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5 Home Improvements on Your Dog’s Wishlist

August 26, 2015 By

In honor of National Dog Day, we’ve asked the cutest (or at least the furriest) members of your family what they really want in their home. Your dog may really dig these paws-itively great updates.

Invest in a fetch robot: Is fetch getting a little too repetitive for you? It never gets old to a dog! Save up for a robot that can keep up with your pup’s non-stop energy and love for the game.

Deck out the outdoor dog house: A stylish dog house would not only look great in your yard, but it can also provide much-needed shade for a tuckered out pup.

Upgrade your reward system: Did someone say “treat”? With an automatic treat dispenser, you won’t even have to say the word. Instead, dogs will get a rewarding snack whenever they want one!

Install a crate surround sound system: Dogs shouldn’t miss out on movie night just because they’re in their crates. Set them up with perfectly crafted doggie speakers, so they can really experience the show.

Add a video conferencing unit: You know how excited your dog gets when you get home from a long day at work? It may be because they miss you. Let them call and chat you all day long. Who knows, Fido may share some good advice at your next team meeting. He’s always working like a dog.

Unlimited closet access: Your closet is a wonderland for dogs filled with tasty shoes and handbags. What your dog really wants is permission to chew! Open up your doors and let your dog have free reign, because your dog’s “I’m sorry” eyes are cuter than any new trend.

So throw your dog a bone and indulge in one, or all, of these home improvements. Your pet may just sit, speak, and jump for joy!

For entertainment purposes only. It’s ruff, but some of these things may not exist.

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6 Home Improvement Projects to Tackle While Your Kids Are At Camp

August 13, 2015 By

While your kids are playing tag, making friendship bracelets, and enjoying s’mores, you can get projects done around your home. These home improvement projects may increase the value of your home. Not looking to sell right now? These projects may make your home more enjoyable in the meantime!

Design a Kitchen Backsplash: Protect your walls from kitchen messes in a stylish way. Backsplashes can be made with all kinds of materials, such as glass, stone, tile, or metal with the versatility to fit any type of design preference. Whether you want something muted or vibrant, plain or intricate, you may be able to create a look you love.

Plant a Garden Path: Embrace your green thumb, and enhance your time spent outside in the sun. Clear a space through a garden or grassy area and lay down stones or tiles to create an easy way to maneuver through your yard. There are countless creative ideas for setting up a charming and unique garden path.

Replace Showerheads: There’s nothing better than cooling off after a hot summer day. Enjoy a refreshing shower with new showerheads. You may want to choose a showerhead with features such as water conservation, stronger water pressure, or even speakers!

Restore Your Deck: Protect your deck so you may be able to use it for many summers to come. Consult with a paint specialist to pick the right finish — make sure to get something waterproof and UV resistant. Clean the entire deck beforehand, and apply the finish with a paint roller or brush.

Paint a Room: Pick up a paintbrush, and change a room’s aesthetic. Read up on color psychology to choose a color that may suit your intended mood. For example, you may want to paint a bedroom or bathroom blue because the color has been associated with feeling calm and tranquil.

Create a Family Organization Station: Getting out the door may be a little bit easier when the entire family is organized. Create a station with a calendar of family activities, a spot for keys, hooks for backpacks, and any important papers like school permission slips or baseball game tickets. Once you do this maybe everyone can sleep in for, “Just five more minutes.”

Get started on these home improvement projects while you still have the house to yourself.

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5 Must-Read Tips for Swimming Pool Maintenance

July 27, 2015 By

There is something so relaxing and rejuvenating about sitting by the swimming pool, sipping lemonade, reading a good book, or cooling off by swimming laps. Having a pool at home may make you feel like you’re on vacation — but maintaining it may feel like work. Following these tips may take the guesswork out of maintaining your summer oasis without feeling like you’re about to fail a chemistry test. There are chemicals involved with maintaining a swimming pool, so you should always follow your recommended pool chemical safety rules. A general rule of thumb is that you clean your pool weekly.

Skim and scrub: Remove any leaves and debris that may be floating on the top of your pool. Scrub the sides and bottom of the pool. You may want to invest in a robot vacuum that will scrub for you. Scrubbing is important because it may decrease and/or prevent algae build-up.

Pay attention to your filter: Your filter helps to remove impurities like leaves and dirt from the water. According to the Fresh Home editorial team, you should clean out your filter basket at least once a week. They also recommend that you clean out the filter’s pipes once a month.

Test your chemical levels: Examine your pool’s chemical levels at least once a week. Test the following levels: cyanuric acid, free chlorine, acidity/alkalinity, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness. Learn more at The Center for Disease Control (CDC) website. Don’t worry, there won’t be a test after your chemistry lesson!

Shock your swimming pool: When you shock your pool you raise the chlorine level for a short time frame to kill bacteria. According to the team at Fresh Home, “It’s done by diluting three to five times the normal amount of chlorine or other chemical sanitizer with water, slowly pouring it into the pool’s return line, letting it filter throughout the pool, and then slowly refilling the pool with water over time.” Pool owners are advised to shock their pools at least once a week during the peak swimming season (AKA summertime.) But this number really depends on the number of people swimming in your pool and the weather. After a pool party or particularly long periods of rain or sunshine, you should think about giving your pool a shock.

Keep an eye on water levels: The water level of your pool will naturally fluctuate throughout the summer, but the last thing you want is an overflowing pool! Aim for a level that is halfway up the opening of your skimmer. If you notice your water level might be too low, use a garden hose to fill it up as much as necessary. And if it’s getting too high, rent a waterproof pump to get rid of any excess water. Level pool, level mind!

There you have it! Pool maintenance doesn’t have to be stressful — these tips from Fresh Home may put you on the right track to having some good, clean fun this summer!

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10 Fun Family Lawn Games for Summer

July 23, 2015 By

Why limit your family fun this summer to board games when you have a backyard to put to use? Save Scrabble and Monopoly for rainy nights — these games may help you and the family make the most of the summertime!

Lawn Scrabble: Don’t get us wrong; we still love Scrabble. Make it a little more interesting and play a life-size Scrabble game. Cut cardboard into large square pieces, and write the letters on with a marker. Run around the yard making your moves. (via Constantly Lovestruck)

Bean Bag Toss: A classic game that will keep the whole family entertained. Simply toss bean bags through the board. Decorate your boards together as a fun family DIY project.

Jenga: Another board game come to life. Use plywood and make Jenga pieces. See who can keep the tower from toppling!

Ring Toss: Make a DIY ring toss set. Spend time testing your hand eye coordination! Warning: this game can be strangely addictive!

Mini Golf: Buy a mini golf set so you can practice your putt! Maybe take your skills to an actual mini golf course with the family after. Here’s hoping for a hole in one.

Outdoor Bowling: Set up an outdoor bowling lane and see who can get a strike!

Tag: You don’t need any accessories for a game of tag. You’ll get exercise while running around, and your kids may actually be looking forward to nap time!

Kickball: Kickball may bring back PE class flashbacks, but it’s a game the entire family will enjoy. Kick the kickball and run as fast as you can!

Water Balloon Fight: Water balloons make everything more exciting. Beat the heat with a water balloon fight!

Basketball: Can’t go wrong with the classics. If you don’t have a hoop, attach a basketball net on your garage door. Your family can play countless games of horse or just shoot hoops. Or make it a bit more interesting: Split up into teams, and have the loser prepare dinner!

We want to know your favorite family lawn games! Let us know on our Facebook page or mention us on Twitter. Enjoy summer fun as a family!

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5 Swoon-worthy Hammock Hangouts

July 20, 2015 By

Spend the summer swinging and snoozing in these swoon-worthy hammocks. Hammocks aren’t just for the backyard. There are countless places to set up a hammock. We’ve rounded up some serene spots.ThinkstockPhotos-481486264

The Pool Hammock: Set up a hammock beside a pool. Seamlessly switch from snoozing to swimming.

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The Ocean Hammock: Let your concerns drift away in a beautiful ocean hammock. Lay out in the sun, cool off, and curl up with a good book.

The Indoor Hammock: Hammocks aren’t just for outside. Set up an indoor hammock so that you can read, relax, and snooze even when the weather is dreary.

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The Backyard Hammock: Set up a hammock between two trees in the backyard and swing under the stars. Add some snacks at arm’s reach, pillows, and blankets, and you may never want to go back inside!

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 The Beach Hammock: Read and recline on the beach without getting sandy. Bring light blue pillows, blankets, and towels to stay in line with the beach theme.

Set up your hammock, then visit our Pinterest page for more home decor inspiration!

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7 Easy Ways to Organize Your Home

June 30, 2015 By

If your home is looking cluttered, messy and in desperate need of organization, take a deep breath. There are plenty of ways to organize your home without spending a fortune. You can spend a few dollars here and there on storage products at your local home improvement store. The key is to get what you don’t need out and everything you do need in its place — somewhere that’s manageable and easy to reach. Here are some quick tips on getting your house in shape:

  1. Get rid of unnecessary items. Go through every room in your home — garage, basement, bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom, etc. — armed with boxes and trash bags. Separate the necessities from items you don’t need or use anymore. Donate usable items to people who can use them. Giveaway, recycle or put everything else in the trash!
  2. Start sorting. Once everything old and unused is out, get everything else in some semblance of order. Cluster items like books, clothes, shoes, linens, etc., grouping like with like.
  3. Containers are your friend. Find ways to put smaller items like shoes, books and linens in containers, when possible. By putting them in storage bins and boxes, you will always know where to find and put them. It’s also easier to store them in easy-to-manage containers, especially if you want to put shoes in bins underneath your bed or winter clothing on closet shelves when it’s summer.
  4. Group by family member or season. If you’re sharing rooms or common spaces, color code and label areas and bins so you’ll always know where clothes, toys, and other items go. In situations where you need to label by season, you can use colors like pink for spring, yellow for summer, and so on. This is especially useful for storage bins with season-specific clothing and shoes.
  5. Use racks and holders. Racks are especially useful for shoes, spices, tools, office materials and so forth. Make use of them in the entryway, bedroom, kitchen and bathroom to hold coats, hand towels, curling irons and the like.
  6. Don’t forget about small items. Assign your small items — office supplies, keys, phones, etc. — a specific storage space.
    • Keys: Hang on hooks near the front door or by the door to the garage.
    • Phones: Store in a linen pocket on a hook by the door. (Some have a hole near the bottom for the charger to go through.)
    • Office supplies: Organize in a drawer or keep a basket atop a desk or table to fit pens, stapler, and other assorted items.
  7. Always label! This cannot be stressed enough. Labeling prevents clutter, and it should be enforced in areas like the kitchen and bathroom. Knowing where certain items go at all times puts in place a regulatory practice and cuts down on the misplacement of everything from medicine to spices and pots and pans.

 

This can all seem overwhelming, especially if you live in a large home and have accumulated a lot of stuff over the years. If you prefer, you can hire a professional organizer to come in and help you with the process. The main goal is to get the clutter out and turn your home into an organized, clean oasis for the whole family.

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Tips for Growing Fruits and Vegetables at Home

June 11, 2015 By

There may be many benefits to growing your own garden, including better quality of produce, saving money, and having a healthy hobby. If you’re just getting started, use the guide below.

Here are our tips for growing fruits and vegetables at home!

● Gather your tools: Before you get down in the dirt, gather your gear. If you aren’t properly equipped already, head to your local home improvement or gardening supply stores to stock up on the essentials. To get started, you will need: a trowel (weeding, digging small holes), gardening gloves, a watering can and/or hose, a wheelbarrow, a shovel (digging large holes), a rake, shears (pruning), and sun protection.

● Decide how your garden will grow: Once you’ve planned the spot for your garden, you’ll need to decide which type you will grow. The traditional route is an in-ground garden, which uses natural soil and should ideally receive at least six hours of natural, direct light. If you have poor soil, you can choose a container garden instead by using store-bought potting soil (just make sure the container you use has proper drainage and enough space for deep-rooted plants). If you’re looking for something between the two, consider a raised-bed garden or the square-foot gardening method to get better control over the soil.

● Prepare your soil: Set your garden up for success by using high-quality soil. It should be well-aerated, free of stones and sand, and rich in compost for plenty of nutrients. Test the pH as well to make sure that your soil is only slightly acidic (unless you’re growing something like blueberries which prefer acidic soil).

● Pick your plants: Deciding what fruits and vegetables to grow is entirely up to you (and your growing conditions, of course). Plants like tomatoes, squash, beans, eggplant, corn, and peppers all love lots of sunlight, while leafy vegetables, potatoes, carrots, and turnips can do with less (which means they can be planted in early spring or late summer). If you’re a beginner, consider starting with seedlings from your local nursery.

● Tend to your garden: After the seeds are in the soil, keep a close eye on them. You may want to add more compost to help control weeds or cool roots during the summer. Depending on the weather, you may need to supplement the rain with additional water. Be careful not to water too much, though (watch out for leaves and stems that start to lighten in color or turn yellow).

Impress your friends and family with great, fresh meals all season long.

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Tips for Moving Home After Graduation

June 9, 2015 By

Hello, darkness, my old friend…

Alright, it’s not that bad. You’re moving back home. Maybe you need some time to get on your feet or figure out your next step. Whatever the reason, you’re headed to your parents’ house and likely dreading it. But it doesn’t have to be as miserable as you might think. Use the tips below to survive moving home after graduation.

Set a reasonable timetable: If you know that you only need a place to stay before starting grad school or some other program in the fall, then be upfront about that time frame. If things are a bit more open-ended, be honest about that too. Don’t try to sugarcoat it or set unrealistic expectations. But do try to set a target move-out date to stay motivated. Then schedule regular check-ins with your parents to revisit the timetable.

Agree on some ground rules: This may require adhering to a curfew. Sure, your college roommates didn’t mind if you were out until four o’clock in the morning, but your parents surely will. They may also have some strong feelings about having guests over or leaving your room a mess. And you may have to give some guidelines about personal space or freedom. Sit down right away to have a frank discussion about expectations for this new living arrangement.

Pitch in around the house: Oh, the amenities! Suddenly, everywhere you look there’s home-cooked food and fancy appliances. Enjoy the cushy lifestyle, but make sure to contribute as well. Make dinner for the family once a week. Do the laundry (using washers and dryers that don’t require quarters, amazing!) and dishes. Throw in money for rent, groceries, and utilities. You’re not just their kid; now you’re their roommate.

Realize that your parents are actually cool: We hate to break it to you, but your social life may take a bit of a dive. On the bright side, that means more quality time with your parents. You’ll be able to hang out as friends, have heart-to-heart conversations, and learn more about them than ever before. You might even find out that they’re cooler than you remember. (Plus, let’s face it, letting you move back in with them was pretty cool.)

Reach for your dreams…from the comfort of your twin size bed.

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Micro Video: The Secret Weapon for Reaching Today’s Mobile Consumer

June 5, 2015 By

By Matt Gentile

According to Salesforce.com/blog,* 2015: The Year of the Video,

“78 percent of people watch videos online every day
and by 2018 video will take up 79 percent
of all consumer internet traffic.”

To ensure its affiliated brokers and real estate sales associates are well positioned with today’s online consumer, the CENTURY 21® brand is leveraging a strong micro-video strategy to increase social media engagement, reach consumers, and encourage a strong call to action. The brand recently released its #EmptyNester video series for Instagram, a spring cleaning video for Instagram, and a US Women’s Soccer National Team video for Vine.

The following are examples of CENTURY 21 micro-videos distributed via social media.

#EmptyNester Video Series:

This timely digital drumbeat campaign comes just in time for graduation season. The series takes a light-hearted approach to parents coping with their children “leaving the nest.” Each video closes with the tagline, “We’re Here For What’s Next,” because CENTURY 21 affiliated sales associates may be able to help the parents as they consider next steps in their homeownership journey such as downsizing or purchasing investment properties. The videos explain a serious decision in a cheerful, tongue-in-cheek way that has resonated with both industry professionals and consumers.

This timely digital drumbeat campaign comes just in time for graduation season. The series takes a light-hearted approach to parents coping with their children “leaving the nest.” Each video closes with the tagline, “We’re Here For What’s Next,” because CENTURY 21 affiliated sales associates may be able to help the parents as they consider next steps in their homeownership journey such as downsizing or purchasing investment properties. The videos explain a serious decision in a cheerful, tongue-in-cheek way that has resonated with both industry professionals and consumers.The videos were cut separately for uploading to Instagram, and YouTube to reach today’s mobile and social consumer; additionally, they were cross-promoted on Facebook because video has the highest engagement on the platform. The series demonstrates clearly that it is possible to make a great impression in just 15 seconds!

The videos were cut separately for uploading to Instagram, and YouTube to reach today’s mobile and social consumer; additionally, they were cross-promoted on Facebook because video has the highest engagement on the platform. The series demonstrates clearly that it is possible to make a great impression in just 15 seconds!

Spring Cleaning Video:

This timely micro-video capitalized on the popular spring-time topic of spring cleaning. The fun and humorous, yet also practical video shows people how to organize their junk drawer. Take a good look and see if you can spot the unicorn and rubber chicken. Although the video was created for Instagram, it was also posted on Facebook to increase viewership.

USA Women’s Team Video:

We are proud to be the Official Real Estate Company of U.S. Soccer. To demonstrate our pride a six (6) second Vine video was created to empower CENTURY 21 System members to engage in online conversations around the USA Women’s Team. Vine videos play on a loop, vastly increasing the number of views. Short form or “microburst” videos are sure to get people even more excited about the upcoming tournament.

“Using micro-video to create timely content that increases social media engagement, reaches mobile consumers, and includes a strong call to action has proved to be an effective digital marketing strategy,” said Matt Gentile, Director – Social Media, Century 21 Real Estate LLC. “Empowering our affiliated real estate associates with short, fun, shareable content through the C21® Social for Business platform has enhanced our brand value proposition.”

*https://www.salesforce.com/blog/2015/04/2015-year-of-video-marketing-gp.html

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Hardwood Floor Care

June 5, 2015 By

 

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Hardwood floors can maintain their strength and beauty for years, especially with a little help from you.  The below guide can help ensure your floors stay in prime condition for years to come.

ESSENTIAL CARE

Vacuum or sweep your floor regularly with a soft-bristled attachment or broom, especially in high-traffic areas. This prevents gritty dirt and particle build up that can scratch the wood’s surface. Don’t use vacuums with a beater bar or power rotary brush head.

Use protective window coverings to block fade-causing UV rays and excessive heat from direct sunlight. Most wood types will gradually age when not covered, so it’s a good idea to rearrange rugs and furniture periodically to help it age evenly.

TIPS FOR PREVENTING DAMAGE

  • Keep pets’ nails trimmed and their paws clean. Pets can track in substances that cause scratching and stains.
  • Use a humidifier during heating seasons to help reduce wood shrinkage and humidity between 35% and 55%.
  • Wipe up spills and spots immediately with Mohawk FloorCare Essentials Hardwood & Laminate Flooring Cleaner applied directly to a clean white cloth.
  • Use ice to harden tough substances like wax or chewing gum, and then gently scrape with a plastic scraper or a credit card. Be careful not to scratch the surface and wipe the area clean with a soft, slightly damp cloth.

EXTRA PROTECTION

Invest in high-quality floor mats and protective pads on heavy furniture for an extra layer of protection on your hardwood floors. Place floor mats at entrances and exits—they collect and trap corrosive substances that can be tracked in, like dirt, sand, oil, grit, asphalt, or even driveway sealer. Placing mats in high-traffic areas—in front of vanities, kitchen sinks, and stoves—is an effective way to reduce wear.

WHAT TO AVOID

  • Avoid walking on your hardwood floors with spiked or damage-heeled shoes.
  • Resist wet-mop, damp-mop, or cleaning your hardwood with water or other liquids.
  • Don’t use oil soaps, liquid or paste wax, or other household products containing lemon, citrus, or tung oil, or silicon to clean floors.
  • Stay away from harsh cleaning aids like steel wool pads, any scouring pads containing metal, or scouring powders.
  • Don’t use 2-in-1 cleaners that contain acrylics or urethane polish to restore gloss.

10% DISCOUNT FOR ALL SALES ASSOCIATES AND CLIENTS AFFILIATED WITH THE CENTURY 21 SYSTEM.

Go to MohawkFlooring.com/c21 for your coupon and participating retailers in your area.

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