"Outdoor Living Space" has become an important and popular detail that home buyers want.  A home increases its appeal if there is usable space outside.  Don't limit your thought of usable space to a spot for your stylish patio furniture.  Starting now will give you time to plan, price & budget your project.

Considering that I could fit the number of followers I have around my kitchen table, this apology may not be necessary.  Regardless, I'm sorry that I let you down and haven't posted any thoughts or ideas since mid-August.  It's not that I've been without thoughts or ideas.  Ask my husband, I'm full of them! It's simply that I lack the discipline to stick with a plan.  Sound familiar?

This post is taking a very personal turn....I have to discuss odors!  Like it or not, Buyers have a keen sense of smell and when preparing your home to sell you must be aware of that.



I'm a dog person, love my Joe and Marley, but I know that sometimes they leave a scent that is noticeable.  When I'm having company I do an extra job of cleaning the areas the dogs live in so as to not offend.  Keep this in mind.  Dog beds, gerbil cages, litter boxes, etc need to be cleaned daily so as not to leave a pungent impression on Buyers.


Household odors give an impression that your home is dirty and unkept.  Some smells can lead the Buyer to incorrectly believe there is a mold or mildew issue.  In the kitchen keep the refrigerator clean and free of spoiled foods.  Wipe the stove, counters and interior of the microwave daily.  Also, take the trash out often and don't leave dirty dishes in the sink. (Am I sounding like your mother yet?)


Laundry odors can be eliminated by using a hamper with a lid and spraying your closet and shoes with a disinfectant.  Replace shower curtain liners, treat the shower with a daily shower spray, and put fresh towels out before a showing.


Don't think you can trick Buyers by using candles or plug-ins to mask the smell.  All that does is created a floral odor that has them asking "What are they trying to hide?"  Instead, having a bowl of lemons in the kitchen or flowers in the family room create a natural scent that is more pleasing.

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My friend and I had been waiting for a cool morning to take a trip to the UT Botanical Gardens. Well, that wasn't going to happen during this hot summer. So Thursday morning we met bright and early, and headed to an unappreciated part of Neyland Drive. I say that because most of friends rush by these beautiful gardens on their way to other parts of Knoxville.

The UT Gardens are an educational site, but they are not meant for just the students. All are welcome, and there is much to be learnt.  There are areas that teach sustainable gardens, drought resistance gardens, natural planting, roses, and proper installation of trees and shrubs.

But I didn't go to the garden on Thursday to learn. I went to find some quality time and to take in the beauty. My friend Elizabeth and I used the garden as a way to decompress. We are both on the go constantly and forget to take time for ourselves. It only took a short walk through this urban oasis to take in the beauty and forget about our busy day ahead.

After enjoying the gardens we headed to the McClung Museum, where there is a special exhibit, Through The Lens. This exhibit is Botanical Photography of Alan S. Heilman.

"Through the Lens Explores the art and science of sixty-plus years of botanical photography by retired University of Tennessee botanist Alan S. Heilman. A selection of more than fifty photographs highlight his fascination with color, texture, and plant structure."

This was a beautiful exhibit of Mr. Heilman's photographs of plants in both their natural setting and in a laboratory. The photos were hung in groupings of their botanical part. Description plaques by each picture gave an abundance of information. While the majority of people walked through the exhibit quickly; stopping to look only at photos that are familiar, such as a sunflower or tulip, they missed the opportunity to discover fascinating details about the plants around us. Don't let this discourage you from attending. I promise if you only read two or three plaques but step back and take the time to enjoy the photography it will be worth your time.

This exhibit ends August 30th. And did I mention it was Free!

This outing was such a success for Elizabeth and I that we pledged to do something once a month to bring some calm to our lives. I am looking for any suggestions for short getaways that you have done. Bonus points if you can think of something our husbands would also enjoy.

Location: Market Square, Knoxville, TN
Event: Shakespeare on the Square
Time: July 2015 - October 2015

Shakespeare on the Square is hosted by The Tennessee Stage Company. They have been hosting this annual event since 1990. They are actually celebrating their 25th anniversary of Shakespeare on the Square this summer.

I first enjoyed a presentation of A Midsummer Night's Dream many years ago when Dan (my husband) and I took the girls. It was a wonderful opportunity to introduce ourselves and the kids to Shakespeare. For many years it was a summer tradition. It was not only a chance for us to see a great Shakespearean play but also to be a part of one of the many community events held at Market Square. 

The Tennessee Stage Company turns a traditional Shakespearean play into a relaxing event where you can dress comfortable, bring your lawn chairs, or go to one of Market Square's restaurants and have a dinner and a show. 

This is a great event for all ages. Whether you are sharing a meal with a friend or goldfish crackers with your kids this performance is defiantly worth your time!

I strongly suggest going to one of the many shows they put on during the summer. The two plays they will be performing are Macbeth and The Taming of the Shrew. Go to tennesseestage to check out what day and time is best for you to enjoy this fun community event.