Add to the Curb Appeal of Your Property!

FLOWERS ADD INSTANT CURB APPEAL - STAGING THE HOME'S FRONT

The experts all agree that curb appeal is one of the most important aspects to consider when preparing your home to get it ready to go on the market for sale.   Once the home is on the market and offered for sale,  it is often the front appearance from the street that will influence whether potential buyers with today's busy lifestyles will take the time to come in to see the inside, or never get out of their cars.  

Flowers are one of the easiest and most affordable ways to dress up the front of your house, make it look inviting and instantly increases the curb or drive-up appeal.   Even if the home's front appearance has a lack of real landscaping,  flowers can transform a rather dull and plain looking front yard into one that looks colorful,  lush and more pleasing by directing the eye away from what the home is lacking; such as a lack of mature landscaping.  Especially during the spring, summer and fall seasons, you should take advantage of each season's colors by planting pots and flower boxes reflecting the seasonal flowers that adapt well to the weather at that time of year.  

You should choose colorful flowers that will be in bloom during the time you're selling your home.  Planting the flowers in planter boxes and pots is easier than planting them in the ground and lets you more easily place them where they can have the most visual impact.  Although it is also fine to plant flowers to dress up an area around a tree, the mailbox, a courtyard area or some other special feature in the front yard of a home, if your home is in an area that may have to deal with watering restrictions during the hot months of the year, the potted flowers and planter boxes will enable you to water these items more regularly even when you are not able to water the entire yard.  You don't need to have a green thumb, or spend a lot of money to get great results either.  Visit your local home improvement center or nursery and they will be happy to advise you of the best flowers and plants for your purpose and time of the year.  You can put together several very nice planter boxes and pots of flowers for well under $100.  Also, simple gardening like this is an easy and fun way to relax or can also be an enjoyable activity to share with others members of your family; even small children love to help out in getting the home ready to sell!

 One of the nice things about using flowers in this way is that you'll see the results immediately, and so will prospective buyers visiting your home!

 

 

Get Your Spring Exercise Off to a Great Start!

Spring–the season of rebirth and renewal and the perfect time to breathe new life into a stale fitness regimen. Even if you have been hibernating from fitness the past few months or years, there’s nothing like the fresh air, bright sunshine and fragrant blossoms to entice you outdoors and energize you for exercise.
You only need 30 minutes of exercise a day, three days a week to reap long-term benefits. So shake off that winter dust, stretch those muscles and spring into fitness!

1. Get an attitude check. Your muscles may do all the work when you exercise, but your mind provides the incentive. A positive attitude gets you off on the right foot to fitness and keeps you there. Get your mind primed for fitness by visualizing how good your body will look and feel. Set realistic goals and reward yourself when you reach them. Be patient and forgiving. Change will come, but it takes time. Remember, losers fall down and stay down. Winners fall down, but get up. Remind yourself that you are a winner.
2.  Gear up. It may seem trivial, but what you wear really can make a difference in your workout. If your shoes pinch or your clothes cut off your circulation, your workout will undoubtedly suffer. Comfortable and stylish athletic wear, especially well-cushioned shoes with plenty of arch support, not only feel good on your body, but inspire you to work out in a way that worn-out sweats and sneakers just can’t match. Wearing the correct clothing can make all the difference.
3. Go easy. Working out too hard, too soon increases your risk of strains and sprains. And if you injure yourself badly enough, you won’t be able or willing to exercise. If you’re just starting out, fitness experts say do low- to moderate-level activities and slowly increase the duration and intensity of your activities as you become more fit. A good workout should leave you a little sore the next day or two, not incapacitated.
4. Keep it fun and fresh. If exercise is a chore or a bore, you won’t be exercising very long. Stay psyched for fitness by linking exercise with a fun activity or pastime. And add variety. If you like sightseeing, walk, bike, jog or skate your way around town. If you enjoy picnics in the park, round up the family for a game of tag or football before you feast. Go swimming, dancing or hiking. Learn a new sport or revisit a childhood favorite.
5. Recruit a good cheerleader. It’s easy to stay focused on fitness if you have help. A fitness partner provides company and can push you when you need that extra motivation. If you can’t find a regular partner or if you prefer to workout solo, you still can surround yourself with fitness cheerleaders–people who will congratulate you on your successes, offer encouragement and wisdom and keep tabs on you to make sure you stay on track.

MAKE IT YOUR BEST SPRING & SUMMER EVER!