Marybeth Heckler, Author at Marybeth Heckler | Blog | Allied Mortgage Group

Fourth of July Family Traditions

Written by Marybeth Heckler on June 18, 2020. Posted in Holidays.

We are huge fans of family traditions and one of our favorite holidays to celebrate traditions is on the way—the Fourth of July. We also love hearing about other families and their customs. But it’s also really easy to let your Independence Day celebrations begin with a cookout and end with fireworks.

If you’re interested in finding new ways to celebrate our country’s 244^th birthday, here are great ideas you can use to start your own Fourth of July family tradition:

Outdoor Games—Sure, we all know about how everyone loves to grill outside and eat hot dogs, hamburgers, and other July 4^th But while you are manning the grill, the rest of the family can enjoy some time outside by playing outdoor games. Badminton, horseshoes, and cornhole are all great games that young and old can enjoy together.

Non-Explosive Fireworks—If you live in a state that bans fireworks, or if you have little kids and are worried about their safety, then you can make “non-explosive” options. One way is to let the kids make “sparklers” by tying red, white, and blue ribbons to a stick and then running around swirling these behind them. You can also fill a balloon with patriotic colored confetti and then pop these to let the confetti fall over everyone. Finally, if you just want to light up the night sky, you can always go on a firefly hunt. Once you catch them, place them in a jar with holes in the lid and let them be a natural night light.

Watch a Patriotic Movie—How about a family tradition that is both fun and educational? If you’ve never seen 1776, then you are in for a treat. This film from 1972 stars William Daniels (better known as Mr. Feeny from Boy Meets World) as John Adams. It’s a highly accurate depiction of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with one big difference—it’s a musical. This is the perfect option for younger kids as it’s a G-Rated film. If you’ve got older kids, however, you might want to check out Disney Plus which is set to debut the original cast of Hamilton just in time for the 4^th.

Make Red, White, and Blue Tie-Dyes—Buy some cheap white t-shirts and turn them into patriotic tie-dye shirts. You just need the white shirts and some simple materials to create a cool effect that you can wear for years to come.

This Fourth of July you can create memories that will last a lifetime for you and your family. These are some great ways to build traditions with your family that can be carried out for years (and even generations) to come.

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Ideas for Celebrating National Get Outdoors Day While Social Distancing

Written by Marybeth Heckler on June 11, 2020. Posted in Motherhood.

In Colorado, we are used to being kept indoors by inclement weather. But the temperatures are rising and the days are getting sunnier and many of us are still stuck inside thanks to COVID-19.

The lockdown has already canceled or postponed many activities, events, and festivals. But one that you can still celebrate is National Get Outdoors Day. At a time when many of us are eager to get outdoors and enjoy the warm weather, it is still important to modify this celebration with some simple changes thanks to social distancing guidelines.

What is National Get Outdoors Day?

June is already designated as National Great Outdoors Month, encouraging people to explore the wildlife refuges and parks in the U.S. to appreciate the natural beauty around us. Since 2008, Colorado has gone a step further with Get Outdoors Colorado Day.

This event is held on the second Saturday of June and is a free, family-friendly event meant to promote access to safe outdoor spaces and nature exploration. Generally, activities have included biking, boating, climbing, fishing, hiking, and swimming. Although the COVID-19 lockdown is definitely going to put a damper on the event, it is not going to completely end it.

Outdoor Social Distancing Guidelines

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are 3 major guidelines that would affect Get Outdoors Colorado Day. First, the CDC encourages you, when in public, to stay at least 6 feet from other people. They also stress not gathering in groups and staying away from mass gatherings and crowded places. Ultimately, this means that you don’t want to be in close contact with anyone outside of your family or household.

How to Get Outdoors While Staying Safe

Just because you have to practice social distancing doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the great outdoors. First, you can enjoy the outdoors just by going into your backyard and doing a little gardening. But if you do want to venture outside into parks and wildlife preserves, there are still several activities you can take part in while social distancing.

Boating and kayaking can easily be enjoyed while maintaining a safe distance from other people. Fishing has long been a more solitary activity as too many people in one area can scare off the fish. Or, if you want, just go for a hike in the woods and make sure that you steer clear of other hikers by at least six feet. As long as you aren’t clumped up in one area, you will still be following the CDC guidelines.

Just because you have to practice social distancing doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy Get Outdoors Day. This annual event is the perfect opportunity to shake off that cabin fever and get some fresh air while still staying safe.

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Curbside Celebrations for Those in Denver

Written by Marybeth Heckler on June 4, 2020. Posted in Denver, Homeowner, Motherhood.

While everyone is in lockdown thanks to the current pandemic, it is important to remember that major life events are still going on. And it goes without saying that you should still spend the time to celebrate these events.

Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or some other milestone, COVID-19 shouldn’t completely take away your ability to celebrate. It just means that you need to change HOW you celebrate the event.

Here are a few ideas for curbside (or online) celebrations for those of you in Denver:

Let them eat cake — There are lots of different bakeries in Denver that are having to adjust the way they do business. Some of these bakeries are offering curbside pick-up for their cakes while others are doing home deliveries. Regardless of which method you use, these bakeries have unique creations that will pick up any celebration. Some of our favorites include:

Mermaids Bakery – This local bakery has a lot of creative creations, but our absolute favorite is their cake made to look like the hottest commodity during the pandemic—a roll of toilet paper. This may sound bizarre, but the artistry is incredible and makes for a unique cake. Of course, they also have traditional birthday cakes as well.

El Antojo Denver – Another unique cake shop offering curbside pickup is Cakes El Antojo. This one has also made some great lockdown themed birthday cakes including one that is made to look like a case of Clorox wipes.

Schedule a parade (or have an online party) — Another popular activity that you can do to help celebrate birthdays and special events is a curbside party. Simply have people load into their cars with signs and balloons showing their love for the person being celebrated and then drive by their home at a designated time. These “drive-by” parties may not be for everyone, so another alternative is an online party. You can have party boxes and favors delivered to your guests and invite everyone to check in on Zoom for an online gathering to get you out of the lockdown doldrums.

Have a drink — Just because you’re on lockdown doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate with adult libations. For such events, you can get alcoholic beverages delivered to your home or schedule them for curbside pickup and take them back to celebrate. Many breweries in the area are not offering to-go options for their specialty beers. Or, you can get a growler of local beer from Craft Alley and have it delivered to your home so you can celebrate with a cold one.

Just because we are on lockdown doesn’t mean that we have to give up on all of the activities that we enjoy. Birthdays and anniversaries only come around once a year, so it’s important to get creative and keep celebrating.

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Top 10 Must-Do’s for Buying Your Next Home

Written by Marybeth Heckler on May 28, 2020. Posted in Homeowner, Real Estate.

Buying a new home is one of the most important (and daunting) processes that many of us will go through. If you are new to homeownership, it can seem even more challenging as you may not know what to do to get the ball rolling on making a purchase.

Here are ten actions you need to complete before you buy your next home:

Determine your budget — When you go to a mortgage lender, they will tell you exactly how much “house” you qualify for. However, just because you qualify, it does not mean you need to jump into a mortgage of that size. Instead, sit down and do a tight budget that shows you exactly how much you can plan on spending each month. Then, use a budget calculator to “reverse engineer” how much you can afford to take on with your loan.

Get pre-approved for your loan — Now that you know how much you want to take out in your home loan, go to different lenders, and get pre-approved for the loan. Don’t be afraid to negotiate with these lenders. If one offers a low interest rate, then see if others are willing to get your business by beating that rate. But do this before you start shopping for a house as this will save a lot of time later on.

Read your loan paperwork CAREFULLY — One of the problems with the “housing bubble” was that people were buying homes they really couldn’t afford. The terms looked great, but they missed hidden costs such as balloon payments that made them go under. Be sure that you know all of the details of the loan and you agree with all of those terms before you sign anything.

Save all of your money — One of the biggest obstacles to buying a home is paying so much money upfront. However, the more money you can put down on the house, the less you will be financing and paying interest on. So, it’s important to use as much of your savings as possible to get the total down.

Make a list of must-haves — Once you know what your budget is, talk to a real estate agent about finding a house in your price range. Create a list of items you absolutely must have so that your agent won’t waste your time looking at other options.

Do more than one visit — Although the current situation may not allow for large visits such as open houses, you still need to do a walk-through of the home. If you think it’s one that you could be interested in, ask for another walk-through at a different time of day. Traffic patterns or neighborhood noise may be a problem that you didn’t notice on your first trip.

Don’t get pressured — If you’re unsure of a property, some real estate agents will push you with the “I’ve had lots of people looking at this property” line. This may be true. But don’t let yourself be pressured into making a decision. This is something you will be living with for years.

Negotiate the price — Don’t offer them their exact asking price. Go a little lower and see if there is any wiggle room in the price. All they can do is say no and you can still make a counteroffer.

Get an inspection — Before you sign anything, it is imperative that you get a thorough home inspection to check everything from the plumbing and electrical systems to the foundation. If something is wrong here, don’t be afraid to walk away from the deal.

Get a good mover — Once you’ve made your purchase, it’s time to move in. Be sure to look for a reputable moving company that is licensed and bonded. Hire them right away so that you can move in when you want without a hassle.

Buying a home is a big step but it doesn’t have to be a scary one. Make sure to follow these steps and you will be able to get the best deal so you can move quickly into the home of your dreams.

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Backyard Summer Camp for Kids

Written by Marybeth Heckler on May 21, 2020. Posted in Motherhood.

Summer is coming and for those of us who have been tucked away in quarantine, it may seem like we’ve already been on one continuous break with the kids. But, now that distance learning is taking a break, there may be fewer activities for you to keep the kids active. But you don’t want to let them become couch potatoes and video game zombies.

Here are ways to recreate the summer camp experience in your own backyard.

These activities are guaranteed to help you keep the kids from being bored and help you maintain your sanity this summer.

Sprinkler Fun — Let’s start with a tried-and-true favorite from everyone’s childhood: playing in the water sprinkler. This is the perfect way to get cool on a hot summer day.

A DIY idea for this is to make your own sprinkler. Get a 2-liter soda bottle (empty) and poke holes in the plastic with a knife or scissors. Then, attach the garden hose to the bottle and affix it with duct tape. Once you crank up the water, it will come shooting out of the holes and your kids can have fun jumping through the stream.

Soda Bottle Rocket — While you’ve got those empty soda bottles, try this little science project. First, tape pencils to the sides of the bottle so that the bottle can be placed opening down without covering the neck of the bottle.

Then, fill the bottle with vinegar, add baking soda, and then quickly cover the bottle opening with a cork. Flip the rocket upside down so it rests on the pencils and wait for the chemical reaction to shoot the rocket into the air.

Make a Shaving Cream Painting — This one may sound bizarre but hold on a minute. It’s actually a great way to get artistic expression and fun sensory play combined.

Get several cans of shaving cream from your local dollar store. Then, use food coloring to dye the shaving cream into different colors. Set up a tarp in the backyard and let your kids use the colored shaving cream to create pictures from rainbows to sky scenes to whatever their imagination can conjure up.

It’s messy fun, and the tarp can be easily hosed down and reused later if the kids want to try this again.

Tightrope Walking — If you want to help your kids train for a career in the circus (or at least work with their motor skills), do a tightrope play area. If you have two sturdy trees, run two soft ropes between them. It doesn’t have to be high—just a couple of inches.

Then place the second rope high enough for your child to use as a handhold as they walk across the lower rope. If you don’t have a pair of trees, you can also use fence posts or poles in a pinch.

This year, we may still be dealing with a quarantine lockdown in our homes. But that doesn’t mean you can’t let your child explore their backyard and turn it into a home summer camp with these activities.

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Summer Home Maintenance Checklist for New Homeowners

Written by Marybeth Heckler on May 14, 2020. Posted in Home Improvement.

Summer is nearing and if you are a new homeowner, then you may not be used to this time of year when it becomes necessary to do a little home maintenance.

You have made an investment of hundreds of thousands of dollars for your new home and it only makes sense to take care of this investment. By doing regular maintenance each quarter, you can help to save yourself money in the long run.

Here are some of the most common areas to take care of now that the weather is getting warmer:

Cooling Systems—Before the summer kicks in and you really need your air conditioning system, now is the time to get it checked out. Have your HVAC system serviced so that your unit doesn’t die on you when you need it most. This is also the best time to consider putting in new ceiling fans in rooms that don’t already have them and to clean the existing fans.

Check Your Roof—Now that the winter and spring storms are done, it’s a good idea to check your roof to see if you have any loose or missing shingles. If you can, get up on the roof with a ladder. Or, if you prefer going high-tech, you can use a drone to fly over and take pictures so you can see if there are any problems.

Outdoor Entertaining—If you have a pool, outdoor patio or deck, or grill, now is the time to get them ready for summer entertaining. Have your pool’s chemicals checked. Also, go through your deck and look for loose boards or any cracks that show that the boards need to be replaced. This is also a good time to pressure wash your deck and see if you need to add sealant to your deck. Finally, check the gas lines for your gas grill. If you use propane tanks, be sure to get a fresh one before you start grilling.

Check Your Alarms—Every quarter of the year is the proper time to check your home’s alarms and detectors. Change the batteries out in the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to help keep you and your family safe.

Now that weather is getting warmer and drier, it’s time to do some maintenance checks on your home. If you do this now and keep up with it regularly, then your house will take care of you for years to come.

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How to Find the Best Walkable Neighborhood

Written by Marybeth Heckler on May 7, 2020. Posted in Homeowner.

Many of us are now realizing how sedentary our lifestyles are. Because of the problems of urban sprawl, we literally live miles away from almost everything and have to drive somewhere in order to get the things that we need on a daily basis.

But, what if you could find a neighborhood where you could park the car and forget about it for days at a time as you walk around to do your shopping and dining? That’s the mentality behind the recent move to smaller, more self-contained neighborhoods.

Here are some ways to find the best walkable neighborhoods in your area:

Main Components—First, there are a few main components that you need to look for when it comes to a walkable neighborhood. You want to find a place that has a centralized location that everything else is built around, such as a town square or a main thoroughfare or street. You should also look for a neighborhood with a relatively dense population. Businesses and restaurants will not be able to survive without a lot of traffic, so you will need people who live in the immediate area. Besides businesses, you should also look for other types of active spaces such as parks and public space which will attract people to gather.

Look at the Layout—Another thing that makes a neighborhood more walkable is going to be the geographic layout of the neighborhood. It should, first, be relatively compact. If you are talking about ten to twenty miles of walking, then this isn’t going to be practical. Also, it should be relatively flat. A few hills are fine, but if you have to climb three miles uphill both ways then it gets to be a bit much. The area should also be laid out with walking paths and sidewalks. But it should also have benches and other amenities that will help when you need to take a break from your travels. And, most importantly, these features should be well maintained.

Businesses—The third component is the idea that you can get what you need in the neighborhood. Is there, for instance, a grocery store or specialty food shops like a bakery or butcher shop? You will probably be buying groceries every couple of days instead of stocking up all at once like you are used to. Are there restaurants nearby that you want to frequent? What about other things like clothing boutiques, bookstores, and the like? All of these will help add to the walkability of your neighborhood and if it is going to be a good fit for you.

Ultimately, the best way to find a walkable neighborhood in your area is to simply get out and explore. By doing this, you can take the neighborhood for a “test walk” and see if it might be an area that you could consider relocating to.

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Where to Get Delivery for Brunch for Mother’s Day in Denver

Written by Marybeth Heckler on May 3, 2020. Posted in Motherhood.

COVID-19 has already changed so many things in our lives that it’s nice to hold on to some bits of normalcy. This Mother’s Day, it’s not going to be possible to go out for brunch at a nice restaurant or café.

But it is going to be possible to have the brunch brought to you. Most restaurants are staying afloat right now by either offering their own delivery options or partnering with delivery services such as DoorDash and UberEats.

So, this year for Mother’s Day, check out these great delivery brunches in Denver…you can even get them to supply the mimosas!

Snooze Eatery – Snooze has multiple locations that all offer great options for brunch deliveries. We highly recommend the Sweet Potato Bacon Smashup (a mixture of two griddled smashed sweet potatoes with poached egg, avocado, pickled onions, and paprika topped with black pepper maple syrup and bacon). If you decide to go for the flight of pancakes, be sure to try the Blueberry Danish Pancakes or Pineapple Upside Down Pancakes.

Bacon Social House – For now, they are calling themselves the Bacon Social Distancing House and for good reason. This location is offering great bacon options with deliveries straight to you. You can get a bacon flight with an assortment of options including applewood, BBQ, candied, or habanero bacon. Another great option is their Bacon Shrimp and Grits or the Boozy French Toast (made with Grand Marnier and Bourbon Bacon Caramel).

Jelly Café – Jelly café’s motto is “Eat More Jelly” and with the great menu options, it’s easy to see why. One of the more unusual options is the Lavender Blueberry, a serving of blueberry pancakes topped with lavender blueberry preserves. Or if that isn’t different enough for you, how about French toast coated in corn flakes with seasonal berries? One of the perennial Jelly Café favorites is the donut bites that can be ordered in batches of 4, 8, or 12.

Denver Biscuit Company – Our last option is a great choice for those who like homemade biscuits. The Denver Biscuit company has a dozen biscuit sandwich options including the Winona (fried chicken and pimento cheese) or the Colfax A (ham, collard greens, fried eggs, and hot sauce). For something really decadent, try the Shrimp and Grits in a homemade biscuit bowl or the Biscuit Pot Pie.

These are just four restaurants that are offering delivery specials every day including brunch options on Mother’s Day. The quarantine doesn’t have to ruin your special day with your mom and kids.

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The Best Publications for Staying on Top of Denver Happenings

Written by Marybeth Heckler on April 26, 2020. Posted in Denver.

Many of us in the Denver area are used to cabin fever with the long winters and deep snow. But with all of the craziness in the world today, that term is being taken to a new extreme as more and more of us are stuck inside due to quarantine and stay-at-home orders related to COVID-19.

We can all look forward to the glorious day when the quarantines are lifted, and life can get back to normal (or at least as close as possible). So, while you’re waiting at home with nothing to do, check out these publications and put a bookmark on them.

These are the best publications for staying on top of what’s going on in Denver:

5280 —This publication is a great independent news outlet that gives you a new and fresh take on what’s going on in the region. Right now, their coverage of COVID-19, for instance, includes the standard articles on the quarantine orders, but it also has special interest stories you might not find elsewhere.
Check out the articles “Delicious Good Deeds” which highlights how food delivery restaurants are doing something special for those in need. Also, their coverage of the Denver Zoo during the outbreak is heartening because it highlights those cute animals and what they are up to while everyone is staying away.

303 Magazine —This magazine is usually one of the go-to publications for information about dining and entertainment. But during the shutdowns, they are transitioning to different coverage including updates on food delivery systems. Also, check out “A Master List of Virtual Denver Events” for all kinds of live-streamed culinary events including cooking classes.
Denver Dweller —Denver Dweller encourages people to “Experience Denver Authentically” and this publication helps to do just that. Right now, they have great list articles including “7 Denver Coffee Subscriptions to Order for Your New Work-At-Home Routine” and “16 Denver Local Grocers You Can Still Shop (And They’re Stocked!).” These highlight the magazine’s devotion to highlighting local businesses and artisans.
Eater Denver —As the name implies, this is a publication devoted to the best in food in Denver. Restaurants may be shut down for now, but Eater Denver is still helping to connect you with great local restaurants and cafes which are currently offering delivery options. They also have great articles on the state of the restaurant business and dining in general.
Colorado Homes and Lifestyle —This publication is a great way to stay on top of design and decorating tips for your home. Since most of us are currently locked down with no place to go, it’s a good source for ideas for your home that can hopefully get your creative juices flowing.

Just because you are stuck at home doesn’t mean there aren’t things going on in Denver. From food delivery to virtual gatherings to behind-the-scenes updates on the COVID-19 fight, these publications can give you the needed update on what’s happening in your neighborhood and beyond.

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Where to Start for New Gardeners This Spring

Written by Marybeth Heckler on April 19, 2020. Posted in Homeowner.

One of the most relaxing and fulfilling hobbies that anyone can take up is the time-honored tradition of gardening. It’s also one of the most therapeutic hobbies you can have as it helps you center yourself physically and mentally.

Every year, I hear friends and family members say that they’re interested in gardening, but they don’t know how to get started. Well, never fear.

Here are handy tips on where to begin this spring with starting your own garden:

Flowers vs. Vegetables — One of the first things you want to do is figure out what type of garden you will have as this will make huge differences early on. If you are looking to create your own food that you can use to cook, then certainly go for the vegetable garden. However, if you just want a garden that is beautiful to look at as well as fragrant, then flowers are your best option.

Map Out Your Yard — A garden will need lots of sunlight, usually at least six hours a day. So, over the course of a few days, observe how the sun falls in your yard. Are there spots that are too covered by shade from trees or other houses? If so, then these aren’t good spots for your garden. Pick something that is in direct sunlight for most of the day, if possible.

Get the soil ready — Next, you will want to prepare the ground for gardening. The first thing to do is to dig up the sod and replace it with about 2 to 3 inches of compost (old lawn clippings, leaves, and manure). This will let the earthworms do their thing and begin moving those nutrients into the soil to make for a fertile garden. You will also need to work the soil yourself. If you are just starting out, you can do this by digging the 10 inches of dirt or so and mixing in the compost. If you can get your hands on a rototiller, then this process will go a lot quicker and easier.

Plant your garden — Now is the time to plant your seeds or small plants. Be sure to check for things that grow well in your climate and with your amount of sunlight. Sunflowers and lettuce are two easy options.

Keep them maintained — Now that you’ve done the hard work, it’s time to maintain the garden. Water your plants regularly so that they can thrive. Don’t water them during the hottest part of the day as the sun is liable to “burn off” the water. Early morning or right as the sun is setting is best. Also, go through your garden at regular intervals to weed it and check for insects that may be damaging your plants.

Starting a garden is something that is so easy that almost anyone can do it. But it can still be intimidating for first-timers. By taking these simple steps, you can make sure that your garden gets off to a good start.

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Author: Marybeth Heckler

If you’re interested in finding new ways to celebrate our country’s 244th birthday, here are great ideas you can use to start your own Fourth of July family tradition:

What is National Get Outdoors Day?

Outdoor Social Distancing Guidelines

How to Get Outdoors While Staying Safe

Here are a few ideas for curbside (or online) celebrations for those of you in Denver:

Here are ten actions you need to complete before you buy your next home:

Here are ways to recreate the summer camp experience in your own backyard.

Here are some of the most common areas to take care of now that the weather is getting warmer:

Here are some ways to find the best walkable neighborhoods in your area:

So, this year for Mother’s Day, check out these great delivery brunches in Denver…you can even get them to supply the mimosas!

These are the best publications for staying on top of what’s going on in Denver:

Here are handy tips on where to begin this spring with starting your own garden:

If you’re interested in finding new ways to celebrate our country’s 244^th birthday, here are great ideas you can use to start your own Fourth of July family tradition: