Spring Home Improvement Seasons 2024 - Edition Two

The birds are chirping, the sun is shining and people are starting to have a spring in their step again, that's why we've themed this issue for Spring Home & Garden. However, as always, you will find local news and seasonal recipes throughout. This time of year, many of us are thinking about sprucing up our homes in time for the warmer weather and dreaming of those lazy summer days. We have you covered with informative editorial and messages from your favorite local merchants. Looking to advertise? Seasons® Magazine is published ten times a year in print and online. Contact us for more information today.

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Neighborhood News: Pet Food Drive For Baxter’s Pet Pantry

Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park) is pleased to again join Long Island Cares and help it “rain food for cats and dogs” by hosting a pet food

drive now through the end of May.

Legislator Donnelly’s district office is serving as a drop-off location for the 13th Legislative Pet Food Drive where much-needed pet food and supplies will be collected to benefit Baxter’s Pet Pantry of Long Island Cares (www.licares.org). In previous years, constituents of the 17th Legislative District have generously donated to this annual drive.

All donations go directly to Baxter’s Pantry. While 5 and 10 pound bags of dog and cat food, canned food, kitty litter and new pet toys are most needed, all pet nourishments are welcome including food for hamsters, fish, birds and ferrets. Items may be dropped off at Legislator Donnelly’s District Office, located at 130 West Jericho Turnpike in Huntington Station, Monday through Thursday between the hours of 9 am and 4 pm until May 31. As per health code requirements, all pet food must be unopened and in original packaging. For more information or to make an appointment to donate outside of these hours, call (631) 854-4433.

“Hard times impact all members of the family, including our animal companions,” said Legislator Donnelly. “Families shouldn’t have to decide between feeding themselves and feeding their beloved pets. I am happy to partner with Long Island cares again on this important and much needed cause.”

Owner’s Suite Renovation Ideas For Luxury Spaces

Anowner’s suite is a sanctuary for homeowners. It’s a place where adults can retreat, relax, and unwind after a busy day. A bed and some other furniture are expected to take up residence in a standard bedroom, but certain elements can help homeowners create stunning spaces. While the largest bedroom in the home is typically dubbed the “owner’s suite,” it cannot be classified as a suite unless there is an adjoining bathroom. An owner’s suite also may have many more unique features that individuals may want to incorporate into a remodel. Here are some ideas to consider.

Upgraded Closet

Those who will be overhauling the walls and layout of the bedroom can configure the space to make room for a serious closet overhaul. A spacious, walk-in closet with built-in shelves, drawers, and rods can improve the functionality of the bedroom. Draw dividers and other components also can optimize space.

Sitting Area

In large suites, homeowners may have the potential to set up a sitting area in one portion of the room away from the bed.

This area can have a sofa, chairs, chaise, or other furniture and make for an ideal spot to read and lounge. Some people also enjoy having a television adjacent to the sitting area, so they can watch a show in the privacy of the bedroom.

Fireplace

Fireplaces add a unique ambiance to bedrooms and make for cozy spaces in which to cuddle up. While a traditional, roaring wood fire is one option, there is much less mess and fuss with a gas fireplace. Some gas fireplaces may not even have to be vented, and they can be turned on with the flip of a switch.

Private Patio Or Balcony

Owners who want to go the extra mile in owner’s suite renovations can incorporate outdoor spaces into the plans. Many homes are now being built with owner’s suites on the first floor, facilitating the possibility of aging in place at home. With this layout, the bedroom can be opened up to the outdoors by way of a sliding door or French doors. Decking or a patio can be outside of the room or even a covered space similar to a Florida room. Those with second-floor suites may want to consider a small deck or balcony where bistro seating can be placed.

Luxury Bath

Owners can turn the en suite bathroom into something out of a spa. A steam shower; heated floors; separate area for the toilet, closed off from the rest of the bathroom and dual vanities and sinks can make this a place that screams luxury and comfort. Do not forget dimmer switches for lighting, and even the inclusion of some new aromatherapy technology for increasing the potential for relaxation.

TheHow To Prepare A Garden For Spring Planting

final weeks of winter, and even the first few weeks of spring, are still chilly in many parts of the world. Despite those last vestiges of winter chills, late winter is a great time to begin preparing gardens for the coming planting season. Gardens may have to withstand months of harsh weather each winter, and such conditions can take a toll. Gardeners can consider the following tips as they try to restore their gardens and get them ready for spring planting.

• Disinfect your tools. It’s common to clean tools in late fall or whenever they’re typically placed in storage for the winter. But cleaning and disinfecting are not necessarily the same thing. If tools were not disinfected at the end of the previous gardening season, disinfect them before doing any work on the garden. Doing so can ensure any lingering bacteria

A Rundown On DIY Demos

Homeowners

looking to make improvements to their homes likely want to make such projects as budgetfriendly as possible. After soliciting estimates from contractors, homeowners may seek to do some work themselves to cut costs. That is why many individuals handle

or fungi on tool surfaces are killed prior to the beginning of gardening season. According to the University of Minnesota Extension, plant pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, can be transferred to and infect plants through bits of soil and plant debris left on shovels and pruner blades. Thoroughly disinfecting such tools prior to using them in the spring is a great way to reduce the risk of disease in your garden.

• Clear debris from garden beds. Leaves, twigs, sticks, and other debris may have gathered in the garden over the winter. Such debris can inhibit the growth of plants and vegetables, so make sure all of it is removed prior to planting. Weeds might even begin to sprout up in late winter and early spring, so remove them before they go to seed.

• Test the soil. Testing the soil prior to planting can help gardeners determine what their gardens will need to thrive in the coming months. Garden centers and home improvement stores sell home testing kits that are effective and easy to use. Once the results are in, speak with a professional at your local garden center about the best time to amend the soil.

• Loosen compacted soil. Soil can become compacted over winter. If compacted soil is not loosened prior to planting, plants will have a hard time getting the water and nutrients they need to thrive. Loosening the soil also provides another opportunity to inspect the garden for any underlying issues, such as fungi or weed growth, that you may have missed when clearing debris or testing the soil.

demolition and other preparatory tasks before contractors start. There are important things to keep in mind when doing a demo.

• Prybars are your friend. These tools, sometimes called crowbars, can be used to remove nails or pull materials apart.

• Cover vents in the space where you’re working. Construction dust can be sucked into the HVAC system and cause furnaces to clog. This also may cause the distribution of dust throughout the home.

• Use safety gear. Always wear safety goggles, gloves, boots, and other equipment as needed to remain safe.

• Get a power saw. Circular and reciprocating saws can cut through various materials, making faster work of demolition.

• Exercise caution when removing drywall. You don’t know what is behind the drywall, including electric wires, so be careful when choosing a spot to make the first hole in the drywall.

• Get a trash container with a gate. You’ll save yourself some aches and pains by being able to fill a wheelbarrow and dump it into the container, rather than tossing debris over the top.

• Bust up heavy or bulky items. Cast iron tubs and shower surrounds can be heavy and difficult to move. Unless it’s a family heirloom, cut or break large items into pieces to remove them more easily.

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Outstanding Berry

Grilled Cheese

Grilled cheese is a beloved comfort food that can be enjoyed any time of the day. Although there isn’t much that needs to be added to cheese to make it delicious, the inclusion of tart strawberries and blackberries in this recipe titled “The Sweet Sheep Grilled Cheese” from “The Reading Terminal Market® Cookbook” (Camino Books) by Ann Hazan and Irina Smith pushes this sandwich over the edge of deliciousness. An additional cookie butter spread and chocolate chips makes this grilled cheese much more dessert than lunch, and can be an indulgent treat anyone can enjoy.

The Sweet Sheep Grilled Cheese

Makes 5 servings

2 cups Valley Shepherd whipped sheep milk ricotta

1 cup mascarpone cheese

10 slices soft brioche sandwich bread

3⁄4 cup blackberry jam

1 cup hulled and diced strawberries

1 cup diced peaches

1⁄2 cup cleaned blackberries, cut into quarters

3⁄4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

1 cup speculoos cookie butter (see note)

1⁄2 cup softened unsalted butter

Directions:

In a bowl, mix together ricotta and mascarpone. On a clean, dry surface, lay out five slices of the brioche. Spread equal parts blackberry jam on each slice. Place a large spoonful of the mascarpone ricotta mix on top of jam (it may be helpful to use a piping bag) until all the mixture is used.

Evenly divide strawberries, peaches, blackberries and chocolate chips among each slice. Spread the speculoos cookie butter on the remaining five slices of brioche and place on top of the first slices.

Spread the softened butter in a thin layer on the outer parts of the brioche. Grill in either a panini press or in a hot pan. Slice and serve hot.

Note: If speculoos is too hard to find, here’s how to make it. Place 2 cups of ginger snaps in the bowl of a food processor and blend to very fine crumbs. Add 4 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter, and process until a smooth paste forms (similar to consistency of peanut butter). Refrigerate leftover portion and bring to room temperature when using.

Options To Finance Home Improvements

Renovating

a home is a great way to impart personality indoors and out. Improvements can make spaces more livable and address safety issues. Home renovations often take residents’ lifestyles into account, and changes can be customized to accommodate a growing family or an empty nest. No matter the job, home improvements tend to be costly. According to the financial resource SoFi, on average, the cost to renovate or remodel a whole house runs between $10 and $60 per square foot. Certain rooms demand a higher cost, with a kitchen, or a bathroom remodel costing around $100 to $250 per square foot due to electrical and plumbing needs. Figuring out how to pay for the improvement project is as essential to the planning process as picking out materials and contractors. The following are some financial considerations and financing options for homeowners looking to renovate their properties.

• Consider if the investment is worth it. Remodeling magazine routinely assesses common improvements and how much homeowners can expect to recoup on the investment in its annual “Cost v. Value” report. A homeowner spending $4,000 on a garage door replacement recouped 93.3 percent of the investment, whereas adding a midrange bathroom at $63,000 would only offer a 51.8 percent return. Homeowners must decide if they want to go forward with the project if they’re likely to get just a $33,000 return when they choose to sell the home later on.

• Refinance the home mortgage. Homeowners can use a cash-out mortgage refinance as a way to access thousands of dollars for a remodel. This taps into a home’s equity. Keep in mind that the mortgage will then be a new mortgage at the current interest rate and an outstanding balance higher than what was the current one. Typically 20 percent equity in the home is needed to refinance.

• Take out a personal loan. For those who do not want to refinance, a personal loan or home improvement loan can be good for midsized projects, according to American Express. Personal loans for home renovations typically require no collateral and one’s credit score determines the interest rate.

• Utilize a home equity line of credit. A HELOC is a form of revolving credit, like a credit card. Homeowners borrow against the credit line granted with the home being the collateral. As a person pays down what is owed, he or she can borrow more. This is a good idea for recurring or longterm home improvements.

• Try a home equity loan. Home equity loans use the home as collateral like a HELOC. The home equity loan is an installment loan for a fixed amount on a fixed monthly schedule for a set term. These are sometimes called second mortgages.

• No- or low-interest credit card. Smaller projects can be financed using credit cards. Many will offer introductory rates with no interest for a few months. This is generally only preferable if a person can pay off the balance before interest is charged.

These are the primary ways to finance home improvement projects when costs exceed available cash on hand.

Group Plants With Similar Water Needs

When planning spring landscapes, homeowners should always group plants with similar water needs together. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, grouping plants with similar water needs together helps to conserve water, which can be an especially useful strategy if or when drought restrictions go into effect in summer. Homeowners also can embrace additional strategies to landscape with water conservation in mind. For example, aerating soil helps to improve water flow to plants' roots and reduces water runoff, helping to ensure that plants get all of the water they need while reducing the likelihood that homeowners will have to use excessive amounts of water to keep plants healthy. In addition, using low-water-using types of grass can help homeowners who live in areas prone to drought conserve water while still maintaining lush, green lawns

Celebrate The Versatility Of Soy

Soyfoods are versatile ingredients in everyday cooking. Soyfoods are enjoyed by those who follow vegetarian and vegan diets, as soy is an excellent non-animal protein source. The different consistencies and textures of soyfoods mean they can replace other ingredients with ease. They also readily take on the flavors of other ingredients. Many Asianinspired meals rely on soyfoods, including this dish for “Tofu Cauliflower Fried Rice” from “Vegan Cooking for Beginners” (Publications International, Ltd.) by the PIL editors.

Tofu Cauliflower Fried Rice

Makes 4 servings

3 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger or ginger paste, divided

2 teaspoons dark sesame oil

1 teaspoon packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon rice vinegar

1 package (14 to 16 ounces) firm tofu, drained

2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided

1 yellow or sweet onion, chopped

1 carrot, chopped

1⁄2 cup frozen peas

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 package (12 ounces) frozen cauliflower rice

1 green onion, thinly sliced

Directions:

1. Whisk soy sauce, 1 tablespoon ginger, sesame oil, brown sugar, and vinegar in small bowl. Place tofu in quart-size resealable food storage bag. Pour marinade over tofu. Seal bag, pressing out as much air as possible. Turn to coat tofu with marinade. Refrigerate 3 hours or overnight.

2. Drain tofu, reserving marinade. Cut tofu into 1-inch cubes. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in large skillet over high heat. Add tofu, stir-fry 3 to 5 minutes or until edges are browned. Transfer to bowl.

3. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in same skillet. Add yellow onion and carrot; stir-fry 2 minutes or until softened. Add peas, garlic and remaining 1 teaspoon ginger; cook 2 minutes or until peas are hot. Add frozen cauliflower rice and 1⁄4 cup reserved marinade; stir-fry 5 minutes or until heated through. Return tofu to skillet; stir-fry until heated through. Top with green onion.

Neighborhood News: PSEG Long Island Employees Make Donation

PSEG

Long Island employees recently donated $1,000 to Merrick-based Balloon Mission, Inc. a not-for-profit organization that collects discarded balloons in an effort to protect wildlife and the environment.

Balloon safety is important to PSEG Long Island because metallic balloons can be hazardous to overhead electric lines –potentially causing fires and power outages, and also because of the negative effects released balloons can have on the ecosystem.

The donation was made through three of the company’s employee business resource groups (EBRG): GREEN, which is comprised of employee-advocates of clean energy alternatives, LI Environmental Guardians, which supports local efforts to help preserve the earth, and the Able EBRG, which champions community organizations that help people with disabilities.

The Association for Children with Down Syndrome (ACDS), which serves families of children and adults with disabilities, has been involved with Balloon Mission’s work. Adults receiving services from ACDS help Balloon Mission by collecting deflated balloons from various balloon drop box locations. The group then practices life skills by sorting and counting the balloons before they are safely and properly discarded.

Balloon Mission will use the PSEG Long Island donation to educate the public through community outreach and balloon collection programs, and by erecting informational signage at area parks and beaches about the dangers of balloon

releases.

"We're so grateful for our partnership with PSEG Long Island,” said Cynthia Seibold, founder and executive director of Balloon Mission, Inc. “This donation will help fund our recycling and education programs that raise awareness about the unintended harm balloons have when they're accidentally or purposely let go in the sky. We're pioneering a balloon collection program so people can responsibly enjoy balloons. Once the fun is done, they pop-n-drop balloons in our bins knowing they're keeping animals and the environment safe, while reducing the risk of fires and power outages."

“We are supporting this wonderful organization that is raising awareness about the potential dangers balloons can have on our environment,” said Anna Keselman, co-president of the PSEG Long Island GREEN EBRG. “We are inspired by Cynthia’s enthusiasm and her organization’s mission to protect turtles, sea life and our lands.”

PSEG Long Island reminds the public that balloons released into the air can become entangled in overhead electric equipment and cause a host of problems. Metallic balloons conduct electricity and resting on an electric line or other electrical equipment could lead to power outages, fire and, possibly, injuries.

Balloons caught on electrical equipment should be reported to PSEG Long Island at 800-490-0075 so a specially trained crew can safely address the issue.

Did You Know?

Homerenovations can improve a home in many different ways. Modifications to kitchens and bathrooms have long been popular projects, but are they the most popular renovations? According to data from Realm, which analyzed the top 10 most popular projects from roughly 2.8 million listings and permit filings in the United States, certain projects are more popular than others. Nationally, the most common home renovations include interior painting, exterior painting, finishing a basement, installing or replacing windows, and bathroom remodeling. Houzz polls have unveiled that renovating kitchens and bathrooms, new windows and porches, balcony and deck projects are among the most popular.

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The Basics Of Flipping Homes

In recent years, home sellers have experienced record profits as the value of real estate has risen dramatically. Bankrate indicates the median home price across the United States is around $486,000. According to WOWA, a personal finance resource in Canada, the national average price of a home in Canada was $657,145 CAD in December 2023.

Flipping homes gained popularity before the spike in real-estate prices, but that increase has led some novices to consider flipping more closely. Though the chances of turning a large profit are indeed substantial in a market where high prices are the norm, potential flippers may benefit from a rundown of the practice before they decide if it’s something they want to do.

What is flipping?

Flipping works when an investor purchases a property with the intention of selling the home (or business) for profit without actually using it. The basic premise of flipping is to find a property at a low price and sell it at a much higher price, typically after renovating the home. Investopedia says it is important to complete this transaction as quickly as possible to reap the greatest return on investment.

Don’t underestimate the necessary investment of time and money

Many new flippers overestimate their skills and knowledge and lose money in the process. Common mistakes include thinking that a project will cost less or the home will be turned around quickly. It can take months to find the right property, and then there will be time needed to renovate. Costs involved include the initial sale, renovations, holding costs, and capital gains tax when the sale goes through. All of these can eat into profits.

Limited inventory makes things tougher

It can be challenging to find a good deal as everyone seemingly wants to be in real estate these days. With fierce competition in a low-inventory market, flipping can be like finding a needle in a haystack.

Know the tax benefits vs. tax risks

According to Tresa Todd, founder of the Women’s Real Estate Investors Network, flipping may be less tax-efficient in the United States than getting into investment properties. Flippers will be paying short-term capital gains instead of long-term capital gains. According to NerdWallet, capital gains taxes are paid when one sells an asset for profit. The rate at which capital gains is taxed is based on whether you hold an asset for less than a year or longer than a year. Long-term capital gains tax rates are generally lower than short-term capital gains tax rates.

Abide by the “golden rule”

Most home flippers follow the 70 percent rule. This says one should pay no more than 70 percent of what the house’s estimated ARV (after-repair value) will be, minus the cost of the repairs necessary to renovate the home, says Rocket Mortgage. The ARV is calculated by adding the current property value plus the added value of any renovations. The formula boils down to: ARV x .70 - Estimated repair costs = Maximum buying price.

Flipping may seem like a good idea, but prospective flippers should fully understand the process, including the financial commitments it requires, before purchasing a home.