Today, we're rolling out the welcome mat to our HYATT house guests with an exciting new housewarming initiative that we hope will have everyone feeling right at home.

HYATT house, which launched late last year, offers a fresh take on the extended-stay category and allows travelers to feel relaxed, connected and at home while on the road. The brand has seen big changes in 2012 - back in early January, all Hyatt Summerfield Suites and all Hotel Sierra hotels underwent official name and signage changes, bringing the total to 53 HYATT house properties in 16 different states.

And that's where the 53 days of housewarming comes in! To officially welcome guests to HYATT house and help them feel more like residents, we're hosting 53 days of housewarming. At all 53 HYATT house hotels, guests will be welcomed with festivities, party favors, and the chance to win one of 53 exclusive housewarming gifts created by Sara Kate Gillingham-Ryan, lifestyle expert and founding editor of Apartment Therapy's culinary arts site, TheKitchn.com (p.s. the gifts are worth more than $1,000!).

But you can take part online, too. Starting today on the HYATT house Facebook page, share your top travel secrets for how you make yourself feel at home on the road for the chance to win a trip to any HYATT house of your choice with up to nine friends, round-trip transportation and an exclusive HYATT house party! Do you pack your pink bunny slippers with you? Always grab a midnight snack of chocolate milk and ice cream? Spill your travel secret for a chance to win.

Finally, HYATT house guests will get a handbook of travel tips and recipes from Sara Kate and HYATT house for making life on the road more comfortable. Here's one of her traveling tips and a recipe to try from home or a HYATT house kitchen suite:

Sara Kate's HYATT house Tip of the Day: Buy yourself flowers at a local deli, florist or roadside stand, especially if you're out of town for more than a day or two. Herbs in a pot or your favorite violets on the counter or by the window will add color and life to your room, making it feel much more like home. If you don't want to pack or buy a vase, consider using the glass pitcher in your HYATT house suite, or use that empty milk jug or jar of jelly you were going to throw out!

Herbed Butter Popcorn

There are a million ways to dress up popcorn. It's hard for me to choose: I like it at little herby, a little tangy, a little sweet and a little salty. When you're on the road it's easy to reach for the pre-seasoned microwave popcorn, but if you have a kitchen, why not do something more special? Here, thyme leaves, maple syrup, lemon, and salt take care of all of my usual cravings. Use a nice flakey salt if possible, and if thyme isn't on hand, try other herbs like rosemary or parsley. If you'd rather not pop in stove-top, use unflavored microwave popcorn and make the sauce as directed.

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme

1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoons maple syrup

1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 cup popcorn kernels

Flakey sea salt, to taste

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the thyme, lemon juice, maple syrup, and lemon zest and stir to mix well. Remove from the heat and cover to keep warm.

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid, heat the olive oil over medium- high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the popcorn and immediately cover the pot. After the first kernels pop, cook, shaking occasionally, until all of the kernels have popped, about 4 minutes. Pour the popcorn into a large bowl.

Pour the warm flavored butter over the popcorn and toss to coat well. Season with salt and serve at once.