Named for their migration to and from our northern neighbor, Canada geese have settled across all of North America. Some Canada geese do still migrate. However, many remain in the United States all year. The Canada geese in Tallahassee are not migratory and are notorious wild residents of our city. They make their presence known with loud honks as they fly across the sky in their well-known V-formation or by the honking produced when they stop traffic to casually cross a road. With their distinct black heads and necks and white chin straps, these beautiful birds attract attention. Here is a gl ..read more

When choosing a countertop material, there are several factors to consider. Your countertop should be able to withstand years of use with little effort on your end and with a look that you continue to enjoy. With your specific needs in mind, continue reading to see why quartzite may be the best fit for your space.   When sandstone undergoes a naturally occurring process involving high heat and strong pressure, it turns into a metamorphic rock called quartzite. You may be familiar with another popular countertop material called quartz. However, while the two stones are similar at firs ..read more

I used to kill every indoor plant I tried to keep. I would water them regularly, pot them with nutritious soil, and place them by my bedroom window. They died every time. Then, I learned that it is not enough to carelessly set your plants on a windowsill and assume they have enough light. In fact, there are many factors you have to keep in mind when positioning your indoor plant for the perfect lighting, including the distance from the window, the direction of the window, and the artificial lights in your home. If you are as clueless as I was about the proper lighting for your indoor plants, t ..read more

Weather researchers at Colorado State University (CSU) released an early outlook for the 2024 hurricane season, predicting above-average activity in hurricanes developing near the U.S. Atlantic coastline, on the Gulf Coast, and in the Caribbean. As many Florida residents know, especially those in Leon County, it only takes one landfalling hurricane to make it an active season for us all. In fact, Hurricane Idalia, which made landfall last year, had record-breaking storm surges in nearby counties and was the strongest hurricane to hit Florida’s Big Bend region in over 100 years.   The Atla ..read more

If you have spent any time in Florida during the summer, then you have likely heard the buzzing chorus of cicadas. These loud bugs live high in the trees, making them difficult to spot despite their daily songs heard every year during the spring and summer. Cicadas have one of the longest life spans of any insect with a unique life cycle involving underground hibernation that can last for over a decade. In some northern states, groups of cicadas hibernate together and emerge all at once in huge numbers. Florida has a larger variety with nineteen unique cicada species, each with different life ..read more

Flooring can set the tone and function of a room and the style of the house, and it can add to the value of a house. Today, there are many options for flooring styles, including wood floors and carpet. Before deciding on which flooring to go with, you should consider the pros and cons of each to help you make the best decision for you and your family, including aspects like cost, functionality, durability, appearance, and maintenance. Let’s explore some differences and the pros and cons of carpet and wood floors.   Carpet can be made from natural fibers, such as wool or cotton, as ..read more

There are many benefits to reap from planting a Florida-friendly yard; native plants are more water-efficient, need fewer added nutrients, and are more attractive to pollinators than non-native plants. How does this help homeowners? It is cost-efficient and self-sufficient! Native plants have adapted to the moisture and soil here, so they do not need to be watered as frequently as non-native plants. Therefore, you can save money on your water bill by planting native species. Because native plants need fewer added nutrients, you can say goodbye to expensive and toxic fertilizers and instead ..read more

Replacing or updating window treatments can be a significant investment for your home. Each treatment is a feature expected to last for years to come. With many options for material and style, it can be difficult to decide on the best ones. To help, I have compiled information to help you narrow the choices and keep your home looking stylish and inviting.   Before Deciding When choosing window treatments, there are a few basic factors to keep in mind. Think about privacy, light regulation, and temperature control. For many, privacy is the most important consideration for window treatments ..read more

It can be tempting to do a fast and easy renovation job in your home, but you should not cut corners on your bathroom remodel. Taking shortcuts on critical components can result in future costly repairs and affect the overall appearance and functionality of your new bathroom. While redesigning your bathroom, avoid skimping on the following items.   Plumbing It is a good idea to hire a professional contractor with experience in bathroom remodeling to ensure that everything is done according to regional codes. Also, although it may be tempting to choose less expensive fixtures, they are oft ..read more

  Preparing for guests can be a stressful endeavor. With much to account for, it can be difficult to remember all the necessary accommodations. To simplify this process, here is a guide to preparing your home for company.   Make sure your home is thoroughly clean and organized. Throw away any overflowing garbage and wipe down sticky surfaces. Likewise, make sure the sink is empty and the floors are swept or vacuumed. Remember to file away your mail and other visibly strewn papers. When cleaned properly, the first aspects of your home guests will notice are tidiness and organization ..read more