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Apache is functioning normally

By Contributing Author 4 Comments – The content of this website often contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if you buy through those links (at no cost to you!). Learn more about how we make money. Last edited February 21, 2014.

This post is part one of a four-part series by SD Guy, the blogger behind Stretchydollar.com, a blog that focuses on the basics of personal finance and is geared towards those who don’t have much experience.

Family gatherings happen frequently at my grandparents’ house. My grandpa loves to host, and makes a big deal out of every meal whether there are two or 20 of us. My grandma is a great cook, and we’ve enjoyed many great meals there. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and many birthdays have been happily celebrated around their dining room table. My grandpa is famous for making sure that every last morsel of food gets eaten. He lives by the motto ‘waste not, want not’ and will often abandon his own meal and carry dishes of food around making sure we’ve all had our fill. His catch phrase is “ya wanna kill that?”

While it’s funny to watch my Grandpa push the food around and we’re always ensured of a full meal every time we visit their house, there is a valuable lesson that I’ve taken from my Grandpa’s habit.

Clean Your Plate!

It’s a simple idea, and one you’ve been hearing from your mother since the age of three, but it’s still true! If you’re throwing away food after meals, you’re basically throwing away cash. Correctly sizing your portions, only purchasing what you know you’ll eat, and saving leftover food will greatly expand your food budget. It takes a bit of practice (and some extra Tupperware containers) but learning to moderate your eating habits. You won’t need to purchase as much food, and any leftovers can conveniently become lunch for the next day.

Don’t Buy More Than You Need

With all the different advertising tricks grocery stores are using these days, it’s easy to get sucked into buying more food than you really need. If you spot a “Buy 3 for $5” deal for a product that is usually $4, you can get the same discount, even if you buy only one. There are quite a few food items my grandparents don’t buy unless they are having a party. Even then, my grandpa counts and recounts to ensure that he knows how many people are coming and plans accordingly.

If there are any leftovers after the meal, my grandpa packages them up on paper plates with tin foil and distributes them to everyone as they leave. He knows that he and my Grandma won’t eat it, so he wants to make sure that someone enjoys the food.

Easier Storage

If you only buy what you need, you can store food much more effectively. Knowing when food will expire and how much you have left of certain necessities will make meal preparation easier, and will also make it easier on you when you shop.

The Point: Moderating your food purchasing to just things you’ll use will help you plan and prepare meals, store your food, and manage your expenses quite a bit easier.

This post is part of the “Use It Up, Wear It Out, Make It Do, or Do Without“ Series

  • Part 1 – Bible Money Matters – “Use It Up”
  • Part 2 – The Dough Roller – “Wear It Out”
  • Part 3 – Pecuniarities – “Make It Do”
  • Part 4 – StretchyDollar – “or Do Without”

Thank you for reading!

Related Posts

Source: biblemoneymatters.com

Apache is functioning normally

The thought of selling your home can be overwhelming. There is a lot to consider, like finding and working with a real estate agent, determining market value, deciding what you need to do to sell your home in a timely manner, and even settling on the right time of year.

As a result, many homeowners become overwhelmed with making repairs, painting, and sprucing up curb appeal to attract buyers. Although there is a lot a homeowner can do to attract buyers and increase their chances of a sale, there are some things out of their control, such as the season.

Many homeowners who are under pressure to sell their homes in a certain amount of time might not be able to control the season in which they need to put their homes on the market. In fact, statistics consistently show that spring is the ideal time of year to sell a home, but what if you have to sell your home during the winter?

Winter home selling isn’t impossible, but it can be more difficult. However, there are some small, inexpensive measures you can take to improve the look, feel, and comfort of your home so that it appeals to buyers, even during the colder winter months. In this article, we provide nine simple tips for selling your home during the winter that won’t break the bank.

1. Spruce Up the Front Door

Something as small as a festive wreath or a coat of paint on the front door can drastically improve the overall look of your home and make it feel more welcoming. In addition to adding a bit of flair, make sure your porch area is clean and well maintained. The first thing buyers see is the entry, so it’s setting the precedent for the entire house.

2. Avoid Over-the-Top Holiday Decor

Although sprucing up your front door is a great idea, avoid decorating your home and yard with over-the-top holiday decor. White holiday lights are nice, but overdoing it and littering your front lawn with tacky, plastic holiday decor and blow-up characters will turn potential buyers off. It’s okay to get into the holiday spirit, but when you are trying to sell your home, less is more.

3. Keep it Warm and Cozy

Before you host an open house or open your home to showings, make it warm and welcoming!
Make sure the heat is set at a warm, but not hot level, and light the fireplace if you have one. Not only will this help your home feel more comfortable in the winter, it will also help it feel, well, homey.

Learn about the Homie way: Selling your home.

4. Curb Appeal Matters

When the weather is cold and frightful, it’s more difficult to keep up with the exterior of your home. Although it’s normal to forget about landscaping until the spring, if you are trying to sell your home, there are a few things you can do to boost curb appeal. Keep the sidewalks and driveways free of snow, and make sure to salt any ice. You don’t want buyers slipping and sliding while they visit! Go the extra mile by clearing snow off of bushes and shrubs so buyers can get an idea of what the yard will look like when it’s in bloom.

5. Let in Natural Light

The winter is naturally a darker time of year than other seasons. Keeping curtains closed and shades drawn can leave a home feeling dark and empty, even if it isn’t. Let natural light in as often as possible to show potential home buyers how bright it can be.

If your home has smaller windows or is located in a shady area, be sure to pull open the blinds or shades. You can also adorn your rooms with light-colored curtains to help bring in more natural light. Avoid room-darkening curtains and blocking out your windows with clothing or blankets. It is also a good idea to throw away any broken blinds or shades.

6. A Fresh Coat of Paint

There are a lot of things you can’t control during the winter, like a blizzard on the day you had four scheduled tours. However, you can control how your home looks on the inside. A fresh coat of paint is a great way to show off how well you’ve taken care of your home, inside and out.

7. Outdoor Lighting

Lining your porch, walkways, driveway, or gardens with exterior lighting is a great way to light up your home—literally. You don’t even have to hire an electrician or purchase expensive light fixtures. You can purchase exterior lights that stick in the ground or sit atop the posts on your fence or porch, go the “green” route and purchase solar lights.

8. Repair It

Although we’ve primarily focused on easy and inexpensive ways to improve the curb appeal and interior look of your home, more in-depth repairs may be necessary.

If you are on a budget, take the time to prioritize repairs and upgrades. Start by making a list of issues that need to be addressed.

Are any windows broken? Are any shingles missing on your roof? Are there any holes in your walls or broken pieces of trim or tile? These issues can make your home undesirable compared to others in the area. No one wants to buy a home that needs major work in the winter.

9. Sell With Homie

Although the winter may not be an ideal time to try to sell your home, it is possible. Start with the tips above, and finish by selling your home with Homie! You can save tons of money to invest in a new home because you’ll pay a low fee to list, market, and sell your home with Homie.

Start now!

Want more blogs about selling?

Who’s Involved in Selling a Home?
What’s a Listing Agent?

Source: homie.com

Apache is functioning normally

Pretty much since I learned to walk, I have had an unusual disdain for waste. I noted the inefficient route of the school bus and wondered why it couldn’t just pick us up at a few centralized locations. Tracked my allowance with multi-year forecasts and kept the dollar bills organized in a photo album. Always cast a fiery eye towards a fridge or a front door left open, a car left idling, or a credit card bill left unpaid.

This odd condition has proved to be profitable over the years, as I have naturally sought out ways to use less energy and waste less money, with very positive side effects like getting to spend more time outside and retiring from work relatively early.

This is the reason the concepts of money and energy efficiency mingle so freely on this supposedly-financial blog: you can look at your energy consumption as a very close measure of the wastefulness of your life. The ideal life, even a very modern one, will require you to spend very little of your earnings buying energy. This is a contrarian opinion for me to hold in this world of Peak Oil and energy shocks, but check out the evidence:

Transportation: The Mustache family uses less than 3 gallons of gasoline per month for most of the year. This changes for special occasions like family roadtrips, but by following the basic principles of avoiding commuting and car clown local driving, and using the bikes for errands like groceries, driving is cut by almost 90%. Savings: about $10,000 per year compared to an average family.

Electricity: Although our current 2600 square foot house is oversized for three people, we manage to run it these days on 243 kWh per month, which costs about $25.00 even when offsetting 100% of the use with more expensive wind energy from the local utility. This is done by being reasonable with the air conditioning, letting our bodies toughen a bit as the seasons change, line-drying the clothes, and using CFL and LED light bulbs*.  Savings: About $1000 per year

Heating: I have upgraded some of the insulation in this house, added some South-facing windows and plenty of thermal mass, and seal the curtains and shutters up tightly on winter nights while the programmable thermostat keeps the house at 62F during the nights, 67 during the day. The water heater is in an insulation blanket and we use a low-flow showerhead. Because of this our spending on natural gas averages out to $25 per month ($300 per year), which includes all heating, hot water for showers and dishwashing, and cooking. In contrast, the average US house spends $400 on water heating and another $960 on heat, meaning we enjoy Savings of $1060 per year.

When your bills are this low, it becomes a bit difficult to save money on energy by buying high-tech upgrades. I could get a Nissan Leaf electric car, but it would sit unused in the driveway just as much as the Scion xA currently does. Could replace my 80% efficiency furnace with a 95% efficient one for $4000, but the payback period would be decades. Better to just add $100 more insulation or get a nice pair of slippers to drop the existing furnace use even more. We spend about $5 per year on electricity running the air conditioner – I’d sooner remove it altogether than upgrade it.  I can’t even upgrade my city bicycle, which cost $300 brand-new in 2008 and has over 4000 miles of errands on it, because it still works perfectly and gets me around very quickly. This whole picture is an example of a Non-Emergency Energy Situation. Spending is minimal and further optimization is difficult, so energy use fades into the background where it should be.

So when does energy use become an emergency? There is no single fixed rule, but the following are some warning signals:

When energy is unusually expensive: While living in Hawaii last winter, I noticed that their electricity is generated by burning tankerloads of imported oil, which is reflected in the 30 cent/kWh price (300% of what I pay here). And all the water is electrically heated – furiously expensive. To compensate, we took many of our showers just by jumping into the turquoise-blue ocean and outfitted the Vacation Suite project with GU10 LED bulbs in its track lighting system, which use 85% less power than halogens. People who live in the Northeastern US who rely on heating oil are in a similar situation for heat.

When more than 5% of your income is on spent on energy and gasoline: Bumping up your savings rate by 5%, for example from 10% to 15% of income will slice 8 years off of your working career. Is worth working 8 more years just to stand at the gas pump?

When you have a rattly almond-colored fridge with fake woodgrain handles:
Last year I ran some tests on an old fridge that a friend still had in operation. It was burning 110 kWh per month, or  $135 of electricity every year. For $300 he replaced it with a nearly-new fridge from Craigslist and I measured it again. This one used 62% less energy, saving him $83 per year, which is a spectacular 28% annual return on investment! When you do the math, many of the lower-cost energy upgrades described in this article will return even more than the stock market over time.

When you find yourself driving around regularly in a car that gets worse than 35MPG:  Imagine that your only vehicle was an 84-foot double-trailer Walmart semi, stuck in first gear with no muffler and a bed of nails for the driver’s seat. Would you take it down to the drive-through? Probably not. This is how ANY sub-35MPG vehicle should feel in your mind to drive regularly. It’s an emergency! Sell it! Replace it with a reasonable car!

My own Plan for Energy Efficiency

The latest sketchup model is fully detailed, and structural engineering is almost done too.(Thanks Mike B and Chris G!)

Because energy consumption is one of the biggest issues affecting humanity these days, I’ve decided to go just slightly overboard when renovating the new house. It presents an ideal blank slate for this experiment because in its current condition, it is an energy emergency. It came with almost completely uninsulated walls and ceilings, and a drafty crawlspace that lets winter air blow directly in from the outside. I found it both ridiculous and amazing that the house has existed in this condition, wasting energy for almost 60 years.

But through this blog, I had the good fortune of hearing from a reader/energy expert named Roch Naleway who manages a department of GP Conservation products. Born in Germany and having lived in the Netherlands and now Portland, Oregon, you can imagine the strict views this man has on energy efficiency. And he has been lecturing me to take my own own game to the next level on this project.

Insulation:  The new insulation will be a combination of sprayed-on foam insulation, rigid foamboard with foil backing, and standard batts. The roof, all-important in a wide flat house like this one, will be insulated to R-50.

Free Solar Heat: The amount of South-facing glass in the house should provide more than enough to heat the entire structure for most of the cool season, since my region gets over 300 sunny days per year.

Supplemental Heat: The house currently has an old gas furnace with creaky mouse-filled ducts. This will be replaced with a 95%-efficiency gas boiler and radiant under-floor heat installed between the ducts from the crawlspace side. Although it will hopefully not be used much, it will be a luxurious and efficient way to warm the house, and an excuse for me to learn how to install a multi-zone boiler heat system. Also nicely compatible with roof-mounted solar water heating panels in the future.

Electricity: I will be installing a very fancy clothesline overlooking the park, and no air conditioning system at all. With LED lighting throughout, our bills should be even lower than they are today. With usage this low and a local utility that discourages grid-tied solar installations, solar panels are not practical at this time, but I will probably do some off-the grid experiments in the future – stay tuned.

Water Heating: Either a tankless natural gas heater or an electric heat pump water heater will get the job done here. I will supplement it in the summer with a Hawaiian-style outdoor shower that gets its heat entirely from a simple coil of black irrigation pipe mounted on the roof.

As the final bit of this energy efficiency experiment, I just ordered a fine new tool which should come in handy for both the blogging and construction “businesses” : an 8-foot-long bike trailer from Bikes at work that can carry huge items up to 300 pounds. With my new house only 1.7 miles from the Home Depot, I plan to use this to haul most of the construction materials, eliminating countless trips in the van and giving me some serious leg training in the process.

 Energy Efficiency Shopping: If you find this field as interesting as I do, I recommend browsing around GP Conservation’s site. If you have questions about the field, ask them in the comments and I’ll try to get Roch to spend an entire workday answering them for us.

Further Reading: Wired Magazine comments on how we’ll all be using almost entirely clean energy by 2050 – I sure hope so.

* I recently upgraded the last frontier – the kitchen – with higher-end LEDs from GE. These were the first LED bulbs I found with a sufficently good “color rendering index” to make the food look tasty, and thus they finally allowed me to remove the power-hungry halogens.

Source: mrmoneymustache.com

Apache is functioning normally

Where are the best spots to chill out in Atlanta? The answer could be your own home, if you find the right place.

There is so much to do in Atlanta that it’s not hard to find a spot that gives off soothing vibes. However, that public spot is one you have to share with the rest of the city. What’s better is finding it in your own community.

Apartments in Atlanta with spa-like amenities and special features that are perfect for relaxing can enhance your living experience overall. They’ll give you a little peace among the hustle that city living offers up.

Even if you think you know everything about Atlanta, here are some of the best apartments that give you an experience that’s better than the tranquility you’ll find at the spa.

Source: Rent. / Arts Center Tower

Looking for that perfect chill spot in Atlanta? The outdoor lounge at Arts Center Tower is a great choice. A nice stone fireplace sits outdoors surrounded by comfy patio furniture. There are TVs and a grilling and dining area, too. Two cornhole sets complete the area.

Even better, this Northeast Atlanta community has a landscaped zen garden and pool for additional places to relax.

Source: Rent. / Camden Buckhead

Can luxury exist in a bathroom? With a shower like the one at Camden Buckhead, you’d better believe it can. Have a spa experience at home every day with this massive, multi-sprayer shower. Clean white marble and plenty of space make the experience even better. While not all bathrooms at Camden Buckhead look the same, they all come with a little refinement.

Fancy bathrooms fit right in here in Buckhead. This upscale neighborhood is one of the most desirable areas for locals. Camden Buckhead sweetens the pot with additional amenities like a dog spa, 24-hour fitness club, pocket parks and saltwater swimming pool.

Source: Rent. / Gables Midtown

Commune with nature among the trees in the outdoor dining area at Gables Midtown. With grills right beside it, this is the perfect space to have a nice, relaxing meal. Surrounded by greenery with a nice pergola above, you’ll forget you’re in the city.

Close to Piedmont Park, in one of the oldest neighborhoods in Atlanta, this Piedmont Heights community has plenty of amenities. Take advantage of the complimentary bike rental to go explore the park, then use the cyber lounge, pet parlor, pool and fitness center when at home.

Source: Rent. / The Maverick Townhomes

Cozy up around the fire at The Maverick Townhomes for a quality moment of serenity. Large-backed chairs pull up to the brick outdoor fireplace, creating a nice peaceful pocket to relax in alone or with friends.

Located in Peoplestown, one of many neighborhoods along The BeltLine, The Maverick Townhomes is a unique find. Amenities include a covered pavilion and amphitheater with scheduled events and so much more.

Source: Rent. / Station R

Take a break where it’s easiest, a place with cool vibes and plenty of seating. That’s what you’ll find at Station R. The large outdoor lounge has a covered, couch-filled section, tables with umbrellas and a nice patch of grass to bring it all together.

Other amenities of this Reynoldstown community include a pet spa, yoga and spin studio and an entertainment kitchen. Situated in a quieter part of town, you’ll enjoy the diverse and friendly atmosphere of this walkable location.

Source: Rent. / Aven Chastain

If your ideal relaxation spot is one you can access whenever you want, find an apartment with a great balcony. The one at Aven Chastain checks plenty of boxes, being a nice size and overlooking plenty of greenery. The community also features a bark park, poolside kitchen, lounge area and more.

Within the friendly and established community of High Point, living here puts you close to Chastain Park on the south side of the city. You also slide up to The BeltLine for easy access.

Source: Rent. / The Reserve at La Vista Walk

Grab an Adirondack chair and settle in beside the stone-framed fountain at The Reserve at La Vista Walk. Located beside the outdoor dining area, you can chill here before or after eating al fresco. There are four courtyards to enjoy here, along with landscaped Zen gardens. It’s a nice variety of comforting outdoor spaces to choose from.

Other amenities within this Martin Manor community include a 24-hour fitness center with group exercise classes, a remote workspace and lap and lounge pools with cabanas.

Source: Rent. / Camden Phipps

It’s back to the bathrooms for a spa-like experience at Camden Phipps. It’s the height of luxury apartment living, to have a bathroom with two sinks, a tub and a separate shower. Soft lighting and cool hues on the wall enhance the spa vibes coming from this great space that you’re guaranteed to use every day you call this community home.

Mirroring the nice bathrooms, this Buckhead community has killer balconies. You’ll also find a 24-hour fitness center and outdoor entertainment area complete with grilling stations.

Source: Rent. / The Peach Atlanta

Soak in city views on your own private balcony at The Peach Atlanta. Unwind after a long day or gear up for a fun weekend in the ATL. These curved balconies give you a broader view of a combination of mature trees and city buildings. Other calming amenities in this Northeast Atlanta community include jacuzzi tubs and extra-large bathrooms.

If you ever decide to leave your apartment, you can take advantage of the rooftop deck and lounge, workspace and private, pet-friendly park.

Source: Rent. / Wesley Townsend

If all you need is a really good chair to lounge in when it’s time for a break, visit Wesley Townsend. This opulent community has a few different lounges, each with deep couches and chairs to settle into, and large windows to brighten the space.

Offering up complimentary Saturday breakfast, this Colonial neighborhood community is in the middle of everything. The area boasts some great restaurants, shops and art venues.

Find an Atlanta apartment that’s better than going to the spa

No matter what amenities speak to you while you’re on the hunt in Atlanta, make sure you don’t discount the need for some R&R. As you look at those amazing gyms, sparkling pools and great parking, take some time to scope out whether the community has a space perfect for chilling. Finding that will complete the package and make for an amazing place to call home.

Source: rent.com

Apache is functioning normally

Live your best luxurious life with these apartments that will help you chill out better than if you went to a spa.

Getting downtime is so crucial, especially in a city like Boston. Everyone who lives here knows things move at a fast pace. Finding a place where you can unwind is ideal, so why not look for a Boston apartment that offers plenty of quiet and comfy spots?

No matter what neighborhood in Boston appeals to you, there are places with great amenities that include somewhere to grab a tranquil moment.

Which one of these places spells out serenity to you? We’ll prove that the best spas in Boston can be found right in your new home.

Source: Rent. / West Square

Finding the perfect little bit of green space in Boston, away from the foot traffic in the public parks isn’t easy, but West Square has an oasis that works. A lovely square of green at the center of the community sits among bushes and flowers, creating a meditative spot.

This green community, located on the south side of D Street – West Broadway, is not only close to the water but includes off-street parking, an entertainment lounge with fireplace and pet spa.

Source: Rent. / AVA Theater District

Take a breather in the funky lounge in AVA Theater District. This cool, colorful community offers up a nice space to chill in, with plenty of seating and a paneled accent wall for a little bit of zen. Bright colors follow the decor throughout this community where you’ll find neon coffee tables in the Sky Pavilion’s chill lounge and bright orange seating in the game room.

In an ideal Boston location, AVA Theater District, in the Central neighborhood, is close to Boston Common as well as the MBTA. The community also provides garage parking and is pet friendly.

Source: Rent. / Piano Craft Guild

A large green space attached to an apartment building is an amazing find, and this terraced, grassy area is a great addition to Piano Craft Guild. There’s nothing more soothing than soaking up the sun on warm days in this city. Mature trees offer some shade in this enclosed courtyard and the space is large enough to even entertain friends.

Within the close-knit, highly walkable South End, Piano Craft Guild is only a few blocks from the city center and comes complete with an infinity pool, Zen garden, study and fitness space.

Source: Rent. / The West End Apartments

Snuggle into the plush perfection of a soft green chair and lose yourself in your favorite movie at The West End Apartments. The theater room will immediately take you out of your day’s stresses. With plenty of chairs, you can even invite some friends to decompress with you.

Close to shopping, restaurants and pubs, with amazing views of Boston Harbor and the Charles River, this West End gem has plenty of other amenities to explore.

Source: Rent. / Mbh Apartments

Really good windows. Not just a few small rectangles here and there, but double-decker stacks of glass that take up almost an entire wall. It’s not every day this amazing feature shows up in an apartment, but when you have them, the views are spectacular and the increased levels of natural light can transform any room into a serene getaway. At Mbh Apartments, these huge windows, framed in black, have a cool and modern look, giving you excellent city views both day and night.

Situated in the Fenway neighborhood, this is one of the most perfect locations in Boston. You’re close to everything, including the iconic Green Monster in Fenway Park.

Source: Rent. / Garrison Square

The many brick buildings in Boston help give the city its particular look, so finding a nice apartment courtyard that combines greenery with bricked pathways creates a special space. At Garrison Square, the center courtyard has plenty of bushes and potted plants among some hardscaping and brickwork. A comfy couch and some patio chairs in a few seating areas provide ample space to just relax.

Nestled beside the Charles River, in Back Bay, the best part of living here is the location. You’re close to Copley Square and Newbury Street, giving you plenty of options when it comes to restaurants, bars and shops.

Source: Rent. / Avalon North Station

Take a breather with amazing city views in the plush lounge at Avalon North Station. This Central neighborhood community offers up a nice, open space that’s full of light, and plenty of seating. A small TV area allows you to decompress with friends over your favorite show, movie or sporting event as well.

This LEED Silver-certified building has plenty of amenities, including the Sky Pavilion Lounge. You’ll also find garage parking, a WAG pet spa, and fitness studio with on-demand programming all within steps of both the orange line and green line of the T.

Source: Rent. / The Alyx at EchelonSeaport

When you think of an apartment being better than a spa, how often do you consider the bathroom? You’ll be in it every day, so finding one with a spa-like feel is a huge win. At The Alyx at EchelonSeaport, bathrooms feel serene in clean white, soft hues of gray and weathered browns. If just a shower, frameless glass adds depth, and the tubs are a perfect size. Soft vertical lighting around the vanity mirror also adds a little something extra to this calm space.

As another apartment in D-Street – West Broadway, you’ll also find a dog run and play area, resident lounge, pool, courtyard and fitness center.

Source: Rent. / The Greenhouse Apartments

Living up to its name, you’ll feel instant zen once you walk into The Greenhouse Apartments. The bright lobby has, at its center, the perfect array of plants and flowers, setting the tone for relaxation. Once you go outside, there’s a large outdoor dining area surrounded by tall bushes and manicured grass.

For anyone wanting to live in Back Bay, this idyllic spot also features a rooftop deck with heated pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center and valet garage parking. Living here puts you close to the T and gives you some great city views.

Source: Rent. / 62 On the Park

It’s not every day that you find an apartment with an in-unit fireplace. The ability to end your day in front of a warm fire, finding true relaxation, is a huge perk in a city that gets as cold as Boston. 62 On the Park has you covered though with a stylish fireplace tucked into the corner of the large living room.

There’s plenty of historical charm to this Central community that’s close to the green, orange and red MBTA lines. You’re also right beside Boston Common. It’s a fantastic Boston location to call home.

Find the best spas in Boston right at home

Thinking about it long and hard, what Boston apartment amenities are most important to you? Is it somewhere you can relax, the perfect fitness center or a huge, sparkling pool? Maybe it’s all three.

No matter what tops your list, always be on the lookout for extra space that shouts comfort. You’ll appreciate having a home to go to that’s more than just the actual apartment you live in.

Featured Image Source: RENT. / WEST SQUARE

Source: rent.com

Apache is functioning normally

Mrs. MM destroys a portion of our new house in a recent work session.

A few weeks ago, the MMM family lost about $12,000.

While this might sound like quite a bummer, the event wasn’t upsetting in the least. In fact, the days between that fateful event and today have been some of the most joyful and free days of our lives so far.

As you know, Mrs. Money Mustache keeps an old real estate license handy in her toolbelt. While she maintains the appropriate retired woman’s approach to the field, turning down business except in the case of helping the occasional friend who is buying or selling a house in our immediate neighborhood, she still finds herself helping out with a deal or two every year.

For the last few months, she has been touring houses with some friends who are currently renting a place nearby. They were shopping on the nicer side of our local neighborhood, which implies a 3-4 bedroom house in good condition at a price of around $400,000.

They shopped and shopped. Some places were perfect, but sold too quickly at a price just out of reach. Others were shabby and overpriced. There were various squawking battles from the colorful real estate agents and sellers involved in the process. Going through the all-too-familiar complications inspired my own article on how to buy a house.

At the end of it all, our friends decided to simply buy the nearly-new house they had been renting right in the same neighborhood for the past year. Their landlord had bought it just before the housing crash, and was happy to unload it now that our prices have recovered.

But the landlord proposed it as a private deal: cash would flow from buyer to seller, with no real estate agents on either side. With Realtors normally tacking a 6% commission onto every deal, this simpler arrangement would create a huge win/win situation for our friends and the homeowner.

The only problem was that Mrs. MM would no longer be eligible to receive her 2.8% paycheck, which is how a buyer’s agent normally earns a living. With a purchase price around $400k, this implies a loss of almost $12,000 in income. This fact was not lost on our friends.

“How should we handle this?”, they asked. “We don’t want you to get shafted after doing all this work – should we raise the selling price so you can get your commission? Should we renegotiate the deal harder so the landlord will pay you out of her cut?”

“Bah… don’t worry about it!”, said my wife. “We’re just happy that you found a place you like, and that you are getting such a great deal on it. Enjoy your new freedom from the grind of shopping and moving, and congratulations!”

.

That night she told me of her decision, and we both toasted some heartily filled wine glasses and had a laugh over the whole situation. We were glad our friends had finally found a house.  We both knew that they would benefit from the lower purchase price much more than we would benefit from an extra twelve grand of before-tax income. There would surely be other deals and other windfalls in the future. And more importantly, we value the friendship and were very thankful that the sticky issue of money did not have to get in the middle of it. Friendships, businesses, and even families have been broken apart over much smaller sums.

I share this story because it is a particularly sweet illustration of the Position of Strength. It is an example of why financial independence, freedom from an addiction to ever-increasing luxury, and when you really think about it, all forms of strength are such incredibly useful things to build into your own life.

Looking back at my list of all the articles, I am starting to realize that this isn’t a personal finance blog or even a lifestyle design blog. It’s a neverending sermon on the joy of strength.  Strength, also known affectionately as Badassity, is at the root of most of the joy in a human life. And weakness, which also manifests itself as Complainypants and Wussypants diseases, is what makes you unhappy. The solution to leading a great life is therefore so simple, it is almost insane that our entire society is geared to run directly against it.

So let us browse through a few of life’s most powerful sources of strength to soak up its amazing connection just about everything:

  • Money is the most acknowledged source of strength in modern society, for it gives you the power to get other people to serve you, and to do so with a smile.
  • An Abundance of Money is even more powerful, because you no longer find yourself feeling the need to act like a weenie in the pursuit of more of it. With this Abundance power, you can properly align your earning and your spending with your values, rather than just seeking out the cheapest option or trying to squeeze more money out of your customers, employees, or fellow citizens.
  • The Desire for Ever-Increasing Material Luxury is therefore a serious weakness. In the playground of life, there is a giant teeter totter. Mr. Abundance sits at one end of it, with his casually ripped physique, faded skateboarding shirt and scruffy facial hair. Mr. Luxury sits directly opposite him, clean-shaven in a 3-piece suit with those shiny pointy-toed business shoes and a rounded little beer belly tucked in behind a tight belt. You can never satisfy Luxury – there is always another level of fanciness to attain, and thus he can never have quite enough money.
  • Giving is a form of strength. When you say, “I have more than I need, and thus my desire to take should fade away as my desire to help out grows”.
  • Taking is therefore a form of weakness. On the playground, Luxury maintains just a little more desire to take,  which competes with his desire to give. Meanwhile, Mr. Abundance is always working on needing less. The “taking” weakness continues to shrink, allowing him to invest more in his “giving” strength.
  • Health is a form of strength. With health comes a clearer mind, more energy, a greater range of options and comfort zones, and a longer time alive to enjoy the offerings and mysteries of this planet. Life can dish you a blow, and you can get up and get back to work.
  • Physical Strength is the part of health that is mostly ignored in the United States, yet it is the most useful and efficient component. Sure, aerobics and bicycling can keep the worst effects of early decay at bay, but lifting heavy old-fashioned barbells and dumbells is a much faster and more thorough way to keep all of your systems in working order and create a foundation for the rest of your life’s strength.
  • Skills are a form of strength. Each thing you learn to do improves your quality of life in astonishing ways, because it makes you stronger. If you are good at your job, you have the ability to earn lots money. But if this is your only skill, you need to outsource your food preparation, transportation, relationships, entertainment, and the repair and maintenance of everything you own including your own body. If your money supply fails or your hired specialists don’t do their jobs perfectly, your life falters. By insourcing all the basics required for happiness, you build a self-reinforcing resilient mesh of power that makes you happier, wealthier, and more interesting as well.

By now you are probably pretty excited about the Position of Strength, and you are ready to step into it. But there one point that underpins everything above, and it is the one our marketing engine works so hard to hide from you.

  • Voluntary Discomfort is the secret cornerstone of strength. We build our whole lives around increasing comfort and avoiding discomfort, and yet by doing so we are drinking a can of Weakness Tonic with every morning’s breakfast.

Discomfort is generally regarded as a bad thing. If you’re a mother of five in a developing country and you run out of food, or your children are injured or killed by disease or war, saying it absolutely sucks would be a great understatement. This is involuntary discomfort at its worst, and the resulting unhappiness makes perfect sense.

But when you, as a privileged rich-world resident walk into hardship and discomfort willingly, the feeling is completely different.

My favorite part of every weekday is cycling with my son to school. The morning temperature at this time of year is right around the freezing mark, and I make a point of wearing just a bit less warm clothing than I need for complete comfort.

“Don’t you need a bigger coat?”, my wife asks. “It’s freezing out there!”

But the feeling of cold wind on my skin is exactly what I need to feel alive in the morning. Pushing the frontier of comfort is a simple way of building strength, preparation for the coming winter, and by extension, happiness.

After all, my son and I could just as easily drive the car that 0.77 mile distance to the school, thereby avoiding all discomfort completely. Heck, I could start driving for all my errands around town just like a Car Clown. I could avoid the burning sensation of trying to lift the barbells in my garage and be more comfortable too. Sitting in my office typing this blog article is much more comfortable than lying in the crawlspace under my new house welding up the new structural supports, and it pays much better too. Perhaps I should also outsource the hard physical activity to a specialist. A 2014 Mercedes would be more comfortable than my 2005 Scion, a $2000 bike would out-cozy my $300 one, and in the summer my house would be more comfortable at 75 degrees than the 86 level where I currently consider turning on the air conditioning. It would be more comfortable to have a housekeeper and a chef, a private driver and a gardener, and these days we could even afford to add these comforts to our lives without the discomfort of having to work.

And yet we continue to not purchase any of them, and to do quite a bit of unnecessary work. Why? Have we developed some sort of insanity?

The answer is exactly the opposite: If you go back and look through those points which define the Position of Strength, you see that every bit of the conventional and comfortable path undermines that position.

Our entire culture teaches us to seek out all possible comforts, and to be unhappy when we don’t have them. And thus, it dooms us to a life of permanent involuntary discomfort, and therefore permanent weakness.

Living a life of weakness is not fun

Living a lifestyle of strength is extremely fun.

The only insanity is the fact that almost nobody chooses this option.

Source: mrmoneymustache.com

Apache is functioning normally

If you’re looking to bring a little Southern charm into your home, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re moving to Raleigh, NC, living in Orlando, Florida, or calling Columbia, SC, home, there’s no denying the appeal of traditional Southern design. From the warm welcome of a front porch to the cozy comforts of a sunroom, Southern style is all about creating a space that is both inviting and stylish. In this article, we’ll share some tips and DIY tricks from experienced designers who specialize in Southern design. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to refresh your existing décor, these ideas will help you create a beautiful, Southern-inspired home.

1. Create a perfect blend of antique and modern elements

“One of my favorite ways to add a touch of Southern charm to your home decor is by mixing new pieces with antique and vintage finds. I recommend sticking to box stores for items such as couches or bedding and sourcing decorative items like ginger jars, coffee table books, and statement furniture from antique shops. This helps a space look updated, clean, yet lived-in and warm,” recommends Seaside Southern

2. Add a touch of Southern charm to your porch life with a joggling board

“Obviously, one of the great aspects, beyond interior design details, is how we celebrate life on the porch in the South with gas lanterns, beautiful shutter details, and a few Southern traditions like the joggling board,” shares Crane Island.

3. Create a warm, inviting atmosphere: hospitality in Southern style homes

“I wholeheartedly believe that the most interesting and impactful decor often has an intentional connection to hospitality, something we’re truly known for in the South. While we design our homes to be spaces we love, we also desire to create an atmosphere that is warm, inviting, and a natural extension of our own sensibilities to be shared with guests as well,” says Rebecca Rose Events. 

“Never be afraid to mix old with new, blend bold and unexpected patterns, prints, and colors that suit your personality, and bring a little bit of the outdoors inside – or vice versa. The most beautiful, interesting, and inviting Southern homes are those that give friends and loved ones an instant feeling of authentic connection to the host.”

4. Create inviting color schemes, mix textures and patterns

“Adding Southern charm to a home is sure to make it a cozy and inviting place. Our favorite way to incorporate that feeling in design is by using color and pattern in purposeful ways,” suggests Southern Oak Provisions. “Try using color on trim and not just on a feature wall. Mix patterns by repeating a color scheme, but make sure to use a variety of small-scale and large-scale patterns. If you stick to your color scheme and vision, you’ll have a house full of charm in no time.”

5. Add a touch of Southern style by decorating with repurposed, vintage elements

“Southern Charm can be easily added to any decor. Think about a soft chenille throw, plush pillows, and vintage textiles that add charm to any room. Use vintage goods in repurposed ways to create interest. Antique chests, wooden boxes, large baskets, carpenter’s trunks, and vintage washing machines can all be repurposed into coffee tables,” recommends Southern Home and Farm.  

“Display any collections that you have. Vintage hats, aged ice cream buckets, or any other personal collection can become the focal point of any room. Be sure to match the materials and colors of frames and finishes. For example, use mostly wood frames in off-white colors. Use what you already have to avoid unnecessary spending. The best way to utilize your items is to repurpose them in new ways. Your space is a reflection of who you are, so create your own sanctuary by adding a bit of Southern Charm”

Courtesy of Southern Home and Farm

6. Add Southern charm to your curb appeal with colorful doors, flower pots, and plants

“Curb appeal is everything in the South, ” says Wine and Design. “Your guests should be wowed the moment they arrive and see your brightly colored peach or blue door. Consider the color choice of your door to flow and transition into your home. As your guests walk up to your porch, they can see the pillows, flower pots, and your brightly colored door visually come together. This theme continues to flow into your home through your tile selection, lighting, and incorporating more plants to bring the outdoors into your home.

At Wine & Design, we’ve seen a big surge in people creating pieces that combine soft elements like hydrangeas and peonies with stronger, textured elements. People are not only creating for the experience but for the opportunity to bring something warm and personal into their home. Southern living is not just a way of life, it’s a feeling of warmth and comfort that comes from being surrounded by the people and things you love.”

7. Blend classic and contemporary furniture for a timeless and modern look

“Southern charm is all about creating a harmonious blend of classic furnishings mixed with contemporary touches and color,” recommends Dorrie Ann Buccafusca from Simple Southern Charm. “I love a space that pairs a few classic foundational furnishings that evoke the warmth of traditional Southern style with bold and unexpected elements to keep the vibe fresh, exciting, and anything but cookie-cutter.”

8. Don’t forget to decorate your yard

“Southern charm begins at the door. After moving to Minden, Louisiana, I found and renovated a 1926 Louisiana cottage and was thrilled it had a front porch, essential in the South,” shares Simply Southern Cottage. 

“Whether you have a small entry or a nice long porch, create a warm and welcoming feel but with a personal twist.  Add a porch swing if possible and change the pillows for seasonal fun. Hang artwork or photographs which reflect your family history or personality.  Head to your local junk store and find a rustic lantern or terracotta vases, blending old and new. For a fun twist, add greenery from ferns and palm trees to topiaries. And, if you have a black thumb, artificial options will easily fool your neighbors.”

Photo Courtesy of Simply Southern Cottage

9. Create a welcoming seating arrangement for hosting guests

“One of the best ways to achieve this aesthetic is by incorporating bright colors, bold patterns, and seating arrangements that encourage conversation over a cold glass of sweet tea. A seating arrangement with bold pillow patterns is typically a staple in a Southern home,” suggests Z and Co Design Group.

“The more seats, the merrier. A long sofa can be balanced out with two pairs of comfortable upholstered chairs, and a skirted chair with an accent trim band can add a touch of elegance. While some may think rolled-arm upholstery is outdated, there are modern takes on it, such as curved, key, or modern scroll arms that accomplish the Southern upholstery look without the heavy, rolled pleated chair arm of our grandmothers’ houses. Situate this grouping under a large empire crystal chandelier, and you’ll instantly feel the Southern charm.”

10. Start with a neutral base, then add layers of design

“Designing with Southern charm in mind is a balancing act that can easily veer towards stuffy, formal sitting rooms with couches that no one can sit on. Who else had a Memaw with one of those? Says   Southern’spirations. Theyrecommend, “creating a welcoming and cozy space, while also incorporating Chinoiserie patterns, timeless blue and white accessories, and other heirloom-quality pieces, is to start with a neutral base, such as a neutral-colored couch. Then, add Southern charm in layers by hanging a favorite Chinoiserie pattern above it and placing a stack of design books and a ginger jar on the coffee table.”

11. Design your classic Southern sunroom

“For me, the quintessential Southern sunroom is designed with classic floral drapery, rattan seating draped with cool summer linen throws, and accented with checks and plaids. Don’t be afraid to refurbish your grandmother’s chest by painting it a soft blue. One of my favorite places to spend summer evenings,” shares lead designer and owner of La Maison Raleigh, Martha Schneider.

12. Make a statement with wallpapered ceilings and trimmed walls

“Consider wallpapering the ceiling of the mudroom that’s off of the back porch. Perhaps you decide to drench the main floor powder room in a colorful floral wallpaper. These are commonly used spaces by both homeowners and guests, and they’re small. This makes them the perfect spaces to take a leap with daring designs. To complete the space, a dynamic light fixture is the perfect finishing touch to these rooms,” recommends Zandy Gammons, Owner and Principal Designer of Miretta Interiors.

“Additionally, I like to encourage our clients to paint their trim. Trim is often forgotten about or deemed to be ‘always white’ and that is simply not the case anymore. By painting your trim, it adds a colorful architectural interest to the room and is a wonderful way to weave in color found elsewhere in the room such as the draperies or sofa fabric. Paint is the simplest, most straightforward way to make a big impact.”

13. Enhancing your home’s interior and exterior with stained cedar columns and faux beams

“If you wish to include additional features to help bring out the ‘Southern Charm’ and appeal to the interior and exterior of your home, try adding these two features that will be sure to capture your heart. Think about the outstanding look of stained interior cedar columns with stained faux beams in a high ceiling room. This look provides warmth and welcoming comfort while relaxing in the most commonly used room of the house,” suggest Blake Hodnett, Builder and Manager at Southern Design Builders.

Courtesy of Southern Design Builders

Source: redfin.com

Apache is functioning normally

Ah, summer. The word itself is enough to ignite a smorgasbord of delicious scenarios. Lively pool parties as the sun goes down, lazily reading a trashy airport novel with a chilled glass of lemonade, or even a slightly over-intense game of volleyball with the fam are just a few of the nostalgic images summer brings to mind. Even if these aren’t your exact go-to’s, we’re sure your mind flits to at least one scenario involving that iconic staple of summer — pools.

While owning a pool has a five-star rating when it comes to entertaining, lounging, and exercise benefits, there’s also some practical issues to consider before deciding if a pool is right for your family. Just for our Homie readers, we taking a deep dive into the breakdown of the pros, cons, and best ways to maximize your pool investment.

The Pros and Cons of Pool Ownership

Before you tell the kids they’re going to have a watery wonderland to cavort in during the summer months ahead, it’s smart to carefully consider the upsides and downsides before you dip your toes into swimming pool ownership.

Pros of Owning a Pool

  • Social Benefits 
    • “Public pools are fun,” they said. So, you lather up the kiddies in sunscreen and claim a spot on one of the coveted loungers with your latest page-turner. Just as you’re about to find out who pushed Angela over the stair banister, you look up and to your horror, see the toddler next to your own kids squint and scrunch into their “bathroom face.” Long gone are the days of yelling, “Get out of the pool NOW!” to your kids in front of total strangers. Having your own pool in the backyard offers a host of social benefits. Pool parties, barbecues, Fourth of July celebrations, and lackadaisical days by the pool are just a few of the backyard bonanzas you can dream up when you have your own pool.
  • Landscaping Benefits 
    • While Arizona is known for its cotton-candy hued sunsets and earthy desert landscapes, having a pool gives homeowners the opportunity to contrast the stereotypical desert aesthetic and create a tropical landscape that leans on the side of aloha. Surrounding your pool with sherbet-orange birds of paradise, wispy emerald vines, and a gentle, natural rock waterfall can turn your backyard into your own private oasis. Do we need to come right out and say that a gorgeous pool will make you the envy of your street?
  • Increase Marketability
    • Owning a swimming pool will increase your home’s resale value and marketability, especially with those steamy, but beautiful Arizona summers. The vast majority of potential Homie buyers are going to view households with an in-ground pool as a huge plus. Because of its leisure and convenience aspect, Homie buyers may show more initial interest in a house listing with a pool simply because it plays to their grandiose imagination of summer pool ragers with friends and family.
  • Health Benefits
    • Another sweet benefit to owning a pool is that it has an almost magical ability to make physical activity fun. If you struggle to get the kids away from a TV or computer screen, watch what happens when you have a gleaming, blue expanse of delicious swimming goodness waiting just outside! Families can schedule in daily swimming time as a fun way to incorporate an exercise regimen for kids — and they’ll be none the wiser! While your kids are busily splashing away and hosting a who-can-swim-the-fastest contest, their video games, phones and TV binge-watching habits will dwindle.

Cons of Owning a Pool

  • Safety Issues
    • While we don’t like being a Debbie-downer, having a pool, although great in the wondrous summer months, increases the need for adult supervision. Pools in general can be dangerous for young children, especially in Arizona where drowning is one of the top reasons for childhood injury or death. Although it doesn’t dismiss all potential for unfortunate accidents, one effective way to minimize pool danger is to have added safety measures installed, such as a locked pool gate. With the desire to have everything in your house be Pinterest-worthy, there are pool gate design options so your pool doesn’t have to sacrifice charming designs for safety.
  • Low Equity Value
    • Still tossing the pros and cons of a pool around? If you are solely investing in a pool because you think it will increase the amount of equity a house has, we hate to break it to you, but owning a pool only adds around seven percent to equity. In the grand scheme of things, a seven percent equity isn’t much in comparison to the $30,000 average investment that goes into the construction and addition of a backyard pool. As the saying goes…there is no beauty without pain.
  • Neighborhood Value
    • The rule is to never judge a book by its cover, but in the world of real estate, your neighborhood can determine the value of your house, regardless of how much winter-white subway tile you hand-laid in your house. When it comes to swimming pools, the value of your house may only benefit depending on how great the real estate gods deem your neighborhood. If you live in a higher-end neighborhood where the majority of your friendly neighbors all own swimming pools, your home could gain value with the addition of a swimming pool. On the contrary, if your house is worth $200,000 without a pool and $225,000 with a pool, the financial benefit of owning a pool is significantly less.
  • Ongoing Cost and Maintenance
    • While we would all like to believe the tiny aquatic vacuum droid patrolling the pool floor is enough to keep your pool sparkling clean, the truth is that pools do need constant maintenance, and this requires both money and time. Buying chalky chlorine tabs, filtering out pool water, installing a pool heater, and repetitively scooping out leaves, debris, and the occasional toy car courtesy of Tommy are all costs to take into consideration. Hiring a pool cleaner is definitely an option, but also requires extra moola in the bank.
  • Additional Insurance – Images of the kids spewing water at each other from pool noodles or getting that toasted-marshmallow tan you’ve always wanted are reason enough to want your own swimming pool. But as your Homie friend, we do have to let you know pools come with their fair share of liability issues. Depending on where you live and your specific homeowner’s insurance company, you may have to pay additional insurance costs to cover your swimming pool.

The Most Cost Effective Types of Pools

If we lived in a perfect world, we would all have enormous pools complete with a jade waterfall, full-sized bubbling jacuzzi and automatic fancy drink dispensers. But alas, this is the real world, and in this world, big luxuries cost big dollars. Although the swimming pools you see on Million Dollar Listing are not the most feasible for the average household, don’t despair. There are great, cost-effective ways to enjoy having your own pool. Here’s a bite-sized overview:

  • Build a Smaller Pool
    • Smaller pools cost less money. Who knew! It’s almost too obvious to state, but one of the best ways to reduce the cost of your in-ground pool is to make it smaller. Even if you have ample room in your backyard, a smaller pool means more room for other great summer fixtures, such as backyard furniture, a swing set or jungle gym for the kids, or even a lush patch of grass for Fido. While pools entertain guests in the summer, having other backyard features like the ones listed above can provide easy, breezy entertainment all year round.
  • Go Vinyl
    • When it comes to initial installation, vinyl pools are the kindest option to your wallet. Its counterparts — concrete and fiberglass pools — sport a significantly higher price tag and can take longer to install, which means you’ll be sadly standing around in your swimming trunks pool-less for longer. Before hopping on the vinyl pool train, however, know that vinyl liners last for about five to nine years before needing to be replaced. The replacement cost? $4,500 on average.
  • Hold out for Autumn
    • Swimming pools are synonymously rejoiced alongside summer, which means the demand for pool installation is highest during the summer or spring seasons. If you’re okay putting your pineapple-patterned one-piece away and getting your thrills watching new Netflix series, one way you may be able to save money is by installing a pool during the fall. By holding off on pool construction until the autumn season, pool contractors may be more open to negotiating a killer deal since business will have simmered down.
  • Buy a Pool Kit
    • For the do-it-yourself gurus, purchasing an in-ground pool kit gives you all the materials you need to build your own pool. If installing furniture from a certain Swedish company often leaves you in a crumpled, soggy mess of a human, we’d recommend giving the pool construction to someone else. To potentially save you some extra cash, buy a DIY pool kit and then hire an expert contractor to do the heavy lifting for you. When searching for your potential contractor, let them know you have all the necessary materials and want to know how much the cost of installation will be.

How to Maximize Your Pool Investment

If you’re reading this, we know you’re smart with your hard-won cash. After all, you did make the intelligent choice of being in fabulous cahoots with Homie. We appreciate the fact you like knowing the most efficient ways to stretch a dollar, and pools are no exception. If you decide to get a pool for your own benefit or for the benefit of selling your home, here are some tips to help you get the most splash for your cash in your pool investment.

  • Use a Pool Cover
    • Reduce the amount of time and prevent future problems by utilizing a pool cover. Having a pool cover will keep your pool free from strange floating debris and lower the chances of having to deal with any drain blockage down the road.
  • Use the Power of the Sun
    • If you’re going to live in the scorching deserts of Arizona, you might as well use the power of the sun to your advantage. Installing solar panels to heat your pool can not only save you money, but also extends the life of your swimming pool into the colder months. Heated dips into the pool with a mug of velvety cocoa? We think yes.
  • Reduce Filtration
    • When you’re not using the pool, save energy by reducing filtration in your pool. Be careful not to completely stop all filtration though. Just like it’s important to keep our body’s circulation happy and humming, a pool’s circulation is important to maintaining the cleanliness of your pool no matter the season.

Whether you are on the pro or con side of the pool gate, make sure to float your ideas to your partner and make an informed decision with the help of your friends at Homie. To infinity pool and beyond!

Source: homie.com