Creating a weekly routine that works for you is the best way to keep your house clean.  Here’s a list of chores that should be done once a week to keep your house in the best possible shape.  Assign one room to each day of the week, and viola! you’ve got a weekly cleaning schedule that will help you keep your whole house spic and span in less than an hour each day!

Each Day
-wash and put away dishes
-wipe down kitchen and bathroom counters
-wipe out kitchen and bathroom sinks

Kitchen
-mop the floor
-wipe down cabinet doors and the exterior of the appliances

Bathroom
-polish fixtures
-scour the tub
-disinfect the toilet and wipe down the base
-mop the floor

Living Spaces
-dust shelves, furniture, and trinkets – don’t forget the things hanging on the wall!
-vacuum carpets and mop hard-surface floors

Bedrooms
-same as living spaces, plus
-wash bed linens

And don’t forget to sweep and de-clutter your front entry area/foyer each week too!  If you don’t like the idea of spending one day per room you can always change it up and do the kitchen one day, bathroom one day, and then spend one day dusting all rooms, one day vacuuming, and one day mopping all hard-surface floors!  Adjust as needed and do what works best for you!

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

Recently named one of the top 100 Best Bass Lakes by Bassmaster, Trap Pond in Laurel, Delaware is highly ranked by visitors time after time again.  It has been called beautiful, enchanting, glorious, amazing, and many other adjectives that indicate that it is a little piece of heaven on earth!  One visitor said that Trap Pond had the “bet kayaking and the most wildlife in Delaware” and many people who visit can’t wait to come back!

In addition to taking part in some of the nation’s best bass fishing, visitors to Trap Pond can also hike, bike, and picnic.  Canoes, kayaks, surfbikes, and paddleboats are all available to rent if you’d like to enjoy life on the water, and if it’s the fishing you’re after you can enjoy angling for pickerel, crappie and bluegill in addition to largemouth bass.  In the summer they even offer guided pontoon boat tours!  Many visitors to Trap Pond rave about the campground – you can bring in your own equipment or rent a cabin or yurt!  And of course, like most Delaware State Parks, there are nature programs for all ages available to participate in.  Trap Pond is even offering summer day camps for kids ages 8-12.

If you’re looking to escape from the real world for a few hours, or even a few days, Trap Pond is the destination you’re looking for!  And if you’re just after some great bass fishing, Bassmaster says you can’t go wrong!

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Laurel or the surrounding areas?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-629-6693!

Yesterday I posted 3 suggested locations for Mother’s Day Brunch in the area.  Today, I’ve got five more for you – all in Rehoboth Beach!  Don’t forget to make reservations!

Victoria’s at the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel
Tea at Victoria’s would be a great way to celebrate Mother’s Day, or if Tea isn’t your thing, Victoria’s is known for serving a delicious brunch as well!  302-227-7169

Nage
Nage is an award winning eatery with multiple locations.  The Rehoboth Beach location is known amongst the locals as the place to enjoy a scrumptious dining experience.  Their Sunday Brunch is affordable and immensely popular, and I’m sure Mother’s Day will be no different!  302-226-2037

Blue Moon
Blue Moon has been a Rehoboth Beach staple for over 30 years.  Sunday brunch is served from 10:30am-2pm and each week features a different delicious menu – I dare say the menu on Mother’s Day will be decadent!  302-227-6515

The Back Porch
Serving delicious home cooked food in Rehoboth for over 36 years, if you’ve never enjoyed Mother’s Day brunch at The Back Porch Café, now is your chance!  With an a la carte brunch menu full of mouth-watering choices, you really can’t go wrong!  302-227-3674

The Summer House
If your mom is the type who likes something a little more low-key then brunch at Rehoboth Beach staple, The Summer House is the place to go.  With an extensive array of a la carte menu options, all at affordable prices, you can savor every bite!  302-227-3895

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-856-6434.

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 13^th.  It’s coming up quickly!!!  Do you have your reservations?  Here are three suggestions…

Magnolia’s Seafood Bar & Grill
Located in Ocean View and known for their quality seafood and great service, Magnolia’s is a great place to take Mom on her special day!  Their Mother’s Day Brunch is priced at a very affordable $19.99/person and will be served from 10am-2pm.  Featuring an omelet station, choice meats and hot entrees, a seafood station and of course, dessert you really can’t go wrong with this local favorite!  30415 Cedar Neck Road in Ocean View – 302-539-5671 – don’t forget to make reservations ahead of time!

Baywood Greens
Baywood Greens in Millsboro will be serving their elegant Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet in both their ballroom and clubhouse restaurant.  Ballroom seatings will be at 11am and 1:30pm and restaurant seatings will be at 11:30am and 2pm.  Adults are priced at $29.95, children 6-12 at $17, and kids 5 and under eat free.  Reservations are required, and payment is due at the time of reservation.  302-947-9225

The Buttery
Some have called enjoying a meal at The Buttery “the ultimate culinary experience!”  Located in historic Lewes, the inviting atmosphere of this restaurant almost requires you to bring Mom in for a rich and relaxing experience!  Their brunch is ordered a la carte and is served with fresh fruit and pastries as well as a choice of champagne, mimosa, or bloody mary.  Typically priced at $22.95/person, it is unclear on whether they will be making any adjustments especially for Mother’s Day.  If it were up to me I’d make reservations just be on the safe side!  102 2^nd Street in Lewes – 302-645-7755.

Looking to buy or sell a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266!

It’s Wednesday, and that means that it’s time to plan the weekend!  Here are a few events going on in the area to get you started….

Friday, 5/4-Sunday, 5/6 – Old Dover Days
Take a road trip and celebrate the history of the First State in its capital city!  This festival takes place on The Green & Legislative Mall and features Maypole dancing, walking tours, parades, yummy food, and more!

Saturday, 5/5:  17^th Annual British Car Show
Head down to the Lewes Historical Society (Shipcarpenter St. btw 2^nd & 3^rd) to see beautiful British cars, featuring the Triumph Spitfire.

Saturday, 5/5: Town-Wide Yard Sale
The town of Milton is hosting a town-wide yard sale from 9am-12pm.  Come celebrate spring by finding some new treasures!

Saturday, 5/5: Nanticoke Indian Culture Day
Come to the Nanticoke Indian Museum in Millsboro for food, crafts, storytelling, and more!  Learn about the heritage of the area’s first residents!  This festival runs from 10am-4pm.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266!

This gorgeous home in Millsboro, DE which is currently operating as a popular bed & breakfast has been nominated for the 2012 HGVT Doory Awards.  A couple of weeks ago it won first place in its category – best hidden potential, and now its in the final round!  Please help Cooper Realty win national recognition… click this link and vote for the home with BEST HIDDEN POTENTIAL!  You can vote up to 5x a day, and even register to win a $5,000 prize if you’d like!  Voting runs from now until May 11^th!  In the meantime, get to know this beautiful home:

25001 Cannon Road in Millsboro, DE  (MLS #592722)
This huge home is set on over 5 acres of beautifully landscaped property.  This unique home has over 6,000 square feet of living space, with the main home occupying approximately 4,000 square feet and the converted garage offering over 2,000 square feet of living space divided into two different apartments.  This custom built home has 4 bedrooms and 3 ½ baths as well as two apartments that are 1 bed/1 bath each.  Walk-in closets, a conference/game room, pond, beautiful salt water pool, and high-end features including Heartland appliances and hardwood floors are some of the awesome amenities offered by this property!  This home offers plenty of living space in the Indian River school district and is listed at $699,900.

Interested in this spacious home with gorgeous features and dual apartments?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty – 302-644-2266!

Tired of barely having enough room in your garage for your car?  Check out some of these tips for organizing.  With a little organization, you might find yourself hanging out in your garage, “just for fun!”

Two Words:  Adjustable Shelving
Hang several layers of shelving around the perimeter of your garage and stow away off season equipment, boots, buckets, etc.  By getting as possible off the ground and onto shelves, you eliminate clutter and gain a more organized space.

Peg Boards
Hang a few pegboards and use a variety of hooks instead of just one type and you’ll open up all kinds of storage opportunities!  Pegboards are great for hanging most tools and a whole lot more.

Garbage Cans
If you store large quantities of dog food, salt, sand, birdseed or other items that come in heavy bags, dump them in a garbage can (or put the whole bag inside), put the lid on, and label it.  Your storage will look much neater than if you have open, half-used bags lying around.  Throw a scoop inside and everything you need will be at your fingertips when you need it!

Canisters
Small kitchen-type canisters are useful for storing nuts, bolts, screws, nails, and more.  You can even get magnetic canisters and secure a magnetic strip to the wall for out of the way storage.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Let us help!  Give Cooper Realty Associates a call today – 302-629-6693.

I found Abbott’s Grill in Milford, Delaware through word of mouth, and I’m glad I did!  Voted one of the top restaurants in Milford on Trip Advisor and was voted best restaurant in Milford in the 2010 edition of Delaware Today’s “Best of Delaware” issue.  Abbott’s Grill offers lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch, and happy hour.  With a wide variety of menu items, delicious food, and great service, Abbott’s Grill is a must for anyone looking for a great meal!

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-856-6434!

It’s almost May… if you haven’t already started thinking about your garden, now’s the time to get started.  Here are five plants that grow well in Sussex County… with the proper care of course!

Astilbe
This dense, colorful plant blooms in shades of pink, red, white, and lavender.  This plant grows best in shaded areas and needs plenty of water. (pictured above)

Bee Balm
If you love wildflowers, this is the plant for you.  Flowering in red, pink, violet, and white varieties this plant grows best in moist, sunny areas.  This beautiful plant also attracts butterflies and hummingbirds while deterring most pests with its minty scent.

Lily-of-the-Valley
This ground cover plant is well recognizable with its bell-shaped flowers that small oh-so-sweet.  This plant grows well in moist, shaded areas.  Although it doesn’t flower all season, the deep green leaves are lovely all season long.

Soapwort
This beautiful plant features clusters of small pink, purple, or white flowers and is super easy to grow as long as you plant it in full sun and don’t overwater.  This plant can grow up to two feet tall and wide and blooms all summer and fall.

Trillium
This gorgeous plant blooms in shades of white, yellow, and maroon.  Trillium’s distinguishing three-petal bloom grows best in moist, shaded areas.  Just be sure to grow it along with other flowering plants, because Trillium goes dormant in midsummer.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-856-6434!

I realize that nobody really has “extra storage” in their house, but if you’re able to reorganize in such a way that you can free up some closet space, there are lots of great ways that you can turn it into viable living space.  Here are three of my favorites:

In the Kitchen: Baking Zone
A moveable island or butcher block counter on wheels can slide in and out of the closet to add both storage and workspace.  High shelves allow storage for baking pans, tins, cookie cutters, etc.  Vertical slats offer convenient space for storing cookie sheets, cooling racks, and more.  Hang hooks on the back of the door for measuring cups and spoons, potholders, towels, and other miscellaneous odds and ends.

In the Bathroom: First Aid Center
By storing items that are only used occasionally (humidifiers, heating pads, etc.) on high shelves, that leaves the rest of the space available to store items in bins separated by family member or item type.  Another great way to store first aid products is on shelf that turns so that it’s easier to see everything at once – don’t forget to regularly purge expired products!

Any Room:  Home Office
By painting the interior of the closet a colorful shade and hanging a light fixture, a closet can be turned into a lovely and functional office with just the addition of a work surface.  Adding table legs, wall brackets, and a solid surface to a prefinished shelf creates a perfect desk and by adding some bookshelves, filing cabinets, bulletin boards, and other office accessories you’ve got yourself a nice home office that can easily be closed off when you’re not using it.

There are lots of things you can do with a closet, an afternoon, and a bit of creativity!  Which one is your favorite?

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266!