Whether it’s the middle of summer or it’s time to break out the holiday decorations, your landscaping should always be inviting. For the upcoming winter season, you’ll want to up your landscape game and incorporate some of these inviting landscape ideas into your front yard.

Outdoor Holiday Tree

Who says you can only have one holiday tree? Create an outdoor holiday tree for you, your neighbors, passersby and the furry creatures outside to enjoy. Decorate some of your trees in your front lawn with lights, outdoor ornaments, birdhouses and voila – you have a second holiday tree to admire. Don’t limit yourself to only your trees either: your shrubs can also be decorated with lights to illuminate your front yard and give your home holiday flair.

Light Up Winter Containers

Fill your weather-proof planters with play sand or potting mix and purchase greens from a nursery or trim some from your current landscaping. Cut the ends of the greens and place them in the potting mix or sand to create a beautiful display for your front yard. You can decorate with ribbon, twigs, burlap or even colorful berries. Heighten your winter containers and add lighting with fiber optic solar lights.

After you’re done decorating and adding light to the containers, place them by your front steps for guests and visitors to enjoy during the holiday season both day and night.

Give Your Landscape a Glow

Change out your traditional landscaping light bulbs for colored bulbs or purchase colored filters for the lighting cans for an enchanting and magical feel for your landscape. It’s an easy and simple way to give your landscape a holiday glow. Red and green colored bulbs are traditional in the winter, and orange works well for fall.

If you are looking to make your landscape more inviting for the holiday season, this cost-effective option is something anyone can do.

Keep Greenery Maintained

With the holiday season comes the cold weather, so to make your landscape more inviting, be sure to maintain your greenery. Keep your shrubs and bushes clean cut and sculpted and make sure to keep trash and other debris out of your yard.

The cold may make your front yard look bare and lifeless, but with the right decorations and lighting, your front yard landscaping will look inviting and friendly.

The holiday season is upon us and it’s one of the most cheerful and lively seasons – make sure your landscaping reflects the happy season with these four tips. From an outdoor holiday tree, to colorful landscape lighting and decorative winter containers, your landscape is sure to bring joy to your family and your neighbors.

Don’t put away your gardening gloves just yet. Learn how to prepare your lawn for the changing season.

You may be ready for peppermint lattes and sweater weather, but is your lawn? It’s not too late to properly prepare your lawn for winter, so strap on your gardening gloves and get started. Follow these easy gardening tips to make sure you don’t miss a beat.

First, Prep Your Lawn and Soil for the Winter
The lawn may seem like a major yawn, but winterizing the yard is essential for it to grow green in the spring. Here are a few gardening tips that will get your lawn equipped for the cold.

Rake up piles of leaves as they can smother grass. Bonus: Save these leaves for a compost pile!
Mow your grass for a final time in early to mid-November – we recommend mowing at a normal height of 2 to 3 inches
Fertilize your lawn with an organic fertilizer.
Fall is also a great time to overseed your lawn, so if your grass looks a little thin, overseed after mowing.

Tips for Newly Planted Trees and Shrubs
Don’t forget new trees and shrubs need extra attention since they have not yet established. Don’t neglect these new additions to your garden or they will likely face some serious damage.

Keep trees and shrubs properly watered until the ground freezes. Even when we get a lot of rain, newly planted trees and shrubs may need supplemental watering.
Provide the plant with proper nutrients using an organic fertilizer that contains all 16 essential nutrients.
Install a 3- to 6-inch layer of mulch to help protect the plants’ roots over the winter. Make sure the root flair is showing, mulching above the flair will kill the tree.
For many evergreens we recommend an antidesiccant spray to keep them from losing moisture in the drying winter winds. Be sure to read labels carefully before using.

Save Your Tropical Plants
After all of your hard work, are you just going to leave your plants outside to die? Give them a chance by bringing them indoors to survive. Follow these tips for a smooth transition.

Check for unwanted guests – mealybugs, aphids, and mites need to be removed. If you do have pests, try a homemade natural pest repellent to keep them at bay.
Acclimate your plants to an indoor environment – start bringing them in at night when temperatures fall to 50 degrees or less, and increase the amount of time the plants spend indoors over a period of several weeks.
Decrease watering over the winter, water only when the soil dries out. You may want to check a good online source for specific instructions for individual plants if you are unsure how much to water them.

Properly Clean and Store Your Garden Tools
This one might seem like common sense, but before you know it, the hose ends up decorated in garlands and Christmas lights. Rather than risk leaving your tools out to be damaged, make tool prep be the very last item on your checklist. That way, all the prep work is finished and you won’t need them again until the spring. Here are some important ones to add to your list:

Empty hoses and bring them in to garage or shed.
Sand wooden-handled tools and wipe with boiled linseed oil and then store indoors.
Sharpen pruners and lubricate with 3-in-One oil before storing for the winter.
Prepping your lawn for winter may seem like a chore, but you will be thanking yourself come spring when you have the best-looking lawn on the block.

Winter and the holidays may be just around the corner, but that doesn’t mean you have to deck the halls and trim the tree just yet. Savor the season and take advantage of all the beauty that fall has to offer. Flaunt the gorgeous hues, spread the harvest aesthetic and have fun when choosing your décor for Thanksgiving this year.

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or just looking to embrace the holiday to the fullest, we’ve got you covered with different adornment ideas.

Mrs. White in the Dining Room with a Candlestick

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Whether it’s repurposed candlestick holders or a new set you’ve been dying to show off, you can simply swap out your candles for small pumpkins or gourds to add a quick and elegant harvest look to your fireplace mantel or table. You can even take it a step further and hollow out your pumpkins to turn them into candle holders themselves.

All That Glitters and Gold

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If you want to add glitz and glam to your décor this year, you must try gilding and some glitter. What is gilding you ask? Gilding is the process of adding gold leaf or gold paint. Since gold has made a major comeback in not only fashion but home décor as well, this year is the time to take advantage of the luxurious metallic hue. Try painting seasonal fruits, pinecones, flint corn and vegetables like squash to put on display with hints of gold or glitter. This will take your décor from rustic chic to glam and trendy.

Through the Looking Glass

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If you want to keep your décor subtle, try filling up glass vases, cloches or bell jars with seasonal harvest goodies. Just pile up with miniature pumpkins, pinecones, twigs and berries for a simple statement piece for any table or mantel. Get creative and fill up glass vases with layers of corn, seeds and acorns, then top with a small votive.

Gourd-geous Pumpkin Baskets

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The fall provides us with a plethora of beautiful color combinations and what better way to show them off than a bright floral arrangement? Try this ingenious alternative to a basic bouquet centerpiece. Simply hollow out a pumpkin or gourd and place a block of wet floral foam or a vase and fill it with your favorite seasonal flowers or candles to create a unique arrangement to wow your guests. The more bountiful the better!

Good Wreath!

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What better way to show your love for the season than a holiday wreath? It’ll be the first thing your guests will see once setting foot on your doorstep. Simply looking into Thanksgiving wreath ideas on Pinterest will keep you scrolling for days. The ideas are endless! Your options will range from wreaths filled with leaves and twigs to wreaths wrapped with ribbons and feathers in the shape of a turkey. Wreaths aren’t just meant for hanging – place one flat on a table as a centerpiece – you can even add a glass hurricane with a candle in the center.

Many Thanks

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Decorate your home with a beautiful representation of what you and your family are thankful for. Instead of announcing all that you are thankful for over dinner, try displaying it for all to see and share. Whether you display your thanks with clothespins and turn in it to a wreath, have a chalkboard set up or display a small tree to hang your thanks on. There are endless ways to express your gratitude and encourage others to as well.

The weather is starting to turn cooler, it’s getting dark a little earlier, and soon the leaves will begin to fall. That means the fall and winter weather is just around the corner and it’s a great time to start preparing your rental for the colder season. Here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your property stays in good condition and your tenants stay happy and warm!

Gutter Clean Up – Be sure to clean out the gutters. You might want to install leaf guards on your gutters and downspouts so you direct water away from your property. Staying on top of the falling leaves will save you valuable raking time, too.

Check The Furnace – Have an HVAC professional out to the property to give your furnace an annual exam. You may want to have your ducts cleaned at the same time.

Seal Windows, Doors & Pipes – Inspect your property for any cracks around pipes and have them sealed. Use weather-stripping around doors and caulk around windows to prevent cold air from coming in.

Fireplaces – If your properties feature a fireplace, consider sweeping the chimney and inspecting the damper to make sure it is working properly.

Sprinkler Shut Down – If your property has an underground sprinkler system installed, be sure to turn it off for the winter so the pipes don’t freeze and burst. While you’re at it, drain all your garden hoses and insulate any exposed plumbing.

When colder winter weather is on the way, it’s a good idea to also post signs to alert residents to leave faucets dripping to prevent pipes from freezing, open cabinet doors, and set thermostats at 60 degrees when leaving for extended periods.

If you tackle your winterizing to-do list early, you’ll put your property in a position to stay in great shape during the fall and wintertime, which means less damage on your pocketbook come spring!

Earlier this month, Washington State Law changed regarding a tenant’s security deposit.

How long do you have to return the security deposit?
Effective June 9, 2016, you will have 21 days to provide a specific statement of deductions from the security deposit and return any balance of the deposit the tenant is entitled to receive.

If there is extensive damage to the unit and the cost is more than the deposit, do you still need to act within 21 days under the law?
Yes, no matter what the level of damage or amount of security deposit, you are required to (1) provide a specific statement of deductions which details the cost of the damage caused by the tenant, and (2) refund any portion of the tenant’s security deposit the tenant is entitled to receive.

What if your existing lease says the security deposit and statement of deductions will be returned 14 days after the tenant vacates the unit?
You must comply with your existing rental agreement. Landlords should continue to return the specific statement of deductions and any balance of the security deposit within 14 days until July 1, after the laws become effective. However, if you wish to change the time limit you must give the tenant 30 days notice of the change. In a fixed term lease, such change would not become effective until the end of the term unless the tenant agrees otherwise. For month-to-month rental agreements, the change becomes effective in 30 days.

Urban retreat in the heart of Belltown! 2 bedroom, 2 bath corner unit. Spacious with an open concept layout. 2nd bedroom equipped with a wall bed for versatility. Master bedroom with attached bath and separate vanity. Kitchen equipped with plenty of cabinet space and stainless steel appliances. Building amenities include indoor pool, hot tub and fitness room as well as on site building management, manicured gardens and roof top deck. Great for ownership or investment – no rental cap. Contact Julia Tsurusaki for a private tour.  Asking $420,000.

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Clean and modern lines in this urban oasis at Lumen Condominiums. Top floor, east facing unit. A feeling of tranquility flows through the efficient layout: built in desk, plenty of storage, spacious bedroom with the option to open or close off to living space, high ceilings and city views from your private balcony. Owners lounge, media room and guest suite. Front desk staffed Mon-Sat. Steps to QFC, Gates Foundation, SLU and so much more. 2 parking spaces and additional garage storage included!  Contact Julia at 206-778-5859 for a private tour.  Asking $370,000.

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Over 1,300 square feet in fantastic Queen Anne location! Natural light floods the living room, dining room and updated kitchen. Spacious balcony. Updated kitchen includes double oven, wine fridge, ample cabinet space and a peninsula great for casual dining or hosting. Separate den, utility room and wet bar in this well designed floor plan. Large master suite with walk in closet. Easy access to Queen Anne commerce, downtown, buses and more. Extra long parking spot and storage in garage. Open Saturday and Sunday. Contact us for more details!

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The neighborhood of Matthews Beach lies about two miles northeast of the University of Washington, and about eight miles northeast of downtown Seattle.

The entirely residential neighborhood abuts Lake Washington and includes Matthews Beach, a city park with the largest freshwater swimming beach in the city. It is named after John G. Matthews, who had his homestead on the site in the 1880s. What is now the Matthews Beach neighborhood has been inhabited since the end of the last glacial period (c. 8,000 B.C.E.—10,000 years ago). The tu-hoo-beed (Thornton Creek) hah-chu- ahbsh (Lake People) of the Duwamish (Dkhw’Duw’Absh, People of the Inside) tribe vil- lage was about 1/4 mile north.

The Burke-Gilman Trail borders the park on the west. The low-lying areas of the park and adjacent neighborhood are a former wetland, which surrounded the mouth of Thornton Creek. As with nearby Magnuson Park at Sand Point, most of the wetland disappeared when the Army Corps of Engineers lowered the lake in 1916 by building the Montlake Cut and the Lake Washington Ship Canal. The area south of the main beach was the site of Pan American World Airways’ offices and the dock for Pan Am’s Boeing “Clipper Ships”—the world’s first commercial air transports over ocean. The park now boasts a hilly knoll with towering Douglas firs and other trees, picnic tables, a playground, and a swimming beach with lifeguards and a diving platform in summer months. Thornton Creek, which empties at the southern end of the park, has been rehabilitated to include a wildlife pond, native plants, and bird nesting areas.

Seattle_-_Wedgwood_map

Wedgwood is a friendly neighborhood in northeast Seattle with a modest commercial strip. It is located just miles from of the University of Washington, and a convenient six miles from downtown Seattle.

There is a shopping district along 35th Avenue Northeast, including major supermarkets, restaurants, pubs, bakeries and small shops.

On Northeast 68th Street, just south of what the city unofficially defines to be Wedgwood proper, is the Seattle Public Library North East Branch, the largest neighborhood branch and the second-busiest public library, second only to the Seattle Central Library.

Much of Wedgwood was developed just after World War II, and the neighborhoods exude that comfy post-war vibe.

Wedgwood has Seattle’s oldest and largest P-Patch, dating back to the mid-1960s; as of 2005, there are now 52 others throughout the city. The “P” originally stood for “Picardo,” the family that farmed the land from 1922 to1965.

The neighborhood was named after the English bone china-maker Wedgwood, the favorite of the wife of Albert (“Al”) Balch (1903–1976), the developer who named the neighborhood.