Five Exterior Improvements To Make To Your Home

The first thing that people will notice about your home is how the exterior looks. Whether it’s visiting your home, knocking on your door, or simply driving through the neighborhood, people tend to notice the condition of other homes. The condition and appearance of the exterior of your home can impact its curb appeal as well as its value. 

Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/beige-bungalow-house-259588/

If you have a home that looks a mess and not maintained then it is likely to be lower in value than one that is well looked after. One way you can make sure you increase the value of your and give it a good curb appearance is to improve the exterior. Yes, these can sometimes be quite costly, but the benefits definitely outweigh the costs. 

Let’s have a look at some of the upgrades you can do to your home to improve your homes curb appeal and increase its value: 

Update The Front Door 

Your front door is the entranceway into your, however, it is much more than that. Your front door sets the tone for your whole home. This means that you need to have a door that shows your home is clean and well-maintained. If your door is worn out, tatty, or dirty it can be off-putting. If your door is old you may want to think about getting an updated, stylish one. Not only will it look nice but it will help to improve the efficiency of your home. You could opt for a traditional wooden door or a modern fiberglass. If you don’t want to install a new door or you are on a budget you could choose to paint your door instead. 

Upgrade Your Windows

When it comes to making your home look presentable and energy efficient you need to look at your windows. You may find that old windows don’t seal or shut properly. This can lead to significant heat loss in the winter or enable cool air to leave your home in the summer. Neither is ideal. If you want to improve this then you need to look at Giant Siding and Windows. Updating your windows should be something that is at the top of your list. You may even want to add bay windows, additional external doors, or a window in the loft space. If your home isn’t getting enough natural light, changing your windows or increasing their size can help. 

Look At The Landscaping

The outside of your home is just as important as the inside. It’s more than just thinking about a few plant pots it’s about creating an outdoor living space that is an extension of your home. In the summer months, your home should feel larger because you have a space that you can use easily, conveniently, and stress-free. Think about the layout and create a plan for useable spaces where you can live not just be. You should include things like a seating area, somewhere to dine alfresco, and somewhere for the kids to play. You should also look at the front garden. You don’t need to make it so it’s a second living space. The front garden is all about being presentable and giving your home curb appeal. If you don’t have a lot of time to maintain your front garden try to make it simple with a few hanging baskets or flower beds. 

Add Lighting 

One way you can tell that the outside of a home is properly looked after is the fact that they have lighting. When you have a well-lit home, it is inviting and welcoming. You could add pathway lights, porch lights, and lighting for features in your garden. You could also have some feature lighting for your seating area so you can enjoy this space well into the evening. On the other hand, adding lighting to your home such as a sensor-activated one for the driveway, can act as a deterrent for any potential thieves. Added security for your home is never a bad thing. 

Look At Your Roof 

Your roof is one of the most important structural parts of your home. It protects it from the rain. If you have any leaks you should be able to spot them quite quickly and it goes without saying that you shouldn’t leave these kinds of repairs. If you do, they could end up worse. The roof is also a big visual; aspect of your home, if it is looking old and tattered it might be time to start thinking about getting it replaced

These are five important areas of the outside of your home that you need to look after. Do you think any of these would benefit your home? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Discovering Finch & Co: Rye NY’s Interior Design Gem

Nestled in the heart of Rye, New York, Finch & Co’s interior design studio stands as a beacon of style and sophistication in the community. With its chic ambiance and curated selection, this shop has become a go-to destination for homeowners seeking to breathe new life into their living spaces.

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As spring approaches, the desire for fresh beginnings and vibrant interiors becomes palpable. At Finch & Co., the transition to the new season is made effortlessly delightful with an array of exquisite pillows, lamps, and accessories. These elements offer an easy and effective way to revitalize your home, infusing it with the spirit of spring.

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What sets Finch & Co. apart is its commitment to providing instant gratification for interior design changes. Whether you’re looking to add a pop of color with decorative pillows or illuminate your space with elegant lamps, the store offers a myriad of options that cater to every taste and style.

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What’s even more enticing is the flexibility offered by Finch & Co. You have the choice to purchase items right off the floor for immediate enhancement, or you can opt for a personalized touch by collaborating with one of their design experts to create bespoke pieces tailored to your vision and preferences.

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Among decorators, Finch & Co. is regarded as the local secret find—a treasure trove of inspiration and sophistication waiting to be explored. It’s where creativity meets craftsmanship, and where the essence of home decor comes alive in its purest form.

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Whether you’re a seasoned interior design enthusiast or embarking on your first home styling adventure, Finch & Co. welcomes you with open arms, inviting you to embark on a journey of transformation and self-expression.

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Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County 25th Annual Old Bags Luncheon Silver Jubilee Brings Star Power to Raises Funds in Support of Local Needs

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Tommy Hilfiger, Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger (Photo credit: BFA / Michelle Kammerman)

The Center for Family Services Palm Beach County held its signature fundraiser, The Old Bags Luncheon at The Breakers Palm Beach yesterday.  This year honored 25 years of the beloved event that will celebrate a Silver Jubilee in grand style.  Among the honorees at this year’s luncheon was Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger with a keynote speech by Martha Stewart.

Notable attendees included: Martha Stewart, Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger, Tommy Hilfiger, Liz Quirantes (Emcee, CBS 12), Todd L’Herrou, Ellen Vaughan, Kimberly Guilfoyle, Ramona Singer, Jean Shafiroff, Fernando Wong, Robin Gillen, Tim Johnson, Robin Gillen and Tim Johnson (Event Chairs), Diane Smith and Tammy Pompea (Honorary Chairs), Alyssa D. Quinlan (CEO, Freeman’s Hindman Auction), Karen Swanson, Sonja Stevens, Arlette Gordon, Lois Pope, Kathryn Vecellio, Marie Unanue,  Allison Nicklaus, Barbara Nicklaus, Sarah Wragge, Claire Florence, Karen Rich, Michelle Russell Johnson, David Handy, Donald Dallaire.

About The Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County, Inc. 

Since 1961, The Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County, Inc. has embraced the philosophy that families should be the center of the community and the center of every family should be a healthy connection. The Center provides innovative programs that meet the changing and growing needs of individuals, families, and children in the community with their resources and social service programs. The Center for Family Services is nationally accredited by the Council on Accreditation and accredited by Nonprofits First for Excellence in Nonprofit Management. 

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Martha Stewart (Photo credit: Capehart)
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Atmosphere (Photo credit: BFA / Michelle Kammerman)
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Atmosphere (Photo credit: BFA / Michelle Kammerman)

For more information, please visit www.ctrfam.org

Thank you to I: @lawlormedia | F: LawlorMediaGroup | X / T: @LawlorMedia for including me in the coverage of this event. I hope to make it in person next year!!!

This Week’s Best Sellers

Welcome to this week’s roundup of the hottest fashion trends and must-have items! As we dive into the latest style sensations, we’re thrilled to unveil the top-selling pieces that have been flying off the shelves. From stunning dresses to classic jeans, stylish shoes and boots, and chic handbags, this week’s best sellers promise to elevate your wardrobe with flair and sophistication. Join us as we explore the fashion favorites that are capturing hearts and turning heads across the style spectrum. Click on the descriptions below for more information or to purchase items.

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PXG New Rochelle to Host Free “Yoga for Golfers” Session with Westchester-Based Yoga Instructor Cindy Fritz

PXG has announced a special event exclusively for golf enthusiasts – a free yoga session for golfers, guided by the popular Westchester yoga instructor Cindy Fritz of Cindrew Sanctuary. This interactive event, tailored specifically to enhance a golfer’s performance, will be held at PXG’s New Rochelle location at 100 Nardozzi Place.

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Event Details:

Location: PXG, 100 Nardozzi Place, New Rochelle, NY

Date and Time: Wednesday, February 21st at 5:30 PM

Instructor: Cindy Fritz

Cost: Free

Registration: http://tinyurl.com/pxgnryoga 

In the one-hour session, Sanctuary will demonstrate and guide golfers through a series of movements designed to help: 

  • Improve balance in both mind and body
  • Enhance core stability
  • Increase range of motion providing more flexibility in the spine
  • Build awareness of muscular imbalances
  • Improve mental focus

Cindy Fritz is a certified Vinyasa yoga instructor and will bring a decade of experience as well as a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this session. Trained at Quest Yoga Arts in Mt. Kisco, she began her teaching career by developing a ‘Wellness in the Workplace’ program while working as a mid-level manager for a large insurance company. She also teaches Kids, Chair, and Restorative Yoga and recently completed her meditation training, further enriching her holistic approach to wellness.

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Fritz’s teaching style focuses on mindfulness and alignment, integrating breath with dynamic movement. Known for encouraging playfulness and curiosity in her classes, she specializes in private, couples, and corporate yoga programs. Together with her husband, Andrew, a Reiki Master and Numerologist, they co-founded Cindrew Sanctuary Healing Arts & Practices in South Salem, NY. 

This free yoga session at PXG New Rochelle is an excellent opportunity for golfers to experience how Fritz’s approach to yoga can enhance their golf game, focusing on improved balance, core stability, and mental focus – essential elements for both golf and daily life.

Participants should bring their yoga mats or a large towel and are encouraged to reserve their spots quickly as spaces are limited. For more information and registration, visit http://tinyurl.com/pxgnryoga  

About PXG:

PXG is committed to providing outstanding golf equipment and apparel, standing at the forefront of innovation, performance, and style in the golf industry. PXG continues to offer exceptional experiences and products for golfers at every skill level. Learn more at www.pxg.com  

February Fashion Week With Stylist Lisa Chambers

Welcome to the glamorous world of fashion as we delve into the exhilarating atmosphere of the February 2024 Fashion Week, where creativity meets luxury in an unprecedented showcase of style. This year, the spotlight shines brightly on the illustrious collaboration with renowned luxury stylist Lisa Chambers, whose visionary touch promises to redefine sartorial elegance and push the boundaries of haute couture. As fashion enthusiasts and industry insiders gather in anticipation, the runway awaits unveiling a mesmerizing fusion of innovation and sophistication, setting the stage for a memorable extravaganza that celebrates the essence of chic refinement and timeless allure. Get ready to immerse yourself in a captivating journey through the latest trends and mesmerizing designs that embody the epitome of elegance and glamour.

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Can you share with us some of the standout trends you’ve observed during Fashion Week Feb 2024?

Wearability was an essential component in all the runway collections. There were very few moments of looking at an outfit or dress and saying, where in the world would I go in that? Designers didn’t shy away from furs, leathers, and other natural fibers as they did in years past, although I wouldn’t say it was a ‘Mob wife’ or overdone aesthetic. 

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Many of the shows had women in lower-heeled shoes than in previous seasons, and there were virtually no platforms until the Thom Browne finale. Minimalism was minimal, and maximalism is back! Fashion is fun again. You can always be in style wearing cream and beige, but bold colors and prints were everywhere. Tweeds are still on trend for Fall/Winter 2024/25. 

Which fashion designers or brands did you find particularly innovative or exciting to work with during Fashion Week Feb 2024, and why?

Thom Browne’s show concluded the week, and he is more renowned for his men’s collections than women’s. The theatrical and ethereal show highlighted a stunning women’s collection. I loved the new twists on embellished tweeds, gorgeous drapey outerwear, and PVC shoes and accessories. The suits, skirts, and jackets were wearable, not just for the next Thom Browne show but for an important meeting or a fashionable lunch with friends. I hope to see more of the women’s collection in upcoming seasons. I recently found out that Thom Browne and Johnson Hartig, creative director and founder of Libertine, were former roommates before Thom Browne began designing menswear. Looking closely at the styles, it’s clear they are long-time friends!

I also loved the Gabriela Hearst collection. She uses beautiful open-weave wool, leather, and shearling for slim maxi dresses, and her evening wear is breathtaking. Fabric movement in all her pieces just felt so feminine. The show took place on a snow day (Tuesday, February 13) in Brooklyn, which didn’t keep anyone away. The show was packed, and the standing ovation verified that Gabriela Hearst mastered her craft. Her collection moved me because her love for her work shone through in the pieces.

I am looking forward to a showroom ‘resee’ to touch and see the garments up close. I particularly loved three pieces: a chocolate brown leather strapless cocktail dress, a cream wool/cashmere open weave knit maxi dress, and a silk and crepe dress that could easily work from day into evening, depending on the jacket it’s paired with. 

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Tory Burch also surprised on Monday night to mark the 20th anniversary of the brand. Rich textures, tonal ensembles, and pops of color dominated her runway. The brand has not been on my go-to list, but for my clients, modern, elegant, and sophisticated, there’s something for everyone. Sparkle, mixing textures, colors, and shine added a cool factor to the designer’s traditionally minimalist collection. 

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What advice would you give to aspiring stylists who aspire to work in the fast-paced environment of Fashion Week? 

Aspiring stylists, don’t be shy about asking your favorite brands for tickets and dress to impress. Be thoughtful about your outfit choices because this is your time to shine. Hundreds of photographers are outside the shows; you never know where and when someone may photograph you. Photographers don’t just look for celebrities. 

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Stay within the vibe of the designer whose show you are attending. For instance, if you are attending a Carolina Herrera show, even at 10:00 am, it is midnight somewhere. You can’t go wrong in elegant cocktail or evening attire. If you attend an AREA show, opt for metallics, stones, and anything shiny! 

The shows are a great way to connect with people. Although the fashion and people may seem intimidating, everyone in attendance shares a love for fashion. Step outside your comfort zone and introduce yourself to new people. Use this time to discuss opportunities to attend future shows and styling guidance. 

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Another tip is to join Vogue Club and sign onto their Discord channel. As a generous community, you never know when you might be invited to a show or event. Check out Eventbrite for aspiring and new designers who have invested time and money into their shows and are looking for an audience. You can also watch the shows on live stream here, so if you can’t secure an in-person spot, you can see the fashions in real time. 

Looking back at Fashion Week Feb 2024, what were some of the most memorable moments or highlights from your perspective as a stylist?

I love being surprised by freshness and innovation, which is exceptionally challenging for creative directors, season after season. I loved seeing Gabriela Hearst receive a standing ovation for her outstanding collection after parting ways as creative director for Chloe (September 2023 was her last show during Paris Fashion Week) and focusing solely on her brand. Taking that initiative and making that decision could not have been easy, and the beauty in her collection showed her dedication. 

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I love introducing people, especially my husband, to fashion shows. Thom Browne’s show was his first fashion show ever. Carrie Coon, star of “The Gilded Age,” narrated Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Raven” as the soundtrack, so it was as entertaining as a production as it was about fashion. He loves horror stories and the macabre of it all. 

How do you transition what you see on the runway into your client’s or your own closet?

Each brand has a fit, price point, and vibe that works for different clients. I wouldn’t suggest an AREA piece for someone who rarely goes out or is a minimalist because the pieces are sexy, skin-baring, and sparkle in the evening. For someone looking for understated elegance in the day or evening, Proenza Schouler is a fabulous go-to brand for my clients, and Proenza Schouler White Label is a more affordable alternative to the leading brand with a great look and fit. When considering which pieces would work well for my clients, I am conscious of the budget. 

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