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!

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.

536 Niagara

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

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.

Favorite Tee's

My sister-in-law and her husband have a retail and wholesale batik business in Portland,OR. called
Tree Town Batiks Here are a few of my favorites!

Check out Tree Town Batiks for all of the design options.  They can customize as well!

WHERE DO I FIND AN OPEN HOUSE POSTING IN TOLEDO?

Confused about where to look for Open House postings? Lately, I have heard this or some variation of "How and where do I find and Open House"? With the majority of Realtors moving away from print and embracing advertising online, it's a bit confusing on where to point your browser. Well, the confusion ends here! Go to www.SurfToledoHomes.com and click on the "Find an Open House" link. It's a direct feed from the Toledo MLS so regardless of the Real Estate company, it should populate.

HAPPY HUNTING!

Click below for a handy Open House checklist.
http://images.frontdoor.com/FDOOR/packages/home_selling/OpenHouse-Seller-Checklist.pdf

Scent is a first impression when selling your home.

When your home is on the market, everything is scrutinized, especially how your home smells. Pet order and smoke are probably at the top of the "turn off a buyer quickly" scents. Other odors to watch out for: cooking (grease) smell, your trash, and diaper pails (even when they are empty can be very stinky).

Here are my top picks for making your home smell buyer friendly:)

1. Open the windows

2. Get your carpets professionally cleaned

3. If you have a basement, get a dehumidifier.

4. Run lemon wedges through your garbage disposal.

5. Don't smoke in or around your house.

A product that I really like and use in my own home is SMELL BEGONE citrus scent. It's a solid and can be purchased at Bed, Bath and Beyond.