Friday, April 29, 2016

CLEAN YOUR HOME IN 15 MINUTES A DAY

Housework has a way of getting overwhelming quickly.  You put a few things off and before you know it you're facing hours of cleaning just to get it back to normal.  But if you plan carefully and stick to a plan, you can get all of your basic housework done in only about 15 minutes a day, and keep it clean and company-ready all the time.
Start With A Baseline

You'll have to do that deep cleaning before you start, because otherwise you'll always be playing catch up.  Set a day aside and clean your house from top to bottom.  If you stick to the simple 15-minute-a-day plan from here on out, you'll rarely if ever spend a whole day cleaning again.

This deep cleaning establishes a baseline of clean that you would like to maintain; once you have this baseline, you simply have to take the time each day to keep things in order.

Your Daily Fifteen

Make a list of the main cleaning jobs in your home.  These will usually include vacuuming/floor sweeping, cleaning bathrooms, dusting, washing floors and counters, and laundry.  The things on your list may differ depending on the size of your home and how many people live there, as well as the type of flooring you have.

Select one or two things to do each day.  Smaller jobs such as dusting can be combined with another small job to make up most of your fifteen minutes.  There will be things you need to do every day or every second day that can't only be done weekly-add one of these things onto the main job for the day.

How It Looks

Your weekly cleaning list might look something like this: On Monday, you vacuum the floors.  On Tuesday, you dust, do a load of laundry, and wipe down the counters in the kitchen.  On Wednesday, you clean a bathroom and sweep.  On Thursday you clean a second bathroom and do another load of laundry.  On Friday, you clean the windows and mirrors around the house and wash the kitchen floor.

On each of these days you will add small everyday jobs to the list such as emptying the dishwasher or washing dinner pots.  If you do these things as part of your cleaning time, they won't pile up on you.

Of course, if you have a large home or large family, you may need a little more than 15 minutes a day; you will have to adjust the schedule to your needs.  You will quickly find, though, that housework is never a huge job again.

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

LAWN AND GARDEN CARE
















Rules of Thumb for Water Use on Lawns and Gardens

  • One deep watering is much better than watering several times lightly.
  • Lawns need about 1 inch of water each week. If the weather is very hot, apply an inch of water about every 3 days.
  • Watering to a depth of 4-6 inches encourages deeper, healthier root development. It allows longer periods between watering.
  • To measure the water, put an empty tuna can (or cat food can) on the lawn while watering. Stop watering when the can is full or if you notice water running off the lawn.

Know Your Soil

Different soil types have different watering needs. You don"t need to be a soil scientist to know how to water your soil properly. These tips can help.
  • Loosen the soil around plants so it can quickly absorb water and nutrients.
  • Use a 1- to 2-inch protective layer of mulch on the soil surface above the root area. Cultivating and mulching reduce evaporation and soil erosion.
  • Clay soil: Add organic material such as compost or peat moss. Till or spade to help loosen the soil. Since clay soil absorbs water very slowly, water only as fast as the soil absorbs the water.
  • Sandy soil: Add organic material to supplement sandy soil. Otherwise, the water can run through it so quickly that plants won"t be able to absorb it.
  • Loam soil: The best kind of soil. It"s a combination of sand, silt, and clay. Loam absorbs water readily and stores it for plants to use.

Water at the Right Time of the Day

  • Early moring or night is the best time for watering to reduce evaporation.
  • To help control where your water goes, water when it"s not windy.

Pesticide & Chemical Alternatives

When used incorrectly, pesticides can pollute water. They also kill beneficial as well as harmful insects. Natural alternatives prevent both of these events from occurring and save you money. Consider using natural alternatives for chemical pesticides: Non-detergent insecticidal soaps, garlic, hot pepper sprays, 1 teaspoon of liquid soap in a gallon of water, used dishwater, or forceful stream of water to dislodge insects. 

These plants have their own chemical defense systems, and when planted among flowers an vegetables, they help keep unwanted insects away.

Ant - mint, tansy, penny royal 

Aphids - mint, garlic, chives, coriander, anise 

Bean Leaf Beetle - potato, onion, turnip 

Codling Moth - common oleander 

Colorado Potato Bug - green beans, coriander, nasturtium

Cucumber Beetle - radish, tansy 

Flea Beetle - garlic, onion, mint

Imported Cabbage Worm - mint, sage, rosemary, hyssop

Japanese Beetle - garlic, larkspur, tansy, rue, geranium 

Leaf Hopper - geranium, petunia

Mexican Bean Beetle - potato, onion, garlic, radish, petunia, marigolds

Mice - onion

Root Knot Nematodes - French marigolds

Slugs - prostrate rosemary, wormwood

Spider Mites - onion, garlic, cloves, chives

Squash Bug -radish, marigolds, tansy, nasturtium

Stink Bug - radish 

Thrips - marigolds

Tomato Hornworm - marigolds, sage, borage

Whitefly - marigolds, nasturtium

Saturday, April 23, 2016

CAN A BATHROOM REMODEL INCREASE YOUR HOME'S VALUE?

















When you are planning to sell your home, a bathroom remodel may be one of the best places to increase your home's value.  Depending on the existing condition as well as the style and age of your home, here are a few things to consider before tearing out that sink!

Does The Bathroom Age The House?

It could be a black toilet or avocado tiles, but if your answer to this is yes, then a bathroom remodel can really make a difference.  Prospective buyers will look at this space as a liability rather than a feature, and this can decrease the value of your home.  It may also scare away buyers who are looking for a home that is in move-in condition.  The trick is to keep the remodel modern, but timeless.  The white toilet will likely always be in style, and tiles made of natural or neutral materials will keep the space fresh.

Do The Features Match The Price?

Depending on the location of your home and the value of the property itself, it is important to match the features of the bathroom to the rest of the home in order to get the most value out of a remodel.  Large homes with big price tags benefit from the bells and whistles of a master suite with a whirlpool tub, but you will likely not get your money back for this kind of remodel in a smaller home that attracts first-time buyers or those looking to down-size.

Does The Design Match The Home?

While you may love the look of the minimalist bathroom, if you own a colonial home in a historic neighborhood, making this decision could cost you in the long term.  While you can get creative in designing a new space, keeping the style of the bathroom remodel in the same overall style of the house will make potential buyers more likely to appreciate the investment you have put into the property.

Ultimately whenever making a decision to remodel a room in your home, the change has to work for you and your family.  Though you may not get back the investment of installing that overflow hydrotherapy tub, if it is what you want then go for it!  Balancing these tips with your personal taste and needs can make any remodel a more pleasant experience.

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

BUILD YOUR OWN DECK: CHOOSING THE RIGHT MATERIALS


A backyard deck is a great way to not only improve the value of your home, but also make your outdoor living space more enjoyable for you and your family.  Whether you decide to build your own deck from scratch or hire a contractor to do the work for you, choosing the right materials is important to creating a beautiful and durable deck that can be enjoyed for years to come.  

Here are some of the most popular choices for building a deck, and even a few exotic choices to suit any budget and taste.

Pressure-Treated Wood-This popular and inexpensive choice can give you a functional deck.  Essentially it is softwood that has been placed in a preservative bath, and then into a pressurization tank to make it more waterproof.  It is usually advisable that you build at least the foundation of your deck with pressure-treated wood so that it will last for years to come.

Cedar-Another popular choice for decks, cedar is naturally oily and resistant to water rot.  It is also a lightweight wood, making it easy to work with, and is a popular choice for the top decking section of your deck.

Redwood-Redwood is similar to cedar in that it is a light, naturally oily wood that is resistant to water rot.  Redwood is a good choice over cedar if you like the beautiful natural red color of the wood.  You will always want to water treat your wood, though, no matter what choice you make.

Camaru-Camaru is a Peruvian hardwood that has the strength and durability of pressure-treated wood, and the natural oils of cedar and redwood, making it a great choice for your entire deck.

Tamarack-Another nice alternative to pressure-treated wood, this softwood comes from trees native to eastern Canada and the United States.  It can last up to 40 years and ages to a nice silvery patina.  It is also harvested from managed forests, making it a good choice for the environment as well.

These are just a few of the many choices available for decking materials.

Sunday, April 17, 2016

GETTING GREEN & ORGANIC IN YOUR OWN GARDEN

Growing your own food can be rewarding. But did you also know it can be done organically and more economically? Check out these tips for greening up your home garden.

Do you have a home garden? Are you thinking of starting one? Are you concerned about pesticides and expenses associated with growing your own food? Check out these tips for making a home garden healthier, greener, and more economical:

1. Start collecting rain water. You don’t need to run your sprinklers or hoses full-time to get the hydration fruits and vegetables need to flourish in your backyard. Purchasing and installing a simple rain barrel can help you store hundreds of gallons of free water throughout the year. Make the most of that rain water with drip hoses to supply your plants with the water they require.

2. Begin with seeds. If you want to go organic with your home garden, don’t buy young plants… plant your own seeds. Starter containers, soil, and fertilizer are the basics you’ll need to bring up your starter plants. Tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers are a great bet for your first attempts as they tend to take to home growing fairly well. Check out this Community Garden Guide from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for detailed information: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_PLANTMATERIALS/publications/mipmcar9781.pdf

3. Fertilize & spray organically. Your local garden store or plant center should have a selection of organic fertilizers and natural, bio-based pesticides to help you nourish and protect your plants. There are plant and animal-based fertilizers available, as well as natural bacterias and plant-extract pesticides available.

4. Compost! The food you throw away is perfect fuel for your own compost bin. Plants can eat what you don’t! Small compost bins are a good place to start, though you can scale up your compost operation by investing in larger, somewhat more complex systems. For a complete guide to composting, check out this website: http://compostguide.com/http://compostguide.com/

There’s nothing quite like tossing a salad full of vegetables you grew in your own yard. The freshness and satisfaction are incomparable, plus you’ll feel good knowing you’re feeding your family organic food.

Don’t have a backyard yet? I can help you with that! I can help you sell your current home or find a house ideally suited for a little organic garden of your own. 

Get in touch with me now: valeriemcconville@gmail.com

Thursday, April 14, 2016

HOW TO REDUCE THE CHANCE OF A BURGLARY BY 90%

No one wants to deal with a burglary. How do you reduce the chances of one happening?

Fortunately, burglaries are a well-studied phenomenon — especially by law enforcement. These studies have identified specific things you can do to cut the risk dramatically. Here are some ideas:


  • 34% of home break-ins occur through the front door. Experts recommend investing in a door with a top-quality locking mechanism. (The best are those that lock at three points of contact.)

  • 50% of burglars will be deterred if your home has some sort of video monitoring system. A thief doesn’t want his face on YouTube!

  • Unfortunately, signs and window stickers warning of an alarm system do not deter thieves. However, 62% of burglars will immediately run away when an alarm goes off. Always turn on your alarm system when you’re not home!

  • 22% of burglaries occur through a sliding glass door or patio door. Make sure it’s locked and also use a solid metal jammer.

  • Some thieves use frequency scanners to gain access to garages. Police recommend changing your remote entry code regularly and putting blinds or curtains on garage windows so thieves can’t see (and be tempted by) any valuables inside.
As you can see, there are many simple things you can do to reduce your chances of a burglary dramatically. The effort is worth it.

Monday, April 11, 2016

PREPARING FOR A BIG QUAKE: YOUR SURVIVAL KIT

Earthquakes are more common and widespread in the U.S. than you might think. But they can happen anywhere in the world too! Don’t get caught without the basic supplies you need in the wake of a quake!

According to a recent U.S. Geological Survey, 143 million Americans live in earthquake-prone zones. While California still tops the list for earthquake possibilities, there’s growing evidence to suggest areas throughout the east and midwest are susceptible to a seismic shockwave disaster. 

The key to surviving in the wake of a quake is disaster preparedness. Topping that list? Your family’s earthquake kit. Below is a checklist of the essentials you’ll need to survive until normal services are restored. Experts advise you need at least three days of supplies, though a better plan is to pack enough for one week. It’s also a good idea to refresh your kit each year. Here’s what you’ll need to have in waterproof containers, close at hand:

  • Water: One gallon of water per person, per day.
  • Food: Non-perishable food which can be prepared to eat safely without power. This includes baby food if you have one!
  • Tools: Manual can opener, knives, spoons, forks. It’s good to have a multitool like a Leatherman (https://www.leatherman.com/ ) handy, too.
  • Pet Food: Don’t let your animals suffer— pack them food just as you would for yourself.
  • Flashlights: Candles are not a good idea, especially because of fire risk and the possibility of gas leaks.
  • Radio: A battery or hand-crank weather radio is a good idea.
  • Mobile device(s): At least one smart phone with a charger (preferably battery-powered charger)
  • Batteries: Get the right sizes for each device and have plenty on hand.
  • First-aid Kit: Should contain antibiotic ointments, band aids, bandages, wipes, and cold packs.
  • Prescription Meds & Glasses: You won’t be able to get refills during a disaster, so have your medical essentials ready-to-go.
  • Toiletries: Soap, toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and sunscreen.
  • Blankets & clothing: Remember you may be “camping” during the disaster, so have seasonal clothing.
  • Vital documents: Get copies of your IDs, any medical records, family photos, passports, and insurance info.
  • Money: Cash and credit cards. A minimum of $100 in cash and one current credit card with plenty of available credit.
Think maybe it’s time to move out before the next big quake? I’m happy to help you sell your home. Let’s talk about a plan to get you top dollar for your property and heading toward more stable ground: valeriemcconville@gmail.com

Friday, April 8, 2016

SHOULD YOU MOVE OR RENOVATE? THREE THINGS TO CONSIDER

Determining if you should buy a new home or fix up your current one isn’t easy. In fact, the decision can be steeped in so much drama they make reality TV shows about it!

So if you’re considering whether to move or improve, here are three things to consider.


1. Will a renovation truly fix what you don’t like about your property?

If you’re tired of a small kitchen, for example, it might not be possible, given the layout, to make it any bigger. On the other hand, if you’re craving a spacious rec room with a cosy fireplace then a renovation could make that happen.

Of course, there are some things you may want that aren’t specific to your house, such as an easier commute or nearby park. Those are features you may only be able to get by moving.

2. How much will a renovation cost? How does that compare to the cost of moving to a new home?

It’s important to get accurate estimates of each so you can make a smart decision. This is where a good REALTOR® can help.

Keep in mind that renovations have a habit of costing more than you originally anticipate. As mentioned earlier, the final result should be a home you want to stay in for quite some time.

3. Beware of compromising versus settling.

Whichever decision you make — renovate or sell — you can expect to have to make at least some compromises. That’s normal.

For example, consider adding an extension to your house. That’s a major renovation. Is it the ideal way to get the extra room you want? Do the benefits of renovating outweigh the benefits of finding a new larger home designed to include the space you need?

Yes, it’s a tough decision. If you’re in the midst of making it, contact me today, to get the facts you need to make the best choice for you.

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

RIGHT SIZING FOR YOUR NEXT MOVE

Downsizing? Relocating? Maybe you just feel a little overwhelmed by all the stuff you’ve accumulated over the years. If so, here are some “rightsizing” tips you can use.

“Where will we put all of our stuff?” 

This is one of the foremost questions on homeowners’ minds when they’re making a move. Whether it’s a relocation from a suburban to a city environment, or downsizing for a more comfortable retirement, “stuff” can cast a big shadow. 

To lighten the burden before the big day, it can be helpful to “rightsize” for your move far in advance. 

Not only will rightsizing save you time, money, and energy as you transition to a new home, it can also help you learn how to evaluate what you really need versus what you’ve been hanging onto for no good reason. 

If you’ve compared your current floor plan to your new one, you’ve probably already made the determination that some things must go. But how do you winnow the pile? 

Here’s a set of criteria you can use to rightsize your possessions: 

1. Is this right for the weather? If you’ve lived in places with severe winters and you’re heading for a zero-snow climate, recognize what doesn’t fit and let it go. 

2. Is this right for the lifestyle? Your massive outdoor grill and patio furniture may be a waste if you’re settling into a city high-rise. The same might even be said of a second car or recreational vehicle. 

3. Is this expensive to move? Some items cost more to move than replace. This is especially true if the item forces you to upgrade the size of your moving truck. 

4. Is this something I really use? If you’re in a storage space looking at stuff you haven’t touched in six months or a year, you probably don’t need to transport it to your new space. 

5. Is this going to look out of place? Sometimes a new house will make old furnishings and objects seem tacky or trashy. Imagine where you’re going to move it and see if you can do without. 

Once you’ve decided something should go, it’s a simple matter of deciding if it’s a “sell,” “donate,” or “ditch” item. While the income from selling items may be appealing, be sensitive to how much time you have before the move. If time’s short, gifting items to friends, charity, or even the dump is a reasonable way to go. 

Ready to look for your rightsized home? Let me help: valeriemcconville@gmail.com

Saturday, April 2, 2016

EXTENDING THE LIFE OF CUT FLOWERS

There are few things more beautiful than cut flowers in a vase. They instantly brighten any room. That is, of course, until they wilt and die. So how do you make cut flowers last as long as possible?

Here are some ideas:

Cut the bottom of the stems before you put the flowers in the vase. An angled cut is best as this will enable the flower to draw in more water.

Add a fertilizer to the water. Most flower shops include a pouch with the order. Follow the directions carefully. Don’t use too much.

Make sure the vase is high enough to support the flowers. Too much strain on the stems will cause the flowers to die sooner.

After a couple of days, re-snip the stems. This will add an additional day or two to the life of the flowers.

Flowers last longer if you put them in the fridge (in water) overnight. That’s why florists store cut flowers in cool rooms.

Finally, watch the water level and top off as required. Older cut flowers will die quickly when starved of water — even for just a couple of hours.

Have you ever strolled through a park, fully appreciating the beauty that surrounds you? If not, it is an experience worth having. Take a mo...