Lawn Care Plus Self-Care
POSTED: MARCH 12, 2024
Spring cleaning is never anyone’s favorite thing to do, but every year we promise to be better about this annual task. Well, we’re here to try and help make it a little more manageable…and possibly even fun? We have 3 tips for getting your lawn ready for spring - but for each step, make sure to give yourself a prize! We’ll place a couple suggestions of what these prizes could include - just remember, you’ve earned it!
Prep Your Tools
There’s nothing worse than dragging your lawn mower out and discovering it needs some maintenance. Avoid this by getting a head start on prepping your tools. Take an hour over the weekend to inspect your mower, trimmer, or leaf blower. Are your batteries still charging? Do you need gas or oil? Now is the time to make sure you’re ready to go! PRIZE: You should be feeling pretty great after prepping your tools, so enjoy being outside a bit longer by taking a short walk around your block. You’ll be able to see your neighbors getting their yards ready as well, making you feel even better for staying on top of it!
Clean Up
In addition to removing any weeds or branches that may be resting on top of your lawn - be sure to rake your yard. Raking helps loosen matted grass clumps, allowing for proper aerating later on. Aerating helps increase oxygen and water cycling through your soil, making for happy and healthy grass! PRIZE: After raking/aerating your lawn, rehydrate with a cool class of Top Chico Seltzer. Add fresh berries or orange slices for an extra boost!
Just A Trim
If your lawn is still wet or muddy, or if the weather is still chilly, refrain from giving your lawn that initial first spring mow. However, if the weather is warming up, you can give your lawn a little trim to help jump-start it for spring! But remember - just take a little off the top, with your mower on its highest setting furtherest away from the ground. PRIZE: After a light mow, we believe ice cream is needed! Grab some soft serve from your favorite frozen yogurt joint - and don’t skimp on the toppings!
Prepping Your Spring Garden
We don’t know about you - but we’re ready to start gardening!
Here are 3 tips to help get your green thumb going - even if the weather is still a little brisk!
POSTED: MARCH 13, 2024
Invest in your soil. You invested in your home, now it’s time to invest in your garden. When it comes to soil, not all dirt is the same. Generally, placing compost/manure on top of your gardening soil is a great way to keep your emerging plants healthy and ensure they are getting the proper nutrients. Sprinkle some slow-release plant food on top, and if you’re feeling extra, head over to your local plant nursery for a carton of earthworms, who will help break down the soil (in a good way) for you!
Plant Your Borders There are plenty of cool-weather loving plants that are perfect for planting first. Did you know that if you plant flowers in the corner of your vegetable boxes, you’ll attract pollinators who will help you yield more bounty come spring/summer! Here’s a list of cool-weather plants: https://www.provenwinners.com/learn/landscaping/ten-solutionscool-weather-plantings
Start Seeds Indoors Did you know you can start planting as early as January? Prep those indoor seeds, such as bell peppers, broccoli, and herbs indoors where you can keep them out of the frost - otherwise wait until the ground heats up more in March or April. For best results if you’re keeping them in a garage or storage room, cover your soil with plastic wrap to keep moisture and heat in. Use a spray bottle to keep the surface moist. Once the seeds starts sprouting, remove the plastic wrap and begin watering to the root to help with growth. When outdoor temps are reasonable, place plants in your planter boxes! Check the planter’s almanac for best results: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar
Red Flags in Real Estate
POSTED: FEBRUARY 13, 2024
While we’re patiently waiting for spring to bring back some greenery - we’re focusing on the color red for a second. Here are 3 RED flags to look out for when trying to find your dream home!
THERE AREN’T MANY PHOTOS
If a house you’re interested in doesn’t have a lot of photos available, there could be multiple reasons - none of them good. For the most part, the seller is trying to limit what viewers see, in hopes they’ll come out in person and possibly overlook what’s wrong with the home. Trust a brokerage that doesn’t hide behind a curtain, but provides you with all the information upfront - even if the home needs some TLC.
YOU SEE WATER STAINS
If you see a stain, make sure you ask questions. If those questions cannot be answered - be sure to request a follow-up. Stains can mean there once was water, which could mean mold. There’s also the threat of a weakened structure. Water is great for plants - not so good for the inside of your home.
THERE ARE A LOT OF DIY ADDITIONS
We love a good DIY project - and oftentimes they can help elevate your home. But sometimes people cut corners by trying to DIY major parts of their home. Is that window frame really caulked and sealed, or did they just paint over it? Does that updated shower have proper draining, or is that water collecting underneath your floor without you knowing? Again, ask a lot of questions and get an inspection!
New Year New You!
Three New Year Resolutions To help you buy your dream home in 2024!
POSTED: DECEMBER 15, 2023
We know it’s always hard to keep your New Year resolutions - but when it comes to your future home, we think it’s worth putting in a little extra effort! Here are three resolutions we think you can maintain, ultimately leading you into a bright New Year!
1) Don’t fall in love at first sight! It’s easy to get caught up in a home’s exterior or flashy features - but don’t let that blind you from seeing a house for what it’s really worth - blemishes and all! Sure, the kitchen may have been outfitted with the latest appliances, but the ceiling water stains shouldn’t be overlooked.
2) Get pre-approved before you start shopping! Line-up your financing before setting one foot inside a house on the market - otherwise you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. Sit down with a lender and have a lengthy discussion on what you can and can’t afford. Just because you’re approved by the bank for a certain amount doesn’t mean you can automatically live a certain lifestyle. Stay in your budget - your REAL budget - of what is feasible.
3) Easy on the pocketbooks. With the holiday season in full swing, we tend to go a little overboard doting on ourselves and loved ones. Makes sure to keep on top of your credit card debt and not miss major payments. These can count against you when it comes to not only getting approved for a loan, but also closing on your dream home.
DIY Garlands For The Holidays!
POSTED: NOVEMBER 15, 2023
Before we dive into one of the most festive months of the year - we’ve still got a LOT to be thankful for! That doesn’t mean we can’t spruce up the house with some DIY garlands that are perfect for ALL the holidays!
Add a touch of citrus to your home with this dried orange garland. Add sliced grapefruits for varied sizes, or head to your local craft store for wooden beads to string in between the slices. It’s a cute and delicious smelling decoration you can enjoy through the New Year!
DIY Instructions Here: https://www.aliceandlois.com/diy-dried-orange-garland/
Want a DIY project that looks expensive? Turn plastic plants into golden wreaths or garlands with just a can of spray paint! Alternate between gold and silver if you want to mix it up! With these, the simpler, the better!
DIY Instructions Here: https://sugarandcloth.com/diy-golden-wreath-garland/
Have some extra yarn hanging around? Add some bobby pins and you’ve got the start of a really adorable garland! This DIY project calls for a pom pom maker, but it’s not necessary, making this so easy you could get your kids involved! If you don’t have extra yarn, head over to your favorite craft store and pick out some fall/winter colors that match your holiday theme!
DIY Instructions Here: https://jojotastic.com/2017/12/04/festive-pom-pom-garland-diy/
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