Janet Corbett - Blog

HISTORY OF NEW YEARS DAY!!

janet.corbett@century21.ca — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Romans dedicated New Year's Day to Janus, the god of gates, doors, and beginnings for whom the first month of the year (January) is also named. After Julius Caesar reformed the calendar in 46 BC and was subsequently murdered, the Roman Senate voted to deify him on the 1st January 42 BC in honor of his life and his institution of the new rationalized calendar. The month originally owes its name to the deity Janus, who had two faces, one looking forward and the other looking backward. This suggests that New Year's celebrations are founded on pagan traditions. Some have suggested this occurred in 153 BC, when it was stipulated that the two annual consuls (after whose names the years were identified) entered into office on that day, though no consensus exists on the matter. Dates in March, coinciding with the spring equinox, or commemorating the Annunciation of Jesus, along with a variety of Christian feast dates were used throughout the Middle Ages, though calendars often continued to display the months in columns running from January to December.[citation needed]

Among the 7th century pagans of Flanders and the Netherlands, it was the custom to exchange gifts at the New Year. This was a pagan custom deplored by Saint Eligius (died 659 or 660), who warned the Flemings and Dutchmen, "(Do not) make vetulas, [little figures of the Old Woman], little deer or iotticos or set tables [for the house-elf, compare Puck] at night or exchange New Year gifts or supply superfluous drinks [another Yule custom]." The quote is from the vita of Eligius written by his companion, Ouen.

Most countries in Western Europe officially adopted January 1 as New Year's Day somewhat before they adopted the Gregorian calendar. In England, the Feast of the Annunciation on March 25, was the first day of the new year until the adoption of the Gregorian calendar in 1752. The March 25 date was known as Annunciation Style; the January 1 date was known as Circumcision Style, because this was the date of the Feast of the Circumcision, considered to be the eighth day of Christ's life, counting from December 25 when his birth is celebrated. This day was christened as the beginning of the New Year by Pope Gregory as he designed the Liturgical Calendar

NINE EASY WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HOME MORE ATTRACTIVE

janet.corbett@century21.ca — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

These days, staging your home involves more than decluttering and inexpensive fix-ups. You can spend big bucks. Or not.

The following tips can help you add value to your home:

1. Listen to your real estate agent. He or she views hundreds of houses a year and knows what works.

2. Watch the trends and incorporate them in simple, effective ways. In 2012, buyers will be looking for extra storage and great laundry rooms. Declutter all your closets and add inexpensive but attractive storage in the laundry area. Fresh paint and attractive baskets can go a long way.

3. Position one of today's colors - any shade of blue from cobalt to turquoise, for example - against neutral walls, either by painting an accent wall or by adding hints of color with accessories.

4. For accessories, try light woods, antique bronze and stone.

5. Switch down your lighting - dimmers create a warm, romantic mood in bedrooms and dining rooms.

6. Hardwood floors are still number one, but sisal and seagrass carpeting are becoming popular.

7. White or off-white kitchen cabinets are still in. Painting cabinets may be labor intensive, but you may avoid that "dated kitchen" label.

8. Stainless steel appliances remain popular, but building them in to match kitchen cabinets is very now.

9. Move out all but essential pieces of furniture. Buyers want to imagine their possessions in your home.

Home Inspection is NOT a warranty or a guarantee

janet.corbett@century21.ca — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Because a home inspection is a visual examination of the home and operating systems, it is not technically exhaustive. There is no assurance, expressed or implied, that equipment will not break down at some future time. However, an inspection report does provide you with a detailed report of the condition of the home's systems so repairs can be made or considered beforehand.

Barrie Home and Reno Show - September 26 & 27, 2009

janet.corbett@century21.ca — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Well, here I am at the Barrie Home and Reno Show. What a great turn out. We have a booth here and a Draw for $100.00 Gift Card at Home Depot and 2 Serving Dishes. I will post who won on Monday. The Draw will be done at the Show at 4 pm. So many vendor with very interesting products.

Spring Home & Garden Show is on March 6-7, 2010. Make Plans to come out.