Warning About Shopping For Gift Cards This Holiday Season!

Gift Card Warning: Check Retailer's Health

Two-thirds of shoppers plan to give gift cards this holiday season, making those little plastic cards the second most popular gift after clothes, according to a national survey by Consumer Reports. But some experts warn that these gifts could be worthless if the current trend of retail bankruptcies continues.

Diane Turton wants to give you the heads up that if you tend to give gift cards around the holidays, you need to be careful that the cards will be honored afterward.

Stores that are planning to close after the holidays are still selling cards through the holidays even though the cards will be worthless January 1. There is no law preventing them from doing this. On the contrary, it is referred to as 'Bankrupcy Planning.'

Below is a partial list of stores that you need to be cautious about:

Circuit City filed Chapter 11
Ann Taylor 117 stores closing nationwide
Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug and Catherine's to close 150 stores nationwide
Eddie Bauer to close 27 stores; More to close after January
Cache will close all stores
Talbots closing down specialty stores
J. Jill closing all stores (owned by Talbots)
Pacific Sunwear closing all stores (owned by Talbots)
GAP closing 85 stores
Footlocker closing 140 stores; More to close after January
Wickes Furniture closing all stores
Levitz closing remaining stores
Bombay closing remaining stores
Zales closing 82 stores and 105 after January
Whitehall closing all stores
Piercing Pagoda closing all stores
Disney closing 98 stores; More to close after January
Home Depot closing 15 stores; 1 in NJ (New Brunswick)
Macys to close 9 stores after January
Linens 'N Things closing all stores
Movie Galley closing all stores
Pep Boys closing 33 stores
Sprint/Nextel closing 133 stores
JC Penney closing a many stores after January
Ethan Allen closing 12 stores
Wilson Leather closing all stores
Sharper Image closing down all stores
KB Toys closing 356 stores
Loews to close some stores
Dillard's to close some stores

It is estimated that consumers will lose about $100 million this year on gift cards due to bankruptcies. If you are still holding on to gift cards from last Christmas or birthday, now is the time to use them. If you are planning to purchase gifts cards as presents this year, check up on your retailer's health or opt for a "Mall Gift Card” instead.

No More Wall Paper Woes

No More Wall Paper Woes

If you've finally had enough of the brown floral wallpaper in your hallway then take some action! Removing wallpaper may seem like an overwhelming job but the end result's well worth the effort. You can of course rent a steamer or purchase chemically based wallpaper removal paste but we have two solutions below that are much less expensive and just as effective:

• Mix equal parts of white vinegar and hot water. Use a paint roller or large brush to apply the solution onto your wallpaper. Once it has throughly soaked through, the paper should peel off easily.
• Use a spray bottle filled with a half-and-half mixture of fabric conditioner and hot water and apply to the wallpaper. Leave on for about 30 seconds and then scrape and peel away.

Removing wallpaper can be a messy job so make sure you prepare the room first by laying drop cloths over your furniture and the floor and have a garbage can handy for cleanup. Once all the wallpaper has been removed, wash the walls with warm water and let them dry throughly before prepping the walls to be painted. Wallpaper's not as hard to remove as most people think so don't let it deter you from buying your next home.

Today's Tip For A Greener Life

Which Organic Foods Matter Most?

Research clearly shows that pesticides and chemicals in food adversely affect our health. The more we avoid exposure to these pesticides the better. Even if you wash your produce throughly, pesticide residue still remains and although peeling fruit will eliminate some of the pesticides, you'll also peel away nutrients and fiber.

Research clearly shows that pesticides and chemicals in food adversely affect our health. The more we avoid exposure to these pesticides the better. Even if you wash your produce throughly, pesticide residue still remains and although peeling fruit will eliminate some of the pesticides, you'll also peel away nutrients and fiber.

All certified organic foods must be produced according to strict rules and regulations without chemical pesticides. Buying organic food can be expensive so we've provided a list of fruits and vegetables that usually contain the highest and lowest levels of pesticides:

The Most Chemicals
peaches
apples
bell peppers
celery
nectarines

strawberries
tomatoes
green beans
raspberries
spinach

The Least Chemicals
onions
bananas
frozen sweet corn
pineapples
avocados
mangoes
frozen sweet peas
watermelon
cauliflower
kiwi fruit

We've only discussed fruits and vegetables in this article but other foods such as grains and rice also contain pesticides. Some dairy and meat products contain levels of antibiotics and growth hormones so it's important to educate yourself on the benefits of eating organically. Even if you're on a budget, using the above list will help you make wise, healthy choices that incorporate at least some organic foods.

Reaping Returns on Your Repairs

Before you put your home on the market, you'll need to take care of the various repairs you've been putting off as buyers factor these fix-ups into the purchase price and often overestimate the costs involved. They may also believe that other areas of the home have been neglected which can raise unnecessary red flags.

Here are some repair jobs that are well worth doing:

Flooring - Buyers almost always prefer hardwood floors so it pays to remove carpet and refinish them. If this isn't in your budget, consider painting them instead.

Kitchens & Bathrooms - Updating kitchens and bathrooms is one of the best ways to add value to a home. Buyers are put off by dirty grout so apply new caulking to freshen up the entire room. Lights and fixtures are also inexpensive and fairly easy to replace.

A Fresh Coat of Paint - Painting is one of the easiest ways to update your home. Choose a neutral shade and fill in cracks before repainting. Don't forget about the ceilings and make sure you also repair and paint your baseboards as they'll look dirty and beaten up when compared to your freshly painted walls.

Dripping Faucets - It may seem like a minor annoyance to you but to a potential buyer, a dripping tap can signal expensive plumbing repairs! Chances are, it'll only need a new rubber washer that costs less than a dollar so get down to your local hardware store and get it fixed.

Kitchen Cabinets - Many buyers decide whether your home is for them based on the feel of the kitchen. Repainting cabinets and adding new hardware can make a world of difference. If your counter has seen better days, a new counter top will update the entire kitchen without costing an arm and a leg. The Roof - “It needs a new roof” is a phrase that'll send shivers down a buyer's spine. If your roof needs replacing, it's better to do it now as buyers can get so turned off by the cost and hassle of getting a new roof that it can often be a deal breaker.

Buying a home is an emotional experience, so it's very important to create an incredible first impression that'll make buyers want to own your home the moment they set foot in it. You want your home to appear well looked after so take care of the jobs that seem minor like a small rip or stain on your carpet. Taking the time to do repairs to a home you'll soon be moving out of may seem like a hassle now, but it'll be well worth it in the end.

The Principles of Pricing

Pricing your home correctly is critical to a successful sale as it will help your home sell faster and for top dollar. Determining a home's asking price involves comparing similar homes that have recently sold while also investigating local market trends. In the end, the market will determine your selling price so it's critical you do your research upfront.

Start by evaluating the recent sales in your area that are similar in square footage and age. You'll also want to examine the number of bedrooms & bathrooms, the home's condition and other issues like surrounding houses (ie. is it the biggest house on the street). Don't forget to consider homes which have recently expired as well as those that are currently for sale.

Some people believe it's okay to list a home at a higher price because they can always reduce it later on; however, this often backfires as the home will develop a stigma if it sits on the market too long. A huge buzz is created when a new property hits the market but if it sits there, it will quickly lose its appeal and become stale. "How long has it been on the market?" is one of the first questions buyers ask. If it's been a while, they won't feel the need to make an offer right away. If on the other hand it's just been listed, there's a sense of urgency!

It's a common belief that sellers don't have anything to lose by overpricing their home as they won't lose out on any offers as they feel buyers will just offer what they feel is fair. This however isn't always the case since many buyers are hesitant to attach their name to a low offer as they don't want to insult the seller. Many buyers are intimidated by the negotiating process and feel they'll be wasting everyone's time with an offer that's so far off the asking price.

Timing is also a key issue. The Spring and Fall are traditionally the best times of year to sell so overpricing your home and having it sit on the market may mean you miss out on the peak time of year. Furthermore, carrying costs such as insurance, taxes and utilities will quickly build up if you get stuck carrying two homes at once.

Having your property sit on the market is also inconvenient as you'll need to keep it ultra clean for potential buyers who will want to come and see it on a moment's notice. Overpricing your property may also mean you unintentionally help your competition as buyers will see other homes in your area as better deals since they're less expensive. If you price your home at market value, those same buyers will consider your home more seriously.

Setting an asking price isn't an exact science and market factors (buyer or seller markets) make a huge difference so make sure you do your research ahead of time so you're able to best estimate a competitive asking price. The best case scenario when listing your home is that it sells quickly and for top dollar. To achieve this ideal scenario, make sure you don't overprice your home.

Fall 'Fix-Ups' For Your Home

Regularly maintaining your property helps to protect your most important investment. It's also much more cost effective to pro-actively fix problems before they occur rather once they're past the point of no return. Regular maintenance should be part of your routine so this year be organized with a Fall home maintenance checklist that includes the following:

• Oil door hinges to stop them from squeaking.
• Inspect your locks to make sure they're operating properly.
• Test and clean your carbon monoxide and smoke alarms.
• Remove any birds nests from electrical areas as they present fire hazards.
• Replace your furnace filter. They need to be replaced regularly and the Fall's a great time to do it.
• Check the weatherstripping on your windows and doors so warm air doesn't escape.
• Have your furnace serviced as it will increase its efficiency which will save you money.
• Clean leaves from gutters and test the downspout with a hose.
• Ensure water doesn't pool around your home as it can damage your foundation.
• Check your home's exterior for any holes that rodents could use to gain entry.

Performing these preventative maintenance tasks will help ensure small problems don't turn into big headaches that need to be professionally attended to on short notice. Just a little bit of time and planning will help you maintain your home's value. You'll also keep your monthly costs down as your home will be more efficient.

Today's Tip For Greener Living

The cost of gas is soaring at an out of control rate like we've never seen before but there are many simple tricks that will help you maximize your car's fuel efficiency. Follow this advice and you'll not only save money but you'll also be doing your bit for the environment. Here are a few great tips that will help you guzzle less gas and pocket more cash at the pump:

• Don't idle as it unnecessarily wastes fuel.
• Keep your tires inflated to the proper pressure.
• Don't constantly jam on your brakes and then rapidly accelerate.
• Regular tune-ups save gas by making your car more efficient.
• Carpooling every so often will make a huge difference to your fuel costs.
• Slow down - speeding increases fuel consumption by as much as 50%.
• Aside from being great for your car, regular tune-ups save gas by making your car more efficient.
• Remove unnecessary items from your car as the extra weight will reduce fuel efficiency.

The best way to cut back on fuel is to reduce the amount of time you drive so next time you're about to climb into the car and start the engine, ask yourself if you can just walk there instead. You'll save a lot of money by cutting out unnecessary trips and even better, your heart will thank you for the extra exercise!

Top Five Costly Home Buyer Mistakes

Aside from being a huge financial decision, buying a home is an emotional roller coaster. It's easy to make mistakes when you're swept up in the excitement of it all. There are many common buyer errors to be aware of - here are just a few to look out for:

1. Location, Location, Location - Determining the location that best suits your family's lifestyle is critical. Make sure you consider things like public transportation, schools, proximity to stores and crime rates. It's also important to plan ahead so if you hope to start a family in your new home, consider features like local parks and school zones even though they're not an immediate priority.
2. Choosing the Wrong Home - It's so easy to be taken in by a home's curb appeal but if it doesn't have that critical third bedroom, walk away! Buyers also get caught up in a home's beautiful furniture and decor only to realize on closing that when the stylish furniture's gone, only chipped and faded paint remains. You need to be aware of the features that fit your family's lifestyle before looking at homes, so make a list and stick to it.
3. Buying a Home that's Too Expensive - Buyers will often look at homes that are way out of their price range which they obviously fall in love with. Because they've overextended themselves, they're often forced to sell - usually at a loss. Avoid the temptation by ensuring you only view homes you know you're able to afford.
4. Not Getting a Home Inspection - Getting a home inspection is money well spent. Just because you've viewed the home for an hour doesn't mean all is well behind the scenes. Making an offer contingent on a home inspection ensures there aren't any nasty surprises lurking in the basement or attic that could end up costing you thousands of dollars.
5. Being Too Cautious - The house you've fallen in love with today could be sold tomorrow if you don't move quickly. Avoid this regret by doing your research ahead of time so you're confident enough to act swiftly when the time comes. Always get a mortgage pre-approval beforehand and take advantage of the services offered by your Realtor such as estimating the home's value by comparing it to others that have recently sold.

As buying a home is a very emotional experience, it's important to stay grounded so you don't make any errors that will cause you to second guess your purchase. To avoid these regrets at a later date, make sure you conduct your research ahead of time, know what features you're looking for in a home and be prepared to make a strong offer when the time's right.

How to Slash Your Grocery Bill

If you're like most people, you tend to wander around the grocery store spontaneously adding hoards of unnecessary items to your cart. It's easy to go over budget if you're not careful so read on to learn how a few smart choices can save you thousands of dollars off your grocery bill each year!

• Do you have loads of food but nothing to make dinner with? Planning your meals ahead of time will help you avoid this problem. A list will also help you avoid impulse purchases.
• Never shop when you're hungry as you'll end up purchasing additional items you wouldn't normally buy such as delicious looking desserts.
• Leave the kids at home as they always find ways to sneak extra items into the cart and can distract you from working out the best deals.
• Don't be enticed by the items on display at eye level. Higher and lower level shelves are where the cheaper products are placed.
• Make sure to compare unit prices to determine whether or not they're cheaper. The unit price is usually calculated under the main price - bigger isn't always better!
• Try to buy large quantities when they're on sale as long as you can use them by the expiration date. Purchasing a second freezer will pay for itself in no time.
• Don't forget to keep your coupons clipped to your shopping list or in your wallet. There's nothing more frustrating than realizing you've left them at home.

Lots of us are feeling the pinch due to rising food costs so now's a great time to change our shopping habits. By incorporating just two or three of these tips, you'll notice a substantial difference in your grocery bills. It adds up quickly - a weekly savings of $50 amounts to a staggering $2,600 a year!

Today's Tip For A Greener Life

No, it's not your imagination - it definitely is getting hotter. The eight warmest years on record occurred over the past decade. But staying cool this summer doesn't necessarily mean you have to pay a fortune to keep the air-conditioning running day and night. Here are 10 tips - most costing less than $25 - that will keep you comfortable and cut the typical $1,000 cooling bill by as much as half. What's needed to get the temperature to drop? Only a little time and a few changes in your routine. Tip: Use Sunblockers As much as 20% of summer heat enters your home as sunlight shining through windows. To cut "solar gain," add curtains or blinds to rooms that get direct sun and draw them in daylight hours. With the shades drawn, a well-insulated house will gain only 1 degree per hour when outdoor temperatures are above 85 degrees. Pay special attention to west-facing rooms late in the day. Shades and blinds to consider include roller shades (the least expensive option), venetian-type micro-blinds, reflective curtains and insulated curtains (the most expensive, at $100 per window). Cost: $8 to $100 per window Benefit: Up to 20% of your cooling bill Source: David Dobbs, This Old House

The Smooth Move

Although moving can be an exciting life change, it can also be a very stressful event. To ensure things go smoothly, start a detailed checklist at least two months before your actual move as the more organized you are, the easier it will be. Here are a few points to keep in mind: Two Months Before

• Make a complete inventory of all the major items you'll be moving.
• Get some estimates and book the movers. You may also want to start sucking up to friends and family for help!
• Moving is a great time to get rid of clutter; you know, the stuff you forgot you even had! Don't make the mistake of hauling it to your new home. Instead, have a garage sale or donate it to charity.

One Month Before

• Update your insurance, medical and school records to your new location. You can speak to a Signature Diane Turton, Realtors insurance consultant by calling 1.800.854.8002 or emailing signatureinsurance@dianeturton.com.
• Arrange to disconnect and reconnect utilities and telephone/Internet services.
• This is a good time to start tackling the administrative details. Change your address with the post office and email friends and relatives with your new contact details.

A Few Weeks Before

• Plan meals so all the food in your fridge and freezer gets used up.
• Start getting boxes and packing materials together.
• Pack items you don't regularly use such as books and games.- Arrange for someone to look after your pets on moving day.
• Return library books and DVD materials.

The Final Week

• Water your plants a couple of days before you move.
• Start packing up your belongings and make sure to clearly label the fragile items.
• Gather together all your personal items such as legal documents, photos and other valuables and transport them yourself for safe keeping.
• Label a box of items you'll need for the first few nights. The last thing you'll want to do when you get to your new home is hunt for your toothbrush.

Day of the Move

• Double check the movers have your new address as well as your cell phone number.
• Unscrew light bulbs from all your lamps.- Make sure you have your new keys.
• Have lots of refreshments on hand for your busy helpers!

During a move, you may experience emotions ranging from deep sadness to extreme excitement. Although moving can seem like a daunting task, being prepared and organized will save you a lot of stress. With the help of the above checklist, you can now breathe a sigh of relief and enjoy this exciting new phase of your life!

Time Flies When You're Having Fun

If you have young children, flying has likely taken on a whole new meaning and fun probably isn't the word that springs to mind! Having an enjoyable flight with little ones in tow means being prepared and staying relaxed, so read on for some ideas on how to do just that.

Get All the Info - When you book your ticket, ensure you have all the necessary information such as whether or not a car seat's required and if so, what kind. Also, ask about policies regarding strollers and if they can be gate checked. Finally, reserve the bulkhead seats if you're traveling with an infant and ask if they have a baby bed you can use.

How Much Stuff?! - Before you leave, make sure each child has their own backpack to take some of the pressure off yourself. Bring more of everything including snacks, sticker books, crayons, toys and a change of clothes in case your flight's delayed. Put diapers and wipes in a separate bag so you won't have to lug your entire backpack to the bathroom.

Get a Move On - One effective strategy for coping with the confined space during the flight is to keep your children moving from the moment you get to the airport right up until you board the plane. They'll burn up lots of energy which will keep them from kicking the poor person's chair in front of you.

Fasten Your Seatbelts - Once you've boarded the plane, put some items in the seat pockets so you're able to reach them in case there's a period of turbulence and you're unable to access the overhead compartment. A familiar blanket or stuffed toy will also come in handy if your child becomes frightened. Don't forget to give the little ones a drink to relieve ear pressure during take off and landing.

Despite the faster pace of life that goes along with parenthood, it takes so much longer to do anything with kids in tow so leave lots of extra time. Although you may think you'll have an eternity at the airport with check-in, snack time, bathroom breaks and other activities, it'll be time to board before you know it. Keep a cool head, breathe deeply and you're sure to enjoy a smooth, fun ride!

The Perfect Picnic

With the warm weather upon us, why not spend a day with friends and family enjoying some outdoor fun! Local parks and nature areas offer picnic shelters which usually include a covered area, picnic tables and grilling equipment. One of the hardest parts of organizing a picnic is remembering everything so make a checklist which should include:

• food, drinks & condiments
• plates, cups & paper towel
• seating & serving utensils
• a cooler with lots of ice
• BBQ equipment
• garbage bags for clean-up & ziploc bags for leftovers
• blankets and/or chairs and lots of games

Parks and other natural areas offer a great opportunity for children to have fun exploring and most will have all the amenities required to host a great event but make sure to reserve ahead of time just to be sure. If you're throwing a children's birthday party you could even plan a nature activity or treasure hunt for the younger ones. Remember your checklist and have fun!

Today's Tip For a Greener Life

The trend for warmer summers is keeping us grilling. But there's no fire without smoke, and this is where a little care is needed if you want to entertain whilst also being kind to the planet.

• Use a real barbecue rather than a disposable one.
• Light your barbecue with a special chimney starter for greater efficiency.
• Don't use lighter fluid which releases Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
• Use reusable dishes rather than disposable and washable napkins rather than paper. If you must use disposables, use compostable plates, cups and utensils or items made from recycled materials.
• Shop greener to reduce waste especially of packaging. Avoid single serving products. Buy in bulk and larger containers.
• After the barbecue, recycle and compost what you can - including charcoal ashes.
• Give away any leftovers to cut down on food waste.

Knee Deep In Dept

Almost everyone faces financial hardship at some point in their life but depending on the circumstances, it can almost always be overcome. That said, planning your way out of debt can be overwhelming so we've included some strategies to help make it easier. Developing a Budget - First you'll need to realistically assess how much money comes in and goes out. Start by listing all sources of income and then list your fixed expenses such as your mortgage payments. Next, list any expenses that vary such as entertainment and then prioritize the expenses to see what you can cut back on. Contacting Your Creditors - If you're having trouble making the payments, contact the creditor before they contact you and work out a plan that will reduce your monthly payments to a more manageable level. It's important to take this step before your account gets turned over to a debt collector as your credit rating may be affected by that point. Credit Counseling Services - Your creditors may be willing to accept reduced payments if you enter a debt repayment plan with a reputable organization. You deposit money each month with the credit counseling agency which is used to pay your creditors according to a pre-determined payment schedule. Mortgage Lenders - Most mortgage lenders are willing to temporarily work with you if they believe you're acting in good faith. Some lenders may even reduce or suspend your payments for a short time; however, when you resume regular payments you'll of course have to make up the difference. To speak to a Diane Turton, Realtors Signature Mortgage representative call toll-free 1.877.207.3321 or visit the Diane Turton, Realtors Signature Mortgage Website. Debt Consolidation - You'll likely be able to lower your monthly payments by consolidating your debt through a home equity loan as the interest rate will be much lower. Think carefully though before taking this on as the lending institution will require your home as collateral. If you can't make the payments on time, you could lose your home. Managing your debt may seem like a daunting task, but thoroughly investigating all your options and utilizing free resources will help you avoid a financial crisis which could devastate your credit rating and thus your ability to borrow money at attractive rates. Deciding which option works for you depends on your level of debt, your level of discipline and your future prospects.

Buy Local - It's Miles Better

Buying local produce doesn't just mean buying domestically but rather buying food that's produced and grown as close to home as possible. Here are just a few of the many advantages of buying locally grown produce: Going Green - Transporting food long distances is bad for the environment as the immense amounts of fossil fuels contribute towards global warming and air pollution. There's also a huge amount of packaging involved when transporting produce that can be eliminated when buying locally. Loaded with Taste - Locally bought produce is much fresher because its vitality isn't affected by the long distance travel that most supermarket produce has to endure. Produce picked within the last day or so will be much tastier and more nutritious. Supporting Your Local Economy - Buying local means supporting your local farmers and helping to build and preserve your local community. It also helps preserve farmland and the surrounding wildlife from urban development. Convenience - Some communities have agricultural groups set up where you're able to pay a certain amount each season for a weekly box of fresh, locally grown produce. Some are pre-boxed and delivered to your door while others allow you to go and choose your own. There are so many advantages to buying local produce; most notably - it's fresher, tastier and more nutritious than the supermarket variety. For a fun day out with the kids, why not go to a "pick your own" fruit farm. Not only are you cutting down on packaging and eating the tastiest fruit around, you'll also enjoy an educational family activity!

Today's Tip For a Greener Life

In 2007, Diane Turton, Realtors became the first residential real estate company in New Jersey to join the national U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), putting into practice several processes and policies that make the firm a more environmentally sustainable company. In 1950, the global population was 2.6 billion people. We had 53 million cars - which works out to be one car for every 50 persons. Today, there are 6 billion people and 500 million cars - more than one car for every dozen inhabitants. Get some exercise and protect our environment by sharing a ride, riding your bike or taking a walk. You'll save one pound of CO2 for every mile you don't drive.

Today's Tip For a Greener Life

In 2007, Diane Turton, Realtors became the first residential real estate company in New Jersey to join the national U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), putting into practice several processes and policies that make the firm a more environmentally sustainable company. Each year 100 Billion plastic bags are thrown away. Cut down on your use of plastic grocery bags and BYOB - Bring Your Own Bag! Either save your plastic grocery bags and reuse them on your next shopping trip or consider investing in a large cloth bag that can carry your groceries home. These days, most grocery stores even sell organic cloth alternatives!

How To Remove Wax from Carpeting

Accidents happen but if you've ever had candle wax drip onto your carpet, you know what a pain it can be to remove -- until now! All you need is a paper towel and a warm iron.

When the wax has hardened, scrape up the larger pieces with a spoon. Then place the paper towel over the wax and run the warm iron over it until all the wax has been absorbed. It will vanish from your carpet like magic!

If the candle was bright red, you may have to treat the stain with some rubbing alcohol. You may have to put some elbow grease into it but the result will be well worth it!

How to Baby Proof Your Home

With the arrival of a new baby comes many responsibilities. One of the first things you'll want to do is make sure that your home is properly baby proofed. Here are just a few things to keep in mind to prepare your home for the little one:

• Make sure cabinets and drawers are equipped with safety latches.
• Tie up blind and curtain cords so that they're out of reach.
• Install door stops/holders so their fingers don't get caught in doors.
• Keep your spare change in a sealed jar as shiny coins can attract a baby's attention and can be easily choked on.
• Securely mount your bookshelves to the wall so if your little one decides to climb them, they won't come tumbling down.
• Cover unused electrical outlets with safety plugs so they're not able to shove keys or other objects into them.
• Place a baby gate at the top and bottom of your staircase. Make sure that the gate at the top of the stairs is attached directly to the wall -- not just pressure mounted.

It's best to baby proof your home before your little one is born as once you're a tired new parent, baby proofing will be the last thing on your mind! To get an idea of potential hazards, get down on all fours and crawl around for a while to see things from their perspective. To be extra safe, consider hiring a professional baby proofer.

Hot Backyard Trends for 2008

It's no surprise that the 'green theme' is popular this year for backyard areas. More and more people are organically transforming their gardens with local plant varieties while trying to reduce water usage to help preserve our precious environment. Here are the top five garden trends for 2008:

1. The Birds & the Bees - Creating a sanctuary for wildlife is a rewarding part of gardening that's becoming an art form. Your local nursery can recommend plants and accessories such as bird baths that will provide a naturally welcoming atmosphere for wildlife.
2. Watching the Water - A rain barrel collects and stores water that you're able to use in your garden for free! They're inexpensive and with various water restrictions are almost becoming a necessity. You can also reduce your watering needs by adding drought tolerant plants.
3. Moving on Out - With homeowners spending more time outside enjoying their gardens, some outdoor areas are more comfortable and stylish than the home's interior! Fireplaces, comfortable seating and outdoor lighting are big trends this year as more of us are entertaining family and friends outside long after the sun goes down.
4. Buying Local - We're now more aware than ever of the environmental benefits of buying locally grown garden plants and accessories from community nurseries. Consumers are also preferring to buy from companies who are committed to eco-friendly initiatives such as using recycled packaging.
5. Low Maintenance Gardening - Many people prefer to spend more time enjoying their garden instead of working on it. A great looking garden that takes a minimal amount of work is a popular trend this year. New plants and products are now available that save time, money and the environment leaving you more time to relax in the hammock.

Extending indoor space outside is becoming very popular so you and your friends are likely to spend more time in the garden than ever before. It's helpful to be aware of the latest gardening trends but ultimately it's your space to design and enjoy as you wish. The important thing is that it's a haven for you and your family - happy gardening!

The Diane Turton, Realtors Blog

Thank you for your interest in Diane Turton, Realtors! Each month we will be posting some integral tips for home buyers and home sellers here at http://dianeturtonrealtors.blogspot.com! By providing you with general information, checklists, guides and advice we hope will ease the perils of home ownership. Diane Turton is an expert in the real estate industry. Having been in the business since 1966 and opening her first office in 1986, she can now boast 20 sales offices throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties, New Jersey, 500 agents, and in 2007, reported closed sales volume in excess of $1 Billion.* The included information comes courtesy of Diane Turton with her best wishes! Visit the Diane Turton, Realtors website for Jersey Shore Real Estate Find a Diane Turton, Realtors office near you Information about Financing Your Home Diane Turton, Realtors Affordability Calculator Contact Us * Monmouth/Ocean MLS 1/1/07-12/31/07