Grand View Builders

Nothing shows your patriotism or team spirit more than a flag in your front yard. No matter the size, a flag is a great way to give your front yard some extra pizazz. This week we will share some different ideas for ways to incorporate flags into your yard décor. Memorial Day is around the corner, which gives you the perfect reason to purchase a new American flag in honor of everyone who has served our country.

If you have the space in your yard, flagpoles are a great way to stand out from the rest of the block. The height of your flagpole will be relative to the size of your flag. For 3×5 foot flags, a pole between 10-15 feet should work.

If you can’t find space in your yard for a pole, try looking for a spot on the front of your house. Something about walking up to your front door and seeing a flag waving in the breeze just says “welcome home!” It is very common to attach a flag bracket to a porch or on the side of the house close to the front door. Visit your local hardware store to find a bracket that will work for you.

Garden flags make another great addition to your yard. These are often smaller and easier to change in and out, which make them perfect for decorating for holidays, sporting events and more. You can purchase a garden flag stand or disposable mini flags to decorate throughout your garden and yard. Think about lining your walkway with American flags for Flag Day, Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. And remember to fly your Alma Mater during football season!

To keep your flag looking its best, be sure to take it down during harsh weather conditions including heavy rainstorms and major windstorms. It is also very important to keep your flags away from any telephone lines, cables and tree branches to avoid holes and tattering. Flags make a great addition to any home. Use these tips to help spruce up your yard this summer. For even more information on history, etiquette and flag care, check out CVS Flags online.

Spring might be halfway through, but remember it is never too late to tackle getting organized. We’ve shared tips for convention and unconventional spring cleaning, but now we are helping you transform your closet into your own personal clothing sanctuary. Summer vacations are on the horizon, which makes this the perfect time of year to get your closet in tip-top shape.

Get Rid of the Misfits

When was the last time you wore that blue dress in the corner? Maybe it doesn’t fit or is out of style. Take the time to go through each piece of clothing and decide if you really need it. As a rule of thumb, ask yourself if you have worn particular pieces in the last year. If not, add it to the donate pile.  Look for local donation centers in your neighborhood including Goodwill, Salvation Army and Purple Heart. Weeding out the clothes you no longer wear will help get rid of the clutter and make more room in your closet for your favorite pieces.

Separate by Style and Color

Organizing your clothes by styles will make it easier to find what you want to wear before work, a night out, to the gym, wherever! Create separate sections in your closet for dresses, suits, shirts, skirts, pants, etc…. Having your closet organized by style will make it easier to see all your options so you can mix and match with much more ease. If you really want to go the extra mile, you can organize each style by color as well to get even more organized.

Get the Proper Equipment

Splurge on matching hangars to make your closet feel more like your own personal in-home store. Having all your clothes on similar hangars will not only make each piece pop, but it will also greatly improve your closet’s aesthetic appeal. Getting proper equipment will also help maximize your home’s storage space. Consider replacing bulky plastic hangers with thin or stacking hangers, adding shoe holders to the back of closet doors or using storage boxes to put away winter clothes.

There are many ways you can maximize your home’s closet space for efficiency and visual appeal. Use these tips to transform your home’s average closet into your own personal style center!

As graduation time comes upon us again this May and June, your home will be opened to family, friends and classmates to celebrate the your graduate’s achievements. Regardless what milestone you are celebrating – high school, college, grad school, kindergarten – you will want your home and yard ready for your party goers. We’ve gathered some great tips that we found from Pinterest that will help you receive an A+ from your guests!

Grass Twister

This game is sure to be different from the ones played at other graduation parties! Pick up four different colored spray-paints from any local hardware store.  Make six even circles of each color in a line in your yard. You can use the spinning wheel from your old twister, try and make your own or just write the possible movements on slips of paper and pull them out of a hat. This game will excite all party guests, and, don’t worry, the paint will be gone the next time you mow the lawn.

Photo Scrapbook

Display the graduate’s school picture from each year throughout your home and party areas. If you don’t have the official school picture, try finding a different picture for every year. The pictures can be of the graduate alone, with family or friends, sweet pictures or embarrassing ones (if the graduate approves)! The photo display will help guests and your graduate see the transformation over the years.

Words of Wisdom

Set out pens and paper, books, streamers, etc. and encourage each guest that attends to write something inspirational or give advice of when they were in your graduate’s shoes. The tips can be used as decoration for the party and can also be a keepsake for your graduate after the guests leave. Whether they are headed to college or off to the “real world,” these words from friends and family can be pulled out during a tough time in the next chapter of their life.

Treats

Even your treats can be kept in the graduation theme for your party! A great idea for an edible treat is edible graduation caps. Cut squares out of black paper and glue pieces of string, or anything that can resemble a tassel, to one side of the paper squares. Then, glue the other side to the bottom of a (still-wrapped) mini Reese’s peanut butter cup. You can display them in a large, clear bowl, such as below, to add to your décor.

Pick a theme

Make the celebration reflect your graduate by incorporating their interests. You can use their school colors, make cookies in the shape of the sport they played or show off their new profession, such as the doctor’s party pictured below. These little touches will help to make the party more memorable to your guests and your graduate.

Share your fun and different graduation party ideas with us on our Facebook page and remember to share these tips with anyone you know that is hosting a graduation party!

It’s important to be environmentally friendly throughout your house and in your daily living habits. Scientific Energy reports that this generation will have the greatest impact on the environment within the next 50-100 years. We want to ensure that the generations to come can enjoy our planter, so we are sharing some tips on how to be more environmentally (and economically) friendly in your home.

Change Your Light Bulbs

Using energy saving light bulbs reduces your electricity use and also lowers your bill, which will save you money. There are a variety of wattages, brightness, etc. to fit the preferences of any household. According to MedStar, compact fluorescent light bulbs last 8-10 times longer than incandescent, use about 75% less energy, and produce 90% less heat while delivering more light per Watt. We still recommend you turn off your lights when you’re not home, though!

Collect Rainwater

Collecting and storing rainwater is an easy and beneficial way to water your lawn or plants, rinse your car or clean your patio. This is especially useful to have in case of a drought when hose water is limited. Collect the rainwater by placing bins around the outside of your house or by setting a bucket underneath your gutter, like in the picture below. We know this may not be the most attractive addition to your backyard, but if you check the forecast you can easily install these before a summer rainstorm.

Compost Piles

Making your own compost creates less garbage for landfills, produces your own soil for landscaping and gardening and is better for your yard than chemical fertilizers. Simple Mom shares some great tips on the benefits of composting, as well as what can and cannot be included in your compost piles. You can create your own with wiring, as pictured below, or you can purchase an actual compost bin.

Manage Your Thermostat

Keeping a consistent temperature in your home is an additional way to save on your electric bill. During the summer, set your thermostat to 78, or only deviate by two degrees. In the winter, leave it off or set it at 68. Just remember to dress appropriately for the season, so your air-conditioning is not doing extra unnecessary work. Electricity can come from a variety of sources, but they are all natural elements, so using less of it is always better for the environment.

The “Nest” is a new and efficient way to manage your thermostat. This device allows you to control and adjust the temperature of your house from your smart phone. You can turn on your AC on your way home from work without having it run all day; saving energy and saving you money on your electric bill!

How do you help the planet from your home? Share how you’ve ‘gone green’ on our Facebook page!

For some, spring can often act as an alarm indicating the approach of summer and the imminent “swimsuit season.” For others, staying healthy and fit is an ongoing goal. No matter what your motivation is, here are some great ideas for exercising in the comfort of your own home without a trip to your local gym.

Home Exercise

You can use household items, such as the foot of your bed or a chair, to do easy, in-home exercises. For a more relaxing work out, try yoga or pilates in your living room or your backyard, where you can breathe fresh air and get some sunlight.  This site has photos and videos to guide you as you stay fit in your home and work out every part of your body.

Swimming

Many people are unaware of just how beneficial swimming is for your body. If you have a pool in your own backyard or a neighborhood, swimming laps can increase muscular flexibility and strengthen heart muscle.  Use a kickboard if you need to ease back into swimming and try mixing up your strokes (butterfly, freestyle, backstroke or breaststroke) to work different muscles of your body.

Biking

Whether your bike is stationary or mobile, biking is a great way to get your heart rate up!! Riding a bike puts less stress on your legs than running and can help you burn more calories than other forms of exercise. Adjusting the incline of your stationary bike will help maximize your workout. Biking is a great sport and activity for the family and can help everyone stay active and enjoy the outdoors, just be sure to wear your helmet!

Nutrition

In addition to staying active, nutrition is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Make sure you stock your pantry with tasty fruits and vegetables that are currently in season: artichokes, asparagus, Fava beans, grapefruit, radishes, spring onions and strawberries. Smoothies and shakes composed of fruits and vegetables are part of a big nutrition trend. Especially in the summer, drink plenty of water during the day to remain hydrated.

Here is the recipe for one of our favorites that is easy, fast and healthy, the Peanut Butter and Banana Smoothie:

-10 ounces skim milk or plain soy milk

-1 tablespoon natural peanut butter

-1 medium banana

-Add ice for a thicker consistency

What do you do to stay healthy? Share your favorite way to exercise on our Facebook page!

The sun is setting later which lengthens the day and invites homeowners to spend more time outdoors. You’ve planted your garden and cleaned the patio, so now its time to enjoy the fruits of your labor with these outdoor features.

Fire Pit

After you have finished dinner and homework duty, escape with a glass of wine for the fresh air in your own backyard sanctuary. Your children will love it for roasting s’mores but fire pits are not just for them to enjoy! Sitting by the fire can be very relaxing by yourself, romantic with your significant other and entertaining with a group of friends. The crackling of the twigs and the sounds of nature allow you to enjoy the outdoor space and the flames will keep unwanted mosquitos and bugs at bay. Fire pits come in many shapes, colors and sizes ensuring you can find the perfect complimenting one for your outdoors. If you’re feeling crafty and creative, build your own fire pit with help from HGTV!

Fun and Games

Help your children find distractions from technology and their everyday life in the outdoors. Encourage your children to play outside by finding the tall tree in your backyard and setting up a tree swing. Teach your children classic board games such as checkers, chess, dominoes and backgammon and play them outside on the patio, or create larger-than-life games such as the image below. In your landscaped lawn and using your fire pit, pitch a tent in your yard and spend the night looking at the stars, telling ghost stories and camping in your backyard.

Potted Plants

Many homeowners think that planting flowers as part of their landscaping is the extent of flowers in their outdoor space. Flower urns and vases are a beautiful way to fill an empty space and add a pop of color to your patio, deck or porch.

Bring the Indoors, Outdoors

Invest in outdoor pillows and cushions so you will fully be able to enjoy lounging amidst nature. Creating a sitting area that is comfortable outdoors is perfect for families or couples who entertain or who want to spend more time outdoors. Try using bright colors or geometric shapes that you may not use in your home to represent the playfulness of spring and summer.

Bring the Outdoors, Indoors

If you do not have space to create a luscious garden, build a fire pit or hang a swing, there are still many ways to enjoy the outdoors from inside. Outside your kitchen window, install a hummingbird feeder. The small buzzing birds look like large insects but are much more majestic and rare than unwanted bugs. You can make your own nectar for the feeder very easily with just sugar and water.

-Use one cup of sugar for every 3 cups of water
-Boil the solution for a couple minutes
-Allow the solution to completely cool before filling the feeder
-Refrigerate any extra solution to use a refill when your nectar is low

What is the favorite part of your outdoor sanctuary? Let us know in the comments below!

Each spring, homeowners catch a cleaning fever known as “Spring Cleaning.” The adage has weaved its way into homeowners’ yearly calendars and the great purge of dirt, dust and trash begins in homes across the country.

Spring cleaning challenges homeowners to overhaul their typical cleaning habits to find crystal clear windows, spot-free floors, organized closets and well-manicured lawns. We’ve gathered a few tips that may be unconventional but definitely worth doing this Spring Cleaning.

Whistle While You Work

After taking a page from our favorite cleaning Disney princess, Snow White, we found something true about whistling while you work! Plug in your headphones or blast your favorite radio station to help the time pass while scrubbing and sweeping. It will make cleaning seem less like a chore and we guarantee you’ll have more fun when cleaning.

Hibernate Winter Items

Now that the flowers are blooming and birds are singing, its time for your winter items to hibernate until next winter. Heavy fabrics and throw blankets from your bedroom or living room and winter clothes, such as sweaters, coats and boots, can be put away. Fewer items in your room and closet will give you more space and will make you feel lighter.

Donate or Yard Sales

Bigger projects, such as closets or garages, can be daunting for homeowners. Many homeowners think that the trash is the only place their old, outdated or outgrown items can go. Remember that items can be donated or resold in a yard sale. Have separate bags or boxes for ‘trash,’ ‘giveaway’ or ‘yard sale’ while cleaning to streamline the process. Donating or selling items will help you part with possessions that may have been difficult to throw away and you will feel accomplished after tackling these larger areas of your home!

Remove Clutter

Clutter comes in all forms and the spring is the time to rid of it all, regardless where it is. Invest in a shredder and go through the mail that has been piling up and organize your desk or office. Similarly, spend time cleaning your email inbox of spam and old mail and organize your inbox. In the age of technology when our smart phones, tablets or laptops are never far from us, cleaning these items will give you a fresh start and decrease stress.

Clean Your Screens

As mentioned above, the inside of your home is not the only place that needs to be “spring cleaned.” Your gadgets: computers, cell phones, tablets, video games, etc…, should all be cleaned as well. There are cleaners, such as Well Kept wipes, that safely clean your technology products of germs and dirt.

Last spring we made a list of more conventional cleaning tips for Spring Cleaning. Use both lists to help you dust the windows and let the sunlight shine in your beautiful, clean home!

Have you ever wondered where Spring Cleaning originated? Learn more via TLC: http://bit.ly/Z8unoc

Gardening is a great year round activity for your entire family to enjoy together. With this guide from Southern Living, you can try planting something new each month. This April, as National Gardening Month begins, we’ve compiled a few tips to help get the youngest members of your family actively involved in gardening!

-Look in the children’s section of your library or bookstore for both gardening how-to books and storybooks. Ready, Set, Grow! A Guide to Gardening, by Suzanne Frutig Bales, teaches youngsters about specific plants. Kids Garden! by Avery Hart and Paul Mantell includes information on “sowing and growing” as well as activities for kids ages 4 and up. For more child-friendly gardening ideas, use this guide.

-Purchase child-sized tools from a local nursery or garden center. Find tools that look genuine so the kids will feel like real gardeners. Try local retailers like Lowes and Home Depot, who carry tools in a wide variety of sizes and colors.

-Let your children discover gardening through all of their senses. Plant large flowers, like sunflowers, and small flowers, like daisies, so they can see the difference in sizes. Allow them to taste their hard work by planting vegetables such as cherry tomatoes. Plant fragrant flowers or herbs including peonies, lavender, chocolate or pineapple mint. Have your children feel the different textures of leaves, stems and dirt. Once your garden begins to grow, encourage your children to listen as the noises from birds and bugs begin to grow as well!

-If you’re not ready to dedicate a space in your backyard to a garden, start small. Window boxes or containers, because of their small size, can actually turn out to be rather luxurious gardens. You can also try recycling clean bleach and milk containers. Cut off their tops and use them as planters.

-For an extended project, teach your kids how to compost. Find a place behind a tree or dig a hole in the ground. Toss in rinds and peels from fruit, coffee grounds, tea bags and eggshells. After several months, when it becomes black and crumbly, you can mix it with soil and use it as fertilizer for your garden.

If you enjoyed these tips, be sure to share them with your friends on Facebook!

The Easter holiday often marks the gateway to spring. Families are gathering for dinner and celebrations, donning brighter, more lively colors.  Homes are full of new life and fresh air. If you are hosting guests to celebrate Easter or the start of spring, use some of these tips to make your dinner table one to remember.

Spring Flower Arrangements

Spring has sprung and we know you want to show it. Incorporating flowers into your table décor for Easter will add a natural pop of color and life that will create an inviting space for your guests to enjoy a meal. To keep costs low, try purchasing flowers from your local grocer and displaying them in pitchers or small vases. Use this guide for inspiration in creating exciting spring centerpieces.

Colorful Linens

Blissful temperatures and picturesque skies make spring the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors; however, people with allergies can be impacted both outside and inside their home. With allergens arriving in the air earlier this year, we’ve compiled a list of the best ways to manage your reactions and enjoy the beautiful days ahead.

Possible Allergy Causes – inside and outside your home:

Some of the most common causes of allergic reactions in the home are pet dander, dust mites and dander. To reduce the presence of allergens in your home, wash your pets on a weekly basis, regularly dust with hypoallergenic cloths and vacuum with clean filters. When cleaning, try using environmentally friendly cleansing agents, which have fewer allergy aggravating chemicals. Find more tips for maintaining an allergy free home here.

Outside allergic reactions are most commonly caused by pollen and a variety of mold spores. After returning from spending time outside, it’s important to wash your clothes with hot water and anti-allergy detergent like this one from The Ecology Works. Doing this will ensure that you limit your exposure to lingering allergens.

Keep your vents and windows closed. If the allergy report forecasts high allergen numbers, closing vents and windows is one of the best ways to prevent allergens from entering your home. All Grand View Builders homes are Energy-Star Certified and built with tight construction and ducts, sealing holes and cracks in the home’s exterior which helps to reduce the moisture that causes mold as well as pollen and dust.

Stay in tune with your local allergy report. During high allergy seasons, like the spring, many local news stations incorporate an allergen report into their weathercast. Many city governments post daily pollen and mold spore reports on their websites. Having this information handy will help you determine which days you should limit your outdoor activities.

Do you have any other household tips to share? Please visit our Facebook Page and leave us a comment!

By knowing what you’re allergic to, you can better determine how to protect yourself. Your family physician can easily administer an allergy test and suggest ways to reduce adverse reactions. For more allergy safety tips, facts and figures, visit the Asthma and Allergy Foundation website