A new home for the holidays at Third Monday Trade Days in McKinney

You're Invited! 3rd Monday Trade Days in McKinney, Texas

Halloween begins at home!

Halloween Safety Tips

Why are you paying the landlord's mortgage payment?

How Much Is Your North Texas Home REALLY Worth? A North Texas Realtor Can Tell You!

We're No. 1 in our Office for September!

Open House 1-4 p.m. Saturday; 4 Bedroom Priced at $260,000

New Listing in Forney, Texas!

Meet the Windle Group Realtors at 3rd Monday Trade Days in McKinney

Reasons to buy a new home in the fall!

Tired of Renting? Let's find a place to hang your hat!

Exceptional opportunity in Nevada Texas!

Exceptional opportunity in Nevada Texas! 2 adjacent 5-acre properties available in Nevada, Tx. Each parcel has a home and outbuildings. Owner will sell separately or together. Currently zoned for ag!

Tips on How to Prepare Your Pool for Winterization

LOOP-LOC, inground pool covercompany that services New Jersey, talks tips on how to prepare your pool for winterization.

Clean it up. Cleaning the pool prior to winterizing it is a multi-step endeavor. Remove any dirt and debris that have collected in the water, skimmer, filter, and basket to avoid anything from sinking to the bottom to stain the liner. Then brush the sides and bottom. Shock the pool four to seven day before you close it. Choose a different day to add algaecide so the chlorine doesn't destroy it.

Find some balance. Make sure the pool water is balanced so it won't corrode the sides of the pool or form scales. Balancing the water will also keep the water clean during the off-season. Regularly monitor the levels until you put on your inground pool cover.

Backwash the filter. Backwashing the filter will remove all contaminants. To do this, turn off the pump and set the valve to backwash. Turn the pump back on and check that the water is flowing out of the backwash hose/pipe. This needs to be done until the water runs clear. Then, shut the pump off, turn the valve back to filter, and turn the filter back on.

Treat the water. Before the pool is closed, the water needs to be winterized. Contact a local dealer for professional assistance, or purchase a pool winterizing kit. Right before closing, drain the water four to six inches below the skimmer.

Remove the equipment. All ladders, skimmer, baskets, and fittings need to be removed and stored in a safe location. Place the plugs in the baskets so they don't get lost. Be sure to completely drain the pool cleaner and hose before placing in storage. Do not coil the pool cleaner hoses too tightly.

Cover the pool. This is the final step. An inground pool cover will not only protect the pool water from the elements, it will prevent it from evaporating over the winter. It will also preserve the pool liner, and eliminate the need to skim and vacuum during the cooler months.

Discover Even More Magic This Holiday Season at Walt Disney World Resort

Walt Disney World Resort is the place to be this holiday season as theme parks and resort hotels sparkle with jolly decorations that bring the spirit of the season to life. Here's a sampling of the holiday fun in store for guests:

Disney's Hollywood StudiosGuests can get wrapped up in a Flurry of Fun at Disney's Hollywood Studios from Nov. 9-Dec. 31, with exciting new holiday happenings around the park and the return of the nighttime projection and fireworks show "Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!"

• NEW! Sunset Seasons Greetings – This new holiday experience features spectacular projections of Mickey, Minnie and other beloved Disney characters sharing their favorite Christmas stories as a snowy Sunset Boulevard twinkles with stunning holiday decorations. Holiday magic brings billboards to life and transforms the famous Hollywood Tower Hotel into scenes of the season – a giant pile of Christmas gifts, a gingerbread house and a frozen winter wonderland! A frosty summer-loving snowman might even make an appearance to share his holiday wish! This fantastic and heartwarming experience runs continuously throughout the night. 
  
• NEW! Enhanced holiday décor around Echo Lake – Extra-large ornaments, colorful garlands and a giant Christmas tree centered on the water will make Echo Lake the merriest of places this holiday season. Even Dinosaur Gertie will be dressed for the occasion with a dino-sized Santa hat.
  
• "Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!" Returns – The hit holiday show returns Nov. 9 sending beloved Disney animated characters on a spirited yuletide adventure to get Santa back to the North Pole in time for Christmas Eve. "Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!" combines state-of-the-art projections, fireworks, special effects and Christmas music to create a dazzling, one-of-a-kind holiday experience for guests – capped by a special message from Santa himself. 
  
• "Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!" Dessert Party – Guests can wrap up their jolly holiday evenings with reserved viewing of the "Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!" nighttime spectacular. The nightly party includes holiday-inspired snacks, delicious desserts, wine, beer, and specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. A surprise Disney character will also join the fun, posing for pictures and signing autographs. This fun-filled special event is offered Nov. 9-Dec. 30, 2017. Book online at DisneyWorld.com/dining or call (407) WDW-DINE.
  
• A new friend joins the cast of 'For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration' – Holiday fun continues at the Hyperion Theater as Anna, Elsa and Kristoff welcome Olaf to this popular sing-along celebration. Just for the holidays the show will include all-new songs from Disney's new animated short "Olaf's Frozen Adventure." 
  
• Minnie's Holiday Dine at Hollywood and Vine – Meet Minnie, Mickey, Daisy, Donald and Goofy for lunch and dinner celebrations centered on seasonal deliciousness. From Nov. 6-Jan. 7, the mouse-with-the-mostest will deck the halls for a banquet filled with holiday cheer and the joy of the season! To make a reservation, check availability and book online visit DisneyWorld.com/dining or call (407) WDW-DINE. 
  
• Santa Claus returns to the Once Upon a Time shop Nov. 9-Dec. 24 – The beautiful vintage setting of the Once Upon a Time shop recalls bygone days of Santa's visits to great department stores across the country. Santa will be at the shop daily to greet guests and listen to holiday wishes. Santa Goofy will step in Dec. 25-Dec. 31 after Old Saint Nick returns to the North Pole.

EpcotHolidays Around the World is transforming into the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays from Nov. 9-Dec. 30, surrounding guests once again in the wondrous sights, sounds and flavors of the season.

• NEW! Holiday Kitchens – The number of holiday kitchens doubles in size this year to a total of 15, each bringing the flavors of the season to life. New this year, guests can indulge in cookies and desserts at the holiday kitchen located inside the Odyssey complex. Sweet treats include snowflake sugar cookies and a warm apple fritter with cinnamon ice cream and caramel sauce. Over at the Canada pavilion, dazzling delicacies like the Maple Buche de Noel (maple mousse rolled in gingerbread chiffon cake with cranberry sauce and pecan crumble) celebrate holiday traditions from the Great White North.
  
• NEW! Chip & Dale's Christmas Tree Spree – Chip and Dale are collecting ornaments for their Christmas tree. Guests can purchase a map and stickers from select merchandise locations and travel around World Showcase looking for the famous chipmunks with their ornaments. Guests can return their completed maps for a festive surprise, courtesy of Chip and Dale. Maps are available for $5.99 plus tax.
  
• NEW! Candlelight Processional Narrators – One of the most popular Epcot traditions returns with new celebrity narrators in 2017. Pat Sajak, Matt Bomer and CCH Pounder will join the lineup of returning favorites like Neil Patrick Harris, Whoopi Goldberg and Jaci Velasquez. The Candlelight Processional is a retelling of the Christmas story as told by a celebrity narrator accompanied by 50-piece orchestra and a mass choir. The show takes place at the America Gardens Theatre each evening at 5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. Nov. 24-Dec. 30. Candlelight dinner packages can be reserved by visiting DisneyWorld.com/holiday. 
  
• NEW! Holiday Entertainment – Enjoy the sights and sounds of the nations of World Showcase, as each country's holiday heritage comes to life amid joyful music and time-honored traditions. Guests will discover an entertaining celebration of Hanukkah in a new location along World Showcase promenade, where a fun and interactive band interweaves the music of Hanukkah with jazz, Latin, rock and even hip-hop influences. Other returning holiday favorites include JOYFUL! A Gospel Celebration of the Season and Canadian Holiday Voyageurs.
  
• Fireworks Finale – The nightly fireworks display, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, will feature a special holiday ending.

Magic Kingdom

• A Frozen Holiday Wish – Behold an enchanting performance to melt a frozen heart. Royal sisters Anna and Elsa lead a celebration on the Castle Forecourt Stage nightly Nov. 9-Dec. 31. Featuring special appearances by rugged mountain man Kristoff and lovable snowman Olaf, this merry-and-bright seasonal show culminates in Queen Elsa using her incredible powers to present a gift to everyone in the kingdom – transforming Cinderella Castle into a glimmering, shimmering ice palace for the holidays. 
  
• Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party – It's a Christmas party like no other, with joyous music, a shimmering Cinderella Castle, characters in their festive finery and the Magic Kingdom decked out and made even more magical for merry-making guests of all ages. Each specially ticketed, limited-attendance event features an exclusive performance of Holiday Wishes fireworks and the earliest performances of other spectaculars like Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, the Frozen Holiday Wish castle-lighting ceremony and Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration stage show. The special party – complete with cookies, cocoa and snow flurries – begins at 7 p.m., after regular park hours. Parties will be held on November 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 26 and 28, and December 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21 and 22. 
  
  For more information and to purchase tickets for this after-hours party, visit DisneyWorld.com/Christmasparty.
  
• Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade – This enchanting holiday pageant sings and dances its way through the Magic Kingdom park daily Dec. 23-Dec 31. It also makes a special appearance at each Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. Brimming with magic and cheer, the parade features Santa Claus, gingerbread men, elves, reindeer, toy soldiers and other friends from the North Pole. They all join Mickey and friends – including Arendelle favorites Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf – in an over-the-top celebration of the season.
  
• Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration – From Dec 23-Dec. 31, Mickey and Minnie take to Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage where they host some of their Disney friends for an unforgettable Christmas soiree filled with classic and contemporary holiday songs. Magical holiday projections on Cinderella Castle build to a sensational, snowy finale. Performances are also featured during each Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.

Disney's Animal KingdomIt's a wild holiday time as decorations around the park frame new day-into-nighttime experiences, including Tree of Life transformations, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Kali Rivers Rapids and Expedition Everest. Guests will be greeted by a dramatic, animal-themed holiday tree, and festive garlands will have the park all a-glow with merriment.

Disney SpringsEvery corner of Disney Springs is wrapped and ready for the season with holiday décor and special entertainment, making it the most wonderful place to shop. From top name-brands to cozy one-of-a kind retailers and, of course, all things Disney, there's something for everyone. Busy shoppers can also take a break and enjoy a quick snack on the go or an unforgettable meal at one of Disney Springs many talked-about restaurants.

Here's a sampling of what's new:

• NEW! An Even Bigger Christmas Tree Trail – To capture the spirit of the season, Marketplace guests can stroll among custom decorated holiday trees, each dedicated to a popular Disney theme. This year, the Christmas Tree Trail will expand to include ten new trees inspired by Disney classics such as Sleeping Beauty, Peter Pan, Snow White and Dumbo. 
  
• Santa's Chalet – Santa Claus is accepting Christmas wish lists and welcoming guests to his chalet newly located by the Christmas Tree Trail. From Dec. 25-Dec. 31, Santa Goofy will take over after Old Saint Nick heads back to the North Pole.
  
• Stitch's Holiday Gift Hunt – The mischievous experiment 626 returns to Disney Springs with an expanded scavenger hunt now featuring four new stops, including a special stop at the expanded Christmas Tree Trail.

Holiday Fun beyond the Parks: The warmth of the holiday season brings cheer to more than 25 Disney resorts.

Every resort across Walt Disney World is decked out for the holidays. Entertainment abounds, including carolers performing on select nights at many resorts.

• At Disney's Wilderness Lodge, guests can take in the grandeur of quintessential Pacific Northwest yuletide cheer beneath the towering lobby Christmas tree, as they cozy up to the fire and relax with a cup of hot cider and snack on holiday treats. They can also relax lakeside and enjoy a seasonal cocktail at Geyser Point Bar & Grill, then settle around the campfire with s'mores and hot chocolate at nightfall. 
  
• At Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, the Hoop-de-Doo Musical Revue spruces up for the season with live holiday music by the Pioneer Hall Players, including favorites like "There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays" and "Another Tennessee Christmas." On select nights, the campground's beloved carolers arrive by hay wagon spreading holiday cheer to all.

Resort guests can also experience life-sized edible creations at select Walt Disney World Resorts.

• An annual treat, at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, is a life-sized holiday gingerbread house. This eye-filling (and aromatic) sight is in the resort lobby and is home to The Bake Shop that uses a classic gingerbread recipe from Austria for its tasty cookies and ornaments.
  
• A life-sized, edible spinning carousel is a holiday tradition at Disney's Beach Club Resort, while a holiday village with miniature train takes center stage at Disney's Yacht Club Resort.

Three all-new New Year's Eve Celebrations coming to Disney's Contemporary Resort:

• "Disney Countdown to Midnight" includes delightful dining, live music, libations and more. An interactive band and DJ will fill the dance floor (and we hear that Mickey and Minnie may make a special appearance). Then welcome in 2018 with a flute of bubbly and a viewing of those legendary New Year's Eve fireworks in Magic Kingdom Park. Hours are 8 p.m. to 12:15 a.m. in the Fantasia Ballroom. This party is designed for guests 18 and older.
  
• PIXAR PARTY– A New Year's Eve Celebration: This party celebrates beginnings with a Disney Pixar-inspired dinner the entire family is sure to enjoy. This unique celebration lets families ring the New Year together. It features a buffet-style dinner, Disney characters, activities for the little ones, a trendy DJ and exclusive viewing of Magic Kingdom fireworks! 
  
• "Down in New Orleans: A Disney New Year's Eve Dining Experience" in the Grand Republic Ballroom is a fine-dining experience inspired by the Disney animated film "The Princess and the Frog." Toward the end of the evening an amazing vocalist, reminiscent of Tiana, joins the band to bring to life the Academy Award-winning classics of legendary composer, Randy Newman. Guests can then slip outside with a glass of bubbly just before midnight to ring in 2018 with a private viewing area for the Magic Kingdom Park fireworks. Hours are 7 p.m. to 12:15 a.m.

Christmas Decor Celebrates 15 Years of Spreading Cheer to Military Families

Christmas Decor will be launching its fifteenth consecutive Decorated Family Program to transform the homes of servicemen and woman into magical winter wonderlands this holiday season. With more than 450,000 American men and women deployed overseas, the program is designed to boost spirits and spread cheer for military families across the nation who have to spend the holidays without their loved ones.

Now a seasonal tradition, hundreds of franchisees nationwide participate by donating products, resources, and time to decorate the homes of local military families with lights, garland, ornaments, and other trimmings. Following the decorating process, each decked out home is revealed during a surprise ceremony.

"This is a big year for us seeing it's the fifteenth anniversary of our favorite annual tradition," stated Brandon Stephens, president of Christmas Decor. "A way for us to show our gratitude and support our courageous troops, The Decorated Family program is the least we can do for our servicemen and women who risk their lives for us daily. It never ceases to amaze me the initial look on the faces of each family member upon seeing their home fully lit."

Community members are encouraged to nominate deserving military families by completing the Decorated Family submission form available on the Christmas Decor Facebook Page. This form provides a place to share the family's story and explain why they should become a "Christmas Decor Decorated Family." Winners will be awarded based on the impact the story has on the judges, as well as location to ensure there is a local franchise to provide the services. The company seeks to attract hundreds of nominations that will result in beautifully decorated homes for the 2017 holiday season. The deadline for nominations is on Veterans Day, November 11, 2017.

"We're truly grateful to see a local business offering this type of support to our family," said Don Johnson, whose son was deployed in Kosovo during the 2016 holiday season, leaving his daughter-in-law and three young grandchildren to spend the holidays alone. "It was just wonderful for the kids and the entire family to experience. This program is really one of the greatest things a company can do." 

Operating in more than 300 markets and 49 states, Christmas Decor, Inc. is the largest professional holiday and event decorating franchise. The company offers complete decorating service programs including unique display design, installation, maintenance, and removal of holiday lighting and decorations - alleviating decorating stress while delivering the look customers want within a reasonable budget.

5 Tips on How to Feed You Feline

1. Nutrition is important to all animals, but felines have some specific nutritional guidelines. Your first look at a bag of cat food should ensure that it has the American Association of Feed Control Official (AAFCO) approval stated on the bag. While this does not mean glamorous or high end, it is proof of sound nutrition. 
2. Dry food is the common "go to" for feline owners, because it is easy to feed, and can stay out in a bowl all day without spoiling. The act of crunching dry food is good for teeth and gums and is a pleasing act for your cat. Additionally, dry food is frequently the most cost effective option for feeding your feline. 
3. Canned food typically has a higher moisture content. This moisture is helpful to cats with the common complaints of urinary tract problems, diabetes and kidney disease. And moisture helps compensate for a cat's low thirst drive. Higher protein levels are usually found in wet foods which helps the cat satisfy its carnivore background (remember, they have never forgotten that their forefathers were jungle cats!) while delivering the correct nutritional intake. In truth, a mix of dry and canned food is ideal, where there is a balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. 
4. Keep an eye on your cat's weight. If you notice that "kitty" is getting rotund, cut back on the portions, and stop the treats. Obesity only leads to poor health.  
5. Cats need water, not milk products! Always have fresh water available, even if you don't think you ever see your cat with his head in the water bowl. Good water intake is one of the single most important factors in keeping your feline friend on the right track. 

Five Pool Fence Facts That You Might Not Know

There are no federal pool fence laws in existence. Therefore, it is important to check with city or town officials to find out what laws are in place. Here are some pool fence facts you may not be aware of.

The fence should be made with durable materials. Sturdy, removable pool fencing should be made of a high-quality, poly-coated, open-weave mesh fabric that has high tensile strength and excellent UV stability. The fence should offer high visibility without ripping, stretching, or fading. The fence manufacturer should use a high quality, polyester bonded thread for further stability and strength. Resistance to fungi, mildew, and bacteria is a bonus.

The fence should have a latching option. A self-closing, self-latching gate is a must—the safest ones use a powerful magnet that requires very little force to secure. Make sure the latch is key lockable and has injection-molded hinges that can be easily adjusted with a screwdriver to ensure the gate closes and latches itself each time.

The fence should be solidly reinforced. The fencing will not do its job if it is not properly reinforced. Choose aluminum pools that are non-corrosive and rust-proof. Carefully inspect all fence components—such as the latches—to make sure they are made of a stainless-steel material that won't rust or corrode.

The fence should be user-friendly. A removable safety fence should be easy to set up and take down so thatpool owners will use it often as an added measure of safety for young children and pets. See-through mesh will not obstruct the pool view.

The fence should meet safety standards. Do some research to make sure the fence meets all ASTM standards and U.S. consumer product guidelines with heights of 4 or 5 feet, which better protect children, pets, and animals.

Tips for Enhancing A Home's Curb Appeal

Never underestimate the power of curb appeal. A whopping 99 percent of National Association of Realtors members believe it's important in attracting a buyer.

August is National Curb Appeal Month, and the perfect time for homeowners to make upgrades. Whether repairs enhance form, function or both, homeowners should select projects that will improve quality of life now, and add value when it comes time to sell.

To take a "top down" approach, start with the roof. You can get 68.8 percent of your cost recouped from this investment when reselling a mid-ranged priced home, according to the "2017 Cost Versus Value Study" from Remodeling Magazine. Plus, it's a big impact project with long-lasting value, especially if you choose low maintenance, high-quality materials. For example, the composite slate and shake roof offerings at DaVinci Roofscapes are durable and impact- and fire-resistant. To view colors or customize your own blend, visit www.davinciroofscapes.com/color/designer.

Don't neglect garage doors. Styles, surface treatments, colors and other options can vary considerably, so be sure you're boosting curb appeal when making this upgrade. For example, the American Tradition Series at Haas Door can give your home a carriage house look. Use HaasCreate, the online visualizer tool available at Haascreate.com to upload a photo of your home and compare options visually. Another reason to replace the garage door? It offers a 76.9 percent return on investment, according to the "Cost Versus Value" study.

Add aesthetic appeal from the street while making life more comfortable indoors. Consider installing acrylic block or decorative glass privacy windows in living spaces, bathrooms and hallways. For simple installation, consider Hy-Lite, which offers pre-framed, ready-to-install options, as well as the opportunity to retrofit some products to meet your specifications.

Boost beauty by adding shutters, along with decorative trim to doors and windows. Be sure products are moisture-, insect- and rot-resistant so they don't prove to be more trouble than they're worth. Low maintenance polyurethane options, such as the thousands of pieces available from Nu-Wood, replicate the look and feel of wood and are easy to install.

Don't forget to evaluate any columns you may have on your porch or front of your home. To get long-term beauty and performance, use sturdy products that are structurally certified. For example, the sturdy posts from Woodtone RealPost are manufactured from premium selected Western SPF and are warranted against warping, twisting and joint separation.

Accent walls are not just for interiors. Manufactured stone veneer siding can be an attractive way to boost curb appeal and add value to a home. Indeed, you can recoup an estimated 89.4 percent of the cost of this investment when reselling your home. Consider surrounding a chimney wall exterior, half wall or wainscot application. For an easy-to-install option, look at the mortarless styles and colors available by ClipStone.

Make the most of National Curb Appeal Month with a top-down approach that offers you beauty, better living and bang for your buck.

top five 2017 pool trends

Ledges/Tanning ledges. Ledges and tanning ledges can help transform your pool into a mini-resort. These flat, shelf-like areas are usually placed in the shallow end of a pool or around its edges, and are used by pool-goers to sunbathe or just relax while still having part of the body cooled off by the refreshing pool water—without going all the way in. Younger children and pets are safe, and adults who may not want to venture into the deeper end of the pool can take advantage of this trend.

Pool lighting. The possibilities are endless when it comes to lighting the pool and surrounding area! Landscape lighting, floating pool lights and lanterns, and light-up fountains add an elegant touch to pool time. Advances in LED lighting feature colored lights that can really set your swimming pool apart from others in the neighborhood.

Fire pits. This trend may seem surprising to some, but many pool owners are incorporating fire pits/bowls and BBQs into the pool deck area. Fire features provide an element of warmth to night swimming and can illuminate the pool in a soft light on those cooler summer nights. Make sure there is adult supervision anytime a fire is lit by the pool.

Pool automation. Trendy pool owners are turning to their smart phones or devices to automate pool functions such as maintaining pool temperature, turning pool lights on and off, or turning on the jets of a pool spa.

Dark-colored liners. Darker colored pool liners are providing traditional light blue pool liners with some stiff competition. They look incredible—and retain a great deal of heat from the sun—which makes keeping pool water warm easier!

10 Ways to Add Colorful Curb Appeal to a Home

Want to give your home a dash of curb appeal? Experts say to focus on colorful accents for the home exterior.

 "The outside of a house is an open palette, and there's so much opportunity to add curb appeal with colorful accents," says color expert Kate Smith, chief color maven with Sensational Color.

Here are 10 ways to give your house a colorful facelift.

1.      No matter what style your home is, the roof is a major aspect of its curb appeal -- sometimes as much as 40 percent of the view. So think about it first. Use free online resources like the new Top Down Color visualizer from DaVinci Roofscapes to quickly visualize how different colors and products will look on your home.

2.      Make landscaping decisions with color top-of-mind. Either go for a vibrant and natural look, or create a stylized look with patterns and designs.

3.      Replace the numbers on your house or clean the old ones. Brass will certainly stand out on most housing materials; however, you may prefer to use large colorful accent numbers to contrast with your home exterior.

4.      Forget about your bland, boring garage door. Use free online resources like HaasCreate, an online visualizer, to select one with color and distinction. Available from Haas Door at haascreate.com, the tool allows you to upload a photo of your home then select different garage door styles to see what will work best on your home.

5.      Give your mail carrier a warmer welcome. Spruce up your mailbox with a fresh coat of paint. Or, if it's rusty or splintered, replace it. There are many styles available, so consider selecting something with character.

6.      Add decorative glass windows for a distinctive accent to your home exterior. An assortment of square, geometric and oval shaped options are available in both fixed and operable styles from such brands as Hy-Lite. Certain windows feature black, satin or brass caming to offset beveled glass pieces and other privacy textured glass, while other windows boast silkscreened designs.

7.      Soft touches, such as adding new colorful pillows to a front porch swing, laying out a new welcome mat or hanging a flag, can give your home cozy, colorful curb appeal.

8.      Add color to shutters, door and window surrounds, and other trim pieces. Start with low maintenance polyurethane pieces that are moisture-, insect- and rot-resistant. Through the Classic Color Program available at Nu-Wood, you can have pieces pre-painted in any of 9,000 Sherwin-Williams paint colors and ready to install out of the box. The company includes a touch-up container of paint for convenience.

9.      For natural hues that accent and add contrast to siding, consider applying mortarless stone veneer as full accent walls on your home's exterior or as a half wall/wainscot application. Check out easy-to-install products, available at manufacturers like ClipStone. Colors of their Ledgestone and ProStack styles include Ash, Poinset, Sand and Tan.

10.  Pressure wash and repaint where necessary to restore your home to its original colorful splendor.

Using color strategically, you can make your home more valuable to potential buyers or just more personalized for your own tastes.

Top 3 "Most Welcoming" Curb Appeal Colors for the Home

anager Red. Maxi Teal. Convivial Yellow. According to national color expert Kate Smith, these are the three most welcoming colors people can add to their home exteriors to increase their property's curb appeal.

"Red on the front of a home instantly invites someone in with the promise of something delightful inside," says Smith, chief color maven at Sensational Color. "Bright red is a classic, but in today's society I believe that Tanager Red, with its toned down red that leans toward orange, is a really beautiful accent color.

"The second color, Maxi Teal, is the perfect blend of warm and cool. Almost any shade of blue-green complements brown, white and warm gray exteriors and this is the ultimate in teal. A recent study of 30,000 people from 100 countries confirms that a blue-green shade of teal was their favorite color. It's easy to see how this enticing color can add great curb appeal to a home.

"Finally, Convivial Yellow. As many people know, yellow is often associated with happiness, sunshine and joy --- all positive things. The paler, more approachable shade of yellow found in Convivial Yellow will certainly welcome guests to a home and set it apart in the neighborhood."

Smith relates that homes do not need to be "blanketed" with a specific color, but that subtle splashes of color can be quite effective. From potted flowers reflecting the color tones to home accents, curb appeal starts by creating visually-appealing areas of the home exterior.

"Shutters, window trim, front doors and louvers are all the first, most obvious places to add 'pop out' curb appeal color to a home exterior," says Smith. "These are fast, easy and eye-catching areas of the home that can help really benefit from the addition of color."

Smith recommends working with a polyurethane trim manufacturer, such as Nu-WoodTM, that can provide decorative home exterior pieces in any color imaginable. "This company can paint pieces in their factory in any one of 9,000 Sherwin-Williams® Company colors plus in custom colors," says Smith. "That can give you the opportunity to select subtle shades of red, teal or yellow, or your favorite colors, to accent your home."

According to Randy Miller at Nu-Wood, having the color applied to decorative millwork polyurethane pieces inside the factory assures a clean, even coat with no flaws. "Because the paint is applied in a sterile setting and cured in an oven, there's no chance of getting outdoor dust, insects or airborne debris particles attaching themselves to the wet paint, as can happen in jobsite paint jobs," says Miller, director of sales for Nu-Wood, a Jasper Plastics Company. "In addition, the 'out of the box, onto the house' application of the color-painted products speeds up the installation process, saving time and money on the jobsite."

Additional benefits of using polyurethane pieces on home exteriors are substantial for homeowners. The pieces are rot-, moisture-, mold-, insect- and impact-resistant and will not crack, absorb water or swell. Lightweight and easy to install, Nu-Wood pieces come in a wide variety of shutters, door and window trim, louvers, mouldings and brackets.

Simple Ways to Monitor Your Dog's Health at Home

Only you know what is normal for your own dog.  But would you recognize an important change if you didn't know the baseline for your own individual canine? It is far better to know what is actually normal for your own companion, before you feel something is abnormal! Be informed, and seek your veterinarian's expertise to round out what is needed to protect your dog.

Weight: If you feel that your dog is either gaining or losing weight, get on a scale and keep track of what you feel is your dog's usual healthy weight. Weighing your dog is fairly easy. If the dog is small, weigh yourself first, and then pick up the dog. If your dog is large, stand it on your scale, offering a treat to keep him in place. If you are having trouble weighing your dog at home, do it when you are next at your vet, or just stop by and use their scale. 

Temperature: Use a regular glass thermometer or better yet, a digital thermometer. Lubricate it and gently insert it, about once inch, into the rectum. If you are using a traditional thermometer leave it in for 2 minutes, if you are using a digital, wait until it beeps. Normal temperature for a dog is between 100 and 102. Anything below or above would indicate a potential situation and require an immediate call to your vet.

Respiration: Normal respiration is dictated by the size of the animal. Get a watch with a second hand, or use a stop watch. Place your hand over the left side, behind the front leg. Common practice is to count the heartbeats for 15 seconds and then multiply by 4 to calculate beats per minute. Normal ranges from 60-100 in big dogs, and about 100-140 in smaller dogs. All tests should be performed when the dog is resting, and not recovering from excessive activity.

Activity: One of the easiest ways to monitor wellbeing is by walking. If your dog is eager to accompany you on walks, or play ball in the yard, and moves with eagerness and energy, this is generally a sign that things are good. If the usually eager dog is unwilling to accompany you, or moves with reluctance, this is an indication that something is bothering your pet, and it is time for a wellness check with your vet.

You are your dog's best monitor! If you detect an abnormality, do not second guess yourself.  Drive directly to your veterinarian and seek medical advice.

5 Homeowner Resources for National Curb Appeal Month

To commemorate National Curb Appeal Month in August, DaVinci Roofscapes, a leading manufacturer of composite slate and shake roofing tiles, has compiled a list of five top curb appeal resources for homeowners.

 "Summertime is the perfect point in the year to make improvements to your home exterior," says Michael Cobb, vice president of sales and marketing at DaVinci Roofscapes. "The first step is to carefully look at your home from the 'top down' to see what can be done to enhance its appearance and overall value."

Cobb reminds homeowners that the roof can sometimes offer as much as 40 percent of the visibility on a home exterior. "Take a fast look at your home and you'll most likely see that the roof plays the largest part of your curb appeal view," says Cobb. "If your roof is in poor shape --- if it's missing tiles or has curling shingles --- that makes a negative impact on the overall curb appeal of your home.

"A new roof, with colors that complement your entire home exterior, can make a positive impact on your home's curb appeal and value. Just imagine a new, low-maintenance composite slate roof on your home with a blend of different shades of gray that sets off the rest of your home. It's a stunning way to add more color and style to a home."

If it's time to consider a new roof for your home, experts at DaVinci Roofscapes recommend these five free resources to get educated on re-roofing options that can increase the curb appeal of your house:

Upgrade Your Roofing from This Old House - easy-to-understand online tutorial of the structure of the roof, options for roofing tiles and environmental considerations. https://cdn.app.compendium.com/uploads/user/42f13695-e8a5-4663-9869-0c56fd488758/50a59162-6047-4435-9a0f-5bd05ae221a3/File/c3fa9ef8394960d7b6d219d9bae88602/toh_ebook_davinci_11_24_final_smaller.pdf

Top Down ColorTM Visualizer - online tool allows you to upload pictures of your home exterior or use images of 10 supplied home styles. Tool lets you quickly make and see changes to roofing materials and colors, along with adjustments to the home's siding, accessories, doors and windows trim. www.davinciroofscapes.com/color/designer

FRESH Home Exteriors Color Guide - online guidebook featuring "5 Steps for Finding the Perfect Hues for Your Home." Learn the importance of fixed features, regional colors, the environment, style of the home and "have-to-use" colors when considering the overall curb appeal of your home. http://www.davinciroofscapes.com/color/color-books/?media=FRESHHomeExteriorColors

FRESH Color Schemes for Your Home Exterior - online booklet shows step-by-step process for selecting the best exterior color combinations for your home. Tips on adding coordinated color selections for a variety of home styles, including Colonial, Ranch, Bungalow, Victorian, Spanish Mission, European and New American. http://www.davinciroofscapes.com/color/color-books/?media=color-schemes

Tips for Selecting Roofing Products from Allen Lyle with Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford - overview and tips on selecting roofing materials includes review of features and benefits of composite roofing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bv36eu65rMs

Safety for the Outdoor Cat

With the estimated 80 million cats in the US, approximately 45% live outdoors, with others living inside but having access to an outdoor tour. It is important to recognize the specific needs of the outdoor cat.   Assisi Animal Health suggests the following 6 tips for your feline.

1. Control the neighborhood population, spay or neuter your cat at an appropriate age.  This will also help control some of the wanderlust.
2. Cats with an "outdoor lifestyle" have specific needs.   Most important to overall health is having them vaccinated for both the legal (rabies) and disease-related issues they will be exposed to. 
3. Identify your cat with a microchip.   It requires a quick trip to your vet, but provides a lifetime of identification in case "kitty" gets the urge to roam.
4. Use appropriate flea and tick products, and heartworm preventative.   
5. NEVER declaw a cat that is exposed to the outdoors.  Their claws protect them from predators, and allow them to climb trees to avoid attack.  
6. Make sure your "outdoor cat" has nutritious food and water available at all times. The rations for an outdoor cat are usually bigger, to accommodate their additional exercise opportunities. Remember, in winter, outdoor animals require additional caloric intake to keep warm. Do not substitute milk or other products for water. While "a saucer of cream" sounds yummy, cats are actually sensitive to milk products.
7. Provide a safe resting place that will be good year-round, in heat and in cold. This can be a home-made solution, or one of the professional products that are specifically designed for all-weather protection. There will be temperatures where it is important for your cat to have access to the indoors, even if it is just a crack in the garage door or the garden shed.

Remember Your Garage During National Curb Appeal Month

Off to work. Picking up the kids. Running errands. What's the one door in your home you're most likely to use the most often every day? The garage door. And, during National Curb Appeal Month in August, experts at Haas Door recommend you take a good look at that "most used" door in the home.

"It's a mistake for homeowners to give their garage door less attention than the front entry or other doors into the home," says Jeffrey Nofziger, president of Haas Door from Wauseon, Ohio. "The garage door is THE door you're in and out of most often every day. And, if your home design features the garage door on the front exterior of your house, then it's extremely important to 'make it work' for you in terms of curb appeal."

According to the 2017 Cost Versus Value Study by Remodeling magazine, a garage door replacement is also a smart investment for a homeowner. At a projected 76.9 percent cost recouped on a mid-range priced home, a new garage door almost pays for itself over time.

Nofziger suggests that a garage door should serve as an extension of a home's style and personality. With options available ranging from decorative glass windows to hardware accessories to unique colors, a wide variety of ways exist to personalize a garage door.                       

To assist homeowners in envisioning how different types of garage doors can add to the overall curb appeal of a home, Haas Door offers a free design tool called HaasCreate. In just a few steps, the online visualizer tool, located at www.haascreate.com, allows you to upload a photo of a home and outline the existing garage area. An app for the iPad, which doesn't require an internet connection to use, is also available for free at the Apple store.

HaasCreate helps to instantly create a new garage door with different styles, options and colors at your fingertips. For those people without an existing picture of their home, they can choose from sample home images. Personal product selections --- including a garage door style, color, windows, overlay colors, trim colors, handles and accessories --- allows the user to customize a garage door that enhances the home exterior.

"Whether selecting a rich wood grain finish like American Walnut or English Oak, or a colorful contemporary finish like Sahara Tan or Cool Black, the garage door can easily be created to complement the overall design of a home exterior," says Nofziger. "The HaasCreate app puts design creativity at your fingertips."

Tips for Enhancing A Home's Curb Appeal

Never underestimate the power of curb appeal. A whopping 99 percent of National Association of Realtors members believe it's important in attracting a buyer.

August is National Curb Appeal Month, and the perfect time for homeowners to make upgrades. Whether repairs enhance form, function or both, homeowners should select projects that will improve quality of life now, and add value when it comes time to sell.

To take a "top down" approach, start with the roof. You can get 68.8 percent of your cost recouped from this investment when reselling a mid-ranged priced home, according to the "2017 Cost Versus Value Study" from Remodeling Magazine. Plus, it's a big impact project with long-lasting value, especially if you choose low maintenance, high-quality materials. For example, the composite slate and shake roof offerings at DaVinci Roofscapes are durable and impact- and fire-resistant. To view colors or customize your own blend, visit www.davinciroofscapes.com/color/designer.

Don't neglect garage doors. Styles, surface treatments, colors and other options can vary considerably, so be sure you're boosting curb appeal when making this upgrade. For example, the American Tradition Series at Haas Door can give your home a carriage house look. Use HaasCreate, the online visualizer tool available at Haascreate.com to upload a photo of your home and compare options visually. Another reason to replace the garage door? It offers a 76.9 percent return on investment, according to the "Cost Versus Value" study.

Add aesthetic appeal from the street while making life more comfortable indoors. Consider installing acrylic block or decorative glass privacy windows in living spaces, bathrooms and hallways. For simple installation, consider Hy-Lite, which offers pre-framed, ready-to-install options, as well as the opportunity to retrofit some products to meet your specifications.

Boost beauty by adding shutters, along with decorative trim to doors and windows. Be sure products are moisture-, insect- and rot-resistant so they don't prove to be more trouble than they're worth. Low maintenance polyurethane options, such as the thousands of pieces available from Nu-Wood, replicate the look and feel of wood and are easy to install.

Don't forget to evaluate any columns you may have on your porch or front of your home. To get long-term beauty and performance, use sturdy products that are structurally certified. For example, the sturdy posts from Woodtone RealPost are manufactured from premium selected Western SPF and are warranted against warping, twisting and joint separation.

Accent walls are not just for interiors. Manufactured stone veneer siding can be an attractive way to boost curb appeal and add value to a home. Indeed, you can recoup an estimated 89.4 percent of the cost of this investment when reselling your home. Consider surrounding a chimney wall exterior, half wall or wainscot application. For an easy-to-install option, look at the mortarless styles and colors available by ClipStone.

Make the most of National Curb Appeal Month with a top-down approach that offers you beauty, better living and bang for your buck.