Pest Control For The Home: Guest Post

Today's guest post is written by Rose McMillian.  She is sharing her knowledge as a pest control professional.  We all know that when there are dry, hot conditions, we get pest soming in looking for a cool place to hang out and get some water.  So - check out her great tips on how to keep your home pest free!

During the spring and summer, home pest control often becomes an important issue in many people’s household routine. No matter where a person might live, it is common for them to discover that their house has been infested with insects such as ants, spiders, and roaches. These pests are usually searching for food and water. Because of the germs that they bring into the home, these types of pests pose a serious health concern for all members of the family.

Stinging pests such as scorpions, wasps, and bees can also be dangerous for everyone, especially people with allergies. For pest control, maintaining a strict cleaning and home maintenance regimen can be an important part of any pest management system.

For the best pest management, preparations should begin as soon as the weather is nice enough to begin doing work on the house outside. Many insects are attracted to leaves and debris. Scorpions tend to use these areas as hiding places and shelter. Therefore, these should be removed from the yard with special attention paid to areas around the exterior walls. Overhanging tree branches and limbs should also be trimmed away from the roof and any overhangs should be checked for nests. The walls, roof, and chimney of a home should also be checked for any cracks and crevices. Any that are found should be sealed immediately. These can often be so small that it is difficult for many people to even notice. A pest control company can be helpful for noticing any exterior areas of the home that could provide an easy way for insects to enter the home.

Remember, always to be cautious and read the labels when using over the counter pesticides. They’re not always effective against scorpions, because scorpions tend to hide in cracks and crevices during daylight hours. Adult scorpions are more difficult to exterminate with pesticides because of their larger body size and thicker cuticle. This is why it’s important to inspect and asses the severity of your situation and call a professional when the problem appears to be out of your hands.

Keeping the interior of a house clean is also important for home pest control. Kitchens tend to attract cockroaches, ants, and spiders. If an infestation is already well under way, then it is advisable to contact a pest control company to first eliminate these pests. Once the insects have been removed, then keeping food and drinks cleaned up off of tables, countertops, and floors will help to keep them away. Sweeping the floors daily and mopping frequently are important parts of pest management that can be accomplished by any member of the household.

In addition to the typical daily cleaning that should be done, deep cleaning and the removal of clutter is also important for pest control. Scorpions, cockroaches, and spiders all love to hide in piles of paper and clothing. When clearing out the clutter, it is important to proceed carefully in order to avoid an unintended sting. Shake out shoes and other items that have been near or on the floor before wearing them. Also, be sure to check carefully for insects before placing clothing or other items into storage. Many valuable household items have been ruined by cockroaches or moths.

Finally, it is important to make sure not to bring in any household pests. Spiders and cockroaches can be brought into the home in groceries so it is important to check bags and boxes carefully after shopping. Bees and wasps will fly into homes through open doors and windows. Keeping these entries closed as often as possible will keep them out. If they need to be open, then use a well-fitting screen. While keeping the inside and outside of a home clean will help to prevent pests, a pest control company should still be brought into the home regularly to ensure that all precautions are working. Together, a professional exterminator and home pest control methods are the best ways to keep pests out of the house.

Author Bio: Rose McMillan is an experienced pest control professional, who now does freelance writing with the purpose of educating homeowners. Sources: Terminix Pest Library.

Guest Post: How To Deal With First Aid Situations at Home

Today is the first official day of Summer.  With that comes the season for minor accidents and a need to dust off and restock the first aid kit.  Here are some useful tips for first aid at home from Allison at  HomeInsurance.com.

As summertime approaches, injuries and accidents are a fact of life, especially for those of us with children. While you can’t control all situations that you’ll encounter, you can definitely be prepared for incidents that can occur to ensure that you know what to do to prevent further issues before you find professional help. Most accidents at home are on a small scale, but in case of serious injury you’ll want to get to a medical professional right away.

Cuts, Scrapes and Bruises

Cuts, scrapes and bruises are the most common injuries to occur during the spring and summer months, and require only a little care to keep from becoming a big issue. The key with open wounds is to get them clean and stop the bleeding as soon as possible. Watch for swelling or redness around any cuts, which can indicate an infection or other issue and will require medical assistance. Using alcohol or saline solution, clean any scrapes or abrasions. Press fabric or tie a cloth to the injury if it is bleeding. If bleeding continues, elevate the injury for about fifteen minutes. When in doubt, see a doctor; stiches might be necessary.

Sprains and Strains

When running or playing any form of sport, there is a chance that a sprain or a strain will occur. The most common sprain is the ankle, but sprains can happen in shoulders, wrists and other ligaments as well. Elevation can bring down swelling in sprains, and ice is an excellent way to lower inflammation as well. If your injury is sore enough that you have trouble moving it or putting weight on it, you may need to seek medical help to guarantee there aren’t any issues or complications.

Bites and Stings

Bites and stings are generally not particularly harmful to humans, except in instances where an allergy exists. If you’ve been bit or stung by an insect, you should take a minute to sit down, ice and clean the sting. Check to ensure the stinger is no longer in your body, and watch closely for any signs that you may be developing an allergic reaction. Certain areas of America are breeding grounds for ticks, and need to be extra vigilant when walking in wooded areas to check for ticks, which can cause serious health issues. If a bite or sting swells a lot, or itches and burns beyond what would be considered normal, seek medical attention from a trained professional.

This guest post is from Allison with HomeInsurance.com.

Guest Post: Healthy Summer Treats for You and Your Family

 Are you looking for healthy snack options now that summer is here?  Wiona with AspiringNurse.com has a few sugestions in today's Guest Post.

Although winter is long and cold, it is often seen as the best time for delicious food. When it comes to summer however, most people would rather not reach for the hot chocolate and turkey, opting instead for s’mores and ice cream. The one problem with this is that we no longer have layers of warm clothing to cover up our holiday fat. This summer then, you might want to look for some ideas for healthy treats that you can make and enjoy all summer long, without worrying about what they will do to your beach body. Perhaps you are not worried about yourself; rather you want your children to have a healthy summer diet – or just a break from all of that ice cream!  Read on then, and you will discover that there are tons of great ideas out there for healthy, yet delicious, summer treats.
Strawberries and Cream
A classic summer dessert and delicious to boot! Stock up on strawberries or your other favorite berries, wash them, and place them in a bowl. Add a dollop of cream and enjoy! With delicious strawberries, you really can't go wrong.
Popsicles
You can buy these or make them yourself. Simple and delicious, your kids will love them, but you can put as much or as little sugar in them as you want.
Snow Cones
The same as popsicles, but in a different format. Snow cones are fun for kids and grown-ups alike. You can control the amount of syrup that goes into the shaved ice, and whether or not it is sugar free, so you do not have to worry about what it might be doing to your kids' bodies.
Frozen Bananas
A classic summertime treat. Freeze some bananas overnight on wax paper. In the morning you can dip them in melted chocolate, or eat them as they are. These are yummy, healthy, and fun!
Fruit Kabobs
A different and creative way to display your fruit. Fruit is always the perfect summer treat, but putting it on a skewer is an inspired way to make it easy to eat and fun to look at!
Smoothies
The great thing about smoothies is that they can never go wrong. You can buy them or make them at home and either way you will enjoy it. Experiment with your different fruits and flavors and try something new every day. They even work as a quick and easy breakfast - what a great way to start a summer day!

Wiona H. is a writer for AspiringNurse.com. If you are interested in becoming a psychiatric nurse, you can go to school online in the summer, while you treat your family to these yummy snacks! 

Guest Post: Spring Photography Tips for Beginners

Today I have a great guest post of photography tips for this spring.  The post is by Harriette Lewis.

Spring is still going and there’s never been a better time for you to grab your camera and step outside. The bright hues and luminous light of spring naturally lend themselves to striking shots and colorful compositions. Especially in northern climes, the early morning and evening create “magic hours” when the buttery light gleams with amazing clarity and warmth. Even amateurs can capture beautiful memories that will last a lifetime. Here are some spring photography tips for beginners:

Flowers

There’s no better symbol of the renewal of spring than brilliant flowers bursting into bloom. To shoot successful floral photographs, narrow the focus. Get close and concentrate on framing one blossom or bud. Experiment with different angles to get the look you want. Try taking a few shots of backlit flowers. Sunlight behind the petals will make them appear translucent and reveal shades of previously unseen color. Don’t forget the greens! A close-up photograph of a group of bright iris or daffodil stems, especially when dotted with dewdrops, can capture the magic of spring as well as the blooms.

Rainy Day Reflections

Soft spring rains paint the world with a brightening brush, intensifying the already gem-like hues of the season. Set out immediately after a shower to catch the aftermath of a springtime storm. Suitable subjects for spring photos include water rushing over stones, rippling puddles and ponds or flowers dripping with drops. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a rainbow. Equip the kids with colorful boots, coats and umbrellas and snap away as they stomp and splash. Look for interesting reflections or create them yourself. Position a child’s rubber duck near a reflecting puddle to capture a whimsical springtime scene.

Spring Portraits

Skip the fuzzy backdrops of studio portraits and take advantage of the beauty of nature to capture one-of-a-kind springtime family portraits. Green grassy hills and fields of flowers make excellent frames for the faces you adore. Dress in bright colors, pack a picnic and head out to the country or a neighboring farm. Shower little ones with a basket of blossoms, shoot close-ups of muddy hands and feet or capture their delight in a cluster of new chicks or ducklings. Enlist a passer-by to snap a family portrait. The memories you make will be preserved forever in the pictures you take.

Treasure Your Memories

Instead of hiding your shots on your hard drive, put them to beautiful use. Create custom photo books to serve as lasting mementoes of family outings or special events. Use photo-printed greeting cards to welcome the season or to invite friends and family to a springtime brunch. Add seasonal shots to a personalized calendar. Choose a rainy scene for April and bright flowers for May.

Harriette Lewis is a mom of 3 children and passionate photographer. She is currently blogging for Elephoto, a Canada based company that allows people to create custom Photobooks, cards, calendars and poster prints. Creating personalized photo products is the best way to keep your photos organized and cherish them for years to come.

Easter Cupcakes: Guest Post

Do you need some quick and adorable last minute ideas for Easter cupcakes?  Well - here they are!  This is a GREAT guest post from Katherine!

To have a great time on the upcoming Easter, you may come up with many creative ideas. So, how about making a cupcake for the festival personally? Either to have a party with your friends or to delight your kids, this should sound great. Below, DIY steps are shared by Katherine - a devotee for all fantastic matters.

First, take a look at the finished look of the cupcake. I made 9 different styles here. Of course, it is up to you while designing the style.
Required materials:
A - 300 grams of carrot strips, 200 grams of starch, 170 grams of plant oil, 3 big eggs, 90 grams of white sugar, 1 spoon of baking powder, a half spoon of salt and 1 small spoon of cinnamon powder.
B - Aside from these, toppings like 150 grams of cream cheese, 80 grams of powdered sugar, 50 grams of butter and 2 large spoons of maple syrup are also necessary.
C - At last, some candies, cotton candies, small carrots, coconut shred and chocolate biscuit powder are needed.

Step 1: break the eggs into the bowl. Pour white sugar and plant oil in too. Mix them evenly.

Step 2: Mix all kinds of powder and pour them into the sieving equipment. Then, pour the egg liquid into and blend them to be even.

Step 3: It is time to pour carrot strips into the blended liquid now. Mix them and pour them into the baking case.

Step 4: Preheat the oven and place the mixed item into it. Bake it for 20 minutes.
Step 5: Then, pour carrot strips into a certain container and mix with nut fragments. Now, pour the mixed item in the baking case.

Step 6: We begin to make candies on the cake now. First of all, blend materials mentioned in the B part via a blender.

Step 7: Daub the cheese on the baked cake. Meanwhile, scatter coconut shreds on it.

Step 8: Get one spoon of chocolate biscuit powder and add it at the middle place of the cake.

Step 9: Insert the carrot into the cake finally.

Step 10: At last, let's make adornments for the cake. As these pictures imply, it isn't difficult. I used mango, chocolate and yangtao here. First, daub a layer of cream on the cake. Then, add fruits onto the cake directly.
Author bio: If you are hunting for inspirations to have a better Easter, you must be interested in paying a visit to Katherine's blog. To spice up your festival appearance, costumes and accessories at Miccostumes.com will be useful for you!

Positioning Your Bird Food To Maximum Effect: Guest Post

Do you have bird feeders but no birds?  This is a great guest post by John Harris that can give you some insight on why and how to fix.

Many homeowners enjoy having wild birds in their garden.  Seeing our feathered friends darting from hedge to hedge and feeding their young is a real joy.  Having the birds in the garden can also be a welcome distraction to our children and grandchildren, whilst providing the opportunity to develop their appreciation of nature.  Buying wild bird food is a great way to increase the number of birds that you have visiting your garden.  However, it isn’t as straightforward as simply buying some seed or nuts and then hanging it or scattering it anywhere.  In order to maximise the impact of your wild bird food you must carefully consider where you place it.
Preferred feeding style
Not all bird varieties like to use the same style of feeding.  For example, you will never see a blackbird hanging from a bird feeder in the same way you will a blue tit.  They much prefer to do their feeding off the ground.  In fact, most songbirds like to be at ground level when eating.  Smaller and more brightly coloured birds, such as finches and the already mentioned tits, are more nimble and lighter, meaning they can hang without any problems.  So make sure that you position your wild bird food accordingly, dependant on the kinds of birds you are looking to attract.  If you are keen to listen to the songbirds, whilst watching the pretty smaller birds; consider placing some food on bird tables and the floor in addition to utilising hanging feeders. 
Bird safety
We humans are lucky in that we don’t have to worry about our own safety whilst we are tucking into our meals.  The exact opposite is true for birds; who are never more vulnerable than when feeding.  To help keep them as safe from predators as possible you should position their food carefully.  Hanging bird feeders must be placed as far away as possible from walls and flat roofs - which are of course great places for cats to lie in wait.  Ideally there will also be a hedge or some other form of vegetation near to the feeder, providing a place for the birds to retreat should a predator show its face.  When positioning food on the floor for ground feeders, be sure to place it out in the open.  This allows the birds a clear view of their surroundings on all sides and reduces the likelihood of a predator catching them unawares.
During cold weather
When the temperature drops many insects die off; this leads to a shortage of food for birds.  As such you may find an increase of bird traffic in your garden as they search out alternative food sources.  However, it may be that even though the birds are present in your garden, they still aren’t using the feeders or eating the wild bird food that you have scattered on the ground.  In both instances this may be because the food is positioned in an area where the wind is quite strong.  If possible try to place the food in an area of the garden that is better protected from the wind.  It is also a good idea to put the food that you place on the floor on feeding trays, so you can bring it in on an evening and prevent it from freezing.

If you are a  homeowner looking to attract birds to your garden then John Harris recommends Peckish wild bird food. 

How to Use Chocolate In Your Easter Menu

Are you working on planning your Easter Feast?  This great Guest Post will give you some wonderful ideas on using chocolate in the meal.

Isn’t chocolate one of the best parts about Easter holidays? We get to see Easter baskets filled with chocolates and even colorful plastic Easter eggs filled with chocolate candy for children. It’s the best sweet treat for everyone. Then why not incorporate it in your Easter meal and make some chocolate treats for all the guests? Here are 4 ways to use chocolate in your Easter meal this year.

1. IN HORS D'OEUVRES
Yes you can introduce chocolate in the hors d’oeuvres or snacks. Here are a few ideas to get you started off.
a. Chocolate coated strawberries
It is Easter and the time and spring has just started. Use some fruits as hors d’oeuvres for your guests to nibble on till dinner is served. They are fairly easy to make. All you have to do is melt a few bars of bittersweet cooking chocolate in a pan and dip the strawberries in it. Place them on a sheet covered with butter paper and leave to cool in the refrigerator.
b. Chocolate coated almonds
Almonds are a favorite and when you chocolate coat them they look like little eggs, perfect for Easter. Coat them with chocolate the same way as above. You can even find them in the store if you don’t have time to coat your own almonds. Every store has a big variety of these.
2. IN MAIN DISHES
Who would have thought that you can have chocolate in your main dish as well? Don’t be surprised, cocoa powder and cooking chocolate is an ingredient in an increasing number of main dishes. Here are a few main dish ideas to get you thinking:
a. Mexican Moles
b. Seared Pork Tenderloin with Cocoa Spice Rub
c. Cincinnati Chili with Chocolate Recipe
d. Chicken chocolate enchiladas
3. IN DESSERT
Chocolate is a popular dish in the dessert section. You can keep that tradition too. You will find dozens of chocolate dessert recipes in cookbooks and online. Chocolate cake is a favorite dessert for any occasion and if you have an Easter Bunny made on it or it is shaped liked an Easter Bunny that will just add to the festivity of your Easter meal.
4. IN THE EASTER GIFT BASKET
Chocolates in the Easter baskets are a must along with other candies like colorful jellybeans and sugar eggs. You can also make these treats yourself. Here are a few ideas.
a. Make chocolate eggs
Use colorful plastic eggs, the ones that snap open in half. Drill a hold on one side. Spray them with non-stick spray inside. Pour in melted chocolate from the hole and refrigerate them till solid. Snap open the plastic shells and your chocolate eggs are ready.
b. Make chocolate bunnies
Just as there will be bunny-shaped cookie cutters available in the market, you will also find plenty of bunny-shaped molds. Use them to make chocolate bunnies yourself.

Allan loves chocolate hampers and anything to do with chocolate. As a regular blog contributor, Allan loves sharing tips and ideas.

Should You Get a Real Bunny or Duck for Easter?: Guest Post

Are you thinking about what to get the children for Easter?  Considering a live bunny or duck?  Be sure to read this awesome guest post from Alexandra Kelly first.

As a parent you always want to make the holidays special for your children. In the Springtime, you tell them stories about the Easter bunny and how he’s going to hippity-hop around the yard hiding eggs everywhere. It’s kind of ridiculous, to be sure. But your kids love it.

So what if you’re thinking about taking it one step further? Around Easter-time, pet stores around the country see sales of baby bunnies and baby ducks skyrocket. Lots of parents want to take the magic of Easter and make it real. Are you considering getting your kids a real, live bunny or duckling this Easter? If you are, should you do it?
Surprising Your Children
Lots of parents buy bunnies or ducklings as novelty gifts during Easter to delight their children. There’s no doubt that your kids will be thrilled to see a real life Easter bunny or baby duck. But does their excitement and joy really justify purchasing such a pet?
With baby bunnies and ducks, there are two potential outcomes. One is that because these baby animals are so fragile, they can die very easily, which may devastate your child. The second possibility is that they’ll live a very long time, and you’ll have the pet for many years. However, most kids lose interest in pets like these fairly quickly. No matter what, the pet will be your responsibility to care for on a daily basis.
A Lifetime Commitment
When baby bunnies and ducks survive their delicate infancy, they can live for several years. If you can’t commit to the daily care and upkeep of these animals, you should not purchase one. Far too many Easter-time pets end up in shelters because parents made impulsive decisions and purchased them without realizing what they were getting themselves into.
Bunnies and ducklings require care on a daily basis. Bunnies need to be fed, played with, bathed, brushed, and their cages need to be cleaned. Ducklings also need the basic provisions, as well as a place to swim. In addition, ducklings will one day be full-size ducks. Do you really want to have a rabbit or a duck as a pet? You must consider the long-term effects of live animal Easter presents, and whether or not you’re really prepared to take in another member of the household.
Cuddly Bunnies and Adorable Ducklings
One of the reasons parents consider getting baby bunnies or baby ducks for their children is that they’re so darn cute. What kid wouldn’t go, “Awwwwww!” at the sight of one? We want to make our kids happy, but the truth is that bunnies and ducklings aren’t as cute and cuddly as they appear. Bunnies don’t like being picked up off the ground, and have you ever seen someone snuggling with a duck? If you really want to get your child a pet, you might want to consider a more affectionate animal. There’s nothing wrong with breaking away from the theme of Easter and just going with a traditional pet puppy.

Alexandra Kelly is a school teacher and devoted mother with a passion for writing and a love for animals. She regularly uses a grammar checker to ensure her writing is of a high quality and is free from any grammatical mistakes. She cannot wait for her family vacation to the Bahamas!

West Florida Lighthouses: Cedar Key, Gasparilla Island, Sanibel, Ancolte Island, and Egmont

Do you love lighthouses? Today we have a great guest post from Samet Bilir about the lighthouses on the west coast of Florida. I need to add these to my list!

Lighthouses have served an important part of our nation's history, as well as the history of the West Florida coast. Florida has a rich maritime history both in the shipping trade and in Naval operations. Over the years, Florida's lighthouses have provided that beacon of light - warning ships of danger and welcoming sailors home.

Cedar Keys Light

The Cedar Key lighthouse around 1894.
The Cedar Keys light actually resides on a neighboring island - Seahorse Key - not on Cedar Key itself. Structurally, the lighthouse is one of the shorter lights in the state. The light itself is only 30 feet tall, but was built on a part of the island which is 40+ feet above sea level, so the effective overall height is just over 70 feet.
The light was decommissioned in the early 1900's, and several decades later the island was incorporated into the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge. As part of the refuge, the lighthouse is not open to the public, although tours are generally offered for a couple of days each year during the Cedar Keys Annual Seafood Festival which is usually held in October. The lighthouse itself and surrounding structures are leased to the University of Florida, which operates a laboratory there. The surrounding structures are used as dormitory space accommodating roughly 25 students, faculty and staff.

Anclote Keys Light

Anclote Keys Lighthouse when it was still manned.
The Anclote light was decommissioned only fairly recently - in 1985. It had been unmanned and converted to an automated light during the early 1950's. The tower and light were originally constructed in the late 1800's. Many sailors heading south from the inter-coastal waterways in the Florida panhandle use Anclote as a waypoint on their Gulf crossings, and are always happy to bring the lighthouse into sight. The dwellings and pier will be refitted, and will house a new park ranger station.

Egmont Key Light

The Egmont Key Lighthouse before its lantern was removed in 1944.
The light at Egmont has stood at the entrance to Tampa Bay since the mid 1800's. It is very likely the oldest structure in the Tampa Bay area to still be utilized for it's original purpose. The light's beacon can be seen from a distance of 15 miles, thanks to it's flashing 140,000 candlepower light. The Egmont light was not automated until 1990, making it one of the last in the country to be converted.
Egmont Key is accessible only by boat. Several sightseeing boats ferry visitors to the Key from Pinellas and Manatee county beaches. Egmont is also a popular anchorage for private vessels.

Gasparilla Island Light

The structure is now a museum, and the buildings have faced destruction from the seas on more than one occasion, but it's still with us. The light was built in the late 1800's, and is housed at the roof apex of the one story bungalow which originally served as home to the keepers. It's original use was as the rear range mark for vessels entering Charlotte Harbor.
Rock Jetties now help protect the structures from the seas, and the lighthouse bungalow was opened as a museum in early 1999. The light is now part of the Gasparilla Island State Recreation Area.

Sanibel Island Light

The Sanibel Island Light Station in 1933.
The Sanibel light and it's surrounding compound of structures is a favorite subject among many Florida artists, and can be seen in numerous pen and ink drawings, post cards, and on canvas at almost any art show. The light was constructed in the late 1800's, and remained manned until it was automated in the mid 1950's. It was converted to electric power ten years later. The light has stood over considerable change on Sanibel Island, which is now a popular tourist destination and thriving beach community. The lighthouse and it's surrounding structures were the first construction on the island.

Samet Bilir writes about technology trends, digital camera reviews, and photography, such as Lowepro pro roller AW and Sony alpha a65. To read more articles from him visit his website at www.chi-photography.com.

Take a Family Stay-cation this Winter/Spring Break

Today I have our very first Guest Post!  This is a great article submitted by Christina Johnson!  Enjoy!

The family that plays together stays together. Although big vacations are always fun, such trips are incredibly expensive and simply not possible for the family that has to juggle several schedules. The stay-cation is the latest and the greatest way to bring the whole family together for little to no cost. Here are some ideas for family fun time in your hometown:

1. Indoor Cookout
This is a great way to spend a Saturday or Sunday since it is an all day event. In addition, it will keep the whole family fed for almost an entire week. Every member of the family gets to choose their favorite dish and everyone makes these dishes together. Nominate one person as a head chef, the kids can be line and prep cooks and so forth. Have fun, work hard and eat the fruits of your kitchen labors.

2. Triple Feature Movie Day
Have a stay-in and turn your living room into a deluxe movie theatre. Pick three favorite flicks and get the popcorn popping. Grab some movie theatre candies and completely darken the living room and enjoy a family triple feature movie day!

3. Plant a Garden
As long as the ground isn’t covered in snow, this can be done in the warm sun or the cool weather. Planting a garden is a great excuse to get outdoors and begin a lasting hobby together. Kids and parents can proudly marvel as they see their seedlings turn into landscaping. This is also a marvelous way for the little ones to learn about nature and the changing seasons.

4. Picnic
Go no farther than a local park or your back yard! Picnics in the park are severely underrated. We often drive by our local parks regularly but rarely spend time enjoying these lovely spots of green. Pack up the family’s favorites and bundle them all in a traditional picnic basket. Bring along some books and newspapers for the adults and enjoy a quiet read in Mother Nature after eating.

5. Day Hikes
All neighborhoods have some sort of nearby hiking area. Even the biggest of cities have trails on the city’s outskirts for people who want a break from it all. Do a simple online search for the trails nearest you and make a day of it. This is a great way to teach kids about surviving in the outdoors while exploring unknown locations. Don’t forget some trail snacks and lots of water!

Christina Johnson who works remotely for Elliman Prudential in the NYC Rentals market. She is using her journalism major to combine what she loves most, writing and her career. Her specialties include home decor design and DIY home improvement projects.