Nobody ever cheers at the thought of tackling home repairs. Theyâre annoying, costly, time-sucking endeavors. So often we put them off, over and over, justifying to ourselves that they can wait. Light switch doesnât work? Whateverâyou never go in that room anyway. Squeaky floors? Youâre already used to them!
But there are some home improvement projects that simply canât wait, lest you risk much bigger problems (and costly expenses) down the line. Here are 12 home repairs experts say you should never put off:
1. A leaking roof
If you see water stains on your ceiling or down your walls, get moving on the repair statâthere are a host of problems that can arise and get progressively worse with a leaking roof.
âNot repairing a leak as soon as you notice it can lead to mold, damage to the structure of your home, water damage, and even fire if water comes in contact with electrical wiring,â says Carlos de LeĂłn, vice president of the LeĂłn Group, an estate management company on Long Island, NY. Scared yet? Good.
2. Damaged or missing shingles
This one seems obvious, but Derek Perzylo, owner of Big 5 Exteriors in Calgary, Canada, says he regularly encounters homeowners who have never had their roof inspected.
âAfter a big storm, especially if thereâs a lot of gusting wind and hail, itâs always a good idea to visually inspect your roof,â he says. âIf you see shingles out of place, or if you see shingles on the ground, you might have some damage that could cause potential problems, like leaks, down the road.â
3. Sagging roof
Roof sagging can be caused by moisture in the attic space, says Joe Todaro, director of operations at Gold Medal Service in East Brunswick, NJ. If left untreated, the structure of the wood will weaken and settle, causing cracks in the exterior walls. Proper ventilation is essential for an attic.
4. Cracks in the foundation
Your homeâs foundation may develop small cracks over time, and itâs best to address them to prevent spreading. Otherwise you might have to replace the foundation, which can cost as much as $100,000. Large cracks that go unaddressed can lead to everything from leaking to parts of the concrete collapsing.
âThe damage could be life-threatening if your home is not supported properly,â LeĂłn says.
5. Gas leaks
Silent but deadly
(BanksPhotos/iStock)
Since natural gas and propane are heavier than air, they âpoolâ in the low points of your home. The second you smell gas (a telltale rotten eggâlike smell), call your gas company and vacate the premises until a company worker arrives.
âYou risk having an explosion or fire by not doing something about a gas leak immediately,â LeĂłn says.
6. Plumbing leaks
Leaking water can lead to mold, structural problems, and health issues. Homeowners should check under sinks at least once a year to ensure no water is leaking into the cabinets. If you see any, call a plumber right away.
7. Mold
Is there good mold and bad mold? Not really. When you see it, deal with it. And simply having a âmold remediationâ company come in to assess things is not the entire answer, says Jeff Wilson, HGTV host and author of âThe Greened House Effect.â
âThe reason the mold formed in the first place needs to be sussed out and the problem fixed by a building science professional trained by an organization like Building Performance Institute,â he says.
So just to be clear: While not all molds are life-threatening, all of themâeven the ubiquitous shower moldâcan potentially make you sick. So itâs best to be aggressive no matter what kind you see.
8. Overtaxed or poor electrical systems
More than 40,000 electrical fires occur each year in the United States. And most of them could have been easily avoided. Some warning signs of faulty electrical work include circuit breakers blowing unexpectedly, lights flickering, and outlets and/or switches being warm or hot to the touch.
Not calling an electrician can result in your home catching fire. Got it? Call the electrician.
9. Clogged gutters
Clogged gutters are easy to ignore, but they can cause substantial damage to your home if you donât make it your business to keep them clean.
The role of gutters and drainpipes is to draw rainfall away from the home. If theyâre stopped up, water begins to pool in vulnerable areas. Youâll face a higher risk for wood rot around the fascia and for foundation damage in low, sloped areas around the perimeter of your home.
Homeowners should clean out their gutters twice a year and water test them with a garden hose afterward. Make sure the water travels easily through the gutter system, into the drainpipe, and away from the homeâs foundation.
10. Cracked driveways
Most driveways are pitched to direct water away from your foundation. If there are cracks and settling in your driveway, not only are they a tripping hazard, they could also lead to possible water damage in your home.
11. Damaged decks
The No. 1 danger spot with decks is when thereâs worn or missing flashing, the thin layer of material that keeps water from getting into places it doesnât belong.
Without flashing, water can get into the ledger board (which connects the deck to the house) and weaken the wood and metal fasteners that hold the deck together. And if a weakened deck is overloaded, it can have expensiveâif not deadlyâconsequences.
12. Clogged dryer vents
Removing the lint from your dryer vent isnât just one of those things your mama nagged you to do. It could mean the difference between life and death.
âItâs not a big project by any means,â says Aaron Rovner, vice president of business development at ServiceWhale in Trevose, PA. âBut if you allow lint and other fabric to sit in a dryer vent, it will ultimately cause an airflow and exhaust backup that will turn into a major fire hazard.â
So you have your work cut out for you. The good news is that you donât have to do many of these repairs frequently. But when you see warning signs, get going prontoâor risk bigger problems down the road.
We could never pass up a good breakfast burrito here at CA Real Estate Group! So we want to know…do you agree with @forkingaround.tv and do you have other favs to add to this list?
In Southern California, pumpkin patches are often like pop-up amusement parks.
Some are on actual farms, and some are in vacant lots or shopping centers. But slides, rides, mazes, petting zoos, food concessions and live entertainment are common features throughout the area.
Some charge for entrance and parking, but even if admission is free most charge extra for these kinds of attractions. They may have ticket systems like carnivals or wristbands like neighborhood arcades.
Some take cash only while others have online reservation systems.
Also some allow dogs but others have no-pets policies. And there are other restrictions. Check out their websites for details.
Los Angeles County
Cal Poly Pomona Pumpkin Fest
AGRIscapes Center, Cal Poly Pomona, 4102 S. University Drive, Pomona;Â cpp.edu/pumpkinfestival; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Sept. 30-Oct. 29.
This event, put on by the Huntley College of Agriculture, features 40,000 pumpkins, two corn mazes, a sunflower field, hay wagon rides and a petting zoo, according to its web page. Tickets are $6 on Fridays, $10 on weekends. Season passes are $48 for adults, $42 for children.
Hundreds of carved and illuminated pumpkins will decorate the grounds of this 150-acre botanical garden. Entry is timed at half-hour intervals. Tickets are $20â$40 for Descanso Gardens members, $25â$45 for non-members.
This family business strives to bring the charms of farm life to the big city. Attractions include pumpkin and teepee villages, bounce houses, a straw maze, petting zoo and food concessions. Admission $10-$30 depending on date and time, and there are extra charges for activities. No pets allowed.
Mr. Jack Oâ Lanterns Pumpkin Patch, Farmers Market
Pumpkins of all sizes are for sale, and games include pumpkin bowling and candy cornhole. Admission is free, but there are changes for activities.
Mr. Jack Oâ Lanterns Pumpkin Patch, Torrance
17520 Prairie Ave., Torrance;Â mrjackolanternspumpkins.com; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 1-31.
Activities include pumpkin decorating, pumpkin smash, animal feeding and bounce house. Admission is free, but there are changes for activities.
Mr. Jack Oâ Lanterns Pumpkin Patch, West Los Angeles
11852 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles;Â mrjackolanternspumpkins.com; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 1-31.
Activities include pumpkin decorating, pumpkin smash, animal feeding and bounce house. Free admission, extra charge for activities.
Paâs Pumpkin Patch
6701 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach;Â paspumpkinpatch.com; Sept. 29-Oct. 31.
Advance reservations are required and can be booked online for 3œ hour time slots. Admission is $5 for adults, $2.50 for children ages 3-12.
Shawnâs Pumpkin Patch
11650 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles;Â shawnspumpkinpatch.com; Daily Oct. 7-31, hours vary.
Individually priced activities include slides, a bounce house, rock wall, petting zoo and pony rides. There will be a $2.50 entrance fee on Saturdays and Sundays.
Orange County
Hana Field Pumpkin Patch & Flower Fields
427 Anton Blvd, Costa Mesa; 949-653-2100, tanakafarms.com; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 30-Oct. 29.
Hana Field, operated by Tanaka Farms in Irvine, offers flower picking as well as U-pick pumpkins in Costa Mesa. Individually charged activities include Cow Train, pumpkin cannon and face painting. $10 admission, $15 for flower-picking, activities extra.
Irvine Park Railroad
Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange. 714-997-3968, irvineparkrailroad.com; open daily Sept. 16-Oct. 31, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends.
Haunted house, hay maze and photo ops are free. Other activities cost extra, including John Deere Racers, train and hay rides, bounce houses, face painting and panning for gold. Great Pumpkin Weigh-off is Saturday, Sept. 23. Entrance to the patch is free, but thereâs a $3-$7 vehicle entrance fee to the park.
Pick of the Patch Pumpkins
Outlets of San Clemente, 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente;Â abctreefarms.net; 2-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sept. 16-Oct. 31.
Attractions include giant slides, bumper boats and obstacle courses. Admission is free, but attractions are charged separately. Wristbands for inflatables cost $18 for 30 minutes and $23 for an hour. No pets allowed.
Pumpkin City, Anaheim
2180 E. Lincoln Ave., Anaheim; 949-449-4108, pumpkincity.com/pumpkin-farm; 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 6-31.
Attractions include boat and car rides, bounce houses and a petting zoo with a ticket payment system.
Pumpkin City, Laguna Hills
24203 Avenida de la Carlota, Laguna Hills; 949-449-4189, pumpkincity.com; 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 29-Oct. 31.
This patch near is near where the Laguna Hills Mall used to be. It features a beer garden for combination Halloween/Oktoberfest partying.
U-pick pumpkins, wagon rides, arts and crafts. $10 general admission; extra for activities. Parking passes are required, fee is $10 on weekends. .
The farm includes a U-pick patch. Admission is $20-$22 and includes activities such as wagon rides and a corn maze. Some attractions, including a pumpkin cannon, cost extra. Twenty-fifth anniversary specials include 25-cent games on opening weekend, Sept. 16-17 and 25% off admission Sept. 16-29. Tickets are sold at half-hour intervals on the website.
Zoomars at River Street Ranch
31791 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano. 949-831-6550;Â riverstreetranch.com; Sept. 20-Oct. 31.
This petting zoo with goats, sheep and guinea pigs does a pumpkin patch during Halloween season. Admission is $15, $12 for children12 years and younger,
Riverside County
Big Horse Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch
Big Horse Feed and Mercantile, 33320 Temecula Parkway, Temecula; 951-389-4621, bighorsecornmaze.com; Tuesday through Sunday, Sept. 30-Oct. 31.
Giant maze features a patriotic theme. Last entrance is one hour before closing. Other attractions include a pumpkin patch, bounce house, bungee ride. There will be food vendors and a beer garden on weekends. The corn maze is a daytime attraction, but the pumpkin festival is open evenings. Check website for hours. $15 admission, $10 parking on weekends.
Hunterâs Pumpkin Patch
12125 Day St., Building Q, Moreno Valley. 951-440-2027;Â hunterspumpkinpatch.com; 4-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 22-Oct. 30.
Attractions include slides, a barrel train and other rides, games and carnival food.
Peltzer Pumpkin Farm
39925 Calle Contento, Temecula; 951-695-1115, peltzerfarms.com; open daily Sept. 23-Oct. 31, check website for hours.
Attractions include a petting zoo, games, mining, face painting and rides. Admission is $2 Monday through Friday, $3 on weekends. Attractions cost extra. The property includes Peltzer Winery, âwhere the pumpkins grow and the wine flows.â
Pick of the Patch Pumpkins
18614 Dexter Ave., Lake Elsinore;Â abctreefarms.net; 2-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 29-Oct. 31.
Inventory includes gourds, Indian corn and Halloween accessories as well as pumpkins. Attractions include bounce houses, slides and food vendors. Admission is free; wristbands for inflatables cost $18-$30.
Pumpkin Factory
1545 Circle City Drive, Corona;Â thepumpkinfactory.com; daily Oct. 1-31, hours vary.
Attractions include rides, games, petting zoo and food vendors. Free admission.
Attractions include a corn maze, sunflower labyrinth, petting zoo, bounce houses, carnival games. $5-$10 admission. A scary corn maze called Haunted Harvest is on the property with $30 separate admission.
Greenspot Farms
10133 Ward Way, Mentone; 909-794-7653, greenspotfarms.com; open daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 30-Oct 31; scary nighttime attractions will be added 7-10 p.m. Oct. 13-31.
Attractions include a hay maze, bounce house, tractor rides, duck races and farm animals. Admission is free. Tickets for nighttime Haunted Hayride are $15-$30.
Live Oak Canyon Pumpkin Farm
Live Oak Canyon Road at the 10 Freeway, Yucaipa;Â liveoakcanyon.com; open daily Sept. 22-Oct. 31, hours vary.
U-pick pumpkins and a large selection of picked pumpkins and gourds, there are more than 50 attractions including corn maze, petting zoo and rides. Live entertainment in October. $11-$17 admission for adults, $8-11 for children age 3-10; extra charge for some attractions.
Los Rios Rancho
39611 Oak Glen Road, Yucaipa;Â losriosrancho.com; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.
This farm specializes in apples and berries, but lists U-pick pumpkins among its produce in the autumn.
Rileyâs Farm
12261 Oak Glen Road, Yucaipa;Â rileysfarm.com; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
This property specializes in recreating colonial America and other historical periods, but lists U-pick pumpkins among its autumn crops.
Highlights of âPumpkins in the Pines 2023â include a parkwide pumpkin patch, âLegend of Sleepy Hollowâ puppet show, costume contests and seasonal food and beverages. Adult tickets are $59 and parking is $10.
Summer is always such a hard season to say goodbye to for avid cooks, so much color and flavor come with that heat! But with its end, begins fall, another deliciously vibrant season that brings warm spices, apples, and pumpkins into the picture.
September is the best of those two months all in one. We get to enjoy the last of the tomatoes, juicy berries, and sweet summer corn. But, we also get the first of the pears, persimmons, and all the gorgeous varieties of winter squash.
This guide is like a walk through a farmerâs market. Iâm sharing tips on whatâs best this month and useful info on using and picking each piece of produce. Get your autumn soup recipes out and make your favorite summer salads while you can, September is a beautiful blend of summer and fall, and full of delicious inspiration.
Apples
There are well over 7000 types of apples out there! Check out local apple growers for far more options than your grocery store. Varieties can range from very sweet and tender, to crisp or very tart. Choose unbruised, firm fruit, and store them in the fridge for the longest shelf life.
When purchased fresh, beets stay good for weeks. Purple, pink and white striped, and golden beets are most common, and all hold up well to roasting, pickling, steaming, or even eating raw. Choose bunches with greens still attached that look vibrant, then trim them off as soon as you get home for the best shelf life.
These juicy dark berries love the last heat of summer. Donât be fooled by size, from large to small, all blackberries can be sweet and itâs more important to choose berries that look juicy and shiny. Store them in an airtight container, dry, and theyâll keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
At the moment, there is only one recipe with blackberries on the blog â this delicious lime white chocolate mousse. Usually, we have blackberries on their own at home or top oatmeal or cereal with them. Iâll definitely try to add more recipes with these cute berries in the future!
Shaved raw in a salad, fried, or roasted; brussels sprouts are delicious and nutritious. Brussels sprouts are a great fall veggie, full of fiber and flavor. You can buy them either loose or on the stalk. Look for firm sprouts with vibrant green color without holes or black spots.
There are many varieties of carrots out there, and theyâre at their best (and sweetest) in spring and fall. Bunches that have healthy greens still attached are the tastiest and freshest. To keep them good for as long as possible, trim the greens off after purchasing.
Cauliflower is a vegetable thatâs become increasingly popular as cooks have discovered how versatile and tasty it can be. Cauliflower rice or pizza crust anyone? For white, purple, and yellow varieties choose heads that are very firm with tightly closed florets and no black spots.
Check out my spicy Thai coconut cauliflower soup which is really delicious, creamy, and healthy. Itâs all made in one pot and is ready in just 30 minutes!
Both the yellow and white corn varieties youâll see in September are sweet and delicious. Choose corn with green, damp husks and fluffy yellow silks. It should feel firm and be absent of any tiny holes. Then roast it whole or slice it off the cob for a tasty summer meal.
Unfortunately, I donât have any fresh corn recipes on the blog (only canned) but I hope to fix that in the future! Meanwhile, check out what other food bloggers are up to.
Cucumbers are available much of the year, but their peak season is coming to a close. Enjoy them this month in fresh salads, as a crudite, or choose small varieties for a fun home pickling project. Always choose firm, evenly green cucumbers free from soft and yellow spots.
This super healthy vegetable is used in cooking all around the world. Small thin varieties cook up easily and quickly, and the larger globe varieties are fabulous roasted, baked, and more. Choose firm eggplants that feel heavy for their size and have even color and healthy green stems.
Sweet, delicious figs make excellent salad additions, baked desserts, and go well with cheese. Black mission, brown turkey, or Adriatic figs are among the most popular for their sweetness, and are a great place to start. Fresh figs should be tender, but firm enough to hold their shape when sliced.
I discovered my love for figs not such a long time ago so itâs natural that I donât have any fig recipes on the blog YET. These little gems are worth all the praise they get so recipes are definitely coming! Meanwhile, check out how my food blogger friends used figs in the kitchen!
Choose bunches that have healthy, flexible green stems that arenât dried out, with juicy firm grapes attached. You may find varieties in colors like green, red, purple, and more. Ask your local grower for recommendations on sweetness and uses. They make a great snack, but are also great roasted!
My family adores grapes but usually we enjoy them straight out of the bag (or straight from the vine), not in recipes. I need to pull myself together and cook something with these sweet berries ASAP because you can really do so much with them. Check out what other food bloggers came up with!
These are another veggie youâll likely find a lot of the year, but theyâre at their best through October. Choose long firm pods â they should not bend, but rather feel as if theyâll snap. Theyâre very versatile, so try roasting them, sauteing them, or blanching them for a salad topping.
Big, fragrant melons are delicious at the end of summer. From watermelon to cantaloupe, be sure to choose a melon that feels heavy for its size. Uncut, melons will keep for 10 days on the counter or for several weeks in the fridge. Once cut, consume in a few days.
Fresh, seasonal peaches have that sun-ripened flavor thatâs irresistible in salads or as a snack. If youâre after cobbler or baking peaches, ask the grower if they sell overripe peaches for less! For snacking raw, choose fruits that have some give when gently squeezed, but arenât mushy.
Pears are a long-lasting fruit that keep well refrigerated. Buy them with a slight tenderness for immediate eating, or buy them slightly firm and store for weeks. Place them near an apple or banana on the counter to ripen them quickly. All pear varieties are sweet and have edible skins that are full of healthy fiber.
From the sweetest red peppers to the grassy, sharp green ones, all bell peppers can be eaten raw, roasted, sauteed, or baked. Choose firm peppers with taut skin and green stems. For more tender peppers (and less bitterness) try peeling them with a vegetable peeler first.
The two persimmons youâre likely to encounter are Fuyu and Hachiya. The Fuyu are short and squat, and can be eaten as soon as theyâre orange and firmly tender, like a tomato. Hachiya persimmons are larger and acorn-shaped and should only be eaten when very soft. Both can be eaten raw, but the Hachiya is great for baking.
With over 2000 varieties of plums in the world, odds are good youâll find some sweet fresh ones this time of year. Like all stone fruit, theyâre best when ripe, so wait until theyâre tender to the touch to eat. You can slow down ripening by storing them in the fridge.
I have only one plum recipe on the blog but itâs a GOOD one. This healthy plum cake is made with whole wheat flour, almond flour, and also has lemon cashew icing (no confectionersâ sugar) on top. It tastes amazing â you wonât even tell the difference from the usual plum cake!
From little to large, white to dark purple, potatoes come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. As a very inexpensive, and incredibly versatile, vegetable theyâre easy to add to your menu. Roasted, baked, boiled, steamed, fried â theyâre all great! Store potatoes in a cool, dark place for the best shelf life.
Pumpkins may be known for jack-o-lanterns, but theyâre great for eating. Naturally sweet and rich in antioxidants, they make great additions to soups, salads, and sides. You can cook and eat pumpkin much like you would butternut squash, or go for sugar pumpkins and make your own puree.
This peppery vegetable is a great addition to end-of-summer salads or roasted with the other root vegetables of fall. There are dozens of varieties with different levels of spice, so try them to find your favorite. Choose bunches with vibrant color on both the radish and greens.
If you see these red beauties, or the unique golden ones, at your market, enjoy them before autumn fully sets in. Raspberries are very delicate, and best enjoyed right away. If storing, wait to wash them and place them in a refrigerated container that allows plenty of breathing room.
Sweet potatoes, often mislabeled as yams, come in a variety of colors. The orange ones that appear on holiday tables are familiar, but they come in various shades of purple and white too. Different varieties have different levels of sugar, but most are great for roasting or mashing. Choose them just like you would a potato.
At local markets, youâll find dozens of heirloom and baby tomato varieties youâve likely never seen before. Talk to the grower and discover which ones are sweetest and which ones will make your pasta sauce sing. Tomatoes store best on the counter, as the fridge will affect the texture.
The many varieties of winter squash like butternut, honey nut, delicata, acorn, and spaghetti are available in September. Winter squashes are sweet and delicious in soups or roasted simply as a side or topping to a salad. They should be heavy for their size and will keep for months in a dark, dry, cool place.
Zucchini, and all its fellow summer squashes, will be around for just a few more short weeks. Zucchini cooks very quickly and does well sauteed, roasted, grilled, or even eaten raw. Choose squash that has no soft spots and even color all over.
Refreshing a room in your home â for a season or a more permanent change â doesn’t have to be costly or take weeks to complete. Try these creative ideas for quick transformations.
Guest Bedroom
Low-effort, high-impact updates will welcome your guests year-round.
Hang new window treatments to easily change the mood of the room.
Add a patterned rug for texture, warmth and visual interest.
Update the duvet for a small fix that makes a big difference.
Place new pillows in various fabrics and prints to add depth and coziness.
Invite the outdoors in with houseplants.
Kitchen
You might think a kitchen update means major upgrades like new countertops or painted cabinets. But there are quick changes you can make to give your kitchen a fresh new look.
Elevate the feel of your kitchen with new cabinet knobs and pulls.
Restyle open shelving or glass-door cabinets with new or repurposed items.
Create a coffee bar for a modern hotel-like atmosphere.
Soften windows while adding style with new blinds or shades.
Swap old or dated light fixtures for stylish pendants.
Make a distinctive statement with a new faucet.
Entryway
First impressions are made in your home’s entryway. A few simple fixes will go a long way in making this multi-purpose space warm and welcoming.
Add storage with a bench, shelving, console table, or hooks.
Bring life into the space by placing natural elements like small branches or dried grasses in a vase.
Give the illusion of spaciousness with a full-length mirror.
Create a dramatic gallery wall.
Add family photos or meaningful decor for a personal touch.
Housewarming Gifts For A Warm Welcome
Celebrate a friend or loved one’s new home with these creatively unique housewarming gifts.
If the new homeowner loves to host gatherings with friends and family, a personalized cheeseboard or coaster set makes the perfect addition for their next get-together.
For those who value a tidy home, help them out with a cordless vacuum or lid organizer. To keep their schedules as organized as their home, a magnetic calendar is another option.
Culinary enthusiasts will enjoy practical kitchen gifts like organic salts, premium olive oils and artisanal honey. Or consider unusual accessories like hand-painted measuring cups or a mortar and pestle.
Those who love spending time at home will appreciate a relaxing evening with a bath caddy tray and a soothing candle. For families, a sampler of popcorn flavors for their next movie night will surely be a hit.
Hot Tips and Cool Tricks: Your Guide To Regular HVAC Upkeep
Keeping cool in the summer and warm in the winter isn’t just about comfort â it’s about maintaining a home that breathes easy year-round. Beyond merely reducing the chances of an unexpected breakdown, regular upkeep of your HVAC system significantly extends its lifespan and is easier than you might think. While experts suggest professional maintenance once or twice a year, there are some simple tasks you can perform on your own.
Monthly
Ensure outdoor components are on level ground and free of leaves, grass clippings, toys, and other debris. Maintain two feet of clearance around the unit.
Inspect refrigerant line insulation for damage and check for leaks. If repairs are needed, consult a licensed HVAC professional.
Seasonally
In warmer months, turn off the water supply to the furnace humidifier. When the weather turns cooler, replace the humidifier filter and turn the water back on.
Use high-efficiency air filters, and be sure to replace them every three months.
Yearly
Clean the AC condensation drain line with water and bleach.
Lubricate the HVAC motor and replace the fan belt if necessary.
Spice Up Your Pumpkin-Decorating Skills
Turn ordinary pumpkins into extraordinary works of art with these “gourd-eous” decorating ideas.
Give your pumpkins a metallic makeover with copper spray paint that matches copper cookware for a trendy autumn kitchen.
Make a cozy sweater for your pumpkin by gluing thick braids of yarn from stem to bottom, spacing braids about one inch apart.
Bring mummies to life by wrapping strips of gauze around a small pumpkin, using hot glue to secure the strips. Leave a gap in the gauze, then glue on two different-sized black circles for the eyes. These cute pumpkins capture the spirit of the season with their not-so-spine-tingling stare.
Add a touch of elegance by gluing pieces of white lace trim or delicate flower appliques onto pumpkins.
Recipe: Personal Greek Pizza
Ingredients
2 small, pre-baked pizza crusts
Πcup marinara or pizza sauce
œ cup crumbled Feta cheese
œ cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
Πcup red onion, julienned
Πcup black olives, halved
Πcup green olives, sliced
Πcup sundried tomatoes
Directions
Preheat oven to 425° F. Line a baking pan with parchment paper. Place pizza crusts on pan and top with equal amounts of sauce, cheese and vegetables. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until toppings are hot and crusts are crispy. Serve with tzatziki sauce.
Are you a baby boomer whoâs lived in your current house for a long time and youâre ready for a change? If youâre thinking about selling your house, you have a lot to consider. Will you move to a different state or stay nearby? Is it time to downsize or do you want more space to accommodate your loved ones? But maybe the biggest consideration boils down to this â will you buy your next home or choose to rent instead?
That decision ultimately depends on your current situation and your future plans. Here are two important factors to help you decide whatâs right for you.
Expect Rents to Keep Going Up
The graph below uses data from the Census to show how rents have been climbing steadily since 1988:Rents have been going up consistently over the long run. If you choose to rent, thereâs a risk your rental payment will go up each time you renew your lease. Having a higher rental expense may not be something you want to deal with every year.
When you buy a home with a fixed-rate mortgage, it helps stabilize your monthly housing payment. This allows you to lock in your monthly payment for the duration of your home loan. That keeps your payments steady and predictable for the long haul. Freddie Mac sums it up like this:
â. . . homeowners with fixed-rate loans will see little to no change to their monthly housing cost over the life of their loan. You can be confident in knowing that your mortgage payments wonât change much in the long term, even when lifeâs other costs do.â
Owning Your Home Comes with Unique Benefits
According to AARP, buying your next home is a better long-term strategy than renting:
âThough each option has pros and cons, buying provides more pros, with a broader range of benefits.â
To help you choose what youâll do after you sell, here are just a few of the benefits of homeownership that article covers:
Owning your home can help you save money for the future. Your home, and the equity you build as a homeowner, can provide generational wealth that could be passed on to loved ones, giving them a better life.
You might not have to pay a monthly mortgage payment at all. If you have enough equity to buy your next home outright, you wouldnât have a monthly mortgage payment. While you might still need to cover property taxes or maintenance fees, not having to worry about a monthly mortgage payment could be a big relief.
Aging in place can be simpler. If your needs change, owning your home gives you the freedom to make renovations and updates that can make everyday life easier.
Bottom Line
If you’re a baby boomer whoâs wondering whether you should buy or rent your next home, call Christine Almarines at CA Real Estate Group for advice at (714) 476-4637. With rents going up and homeownership providing so many benefits, it may make sense to consider buying your next home.
Return-to-office mandates mean many of us are readjusting to commutes that involve actually leaving homeâand our pets. And, as weâre getting used to the new norm, our fur babies (especially pandemic fur babies) are acclimating as wellâor not, as the case may be.
Claudia Prado, founder of the impact-driven pet meal service YumPup! and dog mom to an 11-year-old Yorkie, Blue, says your petâs âbadâ behaviorâincreased vocalization, going potty indoors, or attempting to escapeâactually may be signs of separation anxiety. âDogs may exhibit more active behaviors like excessive barking, pacing, or destructive chewing,â while âcats may become more withdrawn, hide, or have changes in their litter-box usage,â she adds.
If this sounds like your pet, youâre not aloneâand, luckily, there are things you can do to ease the transition. Ahead, five ways to help your dog or cat feel safe at home when youâre away at work.
Elevated spaces can be a catâs safe space. (Getty Images)
1. Create a safe space for your pets.
Just like their âhoomans,â pets crave space to call their own. That might mean a crate or dog bed for Fido, and for Kitty, a cat cave or cat tree. It really depends on your pet. Some animals feel safer in an enclosed space, while others love to be able to observe their surroundings, Claudia says.
Whatever your animalâs preferred retreat, be sure to add a few of their favorite thingsâblankets, plush toys, even an article of your clothing. Prado leaves âpieces of clothing on the floor or on top of my bed (my pup thinks my bed is his bed) so he can lay on top of it and smell my scent until I get back. This way he feels Iâm close and stays calm enough to fall asleep while he is alone.â
A dog bed can serve as a safe and comforting space for your pet, especially if it carries your scent. (Getty Images)
Brain stimulation toys, like licking mats and puzzles, are a great way to occupy your pets while youâre gone and will also tire them out for their daytime naps. For licking mats, Claudia recommends using healthy foods like Greek yogurt and putting the mat at head level to avoid any neck or back issues. She also recommends changing your puzzle toy often. Pets âare very smart, and once they figure out the puzzle toy, they will be able to get to the food very quickly, defeating the purpose of the activity.â
Leaving music or the TV on can also help keep your pets occupied while youâre away. âMy pup has watched Modern Family and Friends countless times,â Prado says. âAt this point, he is a bigger fan of both sitcoms than me.â
Pets may be intrigued by the addition of a pet camera to your home. (Getty Images)
4. Get a pet cam.
Pet cameras can alleviate both your petâs separation anxiety and yours. âI love using pet cams, even for dogs that donât have separation anxiety,â says Karishma Warr, Head of Training at Calm Canine Academy. Their go-to is this weatherproof Wyze cam, but thereâs no shortage of options on the market. A camera that also dispenses treats may be particularly helpful for extremely food-motivated dogs and cats.
Like with anything new, there may be an adjustment period for your furball. Try introducing the camera at a time when youâre not leaving home, so your pet doesnât associate it with your imminent departure.
Speaking of departure, Warr says the best way to build your petâs comfort with âdeparture stimulusâ is through desensitization training. Try shutting doors, picking up your keys, changing your clothes or other things you do in preparation to leave the houseâbut then donât actually leave.
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