5  BEDS

4  BATHS

5520  SQFT

FOR SALE

$975,000

1232 OLEANDER WAY , ODENTON, MD

Design Solutions
Breaking down the barrier between indoor and outdoor spaces is a big part of biophilic design. A retractable glass wall, for example, can capture sunlight in the winter and in the warmer months be opened up to allow fresh air to flow through the home. Additionally, you can bring the outdoors inside with indoor gardens or living walls. Even feeling connected to animals can play a role in biophilic design, like a koi pond, where you can relax while watching fish or attracting birds and butterflies with specific types of plants.

The Benefits
The main argument, of course, is that when we feel closer to nature we’re more relaxed and in tune with our surroundings. Additionally, biophilic design is considered to be an environmentally friendly solution because it typically requires using clean, natural materials to build homes that use less energy. For instance, if you can design a home to capture a natural breeze, then you may not need air conditioning in the summer. Or, by capturing adequate sunlight through performance glass windows you can reduce the heat required to keep your home warm in the winter. If that’s not enough, it’s an added bonus that this also means lowering your bills.

5  BEDS

4  BATHS

5520  SQFT

FOR SALE

$975,000

1232 OLEANDER WAY , ODENTON, MD

Your kids can choose from a wide array of colleges and majors. They can start off at less expensive schools to save money and transfer to more expensive institutions later. They can receive grants and scholarships, take out loans and work during the school year and vacations to pay for their education.

You will have far fewer options to cover your retirement costs. If you’re older and not in good health, you probably won’t be able to work full-time and you may have expensive medical bills. You won’t be able to take out loans to cover all your expenses and you don’t want your kids to shoulder the burden of supporting you financially.

If you need to save for retirement and you also want to set aside money for your children’s education, it’s important to make decisions based on logic, rather than emotion. Focus on saving for your own future before saving for your children’s. This isn’t selfish; it’s realistic and practical.

Retirement and College Savings Strategies
If your employer offers a 401(k) or another retirement plan with a match, contribute as much as you can. Any match you receive is essentially free money, so try to contribute enough to get the full match. Whether your employer offers a retirement plan or not, you can also open a Traditional or Roth IRA. Explore the tax implications of each to decide which would make more sense given your financial circumstances.

You can also open a 529 college savings plan for each of your children. Depending on where you live, you may enjoy significant tax advantages. The sooner you start saving, the more time the money will have to grow. You can contribute money yourself and encourage family members to make contributions to the accounts instead of giving your children money for birthdays and holidays. Even small amounts can add up over time.

Seek Professional Advice
Saving for retirement and for your children’s college education are both important goals, but with limited funds, you will need to set priorities. Focus on your own retirement first and then save as much as you can for your children’s education. If you need help deciding which plans would be best for your family and figuring out how to fit long-term savings into your monthly budget, talk to a financial advisor.

5  BEDS

4  BATHS

5520  SQFT

FOR SALE

$975,000

1232 OLEANDER WAY , ODENTON, MD

Eating breakfast may help you control your weight. If you don’t eat in the morning, when you get hungry later, you may choose foods that are high in fat and sugar. Studies have found that people who lose weight and keep it off tend to eat breakfast every day. People who eat breakfast also generally have a lower body mass index than people who don’t.

Your body needs a variety of vitamins and nutrients to perform essential functions. Eating breakfast helps you get some of them early so you can get everything your body needs by the end of the day. People who eat breakfast tend to consume more essential vitamins and nutrients and less fat throughout the day than people who skip a morning meal.

Eating breakfast can help your physical and cognitive performance. If you don’t eat breakfast, you may not have enough energy to work and complete other tasks. You may also find it difficult to concentrate.

Breakfast is important for growing kids since they need nutrients to provide energy and to help keep them focused. They can become restless and irritable if they don’t get the nutrition they need. Kids who don’t eat breakfast are also more likely to eat unhealthy snacks and to be more overweight than those who eat in the morning.

What to Have for Breakfast
Choose foods that contain a combination of protein, healthy fats, fiber and carbohydrates. High-fiber cereal, toast and bagels; low-fat milk and yogurt; and fresh fruit are all good options.

If you don’t eat breakfast because you are rushed in the morning, buy or prepare breakfast foods in advance so you can grab something on the go. When shopping for processed breakfast foods, check the labels so you don’t buy foods that contain too much sugar. If you don’t want to have a large breakfast or don’t want to eat right away, try to eat something small within an hour of the time when you wake up.

5  BEDS

4  BATHS

5520  SQFT

FOR SALE

$975,000

1232 OLEANDER WAY , ODENTON, MD

Documents to Collect
There are many documents that may be important to members of your family. Gather any of the following that apply.

Family/Identity Documents: Marriage certificate; birth or adoption certificates; divorce and child custody agreements; driver’s licenses; passports; citizenship documents; Social Security cards; records related to military service.

Financial Documents: Deed to your house; vehicle titles; mortgage and loan documents; home, auto, life, and medical insurance policies; savings, checking, retirement, and credit card statements; tax returns for the previous year; pay stubs.

Medical Documents: Information on allergies, medical diagnoses, medications family members take, the pharmacy where prescriptions are filled; immunization records; records related to any surgeries or other serious procedures family members have had. Include medical records for pets, too.

Legal Documents: Wills; living wills; trust and power of attorney documents.
You should also have recent photos of family members and pets. They can help you locate each other if you get separated.

Where to Store Documents
It’s important to make multiple copies of these documents and to store them in different locations so that you will be able to access them, no matter what happens. Keep physical copies in a plastic bag or a safe in your home so they will be protected from water and so you will be able to grab them quickly if you need to evacuate. If you have been warned that a disaster, such as a hurricane, is approaching and you think you may need to leave your home, you can put essential documents with your clothing, medication and other supplies that you have gathered for a possible evacuation.

Keep physical copies in another secure location, such as a safety deposit box. The second set of documents should be in a place that is some distance from your house. If a storm destroys your home and you have important documents in a safety deposit box at your bank in the same city, the bank may also be destroyed by the storm.

Store copies of documents online. You can store them in the cloud or scan documents and email them to yourself so you will be able to access them quickly, no matter where you wind up after the disaster.

5  BEDS

4  BATHS

5520  SQFT

FOR SALE

$975,000

1232 OLEANDER WAY , ODENTON, MD

Mid-Century Modern: @dc_hillier
If you have a love for all things mid-century modern, then head over to DC Hillier’s Instagram account because this Montreal-based designer shares your passion. He captures the textures, shapes and angles of this style in a way that will leave you feeling nostalgia for the heyday of the mid-century modern movement.

Transitional: @stephensillsassociates
Settling on one specific style can be a challenge for some of us, which is why you might want to blend the best of classic and contemporary with transitional style. Renowned designer Stephen Sills is a master of such and his firm’s Instagram account has the pictures to prove it.

Modern Farmhouse: @farmhouse_homes 
The modern farmhouse style has quickly become a favorite among design enthusiasts and this account will guide you in just the right direction when it’s time to bring the look into your home.

Minimalist: @interiordesign_addict
When it comes to interior design, sometimes less is more, and this is the account for those who live by that mantra. The stark and striking spaces that you’ll find here will be enough to have you doing a deep clean throughout your home and stripping it down to the bare essentials.

Contemporary: @sheltonmindel
Architecture and design firm SheltonMindel is celebrated for their breathtaking portfolio of contemporary spaces that span the globe. Their Instagram account showcases some of the firm’s most exciting work and is a must-see for anyone who wants this style for their home.

5  BEDS

4  BATHS

5520  SQFT

FOR SALE

$975,000

1232 OLEANDER WAY , ODENTON, MD

Respect and Compassion
Having pets can teach children to respect the needs and feelings of others. They’ll learn that pets get hungry and tired like they do, that they feel a range of emotions, and that they have a variety of likes and dislikes. Learning to recognize and respond to the physical and emotional needs of others can build empathy and can teach children responsibility, compassion and confidence.

Patience and Perseverance
Teaching an animal a new trick, or potty training a puppy or kitten, takes time, patience and dedication. Working with a pet, dealing with frustration and setbacks, and eventually accomplishing a goal can help kids learn not to give up on others, or on themselves.

Communication
Much of human communication is non-verbal. Since pets can’t talk, they express their wants and needs without words. Learning to understand the many ways that animals communicate can help children attune to the feelings and needs of other people, even when they don’t express their thoughts in words.

Courage
Kids are often afraid of things and people that are unfamiliar. A pet that is kind and playful can help children overcome their fears. Kids who grow up with pets may never develop a fear of animals at all, and they may be eager to explore unfamiliar situations and experiences without hesitation.

Understanding of Life and Death
Children can learn that pets sometimes get injured or sick, and they may even have to confront the reality of death. The loss of a pet can help children learn to express and process their feelings and to grieve in healthy ways. If you decide to get another pet, your kids can learn that it’s possible to love again.

The Right Pet Can Help Your Entire Family
Owning a pet can provide benefits for the whole family, including countless opportunities for children to learn important values that will help them throughout life. You shouldn’t rush in to getting an animal, though. Think about the costs of owning a pet, the amount of time and attention it would require, and your family’s lifestyle to make sure you’re all up to the task and find a good match.

5  BEDS

4  BATHS

5520  SQFT

FOR SALE

$975,000

1232 OLEANDER WAY , ODENTON, MD

In order for them to save money, they will need to make money to put away, so don’t forget about their allowance! Reward completed chores with small amounts of cash that can be used towards whatever they desire, with your permission, of course. Also, if they choose to start a lemonade stand or sell their old toys at the next yard sale, the money earned can be added to their savings.

Money from birthdays or holidays can be added to their savings fund, as well. You can even help them out by matching every dollar saved with 25 – 50 cents. At the end of each week, sit down and count how much money they have in total and how much has been added from the week before.

Use a clear jar where their money can be easily displayed. It’s smart to set a goal to start, be it a new toy or activity, to financially work towards. Once they see that they are getting closer and closer to the amount needed, it can push them to work harder and even add an extra chore to their list.

Once they meet, or hopefully exceed, their set goal, discuss how they would like to use it. If they are ready to go out and purchase their hard-earned prize, be sure to only take out the amount needed. This is a good way to teach budgeting. For example, if they plan to spend $10 on a new toy, but have $20 saved, be sure to only take out the amount needed. If you bring the total amount with you, they may decide to spend it irresponsibly on a random purchase. Leaving the rest at home gives them a jump start toward their next savings goal.

During this learning process, be sure to hold your children responsible for the money going in and out of their savings fund. Some things take longer to save for, but are more valuable in the long run. The sooner they understand that, as well as the time and effort it takes to build savings, the sooner they will understand the beginning steps of financial responsibility.

5  BEDS

4  BATHS

5520  SQFT

FOR SALE

$975,000

1232 OLEANDER WAY , ODENTON, MD

What are you looking for in a pet? Do you want a lap warmer? A running buddy? Or a pet that’s easy to care for? This will affect your pet choice.

Who will care for the pet? Consider the abilities and availability of the caretaker. If you have young children, a pet that’s active at night wouldn’t be as good a choice as one that’s active during the time your child is awake. Although it’s good to involve children in caring for pets if you have them, it’s unrealistic to expect a child to be solely responsible for any pet’s care and welfare.

Do rules limit your choice? If you rent, your landlord may restrict the type or number of pets you can have. Condominium and homeowner associations may have similar restrictions. If you live in a city, your choice of pet may be very different from your choice if you lived in the suburbs or the country. Some types of pets aren’t allowed by local ordinances. Consider also the amount of exercise your pet will need and whether your living arrangements accommodate that need.

Can you provide enough attention and a life-long commitment? Different species and breeds of animals have differing needs for companionship and attention, as well as differing life expectancies. For example, some larger birds have been known to live more than 100 years! Do your research to ensure you have a realistic understanding of the commitment you’re making when you get a particular type of pet.

Can you afford the pet? Think of the needs your pet will have for food, housing, socialization, exercise, grooming and veterinary care, and make sure you can afford and are willing and able to provide them. Some pets, such as reptiles, amphibians, pocket pets and birds, require special veterinary care, so make sure there’s a veterinarian in your area who can provide that care.

How long will you be present? Some pets need more frequent exercise or feeding and might not be a good choice for owners who spend a lot of time away from home by working long hours or traveling frequently.

A cat, dog, bird, fish, rabbit, rodent, ferret, reptile–even a horse. There are so many different types of pets to consider. If you’re still unsure which is right for you, do some research or consult a veterinarian.