November 2021 Newsletter

Keep an eye out for our Black Friday furnishing packages and bundles. You won’t want to miss the deals on these great backyard experiences.

Hygge (pronounced hue-guh) is a Danish word to describe a feeling or moment as cozy, charming or special. It can be alone or with friends, in a home or outside, while doing something ordinary or extraordinary.  Danes created hygge because they were trying to survive boredom, cold, dark and sameness. As we enter the shorter days and chill of winter, here are some thoughts on how to hygge.

There’s no one English word or simple definition to describe hygge, several can be used to describe the idea such as coziness, charm, happiness, contentedness, security, familiarity, comfort, reassurance, kinship, and simpleness. Hygge isn’t all just about candles and blankets to be cozy, but about experiences as well. The undefinable feeling of hygge was created as a way for people to find moments amidst the mundane to celebrate and be present.

You can’t buy a “hygge outdoor living space.” It takes a conscious awareness of slowing down to be present and enjoy moments. It’s a personal endeavor – to find what brings you comfort at home.

It can be as simple as: 

• closing your eyes and breathing deeply as you let the sun warm your face
• taking your yoga mat out to stretch and recharge
• listening to your children or grandchildren play on a swing set
• laying the quilt from your childhood home on the back of your chair
• drinking coffee or tea curled up in a blanket while you journal your thoughts
• having a love seat in your conversation area to sit closely instead of apart
• sitting around a fire and laughing with good friends
• playing a game together as a family
• bundling up for a walk after dinner

What are your thoughts on how to hygge?

1. In a large pot, brown the meat with the onion and garlic.
2. Add the remaining ingredients to the pot.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
4. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
5. Ladle into bowls and garnish with desired toppings.

Ingredients:

• 2 lb Ground beef
• 3 cloves Garlic
• 1 cup Onion
• 2 (15.5 ounce) cans Kidney, Pinto or Black beans
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can Tomatoes, crushed
• 1 1/4 cups Beef broth
• 1 can Rotel
• 2 1/2 tsp Cumin
• 2 1/2 tbsp Chili powder
• 1 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper
• 1/4 tsp Cinnamon

Valley Pike Farm Market in Weyers Cave is hosting their annual Wreath Workshop! The dates are filling quickly, so be sure to grab your seat!! Ticket includes sipping local beverages in the Granary and creating stunning wreaths.

Sunday, December 5 from 3-5pm with Sparrow’s Flowers

Wednesday, December 8 from 6-8pm with Elizabeth Williams

All supplies are provided including greeneries such as cedar, boxwood, pine, fir, juniper, and similar, as well as berries, pinecones, and ribbon to complete your designs. You can also bring any special additions you’d like to include on your personal creation!

Grab your friends and check it out! It’s a perfect way to kick off the holiday season!

As you prepare for the holidays and colder winter weather, keep these tips in mind to make sure your outdoor space and home are ready for the changing seasons ahead.  Follow this handy fall clean-up list to prepare for winter. Carve out a weekend or two to take care of these outdoor projects.

1. Protect your deck. Remove debris buildup on your deck, clean your deck boards thoroughly and apply a sealant stain after removing your deck furniture. Check for curling, loose joints and boards, and inspect the deck’s overall stability. If you find anything is concerning to you, contact us for a complimentary inspection by the Bear Creek construction team.
2. Clean, prepare and store your awnings, sunshades, or umbrellas. Before retracting or removing your awnings, sunshades, and umbrellas for the season, brush off dust and debris, hose them down and clean them with a solution of soap and water. Allow your awnings to dry completely in the sunlight, then – if they are to be removed – store them in a dry area with plenty of ventilation.
3. Clean, cover or store your patio furniture. The wear and tear on patio furniture can be prevented by keeping them out of the sun and elements during the winter when they are less in use. Remember to also bring in any lighting or potted plants that won’t survive colder temperatures. Clean off dust, pollen and debris and clean them with gentle soap and water depending on the materials. Getting a quality furniture cover or taking furniture into a garage or shed for the winter can help extend the life of them. Check with Leslie, our Furnishing Designer, if you need help finding furniture covers for your space.

Extras 

• Shut off exterior faucets and drain and store garden hoses
• Trim dead tree limbs
• Check weather stripping and caulking around doors and windows.  Repair or replace if necessary to keep your home draft free and save on energy costs
• Check and clean the gutters and downspouts (after most of the leaves have fallen)
• Rake and mulch leaves in your yard
• Check your smoke detectors

Our Charlottesville homeowner wanted to create a weather protected outdoor living space over an existing porch and add a new paver patio. The screen porch utilizes the ScreenEZE system with stainless steel railings. It also included the installation of a new entry door into the bedroom for access to the screen room. The space is a cozy conversation area. The paver patio addition extends the space to allow for grilling and outside dining. They took their small existing space and envisioned a fresh renovation to make a big impact.

Articles written by Natalie Hall. Natalie is Bear Creek’s Marketing Coordinator. She is passionate about helping people enjoy the outdoors, out on adventures or right from home.