As the calendar flips to a new year, it's the perfect time to embrace fresh starts and set resolutions for positive changes. If you're looking to make improvements in your life, why not start with your home? The Geri Reilly Real Estate Team is here to guide you through the process of decluttering your living space and welcoming the new year with a clean slate. Let's explore some practical tips to kickstart your journey to a more organized and harmonious home in 2024.

1. Set Realistic Goals: Before diving into decluttering, take a moment to set realistic and achievable goals for your home. Identify specific areas that need attention and create a step-by-step plan. Whether it's tackling the overflowing closet or reorganizing the kitchen, breaking down the process will make it more manageable.
2. Donate or Sell Unwanted Items: New year, new opportunities to let go of items that no longer serve a purpose in your life. Consider donating gently used clothes, furniture, or household items to local charities. Alternatively, you can sell items online to declutter while putting a little extra cash in your pocket.
3. Create Functional Spaces: Evaluate the functionality of each room in your home. Ensure that the layout and organization support the intended purpose of the space. Whether it's a home office, living room, or bedroom, optimize the layout for efficiency and comfort.
4. Invest in Storage Solutions: Effective storage is key to maintaining a clutter-free home. Invest in storage solutions such as shelves, bins, and baskets to keep items organized and out of sight. The Geri Reilly Real Estate Team can provide expert advice on maximizing storage space within your home.
5. Refresh Your Living Space: Consider making small aesthetic changes to refresh your living space. Rearrange furniture, add new decorative elements, or introduce houseplants to breathe new life into your home. A visually appealing and well-organized space can positively impact your mindset.
6. Prioritize Sustainability: As you declutter, be mindful of the environmental impact. Opt for eco-friendly disposal methods, recycle where possible, and consider sustainable storage solutions. By making environmentally conscious choices, you contribute to a healthier planet while transforming your home.
7. Schedule Regular Maintenance: To prevent future clutter from accumulating, establish a routine for regular maintenance. Spend a few minutes each day tidying up and addressing clutter hotspots. Consistency is key to maintaining a harmonious and organized living space.

Embrace the opportunity that the new year brings to create a home that reflects your aspirations and promotes a sense of well-being. With the guidance of the Geri Reilly Real Estate Team's tips, decluttering your home becomes a rewarding and transformative experience. Start the year on the right foot by making your living space a place of comfort, functionality, and positive energy. Cheers to a clutter-free and fulfilling 2024!

Autumn is here, and it's time to embrace the enchanting beauty of the season within and beyond our homes. As the leaves paint the landscape in shades of amber and crimson, we welcome you to our Fall Home and Lifestyle Guide, where we've curated a collection of tips and inspiration to help you celebrate the magic of fall. From cozy home decor ideas that will transform your space into a warm haven to delectable recipes and cocktails that capture the essence of the season, we've got you covered. Join us as we explore the best leaf peeping spots, discover fall landscaping ideas, and embark on a journey of sensory delights that define the most picturesque time of the year.

 

Best Spots for Leaf Peeping:

Burlington, Vermont, is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes that offer excellent leaf peeping opportunities during the fall season. Here are some leaf peeping spots near Burlington:

1. Mount Philo State Park: Located just a short drive from Burlington, Mount Philo offers a relatively easy hike to a summit with panoramic views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. The fall foliage from this vantage point is spectacular.

2. Camel's Hump State Park: A bit farther from Burlington but well worth the drive, Camel's Hump is one of Vermont's highest peaks. Hike the Burrows Trail to the summit for sweeping vistas of colorful foliage in the Green Mountains.
3. Shelburne Farms: This historic estate on Lake Champlain has miles of walking trails that wind through beautiful gardens and along the lakeshore. The fall foliage combined with lake views creates a picturesque setting.
4. Intervale Center: Located just outside of Burlington, the Intervale Center offers walking and biking trails that take you through meadows and wetlands with the Adirondack Mountains in the background. It's a great place to enjoy fall colors without venturing far from the city.
5. Ethan Allen Homestead: This historic site, the former home of American Revolutionary War hero Ethan Allen, has walking trails along the Winooski River. It's a peaceful spot to appreciate fall foliage in a serene setting.
6. Bike Path along Lake Champlain: The Burlington Bike Path runs along the shores of Lake Champlain and provides a picturesque route for biking, walking, or running. During the fall, the path is lined with colorful trees, offering beautiful views of the lake and the Adirondacks.
7. Green Mountain Byway: Take a scenic drive along Vermont Route 100 through the Green Mountain Byway. This route will lead you through charming villages, covered bridges, and some of the state's most scenic fall landscapes.

Remember that the timing of peak fall foliage can vary from year to year, so it's a good idea to check with local sources or Vermont's tourism websites for updates on the best times to visit for leaf peeping in Burlington and the surrounding areas.

 

Fall Home Decor Trends:

image source: https://lonefox.com/

Here are some key trends to consider when decorating your home for fall in 2023:

1. Earth Tones and Warm Colors: Earthy hues like terracotta, ochre, olive green, and warm shades of brown dominate fall color palettes. These colors create a cozy and inviting atmosphere reminiscent of autumn foliage.
2. Sustainable and Natural Materials: Sustainability remains a significant focus in home decor. Look for furniture and decor items made from reclaimed wood, bamboo, rattan, and recycled materials. These choices reflect a commitment to environmental consciousness.
3. Botanical and Floral Prints: Floral patterns and botanical prints continue to flourish in 2023, evoking the beauty of nature indoors. Incorporate these patterns in upholstery, curtains, and throw pillows for a touch of organic elegance.
4. Vintage and Antique Accents: Nostalgia is in vogue, and incorporating vintage or antique decor pieces adds character and a sense of history to your space. Look for retro furniture, antique mirrors, or heirloom textiles.
5. Cozy Textures: Embrace the cooler weather with cozy textures like chunky knit throws, faux fur blankets, and plush velvet upholstery. These materials provide warmth and tactile comfort.
6. Candlelit Ambiance: Candles are a timeless fall decor element. Opt for scented candles in autumnal fragrances like cinnamon, apple, or pumpkin spice. Group them in clusters on trays or place them in lanterns for a warm, inviting glow.
7. Earthy Pottery and Ceramics: Handcrafted pottery and ceramics in natural, rustic textures add a touch of artisanal charm to your fall decor. Consider vases, bowls, and mugs in muted, earthy tones.
8. Layered Rugs: Layering rugs is a stylish way to create depth and warmth in your space. Pair a neutral jute or sisal rug with a patterned or colorful rug to add visual interest.
9. Harvest-Inspired Centerpieces: For dining tables and mantels, consider creating autumnal centerpieces with seasonal gourds, dried flowers, and branches. Incorporate elements like wheat sheaves or mini pumpkins for a charming touch.
10. Indoor Greenery: Houseplants and indoor gardens continue to be popular, providing a fresh and lively contrast to the changing outdoor landscape. Consider low-maintenance options like snake plants, pothos, or fiddle leaf figs.

Fall Backyard Landscaping Idea:

image source: https://kelleynan.com/fall-porch-decor/

As autumn paints the world in vibrant hues, it's the perfect time to transform your outdoor space into a cozy and inviting haven. Fall landscaping ideas can help you make the most of this enchanting season. Start by incorporating warm, earthy tones into your garden with the addition of mums, marigolds, and ornamental grasses, creating a rich tapestry of colors. To add a touch of whimsy, consider scattering hay bales, cornstalks, and pumpkins throughout your yard. Fire pits or outdoor fireplaces are ideal for extending outdoor gatherings into the crisp evenings, allowing you to toast marshmallows and savor the season's scents. Embrace the natural beauty of fallen leaves by creating a leaf pile for children to play in or using them as mulch to protect your plants during the winter months. By embracing these outdoor fall landscaping ideas, you'll not only enhance your home's curb appeal but also create a serene space to relish the magic of autumn.

Fall Recipe:

Rustic Pumpkin and Sage Risotto

As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, there's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a hearty fall dish. This Rustic Pumpkin and Sage Risotto recipe is the epitome of autumn in a bowl.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 2 cups pumpkin or butternut squash, diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 4-5 cups vegetable or chicken broth, kept warm
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves, chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Onions: Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they become translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Toast the Rice: Add the Arborio rice to the pan and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously until the rice becomes slightly translucent around the edges.
3. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine and stir until it is mostly absorbed by the rice.
4. Add Pumpkin and Garlic: Stir in the diced pumpkin (or butternut squash) and minced garlic, allowing them to cook for a couple of minutes until they start to soften.
5. Begin Adding Broth: Start adding the warm broth, one ladle at a time, while stirring constantly. Allow the liquid to be mostly absorbed before adding more. Continue this process until the rice is creamy and cooked to your desired level of doneness. This should take about 18-20 minutes.
6. Incorporate Sage: About halfway through the cooking process, add half of the chopped sage leaves to infuse the risotto with their earthy flavor.
7. Season and Finish: Once the rice is cooked, remove it from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining chopped sage leaves. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the creamy pumpkin and sage risotto into bowls, garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese and sage leaves, if desired.

This rustic autumn-inspired dish is the perfect blend of creamy and savory, with the sweet notes of pumpkin and the earthy aroma of fresh sage. It's a comforting meal that captures the essence of fall and is sure to become a seasonal favorite at your dinner table.

Fall Cocktail:

Spiced Apple Cider Margarita

As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, there's no better way to embrace the flavors of fall than with a Spiced Apple Cider Margarita. This cocktail combines the warmth of apple cider with the zing of tequila and a hint of autumn spices for a delightful seasonal sip.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz silver tequila
• 4 oz fresh apple cider
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1/2 oz Cointreau or triple sec
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• Ice cubes
• Apple slices and cinnamon sticks for garnish
• Optional: Rimming salt (a mixture of coarse salt and cinnamon)

Instructions:

1. Rim the Glass (optional): If you'd like, rim the edge of a rocks glass with a mixture of coarse salt and cinnamon. To do this, wet the rim with a lime wedge and gently dip it into the salt-cinnamon blend.
2. Mix the Cocktail: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Add the tequila, fresh apple cider, fresh lime juice, Cointreau (or triple sec), ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
3. Shake It Up: Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until the mixture is well chilled.
4. Strain and Serve: Strain the cocktail into the rimmed rocks glass filled with ice cubes.
5. Garnish: Garnish your Spiced Apple Cider Margarita with a slice of apple and a cinnamon stick. The apple slice can be placed on the rim for an extra touch of fall charm.
6. Enjoy: Sip and savor the delightful blend of apple cider, tequila, and warm spices. It's the perfect autumnal drink for cozy evenings by the fire or gatherings with friends and family.

This Spiced Apple Cider Margarita captures the essence of fall with its seasonal flavors and is sure to be a hit at any autumn gathering. Cheers to the beauty of the season!

Bedrooms might seem like simple rooms to determine a layout for in your custom home. However, you can end up with bedrooms that don’t provide enough space or bedrooms with inconvenient layouts if you’re not careful. Keep the following tips in mind to make sure you have bedroom layouts that provide you and your family with comfort and convenience in your new home.

Determine the Size

The size of your bedrooms is an important factor to consider when choosing a layout. Whether you’re designing a main bedroom for adults or a child’s room, you’ll need to make sure the room offers enough space for furniture to fit comfortably. Keep in mind that bedrooms with a more spacious feel might provide a better sleep environment for you and your family, so plan accordingly.

Leave Space Around Furniture

Whether you’re choosing a layout for a bedroom with one large bed or two smaller beds, you’ll need to ensure that there is plenty of room around these items. This helps provide space to get in and out of bed and to move around the room without bumping against furniture. Beds should have a couple feet of space at minimum between them and the wall unless you plan to have beds go right up against the wall. Don’t forget to make sure there will be space around dressers, nightstands and other items as well, so you and your family can move around easily and fully open and close drawers without hitting anything.

Plan for Storage Space

Bedrooms typically have at least one closet for storage. When planning your bedroom layouts, consider where to put closets and how big you would like them to be. To save on wall space, consider including a deeper, walk-in closet for storage. If you’re unable to include deep closets, you might need to take up a bit more wall space and put in a wider closet to ensure enough storage space. You can also include other kinds of built-in storage areas as part of the layout, such as built-in shelves around windows or on walls.

Consider Window Placement

All bedrooms in your home should have at least one window for safety, as well as airflow and light. You can put windows on one wall or multiple walls depending on where each bedroom is in your floor plan. However, be careful not to add too much natural light into your bedroom. This could create an uncomfortable sleep environment, especially on mornings when the sun rises earlier than you and your family do. If possible, consider placing windows opposite doorways in your bedrooms, since this can ensure good airflow when you have the windows and door open.

Include Additional Features

When you’re thinking about the layout for bedrooms in your custom home, consider adding an extra feature or two. For example, include an area for reading, which might include built-in shelves close to a window for additional light. You might also consider having a built-in desk included in your bedrooms as a place to work or study. These features will take up wall space, so make sure you’ll still have plenty of room to fit beds and other items, as well as space around them.