With the COVID pandemic still underway, we are approaching the holidays a little bit differently this year. Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings will be smaller and a lot of businesses aren’t offering the same services they once were, or may be closed altogether for a while. But, that doesn’t mean that everything has to come to a grinding halt! There is still fun to be had for children and families all over the Treasure Valley. Let’s look at a few fun family friendly events that you can still participate in this year for the holiday season.

Snowman Scavenger Hunt At The Village (Meridian) 

Have you ever wanted to hone your detective skills? Do your kids love games that involve critical thinking and fun clues? Then head on down to The Village at Meridian between November 13th and December 31st to take part in the socially distanced Snowman Scavenger hunt! Can you find all 15 snowmen that are carefully hidden around The Village? Check out the official website for the complete clue list. 

Photos With Santa

Hey, while you’re at The Village, why not head on over to where Santa has set up shop and get some socially distanced pictures with the Jolly Old Elf? Between November 27th and December 24th you can find Santa there and get your child’s picture taken with him. Prints start at $17.95. Here’s the full website page with info. 

Winter Windows Program, Downtown Boise

The beautiful holiday tree at The Grove Plaza is going up this year on Friday, November 27th and will be up all through December. Come on by and check it out with the family! While you’re there, you can check out lots of local stores that are going big with their winter window displays. Winter Windows showcases local businesses in an effort to encourage more Idahoans to support their local stores this holiday season. Winter Windows also starts November 27th and goes through December. For more information, follow this hashtag on social media: #LightUpDowntownBoise. 

Winter Garden Aglow At The Idaho Botanical Garden

This year’s event will still be spectacular, although a bit changed. There will be a one way route that you and your family can follow through the gardens that will be lit with an array of stunning lights! This year, the first day of the event will be Thanksgiving day and will go through December 27th. You must purchase your tickets online in advance in order to control crowds. One hour tour blocks will be sold each day so you can reserve the hours between 6pm and 9pm. They do expect tickets to sell quickly since time slots are limited and demand is high. Get all your ticketing information here so you don’t miss out!

Boise Art Museum Exhibit: UNPACKED For Kids, Mixed-Media Masterpieces

For kids of all ages and for the young at heart. This is a great excuse to take the family to the Boise Art Museum and take a tour! This kid friendly exhibit features art created with mixed media and non-traditional media that will surprise and delight all viewers. Get ticketing information here. 

It’s the holiday season again and it’s a great time to celebrate the love and the good times that we have together. As a family owned business in the Treasure Valley, we would like to take a moment to thank you and your family for choosing us and for helping us bring our products and services to the homes and businesses all around Western Idaho. You have allowed us to follow our family’s passion for our industry and for that we are very grateful. So, among so many other things this holiday season, we are truly thankful for all of the wonderful people we have had the pleasure of serving. 

Now, it’s one thing to count your blessings and share fond memories at the dinner table this Thanksgiving, but there’s something else of high importance as well: the turkey! Let’s look at some of the best and some of the most out of the box turkey recipes for you to try out this year for the holidays. 

Traditional Tried And True Roasted Turkey Dinner Recipe

As straightforward and proudly American as apple pie, this roast turkey recipe yields two things: spectacular turkey and no surprises. With this recipe you can expect a juicy, flavorful, and well cooked bird and only the bare minimum of traditional spices to go with it. If you’re looking for a crowd pleaser for a picky audience, then this is your best bet. Check out the full recipe including the ingredient guide here at Delish.com. 

A Turkey That Is A Little More Adventurous: Ranch Dressing Dry Rub Roasted Turkey

Ranch dressing isn’t exactly the first thing people think of when they are thinking of Thanksgiving flavors, but this variation can be a pure hit. Who doesn’t love ranch dressing? This is a great step outside of the traditional roast turkey but it isn’t too wild and crazy. It is safe while still being different and most importantly, delicious. Check out the full recipe here to see for yourself. 

A Little Wilder: Bacon Wrapped Turkey

Seriously. This is a real recipe. Bacon. Wrapped. Roast Turkey. Is covering an entire 20 pound turkey in fat strips of juicy bacon entirely necessary? Absolutely not. Is it going to be mind blowingly delicious and will have you dreaming about it all year. Absolutely yes! 

This is one of those recipes that reminds me of the great Jeff Goldbloom quote from Jurassic Park, “Yeah, yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could that they didn't stop to think if they should.” So, should you try bacon wrapped turkey this year? I think we both know the answer to that one. Full recipe here.

Way Outside The Box: Hot Cheetos Turkey

There’s not much to say here but to leave you with a warning. There is no middle ground with this turkey. Yes, it is a spicy roasted turkey covered in Flaming Hot Cheetos crumbs. Yes, it is going to be delicious if you are a fan of those things. And, yes, it will absolutely terrify your in-laws if they are not up for this kind of thing. Use at your own risk, but have fun with it! Either way, your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner will be unforgettable. Here’s the recipe. You have been warned! (Plus, if you make this, please let us know on our social media! We would love to see pictures and hear your thoughts!)

October is a great month. The pumpkin spice lattes are back and the weather is still warm but the evenings have a bite to them and it’s a good month to take a few minutes to help ensure your home is safer for children. October is National Window Covering Safety month and that means that with just a little bit of your time you can make a big difference for the children in your life. Here are some things that you can do in order to help child-proof your home’s window coverings. 

Window Coverings With Cords

If you have window coverings with long pull cords like traditional blinds or even some curtains, then you should take extra steps to ensure that those cords are safely out of reach for small children. Cords of all kinds can pose a safety (strangulation) hazard to children, especially infants. Here are some things you can do in order to help make your home safer for children:

• Replace all corded window coverings with modern cordless models if at all possible.

  • The Window Coverings Safety Council actually certifies certain window coverings as “Best For Kids” which means that they have been tested and approved as kid safe. Look for the “Best For Kids” seal when buying new coverings. More info on their website here. 

• If you can’t immediately replace or remove corded window coverings, then make sure that your existing cords are out of reach by safely tying them to secure anchors up high.

• Move all furniture, especially cribs and bassinets away from windows and window coverings with cords.

• If you have them, inspect your current cord anchors to ensure that they are still secure and aren’t in need of replacing.

• If they are old enough, take a moment to talk to your children about not playing with or near window coverings and to be careful around cords of all kinds.

Furniture Safety

As we mentioned earlier, move all furniture away from windows and window coverings that have cords. Make sure that the cords are high enough and out of the way enough that children can’t reach them even if they climb on nearby furniture. You’ll also want to anchor and secure all heavy and tippable furniture to make sure that they don’t tip over and fall on a child that is climbing it. Speaking of cords, you’ll also want to check your cords connected to your household appliances and make sure that they are out of the reach of children. Don’t forget to check your TV and entertainment center! 

All it takes is a few minutes to go through each room and check for hanging or unsecured cords and it can make a huge difference in the well-being of the children in your home. If you’re looking to replace your current window coverings with ones that are more child safe, then please don’t hesitate to reach out to us and we would be happy to help you. Our friendly sales staff are standing by to help you with all of your window covering safety questions and needs. Give us a call today: (208) 888-1056.

Did you know that your blinds and window coverings can be one of the top sources for spreading dust and pollen in your home? You can significantly cut down on the number of airborne irritants in your home just by cleaning your indoor window coverings regularly and properly. The fall is a good time to do it, but really you can start anytime of the year and you should clean your window coverings every six to eight weeks to ensure that your home is as dust free as can be.

How To Clean Your Indoor Blinds Or Shutters

If you have plastic or wooden indoor blinds, then you’ll want to check out these tips for easy cleaning and maintenance. 

• Start with an initial dusting by running a clean microfiber cloth lengthwise on your blinds. If you don’t have a microfiber cloth, you can use a sock or kitchen towel. Flip your blinds over and repeat to get both sides. It helps if you don’t have a microfiber cloth to slightly dampen your cloth before dusting to help the fabric trap more dust.
• Spot clean any stains with a toothbrush and a bit of warm soapy water. You can use a tablespoon of dish detergent in about a quart of water to start with. Pat dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. Make sure to not leave any water droplets behind as they trap dust and pollen and can leave stain marks.
• Finish cleaning by running your vacuum over them with the brush attachment. This will help to dry your blinds more quickly if they are damp and will help to get any extra debris that has accumulated in the nooks and crannies. 

How To Clean Your Indoor Fabric Shades

This is a bit of a different process but it is still easy to do if you do it regularly. The longer you wait between cleanings the harder it will get. 

• Take your vacuum wand with a brush attachment and thoroughly go over both sides of the fabric shades going from top to bottom.
• Spot treat any stains or gunk buildup with the same soapy water mixture. Just be sure to not brush too hard with your toothbrush (or small cleaning brush if you’re using one instead). 
• Set a box fan in the room for about an hour or two after cleaning to help dry out the coverings faster. Wet fabric will trap dust faster than dry.
• Check the manufacturer’s instructions, but some fabric window coverings can be dry cleaned. Your results may vary. 

How To Clean Wooden Blinds

These are the trickiest of all because too much water can warp the blinds or leave unsightly stains. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions first, but in general you can use these tips. 

• Dust them first with a microfiber cloth or soft rag or even your vacuum brush attachment. 
• Spot clean with just a few drops at a time of the dish soap mixture. Let dry completely. 
• Oil the wood blinds by using a lemon oil product made for wood or one that is recommended by the manufacturer. 
• Finish by running a fresh fabric softener sheet across the blinds to help prevent dust buildup. 

Home decorating trends, much like fashion trends, can be a lot to keep up with in the best of times. This year, we all may need a little extra help staying on top of what is hot and what is not for 2020. We’ve put together a quick home decoration style guide for you to use when decorating your house this fall and holiday season so that your guests (or Zoom audience) will be impressed no matter how far away they are.

Here Are Five Interior Home Design Options That Are Trending For 2020

Grandma Chic Is At Its Peak

I guess dear ol’ granny was right all along. Loud floral print wallpaper and couch patterns are so in right now. “Chintzy” decorations like tea cozies, embroidered curtains, 60’s mod furniture and lamps are all hot. Don’t forget natural fiber rugs and topiaries! There has never been a better time to call your grandma and ask her advice on home decoration. Also, don’t forget to have her share her chocolate chip cookie recipe with you. 

2020 Trends Are Brought To You By The Color Blue

That’s right. In addition to grandma being cool again, blue is totally hip these days. See if you can order some loud blue print throw pillows or maybe paint that accent wall a dark blue that will just pop. Everything old is blue again!

The Tiger King Of Trends: Animal Prints Are Back

Maybe it’s because we’ve been cooped up watching too much Tiger King this year or maybe it’s because animal print rugs and blankets make excellent conversation pieces, but animal print everything has taken 2020 by storm and there is no sign this tiger is slowing down. So, get out there and start decorating your house with pops of cat print unless you’re home with a bad case of cat scratch fever. 

Designer Roller Shades

Roller shades provide an elegant solution that helps provide the soft look of curtains with the ease of use and customization that blinds offer. It’s the best of both worlds and they also provide top notch thermal efficiency which will help you save money on your heating bill this fall and winter. Call us today for a free custom quote!

Bringing The Outside In Is… In For 2020

Summer may be over, but with the leaves and plants turning a stunning array of colors, fall has its own merits for sure. A big trend for 2020 is bringing parts of nature indoors to add much needed variety and vibrance. Take some trimmed branches with orange and yellow leaves on them and place them in a large vase or bowl to add a fresh touch of the outdoors to your kitchen or dining room. You can even make a fall wreath for your front door out of foraged pieces of fall branches. The sky’s the limit!

With all things fashion and decoration, there is a season and a time to change things up. When it comes to your window coverings like blinds, shades, shutters, and even awnings, Blind Appeal can help you get the highest quality modern products for the best value. Get ahold of us today to see the Blind Appeal Difference for yourself!

It's that time of year again! Time to spread awareness about blind safety and how you can take steps to make sure your home is safe and secure for your children. For those of you not in the know, October is National Window Covering Safety Month. Each year, it provides a chance for a national conversation and education about steps you can take to ensure your window coverings are child safe in the United States. 

About Window Covering Safety Month

Window Covering Safety Month was started by the Window Covering Safety Council which itself was started in 1994 by a coalition of major U.S. manufacturers, importers and retailers of window coverings dedicated to educating consumers about window cord safety. 

What You Can Do To Help

The safety of our children is up to us! We have to be vigilant and mindful of all potential safety hazards in and around the home, and that includes window coverings. To help spread the word and build awareness for this important safety campaign, you can do a few things. First, you can share this PDF information packet via email or over social media. You can also share this childproofing checklist as well to your friends and family and over social media. Regardless of whether your share those or not, you can hop on social media and share posts with this hashtag #CordSafety and #WindowCoveringSafetyMonth. Jump in the conversation and help educate others and improve safety!

Second, you can go to their website and check out their blog which is very informative and full of great safety tips. Everything you need to ensure your home window coverings are safe for your children is there! 

Best for Kids™ Certification Program

When you’re shopping for new window coverings like blinds or shades, ask your salesperson about the “Best For Kids” certification on products that they have available. When a product is certified as “Best For Kids” that means that it has met certain safety criteria and has undergone rigorous safety testing in order to earn that badge. It is a great program and can help consumers make informed decisions on the safety value of the window coverings they are about to buy. To learn more about the “Best For Kids” certification, please check out this webpage and look for the “Best For Kids” label on your next window covering purchase.

Take The October 2020 Window Covering Safety Council Quiz!

What do you know offhand about window covering safety? Test your knowledge with this handy online quiz that will test your mettle when it comes to window covering safety. Updated for 2020, this quiz is a handy tool that will help you learn more about this important cause and is easily shareable via social media so you can help spread the word. It also covers different types of home safety tips like fire safety and furniture safety. Think you can pass with a perfect score? Try your hand at it and share it with your friends by clicking here and filling out the questions below. Good luck and stay safe!

We are excited to bring you the next interview segment in our ongoing employee interview series. Mike Van Artsdalen, Director of Operations, and Sean Arroues, Warehouse Manager, have been an absolutely integral part to the Blind Appeal team for over half a decade now. We are so excited to be able to bring our readers a little bit more information about them in this interview. Without further ado, say hello to Mike and Sean!

Meet Mike Van Artsdalen!

How long have you worked for Blind Appeal?

I have been with Blind Appeal for six years.

What is your favorite part about working for Blind Appeal?

Working with family and friends. Everyone seems to work well together for the most part. It’s awesome to work for a company where most everyone does what they can to better the company as a whole.

What is your favorite part about being Director of Operations?

There always seems to be new different challenges. Over the years I have had the opportunity to learn different aspects of the company. Since I have worked for Blind Appeal, I have done marketing, installs, managing installers, warranty, and sales. It's hard to get bored when you are always learning new things and dealing with new challenges.

Meet Sean Arroues!

How long have you worked for Blind Appeal?

Seven years and two months.

What is your favorite part about working for Blind Appeal?

Family is family 😎👍🏼.

What is your favorite part about being Warehouse Manager?

My favorite part of working in the warehouse is, everyday brings a new and challenging experience. If you’re looking for a mundane, everyday is the same type of work... Then search elsewhere 😎.

And there you have it! We are a family owned and operated company that strives to bring our customers the utmost in quality blinds, shades, shutters, exterior shades, and custom draperies. If you have been thinking about updating your window coverings, give us a call! One of the members of our wonderful sales team would love to talk with you about the services we offer and provide you with a free estimate, all from the comfort of your own home! 

Our sales staff can walk you through all of the details. Request your free quote today!

There are so many high quality shutters out there that it makes it difficult to find the exact right one that is best for your home and your needs. Well fret no more! We have put together a quick reference guide in this article that will help you learn a little bit more about the types of shutters there are and their features. If you like what you see, then don’t hesitate to reach out to our amazing sales team! They would love to hear from you and will be happy to answer any questions about shutters or any other window covering you might have. 

Shutter Crafts

Shutter Crafts shutters are made in Idaho and are an Idaho company, located in Nampa. If you want to support local and still have amazing shutters, then this is the place for you! Here are some of their shutter features.

Shutter Crafts Plantation Shutters

• Superb light and noise control
• Better energy efficiency
• Easy to clean
• Classy appearance
• Increased durability
• Custom built for your windows
• Custom paint and stain finishes
• Years of hassle-free operation
• Contributes to the resale value of your home
• Available in either hardwood or PolyWood

Hunter Douglas Newstyle® Hybrid Shutters

Similar to the Norman Ultra, these are also high quality composite shutters that combine real wood with manmade materials to create a powerful, durable, and high performance window covering. Here are some of their key features:

• Proprietary Softclose™ Louvers system. Makes it easy to open and shut your shutters with the touch of a finger
• Hybrid materials means you get the best of both worlds when it comes to having the look and feel of wood with the added durability of polypropylene
• Finetech Finish means that this low-luster finish replicates the warmth and character of hardwood
• UltraGrain finish makes the final product look and feel just like natural wood
• Handcrafted quality in their dovetail design which helps increase strength and durability
• Can fit a variety of shapes and sizes to fit your residential or commercial needs

Hunter Douglas Palm Beach™ Polysatin™ Shutters

• Perfect for hot and humid climates. Whether at the beach house or at a cabin in a rainy area, these shutters will not warp, peel, fade, or chip
• Great water resistance due to the unique polystain compound that make them perfect for humid climates
• The DuraLux™ finish makes your shutters look like hand painted wood featuring rich matte finishes
• Motorized. These shutters can be equipped with their special PowerView automation system to help make your entire home hands free

Norman® Ultra Shutters

Norman is a brand synonymous with quality. Their Ultra line is no different! The Ultra line is the culmination of over 20 years of innovation and craftsmanship. Check out these highlights!

• Made with over 30% more wood than their traditional wood composite shutters which makes them stronger, bigger, and more robust
• Invisible hinge design offers a contemporary and clean look
• Prescription wood conditioning. They will specially treat your wood depending on the climate your home is in to ensure a long lasting fit and durability
• Specialized “Invisible Tilt” louvers make it look like your shutters are moving like magic
• Mobile app ready so you can control your whole home from your smartphone
• Heirloom joinery. Solid and elegant joinery makes these shutters beyond compare
• Tons of color and finish options to make them fit into any home or office space

Graber Shutters

Graber shutters are very high quality and come in a variety of styles and configurations. They offer two main categories of shutters: Wood and Composite.

Wood Shutters

• Hand crafted from real wood
• Adds a more timeless elegance than a synthetic material
• Environmentally sustainable and friendly woods and stains used
• Lots of color and stain depth options to choose from
• Customizable to fit your home
• Perfect for a “cabin” inspired decorating scheme or a modern rustic theme

Composite Shutters

• Offer real wood style, but at a lesser cost
• More durable than wood and more stain/blemish resistant
• Perfect for homes in high humidity climates 
• Resists warping and flexing in extreme warm or cold weather
• Paneling as wide as 36” which makes them ideal for larger windows and offers a clearer outside view

Still need help deciding? Give us a call today! We are happy to answer any questions you may have and give you a free quote. 

We are blessed to have the best employees in the world here at Blind Appeal. We are so happy to have the pleasure of working with these great people day to day as we serve our wonderful customers. We are excited for this opportunity to help you get to know one of our amazing employees a little bit better. Introducing our newest addition: Chris Meyers!

Meet Chris Meyers!

How long have you worked for Blind Appeal?

I jumped on board with Blind Appeal last month, July 13th.

What is your favorite part about working for Blind Appeal?

My favorite part of working with Blind Appeal is meeting new people and building relationships with our partners! It is always good to be of service to the individuals and companies who are constantly building this valley as one of the fastest growing valleys in the country!

What is your favorite part about being a member of the sales team?

It’s in the phrase itself, “Team.” I have already mentioned it to some partners that I work directly with on our sales team: the office staff, Wes, Ryan, and Nichole as a team member. I grew up playing team sports so doing my part and having the confidence that they are the best at what they do will increase business all around. My job is to help the sales team increase their sales and that is rewarding.

Do you have a favorite story or memory from working at Blind Appeal that you would like to share?

I’ve only been with Blind Appeal for 3 weeks now, so I haven’t had too much time to build an abundance of memories. Everything thus far has been about getting to know the team. I am sure I’ll have plenty of memories to share in the near future, from failing at golf, Dodgers vs Giants rivalries, etc. But as of now, I don’t really have anything too exciting to share.

We are a family owned and operated company that strives to bring our customers the utmost in quality blinds, shades, shutters, exterior shades, and custom draperies. If you have been thinking about updating your window coverings, give us a call! One of the members of our wonderful sales team would love to talk with you about the services we offer and provide you with a free estimate, all from the comfort of your own home! 

Our sales staff can walk you through all of the details. Request your free quote today!

The summer heat is upon us and that means that it is time to be more diligent about keeping your shades down during the day while the sun’s light is most intense. If you don’t have the right shades you could be paying more in energy bills for air conditioning than you need to. We want to do the right thing and balance style with UV and heat protection all while staying within budget. It’s a lot to consider! There are many great reasons to have high quality shades for your home, so let’s go over a few!

Cellular & Honeycomb Shades

If you are pinching every last penny until it hurts, then these are the shades for you! The unique honeycomb design offers a closed cell that traps pockets of air which then act as a powerful barrier between the harsh sun outdoors and the cool air indoors. Don’t worry! They also help you stay warm in the winter by providing a barrier to the frigid cold outside. If you’re wanting to save the absolute most on your energy bills, then these shades are the ones for you. They are a “stylish way to boost the energy efficiency in your home.”

Layered or Transitional Shades

Want a great way to add style and flourish to your home without sacrificing utility? Layered Shades are the perfect way to help outfit your home with powerful furniture saving UV blocking technology while still being able to express yourself in your home decoration choices. These enchanting shades come in a variety of colors and styles to fit your every design need. They also feature a flexible set of features to help with light control in your living spaces. Their design involves combining two closely linked layers of fabric with tightly woven bands of color. The sheer fabric helps block sunlight’s UV rays from damaging your carpet, paintings, and furniture, while the solid stripes help with light control during the sunny hours. You really can have it all!

Solar And Roller Shades

If you have a house with lots of south facing windows, then this might be the perfect fit for you. Solar shades offer an entirely customizable level of sun and UV protection while giving you an elegant design that will uplift any household decor plan. The sheer fabric and light colors of solar shades are the perfect way to turn harsh glaring light into soft and flattering filtered light. If you’re a fan of a more modern look, roller shades might be the option for you. They are lightweight and easy to clean and are simple to operate. They can also help you have fewer hanging cords around the house that could get tangled or caught on furniture or could present a hazard for children. Safety and convenience in one great package!

In Conclusion

Speaking of having it all, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for your next window covering purchase. We can provide a helpful expert led in-home estimate that can have you well on your way to outfitting your home with energy and money saving shades that work best for you. No matter the budget, we can help make sure you have the right coverings you’ll need this year. Give us a call at: (208) 888-1056. We can’t wait to hear from you!