Spring Cleaning

The sun is shining, the birds are singing, the Daffodils are poking up through the ground, and while some are still waiting for one last snowstorm, I think it's time the rest of us admit: spring has come. 

For some, spring cleaning can be enjoyable and refreshing, while for others it is simply a task that never seems to come to fruition. We want to make it a little easier on you here at High Country Home so we have provided you with a few suggestions that will brighten up your home for spring. Even if dusting and scrubbing aren't your forte, there are many simple things you can do around the house to clear it of that dreary winter feel.

The most basic rule to remember when spring cleaning is "out with the old and in with the new." Something as simple as swapping heavy curtains, rugs, and throw pillows for lightweight, brightly colored ones will give your room a more open and clean feeling. In your bedroom, think of ways to switch things up; rotate your bed, move your dresser, hang up those picture frames. This will give you the feeling of beginning anew and get you excited for all the opportunities this new season has to offer! Also, don't forget to replace your thick, heavy blankets with lighter sheets and bedspreads. If your budget allows, go ahead and purchase a new duvet cover with bright, fervent colors to give your room a new personality for spring!

To conquer two birds with one stone, when packing up all your winter wear to store away until the fall, pick out anything your haven't worn since last season. If you're like us, you'll want to keep that sweater you haven't worn in five years "just in case," but it's time to give it up. Box them up and mark it to donate, that way your sweater will keep someone warm instead of sitting in your closet until next year.

Now don't you feel accomplished? You've got a cleaner, brighter living area, more space in your closet, and a warm, fuzzy feeling in your heart! Now all that's left to do is take a stroll in your yard, pick some of those young Daffodils, and place them in a vase on the kitchen table. You are officially "spring-a-fied," now that wasn't too hard was it?

High Country Home is now on Twitter!

We've been busy this week, and are excited to say that we have finally taken the plunge into the world of Twitter. From now on, we will be posting exclusive photo shoot pictures, updates from the office, publication announcements, as well as extra High Country Home content not seen in the magazine. Stay up-to-date on all of the latest home tips and events going on in the area, and feel free to tweet to us regarding recommendations, home questions, or to simply share a great picture of your place! If you're on Twitter, click the button below to start following us and get involved with this new branch of High Country Home today!

Follow @HCHomeMag

The search for our next Contributors has started!

It's been a busy week for us here at High Country Home and we are excited to announce that we have decided to expand our team of Contributors! We love nothing more than to get involvement from the community and our valued readers as we create and compile each issue of our magazine, and we are officially starting the search for the perfect new contributors to work with our content team on all things home in the High Country. If you are enthusiastic about writing and passionate about everything home-related from water features to full remodeling, we would love to hear from you and possibly feature your work and ideas in upcoming issues!

What being a Contributor at High Country Home means:
-Be part of a local team to brainstorm and develop season-appropriate content and ideas
-The opportunity to share your experiences and knowledge with thousands of readers, four times a year
-Make contacts and network with individuals and businesses in the local home industry
-Writing and information exposure
-The chance to guest-blog and share personal pictures and experiences as part of the team
-Scout out new and exciting products and advances in the housing market and be in the know about happenings in the community
-Having your work printed in the magazine and receiving issues to keep, share, and use as portfolio and promotion materials

If you're interested in becoming a Contributor, contact us to talk about your ideas... we can't wait to hear from you!
-Office phone: (828) 264-2670
-Office email: marketconnectionads@gmail.com

Introducing: Preferred Providers of the High Country

We are excited to launch our newest project, the Preferred Provider badge and agreement that will signify professionals of the highest caliber when it comes to the home industry in the High Country. Our process of verifying and approving Preferred Providers is our newest effort to ensure the best and highest quality providers of goods and services from architecture and landscaping to products and residential services.

Be on the lookout for the Preferred Provider seal on upcoming ads, identifying the most committed and skillful people and businesses that our local community has to offer. If you are interested in applying to be a Preferred Provider, simply call or stop by the office to get started on becoming one of the most esteemed professionals in the High Country. If you simply would like a list of our Preferred Providers for your own references, you can also call or stop by to find out who has made the cut!

Local fundraiser for an important cause

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We would like to take a moment today to reach out to our readers and the rest of the High Country to share an important message... we have recently become aware of an extremely tragic situation that a member of our community has found themselves in. Lucas Crysel is a husband and father of two who has been recently diagnosed with a cancerous tumor and now faces a long journey of treatment and doctor's visits ahead.

In order to help the Crysel family manage medical bills and other expenses, we are asking all of our readers and advertisers to participate in some type of donation: whether by eating at Canyons on Wednesday, February 22 from 5:00pm-8:00pm or by simply making a direct donation. In order to donate, you can contact Heather by her number on the flyer, or bring a check by our office made out to Lucas Crysel. We as a community have the power to make a difference in a family's life during this difficult time, and any help, no matter how much, can certainly help.

In addition, here at High Country Home, we would also like to extend a special offer through our offices to support Lucas Crysel and his family. For the next two weeks, 10% of each new advertising contract signed will be donated to this fund. Simply mention this cause!

Hello!

Today we have a full house and we are wrapping up before heading to the press! Sadly, it is one of our intern's last day in the office. Here is a note from Hayley sharing her experience with us in the High Country. She will be missed!

Hayley (left) and Katie (right)

My time here in the High Country has flown by. I learned so much more than I thought I could through working at Market Connection. Since beginning my internship, I have gotten the chance to walk through numerous beautiful homes, assist in home photo shoots, work with the fantastic business owners of the area, and edit and write for High Country Home. I'd like to thank Chris, Katie, and Emily for this great experience, and I loved working with my fellow interns. Hopefully you all will hear from me again as I'd love to be back in this chair whenever the chance arises! - Hayley

Get Involved!

Good afternoon! Here at High Country Home Magazine, we want everyone to know how lucky we are to be part of such a great community surrounded by such beautiful mountainous scenery. We are very interested in what our readers are up to, so we are reaching out and asking you guys to contribute!

As it is lunchtime and we all have food on the brain, one thing we are always on the lookout for here at High Country Home are great recipes from local members of the community. We would love to see what you are cooking up in your kitchen, so tonight when you are settling down to a hearty meal don't forget to take a picture before you dig in and send it our way! It doesn't have to be gourmet, but if it looks delicious enough it just may get featured on our blog!

This photo of Stuffed Portobello Mushroom was featured in a past issue from local Galileo's Bar & Cafe.

Another thing we are always appreciative of are gorgeous homes. If you are perusing our blog you have most likely seen the types of homes we like to feature in our magazine; unique, elegant, mind-blowing..and located in the High Country! So if you know of anyone with a magnificent home, we would love to feature it in one of our design profiles, a six page spread, written by the best creative writers in Boone.

And it always feels nice to get some love, so feel free to boost our ego by leaving us comments on our blog! We would love to hear from you!

Please send any recipes and pictures you have to marketconnectionads@gmail.com. You may also email or call us (828)264-2670 if you have any information on spectacular homes we could feature in our Spring Issue of High Country Home! Look forward to hearing from you!