Long Time No Write

It has been a few days since I have lasted written a post...well, that is a post here. I have been busy getting my professional blog up and running. And I must say I really did not have any ideas to post here.

I started today at a program put on by The Women's Council of Realtors. The topic was "Follow the Money - The Diversity of Tomorrow's Marketplace". Discussion centered around today's real estate market and what is taking place with various minority groups today and what we can expect in the future. It also touched upon the opportunities that can be found today with International buyers. The program certainly made me think about changes I should consider in my business.

However, the real reason I am writing this post has to do with the youth of today. When each panelist was asked what one thing would make a large impact on their ethnic group one panelist said educating the youth in financial responsibility. (That was not the exact term she used but it works.) Educating them to understand money, saving, investing, credit scores, home ownership and business. This would give them the tools to make responsible financial decisions in their life.

Tonight I had an email from CrainsBusiness.com. I receive these emails weekly and often just delete them. But tonight the topic caught my eye. This was a video report of a young entrepreneur, Zoe Damacela. Zoe is 17 years old. Her story is an interesting one and can be found here. This is a young women that is certainly learning financial responsibility.

Happy Dog Land

Calling all dog lovers! Watch for "Happy Dog: Caring for Your Dog's Body, Mind & Spirit" published by NAL/Penquin and to be released in September 2009. The book is co-authored by Billy Rafferty and Jill Cahr. Billy has been Cosette's groomer and friend for 10 years. We are hoping we do not lose him to fame and fortune.

For the past few months I have been following Billy and Jill's blog which has covered a variety of valuable information...some humorous and some important for the care of your pet. You might want to check it out for yourself.

And be sure to take a few minutes and watch this awesome Happy Dog trailer. (No, Cosette did not make the cut.) Enjoy!

I am FINALLY there!

I am just too too excited!!! I have started my professional blog.

I have spent hours on the first two postings but it was due to a different platform. It seemed every time I tried to do something I had to call tech support. I think I have covered all bases with those two postings so I should be good for awhile and be able to significantly reduce time spent.

The plan is to pre-write the blogs so I have some in reserve for those exceedingly busy days. Of course as I write this I realize I don't know how to date the material. I know it is not the same as on this platform. Oh well...that is for another day. I have come far and I am pleased with my progress.

Take a look for yourself...but remember...this is still a new venture.

Deals Abound

Image via Wikipedia

Just when I was wondering what to write today a friend came through with a good idea. I receive Steve Levitt's blog daily and today his was titled "5 Purchases to Make in a Down Economy". He found this information on NBC's The Today Show.

Warning: This is only for people with disposable income.

Items mentioned are wines over $25, diamonds, summer rentals, etc. Take a look at the video and see what they are talking about.

And one item not mentioned here is housing. If you are thinking of buying your first home or upgrading, now is the time to look seriously. As a Realtor I know there are good buys. If you would like more information, contact me. I will be happy to answer your questions.

Cougar vs. Bear

Yes, I know...another animal posting. This one illustrates what it is like out in the wilderness (and we think we have stressful days).

To view the short (under 4 minutes) film "The Bear" by Jean-Jacques Annaud click here. I think it is an amazing film and I hope you enjoy it.

Shrink Those Bills!

Wouldn't you like to shrink your bills? I know I would! I came across a website that can help you do just that. It is called BillShrink. This has been seen on CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS and other media sources. Now don't think this is going to reduce existing debt. It won't. What it will do is analyze your credit cards, gas expenditures, etc. and determine if you could be doing something different to save money in the future.

I have not personally checked this out yet but thought it something worth sharing. If you try it, please let me know what you think.

Proud to Be American

As Americans we do plenty of complaining. And we have plenty to complain about. However, for a moment stop to think of the advantages we have living in America. Where else in the world would you have the opportunities that we have here. Let's be grateful for what we have and be proud to be American.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

The Microwave Isn't Just for Cookin

One of the daily emails I receive is the Daily Recipe from Real Simple Magazine. In addition to the recipe you have access to other bits of information. Some days I like the recipe and some days I just hit delete. Today I took a look at the other items and came upon "14 Surprising Uses for Your Microwave" by Melissa Clark.

Do you ever have sponges that have lots of life left in them but they smell disgusting? Well, I usually throw them in the dishwasher which takes care of the problem but since I only run my dishwasher about once a week here is a better solution from the article:

Disinfecting and Deodorizing Sponges

Don't throw out the kitchen sponge that smells like last night's salmon. Soak it in water spiked with white vinegar or lemon juice, then heat it on high for 1 minute. (Use an oven mitt to remove it.) This will also disinfect any sponges you used to wipe up the juices from a raw chicken.

Here is another use that I am going to try:

Roasting Garlic

It takes 45 minutes to roast garlic in the oven but less than 8 in the microwave. Slice off the top of the head to reveal all the cloves. Place the head in a small, deep dish, season with salt and pepper, and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of good olive oil. Spoon 2 tablespoons of water into the bottom of the dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and cook at medium power for 7 to 7 1/2 minutes. Let stand for a few minutes before unwrapping.

To find the other 12 ideas click here.

Watch the Puppy Whistle

Yes, I said whistle. On wimp.com, a website that updates daily with "best internet videos", I found several interesting videos but what I am going to share here all relate to animals. Those of you that know me know that I love animals...particularly dogs. None of these videos run more than three minutes so hope you take some time and enjoy.

Puppy that whistles.

Puppy trying to walk. I want one of these.

Very smart dog. You will be amazed!



Cat in the Box
Maru has many videos on Wimp.com.

Cute Kitty I want one of these, too!


Now for the more exotic.

Very Cute Tiger Cub...Very!

A Pet Bear? Can you imagine picking up after him?

Okay...for the most unusual...a Pet Hippo. This is really unbelievable.

Hope you enjoyed!

The Birth of a Hummingbird

Image via Wikipedia

Here is another item that came from an email I received. My sister sent this to me...Thank you, Carol. I can use all the help I can get with subject matter.

The Birth of a Hummingbird. ...

Keep in mind the egg is smaller than a tic tac and a quarter fits the
opening of the nest! This is truly amazing.

Be sure to click on NEXT PAGE at the b ottom of each page; there are 5
pages in all..check the days on the top left of each page!

A lady found a hummingbird nest and got pictures all the way from the egg
to leaving the nest.

It took 24 days from birth to flight. Because you'll probably never in
your lifetime see this again, enjoy; and please share.

Click on the picture and you will see a photo journal of the birth of a Hummingbird. Keep in mind how small these are. At the end of the first series is another link for another series of photos.