Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Since our founding over 50 years ago, Ball Homes has made it a priority for our company to support various charitable causes. We actively and enthusiastically partner with organizations that work to improve the quality of life in the communities where we live and work.
We would like to share information about some of the non-profit organizations that have impressed us with their commitment to serve, their success rates, and their overall willingness to take on difficult tasks and provide services to those who need them.
This week, we’re featuring Junior Achievement of the Bluegrass. JA of the Bluegrass has been serving Central Kentucky since 1963, impacting over 350,000 young people and celebrating their 50th anniversary in November. During the 2011-2012 school year alone, they reached 18,047 students in Fayette and 11 surrounding counties with various classroom and after school programs that educate and inspire young people about business, economic, and free enterprise.This year, Ball Homes has partnered with the Junior Achievement of the Bluegrass in their Adopt-a-School program. This program allows us to sponsor a local school and provide them with the materials and equipment necessary to continue the program. This is our 11th year as a partner and we’re excited to continue our participation and commitment to help JA of the Bluegrass empower Central Kentucky students to own their future economic success.
For more information on how you can get involved in the Junior Achievement of the Bluegrass, visit their website or connect with them on Twitter.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Temperatures are cooling down and that means it’s time to start thinking of ways to prepare your Ball home for fall and winter. These simple steps can lower your utility bills and keep you and your family warm and comfortable throughout the cold season. 
- Clear your gutters and downspouts from debris frequently throughout the fall. Neglected gutters can lead to wood rot problems, pest infestations, wet basements, foundation damage and many other expensive complications. Consider installing gutter guards to cut down on the amount of leaves that can clog your drainage system.
- Caulking is one of the least expensive home repairs out there, with some of the biggest energy savings. Caulk around windows and doorframes to prevent heat from escaping. Silicone caulk is great for outdoor use because it won’t crack or shrink when the weather gets colder. If your weather stripping is cracked or loose or you can see daylight from inside your home, consider replacing it.
- Now is the best time to get your lawn ready for the spring. By spreading seed now, you give the roots enough time to germinate and develop a good root system before the cold weather sets in. If you can, aerate your lawn before you put down fertilizer, which will allow moisture and nutrients to get into the roots. We’ve found a great tutorial from DIY Network on how to aerate your lawn. If you aren’t able to aerate, consider mulching dry, fallen leaves rather than raking them. When you mow, remove the bag and let the pieces fall among the grass blades. This will allow them to decompose and nourish your lawn over the winter.
- Change your furnace filter regularly. Before you switch over to the heat setting, contact a licensed heating contractor to inspect and service your gas heater or furnace to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Your local utility company will often provide this service for free. Also have your wood-burning fireplace inspected, cleaned and repaired to prevent chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Just because it’s getting cooler does not mean that your ceiling fan can’t help you lower your utility bills. Change the direction of your ceiling fan to create an upward draft that redistributes warm air from the ceiling.
- Take the time to do some additional fall cleaning you don’t normally get around to, like laundering window treatments, vacuuming your mattress and box springs, and cleaning out the clothes dryer vent. These small tasks will help remove dust and dirt that can be circulated into the air while your home is closed during the winter months. This cleaning will also save you time when you begin your preparations for the fall and winter parties and guests you will be hosting in your home.
Are there any other maintenance tips you'd like to share? Let us know on our Facebook page!
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Many people will be firing up the grill this weekend to commemorate the (unofficial) close of summer. We’ve got some simple recipes that are sure to be a hit with your guests!
Steak and Potato Kabobs
This easy recipe from Better Homes and Gardens uses items that are more than likely already in your pantry. Combine oil-and-vinegar dressing, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder to make a simple steak marinade.
Layered Summer Salad
This easy salad from Food.com can be made ahead of time and customized towards even the pickiest eater. Use a glass bowl for an even prettier display.
Peach Cobbler
You’ll have no trouble finding this in-season fruit at your local Farmer’s Market or grocery store. Enjoy this classic dessert from Real Simple with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped topping.
Monday, August 26, 2013
Moving is difficult for even the most organized people. When children are involved the difficulty increases. Whether you are moving just down the road or to a completely new city, here are some tips to help ease the transition.1. Let Your Kids Help
If they're old enough, let your children help you pack some of their personal belongings. Even at a young age, kids can sort their toys and help you wrap objects in tissue paper or bubble wrap. If you'll be putting some things into storage, ask them what they would like to keep and what they don't mind parting with for a while. Make sure your kids know that their toys and belongings will follow them to the new house and aren’t being thrown away. If you’re using cardboard boxes, let your child decorate them after they’ve been packed.
2. Alleviate Their Fears
If possible, take the children to see their new home and neighborhood in advance. This will help to take the “mystery” out of the move. Introducing your children to their new neighbors will reassure them that they will make new friends after the move.
3. Pack It Last, Unpack It First
Children of all ages crave stability and comfort. Make your child's bedroom a safe place for them in your old home and recreate that same sense of ownership for them in their new bedroom. Older children may not want their new bedroom to be identical to the old (in fact, new furniture or decor could help dull the loss of school friends and activities), but younger children will benefit from a room nearly identical to the one they left behind. Make the moving disruption as minimal as possible by packing your child's room last and unpacking it first upon arrival.
4. If It’s Important, Keep It Close
Never make the mistake of letting the movers pack your child’s favorite toy or special blanket. Keep these items with you at all times. This will help ease any separation anxiety they may experience from the changes, and minimize your stress when you arrive if you can't find it right away. If it's important to your infant or toddler, it should be just as important to you -- don't let it out of your sight when you're moving.
5. Get Involved
Help your kids to make new friends by getting them involved in extracurricular activities in their new neighborhood. Find local schools, churches, co-ops and other neighborhood connections that might make your transition and introduction to your new place smoother. Sports leagues, community kids' clubs and classes specific to your child's interests will keep them busy, introduce them to new friends and make them feel more at home in their new surroundings.
Have you ever moved with children? Based on your experience, would you add anything to our list? Let us know on our Facebook page!