Spring has sprung, and many homeowners will soon be updating their landscaping to make the most of it. Our real estate agents at Laffey Real Estate are all about curb appeal, and there are few things that can refresh a home's exterior like all-new landscaping.

Apart from that, landscaping gives you the opportunity for more fun around the home. Whether you are planting a tree or setting up a garden, there's nothing else quite like watching things grow. And getting ready for a new outdoor adventure isn't all that hard.

In just a few steps, you can have your home ready for fresh landscaping. Here's how you do it all the right way.

When shopping for a new home, most buyers tend to think first about the location and maybe the size. But the layout of a home is one of the most significant parts of the homebuying process. From the shape and size of the home to the number of stairs and the distance between the living room and kitchen, the flow and layout of the home will impact your daily life. Choosing the perfect home layout requires careful consideration because you don't want to regret your choice or outgrow your living situation a few years down the road. To help determine which layout will work best for your family currently and in the future, here are some pro tips from our real estate agents.

• Lifestyle Needs
  It may sound obvious but when shopping for a home, you need to envision your family actually living in the home. Some of the important things to consider include pet ownership, how many children you have and whether you'll have more in the future, whether an older family member may need to move in with you at some point in time, and general lifestyle needs. If you have kids, you may want to look into the number of bedrooms, a larger dining area, and kids' playroom. If you entertain often, you may require a gourmet kitchen, plenty of living and dining space, and a fantastic outdoor leisure area.

Are you looking for a way to skip a few trips to the grocery store and enjoy one night without a sink full of dishes? Then let these Long Island restaurants and cafes keep your family fed throughout the week. Our real estate agents have identified six restaurants around Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens Counties that offer convenient take-out and delivery options.

1. Ben's — 211-37 26th Ave., Bayside, NY 11360
   Ben's knows that there's nothing quite like a classic New York deli sandwich to remind us of simpler times. Thankfully, their overstuffed sandwiches, paninis, burgers, salads, and other menu items are available to-go. Hot entrees and cold entrees, including their family-style dinners, are all available for pick-up. Close to Bayside homes for sale, Ben's is closed for Passover, but you can still purchase gift cards online to use once the restaurant reopens April 17 for takeout orders.

Long Island is home to several museums that offer a wide array of fine art, history, education, and community programs. Our real estate agents love exploring the rich culture and history of this beautiful area. Here they share some of their faves that feature virtual exhibitions and information you can check out online.

• Nassau County Museum Of Art, One Museum Drive, Roslyn, NY
  Located on the former Frick Clayton Estate in the heart of Long Island's Gold Coast, the Nassau County Museum of Art, located near Roslyn homes for sale, features a range of rotating exhibitions and a permanent collection of more than 600 pieces that includes works by Roy Lichtenstein, Auguste Rodin, and other 19th- and 20th-century artists. Take a sneak peek online at the museum's current exhibit called Blue, which features works by Picasso, Matisse, Klee, and others, as well as the impressive sculpture garden.