Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life

Category: Seasonal

  • Top Tips for Great Beach Trips With Your Dog!

    Summer is in our sights and that means it’s time to start planning your family vacation! There is no need to worry about picking the perfect beach destination and having to leave your furry family member behind. We’ve got some great tips to ensure that you and your entire family have a safe, enjoyable, and fun beach getaway!

    Check the Rules

    Before you simply jump in the car and head out to the beach, be sure to check to make sure furry family members are allowed to visit, and with what protocols. Some beaches welcome dogs year-round while others have certain restrictions, and some don’t allow dogs at all during particular times of the year. Always check ahead to avoid unexpected regulations and to be sure your pet can join you while you lounge in the sand.

    It is just as important to know whether your dog needs to be leashed or if he can roam free. If he is allowed go unleashed, bring one along anyway just in case. Don’t forget to make sure your dog is under your voice control at all times.

    Again: don’t forget to be a responsible pet parent and always pick up your pet’s poop! Leave the beach as clean and beautiful as you found it without leaving any new doggie messes behind!

    Always Pack Necessities – For Everyone!

    You shouldn’t only pack a bag of essentials for you and your family, but you should also pack for your pup! Don’t forget the necessities: a leash, beach towels, umbrella, fresh water, and even doggie sunscreen. Dogs can get a sunburn just like humans and there are sunscreens available that are made especially for dogs and their sensitive skin.

    Bring your pup’s favorite toy and ball for playing fetch in the sand!  After all, the whole point of being at the beach in the first place is to have some fun!  Just be sure you don’t leave any mess behind – bring your own waste bags and always be responsible for cleaning up after your pet.

    Keep An Eye Out At All Times

    Taking your eyes off your dog could lead to a potentially dangerous situation, especially in a new environment. It is easy for a dog to wander into the water and start to panic. Just as if you are watching a child, never take your eyes off your dog and never leave him unattended. When you arrive at the beach also make sure you pay special attention to any potential distractions that may cause your dog to run off or disrupt other people and their pets on the beach.

    Avoid additional problems by keeping your dog away from any areas where he is not allowed. These often include the dunes or other specific places blocked off to preserve the area’s natural habitat. 

  • Ask a Pro Q&A: Planning Your Outdoor Oasis

    Planning a space can be a challenge. By prioritizing needs and accepting challenges, you can create a fresh air space that compensates for smaller rooms or design a space around something you really want, such as a fireplace. Learn how to design an outdoor space that is perfect for you with outdoor pro Carson Arthur.

    I just purchased a new home. I have a 11’ by 27’ covered patio in my backyard. I would like to improve this space and do not know what to do. Please help!!!!

    -David N.

    When deciding how a space will be used during planning, look inside your house for what is missing. A fireplace or a dining area or a bigger kitchen might be identified as a need. You can create a complimentary space outdoors to enhance your quality of life in the home with a few considerations. Start researching flooring options like deck or patios. Plan how big of an area you need based on the size of furniture you want. Start thinking about the time of day that you will be in the yard based on how you are going to use it.  These considerations will point you in the right direction for creating a backyard perfect for your home.

    -Carson Arthur

     

  • Five Outdoor Storage Options to Keep Your Yard Tidy

    There’s nothing better than a well-maintained yard or garden. It looks easy enough: a little pruning here, a little mowing there. The more beautiful the garden, the more work owners have put into it. The owner of a flawless outdoor space probably has a bevy of gardening and landscaping tools, including a lawnmower, rake, wheelbarrow and a selection of hand tools. Oftentimes, there’s also an assortment of pots, birdseed and various seasonal tools. To keep a yard tidy, all of these items need to be kept close at hand with outdoor storage options. Below are five outdoor storage ideas to consider.

     

    1. Don’t forget shelves

    You probably use indoor shelves to store things in the basement or in your kitchen, so why not also use them outdoors? The possibilities are endless. For a minimalist look, find industrial, corrosion-resistant metal shelves, or repurpose old wooden shelves by treating them with a weather-resistant stain. For do-it-yourselfers, a backyard is a dreamy place to build shelves as high or as low as you like.

    When considering shelving, it’s important to be strategic. What will you store on them? Will they be placed under a covered area or will they be exposed to the elements? You probably won’t want shelves laden with fragile terracotta pots in an area that will be exposed to rain, snow and wind. Take a little time to plan where your shelves will go, how they’ll be used and the materials they’re made of and you can use them for years to come.


    2. Keep everything close with a storage bench

    As far as outdoor storage containers go, a bench is a great option. Storage benches come in all shapes and sizes, and are often water- and weather-resistant. Some of them are also sturdy enough to keep out animals, such as squirrels and mice, ensuring that bird food can be kept safe.

    Just like shelves, it’s important to consider what you might use a storage bench for before putting one just anywhere in your yard. Some of them can bear just a couple hundred pounds of weight, while others can hold upwards of 1,000 pounds. Many benches have locks, ensuring your gardening tools and other yard items stay protected against possible thieves.

    Benches can be purely utilitarian, or you can find one that looks like a wooden chair, enabling it to blend into your garden. Of course, you can also make your own outdoor storage bench out of wood, although you’ll want to note that whatever you store inside it might not stay dry.

     

  • Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Road Trips with Your Pet

    by Kim Salerno, TripsWithPets.com

     

    There are many things that can be stressful about hitting the road for the holidays. However, traveling with pets doesn’t have to be one of them. If you’re like me, you hate leaving your furry kids behind, and (provided that your pet is a good traveler) you really don’t have to. I’ve traveled extensively with my pets, and I’ve learned that with the right preparations, taking them along is not only easy, but way more fun than going it alone!

    Here are my tried-and-true road trip tips for traveling with pets for the holidays.

    Should Your Pet Travel?

    This is the first thing to consider, as your pet’s safety and comfort are always paramount. If your pet is sick or injured, has a nervous temperament, or has any condition that will make travel uncomfortable for him, it’s best to leave him at home with a trusted caretaker this holiday season.

     

    Before Your Trip

     

    Choose the right pet vehicle safety device wisely, and familiarize your pet with it

    You take great care to secure your human family members in the car; you should do the same for your pets. A simple pet safety device , such as a vehicle pet barrier, a pet seat belt, pet car seat, or a travel crate can keep you both safe, and give you peace of mind. You should choose a device that’s right for your car, your trip, and the size and temperament of your pet.

    It’s essential to ensure that your pet is comfortable with the safety device. The best way to do this is to acclimate him to it slowly over time.

    Get a temporary ID

    In addition to your pet’s regular ID tag (and microchip), I strongly recommend getting a temporary tag for your pet before you travel. Include relevant contact information like your cell phone number and the address where you will be staying. A current photo of your pet is also helpful to have on hand.

    Plan for potty breaks and exercise

    Give yourself a time cushion for frequent pit stops, both for potty breaks, and for letting your pet stretch his legs.

     

    On the Road

     

    Heads inside windows, please!
    It’s true that pets love to stick their heads out of car windows. But this is a dangerous practice. Your pet could easily become injured, or worse.

    Limit Food Intake

    I recommend limiting how much you feed your pet on the road. Also, avoid sharing your fast food lunch with him, no matter how much he begs. Travel can upset a pet’s stomach, and excess food can make things worse.

    Never leave your pet alone in the car

    Leaving your pet alone in the car can subject him to dangerous temperature fluctuations. You also run the risk of him running off (if your window is down), or even being stolen.

    Stay calm

    Your pet can sense your energy. Staying calm and rolling with the punches – traffic jams and all – will help your dog stay calm, and ensure that you both have a relaxed road trip.

    In the end, with a little savvy, a lot of preparation, and some good old-fashioned common sense, your trip can go smoothly, and be a great memory shared with your four-legged loved one instead of a source of holiday stress. Safe travels and happy holidays from TripsWithPets.com!

     

    About TripsWithPets.com

    TripsWithPets.com is the premier online pet friendly travel guide — providing online reservations at over 30,000 pet friendly hotels, B&Bs, vacation rentals, cabins, and resorts 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-hotels-by-route option, as well as pet travel gear. For more information, please visit http://www.tripswithpets.com

     

    About the Author:

    Kim Salerno is the President and Founder of TripsWithPets.com, a pet travel guide that provides online reservations at more than 30,000 pet friendly accommodations across the U.S. and Canada. Kim spends her free time traveling with her four-legged kids, Tucker, Charlie, and Brownie.

  • The Cost of a Wedding

    The cost of a wedding has reached an all-time high. According to The Knot’s annual study, the national average for weddings in 2016 was a whopping $35,329, not including the honeymoon. That’s an increase of eight percent since 2015’s study, and if this year follows suit, the average cost of a marriage will increase to $38,000. To put it into perspective, that’s enough to feed 350 children every weekend for an entire school year (Washington Post). Here’s how people are exceeding the five-digit realm for their wedding budget.

    Location plays a huge role, with a national average of $16,107 spent on venues

    Wedding venues are at the top of the list in terms of priority when it comes to weddings. With 48 percent of couples requiring a scenic backdrop for their wedding, as reported by The Knot. Couples are also now choosing to have more weddings away from home, with 49 percent of weddings more than 200 miles from the bride and groom’s hometown.

    Despite the overall number of destination weddings being down, a significant number of couples are still choosing to take their vows overseas. The top locations for destination weddings in 2016 were:

    • Hawaii (35 percent)
    • The Caribbean (27 percent)
    • California (14 percent)
    • Florida (12 percent)
    • Mexico (10 percent).

    As for the most expensive locations for a wedding in the United States, Manhattan is at the top of the list with an average of $78,464 for the whole wedding and Long Island weddings follow with a cost of $67,831. Weddings in New Jersey were the third most expensive, with an average of $62,606. As for the least expensive,  take a look at Arkansas ($19,522), Utah ($20,337) and Montana ($20,794).

    The cost of hiring professionals for the big day accounts for an average $13,249  

    Although the wedding location accounts for approximately half of the budget, hiring professional services makes up a majority of the other half. On average, couples are spending $4,156 for a band and $1,245 for a DJ, $2,783 to have professional photos taken of their big day and $1,995 for a videographer. Add in the cost of a wedding planner ($2,037), ceremony musicians ($755) and officiant ($278), and you have a total cost of $13,249 just in extra staff.

    Wedding decorations, invitations, flowers, favors, cake, and transportation equals $4,705 on average

    The details of the wedding add to the cost of a marriage, totaling $4,705 on average. Couples are spending an average of $2,534 on florists and décor, $582 for a wedding cake, $462 for invitations, and $268 for wedding favors. If you add in transportation, a cost of approximately $859, the total cost of wedding details is $4,705.

    The wedding necessities account for an average $9,007

    There are some things no wedding is complete without; they’re also some of the costliest features of a wedding when combined. On average, couples are spending $6,163 on the engagement ring, $1,564 on a wedding dress and $280 for the groom’s attire. Wedding bands are another wedding necessity. Depending where you go, a plain 14-karat gold ring or a simple platinum band may cost around $1,000 (The Knot). Keep in mind that this is for the simplest of wedding bands, for something more extravagant, the cost will increase depending what you plan on doing to personalize the rings.

     

    With all expenses considered, a marriage in 2016 cost, on average, $35,329. Fortunately, there are various ways you can cut costs, such as hosting a backyard wedding instead of a destination wedding, sending virtual wedding invitations instead of the traditional kind, and opting to hire either a band or a DJ instead of both. Consider creating your own favors, decorations and centerpieces to save money.

    Keep in mind that money isn’t necessary to have a beautiful wedding.With a little ingenuity and creativity, you can create memories on your own dime within your budget.

     

  • Holiday Outdoor Décor Ideas for a Beautiful and Cozy Winter

    Spruce up your outdoor space to bring the merriment of the holidays to your home.

    There are plenty of décor ideas you can adapt to turn the exterior of your house into a festive destination. Even if you live where it snows and don’t spend much time on a porch or patio, decking the outside of your halls is fun and satisfying.

    Create a warm welcome for friends’ arrival and a beautiful scene to admire from the cozy indoors with these ideas for holiday outdoor décor.

    Hang a simple wreath

    Hanging just one wreath on your front door creates a beautifully minimalistic look. Depending on your wreath’s adornments, you can pull off a chic aesthetic or something gorgeously traditional.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Go all out with double wreaths

    Have double doors? Hang two wreaths for twice the joy. Magnolia wreaths look stunning in a pair.

     

     

  • Top 5 Desserts to Have at Your Thanksgiving Dinner

    It’s almost time for Thanksgiving! With a crispness in the air and pumpkin spice everywhere, it is time to celebrate the season.

    We love Thanksgiving and it is by far one of the tastiest holidays of the year.  There is food, family and football, with Christmas around the corner!

    We’ve gathered five Thanksgiving dessert recipes for you and your family to enjoy this Thanksgiving!

    No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake by Life Made Simple

    When you think of Thanksgiving, you think of pumpkins. There isn’t a better way to enjoy them than a no-bake cheesecake! This fantastic recipe from Life Made Simple only takes 15 minutes to make. Whip up this cheesecake to enjoy with your family and friends this Thanksgiving.

  • Get Cozy Without Breaking a Sweat

    Summer is the time to enjoy life’s simple pleasures and to create rituals to bond with loved ones as well as nature. These are the very principles of the Danish word hygge, which roughly translates to cozy. While this might be a word more often associated with winter, when roaring fireplaces can be a singular holiday wish, summer is the perfect time to redefine cozy with a more casual vibe. Discover how to hygge during the warmer months for a season you will always treasure.

     Rattan
    Rattan is a summer classic. Its timeless appeal makes one yearn for a summer space where, depending on the design, a breeze flows through openings and makes guests more comfortable. Rattan is traditionally used in outdoor spaces for its durability, however, designers have banded together for a rattan resurgence that will make Summer 2017 a cooler one in terms of style. When getting cozy this summer, add linens as throws for a textural contrast. Don’t think rattan can only be used for furniture; the wood can also be used in lighting, such as pendant fixtures elegantly hanging from pergolas or patios, to maximize that summer glow.

    Outdoor dining
    Summer nights were meant to be enjoyed outdoors with a cooling breeze and fiery setting sun. Invite family and friends to an unforgettable outdoor meal. Add elements of the warmer months to your table. Flowers that are fresh from the garden make ideal centerpieces. Tealights are also a must to make an outdoor space cozier. Garden stones add unexpected elements to table décor. Encourage conversation by allowing the sounds of summer to take center stage rather than playing music.

    Lounge
    A summer nap is elevated to iconic status when taken outdoors. Make sure that your outdoor space is clean and free of bugs before creating a VIP area for an afternoon or the season. Think from the ground up. Lay down a jute rug and add faux fur throw pillows to create a pleasing textural contrast.  Try to add as much color as possible to your new space. If you already have rattan furniture, a simple rearrangement, moving the seats closer together and adding accents, could work as well.

     Lighting
    Cast a spell on summer with enchanting, affordable lights. Lanterns are quite popular for the season. Hang whichever size you please on trees or patio rails. Illuminate midnight garden paths as well with this accessory. Tealights are another great way to light your outdoor space. Place them on dining areas next to succulents for a chic centerpiece, or use seashells for a nautical angle. Place a tealight in a mason jar that is halfway filled with sand if little hands are a concern. For a backyard that looks like it has been blessed by faeries, wrap twinkle lights around trees.

    Firepits
    The hottest trend of Summer 2017 works best away from heavy traffic areas, where a crackling flame can be a safety concern. Another top consideration should be the view. Even a vertical garden or lush patch of perennials can provide an escape from the ordinary. Once the view is established, the most comfortable chairs possible should be placed around the pit. Keep in mind that the fire pit will be the new focal point of your backyard. All you need for a magical night is marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers.

    What do you think about hygge during the summer? So hot or too hot? Let us know in the comments below.

  • The 2017 Color Review

    January gets all the attention for being the start of a new year. However, a bit past the halfway mark is the real litmus test on how 2017 is really doing in terms of design.  Color has exploded this year and one only has to take a look at the latest trends to see how. Below is a quick rundown of which colors are now making up the spectrum of style.

    Turn your back on black

    The black and white color scheme is beloved in Europe. In America, black matte was all the rage in 2016. Kitchen appliances and home interiors had to be in the midnight hue to be considered chic. One effect of this trend was that rooms painted black appeared to be more compact than they were. This year had the official ‘let’s just be friends’ chat with this monochromatic palette and started a long-term affair with the exploration of other color.

    Green with style

    After a few controversial choices, Pantone nailed 2017’s Color of the Year. Greenery is inspired by nature and playfully retro. This lush shade welcomes a tropical breeze into every room. It may not be a coincidence that palm tree and leaf motifs have blown up in popularity. Explore shades from bright lime to rich forest greens. Be subtle and use this hue in accents, such as glasses or mugs in the kitchen. Go bolder with living room rugs or with an accent wall in the entryway.

    Camel is a tall drink

    This warm brown tone is one of the latest neutrals.  Many designers use this rustic hue to add a quiet richness to any room. Its power comes from its timeless adaptability. A great color combination is to soothe a strong color like red or indigo with camel, adding in a gold accent to bring depth. Leather and varying wood stains are popular ways to boost the refined neutral in a room. Try the hue in dressing areas to provide a great backdrop. Chic camel outdoor cushions play off wood elements.

    The Bronze Age returns

    Metallics have been having a moment for a while. They go well with lighter or darker hues in any décor. Brass, inspired by the resurgence of 1980s décor, has given way to stunning rose gold that has in turn been taken over by bronze. This warming metal is classic and works well with almost any decorating style as it plays a bit more on the neutral side. Try the metallic out with decorative bowls in the kitchen or outdoor dining spaces. Vases and lamps are great accent options.

    Clashing is smashing

    Color clashing must be done only as you see fit. However, the rule seems to be the bolder and brighter the better – always. It does not end with colors; opposing textures and patterns can be fun to play with as well. Faux fur throws and jute rugs add rich texture to any room. Likewise, softer pastels work stunningly with the latest batch of geometrics as a balance between masculine and feminine.

    Don’t blush at the latest “it” neutral

    Millennial pink was the social media darling of last year for good reason. By design, neutrals must flow with other colors in a space without taking away too much attention.  While pink may not be traditionally thought of as a neutral, blushing tones work well as the new “it” neutral. Blushes are so hot right now as their warm undertones complement traditional neutrals of grays, browns and creams. Add softness to a room with a blush side chair or be unexpected by using this hue for light fixtures.

     

    Forget black and bland neutrals – let this year be the year your home gets an infusion of color.

  • Fireworks and Pets: The Do’s and Don’ts

    By Jenny Stout from Trips with Pets

    Your human family members might “Ooh” and “Aah” at the fireworks this Fourth of July, but what about your pet?  This holiday is one of the most distressing, and possibly dangerous, annual events for pets.  What is a cause for celebration for you can be source of anxiety for your pet.

    Here’s what to do, and what not to do, when it comes to fireworks and your pet:

    Don’t Assume All Noise Is Created Equal
    Many pet parents think that their pet will not be affected by fireworks if he or she is normally fine during thunderstorms, or when other loud noises are present.  However, this is not necessarily the case.  Even pets who are calm, cool and collected when it’s thundering, or when a loud motorcycle goes by, may panic during fireworks.  The full effect of the sounds, excitement and noise from the people outside, and the fact that he or she is alone inside the house, can add up to stress and fear for your pet.

    Don’t Leave Your Pet Outside Unattended
    When frightened, pets who normally would not leave the yard may run away and become lost.  If you leave your pet on a chain, he or she may become tangled up, which can lead to injury or even death.

    Animal shelters across the country have reported that they take in more dogs around the Fourth of July than any other time of year.  These are mostly dogs who have run away during fireworks.  Additionally, many police stations report an increase in calls about stray dogs and complaints about excessive barking on the Fourth of July in relation to other days during the year.

    Don’t Let Your Pet Sit in the Car Alone
    Do not plan to take your pet with you to watch the fireworks.  Cars can heat up in a matter of minutes, and your pet can encounter serious health problems or even death in just a short time.  Cracking open the windows does not provide enough fresh air, and unfortunately only invite thieves to take your pet for themselves.  Additionally, the stress that your pet may endure while sitting alone in the car during the fireworks could cause him or herto get hurt.  He or she may try to hide under a seat and become trapped, or jump around and get injured.  Also, a pet can become destructive when under stress, and could do damage to the interior of your car if he or she chews and scratches.

    Do Allow Your Pet to Be Where He Feels Safe
    It is best to keep your pet in your home, preferably with the blinds drawn and in a quiet area where he or she will be comfortable.  Many pets seek safety and comfort in their crates. If your pet is not a “crate pooch” (or kitty), be sure to remove any items in the area that he or she can chew in the event he or she becomes destructive because of fear .  You can also leave a TV or radio on at a neutral volume so he or she has something to keep them company while you are at festivities.

    Some pets seek comfort in a bath tub, under a bed or in another small, enclosed area.  If your pet fits this description, then let him or her go to their “safe spot.”  Do not attempt to make him or her come out, as long as he or she is safe and secure.

    If you know that your pet enjoys riding in the car, taking him or her for a drive while the fireworks are in full swing may also help ease the tension.

    Do Seek Counsel from Vet
    If you’re concerned that your pet will become stressed and anxious from the loud firework noises,  you may want to contact your veterinarian for suggestions of more ways to help keep him or her calm.

    Do Ensure Your Pet Is Properly ID’d
    Be sure your pet is wearing his or her collar with an updated ID tag, just in case he or she gets lost.  This will ensure that he or she is returned to you quickly and safely.

    Just like you are planning for the activities your family will participate in on the Fourth of July, be sure to also plan for your pet to ease him or her into the holiday.  Take some basic, common sense steps ahead of time to make sure he or she has a happy and safe holiday !

     

    Kim Salerno is the President and Founder of TripsWithPets.com, a pet travel guide that provides online reservations at more than 30,000 pet-friendly accommodations across the U.S. and Canada. Kim spends her free time traveling with her four-legged kids, Tucker, Charlie and Brownie.

    TripsWithPets.com is the premier online pet-friendly travel guide  providing 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 gear. For more information, please visit http://www.tripswithpets.com.