Warm weather brings sunshine and outdoor fun but unfortunately is also brings another pesky nuisance….mosquitoes! Sprays and lotions will work to an extent but you can also give these other home remedies a try to give yourself some extra protection.

1. Citronella- This one is pretty well-known! Light some citronella candles in your yard when you’re sitting outside after dark. They even sell citronella for tiki torches if you have them.

2. Garlic – Are you a fan of garlic in your food? Well guess who ISN’T a fan of the smell….mosquitoes! If you have garlic in your system it will naturally repel the pesky little guys.

3. Lavender- Another smell mosquitoes can’t stand…lavender! When lavender is in an oil form mosquitoes will stay away. Try purchasing a lavender essential oil to rub on your skin before heading outside.

4. Dryer sheets – Throw a dryer sheet in your pocket if you are hiking or near the woods after dark. You can also rub it on your arms and legs for extra protection.

5. Catnip – It will make your cats wild and the mosquitoes run for the hills! Try planting some in your yard or in a pot on your deck and mosquitoes will steer clear!

The hot summer is just beginning which means we will have many warm nights in our future! Rather than sweating it out, here are some tips for staying cool while you sleep that don’t include cranking the air conditioning!

1. Keep the sun out! Rather than open your shades first thing in the morning on a hot day, keep them closed in your bedroom! Keeping your room dark will help keep the temperature down all day.

2. Eat lighter meals! Remember this….the larger the meal you eat, the more metabolic heat you will generate. When the weather is hot outside, try eating a lighter fare for dinner like salads and fresh fruit.

3. Keep your head cool! Smaller firmer pillows won’t trap as much heat while you sleep as big, fluffy ones will! Make sure your pillowcases are made of a breathable fabric too – not a heavy flannel.

4. Circulate a fan! About an hour before you’re ready to hit the sheets, start circulating a fan around your bedroom and close the door.

5. Freeze your sheets! It may sound a little crazy, but throw your top sheet in the freezer for several minutes before you’re ready to call it a night. This won’t keep you cool ALL night, but it will allow some quick relief on sweltering days.

6. Cool your pressure points! Take an icepack or ice cube and place it on your pulse points for a few seconds. These include your wrists, your neck, behind your knees and your ankles.

There are still a few shopping days left! Haven’t gotten anything for your dad yet? Don’t worry! We’ve compiled a list of great ideas to make your life easier.

1. New grill tools – does your dad love to BBQ? It certainly is the season for it! Try getting him some upgraded tools for handling his grill.

2. Let him make his own beer – There are many places popping up these day that allow you to brew a batch of your own beer (or wine.) Get him a gift certificate and he can make himself a case!

3. ITunes or Amazon gift cards – Whether your dad likes listening to music or reading book on his Kindle, having gift cards like these will come in handy!

4. Plan a Day Out – Whether your dad likes to fish, drink martinis or go to the theater, do some research and take him out for a day just the two of you.

5. Golf supplies – Whether you buy him some new gold equipment or attire he’ll be sure to get use out of it during the upcoming summer.

It may be cool and rainy today but the temps will warm up again and our pools are opening at all of our properties! Swimming isn’t only fun and refreshing, there are also many health benefits! Read on to learn how you can improve your health by taking a dip in your pool this summer.

1. The pool provides an ideal place to work stiff muscles and sore joints. If you are someone who suffers from arthritis, using the pool is very beneficial!

2. Looking to tone up? Swimming is a great way to increase muscular strength and muscle tone.

3. Yoga isn’t the only thing that can make your body more flexible. Swimming puts the body through a broad range of motion that helps joints and ligaments stay loose and flexible.

4. Since swimming is considered an aerobic exercise, it’s a fun way to get your cardio in and also work the body’s most important muscle…the heart!

5. Jumping into a refreshing pool can allow our bodies to release endorphins which make us happy and ultimately reduces stress!

Step aside burgers and hot dogs….pizzas are now getting grilled too!
If you like your pizza crispy and like cooking it at home, throwing it on the grill gives it a great restaurant flavor that the oven can’t provide. Here are the steps to take to make your very own grilled pie!

1. Stretch out and shape your dough. Then put it on a floured pizza peel or pan (make sure it’s floured well enough so that it doesn’t stick.)

2. Oil your grill grates and reduce your heat to medium. Put the shaped dough right on the grates. Close the lid and cook until the bottom of the dough is browned (about 2 minutes.)

3. Brush the non-cooked side of the dough with olive oil then flip using your pizza peel (or a giant spatula if you have one!) Now brush some olive oil on the side of the pizza that is facing up.

4. Top the pizza with sauce, cheese and your favorite toppings. Close the lid and cook on medium heat until the cheese has melted (about another 2-4 minutes.)

5. Using your pizza peel or grill spatula, remove the pizza to a cooling rack and let it cool a bit before slicing it up to eat!

Heading away for the long weekend? Sometimes when we get prepared for a short weekend trip it’s hard to decipher what we WANT to bring and what we NEED to bring! Before you load up the car for Memorial Day, read our tips below for packing light for a weekend getaway!

<strong>1. Make a list</strong> – Instead of going into packing blindly, sit first and jot down a list of essentials. This will help you refrain from throwing lots of extras into your bag.

<strong>2. Check the forecast</strong> – Don’t pack for every season! Check the weather and dress accordingly. Bring one light jacket or sweatshirt in case of cooler weather.

<strong>3. Buy some things when you get there</strong>- Save space in your car by purchasing food and beverages once you get to your destination. Without having to pack big coolers your trunk will have much more space.

<strong>4. Think before you pack it</strong> – If you don’t use it at home, chances are you’re not going to use it on vacation (think gadgets, toys, etc.)

<strong>5. Call and see what’s included</strong>- Instead of packing your hairdryer and coffee maker, call the hotel or homeowner and see what’s already included in your accommodations.

We hope everyone has a safe and fun Memorial Day weekend!

Some might think that just because they live in an apartment home or a home that doesn’t have a yard that they can’t plant a garden. WRONG! Did you know that there are lots of vegetables that you can grow indoors? Here’s a list of some items you can start growing in the comfort of your apartment.

<strong>1. Beans</strong> – French beans are one type of bean that you can grow in a pot right in your kitchen. Not only will they produce food, their climbing leaves are a beautiful addition to the decor on your windowsill!

<strong>2. Radishes</strong> – these root veggies don’t particularly need a deep pot to grow. A normal indoor pot will do just fine and they will grow from just a few seeds.

<strong>3. Tomatoes</strong> – Many varieties of tomatoes grow well indoors especially if they are planted in hanging baskets in your kitchen.

<strong>4. Mushrooms</strong> – Mushrooms are an ideal indoor crop for any time of year which makes them a great option for your indoor garden.

<strong>5. Green Onions</strong> – These might be the easiest of them all! The next time you buy green onions at the supermarket, place the last one inch of them in a jar of water. Just trim as needed and add water when it gets low.

The bedroom should be a place in the home that calms you. Here are five ways you can add feng shui to your bedroom to make it more relaxing and give it good energy.

1. Remove distracting electronics. No need for a TV or computer in your bedroom. By removing these items you’ll feel calmer in your sleeping space.

2. Buy an air purifier to clean the air. Every once in a while when the weather is nice, open the windows in your bedroom too to invite in a calming breeze.

3. Invest in dimmed lighting. Try three-way switch bulbs in your lamps or get a floor lamp with a dimmer. Having the low light will help relax your mind.

4. Place your bed correctly. According to feng shui guidelines, your bed should be easily approachable on both sides. Not pushed up against one wall.

5. Choose calming colors. By decorating with light blues and soft greens and whites, your room will feel quiet and soothing instead of loud and bright.

Mother’s Day is this Sunday and if you’re having trouble thinking of a unique gift for your mom – look no further! We have put together a list of 10 great ideas for gifts to show your mother how much you appreciate her this Sunday!

1. Wine & chocolates
2. A hanging basket for her garden
3. A gift certificate to a spa (think massage, facial or a manicure/pedicure!)
4. A tree for her yard. Bring it over and plant it for her!
5. Gift certificate for dinner and a movie
6. A e-reader
7. New pajamas and slippers
8. Tickets to the theater
9. An Alex & Ani bracelet (they have some varieties specifically for moms!)
10. A bouquet of fresh flowers

1. Just because you’re not living in a single family home doesn’t mean you can’t entertain! Pick a night and invite your friends over for a dinner party.

2. Ask everyone to bring something. Sometimes it’s easier to have all of your guests bring their favorite dish so you aren’t stuck slaving in your apartment kitchen all day preparing!

3. Rearrange your furniture! Don’t worry too much about how the layout looks style-wise. You’ll want to rearrange your furniture for the night so your guests don’t feel crowded and so that everyone has a place to sit.

4. Extend the party outdoors! Does your apartment have a balcony or patio? Try serving some appetizers on the patio first before moving inside for the meal to switch up the scenery.

5. Remember to be mindful of your neighbors! Make sure the party doesn’t last too late into the night. If it’s getting late and you don’t want the party to end, move it to a local establishment for a drink or dessert before your guests head home.