A Scrappin' Good Time!

One of my good friends, Jamie, has a prego sister.

Jamie was put in charge of the shower invites.

Jamie knows I love to scrap & she saw the

invites I made for Heather's shower.

She asked for my help and of course I said YES!

Off we went to get a few supplies.

I took the stuff home to make an invite

so I could get her approval.

Great news! She liked it!

I had 32 invites to make and not alot of time. 

So I kept them simple.

Tah dah!

Each one has a different

puffy sticker on the front.

The vellum has pink foot prints...ahhhh!

The inside reads:

Cute Little Nose,

Sweet Little Smile...

A Baby is Coming in Just A Short While!

A Giggle, A Curl...

A Sweet Little Girl!

Jamie picked that off of a web site I sent her.

I love it!

Who is the Tooth Fairy?

Sunday Kylee lost a 2nd tooth in as many weeks.

Sunday night I put $5 (all $1 bills) in her Tooth Fairy pillow, under her pillow.

Monday morning she woke up and told me the Tooth Fairy left her all $1 bills.

Monday morning on the way to school:

Kylee:

“Mom, why did Dad have all of the $1 bills on top of his wallet last night?”

 

Me:

“Daddy takes money out of his pockets and sets it down.

He hadn’t put it in his wallet yet. I think it was only $1 or $2.”

 

Kylee:

“No. There was like $5 or $10.”

 

Me:

“You know how Daddy is. He takes money out of his pocket

and sets it down until he gets his wallet again.”

 

Kylee:

“Does the Tooth Fairy leave me money or is it you guys? Tell me the truth.”

 

Me:

In my head….Eeek…gulp….hmmm

“Do you believe in the Tooth Fairy?”

 

Kylee:

“Yes.”

 

Me:

“Well then the Tooth Fairy is leaving you the money.”

 

Kylee:

“Ok. I wish the Tooth Fairy would leave me a toy like she did before.”

 

I giggled and thought whew….I got through that one!

Happy Birthday!

Today is my Mommy's Birthday!

Happy Birthday Mom!

We love you!

Not Me! Monday

Here you go Peeps...Let's do this!


I did not have a scrumptious lunch a Rubios with Kristin. And I definitely did not like the garlic shrimp taco I had for the first time. YUMM-O!

I did not take Kylee to her first batting lesson and like watching her confidence. Her coach is GREAT!

I did not go to an all day seminar and love every minute of it! The speakers were hilarious!

I did not leave that seminar extremely motivated and ready for that big change. I am a JUMPER!

I did not enjoy taking Kylee to Staples to get this “shakable pencil sharpener” she had to have. I love my girl! And I did not love Applebee’s afterward. Mmmmm

I did not get very excited to see Kylee get the Stinger Bear at practice. She has already received the bat. (Stinger bear and bat are take home until next practice or game prizes).

Once again, I did not have my favorite bbq albacore from Mikuni and love every once of it.

I did not have fun watching Kylee and her team play so well on Sunday. I really didn’t like the heat! Nope, not at all.

I did not eat dinner one night at home last week. I really didn’t so I must nip that in the booty right now!

Go ahead and join me.

Post your Not Me! Mondays!

It’s so much cheaper than therapy. ;o)

Friday!

The end of the week is here!

Hip Hip Horray!

I have an exciting weekend ahead.

busy busy busy

Ahhh the Realtor's Life.

I do plan on taking some down time.

Maybe hit Mikuni with my family-

tonight. Yep, that's the plan.

I just decided.

After my 5 o'clock meeting of course.

Have a safe night of fun!

The Amazing Race!

Just AMAZING!
This is my most
FAVORITE reality show.
Hands down.

Starting Sunday

my t.v. time

will be complete again.

Yippee!

And let's not forget about Grey's Anatomy

and the rest of the fall lineup!

My DVR is certainly

getting used and abused!

Happy watching!

Real Estate News - Home Maintenance

It's Fall: Time to Prepare Your Home for Winter

 Fall maintenance is important because it helps make homes more energy efficient during the winter months, and will safeguard homes against potential seasonal 'disasters' such as leaking roofs or home fires caused by neglected chimneys. Here are ten tips to a safer, warmer winter.


TIP #1 -- Check the heating system. Check the filter, pilot light and burners in a system fueled by gas or oil. Fireplaces, boilers, water heaters, space heaters and wood burning stoves should also be serviced every year. Have the specialist inspecting your unit show you how to change the filter and then you should change it at least once every 2 months. Clean ducts in the heating system. Clean and vacuum dust from vents, baseboard heaters and cold air returns. Dust build-up in ducts is a major cause of indoor pollutants. Ducts should be professionally cleaned about every three years.


TIP #2 -- Have the chimney inspected by a qualified chimney professional. Chimneys should be checked and cleaned, if necessary, on an annual basis. If you are using a wood stove this season, be sure that the stovepipe was installed correctly according to the manufacturer's recommendations and local codes. If there is any doubt, a building inspector or fire official can determine whether the system is properly installed. If you have a chimney that will not be used, consider having it sealed shut.


TIP #3 -- Test fire alarms, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, and vacuum out the dust. Batteries should be checked every six months to ensure that they're working.


TIP #4 -- Remove excess leaves and damaged branches from trees surrounding the house. Dead branches have the potential to break and fall, ruining roofs, decks, or vehicles and the possibly causing injuries to people.


TIP #5 -- Maintain gutters. Remove all debris that can slow or impede the ability of water to drain effectively from the roof. Trapped water can be destructive not only to the gutters themselves but to the adjoining roof as well. Make sure gutter water drains away from your home.


TIP #6 -- Inspect the roof. Look for damaged or loose shingles, gaps in the flashing at joints with siding, vents and flues, as well as damaged mortar around the chimney.


TIP #7 -- Inspect exterior walls, doors and windows. Check walls and window sills for damage such as cracks, gaps, loose or crumbling mortar, along with splitting and decaying wood. Caulk exterior joints around windows and doors, which helps keep the home weather tight and lower heating bills. Check windows and doors to make sure locks work properly and that they are in good condition. Clean tracks and lubricate hinges. Repair or replace any cracked windows.


TIP #8 -- Maintain steps and handrails. Repair broken steps and secure loose banisters and handrails. Broken steps can cause a dangerous fall. Similarly, a person slipping will grab a handrail for support.


TIP #9 -- Inspect the attic and basement or crawlspace. Insulate voids in the attic - the entire attic floor above a living space should be insulated with at least six inches of insulation, except around electrical fixtures such as recessed lights that aren't rated for contact with insulation. Damp basements and crawl spaces can become mold and mildew problems. Watch for leaks from your water heater, plumbing system and seeping rain water from the roof. Locate and maintain a clear access to your main water shut off valve. If you have a sump pump, test, clean and lubricate it.


TIP #10 -- Shut down sprinkler systems and outside faucets. Homeowners can shut down outside faucets, however weatherizing the underground sprinkler system is best performed by industry professionals who will flush the system before the cold sets in, preventing cracked pipes.


Source: Old Republic Home Protection - Newsletter

Forgive me thighs for I have sinned...

Yum! Yum! Yum!
My favorite bagel of
all time was ONION.

Today I have a new favorite -
cheddar jalapeno!

These scrumptious pieces of heaven
were on sale so I bought a bag.

I can't eat all of them so I brought
one to the office for a friend.

Here's the deal,
without cream cheese
(which I DID have & on both sides)
the piece of heaven is about 350
calories - youch!

It was great though and well
worth the splurge.

Tomorrow we will split a bagel.

Real Estate News - Have you thought...?

Are you a current Renter?

If so, have you thought

about buying a home?

Have you sat down

with an experienced Realtor

and looked at the numbers?

You may be able to own a home

for the same or less then what you

pay in rent.

Have you thought about that?

Homeowners get great benefits

along with the ultimate -

bragging rights

to Home Ownership.

I bet it is easier than you think.

Give me a call.

I am more than happy

to answer your questions.

Talk to you soon!

Your Realtor,

Liz

What A Weekend!

Let’s start with Friday. Jamie and Kylee went to the race track after school. I took that opportunity to have some quiet alone me time. After work I got my nails and toes done. Yeah!  After that I got Chinese food and some wine and enjoyed some T.V. at home. By myself.  Although I am curious to know what the check out lady was thinking at Raleys while she was ringing up my half pints of food and my bottle of wine. Hmmm...

Saturday was race day but first Kylee and I went to cheer on Abby at her soccer game. They won 7-2 and Abby scored 2 goals! Woot! So glad we were there to see it!  Great job Abby!  After the game Kylee and I went to the race track to cheer on daddy. His car was running really good but he lost in the second round. Sigh….
We had fun hanging out with our friends from L.A. though. We don’t see them enough!

Sunday was softball day. Kylee had a double header. Game 1 had some controversy. It is amazing to me what coaches and parents will do to corrupt a game. We are talking 8U here people! Our AMAZING coaches handled the situation perfectly. Game 1 ...ya, that's all I have to say about that.
Game 2 – they brought in a new umpire. One who kind of  knew what she was doing…Sheesh! I said kind of….that girl called a strike when the ball bounced before it got to the plate. Huh? Anyway, Kylee hit a double in game 2.  Way to go! The girls played another awesome weekend. I am so proud of them! Oh and did I mention they won 7-3? Go Stingers!

The Soy Report

I love soy milk!
I never thought I would
so I never wanted to taste it.

Now that I am trying to be more conscious of what I eat I thought why not?! Thanks Kathleen for
making the suggestion!
And wa la! It’s great!

Pumpkin Spice Soy Latte with no whip please!

The Easiest Artichoke Dip

In honor of football season I thought I would share with you all a little secret recipe. This artichoke dip is so good, so quick and the best thing is you make it in the microwave!


You will need:

* 1 Can of Artichoke Hearts (just one unless you want super chunk!)
* 1 8oz Can of Diced Green Chillis (again, just one or you may need a six pack with each bite!)
* 1 cup of Shredded Parmesan Cheese (or more if you are a super cheesy kind of person.)
* 1 cup of Mayonnaise (I’d stick with just the cup unless you don’t mind the calories.)
* Spinach if desired but not needed
* What ever you want for dipping or spreading


All you do is cut the artichoke hearts into chunks (you pick the size). Combine all ingredients in a microwave safe dish and stir together. Place in the microwave and heat in 1 ½ minute intervals until the cheese is melted. Stir each time.

Enjoy!

Real Estate News - Feng Shui

Feng Shui at Home

Applying Feng Shui at home can be easy if you understand the basic principles. Feng Shui
(sometimes spelled fung shway or fung shui)
is an ancient Chinese art that can enhance your life.


The Chinese characters shown above are for wind (feng) and water (shui, shei or shwei). Feng Shui encompasses many aspects of life.

To start:


Chi. The most important concept behind Feng Shui is an energy and force called chi, which is sometimes spelled Qi or Ki. You cannot see, feel or hear chi but you reap its effects. The physical location and surroundings of your house is a major factor in determining what kind of chi you get. Unfortunately, relocating is not an option for most people, so I will focus on what you can do with your existing home to improve the flow of positive energy.


Your goal should be to maximize your positive chi (scheng chi) and reduce your negative chi (si chi) and harmful energy (sha chi) in order to benefit from Feng Shui at home. By adding various elements, you can adjust improve your feng shui at home.  Adding movement such as flowing water increases the flow of chi, which increases the energy level of the room.


You can find appealing little fountains in a lot of stores. I found one in an Avon catalog recently.

Stay tuned for more….. Good luck!

Last Minute Brownies!

From the box of course! There is no from scratch-ness here! Maybe some day.

Kylee and I decided to make brownies today after dinner.  They have been in the pantry for a few weeks now.  Since the "Uncles" are coming to town for the races this weekend we decided to make them a treat.

 We got the goods together then got to work.

Box says to combine all ingredients then stir

50 strokes with a spoon. 

I think we did more than 50.

Ahhh...now for the fun part. Confetti!

Do you think she kept moving the

confetti around in hope that

the fingers would get some chocolate on them?

I asked her to wash her hands.

She said with a smile, "NEVER".

And we're done & they were YUM!

The Things Kids Say

While I was getting ready this morning Kylee says:

“Mom, we need to go to the weight store.”

Me: “Ok, why?”

Kylee: “We need to get weights that are 10, 11, 12 and 13.”

Me: “Why do we need all of those weights?”

Kylee: “Because when I take my library books back at the end of the year I want it to be like nothing for me.”

Me: laughing… “Hmmm, we will think about that one.”

Then….

Me: “I called Justice and they are discontinuing their parties.”

Kylee: “They are? Why?”

Me: “I’m not sure. How about having your birthday at a craft store? That sounds fun.”

Kylee: “Ya, that’s not really what I was going for.”

Me: laughing…. “Ok, I will go online and find some ideas for you to choose from.”

Stay tuned for her decision on the Big 9 Birthday Party!

It’s Here! It’s Here!

I am pretty lucky to have

such talented peeps.

My girlfriend Sara

made me this necklace.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

She made herself one and I absolutely loved it!

So, I asked if she could make me one too.

I didn’t request anything specific like colors or beads since I trust her creations will come out fabulous regardless.  Needless to say,

I was so excited to see

my finished product!

Kylee loved it too!

To top it off she packaged it so cute and even included a free handmade gift tag from her line.

By the way, she also makes the cutest cards I have ever seen. I order all of my ‘Thank You’ cards from her. 

Only the best for my clients!

You can see for yourself at her Etsy shop: http://www.saraito02.etsy.com/

Thanks Sara!

Real Estate News - Tips To Pretty Up Your Lawn

Let's get our Lawns Ready Now for Next Year! 

Are you planning on selling a property in the spring or do you just want to get your yard looking good? Well then, get a jump on curb appeal by working now on beautifying your lawn.

Here are some key tasks that will lead to a green and healthy yard in the next selling season:


• Calculate the total lawn area to learn how much seed and chemicals are required.


• Treat weeds with an herbicide.


• Test the pH level and, if indicated, add lime.


• Plant ground cover like pachysandra and hardy ferns in low-light or slopping areas.


• Before preparing, seeding and fertilizing the rest of the lawn, consider whether there are areas that might be better candidates for stepping stones or another attractive alternative to plantings.


These are great suggestions for that neighbor who doesn’t seem to take as much care of their yard as you do.  Hint…hint… wink…wink…

Real Estate News - 7 Tips for First-Time Home Buyers

Here are seven bits of wisdom from economists and financial planners for anyone contemplating a home purchase today:



1)  Old-fashioned basics are more important than ever. The safest way to purchase a home is to put down 20 percent on a fixed-rate, 30-year (or less) mortgage.


2)  Don’t become overconfident about income growth. Even though buyers in their 20s and 30s will likely see their incomes grow more quickly than previous generations, it is important to act sensibly when borrowing.


3)  Anyone contemplating adding children to the family should calculate whether they could live on one income because having both halves of a couple work may turn out to be impractical.


4)  Include a maintenance budget. Even new homes need upkeep and repairs.


5)  Buyers who can't afford their dream home now should opt for a starter home where they can save money each month for what they really want.


6)  Consider a property that can be expanded and improved down the road when money is available.


7)  No two buyers are the same, but they should all feel confident with the loan they enter into, no matter the size of the mortgage.
Source: The New York Times, Ron Lieber (09/12/2009)

Do you have any questions?

Please don't hesitate to call me.

Not me! Monday

I have seen this posted on other blogs and fell in love with the idea. Thought I would give it a try for myself.



Not me! Monday


Here you go…all of the things I did not do last week!


≈ I did not order more business cards because I am already out of the last batch. It’s been busy!


≈ I did not go to Mikuni twice last weekend and enjoy every ounce of food I was served including the special roll the sushi chef made for us. Very YUM! Tip: sit at the sushi bar, it’s fun!


≈ I did not try to make turkey burgers with chopped onions and bbq sauce mixed in and attempt to grill them. They stuck to the grill! I really didn't like that they stuck.


≈ I did not salvage the patties and bring them in to cook in a pan. Note: they turned out pretty good. :o) Even ate the last one for lunch the next day!


≈ I did not help Kylee with her math homework and get confused for a second. True story.


≈ I did not finally have my hair appointment and loved catching up with my friend. Seriously, it had been almost 3 months. Goal: I will try to never reschedule an appointment again.


≈ I did not help organize a nacho themed potluck for a colleagues baby shower. YUM! She got some adorable gifts.


≈ I did not have a fun pizza dinner with our besties at Pizza Bell after Kylee’s softball pictures. The kids love the machines there.


≈ I did not sit outside in the cold weather at Joe’s Crab Shack for lunch and a few drinks. It was a blast and the cold was a nice change.


≈ I did not enjoy every minute of the 5 hours we spent at softball. And I mostly did not enjoy watching Kylee score a run in her second game.
Go Stingers!

Join us, would you?

Post your not me! Mondays

It's so much cheaper than therapy.

Softball Sunday

Kylee,

Dad and I are so proud of how much you have progressed in softball. From the day you first put on a mit two months ago to scoring a run in your game today. You are doing great!  You hung in there for 5 hours. Double header with warm-ups do really take that long.  Your team plays very well together.  I especially like how you guys encourage your pitcher and shout the number of outs the batting team has when you are in the outfield, "good one pitcher!" & "two outs Stingers!".  We can't wait until next week!  Keep up the awesome play!

Oh and one more thing, please be nice and smile when I take your picture.  I signed up to be the team picture taker so I would appreciate a teeth showing smile from time to time. After all you did choose your team colors for the bands on your braces. :)

Love,
Mom

A Simple Saturday

All that know us know we don't sit still too long -

constantly on the move. 

We have a lot going on especially this time of year. 

This Saturday happened to be a nice, relaxing one.  Every once in a while it's nice not having a schedule ....ahhhh. 

Here is our day:

after sleeping in we managed to get ourselves

moving enough to go to breakfast. 

I love breakfast...eggs benedict specifically. 

Had a good meal then we went home and

cleaned around the house a bit.  

Jamie got to watch some college football (HOOK'EM HORNS!) then we were off to a softball school to look into lessons for Kylee. The school was closed...sigh...we were looking forward to getting her signed up.  Oh well.

I jumped on their web site and found out their hours on the weekends are sporadic so I sent them an email and left a message.  You think that's too much?  Nah...

Since we were so close to Old Sac we decided to go to one of our favorite places for lunch - Joe's Crab Shack.  Their atmosphere is fun and their food is yum! The service is pretty good too. 

Kylee hearts the crab.

After lunch we headed home and vegged. It was a great day!

I hope you all had a good day too.

In My Opinion...

Grocery store wine.

Good stuff on the shelves just be patient enough to try a variety of them.

Bottles only, not boxes.

Dry not fruity.

Cute labels are always a plus.

I like to stay at $10 or less.

You can find some good ones and depending
where you shop

you can use a rewards card.

My pick for you is this:

Dry not fruity.

Under $10 and so far my favorite

grocery store wine.

I got this for $8.99 the other day.

My mother-in-law was visiting and

she liked it also.

Have you tried it?

If you haven’t go out and give it a try

this weekend.

I have a feeling you will like it too.

Smencils

I am so excited to be a blogger! This is my first post and I am choosing to report on Smencils.

My daughter LOVES these things. If you don't already know, Smencils are gourmet scented pencils made from 100% recycled newspapers. What a great way to reuse trash! Kylee found these simple little treasures in the student store where they are sold for $1 a piece. She's got 10 now and all different scents. She carries them in a special Hello Kitty purse so they won't get lost. I say if they get her excited to do her homework then GO SMENCILS!

http://www.smencils.com/