Whether you’ve just moved in or are simply ready for a refresh, one of the easiest (and most satisfying) ways to make your space truly feel like you is with a fresh coat of paint. Color has the power to completely transform a room—from cozy and calming to bold and energizing. But how do you pick the right color?
Here are a few tried-and-true tips to help you confidently choose a color that brings joy and personality to your home.
Draw Inspiration from What You Love
This can come from anything! From a Pinterest board to your favorite rug, a lamp on a bookshelf, or even one of the books on the shelf can have a color or scheme worth accenting.
Grab a Handful of Swatches
Don’t be shy—collect lots of swatches that feel close to the vibe you’re going for. Whether you’re aiming for something soft and serene or rich and dramatic, pull everything that catches your eye.
Trust Your Gut
Now comes the fun part: start eliminating. Be honest—if it doesn’t instantly feel right, toss it. The best color pickers are confident in their choices. There are thousands of shades out there, so if you see something you don’t like as much as you thought you would, kick it.
Narrow It Down
Try to get it down to two favorite colors. Once you’ve done that, buy a sample of each and paint a generous patch on your wall, especially across a corner where light changes throughout the day. This gives you a clear view of how warm or cool tones might shift in your space.
Make It Yours
Now it’s time to bring your space to life. You’ve done the hard work—don’t second-guess yourself! Paint with confidence and enjoy watching your space transform into something that feels more like you with every stroke.
At New Look Decorating Center, we believe your home should be a reflection of your personality, creativity, and comfort. So go ahead—make the space your own with a fresh new look that starts with the perfect color.
When searching for your next home, choosing new construction offers more than just the appeal of brand-new finishes—it delivers lasting value, energy savings, and peace of mind. Here are some key benefits:
Builder Incentives
Financial Assistance: Many builders offer perks like closing cost assistance and free upgrades.
Lender Contributions: Preferred lenders may offer lower interest rates or help cover closing costs.
Flexible Financing Options: Builders often work with lenders who can provide competitive loan rates and terms.
Warranties for Peace of Mind
Builder Warranties: Coverage for structural issues and workmanship, typically for several years.
Extended System Warranties: Many builders include extra protection for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems.
Modern Smart Home Features
Integrated Technology: New homes often come equipped with smart thermostats, lighting, and security systems.
Energy Management: Smart systems can help reduce energy usage and monthly bills.
Energy Efficiency
Up-to-Date Standards: Built to current energy efficiency standards, new homes often lead to lower utility costs.
Eco-Friendly Materials: Many include energy-efficient appliances and sustainable building materials.
Strong Investment Potential
Desirable Locations: New neighborhoods are often developed in growing areas with access to amenities, leading to higher demand.
Faster Appreciation: New homes tend to increase in value more quickly than older properties.
Buying new construction means moving into a home that’s designed for today’s lifestyle—with modern features, fewer surprises, and long-term value from day one.
Bio: Leah Jones is Realtor for Porch Light Real Estate, representing Stone Martin Builders.
In the fast-paced whirlwind of life—where screens, sports, and schedules compete for attention—families are at risk of losing something vital: time to gather, worship, and grow in faith together.
Reformation Presbyterian Church suggests that a very simple and lasting way families can grow in faith together is through the practice of family worship—a few minutes each day to read, pray, and sing together. Whether your household is large or small, here are some simple, realistic ways to begin:
1. Keep it Brief.
Worship doesn’t have to be long to be impactful. Even just 10 minutes—especially with young children—can create lasting memories and spiritual growth. You can always extend the time if the moment feels right.
2. Be Consistent.
Consistency signals priority. A regular time—after dinner, before bed, or even at breakfast—tells your family, “God is central.” Keeping a Bible nearby makes it easy to begin and sustain the routine.
3. Stay Flexible.
Life can be unpredictable. A missed day or a quick prayer isn’t failure—it’s reality. Flexibility is key, so don’t let busyness win. A verse read in the car or a prayer at bedtime still honors God and keeps your family grounded.
4. Make it Joyful.
Family worship is a delight, not a duty. Sing with joy (even off-key!), pray with thankfulness, and read with excitement. Let your kids see your love for God through your enthusiasm.
Remember, it’s not about perfection—it’s about building a legacy of faith that encourages spiritual growth, shapes children’s hearts, and ultimately strengthens the entire community. Reformation Presbyterian Church in Pike Road stands ready to support you and your family.
Bio: Joshua Roberts is the Music Minister and Church Administrator at Reformation Presbyterian Church.
Spring is in the air, and that means it’s time to throw open the windows, let in the sunshine, and tackle the dust bunnies that snuck in over winter! Whether you’re just moving in or a long-time resident, a good spring cleaning session is the perfect way to start fresh. And guess what? With the right approach, spring cleaning can actually be fun—and even something the whole family can get in on!
Here are our favorite stress-free, family-friendly spring cleaning tips to help you refresh your space and lighten your load this season:
1. Make a Room-by-Room Plan
Don’t try to tackle your whole house in one day. Make a simple checklist by room—kitchen, bathroom, kids’ rooms, etc.—and knock them out one at a time. It feels SO satisfying to check them off as you go!
Pro tip: Start with the spaces you use the most (like the living room and kitchen) for an instant sense of accomplishment.
2. Turn It Into a Game for the Kids
Let’s be honest—most kids don’t love cleaning. But if you turn chores into a game, you’ll be amazed how much more they’ll help. Try these fun ideas:
Who can clean their room the fastest?
Start a “treasure hunt” and find 5 items to donate or toss.
Give each kid a spray bottle and a rag and turn them loose on the dust (Believe it or not, most kids LOVE a good spray bottle).
Reward them with a treat after. Ice cream, anyone?
3. Declutter Like a Pro
Spring is the perfect time to let go of things you no longer use. Ask yourself:
Have I used this in the past year?
Does this spark joy? (Thanks, Marie Kondo!)
Would someone else enjoy this more?
Set up three bins: Keep, Donate, Toss. Involve the whole family and talk about donating items to local organizations in Montgomery or Prattville—it’s a great way to teach kids about giving back.
4. Freshen Up with Natural Scent
After all that cleaning, bring in some fresh spring vibes with natural scents! Try:
Lemon and vinegar DIY cleaner for a zesty, clean smell.
Essential oils like lavender, peppermint, or eucalyptus in a diffuser.
Fresh-cut flowers from a local farmers’ market!
5. Don’t Forget the “Forgotten” Spots
Give a little love to the areas we often skip, like:
Baseboards and ceiling fans
Behind appliances
Window tracks and blinds
Air filters (a big one during allergy season!)
Add these to your checklist—you’ll be glad you did!
6. Bring the Outside In
Give your space a true spring makeover by adding a few houseplants or a vase of wildflowers. Local nurseries in Wetumpka and Montgomery have plenty of low-maintenance options perfect for plant newbies.
Bonus: Plants help purify the air and make your home feel more peaceful.
7. Treat Yourself When It’s Done!
After all that hard work, plan something fun as a reward! Whether it’s a family picnic at Riverfront Park, a float down the Coosa River, or just relaxing on the porch with a sweet tea—celebrate your fresh, clean home and the start of a beautiful new season.
With a little creativity (and teamwork), spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore—it can be a way to reconnect as a family, refresh your space, and step into the season feeling lighter and brighter.
Looking for a fun way to mix learning and adventure with your family in Montgomery? Whether you’ve got little history buffs, aspiring scientists, or young artists in tow, the River Region is packed with hands-on experiences that make education exciting for kids (and parents too!). From interactive museums to starry planetarium shows, here are the best places in Montgomery for hands-on history and science fun!
Perfect for: Curious kids who love to touch, explore, and experiment!
Big news, Montgomery families—a brand-new children’s museum is on the way! This highly anticipated museum will be a STEAM-powered playground (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), filled with interactive exhibits, creative play spaces, and hands-on fun for little learners.
Perfect for: Young changemakers and history lovers!
Step into the story of Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott at this powerful and interactive museum! The Children’s Wing takes kids on a time-travel adventure, letting them experience what life was like in Montgomery during the Civil Rights Movement. Engaging exhibits, historical reenactments, and multimedia displays bring one of history’s most important moments to life in a way kids can truly connect with.
Perfect for: Little explorers who love dinosaurs, old maps, and ancient artifacts!
The Museum of Alabama is like stepping into a time machine! Explore the “Land of Alabama” exhibit to discover dinosaurs, early settlers, and Native American history, and get hands-on with interactive displays.
Exciting news! The Children’s Gallery is reopening in 2025, bringing back even more fun, hands-on learning experiences for kids!
Get ready to blast off into space! The W.A. Gayle Planetarium is a must-visit for starry-eyed kids (and their space-loving parents). Watch full-dome movies about the solar system, explore constellations, and experience laser light shows that make science feel magical!
Shows every Saturday—group reservations available on weekdays!
Perfect for: Creative kids who love painting, sculpting, and getting messy!
Not your typical museum—this place is all about interactive art! The ARTWORKS Gallery is designed just for kids, with hands-on art activities, craft stations, and sensory exhibits that make creativity come to life. Best part? It’s FREE!
Perfect for: Rainy day explorers and homeschool families!
Can’t get out for an adventure? Bring the learning home! Alabama Public Television offers free virtual field trips that take kids on wild adventures across the state—from deep caves to outer space! It’s the perfect way to keep learning fun at home.
Want to build robots, design video games, or create entire cities out of LEGO® bricks? Snapology offers hands-on STEM programs for kids, where they learn about engineering, robotics, and coding—all through play! From after-school classes to birthday parties, this place is a dream come true for mini inventors.
Ready for a Family Learning Adventure?
Montgomery is bursting with amazing places where history, science, and creativity come alive! Whether you’re exploring the past, diving into space, or getting messy with art, these interactive experiences make learning so much fun that your kids won’t even realize they’re learning!
