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Our Holiday Wish List for You

It's that time of year again! So many pleasant things are happening: the holidays, lots of good food, parties to attend, gifts to give, and visits with friends and family. You might also be reminded that it's finally time to make plans to re-do the kitchen, update the baths, or finish the basement.

Your family budget is probably another big thing that's on your mind this time of year. When it comes to updating their home, many homeowners think that getting good design puts remodeling out of reach. The truth is that a high-quality, well-designed project is a great investment that can actually save you money in the long run.

What's on Our List?

The items on our wish list for you – this holiday season AND all year long – are probably on your remodeling wish list, too. Your lifestyle requirements and budget are at the top. We take a look not only at the budget, but also at creative design possibilities that make the most of everything in the remodeled space: from traffic flow and natural light to storage space and style.

Here are three ways we check our list to stretch your remodeling budget:

1. Thoughtful Space Planning

Intelligent space planning carves the most from every square inch of the remodeled space. It rewards you with a home that is designed specifically to fit your lifestyle and needs. You don't want to spend money on a beautiful kitchen remodel only to find out that there is no place for a trash can or the dog's bowl.

Custom kitchen by Merrill Contracting & Remodeling

Space planning can also work magic in reclaiming “lost” space. The space between wall studs can become a niche that displays a favorite piece of artwork or provides an extra bit of storage in a small bathroom. A blank wall in the kitchen might be just enough room for a row of narrow cabinets, perfect for a beverage station or for stashing holiday china and serving pieces.

2. Design Savvy

With good design, any remodeling budget can buy major style. Here's an example: you may love the look of a certain kind of tile, but it's priced out of reach. With some clever design, however, you can enjoy that expensive look for less. It's possible to get an upscale look on a modest budget by combining handsome, budget-friendly tiles with sparing use of high-end accent tiles.

Custom kitchen by Merrill Contracting & Remodeling

3. Products and Priorities

Because we know what products are available and how they work in real-world homes, we can help you spend your remodeling dollars most efficiently. We know what is fabulous and what is a flop! We can also help you get those special, extra items you crave. For example, if it's a priority to have a commercial-style range, we can show you how to include it and still stay within budget by scaling down on your cabinet choice without sacrificing your new kitchen's high-quality look and feel.

Remember, it's the choice of appliances, fixtures, and finishes that can eat up the budget quickly. We can guide you in making selections that don't cost more, but it will help assure that you end up with the features, functionality, and quality you need, and creativity you want.

It won't be long before the holiday gift list is replaced by your list of New Year's Resolutions to clean up and fix up your home. So, when January arrives and you find yourself pondering how to update your home before the next holiday season rolls around, call us and check out our wish list for helping you get the most from your remodeling investment!

Thinking about remodeling? Contact us for a free project consultation

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The post Our Holiday Wish List for You appeared first on Merrill Contracting & Remodeling, Inc..

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Four Tips to Get Rid of Spotted Lanternfly

Lots of homeowners are concerned about the Spotted Lanternfly lately.  There are several ways you can help control the spread of this invasive pest.  Here are four tips to get rid of Spotted Lanternfly.

Removing Ailanthus trees

Spotted Lanternfly requires the ailanthus altissima to reproduce. This tree is the spotted lanternfly's primary target.  Because of this, the first step you should take to get rid of this pest is removing these trees from your property.  This is a must for managing this pest!

Control for ailanthus trees is never simple – they're very hardy plants!  What is generally recognized as the most effective control method is called “hack and squirt,” and involves cutting notches in the bark around the circumference of the tree.  Herbicide should be applied directly into the wound, once these notches have been cut into the tree.

A selective herbicide containing the chemical triclopyr may be used without damage to plants around the ailanthus tree.  However, if you are not a registered pesticide applicator in Pennsylvania and want to DIY this, a product with glyphosate (like Roundup) will work.  Use caution, however – not only are you applying an herbicide, but glyphosate is non-selective, meaning it kills any plant it touches.  If you don't want to damage other plants around the tree, you may want to contract a professional to help.

Removing Spotted Lanternfly egg masses

During Fall and Winter months, and after a hard freeze, it's a great idea to inspect your property.  Look closely at the siding on your home, your cars, your grill, the trailer or RV, mailbox, trees and shrubs on the property, old piles of debris – give it a thorough inspection!

You should also inspect your cars any time you're leaving the quarantine zone for egg masses.  If you're going to be travelling to York, Dauphin, Cumberland, or Perry Counties, you should be inspecting your vehicle before you travel to ensure you're not transporting SLF outside the quarantine zone.

If you see the eggs masses from Spotted Lanternfly, scrape them into a bottle or sandwich bag containing rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer.  This will kill the eggs so they do not hatch.  If using a sandwich bag, we recommend that you “double bag,” just to be safe.  Scraped egg masses should be thrown away immediately.

Sticky bands to catch nymphs

When nymphs first hatch in late Spring or early Summer, they tend to migrate to the fresher, greener parts of the tree where the new growth is to begin feeding.  And this makes sense; it could their piercing/sucking mouthparts may not be as developed yet, and unable to penetrate more mature bark.  Whatever the reason, it gives people trying to control their spread another tool in the arsenal – “sticky bands.”

The basic idea is simple: wrap the trunk of the tree in a sticky material that the nymphs will get stuck on.  If they can't get free and feed, they'll certainly never reach adulthood!  The Spotted Lanternfly Management for Homeowners published by Penn State even recommends simply using duct tape, and wrapping in backwards, tightly around the tree as an effective method for controlling nymphs.

Homeowners who are concerned about slowing the spread of this pest should target the trees we've mentioned first.  Then, move on to other trees on their property with this same method.  Sticky bands should be re-applied weekly during nymph stages (late May to September) for best results.

Note: “Sticky band” picture supplied by Heather Leach at Penn State University, and used with permission.

  Chemical control

This should be considered a final “backstop” to the other control methods we've outlined so far in this post.  There isn't a ton of information about what's really effective on this pest right now.  While experts agree that their nervous system is disrupted by available pesticides, none are presently labelled for use on the Spotted Lanternfly.

What seems to be working for now is a combination of two different pesticide approaches.  These are commonly referred to as systemic and contact pesticides.  Systemic pesticides are products that the plant material absorbs, and it stays inside the plant itself.  This is how products like grub control work for your lawn.  The product is absorbed into the plant.  Then when an insect feeds on the plant, they ingest that product.

By contrast, contact pesticides are just what they sound like – they work on contact with the bug.  Examples of contact products most homeowners are familiar with are Raid and Black Flag for things like spiders and ants.  And, like those over-the-counter products, many contact pesticides also include a residual effect.  This means that they'll continue to kill bugs for a period of time (depending on the product used, rate of application, rainfall, etc.) after the application is completed.

Systemic products seem to be having a really good results with the nymph stage of the Spotted Lanternfly right now.  The adults are better controlled by contact products with regular follow up applications, because they're far more mobile.

  If you have questions about protecting your trees from this pest, please Contact Us.  We'd be happy to discuss your concerns.

The post Four Tips to Get Rid of Spotted Lanternfly appeared first on Tomlinson Bomberger.

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Develop Your Landscaping Plan

It's cold outside, and most of our landscapes are quiet and at rest at this time of year. But like many,, you probably always have landscaping plans in your head. Winter is the perfect time to do some dreaming and planning and put those thoughts on paper. It's also a great time to start making plans with your landscaping company. Well-thought  landscaping plans can help achieve successful results and save money.

How Can I Put Together a Landscaping Plan?

Start with a list. Write down the features you currently have in your outdoor space and landscape. Then write down the additional things you want; anything from a patio to a pool, a storage shed or a playground, or simply adding some plants.

Map it out. Think about the layout of your property and where different features might go. Sketch out a rough plan, leaving room for suggestions from your landscaping company.  The University of Missouri offers some great suggestions for making a plan, including separating public areas like the front of your house from private areas for family activities and service areas like trash cans and storage sheds. Think about where things should go in relation to your house; asking how each area would effectively function. Then draw your landscape as is and overlay the features you'd like to see. It's an exciting process.

Here are just a few features to consider as you sketch your map:

Plantings

Walkways

Patios and entertainment spaces

Privacy features and shade trees

Vegetable and flower gardens

Sheds and outbuildings

Pools, pergolas and pavilions

Fire pits and grilling areas

Outdoor lighting

  Think long-term. When you talk with your landscaping professionals, share your long-term goals and ideas even if you can't make them happen right away. This helps us develop your property in a more holistic way. For example, if you think you might want outdoor lighting down the road, it's best to go ahead and add conduits for electrical lines  now. Saving you from tearing up hardscapes or plantings later just to install the lighting. Once your landscaper has the big picture, they can help you break things down into bite-sized chunks and move forward step by step, as your budget allows.

Find The Right Partner. As you consider your long-term landscaping goals, be sure to find a partner who is ready to work with you to make your ideas become a reality. You want a company that will listen to your goals, desires and concepts while at the same time bringing their extensive professional experience into play. It's important to find a partner who can look at the big picture but also make things happen in the short-term by helping you prioritize and work out a schedule.

Think About a Budget and Payment Plan.  At Epling, we encourage clients to think big, but we also understand the role that budgeting plays when designing a landscape. We work with clients whose budgets vary, from wanting to get it all done at once and fast track multiple projects to those who need to take things one step at a time, phasing the project. Our experienced staff will help you find the approach that works best for you.

  Create Your Landscape Plan with Epling

At Epling, helping clients plan and achieve their goals for their outdoor space is one of our favorite parts of the job. From beating back the jungle and getting on a routine lawn care schedule to decorative plantings for a perfect entryway to attractive, family-friendly patios and play areas, our team can help you take your landscape from a dream to a reality on the schedule that works best for you.

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Planning Your Yard for the New Year

You've probably heard the saying “new year, new you”, but have you thought about the saying “new year, new yard”? The new year is a great time to take on new projects and to better yourself and space around you. Here are some steps for planning your new yard:

Gather Some Ideas

The first step to planning your new yard is to get a good idea of what you want for your space. You can do this by looking around for inspiration. Start with your friends and family; has anyone you know done any lawn makeovers recently? Was there anything specific that you liked or wanted to include in your space? You can also go online to look for inspiration. Look at websites, like Pinterest, and galleries of landscaping companies to pick ideas that you want to include in your space. It is a good idea to keep a compilation of your thoughts and photos or links to things that you may want to add. The more organized you are with this part of the process, the better off you will be when it comes to executing your landscaping.

Evaluate Your Wants and Needs

There are certain things that need to be included in your landscape- space for pets and children to play, adequate lighting, safe walkways, etc. There are also things that you want to be included in your space such as pools, water features, and gazebos. Write a list of all of your needs and a list of all of your reasonable wants, and start planning on what you can reasonably fit into your space. It is important to be practical and to understand that not everything will fit into your yard. You will need to prioritize what you think will most benefit you, your yard, and your family. Once you have a concrete list of what you do and do not want to be included, you can start planning.

Look into Local Landscapers

Once you have an idea of what you want for your yard and the different aspects that you want to include, it is time to look for a good landscaper. To do this, it is important to ask around for recommendations and to read online reviews. Reviews are a great way to get honest feedback and first-hand experiences about what people were happy and unhappy with in regards to their landscaping experience. Make sure to look for photos of past projects and to seek out workers with good reputations and beautiful work. The better the company you work with, the better overall experience you will have with creating a new yard for the new year.

Build a Timeline

Now that you have your ideas, your wants, your needs, and a trusted landscaper to work with, it is time to create a realistic timeline. Some landscaping projects are going to take longer than others. For instance, a pool installation will take much more time than adding some new foliage. Plan your timeline accordingly. If you want to enjoy your brand new patio for the summertime, make sure that you are making the plans to build it in the early months of spring. Having a timeline established will ensure that you get the absolute most out of your backyard remodel.

Fill Out Our Vision Planner

When you know what you want and when you want it, the next step is to fill out our Vision Planner. Your Vision Planner will help us to understand the details of your project and will help us get an idea of the total price of your remodel. The vision planner tool is thorough and effective and will help us to get on the same page as you so that we can begin your landscape transformation. You can fill out the Vision Planner here.

The new year is a time of new beginnings, and your yard should be no exception. 2019 is the year to get the landscape of your dreams, and we are here to help make that happen. If you are interested in learning more or have any questions about our services, please do not hesitate to call us at (440) 543-0500.

The post Planning Your Yard for the New Year appeared first on Cleveland Landscaping and Snow Removal.

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What Colour Works Best for Your Kitchen?

Finding the right colours for your kitchen can be the difference from a fantastic design and one that looks disjointed and uncoordinated.

What colour works best for your kitchen? This is a question that we are going to explore in this weeks' blog at the Kitchen Warehouse.

You might have great cabinets, a new floor or modern appliances but if you mess up the wall colour this can all be in vain. Choosing the right colour to suit your design is vital.

There are a few things to think about first and questions that you need to ask yourself.

How much natural light do you have?

The size of your kitchen and how much natural light you have will have a big impact on your colour scheme.

Kitchen's that have a lot of natural light coming in can afford to have a darker colour on the wall. This could be with windows or even skylights and if there is an abundance of sunlight coming into the room you can potentially choose a duller colour. This is because there is light coming in anyway. In smaller kitchens or kitchens that have limited natural light, using darker colours can have a negative effect. It can make the room feel smaller and claustrophobic.

However, does this mean that dark colours should be avoided altogether?

Should you avoid darker colours?

Not necessarily. Even if you don't have much natural light this doesn't mean that you can't have a darker shade on your wall either.

Some people say that darker colours and dark neutral colours don't promote hunger which is kind of going against the whole point of the room! That being said, the design of every room in your home should be to your taste. If you like darker colours then why not have a dark blue or dark grey on your kitchen walls. If you prefer lighters colours then go for that.

Darker shades shouldn't just be avoided outright. There are a lot of factors that can compliment navy, blacks or grays in the kitchen.

Colours that go well in most kitchens

The debate about what colour works best for your kitchen can last for days without really getting anywhere. We have picked out 5 different colours that are generally universal.

Warm Neutrals

OK, so this isn't 'one' colour per se however warm neutrals cover a range of shades that can work wonders in your kitchen.

Warm neutrals have hints and shades of brown, red, orange, or yellow undertones and work with pretty much any other colour scheme. The reason that warm neutrals tend to work better than what we would call cold neutrals (think colours with undertones of blue or green) is because they are more inviting. These colours fell a lot more homely and provide a friendlier nature to the room overall. You can combine warm neutrals with pretty much anything from striking kitchen cabinets to wood. They are also a good idea to use in a kitchen with an accent wall as we will see below.

White

White can often be seen as a bit boring but it is highly effective in creating a clean and minimalist design.

If you want a kitchen that looks uncluttered then white is a great choice. In fact, white painted rooms have an energy about them and as the kitchen is one of the first rooms you go into in the morning in search of some caffeine, white walls can offer a subconscious perk me up. Why not go white on white and combine this with white kitchen cabinets? It is a popular design trend and is becoming a real hallmark of modern kitchen design.

Blue

Blue is a colour that is not automatically associated with kitchen design. That doesn't mean that it can be used for great effect in the kitchen and it doesn't even need to be as an accent colour either.

The thing with blue is that it provides a real crisp dimension to your room. It is recommended that you use it quite sparingly so resist the temptation to cover every part of the kitchen in blue. If you are wondering what colour works best for your kitchen and are stumped for ideas that are a little bit different than the norm then consider blue. It isn't that common and will make your kitchen have a unique slant.

Green

We've blogged about having green as one of the primary colours in your kitchen before – Why Green Is The New Must Have Colour. Many people think that green is outdated and is better left as a design trend a few decades ago.

This isn't the case. Green can be a very effective colour to have in your kitchen and it can blend in and work very well with whites, grays and other light colours. Not only is it a very inviting colour it is natural too. Green reminds us of nature and if you want a calm and relaxing vibe to your kitchen, a light shade of green can really help to achieve this effect.

Yellow

Finally, we have yellow. A nice bright colour that reminds us of sunshine and summer days. Can it work in your kitchen? Yes!

if you are wondering what colour works best for your kitchen then yellow should be a stronger contender because it can go with nearly anything. In fact, if you have a lot of gray in your room then yellow works fabulously with this and helps to bring it to life. Yellow is great too at reflecting light so if you have a dull kitchen or one that doesn't receive a ton of natural light then yellow can help to brighten to the whole room.

Think about an accent wall too

If you are still debating what colour to paint your kitchen or if you think it could do with something to make it appear more modern then consider an accent wall.

Creating an accent in your kitchen is very easy and can have a massive effect on how your room looks. It can bring attention to one particular part of the room or even just break up an monotony of colour. A kitchen accent can take many forms from accent lighting, accent kitchen cupboard doors or even just painting one room different than the rest. The possibilities here are endless.

What colour works best for your kitchen?

So, what colour works best for your kitchen?

Like everything when it comes to kitchen design, it depends on you, your tastes and what you want.

The colours we have shown you in this blog will generally go with anything in your kitchen. This is why they are so popular but don't be afraid to experiment and try something new. Just remember to ensure that you don't make your kitchen feel smaller wither dark colours if you have poor natural light or make it overly bright with light colours in a room that is already well lit.

Whether you play it safe or go for something a bit left field, adding a splash of colour to your kitchen can really transform the room even if you don't do anything else.

The post What Colour Works Best for Your Kitchen? appeared first on Kitchen Blog | Kitchen Design, Style Tips & Ideas | Kitchen Warehouse UK.

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How to Keep Your New Year's Resolutions

Every new year millions of people make resolutions to get organized, simplify, lose weight, exercise more, spend less time on their phones, save money, etc. The reality is only about 8% of people succeed in keeping their resolutions. Why do so many people, who have great intentions fail? The problem is most people have a laundry list of things they want to change or improve each year and the goals aren't very specific. For example, one year I decided I wanted to simplify my life. That's a great goal because who really wants a more complicated life? But how could I actually simplify things?  What I should have said was: “This year I'm going to wait 48 hours before I say “yes” to any new commitments so I can evaluate whether or not it is worth saying yes to.” In order to keep your resolutions, you need can't just say you want to get organized or lose weight. You need a plan.

How to Keep Your Resolutions

Be specific

It is easy to say, “I want to get in shape” but it is actually hard to get in shape. A few years ago I decided that I would always take the stairs if possible. Taking the stairs is something specific I could do to move towards a healthier lifestyle. It was also achievable. I'm in good health, so going up and down stairs was something I was capable of doing.

Sometimes I would get winded, but I resolved to get in better shape so that going up a few flights of stairs was no problem. Today I can easily carry luggage up and down the stairs at the airport without breaking a sweat. The small change of taking the stairs, triggered other changes in my life. I didn't want to get sweaty and gross walking up the stairs so I focused more on my physical fitness.

Make them achievable

When thinking about setting resolutions, try to come up with specific and achievable goals. If you want to get organized, take an afternoon to create an organizing plan. Instead of writing down, “organize house” write down “organize pantry” or “clean out coat closet” Set a goal of organizing one specific space a week (or a day).

Everyone is capable of organizing spaces one at a time by making a few small changes to your daily or weekly routine. If you aren't naturally organized check out a book at the library for motivation or purchase a daily/ weekly checklist. Ask one of your super organized friends to come over and help you get started. Make sure the goals you set are ones you have the ability to reach.

Be accountable

When I started to get fit, I did not like going to the gym. I hated it. I decided to hire a trainer to keep me accountable. Not everyone can afford a trainer (I needed one due to a previous back surgery) but everyone needs someone to hold them accountable.

Share your goals with a friend or family member so they can check up on you and maybe even work towards those goals with you. I've found that with every big accomplishment in my life, there has been someone that was constantly checking up on me making sure I stayed on track.

Make it enjoyable

If you absolutely hate what you are doing, chances are you are going to try and avoid doing it at all costs. If you hate to cook, you probably are not going to want to menu plan and make dinner seven nights a week. I like to build in little rewards to motivate me to do things I don't love to do. So if I hated to cook I would probably reward myself with two nights off a week (either go out or have the kids make sandwiches for themselves) if I cooked the other five nights. Or I would find out how much money I saved by cooking at home and use the extra funds to do something fun like take a weekend vacation or buy something fun for the house. A few years ago I stopped making resolutions. I decided instead to evaluate my schedule/ life every month and decide what I needed to focus on. For example this month I decided to focus on making dinner every night. This is actually quite challenging since my girls have practice every night of the week from 5:30-7:30pm. However I realized that because of these practices my family was eating way to many frozen pizzas and junk food.  I looked at my schedule and realized there were some nights we could eat dinner at 4:30 and other days the child with practice could either take dinner with them to practice or eat when they got home. So far I've made dinner every single night of 2019 and my kids aren't complaining. ? These dinners aren't fancy (chicken, tacos, spaghetti) but I'm getting into a routine and finding out what works for our schedule. I anticipate by the end of the month I'll have figured out how to make it work with our crazy practice schedule. I might not make dinner every single night of 2019 (and I don't want to, lol) but I will have created a system and routine that allows me to make dinner more often than not.  Next month I'll be in a routine of making dinner more frequently and be able to focus on the next project. Here are a few of my favorite things this month.

Adore your Wardrobe 

This course from my friend Kelly is LIFE CHANGING! You can look amazing no matter what your size or your budget based on principals found in math and science.  Kelly's course completely changed how I dressed and how I felt about clothes. She only offers the course a few times a year so check it out.

Ultimate Home Checklist 

I LOVE lists. The Ultimate Home Checklist is a great tool for keeping your home organized through specific tasks you do each day. This planner breaks down chores into small projects that can be done in a few minutes. If you struggle with keeping your house clean and organized this planner is for you! 

Freezer Cooking

I use to think freezer cooking was bland casseroles and lots of lasagna. But it really isn't. I love freezer cooking because I don't have to think about dinner. The meals are already prepared and ready to be put in the oven or the crock pot. It really does take the stress out of cooking dinner every night. I use My Freezeasy for freezer meal ideas, recipes, and shopping lists but you can find them on Pinterest too!

The In-Between 

I read this book last summer and it really changed my perspective on life in the mundane. It's a quick read about learning to live in the “tension between now and the next big thing' and I highly recommend it!   

The post How to Keep Your New Year's Resolutions appeared first on The Happy Housewife™.

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Giveaway Guidelines

Maid to Shine is declaring January the month of giveaways!

If you're interested in participating please read the guidelines below then head on over to our Facebook pages to enter (click here for Colorado Springs, click here for Denver).

Guidelines:

-To have the chance of winning you must currently be a teacher

-You must be within our service area to win (Colorado Springs Service Area, Denver's Service Area)

-You must understand that this giveaway is for a general first time cleaning

-You must like Maid to Shine's Facebook page and leave a comment in the comment section of the designated post

-You are welcome to nominate your friends if they are teachers (even if you are not, you can still nominate)

-If you are chosen as a winner your cleaning must take place when Maid to Shine's schedule has availability within the month of January

-This offer may not be traded for cash

-This cannot be combined with any other offers

We're so excited to get started on our giveaways for the month! We can't wait to give a nice clean home to some deserving people. Thank you!

The post Giveaway Guidelines appeared first on Maid to Shine | Your Best & Local House Cleaning Colorado Springs.

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Top DIY Posts of 2018

Looking back at top DIY posts of 2018. I'm sometimes a little surprised at most visited posts – they're blasts from the past! I'll share a 2018 recap later this week but let's take a look at DIYShowOff reader favorites from the past year: 

Lighted PVC Candy Cane Decor made the top of the list of faves. Wouldn't several lining a walkway look so festive and inviting? 

Looks like a tire swing but upcycle an old tire into a planter: DIY Tire Planter. This always gets compliments at our home. Who knew an old tire turned planter would be a great conversation starter?

Pallet Herb Garden – time to give some thought to this year's herb list. I love that we still utilize this on our patio which is located right off the kitchen. Mint for mojitos, rosemary for roasted cashews. 

This one reminds, me. I really need to organize and refresh these shelves in real life. Adding it to the to-do list! This former under-utilized space in our home (there are 6 door ways in this small space!) now functions as an open pantry and we love it!

DIY Pipe Shelving Tips

Ah. Another oldie but goodie and favorite project. Next time you're at the thrift store, check out the electronics/lighting department (i.e. maybe 1 shelf of things with wiring). lol

DIY Chandelier Planter

DIY baseboards – I'm guessing inquiring minds want to know. haha! I'll actually be recreating this post in real life with some baseboard trim at the #helloredreno studio. 

Everyone loves outdoor entertaining and so this tutorial for Giant LCR Dice Yard Game was a hit in 2018!

When you've accidentally dropped your phone one too many times, it's time to get creative with ways to keep it safe!

DIY Toilet Paper Holder Shelf

DIY Tray Cat Perch – kitties love to be in the sun AND watch for birds and squirrels and what's going on with the world outside, so no surprise this made top views. Cats rule!

Love a good Cinderella story? Then you'll want to check out this Before & After Bathroom Makeover!

Any of your DIYShowOff favorites up there? Remember a few of those? What's one of your favorite projects from last year? 

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Cozy in Coastal Maine

Maine is famous for beautiful summers with refreshing temperatures, ocean breezes, and plenty of outdoor activities. The winter season is pretty fabulous too, and there are many offerings to entertain the adventure enthusiast or the homebody. Maine's various ski mountains attract visitors from all over New England and beyond. Frozen lakes and ponds are perfect for family ice skating or a vigorous round of hockey; and there are numerous trails for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Whether you wish to go out and enjoy one of these brisk winter adventures, or simply cozy up by the fire, these stunning Maine homes have got you covered.

Aspinwall Bremen Long Island, Maine

The great room in this historic island home features massive oak trusses and the commanding central fireplace, made from local stone, is thought to be one of the largest in Maine.

Undercliff Cottage | Camden, Maine

This lovely den with coffered ceilings, Cypress trim, and a stone fireplace is perfect for enjoying a good book while the flakes fall outside

Sears Cottage | Islesboro, Maine

This fine historic home features eleven unique wood-burning fireplaces and water views from almost every room.

Periwinkle Beach | Islesboro, Maine

This central, brick Russian fireplace is designed to maximize warmth and coziness.

Otter Creek Lane | Islesboro, Maine

The three limestone fireplaces in this bright and open home were inspired by Giorgio Armani.

Northeast Point | Camden, ME

When it is cold out, cooking and dining is a pleasure in front of this warm and inviting fireplace.

Dark Harbor House | Islesboro, Maine

With nine fireplaces throughout this thoughtfully-renovated historic home, it is difficult to choose just one!

260 Bay View Street | Camden, Maine

The double-sided, commanding stone fireplace in this festive family great room is perfect any time of the year.

For additional information about these listings, please contact Joe Sortwell, jsortwell@landvest.com or Terry Sortwell, tsortwell@landvest.com in our Camden office, 207-236-3543.

The post Cozy in Coastal Maine appeared first on LandVest Blog.

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7 Expensive Rental Property Investing Mistakes to Avoid

My readers and podcast listeners regularly reach out to me to say that they're afraid to invest in rental properties because they don't want to put their life savings at risk on a deal. I get that - but, if you approach real estate investing the right way (with risk management in mind), then you can save yourself a lot of money and trouble, and reap the benefits. After 7 years of being a landlord, I wanted to share some of the common (and expensive!) mistakes I've seen other rental investors make, and how to avoid them. So if you've been considering rental property investing, this is a must-watch. Here's what this video covers: Mistake[...]

Keep reading...

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GOLDEN GLOBES 2019

A word of warning!!!! If you are one of those who doesn't care to hear negative opinions or doesn't believe one's $10,000 dress deserves any criticism or critiquing, then you should just close this up and come back in a few days when I publish a fabulous story about a house in Beverly Hills.  You've been warned!To me, the 2019 Golden Globes fashion show was a huge disappointment.  Maybe I was

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How Patio Planning Goes from Overwhelming to Fun and Easy

If you're in the process of patio planning, even if you've only just begun your research, then you may have already realized that there's a lot involved. There are so many different factors in play and a big range of choices when it comes to patio materials and even patio builders (all with different price ranges), and you might feel terribly overwhelmed.

If you are going to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a new patio, you want it to be perfect. It ought to not only look nice but should not have ongoing problems with it either. You should be able to create a patio that meets your needs and doesn't have you wondering if you wasted your money.

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How Garden Furniture Can Extend Your Living Space

Turn your garden into a living space with garden furniture. Here's how!

Photos By: Living Etc.

There's no doubt that Garden Furniture allows you to make the most of any outside space. This may be a lawn, patio, decking or just a balcony, and by adding furniture you will fully realize its potential to become a valuable extension of your home.

Traditional or contemporary in design, you have a wide choice of materials, with different types of timber, rattan, stainless steel and all-weather fabrics all proving popular when creating a particular ambiance or complementing the existing landscape.

Today's garden furniture is very much similar quality to the equivalent sofas and chairs you'll find in any lounge and, because it has to deal with adverse weather conditions, it's probably more robust and made from highly durable materials.

The sheer range of garden furniture is impressive to say the least, with online garden furniture suppliers offering table and chair sets for dining and entertaining, benches and loungers for relaxation along with an incredibly diverse range of other items.

Garden Sofas and Ottomans

Nothing illustrates the beneficial impact that high quality furniture can have on your garden than all-weather sofas and day beds. There's no better way to relax and enjoy the company of friends, than on these luxurious pieces that can be left outside throughout the summer months.

Corrosion resistant metal frames are used for strength and these are upholstered with artificial wicker, rattan or easy to clean fabric. Individual items can be used on their own while other piece are joined to form attractive and very useful corner sets. Accessories include deep cushions, stools, dining and side tables in a similar style.

Dining Sets

Eating and entertaining in your outdoor garden is so much better when the chair you're sitting in is stylishly designed from teak or another hardwood, shining corrosion free metal, wicker, rattan, or even decorative moulded resin, and the matching table is similarly eye-catching perhaps with a glass or ceramic top.

Two chairs and a modest table make a lovely bistro set, benches and seats are able to accommodate more guests while individual chairs around a circular, square or long rectangular table create a comfortable and elegant ambiance which adds to your enjoyment of the food, drink and fellow diners.

Picnic Tables

The simplest of these very popular practical pieces of outdoor furniture represent a dining set at its most utilitarian, a central rectangular table and two facing benches offering a place to enjoy simple refreshment.

But even the humble picnic table can have a makeover and there are now versions with substantial railway type sleeper benches or four quarter circle seats with perhaps a slatted back rest surrounding a round table. Children's picnic tables are also available with one showing its versatility doubling as a sandpit.

Garden Chairs and Benches

Weeding and mowing are hard work, and single Chairs and Benches provide useful resting places around the garden, while Companion Seats with a compact middle table, where refreshments or books can be placed, are perfect to share the time of day with someone else.

Again there is a huge range of sizes and styles, timber blends ideally with the landscape and metal will develop an attractive patina. Granite and colourful sandstone will also make an impression, and there are resin examples that boast storage space. If you enjoy sitting in the shade of a tree why not try a circular bench that will enclose the trunk of your favourite apple or oak.

Parasols

To complete your outdoor dining experience, a parasol might be required if the sun proves too intense, and the familiar circular umbrella designs that sit in the middle of the table have received contemporary remodelling in terms of both design and materials.

Cantilever parasols in a range of colours can now stand away from the table, reaching over to provide shade under a canopy that can be as much as 4 mtrs square. There are also 'sail' type canvas sheets that cover a wide area between two aluminium poles, and a curtain can be fitted to prevent any cool breeze from spoiling your enjoyment of the summer.

Hammocks

Finally, Hammocks or swing seats might represent the most comfortable way of relaxing in the garden. With shading from the sun you can swing back and forth on a seat supported by chains or tangle free rods. These aren't children's swings, they are high quality and distinctively designed for adults who want to unwind in the most satisfying way possible.

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Crochet Cat Bed- How to Make a Cat Bed with Chunky Crochet

You kitties will love this crochet cat bed made with super-soft chunky yarn. This free cat bed pattern can be completed in just an hour. All you need is thick yarn from the craft store and a giant crochet needle.  This crochet cat bed is a purrr-fect project for beginner crocheters. Read on to learn how to make one yourself!

Crochet Cat Bed 

Hey Gnomies,

Today I'm sharing a cute cat bed that I made for my mom and dad's kitties. The cute cat you see above is Flo and she is the sweetest little cat. For this project I used the Ginormous (actual name) yarn from Michaels and a gigantic crochet hook.

Giant yarn for crochet cat bed

This cat bed uses a similar pattern to the crochet face scrubbie I shared recently.

The thing I love about crochet is that once you have learned some of the basic stitches, you can come up with all sorts of cool projects just by modifying the patterns that you already know.

Supplies for crochet cat bed:

1 skein of Ginormous yarn

1 giant crochet hook

I bought the yarn and hook at Michaels. They had an area in the store devoted to the giant yarn, crochet and knitting supplies over the holidays but you can purchase it through my amazon link below:

.The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Thank you for being part of Crafty Little Gnome

Giant Crochet Yarn

Buy It Now

Giant Crochet Hook

buy it now

You may also like: Diy Dog Proof Litter Box

Directions for crochet cat bed:

Chain two and double crochet 5 times into the first chain.

Slip stitch and chain two.

Double crochet into each of the chains.

Once your work your way around, slip stitch and chain two again.

Double crochet into each of the chains.

Repeat rows until the bottom of the cat bed is as wide as you would like it. I made mine just over 12 inches.

Next, instead of crocheting twice into each stitch, just double crochet once. This will give the bed “sides” and make it taller instead of continuing to get wider.

Once it's tall enough, about 3 rows high, finish off the top edge with single crochet.

You may also like: DIY Dog Dry Shampoo

If you need help with the crochet stitches, here is a video I found on YouTube to help you out: 

finished crochet cat bed

At first I was concerned that the cat bed would not be big enough, then I remembered that cats like to jam themselves into tiny boxes and other small spaces. If you aren't sure, err on the side of making it too small. That will be sure to attract your favorite cat.

  This is my old cat Mylo. This picture is about 10 years old. Way back in the day when I lived in my old apartment he decided my file folder was a great place to take a nap.

DIY Crochet Cat Bed Q&A: 

How do you know what size crochet hook to use?

Use the hook size recommended in your crochet pattern. Always check your gauge with a swatch. Change to a smaller hook if your stitches are too loose or a larger hook if they are too tight. 

How do you introduce a cat to a new bed?

Observe where your cat likes to sleep. Paying attention to where your cat likes to sleep will help you find a good spot for its bed. 

Place the bed in a low traffic area. 

Put some of her toys in the new bed. 

Elevate the bed or go with a perch if your cat likes height. 

Try a new spot if your cat ignores its bed.

  How do I get my cat to sleep in her bed?

Once your cat steps into the bed, hold a treat over his head until he sits down. Praise him and give him the treat when he does. Leave some treats in your cat's bed so he is tempted to come back to it. You can also try sprinkling catnip in the bed to get your kitty interested in it.

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Yield: 1 Cat Bed

Crochet Cat Bed- How to Make a Cat Bed with Chunky Crochet

Print

Make a DIY crochet cat bed from chunky giant yarn.

Active Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour

Difficulty Intermediate

Estimated Cost 15

Materials

Chunky yarn

Tools

Giant crochet hook

Instructions

Chain two and double crochet 5 times into the first chain.

Slip stitch and chain two.

Double crochet into each of the chains.

Once your work your way around, slip stitch and chain two again.

Double crochet into each of the chains.

Repeat rows until the bottom of the cat bed is as wide as you would like it. I made mine just over 12 inches.

Next, instead of crocheting twice into each stitch, just double crochet once. This will give the bed "sides" and make it taller instead of continuing to get wider.

Once it's tall enough, about 3 rows high, finish off the top edge with single crochet.

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© adrienne

Project Type: Fiber art and sewing

Have you tried making a DIY crochet cat bed? Please share your tips in the comments! 

The post Crochet Cat Bed- How to Make a Cat Bed with Chunky Crochet appeared first on Crafty Little Gnome.

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A Simple Life in 2019: Lessons from Jack

Hey friend! I'm so glad you're here. Yes, you came to the right post. It's not Christmas. Even though you'll see some Christmas decor in my pics, but it's all put away at my house now. Let me explain. This time of year it seems we're not only all setting goals, but we are wanting […]

This article A Simple Life in 2019: Lessons from Jack is from The Inspired Room Republishing this article in full or in part is a violation of copyright law. © 2009-2013, all rights reserved.

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How to Plant Dahlias

Dahlias are highlights in anyone's summer garden. This makes people want to learn how to plant dahlias. They may be low maintenance when fully grown but they require a bit more attention when they're just budding out from the ground.

The post How to Plant Dahlias appeared first on How To Plant.

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Fixer Upper Properties: What You Really Need to Know

Here are some terms and concepts to consider in this corner of the real estate market.

I. Definitions -- There are different degrees of fixing.

A. Cosmetic repair -- Paint, landscaping, carpets, clean-up, minor repairs. (refurbishing) B. Rehabilitating -- Making livable again, habitable. C. Renovating -- To make new, restoring D. Remodeling -- Room additions, balcony, changing floor plan.

These are listed in order of expense, work required and expertise. They represent four "sub" Wealth Traks of Fixers.

II. Personality Profile -- Some of the characteristics of a Fixer/investor include:

A. Knowing how to fix and repair property -- while this is not an absolute requirement, it is a plus. B. Above average patience -- you are dealing with many different human beings in this process. C. A spirit of adventure -- who knows what you'll find when you tear into that wall. D. Sense of humor - prerequisite for living E. Perseverance and commitment F. Enthusiasm G. Management and organizational skills -- you will be leading a team. H. Recordkeeping skills -- critical for tax purposes. I. Negotiating skills -- you may be dealing with vendors. J. Creative mind -- How can you change the undesirable into desirable?

If you are weak in more than a few of the above areas, maybe you should consider another Wealth Trak. It takes more time and expertise than other Wealth Traks. In the beginning, try to select properties that need only cosmetic improvement such as paint, landscaping, paneling, etc.

III. Objectives

A. Cash flow -- Buy low - fix - increase income (value) - hold

• Rent for positive cash flow. To make this work, you need to buy it right which will probably mean a pretty abused property. • This is best accomplished in a slow market. In a slow market, properties remain on the market longer, and sellers become more motivated to be flexible both in price and terms. Additionally, if fewer people are buying, more are renting, and this increases the demand and thus the income of the rental property. • Before you write the offer, you must determine the value and rent of the property after the fix-up, what it will take (cash) to acquire the property, how long it will take to improve it so you can rent it out. When the market turns, you may decide to sell it for a profit and move on to your next project. • Can you structure the seller portion of the financing so that the first payment is not due until the property is rented?

B. Capital Gain -- Buy - fix - increase income (value) --sell

• This requires an active or "hot" market. The seller will probably be less flexible, but you don't expect to remain on the property any longer than required to fix it up. You've got two things working for you, the added value from your work, and the increase in value typical in an active market. IV. Finding the Property

A. Find the neighborhood -- Choose an area where the "Four Great Forces" and general principles of value work to your advantage.

1. Close to higher price/new construction

a. principle of integration -- life cycles of properties

1) integration 2) equilibrium 3) disintegration

b. principle of progression -- value tends toward a median

2. Scattered fix up occurring -- fixing up is contagious if one owner fixes up and increases rent, others will follow. Try not to be a "pioneer."

3. In an area that is generally well kept and stable in which the investment property is one of few that needs work. (Principle of progression)

4. Well known, high-quality school system - Physical forces

5. Small home mixed with larger homes -- Possible room additions (progression)

6. Rehab government loans and rebates available -- Political forces

7. Jobs -- Increasing or decreasing in the area; wages, going up? Economic forces

8. Transportation corridors -- Physical forces

9. Stay away from properties on busy streets or too close to schools or playgrounds.

B. Where do I get this kind of information?

1. City Council Person or staff 2. County Board of Supervisors 3. Caltrans or appropriate state Dept. of Highways 4. Chamber of Commerce 5. Lenders 6. Community Planning groups 7. Realtors 8. Local contractors 9. Residents

C. Some things can be fixed; some can't.

1. Physical deterioration - Wear and tear due to lack of care; deferred maintenance. This is usually "curable." Sometimes it is not. Be aware of the following:

a. Are there any suspicious cracks or breaks? b. Is basement free of evidence of water problems (musty smell, mold, puddling, moisture where walls and floors meet, stains)? c. Is it copper plumbed? d. Is heating and air conditioning in good working order? e. Is electrical wiring up to code and adequate? f. Is roof in good condition?

2. Functional obsolescence -- Outdated fixtures, old-fashioned design -- usually curable, may take permits, will municipality allow it? No room for lot/height restrictions, is property up to code, is there adequate parking?

3. Economic or social obsolescence -- Declining area, you can't do anything about this; incurable.

What you are looking for are the properties with minor, cosmetic needs. These can be corrected relatively cheaply and enhance the attractiveness and resale value of the property.

D. Find a "Don't Wanter" or a "Wanter" where the owner does not have the information and expertise you have:

1. Look for the rundown properties.

a. tall grass, weeds, needs landscaping b. Peeling paint c. abandoned vehicles on the property d. Broken, boarded up windows e. fire damage f. water or wind damage g. Signs of mismanagement, cars on the lawn h. vacant

2. Look for under-improved properties.

a. two bedroom house in a three bedroom neighborhood b. zoned for more units that exist on the property

3. Buy and hold or buy and sell? Depends on market conditions.

4. If buy and hold - What are fair market rents for fixed up properties? Do a rent survey and keep up with your market. Structure the purchase:

Down Payment ____________ First Loan ____________ Pymt___________ Second Loan ___________Pymt___________ Third Loan ____________ Pymt___________ Total Monthly Outflow

Loan Payments ___________ Prop taxes ___________ Utilities___________ Insurance ___________

Total Monthly outflow ___________ Income Amt ____________ Cash Flow Amt ____________ Cost to rehab ____________ Purchase and Acquisition Costs ____________ Disposition Expenses ____________ Monthly Cash Flow (negative) X Time ____________

Total $$$$ into project ____________

Value at completion of project ____________

Be sure to negotiate a subordination agreement into the purchase if you plan to refinance to do remodeling.

Is there enough profit in here for the risk you are taking?

V. Structural Analysis

A. Desirable features

1. At least one bathroom on each floor 2. Large kitchens (room for table and chairs) 3. Entrance foyer 4. Family room 5. Garage 6. Pitched roof 7. Gas vs. electrical utilities - depends on location 8. Room for RV parking/pool 9. Hardwood floors under the old carpets 10. Can you think of any?

B. Undesirable features

1. Walk through bedrooms 2. Dark 3. No window in the kitchen 4. Narrow hallways 5. No windows in bathrooms 6. Small room size 7. Not enough cupboard or closet space 8. Flat roof 9. Can you think of any?

VI. Improvements to the Property

A. Low cost, high return items

1. Yard clean -up and landscaping 2. Paint 3. Wallpaper and paneling 4. New kitchen flooring 5. Refinishing hardwood floors in appropriate rooms 6. Facia 7. New front door 8. Light switch plates, door knobs, light fixtures 9. Mailbox 10. Scrape acoustic ceiling - plaster 11. French doors 12. Tile/linoleum 13. Appliances - used or bruised 14. House numbers

B. High cost, high return items

1. Kitchen and bathroom remodeling 2. Addition of bathrooms and bedrooms 3. Enclosing patio for use as a family room 4. Addition of garage/decks/skylights/whirlpools/

C. High cost, little or no return

1. Bracing, buttressing, rebuilding the foundation 2. Roof 3. New plumbing 4. Termite work 5. Chimney repairs 6. Driveway repairs 7. Repair wet basement 8. Deteriorated bone structure

VII. Having a Plan

Never buy a property in poor condition unless you have the capital, know how (can be hired)and mental toughness to improve the property.

Do not over improve the property.

Use neutral colors (whites and beiges).

A. Putting your plan together -- The complexity of this task will depend upon the complexity of the project.

Considerations:

Will I act as my own general or hire one? Will I do some or all of the work? Will I pick-up and deliver materials? Schedule the time to check up on workers frequently. Meeting inspectors and service people is time-consuming. Can I show the property to potential renters or buyers during the renovation?

What about Workers Compensation requirements and proof of insurance?

1. Specify the tasks to accomplish the job and information required

a. Existing floor plans and drawings b. CC & R's - should examine with contingency before purchase (see example). c. Soils information d. zoning restrictions

2. Determine what supplies will be needed. 3. Determine the time required, build in a fudge factor. 4. Determine suppliers. 5. Prepare a milestone calendar or PERT chart. 6. Assign tasks. 7. Monitor results daily. 8. Prepare for marketing before completion, prepare flyers. 9. Be ready to sell in process.

B. Implementing the plan -- after you acquire the property, begin at once (before closing on the no-cost items).