Five smart steps to maximize bathroom space

In spite of its heavy use, bathrooms are often some of the smallest areas in a home. Cross tight square footage with limited storage, and it quickly becomes cluttered and cramped - far from a pleasant place to start and end each day. Adding function doesn't require changing your bathroom's footprint. To maximize your bathroom storage and make it work best for you, consider these design and organizational tips.



Tip 1: Install a floating vanity

A big trend in small bathroom design is the floating vanity; its wall-mount installation leaves floor space below open and uninterrupted, which tricks the human eye into reading the space as larger than it actually is. Floating vanities come in a variety of materials and designs that offer plenty of counter top space and storage solutions.



Tip 2: Make your mirror work harder

Is your bathroom sporting an old bulky medicine cabinet? Replace it with a smarter option designed with innovative storage that makes life easier. Robern, the industry leader in bathroom storage and grooming, recently introduced the R3 Series Mirrored Cabinets, a perfect solution for DIY-ers looking for a fast, affordable fix. The 1-inch flange around the cabinet's perimeter covers imperfections, eliminating the hassle of re-tiling or re-plastering, making it a project you can easily complete in a day.



Tip 3: Use hidden space to your advantage

In a small bathroom it might be hard to imagine where you might find even an inch of extra space, but there's one secret area you can access and use to your advantage. If you have a blank wall, the space between the studs offers a plethora of potential storage space. You can build shelves directly between the studs, which adds lots of extra space for items like washcloths and toiletries, all within the existing footprint.



Tip 4: Get wired for modern practicality

Your morning routine charges you for the day ahead, so make sure items like electric razors and toothbrushes are fully charged, too. Cabinets equipped with outletskeep personal care items fully juiced and concealed, leaving counter tops and sink surfaces clutter-free for a clean and organized space both you and guests to enjoy.



Tip 5: Revamp the storage drawer

Vanity drawers in disarray steal precious time from your morning and evening routine. First step to function: Purge. Toss old or unused cosmetics, personal supplies, grooming tools or other items you don't use. Next, reorganize with inserts that transform drawers into organizational powerhouses. Look for inserts that will streamline how you use your bathroom, such as options with different sized compartments or even one made specifically for your hair dryer.

Take steps to protect your home and family during severe summer weather

(BPT) - The warm summer brings about plenty of fun in the sun with picnics, camping and backyard parties. However, these months can produce severe weather, from tornadoes to hurricanes. In addition to planning fun outdoor activities to enjoy in the summer heat, Americans should also prepare their homes for the worst that Mother Nature can bring.



Recent weather events like Superstorm Sandy along the East Coast and the tornadoes in Oklahoma have heightened awareness about emergency preparedness and the importance of having reliable backup power. Severe summer storms can strike at any moment anywhere in the U.S., so it's important for all homeowners to develop an emergency plan now, before the next big storm hits. Here are a few tips to help people protect their homes, belongings and families during severe weather events.



* Consider emergency backup power - During Superstorm Sandy, more than 8 million homes lost power up and down the East Coast and in states as far west as Michigan. Power lines are easily damaged by high winds, heavy rains and even lightning. A permanent standby generator is often viewed as the best option for homeowners to maintain power during and after severe weather, because it provides automatic, whole-home power during extended outages.



"When the power goes out, it completely changes the way you live," says Ed Del Grande, a master contractor, syndicated home improvement columnist and host on the DIY network. "A standby generator can power an entire home during an outage, which means your life continues uninterrupted. This is particularly important for homes with small children, the elderly or home-based businesses."



A standby generator is recommended by most professionals because it turns on automatically when power is lost from the utility and is permanently connected to the home like a central air conditioning unit. Because of this, homeowners do not need to be home to turn the generator on or have to go out into severe weather to set it up. The unit also connects to existing fuel lines in the home, running on propane or natural gas, and can power the entire home, including essential items like air conditioning, lights, refrigerators and freezers, security systems, electronic devices and more.



To learn more about standby power, visit KohlerGenerators.com to view educational videos and access a sizing calculator to determine what kind of a standby generator is needed for your home.



* Establish an emergency plan - Involve the entire family in your emergency plan, which should include details about the safest room in the home during severe weather, evacuation routes from the home and a predetermined meeting place in case your family gets separated during an evacuation.



As part of this plan, create a storm kit for your home and keep it replenished all summer long. To start a kit, get a plastic bucket or backpack and fill it with emergency supplies - water, first aid kit, flashlights and extra batteries, a radio, nonperishable food and cash. In addition, scan all of your important paperwork, like financial documents, insurance papers and birth certificates, and save them to a USB drive or CD. Once your storm kit is assembled, store it in a secure location in the home where all family members can access it. For more information and suggestions for building a storm kit, visit www.GreatHurricaneBlowout.org.



* Stay informed - During the summer, stay tuned to local weather forecasters when threatening weather is on the horizon and follow directions provided by local emergency officials to help keep your family and your home as secure as possible. Invest in a weather radio that alerts you and your family of potentially dangerous weather in your area. This is especially important when severe weather strikes in the middle of the night.

Creating a bathroom that maximizes safety without sacrificing style

For today's generation of aging adults, individuality and independence are values they've lived out for decades. As the years go by, lifestyle changes become a necessity, due to limited mobility and health concerns, but it doesn't necessarily mean giving up personality.

Aging in place, in the comfort of your home, is a priority for countless people. That often means making adjustments to your home, but some alterations can contribute to making your space feel more institutional and less "you." A balance between style and safety is the key - and finding it is easier than you might think.

One of the most hazardous rooms in the home is the bathroom. Its slippery surfaces and tendency to be crowded with products and objects makes it a hazard for slipping, tripping and other mishaps. As you consider making alterations to your home that enhance security and safety, it's the logical place to start.

* Clear away clutter. Bottles and jars and grooming tools frequently crowd counters, closets and the corners of tubs and showers. Make use of hangers, shelves and wall-mounted baskets to keep things neatly tucked away, providing a cleaner environment that's also better looking and less likely to cause trips or spills.

* Bathe in safety. With limited mobility, moving in and out of the tub can be difficult, if not downright dangerous. One renovation solution to that problem is installing a walk-in tub. Premier Care in Bathing, the leader in walk-in bathtubs, offers a variety of tubs that homeowners can simply walk into, close the water-tight door, and fill for a comfortable, relaxing bathing experience. The company's Walk-in baths and EasyAccess showers configure to your existing space and allow you to maintain the look of your bathroom while enjoying greater ease.

* Choose rugs carefully. Bath mats and rugs are both functional and decorative. They can add a splash of color while also effectively collecting water that might otherwise pool on the floor and lead to slipping. However, rugs that don't stay in place can present a problem of their own and lead you to trip. Opt for mats and rugs that have non-skid backing, but which still look harmonious with the rest of your bathroom decor.

* Bring things up to the right height. Your bathroom routine can be an active one, which can present problems if your health limits your ability to move or bend easily. Having a commode and a sink at a higher level that prevents you from overexertion during your daily routine will add to the comfort and safety of your bathroom. And with options like Premier Care in Bathing's easy-access sink, you can integrate these new fixtures into your room while maintaining your existing decorative theme.

One of the most important parts of maintaining independence throughout aging is being able to uphold your sense of self. Taking a holistic approach to creating a home environment that meets your needs but still expresses who you are enables you to live life as you choose for a long time to come. For a free brochure including more information about Walk-in bathtubs and other solutions for making living at home more convenient, visit premiercarebathing.com/saferbathing or call 888-378-7953.

Make warm-weather chores a breeze with these tips

(BPT) - Warm weather brings everyone outdoors - grilling on the deck, playing on the lawn and savoring beautiful gardens. To create these beautiful outdoor spaces, the experts at Lowe's offer four easy, affordable projects you can do yourself. Follow these tips to make sure your outdoor spaces are in tip-top shape by summer's end.



Maintain a lovely lawn



Most lawns will grow well with about 1 inch of water a week. Water in the early morning, so the sun will help dry the grass. Nighttime watering can result in prolonged moisture on the blades and can open the door to disease. How do you know if you're watering enough? Try the "soup can test." Set an empty can next to your lawn sprinkler. When there's about a half-inch of water in the can, it's time to turn off the sprinkler.



When you're mowing, never cut off more than one-third of the grass blade. Leaving the grass longer shades the roots and encourages a deeper root system. To better protect your lawn on hills, mow up and down when using a riding mower and across when using a walk-behind mower. Lowe's offers a wide assortment of power equipment to help maintain your lawn with less effort.



Keep your landscape green and healthy



A healthy, actively growing lawn uses a great deal of energy. Natural soil supplemented with fertilizer will help your lawn stay healthy all season. Fertilizers promote new leaf and plant growth, reduce and control weeds, and replace nutrients lost to leaching. Look for a mixture of fast- and slow-release fertilizers that will green up your lawn quickly and then feed it over time. Remember, more is not always better. Nitrogen is the most important ingredient in a fertilizer, but if you put too much on your lawn, you'll burn it.



Already dealing with weeds? Post-emergents are a great way to promote grass growth while killing actively growing weeds on contact. Post-emergents work best when applied later in the growing season - after weeds are established but before they've gone to seed. Read the fertilizer's label and strictly follow the application instructions for best results.



Create beautiful gardens



Mix annuals and perennials for a "pop" of color to create season-long beauty. As you decide which flowers to purchase, pay attention to the labels that state how much sun or shade they like. The wrong amount of sun exposure can hinder growth and beauty. Find the perfect spot for your plants by marking where the sun tracks across your yard, then put plants that need the most sunlight exactly where they need to be.



Additionally, some plants only grow well in certain regions of the country. Lowe's Creative Ideas.com offers tips based on the area where you live. Lowe's also offers a one-year plant guarantee.



Turn your deck into an outdoor room



Extend warm-weather enjoyment by sprucing up your deck. Drizzle water on the boards to see if it's time to reseal. If the water beads up, the wood is still protected, but if it's quickly absorbed, it's time to seal it again. Your deck might just need a good cleaning with a pressure washer. When pressure washing, always work with the grain of the wood to avoid splinters and to keep the deck smooth. Attach a rotating surface cleaner to your pressure washer to clean your patio four times faster.



Extend the look of the indoors into the outdoors by adding durable, aluminum outdoor furniture that can be customized to fit your style preference with mix-and-match fabrics. Lowe's allen + roth custom outdoor collection allows you to customize your patio set and have it shipped to the store in a week! Complement the overall look by adding an outdoor rug for both comfort and style. Don't forget to add lighting to create ambiance for entertaining well after dusk.



These ideas will help you enjoy all that warm weather has to offer. For more project ideas, visit LowesCreativeIdeas.com or download the latest iPad app for free in the iTunes Newsstand.

Give your landscaping a no-maintenance makeover

(BPT) - Low- and no-maintenance features top the list when making over outdoor living spaces because less time maintaining means more time enjoying.



Low-maintenance landscaping outranks native plantings, water features and food/vegetable gardens according to the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) 2014 Residential Landscape Architecture Trends survey. Landscape professionals love to share their secrets and show off their craft when redesigning outdoor spaces for low or no maintenance. Armed with know-how and using sweat equity, do-it-yourselfers also can employ tips that professionals use for a no-maintenance landscape makeover.



Landscaping with hardscapes



Landscape professionals use retaining wall systems for a variety of landscaping solutions. Segmental retaining walls are commonly used to transition elevations, shore up slopes along foundations and define spaces such as creating planters, tree rings and other features.



"Hardscape products like retaining walls and pavers are important tools for both landscapers and do-it-yourselfers in creating low-maintenance landscapes," says Scott Arnold, manager of Villa Landscapes in St. Paul, Minnesota. "With just the standard VERSA-LOK retaining wall unit, you can easily create seat walls, curved couches, columns and other features."



Retaining wall systems combined with concrete pavers can be used to create beautiful raised patios, replacing high-maintenance wooden decks, says Arnold. In addition to being as cost effective as a wooden deck, a raised patio offers several advantages.



"A deck railing can be replaced with wrought iron fencing or a low seat wall so the view is unobstructed," Arnold says. "Raised patios also look great with a contrasting paver course or rock barrier for potted plants, and steps to the ground can be created with retaining wall units."



Retaining wall units and interlocking concrete pavers come in a variety of colors, shapes and textures to complement any landscape design and are often used to create design continuity in outdoor spaces. Tree rings can be coordinated or color-contrasted with raised patios, retaining walls and other hardscapes.



Permeable pavers are an environmentally sound and low-maintenance solution where impervious surface limits, storm water management, water quality and water conservation are issues.



"Permeable pavers are a best practice for storm water management and quality issues because they prevent runoff and let rain water infiltrate in place naturally," says Burt Plett, product manager of Willow Creek Paving Stones. "Permeable pavers reduce the need for irrigation in drought-prone areas, unlike poured concrete or asphalt." It's best to consult a landscape professional who is experienced in installing permeable paving systems so that they work properly and consistently, Plett says.



Low-maintenance landscaping practices



Landscaping practices can make it easier to control weeds and manage lawn care as well. The use of rock mulch and natural rock in gardens and beds, as walkways and as stepping stones offers an attractive solution to weed control and also lessens the need for irrigation. At least three inches of rock mulch or four inches of natural mulch will prevent weeds. A landscape fabric under stepping stones and rock mulch offers even more insurance against weeds.



A simple way to cut down on trimming is to add a course of pavers along the bottom of a retaining wall, tree ring or planter so the mower can get close to the wall, says Arnold.



Maintenance-free outdoor accessories



Selecting maintenance-free outdoor furniture and accessories is an easy way to make over a space. Outdoor furniture made of recycled HDPE like Comfort Craft requires no storage or maintenance other than cleanup with soap and water. Unlike wood, Comfort Craft furniture won't chip, splint, crack or rot and never needs painting.



Hardscape kits - containing everything needed to create a fireplace, firepit, water feature or grill island - are some of the most popular low-maintenance landscaping products, Arnold says.



"Using easy-to-install kits like those from Willow Creek Paving Stones, homeowners and contractors alike can create beautiful features such as grill islands, bar islands, fire pits and fireplaces that are long-lasting and low-maintenance," Arnold says.

Buying a fixer-upper? How to make the most of your remodel

With current home prices and interest rates, it's a great time to be in the market for a fixer-upper. By buying a house that needs some work, you can achieve your dream home for less than you would probably pay for a move-in-ready abode.



To ensure you're making the most of your investment, however, it pays to take a look at your credit before you buy and begin your remodel. You'll not only need credit to cover the purchase price of the house, but you'll need it for renovation expenses as well.



The first step you should take in your bid to buy a fixer-upper is to check your credit report and score. Websites like www.creditreport.com can help you understand your credit. Understanding your credit will help you know whether or not you can afford to buy a house that needs work and if you'll be able to pay for the needed renovations.



You should also carefully research what your options are for financing your remodel. Learn what your options are, from traditional fixed mortgages to home equity lines of credit, and decide before you buy which type of financing will be best for you. Getting a handle on your financing before you buy can help ensure you stay on budget when you're in the middle of renovations.



When you've got a clear picture of your credit status and financing options, you can start looking at fixer-uppers. When you find a good prospect, have your remodeling contractor walk through the house with you so he can give you a rough estimate of what needs to be done and how much the work will cost.



If you're buying a house that's in basically good condition but just looks dated, you'll have to make some decisions about where to invest your money. Focus on improvements that will not only look good, but will also enhance the value of your home. Resources like Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value report can give you a good idea of how much of your original investment you'll recoup on different remodeling projects at the time of resale.



Once you've signed all the paperwork and the house is yours, it's time to get to work. If you're handy, you may be able to save money by doing some of the renovation work yourself. Projects like painting, adding crown molding and even putting down new flooring are well within the skills of most do-it-yourselfers. More complex projects like drywall, plumbing or electrical work may be best left to professionals.



Whether you do the work yourself, or hire contractors, you'll need to carefully manage all aspects of the renovation to ensure your remodel stays on budget. The excitement of remodeling a house into your dream home can make it easy to get carried away on spending. Keep in mind that remodeling estimates are just that - an estimate. The final tab is rarely exactly what your contractor predicted it would be. Build in at least 10 percent extra to cover emergency overruns, and avoid making any unnecessary changes to the plans while the project is underway.

Can your morning cup of joe make the world a better place?

A growing number of Americans are embracing Fair Trade, which provides farmers a fair price for their crops, resulting in a better quality of life in their communities. Fair Trade benefits more than 1.2 million families in 70 developing countries throughout Asia, Africa and Latin America, according to Fair Trade USA - a leading Fair Trade certification organization. The majority of Americans (74 percent) believe it's important to purchase products that are priced to compensate producers fairly, yet only one-in-five Americans (18 percent) are purchasing Fair Trade regularly, according to new research from Fair Trade USA.



Fair Trade results in quality products, because when farmers are paid more, they can invest back into the quality of the products they produce. "More and more people are shopping at their local farmers' markets, because they want quality products, and want to know where these products come from and that they are grown or produced in socially and environmentally responsible ways. Fair Trade is like a global farmers' market - it extends those same values to products that aren't grown locally," says Lindsey Bolger, vice president, Coffee Sourcing & Excellence for Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. (GMCR). GMCR purchased more than 54 million pounds of Fair Trade Certified (TM) coffee, making the company the largest purchaser of Fair Trade Certified coffee in the world.



In addition, through the community development funds that are generated by Fair Trade purchases, farmers and their families can help address other community needs, such as improving roads, building health care facilities and ensuring access to education for their children. "Purchasing Fair Trade products is a simple choice that can make a big difference in coffee communities around the world," says Bolger. GMCR's Fair Trade Certified coffee purchases contributed to more than $10 million in Fair Trade community development funds.



Fair Trade Certified products include tea-and herbs,-cocoa,-rice,-vanilla,-sugar,-flowers, fruit, wine-and-apparel. Coffee-is the most popular-Fair Trade-product in the U.S. and is a good model for how Fair Trade can benefit both farmers and consumers. Many coffee farmers are small landowners in remote locations and lack access to credit, so they are vulnerable to middlemen who offer cash for their coffee at a fraction of its value. Fair Trade means these farmers receive a fair price for their beans, which they can invest back into the quality of the coffee and the health of their communities.-



Finding Fair Trade Certified products is easier than most shoppers think. Many popular coffees are available as Fair Trade Certified blends and Green Mountain Coffee (R) offers one of the largest selections of Fair Trade Certified coffees in the U.S. This includes one of the brand's newest coffees, Three Continent Blend, which combines the flavors and aromas of three continents (South America, Africa and Asia) in one harmonious Extra Bold blend. -



To learn more about Fair Trade, visit GreenMountainCoffee.com.

Moving? Make sure your possessions are protected

With so many on the move to new homes, new cities and new opportunities, it's important to protect household items while in transit or in storage before arrival at the new location, according to Charles Valinotti, head of product and underwriting with insurer QBE.

Your homeowner's insurance policy will protect your personal possessions, whether they're located in your home or in a moving truck. However, Valinotti cautions that there may be a time limit attached to the coverage, such as a 30-day period, and your policy may only cover up to certain dollar limits on property being moved or stored.

"Ask your agent to explain the level of coverage, what exactly is covered and confirm that your items are insured if you have to store them," he says.

Other points to keep in mind as you hit the road:

* If you're using a professional moving company or shipper, verify that they're insured and bonded to cover damage they may be responsible for. Valinotti says to keep in mind most movers limit their responsibility to basic damage amounts. "You may want to check into buying additional insurance to make sure you're adequately covered during your move."

* If you're packing and moving yourself with a rented truck, take a look at your auto insurance policy. Many policies will cover rental trucks, but only up to a certain weight. "Don't assume your policy covers you when you're behind the wheel of a 26-foot, 13,000-pound moving truck," he says.

* In a self-move, careful packing is critical, as well as keeping your property locked up and secured along the way.

* Note the condition of your items being relocated. Then if you have a claim, the condition of your possessions will be documented.

* Know the value of high-dollar items that will be making the move. "Make a complete list of everything," Valinotti suggests. "Take photos and, if necessary, get appraisals of these items before the move."

Valinotti says before a move is a good time to review your overall insurance coverage to make sure you're adequately covered and whether you need to increase your limits. "A good look at insurance coverage every couple of years is something everyone should do," he says. "And you don't have to wait until you're ready to pack up and relocate."

MAY 2016 MARKET UPDATE

May 2016

Included in this blog post is a link to my Real Estate Update Newsletter. Please click on the link below to get the latest Real Estate Update for May! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call or email my office. 

614-882-6725

delena@delena.com

http://realtytimes.com/210/DeLenaCiamacco

Six tips to liven up your laundry room

(BPT) - With the average American family doing more than 400 loads of laundry each year, it's no wonder that the laundry room has become one of the most popular remodeling projects in the house. Often out of sight and out of mind, most laundry rooms are designed like closets rather than efficient utility rooms. But according to Decorator Jenny Komenda, who blogs at The Little Green Notebook, with just a few inexpensive changes, you can brighten your clothes and your mood by transforming your dark and dingy laundry room into a bright, functional (and even enjoyable) place.



Check out these tips from Jenny, The Home Depot, Tide and Maytag for the Brilliant HE Clean campaign on how to create more efficient and enjoyable laundry rooms:

1. Dealing with a dark, cave-like laundry room is a chore in and of itself. By taking off the doors on a few of your upper cabinets, you'll open up the space and create a place to store baskets. Assign baskets for every member of the house, which makes sorting a breeze.
2. Why not decoupage or paint the insides of your cabinets for a fun pop of color? It's a guaranteed smile each and every time you reach for your detergent. Also don't ignore the door. Adhere some cork panels on the inside of the cabinet doors and create a space to pin all those stain removal tips.
3. Don't like the cabinets, floors and countertops in your laundry room? Every surface can be painted or resurfaced. Update your laundry room with paint and a concrete overlay for less than $30 in materials. Say goodbye to the outdated linoleum, brick pavers and old, dark cabinets.
4. A rolling laundry butler can be your best friend, doing triple duty with a hanging bar, a rolling basket and a drying rack. It's the perfect choice for smaller laundry rooms that haven't been updated in a few decades.
5. Don't neglect your laundry room walls. Hanging interesting art and mirrors will elevate your room and make it feel less utilitarian and a little homier. Suddenly those 400 loads of laundry most of us will do this year might actually be enjoyable.
6. A folding station makes all the difference. Use a slab of stone or a simple piece of painted medium-density fiberboard (MDF) on top of washer/dryer units to create a folding station that also prevent socks from slipping in between the appliances.

Outdoor kitchen ideas

Outdoor kitchens are meant to be fun. After all, you are outdoors enjoying the great weather and some great food too. However, in order for your outdoor kitchen to be successful you need to be smart about the plans that you make while designing it. With this being said, here are some things that you should keep in mind.



Strategic Placement



Your outdoor kitchen should be strategically placed in relation to the other elements that you already have in your backyard. This is important because you will want to have a natural traffic flow.



Easy Access



Another word about strategic placement... Make sure that you have easy access between both the indoor and the outdoor kitchen. Of course, you also don't want to place the cook in an isolated area. If you are worried about smoke, look into a grill that has an exhaust fan on it. This will allow you to have lots of grill-side seating.



Incorporating A Refrigerator



The trend has been to recreate the feel of a traditional indoor kitchen outdoors. If this is your intention, then you will want to make sure that you have an outdoor fridge. You will also want to make sure that you have one if you plan on having a mini bar. It is a good idea to have your sink and food prep area between your fridge and grill.



Incorporating A Bar



If you are going to have an outdoor bar, you should give it a touch of authenticity by incorporating beer dispensers, wine chillers, martini bars and an icemaker. You will also want to build an island for your guests to sit at and don't forget the little added touches like a bottle opener or a towel holder.



Your Grill



Almost every outdoor kitchen includes a grill. There are the traditional charcoal and gas grills available but there are also hybrid grills as well. While they are more expensive, they are more versatile too. Electric grills are also available for your consideration. You may balk at this idea until you consider just how many more things this will allow you to be able to cook outdoors.



The Price Tag



Nothing in life is free and this is also true for your outdoor kitchen. There are some budget friendly options available such as portable refrigerators, pre-fabricated kitchen islands and using concrete or brick instead of stainless steel or tile. You will need to take some time to do some research online. Once you do, you will be able to see that you can actually design an outdoor kitchen that will fit any budget.



A Final Word On Designing An Outdoor Kitchen



People want versatility so that they can cook everything from American to Indian and even Asian cuisine. This is easy to do today since both gas and electric grills mimic indoor cooking so that you are no longer "stuck" just cooking steaks. Now you can have an outdoor lobster bake or you could even install a wood oven to make pizza in.



by: Joe Cline

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_6573.shtml

Expert strategies for defining flow and function in your yard

Here are a few ideas experts use that will instantly improve the function and flow of your yard, helping create a space that is not only beautiful, but value-enhancing, too.



Recreation - No matter what size your yard, it's important to incorporate some type of open space. It's visually appealing and offsets other landscape features, plus it's a must for pets and family. Designate at least one segment of your yard for open space, and plant grass or another plant that's friendly to foot traffic.



Property line - Define your property with attractive trees, shrubbery and fencing. Keep in mind today's homeowners aren't stuck with bland chain-link fencing. Try mixing sizes of beautiful vinyl fence in different areas. Amarroso vinyl fencing adds beauty, value and safety. Consider installing a 6-foot vinyl fence in the back of your yard to increase privacy. In the front, a beautiful white picket fence adds a decorative accent with all-American appeal.



Relaxation - A deck or patio serves as an area of relaxation typically located close to the home for easy access. Define the space with multifunctional furniture, decorative accents and outdoor dining necessities. Thoughtful placement of furniture helps create boundaries that enclose the outdoor room and encourage socializing and relaxation. Just be sure not to block doors or stairways.



Amenities - Value-enhancing amenities should be highlighted in your yard. Do you have a pool? An intimate spa? How about a meditation garden? Add definition to these amenities while also protecting privacy with attractive professional-grade fencing. Amarroso's Pro Series line of fencing has no external hardware, making installation easy while yielding sturdy results.



Functional - Each year, interest in gardening at home grows. The good news is that even a basic vegetable garden can be an attractive yard enhancement. Gardens typically need a sunny location, but make sure the placement doesn't disrupt the flow of the yard. The last thing you want is the kids mistakenly tromping your prize tomato plants. Define the space and protect plants by adding modified vinyl fencing around the perimeter.



Concealment - No matter how organized your yard is, there are bound to be items you'd rather not see. Yard waste, garbage cans and compost piles can detract from the beauty of your outdoor space. There's a simple solution: Amarroso fencing can conceal these things so they don't disrupt the organic beauty of a yard. You can even partition AC units and storage sheds while keeping them easily accessible by incorporating Amarroso's gate kits.



Designers and builders know that flow and function are as important outside as they are inside. Homeowners who want to take a fresh look at their existing outdoor space can apply these concepts to help define different areas to improve the appearance and functional potential of their yard for all-year enjoyment.

​Green gardening tools and techniques that really work

One answer may be the common misconception that eco-friendly products and practices don't work as well as less environmentally conscious ones - such as chemicals that repel common garden pests, but can also cause groundwater contamination.



"Advances in environmentally responsible products have made it possible for homeowners to effectively care for their gardens and landscaping, while protecting the environment at the same time," says Elizabeth Summa, president of Repellex, which makes eco-friendly lawn and garden products.



Some greener gardening tools are time-honored, like rotary lawn mowers. Others are leading-edge, such as pest-control products that are eco-friendly. Here are a handful of environmentally safe, effective ways to keep your landscape and garden green this spring and summer:



Responsible repellent - Deer, rabbits, squirrels and gophers - animals munch on landscaping and garden plants because they're hungry and the vegetation tastes good to them. Eco-friendly repellents, like those made by Repellex, use taste aversion and natural ingredients like pepper, dried bloodmeal and egg to make non-edible plants less appealing to foragers. Repellex Systemic Tablets deliver a dose of pepper to the roots of plants - just place in soil, water and walk away. The flavor gets absorbed through the roots into non-edible plants, making them taste unappealing to garden pests. For edible plants, Repellex Fruit & Vegetable uses a combination of putrescent eggs and plant extracts to keep animals and insects away from fruits and vegetables all season long. Log on to www.repellex.com to learn more.



Friendlier mowing - Long before combustion engines made it possible to mow your lawn quickly and easily, people relied on rotary mowers - also known as reel mowers. Environmentally responsible gardeners have rediscovered these people-powered mowing machines. Reel mowers have many positive attributes: they are pollution-free, quiet and very economical to operate. Modern reel mowers are lighter, smaller and with fewer working parts that require maintenance and repair. They're also a great way to exercise; walking behind a rotary mower burns more calories than pushing a self-propelled mower.



Organic fertilizing - Chemical fertilizers are a well-known source of groundwater contamination, yet some form of additional nutrients is almost always necessary for successful gardens and lawns. The EPA says composting can eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers and results in higher crop yields. You can compost food waste from your own kitchen, as well as grass clippings and other yard waste. Composting your own organic waste at home not only reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, it can provide you with an effective, eco-friendly and essentially free way to fertilize gardens and flower beds. For lawns, you can find a variety of organic fertilizers - based on natural ingredients rather than chemicals - at most hardware, big box stores and garden centers.



Kinder weed control - Weed killers are also well-known contaminants, and can be hazardous when used around small children or household pets. Before you bring out the spray bottle, consider weed-elimination alternatives that are kinder to the environment. Some very effective options include using a mixture of vinegar and water, boiling water and even pulling weeds by hand. Removing weeds by hand also adds a health benefit for you - you'll burn more calories pulling weeds than simply spraying them.



Bug-free without bugging the environment - Chemical insecticides can be harsh on the environment - not to mention skin if you use a chemical repellent to ward off mosquitoes and other biting bugs. Instead of chemical insecticides, consider natural alternatives. Repellex's Mosquito & Tick product keeps mosquitoes, ticks and other insects off you by keeping them out of your lawn and garden. The all-natural repellent sprays on your lawn, garden, patio, deck and home exterior to ward off these disease-carrying insects.



Choosing to go green with your lawn and garden care doesn't mean you have to give up effectiveness. With the right tools, it's possible to accomplish your lawn and gardening goals while protecting the environment at the same time.

Recognize the signs of trouble at school

For parents, recognizing that their child might be struggling in school is not always easy. According to the education experts at Oxford Learning, there are five main signs to watch for:



5. Children making comments such as: "the teacher picks on me", "do I have to go to school today?", or "this assignment is pointless";



4. Daily homework not being completed;



3. Assignments and projects missed completely or submitted late;



2. Poor test scores and poor grades on projects and assignments;



1. Disinterest in school and school-related activities.



Oxford Learning founder and CEO, Dr. Nick Whitehead, says that not all of these signs of school trouble have to happen at the same time, but when one or more happens frequently, things may be getting off track.



"The sooner that parents recognize the symptoms of school trouble and seek help for their children, the easier getting back on track and ending school troubles becomes."

Start enjoying your deck after one day's work

Most deck owners know that one of the keys to keeping their decks looking good is staining it every few years. However, while deck staining is a process that most homeowners are capable of doing themselves, finding the time to do it can be difficult. With the right approach and the right products, you can get everything done in just one day and spend the rest of the year enjoying your newly stained deck.

By perfecting your process, you can take staining from something that you dread to a simple one-day process. Here's a step-by-step guide to getting your deck looking good in a day:

* First, choose the look you want to project on your deck. Do you want a clear, semi-transparent or solid finish? Do some research to see which type of wood stain would look best on your deck. Clear finish generally looks better on newer wood, while a solid finish might be used on older decks to hide imperfections. If you are looking for the solution that will allow you to accomplish your project in one day, you'll need to choose a product like Flood OneCoat Waterproofing Finish, which can be applied within a few hours of cleaning the surface.

* Always know your deck's square footage before heading to the store to buy stain. Don't estimate, because nothing is more frustrating than having to stop your project because you ran out of stain - Flood.com offers a handy calculator so you can get an idea of how much you might need. Make sure you also have all the necessary supplies before leaving the store.

* Before the day you stain, examine your deck to see if there are any necessary repairs that should be done. If your deck is squeaky, it's likely due to loose nails. Replace loose or missing nails with deck screws, as hammering a nail into the same spot won't fix the problem.

* Once you have all the supplies, check the weather report and pick a day that's good for staining. Required temperatures will vary but it should set for at least 48 hours without a threat of rain.

* Remove everything from your deck and use a wood cleaner to clean and prepare your surface. Decks that are in good condition can simply be cleaned before staining. But if your deck is peeling, has mildew growth or experiencing other surface irregularities, it's best to strip it before staining.

* If you're using Flood OneCoat Waterproofing Finish, you can begin staining a few hours after you prepped the surface. Quick tip: If you're using multiple cans of stain, mix them together for color consistency and continue to stir throughout the process.

* Work the entire length of each board and make sure you are applying evenly throughout. If you are working on a vertical surface, start at the bottom and work up to avoid streaking.

* Take your time to do a thorough job, but make sure you use only as much stain as the directions call for. Especially when working with oil products, using too much can ruin the look of your deck.

It's important to note that for larger decks, or decks that pose unique challenges such as numerous hard-to-reach areas, the process could take longer than a day. But by following these steps, you'll ensure that your deck will be looking great in less time and with less hassle.

Once you've finished staining, dispose of any extra stain or cleaner as directed by the instructions on the can and let the deck dry for the prescribed amount of time before walking or placing items on it. In no time, you'll be enjoying your deck for the seasons to come.



For more deck staining tips, helpful tools and videos and help finding a home improvement retailer near you, visit www.flood.com.