How to make your front yard the neighborhood “Place to Be”

Once upon a time, neighborhoods not only had sidewalks, but also front porches where neighbors would sit, chat and enjoy their time together. The neighborhood kids would play nearby, while the grown-ups sat and discussed the local news.

Then, gradually, porches became smaller and smaller, then non-existent. The front lawns became longer and longer, pushing the houses further away from the sidewalks – if there were any sidewalks at all.

Now after many years of not knowing their neighbors, people are seeking to recreate a sense of community. They want to create places where people can gather, and get to know each other.  They want a friendly front yard!

If you’re looking for ways to create some neighborly interaction, here are some ideas.

• Plant cheerful and inviting plants for pedestrians to enjoy. Plant things that no one has ever seen. Make your front garden a topic of conversation. Also, tending to your garden allows you to get outside and enjoy the sunshine.
• All of the lights! A well-lit house, pathway and lawn are warm and welcoming, especially in colder months. It is also a safer place for neighbors to gather after the sunsets.
• No porch? No problem? Create a gathering space anywhere you want. Put a bench under a tree. Tuck a café table & chairs in a sunny corner. Even a set of steps can be a place to hang as long as you make them accessible and welcoming.
• Bring the inside out. Furnish your porch with comfy chairs, pillows, cushions, throw rugs and tables. The more comfortable people feel, the longer they’ll hang out. 

Virginia Homes has been building new homes in Central Ohio for 60 years.  Visit www.Virginia-Homes.com for more information or call (614) 764-1953.

Gearing up to go back to school!

It’s that time of year… Back to School! Time to start thinking about school supplies, clothes, sports equipment… the list is endless!

Check out these numbers:

•  Families plan to spend an average of $97.74 on school supplies like notebooks, pencils and backpacks
• 30% of back-to-school shoppers will wait until one or two weeks before school to start shopping
• The average family with children in grades K-12 plans to spend $63 on back-to-school shopping

And that’s just the beginning! Once you’ve done the shopping, it’s time to start prepping for early mornings, sports practices, music lessons, and homework.

Getting yourself and your family back into the routine of school days can be exhausting, yet so exciting. With this daily checklist, your kids won’t miss a beat, or a homework assignment. 

Before School

• Lunches are packed and in a location where kids can easily grab them in your Virginia Home.
• Backpacks are packed with all books, folders, projects, etc., and in close proximity to lunch box.
• All necessities for the day are present and accounted for – Gym clothes, musical instruments, permission slips, etc.
• Kids are dressed, preferably in clothes that match. 
• Keep a daily calendar for school events to make sure that kids only wear pajamas on Pajama Day. (As opposed to the day they just feel like not getting dressed.)

After a long day of learning, your kids will most likely be ready to kick their feet back and have a snack. 

After School

•  Have a shoe rack at the front door in order to prevent kids from tracking dirt all over the house.
•  Have a snack prepared and readily available in your kitchen. Fresh fruit, cheese & crackers, pretzels and nuts are all filling, healthy and nutritious.
• Set up a coming home routine, complete with some down time to clear their minds before they start homework. 

Getting your home and your children ready for the new school year can be tedious for your children, but having checklists like this to get them prepared will help them get excited for all of their new classes and friends! 

Virginia Homes has been building new homes in Central Ohio for 60 years.  Visit www.Virginia-Homes.com for more information or call (614) 764-1953.