Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life

Category: Community

  • BHGRE Gives Back – BHGRE Season of Sharing

    The BHGRE network has embraced the Season of Sharing and has been hard at work in their communities with various holiday-related philanthropic efforts.  

    For Giving Tuesday we wanted to highlight a few of these events. We are so proud of the way these affiliates embrace our PAIGE core values.  

    Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Base Camp – Winter Coat Drive 

    The team in Central Virginia helped collect warm coats for the winter season. See their post. 

     

    Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate 43 North – St Jude Event 

    The team in Meridian, Idaho helped build the St. Jude Dream Home sponsored by Berkeley Building Co. During the Lumber Signing Event, participants were able to sponsor a board and write messages that would forever be incorporated into the home. See their post. 

     

    Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Everything – Merced County Food Bank  

    The team in Merced County, California helped collect food for the Merced County Food Bank.  See their post.

     

    Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gaetano Marra Homes – The Merton Pantry  

    The team in Connecticut in collaboration with the Greater Bridgeport Board of REALTORS held a holiday food drive and collected food to benefit the Merton Pantry. See their post.  

     

    Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene – Kids’ Meals Inc 

    The team in Houston, Texas prepared over 1,000 lunch bags to be delivered to kids in need in their local area. See their post.  

    Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Premier – Food for Others 

    The team in the Washington D.C. area collected non-perishable food items to benefit Food for Others. See their post.  

     

    Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Central – Mountain Mission Incorporated  

    The team in Charleston, West Virginia volunteered their time to assist with a food drive for Mountain Mission Incorporated. See their post.  

     

    Find more ways to give back and see how you can get involved here. 

  • Ways to Give Back – BHGRE Season of Sharing

    It’s the season of sharing, so open your heart and discover several ways you can make a difference. 2020 has been an especially difficult year, but we must remember what is important and help those less fortunate. There are numerous ways to give back, and something that might seem small to one person can have a significant impact on another.  

    • Many parents are trying to work full time while also teaching or monitoring their children, which can be a bit overwhelming. Lend a helping hand by offering tutoring services. This not only helps kids learn but can allow parents to focus on work and other things. Plus, you can do it all virtually!  
    • If you are looking for new ways to give back virtually check out volunteermatch.org for tons of ways you can help out others no matter where you are.   
    • Donate gifts and toys to those who might not be able to afford their own. You could also hold a toy drive and collect items from friends and family.  
    • Here are some ideas of gifts you can make at home: weighted blankets, fabric covered journal, tie dyed clothing, easy sewing projects, handmade items, cute crocheted gifts for kids  
    • Donate clothes and warm weather items! You might have lots of clothing you haven’t warn in years that could benefit many people. If you can purchase items many people will be in need of socks, hats, warm clothing, mittens, and blankets as it starts to get colder outside.  
    • Write holiday cards to people in nursing homes and other people who are not able to have visitors. A letter or small drawing can go a long way and make people feel heard and important.  
    • Help neighbors with tasks around their home or run errands for them. People might need help raking leaves, cleaning out their gutters, shoveling snow, or picking up groceries and other items.  
    • Foster a pet. Look into local shelters that need foster families and help save a furry friend! If you cannot foster a pet, you could also donate supplies to nearby shelters.   
    • Participate in a blood drive or donate blood at a local center.  
    • Bringing someone baked goods or food will surly put a smile on someone’s face! Here are some things you could whip up for a neighbor or a hungry family.  

    BHGRE Gives Back

    Discover local events and ways to give back all over the country. See what our BHGRE community experts are doing near you.

    Prescott, Arizona

    Events submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate BloomTree

    Coats for Kids

    Now through December 14, drop your used /new coats, sweaters, and other donations off at any participating PUSD school, store location, REALTOR office, PAAR office on Karicio Lane, or call AJ Sheridan at 928.308.6780 for pick up. This drive is in memory of Don Shaffer and is sponsored by the Prescott Association of REALTORS.

    BHGRE BloomTree Agents are participating in a pumpkin decorating contest. BHGRE BloomTree will be donating an additional coat for each pumpkin submitted.

    Door Decorating Content

    The BHGRE BloomTree office is also participating in a office door decorating contest, in which the winning broker will win $500 for the local charity of their choice.

    Merced, California

    Events submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Everything Real Estate

    Merced County Food Bank

    With food prices skyrocketing, unemployment higher than it has been in years, and a virus that targets many individuals; especially the Senior citizens in our communities the need has doubled. In an effort to continue to help support our Seniors, Merced County Food Bank is having its 7th Annual Sharing the Harvest with Grateful Hearts Event. All proceeds will benefit our Senior Brown Bag Program. We hope you can join us November 14th in supporting these deserving seniors by considering a Sponsorships for the Fundraiser. If you can’t attend the event any support would be greatly appreciated. It costs only $60 to feed a Senior citizen for an entire year. For more information call 209.726.3663 or email jth@mmcfb.

    Southern California

    Events submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Champions

    Collecting Bikes

    BHGRE Champions Office is involved with the Chamber of Commerce to give away 30 bicycles to needy children at 2 area elementary schools. We are part of several companies involved in this endeavor. Jenson USA is donating the bikes and helmets. Other companies are donating kickstands, bike locks, goodie bags filled with school and sports supplies. Our part is water bottles and helping to coordinate the effort. BHGRE Champions has a vice chair position on it for this year.

    Monroe, Connecticut

    Events submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gaetano Marra Homes

    Thanksgiving Food Drive

    Help donate to the hungry this season. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gaetano Marra Homes in collaboration with the Greater Bridgeport Board of REALTORS isholding a Holiday Food Drive. Please help by donating non-perishable food items to help benefit the Merton Pantry. Drop off at 588 Monroe Turnpike through November 20.

    Flagler Beach, Florida

    Events submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Synergy

    Be a Santa to Seniors

    Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Synergy is working with Be a Santa to Seniors to collect items using a contactless gift-giving experience, providing joy and safety to all involved. A tree can be found at their Flager Beach location. More info at BeaSantatoaSenior.com.

    Gainesville, Florida

    Events submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Thomas Group

    Food Drive

    Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Thomas Group conducted a food drive for their local food pantry, Break of the Mighty Food Bank. There is almost triple the need this holiday season.

    Boise, Idaho

    Events submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate 43° North

    St. Jude’s Dream Home Giveaway

    Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate 43 North partnered with Berkeley Home Builders in Boise, Idaho to help build the St. Jude’s 2021 home. They held a fundraiser where 100% of the proceeds went directly to the St Jude’s Research Foundation. Visitors were able, for a small donation, sign a 2×4 that is going to be used in the construction of the home that will break ground in early spring. Tickets for the home drawing will be available for $100 and will go on sale in early spring.

    Christmas for Kiddo’s

    Better Homes and Gardens 43 North will be sponsoring several families this christmas through the West Ada School District to help give these families a holiday to remember!

    Ronald McDonald House Charities

    Better Homes and Gardens 43 North will be providing dinner recipes and all items needed to cook meals through out this holiday season even though we can’t be with them in person due to covid, it is their way to continue supporting families struck by illness & disease.

    Maine

    Events Submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Masiello Group

    When COVID hit in March and so many people started losing their jobs, we knew that the draw from the local food banks would be higher than ever. We launched Masiello Cares (www.masiellocares.com) and have raised enough funding to provide more than 34,000 meals throughout Maine, NH and VT.

    Bangor, Maine: “Free the Z” a local turkey drive put on by Z107.3 radio station

    Bangor, Maine: The local Bangor office will be adopting a local family and providing them with Christmas gifts.

    Gorham, Maine: Toys for Tots for the Marines

    Gorham and Windham, Maine: The local offices will be participating in a local coat drive to collect kids coats along with WCSH6.

    Winchester, Massachusetts

    Events submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Shanahan Group

    Turkey Trot

    Join Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Shanahan Group and the En Ka Society for their first Virtual Turkey Trot on Thursday, November 26 through Sunday November 29 on your own time wherever you are. Kids and adults can walk, trot or run the 5k race to raise funds for the Winchester community. Register here for $30 / adult or $10 / child.

    Minnesota

    Events submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate All Seasons

    Hope for the Holidays

    Join BHGRE All Seasons for Hope for the Holidays! Through this program, our brokerage has “adopted” a number of senior citizens and will be providing them with household goods and small gifts to let them know they are not alone this holiday season. For our seniors who have been living in isolation due to the pandemic, this is a great way to bring seasonal cheer into their homes in a safe and supportive way.

    Now through December 11, drop your donations off at either our Chanhassen or Minnetonka offices. Greatest needs are currently puzzles, dish soap, towels, kleenex, coffee, and paper towels.

    Toy Collection

    Join the BHGRE All Seasons toy drive! Donate your unwrapped new or gently used toys to our office at 495 US Highway 10 in Detroit Lakes anytime between now and December 23, and we’ll get them to the kids and families in our community who could use a little extra Christmas cheer.

     

    Las Vegas, Nevada

    Events submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Universal

    Partnership for Homeless Youth

    BHGRE Universal is collecting items for homeless teens and young adults. You can get involved by donating off this Amazon list.

     

    Keene, New Hampshire

    Events Submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Masiello Group

    When COVID hit in March and so many people started losing their jobs, we knew that the draw from the local food banks would be higher than ever. We launched Masiello Cares (www.masiellocares.com) and have raised enough funding to provide more than 34,000 meals throughout Maine, NH and VT.

    Toys for Tots for the Marines

    New Jersey

    Event submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Coccia Realty

    Coccia Realty’s Annual Coat Drive

    Help keep those in need warm this winter. BHGRE Coccia Realty is collecting new or gently used coats, gloves, jackets, mittens, scarves, and hats.

    Drop off at your local BHGRE Coccia Realty office in Kearny, Lyndhurst, Rutherford or Secaucus through November 15, 2020.

    Pennsylvania

    Events submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Community Realty

    Backpack Drive for the Homeless 

    Bring a backpack filled with gloves, hat, scarf, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, socks, hand sanitizer, and a blanket to 508 Bridge Street in Phoenixville.

    Tennessee

    Events submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gwin Realty

    Fairfield Glade Resident Services

    Each year BHGRE Gwin Realty takes the opportunity to celebrate their growing family of clients and friends with an evening of great food, music, and laughter. Although this year’s event was canceled, they decided to use the money to help those at Fairfield Glade Resident Services. FGRS is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to the concept of neighbors helping neighbors through life’s difficulties. Nutritious home-delivered meals, essential rides for those who cannot drive, and companionship for housebound residents needing human interaction, are just a few of the services offered by neighborhood volunteers.

    Dallas, Texas

    Events submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Winans

    Toy Collection

    Our staff and agents collect toys each year for a pre-kindergarten school in the DFW area. This is the 34th year that the school has collected toys for the holiday season where about 91% of their students’ families are well below the poverty line. Without these gifts, many of the students wouldn’t have any gifts to open on Christmas morning. When each family comes to pick up their children’s gifts, they are asked to bring at least one canned food item that is then donated to an area food bank in order to pay it forward. Last year we donated 300 toys and are aiming to beat that this year! We know that this year more than ever, they will need our support and we are happy to help provide for these families in need.

    Virginia

    Events submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Base Camp

    Winter Coat Drive

    Bring in your gently used winter coats to one of the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Base Camp locations. All coats collected will go to the Coats for KidsProgram for distribution to Central Virginia’s families in need. Drop off through November 7. Monday – Friday 8 AM – 4:30 PM ET, and Saturday from 10 AM – 2 PM ET.

    West Virginia

    Events submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Central

    Mountain Mission & Toys for Tots

    Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Central is currently volunteering and collecting items for a local charity Mountain Mission. They have drop off sites for items at each of our office locations and are also collecting new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots at the offices.

     

    Click here to view all the Season of Sharing articles.

  • Cue the Happy Music

    The power of music is incredible. Studies have shown that it can boost your mood, reduce anxiety, and even improve your quality of sleep. Listening to certain music causes your brain to release dopamine, which is a feel-food chemical.   

    Here is a list of songs to play when you just want to be happy:  

    • Walking on Sunshine – Katrina & The Waves 
    • Happy – Pharell Williams  
    • I Got You (I Feel Good) – James Brown  
    • Mess is Mine – Vance Joy 
    • Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go – Wham! 
    • Take On Me – A-ha  
    • Can’t Stop The Feeling – Justin Timberlake  
    • Don’t Stop Believing – Journey  
    • Uptown Funk – Bruno Mars  
    • Don’t Worry Be Happy – Bobby McFerrin 
    • Somewhere Over the Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo’Ole 
    • I Gotta Feeling – Black Eyed Peas 
    • Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen  
    • Uptown Girl – Billy Joel 
    • Livin’ On a Prayer – Bon Jovi 
    • I Gotta Dance With Somebody – Whitney Houston  
    • Thunder – Imagine Dragons 

  • Welcome to the Neighborhood: Five Great Gifts for Neighbors

    Welcome to the Neighborhood: Five Great Gifts for Neighbors

    Moving to a new neighborhood is never easy. Why not show a warm welcome by giving a welcome basket to your new neighbors? As an established ambassador of your block, now’s your opportunity to bring over a few little gifts for neighbors to make them more comfortable in their new home.

    Fruits, vegetables and flowers

    If you’re a gardener, consider sharing the bounty. Fresh fruits and vegetables are always a big hit. They may even inspire some fun, future garden rivalry. Feeling inspired? Pack your treasures into a box with a few seed packets that easily grow outdoors, a tool for weeding and a nice pair of gardening gloves. Don’t forget to add a

     

     

    Snacks and a drink

    Who doesn’t love treats? Although it used to be the tradition to bring by a bottle of wine for new neighbors, be cognizant of the fact that some may prefer not to drink alcoholic beverages. Instead, bring over a bottle of sparkling water and fruit juice to make a spritzer. To accompany the refreshers, pack a small fruit basket and chocolates.

    If you really want to impress your new neighbors, bring them baked goods straight out of the oven. Make sure to provide a full list of ingredients in case your neighbors have allergies. You may want to make options that are free of nut, dairy and eggs.

    A gift card to a great local restaurant

    Your new neighbors may not feel up to preparing a meal. After all, their kitchen may still be filled with boxes! Offering a gift card to your favorite local restaurant is a nice gesture that will also prevent your neighbors’ stomachs from rumbling. Fortunately, gift cards can be purchased in a wide range of amounts to avoid worrying about overspending. A typical amount for new neighbors is anywhere between $20 to $50. Try to choose a restaurant with a lovely view and a wide variety of menu items to suit all dietary needs.

  • 5 Ways to Get Involved in your Community by Participating and Volunteering

    When you’ve just moved into a new community, getting involved with your neighbors and neighborhood can be a great beginning to a happy life. Our communities can be pillars of support when we need them or friendly faces we’re happy to see each day. Through volunteering, joining clubs and groups, taking part in community sports activities and hosting events, you can bond with those who live around you and create a wonderful home for yourself – and others.

    Here are 5 ways to get more involved in your community:

    1. Join a community garden


      2. Join a community garden in your neighborhood, and if you don’t have one, start one. Growing organic produce on a shared plot is a great way to connect with people near you. It also helps everyone involved develop a deeper understanding of the importance of keeping the air, water and ground clean and safe in a community.

      While you till, water, plant and harvest, try to get to know the members of your community. Tell stories of where you came from and ask others about their backgrounds. If you have kids, get them involved with a beginner’s food scrap garden and encourage neighbors to bring their children participate too.

    2. Start conversations


      3. Learn more about the people who live near you by starting conversations within your community. This is easily done through book clubs or groups that come together to make jewelry, create art, cook and learn new languages. Ask your immediate neighbors if they know about any clubs or meetups you can join. If there aren’t any, start one yourself.

      If you have a community center or other public space available, use it to form friendships while you learn something new. Sometimes taking turns meeting in members’ homes, either weekly or monthly, is a good way to break the ice with small talk or enjoy truly enriching conversation. Think about planning a series of special gatherings or ongoing drop-in events.

    3. Become a community volunteer


      4. Volunteer in a local clinic, hospital, nature center, library or community center. Volunteerism is a superb way to meet people and contribute skills and talents to those who might need them. Not only will you probably experience a sense of accomplishment after sharing the gifts you have to offer, your neighbors will likely notice your contributions and consider you a valuable member of the community.

      How can you help those who share your small part of the world? Perhaps tutoring, offering legal aid, mentoring, teaching a language, organizing a food bank or visiting the elderly in your community resonates with you. Children can often be persuaded to join the community volunteer force by teaching older adults all the ways of the Internet.

    4. Get active in after-school programs


      5. Families can get to know neighbors by becoming active in after-school programs. Even if you don’t have kids, meet new people in your neighborhood by volunteering your time to these activities.

      Children often enjoy becoming members in Girl or Boy Scout-type groups, YMCA memberships, parks and recreation classes or mommy and me groups. Often, parents of kids in these programs go on to become friends for life. If you don’t have little ones, it’s still possible to coach, teach a craft, be a dance instructor and get involved in your community in other ways.

    5. Attend or host charity events


      6. Many big cities and small towns have carnivals, holiday gift boutiques, formal dinners and similar charitable events to bring the community closer together. Attend these events and enjoy being a part of shared experiences. You’ll likely meet people who have many of the same interests as you do, which is a good way to form friendships.

    The good thing about getting involved in your new community is that if there aren’t gardens, clubs, organized activities, volunteer opportunities or other programs in place for you to meet people, you can always be to facilitator of these types of gatherings. Your new neighbors will probably be glad you took the initiative to provide ways to connect.

  • 5 Tips to Find New and Exciting Things to Do in Your Community

    Moving into a community is an adventure. Think of all the neighbors you can add to your social circle and areas to explore just for fun. Execute these simple tips to make friends and be part of the community.

    Join social media groups

    Social media can help you find everything there is to know about your new community. From local events to citywide activities, everything can be found by simply logging into your account. Conduct a search for local social media groups and join. Connect to others within the area while also being informed of the various options of entertainment your community has to offer. RSVP for an event and start connecting to other attendees with similar interests. Local company Facebook pages are a great way to find out what’s going on in the area.

    Read mail flyers

    Some of the best things to do in the community can be found right in your mailbox. Local events still rely on traditional flyers and ads in local newspapers to garner interest. Take a look through your mail as it may be the key to filling your upcoming weekend with fun and excitement.

    Chat with your Neighbors

    Neighbors can be amazing resources for things happening in the community. The longer they’ve lived in the area, the more familiar they will be with annual events within the community and much more. Neighbors may also know of some hidden gems that you may not have ever discovered otherwise. Turn neighborly chats into friendships.

    Frequent Businesses in the Area

    Skip the drive-thru next time you’re ordering something from a local business. Try to go patronize establishments within the area; many have bulletins pinned with various advertisements of local events and activities. This is an excellent way to meet new people within your community. Focus on frequenting these businesses to help you learn about your new community.

     

    New areas can be intimidating. Put these tips into place and by the end of the week, you’ll have plenty of new and exciting things to do on the weekend.

     

     

  • Top 5 Pet Travel Trends for 2018

    As we all know, people think differently about their pets these days.  They’re not just pets, they’re cherished and adored members of the family.  This translates into pet parents wanting to spend more quality time with their pets and to include them in activities whenever they can. As a result, an increasing number of pet parents are packing up their furry sidekicks and hitting the road.

    The desire to bond and share life experiences with pets has led pet parents to plan their trips differently. Further, businesses have responded by offering expanded services due to the rise in people traveling with their pets.  We’ve done some digging to find out exactly what’s trending when it comes to pet travel in 2018.

    1. Pet-centric Trip Planning
    Pet parents are seeking out trips that they can enjoy with their pets. When making travel plans, pets are a key factor in making decisions about where to go, where to stay, and what to do. No matter what type of experience travelers are looking for, they can find the perfect destination to suit themselves and their pets. For instance, pets and their people who like adventures in the great outdoors can find their perfect getaway in a trip to the mountains or lake, where they can stay at a cabin, vacation rental, or campground.  Exploring trails, waterfalls, bird watching (and chasing) and taking in some good “sniffs” may be the perfect pet-centric trip!

    Pet parents with water dogs know that their pup enjoys nothing more than….well, water!   These folks are planning trips to beach destinations as well as lakeside getaways.  While there, they not only can enjoy playing in the surf and relaxing on the beach with their dog, but there’s plenty of other water activities that both pooch and person can enjoy.  Kayaking, paddle boarding, canoeing, and even pontoon boating are among some of the other water dog favorites.

    Extroverted pets that enjoy nothing more than being social and going out and about are taking trips with their people to more urban destinations.  There, they can dine with their pet parents at pet friendly restaurants, as well as do a little shopping and partake in some sightseeing and attractions.

    For pets that really like to “chill”, take things slow, and just be with their people, pet parents are planning trips where they can do just that.  They can select from secluded cabins and vacation rentals where pets can snuggle up in front of the fire, to resorts and hotels that roll out the red carpet to both pets and their people by offering spa packages, concierge services, and room services for BOTH people and their pets.

    2. Concierge Services and Amenities for Pets
    Many pet friendly accommodations are expanding their offerings to include those that cater to four-legged travelers.  They understand that providing extra services and amenities for pet guests helps to win the business (and loyalty) of pet parents.

    A growing number of hotels are offering concierge services for pets. Services vary greatly — from booking pet grooming appointments and arranging dog walking to providing lists of nearby pet friendly activities.

    Providing additional pet amenities is also on the rise at pet friendly lodging.  Dog potty areas, welcome baskets, pet room service, pet massages and spa packages, custom pet beds, and dog play areas are just a sampling of some of the amenities now being offered.

    3. More Pet Friendly Things to Do
    An increasing number of businesses are opening their hearts and doors to four-legged customers.   From pooch welcoming breweries and restaurants to pet friendly tours and excursions, there are many more options for pet travelers!  Pets are able to join their people in a whole host of activities such as ghost tours, whale watching, antiquing, gem mining, winery tours, 5Ks, and the list goes on!

    4. Adventure Pet Travel
    Millennials can take a big part of the credit for this increasing pet travel trend.  In 2018, there will be more pet parents planning adventure trips with their pets.  Adventure travel can range from trips that inspire and  invigorate to those that involve high activity and exploration.

    Some of the more active pet friendly adventures include kayaking, rafting, hiking, and paddle boarding.  Vail, Colorado boasts pooch friendly Colorado River Runs where people and their pups can experience rafting together on the Colorado River.  Then there’s the Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina, which allows dogs to join their pet parents to explore this natural wonder. High adventure trips may include a visit to Olympic Valley, California where pet parents and their pooches can hike and swim at the Squaw Valley Aerial Tram.

    There is also a wide assortment of adventure trips for the less active travelers.  Ghost Tours stack right up there as one of the more popular pet friendly adventure trips in this category.  Spokane, Washington’s Two Dog City Ghost Tours welcomes pups and their people to get spooked together.  Walking tours in some of the most historic and interesting cities in the country are another favorite!  DC by Foot tours lets visitors explore the Nation’s capital with their pups right alongside.

    5. More Pets Buckling Up
    Last but certainly not least, more pet parents are waking up and realizing how important it is to secure their precious four-legged family members in their vehicles. For far too long, pet passenger safety has been overlooked.  More parents are now properly securing their pets by way of pet seat belts, travel kennels, pet car seats and vehicle pet barriers.  Fewer “free range” pets that are allowed to roam in cars not only means fewer pets injured, but also less distracted drivers.

    Article Provided by TripsWithPets.com:

    TripsWithPets.com is the premier online pet friendly travel guide and was named Best Pet Travel Site by Consumer Reports. TripsWithPets.com provides online reservations at over 30,000 pet friendly hotels & accommodations across the U.S. and Canada.  When planning a trip, pet parents go to TripsWithPets.com for detailed, up-to-date information on hotel pet policies and pet amenities.  TripsWithPets.com also features airline & car rental pet policies, pet friendly activities, a user-friendly search-by-route option, as well as pet travel tips. For more information, please visit http://www.tripswithpets.com.

  • How to Meet New People in Your New Neighborhood

    Once you’re settled into your new home, it’s time to make it feel like yours. Try to meet your new neighbors in the first couple of days to build a sense of community. Meeting new people can be tough. Although technology plays a huge part in the way the world operates today, there are some tricks to bringing back traditional means of communication.

    Provide a positive first impression

    Make it a habit to greet your neighbors. Even if you’re eager to unload and unpack, ignoring your new neighbors will send the wrong message. Since it only takes a second for others to form a first impression of you, give your neighbors a smile and wave.

    Introduce yourself and strike up a conversation within the first couple days

    Spare a couple of minutes to meet your neighbors. You don’t have to go around the entire neighborhood, but you should certainly take the time to introduce yourself to your immediate neighbors. Do this right away to avoid making it an awkward introduction later.

    Host a housewarming party

    If you’re hosting a housewarming party, add a couple more invites for your new neighbors. Make sure to invite as many people as you can from the neighborhood – you want to be inclusive, especially when you are new.

    Join a local Facebook group

    Social media is a powerhouse for connecting individuals, including those who are complete strangers to one another. While you certainly don’t want to ‘friend’ your new neighbors without ever talking to them, you can use the platform to connect with others in the community who have similar interests. Conduct a Facebook search for local groups and community events. You never know who’s in your community until you make an effort.

    Frequent local businesses

    Instead of making the trip across the city to your favorite coffee shop, considering frequenting the one in your new neighborhood. This can be an excellent way to meet people from all over the community. Become a regular at local establishments to meet new neighbors who have similar interests. You may even find a new favorite coffee shop, reading nook or dog park.

     

    The community in which you make an investment is what turns your house into a home.

     

     

     

  • The Best Apps to Use When Looking for Local Things to Do

    Whether you’re bored at home on the weekend, traveling to a new city for the first time or looking for something new to do in your area, smartphone technology is here to save the day. With just a swipe of your thumb, you can discover local entertainment in a matter of seconds.  Here are some great apps to bring excitement into your life.

     

    Find Popular Events with Eventbrite

    As your schedule clears, it’s time to log onto the Eventbrite app to book some tickets. This application is one of the best for discovering popular events happening in your area. It provides recommendations based on your interests and also lets you know which of your friends are attending each event.

    HeyLets for Everyday Activities

    For the days when you’re bumming around, use the HeyLets app. This community-driven platform is a self-proclaimed social city and travel guide, which makes it easy to find everything from unique places to dine, to nightclubs, to thrilling activities and outdoor experiences. You’ll get recommendations based on your interests and you can follow people who inspire you to discover the local adventures awaiting you.

    Now for When You Need Excitement Right Now

    As the name suggests, Now is an app that puts events happening in real-time at your fingertips. It scans Facebook, Instagram and other popular social media platforms to find events . Click on a photo or video and get the location and details of the event so you can head to it right now.

    LocalMind for Finding Events that are Worthy of Your Time

    The only thing worse than having nothing to do is getting up to something for no reason. LocalMind provides a unique experience. Instead of simply listing your options, the app allows you to ask questions to those that have checked into the location to find out if that event downtown is worth it, or if you’ll be able to find parking in the middle of the city to check out the new escape room venue. Just log into LocalMind and ask.

    Use DoStuff for Big City Events

    Although it currently caters to only 20 of the largest cities in North America, DoStuff deserves some recognition. Since it focuses on a small handful of locations, DoStuff never forgets an event. Use the built-in calendar to track the dates and times of the local events and prepare for some excitement.

    Gravy for Events Based on Your Mood

    When you’re in the mood for adventure, sign into Gravy. This app suggests things to do in your area based on your current mood. For the days when you’re not sure what you want to do, let Gravy take care of the hard part, showing you things to do within walking distance, or in a larger radius if you want.

    Combine All the Apps with Field Trip

    An app from Google is an app you can trust. Field Trip provides an innovative experience that you just can’t find anywhere else. This app pulls information from popular event-finding applications such as Thrillist, the Food Network, Cool Hunting and more to help you find the unique, hidden things happening around you. Turn on notifications to have Field Trip buzz you when you’re in close proximity to something that may interest you. It’s modern technology at its finest.

     

    With these seven smartphone apps, you’ll never be left wondering what to do. Discover all the events, activities, venues and excitement happening around you at any given time with a simple flick of your finger. Technology is great!

     

  • Fall in Love with Our Fall Pin Love Sweepstakes!

    8289 Pinterest Lifestyle Sweeps October 2015_GOOGLE PLUS_COVERPHOTO_1080x608

    The air is crisper, the nights are cozier, the blankets are warmer, the decor is more inviting, and the food is more exciting. It’s that time of year again… fall is here!

    If you love everything autumn and get creative with pumpkins from the kitchen to the front porch, then celebrate the season with us! Whether you love traditional harvest style, or super spooky Halloween decor, we want to see how you embrace autumn fun. By entering our Fall Pin Love Sweepstakes, you could win $500 to enjoy all season long. It’s easy to enter — just show us your seasonal spirit on Pinterest!

    How to Enter

    1. Follow this link: http://bit.ly/FallPinLoveSweeps
    2. Enter your email address
    3. Find inspiration from our suggested pins
    4. Create and submit your Pinterest Board

    So what are you waiting for? Get started on your Fall Pin Love board and keep adding festive pins until November 30th, 2015. That’s when we’ll get to choose our winner! Good luck, and happy pinning!