How would you like a soaking pool that is big enough to comfortably fit the family, easy to maintain, and costs around $440 to get started?

Whether you live in a place like this…

Or this, you can’t beat a deal like that

Stock tank pools are a new trend quickly rising in popularity. You might be thinking, “I don’t know how I’d feel swimming in a cow trough.” But these pools aren’t just inexpensive. They are highly versatile.

For instance, this “cow trough” has a saltwater filter, a waterfall, and quite the setup for day or night soaking

Tractor Company Supply has commented, “More and more, we see our customers turning to this innovative solution as a way to enjoy many of the benefits of a pool without the high cost.”

Setting one of these pools up is easy too. All you need is a flat surface large enough for the stock tank, and the pump. Then set up the tank, seal it, put the pump on and fill it up.

You can use gravel or sand to help create a flat area

You can also simply sink them into the ground for added insulation and style

Annie McCreary, the owner of a stock pool, wrote on Instagram wrote, “We use an above ground pool pump/filter.” She also stated, “We do add chlorine as needed, just like a regular pool/spa. I test it daily with the pool strips, [and], I shock it once a week—so easy! If it gets too funky, it’s easy to drain and re-fill.”

You can style your pools any way you like, and not have to spend tens of thousands for it

Or you can decorate using the most versatile DIY material ever, the wood pallet

“Sounds pretty simple, but is it really? How do I make one of these?”

Stacey Maaser, author of Embracing Motherhood put together this detailed stock tank pool DIY to show you how to create one suitable for the whole family. Bottom line… it’s inexpensive, easy to do, can be turned into any sort of soaking tub paradise you can imagine, and it can fit nearly anywhere. What’s the drawback?

My guess is, never wanting to get out

Few people would say they’re satisfied with their current closet situation. From lack of space to poor lighting, there are plenty of reasons to covet about a closet upgrade.

One woman got a closet makeover that’s safe to say surpasses most people’s dreams. How did it come about? Her husband Rodolfo Cabrera, the talented owner of Maryland-based Remodeling & Design LLC, converted their unfinished walk-up attic space that was going to waste, so the builder decided to repurpose it. The transformation is nothing short of spectacular.

Brace yourself for serious closet envy!

Looks like a massive undertaking, right? Not so for Cabrera. He went right to work framing the space, then installing the drywall and electrical work. He even put a split air conditioning unit up there, making it even “cooler” than your average closet in more ways than one!

With the walls in place and painted this vibrant white, you can see it already taking shape. The LED lights make it nice and bright. No more hunting around in a dark closet!

This window adds tons of natural light but if the couple gets dressed in there, they may want to hang some curtains as soon as possible.

These built-in shelves are beautiful and will help keep clothing and accessories well-organized and easy to reach.

As if the closet itself weren’t beautiful enough, take a look at the ultra-modern staircase that leads to it.

This floating staircase is a work of art in itself.

Now that is a way to put an unfinished attic to better use!

When COVID-related stay at home orders and restrictions hit the US in March, many buyers put their home search on hold. But as those orders and restrictions are being lifted, a good portion of those buyers are re-entering the market.

Which brings up the question: what, exactly, are those buyers going to be looking for as we move through—and, eventually, out of—this pandemic?

A recent survey from HomeLight, which polled real estate agents seven times between April and June, asked agents what they believed would be the most desirable or important features, characteristics, or amenities for buyers in the post-COVID-19 era—and, given what the country just went through in quarantine, the answers make sense. Some of the most popular responses include:

• Designated home office (17 percent).COVID has pushed more companies towards a remote work model—which means more people than ever are working from home. Having a designated home office space is poised to be one of the most in-demand home features for buyers who are now working remotely.
• Suburban or less dense location (16 percent).After a pandemic, expect many buyers to look to get out of the cities and into areas where it’s easier to get space—like the suburbs.
• Private and spacious outdoor area (15 percent).COVID had many people stuck at home for months—and for many people without a yard, patio, or outdoor space, the lack of outdoor access made the experience more challenging. Expect even more demand moving forward for spacious (and private!) outdoor spaces, like fenced-in backyards.

Backyard pubs have been popping up left and right, but not everyone is into drinking alcohol. Some people prefer their coffee…

One man’s love for coffee compelled him to build a coffee shop right in his own backyard. His proud daughter, Julianna, shared his amazing project on social media. The charming coffeehouse has been garnering rave reviews and it’s no wonder why. You can practically smell the coffee brewing through cyberspace. Makes you want to order up a latte and relax.

Take a look!

It’s hard to believe when you see it like this, but this project was completed in just three months—fueled by caffeine no doubt!

It probably helps that the guy who’s now the head barista of this coffee house is also a contractor. Something tells us Ed the Builder, as he refers to himself on Instagram, is about to be in high demand!

That window is going to allow for plenty of natural light and possibly even walk-up customers.

Welcome to La Vida Cafe. Love the built-in mini-fridge and the chalkboard announcing the daily specials.

Whether you want to watch the morning news, or grab a magazine off the rack and read, this coffee shop has it all.

Indoor and outdoor seating makes this an all-weather hang-out.

Imagine stopping in for a little after-dinner espresso or cappuccino at dusk under these lights? We’ll drink to that!

Plenty of dads are known to putter around the backyard tackling interesting projects, but few take it to this extreme.

Even if you’ve downloaded your favorite coffee spot’s app and choose curbside pickup, you still can’t beat the convenience of a coffee shop waiting just outside your door.

If you’re thinking about remodeling your bathroom, you’ll want your design to feel timely and on-trend. And a great place to explore the newest interior design trends—including bathroom design?

A recent article from realtor.com highlighted some of the Instagram’s biggest bathroom design trends, including:

Open shelving. Open shelving instantly makes a space feel larger, making it a great choice for creating the illusion of spaciousness in a small bathroom.

Gold hardware. Gold hardware—like a faucet, towel bar, or toilet paper holder—is not only on trend, but can add a sense of warmth to your bathroom space. Just make sure to tie in the gold with other design elements (like a gold-rimmed mirror) to create a cohesive look.

 

Floor-to-ceiling backsplash. If you want to embrace a bold Instagram design trend, try a floor-to-ceiling backsplash. This will not only add visual interest to your bathroom, but it can also make ceilings look higher—which will, in turn, can make your bathroom feel bigger.

Positivity. It’s something we learn at a young age yet we are constantly tested in life to maintain a positive outlook when facing different obstacles and hurdles. It’s also something that many of us are struggling with today as we continue to social distance and adapt to the ever-evolving mandates and changes within our communities.

But now more than ever, it’s important to appreciate the things that we do have and take inventory of all of the good things in our lives. This month’s newsletter is dedicated to doing just that—from outdoor activities that are social distance approved, to al fresco dining, to an insider’s look at the current real estate market, we’ve got you covered! Read on for the full scoop.

Supporting local businesses and restaurants through these tough times is a great way to stay connected and help our community stay afloat. While indoor restaurant venues are closed for the time being, we are still able to enjoy outdoor dining at some fantastic restaurants in the greater Sacramento area. Check out a few of our favorite outdoor venues on the river where you can enjoy a nice cocktail and delicious meal with a side of views.

First up on the list is Crawdads On The River. Since 1986, Crawdads has been one of Sacramento’s most popular dining spots on the river. Guests can come by car or boat to enjoy a casual, laid-back atmosphere with fresh seafood, delicious drinks, and mesmerizing views. Not sure what to order? For starters try their “Crispy Calamari Strips” served with lemon and their house-made roasted cocktail sauce. If you prefer something lighter, try their fresh “Shrimp Cocktail” appetizer. For a main, dive into their “Blackened Fish Tacos” or their simple yet mouth-watering “Crab Grilled Cheese”. Chill out with one of their frozen drinks like their refreshing “Frozen Vodka Lemonade.” Check out their full menu here and be sure to call ahead of time to make a reservation out on the patio at 916-929-2268.

Next, we’re taking you to another equally popular outdoor dining spot, Scott’s Seafood on the River. This upscale eatery impresses with its focus on fresh seafood, fabulous handcrafted cocktails, and front row river views. Guests can wine and dine on the expansive patio overlooking the river. Begin your meal with their “Dungeness Crab Cakes” or their “Wild Prawn Cocktail”. For the main course, you can’t go wrong with any dish, but their “Filet Mignon & Jumbo Scallops” dish is a great combo option. They also have an impressive cocktail menu with favorites including their classic Margarita. You can make a reservation ahead of time by calling 916-379-5959 or by using OpenTable.

Finally, our quest for al fresco dining ends at Rio City Café, which is situated in beautiful historic Old Sacramento with a spacious outdoor patio and spectacular views. This riverfront restaurant features a delicious menu that celebrates fresh, house-made ingredients. Hungry for an appetizer? Try their famous “Sourdough Cheese Loaf” (pictured above) filled with an indulging three cheese blend on top of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and crushed chili flakes. Signature entrees include their pan-seared “Halibut” served with creamy parmesan risotto and grilled asparagus and their “Red Crab & Shrimp Louie” salad. Check out their full menu here. To reserve an outdoor table, call 916-442-8226 or use OpenTable.

Some of us might be feeling frustrated about the recent re-closure of gyms in Sacramento—but lucky for us, Sacramento is home to countless recreational activities with plenty of hiking, biking, and walking paths for us to explore. The city also sits at the confluence of the American and Sacramento rivers where you can raft, kayak, and even launch a boat in some areas. Click on the below links for some fun outdoor activities and inspiration.

1. Plan Your Next Rafting or Kayaking Trip on the American River: Summer is the perfect opportunity to cool off at the American River. So grab your quarantine crew and get out on the water for a fun-filled day of rafting or kayaking. If you need to rent a raft or kayak, check out American River Raft Rentals.
2. Grab Your Paddleboard and Hit the Water: From Lake Natoma to the Sacramento River, there are plenty of places for you to hit the water and soak in the beautiful outdoors. Check out some of the top paddleboarding spots before planning your next outing here. Need a paddleboard? Snag one at American River Raft Rentals.
3. Hit the Trails: Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, or running, Sacramento is home to plenty of trails and paths for you to explore. Grab your running shoes and hit the trail at Ancil Hoffman Park or one of these popular Sacramento running trails. Also check out these local biking paths and gorgeous hiking paths.
4. Soak in the Sun on Your Next Boating Excursion: Now is the perfect time to brush up your wakeboarding or skiing skills on the river or lake! Check out Folsom Lake, Camp Far West, or the Sacramento River for a fun boat outing.

When COVID-19 first hit, many buyers put their home searches on hold—and that pause continued through the following months as much of the nation was under stay-at-home orders.

But now that the country has started to reopen, buyers are “unpausing” their searches and buying homes, which has translated to an unprecedented rebound in the market. Data released in June in the National Association of REALTORS® Pending Home Sales Index, which measures housing contract activity, showed a 44.3% jump in May—the highest month-over-month increase since the Index started collecting data in 2001.

“This has been a spectacular recovery for contract signings and goes to show the resiliency of American consumers and their evergreen desire for homeownership,” NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said in a recent press release. “This bounce-back also speaks to how the housing sector could lead the way for a broader economic recovery.”

So, what does this mean for you? If you’ve been holding off on listing your home, it looks like buyers are officially getting back into the market and ready to buy—which should make it easier to sell.