Category: Lifestyle

It’s easy to get caught up in everything that’s going on in life and the world in general during this time of year. No one is perfect, and sometimes we forget birthdays, anniversaries and maybe also the fact that Valentine’s Day is just days away. Not to worry–we’ve got you covered with a his and hers last minute gift guide. No matter your budget, there’s something attainable for everyone on this list!

For Him

Sugar Cookies

They say the best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Put this hypothesis to the test with a scrumptious batch of heart shaped sugar cookies iced with velvety cream cheese frosting. The recipe yields about two dozen cookies. Worst case scenario: he tries one and doesn’t like it, then you have the other twenty three to yourself!

Photo Album

Compile cherished moments together into a photo album for you and your significant other to reflect on. Fill it with photos of each other, friends, family and everything in between. You can even add in commentary along with decorative paper and stickers to give it a little flare, but it’s not necessary. Begin this craft by getting yourself a photo album, print out your selected pictures so they fit inside, add in anything extra if you like, and that’s it–you’ve got yourself a thoughtful Valentine’s Day gift! 

Weekend Retreat

Treat your special someone to a weekend getaway. Find a few days you’re both guaranteed to be free, peruse flights to varying destinations, find a place to stay and let the countdown to your holiday begin! 

For Her

Floral Bouquet

This is excellent if you can’t be with your loved one on Valentine’s Day. Simply select a bouquet and send it her way. Flowers are a simple yet meaningful gesture that never goes out of style.

Audible Subscription

Audible is the best gift for an avid reader. The company is a provider of digital audiobooks, radio and TV programs, and audio versions of magazines and newspapers. With Audible, she’ll be able to listen to her favorite books from virtually anywhere, anytime she wants. 

Spa Day

Here’s the gift to get if you’re wanting to knock this holiday out of the ballpark. Treat her (and yourself) to a day of pampering with a couple’s spa day. Enjoy facials, massages and hot stones to relieve yourselves of any and all stress.

Pick a gift from the options above and just like that, you’ve won Valentine’s Day on short notice! If you’ve already got your gift then utilize this post for your significant other’s birthday, your anniversary or a gift “just because”.

It’s like a mini-vacation, but in your own backyard! Your style mixed with our expertise will have you getting the most out of your yard and home. We want to help you get the most out of the Florida lifestyle, so please take these tips into consideration when building your own piece of paradise!

Spring for the Water Feature

If you’re building a pool, consider a water feature – or three.  Not only do they look nice and add a touch of glamour to a pool, water features keep your pool water moving, which helps fight off stagnation and sounds very relaxing as well!

 

Don’t Dig Too Deep

Too many pool-buyers think they need a deep end with a diving board. The vast majority of your pool time will be spent in the shallow end, so don’t devote too much to deep waters.

Materials Matter

Whatever style you pick, invest in high-quality lounge chairs. For example, if you like wood, try something like teak that can stand up to the Florida sun.

Make It Movable

Chances are you’ll be your own pool attendant, so look for light-weight loungers. This way you can easily keep up with the sun as it moves. If you’re looking for something with 360 degree shade, try a cantilever outdoor umbrella.

Keep Things in Arm’s Reach

The secret to being a grillmaster is staying organized and keeping things close at hand. If you don’t have good counter space around your grill, invest in a nice bar cart for your tools, spices and more.

 

Have a Seat, You Earned It

The other secret to manning the BBQ like a pro is keeping a comfy chair nearby. No one wants to be on their feet all day – especially a day off – so have somewhere to sit between burger flips.

Comfort is King

Patio furniture comes in all shapes and sizes, so try before you buy to make sure you like the cushion depth, material and softness. After all, you’re the one who has to sit there.

 

Versatility is Queen

For smaller spaces, think about a setup that you can easily reconfigure. That could mean a table with extendable leaves, or modular seating good for both lounging and dining. This lets you switch from conversation place to dining setup with no fuss.

Even Florida Gets Chilly

Sure, Florida is known for warmth, but there are plenty of nights in Florida that qualify as fire pit nights. And nothing is cozier than sitting outside roasting marshmallows on a cool tropical evening.

 

Think About Longevity

Fire pits can be metal, brick, stone and more. Whatever material you choose, make sure it is high-quality and made to last (it will be on fire, after all).  Keep in mind that cheaper metal fire pits are especially prone to rusting, and before you know it, the money you “saved” will be spent on a replacement.

 

And finally, we get to what’s really important – games! Not everyone swims or eats BBQ or likes to just sit and talk, but everyone loves a good game. Have a few go-to outdoor games that you can break out to get everyone involved in the fun, like:

• Mini putting green
• Giant game of jenga
• Oversized checkers
• Classic cornhole

 

With Charlene Neal  9/3/2019 at 8:40am

Mixed metal finishes, performance fabrics and more.

Responsible for creating beautiful spaces for Neal Communities and Neal Signature Homes, Charlene Neal has a constant pulse on new trends in interior design and classical styles that homebuyers still love. Here is her take on the five most in-demand interior design trends in Sarasota.

White kitchen cabinets are still going strong both with traditional door profiles and modern flat panels. White cabinets give an open concept kitchen a sleek and cohesive look that will visually expand the space. It’s also a blank canvas for colorful accents.

Solid surface materials versus natural granite and marble provides a consistent, even look. I’m especially drawn to it because it creates an invisibly seamed countertop that requires virtually zero maintenance. Some are created with leathered finishes. How stylish is that?

Mixed metal finishes and accents, if done right, will give the room a layered and curated over-time look, and the end result will be chic and elegant. Gold finishes both in brushed and polished are showing up in plumbing and lighting fixtures.

Making every detail count in a bathroom designed to feel like a spa—from the color on the walls, to natural elements and of course, the overhead rain shower head—will wash away a hectic day and be a perfect space to unwind.

Choosing performance fabrics makes our lives easier. Products such as Crypton, Sunbrella and Revolution have such fabulous selections that it’s an obvious choice. Its stylish elegance meets function so you can live to the fullest without fear.

Want to be the hostess with the mostest in your Neal home this summer? Take note of our top tips so your event can be the most talked about party of the season.

1. Serve up fruit infused ice cubes for your guests.

Banish the boring ice cubes. Whip up fruit and herb-infused ice cubes to flare up the most simple of drinks. Your guests will surely be impressed when you hand them a drink filled with these pretty cubes.

All you need is a variety of your favorite fruit and herb pairings, filtered water for a crystal clear cube and an ice tray. Chop your assortment of fruits and herbs, place them in an ice tray then top it off with water. Pop them into the freezer for a few hours until they are completely frozen and voila—your glass of water just went from bland to grand!

Click here for a breakdown of the recipe and inspiration for fruit and herb combos.

2. Fill your pool with a variety of pool floats.

Pool floats will certainly make a splash at your next summer party. From extravagant swans to giant slices of pizza, there’s a float for every sort of event. Before your next pool party, pick out a variety of pool floaties that match the theme that you’re going for. Watermelon slab floats are great for a generic summer barbecue while red, white and blue popsicles would make the perfect inflatable to lounge on for the Fourth of July. If you’re looking to splurge on pool floats then be sure to browse Funboy for original luxury pool floats. Bigmouth is another more affordable option with a wide array of products to choose from. There’s no doubt that these will be a hit not only for summer parties but the whole season.

Don’t have a pool? Check out Waterscapes Pools and Spas and you’ll have a pool full of festive floaties in no time.  

3. Get your home guest ready.

There’s a few things that you can do to ensure that you and your home are prepped and ready to go before your guests arrive. Here’s a quick checklist you can run through before the party starts:

• First, stock up all of your bathrooms with plenty of toilet paper and disposable towels for guest use.
• Second, baby proof your home by locking any pantries that little hands may be able to get ahold of and if it’s a pool party, make sure to book a designated pool guard for the children. If your event is exclusive to only adults then you can skip this step.
• Third, set up food trays around your home in the living room, dining room and foyer area. That way the kitchen won’t be swarmed with hungry guests and you can replenish empty trays without stepping on anyone’s toes.
• Fourth, have a designated area for towels and make sure that there are plenty of them so that pool goers can easily access after their swim.
• Finally, make sure that you have plenty of disposable flatware, plates, cups and napkins for an easy cleanup.

Now you’re officially equipped to host an unforgettable summer bash in your gorgeous Neal home.