Plumb Smart, Inc. - December 2020

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DECEMBER 2020

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Celebrating the True Meaning of the Season AND THAT’S WHAT CHRISTMAS IS ALL ABOUT

For my family, Christmas is first and foremost a day to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. However, Christmas is also a lot of things to a lot of people. It’s a time of family gatherings, gift giving, yard decorations, Santa Claus, reindeer, elves, Christmas trees, Christmas music, Christmas movies, and a whole lot more. Oh yeah, I almost forgot about food. What’s Christmas without lots of food? Our family has traditionally participated in all of these activities. One of our favorite activities is shopping for a real Christmas tree. I love the piney scent it brings to the house. Finding the perfect tree can be a long process. It can’t be too bushy, but it also can’t be too sparse. There has to be just enough space in the branches for the ornaments to fill. It also can’t be too tall or too short. Sometimes we have to visit several lots to find just the right one, and everyone has to agree before a purchase is made. Then we have to decorate it. The task of trimming the tree, placing it in a stand and hanging the lights usually falls to me. After that, the ornaments. I kick back and enjoy watching my family do this part while I drink a cup of coffee. I think the tradition of decorating Christmas trees has a pagan past and seems a bit incongruous mixed with the celebration of Jesus’ birth, but it seems like that’s common for most of our modern holidays — a mix of the spiritual and the secular.

This could turn into a dissertation really fast, but Charles Schultz gave the meaning

of Christmas in its most basic form through his Peanuts characters in an animated 30-minute TV special

in 1965. In the now-famous cartoon, Charlie Brown, who finds himself depressed by the commercialization of the Christmas season, asks, exasperated, “Does anyone know what Christmas is all about?” Then Linus steps forward and quotes Luke 2:8–14:

“And the angel said unto

them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the

angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

That idea begs the question: What is the significance of Jesus in all of this?

The basic message of Christmas is the

announcement that God, the Almighty Creator of the universe, has come into the world in the form of a human baby named Jesus. This is the news of God’s incarnation in human flesh. But why?

When Linus is finished, he declares, “And that’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”

And that really is what Christmas is all about.

–Pa u l Little

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How to Eat During the Holidays Without Sacrificing Your Favorite Foods or Your Waistline

Have you ever stood on a scale at the end of the holiday season and wondered how the extra pounds crept on? It’s no secret that a sugar cookie here, a slice of pie there, and a few glasses of eggnog in between can lead to a few pounds gained. When you’re surrounded by Christmas goodies, how can you resist? Luckily, there are a few ways you can protect your waistline this holiday season without completely cutting out your favorite treats. Be Choosy When you see a regular buffet of your favorite holiday treats, don’t immediately start scarfing down everything that looks remotely tasty and sweet. First, scope out the food — without a plate — so you won’t be tempted to start eating without really looking. Then, find the treats that are your absolute favorites and choose one or two of them to eat. You don’t have to give up sweets during the holidays; instead, eat with discretion. Don’t Go Hungry To ensure that you don’t overeat at a party or buy junk food that you don’t need when shopping, eat a healthy snack before going out. Before you head out to a

party, eat a snack chock-full of complex carbohydrates, proteins, and unsaturated fats. Apple slices with peanut butter work, as well as lean meats and cheeses. If you’re headed to the grocery store, eating a filling snack before you go will make you less likely to impulsively scoop up those sugary cookies and pastries in the bakery. Drink Responsibly (and Judiciously) If you drink alcohol, keep in mind that each drink will probably be somewhere between 150–225 calories. A glass of eggnog can have as many as 500 calories. Alcohol decreases your self-control when you’re eating, while also increasing your appetite. Make sure that if you’re drinking, you’re not doing so on an empty stomach. And to decrease the number of high-calorie drinks that you consume, drink a glass of water in between alcoholic beverages. The holidays are a minefield for any healthy diet. But with the right tools, you can ensure that by Jan. 2, your waistline won’t be worse for wear.

Let’s Talk About Pinhole Leaks AND WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND ONE IN YOUR HOME

A pinhole leak is a small hole caused by corrosion buildup in copper pipes. Since pinhole leaks occur on active water lines (which always have water in them), once a leak starts, it won’t stop. If you notice water spots on a wall or ceiling that don’t seem to change regardless of water usage, a pinhole leak is probably responsible. They usually start out small, but they won’t stop, so you should deal with them quickly. If you have exposed copper lines in your house, maybe in an unfinished basement or a drop ceiling, perform some visual inspections yourself. Look for droplets forming on the pipes and for any areas of the ceiling/subfloor that appear wet. Sometimes a pinhole can spray water in a very fine mist, making the leak difficult to find but leaving condensation on other surfaces. Finally, any greenish-blue spots on copper lines may be a sign that a pinhole leak is about to form. However, areas around copper fittings will often turn this color because of the oxidation of the solder and flux used to seal them. Don’t mind those greenish-blue spots — look for isolated spots that aren’t near any fittings. Pinhole leaks seldom occur one at a time. Where there’s one, there are usually a few more. Many times, sealing one leak will accelerate the formation of another leak later on. To keep you from experiencing this, we usually try to replace as much

pipe around the leak as possible. Sometimes, though, a new leak will show up somewhere else in the house. If you’ve experienced multiple pinhole leaks, it might be time to consider replacing

all the copper pipe in your home. While re-piping can be expensive, it’s usually cheaper in the long run than repairing leak after leak. If you’re considering this option, schedule a

consultation with us to learn your options for running new, improved water lines throughout your home.

That said, the best way to prevent pinhole leaks from happening in the future is to install a whole-house water filter, which can keep the chemicals and minerals that may cause pinhole leaks out of your water system completely. They aren’t cheap, but if it saves you from re-plumbing your entire house, you’ll still save money. If you’d like to know more about whole- house filters, give us a call.

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WORD SEARCH

FESTIVE APPLE CIDER

CAROL CHEER COCOA FAMILY

GIFT HOLIDAY

SHOVEL SLEDDING SNOW TURQUOISE

HOLLY PEACE

Inspired by BoulderLocavore.com

SUDOKU

If you’re cutting back on calories, skip the eggnog and buttered rum this year and fill up your mug with this delicious mulled cider!

• 1 lemon • 1 gallon pure apple cider • 1 large orange, thinly sliced crosswise • 2 tsp whole cloves Ingredients

• 2 tsp allspice berries • 1 inch fresh ginger, thinly sliced • 2 tbsp honey • 3 cinnamon sticks

Directions

1. Using a paring knife, shave the lemon peel off in curls. Reserve the curls and save the lemon for use in a different recipe. 2. In a large slow cooker, combine the lemon peel with all other ingredients. Cook on low for 3–4 hours. 3. If desired, use a sieve to strain the spices. Serve and enjoy!

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

175 Goldfinch Path Acworth, GA 30101

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And That’s What Christmas Is All About 1

How to Eat (Responsibly) During the Holidays

All About Pinhole Leaks 2

Festive Apple Cider

Take a Break! 3

3 Fool-Proof Ways to Pay for the Holidays Without Going Broke 4 3 GIFT-GIVING TIPS That Won’t Kill Your Savings

Ah, the holidays. It’s a time of sweet treats, family, and giving back — and sometimes giving a little too much. When it comes to the perfect holiday gift, many people spend too much money. The average American spends nearly $1,000 on gifts during the December holidays alone!

on your list. If you can offer the gift of time, provide a free night of babysitting for your friends with kids or an experience at the local theater. These gifts have a bonus factor: Recipients love the gift when they open it, and they love it when they get to use it!

Set a budget — and stick to it. Setting a holiday budget ensures you only spend what you can afford. It also narrows down your search. If you choose to buy your neighbor something, but they aren’t your top priority, set their budget at a lower level, like $25–$50. If you have a sibling who has had a rough

It’s possible to cut back and make it to January without major debt. Here’s how.

Check your list — twice! The list is going to be your secret weapon to tackling the holidays with your savings still intact. Start by writing down the name of every person you’d like to get a gift for. Now, with the exception of your immediate family members, narrow the names down to your top five — top 10 if you’re really popular. Now, place the names of the people who didn’t make the cut into a second list. If you still feel the need to do something for them, send homemade cookies or a handwritten note instead of purchasing something. This limits how much you actually have to spend! Think beyond store-bought or expensive items. Sure, everyone wants this holiday season’s “it” item, but sometimes the best gifts don’t even come wrapped under the tree. Instead, look to your own talents as a clue to what you should give. If you’re a great crafter, create something unique for the people

year and you’d like to make their holidays a little brighter, bump their budget up. This narrows the focus of what you’re looking for so you don’t stumble into something you can’t afford.

Ultimately, it’s the spirit of giving during the holidays that makes them so rewarding. With a little ingenuity, you can be generous and avoid the stress of excess debt come January.

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