Plan A Garden

It may seem backwards to plan a garden at the end of a season, but I like to do this each year with my garden. With the main growing season coming to an end, I can clearly remember what grew well, what didn’t, what looked good, and what didn’t. For example, this year, I planted my cucumbers too close to my lettuce, and the cucumbers ended up smothering the lettuce. Next year I plan to build a small container wall for my cucumbers, and move them to a location where they can really branch out. Better Homes and Gardens offers a great garden planner, and it’s easy to use. Plan next year’s garden now. Did you plant something in the shade that didn’t do well? Consider moving it in the spring. Do you need more colour your garden? Consider adding some summer bloomers next year. Keep your ideas fresh in your mind by planning now!

http://www.bhg.com/gardening/design/nature-lovers/welcome-to-plan-a-garden/

Big city shopping close to home

For anyone living in the tri-city area, a beautiful part of the location is being so close to so many great shopping areas, like London, Niagara, Burlington, and Toronto. While all these are within about an hour’s drive, it’s even better to shop local. Xclusive Elements is located in downtown St. Jacobs, and in Waterloo Town Square, and offers excellent “urban lifestyle” decor. Before heading to the big city to shop for your home, be sure to check out these local guys, they have a great flair for finding fun, unique, decorative pieces: http://www.xclusiveelements.com/.

Great Redesign Job - A fresh new look on a budget

This entertainment room needed a fresh new look. The homeowner still loved the dramatic red walls, but the furniture was outdated.  With some new furniture, artwork, and accessories, the room has been revived, and is now a great social gathering place!

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Controlling Pests - ATH Tip from BTSH

Warm weather and humidity can bring many unexpected guests. No, I’m not talking about family and friends “popping in” this summer, I’m talking about the unwelcome little critters that can be found in and around your home. Here are some natural methods for ridding your home of these pests:

Fruit Flies
I have heard a lot of remedies for getting rid of fruit flies, but the one that I find works best is the “trap”. Place a piece of fruit in a jar (something sweet like strawberries or peaches I find works best). Pour vinegar in the bottom of the jar, about 1/2 cm. Place the lid on the jar, and poke holes in the lid. The fruit flies will be attracted to the fruit, and get trapped in the jar, then drown in the vinegar.

Ants
If you have found the ants entry point to your home, the best solution is to patch the hole, but if it’s not that simple, then sprinkle coffee grinds or mint leaves around it to deter future entry. Sprinkle chilli powder or cinnamon in their path. Make a natural repellent of citrus peelings and water in a blender and pour it over the anthill. To create a bait, mix Borax with confections’ sugar.

Spiders
Only cool around Halloween, and then it’s only the fake ones that I like!

First off, keep all other bugs out of your home in order to prevent spiders from setting up shop. Spiders eat other bugs, so if they don’t have an easy meal to catch, they’ll look elsewhere. Of course, if you have a real bug problem, leave spiders as the last pest to rid your home of, as they’ll help you get rid of the others!

I like to vacuum any nests that I find, but you can use a broom as well if your vacuum doesn’t have an attachment that will reach. Essential oils are great to killing spiders. To keep spiders from returning, mix soap, water, and citrus oil and spray areas that spiders like to hang out.

Prevent Return Visits!
In order to prevent the return of these pests, be sure to keep your home clean!
- Wipe counters and tables with a mix of vinegar and water
- Be sure that all holes are patched and vents are screened
- Don’t let food sit out
- Be sure your garbage has a tight fitting lid, and empty regularly.
- Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink
- Don’t allow water to sit out for a long time

Written by Shauna Lynn, Beyond The Stage Homes
www.beyondthestagehomes.com

@AndreChinRemax is my "Go-To Guy"!

Had an amazing lunch yesterday with @AndreChinRemax! He really helped me out of a tough situation, and reminded me why he is THE “go-to guy”. Selling your home? Buying a home? Looking for some real estate advice? Talk to Andre, he’ll point you in the right direction.

Alex Kalotinis of Owen and Associates has recommended Shauna Lynn!

Alex Kalotinis of Owen and Associates has recommended Shauna Lynn on LinkedIN: “Shauna has a flair for seeing the potential in any home. While sticking to a budget and maintaining a professional attitude, she transforms your home. I will be sure to use her for all future endeavors, whether selling or simply re-organizing my current home. Her expertise and attention to detail are unmatched!” August 5, 2010