Spring Gardening - Part Two

So you've come up with the perfect spot for your garden and worked on a layout.  Now...what to plant?

It's a good idea to start with some easy-to-grow veggies that will not disappoint. Some of the best no-fail plants include:

- Basil
- Cucumber
- Summer Squash
- Green Beans
- Lettuce

Of course a summer harvest wouldn't be complete without red, ripe tomatoes.  Tomatoes need plenty of water and sunshine. Stake the plants to keep them from laying on the ground.  Look for disease resistant varieties where possible.

Different plants compliment each other and aide in growth.  Plant corn, beans and squash in the same area. Basil planted near tomatoes helps to repel flies and mosquitoes. Lettuce, carrots and radishes grow well together.

So here at the end of February what is your next step? . If you're growing from seed - begin the process inside where the seedlings will be safe from cold temperatures. If you're looking for rare or heirloom varieties begin placing your orders online.

Planning for Spring

If you're ready to start thinking about the Spring - now is the perfect time to start planning your vegetable garden.  It's not too early! A little preparation and planning now will make your planting season go on without a hitch.

So how to begin?

When planning your first vegetable garden don't try to do too much too soon. It's better to have a smaller garden that you can manage then a large garden that is out of control.  The first thing to consider is location.  Most vegetables need about 6-8 hours of sun in order to remain healthy and produce as they should.  Think of a location that will be easy to water and easy to harvest.

Draw out a plan for your garden showing where you would like each item to go. It's not necessary to have a lot of space between plants - just know it will require some weeding by hand in order to maintain.

For some sample layout designs see the links below.

http://www.almanac.com/content/online-garden-planner-old-farmers-almanac

http://www.bhg.com/gardening/plans/vegetable/

Time to Sell!

Ready to get into a new home? Need to sell first? Most naysayers discount the winter season for selling - but - there are ways to do it!  Use some of our tips to sell your old home so you can move on!

Statistically, there are fewer buyers during the winter months - but there is also less competition. Buyers who are out are more serious and looking to buy in a shorter time frame.

That's the good news!

So what can you do to help move the process along?

Exterior:
- Make sure all the windows are clean and sparkle in the winter light
- Create a welcoming entryway using a wreath or porch decor
- Remove any dead landscaping and prune as necessary

Interior:
- If you aren't currently living in the room make sure you have the heat on long before your next appointment shows up
- Create a cozy feel using candles, blankets and the scent of fresh baking cookie or cider

Misc:
- Provide photos of your home in other seasons to highlight the landscaping and help potential buyers visualize themselves in the home year round

Hosting the Big Game!

Whether you are a serious professional football fan or not, the Super Bowl has gained it's place in the line of American past times.  Friends gather to eat, cheer on their favorite teams, watch the half time show or rate the commercials.

This year you're in a new home and the Super Bowl is a perfect opportunity to show it off!  Thanks to Pinterest - we've got plenty of great ideas on how you can make your party a winner!

Need some entertainment for your non-football loving guests? Game Day Bingo!

Personal size snacks - cut down on the double dipping and mess

Fun ways to incorporate retro candy

DIY Decor!

Ways to Warm Up

The winter weather has finally arrived and you are trying desperately to stay warm!

Here are some ways to warm up - the smart way!

1. When you're coming home to a cold house, don't crank the thermostat up too high too fast. Thermostats don't work that way and it will just end up costing you money.

2. At night, or when you're not home, don't let it get too cold. Otherwise it will take a long time to heat back up. The key is to not try and go to extremes with your temperature. Dropping by just a couple of degrees at night is the better way to go.

3. Make use of a programmable thermostat. Automatic adjustments will happen more slowly and more efficiently.

4. During the day, keep your blinds open to let in the warmth of the sunlight. Make sure all of the windows are locked to prevent drafts.

5. Don't close the heating vents in rooms that aren't used often. This could cause an imbalance in your heating system.

Do you have any stay warm tips this winter?

Strong Outlook for 2016 Housing Market

Predictions for the 2016 Housing Market appear strong on a variety of fronts. According to an article in the Washington Post several factors will encourage another year of positive growth.

• Home prices should continue to increase
• Credit requirements - especially for first time home buyers are beginning to normalize
• Housing remains on a more solid foundation with less mortgages underwater
• Homeowners looking to sell and move on to new homes should have an easier time selling in 2016

So will 2016 be the year you purchase your new dream home?

To read the whole article click here

Pantone Color of the Year

For the first time Pantone is introducing two colors of the year - Rose Quartz and Serenity.  Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute describes the two tone color combination as "an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue".

The emotional attributes of Rose Quartz and Serenity are a sense of calm and relaxation.

For more information visit the official site of Pantone's "Color of the Year"