5 ways to redefine your outdoor space

(BPT) - Winter's coldest days make you appreciate spring and summer, as well as the warm afternoons spent outdoors enjoying these seasons. And when the time comes, there's no better place to relax than in your own backyard. If your space isn't all it could be, though, this is the perfect time for a little outdoor upgrade.



Below are five projects you can tackle on your own to reinvent your backyard and turn it into the space you always knew it could be.



* Landscape for the year. Landscaping provides a focal point in your yard, but don't just landscape with the warmer months in mind - include plants for each season. Showcase blooming flowers and hostas in the warmer months, and pair them with evergreen conifers for a look that's inviting all year long.



* One-of-a-kind planter boxes. Showcase your most beautiful blooms or delicious herbs in planter boxes made from Western Red Cedar. Western Red Cedar is ideal for planter boxes because it is naturally rot, decay and insect resistant. Plus, building the box is easy. You can learn how to build planter boxes of your own at Realcedar.com.



* Sitting beside the fire. A fire pit is a great way to extend your backyard use into the evening hours, and giving the pit a professional look is easier than you think. Start by measuring the pit area and then build your wall of pavers. Surround the pit itself with gravel, additional pavers or another non-flammable substance, then add some comfy chairs and prepare to enjoy.



* The all-in-one pergola. Whether you're looking for a little shade, a centerpiece for the yard or the perfect spot to entertain, a pergola delivers. Building the pergola out of a lighter wood like Western Red Cedar will make the material easier to handle for any DIYer, and the appearance and smell of Western Red Cedar ensures your pergola will blend in naturally with the rest of your yard. You can find instructions for building your own pergola at Realcedar.com.



* Let there be light. Enjoy your backyard any time of day with just a little lighting. Solar-powered path lights are a low-maintenance way to showcase your new landscaping, and hanging track lighting can bring an evening glow to your pergola. Finally, don't forget tiki torches. Adding a couple will give your backyard a rustic feel and keep the mosquitos away at the same time. What could be better than that?



Your backyard is what you make of it, so why not make it great? Any of these projects will noticeably enhance your backyard. For more amazing backyard projects, visit Realcedar.com.

Adore your front door: Three tips for beautiful wood doors in any climate

(BPT) - Your home's front door is more than a portal for family and friends - it makes a statement about your own personal style. Home designers often list the entry door as one of the most cost effective ways to dress up the front of your home for "wow" curb appeal.



"This Old House" magazine notes that since the front door is the first and last thing we touch when entering and leaving our homes, "it's easy to understand why many of us still like our doors to be made of wood - nothing else matches the material's warmth and satisfying heft."



"People choose wood entry doors first and foremost for their beauty; it's a fine piece of furniture on the front of your home," says Brad Loveless of Simpson Door Company.



For homeowners who enjoy the beauty of wood entry doors, options are now available to stand up to the harshest climates - from the wind-driven rains of Nantucket Island to the desert Southwest. Following are three ways to have the wood door you want and to ensure it will look great for years, no matter what the climate throws at it.



Bring your dreams to life



With doors available in hundreds of wood species, and numerous designs and glass options, it can be hard to envision how a particular door will look like on your home. Short of hiring an architect to make a sketch, most people have had to rely on their imaginations. Recently, easy-to-use, free online tools have become available to simplify the door selection process. For example, Simpson's "Test Drive a Door" enables people to upload a photo of their home and view different door options on it. This allows a homeowner to be sure before they buy.



Go for performance



People are used to looking for high performance when shopping for new cars or computers, but might not realize the same approach can apply to doors. Manufacturers have developed high-performance wood doors with superior weather resistance that last in the most demanding exposures, including coastal homes with no porch or roof overhang to protect the door.



One high-performance option to consider is choosing wood species that perform best in moist conditions, as this varies among wood types. Species that have been shown in laboratory testing to have natural moisture resistance include Douglas Fir, Black Locust, Nootka Cypress and Sapele Mahogany, among others. In recognition of the use of such species and advanced joinery techniques, "Window & Door" magazine selected Nantucket Collection doors from Simpson as its "Most Innovative Door."



Another performance option some manufacturers offer in their wood doors is water-resistant composite blocks within the bottom of the door, where water can infiltrate. Doors also are available with full exterior cladding to protect them from rain and sun, while retaining the beauty of wood inside the home.



A strong finish



With any door, whether made of wood, steel or fiberglass, it is crucial to finish it for long-lasting protection from the elements. Doors are sold either factory finished or unfinished. If unfinished, the door must be finished by the door dealer, a contractor or the homeowner. Manufacturers provide step-by-step instructions for best results from finishing, and those steps typically must be followed to ensure warranty requirements. Chief among these are to finish all six sides - front, back and all edges. As no wood surface should be left unfinished, finish should also be applied to the cut-outs for the handle and lock set, as well as any other openings, such as for mail slots or pet doors.



If the door is exposed to sun, it is generally better to use lighter color paints or stains as those absorb less heat from damaging UV rays.

Affordable decorating tips to take your home from ho-hum to high style

Feeling uninspired in your space? Updating the decor in your home is an easy way to add more color, style and personality to rejuvenate your residence. Whether you're making a few updates, like new artwork or wall colors, or renovating an entire room with a completely new look, decorating should be fun, not stressful. With a few simple tips, you can up the design ante in your home without breaking the bank.

Decorative painting for design

Painting can consist of much more than simple strokes of one color. Take things to the next level with decorative painting. Create different patterns on your walls with textured rollers to achieve an artistic design. Sponge and fabric paint rollers provide unique patterns to give your walls a one-of-a-kind look. Low in price and high in design, using textured rollers is a great option for redecorating on a budget.

Painting stripes in your room is a refreshing way to update your current color scheme. A sequence of wide and narrow stripes in complementing colors is a stylish option. To achieve crisp, clean lines between each stripe, painter's tape will get the job done. It will also help toprevent paint bleed, leaving precise lines and keeping the transition between your colors looking sharp.

A plethora of plates

Artwork is a great way to change things up and give any room a boost. Expensive traditional framed pieces of artwork aren't your only option anymore. Instead, create an eclectic art piece with plates you already own, or find them at garage sales and antique stores. Opt for various sizes and shapes and attach each one to your wall with plate hooks. You can cover an entire wall, or focus on a smaller area - but before you get started, be sure to lay out your design on the floor first. This way, you'll achieve your desired look, without extra nail holes on the wall from hanging as you go.

Perk-up hallways with runners; rooms with rugs

While re-energizing your home, the hallways may seem a little drab. Add a pick-me-up to your walkway by hanging portraits with funky frames along the walls. Add a runner along the length of the floor for a touch of pizzazz. Runners come in a multitude of lengths, patterns and colors - not to mention price ranges. Updating the flooring will keep your feet cozy and help to diminish the sound of footsteps during the night.

If you have a space you want to update, but a full room makeover isn't in your budget, consider an area rug to spruce things up. If the color in your room is dull, the rug can add visual interest and a pop of color, serving as an aesthetically pleasing addition. Area rugs also help to break up the space of a larger room and can add grandeur to a small space. A new rug will also protect your pre-existing carpet, vinyl and hardwood floors, keeping them looking newer, longer.

Opt for accents as design elements

No home redecorating project is complete without a few perfectly placed accents. These interesting items stand out from your primary colors and furniture pieces, offering a fresh look to any space. Accent pieces - like chairs, frames or vases - will spice up a monotonous color scheme, while harmonizing with everything else you may already have in a room. Consider a bright beanbag chair for your child's bedroom, a bold lawn chair on your patio to enthrall while entertaining or a lamp base in a complementary color on your console. Keep in mind accents are meant to speak for themselves; so there's no need to have another elaborate piece in the room to pair with an accent piece. Just one affordable piece is all it takes.

When the redecorating bug bites, embrace the opportunity to freshen up your home inexpensively. With a pinch of creativity and a dash of design inspiration, you can easily make over any space into one that's perfect for you.

IMAGE CAPTIONS:

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Caption 1: Create different patterns on your walls with textured rollers to achieve an artistic design.

Caption 2: Painting stripes in your room is a refreshing way to update your current color scheme.

Accessorizing secrets for a beautiful home and a beautiful you

Fortunately, the fundamentals of good accessorizing are the same, regardless of whether you're dressing up your house or spicing up your own look. Whether you have a knack for pulling together an outfit as easily as a room, or can't quite seem to get it together, a few simple tips can help you enhance your style.



Pop that color - Neutrals make an awesome backdrop for pops of color. Whether it's a neutral shade on the walls of your living room, or a classically cut skirt in a subtle hue, set off your neutral backdrop with brightly colored accessories. Pillows, plates, photo frames, candles and other colorful accessories create interest and depth in a room's design. All kinds of small and decorative items can be colorful and inexpensive. You can find fashionable and fun items in shops that specialize in the unusual, such as Cracker Barrel Old Country Store (R). Explore the offbeat. For example, beautiful glass jars filled with pickles and canned veggies are not only a culinary treat, they can add zest to a room's decor when used as a colorful display.



For you, adding a bold necklace, chunky bracelet, bright belt or scarf can layer your look with personality. As a bonus, if you find a look that fits your personal style, consider incorporating it into your home decor with accessories. For example, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store offers trendy coastal-themed jewelry - several pieces are less than $10 - and home decor items that echo the easy, relaxed style and sea-side colors of the shore.



Simple styling - One of the most challenging aspects of accessorizing can be settling on a style. The good news is, when you find one that works for you, you can apply it to both your personal style and your home decor. Does classic sophistication work for you? Subtle colors that convey classic styling in your wardrobe can make great hues for walls, carpeting and upholstered furnishings. Is quirky and unconventional -more your style? That tropical print you love on your bedroom drapes can add humor and excitement to your wardrobe when it shows up in an airy cotton scarf. That same color and pattern combination can make a statement when you use it as a runner on your dining room table.



Brimmed hats, earrings, bracelets, totes and flowing wraps all speak of summer vacation and fun - and the essence of easy style that works well in your home and in your closet.



You need to love your atmosphere - Whatever the purpose of a room or an outfit, you need to love the atmosphere it creates. Whether you're designing a space for family fun or pulling together a knockout look for that special night out on the town, the colors and styles you choose will create a specific ambiance. It should be one that speaks to you and your personality.



For example, are summer gatherings with friends one of your favorites things to do? Salute the best of summer with colors that evoke summer holidays, such as a fun red picnic cup lighted garland (available at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store) and matching red picnic cup stemware. Keep the effect going by adding that shiny red hue to your wardrobe accessories with a belt or necklace. Have an affinity for the horsey set? "Stable" décor featuring riding-inspired accessories such as candleholders and canisters with whip stitched accents is popular and a horseshoe doubling as a tea light holder evokes the look beautifully.



Just keep a few secrets that apply to both home decor and wardrobe building in mind, then let your adventure begin.

8 Traits of successful real estate investors

Take a few minutes to think about the successful people around you, not only financially, but also those who embody personal success. Consider the characteristics each of them possess and how these characteristics have fueled their achievements in their given field. Over the past several years I have come in contact with quite a few real estate investors, both directly and indirectly, and have recognized many I consider to be very successful. These people have not only started successful real estate businesses, they also seem to have mastered balance in their life, a very difficult goal to achieve. I have identified 8 key traits that these investors display, (not surprisingly, this same list can be applied to the leaders in any field):



The 8 Traits that Successful Real Estate Investors Embody



1) Passion for investing: The time and personal equity that is required to become a successful investor is overwhelming for many people, which is why most people who plan on becoming real estate investors fail. Passion fuels drive and drive fuels action; without action the chance of becoming successful is zilch. Passion provides the boost needed for difficult days and enthusiasm on routine days. In short, without passion, real estate investing is just another job.



2) Discipline in decision-making: I have yet to meet someone I would consider both undisciplined and successful, and doubt I ever will. While discipline may be a difficult trait to define, I find it is often fairly easy to pick out, as disciplined people plan for the future, work diligently in the present, and learn from the past.



3) Understanding core principles: Failure is almost certain if you do not understand the foundational principles of business, real estate, and the specific niche you are engaging in. Long term success requires not only an understanding of buying and selling real estate, or how to be a landlord, but also basic economic principles. Understanding market fluctuations, economic cycles, monetary policy and other facets of economics will ensure you can react intelligently when changes do occur. Learning the basics is not always fun or exciting, but it is critical in achieving long-term success.



4) Integrity in business dealings: Real estate is notorious for attracting people looking for a quick buck at all costs, but if you look at successful investors, their success spans years and is attained through incredibly hard work. While it may seem easier to look for a short cut (and rip someone off in the process), a long real estate career must be built on a solid reputation.



5) Flexibility: Murphy's Law is alive and well in real estate, and to survive inevitable surprises, market fluctuations and bad deals, you must be flexible enough to adapt your plan as you go. Planning is absolutely critical, but equally so is the ability to quickly decide when it is necessary to deviate from the plan. Successful real estate investors know when they need to re-evaluate their current blueprint and make adjustments to preserve the long-term success of their investments and business.



6) Money management skills: Most small businesses fail due to poor money management. Forecasting, budgeting, and financial planning is becoming a lost art among small business owners, and it can be lethal to your business. This is why understanding the basics of accounting, tax law, cash flow management, debt management, and other financial principles is so important, even if you have a great accountant and book-keeper.



7) A Team of Successful People: You can only take your business so far, and at some point you will be forced to rely on other people. Real estate is a people business and every real estate transaction requires a team of people to close. Once a transaction is complete, even more people are involved so it is important to form and maintain relationships with lenders, attorneys, contractors, agents, accountants and other people who can contribute to the growth of your business.



8) Superior communication skills: You have probably heard it a million times but that is because it is true, being able to effectively communicate with other is vital. How else will you be able to negotiate prices, interview contractors, screen potential tenants, partner with others, and so many other daily tasks? Communication goes beyond face to face discussions too, email and text messaging are ever-growing in the life of most business people, and the occasional written note will never go away, so make sure you hone your writing skills as well as your verbal skills.



All investors can say they are involved in real estate, but very few can say they are among the best. Find those whom you consider to be the best and study their habits and practices. Try to understand where they have been and how their skills helped prop them up during difficult times and propelled them during good times. Figure out which areas you have mastered and which you can improve upon; self-realization will lead to positive changes and others will begin looking to learn from you.



Author: James W. Vermillion III



James W.'s Website: http://www.kandvinvesting.com

5 upgrades for under $5,000 to put your home at the top of every buyer's list

(BPT) - It's a sobering truth of real estate that sellers often have to spend money to make money. Even if your home is relatively new, you still face costs associated with getting it ready to show, such as repainting interior rooms or hiring professional cleaners and stagers. If your home could use some TLC and updating, spending as little as $5,000 on key upgrades could improve its appeal for buyers - and ensure a speedier sale at a better price.



Here are five upgrades you can make for under $5,000 to help put your home at the top of every buyer's must-see list.



1. Upgrade your entryway - Replacing an old, dated or worn entry door can be a cost-effective way to ensure buyers get a good first impression when they walk in your house. Whether you choose a fiberglass, wooden or steel model, installing a new entry door can cost a few thousand dollars, yet the return on investment at the time of resale can be significant. A fiberglass entry door returns about 72 percent of its investment, while a steel door recoups more than 100 percent of its value, according to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value report.



Enhance your new door with attractive plantings, fresh paint and clean windows around the entryway to create a memorable, attractive entry for just a few thousand dollars.



2. Increase natural light - More buyers are becoming aware of the mood- and productivity-enhancing benefits of natural light, and homes with big, bright windows have always been in demand. Adding windows to a room can be a costly, time-consuming affair. Not so with adding a skylight. For well under $5,000 and in just a day or two, a professional can install an Energy Star qualified, solar powered no-leak fresh-air skylight, like those from Velux America. Professional installation costs nationally ranges from around $900 to $2,325, with an average of $1,400, according to HomeAdvisor.com.



The low installation cost will leave you plenty of budget to enhance the skylight upgrade even further with energy efficiency-boosting solar-powered blinds. The skylight and blinds are operated by remote control and the blinds are available in designer colors and patterns to enhance your d�cor. The products, as well as installation costs, are eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit to further reduce the cost of the improvement.



The most popular rooms in the home for fresh air skylights are baths, where they provide privacy in addition to natural light, and kitchens, where they vent cooking odors and humidity naturally while brightening this much-used workspace. Visit www.veluxusa.com to learn more.



3. Beautify a master bathroom - Bathrooms and kitchens sell homes. Making a few cosmetic upgrades to even a small master bath can help increase a home's appeal and value. For less than $5,000 you can easily repaint, upgrade faucets, replace old cabinet hardware and add decorative touches like designer towels.



If you've already done all that, take a look at the floor or countertops - two cost-effective upgrades that can wow buyers. Since counters don't make up that much square footage in most bathrooms, replacing them with granite can cost just a couple thousand dollars. Tile flooring is also a relatively inexpensive way to improve a bathroom's look and usability.



4. Heat things up in the kitchen - Kitchen remodels can offer high ROI for sellers, but a full remodel may be outside your budget. If you've already done the obvious - like repainting and decluttering - it's time to look for a few more cost-effective improvements that will appeal to buyers.



Just as in the bathroom, swapping old faucets and cabinet hardware with new designer options can enhance the appeal of a kitchen. Shabby, outdated appliances can hinder a speedy sale, so consider replacing them with new ones. You don't necessarily need to install top-of-the-line, high-priced appliances to make a good impression, either. Newer, Energy Star qualified appliances represent savings for buyers down the road.



5. Lavish landscaping - No single aspect of your home has a greater impact on a buyer's first impression than the landscaping. A great front yard sets the tone for the rest of the home, appealing to buyers on a number of levels, including beauty, practicality and savings.



With $5,000, you can accomplish a lot in terms of landscaping. You can sod a small front yard, add decorative planting beds to a lush lawn, or even install shade trees that will both beautify the yard and enhance the home's energy efficiency in summer. Decorative concrete stamping of walkways and driveways is another cost-effective way to improve a home's curb appeal.



Whether it's a buyer's market or a seller's market, no one wants to see their home linger long before selling. A few simple upgrades can help ensure your home gets plenty of attention this season.

3 ways to make your backyard irresistible to kids this summer

(BPT) - When summer arrives do you see even less of your kids than you did during the school year? Too many children, tweens and teens spend those extra hours of free time indoors playing with technology, rather than engaging in healthful activity outside. Even when you know where your kids are, you may not understand what they're doing with all those devices and game controllers.



This summer, why not help your children get excited about a healthy and fun time outdoors? You can make your backyard the neighborhood hotspot that no kid can resist by providing three key ingredients to a great summer: fun, food and friendship.



Fun in the sun



To compete with smartphones, PCs, tablets and other digital devices, you need outdoor excitement - the kind that only water can provide. Installing a backyard pool may not be practical for everyone, but a backyard water slide is.



Easy to set up and use, a water slide is a cost-effective way to create outdoor fun this summer. While parents may have mixed memories of fun and bumps from the water slides of their own childhood, backyard water slides offer the timeless appeal of water slides paired with modern technology to provide a more comfortable experience. Water slides feature the Speed Ramp, an inflatable launch pad that creates a smooth belly-flop landing at the start of the superfast 18-foot slide. A Splash Lagoon funnels water throughout the entire slide, reducing friction and increasing speed.



Food for fun



All that water sliding and other fun activity is going to make kids work up an appetite. They'll need fuel so they can keep having fun. Look for fare that is easy, kid-friendly and nutritious. For example, instead of serving high-fat, high-sugar ice cream, consider frozen fruit or fruit pops. Replace sugary, calorie-laden sodas with flavored water. For kids who crave crunch, replace chips with fresh-cut crisp fruits like apples and kid-friendly veggies such as carrots or cherry tomatoes. You can serve them with a variety of delicious, yogurt-based dips. Whip up a nacho platter that incorporates low-fat shredded cheese, fresh salsa and lean protein like beans or grilled chicken.



Friendship and fun



With your backyard gaining the reputation of the neighborhood hot spot for great food and fun, you may notice some new faces showing up. Encourage children to engage in games that can help them get to know each other and create new friendships with others in the neighborhood.



Some of the simplest games are great ice-breakers. One game that's great for getting to know each other is to have kids stand in a circle and toss around a bean bag or small ball. The child who throws asks a question - such as "What's your name?" or "What's your favorite sport?" - and the child who catches has to answer.



Another fun idea for older children is a biography building circle. Kids sit in a circle and start with one child making a simple statement about himself, such as "I like to play baseball with my dad." The next child in line adds his or her own information by building off something the first child said, such as "My dad is an airline pilot." The play continues with children each saying something new that is somehow linked to what the last child said.



Research shows that physical activity is good for kids. KidsHealth.org says exercise helps children develop stronger muscles and bones, control weight, lower their risk of type 2 diabetes and develop a better attitude about life. Parents can help kids get the exercise they need by fostering healthy outdoor play in their own backyards this summer.