Homemade Places for the Kids

A child's imagination is greater than anything that can be sold on the shelf of a toy store. But over the past two decades, the amount of time that children spend playing outdoors using that great imagination has dropped dramatically.

Here are some fun things you can create in your backyard that will encourage children to step away from the video games and get creative with nature.

1. Boulders

Instead of your standard plastic play structure, create an area with several large boulders (available from landscaping stores) spaced a few feet apart. Kids will spend hours hopping and climbing from one boulder to the next, which also means they'll be using their boundless imagination to create a fantasy world around the rocks.

2 Large logs

Logs can also be used as stepping games or as seating around a pretend campfire. Let kids roll the logs and set them around the yard. You'll be amazed at the wild ideas they'll come up with.

3. Dirt pits or mounds

Yes, really! Let your kids play in the dirt. Build an area surrounded by logs or rocks that is filled with dirt. Or build a dirt mound that kids can climb. Another bonus is that dirt has beneficial bacteria that makes kids and adults alike happier and healthier.

4. Log tables

Cut a dead tree lengthwise to create a fanciful yard table for kids to do all their nature crafts. They can cook their own pretend meals from objects they find in the yard. A rock becomes an egg, a piece of bark becomes bread, and a stick is a fork or knife. The table can even be used when it comes time for a real world lunch. It's always fun to eat outdoors.

5. Tree caves

Build your kids a cave made from tree branches or even carve one into existing bushes. Kids love finding enclosed spaces where they can feel safe and secluded.

To learn more about getting your kids outdoors, check out the Children and Nature bloghttp://blog.childrenandnature.org/

Oldies, but Goodies

There are definitely a few things that have changed for the better where old houses are concerned. The first that comes to mind is air conditioning, especially central air conditioning units. How did anyone survive without them, especially in the southern states? Indoor plumbing is also an obvious improvement. But there are numerous old house features that have fallen to the wayside over the decades, unique points that could truly benefit a modern house. Here are just a few of the cool things that are no longer in wide use -- but should be.

Features that make life easier

Taking good care of your house and everyone in it sometimes feels like a full-time job. These features could make it so much easier to do the day-to-day things we often struggle to finish.

1. The dumbwaiter. Still common in schools and restaurants, the dumbwaiter can be a most helpful device for those who live in a house with more than one floor. It could be especially great for those who often trudge up the stairs with groceries and other heavy items that could easily be zipped up with a dumbwaiter.
2. Laundry chutes. Those with kids have a ton of laundry to do, and nothing is worse than lugging those huge hampers down the stairs. Once you have used a laundry chute, you will never be happy without one.
3. Real shutters. Most windows today have shutters that are permanently affixed to the house. While they are lovely, they don't offer any protection against serious storms. Shutters that actually work can offer a great deal of security, especially in areas that are often hard-hit, like on the coast.
4. A letter slot. If your home is in a neighborhood where the mail delivery person walks from house to house, a letter slot is a quaint addition that is also helpful -- you just scoop your mail up from the floor instead of leaving it outside, where nosy neighbors might check out what you just got.
5. Cellar. Before the days of refrigeration, a cellar was the perfect place to keep vegetables and other staples cool and fresh. It also served as a safe hideaway when a tornado was bearing down on your house. Creating a cellar on your property could bring back both of these conveniences.

Features that add style

Forget ease and convenience -- what about pure style? These old house features could make modern homes look even more gorgeous.

1. Dutch doors. These doors with a horizontal split had a practical purpose: they allowed the sun and air to flow in while keeping the animals out. Today, doors like this can add a touch of whimsy to any home.
2. Big, unique windows. Those huge windows in old houses weren't just for looks -- they were to let in plenty of light in the days before electricity was commonplace, and they were also great for ventilation. Today's modern homes don't have a practical need for such windows, but they sure look fantastic regardless.
3. Porches to sleep on. A long, deep porch big enough to hold a bed can not only make your home stand out, but it can serve as additional living space to enjoy during the summer months. And yes, you could sleep out there.
4. Ceiling medallions. These decorative medallions were often used above chandeliers or other delicate forms of lighting to showcase the beauty of the piece. Things like ceiling medallions, old-fashioned chandeliers and tin ceilings have slowly vanished from modern homes, so now they can provide a pop of surprising design detail.
5. Claw foot tub. These luxurious tubs were deep, wide, and gorgeous. Though they fell out of vogue when the shower became a staple, tucking one of these handsome models into your bathroom is sure to elicit a "wow" from guests. It also gives you a great place to soak an evening away.

Old houses hold remarkable charm, but they also hold the secrets to features that could benefit modern homes. When you're facing a remodel or renovation, consider the above options to add a bit of useful and quaint atmosphere.

Customize the Backsplash

Many home remodeling jobs include or revolve around the kitchen.  The most common adjustments are proving more storage space or upgrading appliances; however, a small detail that can make the entire kitchen pop is a gorgeous backsplash.

For your next remodeling task, keep a few of these ideas in mind.

Think Green

Exercise your earth-friendly mindset while expressing great style with a backsplash of recycled glass tiles. 

Think Simple

A single sheet of glass, painted on the back, lends color and easy-clean protection behind this range. 

Think Classic

White beaded board covers the backsplash, but stops short of the ceiling, allowing a rich shade of taupe paint to warm up the mostly white room.  

Think Translucent

Slender glass tiles in creamy hues and stone tiles in coppery shades make this kitchen glow with their translucent beauty. 

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How to keep warm this winter!

The winter weather is finally here.  It's time for you to clean out the fireplace, warm up some cocoa, and prepare to pay enormous electric bills for the next few months... However, it is possible to keep warm without losing money.

Take a look at some of our tips on how to keep warm.  The money you save on the electric bill will be a welcomed help for the upcoming Christmas season!

1. Keep doors shut.
Keeping doors shut throughout the house will prevent cold air from moving into the rest of the house, and it will also help trap the heat you've already generated into separate rooms.

2. Rotate your ceiling fans.
Heat rises.  With that being said, changing the rotation of your ceiling fan can help drive the warm air back down to keep you warm.

3. Change your sheets.
Change out your summer sheets for a flannel sheet set.  Add in a down comforter and extra blankets, and you will be able to stay plenty cozy throughout the night.

4. Keep your floor covered.
Not only will an area rug keep your toes warm from a cold floor, but it actually helps insulate the floor in general.  By keeping your floor covered, you will prevent at least 10% of heat loss due to inadequate insulation.

5. Re-arrange your furniture. 
Windows can become very cold in the winter months, so make sure your furniture has you sitting well away from the window.  In addition to avoiding the window, you will want to avoid placing your large furniture in front of radiators, so the piece of furniture doesn't absorb all the heat.

5 Pumpkin Carving Ideas

It's October!  Which means it's time to start pulling out the Fall decorations.  The most iconic Fall decor would be pumpkins, and there are always new ways to carve or decorate your pumpkin.  Here are a few ideas to get you headed in the right direction to have a fabulous Fall.

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1. Silhouette
By using a stencil taped to your pumpkin, you can create the most commonly used pumpkin carving method.  Once the stencil is placed on your pumpkin, use a nail or ice pick to poke small holes along the lines of your design.  Once finished, you can use a knife to cut in between the holes.

2. Etched
If you want to take the more artsy route in pumpkin carving, etching is a great option!  This technique allows your pumpkin to last longer and is also less messy than the traditional method of silhouette carving.

3. Hairy 
Hair can be a unique addition to your carved pumpkin.  There are several different choices to use for hair, such as: noodles, yarn, pipe cleaners, a mop, or even plants.

4. Cookie Cutter 
This idea is a quick and easy way to add beautiful pumpkins to your Fall decor.  You will want to have durable cookie cutters and a rubber mallet.  You put the cookie cutter onto your pumpkin, and use the mallet to push it through.  Repeat the process until you get your desired look.

5. Pumpkin Cooler
Host the best Halloween party in the history of Halloween party with a pumpkin cooler.  Remove the top of the pumpkin and scoop out the inside.  Line the inside with ice and fill with assorted beverages.  So simple!