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These days, amenities for the kids arent limited to a playroom and a swing set. Luxury homebuyers are willing to shell out top dollar for exciting features that make their childrens wildest dreams come true. Here are a few exciting amenities that will have you ready to re-live your childhood!

Waterslides
Taking the backyard swimming pool to the next level, some homeowners are equipping their properties with waterslides and lazy rivers that rival the local water park. Often times, these slides are designed as part of a grotto and waterfall that allows for a natural look and creates a true backyard oasis.

Bowling Alleys
Bowling alleys are a favorite luxury amenity because they provide fun for the whole family. Whether youre hosting bowling night or looking for the perfect rainy-day activity, having a bowling lane at home has a wow-factor that everyone can enjoy.

Treehouses
Treehouses dont exactly mean roughing it anymore. For parents who want a place where kids can immerse themselves in nature and have sleepovers with friends, backyard forts are seeing a higher level in craftsmanship and attention to detail than ever before. If youre looking for inspiration or want to hire one of the best treehouse builders in the business, check out Nelson Treehouse.

Game Rooms
Game rooms have gotten a bit more elaborate in recent years, to the point that they can be tough to distinguish from an actual arcade. Parents are outfitting these kid-friendly spaces with foosball, air hockey, Skee-Ball and more to give the children the perfect hangout spot when friends and family are visiting.

In-Ground Trampolines
Whether you put it in the backyard or the rec room, an in-ground trampoline provides a way for the kids to burn some energy while bouncing to their hearts content. If youre looking for an amenity that will light up the little ones eyes, the in-ground trampoline is a growing trend that you should jump on board with.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Here are just a few reasons why anyone can enjoy living on a vineyard.

The Lifestyle

Producing wine will require extensive time and effort, yet its a labor of love that will ultimately be rewarding.

The Experiences

Having a private vineyard provides you with a very special place for family and close friends to come together for weddings or family reunions.

The Views

Quite simply, its hard to find a better view than one of rolling, vine-covered hills”and this alone is reason enough to want to live on a vineyard.

The Wine

Of course, enjoying the fruits of your labor is quite fun, too.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Most homeowners are bound to use a portable ladder at some point, whether it be for cleaning out the gutters, painting, inspecting the roof or hanging festive holiday decorations. When up on that ladder, though, its important to stay safe and avoid falls.

Every year, thousands of people across the country are treated in emergency rooms for ladder-related injuries. Although you might think you already know how to use a ladder safely, a little refresher couldnt hurt. Check out these 10 tips to help prevent an accident from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:

1. Use a ladder that’s the proper length for the job. It should extend a minimum of 3 feet over the roofline or working surface. Never stand on the top three rungs of a straight, single or extension ladder.

2. Make sure the ladder can support both your weight and the materials you’re putting on it by checking the ladders maximum load rating. Allow only one person on the ladder at a time.

3. Place your ladder on level and firm ground. It’s also best to have a helper hold the bottom of the ladder.

4. Never place a ladder in front of a door that isn’t locked, blocked or guarded.

5. Because metal ladders can conduct electricity, don’t use them near power lines or electrical equipment. Stick with wood or fiberglass ladders in these situations and use extra caution. No type of ladder should ever touch live electric wires.

6. Straight, single or extension ladders should be set up at about a 75-degree angle. To test if you have the correct angle, stand up straight with your toes touching the feet of the ladder as it leans away from you. Extend your arms in front of you. Your palms should touch the top of the rung thats at shoulder level.

7. Check all rung locks and spreader braces on your ladder to make sure they’re set.

8. Keep your body centered between the rails of the ladder at all times. Leaning too far to one side while working is dangerous and can cause you to fall.

9. Only use a ladder for its intended purpose, and follow the ladders instruction labels.

10. When youre done with the ladder, put it away immediately. Never leave a raised ladder unattended.

This brief list doesnt cover everything, but remembering these tips and practicing caution can help keep you safe the next time you need to use a ladder.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

A fresh coat of paint can give new life to a home. Whether youre a seller aiming to impress potential homebuyers, or you just want to change things up, painting is an easy and effective way to revamp your homes look for relatively cheap. That said, a bad paint job that results in uneven edging, stained floors or peeled paint can inadvertently make a home less attractive, making the whole effort counterproductive.

According to HomeAdvisor, you can avoid common DIY painting problems by taking these four simple steps:

Step 1: Choose the Right Paint. Most paint falls into two categories: water-based and oil-based. Water-based paint is easy to clean up, resistant to fading and works with different materials. Oil-based paint requires more cleanup and prep time, but works well for specialty jobs like painting wallpaper.

Accidentally choosing water-based paint over of an oil-based paint”or vice versa”wont ruin your painting job. But mixing outdoor and indoor paint will negatively affect the outcome of your project. If youre unsure which paint to use, ask an employee at your local hardware store.

Step 2: Prep Your Job. Many failed painting projects stem from a lack of preparation. Heres how to prep like a pro:

Lay down drop cloths. Set up drop cloths first. Spills, drips and dust are inevitable during a painting project.

Spread your Spackle. Use Spackle or another paste product to fill in any holes or cracks in your wall.

Sand the walls. Gently sand your wall before applying any paint or primer. A rough surface will help your paint stick to the wall.

Prime the walls. Previously painted surfaces dont need a primer. If youre working with a raw or rough surface, such as concrete, wood, plaster or drywall, primer is necessary. After your primer has dried, sand it down before adding your finishing paint.

Tape off no-paint zones. Use painters tape to cover areas you dont want to paint, such as trim, outlets and molding. Run a putty knife over your tape to eliminate any air bubbles.

Cutting in the corners. Cutting in means painting out several inches from your baseboards, window frames, outlets and door frames. Tackling hard-to-reach areas first will make it easier to paint larger areas later.

Step 3: Use the Right Tools. Before you begin painting, research the tools youll need to complete your project. If youre painting an exterior, youll be covering a bigger area. Larger rollers and paint sprayers will help you cover wider areas in less time. Outdoor painting also requires flat and angled brushes for cutting in and covering tight spaces. For indoor jobs, use flat and angled brushes to cut in tight spaces and smaller rollers to cover walls.

Step 4: Paint the Right Way. Begin in the middle of your ceiling and move outward, painting from side to side. After your ceiling is dry, cut in around the ceiling line, windows, doors and moldings. Then, use your roller to paint the rest of your walls.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Here are a few helpful tips to ensure you have the perfect nursery for your newborn…

Go With a Theme

Having a theme will guide you through the design process and bring the whole room together.

Stay Away From Toxic Chemicals

This is important in any room in the house, but especially for newborns that are more vulnerable to harmful chemicals.

Keep it Functional

Pick furniture thats functional, like seating that provides storage and window treatments that darken the room for afternoon naps.

Smart Baby Monitor

Smart monitors come equipped with a night vision camera you can connect to your phone, as well as air-quality sensors and two-way talking

Published with permission from RISMedia.