adding smart home technology to your home

This is the Year of the Smart Home

You come home from a long day’s work to your empty home, but it’s ready for you. The thermostat is set to your favorite temperature, all of the lights are dimmed, and the dishwasher is quietly running. The sprinklers are watering your lawn and the dog is sleeping in his bed after being fed by the automatic dog feeder.

This may sound like a scene from a movie, yet this could be your reality if you join the smart home trend.

According to CNBC, 2017 will be the year of the smart home, with over 80 million smart home devices being delivered worldwide. These products include devices for the kitchen, living room, bedroom, home security, and even the yard.

Popular Smart Home Products To Watch For

With…

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best neighborhoods for students near duke university

Congratulations on your acceptance to one of the best schools in the nation! Now it's time to figure out where to live for the next year, if not your entire stint at Duke University, and beyond! Here's  our overview of which Duke University neighborhoods to consider as your new home while you attend school. Everything from affordable abodes, to   the convenience of location, and of course which neighborhoods are closest to all the action in the city of Durham, can be found here. We've even looked into the rental market for your investment purposes!

Old West Durham

To make the most out of your time at Duke University, we recommend living as close to the city of Durham as possible. Old West Durham is also one of the closest Duke Universtiy…

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tips to declutter your home office

Today, more people than ever are working from home, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down. According to Forbes, “68 percent of U.S. workers say that they expect to work remotely in the future."

But in order to be productive in the comfort of your home, you must have an organized office space. Here are some quick and simple tips to help make your home office a model of organization:

Dedicate a Space

One of the drawbacks of working from home is all of the distractions. Other members of your family want your attention. Household chores are never ending. And sometimes the TV, refrigerator, and sofa are just calling your name.

There is no way to eliminate these distractions, but you can minimize them by dedicating a room only for your…

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Community Amenities Increase Home Values

Luxurious amenities are a lure for homebuyers in new communities. New construction neighborhoods are developing all over the Triangle region, delivering dozens of new communities throughout the Raleigh-Durham area. You can find everything from lush green spaces to fun mini water parks for adults and kids alike. The journey to homeownership will force you to weigh the long-term value of not only the household, but the community amenities as well. It's important to consider that homes with nearby amenities make living there more enjoyable, which is great while you're living there and also a terrific asset when it's time to sell.

As you start narrowing down your list of “must-haves," here are a few neighborhood amenities you may want to consider.

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Best back to school shopping in the Triangle, NC

August is here and that means it's time to get ready for another school year. Shopping for school can often be a hassle but with outlets and malls, it is becoming increasingly popular to find a one-stop shop that makes this task simple. The Triangle is home to many of the most popular malls in North Carolina and these are just a few.

Carolina Premium Outlets

Located approximately 25 miles east of Raleigh, is Smithfield, North Carolina. Carolina Premium Outlets is known to be one of the best outlet malls in North Carolina. Sporting over 80 shops including brand names such as NIKE and Polo Ralph Lauren, the Carolina Premium Outlets has everything you could want and more. Also available at the office is complimentary wheelchairs to assist in making…

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Affordable places to eat in Chapel Hill

Looking for a quick bite in Chapel Hill? There are many excellent restaurants in Chapel Hill, ranging from extravagant bistros to fast and inexpensive eateries. Below are some of my favorite cheap eats in the area.

Sutton's Drug Store

Sutton's is an old-fashioned drug store and soda fountain located on East Franklin Street, right next to UNC's campus. Sutton's has been in business since 1923, and has been owned by John Woodard since 1977. Although the restaurant also offers deli sandwiches, salads, and hotdogs, it is known for its mouth-watering burgers that are served to customers straight off the grill in the back of the store.

Woodard regularly takes photos of customers and hangs them on the restaurant's walls, a tradition that he began in…

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Lawn Care 101: tips to keep your yard looking fresh

We’ve all driven by those houses with the calf-high-brown grass, lack of flowers, and dead garden beds. We’ve also all seen those pristine envy-inducing lawns with their lush grass and gorgeous gardens.   Whether you’re trying to sell or add curb appeal to your home or are just making sure your neighbors don’t get angry, lawn care is important to maintaining your home’s curb appeal.

By spending a little bit of your time fixing your lawn this summer, you can create a stress free oasis on your own property. It just takes a little effort to attain the perfect look. Here are some tips to make the transformation from drab to fab a little bit easier. 

Know Your Grass

First thing’s first, you should know what breed of grass you have, as there…

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stay cool this summer with recipes and activities

Anyone who has lived in North Carolina knows it gets hot in the summer. With temperatures regularly reaching into the 90s, and humidity to match, it can be tough to stay cool during June, July and August.

To help you keep cool during the sweltering summer, here are some ideas for fun treats, activities, and places to go.

Cold Recipes For Hot Days

Here are a few homemade recipes to keep you cool in the North Carolina heat.

  • Homemade healthy fruit pops - Take some of your favorite fruits, puree them in a blender, and pour them into either an ice tray or popsicle molds. Let them freeze overnight.

  • Homemade mint ice cream - Nothing beats homemade ice cream. Follow this simple recipe for some delicious mint chocolate chip ice cream…

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baseball teams in the triangle reagion

“Batter Up!” Summer is here and there is no better way to spend it than outside under the beautiful North Carolina sunshine. The Triangle offers many outdoor activities that are sure to entertain people of all ages. One of the many activities is America’s Past Time, otherwise known as baseball. The Triangle is home to a few minor league baseball teams all within a short thirty minute drive from Chapel Hill.

Durham Bulls

 The Durham Bulls are perhaps one of the most famous minor league teams in the country  due to the movie, Bull Durham. Come and enjoy a night with the bulls in a new stadium  that has infinite amenities, including free Wi-Fi throughout the stadium, and inflatables and  games for the children at the Chick-Fil-A Wool E. World…

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