Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life

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  • BHGRE Outdoor Sweepstakes

     

    Time to turn your dreams into reality! Enter for chance to win $1500 towards creating a backyard ( or a patio) you always dreamed of. After you’ve entered read on for great outdoor design inspiration.

     

    BHGRE Outdoor Sweepstakes Rules

     

    Outdoor Design Trends: What to Look for as a Buyer or Seller

     

     

    How to Upgrade your Outdoor Home Spaces

     

     

  • BHGRE Outdoor Sweepstakes Rules

    NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE OR PAYMENT WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. VOID OUTSIDE THE 50 UNITED STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, AND WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. 

    1. PROMOTION DESCRIPTION: The BHGRE® Outdoor Sweepstakes (the “Sweepstakes”) is open between 10:00 AM Eastern Time (“ET”) on July 17, 2023 and 11:59 p.m. ET on September 4, 2023 (the “Sweepstakes Period”). One (1) random drawing will be held following the Sweepstakes Period resulting in one (1) winner. Limit one (1) entry per person. By participating in the Sweepstakes, each entrant unconditionally accepts and agrees to comply with and be bound by these Sweepstakes Official Rules (the “Official Rules”) and the decisions of the sponsor of the Sweepstakes, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC, 175 Park Avenue, Madison, New Jersey 07940 (the “Sponsor”) whose decisions shall be final and legally binding in all respects.
    2. ELIGIBILITY: The Sweepstakes is open to individuals who: i) are legal residents of the 50 United States including the District of Columbia; and ii) are 21 years of age or older at the time of entry. Eligibility is subject to all federal, state and local laws and regulations. Void where prohibited.

    The Sweepstakes is not available to employees, officers and directors of Sponsor, and employees of any other organization affiliated with the sponsorship, fulfillment, administration, prize support, advertisement or promotion of the Contest and Sweepstakes and/or their respective agents, affiliates, subsidiaries. Immediate family members (regardless of where they reside) or household members, whether related or not related, are not eligible to enter or win. “Immediate family members” shall mean spouses, parents, step-parents, children, step-children, siblings, step-siblings, and their respective spouses. “Household members” shall mean people who share the same residence at least three months a year. 

    1. HOW TO ENTER: During the Sweepstakes Period, sign up for the BHGRELife newsletter at bhgre.com/bhgrelife/outdoor-giveaway, and provide your full name, email address, and telephone number (including area code) to be automatically entered to win. By signing up for the BHGRELife newsletter during the Sweepstakes Period, you are agreeing to accept the Official Rules to enter. All entries submitted for the drawings must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. ET on September 4, 2023 to be eligible. All entries submitted become the property of the Sponsor.
    2. LIMIT: One (1) entry per person. Any attempt to obtain more than the above-stated number of entries by using multiple/different email addresses, identities, registrations, logins or any other methods may result in disqualification by Sponsor, in its sole discretion, and the associated entries will be void. In the event of a dispute over the identity of an entrant, the authorized account holder of the email address used to sign up for the newsletter will be deemed to be the entrant. “Authorized account holder” is defined as the person who is assigned to an email address by an Internet access provider, online service provider or other organization that is responsible for assigning email addresses for the domain associated with the submitted email address.
    3. ENTRY DATES/DRAWING DATES/PRIZES/ODDS: On or about September 6, 2023, Sponsor will conduct one (1) drawing from all eligible entries received throughout the Sweepstakes Period to select one (1) winner (“Prize Winner”). Sponsor will award one (1) prize (“Prize”) per drawing. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received during the Sweepstakes Period. Each drawing is conducted from all eligible entrants as of the date of the drawing. Approximate Retail Value for the Prize is $1500.00 for a Walmart gift card.

    Total number of Prizes: 1 (one).  

    Prize Winner(s) may not substitute, assign or transfer Prize or redeem Prize for cash (for non-cash prizes), except Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to substitute Prize of comparable value for any reason. 

    1. WINNER NOTIFICATION: The potential Prize Winner will be notified by phone and/or by email, whichever is deemed appropriate by the Sponsor, using the contact information provided at the time of entry. Except where prohibited by law, the potential Prize Winner will be required to complete and return an Affidavit of Eligibility, and Release of Liability/Publicity within ten (10) days of date of notification or an alternate Prize Winner may be selected in a random drawing from among all remaining eligible entries. If, despite reasonable efforts, any potential Prize Winner does not respond within ten (10) days of the first notification attempt, or if the Prize notification is returned as unclaimed or undeliverable, such potential Prize Winner will forfeit his or her Prize and an alternate Prize Winner may be selected. Further, if potential Prize Winner is not in compliance with these Official Rules or are otherwise found to be ineligible; or have declined the Prize for any reason prior to award, the Prize will be forfeited, and, at Sponsor’s discretion, an alternate Prize Winner may be selected. Sponsor shall have no liability for any potential Prize-winning notification that is lost, intercepted or not received by any potential Prize Winner for any reason. Prize Winner is responsible for all applicable federal, state and local taxes, if any, as well as any other costs and expenses associated with Prize acceptance and use not specified herein as being provided. All Prize details are at Sponsor’s sole discretion. WITHOUT LIMITING THE GENERALITY OF THE FOREGOING, SUCH PRIZES ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OR GUARANTEE OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND SPONSOR HEREBY DISCLAIMS ALL SUCH WARRANTIES CONCERNING ANY PRIZE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND/OR NON-INFRINGEMENT.
    2. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND RELEASE: By participating in this Sweepstakes, entrants agree to release and hold harmless Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC and any other organizations affiliated with the sponsorship, fulfillment, administration, prize support, advertisement or promotion of the Sweepstakes and each of their respective parents, agents, affiliates, subsidiaries, franchisees, website providers, webmasters, advertising and promotion agencies, and prize suppliers, and each of their respective officers, directors, agents, representatives and employees, as well as each of their respective successors, representatives and assigns (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from any and all liability, claims, litigation, injury, loss or damage arising in any manner, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from entrant’s participation in this Sweepstakes and/or his or her acceptance, use or misuse of the Prize, or any portion thereof.
    3. PUBLICITY RELEASE: Except where prohibited by law, acceptance of any Prize constitutes Prize Winner’s permission for the Released Parties to use entrants and Prize Winner’s name, hometown (city and state), likeness, voice, statements and other personally identifiable information, for promotional, advertising and marketing purposes in any media worldwide, without additional consideration, consent, approval or review, or on a Prize Winners list, if applicable. The Sweepstakes is subject to all applicable U.S. federal, state and local laws and regulations.
    4. PRIVACY: Information submitted by entrants is subject to Sponsor’s privacy policy athttps://www.bhgre.com/privacy. IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO SHARE YOUR INFORMATION, PLEASE DO NOT ENTER THIS SWEEPSTAKES.
    5. GENERAL TERMS: The Sweepstakes is governed by the laws of the United States. Released Parties are not responsible for lost, late, incomplete, damaged, inaccurate, stolen, undelivered, garbled or misdirected entries, or registrations; or for lost, interrupted or unavailable network, server, Internet Service Provider (ISP), website, or other connections, availability or accessibility or miscommunications or failed computer, satellite, telephone or cable transmissions, lines, or technical failure or jumbled, scrambled, delayed or misdirected transmissions or computer hardware or software malfunctions, failures or difficulties, or other errors or difficulties of any kind whether human, mechanical, electronic, computer, network, typographical, printing or otherwise relating to or in connection with the Sweepstakes, including, without limitation, errors or difficulties which may occur in connection with the administration of the Sweepstakes, the announcement of the Prize, or in any Sweepstakes-related materials. Released Parties are also not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by site users, tampering, hacking or by any equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Sweepstakes. Released Parties are not responsible for injury or damage to entrants’ or to any other person’s computer related to or resulting from participating in this Sweepstakes or downloading materials from or use of the website. Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion to disqualify any person tampering with the entry process, the operation of the web site or otherwise in violation of these Official Rules. Sponsor further reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate or modify this Sweepstakes if the Sweepstakes is compromised by virus, technical corruption, non-authorized human intervention, or any other causes which, in the sole discretion of the Sponsor, corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, proper play or integrity of the Sweepstakes. Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual it believes has tampered with the entry process or otherwise attempted to undermine the legitimate operation of the Sweepstakes. In the event of cancellation or termination, Sponsor reserves the right to select the potential Prize Winner in a random drawing from among all eligible, non-suspect entries received prior to date of cancellation or termination. In the event of a dispute regarding online entry, entry will be deemed made by the authorized account holder of the e-mail account associated with the entry and he/she must comply with these Official Rules. The authorized account holder is the natural person who is assigned the e-mail address by the Internet Service Provider (ISP), online service provider, or other organization responsible for assigning e-mail addresses. ANY ATTEMPT TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE THE WEB SITE OR UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THIS SWEEPSTAKES MAY BE IN VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS, AND SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, SPONSOR WILL DISQUALIFY ANY SUCH INDIVIDUAL AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES (INCLUDING ATTORNEYS’ FEES) AND OTHER REMEDIES FROM ANY SUCH INDIVIDUAL TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, INCLUDING ANY CRIMINAL PROSECUTION.
    6. GOVERNING LAW/DISPUTES: To the fullest extent permitted by law, entrant agrees that: (1) any and all disputes, claims, and causes of action arising out of or connected with this Sweepstakes or any prizes awarded shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, exclusively in the U.S. state or federal courts in or having appropriate venue for the County of Morris, the State of New Jersey and entrant consents to the personal and exclusive jurisdiction of said courts and expressly waives any right of change of venue, forum non convenience or any like right; (2) any and all claims, judgments and awards shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket costs incurred, including costs associated with entering this Sweepstakes but in no event attorney’s fees; and (3) under no circumstances will entrant be permitted to obtain awards for and entrant hereby waives all rights to claim punitive, incidental and consequential damages and any other damages, other than for actual out-of-pocket expenses, and waives any and all rights to have damages multiplied or otherwise increased. In any such dispute/claim/cause of action, the court shall apply the laws of the State of New Jersey with the sole exception of New Jersey law governing the choice of law/conflict of laws.
    7. WINNERS LIST: To obtain the name of the Prize Winner, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope and a note requesting the name of the Prize Winner to: Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC, “BHGRE Outdoor Sweepstakes”, 175 Park Avenue, Madison, New Jersey 07940, Attn: Elizabeth Byrne. All such requests must be received by December 29, 2023.
    8. SPONSOR: Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC, 175 Park Avenue, Madison, New Jersey 07940.

    ©2023 Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. All rights reserved.  

     

  • 8 LGBTQIA+-Owned Businesses to Shop for Home Goods

    As every home design enthusiast knows, it’s hard not to get a little thrill from finding the exact accent table you were looking for or stumbling across the perfect candle you didn’t know you needed. But, when you’re limited to the same four websites you typically scour for home goods, things get boring pretty quickly.

    For more colorful, imaginative objects and pieces that can’t be found on your everyday big box sites, we’ve sourced eight fantastic LGBTQIA+-owned businesses that have no short supply of design goods. These brands should be added to your bookmark bar for purchases for your home.

    Boy Smells-

    Candles have the fantastic ability to tie a home together. It’s amazing how much a room is impacted by the invisible scent that wafts from a small glass vessel. Though there are many candle brands on the market, none do it quite like Boy Smells. Founded by Matthew Herman and David Kien, the tongue-in-cheek names, technicolor jars and fabulous combinations of scents make the company’s candles a winning trifecta.

    Though candles like Thé Fantôme, Polyamberous and Slow Burn are what Boy Smells is mostly known for, they have a few other categories of products. The Genderful line of fine fragrances is full of perfumes made for everyone and anyone, many of which are the same scents as the candles.

    Coming Soon

    Home decor can feel a little bit uninspiring at times. But our spaces are meant to be personal and include a collection of pieces that shout “This is me!” Perusing a store like Coming Soon ensures this happens.

    Dreamed up and executed by Helena Barquet and Fabiana Faria, the shop provides products that inject more pizzazz into homes. It’s impossible to find a blasé item in its catalog. The duo curates picks from artists and designers who excel in their fields, leading to a kaleidoscope of home goods with funky patterns, modern shapes and sleek lines. Pink velvet love seats, abstract rugs and bulbous sconces are just a small sampling of the elevated and cool, yet wonderfully distinct pieces.

    Jonathan Adler

    For anyone in search of splurgy pieces that stay timeless and contemporary (but have a fun twist), Jonathan Adler’s store has your name written all over it. Though Adler went to school for semiotics and art history (and eventually worked in show biz), the design world got lucky that he instead decided to follow his dream of creating pottery.

    The famed potter and interior designer’s collection has grown massively since its inception in the early ’90s. Stores are dotted throughout the country and you can shop numerous products, from simple, plush bedsheets to unique, modular coffee tables. There are plenty of sleek pottery pieces, too.

    Otherwild

    Wavy-handle pitchers, pastel dinnerware, patterned coffee mugs, amoeba placemats—Rachel Berks’ store Otherwild has exactly the accent pieces needed to spice up a space. Ethical and conscious make up the brand’s ethos and affect which items are sourced and sold.

    Not only can shoppers pick up homewares, but there are apparel, accessories and wellness and skin-care products as well. Even better is the brand’s general store, where an emphasis on sustainability reigns. Refillable, low-waste products can be purchased, whether you need a new cleaning solution or a top-up on hand wash.

    K Dawn Clay

    Katherine Dawn of K Dawn Clay reworked and molded her clay hobby into a full-blown business. Based in Tacoma, Washington, she creates planters, mugs and berry bowls, among other pieces. One special item doubles as a wall hanging and a mini cheese board—meaning you have both everyday decor and the perfect piece for entertaining on a whim.

    The speckled pieces are modern and earthy at the same time, and many have playful pops of color. Her creations could easily fit into any style of home—atop a table, nestled in a corner or hanging on a wall. Aside from her studio, she teaches at Illuminated Clay, which provides pottery classes and a creative haven for for BIPOC ceramicists and art enthusiasts.

    Minna

    Sara Berks founded the New York-based business Minna back in 2013. The company is far more than just a compilation of gorgeous home decor products—it has a mission, too. It’s B-Corp certified and works with artisans across the world, ensuring they’re paid fairly and have good working conditions. There is also a huge emphasis on transparency and preventing designs from being stolen and appropriated. These ethics make purchasing from the brand all the sweeter.

    Pillows, blankets, baskets, pot holders, trays and even scrunchies are part of Minna’s selection. The color palettes and patterns are often minimal and soothing, meaning anything you pick will serve as a stylish addition to your home.

    Pagodahome

    Based in the UK, Pagodahome’s founder Izzy creates the chicest minimal art with playful images and colors and both uplifting and inclusive messages. The digital downloads can be printed in plenty of different sizes and framed for walls, shelves and side tables.

    Chic Kissing Cowgirls, desert backdrops with “Y’all Means All” text and subtle Pride prints are just a few of the lovely pieces that can be shopped through Etsy UK.

    Roger + Chris

    The Roger + Chris slogan is “home of the unboring home,” which is music to anyone’s ears who may be shopping for large furniture items (like a couch) and can’t seem to escape the monotony of what’s out there. Built by—you guessed it—Roger Hazard and Chris Stout-Hazard, the company offers a wide array of couches, ottomans, chairs and sleeper sofas.

    All the furniture is customizable. The hand-built frames can be wrapped in various materials and colors in order to create a personal piece that fits your home (and your design tastes) to a T. Mid-century modern to modern farmhouse fans and both traditional and contemporary lovers will be able to create something they adore on the site.

    © Dotdash Media. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

  • What Is Three Kings Day? 4 Ways to Celebrate This Year

    Some people take down their Christmas decor on Boxing Day—but the Christmas season isn’t over quite yet! If you’re familiar with “The Twelve Days of Christmas” song, you might be surprised to learn that the 12 days actually start on Christmas Day, meaning Christmastime actually extends through January 6, which is known as Three Kings Day.

    The Gospel of Matthew tells the story of the three kings (also known as the three wise men) Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar who traveled to Bethlehem to greet baby Jesus with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Although the birth of Jesus is celebrated on Christmas Day, the three kings didn’t actually reach him until 12 days later—which is why Three Kings Day is celebrated on the 12th day of Christmas.

    This is also why it’s tradition to leave your Christmas tree up through January 6—because the Christmas season doesn’t end until after Three Kings Day has been celebrated.

    When is Three Kings Day?

    Three Kings Day is always on January 6!

    How to celebrate Three Kings Day

    The holiday is primarily celebrated in Spain and Latin America, but Latino communities have shared the tradition all over the world. The holiday is observed with parades and parties as people celebrate the three kings arriving to baby Jesus. Here’s how you can celebrate the holiday this year.

    1. Set out snacks. The three kings rode to Bethlehem on camels, so the night before the holiday, children set out grass or other snacks for the camels. If you’re familiar with the tradition of leaving cookies for Santa, this custom is very similar—but instead of leaving cookies and reindeer feed, families prepare snacks for the camels.

    1. Gather with family. For many families, Three Kings Day is as big of a celebration as Christmas Day. It’s customary to gather with friends and family to celebrate, often by opening gifts, playing musicand sharing a large meal together.

    1. Give gifts. Typically, children give and receive gifts on Three Kings Day. In some parts of the world (primarily in Spain), children also leave their shoes by the door so the three kings will come in the night and fill their shoes with small gifts—just like on Saint Nicholas Day!

    1. Make sweet bread.In Mexico especially, it’s customary to make rosca del reyes, which is a sweet bread that represents the kings’ crowns. It’s typically made into huge long loaves at bakeries, and people come to stand in long lines to grab a slice. Similar to the kingcake tradition at Mardi Gras, there is often a small baby figurine inside one of the slices.

    © Meredith Operations Corporation. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

  • Ask A Pro – Smart Roof Color Choices

    Q: We need help deciding between roof colors.

    A: The roof is never something that you want to be the focal point when people look at your home.  As boring as this may sound, neutrals or dark greys and blacks are the smart choice when choosing a roof colour.

    ~ Carson

  • Have a Spooktacular Halloween

    The following recipes and spooky craft ideas will result in one hauntingly good Halloween.

    Hauntingly Good Recipes

    • Grab your witch’s cauldron and stir up this delicious pumpkin ginger soup.
    • This tombstone taco dip is to die for. Tortilla tombstones anyone?
    • These deadly good cupcakes are easy to whip up. Bake cupcake flavors of your choosing, and once they have cooled, top them off with chocolate icing. Crush a few Oreos or chocolate cookies and sprinkle the crumbles on top of the icing to look like dirt. Next, pipe R.I.P in black icing onto the top half of a Milano cookie and stick it into the cupcake so the top part sticking out resembles a gravestone. You can also place the cookies into a brownie.
    • Eight-legged cake pops anyone? First, make a batch of cake pops and cover the outside in fine chocolate sprinkles. Then, stick eight legs out the side and top it off with two candy eyes. Creepy, crawly, delicious.
    • Make a beautiful pumpkin cake out of two bunt cakes! Bake two bunt cakes and add orange food coloring into the batter so it’s nice and vibrant when you cut into it later. Once the cakes have cooled, flip one cake upside down and ice the bottom, which is now facing up. This icing layer will help keep the two bunt cakes together. Gently place the other bunt cake on top. If it’s wobbly, you might need to use a few dowels. Then cover the entire thing in orange icing, stick a pretzel stick out of the top center for the stem, and voila, you made a pumpkin cake!
    • Creep it real with the following frighteningly delicious Halloween recipes.
    • Spooky and healthy is always an option. All you need are green apples, strawberries, peanut butter, and sunflower seeds. First, cut the apple into slices. Take each slice and cut out a sliver in the middle that will serve as the mouth. Shmear peanut butter into the sliver (the mouth) and place a thin slice of a strawberry sticking out of the bottom to look like a tongue. Use sunflower seeds to make rows of teeth and top it off with two candy eyes.
    • Trust us, you knead these spiced pumpkin doughnuts in your life.
    • Create spooky and sweet Halloween drinks that will raise your guests’ spirits.
    • Top off your cocktails with a creepy eyeball. Place a blueberry inside of a lychee, and you have the perfect Halloween cocktail.

    Deadly Décor and Party Ideas

    • No smoke machine? No problem. Take a diffuser or humidifier and carefully place it into a fake cauldron and turn it on for a smokey effect.
    • Swap out your family photos for a night and create a gallery wall of your favorite monsters. For a cohesive look consider printing them in black and white.
    • Buy a few plastic cloches at a discount store to create a few hauntingly cool displays. Place a small skeleton head in one, a few fake spiders in another, and maybe some fake eyeballs in a third.
    • Bubble, bubble, spiders, and trouble. Fill a clear glass soap dispenser with a light-colored soap and put several small plastic spiders in it to create a spooky effect.
    • Upcycle your empty tissue boxes to create spooky creatures and mischievous monsters. Transform one into Frankenstein by painting the entire thing green and topping it off with stitches and a face. Paint one orange and draw a jack-o-lantern face on the side to make a pumpkin. The kids will love gluing on googley eyes, drawing silly faces, and creating their own original creatures.
    • Fill two or three clean, sterile gloves with water, tie them up, and place them in the freezer. Leave them in until they are solid ice. Right before your guests arrive, fill your punch bowl with a delicious drink and a little bit of ice, so the liquid cools down. Take your ice hands out of the freezer, remove the glove and place your frozen creepy hands in the punch bowl for spooky ice.
    • Halloween table ideas:
      • Place a black runner down the center of the table and top it off with red rose petals, skeleton hands, and a large skull in the center.
      • Fill vases with black branches, twigs, and red roses.
      • Lay a giant skeleton along the middle of the table and fill its torso and ribcage with candy.
      • Place purple fairy lights in a clear vase to create a glowing glass centerpiece.
    • Get crafty with the kids! Let your kids stick their thumbs in orange paint and make thumbprints all over a white pumpkin. Once the paint has dried, they can paint little jack-o-lantern faces and stems onto the prints to make them all into pumpkins. You can use white paint on an orange pumpkin and paint the thumbprints to look like spooky little ghosts.
    • Buy a variety of vases at your nearby thrift store and spray paint them black. After they dry, grab a paint pen and write different potion titles on them. “Spooky Juice” “Witches Brew” “Dragons Blood”

  • How to Safely Arrange Home Repair Services

    In the age of COVID-19, it can be difficult to navigate routine chores,particularly those maintenance tasks required of homeowners. With some restrictions going back into place we all have questions. Is it permitted under your state’s stay-at-home orders to allow a plumber to visit your home? Are home repair services socially appropriate purchases to make at the present time?

    Answering these and similar questions feels increasingly difficult as some states lift stay-at-home orders and the news and social media sends mixed messages about what’s okay and what isn’t. The fact remains, though, that your home’s needs won’t wait. Provided it’s permissible where you live, you shouldn’t avoid routine repairs like plumbing or electrical work.

    Which Repairs are Necessary?

    Ideally, you would stick to only truly essential repairs during the current global pandemic. If you have a leaky pipe, you should call your plumber. If you’ve noticed your hallway light is flickering or you smell smoke emanating from an outlet, contact your electrician. Is it time for your regularly scheduled septic appointment? That’s probably not something to skip. As winter cools off much of the country, getting your heating system looked at is a smart move, too.

    If, however, your repairs are not urgent, you might consider waiting. Replacing flooring in an upstairs hallway? See if you can hold off until there is more clarity on how to stay safe from COVID-19. Were you arranging a renovation project with a general contractor before the pandemic broke out? If they are willing to put your contract on hold for the time being, it’s probably best for all involved to press pause. Be aware that materials may cost slightly more when you resume, but most otherwise, you can probably expect a similar price quote down the line.

    Outdoor Fixes are a Go

    If you work with a landscaper, it’s okay to have them perform services in your yard. Need maintenance to your pool or to small engines you use for the lawn or garden? Onsite and outdoor repair services should be fine, provided they’re permitted by your state.

    The same can be said for work on decks, porches, gutters, or windows—if the work will largely be completed out-of-doors, you won’t really be in contact with the service providers. This should keep both the workers and your family from infecting one another.

    Staying Safe During Repairs

    Social etiquette has a whole new look now that Coronavirus is a factor. Whereas in the past it might have been considered rude to ask a home service provider to don a mask or wash their hands, it’s now gaining widespread acceptance. Fortunately, you have the right to make these requests regardless.

    If you are planning to call for service, ask your technician if they or their workers will be wearing a mask. Most will say yes. If they do not, ask them if it would be possible while they work in or around your home. If they aren’t willing, a polite thank you will suffice. Hold off on scheduling any work until the pandemic has passed, or see about using another provider.

    On the day of your scheduled service, be ready to answer the door. Wear a mask yourself to protect the repairperson, as well as to set the tone for the visit. If the technician will need to access parts of your home like your kitchen sink or light switches, it’s okay to courteously ask that they wash their hands.

    Stay in the vicinity (but at least six feet away) during the repair and note what things the tech has to come into contact with. If you are concerned about the spread of germs, you can use disinfecting wipes to clean those areas once the repairperson has left your home. Don’t forget about doorknobs and the doorbell.

    When you pay for your repairs, ask about contactless payments. If this isn’t a possibility, request to swipe your own credit card, if that is how you’ll be paying. If writing a check, fill out the information at least six feet away from your service provider. Limit the time you have to stand closer than that and disinfect any pens or payment methods that you both touched once your service appointment is over.

    Taking precautions of this nature may feel unnatural and uncomfortable. However, we are all navigating these strange waters together, so it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Your service providers have likely seen very similar requests from other customers in the recent past, so your polite adherence to social distancing will be no trouble at all.

  • Liven Up Your Labor Day

    Here are some fun and unique ways you can celebrate Labor Day and enjoy what is left of the summer sun. 

    Let Your Creativity Flow  

    Whether you’re celebrating with family, a small group of friends, or staying home, it’s always fun to decorate. Here are some ideas for decorations or crafts to let your festive flag fly this Labor Day. 

    • Make decorative vases using old bottles. Paint the outside of bottles or mason jars red and blue and glue white stars onto the outside. Use the mason jars as centerpieces and put flowers or utensils in them.
    • Pamper your pillows. If you have any plain white pillows, it’s time to give them a facelift. Cut a star shape out of cardboard, use it as a stencil and hold it against the pillow. Spray with red or blue fabric paint to create pillows that will leave you starry-eyed.
    • Since traditionally, you shouldn’t wear white after Labor Day take your old white t-shirts and have a tie-dye party. Click for tips on how to tie dye.

    Tasty Times Lie Ahead 

    Looking for some Labor Day treats? Here are some delicious red, white, and blueberry pies as well as some scrumptious snack and appetizer options.  

    • Look no further for a berry delicious and refreshing blueberry ice cream pie.
    • If you’re in the baking mood try making a three-layered funfetti cake with a Labor Day twist. Add red food coloring into one layer, blue into another, and leave the third layer as is. Once the layers have cooled stack them together using your favorite icing in between and when you cut into the cake you will have a red, white, and blue surprise. If you want to go the extra mile add red, white, and blue sprinkles on top! 
    • Holy guacamole, these avocado tropical guacamole bites are delicious.  
    • If you’re planning a virtual video party, try making these yummy and simple appetizers. 
    • Feeling festive? Try this red, white, and blue berry tart with lemon cookie crust. 

    All Sorts of Activities  

    • Let the games begin! Here are 10 crazy fun yard games your family will love. 
    • Before the cool fall air arrives take advantage of warm weather with these fun outdoor games. 
    • If it’s raining or you are practicing social distancing, don’t worry we have you covered. Check out the endless fun by BHGRE Summer at Home. You can virtually travel the world, take a cooking class, or watch live cams from zoos and aquariums all over the country.  
    • Spend Labor Day doing zero labor and plan an at-home relaxation day. Sleep in, order breakfast, and have a mimosa. Then pamper yourself with a facemask, bath, and curl up on the couch with a good book. 

  • Ways to Celebrate Moms this Mother’s Day

    While this Mother’s Day may not be how you imagined, there are still many ways to bring a smile to the face of the special women in your life.  

    Visit Virtually 

    Just because you can’t be in the same room, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy time together.  

    • Share a meal over Zoom. Take turns sharing fond memories or something you appreciate about her.  
    • Watch her open her gifts or card via Skype.  
    • Gather your family members and FaceTime her together.  
    • Watch a movie together with “Netflix Party.” 

    Enjoy a Meal  

    The brunch must go on.  

    • Place a delivery order from her favorite local restaurant and video chat while you both eat.  
    • Send her a treat that will remind her of a trip you went on together.

    Send a Gift  

    Make sure you choose and order a gift with plenty of time to spare. Don’t forget to have it gift-wrapped or sent with contact-free delivery.  

    • Personalized card or handwritten letter. 
    • Send mom an electronic card or e-greeting. You can send a free card via American Greetings when you sign up for a free trial. 
    • Make her a playlist. You can even make a special one for each of her hobbies.   
    • Flowers, chocolates or baked goods from a local bakery. 
    • Framed photo of the two of you together. 
    • House plant or herbs in a cute planter.  
    • Find a subscription she might enjoy such as a monthly book club, dinner kit, or craft box.

    Pamper Her 

    Treat your mom to the spa treatments she has been missing. 

    • Create a personal package with scented candles and bath bombs for her to enjoy.  
    • Make her a throw or send her a cozy blanket.  
    • Purchase a gift certificate to her favorite spa to use for later.  

  • 10 Living Room Decor Ideas

    1. Bold hues

    This year’s motto is the bolder, the better. Intense teal and vibrant purple are very on-trend choices.

    Jewel tones and shades of green are big this year, while last year’s popular gray hues are a bit passé. Predominantly white living rooms with splashes of intense color are in, so are plants (but not succulents this year). If you would prefer to stick with earth tones, steer clear of beiges and grays. Instead, spice things up with mustard, terracotta or doeskin shades.

    2. Art Deco

    Designers are done with mid-century modern (called “MCM” in some circles), with its sleek, blonde and minimalist teak lines. Instead, embrace glam deco styles that incorporate the staples of maximalism. Look for this trend in lighting, fabrics and gold metallic hues.

    Symmetry and metallics are two of the defining characteristics of traditional Art Deco style. Think parallelograms plating a round gold mirror, a geometric oval racetrack rug, an overstuffed taffy velour club chair or a round, glass-topped bronze drink cart. All of these exude classy but casual glitz.