Fun Summer Activities for Your Kids | Part Three

Posted on by

Studies have shown that children today are spending more and more time indoors than ever. Since children need direction and influence, having fun activities to participate in outdoors is crucial for children growth and development. From scavenger hunts to catching frogs, there are thousands of ways for your kids to play in the sun. Here are some of our favorite fun family activities you can put together so your kids can get a little more time outside this summer:

Picnic

Pack up some food and head up to the park for a picnic. The whole experience should be part of the adventure. Write a grocery list together with your kids, and let them explore the grocery store with you to find the items they need. Next, prepare the food at home together and pack it in a basket. When you head to the park to eat it, that is the reward. It teaches your children a good work ethic. You put in time before to have the end reward. This task is simple but effective, and your children will love it.

Amusement Parks

Your kids will be in heaven when you take them to an amusement park. With so much to offer and a full day of activities, this is a great summer activity. Plus, amusement parks have very diverse entertainment selections and options available for kids of all ages. Exploring and using the map can help with their sense of direction. Amusement parks can have you entertained for hours on end. Just remember to bring sunscreen and plan ahead for eating and travel.

Zoo

Do your children love animals? Let them see their favorite creatures in real life at the zoo! Not to mention, the zoo is a learning opportunity. Discovering animal species and their habitats is always fun. Your kids will be in awe of how large some animals are and love the silly creatures as well. The zoo is an opportunity to learn what animals your children each like, and give you a safe and fun family activity.

Summer is time for fun. Make sure your children get enough time outside this summer by utilizing some of our favorite ideas and remember that you are never “too old” to have fun.

What are your favorite summer activities? We would love for you to share your thoughts with other readers below in the comment section.

Fun Summer Activities for Your Kids | Part Two

Posted on by

Summertime is right around the corner, and your children are probably looking forward to enjoying the outdoors. You want your children to remember all the great activities that they participated in during their childhood because this is a crucial part of their lives where activities can help them develop. Today, we are going to look at three summer activities you can do with your child to help get them outside and enjoying the Arizona warmth:

Beaches

Do not forget to bring sunscreen! The simplicity of the beach will allow their imagination to become more powerful. Your children love the beach and the opportunity to explore a new atmosphere. You do not need to bring much to enjoy the beauty this landscape has to offer. Bring some beach towels, frisbees, buckets, shovels and maybe some beachballs. Come up with some fun games or ideas for the day. If you plan on staying long, do not forget to pack snacks to eat throughout the day.

Farmer’s Market

The farmer’s market is a perfect place to help children adapt socially. They are not too crowded but go through simple skillsets of interacting in groups. Allow your kids to help with some shopping. Plus, this is an opportunity the children can be taught to say “please” and “thank you.” With the farmer’s market, you will be able to get out of the house and enjoy the sun.

Crafts

Creativity is powerful and can help the mind grow. Let your child explore their artsy side with crafts. Some outdoor crafts can be as simple as chalk drawings in the driveway. This can let your child enjoy the weather of the summer and still be crafty. Painting rocks, building a kite, and helping in the garden can all be different ways to explore creativity in your child’s life. You can even allow your kids to build their own boats and take them to water to see if they float for two summer activities combined!

Spending time outdoors this summer with your kids is essential. While children take a mental break from school, it is never time to stop developing. Remember to expand your children’s adventurous side and creativity levels by adding outdoor family fun into the plans. Make sure to check out the last part of the series to get some more fun ideas!

Fun Summer Activities for Your Kids | Part One

Posted on by

Every season comes with fun, entertaining activities for friends and family to enjoy. Since summer gives us longer days and more time to enjoy outside, it is always fun to find new activities and games for the kids. At Fulton Homes, we understand that childhood is a significant time in a kid’s life to explore different sports and hobbies and find their interests. To help you make the most of summer, here are the top summer activities your children should try:

Sports

Getting your children active in different sports can help develop teamwork skills. Children working towards a common goal will help with problem-solving as well. Your child can also discover that practicing a particular sport can help develop skills in life. Whether baseball, soccer, or swimming, your child will experience growth through training and practice. This can also help your child discover what they like and do not like. Plus, sports can also be a great physical activity to keep children from living sedentary lifestyles.

Water Games

Kids love water games, and in Arizona, the summers can be hot! From sprinklers to water balloon fights, water games are a blast that the whole family can enjoy. Plus, water games will help your child experience the outdoor environment more. You can invest in a slip-n-slide or go to a nearby water park. These types of activities are fun, bonding time and let your child explore many different water activities like water slides and diving boards to stay cool during the hot Arizona days.

Parks

Today, children spend much of their time indoors and have little motivation to go outside the home. Taking your children to a park has many benefits. They usually are free admission and can allow your children to explore. Plus, exploring can help with mental development. This time will help with developing a relationship with your children as you hike, explore, and create an adventure together.

Summertime is a crucial time for children to enjoy while away from school. Finding diverse activities can help your child not only socially develop but physically and mentally as well. Make sure to have fun and let your child be creative. For more ideas and adventures, make sure to check out the rest of our Summer Activities series.

Creative Upcycling Inspirations and Ideas

Posted on by

We love getting new things and while it can be hard getting rid of our old stuff as well, perhaps with some clever tricks, you can repurpose your old stuff and create new innovative ways to incorporate them into your home. Upcycling is a great way to reuse old material and create a higher quality purpose for it. So, stop throwing away old containers and wired hangers and start converting the old to create something unique and useful. Here are our top five creative ways to upcycle your waste and repurpose it for something beautiful:

Textiles

Have an old favorite sweater with a hole in it or one that you have and do not fit anymore? Maybe you love the pattern on it, or perhaps you like the way it feels. You do not have to get rid of it though, just upcycle it into a different article of clothing. You can easily make some cozy slipper socks for your home. Take the sock size you would like to replicate, and cut out the shape twice and sow it together to create a sock! You can go a step further and take an old pair of slippers or water shoes and remove the rubber bottoms from them and attach them to your socks. You now have a comfortable pair of slippers you can wear around the house.

Glass

Have old mason jars in your home? These can serve hundreds of purposes, but we think they work great for storing foods. You can create hanging mason jars in your cabinets or pantry. Place the lid against the bottom of a shelf or cabinet. Drill a screw into the lid to hold it in place. You can now twist your mason jar to allow it to hang. Fill these with pasta noodles, spices, seeds, or anything you would like. These are great for creating more space while making a more organized pantry.

Tires

Ever blow out a tire and have a worn tire removed from a rim? Some shops will charge you to dispose of the tire. Instead, ask for the old tire back. You can repurpose the old tire into a planter for flower bushes or small trees. You can make a creative pattern and cut it into onside of the tire. After, turn the tire inside out, and you are ready to go. You can paint it to add some color as well. Just fill it with the dirt and seeds then enjoy!

Upcycling hacks are brilliant ways to repurpose your old goods. If you have never considered upcycling before, these are perfect beginner projects. You can deep dive into more upcycling ideas and be even more creative. For more repurposing tricks and hacks, make sure to subscribe!

How to Have a Successful Move

Posted on by

Moving is one of the most significant stress factors in life. We become “nester” and find comfort staying in our old ways of lives; however, change is vital for growth, and sometimes that demands moving homes. Do not let this task feel like an encumbering burden because with a little time-management and a game plan, your move will go smoothly. Plus, you can eliminate your stress by stick to these five simple guidelines for moving:

Make a Game Plan

The first step is to make a game plan. Determine how many days you have until your move. Perhaps a month or maybe a week? Using this time, write out the rooms you will need to pack. You can set goals to accomplish each day to break up the workload. Additionally, you need to price and schedule a moving truck or movers. Write out a game plan for moving day including a timeline of the day to help ensure everything goes smoothly.

Time to Pack

Do not pack any of your necessities at first. You do not want to go for a month without toilet paper or toothpaste. You may want to go to a local grocery store for some free boxes if you do not have them. If not, many moving truck companies can sell boxes to you as well. Once you begin to pack, remember to set aside important documents and hand deliver these items to your new home yourself.

Be Sure to Label

Labeling is important. Not only should you label the contents of the box, but you should label what box goes in what room. You should also label if boxes are heavy, medium, or light for packing purposes as well as have stickers that say if things are fragile. Labels will help your loading an unloading process as well as your unpacking experience.

Hire a Babysitter

Moving day will demand a lot of attention and so do your kids. Plus, you do not want to jeopardize your children’s safety on moving day. With so much going through your mind on moving day, do not forget to hire a babysitter or dog sitter. You have a lot to worry about during the day and having your children monitored by someone else can help alleviate some stress.

Settling in

Welcome to the neighborhood! You may want some of your time dedicated to networking and meeting the community. Even if stress levels are high this day, be smart. You are new to the neighborhood, and your emotions can make a first impression. Be sure to wave to new neighbors and smile!

If you chose Fulton Homes, we are incredibly excited about your new adventure. You will find that our homes are built to last by standing the test of time. Welcome and thank you for choosing Fulton Homes.

“You’re Proud to Own. We’re Proud to Build.” – Fulton Homes

Tips and Tricks for Creating a Guest Bedroom Getaway

Posted on by

It is always rewarding to host guests. Creating an atmosphere which is inviting and welcoming is key to being a good host. If you plan on allowing your guest to stay overnight, you will need to prepare a guest room. Plus, having the perfect guest room does not need to cost you an arm and a leg. You should, however, treat your guest how you would want to be treated. There are several elements which can make your company’s stay a better experience. Here are our top guest room essentials to ensure your visitors have an impeccable stay:

A Place to Rest Their Head

A comfy bed can make or break your company’s stay. Make sure your guests are provided with clean sheets and extra pillows/blankets. You do not want them to be too warm or too cold; therefore, provide them with a complete set of sheets and additional items to make their stay welcoming. They can feel awkward asking for more items, so make sure you provide above and beyond what they are expecting.

A Place to Unpack

Depending on your company’s stay, they may have clothes they need to be unpacked. Providing an adequate amount of storage whether in a dresser or closet space is a must. You may also want to give a hook on the back of the door for them to hang their jackets, purses, or hats. Do not be shy about giving them enough hangers because again, you want to provide extra and beyond their needs.

A Place to Recharge

Do not forget to provide the room with basic amenities. Remember to have a clock and provide enough outlets for your guest to be able to charge their electronics. You may even want to provide some phone chargers in the room as well. You can also make the room more enjoyable by adding a television, radio, and even Bluetooth speaker. Your guests will love the extra thought you put into the space and enjoy their getaway a little more.

Being a good host is satisfying, and creating the perfect guest room is a fun challenge. Do not overcrowd the room with décor, but remember that less is more. We hope you enjoyed these tips and tricks. For more expert ideas, visit us at Fulton Homes.

Summer Safety Tips for Toddlers & Small Children

Posted on by

As we get to enjoy the warmth that spring weather brings to the Arizona days, we want to share with you some basic tips to keep your toddlers healthy and safe this season. Did you know that injuries are the leading cause of death in children under four years of age? Many injuries occur because we as parents are not aware of just what our children are capable of doing. Your child can walk, run, jump, and has the ability to seek, hunt and find! With all of their newly discovered capabilities, they do not understand what danger is or how to avoid it when playing. It is our job as parents, grandparents or caregivers to protect our children from injury and we have listed a few basic safety tips to help:

Outdoor Grills

During the warm months, grilling outdoors is a favorite, plus it does not heat the home. You have already taught your child the word “hot” and how “hot” objects can burn you. Now, you will want to teach toddlers that outdoor grills can burn just like the stove can inside the home. Please keep in mind that it is your job to put away charcoal, lighter fluid and grill utensils. Also, if you do not clean out the grill and cover it up once it has cooled down, it can lead to ashes being blown into little one’s eyes and cause unwanted damage.

Outdoor Patios

Keep in mind that outdoor patios can be very slippery after it rains (during monsoon season) and can cause many accidents; therefore, you will want to teach your little ones “no running” and to please stay off the wet area until it has time to dry.

Yard Work

Experts also recommend that you please make sure children are inside when you are mowing or doing hazardous yardwork at all times. You cannot hear them, and if you are running over rocks and sticks, they become projectiles that are waiting to impale a little one, or an adult for that matter! When storing lawn mowing equipment, make sure toddlers cannot access the area because there is a multitude of dangers just waiting to happen even when the machine is sitting still.

Jungle Gyms/Swing Sets

These playsets are wonderful outlets for children to play and climb on, but never leave them to play alone. Also, you must make sure that the integrity of the set is in good working order and shows no signs of rust and wear and tear. One tip is to put wood chips under and around the play area to absorb the shock of potential falls.

Pool Area

Please pay particular attention to the pool area. Children should never be left alone in the pool area. Children should wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets when in the pool area. This rule will give you peace of mind. As a caregiver, you can begin to teach them how to swim at a young age. It will give you added peace of mind if you encourage them to always wear a life jacket no matter what their skill level may be.

Additionally, you may want to add a fence around the pool area with a locked gate for added safety. But, do not forget you might not be aware of what your child can do at this age, like climbing. Encourage your little ones to not climb the gated area.

We hope you found these tips helpful as a precautionary measure to keep your children and their friends safe. Our best advice is never to leave children/toddlers unattended.

For more expert tips and tricks for families, be sure to view our “Family Fun” blog section here.

Five Things That Make Your House Look Messy When It Is Clean

Posted on by

The dishes have been washed, the floors are mopped, and all the kid’s toys have been put away in their proper place, but it seems like no matter how much you tidy up, your home it still looks chaotic. You would be surprised by how small clutter, technology, and a host of other factors can make your house look messy even when you have undergone a deep cleaning. To help, here are some ordinary things that can be affecting the overall aesthetics of your home’s interior:

Tangled Wires

The fifty-inch television in the living room that is probably your pride and joy could be the very thing that is making your house look untidy. Get creative and find a way to mask tangled wires and plugs. Free your walls of HDMI cords as well as cords from the DVD player. Keeping such wires exposed can look tacky and takes away from the room’s decor.

Left-Over Laundry

Are you still trying to find time to fold and put away last week’s laundry? Try to find a place other than the corner of your bedroom or the living room to store clean laundry. There is no doubt that it takes away from the interior. All you have to do is find some time to put things away in their proper place.

Cluttered Countertops

Do you own enough beauty products in the bathroom to stock aisles? Find a way to remove as many products from your counters, and try finding other areas in the home where you can store some products. You can even find new creative ways to create additional under the sink storage. This same method should also be applied when it comes to clearing your kitchen countertops. Getting rid the clutter on your countertops will result in a crisp, clean and streamlined look.

Unmade Bed

We have been told since childhood to make sure the bed was made. Somehow that concept goes out the window on those rushed mornings. Making your bed every day will instantly make things look neat, but it also creates the perfect opportunity to show off your stylish bedding.

Messy Entryway

Is your entryway littered with coats and shoes blocking the doorway? Use storage bins to make space for your bookbags, shoes, and jackets. You can even install additional hooks to hang your belongings and remove them from the floors.

When you begin to see clutter overtaking your home, it can be the perfect chance to tidy up and make your place look brand new. We recommend focusing on these five areas to help make your place sparkling. For more expert tips and tricks, be sure to visit us weekly at Fulton Homes. Thanks for reading!

How to Successfully Organize Your Laundry Room

Posted on by

Laundry rooms are commonly overlooked when it comes to organizing the household. Since laundry rooms are not seen that often, homeowners wonder if they are really that important. Simply put, yes. Like we always say “an organized home is a happy home.” While you may decide to focus on other rooms, every room of your house has the potential to be fully functional. Whether it is small or large, we have five tips for maximizing your laundry room’s use. Let’s take a look!

Tip 1: Money, Money, Money

Have you ever been washing your pants and find a bunch of random stuff in the pockets? We sure have! That is why we suggest putting out a mason jar for all the coins and miscellaneous items you may find in your pants. This will keep your pockets clean and washing machine happy.

Tip 2: We’re Hooked

Do you need a place to store your ironing board? Drill two coat hooks into your wall, and you instantly have a new holder! Plus, you can get creative and find two decorative, antique hooks from a thrift store to add style and function.

Tip 3: Southern Charm

If you are an iced tea lover, you may have an extra iced tea dispenser around your home. Use the extra dispenser to store your detergent. This will avoid the need for bulky bottles and accidental spillage.

Tip 4: If You Got It, Use It

If you do not stack your washer and dryer, you can use their tops for sorting clothes and storage. Just add a wood block to the top of the machines, and you have instantly created a countertop!

Tip 5: (Re)Attracted

Some laundry rooms are not big enough for a clothing rod, but a retractable clothing line may do just the trick. Attach the clothing line from one side of the wall to the other wall. This will give you space to hang your clothing when you are in a pinch.

We hope you enjoyed these five simple tips! Be sure to check back weekly for more expert advice.

Tips and Tricks for Decluttering Your House

Posted on by

Certain areas in your home can quickly become cluttered and never seem to look organized. While this can hurt any room’s visual aesthetics and make rooms feel uninviting, by creating a weekly declutter program, you can spend once a week keeping areas in your home in check. Plus, it can be as simple as a task to throw on top of your current chores. To help, we made an easy checklist to make sure vulnerable areas in your home stay mess free this spring.

Entryway

Your entryway is your home’s first impression. Unhung coats, messy shoe areas, and keys can wreak havoc on these areas. Try to find time at least once a week to organize this area. Everything should have an assigned spot. You can also spend this time shaking out your welcome mat and dusting/mopping the area if it gets dirty from constant traffic.

Refrigerator

If you buy your food weekly, it is essential to keep the refrigerator and freezer clean and throw away any old foods. These can not only add to the clutter but can begin to make the fridge smell bad. When you buy new foods, make sure you are eating the oldest foods first. Scheduling your weekly fridge clean out on the same day you go grocery shopping can help you stay organized when you get your food.

Trash

Another important area in the home is your trash and recycling. These areas can begin to smell bad as well if not kept in weekly maintenance. If you throw away foods early in the week, consider wrapping them to prevent the spoiling items from making the whole house smell. Your trash should be scheduled for weekly disposal to keep your home from becoming messy.

Closet

Laundry is another area in the home that can be a daunting task but can quickly clutter an area. Make sure you schedule weekly or biweekly times to do your laundry. You should organize your empty hangers throughout the week to make it more convenient when hanging your clothes.

Coffee Table

Coffee tables can easily become the main focal point of living rooms and dens. Make sure you do not clutter them with mail and magazines. These areas should be cleaned weekly, if not daily. Always take your coffee cups and wash them after use. Consider the time it can take if you allow this area to get out of hand. Staying on top of this area’s maintenance is imperative to a functional design.

Experts believe that it can help to write down the days you plan on keeping these areas decluttered. Put them in your calendar until they become an automatic habit.