How Can Some”body” Change My Life So Much?

It all started when Emily asked us to babysit Henry for a few weeks as she was going to be traveling and wanted her ”child” to be in quality care.    Henry is her 5 year old Chihuahua so being the wonderful “Grandmother” I am, I traveled to Scottsdale and brought the baby back home…along with 5 lbs. of food not to be found in Ohio, special treats, his teddy bear, new harness so we don’t break his trachea and a strong warning…actually several strong warnings…that if anything should happen to Henry due to our carelessness….well we would never see our grandchildren in the future.

Henry already to board!

He was very well behaved on the flight to Ohio..so proud of my granddog   Emily and I had discussed that a couple of baby gates would be great to keep Henry on washable floors just in case an accident should occur..so off to the store I went and then a good friend offered to loan me a gate so I am ready to give Henry freedom.

I try to make the trip to see my mother once a week.  She loves all dogs so I thought Henry could go too…very good in the car…good with all the residents.  I always take my mother out to eat…gives her a little break…85 degree day.  I couldn’t leave Henry in the car or disappoint my mother so I ask if Henry and my mother could be served on the patio…Henry does not qualify as a seeing eye dog but he is so cute…

Henry being served a drink…See the advantages of being so cute!

After the first day, I needed to get back to work on my schedule…so I decided to put Henry to work…He is very personable, friendly, and full of energy sooo REALTOR???

Henry at WORK!

Love the little guy…hated leaving him for long hours on some days.  Emily is back in the U.S. but won’t be coming through Ohio for 2 more weeks…who knows…if he sells one more property…I will have to reward him again.  Can you imagine us with Grandchildren?

Kentucky Derby 2012 … Another Race, Another Party, New Friends, Old Friends, Open Floor Plans

       It is a tradition at our house to have a Kentucky Derby Party.  This started in our former neighborhood and after the “hosts” moved on, we kept the tradition going…about 30 years.  And yes, some of the same original Derby Partiers…still attend or call in from current destinations.  Tradition includes…red roses….dozens…I love buying myself red roses..and so much less expensive today since Trader Joes and Whole Foods stock cut flowers.  Derby glasses from Churchill Downs with the past winners, Mint Juleps, Derby Pie, Hats, and race information posted on our walls…$5.00 Bets and the race is on.  We always hope our patch of mint is up, glasses are ordered in time for delivery, and the house is ready for guests…inside and out…We never know what the weather may be on the first Sat. in May.

 

We try to do something different each year.  This year as always, red roses ….and white fence with grass and horseshoes, old silver pieces, and an old feedbag.  The large green glass plates are one of the best investments my neighbor and I have ever made in our shopping ventures…$1.00 per plate.  We each have 24 so they are great for entertaining.  Christmas green, Easter, showers, gourmet groups….these plates have been carried over the drive between our houses on ice, through the wind, rain, hot, sunny days…for many years…

                      Derby Pie… 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 c. flour, 2 eggs, 1 stick of butter, 1 c. chopped pecans, 6 oz. chocolate chips, and 1 tsp. of vanilla.  Mix flour and sugar.  Beat butter until creamy, add eggs, and stir in the rest of the ingredients.  Pour into unbaked pie shell.  Bake at 325 for 45 minutes.  Serve with whipped cream.  We have slowed down….I used to make 6 pies…we are down to 3 pies.   Derby Pie and Mint Juleps always on the menu.

 

 

 

This year George made Kentucky Bourbon Sweet Potatoes…6 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes.  Mix 1 c. brown sugar, 1/2 c. butter, 1/2 c. of bourbon, 1/2 t. vanilla…heat until just starting to boil.  Pour over potatoes in baking dish.  Bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes.

We also had ham sliders…Jarlsberg or Cheddar Horseradish cheese spread…Pasta Salad and Spinach Salad completed the menu.  This is always a fun time for us…and I hope for our guests.  Preparation time is not nearly what it used to be…I can now schedule my work…real estate vs. teaching, two little girls are now out on their own, and Evite has speeded up invitations.

OPEN floor plans..important when entertaining….I always mention that when interviewing a new buyer.  Do you like to entertain?  Do you have frequent family events?  Are you planning on letting your children entertain?  As a teacher and parent of 2 girls, I wanted an Open Floor plan with some privacy but yet open so I could always be on “parent duty”.  We have always had large groups in our house…George and I like to entertain, and we wanted the girls to know their friends were welcome.  George made the Pasta Dinners for the tennis, lacrosse, and cheerleader teams.  Study groups would work on our kitchen island on projects…knowing you really can’t damage granite counter tops…science projects, glue, poster board, and paint…Hardwood floors are so easy to keep clean with spills, etc.  Our finished basement…”lower level” is even open with no door….the element of surprise is often a great deterrent of poor choices.

I am now working with my new assistant…Henry.  He is fast, sweet, and loves people.   More info. to come soon.

 

 

 

 

Technology…Parenting…Real Estate

I have been too busy to blog…yes the market is much better…selling all of my inventory.  I have actually had 4 people ask me in the last 4 days…what happened to your blog?  So I am back this afternoon.  I have been thinking about the difference in Technology as a tool and how this has changed in the last “few” years… Actually have a new client that has their 4-year-old eat dinner and breakfast  via Skype with her grandparents every day…wondering why the child doesn’t pay attention to the grandparents…I am wondering if the grandparents ever take a nap…  Sometimes when showing properties to parents, the children get tired, it may be too cold or rainy, and I sit in the car with the children…some of these vans are like amusement parks…truly.  What happened to books, puzzles, Legos??

    Back in the day, we had baby monitors…just a kind of fuzzy sound that let you know your child was safe in his/her little bed…yes with those scary bumper pads, and sides of the bed that went up and down.   Today…watch the video, record your child…all from the next room…maybe just skype…togetherness 24/7???  So all the bedrooms don’t have to be on the same floor…5 level splits…a good compromise.

It seems once a week at least…(listening Yanok sisters?) I have someone ask me how can I survive without my children living in Ohio.  The answer is…technology.  And that has certainly changed…we had a surprise phone bill when Andi left for college…not knowing the expense of her long distance plan…oh dear…several thousand dollars.  She would call, and carry the phone with her as she went out to dinner, etc. or call and talk to me when she was walking home from class/library at night…so I could protect her…AZ to OHIO…I am so thankful I never had to hear her scream.

And texting…I had to learn to text a few years back..because of my first time buyers.  And now, I don’t text when driving…too dangerous.   Texting is a good way to say I LOVE YOU to my girls without interrupting their day.

I enjoy a photo sent to my phone, “Mom, should I buy this?  Will it go in this room, etc.”  Sometimes I still do wake up calls…to make sure an overtired daughter doesn’t miss a flight or meeting.  Love taking photos of great decorating ideas that I see when touring a property so I can remember.

Purchase contracts without technology?  So easy to do business now from where ever you may be.  I can’t imagine carrying around a huge book of listings to show my clients…now just my phone or Ipad.

Without my navigation system…I would be lost when showing properties…what a help…I am very kind to her…I depend on her every day.

All in a Day’s Work…Columbus Real Estate

        I want to be a Heroine soon…The Case of the Lost (not kidnapped) white elephant.  Thursday morning I pick up a new family at their hotel….. Dad, Mom, and the cutest little guy carrying a white elephant.  As they are all new to the U.S. and therefore our community, I am trying to make them feel welcome.  Being tired from a flight from England via Iceland via NYC to Columbus, Ohio, they were all a little tired but eager to jump in  my car and look for their American Home.  So tired, but this little guy…3 years old..with the bluest eyes and dark, curly hair followed us everywhere clutching his little white elephant.  Knowing this must be a special toy, I tried to remember to make sure he had his one possession from home as I turned out lights, left my business card, locked all doors…and set my navigation for the next property.   I had a great day…great family…fun time…all is well at my house.

I wake up the next day, and while having my coffee like any good REALTOR, check my email.  Oh no…an email from my new family.  “Will you please check your backseat to see if there is a little, white elephant on the floor?”  NO WHERE TO BE FOUND!   As I was still rescheduling showings to get the day set, I quickly emailed all the listing agents from the day before…asking them to help me start the search.

When I picked the family up…they had a little trouble getting everyone to sleep but they were still in good spirits.  They explained the elephant wasn’t lost forever???!!  I had to share a story with the parents…a few years ago…probably 22 or so, Emily, our youngest took Baby Alive to Disney World over Christmas Vacation.  Yes, Santa had brought this special doll that did all these human like things…including sucking.  Well, Baby Alive didn’t make it to our hotel.  George called the limo company.  Luckily, the driver had driven down to Miami but was coming back to Orlando.  Baby Alive was kidnapped!!!  You know the rest of the story.  Baby Alive did make it back to OHIO.

I did take my new family  to meet some former clients of mine…now my friends (this seems to always happen).  They will soon be working together and I thought it would be great for them to meet before the first day of work.  As I shared the story of the lost elephant, the children’s father suggested they look in their toy chest for a stuffed animal to give to my new little friend.  There were lots of smiles and a little guy clutching a little bear the rest of the day.

Well…if you see a slightly worn, white, stuffed elephant, please let me know.  He is very special of course.  He was given to this child at the hospital when he was born.  I have not given up…Persistance is a good quality for a REALTOR.

Concord Counseling…Pay Forward…Give Back…We Need YOU!

Concord Counseling  is one of the most highly acclaimed, nonprofit mental health centers in central OHIO.  Based in Westerville, Ohio and founded in 1972 at Otterbein College, Concord is dedicated to healing people in mind and spirit with programs and services that change lives.

After over 30 years in education I soon learned how quickly Concord came to help our students in Westerville City Schools during a crisis situation.  Being gently pushed to get involved, I can honestly say that I have enjoyed learning about the many services and age groups Concord serves as well as meeting the wonderful staff and other board members.

Because of the funding issues/insurance…..need I say more, we are constantly looking for friends of Concord that will help us Shine A Light on more families/individuals.

First Sip of Concord…already sold out.

VINO MEZA  March 22, 2012 7-9

Thank you to Chocolaterie Stam, Old Bag of Nails, and Pasquales for their generous donations and support of the event.  Raffle tickets can still be purchased…contact Ruth Stenberg at Concord. (614-882-9338  ext. 263 ) Great raffle items including Behind the Scene Experience at Otterbein Theatre, Private Wine Tasting Party at Vino Meza for Your Guests, and  Nook Color…You don’t have to be present to win.

   June 8, 2012…Little Turtle Country Club, Night Golf…looking for golfers and sponsors…should be a lot of fun…Call Ruth Stenberg for more details.

If you have an organization/club, please know that you can call Ruth Stenberg to reserve the conference room at Concord for a community meeting.  In return, Concord will make a short presentation about Concord Counseling followed by  a short Q & A time.  We are welcoming New Friends to Concord to help us serve more clients in need.

Class sessions are now offered on Thursday evenings at Concord.  First class is free and if you enjoy the session you have the opportunity to attend the rest of the series for $25.00.  Next series is Improving Relationship with Children…Becoming a Better Parent.  Check the Concord Website or call Concord for more details.

I am BACK Again…and they say the market is not good???

Busy…very busy…too busy to blog.  Love meeting the people and seeing very interesting properties…and can you believe my clients soon become my friends.  Actually having second annual wine tasting party with my veterinarian friends.  Hate to stereotype clients, but they are the best…kind, patient, and have fantastic stories.  Who else has to leave during a home inspection to help with the autopsy of a gorilla?  Actually showed over 122 properties in the last 4 days..rule of thumb..if you know this isn’t HOME SWEET HOME, we are on to the next property.  When clients have the expense of travel for 2 days, I think I owe them a good home show…..and a little entertainment.

Loved seeing these doors in a totally renovated property…I want to live here…so fantastic!

Loved this idea too…neatly stacked firewood in the fireplace…not functional but looked great!

Bungalow in AZ.  You know I love the Bungalow in the Short North, Powell, and New Albany and just happened to stop in The Bungalow in Scottsdale.   Prices here make our local Bungalow seem like the Bargain Basment…but some good ideas.

Layering junk…quality junk…love the look…only when I come home from showing totally contemporary, clean line, industrial type properties…I have to remove a couple of things for a few days.   I am so thankful George doesn’t see these places…he would call 1-800-JUNK and my treasures would be gone.

Just a few more family stories:  Most of my friends have grandchildren..I am a patient woman and do not want to rush my daughters in any way.  I love my granddogs and enjoy my family just the way it is for right now…but have you ever experienced face time with a dog?

This is Henry…we had quality time the other night…It really didn’t seem so odd until I was sharing this experience with George…oh well it was fun…Emily, Henry, and I were having fun.

And now I am BRAGGING….check out Andi Yanok Photography…she just updated her WEBSITE …..love looking at her work.

See you later…Columbus Ohio Homes for Sale!

More Low Cost Ideas…Training for Camelback…

Camelback Mountain  Taking the steps to my office, 2 at a time, treadmill is on an incline, and trying to get rid of some extra “baggage”.  In a weak moment, over a glass of wine, during the holidays, I set a goal of climbing Camelback Mountain, one more time with Emily…my “goalsetting daughter”.  I did complete this 1.5 climb when in Az. for a parent weekend…but the difference this time is I know where I am going.  I am five years older, and I clearly remember the trip up and down…..actually coming down was the most treacherous for me…I knew if I started falling…there would be no stopping…..and twisting an ankle or earning a knee replacement???  Why did I ever read “The Little Train” to my daughters…I Think I Can, I Think I Can, I Think I Can.  I promise to take photos when I get up to the top and I think I can.

Found some great Pillow at Pottery Barn…very pricey but honestly I looked everywhere and this was by far the best choice for updating our sofa…Idea…I found matchng napkins (same exact print) for $7.00.  So I plan to back the napkins with burlap and create 4 smaller pillows…adds texture, and saves $$.

                      

Thank You for Missing Me…Redesigning, Staging, Selling, and Family

Hey, it is nice to be missed.  I have just been too busy to blog…seems not much has slowed down since before the holidays…actually still have Christmas Decor in my “lower level”.

  I knew I could use these LARGE ??? things some day when I saw  them on clearance at West Elm last summer… so glad we have a store in Columbus, Ohio now.   They were candle holders inside and outside with globes…they were plant stands…and now…legs on a table.

My original thought was to make some distressed wood for the top…but found this basket in my “lower level”and my new table was  reinvented!

I am trying to bring different textures to a room that used to be more formal…now the white slip covers, burlap……it’s new again!

Curly sticks, Grandma Kay’s crocks, and shelf paper soaked in tea, wrinkled and rolled up..some twine from the garage…and the new look is here….really started with the white slip covers.

Gave my neighbor a “Rednek Wine Glass” for Christmas…she loved it.  (Irwin’s Hallmark, Westerville, Gahanna, or Canal Winchester).  Okie Morris, created the stemware from a Mason jar glued on top of a Libbey candlestick holder.  Okie is now making Rednek wine charms made from bottle caps that have been sprayed neon colors.  Okie has made a few dollars on her latest reinvention.

Don’t forget…This Sunday at your nearest Pottery Barn…free class…10-11 on “Accessories” .  Call your store to verify time and register.  The price is right and you get an hour in the store with designers and a discount.  Bring dimensions of a room for advice on furniture placement, etc.  Free…yes FREE.

Have had a great week reassuring Relocating Families…that it is true, one can get to the airport within 20 minutes from most parts of town, a traffic jam in Columbus, Ohio is newsworthy, and we are truly “that friendly”.  Selling Columbus Ohio Real Estate is Fun when you love the area.  The “pickings are slim right now”…if you are thinking of listing… now is the time.  Competition will be greater as more sellers relist after the holidays.

Want to hear about my family…sure you do.  Have been spending a little more time with my 88-year-old mother…even her “Buckeye Ballgames” haven’t been enough entertainment for her these last couple of weeks.  And headed west soon for a long weekend with daughters…shopping, hiking, spa, and wine…not sure what order.  Still packing along Christmas gifts that wouldn’t fit their luggage guidelines…so I have only what I wear to the airport.  Shopping…yes that is a planned activity.  And George…he won’t personally be along on this trip but his budget plan will…he never gives up.

My Favorite OLD Treasures…appear at Christmas…

      This is a old Christmas Greeting from Schmitt’s Dairy…my family had a dairy in Waverly, Ohio…and yes they did deliver milk to your doorstep.  I found these a few years ago…and had them framed for my brother and myself…Always brings back great memories…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other fun things to bring out for the holidays…dolls and books, favorite toys, Christmas decorations that our girls made and the list could go on…the doll on the right belonged to my Grandma Kay…I did get her some new hair but other that that she is the original…

Another holiday favorite…my Great Grandmother’s RED Christmas dishes…We still use them every Christmas Eve…No German food as before but a Slovakian Meal with George as our Chef… always fantastic…and we all help…I am the dishwasher…the girls are the sous chefs…

Love seeing the some of the red plates in the kitchen during the holidays…Christmas is so much about tradition…do you need to purchase holiday decorations?  Maybe you need to select some favorite traditions as the decor…more meaningful and can be very pretty too…Love the Holidays!  Merry Christmas to all.

Ponderosa Pine Cones…Hiding at Lake Tahoe…Recommend Marriott Timberline South Lake Tahoe

I love using natural materials to decorate during the holidays or actually anytime during the year.  Ponderosa Pine Cones…so pretty anywhere…and I have some that are a few years old…sprayed gold, silver, and/or white……left natural…love them in containers…added to a wreath…or just sitting on a table.

I had the opportunity to gather great pinecones while hiding at Lake Tahoe…and why would I be hiding…The Story Begins.

Operation Surprise Andi for her 30th Bday began when Emily and I got Evites for a Surprise Party for Andi in early November.

Phase One… We booked our flights.  No hesitation…the Yanoks had to be there!

Phase Two …George and I would fly to Sacramento from Ohio …drive to Lake Tahoe or San Franscisco…depending on the weather and hide

Phase Three… We return to Sacremento, pick Emily up at the airport…coming in from Scottsdale…and meet for lunch for further planning.

Phase Four …Check in hotel a few miles from Andi’s house, nap and get ready for the next phase

Phase Five … George drops Emily off at the party site 30 minutes after  the official beginning of the party.

Phase Six …George drops Emma off at the party site 15 minutes after Emily arrives at the party.

Phase Seven…George parks car and arrives at the party.  Mission Complete.  Andi was surprised!  Andi has some fantastic friends that had planned a wonderful party.

So as you can guess…I gathered my 2011 Special Andi Collection of Pine Cones while in hiding.  I am sure I will use them for the next few years and always remember this weekend.