Check out our new ad in the August 1st Brava magazine!!(Visit www.bravamagazine.com)
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Things to Look for when Buying a House
If you're thinking about buying a new (or old!) home, this list of the "Top Things to Look for When Buying a Home" can help to get your search off to the right start. While the number of rooms, condition of the kitchen, and size of the yard are important, there are other things to consider before you make an offer.
1) Location, Location, Location
They say that the 3 most important things to think about when buying are home are location, location, location. You can live with almost any imperfection in a home if you love the neighborhood and your neighbors. You can change almost everything else. But, once bought, you cannot change your home's location. When you go house hunting, consider any potential home's proximity to your work, the charm of the neighborhood, how the home is situated on the lot, ease of access, noise from neighbors, traffic, or pets, and access to parks, shopping, schools, and public transportation.
2) Situation Factors
Beyond location, look at the particular site of the home. If the home is on a hill does it have a view, a walkout basement, or lots of stairs to climb? Do neighbors' windows look directly into the home? Is the yard suitable for kids, pets, gardening, or other uses? Is access to the property safe regarding driveway elevation, stairs up to (or down to) the front door?
3) Check Out the Neighborhood
Be sure the neighborhood, and not just the house, meets your expectations. They say that you should own the smallest home in the nicest neighborhood that you can afford. You'll have a great view! Drive around on week days and weekends, during the day and in the evening. Are homes in the neighborhood consistent in size and features? Do the neighbors keep the yards clean and tidy or are there old cars and trash around? Is the neighborhood safe enough for people to walk, run, or bike and are there children playing in the yards?
4) Consider a Home's Curb Appeal
Your home should reflect your lifestyle. Do you live a laid-back life? Then you might not want a formal Victorian or Tudor style home. Something simpler and more contemporary might be in order. Look at the exterior features. A brick home is easier to maintain, unless you live in an earthquake-prone area! Is the roof in good condition? Is the landscaping attractive and are the sidewalks leading to the home safe?
5) Size and Floor Plan
You may be thinking about buying your dream home. But is your dream home impractical? Do you really need 4 bedrooms and 4 baths when you live alone? A large home can give you the extra space you've always wanted for a home office or crafts or art projects. But you'll pay higher heating bills and have higher taxes. It will take more furniture to furnish and money to decorate. Think about how the new home space will be used and whether it will fit your lifestyle now and in the future.
6) Bedrooms and Bathrooms
Decide how many bedrooms and bathrooms you really need, and only look at homes that meet your criteria. It would be a shame to fall in love with a cozy, charming cottage that just isn't big enough. An extra bedroom is always a plus, as it can be used for a home office, craft studio, or guest room. If you think you'll be adding more room later, be sure to consult an architect who can advise you on space planning, lot usage and city regulations.
7) The Kitchen
If the kitchen is the heart of your home, don't settle for a home with a kitchen that just won't work. You can always remodel, but it's very costly. Can you just replace cabinet faces and countertops? Will an inexpensive makeover be sufficient? Don't worry about appliances, as they can usually be easily replaced.
8) Closets and Storage
Older homes tend to have little closets and not a lot of storage space. If you have lots of sports equipment, craft supplies, out-of-season clothes, and holiday decorations, be sure you know where it will go in your new home. Newer homes tend to have big closets and lots of storage. You can always add storage space, but you might have to sacrifice living space in your rooms.
9) Windows and Lighting
Do you love a bright sunny room or do you love privacy? Look at a home with light and sunshine in mind. Look at the locations of electrical outlets and fixtures. Will they accommodate your lighting needs? Is there recessed lighting in the kitchen, cove lighting in the family room and a lovely chandelier in the dining room? If not, you can add them later, but it's nice to have it in place when you move in.
10) Finishing Touches
Sometimes the simplest home looks spectacular because of the installation of moldings, hardware and a fireplace. If these elements are important to you, look for them while house hunting or be ready to add them after you move in.
If you keep these specific elements of a home in mind, your house hunting will be more successful, and you'll likely end up with the home of your dreams -- for now, that is!
(Article from http://www.about.com/)
1) Location, Location, Location
They say that the 3 most important things to think about when buying are home are location, location, location. You can live with almost any imperfection in a home if you love the neighborhood and your neighbors. You can change almost everything else. But, once bought, you cannot change your home's location. When you go house hunting, consider any potential home's proximity to your work, the charm of the neighborhood, how the home is situated on the lot, ease of access, noise from neighbors, traffic, or pets, and access to parks, shopping, schools, and public transportation.
2) Situation Factors
Beyond location, look at the particular site of the home. If the home is on a hill does it have a view, a walkout basement, or lots of stairs to climb? Do neighbors' windows look directly into the home? Is the yard suitable for kids, pets, gardening, or other uses? Is access to the property safe regarding driveway elevation, stairs up to (or down to) the front door?
3) Check Out the Neighborhood
Be sure the neighborhood, and not just the house, meets your expectations. They say that you should own the smallest home in the nicest neighborhood that you can afford. You'll have a great view! Drive around on week days and weekends, during the day and in the evening. Are homes in the neighborhood consistent in size and features? Do the neighbors keep the yards clean and tidy or are there old cars and trash around? Is the neighborhood safe enough for people to walk, run, or bike and are there children playing in the yards?
4) Consider a Home's Curb Appeal
Your home should reflect your lifestyle. Do you live a laid-back life? Then you might not want a formal Victorian or Tudor style home. Something simpler and more contemporary might be in order. Look at the exterior features. A brick home is easier to maintain, unless you live in an earthquake-prone area! Is the roof in good condition? Is the landscaping attractive and are the sidewalks leading to the home safe?
5) Size and Floor Plan
You may be thinking about buying your dream home. But is your dream home impractical? Do you really need 4 bedrooms and 4 baths when you live alone? A large home can give you the extra space you've always wanted for a home office or crafts or art projects. But you'll pay higher heating bills and have higher taxes. It will take more furniture to furnish and money to decorate. Think about how the new home space will be used and whether it will fit your lifestyle now and in the future.
6) Bedrooms and Bathrooms
Decide how many bedrooms and bathrooms you really need, and only look at homes that meet your criteria. It would be a shame to fall in love with a cozy, charming cottage that just isn't big enough. An extra bedroom is always a plus, as it can be used for a home office, craft studio, or guest room. If you think you'll be adding more room later, be sure to consult an architect who can advise you on space planning, lot usage and city regulations.
7) The Kitchen
If the kitchen is the heart of your home, don't settle for a home with a kitchen that just won't work. You can always remodel, but it's very costly. Can you just replace cabinet faces and countertops? Will an inexpensive makeover be sufficient? Don't worry about appliances, as they can usually be easily replaced.
8) Closets and Storage
Older homes tend to have little closets and not a lot of storage space. If you have lots of sports equipment, craft supplies, out-of-season clothes, and holiday decorations, be sure you know where it will go in your new home. Newer homes tend to have big closets and lots of storage. You can always add storage space, but you might have to sacrifice living space in your rooms.
9) Windows and Lighting
Do you love a bright sunny room or do you love privacy? Look at a home with light and sunshine in mind. Look at the locations of electrical outlets and fixtures. Will they accommodate your lighting needs? Is there recessed lighting in the kitchen, cove lighting in the family room and a lovely chandelier in the dining room? If not, you can add them later, but it's nice to have it in place when you move in.
10) Finishing Touches
Sometimes the simplest home looks spectacular because of the installation of moldings, hardware and a fireplace. If these elements are important to you, look for them while house hunting or be ready to add them after you move in.
If you keep these specific elements of a home in mind, your house hunting will be more successful, and you'll likely end up with the home of your dreams -- for now, that is!
(Article from http://www.about.com/)
Bill Gates Buys Historic Wyoming Ranch
Bill Gates, the world’s richest man, has reportedly purchased Irma Lake Lodge, a famous Wyoming ranch once owned by William “Buffalo Bill” Cody, who may have been one of the earliest successful entrepreneurs. After serving in the U.S. Army, Cody was hired to hunt bison and scout Indians and then he started his famous “Buffalo Bill’s Wild West” show where Annie Oakley and Sitting Bull performed among other notable characters of the Old West.Cody established Irma Lake Lodge as his own personal hunting retreat. It is a 492-acre property named after Cody’s youngest daughter, Irma, and is located about 20 miles outside of Cody, WY. The lodge is virtually secluded and surrounded by wilderness and forest lands since it sits next to Shoshone National Forest and nearby Washakie Wilderness. It is approximately 50 miles from Yellowstone National Park.
The final purchase price is unknown at this time, although it was originally listed at $12 million several years ago and has received several price cuts — coming all the way down to a listing price of $8.9 million before Gates bought the ranch.
Only two people have owned the ranch since Cody: the William R. Coe family, who purchased it from Cody in 1911 and owned it for 75 years, and then Minnesota’s Roger Hollander. And now, another famous Bill takes over.
(Article by Diane Tuman from www.zillow.com)
Monday, July 6, 2009
Best Mini Golf Holes in Madison
What are the best mini golf holes in Madison? Here's a hole-by-hole breakdown of the best 18 holes in the area, as played by Capital Times sportswriter Rob Schultz and prep golfers Tim McCormick and Brad O'Loughlin in a single, 90-plus-degrees day last week. Their scores are included.
1) Little Amerricka - 7th hole
1) Little Amerricka - 7th hole
It requires the initial putt to travel up a ramp into one of three holes. Balls that travel down the center or left-side holes come out of a chute toward the final hole. Balls that travel down the chute under the right-side hole come out in a maze on the opposite side of the final hole.
TM 3, BO 3, RS 3.
2) Little Amerricka - 11th hole
We had to hit our putts uphill to a house. Our balls popped out to the left of the house to one of two circular areas. A lane formed between the circles that led to the hole.
TM 3, BO 3, RS 3.
3) Bogey's - 2nd hole
It's a baseball stadium completed in the colors of the Milwaukee Brewers. The initial putt has to traverse through four baseball bats to the hole. I made the day's first hole-in-one here.
TM 2, BO 3, RS 1.
4) Bogey's - 6th hole
It's a hockey theme and we had to putt our balls between two hockey sticks to an elevated hole sandwiched between four pucks. I made another hole-in-one.
TM 3, BO 2, RS 1.
5) Bogey's - 7th hole
Bowling theme. The fairway traversed between simulated gutters and bowling pins were located in front of, and on each side of, the hole. McCormick sent his putt up one gutter, banked it off the bricks and off a pin to the hole for his first ace of the day.
TM 1, BO 2, RS 2.
6) Long Shot - 2nd hole
The initial shot requires the putt to travel past bumper pool bumpers. All of us hit a bumper and struggled.
TM 3, BO 4, RS 3.
7) Swissland - 2nd hole
There are three chutes you must send your ball through that go in different directions. The center one sends the ball closest to the hole.
TM 4, BO 4, RS 3.
8) Swissland - 6th hole
Dogleg left with four jagged boulders that get in the way of putts.
TM 2, BO 3, RS 4.
9) Swissland - 10th hole
Swiss cheese theme. We had to putt through one of the holes in the cheese, which has a chute that sends the ball toward the hole.
TM 2, BO 3, RS 4.
10) Swissland - 12th hole
Putts must traverse three hills with real sand traps guarding the right side. Very long hole.
TM 3, BO 2, RS 3.
11) Vitense's "Wisconsin Course" - 5th hole
"Camp Bucky" is complete with a UW theme. It's a major complex where your initial shot must find a hole in a log that sends it down a long chute toward the hole.
TM 2, BO 3, RS 2.
12) Vitense's "Wisconsin Course" - 7th hole
"Vitense Park" includes a start at the highest point on the course. The initial putt must find a hole just four feet from the start. It feeds down a chute and comes out 15 feet below toward the finishing hole. Slides galore for kids on this hole.
TM 4, BO 4, RS 2.
13) Vitense's "Wisconsin Course" - 14th hole
"Golf Ball Fishing" has a windmill on it. A must for the top 18.
TM 3, BO 2, RS 3.
14) Vitense's "California Course" - 2nd hole
"Wishing You Well" finishes behind where you start. A putt must fall into a wishing well that spirals the ball down a chute and sends it out toward the hole.
TM 3, BO 3, RS 3.
15) Vitense's "California Course" - 12th hole
"Misty Beach" has three fairways, logs and a whale in the water next to it. It also has a mister to cool off golfers on hot days.
TM 3, BO 3, RS 4.
16) Vitense's "Madison Course" - 4th hole
"Governor's Mansion" requires a putt to travel under and through one corner of the mansion and then around flower beds and water to reach the hole.
TM 3, BO 2, RS 3.
17) Vitense's "Madison Course" - 8th hole
"Monona Terrace" is one of two glow-in-the-dark holes. This one is short and looks simple, but it's easy to mess up and make a big number. O'Loughlin made a 6 here and it cost him a chance to win the match.
TM 2, BO 6, RS 3.
18) Vitense's "Madison Course" - 16th hole
TM 3, BO 3, RS 3.
2) Little Amerricka - 11th hole
We had to hit our putts uphill to a house. Our balls popped out to the left of the house to one of two circular areas. A lane formed between the circles that led to the hole.
TM 3, BO 3, RS 3.
3) Bogey's - 2nd hole
It's a baseball stadium completed in the colors of the Milwaukee Brewers. The initial putt has to traverse through four baseball bats to the hole. I made the day's first hole-in-one here.
TM 2, BO 3, RS 1.
4) Bogey's - 6th hole
It's a hockey theme and we had to putt our balls between two hockey sticks to an elevated hole sandwiched between four pucks. I made another hole-in-one.
TM 3, BO 2, RS 1.
5) Bogey's - 7th hole
Bowling theme. The fairway traversed between simulated gutters and bowling pins were located in front of, and on each side of, the hole. McCormick sent his putt up one gutter, banked it off the bricks and off a pin to the hole for his first ace of the day.
TM 1, BO 2, RS 2.
6) Long Shot - 2nd hole
The initial shot requires the putt to travel past bumper pool bumpers. All of us hit a bumper and struggled.
TM 3, BO 4, RS 3.
7) Swissland - 2nd hole
There are three chutes you must send your ball through that go in different directions. The center one sends the ball closest to the hole.
TM 4, BO 4, RS 3.
8) Swissland - 6th hole
Dogleg left with four jagged boulders that get in the way of putts.
TM 2, BO 3, RS 4.
9) Swissland - 10th hole
Swiss cheese theme. We had to putt through one of the holes in the cheese, which has a chute that sends the ball toward the hole.
TM 2, BO 3, RS 4.
10) Swissland - 12th hole
Putts must traverse three hills with real sand traps guarding the right side. Very long hole.
TM 3, BO 2, RS 3.
11) Vitense's "Wisconsin Course" - 5th hole
"Camp Bucky" is complete with a UW theme. It's a major complex where your initial shot must find a hole in a log that sends it down a long chute toward the hole.
TM 2, BO 3, RS 2.
12) Vitense's "Wisconsin Course" - 7th hole
"Vitense Park" includes a start at the highest point on the course. The initial putt must find a hole just four feet from the start. It feeds down a chute and comes out 15 feet below toward the finishing hole. Slides galore for kids on this hole.
TM 4, BO 4, RS 2.
13) Vitense's "Wisconsin Course" - 14th hole
"Golf Ball Fishing" has a windmill on it. A must for the top 18.
TM 3, BO 2, RS 3.
14) Vitense's "California Course" - 2nd hole
"Wishing You Well" finishes behind where you start. A putt must fall into a wishing well that spirals the ball down a chute and sends it out toward the hole.
TM 3, BO 3, RS 3.
15) Vitense's "California Course" - 12th hole
"Misty Beach" has three fairways, logs and a whale in the water next to it. It also has a mister to cool off golfers on hot days.
TM 3, BO 3, RS 4.
16) Vitense's "Madison Course" - 4th hole
"Governor's Mansion" requires a putt to travel under and through one corner of the mansion and then around flower beds and water to reach the hole.
TM 3, BO 2, RS 3.
17) Vitense's "Madison Course" - 8th hole
"Monona Terrace" is one of two glow-in-the-dark holes. This one is short and looks simple, but it's easy to mess up and make a big number. O'Loughlin made a 6 here and it cost him a chance to win the match.
TM 2, BO 6, RS 3.
18) Vitense's "Madison Course" - 16th hole
"Field House and Camp Randall" forces the player to either send a putt around a skinny ramp that ships the ball toward the hole or under the Field House and over Camp Randall's football field toward the hole.
TM 3, BO 2, RS 3.
Final scorecard--McCormick won with a 49, followed by Schultz (50) and O'Loughlin (54).
TM 3, BO 2, RS 3.
Final scorecard--McCormick won with a 49, followed by Schultz (50) and O'Loughlin (54).
(Information from http://www.77square.com/, photo by dcmarch, flickr)
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Realtor Reality TV starring Sarah Bandy
Sweeeeeet! We love this book too!
Fedua "Sarah" Bandy, a Realtor in Colts Neck, N.J., has launched an online video series to promote her goal of $1 million in net revenue from sales commissions in one year.
Borrowing ideas from the pages of "The Millionaire Real Estate Agent," a book by Keller Williams founder Gary Keller, Bandy plans to send out 16,000 direct-mail pieces per month to a list of people selected from a particular geography and demography.
According to Keller's research, marketing to 50 people 12 times per year will result in at least one sale. Her Web site names a few sponsors for her mission, including HomeGain, a lead-generation company, and Real Estate Tomato, a technology and consulting company.
(Article from InMan.com)
Our Latest Design
A sneak peek at our Client Appreciation event Save the Date postcard. Go Mallards!
9406 Lost Meadow Rd. - FOR SALE!
Absolutely breathtaking, and better than new! This stunning four bedroom home in popular Sauk Heights is the one you’ve been waiting for! Walk into a soaring two story foyer with hickory hardwood floors, beautiful kitchen with solid surface counters, stainless appliances, and beautiful stone surround fireplace. The huge master suite is accented with tray ceilings and has a spa-like master bath with a jetted soaking tub and separate shower. Huge bedrooms, professional landscaping... too much to list!
Currently listed at $349,900.
For more information or to set up a showing, call Nicole at (608) 513-0021
"So Why Should I Buy a Home Now?"
Buying a home is one of the most exciting and rewarding things you can do, but it doesn't just happen over night. You'll discover the perfect for-sale home for you, place an offer, get approved with your lender, negotiate a counter offer, trudge through the paperwork, and then of course load and unload the moving truck. With an expert Realtor like Nicole Charles there as a guide, your home-buying ride can be a smooth one, but at best it will be about a two month process. For some buyers, even longer.
In order to take advantage of the $8,000 First Time Home Buyer tax credit, you must close on your new home by November 30, 2009. That gives those of you who are considering buying a new home a short window of oppurtunity. So, get started:
Step #1: Call Nicole Charles at (608) 513-0021.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Inspiring Photographer of the Week: Russell Lee
Pie Town, New Mexico
Series by Russell Lee
October of 1940
(Images from Library of Congress Prints and Photographs)
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Arranging Furniture to Maximize Space for Summer
During warm-weather months, you have a primitive urge to clean up and re-arrange your living space. Just about everyone would like to have more living space, but it’s a challenge for most people to be ruthless when cleaning out their living area (or closets). But the results are a more serene and peaceful environment that will soothe you when you open your door.
Being tough is easier when you know you are giving away items to a charitable organization, and that someone in need will make good use of them; or, that you’ll make a little money by selling them. Live by the rule: reduce, resell, and recycle.
Lauren Wilkins, an Interior Design instructor at The Art Institute of New York City, says summer is prime time for entertaining, so lighten the feel of your environment. She suggests having small occasional tables, benches or stools to pull out of the closet when company comes. Scale is important; remove a big table and add nesting tables.
Brightening up the color scheme is simple and inexpensive. Vibrant colors are summery, or if you prefer, cool colors can create a serene environment — think of the blues and aquas of the ocean, a lake or a pool. “The heavy objects like major pieces of furniture will stay, but pillows, throws and light-weight curtains can be bought very inexpensively, and can change the tone of the room," Wilkins says. "The dark colors of fall — burgundy, brown, deep olive — are switched to bright florals, stripes or light solids. These are inexpensive but effective changes.”
LaToya Nelson, also an interior design instructor at The Art Institute of New York City emphasizes sustainability: She says, “Help the environment by making sure the sun doesn’t blaze through the windows leading to an increase in air conditioning use. Window treatments can help. They contribute to the aesthetic environment but also act as thermal barriers by reducing the direct impact of the sun,” she says.
“If you have direct southern exposure, protect the room,” Nelson says. “Eco-friendly products utilizing rapidly renewable or recycled materials may enhance the interior atmosphere by connecting the interior environment with nature. And of course, bringing plants inside is a way of bringing the outside in.”
Both instructors agree that this season it can be more than furniture you rearrange — it can be your attitude and awareness of nature and its harmonious relationship with your home space.
Being tough is easier when you know you are giving away items to a charitable organization, and that someone in need will make good use of them; or, that you’ll make a little money by selling them. Live by the rule: reduce, resell, and recycle.
Lauren Wilkins, an Interior Design instructor at The Art Institute of New York City, says summer is prime time for entertaining, so lighten the feel of your environment. She suggests having small occasional tables, benches or stools to pull out of the closet when company comes. Scale is important; remove a big table and add nesting tables.
Brightening up the color scheme is simple and inexpensive. Vibrant colors are summery, or if you prefer, cool colors can create a serene environment — think of the blues and aquas of the ocean, a lake or a pool. “The heavy objects like major pieces of furniture will stay, but pillows, throws and light-weight curtains can be bought very inexpensively, and can change the tone of the room," Wilkins says. "The dark colors of fall — burgundy, brown, deep olive — are switched to bright florals, stripes or light solids. These are inexpensive but effective changes.”
LaToya Nelson, also an interior design instructor at The Art Institute of New York City emphasizes sustainability: She says, “Help the environment by making sure the sun doesn’t blaze through the windows leading to an increase in air conditioning use. Window treatments can help. They contribute to the aesthetic environment but also act as thermal barriers by reducing the direct impact of the sun,” she says.
“If you have direct southern exposure, protect the room,” Nelson says. “Eco-friendly products utilizing rapidly renewable or recycled materials may enhance the interior atmosphere by connecting the interior environment with nature. And of course, bringing plants inside is a way of bringing the outside in.”
Both instructors agree that this season it can be more than furniture you rearrange — it can be your attitude and awareness of nature and its harmonious relationship with your home space.
(Article from www.artbistro.com)
Cool Camping Gadget: "Notebook Grill"
If you’re a camper looking for a better, more portable way to bring along a BBQ grill to that campout or to the beach without cooking over a live campfire, you may want to try this “Notebook” BBQ grill by HotSpot.
Built like a folding chair, but with a handle like a briefcase, this grill is made of sturdy metal and comes with a built in grill rack. Grillers simply unfold it, fill it with charcoal or wood, and light'er up. And the Notebook grill is far better than those cheap temporary models made out of bakers aluminum which can be tossed away afterward, but are so fragile they bend out of shape - not to mention meat that sticks to the chicken wire style grill rack.The Notebook Grill is a real grill that you can use over and over, and yet fold and put away in the back of the pickup truck.
Buy it on Amazon here.
(Article from www.coolest-gadgets.com)
How A Room's Paint Color Can Affect Your Mood
Before you pick up that paint brush or roller, read through our color psychology information. It just might help you set the appropriate mood for your indoor space.
• Red packs a wallop, physiologically speaking, increasing blood pressure, heartbeat and energy in most people. It instills feelings of intimacy and passion. Red also increases the appetite, which explains why it is used so often in restaurants, and why it can be a good choice for a formal dining room.
• Orange, like red, tends to warm a room, but in a more friendly and welcoming way. As a result, paints in various shades and tints of orange work well in living rooms and family rooms.
• Yellow is also warm and welcoming, but it is more attention-getting than either red or orange. For this reason, it is a good paint color to use in poorly lit foyers or dark hallways.
• Blue, which is part of the cool color palette, makes us feel calm and tranquil, so it is ideal for use in bedrooms. But since blue works as an appetite suppressant (perhaps because there are few blue foods) it is not the best option for a dining room ... unless you're on a diet.
• Green is another relaxing color that is much more versatile than blue. Light greens are ideal for bedrooms and living rooms; midtones are good for kitchens and dining rooms (many foods are green). Also, because green is calming, it is often used in hospitals, workplaces and schools.
• Violet is a tricky color, psychologically speaking. Many adults dislike purples, but are fond of the rose family, which can work in many rooms, including dining rooms, bedrooms and libraries. Young children, on the other hand, respond favorably to violet, so this color can be used successfully in children's bedrooms and play areas.
These general guidelines are a good starting point in your search for a paint color. But remember that color choice is a very personal matter. You're the one who has to live with your new paint color, so choose a hue that suits you, your family and your lifestyle.
(Information from "The Impact of Paint Color On Your Living Space" by Debbie Zimmer of The Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute. Image from www.realsimple.com by Hallie Burton.)
Monday, June 29, 2009
It’s Not Too Late to Plant Vegetables!
By the third week of June, your beans should be up, peas in flower and corn plants emerging from the soil.
Haven’t yet planted a vegetable garden? There is still time to put seeds of beans, carrots, cabbage and squash into the soil.
Take a shortcut and buy plants already started in 4-inch pots or gallon-sized containers from the nursery and you’ll still have all summer to watch them grow.
Almost any vegetable can be grown in a pot, but squash, cucumbers, tomatoes and herbs are the easiest if your “farmland” is nothing more than a deck or a patio.
This is also the week when your fading tulip, daffodil and other spring bulbs can have their foliage removed and suddenly you’ll find more room in the garden for brightly blooming annuals.
The test to make sure that the bulb foliage is ready to rip is to give the yellowing leaves a gentle tug. If the foliage pulls away easily, it’s time to clean up.
Letting the leaves of spring bulbs ripen slowly in the garden will help the bulb to make blooms for next year.
(Article from http://www.theolympian.com/)
Haven’t yet planted a vegetable garden? There is still time to put seeds of beans, carrots, cabbage and squash into the soil.
Take a shortcut and buy plants already started in 4-inch pots or gallon-sized containers from the nursery and you’ll still have all summer to watch them grow.
Almost any vegetable can be grown in a pot, but squash, cucumbers, tomatoes and herbs are the easiest if your “farmland” is nothing more than a deck or a patio.
This is also the week when your fading tulip, daffodil and other spring bulbs can have their foliage removed and suddenly you’ll find more room in the garden for brightly blooming annuals.
The test to make sure that the bulb foliage is ready to rip is to give the yellowing leaves a gentle tug. If the foliage pulls away easily, it’s time to clean up.
Letting the leaves of spring bulbs ripen slowly in the garden will help the bulb to make blooms for next year.
(Article from http://www.theolympian.com/)
How to Make the Perfect Burger
Six Steps to a Delicious Beef BurgerTo make four succulent beef patties, start with 1.25 pounds of ground chuck, 85% lean or less. Then heat your grill to medium-high and follow these easy but expert instructions.
Step 1: Divide the meat and gently form it into four balls. Don't overwork the meat or it will become dry and tough.
Step 2:
Flatten the balls into three quarter inch thick patties. Also, flatten the top and sides of each patty to ensure that the thickness is the same throughout.
Step 3:
Use your fingers to make a shallow well in the top of each patty. This will prevent overplumping. Season the patties with salt and pepper.
Step 4:
Oil the grill grate using a pair of tongs and a paper towel dipped in canola oil. Don't spray on the oil or you'll risk a flare up.
Step 5:
Cook, with the wells facing up, until the burgers release easily, four to five minutes for medium. Don't press or flatten. Flip; cook four to five minutes more.
Step 6:
Check the doneness with a thermometer. Insert it through the side so the tip is in the center. It should register 155 degrees for medium.
Step 2:Flatten the balls into three quarter inch thick patties. Also, flatten the top and sides of each patty to ensure that the thickness is the same throughout.
Step 3:Use your fingers to make a shallow well in the top of each patty. This will prevent overplumping. Season the patties with salt and pepper.
Step 4:Oil the grill grate using a pair of tongs and a paper towel dipped in canola oil. Don't spray on the oil or you'll risk a flare up.
Step 5:Cook, with the wells facing up, until the burgers release easily, four to five minutes for medium. Don't press or flatten. Flip; cook four to five minutes more.
Step 6:Check the doneness with a thermometer. Insert it through the side so the tip is in the center. It should register 155 degrees for medium.
(Instructions and illustrations from Real Simple magazine. Visit http://www.realsimple.com/ or go here to subscribe to the magazine.)
Home Staging Tip: Painting
Aluminum Foil as Paint Protector
Protect doorknobs and hardware in the kitchen and bathroom when you’re painting by wrapping foil around them to catch dribbles. The foil molds to the shape of whatever it’s covering and stays firmly in place until the job is complete.
(Tip from www.realsimple.com. Subscribe for Real Simple magazine here.)
Wondering If Now Is the Right Time to Buy a Home?
Does buying a home fit in with my larger plans?
Prioritized homeownership among any other financial goals you may have. Ask yourself:
-Would buying a home mean stretching to my financial limits? If so, where can I make changes in my budget to keep it more balanced?
-Will I still have enough for other opportunities or for unexpected emergencies?
What can I comfortably afford?
Which is better than asking, "How much could I burrow?" Rather than focusing on your lender's limits, focus on the home loan that provides you with the best opportunity for success. Keep in mind how much you can afford to spend on a home without putting the rest of your financial plans on hold.
What will lenders consider when I apply for a loan?
There are three main areas lenders review when prequalifying you for a loan: income and expenses, credit score, and down payment and closing costs.
What will my credit score need to be?
This number is generated by the credit reporting agencies and represents your overall credit health; a higher score increases a lender's confidence in your ability to pay back a loan and make payments on time. Find your credit score by viewing www.annualcreditreport.com, a site sponsored by the three credit reporting agencies, Equifax (r), TransUnion (r), and Experian (r). As a general guideline, if your score is below 620, you may want to hold off on buying a home until you can improve your credit - or talk to a loan professional about your specific situation.
What percentage will be required for a down payment?
Having at least 10% to 20% to put toward a down payment on a home tells lenders that you're prepared to make a financial commitment to the home, and increases their confidence in your ability to pay the loan. It also puts you in a strong position financially, as you won't have to burrow as much from your lender. In most cases, a down payment of less than 20% requires that you carry private mortgage insurance (PMI) at an extra cost.
Are there other options if I don't meet these lender requirements?
There are affordable loan programs to help qualified low-to-moderate-income borrowers become homewoners. Certain home loan programs require potential borrowers to receive home buyer educaion. The benefit is that you may qualify for a loan program that can help you make a minimum down payment or qualify for varying forms of assistance, depending on your financial situation or the location of the home. In many areas, home buyers can receive assistance with down payment and/or closing costs from local community agencies. Check with a loan expert at your bank to find out if you qualify for these programs.
If I can't buy a home right now, what should I do to prepare myself?
It's never too soon to begin saving for a down payment, even if buying a house is far off in the distance. Consider setting up a separate savings account for your down payment fund and depositing money regularly into it.
What are the financial benefits of homeownership?
Tax advantages are one of the biggest financial benefits of homeownership. As a general rule, most homeowners can deduct most or all of their interest payments on their home loan, property taxes, and loan points, but check with your tax advisor to be sure.
(Information from Bank of America. For more information visit www.bankofamerica.com/homeloans)
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Rhythm & Booms Postponed!
Deb McCue, vice president of the Madison Fireworks Fund, confirmed that the event has been canceled for Saturday and will instead be held on the rain date, Sunday, June 28. McCue said it was a public safety decision to delay the event. "The threat was too severe and too late in the day," McCue said. "We couldn't take the risk of a huge crowd in the park."
Rhythm & Booms, "the largest fireworks display in the Midwest," is set to begin at 9:30 p.m. Sunday.
The Madison Mallards game scheduled for 5:05 p.m. Saturday is still on. The Mallards will also play at 3:05 p.m. Sunday.
(Article excerpt from Madison's Channel3000.com)
Friday, June 26, 2009
Crafty Home Staging Projects: Tin Can Alley
Tin Can Alley You'll Need:
- Several Aluminum Cans (emptied and cleaned)
- Tin snips
- Sharpie marker, any color
- Spray paint, in silver metallic
- Work gloves
- Tea lights
Here's How:
- Divide your can into four equal parts by drawing short vertical lines with your Sharpie around the lip of your can at quarter turns.
- Draw four petals evenly around the can, inside the lines you've marked.
- Cut off the rim of the can with the tin snips.
- Cut out your petals.
- Carefully bend the petals outward, so the can looks like an opening flower.
- Cover the petals with silver metallic spray paint.
- Make as many as you need to line your driveway or patio, and put a tea light in each one to light the way.
(Project from "The Big-Ass Book of Crafts" by Mark Montano. Photos by Auxy Espinoza. Get your copy of this awesome book on Amazon here.)
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Places to Watch Rhythm & Booms
Rhythm and Booms Fireworks show
Saturday, June 27th
Saturday, June 27th
Where to watch Rhythm and Booms:
Warner Park
Corner of Northport Dr. and Sherman Ave., Madison
Department of Human Services Hill
1202 Northport Drive, Madison
(One block west of Warner Park)
By Boat on Lake Mendota
Sailboats can be rented from the Hoofer Sailing Club at the Union
800 Langdon St., Madison
Tenney Park
1414 E. Johnson St., Madison
UW Memorial Union
800 Langdon St., Madison
Burrows Park
25 Burrows Rd, Madison, WI
James Madison Park
614 E Gorham St, Madison, WI
Marshall Park
2101 Allen Blvd., Madison, WI
Governor Nelson State Park
5140 County Road M, Waunakee, WI
Warner Park
Corner of Northport Dr. and Sherman Ave., Madison
Department of Human Services Hill
1202 Northport Drive, Madison
(One block west of Warner Park)
By Boat on Lake Mendota
Sailboats can be rented from the Hoofer Sailing Club at the Union
800 Langdon St., Madison
Tenney Park
1414 E. Johnson St., Madison
UW Memorial Union
800 Langdon St., Madison
Burrows Park
25 Burrows Rd, Madison, WI
James Madison Park
614 E Gorham St, Madison, WI
Marshall Park
2101 Allen Blvd., Madison, WI
Governor Nelson State Park
5140 County Road M, Waunakee, WI
Neo Maya Art Series
"Untitled: Cat"by Maya Charles
$25,000.00
"Untitled: Shark"by Maya Charles
$20,000.00
"Untitled: Mermaid"
by Maya Charles
$25,000.00
The first pieces by Nicole's daughter, prodigy Maya Charles, in a series yet undiscovered by the art community.
Bill Bushart at The Comedy Club
Come see Bill Bushart at the Comedy Club this Thursday and Friday! (June 25/26)"Bill Bushart is one of the top acts in the Detroit area. A Michigan native, Bill has traveled the Midwest comedy circuit for the past five years. He has worked with some of the biggest names in comedy including Bobcat Goldthwait, Pauley Shore, Louie Anderson, Lewis Black and Jimmy Walker, just to name a few.
Bill's ability to recant everyday situations in a unique and demented manner leaves audiences laughing the next day. He rants on everything from leading the single life to playing "Hide the Walker" with good old grandma.
Bill's repertoire of one-liners and high-energy stage shenanigans are one-of-a-kind. His fearless interpretations of everyday mishaps are sure to strike a chord with audiences of all types. His quick wit and smooth delivery make his show one you won't want to miss."
Make your reservation by calling (608) 256-0099 or emailing reservations@madisoncomedy.com.
Comedy Club
202 State Street
Madison, WI 53703
http://www.madisoncomedy.com/
Virent Energy Systems Earns Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award
EPA’s highest environmental award honors renewable BioForming® process for production of low carbon green gasoline and other hydrocarbon fuels and chemicals.
Madison, Wis., June 22, 2009 – Virent Energy Systems, Inc. has earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award. Virent, with its game-changing BioForming process that economically transforms plant sugars into green gasoline, is the first company to be honored in the award’s 14-year history for the clean manufacturing of liquid transportation fuels from biomass.
The Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards, selected by an independent panel of technical experts convened by the American Chemical Society, provide national recognition for outstanding chemical technologies that incorporate the principles of green chemistry across the product life cycle, including the design, manufacture, and use of chemical products. Each winner demonstrates a commitment to designing, developing, and implementing a green chemical technology that is scientifically innovative, economically feasible, and less hazardous to human health and the environment.
Virent’s winning BioForming technology converts abundant plant sugars from non-food and home grown sources into gasoline, jet fuel, and diesel hydrocarbon molecules previously refined only from petroleum. Virent’s fuels have the same molecular composition and performance as petroleum fuels and face no hurdles to full market penetration. They can be replacements for, or used at high blends with, petroleum fuels in today’s petroleum infrastructure.
“Virent is honored to be recognized by the EPA for its transformative technology that is both renewable and cost effective,” said Lee Edwards, CEO of Virent Energy Systems, Inc. "We believe Virent's technology platform offers a material opportunity to shift away from reliance on fossil fuel to renewable biomass. Our patented process makes gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and chemicals with low carbon intensity from a variety of feedstocks with substantial fossil fuel replacement potential."
Virent’s energy efficient, exothermic process is carbon neutral, water positive, and has low life cycle emissions. It runs under moderate conditions and requires no external energy inputs. It yields 30 percent more net energy than corn ethanol processes due to the natural separation of gasoline from water.
“With low carbon emissions, a wide range of premium hydrocarbon products, and feedstock flexibility, the BioForming process offers a new biorefinery solution,” said Randy Cortright, Virent Founder and Chief Technical Officer. “We are deeply honored to receive this award for a technology that can help address the pressing environmental and energy security concerns of our nation while providing farmers who grow a broad variety of crops more value per acre of land.”
ABOUT VIRENT ENERGY SYSTEMS
Virent’s BioForming process is a recognized leader in advanced biofuels technologies, winning numerous technology and innovation awards including the World Economic Forum’s Technology Pioneer, ICIS Innovation, and Red Herring 100 North America awards. Headquartered in Madison, WI, Virent has 80 employees in a state of the art catalytic biorefining development facility. Virent counts Cargill and Honda among its leading investors and collaborates with Honda and Royal Dutch Shell on the development of its biogasoline technology. The BioForming technology is based on the Aqueous Phase Reforming process.
(Article from http://www.virent.com/)
East Side Area Aims to be City's First Neighborhood Conservation District
From the front porch of his 19th century home on the quiet, tree-lined 1300 block of East Wilson Street, Dan Wehrman often can hear the comments of bicyclists pedaling past."People come off the east side bike path and say things like, 'God, I just love this street,' " says Wehrman, 61, a homeowner there since 1992.
So do most residents.
A block off bustling Williamson Street and just around the corner from the iconic Crystal Corner Bar, the East Wilson/Schley Pass/Dewey Court area is unique.
The neighborhood features small, 1½-story bungalows with front porches, many dating to the 1800s. A variety of gardens, whether tended or not, provides a leafy green feel.
An eclectic mix of owner-occupants, renters, families and singles makes it arguably one of the most diverse and affordable neighborhoods in the central city. Homes there can still be had for $150,000, although they might need some fixing up.
And now, a group of dedicated east-siders is pushing for their turf to become the city's first Neighborhood Conservation District (NCD), which would give it permanent legal protection.
Passed in 2007, the Neighborhood Conservation District ordinance is designed to safeguard the character and architectural style of neighborhoods that might not otherwise qualify for historic preservation. One goal is to prevent real estate speculators from coming into an area, acquiring several adjoining properties and then tearing them down to build something bigger.But NCDs also give homeowners the flexibility to improve their own property while making sure any changes respect what's already there.
"Obviously this neighborhood never housed the movers and shakers of the city," says Leslie Schroeder, who with her husband, Nick, has restored an older home within the proposed district. "But there is value in its character, and there is a story worth honoring, too."
That story includes immigrants who settled in Madison following the Civil War and built homes in what was once the industrial heart of the city. The Atlas hotel at 221 S. Baldwin St. -- now the Port St. Vincent men's shelter -- formerly served weary workers from the Milwaukee Road railroad.
Last week, the Madison Plan Commission voted to study establishing a conservation district for the East Wilson area. City planning department staff will begin a process that could come before the full City Council within the next year.
"It's nice to see one of these finally moving forward," says east side Ald. Marsha Rummel.
But not everyone is jumping on board. A survey mailed to area residents, owners and businesses last year showed some are skeptical, fearing another layer of zoning.
Among them is Philip Simeon, a native of the Caribbean, who with his family lives across the street from Wehrman. While Simeon doesn't want to see a large condo project go in, he's worried an NCD could make it harder to work on his place, whether he's trimming trees or finishing off the attic space.
"America is a place of diversity, whether it's language or the kinds of houses people want to live in," he says.
Schroeder counters that the pending study and upcoming meetings will give all stakeholders a chance to craft the district to their liking.
"The great thing about conservation districts is that each neighborhood can work it out themselves" says Schroeder, whose home at 213 S. Baldwin St. was honored in 2003 by the Madison Trust for Historic Preservation.
Far east side Ald. Michael Schumacher has some doubts about the process, too. He noted during a Plan Commission discussion of the issue that less than 20 percent of some 240 city mailings about the East Wilson NCD were returned completed; of those, only 18 of 41 respondents were in full support.
"It looks to me like we are down to just 18 people wanting this," he said.
City planner Michael Waidelich said he was somewhat surprised at the lack of survey responses but admitted the effort was a work in progress. "We've never done one of these before, so we're not exactly sure what the final parameters will be," he said.
The idea of NCDs in Madison dates to the late 1990s. Plans floated at the time called for three Neighborhood Conservation Districts: the Bassett area west of the Capitol, and the First Settlement and Old Market areas east of the Capitol.
"At the time, the real estate market was booming, and there was a great deal of concern for existing neighborhoods," says Ald. Rummel, whose District 6 predecessor, Judy Olson, was an early backer of NCDs.But the preservation ordinance, which faced strong initial opposition from development interests, didn't make it on the books until two years ago. It requires that a majority of property owners on eight contiguous block faces agree to be included the district.
Wehrman's own interest was piqued two years ago when his next-door neighbor did a complete rebuild of an older property, going taller than any other home on the block.
"I just felt like something had popped -- that people were starting to flip houses over here," says Wehrman, a former Navy man who now works as a self-employed safecracker.
Wehrman continues to make upgrades to his own home. He's added solar water heating panels to the back roof, refinished the wide-plank pine floors and returned the front porch to its original open format.
And while the real estate boom has cooled, Wehrman wants to make sure areas like East Wilson can remain intact. He notes there is computer technology available today to help guide residents, developers and the city on what new projects might look like before they are actually completed.
"I honestly believe there is strong neighborhood support for this," he says.
(Article by Mike Ivey, The Capital Times)
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
We'll Never Forget You Brent
A new T-shirt by Madison's Sconnie Nation clothing shop (521 State St.) pokes fun at ex-Packer Brett Favre. Hilarious!
Get yours Here.
UW's Kappa Sigma House on the Market
"Do you know who the Hot Nuts are?" Topitzes said.
"Who?"
"Doug Clark and the Hot Nuts," Topitzes said. He grinned, and explained that they were the inspiration for the fraternity party band in the movie "Animal House."
"They came two or three times when I was here," Topitzes said. "We had to board the windows to keep people from sneaking in."
Topitzes was sitting at an outside table in back of the Kappa Sigma fraternity at 124 Langdon St. The house was designed by noted Madison architect Frank Riley. The view out back is among the best in Madison. Topitzes was a fraternity member and lived in the house for several years in the mid-1960s.
He was telling stories about those days because it appears an era is about to end for Kappa Sigma on campus. The fraternity is looking to sell the house, which has been home to the Madison chapter of Kappa Sigma since 1924.
"It's on the market," Topitzes said. "We're waiting for bids."
Topitzes runs a Verona-based company, pc/nametag, a distributor of meeting and event supplies.
He has remained active with the fraternity since graduating in 1966 and said the house is now owned by a group called the Kappa Sigma Building Association, a non-stock group of around 1,000 alumni.
The economics of operating a fraternity house have grown increasingly difficult in recent years.
"It's hard to make the numbers work today," Topitzes said. He said Kappa Sigma had about 80 members in its Madison chapter last semester, but of those only 18 lived in the house.
Topitzes said the hope is for the fraternity chapter to continue on campus without the house, but he concedes that may be difficult. And he said a group of alumni members are also exploring the possibility of raising money to pay off the mortgage on the house, which had a major renovation a decade ago. At this point, however, a sale looks likely.
"Something will likely happen in the next six weeks," Topitzes said.
Topitzes said interest has been expressed by developers looking to sell condominiums, as well as by other fraternities and even a couple of people looking at it as a potential private residence.
"I think it would make a wonderful law office," Topitzes said.
A number of factors have made it tough for fraternity houses to survive, Topitzes said. Both the national fraternity organizations and the campus administration have pressured local chapters to either eliminate or limit hazing and drinking. Topitzes said asking pledges to clean up after a party is now considered hazing. Liability issues also loom large, and co-ed apartment living, nearly unthinkable a generation or two ago, has become commonplace.
"It could be that fraternities are becoming dinosaurs," Topitzes said.
Something will be lost with them. Greeks are traditionally among the most generous of university alumni donors. Madison chapter Kappa Sigma alums include Lee Dreyfus, the late former Wisconsin governor. Topitzes mentioned a marvelous photo of Dreyfus playing piano during a visit to the house by the actress Mae West. Other local alums include publisher Bill Haight and grocer Phil Woodman. Celebrated horse trainer D. Wayne Lukas and Rose Bowl quarterback Ron VanderKelen were Kappa Sigs in Madison.
Tuesday morning, Topitzes said, "It was a fun place but at the same time it turned out a great many successful people."
He turned his gaze back to the lake. "The sunsets are incredible."
(Article by Doug Moe, Wisconsin State Journal)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
