Harriett Rose Jones NEWS [email protected] house May ‘09images.kw.com/docs/1/6/0/160623/1242264205513_may09.pdfSolar screens that are installed and used in South- and West-facing windows

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Summer’s Coming! I hope you enjoy this month’s newsletter which is full of tips and ideas for you as a homeowner. As an experienced real estate professional, I have an in depth understanding of my clients’ needs and challenges. I want you to know that my experience is at your disposal, so please feel free to call me for any of your real estate and/or home warranty needs.

Homeowners are being drawn to landscaping, not only to improve their homes’ aesthetics, but also to engage in a rewarding activity that boosts property values and creates entertainment space. With some savvy plant choices and a few accessories, you can turn your lawn into an outdoor theater, a camping ground, or a picnic spot. Outdoor grilling baskets, marshmallow forks and a fire-pit allow for parties and at-home camping. Garden Artisans, a Web site that specializes in distinctive and high-quality handcrafted products, offers many ideas for creating outdoor entertaining spaces. Larger structural items, like wall trellises, can form sequestered areas for private dining or gardening. Planters, landscape lighting, ponds and outdoor sculptures can create peaceful walkways. Outdoor candle holders and wind chimes can set a whimsical or romantic mood. Gardening does more than beautify your yard – it carries health benefits and is a low impact physical activity. Half an hour of gardening three times a week can improve health and fitness levels dramatically, and some studies suggest that working in nature decreases stress levels and improves mental clarity. As food becomes less affordable, many families will turn to gardening to grow fresh fruits and vegetables at costs well below supermarket prices. Even a few plants can help families enjoy fresh produce through the summer. One organic pepper can cost $2 or more at a grocery store. For the same price, home gardeners can purchase a whole package of seeds.

Large windows make homes feel airy and open, but windows also let in sun and allow heat transfer, damaging furniture and raising energy bills. Controlling the way light enters the home can make homes more energy efficient. Experts at Durasol, offer these suggestions to common problems: • Reduce solar glare - closing blinds on one side of

the house in the morning, as the sun rises, and on the other side of the house when it sets, helps avoid the brightest rays. Install interior solar shades which offer indoor comfort and protection from interior fading. They blend in with any home while offering protection against solar glare and heat gain. Solar screens that are installed and used in South- and West-facing windows can cool the home by as much as 8-16° F, helping lower energy costs. Unlike drapes, solar screens are transparent, so you can enjoy the view without letting in glare or heat.

• Reduce heat gain - if the sun makes rooms too warm, consider installing exterior solar shades. Exterior-mounted shades offer some benefits over interior shades, because they block the heat before it enters the home. In the winter, exterior shades help protect against winter glare from snow and ice.

• Increase outdoor living space. Retractable window

and roof awnings help keep the sun from entering your home, and also add shade to outdoor living space. With an awning over a porch or deck, homeowners can make a wonderful outdoor entertaining space. Awnings are more flexible than building a roof over your porch, which permanently blocks light.

NEWS on the

Harriett Rose Jones Keller Williams Realty Dallas City Center (972)489.1646 [email protected] http://www.harriettrosejones.com

“Let me upgrade you!” May ‘09

house

Home Projects are New Entertainment

As the recession tightens wallets, many Americans have begun to look for inexpensive entertainment at home. Movie ticket sales are down, DVD rentals and TV viewership is up. Libraries are enjoying increased popularity, and many people are now viewing home improvement as a form of entertainment.

Keep Your Spectacular View and Save Energy With Solar Shades

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In Greece, they call it “yiaourti” – a strained yogurt with a thick, creamy texture. Americans might feel more inclined to call Greek yogurt “delicious” or “decadent.” The centuries-old straining process that removes the whey from the yogurt creates a lavish texture, while also removing some of the lactose, or milk sugar. This process thickens the yogurt without using gelatin or other thickeners. Greek yogurt typically contains twice the protein of unstrained yogurt. The traditional way to eat it is with honey, but it goes well with any topping. Additionally, Greek yogurt can be used to replace high-fat ingredients like sour cream or mayonnaise in many recipes. The folks at Stonyfield Farm offer this recipe for Greek Tzatziki Sauce, a refreshing topping that is great with pitas or delicious when used as a healthy vegetable dip:

Air naturally contains mold spores, which are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds help break down decaying organic matter. But when molds grow indoors, it can cause serious health problems. How does mold move indoors? When circulating mold spores land in damp, moist environments, like insulation around a leaking pipe, they start to reproduce. Once indoors, mold can cause or expedite heath problems, especially in people already prone to asthma or allergies. Ailments associated with poor indoor air health include respiratory problems, fatigue, headaches, pneumonia, and greater susceptibility to other infections, sinus congestion, skin problems, and ear, nose and throat irritation. Once mold begins to grow, it can never be fully removed. Here are some tips to homeowners looking to keep their homes healthy and mold-free:

• Vacuum and mop frequently. This can help remove mold spores before they have a chance to find moisture and grow. Pay special attention in kitchens, bathrooms, basements and laundry rooms.

• Look for leaks. Make sure that your home plumbing system is in good shape - leaking pipes create the moist environments that facilitate mold growth.

• Use your exhaust fans. Steam from hot showers or cooking can allow mold spores to grow so open windows or use exhaust fans whenever you create steam. Make sure that exhaust fans carry moisture outside and not into an attic or crawlspace.

• Watch your humidity. In most areas, keep indoor humidity at 60% in summer and at 40% in winter. Consider putting a dehumidifier in the basement - basements often become cooler and wetter than other parts of the house.

Ingredients • 1 cup Plain Greek Yogurt • 2 cucumbers • 2 cloves garlic, crushed • 1 tablespoon white vinegar • 2 tablespoons olive oil • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions Peel, seed and coarsely grate cucumbers. Drain and combine with garlic, vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper. Blend in the yogurt. Refrigerate for 1 hour, and then serve.

Greek Tzatziki Sauce

ΓΡΕΕΚ Yogurt

Prevent Mold in Your Home

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