How to stay naturally cool this summer

It’s easy to overexert yourself during the inevitable summertime heat wave. Any common outdoor activity – such as gardening, sports, entertaining or vacationing – can quickly turn you into a sweaty mess when temperatures soar. Keeping cool isn’t simply a matter of comfort, either; it’s also a matter of safety.

Simple precautions can help you deal with heat and humidity. The key is to not interfere with the body’s natural ability to keep cool:

* Wear white or light-colored fabrics to reflect radiant heat.

* Choose open-weave, loose-fitting cotton or linen clothing to allow airflow and evaporation.

* Shade your head, neck and face with a comfortable, wide-brimmed hat.

* Take breaks to rest, and avoid prolonged exertion.

* Regularly drink plenty of cool, non-alcoholic, caffeine-free beverages, plus the occasional sports drink to maintain electrolyte balance.

If you do become over-heated and are feeling the ill effects of high temperatures, take quick action to cool the body and rehydrate:

* Cease strenuous activity and get out of the sun.

* Drink fluids.

* Sit in front of a fan or in an air-conditioned room.

* Apply a cooling mist to exposed skin.

* Immerse yourself in a cool bath, or stand in a cool shower.

* Apply a cool compress to your head, face and neck.

Tom Havran, product specialist with Aura Cacia (www.auracacia.com), offers some recipes using essential oils to naturally enhance your efforts to keep cool in hot weather: 

Cool and Fresh Eucalyptus Body Mist

Ingredients:

4 ounces water

1 teaspoon plain vinegar or herb-infused vinegar (lavender, rose, peppermint, etc.)

12 drops eucalyptus essential oil

9 drops lavender essential oil

3 drops peppermint essential oil

Directions:

Combine all the ingredients in a spray mister bottle. Shake vigorously and mist the skin. 

Always shake well before use. Avoid eyes and sensitive areas. Store the bottle in the fridge or ice chest to heighten the cooling sensation.

Refreshing Peppermint Bath

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon sea salt

1 tablespoon Epsom salt

1 tablespoon baking soda

5 drops peppermint essential oil

4 drops lavender essential oil

Directions:

Combine salts and baking soda in a small bowl. Sprinkle oils on salt mixture, and stir well. Dissolve into lukewarm bath. 

If you don’t have time for a full bath, use this mix for a cool foot soak.

Cooling Lavender Compress

Ingredients:

Basin of cool water (approximately 4 cups)

12 drops lavender essential oil

9 drops peppermint essential oil

3 drops grapefruit essential oil

Soft facial cloth

Directions: 

Combine water and oils in a basin or bowl. Swish with cloth, wring out excess, and alternate placement on neck and forehead. Refresh the cloth often, and add a few ice cubes to the water to boost the cooling effect. Avoid getting in your eyes.

Visit http://www.auracacia.com for more essential oil solutions you can make yourself. Remember, essential oils are highly concentrated and should be kept out of reach of children and used only according to directions.

Courtesy of BPT

How to judge your home’s curb appeal

If you have been trying to sell your home, you are well aware of how challenging it can be. However, there is one way that you can increase your chances of success and that is if you improve your home’s curb appeal.

With fewer and fewer qualified buyers in the market it has become even more important to make your home as attractive as possible.

That’s because a very high percentage of people who are shopping for a home decide whether or not they would like to take a look inside the home based on what they see as they drive by the house – or when they arrive for a showing. If the curb appeal is not positive they often leave.

As the homeowner it can be rather difficult for you to see your house through other people’s eyes.

That’s because you have gotten accustomed to how it looks and you see beyond whatever faults it has. However, if you are considering selling your home you have to first look at is as property rather than the roof over your particular head. And, as such, there are a number of things you can do to sell this property for the highest possible dollar.

Before you can increase your curb appeal you have to identify the areas that are ripe for improvement. Here’s a simple exercise that you can do to help you to gage your home’s curb appeal.

First, the next time you come back home, park across the street or down the block. You want to be able to get a good view of your property and its surroundings, as if you were looking at it for the first time. As you walk towards your house imagine that this is the first time you are here.

Is the approach to your property tidy and clean? Is there anything that you could do to make it more attractive?

Take a notepad with you and jot down your first impressions of the yard and the house. Then note the house’s best exterior features.

Once you’ve done that take a moment or two to see if you can come up with some initial ideas about how you can enhance the looks of your house and property. Continue this exercise later.

After you consider the best features of your yard and home, make a note of what the worst features are. Then see if you can think of a number of ways that you could eliminate, improve, or minimize these negative factors.

One thing that could help is if you take pictures of your house. If your camera is a digital camera take the photos in color and look at them that way first. Then turn the image into black and white and analyze them. It may be easier to see the problems when the color doesn’t affect your impressions.

by: Wendy Moyer 
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_6541.shtml 

Trend alert: The future of in-store shopping goes high tech

Gone are the days of loading the station wagon and heading to the local mall to spend the entire day getting everything the family needs. Today, shoppers are savvy and smart. They know exactly what they want and how they’ll get it. As a result of this fast-paced shopping evolution, the retail environment is transforming, too.

Retailers are responding to this new “mission shopping” phenomenon by giving shoppers an intelligent, in-store experience driven by technology. The next time you visit your favorite store, don’t be surprised if you see high-tech innovations that enhance your experience and make shopping easier than ever before.

Trend 1: Gamification

It’s no secret that gaming is a popular pastime for many people. With the growth in availability and affordability of gaming systems in recent years, it seems everyone has their favorite game, and retailers are taking notice. It’s no surprise that stores are integrating the fun and interactivity of gaming to bring the shopping experience to the next level.

 At the forefront of in-store gaming interactivity is the HSN Touchwall, which is enabling the company to expand its reach beyond existing channels to new shoppers. Using this digital display, shoppers can take a virtual cooking class from world-renowned chef Wolfgang Puck, learn how to use his products and create shopping lists. It’s all at the tips of their fingers – literally.

Trend 2: Connectivity

As our world becomes increasingly connected, people expect this trend to seamlessly integrate into every aspect of their lives, and retail is no exception.

Today, more shoppers are conducting research prior to making a purchase. Even while in-store, you’ll see many people looking up additional information on their mobile phones. In fact, 52 percent of adult cellphone owners use their devices while in-store to assist with purchasing decisions, according to the Pew American & Internet Life Project.

Much like how you access your smart phone to get additional information and to connect to others, the shopping experience is becoming more connected as well.

This transformation can be demonstrated with the Adidas Virtual Footwear Wall, which is powered by Intel and allows shoppers to access the entire shoe inventory via a digital display, view the product from any angle and see what others are saying about it on social networks. The capability to communicate in real time with fellow shoppers about your purchasing decision is essential in today’s fast-paced, connected world.

Trend 3: Intelligent, customized advertising

Americans today are constantly bombarded with irrelevant advertising while companies are searching for ways to determine if their campaigns are effective. To resolve this, many retailers and advertisers are turning to digital signs to bring meaningful, immersive experiences to shoppers and enable more effective marketing for companies.

How does it work? Intel Audience Impression Metrics Suite (AIM Suite) anonymously detects user demographics – like gender and age – through an optical sensor, allowing the digital sign to instantly tailor its content. It’s a win-win situation. Shoppers now get personalized information and advertisers have measurable results. To maintain shopper anonymity, the software doesn’t collect any personally identifiable information or record any images or video footage.

One example is Kraft Foods’ DIJI-TASTE, which offers complimentary samples of TEMPTATIONS by JELL-O desserts. The innovation? This product is marketed exclusively to adults, and with the Intel AIM Suite software that can detect if an adult or child is approaching the kiosk, only adults will receive the samples.

These three technology trends are only the beginning of what likely will be big changes for the future of shopping. Visiting your favorite store has never been more useful and fun.

Courtesy of BPT

 

For more information about any Lake Oconee Homes for Sale , call Suzie (706-347-1115) or Jim (706-453-6253) Through our Multiple Listing Service, we have the key to any home for sale.

RE/MAX Lake Oconee Agents Realty 706-454-7777

Search: LakeOconee.com

Blog: Look@LakeOconee

Pinterest: SuzieHudson Realtor

Top deck trends for summer

It’s that time of year when homeowners are lured outside by the warm, sunny weather. Is your outdoor space ready to be enjoyed to the fullest? If your deck or patio needs updating, catching up on the top design innovations and trends will help you create an inviting area that will add value to your home investment.

This year’s leading trends focus on blending functionality with beauty to construct a stylish and usable space that requires little maintenance. To create the best outdoor space on the block, consider these popular ideas for your home.

Post caps
A big trend in decking is beautification – taking your functional space and adding stylish elements that produce visual appeal. One easy way to incorporate this trend is by installing post caps. Mounted at the highest point on the railing, post caps are one of the most prominent features of any deck or patio. Deck and fence post caps give a polished, upscale look for your outdoor space. These one-size-fits-all caps have nested inserts that are compatible with wood, composite and vinyl posts, making installation simple. They come in a variety of colors and many are available with a built-in solar light. These unique post embellishments are sure to fit your color palette and will enhance your overall outdoor design aesthetic.

Fascia corners
Corner joints can separate over time, creating unsightly gaps. If you’re looking for an easy way to spruce up your current deck, consider adding decorative fascia corners. Simple and unique, decorative fascia corners are an elegant way to adorn deck skirting and cover corner joint connections and an easy way to capture your own personal style while complementing your home’s architecture.

Lighting
Incorporating lighting into your deck area is a big trend because it extends the time you are able to spend in your outdoor space. It also adds an element of safety in a visually pleasing manner. Look for solar powered lights to continue to be popular – you’ll find this sun-powered option on numerous outdoor items such as string lights and fountains. Recessed deck lights are another popular lighting option – perfect for stairs because they softly illuminate steps once the sun has gone down.

Multifunctional furniture
Furnishing outdoor space is essential for creating a relaxing, comfortable environment, but it is also a big investment. That’s why more people are looking for multifunctional options that provide a variety of benefits. For example an outdoor sectional can serve as a large couch or be separated for multiple sitting areas. A small table serves double duty when it opens for hidden storage. An outdoor umbrella with solar lights provides shade during the day and soft light at night for easy all-day entertaining.

Composite decking
If it’s time to replace your whole deck, you might want to consider using composite lumber decking in your new design. Composite decking continues to grow in popularity due to its low maintenance and durability. Today’s composite decking is much different than past options because the designs closely mimic the natural look of wood. Latitudes composite decking, for example, features a more natural-looking surface with a realistic grain pattern available in a variety of colors. Plus it’s backed by a 25-year stain and fade warranty, so it’s guaranteed to look great on your home for a long time, making it a wise investment.

By incorporating these top trends not only will you have a great outdoor space this year, but for many years to come.

IMAGE CAPTIONS:
——————————————-
Caption 1: Simple and unique, decorative fascia corners are an elegant way to adorn deck skirting and cover joint connections.

Caption 2: Mounted at the highest point on the railing, post caps are one of the most prominent features of any deck or patio.

Courtesy of BPT

 

For more information about any Lake Oconee Homes for Sale , call Suzie (706-347-1115) or Jim (706-453-6253) Through our Multiple Listing Service, we have the key to any home for sale.

RE/MAX Lake Oconee Agents Realty 706-454-7777

Search: LakeOconee.com

Blog: Look@LakeOconee

Pinterest: SuzieHudson Realtor

School lunch vs. bag lunch: What’s best for your kids?

Bag it or buy it? What’s healthier and what will they eat? It’s a question faced by parents each school year. Often, there’s an assumption that bagging is better, but there’s also the convenience and choices of school lunch to consider. Good news: both the tray and the tote can be winning meals. A few important facts can help make this year’s lunchtime decisions a breeze.

New school lunch initiatives

Much attention has been paid to children’s health and there’s an increased awareness that lunch at school is a critical source of nutrition for students. New federal guidelines have been introduced to ensure that menus provide more whole grains, more fruits and vegetables and less fat and sodium. Thanks to dedicated efforts driven by schools, parents and the federal government, many positive changes are occurring.

“There’s a lot happening in the lunch line,” says Dr. Brian Wansink, researcher and professor at Cornell University. Wansink and Dr. David Just, researcher and associate professor at Cornell University, created Smarter Lunchrooms, a multi-faceted program that provides schools with tools that can improve children’s eating behaviors in the cafeteria.

“It’s a common misconception that kids won’t eat healthy foods, but our work shows that not to be the case. We can encourage healthy choices in the way we present foods to kids,” says Wansink. He and his team have carefully studied the cafeteria line and how kids choose foods. The placement of foods on the lunch line, how foods are named on the menu and offering choices significantly affect which foods kids select.

For example, moving fruit from a commercial bin to an attractive fruit bowl near the end of the line is proven to increase selection. “Banning favorite foods such as tacos and pizza from a cafeteria can backfire,” adds Wansink. “When kids feel restricted or forced into a decision, they rebel and may choose not to eat. Nobody wins in that scenario. We know a healthy lunch is necessary for good school performance.”

Companies have stepped up to improve nutrition by creating new versions of kid-favorite foods that meet the new USDA school meal rules. Stir-fry, tacos, pastas and pizzas have become healthy fare as lower fat, lower sodium, whole grain versions have been introduced. For example, Schwan’s Food Service created Big Daddy’s(R) Cheese Pizza with a 51 percent whole-grain crust. It contains 25 percent Daily Value (DV) of calcium, as well as healthy amounts of potassium and protein, for less than 320 calories. Spicier sauces and more ethnic food choices are meeting students’ expanded flavor palates, too.

As of this fall, school lunches will also offer more produce, including dark green, red and orange vegetables, dry beans and legumes, all of which are nutrient-rich.  More farm-to-school programs add the option of locally grown produce for portions of the school year.

Bag lunch betterments

Much like the cafeteria, the quality of a bag lunch hinges on what’s been chosen and eaten.  To paraphrase Wansink, it’s not nutrition until it’s eaten.

One easy step to improve the quality of a bag lunch and the chance it will be enjoyed is to increase your kids’ involvement in the process. Have them help shop for foods and talk to them about which food categories make a lunch that makes a difference. Then have them help bag it up.

Remember that drinks matter at lunchtime. Soda, fruit drinks, and popular energy drinks and sports drinks lack calcium and often contain added sugars. That’s a problem. Up to 90 percent of a person’s bone density is formed by age 18 and those school years are crucial for building bone strength to last a lifetime. Be sure to pack a calcium-rich drink.

New grains and new ways of making bread mean better whole grain bread choices are available for sandwiches. Breads can be soft and moist yet still deliver whole grain goodness plus, in some cases, enough nutrients to rival fruits and vegetables.

Food safety is a big concern for bag lunches. Perishable foods need to be eaten within two hours if they’re left at room temperature and most brown bag lunches sit in a desk or locker for longer than that, turning them into bacteria havens and making them risky to eat. Home-packed meals need to be put in insulated, chilled bags that will keep foods in a safe temperature zone, sometimes for four or five hours. If your child isn’t keen on carrying an insulated bag (many older kids aren’t), or to reduce overall food safety risks, school lunches are an easy, nutritious fix.

Lunchtime is a highlight of many school days and an essential part of a productive one. Talk with your kids about what they eat and how lunch can help or hold them back from learning, running faster at recess or performing their best in after school activities. A healthful lunch will keep them fully fueled for the rest of their day.

Courtesy of BPT

 

For all your real estate needs in the Lake Oconee Area, call

Suzie and Jim Hudson

RE/MAX Agents Realty Lake Oconee

1070 Salem Walk Dr., Suite 4

Greensboro, GA 30642

Cell:  706-347-1115

Ofc :  706-454-7777

Email:  suzie@lakeoconee.com

 

 

Top 10 tips for staying safe online

Whether playing online games, sending and responding to emails, visiting social networks or checking bank accounts, the average American spends 13 hours per week online, according to a survey taken by Forrester. While the ever-evolving conveniences of online shopping and digital communication often make life a little easier, sharing valuable information over the Internet comes with a considerable amount of risk. Consumers should not only be aware of the dangers of being online, but should also take preventative measures to avoid becoming a victim of online scams or fraud.

Protecting valuable information online is just as important as securing a home, car or personal possessions, says Rebecca Smith, vice president, marketing for Master Lock. It is essential that people educate themselves and take the proper precautions to safeguard their information online, ensuring important account data and passwords are protected within the digital space.

1. Firewalls are your friend: Be sure to activate your computer’s firewalls as they are great tools to provide you with a line of defense against hackers and Internet crime. They watch all the communication occurring between your computer, a network (say at the office) and the Internet and can prevent strangers from accessing your information.

2. Surf and shop safely: While online shopping is a great, convenient tool, consumers should be careful when surfing or shopping on a site they’ve never visited before. Good indicators that a site is secure include checkout pages with lock symbols or sites with the prefix “https,” indicating that a page is encrypted or scrambled.

3. Download security software: There is a wide variety of security software available that automatically updates itself and can protect your personal computers from viruses, spyware and other online threats that are constantly in play. Sign on and scan your computer for viruses and other malware once a week to ensure your information stays safe.

4. Create strong passwords: Short, easy-to-remember passwords, are typically not complex enough to prevent being hacked. When creating passwords for online bank accounts and other sites, use passwords with at least 10 characters that are a combination of letters, numbers and most importantly, symbols. It’s also a good idea to change your password on a monthly basis to keep it secure.

5. Be cautious – always: Internet fraud and online crime are a constant threat to all Americans who interact online or store anything digitally. Be cautious and avoid posting any personal information online, do not open email messages from strange addresses and never give your browser permission to remember your passwords.

6. Shut it down: We all know that with many advances in technology, one can be connected at all times. However, being online 24/7 comes with risks. Attackers and/or viruses are more likely to target your computer if you are always connected. Therefore, it’s good to shut down once in a while and take yourself offline.

7. Back it up: Whether it happens by accident, a natural disaster or because of an equipment malfunction, computers and networks crash and can leave your information exposed or just lost altogether. Consider backing up all of your most important information at least twice a month and rest easy knowing it is stored safely in more than one place.

8. Use parental controls: Children use the Internet as frequently, if not more, than adults. Many Internet browsers offer the option to set parental controls. Check out your options to restrict the websites viewed on your computer and protect the settings you select with a password your kids won’t be able to figure out. This way, you’re keeping your information, and more importantly, your children safe from various online dangers.

9. Lock up your valuable info: Every time you step away from your computer, you should know all of your most important information is secure. Consider utilizing a secure, online storage application or website, such as the free Master Lock Vault, to house all of your passwords, account numbers and essential information and documents under one easily accessible, yet completely secure location. Storing this information online is safer than keeping hard copies or a non-protected file on your computer. Services like the Vault can act as an encrypted digital safe deposit box and give users peace of mind that their vital information is locked up tight.

10. Two is better than one: User authentication, also known as two-tier or device authentication, should always be enabled if offered by sites that collect your secure or private data at registration. With this enabled, you may receive an email or text message with a verification code to complete your account set-up. While this may seem inconvenient at the time of sign-up, the extra protection is well worth this extra step.

For more advice on online safety and security, visit http://www.masterlock.com or http://www.masterlockvault.com.

Courtesy of BPT

For more information about any Lake Oconee Homes for Sale , call Suzie (706-347-1115) or Jim (706-453-6253) Through our Multiple Listing Service, we have the key to any home for sale.

RE/MAX Lake Oconee Agents Realty 706-454-7777

Search: LakeOconee.com

Blog: Look@LakeOconee

Pinterest: SuzieHudson Realtor

 

 

Three ways to give energy savings the green light in your home

Red means stop, green means go – we learn that axiom as children. When it comes to home energy costs, however, going green can help homeowners put a stop to runaway utility bills. And maximizing your home’s use of natural light – call it green lighting – is a great way to boost your home’s energy efficiency.

Here are three ways you can put Mother Nature to work, and use natural light to lower your energy costs:

Minimize use of artificial lighting

Anyone who’s ever paid an electrical bill knows that the simple act of turning on a light can directly impact your monthly expenses. Homeowners looking for a long-term way to power down their lighting costs may consider Energy Star-qualified skylights a good investment. While skylights’ cosmetic appeal can’t be argued, their value goes far beyond good looks.

By admitting natural light into your home, skylights can help reduce use of artificial light sources – and help you save on electricity costs. Pair powered venting skylights that come with automatic rain sensors with efficiency-enhancing accessories like designer blinds (available in a varied palette of colors and patterns), and you can improve energy efficiency as much as 37 percent, according to skylight manufacturer Velux America. And, with tubular products like Sun Tunnel skylights, you can even bring natural light into ground-floor rooms or spots where a traditional skylight may not work, such as a first-floor powder room, hallways, or walk-in closets.

Reduce hot water costs

Long gone are the days when solar powering your home was an idealistic, but impractical dream. Solar technology is more useful, accessible and cost-effective than ever. Solar water heating systems are becoming mainstream, and offer homeowners a great, green way to trim energy costs. What’s more, the cost of installing these systems has been steadily declining as the technology advances, and you may find adding one makes you eligible for tax credits or incentives from your local, state or the federal governments. You can calculate the costs and possible paybacks online at http://www.veluxusa.com.

Make home a healthier place

Every year, ill health costs the U.S. economy billions of dollars, experts say, and your own health woes can have a significant impact on your pocketbook. The health benefits of natural light are well-documented, from reducing the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and promoting the body’s production of Vitamin D, to improving mood and even learning ability.

Simply opening blinds and curtains to admit more natural light can directly affect the mood inside your home – not to mention the mental state of the people living in it. Take your green lighting efforts to a higher level by adding venting skylights, and you can also help improve the air quality inside your home. While skylights admit ample natural light, their natural chimney effect works with your windows to bring in and circulate much more healthful fresh air. They also passively vent fumes and dampness that can lead to mold and mildew.

By incorporating natural light and passive ventilation into their home decor and improvements, homeowners can put the brakes on rising utility costs – and give the green light to energy savings.

Courtesy of BPT

 

For more information about any Lake Oconee Homes for Sale , call Suzie (706-347-1115) or Jim (706-453-6253) Through our Multiple Listing Service, we have the key to any home for sale.

RE/MAX Lake Oconee Agents Realty 706-454-7777

Search: LakeOconee.com

Blog: Look@LakeOconee

Pinterest: SuzieHudson Realtor

Five things before purchasing a house

One of the main purchases you are going to make is buying a house. You have to think through all of your options before making the decision. Here are some of the things you need to know before you buy a house:

1) It is essential that you have good credit. You will most likely obtain a loan to buy a house. Thus, you should ensure that your credit is good for a smooth sailing application. It would be better to check your credit history frequently for your own security as well.

2) Prepare for long-term debts. Keep in mind that it will take years before you will be able to pay for the house completely. Ensure that you will be able to manage payment for the mortgage. Having a financial cushion is significant. Since the debt is long-term, anything can occur.

3) Most loans need a document from the appraiser so it is better to get their opinion when you see a potential house. The appraisers are experts in giving values to properties depending on the location, structure, features, and added extras to the house. This will stop any sales representative from over pricing the house.

4) It is very attractive to buy a beautiful house at a very cheap price. Before you decide on purchasing the beautiful house, ensure that it has a safe environment. Take note that one of the factors that make a house costly is good location. If you think that the price is much cheaper than it looks, the locations may not be that attractive. Ask the appraiser why the value is low. It could be that the neighborhood is not safe. These factors are very important in your decision-making.

5) Make sure that the house you choose suits your lifestyle. No matter how beautiful the house is, if it does not coincide with your behavior, you will not be comfortable in it. When you choose a house, make sure that it makes you feel at ease.

Your financial state is most important when planning to a buy a house. This makes it essential to monitor your credit on a regular basis. Finally, you have to learn as much as you can about the home before purchasing it.

by: Sheldon Kalnitsky

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_3792.shtml

Are you ready to buy a home?

For more information about any Lake Oconee Homes for Sale , call Suzie (706-347-1115) or Jim (706-453-6253) Through our Multiple Listing Service, we have the key to any home for sale.

RE/MAX Lake Oconee Agents Realty 706-454-7777

Search: LakeOconee.com

Blog: Look@LakeOconee

Pinterest: SuzieHudson Realtor

Ten scenic drives sure to leave you breathless

With more than 100 scenic byways throughout America, there is plenty to see and do on the road no matter the time of year. So, as the seasons roll by, jump in the car and take in fall’s vibrant leaves, winter’s snowy wonderland, spring’s wildflowers and summer’s long hours of light.

White Mountains Trail Scenic Byway (N.H.)
The 100-mile White Mountains Trail will take you through some of the most beautiful parts of New Hampshire. It passes through the famous White Mountains and goes past Mount Washington, which is stunning in both the fall and spring for scenic drives or hiking. Moose are plentiful in the White Mountains, so whether you’re on four wheels, two wheels, or two feet, keep a watchful eye.

Skyline Drive/Blue Ridge Parkway (Va., N.C., Tenn.)
Skyline Drive, which starts in the Shenandoah National Park, winds 105 miles through the western mountains of Virginia and links up to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Away.com, a travel inspiration site, says to check out the wildflowers, ferns and mountain laurel in bloom in the late spring. The 469 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway then link Virginia to the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina and Smokey Mountains in southern Tennessee. Since the elevation ranges from 650 to 6,000 feet, there is a wide range of time to see fall color.

State Route A1A (Fla.)
The historic Florida A1A byway runs almost the length of the eastern coast of Florida from Amelia Island at the Georgia state line to Key West. Along this route you’ll pass through seemingly endless beachfront towns, including St. Augustine, which is the oldest continually occupied European settlement in the United States, Cocoa Beach, which was the site of NASA shuttle launches, and Miami’s famous South Beach.

Natchez Trace Parkway (Tenn., Ala., Miss.)
The Natchez Trace Parkway was long ago created by Native Americans and was later used as a link between the Mississippi Territory and what is now Nashville. With a little more than 440 miles to explore, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails to be found. Camping is a budget-friendly option for a multiday trip, too.

Talimena Scenic Drive (Ark., Okla.)
The 54-mile Talimena Scenic Drive takes you through Arkansas and Oklahoma. You’ll drive along some of the highest ridges between the Appalachian Mountains and the Rocky Mountains in the Winding Stair and Rich mountains. This area experiences four distinct seasons and can be a great spot to see wildlife such as black bears.

Sky Island Scenic Byway (Ariz.)
Just 27 miles long, the Sky Island Scenic Byway is literally a climb from desert to forest. Take a photo of a cactus at the beginning of your drive, and then, 9,000 feet up, take a photo of yourself in the forest. This route is one of the only paved roads to the top of Mt. Lemmon. Enjoy this area for hiking, backpacking and even skiing.

Top of the Rockies (Colo.)
Feel like you’re on top of the world as you drive the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway. At 10,424 feet, the Tennessee Pass is breathtaking. Plenty of wildlife can be seen along this 75-mile stretch before you wind up in the old mining town of Leadville, which is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream.

Beartooth Scenic Byway (Mont., Wyo.)
Providing a path to the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park, Beartooth Scenic Byway in Montana and Wyoming reaches some of the highest heights in the northern Rockies. In fewer than 54 miles you’ll see snowcapped peaks, lakes and even glaciers. Plan ahead; this road is only open weather permitting, so check with the DOT before heading out on your trip.

Seward Highway (Alaska)
This 125-mile highway links the Alaskan cities of Seward and Anchorage. Starting at the Gulf of Alaska and winding through scenic areas like Chugach National Forest, this road trip is probably a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This highway gives visitors a way to see both the water and interior of southern Alaska.

Highway 101/California State Route 1 (Calif., Ore., Wash.)
Both Highway 101 and California State Route 1 run north-south along the California, Oregon and Washington coastline. These routes are also known as the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, Pacific Highway and the Oregon Coast Highway. Start in southern California, and when Hwy 101 branches off inland, take SR 1 along the magnificent California coastline. Plenty of views of both the coast and forests, like Redwood National Forest, will be captured.

Courtesy of BPT

 

When you are out driving, come on down to the Lake Oconee area and see what a beautiful place it is!  We’d be glad to show you around. We have enjoyed the Lake Oconee lifestyle for over 20 years.

For more information about any Lake Oconee Homes for Sale , call Suzie (706-347-1115) or Jim (706-453-6253) Through our Multiple Listing Service, we have the key to any home for sale.

RE/MAX Lake Oconee Agents Realty 706-454-7777

Search: LakeOconee.com

Blog: Look@LakeOconee

Pinterest: SuzieHudson Realtor

Four ways to be more green at home

It doesn’t take much effort to run your household in a more eco-friendly way. You might even be surprised by how much money you can save.

“A small change can make a big difference,” says Charles Valinotti, senior vice president of an insurance company which recently implemented a series of small environmental changes and the savings are adding up. “These are changes anyone could make in their own home. We just did it on a larger scale.”

Here are four simple green changes inspired by the company that could benefit any homeowner:

1. Recycle – and not just the obvious stuff.
Chances are, you’re already recycling glass bottles and aluminum cans. But why stop there? Consider recycling before you throw anything away. You might also consider collecting aluminum cans and bringing them to your local recycling facility where you may get some cash for your efforts.

One business recycles electrical wire, cabinets, shelving, scrap metals and light fixtures. In two years, not only did the company collect $4,000 for non-traditional recyclables, it also avoided fees for disposing of them.

2. Switch to high-efficiency lighting.
For years we’ve heard that high-efficiency lighting is the way to go. But did you know the magnitude of difference this one change could make? Experts report that each compact florescent light bulb can save up to $40 in energy costs over its lifetime.

Another  company’s site converted from halogen to fluorescent light fixtures in its parking garage. This one change is saving 378,554 kilowatt hours per year in electrical usage, totaling $26,575 in annual utility expense.

3. When it’s not in use, turn it off.
Moms all over the world can be heard reminding their brood, “Turn the lights off!” While there’s no doubt it makes sense to turn off lights, some may question when and if a computer should be turned off since it takes a bit more energy to power up than to leave it running.

The experts report that for energy savings and convenience, consider turning off your monitor if you aren’t going to use your computer for more than 20 minutes. Turn off your computer if you’re not going to use it in the next two hours.

A lot of people don’t always shut down their computers at the end of the day. Last year, the company began automatic shutdowns at 9 p.m. local time – saving about $55,000 in energy costs each year. The system gives a prompt 60 minutes prior to the automatic shutdown, allowing employees who are actively working to bypass the shut-off.

4. Paper – who needs it?
Valinotti suggests that taking baby steps toward a paperless existence can be natural and painless. For example, many homeowners already do their banking online – so why not also switch to paperless bank statements? Many utilities, credit card companies and municipalities also offer online billing.

By just moving a portion of its monthly reports online, the company saves 2.5 reams of paper and $11 per day, totaling $2,000 in savings last year.

As you can see, just a few small changes can help you go green – and help you build financial strength as well.

Courtesy of BPT

 

These ideas are good to move towards a more “green” home.  

For more information about any Lake Oconee Homes for Sale , call Suzie (706-347-1115) or Jim (706-453-6253) Through our Multiple Listing Service, we have the key to any home for sale.

RE/MAX Lake Oconee Agents Realty 706-454-7777

Search: LakeOconee.com

Blog: Look@LakeOconee

Pinterest: SuzieHudson Realtor