summer

Summer’s arrived – and with it comes everything that implies. Whether you’re headed to the lake for some serious watersports or hanging out at the pool – taking the casinos up on all their (free?) air conditioning or just headed to the movies – we’re all looking for ways to stay cool and have a good time. Friends are visiting, school is out (for some), vacations are all the rage – and there are few places that offer more opportunities to enjoy the season than Las Vegas. (We should write a book about how much we love this place!)

But it seems like the one thing we don’t want to do much of is spend our time in a hot kitchen preparing meals. So our solution to that? Spend it in a cool kitchen – making fresh and seasonal dishes that are great for feeding the family – or whipping up to take to the neighborhood BBQ. So we wanted to share some of our old favorites and fabulous finds to help you navigate your way beyond the heat without the “I’m hungry but I don’t feel like cooking anything” drag.

Shrimp and Avocado Salad with Edamame, Cilantro, Chipotle, and Lime

from Kalyn’s Kitchen

We are not gonna lie: This salad R.O.C.K.S. Filling yet refreshing, and a little tiny bit spicy. We have never failed to receive a multitude of compliments whether we’re serving this at home or taking to a pot-luck event. And there is NEVER anything left to toss out. The trick lies in timing your avocados so that they’re ripe on the day you want to make this dish. (You do know the “avocado-ripening trick” – right? They ripen more quickly in a closed paper bag!) But omygosh, this is one salad you’re going to add to your regular repertoire.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

from The Creativity Exchange

Okay – we know what you’re saying. “But I have to cook the chicken and the pasta!” Well, not exactly. Pick up one of those nice rotisserie chickens at the grocery store, and then you can handle boiling a little water to cook the Penne pasta to a nice al dente. Then toss the 7 (total) ingredients together, and you’re all set. (The only thing we’d add is some nice fresh avocado – but then again, we add that to everything!)

Southwestern Barley Salad

by Chew Out Loud

You can go do the quinoa tango all you want, but as far as we’re concerned, this barley salad puts all those trendy seeds to shame. Could be we just like the texture or the size of pearl barley – or that it’s more flavorful – or hey, it’s just not quinoa! Granted, it’s a grain, so that grain-free label doesn’t apply. But that might also be why we love it. (Always a rebel is this one, Obi-wan.)

Apple Gouda Walnut Salad

from Green Valley Kitchen

Actually, this recipe is in the category of “fall salads” (with the Braeburn apples and all). But the truth is, this simple collection of wholesome ingredients will work well with many other apples types, too. Easy to prep, easy to toss together, and a mix of white wine vinegar and olive oil make this an easy and go-to recipe almost anytime.

BLT RANCH PASTA SALAD

by Pumpkin Spice

Who. Doesn’t. Love. Bacon. ? Let’s put it this way, we’re suckers for it. There are plenty of great recipes out there that include bits of freshly-cooked bacon, that’s for sure. And this one is up there on the list for us. (Although the “Broccoli Madness” salad from the Sweet Tomatoes salad bar is another one that rocks our world! You can get that recipe here.)

When you think about it, it’s amazing how using a limited, select collection of fresh ingredients can so easily turn into a meal-most-tasty. Skip the fast food and the preservatives when you can this summer – and try keeping a variety of lettuce, vegetables, nuts, and other of your favorite ‘snacking foods’ around the house this summer. No reason at all you can’t create a masterpiece of your own! (And it leaves just that much more room for those frilly cocktails you’ll enjoy by the pool!)

New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with all of their Las Vegas real estate needs. Whether your preference is for a newly built home from a local builder, or a resale property in just the right location, a New Home Resource Realtor® is here to find the perfect property for you. Please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000 or at www.newhomeresource.com. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Moreno Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, Lance Partin and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!

Here in Las Vegas, it doesn’t always count what the calendar says…..our “summer” has a habit of showing up a bit early compared to the rest of the country. (One of the many reasons we love it here!) Las Vegans are already enjoying pool parties, visiting the lake, going hiking, and taking road trips. And many of us are also in the habit of taking our furry best friends along for whichever adventure we’re undertaking at the moment, because – let’s be honest – who doesn’t like bringing someone along who simply wants to adore us?

But there are some very important things to remember about “Adventuring with your Pet” in the desert Southwest, and we’d just like to remind long-time residents and newcomers alike, what to know so you BOTH have a safe and happy summer season!

NEVER, EVER, EVER LEAVE YOUR PET IN A PARKED CAR!

Sorry for the all-caps, but it’s worth yelling about – because sometimes, people just don’t realize how FAST and how hot it can get in a car in Las Vegas. Here’s how hot:

On an 85-degree day, even with the car windows slightly opened, the temperature inside a car will reach 102-degrees in just 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, it will reach 120-degrees. That is hot enough for your pet to suffer brain and other organ damage – and die. It’s an excruciating condition for your pet, and not a pretty sight to behold. So PLEASE – don’t take that chance. (And be forewarned, there are plenty of people in this city who – if they see a pet in a parked car during the summer – will do whatever it takes to rescue that animal.)

If Your Pet Is Exposed To High Temperatures

Even as careful as we can be with our pets, accidents do happen. (Water bowls get knocked over, even your home air conditioner going-out while you’re at work.) So here are the signs to look for and the steps to follow if you have concerns about your pet’s condition:

1. Look for signs of heat stress – such as heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue.

2. If your pet is overheated – move him to a cooler area and take these emergency steps:

a. Gradually lower his body temperature by applying COOL (not cold) water all over his body, or soaking him in a cool bath.

b. Place cool, wet towels over the back of the neck, in the armpits, and in the groin area. Also wet the earflaps and paws with cool water. Direct a fan on the wet areas to speed cooling.

c. Offer your pet fresh, cool water if it wants to drink – but don’t force them to.

3. Take your pet to a veterinarian immediately. It could quite literally save his life. Call ahead if you can to let them know the circumstances so they can begin preparing before you arrive.

Is the Pavement Too Hot For Your Dog’s Paws?

It might seem a little unusual for people in other parts of the country that we have to worry about this – but it is a serious concern for pets in Las Vegas. On a typical summer day with our higher temps, the asphalt outside can easily reach temperatures of 160-degrees and higher. Seriously. To avoid literally burning his foot-pads off, you need to be aware of this possibility – and if necessary, use pet boots or other protective gear to keep them safe. How do you know if it’s too hot? Try one of these tests: Can you walk on the asphalt barefoot? If it hurts you, it’s going to hurt them. Or – put the back of your hand on the asphalt. If you can’t hold it there for 5 seconds, it’s too hot for your dog, too.

Taking a Trip? Be Sure to Pack for Your Pet, Too

If you’ve got a pet, then the odds are you have a favorite pet store, too. So if you have plans to hit the road and take your pet along for some outdoor adventures, be sure you bring along the necessities they’ll need, too. These include:

• IDENTIFICATION! 10 million pets get lost every year, and without identification – 90% of them never return home. Let that sink in. Then get some updated pet tags made, pronto!

• Water & Water Bowls. Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so ‘nuff said on that. But you’d be surprised how often people forget these very basic items.

• Pet sunscreen. Especially important for pets with light skin tones – but noses of all colors can get easily sunburned!

• Pet boots. Not only to protect against hot pavement, but if you’re on the trail, it will keep their paws safe there, too.

• Leash and/or Harness. Even if your pet is the most well-behaved and obedient animal in the world – there are some places they simply won’t be allowed to go without these items. Make sure your pet gets included in ALL the fun!

• Life Vests – if you’re hitting the lake, river, or ocean.

• Doggles. Yes – protection goggles for dog are necessary if you’re going to be doing anything at high speeds.

• Cooling Bandana or other cooling apparel. It’s not just a matter of keeping them safe – you want them to be comfortable, too. For those times when you don’t have access to necessary resources, items like this can be a real benefit.

We might be letting our passion for pets show through in this post, but we know we’re not alone. The loss or injury, or even worse, the death of a pet is hard enough – without knowing you didn’t do all you could to keep it from happening in the first place. Plan ahead to keep your pet safe this summer, and you’ll both enjoy the season a whole lot more!

New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with all of their Las Vegas real estate needs. Whether your preference is for a newly built home from a local builder, or a resale property in just the right location, a New Home Resource Realtor® is here to find the perfect property for you. Please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000 or at www.newhomeresource.com. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Moreno Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, Lance Partin and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!

They call them “accidents” for a reason, but when it comes to pool safety, injuries or tragic outcomes are more often a matter of “inattention” than unexpected occurrences.

The fact is, most of us are already aware of what care needs to be taken around bodies of water. But familiarity and complacency often cause us to drop our guards and take safety for granted. That can not only cause an unpleasant occurrence to happen during an outing – it can also result in unfortunate life-changing events.

Let’s not let that happen this year.

If pool fun or other outdoor water sports are part of your summer experience, take the time to review these safety tips. And even better, make the time in your schedule to learn CPR and basic lifesaving skills. It’s one of the few things that can actually make the difference between life and death.

Constant Supervision

Can we say this enough? Probably not. But it is the simplest and easiest way to prevent swimming injuries or drowning. Kids can’t yell for help when they’re face down. So pay attention to your kids and don’t allow yourself to get distracted (be especially wary of cell phones for this).

Swimming Lessons & Flotation Devices

Statistics tell us that only 35% of Americans know how to swim, and only 2-7% of them do it well. It’s time to change those numbers – so why not enroll your kids in a swimming school? They’ll learn a skill that will serve them all their lives, and may even save someone else down the road (who knows?). You can enroll your kids in swimming lessons when they’re as young as 3 or 4, and there are other programs that will teach them other water exercises at an earlier age. Keep in mind, though, that teaching your kids to swim is not a foolproof method to prevent them from drowning.

Until you’re comfortable that they ‘know their stuff,’ be sure to keep proper flotation devices available for them. Don’t just shop for what’s cute or popular – do your research when buying “floaties” or swimsuits with built-in flotation devices. Make sure that they are appropriate for your child’s age and skill level – but again – and we can’t say this enough – never use them as a substitute for supervision.

Secure the Area

Ensuring that your pool is secured on all sides isn’t just a safety issue for your children, but pools are known to be ‘attractive nuisances’ and often children who shouldn’t even be in your yard will find their way to a pool. Because of this, it’s difficult to say that you can take precautions too far. In fact, we also recommend a pool cover that’s tight and secure, and surface or underwater alarms to alert you when there are waves or disturbances in the pool. And check the condition of these things often! Wear and tear can cause pool covers to loosen, for example. Keep gates locked when not in use, and even the door from your home to the pool area. Also, make sure toys aren’t left in or around the pool so children aren’t tempted to play with them and accidentally fall in.

Be Prepared

If a pool accident did happen – what would you do? Prepare yourself to be in a position to help, not just a bystander. Learn CPR so you can offer assistance while waiting for the EMT’s to arrive. And you can also learn the basics about handling emergency wounds until a professional can take over. These are life-saving skills that can make a difference in any injury outcome, and you’ll never regret acquiring them. Check with your local Red Cross or city/county agencies for training. (And keep a First-Aid Kit nearby, too!)

Educate Your Kids About Safety Rules

No doubt, we’re all at the pool to have a good time – but what’s “fun” for one person can be a hazard for someone else. Pushing friends into the pool or “cannonballs” can be dangerous, and children may not realize just how dangerous until you say it out loud. Don’t assume ‘everyone knows that’ — play it safe, not sorry.

By following just these few suggestions, the odds are in your favor that you (and your kids) will never have to deal with a serious injury around your pool. You’ll be able to enjoy your summer with peace of mind. Now – off to the water!

New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with their Las Vegas real estate needs. Please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000 or at www.newhomeresource.com. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Moreno Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, Lance Partin and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!

Summer has arrived, and with it all the desire to ramp up our outdoor socializing. What better way to do that than with an event centered around your own backyard BBQ? With Memorial Day and the 4th of July fast approaching, it’s time for family and friends to gather, kick back, and catch up with everyone’s goings-on these past few months. And that’s all the more reason that this is the perfect time to perform your ‘Gas BBQ Due Diligence” checkup (hey, we’re Realtors, after all!) – as the last thing you want are safety concerns, or (gack!) last season’s flavors mucking up the taste of this summer’s new grilling creations.

So we’ve gathered together a few tips for you to get your BBQ on the straight and narrow to make sure that your great char-broiled dishes are always the star of the show.

1. Safety First.

You can easily check that the connections of your gas line are sealed and secure by mixing a small amount of dishwashing liquid with water in a spray bottle. (Remember how they check your tires for leaks at the mechanic’s shop? Same concept.) With the hose from the BBQ connected to the fuel supply (propane tank or gas line) – spray the hose and connections, then turn on the gas. If bubbles begin to appear, a repair is needed. Either replace the hose or tighten any loose connections.

2. Safety Second.

Really – can you be too safe? We don’t think so. If you turn on the grill and your flame is yellow instead of blue, you could have some clogged air inlets or obstructions in the tubes or lines that feed your BBQ’s flame. It’s not uncommon for spiders and small insects to build nests in these areas, which can cause blockages and make grills difficult to ignite – plus make the flame uneven and dangerous. (We doubt it does a whole lot of good for the insects, either.) Find the obstructions and clear them with a pipe cleaner or similar tool. Then, to coin a phrase – Lather, Rinse, Repeat. Test your flame. Then keep testing it until it is steady and blue.

3. Get Rid of the “Old Stuff.”

It’s not our favorite thing to do, either, but there’s no getting around it. It’s time to clean those grates! Just don’t use soap on that fabulous culinary device (nothing like a Dawn-flavored steak. blech!). Instead, start by loosening the caked-on grime by soaking them in a pan filled with a mixture of water and white vinegar. Afterwards, this is where the elbow grease comes in. (There’s a reason they’ve got all those stiff brushes at Home Depot and Lowe’s for this purpose, because that’s what’s needed for a job this tough!) For porcelain-coated grates, you’ll want to use a nylon brush; for others, a stiff wire model will do the job well.

4. Get Ready for the Next Great BBQ! (isn’t that a reality show?)

Okay – the fuel source is secure, the grills are clean – and you’re about ready to whip out that BBQ apron you just had to have, along your gold-plated BBQ tongs. (Okay – maybe that last part is just us.) But if you’re a BBQ Master, you’ve got the tools and you’re ready to go . . . after one last step: Oil those grates. Create some ‘pads’ out of a few folded paper towels, dip them into a bowl of neutral-flavored oil (like Canola) – then drag the pads across your heated grates. Your next awesome meal off the grill will thank you.

We’re not even going to get into the “my-BBQ-recipe-is-better-than-yours’ debate. (We can’t afford to pay off the judges this month.) But just a few more tips about – did we mention it before? – Safety, while operating your grill:

• Place the grill at least 10 feet away from your home.

• Keep children at a safe distance from the grill (and make sure your lighter is secure, too!).

• Never light a BBQ inside – even in a garage with the door open. Not only is it a fire hazard, but it can also cause high levels of carbon monoxide in a short period of time.

• Open the grill lid before you light it.

• Never leave a grill unattended.

• For blowing sparks, keep a hose or have a fire extinguisher handy.

• For a grease fire, know where your baking soda is – because that’s what you’ll need to put out the flames (not water!).

Give us a shout when you’ve got all of your pre-BBQ preparation done – and let us know when the next party starts – because all of us at New Home Resource are true BBQ fans, too!

New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with their Las Vegas real estate needs. Please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000 or at www.newhomeresource.com. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Moreno Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, Lance Partin and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!

It’s hot in the Vegas valley and we at New Home Resource would like to remind everyone to be mindful of the heat when taking your four-legged friends for a ride in the car.  Did you know that on a 78 degree day, temperatures in your vehicle can reach 100 to 120 degrees in minutes?  If it is 90 degrees outside (which we would consider a relatively cool day in Vegas during the Summer), the temperature in your car could reach 160 degrees in as little as 10 minutes!  Please think twice before leaving your pet in the car, even if you do plan to be away for just a few minutes.   An animal can suffer brain damage or death from heat stroke in just 15 minutes.

Hello all,
While summertime offers us a great opportunity to make the most of our
Hot hot hot sunny Saturdays, you might find yourself with some extra free time.
What to do? Why not take a little time each weekend to give your beautiful new or older home a little extra care? One of the best things about owning a home is the
pride and satisfaction derived from making it look as beautiful as possible!

With this letter, I’m including a list of some practical summer to-do’s that will
help to keep your home and garden in wonderful shape. Enjoy! And if you
need any further information, or would like to discuss any real estate
questions, please feel free to call me at 702-238-8285.

SEVEN TIPS FOR EASY SUMMER HOME CARE
1. Get rid of the green: Harsh summer heat is brutal on lawns and ups the ante on costs and water waste when it comes to caring for your lawn. Take a look at the many different alternatives to live green.

2. Fire it up: Get a head start for the upcoming winter and clean out your wood-burning fireplace and chimney. You’ll have one less winter task to attend to!

3. Carpet care: Now’s the perfect time to have your carpets professionally
cleaned, which will protect your carpet and make it last even longer.
Want to save a few bucks? Rent a quality carpet cleaner and do it
yourself!

4. Touch-ups: Inspect your home—inside and out—and touch up any paint
where necessary. This can be done quickly and easily, and will prevent
future peeling!

5. Lock and key: Check all of the locks on your windows and doors and
ensure that everything is working properly. Being proactive about safety
is always a smart move!

6. Oil it: Anything squeaking? Add a squirt of WD-40 or similar product to
door, cabinet and window hinges to keep them in top repair.

7. Park the car: If your garage is filling up with an abundance of stored
items, take a day to reorganize and get rid of unwanted clutter. Give
your unneeded items to charity, or have a fun summer yard sale!