When deciding if a neighborhood is safe, most people judge based on how well-kept a yard is.  A study conducted by Relocation.com showed that the upkeep of a home was important, according to RIS Media,

75% of Americans believe the most important factor in determining a neighborhood’s safety is the up-keep of surrounding homes, especially the conditions of the front lawns, which trumps even Googling neighborhood statistics to get a feel for a community.

Other deciding factors are word-of-mouth, local crime reports, and whether a community is gated.

If you are selling your home, then the condition of your neighbor’s yard can have either a positive or negative impact on your ability to get top dollars.  Don’t hesitate to talk (kindly) to them if they need to be better about mowing.  You could even offer to mow a neighbor’s yard yourself if it means presenting your own home in a better light.

Photo from Texifornia.

Plow & Hearth has some neat stuff, but man, it’s expensive. Fortunately, thanks to Plain Jane Deals, there’s news of a Plow & Hearth Outlet. You can get items up to 60% off there, and it’s really nice stuff, too!

Especially neat:

Tinkling Toadstools- Pictured at left, these are cute and make nifty tinking sounds as well.

Polish Art Glass Birds- Beautiful, and can go anywhere as the stakes are adjustable.

Winter Silhouette  Lamp- Yes, I know it’s the middle of summer, but this is gorgeous, and 56% off!

Crate & Barrel is celebrating summer’s first 3-day weekend with major markdowns in their outlet stores and the online outlet!
You can save up to 70% off on outdoor tables and umbrellas, sand
chairs, plastic dinnerware and drinkware, rugs, candlelight
and torches, BBQ accessories, and table linens.

Think Father’s Day with this sale. We just put in a brand new patio so
I’ve got my eye on some of their
garden and patio items for my hubby. This Portable BBQ Tool Set is down to only $20 and was originally $50. That is a huge savings and an awesome gift idea for the Father in your life!

If the fact that Home Depot is having another outdoor garden sale and they are offering a coupon for a buy 1 get 1 free shrub deal not reason enough to plant a shrub, just check out Home Depot’s other 10 reasons…..

     To create privacy
     To provide four-season interest
     To provide a focal point
                     To create a wind break
                     To add texture and form
                     To increase curb appeal
                     To attract birds & butterflies
                     To produce fruit
                     To reduce cooling costs
                     To fight global warming

The coupon is available here along with a $5.00 coupon for Liquid Round Up (which kills everything).