Friday, December 28, 2012

NYE South of the River


Don't want to drink in the new year? Have no fear. For New Year's 2013, Burnsville, Apple Valley and other south metro cities will have plenty for you to do.
  •  Big Baby Boomer with Louie Anderson: The gap-toothed comedian is back by popular demand. Anderson will perform two shows back-to-back at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center on NYE. The first show begins at 7:30 p.m. followed by an encore at 10. Prices range from $31.95 to $71.95 per ticket. Reserved VIP tickets are also available for $101.95.

  •  A Wicked-Cool NYE at Buck Hill: Party-goers at Buck Hill will be able to ski, ride, or tube until midnight, enjoy Kevin Hall's Amazing Magic Show, listen to music from the Rythym Junkies with Dean Weisser & Leslee Mckee, and feast in the Whittier Room. The event will be capped off by a fireworks display at midnight. Free "Glitter Glam Hair-Dos" and tarot card readings will also be available. Regular prices apply to many of the activities. There are no additional charges for the extra perks on NYE. to reserve seating for dinner in the Whittier Room, contact Diane at 952-432-6566 x3 or email diane@crystallakegolfcourse.com.

  • Enjoy! a Sumptuous Dinner: Enjoy! in Apple Valley will be offering a special menu full of classy confections like Lobster Bisque, Oyster Rockefeller and half-roasted duck.

  • Ring in 2013 at Lebanon Hills Regional Park's seventh annual family New Year's Eve Party.
    The party, scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center in Eagan, is $10 per person at the door or $8 per person in advance. Children ages 5 and under are free.

    Activities include snowshoeing and hiking by candlelight; sledding on the lit sledding hill; s’mores at the bonfire; and readings by storyteller Roy Edward Power, magician Matt Dunn and live animals from Dakota Wild Animals.

    Participants can also welcome the New Year with a countdown and ball drop at 7:59 p.m. Hot concessions will be for sale and the snowshoe rental open. Bring your own sleds and ice skates. All ages are welcome.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Personalized Letters from Santa Claus!

Children love to receive mail, especially from Santa Claus himself! This Christmas, your child's name can be added to Santa's list if you register by December 3rd with the Apple Valley Parks & Recreation Department at the Apple Valley Community Center.

To assist Santa in composing his letter, a special registration form will need to be filled out, and the following information will be requested: Child's full name and nickname; child's age; boy or girl; city that he/she will be in on Christmas morning; address to send the letter to; names of other family members; items that the child will definitely be receiving from Santa; child's favorite activities/hobbies; others who Santa should say "Hi" to; and any special messages that you would like added.

The cost is $4 per letter mailed, and letters are to be mailed by December 14th.

Monday, November 5, 2012

Anniversary at RE/MAX

In my office mail, I received a letter and certificate from RE/MAX CEO Margaret Kelly thanking me for five years of service to RE/MAX.  My first thought was, wow, five years!  I switched to RE/MAX Results after nine years as a Realtor. All change is hard but sometimes making the decision is hardest part.  I haven't regretted one day as a RE/MAX agent.  I can definitely say I am happier and more productive than I ever imagined. 

Occassionally, people will ask why I switched companies so I thought I would take a few minutes and share with you.  There were many factors that went into my decision.  A major consideration was how I could best represent my clients in their real estate transactions. RE/MAX has been a perfect move for my clients offering a worldwide network (in 86 countries), brand awareness and marketing/technology that benefit my buyers and sellers.  They have the market share in the Twin Cities and achieve results such as lower market time for sellers.

Besides the analytical data, if you need a good laugh, check out this video- RE/MAX is Wack!



A recent change in the industry is that some companies do not share their listings on web sites where consumers are searching. My company has chosen to "syndicate" our listings to over 900 web sites. Another reason my clients benefit from working with RE/MAX.



When I made the move five years ago, I joined RE/MAX Results.  They were the first RE/MAX presence in the area and now have 24 locations and over 600 agents.  While other companies downsized and closed offices over the last few years, RE/MAX Results has been growing.  They also have made huge investments in technology and in training for their agents like me.  I believe it is owned and operated by the best and brightest visionaries in the industry.  I could go on and on but here is the point- when you can say it is an honor working with the owners of your company, then you have made the right choice. 

On my fifth anniversary at RE/MAX, I am looking forward to the future.  I am a wife and a mother now and my goal is to be successful and productive in all aspects of my life.  I am thankful I have a company like RE/MAX behind me. 

  

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

2012 Pumpkin Giveaway Was A Blast!

I held my 10th annual pumpkin giveaway on October 13th at Cal's Market in Savage. It was a wonderful time! Cal's was the perfect spot because they have an enclosed greenhouse so the rain didn't dampen the events. There was an inflated haunted forest, a hay maze to wander through, animals to feed and of course, lots of pumpkins and food. The best part was being able to see so many of my past clients and people that support my business. Time goes by so fast- one of my clients that just celebrated their 10th anniversary in their home came by and many kids I remembered as babies during their family's house hunting were now 8 to 10 years old! This was the second year my daughter attended and it was so fun (and hectic) having her there. This was the first year we had a photographer there to capture the memories; see the pictures here.



A huge thank you to my family and clients for supporting my business!


Jacqueline

Friday, October 12, 2012

Tenth Annual Pumpkin Giveaway


Join me for my annual client appreciation pumpkin giveaway on Saturday. We are serving sub sandwiches, chips, cookies, candy and hot apple cider. Select your pumpkins and enjoy the straw maze, an inflatable haunted haunted forest and feed the baby goats and cows. We will be inside the greenhouse which is heated so don't let chilly weather keep you away!

Get a family photo by Thirty-Six Photography- pictures available on Monday at www.facebook.com/jamrealty


Details:
11 to 1 on Saturday, October 13th

Cal's Market and Garden Center

6403 Egan Drive

Savage, MN 55378





Sunday, October 7, 2012

Halloween Parties Near You!


  • Eagan Halloween Hodgepodge will take place on Sunday, October 28. This annual event will be held at Eagan Community Center (1501 Central Pkwy). At this indoor event there will be15+ carnival games, family dance, art projects, trick or treat room, puppet show, a special room just for preschoolers and more.

  • Nickelodeon Universe will host their Blackout 2012 event from 5-10 p.m. each night. 
Experience Nickelodeon Universe in a whole new way with unlit rides, black lighting, fog effects, a live DJ, costume contests, black light t-shirt making, glow in the dark airbrush tattoos and more! 

Blackout Unlimited Ride Wristbands are $19.99. First 1,000 ride ticket purchases made after 5 p.m. will receive a FREE treat bag.

-Friday, October 19
-Saturday, October 20

-Friday, October 26
-Saturday, October 27



  • Savage will have their Halloween Fun Run & Bash on Saturday, October 27 2012, from 1:00pm - 8:00pm. Gather at the ELC and surrounding Community Park to celebrate fall and being outdoors this spooky time of year. They will have plenty of activities planned such as crafts, games, and other indoor fun, a bonfire, concessions, face painting, crazy hair, Jacob's ladder, and an inflatable! Make sure to dress in your favorite Halloween costume. All ages welcome to this family event.



Thursday, October 4, 2012

Events This Week!

  • Apple Valley Fire Stations will be having an open houses all this week. You will be able to see the equipment, enjoy fun activities for kids, and meet your local firefighters. 
    • Open houses are 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm on the following dates: 
    • Station 1 Tuesday, Oct. 9th; 15000 Hayes Road
    • Station 2 Wednesday, Oct. 10th; 13995 Galaxie Avenue
    • Station 3 Thursday, Oct. 11th;  14195 Essex Avenue

  •  Starting this Friday, Buck Hill will open their 13 nights of Screams and Frights. Frightmare returns Friday, October 5 and running through Sunday, October 28. This year, in addition to being home to ghosts and ghouls, Frightmares will also be the place to enjoy some of the area’s best live entertainment. For more information Click Here.

  •  Savage, Prior Lake, and Shakopee are hosting the Scott County Art Crawl. This event takes place Saturday, October 06 2012, 9:00am - 5:00pm. You will be able to meet over 50 Artists that help make-up the strong Arts Community in Scott County. Take a self guided tour and see for yourself how their artwork is created. Artists are opening up their studios, or displaying their artwork at sponsoring businesses. Come see original artwork to enjoy a fun self-guided tour of art stops. For more information Click here!



Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Apple Picking Adventure


The leaves are turning vibrant shades of gold, red and orange in Minnesota signaling to many families that its time to head out the apple orchards for their annual apple picking adventures.  This was my first time going with my family and I am definitely going to make it a yearly tradition.

We went to Deardorff Orchards and Vineyards in Waconia.  The drive out to this western suburb was breath-taking.  It is just 30 miles southwest of downtown Minneapolis.   There are rolling hills, trees of every color and a quiet peace that is unexpected so close to a major city.  The scenery alone is worth the drive!

I had my almost two year old in tow and discovered that my dreams of sipping their award winning wine while strolling through the orchard was not going to happen.  My sister had two of her kids along and while they are very well behaved, it was not the relaxing afternoon I had envisioned.  It was a comedy of errors trying to keep my daughter by my side as I paid for my bag inside the rustic barn filled with all kinds of crafts, gifts and goodies.    I mean who can be expected to stand still when caramel apples dipped in candy are within reach! We made it out of the barn to load onto the tractor pulled wagon to get our ride out to the trees.

Here is when I learned my next lesson- come early in the season or bring a picker.  I am on the shorter side, ok, I am very short, and of course the kids are even shorter.  People that have come before us have pretty much picked all the prime apples that are anywhere within our reach.   We still got full bags of apples but they were really cute, small apples.  They actually are perfect size for my daughter and she was happy to sample a few while we walked.



My third lesson was to watch your step.  Many fallen or discarded apples, while looking festive, led to a few tumbles.  Luckily no injuries or tears!  I would recommend good walking shoes or boots for this activity which apparently everyone had thought of except me.  

We headed back to with our bulging bags of apples and were treated to live music in the shady picnic area.  Overall, it was a perfect afternoon!  For only $13, we had a wagon ride, a bag of apples, live music and some priceless memories.  Maybe I'll even get to taste the wine next year.






Thursday, September 27, 2012

Halloween Decorations

With Halloween only a month away it is time to start thinking about the decorations around your home!
 Here are some easy DIY ideas for your families. 


  • Carving pumpkins is an easy craft for all ages! HGTV has 22 simple templates, Click Here



  • This is an adorable idea if you are having guests over. It is simply hand painted spiders on the plate.


  • HGTV has 21 cute party favor treat bags. All are very simple and will please your guests!




  • Try these spooky candles:
    • Materials and Tools:

      three tall glass enclosed candles
      4" wooden letters, spelling "E-E-K," or "B-O-O"
      craft paint
      paintbrushes
      Perfect Pearls embellishing pigment kit (by Ranger Ink)
      spray bottle filled with water
      8-mm jump rings
      E6000 glue
      chain
      needle-nosed jewelry pliers
      Steps:
      1. Paint the wooden letters with craft paint and allow them to dry. An eerie mix of green and black paint or a ghostly white works well.

      2. Rub the pad of Pearlizing Perfect medium on each letter.

      3. Use a paintbrush to dust the patina powders included in the kit on each letter. Spray with water from the spray bottle to set the pigments, and allow them to dry.

      4. Use E6000 glue to attach an 8-mm jump ring to the back of each letter in the center and at the top. Position the jump ring so that approximately half of the ring is exposed at the top of the letter.
        Note: Allow the glue to dry for at least 8 hours.

      5. Wrap chain around the lip of the candle glass. Link the chain together to form a loop of chain around the top of the candle with a tail of chain.

      6. Use the needle-nosed pliers to attach another jump ring to the jump rings on the letters. Attach this second jump ring to the chain.

  • Not only do you have to worry about the inside of your house, but the outside as well! This "Welcome" is a fun project to do with the kids. For a list of materials and instructions Click Here!

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Low Cost Tips to Prepare Your Home for Selling

Sellers always ask me what they can do to have their house sell faster and at the best possible price. Here are a five low cost tips that that I suggest for preparing your home for sale.




#1 Make the most of that first impression- I advise owners to clean or paint their front doors, update landscaping and take care of the yard and walkways. Make buyers feel welcome and show them that the home has been cared for from their first look!



#2 Check faucets and bulbs- Don't let little problems detract from what is right with your home!



#3 Create dream bedrooms- Get rid of excess furniture, update your bedspreads and curtains. Add new throw pillows on the bed to give the room a cozy and upscale finish.



#4 Make your bathrooms sparkle- Check and repair caulking in the tubs and showers, update towels and shower curtains, remove all items from the counters and CLEAN! A new light fixture or mirror over the sink can also add an updated feel to the room.



#5 Stage rooms to appeal to buyers- Remove extra furniture and rearrange rooms so they are easy to walk through. Add slipcovers to furniture with older patterns. Make sure lighting is sufficient. Remove any collections or displays that may interest or distract buyers and replace with artwork in complimentary colors.



Monday, September 10, 2012

Events this weekend

Curious George: Let’s Get Curious!
This exhibit lets you explore familiar buildings and locales from the Curious George book series and television show on PBS KIDS in Curious George: Let’s Get Curious! This event will take place September 15th at the Minnesota Children's Museum. For more information visit www.mcm.org

Fall Community Fest
Prior Lake High School will be hosting their Fall Community Fest. This event will take place on Monday, September 17 2012, from  6:00pm - 8:30pm. It s for all ages! There will be children's activities, scavenger hunt, live music, door prices, food, and much more! For more information click here.

Who Done It Hike
On Saturday, September 15, 2012 at 9:30am Lakeville will have their Who Done it Hike. This event is all about collecting clues, gathering information and solving mysteries, while walking the trails at Ritter Farm Park. If you solve the mystery, you’ll have a chance to guess “who done it.” For those who guessed correctly, there will be another mystery. Pack a picnic for your family to enjoy after the hike!

Senior Expo

The 8th Annual 55+/Senior Expo will take place at the Eagan Community Center on Tuesday, October 9 from 1 to 4p.m. The event will be filled with over 40 organizations sharing their knowledge, goods and services focusing on fitness, wellness, finance, housing, transportation and health. This event is free and is open to everyone and welcomes adults, age 55+, and their families. Come ask questions, or have a snack and refreshments. You will learn great tips to help you find optimal wellness. 

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Last Bash of Summer


 
This Saturday (8/25/12), Prior Lake will host their "Last Bash of Summer". This event will take place at Lakefront Park and Sand Point Park, from 12:00pm - 6:00pm. There will be 3-on-3 Basketball and 4-on-4 Volleyball Tournaments for ages 15-18 and 18+. There will also be free childrens activities, family fun, and vendor fair. Live Music by 2nd NoTioN will be played after the tournaments at the Lakefront Bandshell starting at 6:00pm. All proceeds benefit Prior Lake High School Athletic Department.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Minnesota Renaissance

The Minnesota Renaissance Festival is celebrating their 42nd year! This event will take place every weekend from August 18th-September 30th, on the Shakopee festival grounds. There will be a different theme every weekend, for a list of the themes click here.  There are many new events that are taking place at the 2012 festival, such as the live mermaid, princess court, historical cooking demos, and much more! Come and enjoy shows, food, and good company! 
For more information visit www.renaissancefest.com

Monday, August 13, 2012

Weekly Market Statistics- Good News for Sellers

The market statistics for the week ending August 4, 2012 are out. Here is the report. Sellers should take note that the number of homes on the market is down 29.6% and the sellers are also getting closer to their asking price. If you have been holding off on putting your home on the market, this might be the time. I'd love to talk to you about your situation.


Friday, August 10, 2012

Lakeville Art Festival



On September 15th and 16th, Lakeville will be hosting their 10th annual Art Festival. There will be 60 exhibitors showing off their artwork. This event includes a featured artist exhibit, artist demonstrations, Youth Art Tent, performing and literary artists, great food and wonderful community camaraderie. 

There will also be a variety of food and drink vendors! The festival is Located on the grounds of the Lakeville Area Arts Center at the corner of Holyoke Avenue and 210th Street, Lakeville, Minnesota.

For for information Click Here !


Monday, August 6, 2012

Classic Car Show

This Friday, Savage will host their second annual "Classic Cars in the Park" show. 
It will feature cars that are from 1979 and older.
There will be awards handed out to Best in Show, Peoples Choice, and Collectors Choice.
The show will be held in the Savage Community Park from 5:00pm - 8:30pm.
Pre-register your Classic Car today by filling out this form by clicking here! 
 

Friday, August 3, 2012

Thank You!

This year is off to a strong start.  I had the opportunity to help many of my past clients make a move this year as well as meeting some wonderful new families.  I feel blessed to have the opportunity to help people with such an important part of their lives.

One client sold her home of over 20+ years! I also helped five first time home buyers get into fabulous places with payments lower than the rents they were paying.  I had several new clients relocating into the area from Wisconsin, Kansas and Missouri as well as three families moving out of the city into more rural parts of Minnesota.  I really enjoyed seeing some of my past clients that I met 4 to 10 years ago when they bought their first homes.  Coordinating their sales and purchases of new houses that meet their current needs is a challenge that I was happy to take on.

Not all moves are easy ones.  I assisted a few people this year that had life changes requiring them to short sale their homes. I am proud I could help them make a graceful exit from their homes and they can move on to the next chapter in their lives.

One of my favorite parts of the business is hosting client appreciation events throughout the year.  I really look forward to seeing my past clients.  The annual pumpkin giveaway is coming up in October.  I also will be hosting a Lake Minnetonka cruise and another movie night.

I am grateful for each client and each referral that has been sent to me.  Thanks for trusting me and supporting my business!

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Decorating your Dorm Room


Walking into a dorm room, generally all you see is a bunk bed and cinderblock walls. It is difficult to turn this small space into something "homey". But with these little tip, you can turn your dorm room into a cozy getaway.


  • Find as many storage spaces as possible. When you have a small space it is important to keep things in storage. A great idea is to store bins underneath the bed. Stacking many bins also optimizes the small space. This end bed storage unit is great for magazines and books. It keeps your study tools near you while still staying organized. 

PBteen
  • If you are sharing a space, make sure to coordinate! It is a great way to get your roommate involved and to make it feel much lively. Make sure to plan ahead! 
PBteen
The Dorm Room Checklist
Alarm clock
Bed linens/towels
Carpet/throw rug
Chair/bean bag
Clothes drying rack
Compact refrigerator
Computer
Cup/mug/glass/plate/bowl/silverware
Chargers
Dish soap
Fan
Handi-Tak to hang posters
Hangers
Laundry bag
Laundry detergent
Medicine
Microwave (one cubic foot)
Radio/stereo
Rolls of quarters for laundry
School supplies
Shower caddy
Telephone
Toiletry items/soap dish
TV/DVD player

Events This Week!


  • This week in Rosemount there will be a free movie in Central Park. On August 4, at 11pm.

  • Every Sunday from 8am-1pm until October 28, Savage will be hosting their farmers market. Vendors set up shop to sell their fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers and more. It is located in the Parking lot in downtown Savage, off 123rd Street.

  • Lakefront Days starts August 1st in Prior Lake. Lakefront Days is a four-day gathering of activities that features large groups of people converging on Lakefront Park. There are activities for the whole family to enjoy. Download the event schedule here!


  • There will be Music at Kelley Park (Apple Valley Featuring Steve Sullivan and the Factory on August 3rd from 6p-9pm. Food and beverages are available for purchase at the concert. Drawings for bicycles and a guitar are scheduled for each concert!



Monday, July 23, 2012

Painting Tips


Painting can be a fun and inexpensive D.I.Y. project. Here are some tips to ensure that it is done perfectly!

Getting Started
  • Chose a lighter color then expected.  The paint swatch may not seem very dark, but once you paint a whole room it will be overwhelming. If you do not like the color, the worst thing that will happen is having to repaint.
  • The celling does not need to stay white.
  • Make sure to use painter’s tape along the edges. It gives you room to make mistakes. Do not remove the tape until the paint is fully dry.
  • If any of your walls have holes or cracks, do not paint over it. Spackle over any imperfections before you paint.
  • Many paint stores will offer sample sizes, so you are able to try out different colors rather then buying a gallon.
  • Once you have your rollers, wrap your painter’s tape around it and peel it off. This gets rid of the loose fluff, and keeps it off your paint!
  • Remove all furniture from the room that you are painting (or at least cover it). Mistakes happen. 



Painting Tips
  •  Dip the brush an inch in the paint, and scrape one side off on the side of the paint can. This will avoid paint runs.
  • Paint in long strokes.
  • Always paint two coats! It will cover up any mistakes you made during the first coat, it will also brighten your color.
  • Let the paint fully dry before the second coat.
  • Scrape of paint drips on windows, tile or glass with a straight razor blade. It will remove them cleanly.