Back to School List for Remote Learning + Hybrid Students

Depending on your individual needs, and whether you’re remote learning or hybrid learning, we suggest the following definitive online school supply list so your kiddos are prepared to start the 2020-21 year off right!

A reliable computer and internet access

You’ll need a reliable computer that operates at a good speed and is able to handle a variety of different programs. This doesn’t mean you have to splurge on the latest and most expensive model, but you should be able to work with minimal issues. Your internet should also be reasonably fast and reliable, and it’s not a bad idea to come up with a few backup options for getting online if your primary connection is having issues.

A comfortable chair

Unlike in a traditional setting where students tend to move from one classroom to another, you may find you + your kids sitting in one spot for a while as you engage in online learning. With this in mind, everyone should have a comfortable chair that they can adjust to the right level to see their computer easily.

A separate workspace

Carve out a separate school area with a desk and room for your binders, textbooks and other items. This will help everyone focus and get down to work more easily than if they were working on a couch or bed.

Any necessary software

Avoid unnecessary stress by reading through school announcements, websites and emails and subscribing to any necessary programs or platforms ahead of time.

Earphones or earbuds

When listening to a lecture, the people around probably won’t want to hear it, whether you’re at home, in a library or at a coffee shop. Getting a set of earphones or earbuds will help ensure you don’t disturb those around you, and can also drown out outside noise to minimize distractions.

Printer and printer paper

Even though many assignments can be submitted online, you may want to print items for your records or to access offline. Printing a syllabus or checklist for each course and keeping it within easy reach also assists with organization.

Traditional school supplies

Much of your work will be done on the computer, but you’ll still want items such as pens, pencils, highlighters, binders and notebook paper on hand. Depending on the courses you take, you may also need to purchase textbooks and supplemental texts.

An online or paper calendar

Keeping track of daily assignments and ongoing deadlines throughout the semester is imperative to your online learning success. An online or old-school paper calendar will help you make sure nothing slips through the cracks.

A backpack

You may think you won't need a backpack for online school since you won't be going from classroom to classroom. However, owning a backpack with room for a laptop, books and other supplies will prove useful when you head to a study session with a classmate or move to another location for a change of scenery.

An abundance of patience

Teachers, administrators, school staff members, and students and their families are all going to be operating in a business-not-as-usual environment. Giving everyone some extra space + grace as school begins will go a long way toward making this academic year as productive and fulfilling as possible.

When in doubt, carve out some time to shut down the screens, get outside, and shake off the pressure and expectations - this too, shall pass, and all that really matters is your students’ well-being.

If you are in need of support, supplies or anything else, please reach out.

5 Benefits of Gardening (Besides a Yard Full of Gorgeous Flowers)

Hey, you, watching HGTV. Put down the remote and pick up the trowel, because the real deal is way better for you than watching other people’s yard makeovers on TV.

Did you know that gardening burns more calories than walking? Or that the smell of soil actually increases serotonin levels? Or that planting flowers can promote monk-level relaxation? (Pure Wow)

RELATED: VICTORY GARDENS ARE TRENDING. HERE’S EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

1. Gardening burns calories

Light gardening and yardwork burns about 330 calories an hour, according to the CDC, falling right between walking and jogging. This probably doesn’t come as a huge surprise: Anyone who’s ever done substantial weeding and tilling knows how easy it is to build up a sweat (and how sore our arms and legs will feel the next day). But unlike walking and jogging, gardening is also a creative art, adds horticulturist David Domoney, so it also allows us to express ourselves in a way that hitting the gym doesn’t. And because your blood is pumping while you’re out there digging in the dirt, all that exercise will have added cardiovascular benefits too. Win, win, win.

2. It can help reduce anxiety and depression

Gardening has long been linked to the reduction of stress, anxiety and depression—ever heard of horticultural therapy? It’s been studied since the 19th century and was popularized in the 1940s and ‘50s when gardening was used to rehabilitate hospitalized war veterans. “Today, horticultural therapy is accepted as a beneficial and effective therapeutic modality,” the American Horticultural Therapy Association describes on its website. “It is widely used within a broad range of rehabilitative, vocational, and community settings.”How does it work? “Scientifically, there is evidence that suggests that there are two main modes of attention,” says Domoney. “Focused attention, which is what we use when we are at work, and fascination, which is what we use when we take part in hobbies such as gardening. In this theory, too much focused attention can lead to stress, and fascination then plays a part in restoring our attention and alleviating that anxious feeling we get when we are put under too much pressure, or feel like we can’t cope.” So it turns out that the best antidote to a tough day at work is not ice cream, but gardening. Duly noted.

3. Soil is a natural mood-booster

A 2007 study published in Neuroscience found that M. vaccae, a bacteria found in soil, activated serotonin-releasing neurons in the brain when inhaled. (And no, you don’t need to stick it up your nose or inhale tons of it to get the effects—just taking a walk amid nature or hanging out in your garden will trigger this response.)

4. Gardening will increase your vitamin D levels

Did you know that more than 40 percent of American adults have a vitamin D deficiency (eek)? Gardening for about half an hour a day, three times a week will help you get enough sun to keep your vitamin D at a healthy level. And the benefits are tenfold: by getting adequate vitamin D, you’ll reduce your risk of osteoporosis, cancer, depression and muscle weakness. Just don’t forget to wear sunscreen.

5. It helps you stay mindful and present

There’s something wonderfully meditative about gardening, with the simple, repetitive tasks, the peace and quiet and the beautiful surroundings. And as garden guru Joe Lamp’l, creator of Joe Gardener, shares on the Think Act Be podcast, gardening has become a very Zen experience for him. “When I'm out there weeding, I want to hear the birds. I don't want to hear anything else. It's a quiet time, and I relish it. It’s a sacred time for me,” he says.Monastic gardens, which were tended to by monks and date back to the Middle Ages, became a spiritual retreat—not only for the monks, but for the entire community. The next time you’re watering your begonias, be mindful of how connected you are to the earth, to nature and to your community. Ahh, we feel better already.

RELATED: APARTMENT GARDENING: YES, IT’S A THING, AND YES, YOU CAN DO IT

If you are wondering how current national and global situations might be impacting your property’s value, your neighborhood, or the Real Estate market in general, we are happy to provide more specific information.

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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How to Turn Your Backyard Into an Open-Air Movie Theater

All you need is a king-size sheet and some kid-friendly snacks.

Nothing channels summer quite like an outdoor movie. Gathering family and close friends on a blanket with homemade popcorn (and a bottle of wine) is the ideal way to celebrate the longest, balmiest nights of the year, especially with little ones in the mix. And re-creating that experience in your own backyard is easier than you might think.

Here are DIY steps and the essentials you’ll need to have your own open-air cinema (Domino)

DIY Movie Screen

1. Get a king-size white sheet with a deep hem. Buy a long climbing cord (length should be the width of your sheet, plus a few extra feet on both ends), and three 36-inch-long wooden dowels from a hardware store. 

2. Using a seam ripper or small scissors, snip open the seam on either side of the hem (leaving the length of the hem intact), so you have an opening through which to thread the cord. Think of it like a curtain rod—with the cord being the rod and the sheet being the curtain. 

3. Attach an open safety pin to one end of the climbing cord and pull it through the top of the sheet until the cord is taut, with a couple extra feet outside the sheet on each end. Remove the safety pin. 

4. Push the three dowels through the bottom seam until evenly spaced to weigh down the sheet at the bottom. 

5. To hang the sheet, tie each end of the cord onto a tree branch (or anything else in your backyard!). 

The Technology 

Nebula Projector by Anker ($580)

Xtreme 2 Speaker by JBL ($350)

For the best viewing experience possible, go with a projector that’s both super-portable and offers razor-sharp picture quality (like the Nebula, which you can plug into your laptop and hit play). If you want a sound boost, JBL’s wireless speaker offers Bluetooth connectivity, a waterproof design, and 15 hours of battery life. Movie marathon, anybody? 

The Main Event

Ultra Soft Flat Sheet by Target ($12)

The Criterion Movie Collection

Once you create your screen, it’s time to pick your flick. We’re loving Criterion, the company dedicated to publishing classic films in updated, high-quality editions. 

The Setup

Lightweight Outdoor Reversible Plastic Nirvana Rug by Green Decore ($54)

Classic Lawn Chair by Lawn Chair USA ($60)

To get a real movie theater look, comfy chairs are key–and a classic lawn chair design in green and white will last many a season (fold and store when not in use). Lay down a vibrant outdoor rug to stretch out on.

The Soft Touches

Roll-Up Blanket by Pendleton ($149)


Montecito Floor Pillow by Serena & Lily


Layer in some plush pieces, such as Serena & Lily’s Montecito floor pillow, to get cozy. Once your lounge area is propped out and the sun goes down, unroll Pendleton’s tartan blanket (carrying handles make it easy to transport and roll up after use).  

The Concessions

 
Colorful Mini Stripes Popcorn Boxes by Warmtree ($15)$

Cloudy Qorn 12-Pack by Bjorn Qorn ($43)

Whether your go-to is buttered, salted, or mixed with M&M’s, popcorn is a must for any at-home screening. (Trendy vegan brand Bjorn Qorn sells healthy options that use nutritional yeast rather than butter or cheese.) Pair your snack with old-timey striped boxes to mix and match flavors in style. 

See more details: Domino Magazine

If you are wondering how current national and global situations might be impacting your property’s value, your neighborhood, or the Real Estate market in general, we are happy to provide more specific information.

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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5 Designers Predict What Post-Lockdown Remodels Will Look Like

Multiple dishwashers and Zoom-ready offices are already in the works.

While we’re planting our first vegetable gardens and organizing our junk drawers, interior designers and architects have a long list of remodels and home extensions popping up on their schedules.

“While construction has been halted in New York City, we’ve been very busy helping clients, both past and present, rethink their living situations and find properties upstate or out East,” says Britt Zunino, cofounder of Studio DB.

But while some families are opting to escape the city, others are staying put and reimagining their homes.

“Our houses are becoming our new offices, classrooms, restaurants, and bars, and our remodels are reflecting that,” says Allison Petty of Hyphen & Co.

Here’s how five experts predict our renovation plans will change post-pandemic.

Quarantine Quarters Are Officially a Thing

Jean Brownhill, founder of renovation service Sweeten, and Petty are seeing garages and basements being converted into workspaces and additional living spaces. Terri Appel of Appel Architecture is also noticing a rise in requests for more additions that include suites and studios with kitchenettes, where parents or grown children can stay for extended periods while still getting a little privacy.

“It may sound counterintuitive, but we think the pandemic will actually encourage people to live closer together,” she says.Interest in what was formally called ADUs (additional dwelling units) has been growing for a few years, says Appel, but they’re now being rethought as multipurpose quarantine spaces. “People can use them as rentals to supplement income or as home offices,” she adds. 

The Open Plan Versus Separate Rooms Debate Continues

“We have definitely seen a move toward more enclosed spaces for offices, playrooms, and gyms,” notes Petty. Brownhill, however, is seeing trends shift somewhere in between: movable partitions, partial walls, and through-windows, which, she says, give homeowners “an openness with a sense of separation.”Meanwhile, interior designer Becky Shea remains firmly in the former camp:

“Open concepts are incredible; they bridge rooms and allow folks to interact with one another in a space.” Working at home away from colleagues is hard enough without adding hours spent isolated in a corner. “We much prefer to set our clients up to have a flexible environment that provides visibility into other rooms but offers a quiet space for calls and meetings,” explains Shea.

Home Offices Are Going High-Tech

“Our biggest request is for more Zoom-ready rooms that can be closed off to outside noises and disruption,” says Zunino. For Shea this has even involved soundproofing, green screens, and lighting kits. “We’re essentially building mini studios for professionals to be able to work virtually with no issues,” she says. Her AV team has also been focused on limiting Internet speed to certain devices and directing maximum bandwidth to the offices and devices used for work. At Hyphen & Co, Petty says, “we’re designing built-in desks that appear more hotel-like, so guests don’t feel like they are sleeping in your home office.” In smaller apartments, Brownhill is seeing niches and closets being carved out for workspaces. 

Rooms Are Becoming Hyper-Specialized

With the possibility of remote learning continuing in the fall, Zunino notes that parents are planning for permanent homework areas, which involves closed-off rooms and workstations for each child. Petty has seen more demand for kid-focused activity areas for arts and crafts, as well as screening rooms where adults can go to wind down and families can have movie nights. 

Workout Nooks Are Being Carved Out of Unused Spaces

A common request Shea has been getting from her Manhattan clients during quarantine is to repurpose an unused corner into a small gym. “We just finished a project last week in the West Village, where we converted a sitting area that was never used into a full-on gym with layered rubber floors to protect the hardwood underneath and all the equipment needed to get a good sweat in,” she says.

Kitchens Are Getting Restaurant-Grade Makeovers

Think: pizza ovens and sous vide gadgets. “When we’re able to see family and friends again, homeowners will want a more efficient kitchen to cook and gather in,” Brownhill predicts. Zunino has already been tasked with building ultra-organized pantries with additional dry food storage, larger refrigerators, and freezers. “People are looking to create spaces that are less dependent on the outside world,” she notes. Shea’s kitchen remodels have largely stayed the same, save for one important detail: multiple dishwashers. With families spending more time cooking at home, she says, “people seem to be getting dishwashing fatigue!”

Backyards Are Being Rethought as Extensions to Inside

“Access to the outdoors, no matter how small, is on everyone’s mind,” says Appel. “Clients who were previously focused on maximizing the size of their living room or bedroom are now more willing to give some of that up to add a small terrace or patio.”Shea has been designing breakfast tables that double as a makeshift office, complete with shade and high-speed Internet. “We want to help people be one with nature, especially during these trying times when work is stressful enough,” she explains. “It’s important to get in touch with what matters most.”

It’s hammer time: Follow @reno_notebook for easy rental updates, clever DIYs, and tips to nail your next project.

If you are wondering how current national and global situations might be impacting your property’s value, your neighborhood, or the Real Estate market in general, we are happy to provide more specific information.

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

Search for Homes in Colorado

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