We are now going to take things to the other side. Here are some ideas to make your back yard a sanctuary, or and a great & casual place for people to enjoy.

Outside Living Room

 If you have a deck or a patio, some comfortable, weather resistnat furniture can transform it into an outdoor living space. Get brightly colored pillows and an outside area rug to make it have a fresh yet cozy feel. If possible invest in a small fire pit for all to sit around and enjoy.

Flowers On The Fence!

 Make use of your fence by hanging flower baskets. They will naturally brighten things up. These baskets are also very easy to maintain and can last all season long.

Walk This Way

If you are having lawn troubles you can disguise them. Place nice stones and make a walkway leading into your backyard, having an end point at the patio or continue to a focal point, such as a fountain or special garden.

Waterfalls

If you haven’t already installed a waterfall, it might be worth some thought.  It will not only make you backyard feel like and oasis, but also give it that modern Asian feel. It’s calming and really ties everything together.

Meet Me In The Gazebo

 Who doesn’t love a Gazebo. They’re great retreat for relaxing or an intimate spot to entertain friends with some wine and hors d’oevres.

Enjoy!

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Here’s a list of some ideas that may be helpful when hosting a summer get together at your home, and things to help make it hassle-free.

Hosting is all about welcoming people! You want to make sure your home is inviting, and fresh , whether you live in a house, condo or apartment. This can be one of the easiest times of year to invite people over and I hope you find these tips helpful.

Let’s Get Things Ready

 Do: Make sure your home is clean & ready for your guests’ arrival. You want to welcome them with the same feeling they get when they are on vacation – everything ready and all they have to do is enjoy.

Don’t:  Stress about not having enough time. Focus on the areas that will get the most traffic. Close doors to any bedrooms or rooms that are too messy to get done in time.

Cool and Breezy

Do: Make your home comfortable, if it’s a hot day keep the house as cool as possible. Have your air conditioning on or a fan blowing, no one likes to be sticky or feel hot. If you’re hosting outdoors, don’t worry we have a tip for that in our next blog!

Don’t: Overly make yourself crazy, just use what you have – whether it’s central air, fans or open windows it’s ok, you’re not hosting the queen of England and your friends will understand.

Give The House “The Look”

 Do: It’s nice to have your home represent the season. Make sure to get some fresh flowers, and if you can decorate with lighter summer curtains and colorful pillows, that’s a bonus. Bright or pastel colors can make a space feel light & breezy.

Don’t: Blow your whole budget. Less can be more and sometimes DIY projects are the best. Pinterest and other similar websites can become your new best friend.

Next week we’ll continue with some fresh ideas to liven & lighten up your next get together.

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Let’s continue on this journey! Here are some additional topics and tips that will help you deliver a fine summer bash.

We’re Taking It Outside!

Do: Having plenty of beverages for everyone is a must. If you have a nice yard or deck, utilize it. You want to make sure everyone has a place to sit and be comfortable – even if you put some blankets on the grass and some people can enjoy the party “picnic style”. BBQing or making  your event a pot luck are some good options for a casual party.

Don’t: Go over board. Your place is just the setting. All you need is some good music, food and great people and you’ll have an amazing summer bash.

It’s Getting Late

Do: If you realize that your home is located in a very woodsy area and there isn’t a lot of natural lighting make sure you have that covered. You can get some string lights (battery powered are best) and hang them around the deck or on tiki poles. Solar lighting is also wonderful and will give your home a different as you go from day to evening. This may also give you a reason to invest in a fire pit! I mean who doesn’t love making s’mores and telling ghost stories?

Don’t: Worry if you don’t have tiki poles or string lights – tons of candles,  moving the party inside or just calling it a night will all work as well.

Smaller Space?

Do: If you do not have a grand back yard or a spacious inside, no worries. The picture says it all – place some nice plants or flowers on the table, convert your coffee table or smaller side tables into serving tables by clearing them off just for the evening and have some fun summer music playing in the background to set the atmosphere. If you want to make your place look spacious, just move some furniture of decorations in to another room and close the door. Clear some counter space just for the day and have great lighting.

Don’t: Clutter. You want guests to move around freely and be able to get from one area to another with out scooting through a bunch of people.

Last, but far from least. Enjoy yourself and your home! It’s the secret to success for all parties and so easy to forget! Your home is your sanctuary and you want your guests to experience the same fabulous feel that you have when you’re there!

I hope these tips are helpful whether you just moved into your first place, or you just love to entertain.

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I don’t know about you, but I love a good trip to the beach. With the unofficial start of summer this weekend it’s time to start planning what beaches to frequenting for the season. Luckily, Connecticut has a lot of options.  These beaches in Connecticut are fan favorites, and great for a lone day of tide watching or a family outing.

You should pack a beach bag now so you can be ready as soon as the moment hits!

courtesy of onlyinyourstate.com

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Even a state as scenic as Connecticut can get lost behind all the buildings and bustling cities. But these roads will let you return to the Connecticut you know and love. With spring coming in, these would be perfect for a scenic day trip with the windows down.

Route 27

Doug Kerr/Flickr

Start in Mystic and head north to Route 184. You’ll pass through a vineyard in Stonington and are free to take the detour to Barn Island Wildlife Management Area. Take in all the trees and historic homes this area has area has to offer on the 30-mile round trip drive.

 

Route 146

These 13 miles between Branford and Guilford are more than just a scenic alternative to the US 1. They’re a scenic dream, taking you by Youngs Pond and over the Branford River.

 

Route 8

Start at Route 8 in Torrington, also known as James H Darcey Memorial Highway, and head North to Route 44. Passing the Saville Dam and Barkhamsted Reservoir will move you to snap photographs. This drive is fantastic at night as well.

 

US-7

Take the US-7 in to the CT-41 from Brookfeild to Sharon and enjoy 35 miles of greatness as you pass the Housatonic River and the heavily wooded two lane spaces.

 

Merritt Parkway

This historic road in Fairfield County is a 37-mile stretch of National Scenic Byway. It’s known for the architecture of its ovrerpasses. One of the greatest drives on a winter’s day.

 

Route 169

Polaron/Wikimedia

You’ll be glad you know about this road come autumn! The foliage along this peaceful strip is to die for. You will pass through quaint towns with colonial structures and lots of rolling farmland.

 

Connecticut 63

Start on the 63 in Goshen and then catch the 128 in to Cornwall for a look at the Litchfield area. These towns are known for being picturesque, and this two lane drive will be devoid of noise or trucks.

 

Route 149

Doug Kerr/Flickr

Follow the Salmon River to the beloved Connecticut River as you drive from Colchester to East Haddam. This vineyard filled road is also heavily wooded, culminating at the famed Goodspeed Opera House.

 

Route 94

Doug Kerr/Flickr

Jump from the 94 to the 85 to the 16 as you travel from Glastonbury to East Hampton. You’ll pass Blackledge Falls and get to pay a visit to the covered Comstock Bridge.

 

Route 154

Adam Moss/Flickr

Follow the Connecticut coast from Old Saybrook to Haddam as you pass the renowned Harvey’s Beach and Fenwick, where celebrities come to feel the breeze.

Tis the season to “hit the road” and enjoy the beautiful Constitution State – even the journey is enjoyable!

courtesy of onlyinyourstate.com

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Discovering Connecticut isn’t all about the outdoors, here are some interesting dining opportunities where restaurants make their name by having extremely good food. So don’t get too distracted by the exterior. These restaurants far surpass their outsides, and may even surprise you with how big of a flavor punch they pack! If you’re looking for a new spot for date night I would definitely recommend checking out a place on this list!

Bon Appetit!

courtesy of onlyinyourstate.com

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Connecticut’s state parks are simply breathtaking to behold. In the spring, entire valleys come to life as color returns, but you’re just as moved by autumn, when those spring colors transform. Every season has its reason, but these parks will let you enjoy them to the fullest!

Gillette Castle State Park (East Haddam)

You absolutely must take a view of the castle who’s builder coined the phrase “elementary, my dear Watson.” And don’t forget to check out the spectacular Connecticut River views!

Hammonasset Beach State Park (Madison)

If you want to visit the beach but still get in a workout, consider the miles of exercise trails this location offers. Many residents think this is the best beach in the state.

 Sleeping Giant State Park (Hamden)

Harkness Memorial State Park (Waterford)

Silver Sands State Park (Milford)

This one is my personal favorite. The boardwalk and pier are phenomenal for photography and biking.

Kent Falls State Park (Kent)

This park features a beautiful waterfall with viewing platforms along the way so you can stop and enjoy the sounds.

Fort Trumbull State Park (New London)

This pre-Civil War fort is a sight to behold! Walk the grounds and soak in the state history.

Rocky Neck State Park (East Lyme)

The perfect balance of beach and trees, this park is perfect for all ages and a great place to find cool sea shells.

Devil’s Hopyard State Park (East Haddam)

Choose your trail wisely, because some of the paths get quite steep. But there’s no park that will make you feel closer to nature than this one!

Chatfield Hollow State Park (Killingworth)

Visit the lake area during the off season to avoid the crowd and use the summertime to check out the trails.

Haystack Mountain State Park (Norfolk)

This is where you go when you’re searching for aerial like views of the state. What you’ll see from up here is incredible!

Lovers Leap State Park (New Milford)

Hike the blue trail to catch views like these, and bring your partner with you because its romantic history makes this a great place for magic!

Burr Pond State Park (Torrington)

In terms of size, this freshwater pond is actually more like a lake. This area is perfect for bringing the dogs or hosting a little picnic.

Collis P. Huntington State Park (Redding)

The wide open fields are great for frisbee and catch, or even using cool toys like remote control planes.

Penwood State Park (Bloomfield)

These foliage heavy trails are meant to be slowly perused as you catch glimpses of animals and take in the warmth. Definitely my pick come autumn!

It’s a great time of year to explore all that Connecticut has to offer and fine out which state park is your favorite!

courtesy of onlyinyourstate.com

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Sometimes we’re not aware of interesting things to see and do right, in our own backyard! Let’s take a virtual road trip to inspire you to get out and explore what you can be found right here in the Constitution State.  This tour is perfect for the photographer, or anyone who likes interesting sights.

13 Amazing Places In Connecticut That Are A Photo-Taking Paradise

Castle Craig

(Meriden)

Lordship Seawall

(Stratford)

Connecticut College Arboretum

(New London)

MultiChillT/Wikimedia

Elizabeth Park

(West Hartford)

Marsh Botanical Garden

(New Haven)

Daderot/Wikimedia

Karlfonza/Wikimedia

Natureworks

courtesy of onlyinyourstate.com

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Once there’s even a glimmer of spring, you’re ready to throw open your windows and let the breeze blow away the winter funk. Well, you might want to rethink that spring cleaning ritual this year.

If you’re an allergy sufferer (and who isn’t?), that’s the last thing you want to do, says Dr. Neeta Ogden, a spokesperson for the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. “It will allow pollen to settle in your home.”

If you really can’t skip that spring breeze, avoid opening them in the morning, pollen counts are highest in the morning; they decrease late in the day and at night.

And that’s not the only common spring-cleaning mistake homeowners make. Here are eight more to avoid:

1. Not Looking Up

You’ve worked up a sweat and everything’s starting to sparkle, but then you realize your ceiling fan is coated in dust. Uh, oh. Once you start wiping the fan, dust will scatter on what you’ve already cleaned. That’s why you should always look up to see what needs dusting before you start cleaning at eye level. Tackle hard-to-reach places like the tops of bookshelves, crown molding, and window ledges.

2. Starting to Clean Without a Plan

You wake up motivated — today you’re going to get all your spring cleaning done! But by noon, your house is in disarray, and not one single room is finished. Ugh. That’s why Briana Norde, owner of Caliber Cleaning Inc. says it pays to break up the biggest cleaning project of the year into smaller, more manageable tasks.

She recommends conquering your hardest job first, like the kitchen, which she calls the “most time-consuming room.” With that first accomplishment under your belt, you’ll have the momentum to take on the remaining tasks. The key is to give yourself plenty of breaks. And there’s nothing wrong with spreading it out over several days.

3. Ignoring That Weird-Looking Vacuum Attachment

Don’t let your carpet hog the vacuum. The crevice tool, Norde says, “is not used nearly enough.” Use it between your wall and refrigerator to get out the accumulated dust that’s otherwise unreachable, and run it around the edge of your baseboards to clean where standard upright vacuums can’t reach.

4. Skipping the Mattress

Think of how much time you spend in your bed. Yet, you probably clean the top of your fridge more often than your mattress. Your mattress harbors millions of dust mites, which cause various respiratory conditions including sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, and skin rashes (not to mention just being plain gross).

“[Dust mites’] food is human skin scales, so the bed is just heaven for them,” says Ogden.

She recommends using a vapor steam cleaner to root out the itchy devils, then wrapping it in an anti-allergen mattress protector.

At the very least, sprinkle your mattress with baking soda and let it sit for awhile. Then (using the attachment mentioned above) vacuum it up.

5. Relying on Harsh Cleaners

There’s a reason many commercial cleaners have the words “danger,” “hazard,” or “caution,” on their labels. Something in the ingredients is toxic in one form or another, and most all could aggravate allergies and asthma. So, “don’t go crazy with cleaners you don’t need,” says Ogden. Moldy bathrooms may scream for bleach, but most surfaces do not. Ogden recommends making your own solution of water and vinegar (use a fifty-fifty ratio), which will keep most surfaces clean and germ-free.

6. Using Chemical Air Fresheners

You want your home to smell fresh, so it’s tempting to reach for that mountain-rain-spring-fresh-scent in a can. But aerosol air fresheners contain high levels of toxic pollutants like phthalates, which can affect hormone levels, cause reproductive abnormalities, and increase allergies and asthma. Yikes. Try homemade (and less-expensive) alternatives, such as potpourri, or essential oils and water in a spray bottle.

7. Leaving the Clutter

All of the spring cleaning tips and advice are useless if you don’t declutter first.

“We tend to not clean well around clutter,” says Ogden. “You’re not going to reach the dust there.”

Make sure toys are put away, books are back on the bookshelf, and paperwork is filed before you begin the cleaning process. Otherwise, you’re leaving room for dust and pollen to hide — making spring cleaning all for naught.

8. Treating It Like a Chore

If you dread spring cleaning, this should make you feel better: a Harvard study found those who treated cleaning as beneficial exercise saw a decrease in weight, body mass index, blood pressure, and more. That’s what we call a trifecta: living in a clean home, breathing allergy-free air, and feeling great!

By: Jamie Wiebe

Read more: http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/green-cleaning/allergy-proof-home/#ixzz46Nk1ckJF
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