Homedification

We are all looking forward to Spring's quick arrival, but that doesn't mean there isn't time for one last winter retreat. No matter what type of person you are, there is something for you! The Outdoorsmen: Take advantage of the cold temperatures to do some skiing or snowboarding at Seven Springs, or is your want to do something for the whole family, don't forget about snow tubing at Hidden Valley. The City Slicker: If you want a fun date night activity, the MassMutual Pittsburgh Ice Rink at PPG Place is open until March 1st. Try a new restaurant downtown, then put on your ice skates for a different view of the city! The Spa Lover: If you are someone that prefers the a spa winter retreat, this is a great time for a weekend at Nemacolin. You can choose from a massage, scrub, facial, All of the service providers are phenomenal, the setting is beautiful, and you will leave feeling refreshed. The Homebody: No need to even leave your home! Grab a n...

This week’s Pittsburgh hot spot is Bartram House Bakery! I love this place so much because their locations have a cozy, authentic feel and great pastries as well as great salads. It is a great place to go for a morning treat, or your lunch meeting. Even if you are feeding a crowd, their quiche is delicious and great for when you are hosting a brunch. When it comes to the sweets, they do custom cakes as well as small treats like French macarons. And just so that you can get your fix no matter where you live in Pittsburgh, they have three locations: Southside, Wexford, and McMurray. They are a family business that was founded in 2008, but they have been baking since 1976. Their business becomes even more impressive when you know they serve three meals a day, and make more than 100 different desserts and cakes! Have you ever been here before? What was your favorite Pastry or dessert? For more info about Bartram House Bakery, check out their website here! http://www.bartramhouseb...

This week’s Pittsburgh hot spot is Cioppino's Restaurant & Cigar Bar! I love this place so much because the staff is amazing and will cater to your every need. If you are there for a special occasion and make a reservation in advance, they will even make custom keepsake menus for your table. the food is always delicious, and whether you are in the restaurant, lounge, or cigar bar, the menu is phenomenal.  The cigar bar is attached to the restaurant and lounge, and is a gorgeous wood clad escape. Even if you do not partake in cigars, you shouldn't hesitate to spend time there because the ventilation is impressive and the bar fixture is a sight to see. They strive for a true experience, and also have valet parking, and live music in the lounge Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. I have personally been there for date nights, birthdays, and even to celebrate a dear friend's engagement. This is one of my personal favorites!

This week’s Pittsburgh hot spot is Roxanne's Dried Flowers! I love this place so much because everything is beyond beautiful. They have great giftables, ranging from soaps and scents to wallpaper, as well as any type of dried flower you could be seeking. They have wreaths for every season, floral arrangements, and even self-serve potpourri that will last you an eternity(mine is going 2 years strong, and still smells amazing!). They even do wedding florals to give you lasting flowers that represent your vision and commemorate your most special day. Their store displays are works of art, and this is truly a place to find inspiration if you are looking for it in your home. If you can't make the trip down to the Strip District to visit their shop,  you can shop online as well. Make sure to follow them on social media to keep the beauty coming! @RoxannesDriedFlowers

This week is Pittsburgh Restaurant Week. Foodies are rejoicing because this glorious week only happens twice a year, and is always a hit. Featuring over 80 eateries, bars, steakhouses, lounges, and grilles, this is something you don't want to miss. The event is running January 13th through the 19th, and takes place at so many locations it doesn't matter what side of a river or tunnel you are trying to get to. If you are feeling extremely indecisive, you can use the awesome Restaurant Roulette feature on the website, or plug in your address into the Restaurant Map to find something by proximity. They truly have all of your bases covered. Now get out there and try something new!! For a full list of the participating restaurants, and all of the details about this event,  http://pittsburghrestaurantweek.com/

The holidays can be a time of stress, but your houseplants shouldn’t contribute to that. I do not have a green thumb, and struggle with most plants, indoor or out. But luckily when it comes to the holiday season, your poinsettia, holiday cacti, and amaryllis only need sunlight, moisture, and proper drainage (according to my research!). Thankfully these plants have vibrant color, but are simple to care for. Here is a quick guide about what your houseplants want this holiday season! Your Plant’s Holiday Wishlist Sunlight   Light alone isn’t enough - your plants want and need natural light so it is key to make sure they get bright, indirect sunlight. If you’re wondering what indirect sunlight will look like, it will be bright enough to be able to read indoors without needing to squint from the brightness. Your plant should have a blurry shadow - this is a great indicator that it is getting enough indirect sunlight. Water The top plant killer is overwatering. Considering the...

You've just finished spring cleaning, and summer is approaching quickly. Summer means longer days and later nights, and usually more traffic in your home. With play dates, game nights, and bonfires, there are likely to be more guests in and out of your home than usual. While fun is the priority, safety should be as well. To keep the little ones, children and pets included, safe in your home, follow these steps so you can enjoy a safe summer (as well as all the other seasons):  1. Protect your belongings This has two benefits. If you have items that are important to you and could easily break, it is best to store them away so they don't get damaged and no one gets hurt from the broken item in the process.  2. Make off-limit areas If you want to prevent children and pets from going places you don't want them, consider installing safety gates. Placing gates in front of staircases and rooms with more breakable items can prevent both children and pets from falling or ac...

If a drive-through theater is one of your family's favorite summer activities, why not bring it inside to enjoy all year? Imagine having such a fun theater in your basement! This unique idea will not only satisfy your family, but also impress your guests. Let's find you a home that gives you the space to bring your dreams to life!

Do you have a green thumb and love to bring those bright blossoms to life? If so, this is probably your favorite time of year! Everything is in bloom and the bouquet options right in your backyard are at an all time high. I grew up in a yard with so many gardens and exotic plants, that when it came my turn to tend the soil, I was very disappointed that I did not share the gardening prowess that my mother has. I have accepted that I will not a full vegetable garden right outside my back door, but I am a sucker for everything pretty, so I still make attempts at growing some colorful flowers. One of the easiest, most abundant, and pleasing plants to look at are the exotic tall grasses that grace our yard and neighborhood. These tall waving fronds are by far my favorite because of their striking appearance and minimal care. What is the prettiest part of your home's garden?

What is owning a home? That may seem like an odd question because most people expect the question of why, instead of what. There are many statistics, financial figures, benefits, and freedoms in owning a home. These are all easily found. What is harder to find is what it is like to own your own home. When my husband and I bought our home about a year ago, we had no idea what to expect. We were long time renters like most people our age, and I wish that I had known more of the what with the why. What I have found is that owning your home is extremely liberating. It is your space to do anything you wish. You can paint the walls any color and put as many holes in the walls as you would like. You are free to updated every single room with fancy fixtures or keep them neat and simple. Everything is up to your discretion and that is an amazing feeling. Being a home owner can also be stressful. It is not fun when your furnace stops working in the middle of winter or there is a leak in your ...

One of my favorite things is putting a beautiful new wreath on our front door. It is a fun way to express your decorating style while welcoming people into your home. Now that it’s summer, there is a large assortment of bright and colorful floral wreaths and flower pots available. No matter how plain the front of your home is, bright flowers and a cheery wreath are the perfect affordable way to beautify. What is your favorite way to dress up your home’s entry? See some of my favorites: https://www.pinterest.com/rachelmulhollandrealty/front-door-decor/

When asked about your favorite room in your home, many people answer with the kitchen.  Food tends to make friends and family gather. We love to share recipes, learn new cooking techniques, and create beautiful and delicious dishes. Cooking can be a cultural experience , a stress relief, an artistic expression and so many other things. Whether you are the type of person to cook everything from scratch, or you burn most things you try to prepare, keep trying and keep cooking! Check out some of my families favorite recipes:  https://www.pinterest.com/rachelmulhollandrealty/cooking-at-home/

Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer and a day of remembrance for those who lost their lives while serving our country. Take the time to display the flag and celebrate the freedom they fought for. Create some patriotic displays, dig out your red, white and blue clothing, and make your favorite summer recipes. Check out the following for some great ideas: https://www.pinterest.com/rachelmulhollandrealty/memorial-day-party/

If you are like me, your pets are an invaluable part of your family. They give us constant love, attention and entertainment, and life would certainly not be the same without them. One way to repay their constant gratitude is to make your home as pet friendly as possible. This will make your fur baby happy, as well as making your life a little easier. A few things that are easy to do for our furry friends: -Choosing pet friendly rugs and carpets. A woven wool rug is durable and harder to ruin by scratching and chewing.  If you are smart about the color and pattern, it will cut down on the appearance of stains and hair, and will be easier to clean. Your pets will enjoy it because it is soft on their paws and better for snuggly long naps. -Installing a pet door can create a whole new world for your pals. It can easily create separation for those that need it, and designates a safe space for food and toys. It has been a major improvement in our home so that the cat has his own ar...

Do you love the ease and manageability of renting a home or apartment? Did you know that a realtor can help you find the next property you will love to lease? Real Estate Agents are well known for helping home buyers and sellers, but they are also a resource when it comes to leases and rentals. They have all of the tools to make the process simple and painless because of their vast network and available assets. So, next time your lease is coming to an end, consider using a Real Estate Agent to help you find your next residence!

As the weather continues to feel more like summer, I think we are all ready to celebrate. Take advantage of Cinco De Mayo being on a Friday this year, and host an at home fiesta! Dust off the blender that is rarely used, and make some delicious margaritas complete with salt rimmed glasses. If you are hosting children, make a summer punch with sliced citrus fruits for decoration.  For your meal, steak fajitas are an easy crowd pleaser that can be done on the grill along with that corn on the cob you have been craving. To complete your festive ensemble, make simple churros from crescent rolls brushed with cinnamon and sugar, sliced and twisted before baking for an impressive dessert. For decorating ideas, recipes, and activities, click the link below! https://www.pinterest.com/rachelmulhollandrealty/cinco-de-mayo-fiesta/

Getting tired of your friends and relatives bragging about the vacations they have coming up? If you are trying to be budget conscious this summer, plan a staycation that can rival any luxurious trip. Whether you are a homebody by nature, or want to learn the nuances of your beloved home town, take the opportunity to utilize the home and amenities you already have nearby. You don’t have to deal with the stress of travel, you will be relaxed and rejuvenated, and you know exactly what to expect. Where to stay- If you are planning to stay home, make sure to prep your home in advance so that it is clean, organized, and feels like a special retreat. If you want to try something new, check out what is available on AirBnB, any B &B’s nearby, or that new swanky hotel. This is a fun way to get a new perspective of the town you already know. What to do- Spend time being a tourist. Check your local Travel Bureau for their top suggestions, and take the time to do things you may have been...

Below are some of the top home trends of this year. Keep your eye out for these fashionable finds and fun ways to updated your home.       Climbing Plants- Living walls and the natural beauty of lush greenery in the home are bringing the traditional garden indoors.        Marble Wallpaper- This is a unique way to modernize any wall in your home with a level of sophistication that is clean and simple with subtle color and design. If a wall seems like too much, look for marble accent pieces instead.         Nightstands- Already a bedroom essential, there is an increase in creative bedside solutions for both décor and functionality.         Simple Living- Pairing our lives down to the essentials and creating spaces that are cozy and livable without worry are good ways to simplify and focus on what really matters in life.        Copper- this feminine metallic can be found adorning e...

We have all been told to help the environment by switching light bulbs, turning off the water, and unplugging unused appliances, but what are some other ways we can easily make an impact? Not everyone is willing to compost waste materials, go chemical-free, and make their own non-toxic soaps. If you are like me, those sound like admirable things to d o, but unfortunately, I do not have the time or desire to go to these extremes. So in honor of our recently celebrated Earth Day, I will be making some changes, and I think they are things anyone can do: Use houseplants to improve your home’s air quality and literally liven up the room. Reuse and repurpose old furniture. This allows you to get creative and continue using that 1970’s coffee table from grandma. Start buying recycled toilet paper. This is an easy switch to a product that every member of your family uses every day. Landscape with plants that are native to your area to increase longevity and positively impact the bugs a...