Keep your dream home looking warm and inviting all winter long by tackling these four curb-enhancing projects that will pay-off for years to come.

1. Shed some light. Fallen leaves will soon be replaced with falling snow (shudder)! Exterior lighting is often put on the back burner after building a new home, however it is particularly important during winter months. Strategically placing exterior lighting helps to ensure that family members and guests will enter your home safely, without any slips and falls. Consider installing a few lanterns along your drive- and walk-ways. Not only will your home appear more beautiful when illuminated at night, but it will be much safer for guests. Replacing a bright porch light with a soft-hued light bulb will make your front porch appear more inviting. Solar lights have become very popular because they are easy to install and easy on the environment. Remember that less is more. Don’t over-do exterior lighting so that pathways appear more like an airport runway.

Last week, we covered how to choose the best paint color. This week, we reveal five professional painting tips.

1. Start with clean surfaces. Once you’ve removed the room’s accessories and smaller pieces of furniture, and covered large furniture, it’s time to prep the surfaces. Paint cannot bond to dirty or greasy areas such as the wall above your kitchen stove or where your kids toss dirty shoes in the mudroom. Using a de-greaser to remove grime will help the paint adhere. Sand the walls to level out Spackle patches and smooth nail-hole ridges. Using light pressure, sand from the baseboard all the way up to the ceiling with fine grit paper.

If you’re like many who have built their dream homes, you may love your new house, but one or more of the paint colors you chose has turned into a nightmare. Simplify the paint selection and application process by following these tricks of the trade.

1. Mind your mood. When selecting paint color options, consider the mood you want to create. If your goal is to create a soothing and relaxing atmosphere, select soft, cool colors and neutrals. On the other hand, a dramatic and bold atmosphere is best accomplished by choosing intense colors.

For many Michiganders, fall is the most beautiful season of all. Make memories your family will never forget by attending some of the best events around—for all ages and every budget!  Here are our top four picks:

Hayrides and Pumpkin Picking at The Petting Farm at Domino’s Farms Office Park
Join in on fall fun for the entire family without any fear or fright at the Domino’s petting farm in Ann Arbor. Enjoy daily hayrides which depart hourly starting at 11 am through 3 pm. Pick a pumpkin, take a hayride and visit the animals including a new baby calf. You can also ride a pony and check out the new indoor bee hive sold to the Petting Farm from the Ann Arbor Children’s museum. There will be even more activities offered on Halloween—Family Fun Day, from 10 am until 4 pm.