Garden • August 11, 2022

How to Grow Basil Indoors

by Stephanie K. Chan

There’s something refreshing about the summery aroma of basil growing indoors on a windowsill. When you gently brush the plant with your hand, the vibrant scent will quickly fill the air. Plus, having a pot of basil growing in a sunny spot in your kitchen ensures you’ll always have this flavorful herb within easy reach when cooking, no matter the season. Sure, you could purchase potted basil plants from your local garden center or grocery store in spring and summer. But with just a few dollars of seeds and a little bit of your time, here’s how to grow basil indoors year round.

basil types in glass vase — KIM CORNELISON

How to Grow Basil Indoors from Seed

Basil is one of the easiest herbs to grow indoors. You can raise this plant from cuttings or seeds. Starting seeds inside gives your seedlings a warm and safe start. You’ll just need to make sure you put the basil plants in your sunniest window (preferably one facing south or east). Follow the steps below to help you grow basil indoors from seed.

1. Plant basil seed at the right time.

Basil is one of the easiest herbs to grow from seed. Read your seed packets to know how many weeks of growth your plants will need before they can be moved outdoors. You can start basil seed indoors and transplant the grown plant outside in rich, well-drained soil once all danger of frost has passed. If you live in a cold or very hot climate, start your herb seeds in early spring so that the young plant gets well established before the summer heat and winter cold. Gardeners who live in a mild climate can transplant seedlings into the garden throughout most of the year.

2. Prepare your pots.

Pre-moisten the soil so it’s slightly damp to help keep your seeds from shifting when you first water them. Then, loosely fill small containers with a high-quality potting soil—commercial starting mixes are sterilized to remove weed seeds and disease-causing microbes. Choose a container or pot that allows for good drainage. If your pot doesn’t have drainage, make some holes in its bottom.

3. Plant, water, and cover the seeds.

Plant the seeds by gently press them into the soil with your finger and then cover lightly with soil (check seed packet for instructions on planting depth). Water the seeds lightly and then cover the pot or container with plastic kitchen wrap or a plastic dome. This will keep the soil mix and seed warm to encourage germination.

4. Provide plenty of light.

Basil grown indoors needs lots of light. Put the container in a sunny area such as near a south-facing window or place them under a grow light, and when the seedlings emerge, remove the plastic wrap or covers. If using grow lights, adjust the height of the fixture as the plants grow to make sure the light bulbs are at least 6 inches above the top of your plants. When growing herbs indoors on a sunny window sill, make sure to give your plant a quarter turn weekly to expose all sides to the sun to make sure the seedlings won’t be spindly and pale.

5. Increase air circulation and humidity.

Place a small fan near your seed starting area to keep air moving and reduce damping off, a common fungal disease. To boost humidity indoors—especially in the wintertime—place the plants on a tray of wet pebbles to raise the humidity around them. Fill the tray with water until the water’s surface is just below each of the pots’ bottoms. Another option is to place a humidifier nearby.

6. Keep seedlings moist.

Once your indoor basil seedlings have started growing, don’t let their soil dry out. It’s important to keep your basil plants well hydrated at this stage to encourage healthy root growth. This will help your plants become larger and more efficient at absorbing water and nutrients from the soil.

7. Harden off plants.

About a week before transplanting your seedlings, gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions. Begin by putting them outside for a few hours on a warm day in a shady spot to let them get used to the differences in temperature, humidity, and air movement outside. Remember to bring them indoors again at night. Over the next few days, gradually increase the time they spend outdoors. By the end of the week, your plants should be acclimated and ready to be transplanted.

Person placing basil in jar with water — JACOB FOX

How to Grow Basil Indoors in Water

Another way that you can multiply your basil plants indoors is by rooting them in water. To do this, take your basil plant and cut its stems to 3 to 4 inches long and strip off any leaves that would be under water. Fill a glass with water and place stems in the glass.

As the stems start growing roots, change the water every few days. This helps to discourage bacteria that can create an unhealthy situation for your basil cuttings. Once the roots are about an inch long, transplant the cuttings into fresh potting mix. Keep your new basil plants well watered for the first week or two. Soon you should see new leaves growing, and you can cut back on watering a little.

Design • Home Improvement • August 10, 2022

9 Painted Wall Mural Ideas to Brighten Any Room

by Stephanie K. Chan

A painted wall mural can give you the bold look of wallpaper without the high price tag, and you don’t need to be a professional artist to create one. Unlike wallpaper—which can be expensive and notoriously difficult to hang—a mural can often be completed in an afternoon. It’s an easy way to transform your space without spending a lot of money or committing to a long-term look.

Best of all, you don’t have to be an artist to create a gorgeous painted accent wall. Abstract shapes and thick geometric lines are especially trendy right now, which means you don’t need Picasso-level art skills to paint your own wall mural. This home decorating trend is low-commitment too—if you don’t love how your mural turns out, you can simply paint over it and start again.

Before You Start Painting

We do recommend refreshing your wall with a fresh base coat before you start your mural, but most of our favorite ideas can be completed with just a few quarts of paint. That’s quite the bargain when compared to the cost of wallpaper or decals. However, think twice before using paint sample pots—many don’t contain all the necessary ingredients that regular paint has for a long-lasting effect.

Wall murals can’t help but attract the limelight, so reserve them for places that can handle the attention. You might choose to showcase an existing feature (such as a fireplace mantel), a key furniture piece (think bed, sofa, media cabinet), or a room entrance. On the flip side, a mural can also add much-needed architectural interest. A large expanse of drywall makes an excellent canvas, while an awkward corner could become a pretty focal point.

To help inspire your next oversize work of art, we’ve rounded up our favorite wall mural ideas to help you get started. All you need is a blank wall, some paint, and your imagination.

Floral Wall Mural

A mural doesn’t have to cover an entire wall to have a visual effect. Frame a sofa, bed, or another focal furniture piece with supersize blossoms to give your space a pop of color without committing to a wall-size work of art. Use a projector to project our free pattern on the desired spot on the wall, leaving your large furniture in place until you’ve landed on just the right size for the design. Lightly sketch the outlines with a pencil, then move your furniture out of the way and fill the design with paint. We opted for a subtle, neutral look, but you could use multiple colors for a more vibrant take. Once the painted area is dry, erase the pencil lines with a white eraser.

Tip: If you don’t have a projector, ask your local library if they have one you can check out.

Painted Line Mural

This statement wall with chunky curved lines is simple to create. First, lightly sketch swerving lines across the wall with a pencil. Intersect the lines in several places, keeping in mind doorways, windows, and your furniture layout. Use a 4-inch paint roller to trace the pencil lines, using a contrasting color from your wall paint. Using a small roller ensures all the lines are the same width. You can go back to touch up the edges or any missed spots with a small paintbrush later.

modern boho sitting area with multicolored wall mural — CARSON DOWNING

Minimalist Mural

Customize a seating nook with several bands of alternating colors (our palette includes 10) in various lengths. For straight lines, place a level on the wall and trace the long sides, and move it up or down for taller stripes. Select the width and distance between that looks best in your space—ours are 3 inches wide and 7 inches apart. Tape off the vertical and horizontal lines, and apply your base color to prevent bleeding. Let the base color dry completely, then apply every other color in your desired pattern. When those are dry, remove the horizontal tape, and tape off the adjacent, yet-to-be-painted sections in each band. Finish painting.

Fruit-Theme Wall Mural

Perk up mealtime with a look that’s a little kitschy, a little retro, and a lot of fun. This pattern of bright oranges is the perfect mural for a kitchen or breakfast nook, and our free pattern makes it easy to get the look. Use a projector to trace the orange outlines on the wall, or enlarge the pattern and print a giant paper orange (ours were 17 inches wide) and use that as a stencil to ensure all the oranges are the same size. For an all-over pattern that more closely resembles wallpaper, cut off some of the oranges at the floor, ceiling, and corners of the wall.

GET THE FREE PATTERN

Kids’ Wall Mural

A painted mural offers large-scale art without having to hang a bulky canvas or heavy frame. To make a color wash for the background, mix two parts latex wall paint with one part glaze. Tape off the area using painters tape, then apply the wash by dipping a soft rag into the mixture and rubbing it onto the wall in a light swiping motion until you’ve filled the taped area. Once it’s dry, use a 1-inch brush to paint graphic Xs and Os, a favorite quote, or the alphabet. For a drippy effect, load an artist’s brush with paint and swipe back over the letters in select spots.

Geometric Wall Mural

Turn a blank white wall into the focal point of a room with a few painted shapes. Rather than filling the entire wall with an intricate design, trace and paint 20-30 overlapping hexagon shapes and choose 4-6 different colors to paint them. Use your computer to print out the shape you want, then cut it out to create a template. Trace it onto the wall as many times as you need to create your desired look, then use painters tape to section off each one as you paint.

Editor’s Tip: Your paints can dry out if you have them all open at once, so it’s helpful to paint all the shapes in one color at a time. Plus, you won’t have to repeatedly switch brushes.

Abstract Mural

Splotches of red, blue, and yellow energize the entryway of a casual living space, playroom, or kid’s bedroom. Sketch large splotch shapes with a pencil, wrapping around corners and overlapping doors and molding. Remove or tape the doorknob and middle hinge, and protect your flooring with drop cloths. Use a small roller to fill the open areas (scuff-resistant satin or semigloss paint is ideal for walls, woodwork, and the door) and use a smaller brush for the detail work around the edges. Apply two or three coats as needed. Once dry, use a white artist’s eraser (which leaves less residue than a typical pink eraser) to remove any pencil markings. Add dimension by painting freehand graphic black stripes with a 1-inch flat brush.

flying birds wall mural and wooden console table

Modern Wall Mural

Elevate the space behind a console with a layered mural. To mark the arch, draw a horizontal line that’s the desired width and at the preferred height on your wall. Start by painting a large arch shape in an accent color and let it dry completely. Then, use our free pattern to project the bird design onto the wall at various sizes and angles. Trace the design with a medium-point paint marker, going over each section a second time to thicken the lines if needed. When the outline is dry, paint some sections in a contrasting color and let them dry completely before putting furniture against the wall.

GET THE FREE PATTERN

Mountain Wall Mural

If you want to paint a mural that covers the entire wall but doesn’t require a lot of artistic skill, go with a landscape design. Mountain landscape murals are popular right now because they’re easy to sketch (the outlines don’t have to be precise) and easy to paint. Freehand a few rows of mountain ranges on the wall and fill each section with paint. Start from the top and work your way down, allowing each section to dry before starting the next. To contain the mess, wear gloves and cover the floor, baseboard, and wall under the mural with a drop cloth. We chose muted tones to give the wall some dimension without distracting from the colorful furniture and decor in the room.

Kids • August 9, 2022

Tips for Back-to-School Season

by Stephanie K. Chan

Summertime is the perfect season for adventures, vacations, and spending time in the sun. Once August rolls around, however, it’s time to start getting ready for back-to-school season. Here are a few simple tips to get you and your children ready for the new school year.

Set a Routine for Your Family
One of the first things you should do to get everyone back in the habit of waking up early and heading off to school is to set a routine that your entire family can follow. Speak with your children about the amount of time they must spend each day doing homework. You should also consider setting some free time where your child can do the things that they enjoy.

In the few weeks before the school year begins, try to re-establish your child’s study routine, which begins by encouraging your child to wake up and go to bed at the exact same time each day. Practicing a set routine before the school year starts should help get everyone on the same page.

Get Organized
Whether you have kids or not, it’s a great time of year to clear out the clutter and get organized. Once the school year begins, things can get hectic quickly. Homework, sports, and extracurriculars can take over the calendar, leaving you little time to do other important tasks. While the summer season is still here, consider taking some time to clean, declutter, and invest in organizational supplies like storage bins, extra shelving, coat hooks, whiteboards, etc. Getting your home and yourself organized now will pay dividends throughout the school year.

Take Advantage of Sales
Many retail stores hold back to school sales that last throughout most of August, which means great deals on everything from school and office supplies to clothes and home goods. This is the perfect opportunity to buy books, school supplies, backpacks, and everything your kid needs for the new year. This is also a great time to update your child’s wardrobe. Bring your child with you when you shop to help them get excited about heading back to school.

Even if you don’t have kids, you can take advantage of these fall sales to refresh your own wardrobe and home spaces and put yourself in the right headspace for the new season.

Keep Your Child’s Mental Activity High
While most children will invariably want to spend most of the warm summer months having fun and spending time with friends, the lengthy duration of the summer can make it difficult for children to readjust to the school learning environment. It’s even possible for children to forget a considerable amount of what they learned during the school year.

If you want to make sure that your children are properly prepared for the school season, try to spend 10-15 minutes playing educational games with your child. These games can easily be played at home or while you’re on vacation.

The back-to-school season is the perfect time of year to make changes to your routine and your home. If you’ve been thinking of moving to a new place, it’s a great time of year to buy or sell a home and give yourself an opportunity to get settled before the start of the new school year.

Market Trends • Oahu Housing Statistics • August 8, 2022

Oahu Market Housing Statistics

by Stephanie K. Chan

Sales of O‘ahu Homes, Condos Fall Nearly a Quarter in July
Properties continue to move into contract quickly despite cooling demand

Closed sales in both single-family home and condominium markets declined by 22.8% year-over-year. Sales also slipped from a month ago, down 12.6% for single-family homes and 17.3% for condos.

“Demand continued to cool in July, likely due in part to the rise in interest rates,” said Chad Takesue, president of the Honolulu Board of REALTORS^®. “However, properties are still moving into contract quickly with median days on the market at 11 days for single-family homes and 12 days for condos last month, despite the decline in sales.”

Pending sales were down year-over-year 31.4% for single-family homes and 26.4% for condos. Fewer new listings were added to the market compared to a year ago, with 386 single-family home listings, a 17.7% year-over-year decline, and 616 condo listings, down 7.2% from last July. However, the active inventory of single-family homes was 38.8% more than last year, and the active inventory of condos was up 8.4%.

Buying • August 8, 2022

Millennial Home Ownership is Finally on the Rise

by Stephanie K. Chan

Millennial Home Ownership is Finally on the Rise

Anyone born between 1981 and 1996 is part of the millennial generation. For many years, millennials weren’t buying homes at the same rates as previous generations. In 2019, only 43% of millennials owned homes, which was well below the national average of 65% when taking every other generation into account.

Even though millennials were old enough to purchase homes in 2019 (23 to 38 years old), there are numerous factors that have caused this generation to avoid buying homes at the same rate as previous generations. However, 2022 marks a notable change in millennial homeownership.

What Kept Millennials From Buying Homes?
There are many reasons why millennials haven’t purchased homes at the same rate as other generations. Some of the primary factors that have contributed to less interest in homeownership among millennials include:

Entering the job market during the Great Recession
Higher amounts of debt from student loans
Stagnant wages
Delayed marriage
Rising home prices
Low inventory

The financial challenges that many young adults have were exacerbated by the fallout from the Great Recession. Keep in mind that 40% of all unemployed individuals in 2009 were between the ages of 15-24 years old. The federal minimum wage has been at $7.25 since 2009 despite some states increasing their minimum wages. Even though the cost of living has increased substantially over the past few decades, median wages only grew by around 0.3% each year from 2007-2017. These factors combined to make it more difficult for millennials to buy homes.

Why Millennial Homeownership is Increasing
When the Federal Reserve dropped interest rates towards the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, buying a home became more appealing as a result of the reduced monthly payments. It wasn’t until 2022, however, that millennials started buying homes at a higher rate than anticipated. While only 43% of all millennials owned a home in 2019, this same age group has accounted for around 43% of homebuyers in 2022.

What this data tells us is that millennials are now the primary generation that’s buying homes. The vice president of demographics for the National Association of Realtors, Jessica Lautz, believes that “Some young adults have used the pandemic to their financial advantage by paying down debt and cutting the cost of rent by moving in with family.” By saving up money during the first two years of the pandemic, millennials who were in a poor financial situation before the pandemic may now be at a point where they can afford to buy a home.

Millennials are also aging into more financial security, with steadier jobs and higher incomes in their 30’s and 40’s. Rising home prices haven’t helped, but homeownership rates increase considerably when looking at millennials who are around the age of 40. An increase in remote work post-pandemic has also allowed more millennials and Gen Zers to move to smaller, more affordable cities and improve their homebuying prospects.

In the coming months, it will be interesting to see what happens as interest rates continue to rise. Even though housing prices have increased by nearly 19% since March 2021, this clearly hasn’t caused millennials to become less eager to become homeowners.

Recipes • August 2, 2022

Crabby Cheesy Gau Gee Recipe

by Stephanie K. Chan

A yummy version of a favorite Chinese appetizer turned local pupu. Serve crispy fried Gau Gee as an appetizer.

INGREDIENTS

Oil for frying
8 oz. imitation crab, shredded
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/4 c. mayonnaise
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
3 stalks green onion, chopped
won ton pi wrappers
1/2 c. water as needed

INSTRUCTIONS

In a large skillet or fryer; warm oil.
In a small bowl; place water; set aside.
In a mixing bowl; combine all ingredients well.
Spoon heaping tablespoonful of mixture into wrapper.
Fold in half or in triangles; seal edges with water as desired.
Crimped edges make a nice presentation.
Deep fry until golden.
Drain on paper towel.

How To Serve:

Serve with shoyu-mustard sauce or favorite dipping sauce.
Freezes well.
Makes approximately 40-50.

Garden • July 29, 2022

13 Fantastic Small Backyard Ideas for Function and Enjoyment

by Stephanie K. Chan

Whether hosting a Fourth of July barbecue in the yard or sipping your morning coffee on the patio, it can be tricky to fit all your outdoor wants and needs into one tiny backyard. But, no matter the size of your yard, patio, or balcony, it’s easy to create an outdoor oasis perfect for spending time with friends and family. Start by making a list of priorities for the space, then find ways to personalize it for your lifestyle.

Sometimes living large means thinking small. If your outdoor space lacks square footage, it might seem like your outdoor entertaining dreams are far-fetched—but with a bit of creative thinking, solid design advice, and clever additions, you can make the most of your yard.

outdoor sitting area with bar cart and artwork — MATTHEW BENSON

1. Multifunctional Outdoor Bar Cart

Fear not if your yard or patio is too small for an outdoor bar. Create your own portable drink station with a weather-resistant cart. Add your favorite drinkware and beverages for easy access during a backyard get-together. This small backyard idea isn’t permanent—you can roll the cart into the house or garage when you aren’t using it. When planting season arrives, use it as a garden cart. Or, load it up with snacks if the kids are hungry from a long day of playing outside.

vertical gardens wall hanging wood boxes — KRITSADA PANICHGUL

2. Go Green

Having room to grow can be tricky with a small yard. In a backyard with a concrete patio or no space for plants, added greenery can help liven up the environment. You may not want to give up precious square footage for landscaping, and with this backyard hack, you won’t have to. Utilize every inch of space in your backyard by installing vertical planting boxes. Attach them to the back of your house or a fence, then grow flowers, greenery, or seasonal plants in this low-maintenance, space-saving option. If you choose to create a succulent garden, make sure you can bring them inside when the temperature gets too cold.

outdoor covered area with chairs and fire pit — BOB STEFKO

3. Bring the Heat

Whether it’s a warm July night or a chilly October evening, entertaining by a fire is a big or small backyard idea that always works. Manage your outdoor living space by creating a small cement fire ring, which makes an obvious focal point for gatherings. For a more portable option, buy a standalone fire pit to get all the perks of having a fire pit with none of the commitment.

Closed in porch with bistro set — JOHN BESSLER

4. Build a Bistro Nook

A bistro set is a charming way to include seating in a small space. Although it only sits two, it makes a cozy spot to have coffee with a friend, read a book, or enjoy some sunshine. Whether perched on a tiny patio or an apartment balcony, any space can be elevated with this seating arrangement.

stainless steel grill with wooden work table — GREG SCHEIDEMANN

5. Cook Up Some Style

Fill your backyard with laughter, friends, and good food by creating a grill area for simple dinners with easy cleanups. This small backyard idea is perfect if you’re cooking for friends on the weekend or whipping up a simple dinner like grilled chicken for your family. Dedicate a corner of your backyard to a grill and side table in an L-shaped layout.

6. Make Different Zones

Think about how your house and yard work together and decide how to divvy up the landscape to best suit your family’s needs. Then, create different zones in your small outdoor space. Here, a play area away from the entertaining space prevents accidents (and headaches), and designated seating areas keep the patio from looking cluttered. Keep in mind the area’s traffic patterns—if it’s hard to navigate, people will probably use it less.

various plants in planters against wall in garden — PETER KRUMHARDT

7. Plant a Vertical Garden

When growing out isn’t an option, think about growing up! Gardens take up space. If you have a small backyard, you might not be able to have a giant vegetable garden that allows you to preserve all the produce you’ll need for a year. But that doesn’t mean you have to forget the idea entirely. Our small backyard idea for gardening includes using a wooden pallet for hanging plant pots. Place a bench below to stack larger garden boxes. Prioritize planting your favorite garden goodies. Make sure to do some research to pick fruits and veggies that do well in containers and small spaces.

outdoor kitchen with stone patio and picnic table — KATHYRN GAMBLE

8. Entertaining Space for Everyone

There can be a rush to give everything in a landscape the same importance—but that’s not how design works. Think about your living room. Usually, there’s a central piece of furniture or artwork that serves as the room’s main focus, with smaller pieces supporting it. That principle is true with landscaping, as well. Make a statement in your space with a seating area, flower bed, or grill area, then fill in with potted plants or functional decor items.

Outdoor seating area with couch and rug — DAVID A. LAND

9. Brighten With Pops of Color

Just because your backyard is petite doesn’t mean you can’t decorate it! Functional decor pieces like patio furniture sets, outdoor rugs, and colorful planters will help to create an inviting, comfortable outdoor area, no matter how small. You and your guests will likely use your backyard with these cozy details. And don’t forget the shade! An outdoor umbrella is all it takes to keep the scorching days at bay.

outdoor patio gardening table pots mirror — KIMBERLY GAVIN

10. Streamline Small Spaces

The smaller the space, the more streamlined your outdoor area should be. Clutter or lack of function will make a yard or patio unpleasant to use. Prioritize what you want. Do you prefer more space to entertain outdoors or room to have a thriving veggie garden? If you can, consolidate your flowerbeds, zone the kids’ play space into a single spot, and keep entertaining and outdoor cooking opportunities together.

backyard patio furniture gravel ground cover — EDWARD GOHLICH

11. Update Backyard Landscaping

Transitioning paving or landscaping material can help shift a small backyard from one zone to another. This could be a space for kids, an area for entertaining, or a spot for grilling. Mulch and gravel are inexpensive materials to define different spaces in your backyard. If you’re looking for easier-to-maintain materials, concrete slabs or pavers are easy to clean but more expensive to install.

private modern patio tropical plants rock black furniture — MARTY BALDWIN

12. Multipurpose Furniture

Just like small rooms inside a house need furniture that works harder, small backyards need double-duty benches, chairs, and tables. Outdoor decor is a budget-friendly way to refresh a deck or patio. Find seating with hidden storage to stash pillows and throws or a table that expands for larger gatherings.

Cushions on swing hanging at porch — ADAM ALBRIGHT

13. Utilize The Front Yard

The backyard offers plenty of desirable aspects, including privacy for get-togethers. But if you’re short on space, look to the front yard for some extra square footage. Try incorporating a reading nook under a shady front yard tree, add an outdoor swing, or group a few chairs together for an intimate conversation area. Take advantage of all your outdoor space, and join in the hustle and bustle of life on your street.

Buying • July 28, 2022

Real Estate Ownership 101

by Stephanie K. Chan

Owning real estate is not just a part of the American Dream, it is an opportunity to have stable housing and a sound investment. In fact, real estate is one of the most stable assets you can own. As with many assets in the U.S., there are tax benefits designed to encourage investment in real estate. Here are some benefits to owning real estate as well as some tips on future investing.

Mortgage Interest Deduction

One of your biggest tax breaks is reflected in the house payment you make each month. For many young homeowners, the bulk of your mortgage payment goes towards interest. This interest is deductible for both your primary residence and also your second home.

Mortgage Points (Origination) Deduction

Homeowners who paid points (origination fees) can often deduct those on their tax returns. This deduction can be taken in the same year of the purchase or loan origination. If you refinanced your home for home improvements, those fees must be amortized and deducted over the life of the loan.

Rental Property Deductions

Rental properties offer more tax deductions than most investments. The IRS allows you to deduct expenses for upkeep and maintenance of your property including management fees and other expenses. Here is a list of some general expenses that are deductible:

Utilities
Insurance
Repairs
Maintenance
Association fees
Management fees
Travel costs incurred while doing business
Professional and legal fees

Depreciation

Depreciation is the loss in value of a property over time due to physical deterioration. The IRS allows an investment property owner to take a tax loss every year based on the depreciation over the useful life of the asset. For residential property, you can depreciate your property over a cost-recovery period of 27.5 years and for commercial property 39 years.

Real Estate Tax

Property tax is a tax paid on property owned by an individual or other legal entity, such as a corporation. Most commonly, property tax is a real estate ad-valorem tax, which means it’s based on an assessed value. It is calculated by a local government where the property is located and paid by the owner of the property. The tax is usually based on the value of the improvement and the land.

Energy Efficient Improvements

A homeowner may claim a credit for a photovoltaic system installed on a dwelling located in the United States that is owned and used as a residence. Expenditures with respect to the equipment are accounted for when the installation is completed. These include labor costs for on-site preparation, assembly or original system installation, and for piping or wiring to interconnect a system to the home. If the federal tax credit exceeds tax liability, the excess amount may be carried forward to the succeeding taxable year.

A Tip for Re-investing in Real Estate

If you own investment property and would like to realize the appreciation of this investment without paying capital gains tax, you may want to consider a 1031 tax-deferred exchange. A 1031 exchange allows you to sell an investment property and purchase another investment property to defer the capital gains tax that you might otherwise have to pay. There are certain rules in place such as identifying your replacement property (up to 3) within 45 days from the sale of your current property and closing within 180 calendar days. Also you would want to purchase a replacement property of equal or greater value. Otherwise, the difference may be subject to tax.

Recipes • July 27, 2022

Why the Dirty Shirley Is Decidedly the Drink of the Summer

by Stephanie K. Chan

The perfect summer beverage should capture the essence of the season—fun, colorful, refreshing—and the internet has officially decided that, for 2022, that drink is the Dirty Shirley. (If you ask Alexa what the drink of the summer is, she agrees. Seriously.) An alcoholic spin on the classic Shirley Temple, the Dirty Shirley is a cocktail traditionally made with vodka, lemon-lime soda or ginger ale, grenadine (which gives it that show stopping color), and a maraschino cherry.

The New York Times published an article raising the question in May, and the hashtag #dirtyshirley now has 10.6 million views on TikTok. Start scrolling, and you’ll find a flood of videos showing people making the drink, making jokes about it, or sipping on it. Search for the Dirty Shirley, and you’ll see a slew of articles arguing for and against the drink (and even a few teaching you how to make it). Like it or not, the Dirty Shirley is everywhere, and we’re breaking down the build-up to its viral status, how to make the drink, and a tasty variation on the traditional version.

Dirty Shirley’s Climb to Popularity

Before the Dirty Shirley became something you had to be 21 to order, it was a drink for kids known as the Shirley Temple. Named after the acclaimed 1930s child actor (who denied any association with the beverage), the Shirley Temple’s bright pink-red color and super sweet flavor make it no surprise that kids have been happily ordering it for decades now.

Some theorize that childhood throwback is one of the reasons the adult version has risen in popularity lately: Gen Z and Millennials who enjoyed the mocktail when they were younger are exploring alcoholic options and getting nostalgic. The Dirty Shirley craze follows the popularity of the 2021 summer drink, the espresso martini—a complete 180 in taste and appearance. After a year of sipping those, it makes sense that we want something different.

The Dirty Shirley’s popularity could also be a result of the longing for comfort and enjoyment we’re feeling in response to the hardships of the last few years. The popularity of decor with a focus on fun (re: maximalism, retro mirrors, pastel accents) and over-the-top dining out experiences in 2022 reflect a desire for joy and playfulness, and there’s nothing more playful than a Dirty Shirley.

How to Make a Dirty Shirley

According to Juli Hale, senior culinary specialist in the Better Homes & Gardens Test Kitchen, the traditional Shirley Temple recipe includes lemon-lime soda or ginger ale, grenadine, and a maraschino cherry. The Dirty Shirley just adds a shot of booze. Often it’s vodka, but you can opt for tequila, rum, or gin. “Choose your white spirit,” Hale advises. Another plus to adding alcohol (on top of the obvious): It helps tone down the excessive sweetness.

To make a Dirty Shirley, pour 1 ½ oz vodka (or your spirit of choice), ¾ oz grenadine, and 4 to 6 oz soda or ginger ale in an ice-filled glass. Stir and top with a cherry (or two).

For Dirty Shirley skeptics, Hale’s variation on the Dirty Shirley, the Ambassador (the name refers to Shirley Temple’s work as a U.S. ambassador), might be just the drink to change your mind. There are a few key differences: tequila instead of vodka, a homemade chile-infused grenadine, ginger beer, and Italian Luxardo maraschino cherries. Using ginger beer is “more bitey” than ginger ale, Hale says, which gives it more flavor, and Luxardo cherries add a sense of elevation.

“Making grenadine from scratch is both very easy and much fresher and more delicious than the bottled stuff,” Hale says. “Adding some chile spice is what sets this one apart, and it’s a good match for the tequila.”

Give the Dirty Shirley and the Ambassador a try—you may soon agree that twists on the classic Shirley Temple will be everywhere this summer.

Home Improvement • July 26, 2022

23 Renovations That Can Add Unexpected Value to Your Home

by Stephanie K. Chan

2. Refinish Wood Floors

living room with salvaged marquee letters

CREDIT: KIM CORNELISON

“Refurbishing hardwood floors will enhance the look and the value of your home,” says John A. MacDonald of Keller Williams Real Estate in Levittown, Pennsylvania. Just be ready for a few days of dust. If your floors are worn or stained, replacing them might be the better option. Consider splurging on wide-plank hardware floors in your foyer and , then scaling it back in the bedrooms.

9. Upgrade Your Foyer and Staircase

CREDIT: NATHAN SCHRODER

Since it’s the first thing visitors will see upon entering your home, make sure the entryway welcomes them in style. If you can’t change the whole space, concentrate on high-impact items. Splurge on the entry flooring, or focus on improving the staircase. Sand and restain treads and paint risers. Replace railings and newels. Be sure to check local building codes regarding your railing height and spindle spacing.

10. Polish Up the Laundry Room

CREDIT: JAY WILDE

Create an attractive, functional laundry room by replacing old appliances with units that offer the latest energy- and fabric-saving features. Also, equip your laundry room with long stretches of counter space for folding clean clothes and tuck-away bins for sorting dirty laundry. Install cabinets to keep detergents stowed out of sight, and add a built-in ironing board.

12. Upgrade Countertops

CREDIT: ANNIE SCHLECTHER

Durable granite is “Still by far, the most requested countertop material,” says interior designer and space planner Mary Fisher Knott of Mary Fisher Designs. If granite is beyond your budget, however, consider laminate countertops that offer the look of natural stone at a fraction of the price. Add a beveled edge to these laminate countertops for an authentic stone look.

14. Replace Old Appliances

CREDIT: BRIE WILLIAMS

If your appliances are more than 10 years old, consider buying new ones that will use less energy. ENERGY STAR appliances are good for the environment and for your pocketbook, too. The appliances cost a little more upfront, but the money you save on energy bills will, in the long run, more than make up for the initial price difference. Similarly, energy-efficient water heaters and furnaces pay back the extra cost within a few years of service and will continue to save you money for years to come.

15. Create a Pantry

CREDIT: PAUL DYER

A shallow pantry can be squeezed into just about any kitchen. “Hire a carpenter to frame the space between two studs and finish with cabinet doors,” Knott says. “It’s great for storing spices, soft drinks, or canned pet food. You can also adapt this idea for all those jars and bottles in the bathroom.” If you have room for it, adding a walk-in pantry will pay off even more.

17. Add a Bath

CREDIT: DAVID TSAY

“Properly executed, a powder room, second, or even a third bathroom is an advantage. But if it’s too small, doesn’t fit into the flow of the house, or seems like an add-on, you do yourself a disservice,” says designer Shannon Freeman. Also, make sure the room includes an exhaust fan—something home buyers rank high on their list of desires—and a window that will bring in plenty of natural light.

22. Replace the Siding

CREDIT: ROB CARDILLO

The most affordable siding option is vinyl. Once a bland material that paled in comparison to real wood, vinyl is now available in a wide variety of colors and styles, including scalloped and square-cut shingles. If your vinyl siding is in good condition but looks worn or faded, consider sprucing it up with a product that cleans and restores its original color and sheen.

23. Freshen the Landscaping

dog sitting at front door of home red door

CREDIT: KEVIN MIYAZAKI PHOTOGRAPHY

Quality landscaping enhances the style of your home and makes the exterior more attractive. “Cut back overgrown bushes, and fill in those bare spots,” says Stacey Moncrieff, editor in chief of Realtor magazine. “A neat, well-maintained landscape instantly increases your home’s curb appeal and suggests that your interiors are equally well-maintained.”