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Sun & Fun: 5 Upcoming Must-Attend South Jersey Events & Festivals

Sun & Fun: 5 Upcoming Must-Attend South Jersey Events & Festivals

If you’re looking to embrace the beauty of nature while enjoying lively festivities, there are plenty of events in South Jersey to enjoy coming up soon! This region is bursting with outdoor festivals that offer a mix of entertainment, delicious food, and exciting activities.

In this blog post, we’ll highlight five upcoming outdoor South Jersey events that are sure to bring joy and excitement to your summer days. Get ready to mark your calendars for these incredible events:

 

1. Glassboro Town Square Summer Fest –  Every Thursday in June – July from 5pm – 9pm

 

2. Nights in Venice in Ocean City, NJ – July 29th from 6pm – 9pm

 

3. Luau at Laurita Winery Food Truck Festival: Saturday, August 5th and Sunday, August 6th

 

4. Washington Township Historic Preservation Commission’s Food Truck & Beer Garden Festival: Saturday, August 12th from 2pm – 8pm

 

5. Bacon, Bourbon & Brews Festival at the Flying W in Medford, NJ: Saturday, September 30th and Sunday, October 1st

 

In conclusion, South Jersey offers a vibrant lineup of outdoor festivals that are perfect for embracing nature and enjoying lively festivities. From the Glassboro Town Square Summer Fest with delicious food, live music, and local arts every Thursday in June – July, to Ocean City’s Nights in Venice celebration on July 29th, which pays homage to the rich history and culture of Philadelphia, there are plenty of events to mark on your calendar.

The Luau at Laurita Winery Food Truck Festival on August 5th-6th invites you to indulge in outstanding wines, food trucks, and live music, while the Washington Township Historic Preservation Commission’s Food Truck & Beer Garden Festival on August 12th promises an evening of great food, drinks, and door prizes. Finally, don’t miss the Bacon, Bourbon & Brews Festival at the Flying W in Medford on September 30th-October 1st, where you can enjoy live bands, tastings, food trucks, axe throwing, hot air balloon rides (weather permitting), and much more. With these five must-attend outdoor festivals, South Jersey has something for everyone to experience the sun and fun of summer.

Delaying your new home search could cost you your dream home!

When it comes to your new home search, there’s no such thing as “starting too soon.”

Whether you plan to build your new home next year or five years down the road, now is always the perfect time to start looking. After all, it’s likely one of the biggest purchases you’ll make in your lifetime… and unless you’re Bill Gates or Elon Musk, it should be treated that way!

Choosing your builder, your floorplan and your new home’s location takes time and research. Nowadays, most of us won’t even eat at a new restaurant without Googling the full menu and combing through reviews on Yelp! While finding a new home may be a quick pursuit for some, building your dream home can (and should) be a lengthier exploration. Every builder you meet should provide you with the proper tools to make informed decisions throughout your search.

At Schaeffer Family Homes, our New Home Specialists strive to provide you with a full understanding of our building processes, pricing, timeframes and included features. We know the importance of being honest and realistic when setting expectations for building your dream home!

The move-in time frame can vary from builder to builder based on many factors. When you build in a Schaeffer Family Homes community, the process typically takes between 7 to 10 months from the Agreement of Sale. On the other hand, we also offer the option to build through our “Build On Your Lot Program,” which is generally a 10 to 12 month time frame from the Agreement of Sale. “Build On Your Lot” offers you the flexibility to build where you want in South Jersey, as long as you have a piece of land to build on!

Most homeowners who’ve built through our “Build On Your Lot” program came to us without one key element: a homesite! Fortunately, our Land Acquisition Specialist, Josh Adams is available to assist you in finding a homesite that works for your budget and needs. Finding a homesite is where time and patience is essential. Depending on where you’d like to live and what you desire in a property, it’s not always as simple as it seems. Some areas of South Jersey don’t have many buildable homesites available, and even if you’re looking in an area with an abundance, you may feel that none of them are the right fit for your new home. Once you do find your ideal homesite, it still takes about 10 months from signing the Agreement of Sale until you can move into your new home!

Now, we already know what you’re thinking… “So, once I have my homesite, why would it take 10 months to build a home?”

Well, there are many factors that go into the “Build On Your Lot” process. Unlike building in a community (where our homesites are “turnkey” and fully improved), this process starts with a 60-day due diligence period and a homesite inspection. Following the homesite inspection, we’ll need to get the proper building permits through your township. From there, we also need to fully improve your homesite prior to construction. Your home is then hand-crafted with great care over a 4 to 6-month period. Seems lengthy, but you know what they say… “If you don’t take the time to do it right, when will you take the time to do it over?”

Nevertheless, whether you build with Schaeffer Family Homes or not, we want you to be equipped with the tools you need to feel confident in your final decision. You may be able to find a new home tomorrow, but discovering your dream home could be a different story!

Whenever you’re ready, we’re here to get your new home search started. Feel free to contact us at 856-208-5118 or e-mail general.info@schaefferhomes.com to get started in your new home search today!

Build Your Dream Home at 0 Marlboro Ave in Cherry Hill, NJ

Featured Homesite: 0 Marlboro Avenue in Cherry Hill

 

If you’ve always imagined building your dream home in Cherry Hill, we’ve got the perfect location for you! Meet our newest homesite in Camden County: 0 Marlboro Avenue, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002. At just under ½ an acre, 0 Marlboro Avenue could be the ideal location for your beautiful brand-new Schaeffer Family Home!

When you build with Schaeffer Family Homes, you’ll have the opportunity to choose from one of our many different floorplans and design the home you’ve always yearned for! Behind the homesite at 0 Marlboro Ave is vacant green acres owned by the township, allowing you the potential to create a beautiful backyard oasis with plenty of privacy. 0 Marlboro Avenue also provides you with the ability to connect to public water and sewer for your utilities.

Located in the heart of Cherry Hill, 0 Marlboro Avenue is situated next to Cherry Hill West High School. Just down the street, you’ll find many of your favorite shops, delicious restaurants, and convenient grocery stores. Getting into Philadelphia is also a breeze – within only about 15 minutes, you can easily drive across the bridge into Center City! Or if you prefer to travel by train, you can hop on the PATCO at the Haddonfield Station, which is about 10-15 minutes away.

Not only does 0 Marlboro Avenue give you the opportunity to build your dream home in a great location, but you’ll also be able to design and personalize your home just the way you envisioned it to be. At our Design Center, you will choose all of your luxury structural options, design selections and color schemes to make your home your own! Building a new home doesn’t have to be daunting or difficult – we’re here to listen and help you through the entire process to make it as seamless as possible. If you’re interested in learning more about building at 0 Marlboro Avenue in Cherry Hill or have general questions about building a Schaeffer Family Home, please contact us at 856-208-5118 or e-mail general.info@schaefferhomes.com. We can’t wait to help you and your family get started in their new home search!

 

 

 

 

Introducing Our Newest Floorplan: The Arden

Introducing Our Newest Floorplan:

The Arden

Schaeffer Family Homes is eager to introduce a new addition to our broad collection of floorplans: The Arden! The Arden is a beautiful 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom floorplan that starts at 2,851 square feet and can be expanded up to 4,190 square feet. This model features all your traditional spaces, from the Living Room to the Dining and Family rooms. The flexibility of adding luxury choices like a Third Floor or Finished Basement makes this plan perfect for growing families to call “home.”

The Arden offers two different exterior styles to choose from – the Arden “A” Elevation features a Colonial-style façade, while the Arden “B” Elevation takes more of a Craftsman-style approach. When you step foot into The Arden, you’re invited into the cozy Foyer, with a Living Room and Dining Room at each side. On the first floor, you’ll also find the Family Room, Kitchen, Breakfast Nook and a Powder Room. You’ll enjoy spending time with your loved ones in the spacious Family Room, which offers the luxury choice of adding a sliding glass door and a fireplace – perfect for those chilly fall and winter days! The expansive Kitchen features a center island and a large Butler’s Pantry with additional counter space for setting up your coffee station or baking mixer!

The Arden’s second floor features a roomy Master Suite with 2 large “his-and-hers” walk-in closets. The Master Bathroom features a large vanity and stall shower with an optional shower seat, as well as a powder room that is closed-off from the rest of the bathroom. There are 3 additional Bedrooms on the second floor with a Hall Bath, allowing plenty of space for the kids’ bedrooms or a guest room. The upper-level laundry room makes washing and folding your clothes as convenient as ever, especially with the option to add a counter and sink. (No more huffing and puffing while lugging your clothes up and down the stairs again!)

The optional Third Floor on The Arden is a space that can be utilized for many different purposes – from an office to a play area and more! We also offer the luxury choice to add the Unfinished Basement Foundation or a Finished Basement Foundation as opposed to the included Crawl Space. The Finished Basement includes an Office area and an expansive Den with an optional Wet Bar. A 2-Piece or 3-Piece Bathroom may be added to the Finished Basement, which many customers appreciate when entertaining guests!

In every Schaeffer Home, you’re able to choose all of your structural and design luxury choices, including color schemes and finishes – giving you the power to truly make this home your own! If you’d like to learn more about building The Arden on a homesite or in one of our communities in South Jersey, give us a call at 856-208-5118 or e-mail general.info@schaefferhomes.com!

 

The Holiday Handbook: Surviving the Hustle and Bustle This Holiday Season

The Holiday Handbook: Your Guide to Surviving the Hustle and Bustle This Holiday Season

Pucker up! We are under the mistletoe that is the holiday season. Year after year, Thanksgiving comes and goes in a flash, and before you know it, you’re left scrambling for last minute gifts for your family and friends. Overall, most people would agree that the holiday season is wonderful – people seem happier, tasty treats are always in abundance, and we typically get to enjoy more time with our loved ones. But with the hustle and bustle of seasonal parties and gift shopping, how can we maintain a healthy balance in our lives this holiday season?

 

Decorate your home into a winter wonderland!

Being a homeowner offers you the privilege of decorating however your little heart desires. Maybe you’re a master decorator… or maybe it’s just not your cup of tea? Either way, step out of your comfort zone this season with some fun wreaths, lights and garland! Even if you only put up a few adornments in your home, they’ll brighten your spirits throughout this holiday season (and your guests will love them, too!).

 

Ditch the idea of last-minute shopping!

We all know procrastination can be hard to overcome but pushing off your gift shopping will only make life more difficult. When it comes to finding gifts for your loved ones, plan out what you’ll give to each person with lists. Decide when and where you will buy your gifts. Are you going to order them online? Will you stop at the store during your lunch break? Write everything down on your list and stick to your plan! Don’t forget to schedule out some time to wrap those gifts, too!

 

Strategically plan out work and home schedules

Time tends to slip by quicker than ever during the holidays. Whether you use your phone or a calendar, keep your schedule up-to-date, and consider blocking out times for daily or weekly tasks like grocery shopping, cleaning and doing laundry. If you have a desk job, make sure you are prioritizing and maximizing your workdays in the office. The holidays can be demanding of your schedule and life still carries on in the meantime… it’s important to capitalize on your time spent at home and in the office to end the year on a great note!

 

Don’t completely abandon healthy eating habits.

The holidays just wouldn’t be the same without gingerbread men, delicious pies and grandiose meals! Those holiday dinners and lunches, fresh baked goods and seasonal sweets are awesome – in moderation. Sure, go ahead and eat that sugar cookie! You deserve it! But when January rolls around, keep in mind that you may regret eating every treat that comes your way.

 

Schedule time to work out.

Chances are you’ll be running errands more often during the holiday season, but it’s still important to maintain your physical and mental health! Try to find time to get to the gym or attend a yoga or spin class. If your schedules jam-packed, find alternative ways to stay active! Take the stairs. Walk to the store. Take the family or a friend to go ice skating. There’s always some way to fit exercise into your day! It will help keep your mind clear and your body feeling energized.

 

Set an “end of the year” goal.

Whether it’s for work, your family or yourself, set a goal to reach by the end of December! Make it challenging, yet achievable! Keep the goal positive and fun – not something that will feel like a “punishment” to reach. If you meet that goal, treat yourself in the New Year. It will give you something to work toward and look forward to when the holidays are finally over.

 

Give back!

Nothing will get you in the holiday spirit more than helping others and giving back in any way that you can. Whether you make a monetary donation or volunteer your time, any contribution toward helping others can make a big difference!

If you’re interested in giving back but aren’t sure how, Schaeffer Family Homes would like to invite you to donate to The Wyatt Strong Foundation’s 2nd Annual Toy Drive. This foundation is particularly dear to our hearts, as all the donations are made in remembrance of Wyatt Hopkins, our Construction Administrator, Gail Hopkins’ grandson. All donations will be hand-delivered to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Tennesse by Wyatt’s parents and little brother. For more information about what to donate and how, visit this link: https://www.stjude.org/treatment/services/clinics-and-services/child-life/provide-a-special-event-at-the-hospital/contribute-supplies.html

We also welcome you to schedule a time to drop your items off to our Design Center in West Berlin, NJ. Please contact us here: 856-208-5118 or general.info@schaefferhomes.com to schedule a time to drop your donation off!

DEADLINE FOR DONATION DROP-OFF: Friday, 12/13 by 5pm.

Relax and have fun!

Get festive with an ugly sweater party at your new Schaeffer Home! Or cuddle up on the couch and watch that holiday movie you’ve been longing to see. Even though this season is about making memories with loved ones and giving back to others – you can’t forget to give back to yourself!

 

Maintaining a healthy balance during the holiday season can be so much easier when you stay organized, focused and mindful. Don’t procrastinate! Stay on top of your schedules and to-do lists. Decorate your house with snowmen, lights and trinkets! Create fun and rewarding “end-of-year” goals. Be kind and give back whenever possible! Have a blast with your loved ones and take some time for yourself. On behalf of our team at Schaeffer Family Homes, we hope you have an amazing holiday season. Let’s end this decade with a bang!

 

 

The Ellis: Jump-Start Home at Carriage Mews in Berlin Borough

The Ellis: Jump-Start Home at Carriage Mews in Berlin Borough

              Introducing our Jump-Start Ellis at Carriage Mews in Berlin Borough! The Jump-Start Ellis at 102 Reena’s Way is being crafted on .34 acres with a settlement timeframe of only 4 months! Complete with 2,327 finished square feet, this beautiful 4 Bedroom, 2.5 Bathroom Ellis is available at $428,070 and will feature a Full Basement Foundation, 2-Car Side-Entry Garage, Sunroom, gorgeous luxury choices and so much more!

              The Ellis’ stunning gray and white exterior will include a Full Front Porch with Partial Stone, giving you the perfect outdoor space to enjoy and decorate! Every time you come home, you’ll be invited inside by your gorgeous Foyer and Living Room, where you’ll make amazing memories in the many years to come. Get ready to fall in love with the first floor’s open layout between the Kitchen, Dining Room and Family Room, as well as the additional Sunroom that leads you to a Sliding Glass Door with Rear Steps into your backyard. On the second floor, the spacious Master Bedroom and Bathroom will feature an expansive Walk-In Closet and a Tile Shower Seat in the large Stall Shower. You’ll also find 3 additional second-floor Bedrooms, a Hall Bath, and a convenient Laundry Room that’ll save you the hassle of lugging dirty clothes downstairs. The Full Unfinished Basement will feature additional Daylight Windows, as well as the ½ Bath rough plumbing for a future finished basement!

              Act now to personalize this Ellis’ interior selections with beautiful color schemes, brand-new cabinets, countertops and more! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make this dream home your own! For more information about the Jump-Start Ellis at Carriage Mews in Berlin Borough, call us at 856-208-5118 or e-mail general.info@schaefferhomes.com!

Employee Spotlight: Meet Brutus Schaeffer

Employee Spotlight: Meet Brutus Schaeffer!

 

 

When you visit Schaeffer Family Homes’ Design Center, there’s a good chance you’ll be greeted by our company’s cutest employee: Brutus Schaeffer! Brutus isn’t like your typical Schaeffer Homes team member – he’s small, has fluffy paws, a wet nose… and, well, he’s a dog! We’re putting our “Employee Spotlight” on Brutus, the company’s “mascot” whose adorable antics have stolen a big piece of our hearts (and our customer’s, too!).

Brutus is a very lovable 15-year-old Shih Tzu who’s been trotting around our Design Center ever since he was a puppy. He relishes in the hustle and bustle of our team’s workday, with new people (or, as Brutus calls them, “new friends”) flowing in and out of the office. We asked Brutus what his favorite part is about being the Schaeffer Homes mascot, and he emphasized, “The amazing belly rubs and delicious treats! And there’s nothin’ better than working alongside your best friends – they always make me feel right at home! Although I must admit, the belly rubs and treats are a huge benefit to being part of the team.” It’s no secret that Brutus loves his doggy delicacies, and he’s an expert at sniffing out who has the best lunch in the office. When you don’t find Brutus wandering around the Design Center soliciting treats and belly rubs, chances are he’s lounging in the lobby or hangin’ out with his mom, Susan Schaeffer. (He’s always been a momma’s boy!)  Brutus loves keeping track of who’s coming in and out of the Design Center throughout the day (he truly is a social butterfly).

At home, Brutus spends his free time playing with any toy that makes squeaky noises and – you guessed it – enjoying more tasty snacks! So, you might be wondering, what’s Brutus’ favorite treat? Brutus revealed (while licking his chops), “That’s a toughie. I love ALL treats! But I really, really, REALLY love peanut butter and FRUIT! Nothing’s more important than a balanced diet – especially for staying spry in the workplace.” If we’re sure about one thing, Brutus is as wise as he is cute. (And he is VERY cute.)

When the weather’s nice, Brutus loves going down the shore and spending time with his family and friends. Even though Brutus loves treats and squeaky toys, he did make one thing crystal clear: “Don’t get me wrong, I love playing with Mr. Squeakers and munchin’ on a good snack at home… but my favorite place to be is with my family down the shore, enjoying a nice stroll along the beach.” The more time you spend with Brutus, the more you realize he’s just like the rest of us!

We asked Brutus what he’s looking forward to in the workplace, and he said, “We’re currently working hard toward getting our new sales office in Cherry Hill completed! We’ll be moving there sometime soon – it’s The Blake model! I’m mostly excited to finally have my very own dog shower at work! Now I can run around and get as dirty as I want – at home AND at the office! How cool is that?” It’s no secret that Brutus is dreaming of spa treatments in his new dog shower, and our whole team is eager for the completion of our new sales office. (Stay tuned for The Blake’s Grand Opening in Cherry Hill and come check out the new dog shower option we’ll be offering for your new home!)

Everyone at Schaeffer Family Homes knows that the workday without Brutus just wouldn’t be the same! There’s nothing that lifts our spirits more than hearing the jingle of his collar when he gets into the office. Whether we’re happy or sad, relaxed or stressed, Brutus always manages to put a smile on our faces. If you adore dogs as much as we do, you’ll love being greeted by Brutus Schaeffer at your next appointment at our Design Center! For more information about building with Schaeffer Family Homes, call us at 856-208-5118 or e-mail general.info@schaefferhomes.com!

8 “Wicked” Halloween Decorating Tips

Halloween is an exciting time of year for everyone to enjoy! Whether you’re young or old, getting dressed up for trick-or-treating and costume parties is always a blast, and there are endless fall activities for people of all ages. At Schaeffer Family Homes, our favorite way to get in the Halloween spirit is by decorating our homes with spooky spiderwebs, ghastly ghouls and all things haunted! Here’s everything you need to know for making your home the most “wicked” trick-or-treating stop on the block:

 

 

1. Fake Spider Webs Galore!

Halloween just wouldn’t be the same without spiderwebs! Head over to the nearest dollar store or craft shop and grab a bunch of fake cobwebs. Not only are fake cobwebs quick and easy-to-use, but they can be utilized in so many different places! Our favorite spots to place our cobwebs are throughout walkway bushes and along the plants and decorations that sit on our doorsteps.

 

 

2. Pick Your Palette

When decorating for fall and Halloween, we recommend sticking with a color scheme in each room to maintain a cohesive, yet festive feel. Choose a few colors that complement each other (for example: black, orange and white) and decorate within that color palette for each area. Mantels and fireplaces are a great space for fashioning a colorful Halloween-themed centerpiece at the heart of your home (along with a few cobwebs, perhaps?).

 

 

3. DIY or Buy Decorative Flower Pots

Mums are fall’s favorite flower, so swing by your local garden shop and stock up on this seasonal staple! Plant your mums in a decorative Halloween pot to liven up your front yard or doorstep. If you’re looking for a fun activity to do with the kids (or you’re just feeling extra festive), you can buy some plain flower pots or tins for your mums and paint them as ghosts, pumpkins, black cats and more!

 

 

4. Don’t Forget About Your Front Windows!

Window space is very important when it comes to decorating for all holidays. Adorn your windows with creepy carve-outs, funky orange lights or fake cobwebs to take your space from homey to haunted.

 

 

5. Yard Space is Key

Whether your yard is big or small, you should utilize its space! Use outdoor decorations and mysterious lighting to create spooky scenes. Maybe you’ll arrange a few witches around a smokey cauldron or display a headless horseman who’s ready to ride! Don’t be afraid to get creative and creepy with different ideas to make your home the most wicked on the block!

 

 

6. Bedeck Your Banister

We love decking out our banisters for the holidays! At the craft store, you can buy all sorts of garland, lights and string to wrap around your banister’s handrails. If you want to keep your banister decorated through Thanksgiving, you can easily adorn it with garland made of fake fall leaves that make a lasting impression. Or, if you’re interested in taking the wicked route, you can use black garland and orange lights for an eerie atmosphere that’s perfect for Halloween.

 

 

7. Fun with Front Doors

Front doors aren’t just for wreaths! You can “mummify” your front door with white strips of paper and large googly eyes, or even turn it into a furry monster with fuzzy faux fur and fake teeth! There are endless ways to make your entryway spicy and spooky with wrapping paper or colored painters tape and more. Front doors and patios also offer a great opportunity to create a theme for your haunted home (for example: “The Morgue,” “The Witches Coven,” “The Potions Cellar,” and more!)

 

 

8. Of course we couldn’t forget the PUMPKINS!

Real or fake, pumpkins are a necessity when it comes to Halloween. Festoon your doorstep with pumpkins galore! Whether you paint them, carve them, or leave them as-is, pumpkins are vital for getting in the Halloween spirit. Scatter pumpkins of all different shapes, sizes and colors in and around your home to complete your haunted house creation!

Whether you decide to use one, none or ALL of our decorating tips this Halloween, we know your Schaeffer Family Home will look as wicked as ever! Tag us in your decorating photos on Facebook or Instagram @SchaefferFamilyHomes and show us what you’ve got! From everyone at Schaeffer Family Homes, we hope you enjoy a thrilling, chilling and safe Halloween!

Designing The Ultimate Playroom

If you’re moving into your new home with children, there’s a good chance that you’ll be utilizing one of your extra spaces as their playroom! Having a playroom in your home provides a designated space for kids to play games and get creative with crafts, toys and more! There are many ways to design an amazing playroom, and how you craft yours will depend a lot on your child’s age and interests. We have some great tips and tricks for you to consider when creating a playroom that your child will love!

Choose Flooring That’s Easy-to-Clean

Whether we like it or not, kids tend to make a mess! In the playroom, you’ll want to choose flooring that’s forgiving when it comes to spills, scratches and other accidents. You may want to consider vinyl or hardwood flooring in this space, which you can layer with fun-colored rubber floor tiles, mats or rugs for extra protection, color and comfort!

Get Creative with Paints and Wall Decals

Take a family trip over to your local home improvement shop and let your child pick out the playroom’s paint color! You can even consider painting one wall as an accent wall with funky designs or chalkboard paint for drawing! Or, if you’d rather keep the walls a neutral shade, you can still spice up their space by adding fun removable wall decals like this awesome jungle mural. You can find these removable wall decals and other affordable playroom décor on Amazon.com!

Make Storage Fun with Cubbies, Cubes and Bookcases

There are endless ways to decorate the playroom with useful storage cubbies, cubes and bookcases. You can utilize a storage cube bookcase combined with colorful cube bins for creating pops of color while keeping toys, books and crafts organized. You might even consider installing book shelves to create a “reading wall” or library, complete with fun pillows and a colorful rug for a cozy reading area! It’s easy to find toy organizers online to keep your playroom organized in an exciting and tasteful way!

Separate The Playroom Into Designated Activity Areas

Depending on how much space your playroom offers, you might consider designing the room with different activity areas in mind. One of our favorite ideas is creating a “little gym” play area, a concept from Martha Moore, a NJ teacher and author of the Primary Paradise blog. This “little gym” might include a kid’s gym mat, mini trampoline, tumbling triangle and more! You can also add a “nap time” corner with a cozy tee pee, pillows and blankets. Some more ideas include a craft area, kid’s kitchen, library, dress-up station or even a stage for singing and acting!

Decorate with Unique Chairs and Tables

There are so many fun chair designs out there to make your playroom the ultimate hang-out spot for your child. Utilizing bean bag chairs is a common option that kids always love! These bungee dish chairs are also a hit with kids and teens, and they’re easy to foldaway when you need extra space. (Believe it or not – they’re also super comfortable!) Lastly, it’s a good idea to consider getting a mini chair and table set for when they need a hard surface for doing crafts or drawing.

Consider Leaving Behind the TV’s or Video Game Consoles

How you decide to design your playroom is totally up to you, but we suggest leaving electronics like televisions and video games in the family room or entertainment center. The playroom is a great space for children to get creative and use their imaginations, and sometimes electronics can be a distraction. It’s never a bad idea to have a space for your child that is distraction-free, where they can spend time reading, learning, relaxing or creating new things!

Make The Playroom a Safe Environment

It’s obvious that your child’s age will play a big role in designing your playroom. No matter how old they are, you should evaluate the space and take the proper measures to ensure their safety. Remember to child-proof outlets and install corner and edge bumpers around the room when necessary. Use furniture that won’t tip over or break easily to avoid any injuries. Do research and read customer reviews before purchasing furniture, toys and other products you’re planning to use in the playroom. Don’t forget to provide them with enough space to move around easily, since kids (and adults) can trip and fall if an area is too crowded.

Add a “Clean-Up Station”

Part of what we teach children as they grow up is the importance of staying organized and putting things back where they found them. Adding a “cleaning station” to your child’s playroom is a cute idea that will encourage them to partake in tidying up and organizing. A cleaning station will also make them feel like this room really is their own little space! Not to mention, these cleaning tools can come in handy when “playing house” and other games that require them to use their imaginations!

Get Creative with a Themed Playroom

Does your kid love boats? Dinosaurs? Cars? Center their playroom around the things they really love and enjoy! If your creative juices aren’t flowing, hop online and explore Pinterest for themed room ideas. Depending on how much space you have, you can really take their playroom to the next level with a mini rock-climbing wall, boat playhouse, slide, or treehouse! (We do recommend hiring a professional to install these cool features if you’re not totally confident you can do it yourself.) If you have a smaller space or budget, there are still many amazing and affordable ways to create awesome themes and activity areas for making ultimate playroom.

When it comes to the playroom, it’s hard to go wrong. The more creative you allow yourself to be when designing this space, the more fun it’ll be for the whole family! Embrace your inner-child and put your imagination to the test – we promise the results will be exciting! We can’t wait to see how you decide to design and personalize the playroom where your child will make fond memories that will last a lifetime.

Want to share photos of the playroom in your Schaeffer Family Home? We’d love to see them! Feel free to post your pictures to Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or Houzz and tag Schaeffer Family Homes!

 

The Bucket List Every South Jerseyan Needs to End Their Summer With A Bang!

Summer is winding down, and before we know it, we’ll be sporting cozy sweaters, drinking cider and picking pumpkins! Even though Fall is just around the corner, there’s still plenty of summer left to enjoy! Summertime in South Jersey is all about going down the shore and soaking up the sun – but we think it’s time to shake it up with something new! Check out our end-of-summer bucket list for some fresh and fun ideas to end your summer with a bang:

 

Take a trip to Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, NJ

Stroll through the beautiful 42-acre sculpture-filled park, museum and arboretum! This trip is great for the entire family, and after you’re done exploring the park, you can grab lunch at the top-rated Rat’s Restaurant or one of the cafes on-site. (You can also set up your own picnic, grab a refreshment or ice cream at The Gazebo!)

 

Get nostalgic at Historic Cold Spring Village in Cape May, NJ

Experience what life was like in New Jersey during the 1800s at the Historic Cold Spring Village “living history museum” in Cape May. Stop in at the Cold Spring Brewery or take a class in pottery, blacksmithing or tinsmithing during your adventures at the village. Immerse yourself in history and experience the “home-spun” era up-close and personally while shopping, eating and learning new things!

 

Make furry friends at the Cape May County Zoo and Tree-To-Tree Adventure Park in Cape May Court House, NJ

Not only is visiting the Cape May County Zoo fun for all ages, but it’s also free! Spend some time outdoors while observing amazing animals like lions, otters, monkeys and more. You can even conquer their “aerial adventure,” an experience filled with rope swings, zip lines and other fun obstacles at the zoo’s Tree-To-Tree Adventure Park!

 

Discover everything The Amish Farmer’s Market in Mullica Hill, NJ has to offer!

 

Make your way to Mullica Hill on any Thursday, Friday or Saturday to enjoy fresh baked treats and delicious homemade meals at the Amish Farmer’s Market. Spend some time exploring unique shops, which offer everything from holiday decorations and creative gifts to handmade soaps and essential oils.

 

Enjoy a wine tour and tasting at one of South Jersey’s local vineyards:

 

Get “outdoorsy” at one of New Jersey’s great state parks:

  • Hacklebarney State Park in Chester, NJ: A great park for hiking, fishing and animal watching.
  • High Point State Park in Sussex, NJ: Experience part of the Appalachian Trail while camping, swimming, or even doing yoga!
  • Barnegat Lighthouse State Park in Barnegat Light, NJ: Climb your way to the top of the lighthouse to experience the amazing views of LBI. A great opportunity for photos!
  • For an in-depth comparison of the Best New Jersey State Parks, visit this article by Patrick McGurran!

 

Have some fun at the Medieval Times in Lyndhurst, NJ

 

Travel back in time for an exhilarating Medieval experience! Chow down on a delicious four-course meal while cheering on your favorite knight and their horse to win the jousting and swordsmanship competitions.

 

Get in-touch with your “wild side” at Howling Woods Farms in Jackson Township, NJ

Animal lovers will go crazy for the chance to see wolves and wolfdogs up close at Howling Woods Farms. The farm is open to visitors by appointment only (to make an appointment, visit their website here: Howling Woods Farms), and is a unique opportunity to learn all about wolves and see a pack in real life!

 

Explore South Jersey’s pine barrens at Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge in Medford, NJ

Take a break from your hectic lifestyle to enjoy a peaceful day in nature. Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge offers hiking trails with stunning views of the lake. On the property, there are Bald Eagles, Great-horned Owls, raccoons, deer and other adorable animal residents that are unable to return to the wild due to injury. The Nature Center offers fun events and educational programs for all ages, as well!

 

Conquer all of the rides at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson Township, NJ

Hop on board the world’s tallest and second-fastest roller coaster, Kingda Ka, play carnival games and have a ball at Six Flags Great Adventure. You can even check out the Safari at Six Flags, featuring real, wild animals from six different continents! We promise there’s something fun for everyone at Six Flags, even if you don’t like rollercoasters!

Whether you decide to end the summer exploring some of these great places or relaxing at your Schaeffer Home down the shore, we hope it’s filled with fun times and great memories! Soak up the sun and enjoy everything New Jersey has to offer during this beautiful summer season!

 

 

 

 

         

We are proud to offer new homes that have earned the ENERGY STAR® label. ENERGY STAR qualified new homes are substantially more energy-efficient than homes built to the minimum code requirements. Our ENERGY STAR qualified new homes are independently verified by a third-party Home Energy Rater to ensure they meet ENERGY STAR energy efficiency guidelines. These homes are better for the environment and better for you. Learn more about ENERGY STAR qualified new homes at http://www.energystar.gov/

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