Tuesday, May 26, 2015

image empty spaceBudget friendly curb appeal

Budget Friendly Curb Appeal Ideas Done in a Day

88 percent of homebuyers begin the process online, looking at pictures on the listing site. Good photos and real curb appeal help entice buyers to check out your house in person. You want to make a great first impression, so don't feel scared to make a statement -- you want buyers to fall in love with your house. The fixes below are minor and budget friendly enhancements that can be done in a day to help make your house more inviting and appealing, and help get potential buyers to schedule a showing!

Glam the Front Door

The entry is a huge focal point for potential buyers, especially when it's one of the first things they see. Create appeal by cleaning the front door -- wipe it down, remove dirt, update the color with some paint. The front door should play off a home's interior: add a kick plate, swag or a seasonal wreath to reflect the interior style of the house.

Create Symmetry

It is known that humans find symmetry beautiful – symmetry is attractive to the human eye, especially in nature. Symmetry is also appreciated in the design world for its familiarity, balance and it works with every style. Using symmetry to entice potential buyers is a quick and cost-friendly tool to the home seller: compose light fixtures, plants and front-door accents based on symmetry to create welcoming and inviting entryways and boost the house's curb appeal.

Makeover the Mailbox

If you have a mailbox, it can be a great way to accent your house and add a little touch of personality. If you're going to replace the box, pick one that mimics the style and trim of the house. You also have the option of dressing up a mail box by painting the post to match the house's exterior color, or you can surround it with flowers or other plants.

Add Outdoor Lighting

A quick, easy, and budget friendly way of adding appeal to the outside of your house is to add outdoor lighting. Outdoor lighting adds a little something extra, and it can also provide safety and security. Homeowners have many options for lighting, from wired to solar, and lights can be purchased at many retailers and hardware stores. Install landscape lighting along paths and trees.

Patch Up the Grass

Pets, animals, weather and other events at your house can take a toll on your yard's grass, and most buyers will notice a lawn that looks like it's on its last leg. Cut out any dead spots and replace with sod, or, if you have time, replant with seed. If you live in a non-drought area, turn on the sprinklers: a lawn needs at least 1" to 1 ½" of water per week and should be watered deeply 2-3 times per week.

Install Window Boxes

Window boxes can be a really budget friendly way to liven up the outside of a house. They help play up windows, and they can add a pop of color by way of plants or flowers. For a traditional look, choose boxes made of copper or iron, and pick painted wood for more of a cottage feel. Use a window box to play with flowers that will suit the lighting in the yard and the color scheme of the outside.

Renew Planters and Beds

Poorly maintained planters and flower beds can be a big letdown to potential buyers – especially when many view poor upkeep as an indication of what a house may look like inside. Be sure to prune overgrowth, pull weeds, plant extra flowers and add new mulch to restore life and color depleted by the sun and harsh weather. Adding a border around flower beds or along paths can be a great addition, and budget friendly. If your yard already has a border, clean and restore pieces that are worn or upgrade the stone altogether.
Another budget friendly fix you can do in less than a day is pressure washing any dirty siding, decks, patios, driveway or sidewalks. A pressure washer can be rented at any home improvement store for a small amount, and freshly washed pavement and siding can help make a home look revitalized. If you're limited on outdoor space or have no yard, add some color by creating a container garden. These small gardens are easy to maintain and can easily be transported to your new residence once the sale is finalized. As a seller your top priority is getting the most out of your house -- concentrating on small and easy fixes that are budget friendly can really help give your house that pop so many buyers look for.

Monday, May 18, 2015

Disaster Planning

Disaster Preparedness
Simple Steps Everyone Can Take
Natural disasters are a fact of life. Each area of the country has its own challenges, from hurricanes on the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts to tornados in the Plains and earthquakes in California. Regardless of where you live, it's important to have plans in place to ensure that you and your family are prepared should an emergency arise.

Begin by researching which types of events could occur in your community:
  • Contact local authorities to learn how community alerts are issued and the evacuation routes you will need to follow.
  • Inquire about emergency plans at work, school, and any other locations that family members frequent on a regular basis.
  • Determine how to care for your pet(s) since most temporary shelters only permit service dogs to enter. Start by visiting the American Red Cross website's Animal Safety section to learn about suggested alternatives (www.redcross.org).
Next, develop a Family Emergency Plan:
  • Create contact information cards for each family member.
  • Select a reliable out-of-state relative/friend who family members should contact
    if local communications are down.
  • Establish home escape routes and practice them.
  • Learn how to shut off your utilities.
  • Procure proper insurance coverage and protect your vital records.
  • Create a short list of what to take in case of a fire.
Finally, create a Disaster Supply Kit for your home, your car, and your office. Your home kit should include:
  • Food - Select prepackaged, ready-to-eat food and beverage items that your family will enjoy. Try to avoid anything that's too salty in case the water supply is limited.
  • Water - Store one gallon of water for each family member per day, and plan on a minimum of three days.
  • First Aid Kit and essential medications.
  • Non-electric can opener, knife, and utensils.
  • Battery-operated radio, flashlights, batteries, pens and paper.
  • Be sure to review the contents of the kit every six months, and replace anything that's about to expire.

Your office and car kits should contain a pared down collection of the items mentioned above, as well as comfortable shoes. In addition, you'll want to add flares and jumper cables to your car's inventory.

Friday, May 15, 2015

stay cations anyone?

It's getting hot out there, but you don't have to go far to enjoy your summer!
 
Interesting Image

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Things to do 5/14/15

Events 

Phoenix Children's Chorus Spring Concert 
Fri. 05/15, 7pm
Orpheum Theater, Phoenix
This memorable Spring Concert will feature a wide array of musical selections and all 325 members. $9.99-$20
more info   map 

Anne of Green Gables 
Fri. 05/15, 7pm & Sat. 05/16, 3pm & 7pm
Tuscany Theatre, Gilbert
Watch as this classic tale of adventure, family, loss, and love is brought to life at the Actor's Youth Theatre. $13
more info   map 

Eddie Money 
Fri. 05/15, 8pm
Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, Chandler
Performing his collection of Rock n Roll Hits.
more info   map 

Audubon Arizona's Urban Naturalist Adventure Series 
Sat. 05/16, 7am-4pm
Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center
Enjoy the amazing grasslands of Agua Fria National Monument, crisscrossed with verdant streams teeming with wildlife. $100
more info   map 

Mercedes-Benz of Arrowhead Open  
Sat, 05/16, 8am
Trilogy Golf Club of Vistancia, Peoria
The Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia will host the 2015 Mercedes-Benz of Arrowhead Open. Proceeds will benefit the local nonprofit camp, Soaring Eagle. 
more info   map 

Ice Cream Run 
Sat. 05/16, 7am
Glendale Heroes Regional Park
The Ice Cream Run is Phoenix's official Summer Race for the whole family. Enjoy live music, sponsor giveaways, and a complimentary ice cream cup. $15-$45
more info   map 

Desert Marigold 6k 
Sat. 05/16, 6:30am
Estrella Mountain Regional Park, Goodyear
Join the Desert Marigold 6k run in Estrella Mountain Regional Park. Your registration fee includes a finishers medal, t-shirt, custom bib number, and certificate. $27
more info   map 

Mesa Arts and Crafts Festival 
Sat. 05/16, 10am
Downtown Mesa
The Mesa Arts and Crafts Festival features the work of established and emerging artists and crafters including woodworking, metal crafts, jewelry, art, soaps and more.
more info  map
 

Rising 
Sat. 05/16 & Sun. 05/17, times vary
Ikeda Theatre, Mesa
Phoenix Ballet presents Master Ballet Academy's annual Spring Performance. This fun performance includes solos and appearances by internationally recognized, award-winning students. $11-$30
more info   map 

Tempe International Triathlon 
Sun. 05/17, 6:30am
Tempe Town Lake Marina North Shore
The Tempe International Triathlon has evolved into one of Arizona's premier age group triathlons, for both the new and experienced. $65-$156
more info   map 

Eye of the Tiger 
Sun. 05/17, 1pm
Phoenix Symphony Hall
Bring your kids in their favorite jersey and enjoy the Phoenix Symphony's adaptations of 80's favorites. $11-$19
more info   map
 


           
Movies 
 
Home showtimes and ticketsIn Theaters Rated
Mad Max: Fury RoadR

Pitch Perfect 2
     
     PG-13
5 Flights Up  PG-13 
New DVD Releases  Rated
Critics Say
TracersPG-13     
Champs NR     
The CobblerPG-13     

Sports 
 
ASU Sun Devils
 
 
Men's Baseball 
vs Washington State 
05/15 @ 4:00pm
05/16 @ 7:00pm
Schedule 

Track and Field
@ Pac-12 Championship

Los Angeles, CA
05/16-05/17 @ all day
ESPN
Schedule
Arizona Wildcats
 
 
Men's Baseball 
@ UCLA 
05/15 @ 7:00pm
05/16 @ 4:00pm
Schedule
 

Track and Field
@ Pac-12 Championship

Los Angeles, CA
05/16-05/17 @ all day
ESPN
Schedule
Arizona Diamondbacks
 
 
@ Phillies 
05/15 @ 4:05pm 
05/16 
@ 4:05pm
05/17 @ 10:35am
MLBN  
 
Schedule
Arizona Rattlers


vs Las Vegas Outlaws 
05/16 @ 6:00pm
Schedule 
 
 
PGA TOUR

  
 
             Wells Fargo                                    Championship 
             Charlotte, NC
             05/14-05/17 @ times vary
             Golf Network
             Schedule
MLS
 

Major League Soccer 
Schedule 
ESPN
 
 


Weather 
 
 Friday 
Partly Cloudy 
 77º/57º
Saturday 
Clear  
80º/56º
Sunday 
Clear 
   87º/62º   


 
          

Friday, May 8, 2015

What to do this weekend? Well, here you go 5-8-15


Events 

Broadcasters AZ Amber Alert Golf Classic 
Fri. 05/08, 7am
Camelback Golf Course, Scottsdale
In addition to raising funds for Arizona Amber Alert, funds raised will also be distributed to various broadcast scholarships for students attending ASU, and various schools in the area.
more info map 

Date Night 
Fri. 05/08, 6pm
Scottsdale Stadium
This first ever date night at the stadium features a tour at the stadium, a movie, food truck fare, and libations. For those 21 and over.
more info map
 

Phoenix Boys Choir 
Fri. 05/08 & Sat. 05/09, 7:30pm
Phoenix Symphony Hall
Join Maestro Tito Munoz in an evening of beautiful and diverse choral repertoire with The Phoenix Symphony Chorus and the world-renowned Phoenix Boys Choir. $18-$79
more info map
 

Pinocchio 
Fri. 05/08 - Sun. 05/10, times vary
Arizona Broadway Theatre, Peoria
You and your child will experience the wonder and humor of classic children's theatre at its best with ADT's TYA production of Pinocchio. $14-$17
more info map 

Wizard of Oz 
Fri. 05/08 - Sun. 05/10, times vary
Mesa Arts Center
Using the Royal Shakespeare Company version, which runs truest to the original movie, you can count on a spectacular trip to Oz. $18
more info map 

Summer Fun & Water Safety Day 
Sat. 05/09, 9am
Backfit Health & Spine, Gilbert
Bring the family and enjoy free food, live music, water slide, bounce house, water maze, dunk tank, chair massages, and unique vendors.
more info FB map 

2nd Annual Women's Wellness Day & Health Fair 
Sat. 05/09, 9am-1pm
Civic Space Park, Phoenix
Celebrate National Women's Health Week with free mammogram screenings, health screenings, self-defense workshops, meditation, and more.
more info map 

Arizona Mudathon 
Sat. 05/09, 9am
Macdonald's Ranch, Scottsdale
This 5-mile run features multiple mud pits, wall climbing, tire pits, monkeybars, net climbing, hurdles, and more. $65
more info map 

Arizona Girlchoir Spring Concert 
Sat. 05/09, 7pm
Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Phoenix
Enjoy this beautiful spring classical concert. A dessert reception will follow. $5-$12
more info map 

Mother's Day Musical Luncheon 
Sun. 05/10, 11:30am
Organ Stop Pizza, Mesa
Enjoy a relaxing concert along with all you can eat pizza, salad, and soft drinks. Advance ticket purchase is required. $10-$12
more info map 

Mother's Day Brunch 
Sun. 05/10, 4pm
The Shout House, Glendale
Celebrate Mother's Day with a family friendly show featuring Dueling Pianos, and a free mimosa for mom with reservation.
more info map
 



Movies 
Home showtimes and ticketsIn TheatersRated
Hot PursuitPG-13

Maggie

PG-13
NoblePG-13
New DVD ReleasesRated
Critics Say
Spare PartsPG-13
Amira & SamNR
SelmaPG-13

Sports 
ASU Sun Devils
Men's Baseball 
vs UCLA 
05/08 @ 6:30pm
05/09 @ 6:30pm
05/10 @ 12:30pm
Schedule 

Women's Softball
vs UCLA
05/08 
@ 6:00pm
05/09 @ 5:00pm
ESPN
Schedule
Arizona Wildcats
Men's Baseball 
vs Washington 
05/08 @ 7:30pm
05/09 @ 7:00pm
05/10 @ 6:00pm
Schedule 

Women's Softball
vs Oregon
05/08 
@ 4:00pm
05/09 @ 8:30pm
ESPN
Schedule
Arizona Diamondbacks
vs Padres 
05/08 @ 6:40pm 
05/09 
@ 5:10pm
05/10 @ 1:10pm
MLBN 

Schedule
Arizona Rattlers


@ New Orleans Voodoo 
05/09 @ 5:00pm
Schedule 
PGA TOUR

 
Wells Fargo Championship 
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
05/07-05/10 @ times vary
Golf Network
Schedule
MLS

Major League Soccer 
Schedule 
ESPN
 

Weather 
Friday 
Clear 
79º/59º
Saturday 
Clear 
82º/61º
Sunday 
Clear 
90º/65º


Thursday, April 30, 2015

Lots of things to do 5/2/15



Events 

Phoenix-Mesa Mom Expo 
Fri. 05/01 & Sat. 05/02, 10am
Mesa Convention Center
This Mom Expo features exhibitors with special interest items particularly for women, moms of young children, and kids from newborn to school age. $5
more info   map 

30th Annual UMOM Golf Tournament 
Fri. 05/01, 11:30am
Grayhawk Golf Clubs, Scottsdale
Golfers will experience either the Talon or the Raptor course and will receive lunch. Following the event is a Swing into Summer Dinner Event and helicopter ball drop. $100
more info   map 

Eastmark First Friday Concert Series 
Fri. 05/01, 6pm
Eastmark Great Park, Mesa
Arizona's most in demand new dance bands will perform today's R&B, hip-hop, funk, and dance hits.
more info   map 

The Jungle Book 
Fri. 05/01, 7pm
Tucson Theatre, Gilbert
A talented cast of young performers with the Actor's Youth Theatre, will perform Tracey Power's lively adaptation of the Rudyard Kipling classic. $13
more info   map 

FitnessFest Conference & Expo 
Fri. 05/01 - Sun. 05/03, times vary
Valley of the Sun JCC, Scottsdale
A fitness and wellness conference and expo for group exercise instructors, personal trainers, aqua instructors and more.
more info   map 

Super Hero Walk/Run 
Sat. 05/02, 8:30am
Tempe Kiwanis Park, Tempe
Hosted by CASA Children to create awareness for Foster Care and Child Abuse. For superheroes of all ages. $25 
more info   map 

Arizona BBQ Festival 
Sat. 05/02, 12pm
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, Scottsdale
Enjoy a games arena, live music, a bacon station, and amazing BBQ. $12
more info   map
 

Chandler Symphony Classic Concert 
Sat. 05/02, 3pm
Chandler Center for the Arts
The Chandler Symphony Orchestra provides quality symphonic and orchestral music performed by a wide range of volunteer musicians.
more info   map 

Sonoran Desert Chorale:
Phantasies of the Opera
 
Sat. 05/02, 7:30pm
First United Methodist Church of Mesa
Enjoy opera and operetta classics featuring music by Mozart, Puccini, Bizet, Gilbert and Sullivan and more. $18
more info   map 

Bonsai Show 
Sat. 05/02 & Sun. 05/03, 9am-5pm
Valley Garden Center, Phoenix
Valley Garden Center, Phoenix Bonsai will display established Bonsai trees and trees under development to illustrate how the art of Bonsai is created.
more info   map 

Cinco de Mayo Phoenix Festival 
Sat. 05/02 & Sun. 05/03, 12pm
Downtown Phoenix
This two day street festival provides attendees with non-stop fun, music, games, and giveaways. $15-$85
more info   map
 


    
   
Movies 
 
Home showtimes and ticketsIn Theaters Rated
Avengers: Age of UltronPG-13
Unfriended        R
True StoryR 
New DVD Releases  Rated
      Critics Say
There's Always WoodstockNR   
The Barber R    
AftermathR     
Sports  
 
ASU Sun Devils
 
 
Men's Baseball 
@ California, Berkeley 
05/01 @ 7:00pm
05/02 @ 6:00pm
05/03 @ 1:00pm
Schedule 

Women's Softball
@ Stanford
05/01 
@ 7:00pm
05/02 @ 5:30pm
05/03 @ 2:00pm
ESPN
Schedule
Arizona Wildcats
 
 
Men's Baseball 
@ Washington, Pullman 
05/01 @ 6:00pm
05/02 @ 2:00pm
05/03 @ 3:00pm
Schedule 

Women's Softball
@ UCLA
05/01 
@ 5:00pm
05/02 @ 2:00pm
05/03 @ 3:00pm
ESPN
Schedule
Arizona Diamondbacks
 
 
@ Dodgers 
05/01 @ 7:10pm 
05/02 
@ 6:10pm
05/03 @ 1:10pm
MLBN  
 
Schedule
Arizona Rattlers


vs San Jose SaberCats 
05/02 @ 6:00pm
Schedule
 
 
 
PGA TOUR

  
 
             World Golf                                        Championships
             Cadillac Match Play
 
             San Francisco, CA
             04/29-05/03 @ times vary
             Golf Network
             Schedule
MLS
 

Major League Soccer 
Schedule 
ESPN
 
 
Weather 
 
 Friday 
Partly Cloudy 
 101º/70º
Saturday 
Clear  
98º/68º
Sunday 
Clear 
   95º/65º