Posts

How to Care for Holiday Houseplants

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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...

CHILD & PET-PROOFING YOUR HOME

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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...

A New Type of Theater In Your Basement

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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!

Garden Bliss

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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

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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 ...

Front Door Decor

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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/

Home Cooking

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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/