Adding plants to a room is a fantastic way to add color and express the decor scheme. They make a room feel more welcoming and can be a relatively low-maintenance focal point for any room. Our real estate agents appreciate it when they see that each decor element in a home has been chosen with care. If your family includes pets, you'll want to make sure that the plants you choose will be as kind to them as you are. Some plants can pose a serious risk to animals, and you'll want to be cautious when shopping at your local nursery. 

• Consider The Lilies 
  Calla lilies are striking and graceful in appearance but can be toxic to animals and humans. These are normally grown outdoors, but you may receive an arrangement, including lilies. If you grow them outside, keep them well away from pets and children. If you receive a bouquet or wreath, including lilies, keep it out of reach until it's time to dispose of it.

Pools, spas, and meticulously manicured lawns are lovely but few backyard amenities are as exceptional as an outdoor kitchen. An outdoor kitchen is a staple of luxury living. Whether it's poolside, atop a patio, or used to create the transitional indoor-outdoor space that so many homeowners desire, the outdoor kitchen is a fantastic feature. Unfortunately, it's also one of the easiest luxe renovations to botch.

When you're transforming your outdoor space with luxurious upgrades, it's important to make sure your investment is protected before, during, and after the project is completed. Our real estate agents have identified five of the most common mistakes homeowners make when installing an outdoor kitchen and how you can avoid them.

1. Mistake: Not Planning the Project Professionally
   Solution: Hire A Consultant
   
   How do you turn the outdoor kitchen of your dreams into a reality? You're going to need some help. Even if you plan on completing most aspects of the project yourself, you should still consult a team of professionals before you begin. This project will involve the installation of ventilation, electrical, gas, and water lines, all of which aren't elements an amateur should attempt to handle alone. Bringing in a professional consultant to help you detail the logistics of your vision will help you avoid mistakes.

Laffey Real Estate, a leading residential real estate broker on Long Island, launched their Virtual Showing Platform in early April to much acclaim.  The demand for virtual viewings is still strong.  Visit Laffey.com/OpenHouse page to participate.  Interested buyers can

Waffles are simple in creation and appearance, but they lend themselves to a seemingly infinite number of variations, which is why they're such a popular brunch dish. Our real estate agents will be indulging at these great waffle spots to celebrate National Waffle Day on Monday, August 24. Why not find a new favorite flavor combination? 

• Costa Nova Waffle - 211 - 2nd St., Mineola, NY 11501
  Named after a scenic beachside community in Portugal, Costa Nova Waffle will change everything you thought you know about waffles. Costa Nova serves a unique hybrid of traditional waffles and crepes, prepared Bolacha (crispy) or Tripa (soft). Choose from a selection of delectable fillings such as chocolate chips, cookie butter, and ovos moles, a traditional Portuguese egg custard. Costa Nova's waffles are designed to be portable, so you can eat on the go before viewing Mineola homes for sale. Hours are 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m. - 11 p.m. Friday, noon - 11 p.m. Saturday, and 3 p.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday.