Remodeling project on the horizon?

It’s the time of year people start looking at the calendar and asking where the time has gone. As the snow melted last spring, big plans of home improvement projects that would take place over the summer were made. But the call of the lake was just too strong to ignore, and the to-do list was pushed aside for a day on the water. Now that cooler weather is once again around the corner, we are asking ourselves what projects we are going to squeeze in this year. As you scale back your projects, make sure you have a realistic idea of everything that will be involved in it so you are not caught off guard by the "Ripple Effect" and "Project Creep." Not sure what we mean? Check out this great article to familiarize yourself with the terms and hopefully be more prepared as you tackle you to-do list. Or, you could just put it off until next summer and enjoy a few more afternoon naps.


http://homes.yahoo.com/news/beware-the-remodeling-demons-that-await-homeowners.html

Countdown to Labor Day

As Labor Day approaches, also known as the unofficial end of summer, people start looking back and wondering where the time went. Soon will be gone the long, lazy days on the water, where you can escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life to a quieter, slower pace. Before we know it, it will be time to break out the fall sweaters, swap out the lawnmower for the snowblower and start cooking comfort food instead of indulging in fresh fruits and vegetables right from the garden. Please don't stop reading because you don't want to think about these things yet! My point is, with Labor Day being two weeks away, we need to take a step back and really try to enjoy these last two weeks of summer. So, for the next two weeks, check our facebook page for your daily summer bucket list task. For the next 14 days, we'll be posting an activity to help you make a few more memories to last you until next summer. Try to really enjoy each activity. Some of them may sound childish, but that's kind of the point.  Let’s escape our grown up lives for a few minutes and enjoy the simple things, surrounded by people we love and a landscape we are lucky to be able to enjoy.  Trust us, you will not regret it.

National Relaxation Day

Did you know that Aug 15th is National Relaxation Day?  So, how are you going to celebrate.  Take an extra long lunch break?  Bring the dogs on a sunset stroll tonight?  Maybe even relax with a glass of wine and your favorite magazine...you know, Lake and Home Magazine. 





Here are a few ways to relax according to www.thedailymind.com

• Take a nap
• Go outside
• Get some fresh air
• Get sunlight
• Look at inspiring photos (like the Lake and Home photo contest winners!)
• Delete all the emails in your inbox
• Open up a window and let some fresh air in
• Head down to the beach and walk in the shallow water
• Go to the lake and skip rocks on the surface
• Pack a picnic, get in the car and drive to a new outdoor spot
• Plan a trip you would love to take in the future
• Turn on some music and dance around your house
• Pick up a hobby you have neglected
• Cut out sugar from your diet, it causes stress (Personally, I'll try the others first, but you might want to give this one a go??)
• Buy a beanbag chair and fall asleep watching TV
• Study a topic you have an interest in but doesn't relate to work
• Do a painting or drawing of your home

Go ahead, indulge in at least one today!  After all, it is a national holiday!

Aug/Sept 2012 Issue Is Now Available!

Are you interested in the green construction trend?  If you are, check out the latest issue of Lake and Home Magazine to see our feature home, the Minnesota Slough House.  This environmentally friendly, Frank Lloyd Wright influenced home is located in rural Ottertail County. 

If you would rather check out a more traditional, cozy lake home with rich woodwork as far as the eye can see, read our article "A Home For All Seasons" about an Iowa family who makes twice a month trips year-round to visit their Whitefish Lake lake home.

In this issue we also visit a racing theme garage makeover, interview the president of the Little Crow Ski Team, address simple changes you can make to update your home, such as adding new trim or painting your shutters, and announce the winners of the Lake and Home Photo Contest. 

Head over to www.lakeandhomeweb.com/inthisissue.cfm for a sneak peak at some of this issue's articles and featured homes.