November 14, 2022November 8, 2022 by Shield Insurance Agency

Satisfy your need for speed and off-road adventures with these top picks for Remote Control Cars

Popular Machanics | BY RACHEL KLEIN | NOV 7, 2022 | Remote Control Cars | Auto Insurance

Updated Nov. 1, 2022: This piece was updated to reflect current pricing, including sales, and details specific to each of the remote control cars.

From monster trucks to speed demons that can clock 70 miles per hour, remote control cars deliver hours of fun, whether you’re an experienced hobbyist looking to upgrade and splurge on a higher-end model or a parent searching for an activity to get your kid off the iPad.

If you’re new to the RC world — that’s remote control, in pro lingo — shopping for a car (or RC airplane or truck, for that matter) can feel somewhat daunting at the start, as there a lot of technical details to wade through while you’re comparing models, even for kids’ toys. And, with so many car types and features, it can be tough to figure out which options meet your criteria for style and price. The good news is that while there may be a bit of a learning curve, you can get a taste of the action no matter your budget.

With that in mind, read on for our top recommendations, plus an RC car primer and essential advice to consider before you shop.

What to Consider when shopping for Remote Control Cars

While shopping, you may see the initials “RTR” in product descriptions, which stands for “ready to race.” This means you can start playing with it right out of the box or after charging, with no extra parts required to get it up and running. Keep in mind that some cars are labeled RTR even though batteries are sold separately.

There are hobby-grade RC cars and toy cars designed for kids, with the latter typically being less expensive, though there are toy cars that offer impressive performance and a low price point. The types of vehicles to choose from include off-road 4x4s and buggies, rock crawlers, and racing drift cars, so you’ll need to decide which you or your child will most enjoy. You’ll also often see the RC car’s scale listed, which represents its size in relation to the real deal.

Speed varies depending on what the car is built to do. For example, rock climbers don’t have to be incredibly fast to tackle boulders, but do need powerful high-torque motors, whereas you’ll want a race car that can hit at least 35 miles per hour. Less expensive RC cars generally have a two-button remote control, and those on the higher end have 2.4GHz pistol-grip style remotes with more advanced steering and throttle. Finally, if you do go for a high-end model, make sure that replacement parts and upgrades are easily available.

How We Selected

Visit the full story!

How to Cut Home Heating Costs This Winter

Posted on November 11, 2022November 8, 2022 by Shield Insurance Agency

Consumer Reports | By Janet Siroto | November 3, 2022 | Home Heating | Home Insurance

These smart moves will keep your house toasty without blowing your home heating budget

For the typical American household, utility bills are about $2,000 a year, according to the most recent Department of Energy figures. Heating an average home accounts for about $900 of that. So you want to keep the warm air you pay for inside instead of flying out through drafty windows, wonky doors that don’t fit their frames, and under-insulated attics and basements. Weatherizing your home is job No. 1 and may whittle down heating and cooling costs by 20 percent annually (or about $220), the DOE says. Keeping your heat and hot water systems running smoothly and taking advantage of available rebates and tax credits may save you even more.

Schedule a Checkup

Professional servicing of your heating system (typically $150 to $500 for an entire heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system) will include everything from replacing dirty filters to checking for safety issues like potential carbon monoxide leaks. A heating system that’s running efficiently may save you money. For instance, the DOE says a well-maintained heat pump can use up to 25 percent less fuel than a neglected one. “Ideally, have this done in what’s known as the swing season, before the real cold kicks in,” says Larry Zarker, CEO of the Building Performance Institute, a nonprofit credentialing and standards-setting organization for the industry. Also check air filters from time to time for dust and dirt, and change them if they’re dirty.

Decide Whether to Have an Energy Audit on Your Home Heating System

Think you’d benefit from details on your home’s energy performance? A trained energy assessor can evaluate it for issues like insufficient insulation or a heating system that might warrant replacement—and help develop a plan to improve efficiency and lower your energy bills. This can cost $210 to $670 but may uncover ways to lower your monthly energy bills by up to 30 percent, according to the DOE.

The Home Performance with Energy Star program, a collaboration between the DOE and the Environmental Protection Agency, matches consumers in 20 states with reputable home performance contractors for assessments.

Other options that you might want to consider include the Home Energy Score program, an auditor registered with the Residential Energy Services Network, and a local certified inspector from the Building Performance Institute, which sets standards for energy audits and certifies analysts. Utilities may offer free audits, but they’re not always thorough, Zarker says.

Insulate Your Hot-Water System

Slipping foam “sleeves” (about $11 each) around water pipes in or near exterior walls may save up to $80 per year and reduce the risk of pipes freezing if temperatures dip below zero. Wrap a heat jacket (about $30 to $45) around your hot-water heater (if your utility company allows it) and it won’t have to work as hard.

Sleuth Out Leaky Doors, Windows, and More

Click here for the full story…

Visit other great articles featured by Shield Insurance Agency

What Are REITs and How to Invest in Them

What is a REIT and How to Invest in Them

Posted on November 4, 2022October 31, 2022 by Shield Insurance Agency

From what a REIT is to how it invests, here’s how to make money from these real estate vehicles.

US News.com | By Paulina Likos and Coryanne Hicks | May 18, 2021, at 4:17 p.m. | REITs

The Ultimate Guide to REITs

A real estate investment trust, or REIT, is a company that owns, operates or finances income-producing real estate.

This is often done by pooling investors’ money to buy and possibly manage commercial or residential buildings. The company then collects rent from its tenants and passes that income onto investors in the form of high dividends.

“REITs are publicly traded companies that exist purely to own real estate or real estate-related assets and allow investors exposure to real estate,” says Jeff Saul, co-CEO and co-founder at Nativ based in New York City. “You can think of a REIT as analogous to an (exchange-traded fund) in the stock world – this is a basket of diversified real estate assets (could be loans or direct equity investments) that is actively managed by qualified real estate investment managers.”

As REIT shareholders, investors get exposure to real estate without the headaches of owning, operating or directly financing properties.

Types of REIT

There are two broad categories of real estate investment trusts: equity REITs and mortgage REITs, or mREITs. Most REITs are equity REITs, which own or operate income-producing real estate such as apartment buildings, offices or shopping centers.

Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is legally bound to act in your best interests. If you’re ready to be matched with local advisors that will help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.

Equity REITs typically invest in a particular type of property. For example, retail REITs invest in shopping centers, while residential REITs invest in apartment complexes, single-family homes and even student housing. There are other types of equity REITs, too, such as:

Lodging and resort REITs, which invest in hotels and resorts.
Self-storage REITs, which invest in storage facilities.
Data center REITs, which invest in data storage centers.
Infrastructure REITs, which invest in infrastructures such as pipelines and cellular towers.
Industrial REITs, which invest in facilities such as distribution centers and warehouses.
Timberland REITs, which specialize in harvesting and selling timber.

If a REIT invests in a mix of property types, it’s called a diversified REIT. If the properties it owns and manages don’t fit into any other category, it’s called a specialty REIT. Examples of specialty REITs include Lamar Advertising Co. (ticker: LAMR), an advertising real estate provider, and Gladstone Land Corp. (LAND), a REIT investing in the agricultural market, leasing land to farmers.

Mortgage REITs finance commercial and residential properties by investing in mortgages and mortgage-backed securities. These can be agency mortgages secured by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae, nonagency mortgages or commercial mortgages. Mortgage REITs typically specialize in either commercial or residential mortgages but some invest in both.

These REITs borrow money to buy mortgages paying a higher interest rate. The difference between the rate the REIT pays lenders and the one it receives from investments, called the interest rate spread, is how it generates income and ultimately pays dividends for investors.

How a REIT Works

Click here for the full story…

100th Anniversary of Fire Prevention Week

Posted on October 6, 2022October 6, 2022 by Shield Insurance Agency

NFPA.org | 2022 Campaign | Fire Prevention Week

Join NFPA® in celebrating the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week™ (FPW). This year’s FPW campaign, “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape™”, works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe from home fires.

Today’s homes burn faster than ever. You may have as little as two minutes (or even less time) to safely escape a home fire from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Your ability to get out of a home during a fire depends on early warning from smoke alarms and advance planning.

Home fire escape planning and practicing

It is important for everyone to plan and practice a home fire escape. Everyone needs to be prepared in advance, so that they know what to do when the smoke alarm sounds. Given that every home is different, every home fire escape plan will also be different.

Have a plan for everyone in the home. Children, older adults, and people with disabilities may need assistance to wake up and get out. Make sure that someone will help them!

Smoke alarms

Smoke alarms sense smoke well before you can, alerting you to danger. Smoke alarms need to be in every bedroom, outside of the sleeping areas (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of your home. Do not put smoke alarms in your kitchen or bathrooms.

Choose an alarm that is listed with a testing laboratory, meaning it has met certain standards for protection.

For the best protection, use combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms that are interconnected throughout the home. These can be installed by a qualified electrician, so that when one sounds, they all sound. This ensures you can hear the alarm no matter where in your home the alarm originates.

Importance of fire prevention

In a fire, mere seconds can mean the difference between a safe escape and a tragedy. Fire safety education isn’t just for school children. Teenagers, adults, and the elderly are also at risk in fires, making it important for every member of the community to take some time every October during Fire Prevention Week to make sure they understand how to stay safe in case of a fire.

On this site, you’ll find loads of educational resources to make sure that every person knows what to do in case of a fire. We have everything from apps to videos to printables and much more, to make sure you have the resources you need to keep your family, your community, and your city safe.

Learn more about Fire Prevention at this great website!

Check out more great articles from Shield Insurance!

A beginner’s guide to buying home insurance

Posted on October 5, 2022June 14, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Blog | Home Insurance | Start A Quote Today!

Home insurance isn’t an option — it’s a necessity. Nearly all mortgage lenders require borrowers to purchase homeowners insurance before financing a residential real estate transaction.

FOX Business | By Josephine Nesbit | Published April 27, 2021 3:23 pm EDT

Insurance can be complicated. Homeowners need to be prepared and make sure they are adequately insured. Here’s a buyer’s guide for first-time homeowners on the basics of home insurance and finding the plan that offers the right insurance coverage for you.

What should I look for when buying home insurance?

Buyers can adjust their insurance policy to fit their insurance coverage needs. When buying homeowners insurance, you should have enough coverage to:

Rebuild your home
Replace your personal belongings
Cover injuries and damages that occur on your property
Pay your living expenses if your house is uninhabitable

What does home insurance cover?

Here are the different types of coverage from a standard home insurance policy:

1. Dwelling

Dwelling coverage helps rebuild or repair the home’s structure if damaged by a covered event. Dwelling coverage should equal the cost to replace your home. This can be calculated by speaking with an insurance agent or an appraiser.

2. Personal property

This applies to everything in your home besides the structure itself if your personal belongings are destroyed, vandalized, or stolen.

You should have enough coverage to replace all of your belongings. This can be calculated by keeping a home inventory of everything you own and their actual cash value. More expensive items may also require additional coverage.

3. Liability

Liability coverage covers you against lawsuits for injury or property damage caused by you, family members, or pets to other people. Common liability claims include:

Dog bites
Intoxicated guests
Accidents
Falling trees
Injured domestic workers

No-fault medical coverage is also included. This covers the medical expenses of guests injured on your property.

4. Additional living expenses

If your home is uninhabitable, additional living expenses will cover your temporary displacement such as hotel bills and eating out.

There are also different types of homeowners insurance for various property types and insurance coverage needs. This includes:

Click here for the rest of this story

Check out the other articles shared by Shield Insurance Agency!

Ransomware attacks against schools could rise

Posted on September 20, 2022September 16, 2022 by Shield Insurance Agency

Federal agencies warned ransomware attacks against schools may increase this school year, in a joint cybersecurity advisory issued Tuesday.

BusinessInsurance.com | Judy Greenwald | September 07, 2022

Attacks may increase as the school year begins “and criminal ransomware groups perceive opportunities for successful attacks,” said the advisory issued by the FBI, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center.

“School districts with limited cybersecurity capabilities and constrained resources are often the most vulnerable; however, the opportunistic targeting often seen with cyber criminals can still put school districts with robust cybersecurity programs at risk,” the advisory warns.

“K-12 institutions may be seen as particularly lucrative targets due to the amount for sensitive student data accessible through school systems or their managed service providers,” it said.

Ransomware Attacks

Click here for the rest of the story…

Shield Insurance Agency

Get a Quote