June 16, 2012

Today’s food for thought is from Andrew Jackson:  “Any man worth his salt will stick up for what he believes to be right, but it takes a slightly better man to acknowledge instantly and without reservation that he is in error.”  “Only the strong can admit to being wrong, others look around to blame someone or something else, it’s the system!”  Fred

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 558507.  This Millsboro, DE doublewide has Rehoboth Bay views, 3 BR, 2 BA, drywall construction, with a split floor plan all for only $49,900.  A boat slip is available and the lot rent is $795/mo.  Call me at 302 258-6983 to see this home.  Fred

Spotlight on Father’s Day

Father’s Day is tomorrow, so take a minute to think of all the wonderful fathers that you know and call a couple to tell them how awesome they are! If you’re in a bind because you didn’t plan ahead for Father’s Day, here a few quick ideas that can be pulled off at the last minute by heading into Rehoboth:

Father’s Day is tomorrow, so take a minute to think of all the wonderful fathers that you know and call a couple to tell them how awesome they are!  If you’re in a bind because you didn’t plan ahead for Father’s Day, here a few quick ideas that can be pulled off at the last minute by heading into Rehoboth:

Breakfast on the Beach
Stop for an delicious egg sandwich or pastry at The Bake Shoppe (222 Rehoboth Ave.) and head down to the beach to enjoy breakfast with your favorite dad!

Father’s Day Fish
Take your favorite father to Fins Fish House and Raw Bar (243 Rehoboth Ave) or Big Fish Grill (20298 Coastal Highway in Rehoboth) for a delicious seafood dinner.  Or, if your dad is the do-it-yourself type, take him fishing and grill up what you catch (assuming you catch some keepers, of course)!

A Country Celebration
Bring your favorite dad to the bandstand in Rehoboth for a “new country” style performance by popular artist Jamie McLean.  The concert is free at starts at 8pm.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266!

June 15, 2012

Today’s food for thought is from Friedrich Nietzsche:  ”Woman was God’s second mistake.”  “Sounds like Nietzsche were the first Sierra Club member.”  Fred

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 582628.  A Bay front home in Slaughter Beach, DE, just reduced to $625,000.  The home has 2 BR, 2 BA home on pilings has incredible views of the Bay and refuge.  Call me to see the home @ 302 258-6983.  Fred

5 Household Items That Can Be Art

Looking for versatile, easy to use artwork for your home? Try hanging items you probably already have laying around. Here are five quick fixes for a blank wall.

Looking for versatile, easy to use artwork for your home?  Try hanging items you probably already have laying around.  Here are five quick fixes for a blank wall.

Baskets.  Shallow wicker or woven baskets can make great art.  They add texture to a wall, which is a decorating must, and can easily liven up any casual room.

Mirrors.  Hanging a single, oversized mirror will bring life to room in an instant.  Look for mirrors with something interesting about them… great details in the frame, an interesting shape, etc.  If one huge mirror isn’t your style, try grouping several smaller mirrors together for an equally stunning look.

Serving Trays.  If you don’t have any laying around, check antique stores for beautiful vintage pieces.  The great thing about serving trays is that they come in lots of different sizes, shapes, and colors, so you’re bound to find one that will appeal to you and complement your décor!

Vintage Posters.  Choose a theme for your room and scour flea markets, garage sales, and antique stores (or the internet!) for vintage posters that can be framed and hung.  Framing is key when you hang posters… be sure to frame them well so it looks vintage and not like a college dorm!

Calendars.  Turn your schedule into art by purchasing a unique frame and removing the glass.  Line the back of the frame with fabric or an interesting, patterned paper and adhere the month’s calendar to the paper.  Hang it in a prominent place in need of some art and change the calendar out from month to month.  You can even change the background paper/fabric seasonally too if you so desire!  Alternatively, beautiful pictures from calendars can look great framed and hung too.

Looking to buy or sell a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266!

Thursday Three: 3 Fun Things To Do In Dewey Beach Next Week

There are lots of things “Dewin’ in Dewey” this week! Head down to the beach at Dagsworthy Street to check them out:

Monday, 6/18: Free Movie Night
Fun for the whole family! Bring a blanket and snacks for Dewey’s free family movie night! Movies are shown on the beach at Dagsworthy Street and begin at 8:30pm. Monday Night Movies begin this Monday and run through the end of August. In case of inclement weather, cancellations will be announced by 7pm. Call the Rehoboth/Dewey Chamber of Commerce for more information – 302-227-2233! Here’s the schedule for the summer:

There are lots of things “Dewin’ in Dewey” this week!  Head down to the beach at Dagsworthy Street to check them out:

Monday, 6/18: Free Movie Night
Fun for the whole family!  Bring a blanket and snacks for Dewey’s free family movie night!  Movies are shown on the beach at Dagsworthy Street and begin at 8:30pm.  Monday Night Movies begin this Monday and run through the end of August. In case of inclement weather, cancellations will be announced by 7pm.  Call the Rehoboth/Dewey Chamber of Commerce for more information – 302-227-2233!  Here’s the schedule for the summer:

  • 6/18: The Muppets
  • 6/25: The Smurfs
  • 7/2: Dolphin Tale
  • 7/9: Judy Moody & the Not Bummer Summer
  • 7/16: Yogi Bear
  • 7/23: Tangled
  • 7/30: Cars 2
  • 8/6: Kung Fu Panda 2
  • 8/13: Puss In Boots
  • 8/20: Happy Feet Two
  • 8/27: Big Miracle

Tuesday, 6/19: Restaurant Olympics
This annual event takes place on the beach at Dagsworthy Street from 11am-2pm on Tuesday with registration beginning at 10am.  30 teams from some of your favorite local restaurants will take place in fun competitions including kayak racing, tray carrying, and an obstacle course.  Last year’s champion was Jake’s Seafood House with The Cultured Pearl and The Lighthouse rounding out the podium.  Which local eatery will be this year’s champion?  In case of rain this event will take place on Thursday, 6/21 at the same time.  Come out and cheer on your favorite!

Wednesday, 6/20: Bonfire on the Beach
Dewey kicks off their weekly Wednesday Night bonfire this week on the beach at Dagsworthy Street.  Bonfires will take place every Wednesday (except July 4th) through the end of August. Bonfires are from 7:30pm-11pm and are weather dependent.  In case of inclement weather, cancellations will be announced no later than 6pm.  Bring some beach chairs and some marshmallows to roast (you might want to throw some graham crackers and chocolate bars into your bag too!) and enjoy some summer fun with the whole family!

So, what are you waiting for?  Head down to Dewey and have some summertime fun!

June 13, 2012

Today’s food for thought is from Mark Twain:  “Let us live so that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry.”  “Live a full life and don’t let others dampen your zeal.”  Fred

 

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 595802.  For only $87,500 you can get a 2 BR, 2 BA, 1306 sq. ft. townhome in Millsboro, DE.  A Perfect starter of downsizer, condo fees only $1350.  Call me to see this gem @ 302 258-6983.  Fred

Weekend Update: June 15-17

This Sunday is Father’s Day! With that in mind, you should take some time out and find something fun to do with the whole family! Maybe even through in a special lunch or dinner to make dad feel extra special! Here are some ideas to get you started:

All Weekend: Family Boat-Building Weekend
From Friday, 6/15 through Sunday, 6/17 enjoy a view of Lewes’ historic roots as a shipbuilding town hosted by the Lewes Historical Society. Stop by the Lewes Life-Saving Station and watch participants build 12 foot wooden boats called “Bevin Skiffs.” These fishing and recreational boats fit 4 people comfortably and are made on site. Saturday from 10am-4pm you can view the 16 boats and Sunday at approximately 1pm you can enjoy the launching of the ships at Lewes Canalfront Park.

This Sunday is Father’s Day!  With that in mind, you should take some time out and find something fun to do with the whole family!  Maybe even through in a special lunch or dinner to make dad feel extra special!  Here are some ideas to get you started:

All Weekend: Family Boat-Building Weekend
From Friday, 6/15 through Sunday, 6/17 enjoy a view of Lewes’ historic roots as a shipbuilding town hosted by the Lewes Historical Society.  Stop by the Lewes Life-Saving Station and watch participants build 12 foot wooden boats called “Bevin Skiffs.”  These fishing and recreational boats fit 4 people comfortably and are made on site.  Saturday from 10am-4pm you can view the 16 boats and Sunday at approximately 1pm you can enjoy the launching of the ships at Lewes Canalfront Park.

Friday, 6/15 – Concert: MSO & USAF Blue Steel Band
Enjoy the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra and United States Air Force Academy Band at the Freeman Stage at Bayside (31750 Lake View Drive in Selbyville) for this wonderful program of classics, jazz, patriotic pops, and good ole’ rock n’ roll!  Tickets are $10 and kids are free!

Saturday, 6/16 – USAF Blue Steel Band for Kids!
Take the kids to a free concert of the US Air Force Academy Band.  The band is made up entirely of active-duty military members and they incorporate the story of the air force into a kid-friendly performance!  All ages are welcome, but this show is geared toward the kids.  The concert is free.  Located at the Freeman Stage at Bayside (31750 Lake view Drive in Selbyville).  For more information call 302-436-3015.

Saturday, 6/16 – 22nd Annual Lewes Garden Tour
This popular annual event is hosted by the Lewes Chamber of Commerce.  Enjoy this beautiful self-guided tour from 10am-4pm on Saturday.  There are ten gardens on the tour this year, 1 public and 9 private.  In addition to touring the gardens you are also welcome to enjoy the garden market, food tent and working artists.  At 1pm there will be a lecture entitled “Using Flower Essence of Life’s Stresses – The Power of Flowers” in Zwaanendael Park.  Tickets are $15 in advance of $20 on Saturday.  You can purchase tickets in advance by visiting the Lewes Chamber of Commerce (120 Kings Highway in the Fisher-Martin House).

Sunday, 6/17 – 14th Annual Chautauqua Tent Performances
You can enjoy this year’s performances from 1pm-8pm in Zwaanendael Park.  This year’s theme is The War of 1812.  This year’s performers include a story-teller, musicians, a food demonstrator, a historian, and a theatrical reenactor.  For more information and a complete schedule of performances check out the link above.

Sunday, 6/17 – Breakfast at the Firehouse, 8am-11am
Celebrate Father’s Day by taking the whole family to a delicious breakfast at the Firehouse in Bethany Beach (215 Hollywood Street).  Enjoy a tour of the firehouse plus an all you can eat feast of eggs, French toast, biscuits and gravy, potatoes, muffins, bacon, sausage, juice, and coffee.  There are also special activities to keep the kids busy.  Breakfast is $10 for adults and $5 for children over 5 and free for kids ages 5 and under.

June 12, 2012

Today’s food for thought is from Napoleon Bonaparte:  “Riches do not consist in the possession of treasures, but in the use made of them.”  “Philanthropy is the rich man’s gift to society.”  Fred

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 595378.  This Lewes, DE Cedar Shake  home, boasts 4 BR, 2 BA home is east of US 1 and sits on over ½ acre.  It is close enough to bike to town, all for only $264,900.  Call me for a showing @ 302 258-6983.

Tips To Lower Your Cooling Costs

I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but the past couple of days have been H-O-T!!! With weather this hot, cooling bills can be astronomical. In fact, the EPA estimates that the average household spends over $1,000 a year on heating & cooling costs annually. In our region, heating and cooling costs are pretty much split evenly since we enjoy all four seasons and that means that the cooling costs can really add up, but if you’re willing to put in a little bit of effort, there are ways to reduce your cooling costs.

I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but the past couple of days have been H-O-T!!!  With weather this hot, cooling bills can be astronomical.  In fact, the EPA estimates that the average household spends over $1,000 a year on heating & cooling costs annually.  In our region, heating and cooling costs are pretty much split evenly since we enjoy all four seasons and that means that the cooling costs can really add up, but if you’re willing to put in a little bit of effort, there are ways to reduce your cooling costs.  First, and most obviously, you can up the temperature you set your thermostat to by 1 or 2 degrees.  If you normally keep the temperature at 70, try it at 72.  Even if you run a fan to adjust to a warmer temperature, the savings can still equal over 10% of your heating bill.  If everyone is out of your house during the day, programming the thermostat to be even higher during the day and kick in the a/c about an hour before you come home.  If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, get one!  Older thermostats alone can cost you $150 or more in energy costs.  I just had the thermostat in my home replaced, and I can already tell you I’ve seen an increase in savings in the past month!  Cleaning you’re a/c will also save you money.  Be sure to change the filter monthly for even greater savings.  Seal any air leaks in your home to help save more – check windows, door frames, and seals around attics and crawl spaces especially.  Lastly, if you’re able to prevent your home from heating up you will need to run your a/c much less often.  Try tips like closing curtains during the day and avoid using hot appliances such as ovens and dryers as much as possible.  When you do need to use them, try to use them during the early morning or evening when it isn’t as hot.  Replacing an old a/c unit with a new energy efficient model can add up to significant savings too, but with the cost of a new system it could take a season or two for the savings to kick-in.  Still, it might be something you want to consider.  Happy savings and good luck keeping cool in this summer weather!

Clean Your House In Just 5 Minutes

Keeping your house clean is a never ending job. It’s easiest to do when you don’t let things pile up and become overwhelming. I recently read an article about tips for cleaning your home, and one of their suggestions was to do a few small jobs whenever you’re on the phone or watching television. I thought that was a good tip, so I put together a list of quick jobs you can do while you’re somewhat distracted. Just think how clean your house will be after all those extra five minute cleaning sessions add up! Here are some suggestions to get you started:

Keeping your house clean is a never ending job.  It’s easiest to do when you don’t let things pile up and become overwhelming.  I recently read an article about tips for cleaning your home, and one of their suggestions was to do a few small jobs whenever you’re on the phone or watching television.  I thought that was a good tip, so I put together a list of quick jobs you can do while you’re somewhat distracted.  Just think how clean your house will be after all those extra five minute cleaning sessions add up!  Here are some suggestions to get you started: 

  • Load or unload the dishwasher
  • Wipe countertops
  • Sweep the floor
  • Wipe down kitchen appliances
  • Clean out the kitchen or bathroom sink
  • Polish faucets
  • Choose a room and dust
  • Dust picture frames and knick knacks
  • Choose a room and clean the windows
  • Dust the television and other electronics
  • Clean mirrors
  • Empty wastebaskets throughout the house
  • Sort laundry and start a load
  • Fold and put away clean laundry
  • Make beds
  • Choose a room and pick up/organize clutter
  • Iron
  • Organize a cabinet, desk, closet, or drawer

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty and put us to work for you – 302-629-6693.

Spotlight on Georgia House (Various Locations)

Georgia House is a family restaurant well loved by locals. The original Georgia House is in Millsboro (119 Main Street), but there are also locations in Selbyville, Milford, and Laurel, so chances are you’re close to one of them!

Georgia House is a family restaurant well loved by locals.  The original Georgia House is in Millsboro (119 Main Street), but there are also locations in Selbyville, Milford, and Laurel, so chances are you’re close to one of them!  Serving classic home-style favorites such as delicious fried chicken, finger-lickings ribs, and their much-lauded meatloaf, even the pickiest eaters are bound to find something that pleases them at Georgia House.  Their famous cream of crab soup is a must… it is what put them on the culinary map after all!  All in all, if you’re looking for something new and different, you might want to skip Georgia House, but if you’re looking for a classic, home cooked meal that is sure to be delicious, Georgia House is the perfect place.

As a bonus, kids eat free on Tuesday nights and they also offer a rewards card that includes a free dessert on your birthday, $10 off on your anniversary, and a $10 gift certificate for every 250 points earned, plus a few more great perks!

All locations are closed on Mondays, but Tuesday-Saturday it’s a great place to eat!

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-856-6434.

Five Ways to Get Organized This Weekend

If you feel like your home is too cluttered, try a few of these tricks to get organized. Best of all, none of them should take very long at all!

In the entryway. Prime and paint an old bookshelf, adjust shelves and add buckets or baskets to match your décor. For even more organization, personalize buckets or baskets, one for each member of the family and charge everyone with taking charge of their own clutter!

If you feel like your home is too cluttered, try a few of these tricks to get organized.  Best of all, none of them should take very long at all!

In the entryway.  Prime and paint an old bookshelf, adjust shelves and add buckets or baskets to match your décor.  For even more organization, personalize buckets or baskets, one for each member of the family and charge everyone with taking charge of their own clutter!

In the kitchen.  Purchase an over-the-door shoe organizer with clear pockets.  Label each pocket, hang the organizer over the pantry door, and use it as a catchall for kitchen utensils and supplies.  These pockets are perfect for measuring cups & spoons, pens/pencils, spices, seasoning packets (taco, gravy, etc.), wooden spoons, boxes of jello, and much more!

In the bedroom.  Organize your jewelry by creating a piece of artwork.  All you have to do is find a beautiful picture frame and paint it to match your décor.  Frame a radiator cover or wire screen, or run ribbon back and forth across the frame and back it with a piece of fabric.  Then hook earrings through the grid and add hooks for necklaces and bracelets.

In the office.  Hide cluttered bookshelves with bookcase shades.  Measure openings and sew shades out of canvas or another weighted material.  Use tension rods to hang the shades over shelves.  Be sure to leave some shelves unshaded and display artwork and accessories to create an elegant look.

Anywhere.  Corral electronics and their cords by creating a charging station.  Decorate a shadow box with paint and/or fabric, replace one side with a power strip.  Cover the power strip by adding decorative paper to a piece of foam board and fitting it into the box.  Plug cords in, feed the wires under the foam board (chipping a notch in the bottom of the foam if necessary), plug in your electronics and store them on the shelf you have created.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266!

Thursday Three: 3 Window Treatment Ideas

Are you looking for some creative ways to dress up your windows? Check out these ideas…

Think Outside the Drapes
If you want something a bit more creative, think about using lovely pillow cases, vintage tablecloths, or other beautiful piece of fabric that you have and turn them into curtains with just a few snips & stitches. A quick google search will give you all the instructions you need!

Are you looking for some creative ways to dress up your windows?  Check out these ideas…

Think Outside the Drapes
If you want something a bit more creative, think about using lovely pillow cases, vintage tablecloths, or other beautiful piece of fabric that you have and turn them into curtains with just a few snips & stitches.  A quick google search will give you all the instructions you need! 

Dress It Up
By adding color & texture to your curtains you will give them a whole new life.  A quick, easy way to do this is by accessorizing your curtains.  Adding a contrasting tie-back to a curtain is a lot like adding a tie or necklace to an outfit… it dresses it up and gives it final touch.  Another creative idea is to buy matching women’s pashminas or dress scarves and drape them over the top of the curtains (as pictured above) to give them a splash of color or pattern. 

Personalize It
There are many ways to personalize window treatments.  You can stencil or paint, add buttons, bows, or flowers, trim them with ribbon, add a contrasting fabric panel to the top or bottom, use ribbon or fabric to add stripes, and much more.  There’s really no limit to what you can do.  Just think about your dream window treatments and chances are you can make them happen!

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266!

Weekend Update — June 9th-10th

Looking for something to do this weekend? Here are a few ideas to get your planning started:

Saturday, June 9th: Lewes Strawberry Festival
3pm-5pm – Enjoy delicious strawberries and champagne amidst live music and beautiful surroundings at the Lewes Historical Complex (110 Shipcarpenter Street). Tickets are $7 for Historical Society members and $10 for everyone else. For more information or to pre-register (required) call 302-645-7670 (ext. 10).

Looking for something to do this weekend?  Here are a few ideas to get your planning started:

Saturday, June 9th:  Lewes Strawberry Festival
3pm-5pm – Enjoy delicious strawberries and champagne amidst live music and beautiful surroundings at the Lewes Historical Complex (110 Shipcarpenter Street).  Tickets are $7 for Historical Society members and $10 for everyone else.  For more information or to pre-register (required) call 302-645-7670 (ext. 10).

Saturday, June 9th:  Best of the Beach Art Auction
6pm-11pm – Dinner, dancing, art & music!  This year’s theme is “Farm To Table” and Big Fish Grill is catering, using fresh, local ingredients.  The auction benefits Beebe Medical Center.  Tickets start at $175 and pre-registration is required.  For more information or to request a ticket, check out the Beebe Medical Foundation website.

Sunday, June 10th: Yellow Ribbon Military Family Appreciation Day
11am-5pm – The City of Lewes honors Sussex County families with members serving in the military with a day that is fun for the whole family!  This event is free, but pre-registration is required.  This event is limited to military families.  Participating families can check in beginning at 11am at American Legion Post 17.  Non-military families are welcome to come to Canalfront Park at 1:30pm to show their support during the Welcome Ceremony which will include a musical tribute and Air Force Flyover.  You can register here.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266!

Free Concerts in Milton, DE

Beginning tomorrow, June 6th, the town of Milton will host a free summer concert at Milton Memorial Park every Wednesday night through the end of August. Running from approximately 7pm-10pm, these weekly concerts are free and fun for the whole family! If weather is uncooperative the show will go on at the Milton Fire Hall. For more information or a schedule of performers, call the Milton Chamber of Commerce at 302-684-1101. Summer is here, so spread a blanket, bring some lawn chairs, consider bringing a picnic dinner, and enjoy the live entertainment!

Beginning tomorrow, June 6th, the town of Milton will host a free summer concert at Milton Memorial Park every Wednesday night through the end of August.  Running from approximately 7pm-10pm, these weekly concerts are free and fun for the whole family!  If weather is uncooperative the show will go on at the Milton Fire Hall.  For more information or a schedule of performers, call the Milton Chamber of Commerce at 302-684-1101.  Summer is here, so spread a blanket, bring some lawn chairs, consider bringing a picnic dinner, and enjoy the live entertainment!

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266!

Best Tips for Painting

Everyone knows that a fresh coat of paint goes a long way to improving just about any surface, but a fresh coat of paint and a good coat of paint are two entirely different things. Here are some great painting tips to help you make the most of a coat of paint!

Everyone knows that a fresh coat of paint goes a long way to improving just about any surface, but a fresh coat of paint and a good coat of paint are two entirely different things.  Here are some great painting tips to help you make the most of a coat of paint!

Buy Good Quality:  You might try to save a couple bucks by buying the cheapest gallon of paint you can, but if you put out the cash for high quality paint and it will go on smoother, cover more, splatter less, and will be less likely to fade.  Trust me, it’s worth the extra money!

Choose Your Gloss Wisely:  Remember that the flatter the finish, the harder the paint is to clean.  Flat paint is a good choice for ceilings, but be sure to use an eggshell for walls and semigloss in rooms that are cleaned more often.

Test It:  The pros know that testing a paint out on a wide surface of wall is key to choosing the ride shade.  The best way to do this is to buy sample sizes (or quarts if they aren’t available) of a few different colors and paint several chunks of wall.  Make sure you leave the paint there for a few days so you can see it in all different lighting and then make your final choice.

Work Your Way Down:  Begin painting at the ceiling and work down the wall for the smoothest results.

Mix It Together:  If you’re using more than one gallon of the same color paint, mix all the gallons together in a bucket to guarantee a uniform color throughout the whole room.

Wrap Up Brushes:  If you’re going to take a break wrap any brushes and rollers in plastic bags.  Be sure there is no air in the bag and close it with a rubber band or twist tie.  If you’re planning on taking a long break, like overnight, seal all the tools up and store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.

With tips like these, you can turn any paint project into a success story!

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266!

Spotlight on Restaurant Week

Restaurant Week is back in Rehoboth! This 7th annual event begins tomorrow and runs through Saturday, June 9th. All week long you can experience some of Rehoboth’s best and most popular restaurants for a fraction of the price. Each participating restaurant offers a 3 course prix-fixe dinner menu for either $20 or $30. Some restaurants are even offering $10 or $15 prix-fixe lunches. Click here for more details and a list of participating restaurants. Find your favorites or enjoy something new… either way you can’t beat eating in Rehoboth this week! Bon appetite!

Restaurant Week is back in Rehoboth!  This 7th annual event begins tomorrow and runs through Saturday, June 9th.  All week long you can experience some of Rehoboth’s best and most popular restaurants for a fraction of the price.  Each participating restaurant offers a 3 course prix-fixe dinner menu for either $20 or $30.  Some restaurants are even offering $10 or $15 prix-fixe lunches.  Click here for more details and a list of participating restaurants.  Find your favorites or enjoy something new… either way you can’t beat eating in Rehoboth this week!  Bon appetite!

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

5 Ways To Create A Backyard Oasis

To develop a backyard oasis, you really need to view your yard as an extension of your living space. With summer approaching, there’s never been a better time!

Develop atmosphere. Many decks are underutilized wooden structures and often a patio is just a slab of concrete, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Create an oasis feel to these spaces by adding texture and color. This can be done through plants, furniture, paint, architectural elements, and more. Remember, your backyard should be an extension of your house, so when you are considering your outdoor space, think of it as another room to decorate.

To develop a backyard oasis, you really need to view your yard as an extension of your living space.  With summer approaching, there’s never been a better time!

Develop atmosphere.  Many decks are underutilized wooden structures and often a patio is just a slab of concrete, but it doesn’t have to be that way.  Create an oasis feel to these spaces by adding texture and color.  This can be done through plants, furniture, paint, architectural elements, and more.  Remember, your backyard should be an extension of your house, so when you are considering your outdoor space, think of it as another room to decorate.

Make it private.  Your outdoor space will seem more glamorous if it seems enclosed.  Adding lattice, a pergola or landscaping to create a privacy screen will help create the feeling of an oasis.  Of course, a fence always works too, but it might not be as elegant!

Create shade.  To create a welcoming space that you want to stay in all day, there needs to be a spot where you can find relief from the sun.  Add some trees, an awning, or an umbrella for immediate shade.  Or you can combine privacy and shade by growing vines along a pergola.

Add lighting.  A true outdoor oasis should be utilized throughout the year, not just on the longest summer days.  In order to do this you need to add some outdoor lighting.  Porch lights, dimmable lamps, solar-powered lights are all good options.

Furnish for use.  There are so many great options for outdoor furniture these days, and much of what is available is just as beautiful and comfortable as indoor furniture.  Wood, aluminum, iron and synthetics are all options.  Think about the style you would like your outdoor space to convey and go from there.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-856-6434.