It’s finally that time of year again! Crackling fires, the smell of pine trees and baked goods wafting around your home, and the comfort of those you love surrounding you. Christmas has arrived! Here you’ll find a compilation of decoration ideas all the way to safety tips you’ll need this holiday season!

Christmas Décor

A highly cherished part of the holidays is making your home look like a winter wonderland that’s full of holiday cheer. One of the worst parts is not having all the decorations that you dreamed of. If your holiday décor needs some sprucing up or if you just want more options (and who doesn’t?), we have just the thing to help you out. From rustic to elegant to modern, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! Our listing Coordinator Leigha’s personal favorite tip for the holidays is to buy tons of garland, real or fake. She loves garland because it’s so versatile. You can put it over a fireplace mantel, down stair railings, use it as a centerpiece for your table, hang it over door frames, wrap it around deck railing, add lights to it, add ribbon to it, etc. Plus if it’s the real stuff, it makes your house smell (and look) like a winter wonderland. It’s also inexpensive! She gets 50 feet every year from a local woman for just $15!

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DIY Ornaments

Save yourself some money this holiday season with adorable DIY ornaments, perfect for all ages! It’s a wonderful way to spend some extra time with those you love and customize your Christmas tree however you like. Let your creativity shine this holiday season and try out these DIY ornaments from Country Living. With 60 options, we’re sure you’ll find something you love! Melissa will be creating the paw print ornaments with her pups!

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Holiday Cookie Recipe

There’s nothing like waking up on Christmas morning to a fresh batch of your favorite holiday cookies! The delicious smell, mouthwatering taste, and the joy they bring once you’ve had one is unmatched. From local Hardin Park School Counselor, these Eggnog Frosted Gingerbread Cookies are so good you’ll want to make them all year long! Give the recipe a try this season! Taste testers Shalamar and Sara give these their stamp of approval and know you won’t be disappointed.

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Christmas Tree & Fire Safety

One of the best parts of the holidays is going out and cutting down your favorite tree to decorate. With all the joy and holiday cheer going around it can be difficult to remember that disaster can still strike at any moment. Although fires started by Christmas trees and decorations are not as common, they are more likely to be serious as there are more flammable materials than normal present. Keep your loved ones and home safe this year by following these tips form the National Fire Protection Agency!

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2018 we were “Creepin’ it real” with creative costumes to celebrate Halloween! Kudos to our new listing coordinator, Leigha, for rallying the troops to get everyone, even Jay, to dress up!

We had an array of crazy characters!

From Left to right: Les Mysterio Jr (Josh), Mortal Kombat’s Scorpion (Frankie), Daddy Shark (Stephen), Goblin King (Lee), Jake from State Farm (Chad)

Left to right: Winnie the Pooh (Leigha), THE Mother of Dragons (Melissa), Stella the Interstellar Unicorn (Shalamar), and Mystic Wolf (Lynn)

Here is a video of Stephen unveiling his costume, winning Best Costume, Best Dance Number and probably Best Dad award!

As part of our Practicing Kindness and Courtesy [PKC] Initiative, Vincent Properties agents collected supplies for  local Alzheimer’s support centers, Ashe Assisted Living and Memory Care,and Deerfield Ridge Assisted Living.  These donations, collected in honor of June’s Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, included cleaning and hygiene supplies, and fun crossword puzzles. Our office collected almost $250 worth of supplies, which were split between the two facilities. A very good haul for our first time collecting donations!

The Inspiration for the Project

Our Marketing Director, Shalamar Blevins, was the brainchild for the project after being inspired by her grandmother Sally’s avid weekly volunteerism at the Ashe Memory Care Clinic. Sally visits the center in honor of her late husband (Shalamar’s grandfather) who passed away from Alzheimer’s. Providing a cheery routine for the Alzheimer’s residents, Sally rallies the “troops” to the common area. Sally plays Bible hymns and happy melodies on the center’s piano. She knows each one of their names, favorite songs, and encourages them to sing or dance-which they thoroughly enjoy! “Seeing the symbiotic joy that she [Sally] gets by bringing them happiness with her music, is inspirational to me,” said Shalamar.

Shalamar decided to take the inspiration and follow a similar path to Sally. “Although it is a busy time of year for our office,  I was pleased by the support and dedication that my co-workers, Vincent Properties Agents, showed towards this project. Those affected by Alzheimer’s Disease need to be provided a high level of kindness and courtesy. I am proud that Vincent Properties, through our PKC Initiative, could help them and equip their caregivers to fill those needs.”

Both centers appreciated their supplies, one of the residents even presented us with a small gift as a thank you. It  a coloring from a bible verse coloring book. It was 2 Timothy 1:7, a very resounding verse for the cause.

By having the PKC Initiative, Vincent Properties is able to show our community the love, care, and respect it deserves . If you would like to be involved in future PKC Initiative projects, please let us know, we are always looking for good causes and volunteers!

Here is a video of Sally, playing “I’ll Fly Away”

Vincent Properties for Alzheimer’s Awareness

Cool temperatures, beautiful views, and small town feel make the High Country a “Top 10 Places to Retire” , according to Forbes Magazine. Many retirees enjoy spending time on the parkway, walking around the quaint towns, meanwhile having the support of a budding medical community. Everyone’s golden years should be enjoyed to the fullest! However, one of the largest health concerns among the elderly is Alzheimer’s, the most and vastly growing form dementia. This disease affected 5.7 million Americans, and although there is no cure, we are trying the best to give those in need, the support they deserve!

Want to Help?

Vincent Properties recognizes the importance of Alzheimer’s awareness. As part of our  Practicing Kindness and Courtesy initiative we are spending the month of June trying to raise monetary donations and collecting supplies needed by the local care clinics, Deerfield Ridge Dementia Clinic and The Ashe Council on Aging.

Supplies needed include:

 Hygiene Products (Soap, Shampoo, Toothbrushes/paste, deodorant, Etc)
 Socks
 Puzzle books and word searches
 Hairbrushes
 Cleaning supplies (Clorox wipes, sponges, spray disinfectant, paper towels)
 Laundry detergent

The office of Vincent Properties in Blowing Rock is the designated drop off location for any donations and we will be delivering them to the clinics. We are located at 989 Main Street, Blowing Rock NC. Hours are 8:30-5:30 M-F and 9-5 Saturday. Drop off at any time! If you have a lack of means to reach our Blowing Rock office, we have several High Country volunteers to help pick up donations, please email our Marketing Director Shalamar, at Shalamar.Vincentproperties@gmail.com!

If you would like to make a monetary donation please click this button!

The Facilities

Deerfield Ridge is an assisted living center in Boone NC. It is designed to help patients of dementia and Alzheimer’s. They have a 24/7 staff there to help with patient needs, customized care system, emergency response system, Medication management, security cameras and provides meals and snacks daily. The facility is only minutes from town and the parkway. Another perk is that it is only two miles from Watauga medical center.

Ashe Council on Aging’s mission is to provide services, for elderly and disabled adults and help them live the best life they can. They also provide food delivering services, adult day health care, child care, assisted living, and in-home aide. They are there to help with the needs of all walks of life. 

Both facilities are there to help you, friends and family with the struggles of Alzheimer’s disease in your life. They try to create a loving and warm environment while providing the best care. We hope to raise supplies to help both communities for the summer. Help us, help them! Remember, communities are made of those that practice kindness and courtesy.

Happy Father’s day to all the high country fathers out there! This year to celebrate, we decided to ask a couple of fathers in the office about their experiences in fatherhood, how the high country has helped them raise their children, and the struggles they face as they live each day as a Dad.

Lee Gillette

The first dad we talked to, Lee Gillette, is a fairly new father. He has only been a father for 18 weeks to be exact, so this will be his first father’s day ever (woo!). We asked Lee is what his biggest struggle has been so far. Very fittingly, he responded “A lack of sleep, but we’re getting there”. 

 What are you most looking forward to about being a father in the future?

I am looking forward to really just raising a decent human being and passing along all of my sage wisdom. I also am excited to one day maybe coaching soccer, gaining a new golf buddy, family vacations, and lots of other stuff I won’t even realize until it happens.

 Are you planning on having more kids? How many?

Yes, 1 more if I have any say in the matter.

 Have you found any resources or activities in the high country that have helped you as a father?

High Country Doulas are awesome!  They really helped my wife and I with lots of baby knowledge prior birth and amazing support during the delivery.  They’ve also been incredibly helpful and supportive after delivery. Otherwise, our family and close friends have been very helpful.  I’ve only had 18 weeks of experience so far and there aren’t too many activities to do at this point.

 What do you believe the benefits of raising children in the High Country vs Santa Barbara CA in that being where you are from?

The quality and pace of life in the High Country is far better than anywhere else I’ve ever been.  It’s a very safe place to live and raise a family. We have great schools that benefit from ASU being founded as a teaching college.  Lots of outdoor activities available within a very short distance. I grew up spending the majority of time, during the winter, at the ski slopes which are still some of my fondest memories to this day and I hope to pass those traditions on to my kids.

Lee seems like he is off to a great start so far in being a dad, Congratulations Lee on your first Father’s day!

Jay Vincent

While Lee still has a lot to learn, another father in the office and also our owner, Jay Vincent, has had a bit more experience. Jay has been a father for over 30 years now and has multiple sons, including Chad who also works in the office. 

 What was your biggest struggle as a parent?

Trying not to push them too hard but still pushing them to the best of their ability while still being a loving father. All the kids were required to have straight A’s, play a sport, be a part of a church activity, and be in a community activity.

 What was the most rewarding thing about being a father?

Watching them grow into good, contributing people. They are all productive members of society and they give back to their community in many ways. They grew exceeded all of my already high expectations.

 What was your favorite thing about raising kids in the high country?

The community that they were surrounded by. They grew up with good people, many of which they still have relationships with today. The small town feel is something I appreciated in raising them.

 What do you believe the benefits are from raising kids in the High Country?

Because of the small town community, the kids always got a great education. There was a great school system and great community. The kids would be able to go to ASU in the mornings for advanced math opportunities and in the afternoon for help with reading. The teachers were also always well taught and knowledgeable.

 What is the greatest thing that your family ever did for fathers day?

My favorite thing is that they always go to church with me on father’s day. The children now all go to different churches, but on this day they go to mine with me and then we all go to lunch.

 Do you have any advice to new high country fathers?

Be there to encourage and support everything that they do. Set high expectations and push them to be the best they can be. They don’t have to be the best, just the best they can be.

Jay takes a lot of pride in how his children were always raised to do the right thing and be hard workers. He says that he has raised them to be difference makers. He shared with me a typical day in the Vincent household while his children were growing up. Each morning they would wake up very early before school, ate breakfast which his wife, Lynn, would make each morning, grab their lunch and head to school. After school, they would have a ten minute break and then get started on written homework. After this, they would be taken out to the farm to work in the stalls and the field. So, from an early age, the children were taught to be hard workers. After this, it was time to study and eat dinner. One thing that Jay mentioned was an essential part of the way his kids were raised was their TV restrictions. For about four years of their childhood, TV was only allowed on the weekends when they would watch a movie. He says that his children all grew up to be extremely hardworking, and his pride shows in the way he talks about them.

Both Jay and Lee are great fathers and part of the reason that we recognize this day! Thank you to all of our dads out there being the best they can be for their kids. We love you and appreciate you!

Happy Mother’s Day to moms everywhere! Mothers and their children always have a very special bond,  always looking out for their kids and there with a shoulder to lean on. Although all our mothers our special, High Country moms are some of the best! Here in our office we have some mothers of our own. Melissa, our wonderful office manager, and Elyse, our agent Stephen’s wife, are incredible examples of High Country moms.

Highlights of being a High Country Mom

Elyse has 3 children, ages 7,2, and 9 months. Melissa on the other hand is just starting out with one baby boy who is almost 1 year old!

Both Elyse and Melissa have a passion for mountain living and are so excited to share that with their children. Specifically, Elyse loves taking her children to Tweetsie, which she says they do almost every weekend. They  enjoy the Boone parades, fishing in the river, and July 4th fireworks, all of which were her favorite parts of growing up here. She is excited for future family camping trips and high school Friday night football as they get older.

Melissa is excited to share with them a love for music, an interest and involvement in sports, and most of all spending time exploring the mountains.

Growing up is hard to do, and Mom’s always try to give their children the best they can provide. Elyse recalled that during her childhood, their home was deep in the woods and somewhat isolated from neighbors. Now, her family lives in a more centralized area, giving her kids close by friends to play with! Melissa is grateful that her 2 loving parents provided everything she needed, although, she did comment about always wanting a dog growing up. “My son will never have to worry about though since he has 2 older slobbery siblings to play with!” noted Melissa. 

Perks of Raising Kids in the High Country

Raising kids can be a challenge anywhere, but here in the High Country there are many resources to help moms out.  Melissa compliments the great support she received from Harmony Center for Women during pregnancy, birth, and starting out with a newborn. She also mentioned Blue Ridge Pediatrics for the great care they give to her little boy. The Bluebird exchange is Melissa’s top shopping place for affordable baby items and clothes.

Elyse said that the biggest resource for their family is all the activities around town! She loves taking her kids out in all the nature here like the Greenway and Grandfather Mountain. She added that Chickfila and the Watauga Public Library hold fun kid-friendly events that she loves to bring her children to!

Versus raising children in “the city”, both High Country Moms appreciate how the laid-back mountain lifestyle gives them more time with their children. It gives their kids a greater opportunity to spend time in nature without technology, exploring their imaginations.

Speaking of loving mountain life, both moms  agreed that their kids would be raised as ASU Mountaineers! In fact, Melissa’s son went to his first tailgate at just 3 months old!

Advice to Future Mothers

Elyse says,

“There is no such thing as a perfect mom or perfect kids.  Some days they are super fussy and clingy and some days they are so independent and want to learn as much about their world as they can.  Some days they won’t nap, and the day seems to drag on forever then some days you will have so much fun together, you won’t even realize you’ve missed nap time until it’s bedtime.  Some days they won’t feel well, and you would give anything to help them feel better and then some days you’ll know they are sick but you can never tell because they are so busy playing.  All this to say, they all have their less than perfect days, BUT the good days make it all worth it and you forget about everything else. There’s no greater adventure or more rewarding “job” than being a mom!”

While Melissa added how amazing and rewarding a job it has been so far. She added “don’t blink!”.

Thank you to all the High Country Moms who raised us, and continue to be there throughout our lives. Spend some time with your mother today and make sure to tell her how much you appreciate her!

Looking for something fun to do with Mom? Check out our list of great High Country Wineries or 48 Fun things to do in the High Country!