Date Archives: October 2022

When moving to a new city, it's important to know what the area has to offer. There are plenty of great Sarasota homes for sale, but where can you go shopping nearby? There are all sorts of wonderful Bradenton homes for sale too, but where can you get a bite to eat around them? You'll want to check out Waterside Place. It has everything you need - with a beautiful lakefront view to boot. Here's a taste of some of the establishments Waterside Place has to offer.

• Crop Juice - 1580 Lakefront Drive, Suite 100, Sarasota, FL, 34240
  If you're looking for breakfast that's healthy, ethical, allergen-free, and delicious, Crop Juice is the place to go. They serve up donuts, croissants, and other menu items, all using the finest quality plant-based, gluten-free ingredients. They also have a wide array of healthy juices to help you get a nutritious start to your day.
  
  
• Monkee's - 1551 Lakefront Drive Ste 104, Sarasota, Florida 34240
  Monkee's provides a great, upscale shopping experience. This fashion boutique sells women's clothes, shoes, and accessories from all different designer brands. They strive to provide a personalized shopping experience that caters to each customer's individual taste.
  
  
• Korê Steakhouse - 1561 Lakefront Drive, Suite 111, Sarasota, FL 34240
  For authentic and delicious Korean barbecue, Korê Steakhouse is the place to go. They use the best ingredients and the finest cuts of meat, from filet mignon to New York strip to short ribs to Wagyu - all made to order. No reservations at this restaurant and no tipping - just delicious food and great service.
  
  
• Tim's Wine Market - 1551 Lakefront Drive Suite 100 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240
  A family-owned establishment, Tim's Wine Market focuses on smaller production, handcrafted wines that you might not be able to find elsewhere. They have a huge collection available, which means whatever your wine preference is, whether you're just getting started or a seasoned connoisseur, there's something for you.
  
  
• Forked at Waterside - 7600 Island Cove Terrace, Suites 100 & 101 Sarasota, FL 34240
  Forked at Waterside is your perfect Sarasota brunch spot. Serving up all the traditional favorites, from eggs benedict to waffles and French toast to steak and hash browns, and more - plus an array of delicious cocktails, Forked is a great place to gather with friends for a lazy Sunday morning - or any day of the week.
  
  
• Farmers' Market at Lakewood Ranch - 1561 Lakefront Drive Sarasota, FL 34240
  If you're looking for both shopping and dining options, don't forget to check out the Farmers' Market at Lakewood Ranch. Open every Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm, it features over 90 different vendors, selling everything from fresh produce to baked goods to jewelry and more. If you want to support local, independent sellers while also getting food that's fresh and delicious, the farmers' market should be one of your regular stops.

Our real estate agents can help you find your perfect home in a neighborhood that can meet all your needs. Contact us if you're ready to make the Bradenton or Sarasota areas your new home.

Halloween is just around the corner! This time of year, it's so much fun to carve pumpkins, make costumes, and of course, go trick-or-treating. Don't let the magic of Halloween be overshadowed by an accident or injury. Our real estate agents have some important tips to help keep everyone in your family safe and well this Halloween season.

• Put Reflector Strips on Costumes
  Add a few strips of reflective tape to your child's costume. You really only need four: one along the back and front of each leg. This will ensure drivers can see your child as they're walking down the sidewalk. If you're trick-or-treating in an area that's not well-lit, consider attaching clip-on lights to everyone, too.
  
  
• Put Phones Away
  Unfortunately, there are a lot of distracted drivers on Halloween. And even a responsible driver, understandably, might hit you if you accidentally step out into traffic. Minimize the risk of such accidents by keeping your phone in your pocket while you're trick-or-treating. Make sure your kids do the same. The social media updates and shared photos can wait till you get home. 
  
  
• Stick to Familiar Areas
  It can be tempting to explore a new neighborhood as you trick-or-treat, but it's safer to stay in neighborhoods you know well. You and your kids will be more familiar with the traffic flow. You're less likely to get lost or confused, and you'll see more people you know along the way.
  
  
• Make Sure Costumes Fit
  Costumes don't need to fit perfectly, but they should not be so big or long that they drag on the ground and present a tripping hazard. You also don't want the sleeves so long that your child will struggle to hold onto their candy bucket or turn a door handle. So, when possible, have your kids try on their costumes before you buy them.
  
  
• Drive Slowly and Carefully
  You can also keep others safe by doing your part and driving extra carefully on Halloween. Slow down, especially in residential neighborhoods. Turn the music off or down so you can focus. Don't look at your phone while driving, and make sure your kids know they need to be quiet so you can focus behind the wheel.
  
  If you're wearing a costume, make sure it's one that you can drive comfortably and safely in. You may want to drive in normal clothing and change into your costume at the destination.
  
  
• Stay With Younger Kids and Designate a Meeting Space
  Teenagers can often go trick-or-treating alone. But you should always accompany younger kids. Also, agree on a meetup place. This should be a familiar place that's easy to reach. If anyone does get separated from the group, they can go to the meeting place and meet back up with you there.

With the safety tips above, you can have a happy and safe Halloween. If you're still looking for Bradenton homes for sale or Sarasota homes for sale, don't hesitate to contact us. We can guide you through the process of looking for a home for sale and making an offer.

Cooking with seasonal ingredients is one of the best ways to improve the taste and quality of your food. Our real estate agents have been spending a lot of time perfecting their favorite fall recipes, and seasonal ingredients play an important role.  Some of our clients have also been inspired to improve their cooking skills after seeing the big bright kitchens in these Sarasota homes for sale. 

Because Florida is a tropical climate, our growing season is a bit unique when compared to other areas of the country. The majority of our crops come into season in the fall and winter, which is why now is the best time to start preparing your menu. Here is a quick guide to what's in season by month:

• November
  As we near the end of fall and those hot temperatures begin to dip, you'll start to see some of Florida's best fruit start to ripen. Mid-to-late November is the start of grapefruit, orange, tangerine, and passion fruit season. Florida is actually one of the leading providers of these crops. You'll also start to see radishes and squash start to mature as well.
  
  
• December - January
  Once December arrives, our grapefruits, oranges, and tangerines are in full season. In addition to our November crops, you'll also start to notice leafy greens like kale, collard greens, lettuce, and broccoli become ready for harvest. These are all great ingredients to use as healthy side dishes or to work into stews.
  
  
• February - March 
  Spring starts early in Florida, and so does the spring harvest. Once February rolls around, it's time to start picking your typical spring fruits and vegetables like strawberries, papaya, tomatoes, potatoes, corn, cauliflower, celery, and cucumbers. These crops remain in season all the way through May.
  
  
• April - May 
  Towards the end of spring and early into the summer is when you'll start to see hot summer temperatures set in, and some of the more tropical fruit start to flourish. Expect to see fresh blueberries, cantaloupe, and watermelons at the grocery down the street from these Bradenton homes for sale. This is a great time to eat guava, lychees, and longan as well. 
  
  
• June - October
  In mid-to-late summer, tropical Florida weather and the hottest temperatures usually bring an end to the harvest season. However, some fruits like mangos and grapefruit continue to thrive during this time of year. Also, some crops, such as tomatoes, peanuts, avocados, and mushrooms, are in season all year long.

For the freshest produce possible, be sure to stop by the Sarasota Farmers Market, or if you live closer to Siesta Key homes for sale, there's the Siesta Key Farmers Market. 

Knowing what's in season in your area can help you ensure your family is eating the freshest ingredients all year long. Our climate supports long harvest seasons throughout most of the year. Contact us today to schedule a tour of one of our local listings.

Barn doors look lovely in country chic homes and even in some cottage-style houses. They work well as closet doors, pantry doors, and even as laundry room doors. While there are plenty of pre-made barn doors for sale, making your own barn door is a fun project — and a great way to personalize your new home! Follow these steps from our real estate agents to make your own barn door.

1. Purchase and Mount the Hardware
   Your barn door will need a track to slide on. Visit a home improvement store, and look for a barn door track in your preferred style. You want it to be at least 4 inches wider than the door opening. Follow the instructions on the package to mount the garage door. Screw it directly into the wall studs for maximum security.
   
   
2. Measure and Cut the Vertical Boards
   To determine the width of your door, measure the door opening and add 4 inches. Measure the height of your door, start at the track, and measure down to the floor. Subtract 1/2 inch so the door has plenty of clearance over the floor.
   
   With these measurements in hand, start cutting your boards down to size. For a simple barn door, it is easiest to use 1 x 6" pine shiplap boards. They are inexpensive and take stain well. If your door width is not a multiple of 6, then you will need to cut one or more boards width-wise. 
   
   
3. Cut the Horizontal Boards
   In addition to your vertical boards, you will need three boards to stretch horizontally across the door. Cut these as long as your door is wide.
   
   
4. Sand Everything
   Once your boards are cut down to length, sand them well. Start with coarse sandpaper, such as 50- or 60-grit. Then, go over the boards again with a fine, 100-grit sandpaper. You can sand the boards as smoothly as you like. Leave them a little rougher for a more rustic look, but be sure there are no patches rough enough to cause splinters.
   
   
5. Assemble Your Door
   Lay your sanded, vertical boards out on the floor, side by side, in the shape of your final door. Then, lay the horizontal boards across them. One horizontal board should go across the top and another across the bottom. The third should stretch across the middle. Measure to make sure it is properly placed. 
   
   Have someone help you hold the boards in place as you drive screws through the horizontal boards, down into the vertical boards.
   
   
6. Stain the Door
   The great thing about making your own barn door is that it can be any color you like. Choose a stain you love. Apply it according to the instructions on the tub or can. Usually, you have to apply the stain, wipe off the excess, and let it dry for a day before handling the project again.
   
   
7. Mount the Hardware
   This is the final step. Once your stained door is dry, mount the sliders to the top of the door. Usually, they will hook over the door, and you'll secure them with a couple of screws.
   
   When the hardware is in place, have a friend or family member help you lift the door and hook the sliders over the wall-mounted hardware. Slide the door from side to side, step back, and admire your good work.

With these instructions, you'll have a DIY barn door to be proud of. If you're still looking for the perfect home for your barn door, contact us. We'll help you find incredible Sarasota homes for sale and Bradenton homes for sale in your style.