Fun and Unique Thanksgiving Centerpieces

Thanksgiving is almost upon us. You've thought of everything - the menu, the guests, the music, the centerpiece? If you're not sure how to dress up your Thanksgiving table here are a few quick ways to make a big impression!

Make use of some items you probably already have around the house - candles, fake leaves and a chalkboard!

Incorporate your Halloween decor in a new way - spray paint pumpkins a shiny gold to dress up your holiday tablescape.

Get the kids involved by making a gratitude tree.

However you decorate have a very Happy Thanksgiving, from our family to yours!

Have an Energy Efficient Thanksgiving

Amid all the preparations for Thanksgiving - the food, the decorations, the guest list - it's easy to overlook minimizing your energy costs.  There are ways to use less energy and work for efficiently while cooking and preparing the many side dishes, helping to save a little money this holiday season!
Cooking:- Use the smallest pot or pan to cook your food - it will use less energy and speed up cooking time- Always use a lid on your pots or pans - it can save up to three times the amount of energy used without one- Glass and ceramic pans heat up quicker than metal pans- Don't open the oven to check on your food - you can lose up to 25 degrees of heat each time- Utilize smaller appliances like convection ovens, crock pots and microwaves- Turn the oven off 10 minutes before the meal is done - the leftover heat will be enough to finish cooking
Other Tips:- Rinse dishes with cold water instead of hot- Keep drinks in a cooler to keep guests from opening and closing the refrigerator all night- Turn your heat down in the house to 68 and let the extra heat from the kitchen warm you up- Don't pack your refrigerator too full of leftovers or it will have to work harder to keep cool

Do you have any tips to save energy during your Thanksgiving prep?

Prepping Your Home for Holiday Guests

The holiday season is in full swing! For many people that means entertaining family and friends - sometimes overnight!

Here are some tips to prepare the perfect guest room.

1. Freshly launder your sheets - even if they haven't been slept in, it will add a nice touch to have a the fresh scent of clean and aired out sheets.

2. Provide the best sleep environment possible. This includes extra blankets and a box fan - accommodating for any temperature preference.

3. Anticipate your guest's needs so they don't have to ask. Provide bottled water, reading material and extra hangers. Have an alarm clock available so guests don't have to ask for a wake-up.

4. If you don't have a full time guest room - no problem. If your guest room doubles as an office or play room clear out the clutter before your company arrives.

5. For extra touches to really wow your guests add fresh flowers, provide your wi-fi password and include a basket of seasonal snacks!

What do you do to prepare for guests? Any tips and tricks to share?

Bigger Homes, Smaller Lots

The housing market continues to change and adapt as the wants and needs of consumers change. Since the late 1990's the trend towards larger homes on smaller lots has been developing.  Zillow's latest research helps to quantify this change.

The median size of homes increased by 24%, from 2100 square feet to 2600 square feet. At the same time, the average lot size has shrunk about 10%.

There are a few reasons for this change.  Home buyers are looking for more space - specifically an increased number of bedrooms and bathrooms.  They are also looking for locations convenient to work and recreation. These locations often come at a premium. A smaller size lot allows for a compromise between cost and desirability.

Zillow's latest research also showed the average length of time for a new single-family home to sell is about two months after the start of construction.  Construction itself usually takes about five months.

What are you looking for in a new home? Did you know that your buying power is never more powerful than it is today?

Zillow Article

Halloween Safety and Trivia

Enjoy Trick-or-Treating this Saturday - but be safe! Take a moment to review these safety tips from the American Safety Council. Then enjoy some Halloween trivia to share with your friends!

Halloween Trivia

- The first Jack-O-Lanterns were made from Turnips

- Ireland is the birthplace of Halloween

- The largest Halloween parade takes place in New York City

- The colors of Halloween are Orange and Black. Orange represents fall or harvest time and Black represents death.

- The annual sales of Halloween candy in the United States are $2 Billion Dollars

Autumn Lawn Care

A common misconception this time of year is that as the weather gets cooler and the leaves begin to turn that lawn maintenance can take a back seat. On the contrary, Fall is a perfect time to catch up on some much needed lawn care and prep for a beautiful spring yard!

Here's how!

Lower your lawn mower blade to allow for about a 2 inch cut. Shower grass will help keep the lawn from matting under leaves or snow. It will also allow for better sunlight absorption as the days get shorter.

Continue to water your lawn once or twice a week if conditions or dry. Early morning is the best time and will prevent the grown of fungus in the evening.

Apply week killer. The roots will absorb the killer and prevent new growth in the spring.

Rent an aerator - this tool punches holes in the soil to allow in more oxygen, water and fertilizer.

Fall fertilizer allows roots to continue growing and absorb nutrients without the stress from the summer heat! So apply away!

Hosting a Halloween Party?

Halloween is right around the corner! Hosting a party this year? Here are a few easy and fun ways to put some spook-tacular snacks together!

Create a fun Fall trail mix with candy corn, pretzels, Bugles, Chex Mix and M&M's. Click on the image below to find out more.

Whip up a quick dip with vanilla pudding, cool whip and a can of pumpkin! Click to learn more!

Assemble some witch's brooms with Reeses Cups and pretzel rods!

For a healthy twist - use cut up veggies to create a fun pumpkin treat!