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