No images? Click here ![]() ![]() JulyIt's been hard to keep track of what month and day it is lately, but summer is in full swing and it is hot outside! Can you believe that we are halfway through the year 2020? I wanted this newsletter to focus on creating fun memories with your family and having an outdoor space that is comfortable, stylish, and perfect for entertaining, so staying home for holidays (and the summer) isn't a bad thing! The real estate market is still moving quickly and homes are flying off the MLS. If you are interested, let's get started in finding your perfect space! Patio InspirationA dream patio space isn't hard to achieve with a bit of DIY and planning. A patio that is great for entertaining includes a few simple elements like a table, places to sit, shade, a barbecue grill or fire pit, and lots of lighting for late nights. Here are some amazingly styled patios with links to some of the items used, so you can create your own dream outdoor space. ![]() Patio via Hunker.com This patio has lots of modern elements and clean lines. The dark walls and unique lighting elements give it an especially modern twist. The couches and throws are a bit luxurious, and make the space feel like it could be a classic living room. 1. Click here for the Macrame swing. (It's under $70). 2. Click here for the Edison style string lights. 3. Click here for faux fur throw. ![]() ![]() Patio via Anncoxdesign.com This beautiful outdoor space is a little less formal, and focuses on the open air and fire pit. The use of gravel instead of concrete is also a little different than your typical patio. 1. Click here for similar lounge chairs. 2. Click here for similar throw pillows. 3. Click here for similar fire pit. ![]() Fun in your own backyard ![]() There are plenty of fun ways to celebrate summer in your own backyard! Here are a few ideas of things you can do with your family to enjoy the warm weather and make great memories, while staying at home. 1. Sidewalk chalk: Get on Pinterest, find some fun chalk ideas, and get started! You can host a competition for best design, or work together to create one giant piece of art. Here's a list of 50 fun sidewalk chalk ideas or look at this sibling chalk art inspiration. 2. Water balloon fights: Long gone are the days you have to fill up balloons with the hose one at a time. You can now fill up hundreds at a time and they will even tie themselves! Click here for the link to the self tying/ filling water balloons. 3. Create your own obstacle course: Host your own summer olympics by creating your own obstacle courses. Here is a list of 25 low-prep courses that your whole family can participate in! 4. Host a movie night: hang a sheet on your fence, get a projector, and enjoy your favorite movies outside! Have treats, blankets, glow sticks for your kids to enjoy. Here's a link to an affordable projector. 5. Slip and slides: Make an out of the ordinary slip and slide by using shaving cream, colored foam, paint, or even jello! You can even craft your own slip and slide using trash bags and tarp. Click here for directions on how to create your own. Having Fun Indoors![]() When it gets too hot, having fun indoors is a must. We've been indoors a lot lately with social distancing, so it's really time to get creative. Here are a few things that my own family loves, and that will bring your family together. 1. Exploding Kittens: This fun card game is great for ages 7 and up, and is quick and easy to learn. Not your style? Find some other unique and simple card games using this link! Click here for the Exploding Kittens game. ![]() 2. Jackbox.tv: If you have an Xbox or a smart TV, Jackbox Games is a way to play games streamed from everyone's devices onto the TV. There are games similar to Pictionary, and games that are perfect for the whole family. Click here for more information on these games. ![]() 3. Indoor Camping: If there are too many bugs and it's too hot outdoors, set up a fort and camp inside! Pull out the sleeping bags, roast marshmallows over the stove (or in the microwave) and turn on the nature sounds on Spotify! You have yourself a real camping experience. 4. Movie Theater Night: Since theaters are closed, have your kids make their own tickets, make ads for the movie you will watch, and make a concession stand. This will make watching ANOTHER movie at home a bit different. Make sure the room is dark, silence your phones, and enjoy the movie! 5. Tie Dyeing: Use bleach and tie dye old t shirts, blankets, or really any fabric item you have around the house! While this project sounds messy, it can be easily done over the kitchen sink and is a great way to make old things new. You can find directions here. ![]() LISTINGSThe real estate market is still strong here in Salt Lake City, and I would love to help appraise your current home, or buy and sell! Contact me if I can be of any assistance to you. ![]() 1384 E Perry Ave - Price adjusted to $925,000 Nestled in among the old-growth trees and quiet, winding streets of one of Salt Lake City's most impressive neighborhoods (Federal Heights), this home matches the magnificence of its surroundings. Stunning mature landscaping flanks the inviting front patio, perfect to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning or a glass of wine in the evening. The small intricate details chosen throughout the interior of the home add to its elegance, including the custom railing as you walk through the front door. Cooking and entertaining for crowds of any size comes easy with a completely updated and light-filled gourmet kitchen. A generous master and two additional bedrooms on the upper floor share space with a completely remodeled bathroom ready for any family or guest. The lower level offers an additional master suite with a small living space and separate entrance-perfect for guests to have a separate space or offer live-in relatives convenience and privacy. With close proximity to downtown, University of Utah and the hospital systems, this is a gem you don't want to miss. Click here for the full listing. ![]() 828 E 4280 S - Accepting Backup Charming bungalow in the lower Millcreek area updated with beautiful features. Minutes away from downtown Salt Lake and the mountains this home is in the perfect location. You'll walk into the warm living room that flows directly into the kitchen that has been completely updated with new cabinets and appliances, flooring, and a unique backsplash. There are 3 large bedrooms upstairs that have large windows allowing for excellent natural light. The lower level has an additional kitchen and 2 bedrooms perfect for guests. Washer and dryer hookups are on both the upper and lower levels. This home also has a new water heater. Don't miss this gem! Click here for the full listing. HEALTH AND FITNESS![]() The Seven Hardest No-Equipment Exercises, Ranked (Article from Apple News) 1. Pistol Squat: The pistol squat—or single-leg squat—might just be one of the hardest exercises you’ll ever do. It not only requires strength, but also flexibility and balance. Click here for directions. 2. Burpees: Is it any surprise that burpees are on this list? “Burpees are really hard and nobody really likes to do them,” says trainer Charlee Atkins. But busting out a few sets is worth it, as they’re not only a great way to get your cardio in, but they also work every muscle in your body, strengthening your arms, legs, booty, glutes, abs, and more. Click here for directions. 3. Dragon Walk: The dragon walk is one of the best core exercises you can do. You also get an added bonus of it working everywhere else, too. “It’s an excellent core exercise, but it incorporates so many muscle groups that it feels like you’re working the entire body,” says trainer Tee Major. “I like to start with this exercise because it takes the most energy, by far, than any other exercises you’re going to have in your workout.” Click here for directions. 4. Jump Squats: Jump squats are one of the best HIIT exercises to have in your arsenal. “They activate your lower body muscles instantly and increase your explosive power. RIP to your quads,” says trainer Kirsty Alexander. Even a handful will leave you breathless. 5. Mountain Climbers: Mountain climbers might seem easy at first, but it take about .5 seconds to start to feel the full-body burn. The exercise strengthens both your upper and lower body while providing a hit of cardio at the same time. Click here for directions. 6. Broad Jumps: Jump squats are tough, but broad jumps are seriously hard, too. Basically, instead of jumping upward, the explosive move has you jumping as far as you possibly can in front of you. It’s like you’re doing a long jump, minus the running start. 7. Spiderman push-ups: The Spiderman push-ups are nothing short of a challenge. “They require the person performing the exercise to engage the muscles of the core to a greater degree than a regular push-up, because one foot is off the ground while performing each repetition,” says Edward Rush, co-founder of Superior Fitness Lab. By the time you’re done, your arms will be straight-up Jell-O. Click here for directions. NEW RECIPE![]() Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Homemade Ice Cream just screams summer traditions and fun. Making ice cream is a great way to spend time together as a family, and an indoor activity for when the weather is just too hot. Here is the link to a great countertop ice cream maker, with a link to six delicious, five-minute recipes. Enjoy! Link to the Ice Cream Maker here. Link to the recipes here. NEIGHBORHOOD NEWSNeighborhood News provides people with relevant housing market statistics and information by zip code — This monthly email provides data about homes that have been sold or are currently on the market according to your zip code, including sale price information. It's a great way to stay current on your neighborhood's position in the market. If you are interested, please email me your zip code. ![]() Mimi Sinclair 801.580.6089 Instagram: @mimisinclair.realestate |