It is a good time to consider updating the existing lighting in your home. It is one way to quickly update the look of a room without getting into a big project that involves remodeling, painting or even buying expensive furniture or new carpet. A new light fixture is a quick and fairly inexpensive fix to add new life to your home. A Santa Monica electrician will need to complete the installation of your new fixture. You can always count on the team at The Electric Connection to take care of your home lighting upgrade needs.

With the phasing out of incandescent bulbs in favor of CFLs, you may need to update your light fixture. There are some old lamps and ceiling lights that are not suitable for the CFL bulbs. And although you may need to spend a little money to get your home up to date, it will ultimately save you money in the long run on your electricity bills. There are plenty of different styles of light fixtures for you to choose from. You don’t have to worry about being stuck with the old standard, center of the ceiling light fixture that you will find in millions of houses. You will be amazed at how unique the designs of today truly are.

Because there is some wiring involved, it is best to leave the fixture change to your electrician. Santa Monica residents will want to make sure the fixture is installed up to code and by having an electrician complete the work you can feel confident knowing it is wired correctly. If you are ready to transform your dull lighting into something beautiful, head to your local home improvement store and pick up your new fixtures. Once you have your new lights, call The Electric Connection and schedule your installation.

What is Valentine’s Day –  Valentine’s Day is named after Saint Valentine, but the legend of St. Valentine is shrouded in mystery.    One legend is that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome.  The Romans were at war, and the Roman Emperor at the time decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families.  The Emperor forbade men to marry.  Valentine realized this was an injustice and continued to perform marriages.  Another legend states an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “Valentine” greeting to a young girl from a jail cell.  A common thread is that most St. Valentine stories suggest he was a heroic and romantic figure.

Why Valentine’s Day?At the end of the 5th century, Pope Gelasius declared February 14 St. Valentine’s Day, but it was not until the Middle Ages, that it was considered a day for romance.  Sending Valentine greetings was made popular in the Middle Ages as well, although written Valentine’s didn’t begin to appear until after 1400.

Valentine’s Day cardsValentine’s Day is celebrated in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, and Australia.   By the early 1900’s printed Valentine’s Day cards began to replace hand written romantic Valentine’s notes.

Esther A. Howland began selling the first mass-produced valentines in America. Howland, is known as the “Mother of the Valentine.”  In 1847, she received an English Valentine and became fascinated with the idea of making similar Valentine’s.  She began taking orders for Valentine’s and soon the demand outweighed the amount she could make, so a company was born.  It is estimated she made more than $100,000 annually selling Valentine’s cards.

Fun Valentine Facts: