Combating Mosquitoes

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With all of the rain we have had this summer, the mosquitoes are BAD! Here are some tips to keep them at bay:

• Get rid of standing water by emptying out water in places like sandboxes, wagons, plastic toys, pet dishes, plant saucers, gutters, spaces underneath decks or porches, etc.
• Remove excess grass, leaves, firewood and lawn clippings. All of these can create places for water to accumulate which will act as a breeding ground for the bugs.
• Turn over big yard items such as sandboxes, toys, etc that can hold water. 
• If you have any tarps covering wood piles, grills, boats, etc be sure to shake them out after a storm to get rid of any water that they are holding.

Protect yourself against mosquito bites by wearing long pants/sleeves, shoes, and socks and using bug repellent when spending time outside.

Top 12 Family Vacation Spots

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A group of 2,000 participants from different regions in the U.S. were asked what their top family vacation destinations were. Out of over 400 places to choose from, these were the top 12, and one of them is right in our own backyard!

1. Magic Kingdom, Orlando, Florida
2. Universal's Islands of Adventure, Orlando, Florida
3. Orlando, Florida
4. The Strong, Rochester, New York
5. Mount Rushmore National Memorial, SD
6. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC and TN
7. Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Omaha, NE
8. Toledo Zoo, Toledo OH
9. Yellowstone National Park, WY, MT, ID
10. National Mall & Memorial Parks, Washington, DC
11. San Antonio, TX
12. Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, IL

What is your family's favorite vacation spot? Have you visited any of these places this summer?

Happy Friday!

Getting Value From Outdoor Upgrades

houselogic.com

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When adding features to your yard, it's important to not only install what you love, but to think about adding something that adds value as well. The Residential Landscape Architecture Trends Survey ranks outdoor features that are rising in popularity:

• Outdoor lighting: (98.3% of architects rated this as very popular) Lighting can be a low cost upgrade as well with both solar and LED lighting available.
• Terraces, patios, and decks: (97.7%) These features are desirable and can add value to your home because it's like adding another room to your house.
• Low maintenance landscaping: (95.4%) Well done landscaping can add up to 28% to the value of your home and really increases the curb appeal.
• Fire pits and fireplaces: (95.4%) Building your own fire pit can be a low cost and easy DIY project.
• Built-in seating: (89.6%) Adding seating to outdoor areas such as patios and decks adds functionality to the space and is almost like adding square footage.
• Fencing: (88.5%)
• Native plants: (84.5%)
• Drip-water efficient irrigation: (84.5%)
• Pergolas: (82.8%)
• Water features: (81.6%)

These are less popular outdoor features so make sure if you install these, you are really going to love them:

• Geo-thermal heated pools: (27.2%)
• Outdoor cooling systems: (37.2%)
• Movie/TV theaters: (42.3%)
• Shower/bath: (46.8%)
• Gazebos: (48.5%)
• Turf lawns: (54%)

Making Your New House Feel Like Home

Trulia

freerangestock.com

• Steam clean: Carpets can accumulate a lot of dirt and dust so steam cleaning any carpets in your new home will help to allow you to create a fresh start in the space.
• Personal touches: Make your new home a place familiar to you; put your favorite flowers in a vase on your kitchen table, put a wreath on your front door that you brought from your old house, create a gallery wall or entryway display using photos of family and friends, etc.
• Re-arrange: Rethink your furniture and other belongings by trying them in new rooms or spaces. Maybe that chair that has always been in your living room looks great in the reading nook in your new bedroom, or maybe that picture collage that always graced a wall in the family room looks awesome in your new entryway. 
• Create space: Making room to do the things you love will really help you to feel at home in your new house. Love to craft? Think about re-purposing that spare bedroom into a craft den. Do you love to cook? Try putting a countertop height table in the breakfast nook to use as a prep space for preparing meals.
• Host friends and family: You may feel like you need your new home totally put together before having people over, but welcoming your family and friends into your new home will allow you to start building memories and will make you feel at home in no time.
• Don't be a hermit: For many people, moving into a new home in an unfamiliar area may make them feel like staying inside to nest. Try going outside your comfort zone and getting out there to explore your new neighborhood and community. Doing so will make you feel more secure both inside your home and out.

Get Inspired With These Great DIY Apps

Chicago Tribune 

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• Photo Measure: This app is great if you need to know the dimensions of a space when you're not home. You can use this app to take pictures of all of the rooms in your home and then drag an arrow along the walls and insert the measurements. The app stores all of the photos along with the measurements which can then be shown to contractors or used when shopping for furniture. This app sells for $6.99 and is available through both Android and iOS. 
• Home styler: This app can be used to see what new furniture and wall colors would look like in your home. You can take pictures of rooms and then you can use 3-D models of the space to visualize what new furniture and color might look like. You can then share the photos either through Facebook or email to get second opinions on your choices! This app is free and is available for the iPhone.
• IKEA Catalog App: If you are interested in IKEA furniture, you can use this app to take photos of rooms and see what various pieces of IKEA furniture would look like in that space. Anything from the IKEA catalog can be placed into your home using this app. It is free and is available for iOS and Android. 
• mypantone: This app is so cool-use it to take a picture of anything from something you see outside on the street to an article of clothing and it will match the colors from them to a paint color. You can also share your pictures/colors to Facebook and Twitter and attach text notes and voice annotations to them. This app sells for $9.99 and is only available for the iPhone. 

Happy Friday!

10 Best Home Improvement Projects For Your Dollar

msn

       

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Curious about ways to add value to your home or are you getting ready to sell? When thinking about home improvements, it's crucial to think in terms of getting the most return from your investment. Here are ten projects you can do that will add to your home without taking  too much out of your pocket in the long run.

1. Replace your front door: Putting in a new steel front door goes a long way for the first impression your home makes. If you don't want to invest in a new door, simply spruce up your old one with a new paint job and brand new hardware.
2. Add a deck or a patio: Buyers are always looking for outdoor living space so adding that patio or deck will make your home that much more appealing.
3. Add new living space: If your budget allows, adding extra bedrooms, bathrooms, or expanding a living space is a great return on your investment. For example, you can get 84% back on your investment by putting in an attic bedroom.
4. Add a new garage door: Manufacturers offer a wide range of styles and colors for garage doors. Adding a new garage door will give your home an instant face lift.
5. Remodel the kitchen: Kitchens are the center of a house so buyers look carefully at them. If you are looking to sell soon, don't do a major remodel but instead do minor fixes to update the look and feel of your kitchen. When doing a minor remodel you can expect to get back 82% of your investment and when doing a major remodel you can see around 74% of your investment returned to you.
6. Replace your windows: Buyers care about how your windows look as well as whether or not they are energy efficient. If you do replace your windows and are selling your home, be sure to highlight your new windows as they are a highlight of your home.
7. Replace your siding: If the exterior of your home is worn and in need of updating/replacing, getting new vinyl or fiber-cement mix siding is a great idea. You can expect to receive 78% back on your investment for using vinyl siding or 87% back for fiber-cement siding!
8. Finish your basement: Nowadays many buyers are looking for space to entertain. A remodeled basement is a very attractive asset and you can potentially get back 78% of your investment when creating a basement to entertain.
9. Update your bathrooms: While a major bathroom remodel can cost upwards of $50,000 and only add about $32,000 worth of value to your home, you can make minor changes to the space and still achieve added value. Small changes such as replacing fixtures and faucets, painting the walls, re caulking the tub, or adding crown molding will go a long way.
10. Two-Story Addition: Adding an extension on to your family room or adding a new bedroom and bathroom upstairs will hugely increase the value of your home. No matter what project(s) you choose to do, here is a word of caution: be careful not to over-improve your home for the neighborhood.

All About Father's Day

newschannel5.com

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Did you know?
   Father's Day was originally created by Mrs. John B. Dodd (Sonora Smart) of Spokane, Washington in 1909. Her father was both a Civil War veteran and a widow with six children; he made his daughter so proud that she started petitions for a day to celebrate Fathers. Within a year, the city of Spokane agreed to honor Fathers on the third Sunday in June, right around the time of Mr. Smart's birthday. Other cities around the country also began to celebrate Fathers and in 1924, President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of a national Father's Day with it later becoming official in 1972 by President Nixon.

Celebration Ideas

• Head to a local State park for hiking or  biking
• Enjoy a day of fishing
• Go down memory lane-literally: This would be especially great for older kids who have moved out of the house. Take your Dad to the neighborhood you grew up in, old places he liked to take you, etc. This is sure to spark a lot of fun reminiscing that both you and your Dad would enjoy.
• Take your Dad to the store: This is for anyone who has procrastinated and does not have a gift ready in time for the special day. Offer to take your Dad to any store he wants and buy him an item of his choosing.
• Boy's night out: This is a great activity for Fathers and their sons. Get out and do something with the guys such as attend a sports event, dine at your Dad's favorite restaurant, enjoy a Poker night with your Dad and his friends (maybe even their sons too), etc.
• Daddy/Daughter date: Have a picnic, see a movie you both like, have Dad help you create his favorite treat in the kitchen, go out for a nice meal, etc.
• Activities for Dads and younger kids: finger painting, movie or cartoon marathon, have a play day, go on a scavenger hunt, play tag or hide and go seek, play board games, etc.
• Plan a stay-in Father's Day: Stay home for the day and serve your Dad all his favorite foods, give him back rubs, and let him have full control over the comfiest spot in the house and the TV remote.

Keeping Your Home Secure While On Vacation

Consumer Reports 

Freerangestock.com

• Stay away from social media: Wait until after you return from your trip to post any details from your vacation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.
• Use technology: Consider monitoring your home remotely by investing in a system that allows you to control your lights with an app such as Connected by TCP ($50). 
• Ask a friend: If you don't use the help of technology to keep an eye on your home, ask a friend. Have someone feed pets, bring in mail, take care of trash, adjust lighting and curtains, etc. If you will be away for a long time, arrange to have your lawn mowed while you are gone.
• Eliminate hiding places: Keep your bushes trimmed to no taller than 3 feet and ensure that the lowest branches of  trees are at least 6 feet off the ground. Don't allow plants and trees to create a cover for burglars. Motion sensor lighting is a good option for the outside of your home as well.

Go Hawks!!

Happy Friday

Open House!

OPEN HOUSE this Sunday, June 14th from 1-3 pm!!
8302 Frost Court in Woodridge

Cutting Down On Home Improvement Waste

The Herald-News Home life

 Freedigitalphotos.net 

• Save materials: Although many materials from a project need to be thrown out, many others can be saved. Set apart lumber, appliances, lighting fixtures, etc that can be used again. There are many organizations that collect such items and reuse them.
• Communicate with your contractor: Let your contractor know that you would like to recycle as many materials as possible. There are many options for wood such as reclaimed products, decks, even mulch for the landscaping. Asphalt and concrete can be reused as well.
• Use recycled content materials: There are many options now for materials made from post consumer and recycled materials. You can find glass tiles, carpet, kitchen counters, drywall and insulation made from recycled content. These materials look great and they are also environmentally friendly.
• Consider adaptability: Most homeowners do not have future renovations in mind when building a new home. It is  smart to build a home that is easily adaptable, either for you or for future owners. If a home is built with adaptability in mind, future renovations will be easier both financially as well as waste wise. 

Summer Pruning

State Farm

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• Although winter is the best time for pruning since the trees are dormant, a little upkeep during the summer can keep your yard in shape.
• Make sure you are using the correct tool for the job: a hand pruner is for stems and small branches, a lopper is for thick branches and a pruning saw is for especially thick branches.
• Wear gloves for protection and rinse off tools after trimming to prevent the spreading of disease from one tree to another.
• Cut stray branches on trees that are done blooming to allow for increased flowering next year.
• Trim branches back to allow trees to get sufficient light and air, but don't trim more than 25% of a trees green leaves.
• Trim off dead branches
• Prune ornamental trees to help maintain their shape
• Take off any new shoots growing out of the trunk or branches as these can drain the nutrients
• When cutting large branches, cut a wedge under the limb about 6 inches from where the branch meets the trunk (branch collar), then from a few more inches out cut vertically from the top of the limb through the branch, then cut the stub parallel to the collar.
• For small branches, use pruning shears to cut at a slight angle just beyond a healthy bud or leaf

Staying Safe At Hotels

State Farm

Freedigitalphotos.net

With many of us traveling this summer, these are great tips to keep in mind!

• Preventing theft: Many hotels have low liability for stolen/lost items so if you are an avid traveler, you may want to speak with your insurance agent to see how you may be protected under your homeowner's insurance policy or about obtaining a type of traveler's coverage.
• Don't flash a lot of cash or expensive jewelry
• Utilize the in-room safe to store valuables as opposed to your vehicle
• Put the "Do not disturb" sign on the door when you leave
• Keep any credit cards and ID's out of sight
• Make sure that all adjoining rooms are locked as well as the main door to your room
• Don't forget to ensure that all valuables are secured in your home while you are away
• Preventing assault: Always look through the peephole before opening the door; don't open the door for someone that you don't know.
• Always keep your key with you; if you lose your room key, request a new room code or a new room 
• Only use the main entrance to the hotel after dark
• Request that the front desk clerk write your room number on the key sleeve instead of saying it out loud
• Always keep the dead bolt and door guard secure when in the room
• Fire: Always read the fire safety instructions that are on the hotel room door and make sure you know where the emergency exits are located. If you notice an odor of smoke, tell the management immediately and get out as soon as you can, using the stairs instead of the elevator.

Why Own A Home?

HouseLogic

Have To Move Quickly?

moving.about.com

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Usually moves happen with plenty of notice and people have an average of 8 weeks or so to complete the moving process, however, there are times when quick moves (4 weeks or less) need to happen. Here are a few tips in case you ever find yourself in a quick move situation:

• Sort your things: Go through each room in your home and sort your belongings into three piles: to keep, to donate, and to toss. If you haven't used or worn something in over a year, a good rule of thumb is to either donate it or throw it away. Get your whole family involved in this process and have them follow the same guidelines when going through their own things.
• Get help: Get family and friends to help you out and have a clear idea of what you would like for them to do, such as packing up the items in your 'keep it' pile. You can also enlist the assistance of a professional moving company who can pack up  some belongings or your entire household; some companies will even help you host a garage sale! Contact local charities to come and pick up items in your donate pile; keep in mind that some charities only pick up during specific dates and times so keep that in mind.
• Get packing supplies: Usually used boxes are best to use, but if you are in a time crunch it may be best to buy boxes from a moving store or office supply store; this will save you the time it takes to track down used boxes. If you don't want to use boxes at all, there are some green moving companies out there that will provide plastic bins for moving. Most of these companies will drop off the bins when it's convenient for you and they will also pick them up after your move.
• Start packing!

Are You Making These Yard Mistakes?

msn

 Freedigitalphotos.net

• Too random: Going crazy at a home and garden center sale and buying too many varieties of plants and flowers can create a chaotic look in your yard. Instead of being all over the place, try grouping 4 or 5 of the same flower or plant together in order to create a cohesive and peaceful look.
• Too much mulch: Often times mulch is piled too high around the trunk of a tree. This may look nice, but in actuality it is not good for the tree. Too much mulch can suffocate the tree and deprive the inner bark from the oxygen that it needs. An excess of mulch can also make a perfect place for rodents to build their nests.
• Cleaning up grass clippings: Although it may seem like the right thing to do (at least in order to be neat), it's better to leave the grass clippings on the grass after the lawn is mowed. The clippings will decompose in just a few days and infuse the soil with nutrients in the meantime.
• Left in the dark: Be sure to plant trees, bushes, and flowers that need part sun in spots that get at least 4 hours of sun per day. Don't make the mistake of putting these plants in a mostly shady area and therefore not allowing them to thrive.
• Going too big: Many people think that a small garden is nice so a large garden must be better. Don't fall into the trap of planting a huge garden and then getting overwhelmed with all of the upkeep. If you are new to gardening, take it easy and start small the first couple of years to get familiar with the art of gardening.
• Over-feeding: Putting too much plant food and fertilizer on your plants and flowers can actually harm them or even kill them. Instead of dumping unknown amounts of fertilizer on your plants, take the time to actually measure what you are using and be sure to use the correct product.

No Vacation Plans This Summer? Try Out These Staycation Ideas!

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• Try Geocoaching: A real world treasure hunting experience-participants use GPS devices to search a specific set of coordinates to find a hidden container.
• Go paintballing or try laser tag
• Visit a nearby state park such as Starved Rock
• Go to a local theater 
• Visit Six Flags
• Head to a children's museum such as the DuPage Children's Museum in Naperville
• Go to the zoo or the Shedd Aquarium
• Take in a major or minor league baseball game
• Have a family board game tournament
• Go bowling
• Camp out under the stars in your own backyard
• Find a local brewery or winery to visit
• Head to the river for a canoe trip
• Paint your own pottery or canvas at a nearby art facility
• Splash around at a local waterpark or pool
• Host your own film festival-choose a theme and allow each family member to pick a movie and then relax for a day of flick viewing with some great snacks
• Have a makeover: Do your own at home or pamper yourself at a local salon or spa
• Go golfing-try the Naperbrook Golf Course or the Links at Carillon, both in Plainfield
• Play outside-go for a walk, fly a kite, take a hike, have a water gun fight, have a picnic, etc.

Enjoy this summer!

Have a great weekend!

Sunscreen Myths

Consumer Reports

Freedigitalphotos.net

• Myth: The FDA conducts tests on sunscreen products before they are sold. The sunscreen industry is very self regulated because while the FDA does require manufacturers to test products, they do not verify the testing. Even though the FDA is not heavily involved in sunscreen testing, if they suspect there is a problem they will ask for a manufacturers' test results. Another way the FDA IS involved in the industry is that they set standards for manufacturers to meet when labeling products as "SPF" "broad spectrum" and "water resistant." In order for a product to be label SPF, it needs to protect against only ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Products labeled broad spectrum need to shield against UVB and UVA rays.
• Myth: Kids need different sunscreen than adults: In actuality, the FDA does not make a distinction between kids sunscreen and others. Many manufactures use the same active and inactive ingredients in both regular products and sunscreens marked for kids, sometimes even in the same concentrations. Although all sunscreen is similar, some children's products are tear-free and sting-free and may contain only the minerals zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide rather than other chemicals such as avobenzone. 
• Myth: Use sunscreen sparingly: In order to provide adequate coverage, it takes about one ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to cover the face and body. Many sun lovers use about half as much, which means that about half the SPF is given. Be sure to really slather the lotion on to get the protection needed.
• Myth: Spray sunscreens give superior coverage: It is difficult to tell how much sunscreen is actually being applied when using a spray which can lead to insufficient protection. Also, inhaling spray sunscreen can cause lung irritation, and if titanium dioxide is inhaled it may be a carcinogen. Flammability is also a worry; last year more than 20 spray sunscreens were recalled because of reports of people getting burned when near an open flame, such as when grilling.

Refreshing Summer Wines

Consumer Reports 

Freedigitalphotos.net

Looking for the perfect glass of wine to enjoy this summer? Pinot grigio and White blends are both excellent choices for this warm weather as they are both refreshing and  able to cleanse the palate.  These vinos are wonderful on their own or enjoyed with small snacks such as crudites or cheese, seafood, or pasta dishes. Anytime that you are reading up on wine ratings, keep in mind that they are broken down by particular facets; structure, nose, and palate. The structure of white wines is comprised of alcohol, sweetness and acid. The nose is the way the wine smells, and the palate is the notes that you actually taste. Below is a list of some white wines that are perfect for the season:

• Pinot grigio-Ca Montini (Italy) $15
• White blend- 14 Hands Hot to Trot (Washington) $12
• White blend- Conundrum (California) $20
• White blend- Banfi Centine (Italy) $12
• White blend- Piccolo Fiore (Italy) Can be found at Whole Foods, $6

Cheers to a great summer!

Landscaping For Dog Owners

House Logic 

 Freedigitalphotos.net

• Do give up on having an absolutely perfect yard; don't let your pooch completely rule the yard. Teach him to respect boundaries and have a designated area for doing business.
• Do include a water feature that your dog can use to cool off in; don't put in a pool or pond that is difficult for your pet to get in and out of.
• Do think about adding a sandbox that your dog can play in and bury bones and treats in; don't assume the sandbox is maintenance free. Keep a shovel and rake near by to clean it out when needed.
• Do use gravel, wood chips, or shredded hardwood mulch that will not stick to long haired coats; don't use cocoa mulch which contains theobromine which is poisonous to dogs.
• Do edge your flower beds with rocks or tall shrubs in order to protect your flowers; don't edge with sharp materials that can harm your dog.
• Do use urine-resistant plants in your yard (such as Japanese Spindle Trees); don't stress when you find brown or yellow spots in your grass. Reseeding these areas will remedy the problem.
• Do use organic herbicides, fertilizers, and pesticides on your lawn and plants; don't spread toxic products on your lawn. Studies have shown these to be harmful to pets and professionally applied pesticides are connected to a 70% higher risk of dogs developing cancer.

Summer Activities For Kids

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• Bake cookies
• Play board games
• Do puzzles
• Do watercolor pictures
• Make homemade cards and send them to family members and friends
• Camp out in the living room
• Use tape to make hop scotch on the floor
• Have a play date
• Visit a children's museum
• Make a teepee or a fort
• Use a playpen to make a DIY ball pit at home
• Play balloon ping pong using paper plates glued to craft sticks
• Read with your kids
• Create a race track on the floor for hot wheels cars using masking tape
• Fly kites
• Make play dough
• Have a water balloon fight
• Play at the park
• Play in the sprinkler
• Go to the beach
• Write a pen pal letter to cousins
• Make homemade popsicles
• Go on a scavenger hunt
• Visit with grandparents
• Ride bikes
• Go bowling
• Pick flowers
• Go to an aquarium
• Build a fort
• Have a movie marathon on a rainy day

Designing The Heart Of The Home

Consumer Reports

Freerangestock.com

Today's kitchens are being built as 'social kitchens' and are being designed to accommodate more than just cooking. Electronics are finding special nooks and the heart of the home is now being used for parties, homework, more than one cook....you get the picture. Here are some tips for creating a functional hub of the home:

• Carefully open up the space: Opening up too many walls and allowing too many entrances to the kitchen can create a sense of chaos instead of openness. Half walls and arched openings are a great way to really open up the space visually while still controlling traffic. It's also important to merge the kitchen with the rest of the home. A great way to do this is by utilizing the repetition of color such as by having artwork in the kitchen the same color hue as the walls of the adjacent room.
• Create zones: Keep guests and kids away from the work zone of the kitchen (the triangle between the refrigerator, stove, dishwasher and sink) by installing a beverage and snack station near the public facing edge of the kitchen. Ideas for a drink/snack station include a wet bar with a wine fridge, or a coffee area with a coffee maker, some snacks, and a cabinet for cups and mugs. Another cool idea is a baking station for the homeowner that loves to bake; have this near the stove with space for baking supplies and equipment and a marble surface for dough rolling.
• Hide the mess: Some homeowners are opposed to an open kitchen because they don't want the mess in the kitchen visible to guests. To avoid this, put in a raised bar on the public side of the island so that guests have a place to sit while the meal is being prepared and then the dinner mess can be hidden from view once the meal starts. Island bars can also be used for casual seating as well.
• Drop zone: Since the kitchen is the hub of most homes, that can mean lots of clutter such as paperwork, backpacks, jackets, etc. Create an area for these things such as a mudroom with durable flooring and shelving with baskets assigned for each family member or for homes short on space, try using a hallway closet as a makeshift drop zone.
• Eat in: Casual dining is an important feature of a social kitchen and is also great for resale value, ranking as one of the most desired features in a 2013 home buyer survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors. Built in banquettes are also great, providing a cozy place to eat, pay bills, do homework, etc. The base of a banquette can also have built in storage for items such as napkins or other tablescape accessories.
• Include an island: Islands are great because more counterspace is always good and they provide seating while meal prep is taking place and a place to sit for casual meals. Bigger isn't always better though-there should be 42-48 inches of clearance on all sides. Islands are awesome for entertaining, as they can serve as a buffet area, or an in-island sink can be filled with ice to create a raw bar or to hold beverages. 
• Charging stations: For many of us, our electronics spend a lot of time in the kitchen, so charging stations are an option that makes sense. They can be installed in a cabinet or drawer equipped with docks and outlets. Electrical outlets with built in USB ports are also available so your phone can charge while the toaster is plugged in.