Spruce Up Your Outdoor Space: 10 Ways to Boost Curb Appeal
by Megan, Ozbo Editorial Director
Often times, it’s the first impression that counts. The outside of your home sends a message to visitors, neighbors and even the pizza delivery guy – but it might not necessarily be the one you want.
Whether you’re prepping your home to sell on the market or simply trying to keep up with the Jones’, we’ve come up with ten simple ways to boost your casa’s curb appeal without breaking the bank.
1. Gather Your Gang and Clean Up // 2. Dress Things Up With a Decorative Border // 3. Let There Be Light // 4. Create a Whimsical Windowsill // 5. Freshen Up Your Front Door with Color // 6. Out With the Old (Hardware), In With the New // 7. Give Your Mailbox a Makeover // 8. Show Your Flower Power // 9. Save Your Driveway from Distress // 10. Add an Eye-catching Element
Gather Your Gang and Clean Up!
Grab that lawnmower and cut the grass, pick up dead branches, pull dying or dead plants, trim the shrubs, edge, weed, clean mold and mildew from siding and walkways, and store tools and children’s toys in your shed or garage.
Shop Lawn & Garden
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————–
Dress Things Up With a Decorative Border
Installing a pretty border is the perfect way to draw attention to a flower bed, garden or landscaped area. Accent borders not only look great in your yard, they helps keeps critters out too. Ozbo carries a wide selection of garden borders in various materials to suit your style, from realistic stone to weather-proof vinyl to classic steel. (Item shown: DAL-E4-10)
Shop Border Fences
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
Let There Be Light
Outdoor lighting increases the warm, welcoming vibe of your environment. Line your walkway with solar lights, string a few garden lanterns in the trees or install a light post in your front yard to guide guests safely with a shining path. (Item shown: HWR-850113. A great buy at $11.96 – we love the look of the flickering solar candle!)
Shop Outdoor Lighting
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
Create a Whimsical Windowsill
Want to brighten up a boring window? Try a simple paint touch up and a flower box! Create a vibrant, eye-catching arrangement by selecting a variety of colors, heights and textures for your flower box. For a warm fall look, mix a few small mums with ornamental spiral grass. (Item shown: 026978162403. Less than $6 too!)
Shop Flower Boxes
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
Freshen Up Your Front Door With Color
Farmhouse red, robin’s egg blue, slick midnight black. A pop of color livens up a drab, neutral exterior, and won’t cost you an arm and a leg if you do it yourself. (You can pick up a gallon of paint for around $35.)
Shop Exterior Paint
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
Out With the Old (Hardware), In With the New
It’s all in the details. If your house numbers are dangling by their last thread, it’s time to replace them. The same goes for dingy doorknobs, rusty railings and cob-web ridden porch lights from the ‘90s. (Item shown: HWR-675563. Priced at $13.96, we love the charm of this rustic lantern. )
Shop Exterior Lighting & House Numbers
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
Give Your Mailbox a Makeover
A mailbox is probably one of the few outdoor items that gets used almost every day, but often gets neglected when it comes to updating. Ozbo carries a wide selection of build-your-own kits, posts and wall-mount mailboxes. (Item shown: HWR-148884)
Shop Mailboxes
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
Show Your Flower Power
We love flowers and envy anyone who lives in a climate where they can be enjoyed year round. (Brrrrr…Northeast PA!) Bright, beautiful flowers stimulate the senses and create that cozy down home feel. From overflowing window boxes to potted arrangements to landscaped beds, seasonal foliage is a must.
Shop Planters, Soil & Fertilizer
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
Save Your Driveway from Distress
Has your driveway seen better days? A little DIY love goes a long way. Remove weeds in the cracks, scour mold, mildew and stain splotches, apply a fresh coat of sealant, and your driveway will be looking like new. This worthwhile project can be done over a weekend, and you’ll be amazed at what a difference it can make. (Item shown: HWR-669806)
Shop Driveway Coatings
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
Add an Eye-catching Element
Simple, yet stylish roll-up blinds deliver beauty and function. Perfect for porches, sunrooms and gazebos, outdoor shades help keep sun-drenched porches cool in warmer months while letting the breeze blow, and act as a shield during colder, windy weather. We love the wood grain look as shown here. If you’re crafty, you can even create your own custom look by stenciling a design in white or color on them! (Item shown: HWR-147809. $19.96 per blind.)
Shop Blinds
August 19, 2014 at 9:49 am Leave a comment
Keeping Your Garden Cool During Hot Months
Water your fruits and veggies two to three times a week during hot, dry weather.
by Megan, Ozbo.com Editorial Director
It’s official – we’re in the home stretch of summer. With the final month of the season usually comes the hottest weather – scorching, sun-drenched days that can quirky turn a thriving garden into a patch of wilting, withered plants.
But you don’t have to trade your marigolds for mums just yet. If your garden has made it through the summer this far, don’t give up now. We’ve put together some simple garden tips on how to ensure your plants make it through the blazing month of August.
DON’T Water Your Plants Everyday >
Garden slackers can breathe a sigh of relief. The key is to water plants less often, but deeper – two to three times a week is ideal. Water your veggies or flowers in the ground by creating a large pool around the base. Here’s the catch: Plants in containers typically DO need to be watered every day because the soil dries out faster.
We recommend investing in a water wand or a nozzle that has a gentle shower setting. If you tend to your garden with a standard hose, set the spout at the base of each plant until the water puddles several inches deep before moving on to the next one. When you’re all done, go back and check the soil to ensure it’s thoroughly dampand the water has been absorbed.
Shop Water Wands & Nozzles
DON’T Wet the Leaves >
As mentioned, creating a deep puddle around the base of the plant is most efficient because the water can be fully absorbed into the soil and reach the root. However, if you use a sprinkler system, it’s impossible to avoid getting the leaves wet. Run your sprinkler early in the morning so foliage has plenty of time to dry. If your sprinkler operates on a timer, daybreak is a good time to set it because the leaves are already slicked with dew.
Shop Lawn Sprinklers & Watering Cans
DO Water Early in the AM >
The best time to water is in the morning before the sun’s rays hit their peak. Tending to plants early in the day avoids water from getting too hot on the leaves and helps prevent moisture from evaporating before it’s been fully absorbed. Also if the leaves do get wet, they’ll have enough time to dry out.
If the morning isn’t an option, water your plants early in the evening but before it gets dark. Plant diseases often start when the foliage is damp, and it will take much longer for them to dry without any sunlight.
Shop Garden Hoses, Soaker Hoses & Hose Parts
The best time to water your plants is in the morning so if leaves get wet they have time to dry. Plant disease often starts with wet foliage.
DO Use Mulch >
Think of mulch as a protective blanket between the dirt and hot sun. Two to three inches of mulch –whether organic or inorganic- will not only help the ground retain moisture after you water, it acts as a shade barrier to cool plants’ roots. Without a layer of mulch, soil gets hotter in the sun – and drier ground means more watering. You can save a trip to the store and create your own organic mulch with pine needles, chopped leaves, straw, lawn clippings, sawdust, or wood/bark chips. Inorganic mulches include gravel, stone, sand and landscape fabrics. (Even laying down a layer of newspaper can help.)
Shop Mulch & Landscape Fabrics
DO Feed Your Plants >
A seaweed-based fertilizer can help plants during hot, dry weather. Rich in beneficial minerals and hormones, they help stimulate growth and reduce plant stress.
Weekly fertilizing – whether organic, liquid, granular or your own concoction- gives your plants that extra boost which can sometimes make or break them. Many garden experts say that using a seaweed-based fertilizer can actually help reduce stress caused from the heat. Ozbo carries a wide selection of fertilizers from trusted names like Miracle-Gro, Espoma, Dr. Earth and many more.
Shop Fertilizers & Organic Solutions
DON’T Be Afraid of the Shade >
Although plants need sunlight, too much of it can be a bad thing. If you notice your container plants are starting to droop, move them out of direct sunlight for a few hours, especially from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For plants you can’t transport, utilize umbrellas, tarps or plastic sheeting to create shady zones.
Shop Patio Umbrellas, Tarps and Plastic Sheeting
DO Be True to Your Own Habits >
Don’t beat yourself up if you miss a day (or several), or skip out to go on vacation and forget about your plants. We’re all guilty of it! It’s always a good idea to place a plastic or ceramic saucer beneath each container so your plants can retain water and drink all day. Also consider investing in a water globe or plant spike, which insert directly into the soil to continuously water your plant.
Shop Plant Saucers
August 5, 2014 at 9:55 am Leave a comment
Happy Tails: Travel Safely with your Pet this Summer
Ready to jump behind the wheel with your four-legged friend in tow? Not so fast – traveling with pets can be unsafe and extremely stressful (for both of you).
by Christine, Special to Ozbo
If you’re like us, you and your pet are best buds and you wish you could bring them everywhere – including vacation. But before you make spontaneous plans to hit the road with Fluffy or Fido, it’s important to consider many factors as traveling with pets can often be more harmful than harmonious.
According to a study conducted by AAA and Best Western International, 51 percent of pet parents choose to travel with their furbabies. If you’re one of the majority, some of the things to consider include how much time you’ll be able to spend with your pet, and how physically and emotionally stressful travelling will be for him or her. For instance, airline travel can be particularly dangerous, especially if your pet has to be stowed in cargo where temperatures can be extreme and they run the risk of being handled carelessly. The Humane Society advises you to take extra caution if you have a Brachycephalic (pug-nosed) animal, as they’ve been known to experience fatal breathing problems in flight. Pugs, boxers and bulldogs, along with Burmese, Persian and Himalayan cats fall into this category.
In many cases, animals are happier to stay at home and wait for your return. However, if you evaluate all the factors and decide that you and your four-legged friend just can’t be apart, we have a few suggestions to make traveling with your pet safer and easier.
Carriers
Always keep pets in a carrier when traveling. While it may seem like you’re doing them a favor by allowing them to roam, the safest place for animals is in a carrier secured to the car seat, according to the Humane Society. Despite what you may believe, you should never let your pet stick its head out of the window while the car is moving. Doing this can force cold air into their lungs and debris into their eyes.
Shown here: Petmate Medium Pet Escort
Petmate Portable Pet Home
Whether your carrier is hard or soft is up to you, just make sure it allows enough room for your pet to stand, turn and lie down, according to American Kennel Club standards. If you’re traveling by plane, be sure the carrier is airline approved as guidelines for pets often vary.
Here is a list of animal relief areas at leading U.S. airports from American Airlines.
Shop Hard & Soft Carriers.
Rest Stop Essentials
During long car rides and road trips, it’s important to make frequent stops so your pet can exercise and eliminate. Always keep animals on a leash and be sure they’re wearing a harness or collar with proper identification. Pick a safe, clean spot for your pet to do its business and always clean up afterwards. We suggest this handy Bags On Board Waste Pick-Up Dispenser and these Refill Bags because they’re small and fit right into your bag or glove compartment.
Most important, NEVER leave your pet alone in a hot car as they run the risk of heat stroke, exhaustion, brain damage or death.
Always keep your pet on a leash at rest stops. Shown here: Flexi Freedom Softgrip Retractable Leash available in XS, Small, Medium or Large
Shop Leashes, Collars & Harnesses.
Toys and Treats
Toys and treats can reduce stress levels by keeping your pet entertained, occupied and relaxed. One of our staffers gives her pups Four Paws’ Rough and Rugged Dumbbell to help them pass the time when on the road and claims it’s a challenge for even the toughest chewers.
Line the crate with a blanket or towel from home to make things a little cozier and give your furry pal a sense of comfort. Reward good behavior with treats when you get to your final destination. My Pomeranian, Bruiser, goes nuts for Dingo Treats - they’re one of our best sellers!
At home or on the road, Christine’s adorable Pomeranian, Bruiser, loves his Dingo treats.
Shop Toys & Treats.
Food and Water Dishes
Although you don’t want to feed your pet before right before a long drive or flight, it’s important to keep him or her hydrated and have food accessible once they’re finally able to eat. A hand-held self-watering bowl, such as Petmate’s Le Bistro Waterer, is great when at the park, beach, camping or on road trips. Pack portable food and water bowls for rest stops, hotel stays and long layovers.
Pack food and water dishes for pit stops. The Le Bistro portable water dish can be set up anywhere.
Shop Pet Dishes.
Once you have all the essentials, be sure your pet is up to date on its shots and has all of the necessary paperwork for travel, if required. It’s always a smart idea to research hotels ahead of time if possible, since many don’t allow pets or have limited pet friendly space. Thanks to an increase in the amount of people who travel with their pets, there are now sites like Official Pet Hotels, which will find accommodations for you and your furry pal in any city, and Puppy Travel, a pet travel agency that books entire vacations around you and your pet’s needs.
Safe travels!
Make sure to do your research and weigh the factors before hitting the road with your furry friend.
July 22, 2014 at 12:19 pm Leave a comment
Hit the Beach with Our Favorite Picks!
Ready to soak up the sun? We've hand picked our favorite beach basics for more fun in the sand and surf! Sun shelters help you beat the heat, while colorful floats and inflatables let you splash in the waves. Shade-loving umbrellas, folding chairs and beach tables keep you comfy and carefree.
Continue Reading July 16, 2014 at 12:17 pm Leave a comment
Camp Like a Champ
Grab your bag! But first pack these ten essential items.
Continue Reading July 10, 2014 at 2:10 am Leave a comment