VINTAGE FARM HOME, COMPLETELY UP-TO-DATE!

1850's architectural character with the comfort & practicality of the best in modern residential infrastructure!  This rebuild & expansion of the original Bliss homestead a "must see" for those seeking a truly special home.  Vintage upscale charm, classic barns & a truly pastoral setting. The current owners have lovingly restored and rebuilt this home over the past 5 years, maintaining and improving on the original character & creating a true showplace in the process. Highlights include: huge farm-style kitchen with high-end, built-in appliances, breakfast nook & 12' dining table; master bedrooms with private baths on each floor; 3 car attached garage. Outdoor living spaces include full length covered front porch & wonderful brick patios & walk-ways winding through fabulous perennial flower gardens. New plumbing, electrical and HVAC, 2 water heaters, high efficiency propane furnace backed by outdoor wood-fired boiler. Barns are 24x40, 40x56 + large 100+ yr old Michigan barn.

For more information, call Jared at 269-488-0236 or visit our web site at  http://jaredarnold.com/

MAKING THE BEST USE OF YOUR FRIDGE FOR LEFTOVERS

The holidays have a way of creating lots of great stuff to eat that doesn't necessarily get consumed at the main holiday meal.  This often stresses the spaces left in the refrigerator.  The attached article provides some useful hints for managing your storage availability.  HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/appliances/how-to-organize-refrigerator/?cid=eo_em_mkt_solo

THIS OLD HOUSE TOP 100 HOME PRODUCTS FOR 2013
Check out the link below.  You're certain to find something that you didn't know you needed!

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20753086,00.html

DON'T USE WOOD MULCH AROUND THE FOUNDATION OF YOUR HOME!

I attend many home inspections as part of the process of assisting buyers acquiring a new home.  One piece of advice I hear on every one of these sessions--from the home inspector AND from the pest inspector--is "don't place wood products of any kind around the foundation of your home, especially bark mulch."  The reason:  wood retains moisture, which attracts insects.  It's like a welcome mat for termites and carpenter ants, this area's most home-damaging insects.  The other note of advice from these same inspectors:  "Keep plants and shrubs at least 12" away from the siding.  Plants attract bugs and--if they are touching the side of the home--provide a handy bridge for bugs to travel over, onto and into your home."  So . . . keep foundation plantings trimmed away from the house and use gravel (there are lots of varieties) for mulch around the foundation.

Fall Home Projects

Check out this article from "This Old Home" for fall projects to spiff up and proactively maintain your home!  Just click on the title above.

CREATING OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES INEXPENSVIELY

The following link to "This Old House" online magazine provides some interesting ideas for making the outdoor part of your living environment just a little more comfortable and attractive.  Great ideas for your summer time enjoyment and for showing off your home if you are getting ready to sell.

0595797,00.html?xid=hinewsletter-130723-outdoor-rooms&TOH

Ideas for Sprucing up Outside your Home

The current issue of online "This Old House Magazine" has a fine list of things you can do outside your home--75 ideas under $75 is the title.  Check it out!
http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20361592,00.html