Tuesday, May 18, 2010

2010 Home Buyer Wants


Avid Ratings Co., a firm that provides surveys and employee training to home builders across the United States and Canada, conducts an annual survey of home buyer preferences.


The company found the following hot home features reign supreme in today’s market:

1. Large kitchens with an island.

2. Energy-efficient appliances and high-efficiency insulation and windows. (These were the most sought-after “green” features from buyers.)

3.  Home office or study

4.  Main-floor master suite

5.  Outdoor living room

6.  Ceiling fans

7.  Master suite soaker tubs and oversize showers with seating areas

8.  Stone and brick exteriors

9.  Community landscaping with walking paths and playgrounds.

10.  Two-car garages

I am a bit surprised by the ceiling fans, I have noticed that people still do like them (updated versions).  The kitchen trend was no surprise and the Home Office/Den/Study trend seems to be "A Must" for many of my clients.
You can carve out an office space almost anywhere in your home, leave it out of the bedroom for resale purposes.


Amanda Nisbet photo


Decor pad photo



Domino Magazine Aug'07

Sunday, May 16, 2010

They Say Even Beginners Can Do It...


This will be my second attempt to grow something from seed.  First attempt (pre-children) was not a success.  I choose The Honey Bear Sunflower from Burpee.  I love how compact this flower head is!  Just planted today.  Keep you posted ;)
Would love to hear any garden success stories or suggestions!

Saturday, May 8, 2010

My new favorite Pool/Beach bag


Oilcloth!  It's great around water and messy children.  Of course, Etsy had a great vendor, Beth's Market Bags to work with.  Making it my own with a monogram from Twist Home, Toledo.


Monday, May 3, 2010

536 Niagara

Dynamic floor plan.  Well appointed decor.  This has not hit the MLS yet...later this afternoon. More to come.


Sunday, May 2, 2010

Twist on a Turkey Burger


Don't you think Turkey Burgers can sometimes be a bit dry and lifeless?  This recipe, courtesy of Food Network, is fantastic and definitely kicks it up a notch.  I have not tried these on the grill-please let me know if you do!

1 clove garlic

Kosher salt
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, plus 1 teaspoon
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons hot sauce
14 ounces lean 93% ground turkey meat
6 ounces lean ground sirloin (I actually use ground chuck due to the higher fat content)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
Freshly ground black pepper
4 whole-wheat buns or pita bread, toasted


Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Smash the garlic cloves, sprinkle with some salt, and, with the flat side of a large knife, mash and smear the mixture to a coarse paste. Whisk the garlic with the balsamic, Worcestershire, and hot sauce in a small bowl.

Crumble the turkey and beef into a large mixing bowl. Pour the garlic mixture over the meat and form into 4 (5-ounce) burgers. Cover and set aside while you cook the onions.


Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned but not mushy, about 15 minutes. Season the onions with the remaining teaspoon of balsamic and salt and pepper, to taste.


Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat for a minute. Brush 1 side of the burgers with the oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cook seasoned side down until browned, about 2 minutes. Brush and season the top of the burgers, flip and cook until other side is brown, about 2 minutes more.


Transfer burgers to a baking dish and bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted side ways into the burgers registers 160 degrees F, about 5 minutes. Place the burgers on the buns or in pita and let rest for a few minutes. Serve with the caramelized onions and garnishes of your choice.

These freeze really well.  Wrap individually in press and seal wrap (one of my favorite products) and place in a freezer bag.