#tsgtip

[thescoutguide]

At this point in the summer, the extreme heat and amount of water required to keep your grass from turning brown might have you rethinking whether you need a traditional “green” lawn. In our latest #TSGTip, we spoke with Organic Green Lawn Care, Inc. of @tsgwilliamsburg and @lawnpopastroturf of @tsgaustin for advice on how to choose the proper lawn for your environment, from outside-the-box grasses to ground cover, and for those who truly want a low-maintenance lawn routine, the advances and benefits of artificial turf. Read their insights here: https://thescoutguide.com/how-to-achieve-an-eco-friendly-lawn/

[tsglexingtonkentucky]

SCOUTED | Happy National Cocktail Day! ....YES...that’s a ‘Day’ 🥃 established March 24th, 2014 (according to google). New spring cocktail menus are popping up all over! Follow our IG stories for our favorites, like this one from @middleforkkb 🥃 #CHEERS . . . #thescoutedlife #cocktails #bar #craftcocktails #craftcocktail #bartenderlife #bartender #drinklocal #drinkbetter #nationalcocktailday #cocktailsofinstagram #livelovelocal #thescoutguide #Lexington #kentucky #tsglexington #tsgtip #shakennotstirred #tsg #supportlocal #cocktailmenu (at middle fork kitchen bar) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvZPAJogphC/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=v9rk9cqqswnp

[tsgnashvilletennessee]

Dreaming of the sun and warmer weather! Check out Scout Guide’s “How to Select and Maintain Outdoor Furniture,” so you are ready when the warmer weather finally stays in Nashville. 📷 @lesleemitchell of local landscape designer @annedaigh #outdoorfurniture #outdoorliving #tsgtip #thescoutguide

[tsgbergencountynewjersey]

KITCHEN GARDEN|| They were gaining in popularity pre-pandemic, and the arrival of social distancing guidelines only accelerated their appeal. Beautiful and functional, the produce-yielding plots provide both delicious backyard crops and an enjoyable and satisfying pastime. Check out our Scouted tips from garden experts across our TSG network in the design and decor link in our bio. Then stop in to @gofflebrookfarm or @stokesfarm1873 to pick up everything you need to create your own “Victory Garden.” #kitchengarden #organicgardening #njfarm #farmtotable #tsgtip #livelovelocal (at Bergen County, New Jersey) https://www.instagram.com/p/CBIyWpHDRwM/?igshid=jia9qg176867

[tsgcharlottenorthcarolina]

All about Earth Tones || Heather Smith @circainteriors // @circacharlotte shares easy tips for incorporating nature inspired hues into your home 🍃 Tap our link in profile to read more #interiordesign #earthtones #tsgtip #decoratingtips (at Circa Interiors & Antiques) https://www.instagram.com/p/CBCJBWZhrLj/?igshid=eg94m2s8kmt9

[tsgtrianglenorthcarolina]

Hello first full work week of 2020 & this well timed post on @thescoutguide blog.... tips to making a beautiful and functional work space. Just the project for the beginning of the year and also reminding me we have a a sleek & chic file cabinet to pick up @areamodernhome! #littletodolist #tsgtip #scouteddesign #newyearnewoffice #designiseverything https://www.instagram.com/p/B6-tHHgnRBc/?igshid=cnuodmncde65

[tsgdenvercolorado]

TSG Tip: Creating a Gather-Worthy Centerpiece by Homefest

While we’re loving the change of season, it’s also that time of year when we go from pumpkin-clad porches to Thanksgiving feasts to Christmas, in a matter of weeks.  One of our favorite design solutions (especially this time of year when you may have a bit of decorator’s whiplash) is our instant centerpiece. It’s an easy way to update your table or mantle for every holiday and season with a few simple items.

It starts with a beautiful centerpiece tray, we have a great selection ranging from shiny metallics to rustic wood trugs.

Add a large-format candle, perhaps a few hurricanes, or a handful of glass votives to create a warm glow.

Put the finishing touches on with a scattering of seasonal elements like potted baby succulents, fall leaves, and gourds, miniature ornaments, mirrored glass… the options are endless!

From everyday looks to seasonal statements, these centerpieces can be easily updated all year long.  Visit Homefest’s centerpiece collection in-store and online for our favorite fall looks and keep an eye out for Holiday variations, coming soon!

TELL THEM SCOUT SENT YOU!

HOMEFEST 5912 South Holly Street | Greenwood Village, CO 303.741.3920 www.homefestdecor.com social: @homefestdecor

[tsgjacksonmississippi]

PUT IT ON PAPER

COMMITTING TO HANDWRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE A simple way to reinforce connections and show someone you care, composing a handwritten note is a creative exercise that generates positive returns for both sender and recipient alike. From the finer points of card-sending to fulfilling a desire to disconnect from devices, here’s why we’re committing to increasing our handwritten correspondence:

The ultimate bespoke gift. When you write a letter, you are creating a one-of-a-kind keepsake made just for the recipient. As Margaret Shepherd writes in her lovely book on the subject, The Art of the Handwritten Note, “Each handwritten note is unique. Exclusivity is certain; no one else is receiving exactly the same note.”

A reason to pause and reflect. Taking even just a small amount of time out of the day to focus on conveying a sentiment in ink can feel like a welcome respite and help us refocus.

Putting your personality on paper. While we appreciate the entertainment value of an emoji-filled text, a handwritten note on personal stationery can be absolutely exquisite. Resolving to send more handwritten correspondence is a perfect excuse to invest in custom paper products, and recipients will appreciate the personal touch.

Short and sweet. There’s no rule that states that a handwritten letter has to be long, or reason to feel pressured to produce flowery prose. A simple three-sentence expression of appreciation, encouragement, etc., is enough to make the recipient feel special.

via @thescoutguide & thescoutguide.com

[tsgbatonrougelouisiana]

How to make the perfect cup of coffee

Perhaps no beverage is quite as beloved (or essential to beginning the day) as coffee. But even for those who consume it daily, what goes into making a great cup can seem like a mystery. To help us perfect our method, we asked Richard and Mindyjane Berman, the owners of Devon, Pennsylvania-based Pour Richard’s Coffee Co., to break down the basics. Here are the most important elements to consider, according to our experts:

The number one key to a great cup of coffee is to buy freshly roasted beans—preferably directly from the roaster. Using beans within 21 days from the time they were roasted is essential, as after that amount of time coffee starts to oxidize, which creates a bitter taste.

A high-quality grinder makes a great deal of difference. The goal is to get a grinder that generates a consistent particle size, since flavor is enhanced when the coffee is evenly immersed in water. If you’re going to spend money on your coffee-making equipment, this is where to invest. Baratza, a company based in Washington state, makes good grinders starting at $129.

In terms of extraction methods, the Aeropress and French press will yield best results, as they allow for full immersion. Though each apparatus will produce an excellent cup of coffee, the Aeropress is preferable due to the paper filters it uses, which trap even small particles (as a bonus, it’s also reasonably priced). For those who appreciate the ease of use that a drip maker offers, Technivorm makes a good (though somewhat pricey) product, while Behmor’s Brazen model will give you the best bang for your buck.

From a numbers perspective, keep your ratio of coffee to water in the ballpark of 16 to 18 grams of coffee per 8 to 10-ounce cup. And though less critical than the quality of your coffee or grinder, knowing the proper extraction time for the method you use—which is usually between 2 to 4 minutes—is also helpful.

TSG Tip 171 from Pour Richard’s Coffee Co. in Devon, Pennsylvania.

[tsgbaltimoreandannapolismaryland]

7 STEPS FOR ACHIEVING A MORE COMFORTABLE AND EFFICIENT HOME FROM EISENBRANDT COMPANY

For advice on how to make our homes more energy-efficient, we turned to two experts in the field, Jeff Bogard, president and LEED Green Associate of Saint Louis, Missouri-based R.E.A. Homes, and Fritz Eisenbrandt, president of Baltimore, Maryland-based Eisenbrandt Companies

https://thescoutguide.com/energy-efficient-home-tips/

[thescoutguide]

Cold and flu season calls for more ways to fend off illness than just washing your hands. In our latest #TSGTip, we spoke with herbalist and owner of @wildroots_apothecary of @tsghuntcountry about five herbs–and one spice—that can have a positive impact on your health. Read about them here: https://thescoutguide.com/5-herbs-that-will-help-you-stay-healthy/

[tsglexingtonkentucky]

SCOUTED | #TSGTip - An experts guide to Tequila from Toby Darling, Spirits Specialist at @imbibechattanooga - in Chattanooga, Tennessee - details above in bio! . . . . #local #tequila #cocktails #laborday #sharethelex #thescoutguide #thescoutlife #lexingtonkentucky #chattanooga #tsg #drinklocal #shoplocal #supportlocal (at Chattanooga, Tennessee) https://www.instagram.com/p/BnRA-qXBs4U/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=p6hkwc3l5cgf

[tsgnashvilletennessee]

Read Scout Guide's "The Beauty of a Painted Floor" for tips on this easy way to add interest to a room. (Link in profile.) #mondayinspiration #tsgtip #thescoutguide #paintedfloor #painting

[tsgsarasotaflorida]

TSG TIP: Finding the perfect frames: How to pick a pair of sunglasses! thescoutguide.com/tsg-tip-48-finding-perfect-frames #fitformfunction #tsgtip #mondaytips #thescoutguide #tsgsarasota #sunnies

[tsgcharlottenorthcarolina]

A TSG Tip from a pro and favorite stationer, Sasha Harbrecht from @paper_twist ❣️ Read about how to select a custom Holiday card this year that reflects your family—and includes a little personal flair 🎄 #linkinbio • •”The most important thing to remember when creating your holiday card is that this is about relationships and the people you choose to stay in touch with year after year.”- SH • #thescoutguide #tsgtip #tsgcharlotte #holidaycards #stationery (at Paper Twist) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4YXWe0B4si/?igshid=7ud3bl7o179g

[tsgaspencolorado]

TSG TIP: 7 STEPS TO HEALTHY SKIN by @osmiaorganics Sarah Villafranco, MD. Perfect time to learn how to take care of your skin in the midst of winter! #skincare #aspen #Carbondale #osmiaorganics #naturalskincare #luxuryskincare #healthyskin #howto @thescoutguide #tsgtip (at Osmia Organics)