Move Over Pumpkin Spice, This Is the 2024 Flavor of Fall
You’ve tried salted caramel, but how about salted maple? For years, right around back to school time—and sometimes, even earlier—supermarkets, coffee shops, and some seriously unexpected places start deluging Americans with all things pumpkin spice. Ever since Starbucks debuted its pumpkin spice latte in 2003, countless copycats and pumpkin spice products have made this trend as much of a mascot of fall as leaf piles, football, and apple orchards. In addition to lattes, dog treats, deodorant, candles, Peeps, Pop Tarts, and Pringles have gotten the pumpkin spice treatment; hoping to capitalize on the trend’s popularity. We were here for the lattes and still stand by the deliciousness of our pumpkin spice whipped coffee, cake, and White Russian cocktails, but honestly, we’re getting a little bored. And Team BHG isn’t alone in that sentiment: “Pumpkin spice doesn’t feel original anymore,” says Tania Cienfuegos Harris, pastry chef at Hotel Hartness and Patterson Kitchen + Bar in Greenville, South Carolina. “You want to feel excitement about what you’re eating and drinking. Now that you can find pumpkin spice in everything—even things that are not food-related—that just makes it super common for people. It's not as special as it once was.” Ahead, we’ll give pumpkin spice a well-deserved tribute with a retrospective of the trend. Then our panel of food pros helped us pinpoint what might just be the new flavor of fall. PSL, prepare to pass on your crown. What Is Pumpkin Spice, Exactly? Contrary to its name, pumpkin spice contains 0% pumpkin. “It’s all about recreating the spiced flavor profile associated with pumpkin-based desserts, including pumpkin pie,” explains Victor Santiago, pastry chef at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe in Lake Tahoe, California. Pumpkin spice typically includes a blend of the following: Cinnamon, for warmth and sweetness Cloves, which offer a deep, aromatic spiciness Ginger, for a zesty quality Nutmeg, the nutty, spicy teammate Optional: Allspice, for an earthy and fruity note If you ask Santiago, beyond those flavors, pumpkin spice evokes warmth, fall, nostalgia, and indulgence. As for Alyssa Gangeri, pastry chef and managing partner at The Butter Milk Ranch in Nashville, Tennessee, pumpkin spice “reminds me of family gatherings, cozying up as the weather cools, and preparing for the holiday season. There’s also a psychological connection with indulgence and self-care as people enjoy this seasonal treat.” Tracking the Pumpkin Spice Trend Pumpkin spice has been the flavor of fall for decades, but back in 2022, we looked into our crystal balls and predicted that many signs were pointing to the beginning of the end of the pumpkin spice boom. Then when we spoke with 10 pastry chefs to select 2024’s fall baking trends, we once again heard whispers that more and more folks are parting with their pumpkin spice obsession. “I honestly feel it was all about marketing, and relating pumpkin spice to fall. In my opinion, pumpkin spice will always overpower anything you add it to,” Harris says. In Nashville and Indianapolis, Gangeri and Boudarine confirm that the trend is still prominent in cosmetics, fashion, and “especially in bakeries and coffee shops,” Gangeri tells BHG. “However, I’ve started to see some pumpkin spice fatigue, especially among more adventurous food lovers who are looking for something new and different.” Santiago believes that pumpkin spice will continue to be a beloved seasonal flavor for many, however, due to trend saturation, a shift in more diverse preferences, and overall cultural trends, “the sentiment seems to be shifting towards a more varied and innovative approach to seasonal flavors,” he says. Salted Maple Is the 2024 Flavor of Fall When we asked our experts what fall flavors they think are growing in popularity, we received several worthy nominations. Brown butter, apple butter, butterscotch, chai, cardamom, and salted caramel all received nods by the pastry chefs, and were all strong contenders. In fact, salted caramel is a cousin of our winner. However, as soon as Santiago said “maple,” our brains jumped back to lead us through a mental montage of what we’re forecasting is the new flavor of fall: Salted Maple. In January, Cheerios launched Maple Cinnamon Hearty Nut Cheerios, which have “salt” fairly high up on the ingredient list. Then the compound butter company Churn joined the chat with their Maple Cinnamon Butter, which is made simply with butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, and sea salt. The deal was sealed when Trader Joe’s brought back its Salted Maple Ice Cream that fans on Reddit say has “the perfect balance of sweet, salty, maple goodness,” noting that it’s “heavenly” over apple desserts. As pumpkin spice proves, the flavor of fall must play nicely with all of the season’s best—pumpkins, apples, pears, figs—and salted maple does just that. “Maple offers a rich, warm sweetness with a distinctive flavor that evokes the cozy, comforting essence of fall. It pairs beautifully with many fall ingredients and dishes, from baked goods to savory items,” Santiago says. “Maple is often associated with autumn activities like maple syrup harvesting and has a natural connection to the fall season. Its rich, caramel-like taste can add depth and warmth.” A sprinkle of salt is a thoroughly-modern touch that brings this trend into 2024—and balances out the sweetness in the syrup. In addition to the aforementioned cereal, compound butter, and ice cream, we’ve also seen salted maple making its way into recipes for puddings, pies, granola, whipped cream, lattes, and scones. And of course, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention that a pure way to celebrate this new flavor of fall is atop pancakes or waffles; just add a drizzle of maple syrup and a pinch of flaky sea salt and your day is off to a strong start. Before we dive into a short stack of salted maple pancakes ourselves, we couldn’t resist asking Santiago to share a few more ways to add salted maple to the menu: Maple-glazed donuts or muffins. “The rich, caramelized flavor of maple syrup can create a deliciously sweet and sophisticated glaze that adds a touch of elegance to classic baked goods,” Santiago says. Top with a sprinkle of sea salt for crunch and balance. Maple lattes. Instead of sugar, add a splash of maple syrup to your next coffee drink. “It offers a natural sweetness and a depth of flavor that pairs well with the richness of the drink,” Santiago adds. Get this: A pinch of salt has been shown to tame the bitterness in coffee, so stir both in to try the trend and sip a super-smooth cup. Maple savory-style. Santiago is sweet on maple-glazed roasted vegetables (season with a pinch of salt) and maple-bacon Brussels sprouts. “Maple syrup’s sweetness complements savory dishes beautifully, and adds a caramelized coating,” he explains. After peeking through our recipe archives, it turns out that we’ve been sprinkling hints about salted maple’s rise in popularity for years. In case you’re craving even more salted maple inspiration, all of these recipes include the combo: Maple Bourbon Apple Pie Cranberry-Ricotta Pancakes with Salted Maple Butter Brioche Bread Pudding Muffins with Maple Caramel Maple-Cinnamon Pumpkin Pie Canned Apple Pie Filling with Maple and Cinnamon Maple-Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes The article Move Over Pumpkin Spice, This is the 2024 Flavor of Fall originally appeared on BHG.com by Karla Walsh.
What Does It Mean When a Home Is Under Contract?
Experts Explain Does under contract mean off the market? Real estate experts share the details. Kristine Gill is a former newspaper reporter who spent five years as a spokesperson for a law enforcement agency. She writes about homes and real estate for Better Homes & Gardens. That dream house you’ve been pining for had its listing status changed to under contract. So, what does it mean when a home is under contract? While it might seem like your goal of owning that property is over, there could still be hope. “If a home is under contract, it usually means that the seller has accepted an offer from a buyer, and escrow has been opened,” says Tamara Rizzi of The Rizzi Group. “However, don’t be too quick to take it off your list if it is truly a property you are interested in. Your agent can communicate with the seller’s agent to get a feel for how the property sale is going thus far.” Here, experts share their insights into the under contract status of homes and what exactly it means for both buyers and sellers. When a home is under contract, it means there’s an agreement that both parties have reached regarding the sale of a home. “In a real estate transaction, a contract is deemed ‘under contract’ once both the buyer and seller have agreed to the terms and conditions specified in the contract, have both signed the contract, and the buyer has deposited the earnest money,” Rizzi says. Earnest money is usually deposited within 48 hours of the contract’s acceptance, and the amount varies by state. In Arizona, where Rizzi works, it’s typically 2 to 3% of the home’s sale price. That amount is credited toward the buyer’s down payment at closing. “The earnest money shows good faith from the buyer to the seller, confirming the buyer’s genuine interest in purchasing the property,” Rizzi explains. Earnest money can also be forfeited if a buyer backs out too far along in the process. There are lots of boxes to check before a home sale is final. As the buyer, that means scheduling inspections and getting your financing buttoned up. “If you are the buyer that is under contract, do as much due diligence on the property, the location, and whatever else is important to you in the first ten days after contract acceptance,” Rizzi says. Review disclosures for any red flags. Buyer: Get Home Inspection Completed Inspections will cost around $500-$900 and involve evaluating the major systems in the home, such as the heating and cooling, electrical, and plumbing systems. Exterior elements are also evaluated, including the roof, siding, windows, deck, and foundation. Major appliances such as the refrigerator, oven, and dishwasher are tested as well. Depending on the inspection results, the buyer may ask for a price adjustment for any repairs needed. Buyer: Secure Financing You'll want to get on top of your financing. “If you will be obtaining a mortgage to purchase the property, you will need to continue working with your lender to complete the application process and finalize the financing,” Rizzi says. Rod Barr, a broker with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Lake Realty, cautions buyers not to jeopardize the sale of the home. “Be patient and do not make any large purchases via credit of any type,” he says. Doing so can impact your financing options. Finally, you can start thinking about your closing schedule to make sure you’ll have everything in order by the time you’re scheduled to sign off and get your keys. Seller: Keep Your Home Viewer-Ready As a seller, you’ll be doing a bit of a dance, completing the work necessary to sell the home while keeping in mind the deal could fall through. That means keeping your home in showing order so you can entertain back-up offers, while allowing for home inspections and making repairs based on those inspections. Like the buyer, you’ll be in close contact with your agent as the sale progresses and you’ll likely be scheduling the closing. Barr also points out this is the point at which you’re scheduling movers and packing. It’s also when Barr notes you’re likely “getting anxious.” Buyer and Seller: Pending Status Eventually, the status of the home will move from under contract to pending. Rizzi says that pending and under contract are interchangeable terms in Arizona, but they have different meanings in other parts of the country. “Under contract typically refers to a contract that has been accepted by both the buyer and the seller, but the transaction has not yet closed,” Rizzi says. “Pending usually indicates that all contingencies in the contract have been met and the transaction is in the final stages of closing.” Submitting a Back-Up Offer When a home is under contract, it’s still in the early stages of the sale. Many things need to happen to make the sale final, but that also means the deal could fall through at any point. When a home is under contract, it means the seller has accepted an offer from a buyer, but Rizzi points out that a seller can decide to continue showing a property that is under contract as a way to get backup offers should the house end up back on the market. “Sometimes, home sales fall through due to issues with financing, inspections, cold feet, or other issues. If this happens, the seller may return the home to the market, giving you the opportunity to make an offer,” Rizzi explains. If you like a home already under contract, you can submit your backup offer, which the buyer could consider next. “If the primary contract does fall through, the seller can accept the backup offer and proceed with the transaction,” Rizzi says. “However, the seller is not obligated to accept the backup offer, and they may choose to re-list the property for sale or negotiate a new contract with the buyer.” Even if you don’t think there’s a great chance you’ll get a home under contract, it doesn’t hurt to go to a viewing anyway. Rizzi says seeing homes under contract can provide valuable information about the features and amenities popular in your area. Under Contract Doesn’t Mean Unavailable A property search site may show a home is under contract, but the info isn't necessarily up-to-date. Rizzi says it's best to work with a real estate agent to get status info on a home you're interested in. "Real estate agents have the most direct access to the under-contract status of a home compared to the general public," she says. "Their access to the multiple listing service (MLS) grants them access to a comprehensive database including information on properties that are not yet available to the general public but are coming soon, and those available on the market (active), under contract, contingent on buyer sale, pending, or sold." In the meantime, the seller could entertain backup offers. Barr says you and your real estate agent should stay calm no matter which side of the transaction you're on. "If the agent becomes nervous, aggressive, and so on, most likely whom they are representing will become like-minded," he says. The article What Does It Mean When a Home is Under Contract? originally appeared on Realtor.com.
Spring Awakening: 5 Bedding Trends We Love for the Warmer Days Ahead
One oft-forgtten room that can always benefit from a seasonal refresh is the bedroom. And more specifically, bedding is a small upgrade that can make a big difference. With the weather warming, we say it’s time to shed those heavy winter quilts and swap them for something lighter. So we’ve scouted out five fresh spring looks from Instagram that incorporate natural motifs, playful details, and inviting textures. These will make your bedroom the perfect cozy haven for all those rainy spring weekends and maybe even help you catch a few extra winks. Here are our top picks for trending, spring-themed bedding this season. 1. Cotton, block-print quilt If you’re ready to store your winter quilt, swap it out for something a little lighter (both in weight and color scheme)—like this cotton, block-print quilt from @sourced_by_holly. “Block-print quilts breathe fresh life into bedding with their vibrant patterns and lightweight feel,” says designer Houna Bech. “These quilts usher in springtime. The repeating, nature-inspired shapes and motifs create visual interest, while the cotton fabric keeps you cool as temperatures rise.” 2. Pastel linen sheets Nothing says spring quite like pastels, and these crisp linen sheets from @indigo_casa are the perfect place to land on Saturday mornings with coffee and a good book. “Soft pastel hues give bedrooms an ethereal feel, perfect for spring,” says Bech. “Subtle shades of pink, blue, and green evoke blossoms and fair weather. The understated palette also provides a blank canvas to layer in bolder accent colors and patterns.” 3. Kilim bolster pillow Speaking of layering in those bolder patterns, we’re loving the way this kilim bolster pillow from @aandpdesign creates the ultimate neutral-forward, cozy bedroom look. “Bold kilim pillows are an easy way to add a pop of color and global inspiration,” says designer Chenise Hinds, of Momooze. “The vibrant, geometric patterns look fantastic against a neutral background. Kilim designs just have such a chic, well-traveled appeal. I think they blend beautifully with styles from modern to traditional.” 4. Cinched-velvet throw pillows Another bold accent pillow we love for bedrooms in this shoulder-season weather? These adorable, cinched-velvet pillows from @janskacelikart. “For a firm touch of glamour, luxe velvet accent pillows can’t be beat,” says Hinds. “The rich texture paired with light, surrounding linens creates the ultimate cozy elegance. I’d choose jewel-toned velvets, like emerald or sapphire, to really amp up the moodiness for spring showers.” 5. Ruffle pillowcases Ruffles aren’t just for granny decor. They’re also an adorable way to introduce a playful aesthetic to your bedroom this season. Don’t believe us? Check out this perfectly ruffled, spring bedroom from @sarahvanrenen. “And let’s not forget fun, flirty ruffle trims!” advises Hinds. “A fluttering, ruffled edge lends a playful, feminine charm, whether in white lace or blushing pink. Ruffles feel whimsical yet polished at the same time. It’s such a lovely, lighthearted look for spring.” The article Spring Awakening: 5 Bedding Trends We Love for the Warmer Days Ahead originally appeared on Realtor.com by Larissa Runkle.
How to Install a Shade Sail
Mounting a shade sail above your deck or patio yourself will save you money and have you sipping in the shade in no time. Project Overview Working Time: 4 hours Total Time: 1 day Skill Level: Intermediate Estimated Cost: $75 to $200 A shade sail is a practical way to add comfort to a sunny deck or patio. Best of all, you can skip the call to the handyman thanks to our step-by-step installation guide. Shade sails come in a variety of colors and shapes and can even be ordered online with custom dimensions to suit your space perfectly. They're ideal for spots and situations where retractable awnings aren't practical and more permanent shade solutions simply aren't an option due to space, budget, or other factors. Upgrade your outdoor living space with our top tips for shade sail installation. Before Getting Started Before purchasing a shade sail, you must determine if it's right for your space. First and foremost, you must identify the possible connection points for the shade sail. When installing a shade sail above a deck or patio, you'll likely need one or more connection points to fall on your home. This means you must be able to securely install strong hardware such as lag eyebolt into a structural material. For most homes, strong structural elements are hidden behind veneers or siding, so the best option is to identify wall studs behind the fascia. One of the easiest spots to find a structural component is directly above a window, where you will likely find a wooden header. If you are unsure of your home's ability to support hardware for a shade sail or you aren't confident in your ability to securely install said hardware, contact a professional before installing a shade sail. Any corner of your shade sail not attached to your home must be connected to a post set firmly in the ground. You can purchase steel posts that are made specifically for mounting shade sails or simply opt for treated wooden posts available at the hardware store. While steel may last longer and offer a more modern aesthetic, wooden posts are easier on the wallet. No matter the material, plan on putting shade sail posts a minimum of 3 feet into the ground. If you're lucky enough to have a strong tree nearby, you can attach your shade sail to it. To do so without damaging the tree, utilize a mounting strap rather than driving hardware into the tree itself. How to Determine Shade Sail Size To ensure you buy the right size shade sail, first, determine the shape you prefer. While many people like the look of triangle shade sails, they offer considerably less shade than square or rectangle sails. Once you determine the shade sail shape and have identified the mounting points, purchase a shade sail that's approximately 2 feet shorter than the space between your mounting points. This will offer plenty of room for tensioning to ensure the shade sail doesn't sag. What You'll Need Equipment / Tools Stud finder Measuring tape Post hole digger or auger Shovel Wheelbarrow Post level Drill Drill bits Adjustable wrench Ladder Materials 2 6x6 treated ground contact wooden posts Shade sail with mounting hardware kit Rope (optional) Quick-setting concrete Scrap boards Wood screws UV-rated wood sealant Instructions How to Install a Shade Sail Use the following shade sail installation tips for a successful patio upgrade. Set Posts Mark the positions of your posts on the ground and dig a 3-foot hole using a post hole digger or auger for each. Place a post into each hole and fill the void using quick-setting concrete. Check plumb using a post level. Attach two support legs to each post using scrap boards to hold it plumb while the concrete sets. Unless specified by your post's manufacturer, refrain from angling the posts for a shade sail. To extend the life of your wooden posts, choose posts rated for ground contact, then apply a protective, UV-rated sealant after the wood has thoroughly dried. Attach Mounting Hardware Attach the mounting hardware to the posts and structural material on your house. Pre-drill the holes using a drill bit slightly thinner than the lag bolt shaft, then tighten the lag bolt firmly in place. Prepare the Shade Sail Hardware Attach the connecting hardware to each corner of the shade sail, loosening the turnbuckles completely. Mount the Shade Sail Hook each corner of the shade sail to the mounting hardware using D-ring shackles to ensure the hardware doesn't slip during wind. If you find it hard to stretch one or more corners to the mounting points, use a piece of rope slipped through the eyebolts to pull the shade sail over. Employ a friend to hold the ladder when attempting to stretch the sail shade to prevent falls. Tighten Turnbuckles Tighten the turnbuckles at each corner until they are hard to turn. If present, tighten the locknuts on the turnbuckle to prevent future movement. Tips for Installing and Maintaining a Shade Sail Here are some of our top tips for shade sail installation so it performs exactly as intended for years on end. Stagger the height of each shade sail corner to create visual interest and encourage water shedding and higher wind resistance. Add supplemental steel wire to a corner to extend the reach of the connecting hardware. Increase the strength and tension of your shade sail by swapping the components of standard shade sail kits with stronger alternatives such as thicker stainless-steel D-ring shackles, beefier, locking turnbuckles, and steel wire. Stagger several smaller shade sails in complementary shades rather than opting for one large shade sail. Take your shade sail down during the winter to protect it from the elements, especially in areas where it snows. Check the tension on your shade sail regularly to ensure it doesn't begin to stretch and sag. The article How to Install a Shade Sail originally appeared on bhg.com by Kamron Sanders.