Don't squander the extra time. Carpe diem!

The cynical view about Leap Year is that it's an awkward attempt to manage the calendar so we don't have Christmas in July.

I'd like to look at it this way: We've been given an extra day to make everything better. So - what will you do to take advantage of this extra time?

Here are 16 ways to carpe diem:

1. Say thank you. Take a page from Jack Welch and Mark Zuckerberg and write a thank-you note. Or just say it.

2. Read a magazine you would never ordinarily even look at. Get a new perspective on politics, fashion, home décor or wellness.

3. Throw out 16 things. Things that don't work. Things you never use. They're just weighing you down. Time to say good-bye!

4. Start a big goal. I want to write another book this year. If I don't begin by March 1 (yes, that's tomorrow), it probably won't happen. Time to get going.

5. Contact an old friend. You don't need to give a reason for reaching out. All you need is to make the effort.

6. Take a drive with an important family member. Use car time to talk about something--or just connect.

7. Play a board game with someone you like. Electronic games don't count. Sit down, roll the dice and experience human contact.

8. Map out the rest of your year. Big events are probably already accounted for. Now decide on major milestones and plot them on the calendar.

9. Cook something new or challenging. I attempted honey-oat cereal bars over the weekend. They tasted great, but didn't hold together (more like cereal crumbles). But at least I tried.

10. Clean your desk. I know: You did that in December and the mess is already back. Give it another try.

11. Take a break. Do nothing for 15 minutes. Experience empty time with no electronics or chores. Weird, right?

12. Book three lunches or dinners with people you like. These need to be agenda-free encounters; it's just about getting together.

13. Do one thing to improve your health. It doesn't matter what: Just take the first step.

14. Plan a real vacation--one where you don't check email or do any work at all. This will require setting expectations so your boss and coworkers know you're serious.

15. Build, craft or grow something. Experience the joy (and challenge) of using your hands to bring something to life.

16. Above all, don't take yourself too seriously.

And remember: They call it Leap Year for a reason. It's your chance to fly high!

SOURCE: Alison DavisFounder and CEO, Davis & Company

It's always hard to say goodbye to your favorite pets at the beginning of a busy day or trip out of town, but if you live around Manatee and Sarasota, then you can rest easy knowing that there are plenty of dog daycare facilities to choose from. Here are a few you might like to check out.

1. The Lucky Puppy – 8003 US Hwy. 301, N Suite 105, Parrish, FL 34219
   Close to Parrish homes for sale, The Lucky Puppy, offers your puppy a free socialization program every Monday to make new friends. The team at the Lucky Puppy provides a mix of one-on-one interaction with your pet, and group pet activities to promote socialization.
   

2. Doggy Resort SRQ – 3424 17th St., Sarasota, FL 34325
   With grooming, training, daycare, boarding, and even a bakery, Doggy Resort SRQ has everything you need to keep your pup happy near Bird Key homes for sale. The Doggy Resort features indoor/outdoor playgrounds, a shaded pool, indoor climate control, and optional extras that include expert dog training.

3. Camp Bow Wow – 2101 17th St., Sarasota, FL 34234
   Camp Bow Wow allows pet owners to monitor their pups anytime with live webcams. Close to Sarasota homes for sale, Camp Bow Wow is a nationally known chain with a comprehensive program that includes extensive socialization with both pets and people, along with regular exercise.

4. PetSuites – 5205 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton, FL 34203
   Near Anna Maria homes for sale, PetSuites offers a "first-day free" program at their full-service facility. They even feature a puppy pre-school. Customize your pet's experience with a wide variety of packages, including day play for energetic pups, day boarding for pets that prefer relaxation, and a day spa.

5. Bayside Pet Resort at Lakewood Ranch – 15117 Garnet Trl., Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211
   If you're looking for a luxurious doggy daycare to pamper your pup close to Lakewood Ranch homes for sale, then the Bayside Pet Spa is the place to be. Dogs at Bayside Pet Spa get their own private space, along with the option to socialize with other pets. This facility also goes above and beyond with services that include professional grooming and dog training.

6. Fox Creek Pet Ranch – 5557 Lorraine Rd., Bradenton, FL 34211
   If you have cats or other small pets in need of daycare then Fox Creek Pet Ranch, located near Parrish homes for sale, is a perfect option. Fox Creek Pet Ranch provides care for a wide variety of pets in a facility that is advertised as safe, clean, loving, and healthy.

If you're searching for a community where both you and your favorite pets feel right at home, then our team is here to help. Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout Manatee and Sarasota.

10 Expensive Mistakes to Avoid in Your Home

For most of us, our home is our biggest investment. While we do our best to keep it in top shape, it's easy to make small mistakes that can end up costing us big time. This quick read can save you money in the long run. Remember to:

1. Clean Out Your Air Ducts
   Cleaning out your air ducts is a task that's easy to forget about, but dirt and debris build-up can cause real problems. Eventually, dirty ducts will start to restrict airflow and make your HAVC system work less efficiently. After a while, this can shorten the life expectancy of your system. 
2. Pay Attention to Leaking Faucets
   That dripping faucet is more than just annoying. Did you know that even one drip a minute can waste up to 34 gallons a year? Not only is this terrible for the environment, but it will raise your water bill. Something as simple as a washer can solve this quickly and easily. 
3. Hone Your DIY Skills
   Sure, there are some things that you should leave to the pros, but learning some basic DIY skills will help you save a ton of money when it comes to home repairs and upgrades. YouTube videos are an excellent resource for minor repairs.
4. Research Before Taking on Home Improvement Projects
   Sure, it might seem like a great idea to add a cheetah-print carpet in your closet or build a cat-patio in your back yard, but an impractical home improvement could end up hurting your resale value.  If there's something you really want and you plan to stay in your home for a long time, this might not matter to you, but it's always smart to stop and think these things through before you make a commitment. 
5. Avoid Over-Watering Your Lawn
   A lush, green lawn is every homeowner's dream, but when it comes to watering, more isn't always better. In Florida, watering needs change with the seasons Instead of relying on your automatic sprinkler, check in with our local Cooperative Extension for advice on proper watering to ensure you aren't wasting water and money. 
6. Check Your Roof
   It's important to have your roof and gutters checked at least once a year so that you catch small problems before they get big. 
7. Control the Temperature
   While many newer homes already have programmable thermostats, older homes often do not. Heating or cooling an empty house is just a waste - with a programmable thermostat you'll quickly make your money back in the form of savings on your energy bill. 
8. Stop Using Traditional Light Bulbs
   Traditional light bulbs suck up energy and cost you money. Change these out for LED bulbs, and you'll notice a change almost immediately. 
9. Keep an Eye on Your Home's Foundation
   Watch for signs of damage, like mold on the outside of the house, insects inside, or noticeable cracks. If any of these red flags arise, have the foundation looked at right away. 
10. Consider Fast-Tracking Your Mortgage Repayment
    The longer it takes you to pay off your mortgage, the more you'll pay in interest fees. Make extra payments when you can, and you can shave thousands of dollars and several years off your repayment plan! 

You can protect your home by creating an annual home maintenance checklist to remind yourself to stay on track with home maintenance.

Grab the Cracker Jack, warm up your mitt and get ready to stand up and cheer — spring training is coming back to the Sunshine State! Each year, some of the best teams in Major League Baseball spend two months in Florida preparing for the upcoming season. We're lucky to have two World Series championship teams call Sarasota and Bradenton home for their spring training season: the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Baltimore Orioles. 

Our REALTORS® encourage you to take advantage of the warm weather and head out to a spring training game this year. Whether you're a Pirates fan, Orioles fan, or merely a lover of America's favorite pastime, our two spring training facilities are just a few miles from downtown Sarasota and Bradenton.

• Ed Smith Stadium — 2700 12th St., Sarasota, FL 34237
  Known as Birdland South, Ed Smith Stadium has welcomed the Baltimore Orioles for the last ten years. Built-in 1989 and renovated soon after the Orioles' arrival in 2011, this ballpark once hosted the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago White Sox. As one of the best venues in the Grapefruit League, Ed Smith Stadium is within a few miles of many beautiful Sarasota homes for sale, making it the perfect place to relax after a long day walking some of the best properties in the city.
  
  
• LECOM Park — 1611 9th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34205
  Part of the Grapefruit League, the Pittsburgh Pirates, have been coming to LECOM Park for spring training for over half of a century. This award-winning ballpark was recently renovated with enhanced fan areas, new seating, and a state-of-the-art clubhouse. If you're in town searching for Bradenton homes for sale, take the afternoon off and watch the Pirates play at LECOM Park. Be sure to head five miles east to Pirate City to view the Pirates' spring training workout and practice field as well.

2020 Spring Training Games in Sarasota & Bradenton

Are you ready for a preview of the 2020 MLB season? There's no better place to watch the best teams in the league play than at LECOM Park and Ed Smith Stadium. 

Pittsburgh Pirates Spring Training Games

Be sure to purchase discounted tickets in advance or gather your closest friends for a Group Ticket Package featuring preferred seating. Six-game Weekend Packages are also available, guaranteeing your same seat as the Pirates load the bases against the Yankees, Rays, Tigers, Blue Jays, and Twins! Catch the first part of spring training with these February games. 

• Feb 22 – Bradenton | Minnesota Twins
• Feb 23 – Bradenton | Detroit Tigers
• Feb 25 – Bradenton | Philadelphia Phillies
• Feb 26 – Bradenton | Boston Red Sox
• Feb 27 – Sarasota | Pittsburgh Pirates
• Feb 28 – Bradenton | Baltimore Oriole

Baltimore Orioles Spring Training Games

Get ready to see the Os in action against some of the best teams in the American and National Leagues, including the 2019 World Series Champions the Washington Nationals. Pick up single-game tickets or create a 5-Game Flex Plan featuring two prime games. For the ultimate experience, purchase a Birdland South Spring Training Membership which includes access to exclusive events, early admittance to watch batting practice and reduced ticket prices on spring training games in Sarasota and regular reason games in Baltimore! Games through February include: 

• Feb 23 – Sarasota | Boston Red Sox 
• Feb 25 – Sarasota | Tampa Bay Rays 
• Feb 26 – Sarasota | Atlanta Braves
• Feb 27 – Sarasota | Pittsburgh Pirates
• Feb 28 – Bradenton | Pittsburgh Pirates
• Feb 29 – Sarasota | Miami Marlin

Spring training is one of the many things you'll love about living in the Manatee and Sarasota area. For assistance in buying and selling homes in the area, contact us today!

On your mark, get set, race! Get your running shoes ready and check out these races taking place around the Sarasota and Manatee area during February and March.

1. Sarasota Military Academy 3rd Annual Raiders Rise & Run 5K | Sat, Feb 22, 2020 — Payne State Park 2110 Adams St, Sarasota, FL 34237
   The Sarasota Military Academy is once again hosting its annual Raiders Rise & Run 5K to benefit their middle and high school Raider's teams. These young cadets have won both state and national titles, but their programs rely on continuous support from the community. The SMA Raider's Rise & Run 5K benefits these programs. If you're in the area viewing Sarasota homes for sale, join the Raiders at Payne State Park.  
   
   
2. Manasota Track Club 25K & 50K Ultra | Sat, Feb 22, 2020 — Oscar Scherer State Park 1843 South Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL 34429
   If you've already raced 5Ks, 10Ks, or even 15Ks in the 2010s, take your running skills to the next level with the Manasota Track Club's 25K & 50K Ultra. You read it right — 25K and 50K distance races will take place at Oscar Scherer State Park. If you'd rather watch from the sidelines, pay a visit to Oscar Scherer State Park in between tours of Osprey homes for sale.
   
   
3. 11th Annual Take Stock 5K/Fun Run/ Mentor Mile | Sun, Mar 01, 2020 — 8100 Lakewood Ranch Main St., Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
   If you're browsing Lakewood Ranch homes for sale, you'll become very familiar with the bustling Main Street within the community. Hosting events throughout the year, March kicks off with the 11th Annual Take Stock 5K, Fun Run, and Mentor Mile on Main Street. Proceeds from all three races benefit the Take Stock in Children organization, which provides mentorship and college scholarships.
   
   
4. Shark's Tooth 10K & Shark Fin 5K | Sat, Mar 07, 2020 – Sun Mar 08, 2020 — Venice Airport Festival Grounds 610 Airport Ave. E., Venice, FL 34285
   Runners in the Shark Tooth Capital of the World are invited to participate in the Megalodon Challenge — a two-day race combining the Shark's Tooth 10K and Shark Fin 5K. Door prizes, music, and a post-race party on both days make the Megalodon Challenge one of the best weekends of the year. If you're planning on scheduling visits to Venice homes for sale, be sure to sign up for the Megalodon Challenge at the Venice Airport Festival Grounds.
   
   
5. The 2020 Sarasota-Bradenton ITU Triathlon World Cup | Sun, Mar 22, 2020 — Nathan Benderson Park 5851 Nathan Benderson Cir, Sarasota, FL 34235
   If one of your goals is to complete a triathlon, you're in luck! Nathan Benderson Park and the Sarasota-Bradenton area are hosting the 2020 Sarasota-Bradenton ITU Triathlon World Cup. Conveniently close to Interstate I-75 and Sarasota homes for sale, the challenging course will take participants on a 750m swim, 18.3k bike ride, completed by a 5k run. Push yourself at this Sarasota triathlon! 
   
   
6. Robinson Preserve Twilight 5K & 10K Run | Fri, Mar 27, 2020 — Robinson Preserve 1704 99th St NW, Bradenton, FL 34209
   The 12th Annual Annual Robinson Preserve Twilight 5K & 10K celebrates the stunning sunset views of Robinson Preserve. The event starts at 5:30 pm with age bracketed Kids Dashes. After the kids are done with their races, runners and walkers hit the trails for a 5k or 10k. Be sure to stick around after the race for food and beverages under the stars! Don't forget to register in advance and check out Bradenton homes for sale before your race time. 

Do you want to race into a new home within Sarasota and Manatee County? Our REALTORS® are here to do more than cheer you on! Contact us today!

Love is in the air as Valentine's Day approaches — make sure this lovely occasion smells just as sweet by gifting the special someone in your life a beautiful bouquet. Sarasota and Manatee counties are blooming with flower shops offering a variety of dazzling daisies, perfect poinsettias, and amazing asters to show your partner how much they mean to you. Let these florist shops around town help make your Valentine's Day truly memorable.

1. Sue Ellen's Floral Boutique — 3522 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota, FL 34237
   Having worked in her family's flower shop throughout her life, Sue Ellen has spent the last 20 years serving the floral industry of Sarasota. Her new floral boutique strives to deliver exceptional service by going the extra mile to ensure that every order is fresh, on-time, and one-of-a-kind. Their delivery area encompasses the city, including the top neighborhoods with Sarasota homes for sale, hospitals, assisted living facilities, and retirement centers. 
   
   
2. Josey's Poseys Florist — 6100 Manatee Ave., W., Bradenton, FL 34209 
   Serving areas near Anna Maria Island homes for sale, this locally owned shop is sure to please! Josey's Poseys Florist will deliver to your valentine a hand-arranged floral display they'll cherish this Valentine's Day. Choose the perfect one from their Valentine's Day bouquet options, and their team will do the rest!   
   
   
3. Ellenton Florist — 6214 US-301, Ellenton, FL 34222
   Deliver something extra special this Valentine's Day with a little help from Ellenton Florist. Located near Ellenton homes for sale, this local florist offers free same-day delivery in the Ellenton area. Plus, their Deal of the Day makes it easy and affordable to surprise your valentine throughout the year with a beautiful bouquet crafted by floral experts. 
   
   
4. Fantasy Flowers of Lakewood Ranch — 8111 Lakewood Ranch Main St. Building J, Suite 101, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
   Fantasy Flowers of Lakewood Ranch is ready to craft a dream bouquet for your significant other this Valentine's Day. They can create any sized bouquet featuring romantic roses, playful daisies, and caring carnations. Located on Main Street just feet away from brand new Lakewood Ranch homes for sale, Fantasy Flowers will help you express the feelings in your heart.
   
   
5. Bradenton Flower Shop — 5262 State Rd. 64 E., Bradenton, FL 34208
   For over 30 years, Bradenton Flower Shop has made Valentine's Day memorable. Many of their "flowers in a gift" sets include a beautiful vase that can be reused all year long. Imagine getting your partner a gorgeous group of flowers for Valentine's Day then filling the vase with more fresh florals throughout the first year you spend in one of our lovely Bradenton homes for sale.
   
   
6. Flowers By Fudgie — 6119A Clark Center Ave., Sarasota, FL 34238
   Impress your valentine with a bouquet hand-arranged by the professional florists at Flowers By Fudgie. Servicing areas near Siesta Key homes for sale, their staff is committed to customer satisfaction and crafting beautiful floral displays. Make sure to order a day in advance for Valentine's Day!   

Looking to share a home with the person you love? Contact us, and our REALTORS® will help you find a loving home.