Gardening and Landscaping, Uncategorized
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Low-Maintenance Lawns: Creative Lake Landscapes Without the Hassle

If you’re already enjoying the relaxed pace of lake life, you may not want to spend your weekends tending to lawn maintenance. This time-consuming and seemingly endless chore can be a passion for some, but it doesn’t rank high on the list of favorite activities for those who prefer a low-maintenance lawn and lifestyle. Think about the time and energy—not to mention the cost—of caring for a plush green lawn. There’s mowing, pesticides, fertilizer, water consumption, or lack thereof. And even if you are fortunate enough to employ a landscaping service to take care of the maintenance, the costs—both out-of-pocket…

Lifestyle, Recipes
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Zero-Proof: Refreshing Summer Mocktails

Are you looking for a healthy and family-friendly alternative to summer cocktails? Then try a mocktail instead. Not surprisingly, mocktails are becoming a delicious option for people who have nixed alcohol altogether—permanently or for a brief sabbatical, like sober January. However, you don’t have to sacrifice flavor when it comes to refreshing summer mocktails. These libations look and taste just as appealing as their boozy cocktail cousins. Plus, they easily transition into a cocktail simply by adding your favorite spirit. This is a perfect all-around summertime fav that everyone—even the kids—can enjoy. Sip these refreshing mocktails on hot afternoons at…

Gardening and Landscaping, Home Interiors & Decor, Uncategorized
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2023 Outdoor Furniture Trends

Text by Michelle Rohrer-Lauer, ASIDProduced by Laura Bianchi and Jeanne Delathouder There’s nothing more wonderful than when the snow starts to melt, and we make that exciting shift from winter to spring. As a lake lover—and lake homeowner—I can’t wait to head outside and enjoy the comfort of my outdoor spaces while taking in glistening views of the water. As an interior designer, I’m always seeking new outdoor furniture trends and furnishings at my Wisconsin retreat that reinforce my experience in comfort, durability, smart technology, and exceptional design. And as the founder of Michelle’s Interiors in the Chicago area and…

Home Improvement, Lifestyle
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Home Upgrades: DIY Projects to Improve ROI

We look back at old homes and like to think of them as well-loved, but houses tend to reflect the scars of time. From dents in the wall to oil spots and scuffed hardwood, most properties desperately need a facelift. So grab the caulk gun and sanding paper as we discuss four DIY projects to improve your home’s return on investment (ROI). Improve Curb Appeal Curb appeal is the attractiveness of a home derived from its aesthetic value. Put simply, what does the average passerby think of your property from the street view? Are your hedges trimmed, your exterior freshly…

Gardening and Landscaping, Lifestyle, Product Reviews
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Top Grow Lights for Indoor Gardening

Top grow lights for indoor gardening: Best Overall: GE BR30 LED Grow Light Bulb Best for Wall Mounting: Feit Electric Dual Full LED Plant Grow Tube Light Best for Aesthetic Design: Grow Light Frame Shelf Best for Capacity: Spider Farmer LED Grow Light Whether you’re incorporating biophilic design or improving your lake home’s air quality, grow lights can ensure indoor gardening success. They also provide convenience since you do not have to position all your plants by windows. As Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO of Lawn Love, explains, “Grow lights can be used to supplement natural light or to provide plants with…

Lake Activities
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Ice Fishing Guide: Gear and Equipment

It’s no surprise that Northern residents and visitors flock to their frozen lakes to go ice fishing. A beginner-friendly sport, ice fishing makes for a fun family outing. Plus, it’s true that fish caught from frozen lakes taste better due to the lack of algae. In previous Lake Homes Lifestyle articles, we detailed top ice fishing tips for beginners and discussed the best lakes in the United States for ice fishing. So now you know the basics and where to go to try out your new skills. But what items do you need to get started? Well, unlike standard fishing,…

Home Features, Lifestyle
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Camp MINOH: Rustic Lake Home on Lake Michigan

Photography by Matthew Carbone Architecture: Daniel Kaven and Trevor William Lewis, William / Kaven Architecture   Just a few miles north of downtown Charlevoix, this stunning lake home graces the dramatic, windswept shores of Lake Michigan. Nestled among pine and birch trees, the house is positioned to face the intense winter winds that charge across the lake from the Upper Peninsula and Canada. Designed as a vacation home for a multi-generational family, the dwelling is ideally situated for outdoor activities and adventures in the summer, yet feels snug and protected throughout the long—and often harsh—cold winter months. Before the build,…

Lake Activities, Lifestyle, Travel
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Best Lake Vacation Destinations for Relaxation

Just like any city, lakeside towns all have their own unique feel. The area’s food, community, culture, and amenities all blend together to create the town’s character. So, when you’re seeking a lakeside vacation for a specific reason — partying, relaxing, adventuring — you’ll want to choose a retreat that caters to those interests. That’s why we’re starting this new series. At Lake Homes, we’re featuring the best lake vacation destinations for a variety of purposes. Today, we’re focused on lake areas for relaxation. We’re featuring calm, peaceful environments for those looking to lay back and chill. You’ll enjoy both…

Lifestyle
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2022 Outdoor Fabric Trends

Hello, summer! At your lake house, it’s that blissful time of year when you can finally use your backyard. As it gets warmer, there’s nothing better than inviting guests to your outdoor dining space to watch a warm lakeside afternoon turn into a cool evening. To prepare for the season, it’s never a bad idea to spruce up your outdoor fabrics. Whether it’s reupholstering seat cushions or investing in new throw pillows, just a little shift in fabric can transform a whole look. Today, we’re taking a glimpse at the top outdoor fabric trends for 2022. Bold and Bright After…