Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life

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  • Top 5 Halloween Treats for 2017

    Halloween is just around the corner. There is no better way to enjoy the spookiest time of the year than by making some fun Halloween treats!

    There are many things we love about Halloween, but mostly we look forward to all the fun and spooky things to eat!

    We’ve decided to compile five Halloween treat recipes for you and your family!

    Halloween Peanut Butter Cup Popcorn by Barbara Bakes

     

     

     

    Here is a fun recipe that not only looks fantastic but also tastes great! This yummy recipe from Barbara Bakes is quick to make. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and salty, so be sure to give it a try.

  • Top 10 Homemade Gifts from the Heart: Holiday Baking for Friends and Family

    Not quite sure what to give loved ones this year? Why not turn some of your favorite holiday baking recipes into delicious gifts that friends and family will adore? There’s nothing quite like opening a platter or basket filled with homemade treats. If you’re lucky, they’ll share with you.

    Chocolate-covered cookies

    For a quick and easy addition to a gift platter, roll out your favorite pre-packaged sugar cookie dough and bake it. Choose from any cut out shape or simply place dough onto a baking sheet. If you choose this second option, cut the cookies into small squares before baking. Once the cookies have cooled, dip them in melted chocolate and lay them on wax paper to harden. For an elegant look, dip half of the cookie in chocolate and coat it with crushed peppermint candies or sprinkles.

     

    Dark chocolate walnut fudge

    The holidays present the perfect opportunity to indulge in decadent baking recipes like this one for dark chocolate walnut fudge. If you’re gifting this fudge on its own, try presenting it in a cute box topped with a bow. Make sure that recipients do not have a nut allergy.

  • How to Incorporate a Cozy Reading Nook in Your Home

    Curling up with a good book is the perfect way to relax.  Every bookworm can agree that where you read is just as important as what you read. We can all relate to reading the same sentence for 15 minutes as a result of being in the wrong place.  Noisy, crowded and uncomfortable are not adjectives one wants to use to describe their leisure spots. Reading nooks are little areas within a home that are comfy, cozy and free of distractions. Explore the must-have elements every reading nook needs.

     

    Get Cozy in a Corner

    You may think you need a lot of space or to rearrange for a reading nook. All you need is a little corner or any space that is secluded from everything else. Reading nooks can be anywhere; consider a corner in your bedroom, a bay window or even a shed.

    Softness is a Must

    Increase the coziness of your reading nook with softer fabrics. Invest in a plush blanket to create a welcoming cocoon. Paint the walls softer hues to ensure a cozy, distraction-free space. If a big rug beckons, consider faux fur or a great shag rug to spend a few hours with your favorite author.

    Comfort with Cushions

    Soft fabrics are great, but they won’t give you as much comfort as you need to finish a few chapters of your latest read. Grab some cushions and layer them on the floor, bench or bay window. They are a much cheaper alternative to purchasing a chair. You may also want to purchase larger pillows to line the wall for increased comfort.

    Lighting is Vital

    A reading nook in front of a big window is always a nice addition. You get an ample amount of natural light, fresh air and peace. The only catch is when the sun goes down, your reading nook will no longer be the ideal place. To get the best light possible, add a lamp or hang a few strings of white lights. Better yet, opt for a with a dimming option to set the mood as you please.

    Keep it Simple

    Too many distractions can take away from your reading experience. There’s no need for tech gadgets, save for an e-reader. An abundance of framed photos, home décor and other distractions can also take your attention away from the page. Keep it simple by sticking with basics to get the most out of your reading nook.

     

    Create your own style tale with a perfectly decorated reading nook.

     

  • Halloween Party Games

    Halloween-themed games are a fun way to get party guests into the spirit of the holiday and break the ice.

    There are plenty of games to play that are perfect for every age. From bingo and word searches to pumpkin tosses and guessing games, entertainment is easy to find this Halloween.

    Here are some of our favorite Halloween party games:

    Halloween Pumpkin Patch Hunt

    Set up a pumpkin patch indoors or outdoors with real or plastic pumpkins. Hide toys, candy and money inside them. Let guests search for treasures and tally each person’s findings if you want to name a winner.

    Wrap the Mummy

    Use crepe or toilet paper to wrap one guest as a mummy. Teams should decide if they want to play to create the most artistic, scariest or fastest mummy. When it’s time to unwrap them, make a game out of seeing who can pick up the trash the fastest.

    Pin the Face on the Jack-o-Lantern

    Just like Pin the Tail on the Donkey, your party guests will pin the face on a giant jack-o-lantern. Make this game out of construction paper or felt. Create funny and scary features to pin on a bare pumpkin.

  • Financial Planning Tips to Think About When Planning a Wedding

    With all the excitement that accompanies wedding planning, it can be easy to lose track of expenses. Seventy-two billion dollars are spent on weddings in the United States each year according to SoundVision, and Forbes revealed only 26 percent of couples stay within their budget. It’s safe to say that most couples need some financial advice when planning their wedding to ensure the costs of their big day don’t push back other long-term monetary goals. Many couples choose to purchase a house together after the wedding, and exceeding the wedding budget can mean delaying this next step. Follow these crucial tips to plan a wedding without getting in over your head.

    Implement plans to start saving

    As soon as you are engaged, start putting a little extra away each week. Determine what you can cut back on to save up for the day of your dreams. For example, maybe you won’t eat out as often, or you’ll reduce your clothing budget. Keep the end goal in mind and these simple sacrifices for the sake of saving won’t be so bad.

    Establish a budget and stick with it

    There’s no point in having a budget if you don’t plan on staying within it. The best financial advice you can get is to establish a reasonable budget, one that allows you to fulfill your wedding daydreams, and stick with it. Make a list of needs and wants for your big day. When you find something you’re willing to splurge on, you can refer to your list to see where you can cut back in other areas to accommodate the additional expense.

    Evaluate costs of different elements

    Once you’ve established a budget, use a wedding planner budget tool to help determine the cost of different components. This tool allows you to see how much different elements of your wedding will cost. The data can be used to determine where you may be overspending so you can refine your wedding plans to fit your finances. This wedding planner budget tool also helps map out activities.

    Look for Savings

    If you have a general idea regarding the cost of a wedding, consider budget-friendly alternatives to enjoy some savings on your big day. For example, most venues charge significantly less to host a wedding on a weekday or onsite. This could or could not impact the arrival time of attendees, so you may want to look at starting and finishing the event at a later time. Another option is to skip the venue altogether by hosting a frugal backyard wedding. Save on favors by making your own with these DIY wedding favor tips. Likewise, cut down on photography costs by recruiting a friend or someone from your extended network that is an aspiring photographer.

    Determine how you’ll pay

    The more expensive your wedding is, the more likely you’ll be to put things on credit. While borrowing money is an option, especially when you need a lot of it, it will have to be paid back and depending on the lender, there could also be significant interest. Take this into consideration when determining your wedding budget.

    Think about your plans

    Amid the craziness of wedding planning, it’s easy to forget that anything else exists. However, once your big day comes to an end, you will want to start your new life together. Maybe that means buying your first house, or saving money to start a family. If you spend all of your money on the wedding, you won’t have a nest egg for the future.

    Once your big day is over, you don’t want to have massive bills following you for many years to come. Follow the financial advice provided to have the wedding and future of your dreams.

  • 3 Backyard Wedding Themes You’re Going to Love

    How would you spend $35,000? Would you put a sizable down payment on your future home or travel the world? Some are choosing to spend that much on the pricey 24-hour experience that has become the American wedding. The Knot released its 10th annual The Knot 2016 Real Weddings Study, revealing that the average cost of a wedding is at an all-time high of $35,329.  Spending more money won’t make your ceremony memorable; in fact, you can use a more modest budget toward your wedding and still be able to make it a day to remember. Backyard weddings are a great way of doing just that, here are some great backyard wedding ideas to help you plan your big day while maintaining a modest budget.

    Bohemian

    Backyard weddings almost demand a bohemian theme. In the fresh air, you can offer an earthy vibe by showcasing natural elements. This budget-friendly option takes advantage of the flowers you already have and serve local produce at the reception.  The trick to choosing a bohemian theme is keeping everything simple. Use subtle accessories to enhance the natural beauty of the outdoors, such as string lights, candle-lit lanterns and repurposed vintage décor. Keep your flowers bright and your accents rustic. Consider dedicating specific areas to mindfulness lounging. Place some bohemian furniture throughout the backyard, layer them with throws, and place some rugs on the ground and enjoy the festivities of the day while being surrounded by nature.

    Rustic

    Farms, barns and ranches are venues that are increasing in popularity according to The Knot. Forty-eight percent of couples have expressed a yearning for these specific backdrops. Make the big day as spirited as possible with farm-inspired décor. Use haystacks draped with fabric for seating at the ceremony and add in some wood elements such as tree stumps. Decorate the trees with photos of the bride and groom, hang strings of sparkling lights, and cross your fingers for good weather. It may not be traditional, but in this setting, a BBQ would be ideal. Have a beef and veggie burger bar with plenty of side dishes to keep everyone happy. Wheelbarrow drink stations throughout the space will keep guests hydrated and add a rustic touch.

    Fall

    Although the summer months are still a popular season for sharing vows, fall has claimed the top spot. The Knot reported that fall weddings make up for 40 percent of all ceremonies, with September and October tied for the most slots. One of the reasons for fall’s increasing popularity may be that the season offers so many options for décor. Fall elements include pumpkins, squash, pine cones, twigs, foliage and more. All of these décor items can be found for free, or at minimal cost.  The weather can be unpredictable in this season, so the key to a successful fall wedding is to ensure everyone’s comfort. Line hay bales with plaid blankets for people to cozy up on, rent exterior heaters and add in a s’mores station. Speaking of sustenance, think apple cider and sangria, mashed potatoes and turkey, chicken skewers and salads, marshmallow and sweet potatoes, and of course, a candy table full of fall treats – candy apples, freshly baked pies, cheese and wine, candy corn and more.

    Weddings don’t have to cost a fortune to be beautiful. With these simple backyard wedding themes, you can reduce your budget and put the savings toward your future family home.

  • How to Spot a Good Real Estate Agent

    If you are looking to purchase a home or sell a real estate property, having a skilled and experienced agent is essential. It can sometimes be hard to find; relying solely on online reviews and testimonials will only tell you half the story. Consider the following tips to unveil an accurate representation of potential real estate agents.

    Ask friends/family for referrals

    Referrals are an excellent way to reveal the quality of services offered by a real estate agent. Ask your friends and family for referrals and ask why they recommend that particular agent. This will provide you with detailed information, which can be used to determine whether a specific real estate agent is suited to help reach your real estate goals.

    Read online reviews/testimonials

    The internet is a great place to evaluate the quality of potential real estate agents. Many real estate agents share client testimonials on their website, whereas others share them on social media platforms. These testimonials, however, are unlikely to disclose any negative feedback.  To ensure you have an accurate representation of a real estate agent, conduct an online search for user-submitted reviews and testimonials. You must collect the pros and cons of the services offered based on unedited experiences.

    Look for a real estate agent with thorough knowledge of the neighborhood

    Neighborhood knowledge is a valuable asset. The more a real estate agent knows about an area, the better. Your real estate agent should be highly knowledgeable about the area you’re selling or buying in to ensure your goals are met efficiently and effectively.

    Interview multiple agents

    Once you have a collection of potential real estate agents, conduct interviews to narrow in on the specifics of each.  There are various techniques real estate agents use to help clients buy or sell a home, as well as different levels and areas of expertise. These can include the number of years in the industry and communication styles. It’s crucial to find a real estate agent who aligns with your personal goals and preferences to ensure a successful experience.

    Realistic recommendations and pricing for sellers

    No real estate agent should suggest that you list your house at the highest price without first considering key factors. When selling your home, get listing presentations from at least three separate agents. They will be able to tell you how much similar homes have sold for within the area, how long they took to sell, and other valuable information and recommendations that are well calculated. Listing a price too high will result in it taking much longer to sell, or worse, buyers may not even look at it. The longer a house sits on the market, the more people will start to think something is wrong with it.  Always select a real estate agent who provides realistic recommendations and listing prices.

    Look for a REALTOR®

    When beginning your search, know the difference between a real estate agent and a REALTOR®. A real estate agent is someone who has taken classes and/or passed the licensing test for their state.  REALTORS® are members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The requirements to join this prestigious professional organization involve more than just being licensed and active in the industry. REALTORS® follow a strict code of ethics. Once you have identified a real estate agent you like, check to make sure they are a REALTOR®, simply search their name on and area served on realtor.com.

     

    The success of your investment depends greatly on the real estate agent you choose. Follow these guidelines to narrow down your search for a real estate agent who will help you navigate your home buying or selling process with ease.

  • Beautiful Invitation Ideas

    To create high interest for your next event, you must get your guests excited well before the big day. However, multiple phone calls, text messages and emails can quickly overwhelm guests, especially when you’re contacting them across several different channels for the same reason. Put down the phone and retire the idea of traditional invitations. Ignite some excitement with these beautiful invitation ideas.

    A musical invitation

    For all the music lovers out there, you’ll want to send out musical invitations. An invitation that your guests can play is an excellent way to get them excited about your event. The music will also imprint a reminder in their brain.

    You can purchase stick-on recordable music boxes for a couple dollars. Then, hold the button to record a song that fits the theme of your event, add it in your invitations and prepare for a rush of RSVPs.

    Invitations as décor

    One surefire way for all your guests to remember the date of your event is with invitations that double as décor. With careful craftsmanship, you can design a paper invitation for your guests to cut out, build and use as decoration in their home. There are various templates online, which you can print and personalize as well as origami templates that are also an excellent way to find unique cutout ideas to use for your decorative invitations. Every time they see the invite, they’re certain to remember the highly anticipated date. The key is to make sure the cutout craft is specific to the event theme.

    Infographic invitations

    Infographics are everywhere. You can find them on blogs, company websites, social media platforms, posters, and much more because they’re an excellent way to provide an abundance of information, eloquently and stylishly. Trade in the standard invitation and design an infographic that shares your story beautifully.  There are many websites that allow you to create beautiful infographics for free, such as Canva. The templates make it easy for you to drag and drop your event details.

    Polaroid shot invitations

    Polaroid cameras have come back from the past. Turn in your digital camera for a classic Polaroid and take some snaps to be used as invitations. Write the details on the bottom of the picture or include the information on a separate piece of elegant invitation paper.

    Engraved invitations

    Add some excitement to your invitation with engraving. It’s a unique and affordable way to change up the tone of a traditional invitation. All you need is an engraving tool and you’re ready to make a statement with your invites.

    Recipe invitation

    Design a recipe for your guests to cook up with this invitation idea. List the meal plan as the ingredients and provide directions to the event in the recipe instructions. You could also list the dress code, interesting things your guests can do to prepare for the party, or other pertinent details in the recipe instructions. This idea works great for themed parties and is certain to spark some excitement.

    Scratch the date

    Forget about “save the date”; it’s all about scratching the date. Purchase some metallic acrylic paint, combine it with a few drops of dishwashing soap and paint over the important parts of your invitation. Your guests will be excited and eager to reveal the time, date and location of your next event.

    Put down the stock paper and infuse your invitations with creativity.

  • A Few Festive Fall Decorating Ideas for the Home

    Fall is the perfect season to bring colorful elements from the great outdoors into your home. From quick do-it-yourself projects to seasonal home improvements, we’ve got you covered with a few of our favorite fall decorating ideas.

    Colorful autumnal crafts

    Arts and crafts don’t need to be time and labor intensive. It’s easy to transform a plain pillow into an autumn masterpiece. Collect a handful of fallen leaves from outside and trace their shapes over pieces of felt. Cut out the shapes and use fabric glue or another adhesive to attach them to the pillow.

    Another simple craft idea is a fall wreath. Pick up an inexpensive grapevine wreath from your local craft store and then decorate it with foliage, berries, mums and other fall flowers from your garden. When you’re done, hang the wreath over the mantle, on your front door or in another central space in your home.

     

    Prepare your home for fall decorations

    Just as spring cleaning is a must, so is preparing your home for fall and winter. Before decorating, hire people to clean the chimney and check the heating and furnace systems. Doing these things before cold weather comes means you can prevent any problems down the road. Making sure to prepare your home means that it will not only be prepped to keep you warm, but the fireplace and other areas will be ready to decorate. Hang the wreath you made above the mantle and artfully scatter a handful of leaves and small pumpkins.

    Paint your home

    Painting is a great way to update your home for fall. Although summer might seem like the best time to paint the exterior of your home, it’s better to do it in fall when temperatures are moderate. Painting exteriors when it’s too hot causes the paint to dry too fast, leaving marks. Painting when it’s too cold results in cracking.

    Of course, painting indoors can happen any time of the year. Fall is a great season for many reasons. First, it lets you apply a fresh new coat of paint right before you redecorate your home for fall. Second, the walls in your home are probably the perfect temperature for painting. They should be above 60 degrees, but under 85 degrees. Choose a soft, neutral color such as driftwood grey or creamy latte as the perfect backdrop for fall decorations.

  • Australian Décor: Go down under to come out on top

    When it comes to finding new styles to decorate your home, consider following the yellow brick road to the chicness that is Australian home decor. The distinct style has the type of international flavor that should be displayed around the world – including your home! Australia is known for its stunning coastlines and laid-back attitudes that inspire its designs.  Many believe that Australia’s innovative approach to décor comes from its relative isolation and the rebellious spirit of its founders. Australia frequently ranks in the top 10 happiest countries in the world. Perhaps the look of effortlessly casual sophistication has something to do with it. Read on to discover if the Australian look is right for your home.

    Layer, not clutter

    Layering is key to Australian style. Do away with heavy drapery and upholstery. Instead, embrace textures, patterns and colors. Focus on bold, clean accents like statement lighting or patterned rugs. Take care not to go too wild and avoid cluttering the space with unnecessary accents. Ask yourself which pieces will have the most visual impact and only use those. Items can be as ornate as you would like, but the eye can only take in so much before growing overwhelmed. Choose a color or motif to weave into your rooms. If you like the boldness of fuchsia, make a patterned rug of that color the focal point of the room, with additional touches of the bold pink color to enhance, not distract.

    Bring the outdoors in

    Mother Nature might be the ultimate muse when it comes to your home’s style. Australians pay homage to their coastlines and landscapes when decorating their spaces. Bring light and fresh air indoors to highlight coziness. You might have to bring furniture closer to the windows or do away with curtains; however, family and guests will appreciate the refreshed views. Natural fabrics such as cotton, wool and linen are a stellar way to bring simple touches of nature indoors.

    Look down

    Residents and visitors alike take part in outdoor activities ranging from scuba diving to skiing. Their interiors must be able to handle an indoor/outdoor lifestyle. Sand and dirt can make their way indoors, resulting in the need for easy, forgiving flooring. Timber is a common choice for Aussie interiors. It is visually appealing with its soft color and texture. Find out which materials work for you and your climate.

    Invite sunshine

    Light is integral when setting the tone for interiors. The land down under is known for its spectacular natural light. Aussies invite sunshine in as much as possible. Natural wood furniture plays with brightness and complements windows. Consider making a dining set the statement piece of your home.

    Get coastal

    The salt-fresh look is popular in Australia. Try focusing on decorating the walls with images of the ocean as many Aussies do. Add sandy neutrals and natural materials to your interiors. Beautiful scenery abounds in Australia.  Colors from the Outback and oceans offer inspiration for a unique coastal look. Think of deep blue, white and gray, or the earthy tones of the country, including tan, charcoal and rusty orange. For an unexpected touch, consider painting ceilings in these outback-inspired colors.