Wanted: Heroes on Horses Sponsor

The goal of this type of therapy is to provide Veterans with relaxing and positive experiences to replace traumatic ones. Veterans return from the battlefield with wounds seen and unseen. Many suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), brain injuries, paralysis, or the loss of limb. Physical handicap and emotional withdrawal can prevent veterans – and their families – from “moving on” and living life fully

Instructors, physicians, therapists and volunteers direct the veterans and service members in the development of horseback riding and horse grooming/care skills. For the Wounded Warrior, the result is increased strength, balance, coordination, flexibility, confidence and trust. These activities are proven to promote healing of physical, emotional, social, cognitive, and behavioral disorders (including PTSD).

Whether it’s an aged mare needing love and attention or a healthy stallion that will challenge the veteran mentally and physically, a horse requires a connection with its caretaker and rider. And in forging that attachment, the horse helps re-connect the veteran to his family, community, and world. The horse is innately suited to re-establishing a veteran’s connection to the day-to-day world.

Wanted: Hippotherapy Sponsor

Hippotherapy is the use of horseback riding as a therapeutic or rehabilitative treatment. The movement of the horse affects a rider’s posture, balance, coordination, strength and sensorimotor systems.

It is believed that the warmth and shape of the horse as well as its rhythmic, three-dimensional movement along with the rider’s responses to the movement of the horse can improve the flexibility, posture, balance and mobility of the rider.

This program differs from therapeutic horseback riding, because the work is one-on one, and the rider does not direct the horse. Licensed health professionals including physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists guide the rider’s posture and actions while the horse is controlled by assistants at the direction of the therapist.

The horse’s unique walk transfers variable, repetitive and rhythmic movement to the client, which provides sensory input to the brain and nervous system. The resultant responses in the client are similar to human movement patterns of the pelvis while walking. An average horse takes 120 walking steps per minute, allowing 120 chances each minute for a client to experience this unique movement that cannot be replicated by another apparatus or equipment. During a session the therapist, working in conjunction with a specially trained horse handler, can grade or adapt this movement to provide a “just right challenge” for each client. Most clients respond very enthusiastically to hippotherapy treatment and thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to engage with the horse in an environment that is much different than a typical therapy clinic.

Who benefits from hippotherapy?

A wide variety of individulas can experience benefits from hippotherapy. Some diagnoses commonly treated by this therapy include:

Attention Deficit Disorder
Autism
Cerebral Palsy
Closed Head Injury
Developmental Delay
Down Syndrome
Emotional Disorders
Hearing Impairment
Multiple Sclerosis
Muscular Dystrophy
Paralysis
Scoliosis
Spinal Bifida
Traumatic Brain Injury

Custom Sculpture

One of the most striking features of this custom home that we built was its sculptural, serpentine staircase leading to an oval cupola with 360° views.

This fabulous sculpture was just recently created and installed in the center of that staircase by Szabo Works. This breathtaking sculpture was hand-crafted by Michael Szabo of SzaboWorks.

You can check out more of Michaels artwork here: www.szaboworks.com

Tendrils, Stainless Steel, 13′ x 9′ x 7′, 2016

Throwback Thursday: Eastport Custom Home

#TBT to this wonderful home that we built in Eastport over 15 years ago. This home has been featured in several different magazines. Take a look below. You can click each image for a larger view!

Exterior (General) – Large Brick Paver Driveway

Bedroom – 1st Floor Office or Au Pair Suite

Bedroom – 1st Floor Office or Au Pair Suite with Large Closet

Interior (General) – 1st Floor Office or Au Pair Suite with Kitchenette Area

Interior (General) – Foyer Area With Stairs Going UP

Bedroom (Master) – Balcony From Master Bedroom

Exterior (General) – WOW… What A Sidewalk

How to make Pantone’s 2016 color of the year work for you

Experts at the Pantone Color Institute are hinting at upcoming mellowing & calm trends with their choice for this years Color of The Year. Recently for the first time ever they anointed two colors; rose quartz and serenity were selected as the dual colors of the year for 2016 (they are shades of pale pink and baby blue). The pairing can appear solo or as blended shades.

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In the words of Leatrice Eiseman, the Executive Director of the Pantone® Color Institute: “Joined together, Rose Quartz and Serenity demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace.” Rose Quartz is persuasive, gentle and conveys compassion and composure while Serenity compares to the blue sky and provides relaxation. Read on to see some simple ways you can incorporate these two tones into your home.

35983055_066_b — **Paisleys And Damasks Pillowcase Set from Urban Outfitters**

Add printed throw pillows throughout your home. Using a pattern that has both colors create a stunning display especially when placed against a neutral background.

flat,550x550,075,f.u6 — Rose Quartz & Serenity Poster

One of the easiest ways you can stay on trend is to hang art on your wall. Art can be easily changed and if you think outside of the box it can be fairly inexpensive. Think old prints, posters, thrift store finds and tapestries. You could paint frames in these tones as well to subtly incorporate this new trend. This poster to the left uses both colors in a pretty design.

isa-ikat-yarn-dye-table-runner-c — Ikat Printed Table Runners

Table clothes can be easily incorporated into your home with little to no struggle. We love this printed patterned table runner from Pottery Barn.

Adorable accent pieces such as this chair are perfect for incorporating these colors. Think stands, dressers, and bookshelves. You can even upcycle things you already have or come across.

You can see how well the two colors compliment each other and blend in this awesome dresser. Blending the colors adds depth and personality as opposed to having just one flat color and takes full advantage of both of the tones.

Probably at the top of my list for most favorite uses of these colors is this wood paneled wall splashed with Rose Quartz. The wood panels give this hue a beachy and rustic vibe and creates something extremely unique. You could simply paint one wall to create an accent wall in your home with either of the colors. To prevent overkill and to break up the color adorn the wall with mirrors or photographs.

Since trends are always changing we recommend incorporating these colors in smaller pieces as opposed to diving head in. However the designers of the above house have used Serenity Blue so delicately that we don’t think the homeowners will ever fall out of love. You can consider incorporating these colors in your outside decor by changing your siding, painting your shutters or adding window boxes painted with these tones.

We also love this Rose painted door. A bolder move but it works so well!

Once people get over the inevitable baby nursery comments, I think we will easily see a lot of possibility for design. Pastels are extremely versatile and can appeal in all finishes: matte, glossy and metallic. Incorporating these colors into your home can help to create a calm and relaxing environment.

What do you think of Rose Quartz and Serenity? Do you see yourself incorporating them into your home decor? Why or why not? Leave your comments below!

Seasons Greetings!

During the holiday season, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made our success possible. It is in this spirit that we say thank you and best wishes for the holidays and New Year.The team at Lundberg Builders wishes you peace, joy and prosperity throughout the coming year. Thank you for your continued support and partnership. We look forward to working with you in the new year!

Simple Holiday Decorating

Can you believe it’s already December? If you’re like most of us and have waited to decorate until now check out our list below for ideas that you can do in less time than it takes to hang stockings by the chimney with care.

One of my favorite go to decorations w 0212-ball-cakestand_300 hen I’m in a pinch is using extra ornaments to decorate non traditionally. Place ornaments on a cake stand, in a glass vase or anything else you can
find for an extremely simple, yet stunning centerpiece. You can also use leftover ornaments to decorate windows. Simply tie a ribbon thru and secure to either your curtain rod or a hook affixed to the window.

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For an easy and festive table display gather some doilies (white, silver, red, or gold) and tape them together. Use vases of varying heights filled with ornaments and pine cones. You can even spray paint the pine cones silver, gold or white for an extra special touch. Finish the display off by tying a ribbon around each glass.

Can’t find a wreath this late in the game? Grab a handful of twigs from your yard or the craft store. This simple display makes a wonderful hanging decoration to put on your front door or even above the mantel. To secure this, wrap a wide rubber band around the twig ends. Tuck a sprig of greens, such as rosemary or eucalyptus, inside the rubber band for color. Cover the rubber band with a ribbon.

Have something sitting around that you’re not using or that your child has outgrown? Perhaps an old pair of rain boots? Use those in your front porch display by dressing them up with twigs, greens and ribbon for a welcoming display. You can add weight with rocks to keep the boots from falling over. Here’s just a couple of our favorites.

101048442-2edit — http://www.midwestliving.com/

If you have a birdbath in your yard dress it up with garland, a large red ball, pine cones or any other left over Christmas decorations you have laying around.

original_melissa-michaels-candle-holiday-walkway_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.966.725 — You can use this sweet display to light up your walkways during the upcoming cold wintry nights or even in your window sills (if they’re wide enough). Simply fill mason jars with epsom salt for a snowy look and add votive candles.

If you need a display for your mantel try wrapping empty food boxes in various wrapping papers or fabrics. Finish each package off with a decorative ribbon or flowers. Arrange these on your mantle along with ornaments, pine cones, or candles for a festive display!

Get Your Home Ready for Thanksgiving

Everyone knows what happens when Thanksgiving goes bad—and it can go really bad. really quickly. In fact, one of the busiest days of the year for plumbers is actually the day after thanksgiving. Horror stories of garbage disposal mishaps, sinks that are clogged, and dishwasher meltdowns haunt those homeowners affected by the pressure. With a little advance planning you can avoid most disasters this holiday and actually enjoy it surrounded by your friends and family.

Get your oven in check

Contrary to popular belief…it is not a good idea to run your oven’s self-clean cycle in the days before cooking. The cycle can be so stressful on the appliance that it could cause it to breakdown if you are doing heavy duty cooking in the days after running it. Instead use a damp cloth to wipe around the burners and and save the big clean u download (2) p for after the big day. In addition to this assure your temperature gauge is functioning properly. An easy way to test this is to pick up a cooking thermometer at the grocery store. Place the thermometer in the oven, set it to 300 degrees and wait for it warm up. If the gauge matches then you should be good to go.

Clear Out Old Food

This step is often overlooked, but taking a few minutes to clear out your pantry, fridge, and freezer can save you a huge headache on the big day. These will soon become packed with ingredients, leftovers and of course, a giant turkey. Cleaning them out now will save you a lot of aggravation later.

Child-proof Your Kitchen

Hosting Thanksgiving may involve having family and friends of all age groups. If you are expecting small children or toddlers on Thanksgiving, and it’s been awhile since you’ve had a baby in the house, make sure you go through your home & look for things that could potentially be dangerous. Cover exposed outlets, place dangerous or breakable objects up high, and remove tripping hazards on the floor

Inventory Cookware

Keeping cookware organized can go a long way toward creating an efficient holiday meal. First, assure you have enough 51b831ca68b484c0ff5f8bf64f2cdaae pots & pans to prepare all of the dishes on the menu. Do you have enough dishes, serving platters, and silverware? Use Post-it notes to label each dish with what will be served in it.

Sharpen Knives

You may not notice how much your knives have dulled until you are faced with slicing endless vegetables, meats, and other ingredients.

Rethink Your Seating Areas

Do a headcount ahead of time to be sure you’ve got room for everyone so you’re not left scratching your head and scrambling around. To improve flow and create room for more seats, experiment and move your sofa, chairs and side tables around. Do you have any extra tables and chairs that you could pull out to use? Before you start asking to borrow from friends and family or spend money on rentals, look around your house. Can a table in the office be re-purposed as a kids’ dining table? Cleared-out small bookcases can double as appetizer tables with a table cloth on top. Get creative!

Check Smoke Alarms

Did you know that the greatest number of cooking fires actually occur on Thanksgiving day? Holiday cooking and baking, along with candles and the distraction that parties create, can accidentally create unintentional fires. Before Thanksgiving, test your smoke alarms and make sure they are functioning in all areas. Have a small kitchen fire extinguisher in plain site as well as near the fireplace or any exposed flames.

Avoid Garbage Disposal Breakdowns

No matter how delicious your meal, you’ll inevitably end up with plenty of scraps. To make sure your disposer can keep up, grind hard materials, such as small bones, fruit pits, and ice before everything else. It helps scrape the inside of the disposer and pipes, removing any buildup. Avoid letting non-food items like tea bags, bread ties, and napkin rings fall into the sink where they can cause jams. Don’t put grease or fat down the disposer or any drain. Instead, pour grease into a glass jar or container, and then discard in the trash once it solidifies. Bonus Tip: to give your disposer a fresh scent, grind lemons and other citrus fruits.

Line Baking Dishes With Aluminum Foil

Our favorite clean-up tip: Put aluminum foil on the bottom and sides of baking pans before you start preparing food! When it’s time to eat, you can transfer the baked food into a serving dish and throw out the messy foil. You’ll dr welcome astically cut down pan-scrubbing time.

Prepare for Overnight Guests

Do you have out of town family or friends coming to stay for the holidays? If so make sure your spare rooms & baths are ready before they arrive so your guest will feel welcome.

Make an Emergency Stain-Fighters Kit

When you mix large groups of people (and especially children) with food, spills are all but inevitable. Keep all your stain fighters in one place, close at hand to minimize the damage.

Some handy helpers may include:

Non bleach detergent (carpet stains, urine stains)
Vinegar (carpet stains, urine stains)
Ammonia (carpet stains)
Bleach (solution-dyed carpet stains)
Rubbing alcohol (glue, ink stains)
Hydrogen peroxide (stone countertop stains)
Club soda (fabric stains)
Baking soda (grease splatter, fabric stains)
Lemon juice (fabric stains)
Salt (red wine stains)

Halloween Safety

Halloween is a fun holiday for children, but for parents it can be a little nerve racking. Concerns about children safety and the load of goodies they return home with can distract from the evenings festivities. But following a few safety tips can ensure that the children stay safe and Halloween remains a good time for all.

Proper attire: Ensure that costumes fit properly, reflect light and are fire resistant. The costume should complement the current weather conditions. Avoid cumbersome masks that can obstruct your child’s vision. Don’t carry fake swords, knives or guns that look authentic.

Pedestrian safety: Plan your route. Always trick or treat in groups with an adult. Take a flashlight. Stay on sidewalks, in lighted areas.Obey traffic signals, use crosswalks and do not jaywalk. Drive slowly all evening; be alert to creatures that may cross your path.

Familiar area: Visit familiar neighbors & avoid the unknown. Only visit well lit houses. Never enter a home of a stranger, or accept a ride from a stranger. If the area looks scary, stay away. Let your children know not to cut through alleys or fields. Stay in populated places.

Treat inspection: Children need to know not to eat treats until they get home. An adult must inspect all candy in a well-lit area. Discard any candy that has loose wrappings, is unwrapped or punctured. Avoid homemade treats

We wish you all a safe & happy Halloween!

Preparing your Home & Family for a Hurricane

Thunder & lightening & wind, oh my! The current forecast of a hurricane means your home and other personal property could be at risk for damage from extreme winds, rain, hail and lightning. Tropical storms, including hurricanes at any level, can cause significant damage to your home and property, from missing shingles and fence posts to collapsed roofs and walls. Knowing what to expect and being prepared for the storm can make all the difference for you and your homes safety. The tips below can help you plan ahead for the upcoming storm, as well as for the future.

Check your insurance coverage! Many people overlook this important step until after the fact. Assure that it reflects the current state of your home & consider adding flood insurance and coverage for additional living expenses in case your home is uninhabitable after a storm. Bonus Tip: Take photos or videos of the contents of each room. This will save you a major headache in case of a disaster.
Secure windows and sliding glass doors. Although not the best option, one solution is to tape your windows.. The tape isn’t going to keep an object from breaking your window if wind flings it at your house, but it should keep the glass from flying around the room if an object does hit. It’s ideal to have heavy plywood to fit your windows on hand or metal shutters installed, but these would all need to be done in advance. We recommend using 3/4 inch plywood and drilling screw holes 18 inches apart. Once a window is broken, the wind blows inside to not only wreck the interior, but also to apply upward pressure on the roof. This is why this step is so important!
Prepare and stow a hurricane emergency kit! Your kit should include bottled water (a gallon of water per person for at least 3 days is recommended), non-perishable food, a first aid kit and any medications. Don’t forget extra clothes, flashlights, a radio, extra batteries and disposable dishes. Keep these supplies in a specific spot in your home that everyone can get to quickly and easily.
Store important documents such as birth certificates, social security cards, insurance policies and passports in a watertight container.
Have an established evacuation plan & family emergency plan in place. If you don’t have transportation of your own, make arrangements with friends or family members. Here is an awesome printable from FEMA to help you put together a Family Emergency Plan. Click the image to the right for the full printable.
Maintain your outdoor area. Cut tree branches to no more than four to five feet long, so they do not fall and damage power lines or your property. Empty your gutters so water can properly drain
Fill up your car’s gas tank before the storm
Turn your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings to help keep food cold in case of a power outage.
It’s also highly recommended that you unplug all non-essential appliances and electronics
If you’re in an area that is prone to flooding buy sandbags. These can be used to line your house to protect against minor flooding.
If your home has a pool, you’ll need some additional preparation. Items around the pool, like furniture, toys, and skimmer lids should be brought inside to avoid becoming projectiles. (Some opt to throw their furniture into the pool, but doing this can actually cause damage to the pool’s finish). Turn off the gas supply at the meter and the filter pump at the breaker and store the filter indoors during the storm.
Bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage can and anything else that is not tied down.
Familiarize yourself with hurricane evacuation routes in your area and where to find higher ground. Determine where you would go and how you would get there if you needed to evacuate. It’s always better to be prepared.
Do not use a gas oven or range to heat your house and never run a generator inside where exhaust fumes can accumulate!
If you have kids and you’ve dealt with a power outage before…you probably know the struggle. We don’t realize how much we rely on all things electric until it’s not available. Prepare a fun emergency kit now for the kiddies so you don’t drive yourself crazy being stuck in the house. Include Play-Doh, coloring books, Lego’s, puzzles, balloons and fun surprises. Here are a few more ideas for staving off cabin fever: Flashlight tag, board games, crafts (pasta necklace anyone?) freeze dance and hide and seek.

Although they are predicting that Hurricane Joaquin will stay out to sea, the forecast track is still very uncertain. Have an emergency plan in place! Taking steps now can also help preparing for a future hurricane or major storm a little less of a headache.Remember to stay tuned to your local forecast for updates and possible warnings.