2 Real Estate
07 6 16
3 Real Estate
07 6 16
4 Tips to combat stress when moving
Real Estate
07 6 16
From finding a new home to selling one’s current home, the moving process can be a big source of stress. Among the top stressors is packing. In fact, in a recent survey, commissioned by Duck brand, conducted online by Harris Poll, over half of Americans (56 percent) say packing to move is extremely/very stressful. It doesn’t have to be this way. Here are some tips to reduce packing pain. Purge before packing: Diminish the workload by
first cleaning out items you no longer need. Pack carefully: Forty percent of those who would find it frustrating to pack when moving worry about items breaking. Eliminate anxiety by wrapping fragile items with cushioning material, like Bubble Wrap. Dish and glass kits provide pouches and dividers to protect delicate goods. Lastly, secure your boxes with quality packing tape, like EZ Start Packaging Tape. Buy boxes: Scrambling to find enough boxes can be
nerve wracking. Don’t dig around the grocery store last minute. Instead, purchase boxes in a variety of sizes and levels of durability from an easy to find brand like Duck brand. Then, color code each box with tape, to know where it goes on moving day. While moving will always contain some stress, the right moving supplies and strategies can streamline the task of packing. -StatePoint
5 Real Estate
07 6 16
6 Sophisticated upgrades for your house Real Estate
07 6 16
Want to give your house a touch of sophistication that makes it stand apart? This summer, consider making some modern upgrades. Up-to-Date Lighting If you are still living with your home’s original light fixtures, it may be time for an upgrade. Even the most contemporary home design elements can be wasted when illuminated by the wrong lighting. Swap out standard fixtures for sophisticated, sleek designs that complement your home’s style. Use accent lighting to enhance particular pieces of artwork. Task lighting in areas where you cook, write or work with your hands is functional and an opportunity to add style to a room. Take advantage of natural lighting as much as possible, especially during the longer days of summer. If opaque, heavy drapes block out sunlight, consider replacing window treatments with something more
sheer. Think creatively. An eyecatching, dramatic fixture, such as a chandelier, will really make your home stand out to guests when found on an enclosed porch or other unexpected location. Modern Fireplace Elevate your style with a luxurious fireplace. Contemporary
options add ambiance, complement your décor and enhance the experience. For example, a PRIMO gas fireplace from Heat & Glo has heat management technology that redirects the flow of heat, sending warmth where you want it, including outside the home, so you can enjoy the ambiance of a fireplace year-round.
At the same time, it keeps the glass at a safe temperature with no safety screen required. The PRIMO also gives you the ability to design your room without compromise -- placing a TV or artwork directly above the fireplace, or bringing sheetrock, wood panels or other finishing materials right up to its edge for a seamless contemporary style.
For more information, visit heatnglo.com. Home Theater On a hot day, there is nothing like cooling down with a blockbuster. Really impress guests on movie night by transforming your run-of-the-mill entertainment center into a bona fide home theater. A windowless room or other area of the house with less natural light that can be easily soundproofed is ideal. A projector and surround sound will ensure great audio-visuals. For seating, consider installing stadium theater seating. Vintage touches like gold curtains that draw back before movies and a popcorn machine will add extra charm in this otherwise state-of-the-art space. Take your home’s sophistication to the next level by thinking about form and function in equal measure. Add wow-factor elements to your home’s indoor and outdoor spaces, keeping in mind both livability and style. -StatePoint
7 Real Estate
07 6 16
8
Activities to foster childrens’ love of the outdoors
Real Estate
07 6 16
Many families spend summer vacation taking advantage of the great outdoors -- from picnics to hikes to time at the pool. Parents are often looking for ways to turn these typical warm weather activities into creative adventures and engaging learning experiences. Jessica Turner, author of “The Fringe Hours,” and mother of three, is an expert at incorporating the sun, sand and surf into crafting activities. She’s sharing some of her best summer tips to encourage creative play, while keeping kids healthy, happy and safe. Crafty Ideas Take a hike: There over 6,000 state parks nationwide. Take advantage of one near home. While traversing the terrain, gather leaves, sticks and fallen flowers. Print out an 8x10 inch picture of your child and glue the nature finds around the edges. Picnic imprints: Let little ones run around in search of rocks and sticks. Place the items on top of a piece of construction paper and leave somewhere sunny. Check
back in an hour and remove the objects. Kids will be amazed to see the objects’ outlines imprinted on the paper. Seashells by the seashore: Bring along pails and stroll the shore in search of seashells of varying sizes. Once home, break out the glue, paint and googly eyes to create whimsical jewelry, funny fish and even wind chimes. Backyard adventure: All it takes to turn a backyard into a deserted island is a little paint. Grab some rocks, paint them gold and hide them around the yard. Create a treasure map and get into the theme by dressing the kids up in pirate gear. Then head outside to hunt for gold. Be Prepared Sun protection: Young children can be especially sensitive to sun. Seek shade when possible and wear hats and sunglasses. Protect babies’ skin from harmful UV rays with a pediatrician-tested sunscreen created with the fewest ingredients possible. For example, Tom’s of Maine Baby Sunscreen is comprised of only five ingredients, including zinc oxide. It provides SPF 30 protection and is wa-
ter-resistant up to 80 minutes. Basic first aid: Outdoor fun can lead to scrapes and boo boos. Don’t leave home without basic first aid items. Your kit should include bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers for splinters and anti-itch relief, in the event of bug bites. Baby care: Babies are prone to a number of skin irritations, particularly in warmer weather. Prevent diaper rash with a gentle hypoallergenic cream, such as Tom’s of Maine Baby Diaper Cream. More information can be found at TomsofMaine.com. Healthy hydration: No matter how much fun the kids are having, never forget the importance of hydration, particularly when they are active. For maximum benefit, stick to water, healthy drinks and fresh fruit. On a similar note, keep kids fueled for outdoor exploration with plenty of nutrition-packed snacks! This season, foster a love of the great outdoors. To maximize your fun in the sun, be prepared with all the essentials for creative, safe adventures. -StatePoint
A guide to saving water and your lawn 9 No longer must you choose between your lawn and saving water. Experts say there are ways to save both water and money that won’t hurt your turf. “We often see sprinklers watering sidewalks and drives, running during rain, or sending water down the drain from leaky heads,” says Josh Friell, Ph. D, senior agronomist of The Toro Company’s Center for Advanced Turf Technology. “The good news is there are simple, cost-effective actions homeowners can take to save up to 30 percent in outdoor water usage alone.” Friell recommends these lawn-care watering tips: First Things First Most timed sprinklers water in the early morning, without homeowner attention. At the beginning of the season, run each zone briefly during daylight hours to see how the system is operating. Look for broken lines or damaged sprinkler heads, and inspect spray patterns to en-
sure water isn’t wasted. When to Water Experts suggest watering deeply and infrequently. This helps wet the entire root zone and encourages deeper root growth, which helps the lawn better tolerate mild to moderate drought. It is best to water in the early morning around 4 to 5 a.m., as this gives lawns time to absorb the moisture and prevents evaporation due to daytime heat. How Much to Water During summer, your grass should receive between 1 to 1 1/2 inches of water weekly, including natural precipitation. Water requirements vary by turf variety, local weather conditions, and site conditions such as shade. Your local university extension office can be a good source of information to assist in understanding local conditions. The total water applied can be determined by placing a rain gauge or empty tuna cans
Real Estate
07 6 16
around your yard prior to an irrigation cycle. Another option is to install a wireless soil moisture sensor, like the Toro Precision Soil Sensor, which fits almost any controller and installs in minutes. This helps eliminate guesswork by continuously monitoring soil moisture levels to prevent the system from overwatering. Limit Water Intake Friell says a general rule to keep in mind is that turfgrass does better when managed on the dry side rather than wet. When soil is constantly wet,
grass roots are deprived of oxygen and may become more susceptible to disease. When in Drought Avoid lawn mowing during heat and drought. Lawns under such stress have limited ability to recover from mowing and can be damaged even more. Instead, mow after a rainfall or irrigation day. Finally, maintaining higher mowing heights will help turf tolerate the heat and drought of summer. Doing so also requires less frequent mowing, which means more time to enjoy your lawn!
Water Rebates Many cities and water agencies across the U.S. offer water conservation and rebate programs to homeowners to encourage adoption of more efficient irrigation solutions. Find a list of the latest rebates at watersmart.toro.com/rebates/. You can learn more about proper watering at watersmart.toro.com. With the right watering techniques, you can save water, money and time while maintaining a healthy lawn. -StatePoint
10 Helpful hacks for quick kitchen cleanup Real Estate
07 6 16
Prepare. Eat. Clean up. Repeat. In the kitchen, it’s a never-ending cycle of conquering messes. These seven simple cleaning hacks, tips and products that will cut down time spent restoring order in your space. Start with the Sink Before cooking, always empty the sink to make space for washing dirty items, including your hands. Combat lingering odors from garlic or onions by rubbing your hands on your stainless steel sink to remove the smell. Be sure to disinfect the sink first, as research shows that Salmonella and E. coli are found on 45 percent of kitchen sinks! Find a Fabulous Faucet Rethink your faucet. Simplify cleanup with a high-arc pulldown spout, which provides extra room for large pots and pans, and the ability to reach all corners of the sink. Plus, new spray technologies, such as Moen’s Power Clean, can provide more spray power while containing splash and minimizing mess. Greater force means faster cleanup and less water used on tough-to-rinse foods, like peanut butter. Make Microwave Miracles Your sink and faucets are the work-
horses of the kitchen, but your microwave is probably next in line. So, what happens if your eggs explode or your sauce splatters? Place a bowl of water with cut lemons in the microwave and run it until the water boils. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the steam to loosen the splatter and then wipe clean. In the future, always cover your items with a microwave-safe lid, paper towel or even a coffee filter! Get Creative with Coffee Filters Coffee filters are perfect for many cleaning (or mess prevention) hacks in the kitchen. They work as a spoon rest, a
strainer or a wrap for ice cream cones to catch drips, and can be placed under greasy foods like bacon or french fries to soak up excess oil and cut down on cleanup (and calories). Go Streak-Free Tired of the constant fingerprints and streaks on stainless appliances? Ditch harsh cleaners for a simple solution: water and a microfiber cloth, which feature microscopic fibers that pick up more than regular cloths. Better yet, choose faucets and appliances with finishes that repel these unsightly marks, such as Moen’s ex-
clusive Spot Resist faucet finish, which helps resist fingerprints and water spots. Don’t Trash Food -- Dispose It More than 60 million homeowners rely on garbage disposals to assist with daily kitchen cleanup, according to Moen Consumer & Market Insights. This handy appliance can significantly reduce the amount of trash you create, which means sending less to the landfill and fewer smelly garbage cans! Choose a powerful, dependable garbage disposal, such as Moen’s complete line that quickly and powerfully grinds food scraps, allowing you to spend more time at the dinner table and less time at the sink. Protect the Pantry Most pantry doors are shut for a reason -- there’s a mess lurking in there! From sugar spills to syrup leaks, many shelves are a sticky situation. Non-adhesive shelf liners are an ideal solution for easy cleanup. The solid surface will help contain spills and, since they’re machinewashable, you can toss the liner in the wash and re-use it. Life in the kitchen is messy, but with a few tips and updates, cleanup can be a breeze. -StatePoint
Ways to celebrate summer affordably at home Don’t let the potentially high cost of summer fun keep you from enjoying time with family and friends. To help you take advantage of the blue skies and sunshine from your own backyard, the discount experts at Dollar General are providing affordable ideas to celebrate summer. Fabulous, Frugal Party Planning Planning a summer party is fun, but it’s even better when you can save money while doing it. Spice up your next outdoor party with quaint, noticeable decorations. Consider adding lanterns or using colorful beach towels as tablecloths to set the mood for the party. For delicious, but affordable party snack ideas, look online at free resources like DG Easy Meals, which offers great recipes for appetizers, side dishes, main meals and desserts. Staycation If you’re not traveling, why not bring summer vacation to you? Spend a weekend with your family in the comfort of your backyard and plan activities you can all enjoy. Host a bonfire and create a summer soundtrack to play while outdoors. You can even cook a vacation-inspired meal or grab a book to read and simply relax. Celebrating summer has never
11 Real Estate
07 6 16
been so easy! Bring the Inside Outside Take advantage of the beautiful season by creating an affordable, family-friendly outdoor living space. Add a rug to your back patio or deck and a couple of weath-
er-proof coffee tables to make the space more comfortable. Search for garden decorations online to make the space more inviting. To save time and money on your summer needs, visit www.DollarGeneral.com
or visit your nearest Dollar General store. With some smart planning, an awesome and affordable summer doesn’t need to involve costly travel or expensive hosting. -StatePoint
12 Real Estate
07 6 16