Category Archives: Family Living

Arizona Summer Heat Warning

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Arizona has many of the sunniest cities in the United States. Yuma, Phoenix, Tucson, even Flagstaff all rank in the sunniest places to live. While blue skies and sunshine may sound like paradise, the heat can be extremely dangerous during the summer months. When in the Valley, temperatures can reach around 100-110 degrees or hotter during June, July, and August. Some locals may scoff at these numbers and act like they are no concern; however, this serious of heat should not be taken lightly. To help our community stay safe, we created this helpful guide for surviving the summer heat:

Hydrate

Dehydration can lead to a severe health risk. Remember to stay hydrated throughout the whole day. Early symptoms can consist of merely being thirsty, dizzy, nauseated, muscle cramps, or a headache. While it is easy to ignore, the desert heat can be relentless. There is no magic number to say how much water you will need. Continue to drink water throughout your day. Also, pay attention to lethargic behaviors, rapid pulse, or panting in animals. This heat can take a toll on not only you but your pets as well.

Sunblock

While we are not directly on the equator, the UV and sun exposure are very harsh. Find a sunblock with an SPF or Sun Protection Factor of at least 15. Each skin type is different, and SPF 30 is the most common. Find which sunblock or sunscreen works best for you and your skin. Just remember that sunblock will not last all day so you will want to reapply sunscreen if you go swimming or after the recommended time.

Stay Inside

Unless the day demands outdoor activities, stay inside. This is the perfect opportunity to appreciate your beautiful home. Enjoy your pristine air conditioning and beautiful indoor oasis. Find indoor summer activities for you and the family until the sun goes down when it is okay to hang out outdoors.

The summer heat can get brutal but do not let that deter you from enjoying Arizona. There is still much to do during the summer. If you do plan on going out or hiking, be smart! Make sure you have enough water for you and your pets as well! For more insight on Fulton Homes and the wonders of Arizona, make sure to subscribe.

How to Stay Protected Against the Arizona Sun

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Arizona days can be incredibly hot, and while outdoor activities are in full force, you may be looking for a little extra protection from the sun. Whether you plan on going to the lake, family picnics or playing sports outside, all too often, we have seen how intense the sun can actually be. When you are exposed to too much heat, your body may experience dehydration, which can lead to heat cramps, exhaustion, and even a sunstroke/heat stroke. So that you and your family are healthy all summer long we have listed some helpful tips for staying protected:

Light Colored Clothing

Depending on how you dress, light colors can really help you stay comfortable when outside in the heat. Think about wearing white or soft neutral/pastel colored clothes made from natural fibers like cotton and linen. Since dark clothing absorbs heat and tight-fitting clothes are not made to let you sweat, you can get overheated during the summer. Your body’s natural cooling system is to sweat and evaporate; therefore, do not wear clothes that will prevent this natural cooling system from doing its thing!

Hats & Sunglasses

Buy a wide-brimmed straw or fabric hat that prevents UV (ultraviolet) rays from getting to your face and neck. Your skin will appreciate this as you age and so will you, compared to people who chose not to cover their face in the sun. Make sure you purchase sunglasses that prevent UV rays from damaging your eyes. Choose sunglasses that block ninety to one hundred percent of UV rays to stay safe.

Lip Balm & Sunscreen

Lip balm protects your lips, which are very thin and sunburn easily. Make sure you purchase a balm that has SPF (sun protection factor) of at least a fifteen. When you are outdoors who wants to ruin the fun by getting a nasty sunburn? No one does, but if you do not purchase a sunscreen with at least a fifteen SPF, you will probably be sitting on the sidelines with that nasty sunburn. If you are swimming or playing sports and sweating, be sure to purchase a waterproof sunscreen.

For children, do not forget to protect the tender areas like the tops of ears, eyelids, nose, shoulders, the head and back of the neck. We would also recommend a lip balm that is for chapped lips with an SPF of at least a fifteen to put under eyebrows and on eyelids to prevent a nasty burn. The chapped lip balm’s thick consistency will prevent the balm from running into the eyes.

Enjoy your summer, and stay healthy!

Tips for Organizing a Kid’s Bedroom

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Are you tired of always getting on your kid to clean up their room? A child’s room can quickly become cluttered with clothes, crafts, and toys. If this is an issue that you are currently experiencing, it may be time to start implementing some new organization strategies. A well-organized room will allow kids to locate their favorite toys faster as well as help keep things neat. Here are some tips to help organize your child’s room:

No Longer in Use

If you are still storing those clothes that your child can no longer fit, it is time to find them a new home. Ask your child to help you separate items that they no longer use or can fit, so you can both donate them to other children in need. Children are more likely to part with the toys that they no longer play with when they find out that they will be helping another child in need.

Cute and Practical

Your storage solutions should be fun while being ideal for the needs of your kid. You can try using colorful storage bins with wheels that enable them to be easily moved. In addition, if you are feeling artsy, you can make it a crafts project with the kids to create fun storage options for their toys.

Get Kids Involved

Have your children help you organize their room. Be sure to make it fun by turning it into a game–this will help them develop a more upbeat attitude towards tidying up their room thus motivating them to do so on their own.

Separate “Like” Items

Try storing “like” items together. Help them sort through their clothes and toys so that you can see exactly what they have. Use storage bins, shelves, or crates to place items so that you will be able to keep track of what they have.

Accessibility is Key

When organizing your kid’s room, it is essential that you make everything easily accessible for your child that way, they will be able to find and put away items. If you have small children, consider placing nooks at a convenient height. In addition, you can lower rods in the closet so that they will be able to hang up their own clothes.

How do you stay organized? We would love to hear your personal tips and tricks below in the comment section. Thanks for reading!

Creating a Gender-Neutral Nursery

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Did you just receive the wonderful news and now you are an expecting parent? We know this is an exciting time, but we also know this can be a stressful time. You immediately start thinking of a million things to do. Many expecting parents today are choosing the option of creating a gender-neutral nursery while staying away from the traditional blue and pink palettes. This can be a perfect solution for parents waiting to find out the gender of their child at birth. If you are interested in a gender-neutral nursery, we have some suggestions that will steer you in the right direction for creating the perfect nursery. Let’s take a look!

Color Schemes & Themes

Begin by choosing your corresponding color scheme and theme to pull the room together. You do not necessarily have to pick white or beige colored walls, but selecting a neutral wall color allows you to bring in other colors, patterns, and designs wherever you see fit. Think of the walls as a blank canvas, and what you add is the actual art.

Murals & Wall Decals

You do not have to be a talented artist to create a mural that corresponds with your theme. Painter’s tape is a wonderful tool to mark off various shapes, or tape off horizontal, chevron or vertical stripes. Simply paint the taped-off design with coordinating paint colors. If you do not have the time or patience to create and paint a design, research the hundreds of peel and stick decals that are on the market. Choose themed decals like jungle scenes, nature scenes, alphabets, or numbers to liven up the room. Believe us; you will have no problem finding decals to match your theme.

Furniture

If your walls are a neutral color, and your style is traditional, white or off-white is a safe choice for furniture. You can introduce a contrasting color with your mural and decals. If you are more adventurous, choose a darker color for the walls like navy or gray that will contrast with white trim and white furniture.

Accessories

Depending on your theme and color palette, choosing accessories is always the fun part of the project. Accessories including area rugs, lamps/light fixtures, window coverings, bedding, floor pillows, and stuffed animals can be functional yet stylish pieces that add to the overall design. Introducing contrasting colors to the nursery is easily achieved with the accessories you choose.

We hope you all the best and have fun creating the perfect sanctuary for your little one! Please let us know the outcome of this very special project.

Memorial Day BBQ Side Dish Ideas

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You may consider Memorial Day the official marker of summertime. It is a time that we honor and remember those who served our country, and you may have decided to host a barbecue and invite a few veterans over to your home. If you are nervous about finding the perfect side dishes to match your BBQ, fear not because here are seven BBQ side dish ideas that you can use for your Memorial Day party:

Roasted Sweet Potato

Looking for something sweet to complement your protein choice? Roasting sweet potatoes is an extremely easy and tasty idea for homeowners. Plus, it is really simple! Just chop them up and drizzle them with olive oil before placing them in the oven!

CrockPot Mac N’ Cheese

Mac n’ cheese is a classic when it comes to barbecues. The best part is you can easily make it in the crockpot for a portable, fast recipe.

Fresh Fruit Salad

Nothing says fresh on a warm day like fruit salad. Plus, fruit salad is an easy, last minute idea that you can throw together. Try adding in your favorite summer fruits for customization.

Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple

Looking for a dessert that will not show on the scale the next day? Brown sugar pineapples are easy and delicious options for your Labor Day barbecue. Bonus: there are only three ingredients (pineapples, brown sugar, and canola oil)!

Jalapeño Cornbread

If you love spice, you will love this savory side dish! You can add jalapeños into a box mix of cornbread or make them from scratch. Either way, the plate will be cleared off with this delicious side dish.

Baked Garlic Parmesan Fries

Everyone loves a flavorful french fry and adding a garlic parmesan seasoning turns your fries into the talk of the party. All you need is garlic, parsley, salt, olive oil, parmesan, and fresh potatoes to make this snack come true.

Watermelon, Feta, and Mint Salad

Running short on time? You can quickly throw together this 5-ingredient salad in no time! All you need is fresh, seedless watermelon, mint, olive oil, feta cheese, and salt for a new BBQ favorite.

We hope you enjoy your Memorial Day party and that your side dishes are a hit!

Must-See Arizona Travel Spots

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Arizona is a beautiful state with so much to offer. Whether you are a snowbird or live here year around, the state has a large number of events, natural wonders, entertainment, amusements parks, and museums. From scenic road trips to epic nightlife venues, Arizona has it all, and we wanted to share our favorite must-see Arizona activities with you. Let’s take a look!

Scenic

Arizona is known for its beautiful landscape.? From its red painted deserts to stunning mountain ranges to the grandest of canyons, Arizona has a broad spectrum of scenic attractions.? Starting up north, the Grand Canyon spreads a majestic 277 miles of pure spectacular sights to see.? Enjoy the canyon by taking tours, white water rafting, or even participating in helicopter rides.? Head to the East to see the Petrified Forest.? This National Park is full of beautiful colors of petrified wood and is home to the Rainbow Forest.? However, if you are looking for a more lively forest, check out Phoenix’s Desert Botanical Garden!? This garden is a treasure of vibrant plant life for the entire family to explore.

Entertainment and Night Life

Enjoy some of the super malls featured in Scottsdale and Phoenix.? You can also check out many of the casino’s the state has to offer in Chandler, Glendale, Phoenix, and Scottsdale.? Arizona has many ways to keep locals and tourists entertained.? Are you looking for a “spooky” evening?? Head over to the Fear Farm Sports & Entertainment in Phoenix for a fright-filled evening. If you are looking for a more social evening, check out some of Arizona’s many entertainment districts like the Glendale Entertainment District for movies, dining, clubs, and more.

Outdoor Adventures

Want to get more hands-on in this desert?? Head over to Sedona for the famous Broken Arrow Pink Jeep Tour.? While in Sedona, check out some ATV rentals.? Nothing feels more invigorating than driving through this mountainous terrain.? Sedona has many gorgeous hiking trails, but do not be disappointed if you cannot make it out there because Arizona is packed with fun hiking trails, waterfalls, and a beautiful night sky.? Just make sure to take plenty of water before venturing out into this enchanted oasis.

Arizona is filled with endless activities and beautiful landscapes.? You will never get bored.?From nightlife to relaxed evenings and even adventurous days, Arizona has it all. For more local tips, make sure to check out more of our content and subscribe!

How to Have a Successful Move

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Moving is one of the most significant stress factors in life. We become “nester” and find comfort staying in our old ways of lives; however, change is vital for growth, and sometimes that demands moving homes. Do not let this task feel like an encumbering burden because with a little time-management and a game plan, your move will go smoothly. Plus, you can eliminate your stress by stick to these five simple guidelines for moving:

Make a Game Plan

The first step is to make a game plan. Determine how many days you have until your move. Perhaps a month or maybe a week? Using this time, write out the rooms you will need to pack. You can set goals to accomplish each day to break up the workload. Additionally, you need to price and schedule a moving truck or movers. Write out a game plan for moving day including a timeline of the day to help ensure everything goes smoothly.

Time to Pack

Do not pack any of your necessities at first. You do not want to go for a month without toilet paper or toothpaste. You may want to go to a local grocery store for some free boxes if you do not have them. If not, many moving truck companies can sell boxes to you as well. Once you begin to pack, remember to set aside important documents and hand deliver these items to your new home yourself.

Be Sure to Label

Labeling is important. Not only should you label the contents of the box, but you should label what box goes in what room. You should also label if boxes are heavy, medium, or light for packing purposes as well as have stickers that say if things are fragile. Labels will help your loading an unloading process as well as your unpacking experience.

Hire a Babysitter

Moving day will demand a lot of attention and so do your kids. Plus, you do not want to jeopardize your children’s safety on moving day. With so much going through your mind on moving day, do not forget to hire a babysitter or dog sitter. You have a lot to worry about during the day and having your children monitored by someone else can help alleviate some stress.

Settling in

Welcome to the neighborhood! You may want some of your time dedicated to networking and meeting the community. Even if stress levels are high this day, be smart. You are new to the neighborhood, and your emotions can make a first impression. Be sure to wave to new neighbors and smile!

If you chose Fulton Homes, we are incredibly excited about your new adventure. You will find that our homes are built to last by standing the test of time. Welcome and thank you for choosing Fulton Homes.

“You’re Proud to Own. We’re Proud to Build.” – Fulton Homes

Summer Safety Tips for Toddlers & Small Children

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As we get to enjoy the warmth that spring weather brings to the Arizona days, we want to share with you some basic tips to keep your toddlers healthy and safe this season. Did you know that injuries are the leading cause of death in children under four years of age? Many injuries occur because we as parents are not aware of just what our children are capable of doing. Your child can walk, run, jump, and has the ability to seek, hunt and find! With all of their newly discovered capabilities, they do not understand what danger is or how to avoid it when playing. It is our job as parents, grandparents or caregivers to protect our children from injury and we have listed a few basic safety tips to help:

Outdoor Grills

During the warm months, grilling outdoors is a favorite, plus it does not heat the home. You have already taught your child the word “hot” and how “hot” objects can burn you. Now, you will want to teach toddlers that outdoor grills can burn just like the stove can inside the home. Please keep in mind that it is your job to put away charcoal, lighter fluid and grill utensils. Also, if you do not clean out the grill and cover it up once it has cooled down, it can lead to ashes being blown into little one’s eyes and cause unwanted damage.

Outdoor Patios

Keep in mind that outdoor patios can be very slippery after it rains (during monsoon season) and can cause many accidents; therefore, you will want to teach your little ones “no running” and to please stay off the wet area until it has time to dry.

Yard Work

Experts also recommend that you please make sure children are inside when you are mowing or doing hazardous yardwork at all times. You cannot hear them, and if you are running over rocks and sticks, they become projectiles that are waiting to impale a little one, or an adult for that matter! When storing lawn mowing equipment, make sure toddlers cannot access the area because there is a multitude of dangers just waiting to happen even when the machine is sitting still.

Jungle Gyms/Swing Sets

These playsets are wonderful outlets for children to play and climb on, but never leave them to play alone. Also, you must make sure that the integrity of the set is in good working order and shows no signs of rust and wear and tear. One tip is to put wood chips under and around the play area to absorb the shock of potential falls.

Pool Area

Please pay particular attention to the pool area. Children should never be left alone in the pool area. Children should wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets when in the pool area. This rule will give you peace of mind. As a caregiver, you can begin to teach them how to swim at a young age. It will give you added peace of mind if you encourage them to always wear a life jacket no matter what their skill level may be.

Additionally, you may want to add a fence around the pool area with a locked gate for added safety. But, do not forget you might not be aware of what your child can do at this age, like climbing. Encourage your little ones to not climb the gated area.

We hope you found these tips helpful as a precautionary measure to keep your children and their friends safe. Our best advice is never to leave children/toddlers unattended.

For more expert tips and tricks for families, be sure to view our “Family Fun” blog section here.

Guide to Buying The Perfect Couch

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There is nothing better than curling up on the sofa for a bit of relaxation at the end of a long day. If your couch is nothing more than a “make-do” piece of furniture, you probably will not get the same level of satisfaction. Believe it or not, buying a couch should not be an impulsive purchase because it will be one of the most used pieces of furniture in your home. If you want a sofa that stands the test of time, here is the ultimate guide for buying the perfect couch.

Comfort
Comfort is an important factor when shopping for a sofa. You will find that with a new couch, what you see and feel is usually what you will get. That is why you should take a look at what is going on underneath the upholstery. The couch you end up purchasing should have an excellent support structure as well as expert quality and craftsmanship. These factors can be a big indicator of what you can expect for its lifespan.

Proportion
It is also vital for your new sofa to be able to fit the dimensions of the designated area; therefore, you will need to take into account the shape and size of the space. When you find a sofa that you think will fit inside the area, be sure to mark its measurements. Make sure you leave enough room to be able to create a walkway as well as an inviting conversational area. Also, the sofa should be proportionate to the size of the room. If you have a small living room, a huge couch will not leave enough room for anything else. Keep in mind these different factors while determining your purchase.

Function
If you have a family, you will want your sofa to be able to seat everyone in the household. Consider opting for two sofas that can fit together like an L-shape or even a sectional couch. Sectional couches should be upholstered in a durable fabric that is easier to maintain.

Frame
A sturdy frame is essential for a long lasting couch. Sofas with a high-quality wooden frame are best. A pine or greenwood frame are less quality pieces of wood which warp over time. The frame should be secured together with nails as opposed to staples.

Filling
Foam cushions are popular because they are inexpensive, but they deflate almost instantly. The most expensive filling will consist of feathers. The seat cushion should be firm and regain its shape immediately when you rise. You can sample a couch’s structure inside of a showroom by seeing how its shape refills.

Let your home be your escape from everything stressful, and you can begin the journey by choosing ideal furniture pieces like a cozy couch.

For more expert tips and tricks, be sure to visit our blog hub at Fulton Homes. Thanks for reading!

Tips for Doing Laundry

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Laundry is a bit like a Monday morning. No one really looks forward to it, but every week it must be done. Laundry is frustrating because it contains a ton of steps: washing, drying, folding, hanging, ironing, and then putting away each item. We want to help make doing your laundry a little bit easier with these simple tips:

Make a Plan. One of the most challenging parts about doing laundry is the fact that you do not know when you will have time to do it. Stick to a consistent schedule to ensure that you will always have clean clothes for your family. Making a plan can be beneficial in other ways; the longer you wait to do laundry, the longer stains, wrinkles, and unwanted smells can stay in the clothing. Make a plan and stick to it.

Stacks on Stacks. Laundry needs to be sorted in order to wash each load properly. Make sure you have enough baskets to sort your laundry. Sometimes when we lay laundry on the floor, it gets in the way of doing other activities. Not to mention, kids or pets can run across the clothing creating more of a mess. Depending on the size of your home, invest in some baskets to organize your laundry. Bins can be stacked and put away if you do not have a laundry room to store them.

Do Not Let Them Stick Around. Stains must be dealt with as soon as possible. Sometimes it is easier to pass over stains if your laundry room has poor lighting. Go to a room that has good lighting to recognize any stains on your clothing. When sorting through your laundry, focus on first washing clothing that has stains on it. Buy a stain remover to ensure the removal of your stains and always wash it out as soon as possible.

Hang in There. Installing a clothing rod for your laundry room will be extremely beneficial for your laundry routine. Clean clothes can go on the clothing rod to be put away or to be steamed/ironed. The clothing rod will help keep your laundry room in tiptop shape.

High There. Take advantage of the space high up in your laundry for products that contain chemicals. Being safe includes being smart, store your hazardous items high up so that small children and pets cannot get into them.

We hope all your socks find their matching pair and that doing your laundry feels like a Friday.