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Six Must-Haves Every Homeowner Needs For A Safe Home

September 9, 2020 by cdiez Leave a Comment

When it comes to your home, you want to make sure you have everything on hand you need to create a safe environment for you and your family. But what exactly do you need to make your home safe? Here are six must-haves you need to ensure your home is safe for your family and yourself:

1. Smoke and carbon monoxide detector

A smoke and carbon monoxide detector is a must to keep you and your family safe. You can either buy each detector separately or purchase a model that detects both. Either way, you need to make sure that you have a detector monitoring the air in your home for both smoke and carbon monoxide at all time.

You should have at least one smoke and carbon monoxide detector on each level of your home (so, for example, one in the basement, one in the ground floor, one upstairs, and one in the attic). Test them regularly and replace the batteries at least twice a year to ensure they’re working properly.

2. Fire extinguisher

House fires are more common than you’d imagine. In 2015, there were over 365,000 house fires in the United States. And while you hope that a fire will never happen to you, you still need to have an extinguisher on hand just in case.

Keep your fire extinguisher in or easily accessible from the kitchen; most home fires start in the kitchen, so you want to have your extinguisher close should a fire occur. If you have a multi-level home, you should also keep a fire extinguisher in your bedroom should a fire break out while you’re asleep.

3. An exit plan

When all else fails and your home becomes unsafe, you want to make sure you and your family all know how to get out of the home quickly and safely.

Develop an exit plan that allows you and your family to safely exit the home from all areas of the house in case of an emergency; you should have an exit route from all levels of the home so that no matter where you are when an emergency occurs, your family knows where and how to get out.

Meet with your family at least once a year to review the exit plan and make sure everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.

4. First aid kit

Minor accidents are inevitable in your home; your children might fall and scrape their knee, you may burn yourself while making dinner. These things happen. But to keep minor injuries from escalating, you want to make sure to have a first-aid kit on hand.

First aid kits should include:

Bandages
Gauze
Antibiotic Ointment
Pain reliever
Alcohol Cleansing Pads
First Aid Tape
Ice Pack
Gloves
Finger Splint

Depending on your family’s needs, you might need additional items, like an Epi-Pen for allergic reactions. You can pick up a first-aid kit to suit your needs just about anywhere, including First Aid Store and Amazon.

5. Contact sheet

In case an emergency happens when you’re not home, you want to have a contact sheet full of important contacts and information so whoever is home with your family or children will know who to call and how to get in touch with them.

Include your own contact information, the contact information of friends and family that live close to your home, your family doctor, and all emergency numbers, like the police station and fire station. You’ll also want to leave insurance information in case it’s needed.

6. Disaster kit

In case of a major emergency, like an earthquake, that would cause you to hunker down in your home (or leave in a hurry), having a disaster kit on hand can be a lifesaver.

Your disaster kit should contain the following:

At least 3 days worth of water and non-perishable food items
Cash
Flashlight
Batteries
A battery-powered or hand-cranked radio
Copies of birth certificates, passports, insurance cards, and other important documents
Can opener
Disposable utensils
Pet food (if you have an animal)
A backup cell phone battery and/or a solar charger

In an ideal world, you won’t have to use any of these safety items. But these six must-haves are essential in keeping your family safe in case of an emergency.

Decorating Tips You Can Steal From This Blockbuster Store-Turned-Airbnb

August 26, 2020 by cdiez Leave a Comment

Most homeowners and real estate agents will agree that decor from the 1980s and ‘90s can make a room feel dated, and perhaps even unappealing. But one iconic brand from that era is leaning hard into the nostalgia aesthetic and generating plenty of interest.

The last standing Blockbuster video store, located in Bend, Oregon, is offering movie buffs the chance to visit the past and spend the night inside the film emporium in September. Listed on Airbnb as the ultimate “End of Summer Sleepover,” this store looks a lot cuter and cozier than you may remember. In fact, you might want to incorporate some of these details to recreate a nostalgic overnight in your own home and save yourself a road trip to the Pacific Northwest.

Take a walk down memory lane as you peek inside these eclectic accommodations. No membership card required!

Mix bold colors

Movie mavens would recognize that royal blue and gold sign anywhere. Who knew it worked so well with black-and-white area rugs? The takeaway: Don’t be afraid to mix and match bright shades and bold prints!

Get comfortable

Throw pillows, a beanbag chair, and ambient lighting, courtesy of those table lamps, make the space super-comfortable. Whether you’re ready to watch a rom-com, drama, or even a horror flick, you’ll feel right at home.

Get your old gear out

Turntables have made a big comeback, why not the VCR? Rather than hide your electronics, put them on display, and give your space a hip, vintage vibe.

Snack bar, anyone?

You don’t need a fancy retail rack, but a nice display of snacks on an end table will round out the room and the mood.

Make a statement with retro bedding

These sheets are a total throwback to the sleepovers of yesteryear. Relive the good old days by popping in a flick and falling asleep to the voices of Marty McFly and Doc Brown.

So, if you’d love a night at this Blockbuster Airbnb, but can’t book yourself a night, at least you can recreate this vibe and enjoy a throwback night right in your own home!

But…

If you had the chance, would you want to spend a night in this Blockbuster? If not, what store would make the ultimate overnight retreat?

School Bus Renovation Gets High Marks for Creativity & Design

August 21, 2020 by cdiez Leave a Comment

Once you’ve completed your schooling, you’d probably prefer not to set foot on a school bus again. After all, those yellow behemoths are hardly synonymous with luxury. And yet, one couple, Robbie and Priscilla, opted to skip the RV route and instead renovate a 1998 Thomas school bus. The results send them straight to the head of the class when it comes to working some real makeover magic.

Take a peek at the finished product, which proves you don’t have to be a rock star to have a tricked-out bus.

Looks like your standard school bus with a fresh coat of paint. Not so fast… Check out that fancy front door. Step inside (virtually) and prepare to fall in love with this tiny home on wheels.

So cozy!

The potted plants are a nice touch. Let’s hope they’re bolted down so they don’t spill when the rubber meets the road.

Check out this clever use of space. Who couldn’t benefit from a pull-out pantry?

Forget the PB&J in your lunchbox! You could cook up feast in this sophisticated kitchen, complete with farmhouse sink and subway tile.

The lofted bed makes room for the washer-dryer combo, which will save the owners a trip to the laundromat.

Nicer than you’d find in some homes, the floor and shower tile make the small but elegant bathroom appear larger.

The propane heater allows for year-round use. While cats aren’t traditionally fans of road trips, that kitty looks pretty comfy. Can you blame him?

Your August Newsletter is Here…

August 19, 2020 by cdiez Leave a Comment

As our communities work hard to flatten the curve, we also continue to face new challenges and learning curves of our own. This August looks very different from last year for many children and families throughout the country. Virtual back-to-school nights and remote learning from home have become the new norm. Not to mention, working parents are adjusting their schedules to oversee their children during the school day.

This month’s newsletter explores some of the challenges of at-home learning with the goal of offering some helpful resources, classroom design inspiration, lunch ideas and more. We also take a look at the local real estate market, which has earned very high marks throughout this pandemic. Read on for the full scoop!

Class is in session…at home! With many of our homes now doubling as classrooms, we’ve found a few ways to transform any room or small space into the perfect study spot. Check out these fun and creative ideas for some inspiration.

Create a Cozy Study Space: Limited on space? Build a “Study Nook” in your child’s room to create a comfortable, organized, and efficient place for them to learn from home. You can also utilize a space in the bonus room, art, music, game or playroom. Check out this adorable Parsons Mini Smart Desk from Pottery Barn. If your child is on the go, they also have a great mobile Lap Desk.

Designate a Special Area for Reading: It’s no surprise that children tend to get stir crazy when sitting in one place for long periods of time. So switch things up when it comes to reading time! Whether you have a playroom or a small space in your child’s bedroom, designate an area where your child can escape from the “classroom” and curl up with a good book. Use your imagination and gather a reading chair and comfy blankets, some fluffy pillows, a bean bag chair, reading tent…the possibilities are endless! You can also purchase a bookshelf to store their books and tie the space together.

Stay Organized: Organization is essential to staying on track for the school year…especially when merging the classroom and home. Take advantage of color-coded bins to store homework for each subject, add initials next to each child’s workspace, personalize cubbies, organize school supplies in an easily accessible rolling cart, and hang floating shelves and file holders to your room of choice.

Utilize Natural Light: Have you ever been stuck working in a poorly lit cubicle and had a hard time focusing? The same applies to your kiddos…Help them stay motivated by letting nature inspire them! Creating a study room near windows is not only easier on the eyes, but it will also help them focus on their studies better. You can also breathe some life into the room with beautiful succulents or indoor plants.

Choose Active Seating: Do your little ones have a hard time sitting still? Encourage them to stay active while they’re studying by swapping out traditional chairs with exercise balls. This is also a great option if you’re trying to fit everything into a small study room.

Be Mindful of Distractions: When choosing a study room or area, be mindful of distractions and noises like the television, phones, tablets and anything that might interest them more than their upcoming math test. Opt for background music or silence during study time.

Forget about that boring PB&J sandwich, stale cookie, and those uneaten apple slices…Lunches at home mean that we can be a little more creative and healthy, even when we’re on a time crunch. Check out these simple yet satisfying lunch recipes that will have your kids asking for seconds!

Quesadillas with a Twist: Pair this black bean and sweet potato quesadilla with avocado slices, pineapple chunks, and tortilla chips for a healthy (and easy to make) lunch.
Turkey Roll-Ups: If your kid is a fan of the classics, you can’t go wrong with these turkey roll-ups. Pack with pretzels, celery sticks dipped in peanut butter, and cinnamon-sprinkled apple slices for a well-balanced meal.
Pasta Salad: If your kids are adventurous, try this California pasta salad, which is loaded with veggies. Pair with some fruit slices for a hearty lunch.
Breakfast for Lunch: Is your kid a fan of brunch? Turn on the skillet and whip up these delicious buttermilk pancakes. Pair with some strawberry slices, a hard-boiled egg, and squeezable yogurt for a delicious meal.
Easy Pizza Pocket: Short on time? Make these easy pizza pockets with a can of refrigerated biscuits, lots of cheese, and pizza toppings of your choice. You can save even more time by buying a jar of pizza sauce. These pair perfectly with a side salad.
Cookie Bars: Ok so these may not be the healthiest option, but they’re certainly better for us than processed cookies. So put the Oreos down and make a fresh batch of cookie bars for the school week! You can’t go wrong with this chocolate chip recipe from Tollhouse.

Having the kids home from school is taking on new meaning these days. That’s why we’ve pulled together some informational links and resources to help you overcome the learning curve that comes with this big change.

In this article, the author reaches out to teachers for tips on designing environments at home that are as conducive to learning and discovery as the classrooms they have lovingly created.
This article published by Children and Screens shares 10 tips for successfully navigating the new realities of online learning.
A recent online article published by Time magazine shares the secrets to keeping your kids happy, busy, and learning during school closures.
Julie Mason, a former teacher, and now mother of three and head of content and curriculum at TeacherVision, shares a helpful guide and at-home learning resources for both parents and students.
This online article published by The Center for Discovery outlines some safe indoor and outdoor activities for families during Coronavirus.

According to a recent article from Redfin, more than 27% of homebuyers are searching out of town, with Phoenix, Sacramento and Las Vegas being the most popular destinations. The reasoning behind this? The pandemic is causing homebuyers to rethink what they want in a home, with more people relocating to places where they can afford more outdoor space and room for home offices, according to the article. Click here to read the full article.

How to Choose the Right Home for You and Your Dog

August 4, 2020 by cdiez Leave a Comment

After 28 moves, our last six have been with dogs. For the most part, they are pretty flexible as long as they are close to the family. Three airplane trips were a little rough because it was tougher to get to outdoor,dog, restroom facilities. Right now, the dogs are two feet away and happy as usual.

Jaymi Naciri gives some updated data on home purchasers that are looking for the right environment for their dogs.

Data over the last several years shows that millennials are largely driven in their real estate purchase not necessarily by proximity to work or readiness for marriage and kids, but, instead, by their desire to provide a nice environment for their dogs.

Sometimes, people are awesome.

If you’re one of those people that are looking to move in order to create a welcoming home environment for your dog, or a dog you plan to bring in, here are a few things to look for.

A workable floorplan

Do you have an older dog? Getting up and down the stairs might not be so easy. Perhaps a ranch-style home is a better bet at this stage of your life.

A safe yard

When you’re looking at houses, you’re going to want to pay close attention to the outdoor space. Is there enough room for your pooch to run? Is the yard fenced? Is the fence in decent shape?

Other doggie friends

While you may not be keen to meet up with other humans and their pets during this time of social distancing, this too shall pass…right? And, when it does, you may want to make sure you’re positioned in an area that’s dog friendly.

Barking dogs

Then again, the neighbors’ dogs might be nightmares. Having mega-barkers around you is never fun, but it can be especially painful if that barking also gets your dog(s) going.

A park nearby

Even if you don’t have acres for your dog to explore, having a park nearby can be a great substitute.

The wildlife situation

Are you looking at areas where there are coyotes or other predators? You not only have to think about the danger factor but also what life will be like if you can’t put in as doggie door and have to leave your dog alone while you’re gone for large stretches of time.

Is it a busy street?

Dogs get out. It happens. Being in a high-traffic area could increase the possibility that your dog will be injured or worse by a car. Said Homes.com: “You may always have your dog on a leash, but what about those times they escape out the front door when you’re distracted or when a child or visitor or serviceman leaves the door open? Will they rush into a quiet cul-de-sac or a busy street?”

Nooks and crannies

If you do buy a two-story home, that unused space under the stairs would make a great dog hangout area!

Community rules

If you have or are considering a breed like a pit bull or German shepherd, you’ll want to make sure there are no restrictions in the communities you’re considering. Some condo and townhome communities may also have size restrictions, and they’re also may be limitations on how many pets you can have.

“Even if you own a piece of property, it’s not guaranteed that your pets will be welcome there,” said the American Kennel Club (AKC). “Depending on the number and the breed, there can be restrictions within a Homeowners Association (HOA), condo development, or even the city or state, at large.

Click here for the full article

Dad Builds a Backyard Coffee Shop That’ll Make You Want To Build Your Own

July 30, 2020 by cdiez Leave a Comment

Backyard pubs have been popping up left and right, but not everyone is into drinking alcohol. Some people prefer their coffee…

One man’s love for coffee compelled him to build a coffee shop right in his own backyard. His proud daughter, Julianna, shared his amazing project on social media. The charming coffeehouse has been garnering rave reviews and it’s no wonder why. You can practically smell the coffee brewing through cyberspace. Makes you want to order up a latte and relax.

Take a look!

It’s hard to believe when you see it like this, but this project was completed in just three months—fueled by caffeine no doubt!

It probably helps that the guy who’s now the head barista of this coffee house is also a contractor. Something tells us Ed the Builder, as he refers to himself on Instagram, is about to be in high demand!

That window is going to allow for plenty of natural light and possibly even walk-up customers.

Welcome to La Vida Cafe. Love the built-in mini-fridge and the chalkboard announcing the daily specials.

Whether you want to watch the morning news, or grab a magazine off the rack and read, this coffee shop has it all.

Indoor and outdoor seating makes this an all-weather hang-out.

Imagine stopping in for a little after-dinner espresso or cappuccino at dusk under these lights? We’ll drink to that!

Plenty of dads are known to putter around the backyard tackling interesting projects, but few take it to this extreme.

Even if you’ve downloaded your favorite coffee spot’s app and choose curbside pickup, you still can’t beat the convenience of a coffee shop waiting just outside your door.