Building Your Own Summer House

Summer houses are popular during the hot summer months, but they also serve many other purposes during other times of the year. With a summer house, not only do you have a private place to lounge and relax, but it will also improve the look of your property.

A summer house is a single-storey house that only takes up a small portion of your yard, but can be used as a playroom for your kids, a home cinema, a garden shed, or even a gym. However you may want to use it, however, there are certain things to consider to help you maximize its benefits. 

First is the location of your summer house. Some people want to build their summer house where they can enjoy the hot sun. Others want the opposite and relish a shady retreat. Determine where the sun shines most in your yard during the summer months, so you can find the perfect location to construct it.

You may also want to consider your neighbor’s house. There are neighbors that may not appreciate you building a summer house if it overshadows their property. It is best to talk with your neighbors about this matter before building the structure, so you can find a location that makes everyone happy.

There are also planning regulations that may require you to seek permission first before construction. Some neighborhood have very strict aesthetic guidelines for homes, and they may or may not allow you to build additional structures in your yard.  Other times, it may be a city ordinance based on zoning and underground utility lines.  Do your research, so you can avoid potential legal issues or the loss of your monetary investment.

Security is also a major consideration for a summer house. As you incorporate different functions into your summerhouse, you may want to preserve its contents by installing locks or motion sensor lights.

Lastly, design your summer house so that it fits your desired function.  You may like that aesthetic appeal of one style, but if it isn’t conducive to the type of activity you want to use it for, you may need to reconsider and explore other options.

Summer houses can be a beautiful addition to your home.  So, do your research, figure out what you want to use it for, and then enjoy its benefits all summer long.  

Jennifer Fields
Oklahoma City & Edmond Real Estate Agent
405.330.0031

Edmond Fire Department Receives New Equipment Thanks to Taxpayers

In every fire response, fire fighters are doing their best to save as much property and as many lives as possible. However, this task can become quite difficult when firefighters lack the proper equipment they need to perform their jobs.

In Edmond, Oklahoma, firefighters are an essential part of the community hence the need to constantly improve firefighting tools and equipment. That is why two new pieces of equipment were granted to the Edmond Fire Personnel thanks to the taxpayers of the city. A $42,000 command vehicle and a $75,000 350-gallon brushpumper were obtained by the fire department to use for future fire responses.

The new brushpumper is installed on the chassis of a 2013 Ford F450. This will allow firefighters to respond to fire calls even in heavy weather conditions or hard terrains. The new command vehicle for the fire department is a 2013 Chevy Tahoe, equipped with a laptop computer to obtain firefighting information.

These two new tools are part of the city’s budget through an in-house city vehicle maintenance department. This department enables the city’s fire department to seek assistance with their vehicle maintenance issues through the taxes paid by Edmond taxpayers.

Jennifer Fields
Oklahoma City & Edmond Real Estate Agent
405.330.0031

What to Do with a Broken Sofa

A broken sofa can be a huge problem. Sitting on a couch with popping springs, sagging seats, or damaged covers can be a pain, and it is also embarrassing when guests come over.

So, what can you do if you have a broken sofa at home?  Should you repair it or dispose of it?  Here are a few suggestions:

• Sell it. Fortunately, there are people who prefer buying secondhand couches because they are priced significantly lower than new ones. Sell it in your garage sale or on an online market.  Just be sure that it is still in good condition or can be used again. If it’s not, price it very cheaply, so it will appeal to refurbishers.
• Haul it to the dump. Get rid of your sofa all by yourself and keep your home and curb clutter-free. If you have a car that can fit the sofa, you can drive it directly to the dump.  Just be sure to double check what the public dump day schedule is.
• Try to fix it. Having a broken sofa may not be acceptable to you, but there are damages that can easily be fixed, such as torn covers or broken legs. You can simply stitch a torn cover or drape your couch with a new slip cover.  For a broken leg, you can either replace it yourself or take it to a professional.  Even if you outsource the work, it will still be cheaper than buying a new couch.
• Donate it to charity. Charitable organizations appreciate donations that are useful and that can be given to others in need. If your sofa is still in good condition, donate it instead of throwing it away.
• Place it in the curb. If you don’t want to haul you couch by yourself, place it on the curb for your trash collectors to take it away for you. Just be sure to check with your collection service first to verify that they provide that service.  If they do, don’t put your couch on the curb until collection day, so you avoid creating clutter and annoying your neighbors.

Jennifer Fields
Oklahoma City & Edmond Real Estate Agent
405.330.0031

Great Ideas to Make Your Home More Efficient in the Morning

Weekday mornings can be stressful for people who work in the morning or have to get their kids ready for school.  You have to take a shower, get dressed, prepare and eat breakfast, and get everyone to school or work on time.

One thing that can help is to create an efficient home that will help you do things smoothly and quickly in the morning. Here are a few ideas:

• Enhance your kitchen workflow – The kitchen is the busiest room in the house every morning. What you create a setup that allow for a smooth flow when you are working in the kitchen, it will make things faster and easier for you. Plan your kitchen well, position items in a logical work flow pattern, and keep things clean and de-cluttered, so your kitchen is not a burden when you are rushing to eat breakfast in the morning.
• Upgrade your kitchen appliances – Cooking breakfast can take time and is difficult to prepare in time for you to eat before you leave your house.  Reduce your prep time by upgrading your kitchen appliances, especially the toaster, microwave, and juicer, so you can work quickly without worry about malfunctions.
• Reorganize your closet – Finding the right clothes to wear in the morning can take up a lot of time. It also adds to your stress level, especially if you have an important meeting or obligation to attend to. Reorganize your closet by grouping similar clothes together, whether it be by color or style.  That way, when you open your closet, you will be able to easily identify your clothes and quickly pull them from the hanger.

Jennifer Fields
Oklahoma City & Edmond Real Estate Agent
405.330.0031

Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services Offers Help for Disabled Residents

The devastating tornado which happened last month has affected thousands of lives in the state of Oklahoma. Many citizens of Moore lost their homes as well as loved ones. Among those who survived this terrible tragedy, some have been left with nothing. What’s more, some survived the tornado only to find themselves stricken with a disability that will forever change their future.

Fortunately, help always comes to those in need. People who were disabled due to the effects of the tornado can take advantage of free support and assistance when it comes to their employment which will help them in preparation for their future.

The staff from the Vocational Rehabilitation and Visual Services from the Oklahoma Department of rehabilitation Services will be offering their help to disabled residents of the state in terms of employment assistant. Staff from the Progressive Independence Center will also be assisting with disabled citizens by providing resources for the disabled.

Since disabled residents will have a more difficult time finding a job due to their physical limitations, staffs of the Vocational Rehabilitation and Visual Services will offer career counseling, job placement assistance and training. Other assistance includes medical and psychological services.

Residents who wish to partake of this service can come to Westmoore High School on Wednesdays and Saturdays until June 29, 2013.

Jennifer Fields
Oklahoma City & Edmond Real Estate Agent
405.330.0031

Dealing with Too Many Toys at Home

We love to give our kids everything they want, and that includes clothes and toys. But, there comes a time when we have to face the reality that too much of anything is a bad thing.  Too many clothes and toys can not only be expensive, but they also take up a lot of space.

So, how do you deal with the clutter?  Here are a few tips:

• Limit toy purchases – It all starts with being able to stop adding more toys that will only continue the cycle. Even if you put some effort into eliminating some of the existing toys, if you continue to add more, they will pile up again.
• Sort and store – Take the time to sit down with your kids and sort their toys. Ask them which toys they play with regularly and which ones they don’t play with as much.  Organize and store the toys that are played with less frequently, and make the ones that are played with more frequently more easily accessible.
• Add more storage – It helps if you properly store and organize your kids’ toys. It helps you reduce the clutter and easily clean their rooms.  Add some baskets or boxes for the toys and sort them in a way that they will only have to take out one box or basket at time when they want to play.
• Change their playing lifestyle – Don’t limit your kids to toys when they want to play. Take them to the park and let them meet new friends. Take them on trips and let them explore and learn new things. There are many ways your kid can play, and they don’t always have to involve toys.
• Donate – Give some of the excess toys to others who may be able to afford toys of their own.  Not only will it reduce the clutter in your home, but it will also teach your children the value of giving.

Jennifer Fields
Oklahoma City & Edmond Real Estate Agent
405.330.0031

Edmond Diners Help Support Free Meals for the Elderly and Disabled

Elderly individuals and those who are bound to their home due to sickness, injury or other incapacity, have a difficult time attending to themselves each day especially without someone around to assist them. It is a huge challenge for them even to prepare their daily meals in their conditions. In turn, many elderly and disabled individuals who are homebound lack proper nourishment for their bodies.

That is why the Edmond Mobile Meals are always ready to help! Started in 1974, Edmond Mobile Meals prepare and deliver nourishing, hot meals to people who are bound at home due to age and sickness. They provide meals to registered homebound elderly or disabled individuals for a temporary basis or an extended period of time depending on their need level. For 39 years, the non-profit organization has continued to support its advocacy of helping others find friendship, hope and security.

Now, Edmond residents can extend their help in supporting the continuation of Edmond Mobile Meals. For a limited time, those who plan to dine out at select restaurants will be helping the organization raise more money to provide more meals to more people.

On June 18, 2013, select participating restaurants will be giving a portion of their proceeds to the Mobile Meals each time a diner say that they are with Mobile Meals. Diners who want to help in this small way will only have to let the restaurant know that they are with Mobile Meals so part of their total meal cost will be donated to the organization.

Participating restaurants are as follows:

• Kang’s Sushi Bar & Bistro
• Hideaway Pizza
• Johnnie’s Charcoal Broiler (all seven locations)
• Earl’s Rib Palace (Broadway Ext. & Memorial Rd.)
• Zarate’s Latin Mexican Grill
• Qdoba Mexican Grill (4-10 p.m.)
• The Garage (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
• Chick-fil-A, 33rd Street location (5-8 p.m.)
• Garbanzo
• Simply Falafel
• Jo’s Pizza
• Billy Sims

Jennifer Fields
Oklahoma City & Edmond Real Estate Agent
405.330.0031

Extending the Life of Your Washing Machine and Dryer

Doing the laundry is an inevitable part of our lives because we have to have clean clothes to wear to school, work, and around the house. That is why it is important to have efficient, well-functioning machines to help us stay on top of it.  Unfortunately, many people have to have their washing machine and dryer constantly repaired or replaced. This disrupts the easy flow of laundry work and affects everyone in the family both practically and financially.

Below are some tips on how you can extend the life of your washing machine and dryer, so you know you can rely on them:

• Avoid overloading your washer and dryer. There are different load limits for every machine, and it is important to stick to them. Otherwise, your machine will not perform properly and will be more prone to easy wear and tear.
• Clean the lint filter in your dryer after every use. Lint buildup inside your dryer will cause it to not function properly. It is best to clean your lint filter every time you use your dryer, so it will run better and be more energy-efficient. In addition, check your duct twice each year for any buildup that may clog the pathway.
• Keep your machine clean at all times. You can always count on better performance from your machine when everything is unobstructed and clean. Take the time to wipe your machine dry after you have used it. Avoid allowing dirt and residue to build up.
• Place your machine on a level surface. Your washing machine and dryer constantly move while working. If the surface is not level, the movement will cause easy damage to your machine.  If the surface in your laundry room is not level, create a platform on top of it that is.
• Read the warning labels carefully and follow instructions. There are certain guidelines for how to properly use your machines and how to care for them. Follow them.

Jennifer Fields
Oklahoma City & Edmond Real Estate Agent
405.330.0031

Useful Tricks to Make Your Clothes Last Longer

Buying new clothes on a regular basis can boost your confidence when you attend gatherings, go to work, or even pick the kids up from school. But, spending too much on new clothes can be a wasted investment and will leave your bank account looking empty. Instead of buying new clothes all the time, why not make your existing clothes last longer and look like new again?

Extending the life of your clothes offers several benefits. First, it reduces the cost of shopping for new clothes. Stop to consider how much you spend each time you buy new clothes. Now, add that up over twelve months. Secondly, you are able to hold on to your favorite clothes longer. Everyone has items in their closet that they want to wear all the time, and by extending their life, you can do that so for a long time to come. Lastly, it will reduce your need for more closet space.

So, make your clothes last longer with these useful tricks:

• Inspect your clothes before storing them for the season. Winter clothes need to be stored away during the summer and vice a versa.  But, have you ever found stains or damage to your clothes when you unpack them? If so, you probably won’t wear them again. To avoid this situation, inspect your clothes and tackle the problems before you store them away.
• Avoid washing clothes that have only barely been worn.  This is especially true for jeans. If you have only worn your jeans for a day, wear them at least once more before you wash them.  It will preserve their color and fabric strength.
• Use cold water when washing your clothes. Avoid using hot water, especially with delicate fabrics. Hot water causes your clothes to lose their color and fade.  It also weakens the fabric and makes it more prone to damage.
• Hand wash clothes as much as possible. If you have articles of clothing that are delicate or soft, try to hand-wash them instead of putting them in the washing machine.  You will avoid damaging the fabric or embellishments that way.
• Treat stains as soon as possible. Fresh stains are much easier to remove than those that have been on your clothes for a few days. In addition, avoid placing stained clothes with other clothes.
• Avoid the dryer. If you aren’t in a hurry, avoid using the dryer. Constantly drying your clothes will add too much heat to them and cause them to shrink easily. Instead, if the weather is nice, line-dry your clothes.  It is gentler on your clothes and also saves energy.
• Read care labels thoroughly. Different kinds of clothes require different types of cleaning. Read care labels carefully, so you will know how to properly clean them and keep them longer lasting.

Edmond’s Art in Public Places Program Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary

It has been 10 years and Edmond, Oklahoma has been enjoying the benefits of having beautiful art and statues in selected areas around the city. Edmond’s Art in Public Places Program is now in its tenth-year of advocating to public enrichment through arts. Everyone in Edmond, as well as visitors to the city, relish in the lovely works of art found in parks and community areas throughout the city.

The Art in Public Places Program started in 2003. Since then, around one hundred thirty art pieces have been placed on display in public using mostly bronze statues. These works of art have offered not only beautification to the city but also have been a boon for economic development.

The program has lasted for ten years with the partnership of the city and private donors. The City of Edmond is allocating $30,000 each year for the funding of the project while private donors are giving their own share. In addition, donations from residents through their utility payments have also offered a major source of fund. Over $22,000 were collected for this fiscal year from the $2 donations that residents are giving along with their utility payments.

Jennifer Fields
Oklahoma City & Edmond Real Estate Agent
405.330.0031