Picture this: the first rays of sunlight gently nudge you awake, and you have a personal pampering ritual that sets the tone for an inspired day ahead. This isn’t just about morning routines; it’s about crafting moments of bliss that elevate your spirit and energize your body. Embrace these invigorating ways to pamper yourself each morning and unlock the secret to starting your day on a note of joy and vitality. Sunrise Stretch Session Begin your day by greeting the sun with a series of revitalizing stretches or a gentle yoga flow. This practice can awaken your body, release overnight stiffne ..read more

As a conscientious homeowner, you understand the importance of maintaining a safe and healthy living environment. But what if there’s a hidden hazard lurking silently in your walls or ceilings? That’s often the case with asbestos—a term that’s as ominous as it is integral to understanding how to protect your family and property. Empower yourself with the information every homeowner should know about how to safeguard your home and family from this danger. The Types of Asbestos When we talk about asbestos, it’s crucial to recognize that we’re not referring to a single substance. In fact, asbest ..read more

The allure of sandy shores and the calming sounds of the ocean have led many to invest in beachfront properties, sparking a rising trend of beach house rentals. Whether you’ve just purchased your coastal getaway or are considering the leap into the rental market, you have some important considerations to make for your beach house. Legal and Regulatory Landscape Understanding the legal framework is paramount for welcoming your first guests. From obtaining the necessary permits to adhering to zoning laws, you want to be on the right side of the regulations. Local ordinances can be strict, espec ..read more

We are in Italy again and had another adventure that we can loosely blame on the Limoncello. There was another waiter, this time Amine–instead of Ferdinando. And the location this time is Rome instead of Florence. But something in Limoncello seems to create adventure. When Steve and I first arrived at the Hotel Pulitzer in Rome, we decided to take a long walk and explore our setting and dining possibilities for the weekend ahead. Parking is tight in Rome, and across and down the street from the hotel we encountered a narrow dirt parking area and were surprised to see some used condoms scattere ..read more

Whether you’re gathering with family, enjoying a quiet evening with a good book, or simply basking in the gentle glow, a fireplace can add a magical touch to any occasion. However, for your enjoyment and safety, remember that the beauty and warmth of a fire come with responsibilities. Let’s dive into some crucial tips to help you safely enjoy your fireplace, keeping those special moments serene and secure. Make Regular Inspections and Maintenance a Priority Your first job is to develop and adhere to a meticulous maintenance and inspection schedule. At least once a year, enlist the services of ..read more

Smart home technology—like smart appliances, lighting, smart thermostats, and more—offers homeowners many economic and environmental advantages. Below, we’ll explain the many sustainability benefits of smart home technology, like lighting efficiency and waste reduction. Lighting Efficiency A home’s lights and illumination control are fundamental to its sustainability and energy efficiency. Smart homes provide homeowners with a litany of ways to reduce their lighting energy usage and more thoroughly control their home’s illumination. Thanks to smart home technology like smart bulbs, homeowners ..read more

When it comes to designing a luxury kitchen, every detail counts—right down to the faucets for your sink. While often overlooked, faucets help piece together your kitchen’s aesthetics while playing a key role in enhancing functionality. Below, we explore unique faucet designs for a luxury kitchen sink to inspire you. Touchless Faucets For those seeking a blend of innovation and hygiene, touchless faucets are the go-to choice. You can activate these faucets with a simple hand motion in front of a sensor, reducing the transfer of germs and making kitchen tasks more efficient. Beyond their pract ..read more

Way back in 1987, actor Mr. T made headlines for the infamous “Lake Forest Chainsaw Massacre,” where he cut down more than 100 trees on his property in the posh Chicago suburb, which had previously earned the moniker “Tree City, USA” from the National Arbor Day Foundation. The outrage over the loss of the trees and the desecration of a Jens Jensen-designed landscape spurred the city to adopt a tree preservation ordinance that requires property owners to get a permit to remove trees and to plant replacement trees under certain circumstances and in delicate areas, like atop bluffs and in ravine ..read more

When sprucing up the luxury of your home’s outdoor spaces, you can make a big impact by installing a pergola. These nifty additions to your patio space provide shade, weather protection, and beauty. However, not all pergolas will match your home’s aesthetics. Discover the different types of pergolas to consider so you can make the best choice for your patio. Attached The attached pergola seamlessly blends with your home, extending your living space into the outdoors. This pergola type fastens to the side of your house, creating a smooth transition from the indoors to your luxury patio. An atta ..read more

Biophilic Design Trends: Bringing Nature Indoors I love nature, plants, gardening, –and even eating the fruits of my labor. Biophilic Design is a hip term to describe the growing interest in the incorporation of natural elements in our homes and offices. We believe it helps to reconnect the psyche with nature and can even revolutionize the way we think about our living and working spaces. 1. Living Green Walls Living green walls, also known as vertical gardens, are becoming increasingly popular in both commercial and residential spaces. These lush walls of vegetation not only add visual intere ..read more