Avocado Goat Cheese Salad with Fried Egg

Recipe Courtesy of Mari Not So Bland

You know how I like a good salad… especially one that will actually keep me full. The lettuce I bought at Costco (in the photo below) inspired me, and can you blame me? Look at those beautiful greens!

So, after I washed the lettuce, I remembered that I bought an avocado at Kroger. I really really really really love avocados…in case you were curious. If you love them too, but have a little trouble getting the green goodness out of them in one piece, here’s a little how-to:

How-To Open an Avocado:

1. Insert the knife in the middle and cut (gingerly - there’s a pit, remember) it completely in half - all the way around the avocado.

2. Hold the avocado so that one hand is one either side that you’ve cut into.

3. Turn the avocado with your hands and pull!

4. Stick your knife into the pit and turn it…

5. Ta dah! Now, just take a large spoon and scoop out the inside! And there you have it!

Now, back to the salad… I crumbled some goat cheese over the lettuce and added fresh tomato slices, toasted walnuts, the avocado and…. a fried egg! Surprise! It’s so delicious!

So, here it is - the salad of my dreams! It’s healthy, tasty, and will keep you full. I put a simple oil and balsamic vinegar dressing on it, but you can put whatever dressing you would like! Enjoy!

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The list price you choose effects the sale of your home positively or negatively. You want a price that will cause Pricing your home too high will cause an unnecessary delay in the sale. Houses on the market too long generally do not sell for the best price. Price your home judiciously for a quick sale.

Home Improvements

The improvements and additions you’ve made to your home are not always recoverable in the asking price, but can add value to your home. Your swimming pool may have cost $25,000, but that doesn’t mean your home is worth $25,000 more. Swimming pools, decks, built-in-bookshelves and hardwood floors all make your home more attractive to home buyers.

Don’t Waste Time

When pricing your house, the key is this: Don’t waste time. Homes on the market a long time are perceived negatively by home  shoppers. They get suspicious and wonder, “Why hasn’t anyone bought this home yet?” Price your home at five to ten percent above the price of comparable homes in your neighborhood and you should get the right price and make good time.

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Sounds great doesn’t it? Go to Home Depot, stick stab a sign in the lawn and viola! Someone comes by to beg to take that home off your hands. Right? 

Unfortunately, the process of selling your home is not that easy. Your home is a huge investment with many different legal ramifications. When you go to sell it, there’s a zillion issues to consider and things can go wrong if left in the wrong hands.

Do You Really SAVE MONEY when you sell your home yourself?

According to the National Association of Realtors, “the typical FSBO home sold for $145,000, compared to $175,000 for agent-assisted home sales.”

Most Difficult Tasks for FSBO Sellers:

• Getting the right price 19%
• Understanding paperwork 30%
• Preparing / fixing up home for sale 26%
• Attracting potential buyers 7%
• Having enough time to devote to all aspects of the sale 14%

A Realtor can help in more ways than one:

While it may seem clever to pocket the commission fees of a Realtor and sell your home yourself, be aware that there are risks involved in doing so. Realtors are experts who know how to…

• Differentiate your home from other homes in your neighborhood.
• List your home in such a way that it will sell.
• Show your home to prospective buyers better than the average person.
• Market your home in a variety of ways available to licensed Realtors.
• Rely upon their license training to handle legal situations that may arise.
• Help you to avoid pitfalls that they’ve learned to avoid through experience.
• Serve as the middle-man during the negotiating process, which goes along way towards easing buyer - seller relations.
• Access network of professionals that are reliable for the home selling process such as painters, inspectors and plumbers.
• Help you overall make the process smooth.

And if that weren’t enough reason not to sell your home yourself, ask yourself the following questions:

Who will be completing the contract forms, negotiating the offer, and looking out for YOUR interests?

The eight-page contract (and many addenda attached thereto) contains the agreement of Buyer and Seller, stating representations and promises to be performed by each of the parties.

Do I need earnest money?

What happens to the earnest money?

What if the check does not clear?

What if the Buyer changes his mind, after signing? 

. Why an option period?

How much should be deposited?

How many and what kind of inspections?

What are the time limits for all inspections?

Once inspected, what are the parties’ choices?

How do I know what financing options there are?

As you can see, there is much that a Realtor can do to help you when it comes to selling your home. You may save money, but you will have to deal with many issues to make you lose time and potentially peace of mind when you sell your home by owner. Having an expert to handle the sale of your property makes economic sense and helps give you peace of mind.

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The 4th of July is said to be the Birthday of the United States. It is a federal holiday celebrating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 which declares our independence from Great Britain. This special day is often filled with fireworks, parades, bar-b-cues, fairs and picnics, not to mention concerts, baseball games and political ceremonies.

4th of July Ideas

• Decorate a Flag Cake
• 4th of July Parade Wear for the Kids
• Fourth of July (government site)

Patriotic Hymn

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It is not always easy to tell if you have hail damage from the ground. It takes a trained roofing professional to determine the extent of your damage. Hail damage seems harmless and may look harmless, however, do not be fooled. Over time, it can wreak havoc on your roof, causing it to deteriorate and leaks to start coming through your walls. If you suspect hail damage, you may want to have your roof inspected by a certified roofer. If you need a referral for a roofer, please contact us directly.

How to tell if your roof has hail damage warranting full-replacement by Insurance Company

Insurance will cover the cost to replace your roof if your roof has hail damage, and the hail damage is extensive enough to warrant full replacement. Here are 8 ways to tell if your roof has enough hail damage to warrant full replacement by the insurance company.

1. If other homes in your area have hail damage, chances are good that your house has been damaged too.

2. If you notice shingles in your yard, it is more obvious. Time to have your roof inspected by a reputible roofer in your area.

3. Whenever there is a hailstorm that comes through your area, there is a really good chance that your roof got pelted by hail.

4. Your next door neighbor getting a new roof should be cause for you to get a roof inspection. The longer you wait after a hail storm, the less likely you are to be able to collect on a claim.

5. When on your roof, if you notice bruise spots on your shingles, that is a definite sign of hail damage.

6. A leak coming through any part of your ceiling also indicates potential damage that you may have overlooked in the past. 

7. If other parts of your home are damaged from a storm, such as your fence, or your gutters, your roof may have been damaged too. Better have an experienced roofer check it out before water seeps through.

8. If your vents have visible dents, your roof does too. Just because you can’t see the damage from the ground, doesn’t mean you don’t have hail damage. Don’t take your chances, call us and we’ll refer you to a reputible roofer.

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Not all real estate agents, Realtors^® and brokers are alike. It’s wise to shop around and find the real estate team that’s right for you. First stop to think about the qualities that you need in a real estate agent to effectively sell your home. Your list may read like this:

• Listens to my needs. You want a real estate professional who listens more than talks. Your agent needs to hear what’s important to you, and keep your priorities above his or her own at all times.

• Works hard and is not lazy. It sounds basic, but there people out there who are not willing to work as hard for you for whatever reason. You need someone at the top of their game, someone at the peak of their career who is ready to get out there and do whatever it takes to get your home sold in a timely manner and for the right price.

• Answers my calls. When you’re selling your home, nothing is worse than getting voicemail even 50% of the time. You need a real estate professional who is available for you when you need him or her. You need someone you can reach immediately when necessary.

• Positive Attitude. Want to sell your home quickly, for more than you expected? Find a Realtor^® with a good attitude. A negative, moody or depressed agent frankly will not have the confidence necessary to sell your home effectively in any market conditions.

• Knowledgeable. Your Realtor^® needs to be knowledgeable about the legalities of real estate, the marketplace and about your area.

• Successful. The best real estate agents are successful agents. You should be able to tell they are successful when you meet with them. They should have an excellent track record and sound references to prove it. An unsuccessful agent is that way for a reason, don’t find out why.

• Confident & Assertive. When it comes to selling your home, you need someone who is confident and assertive. Confident, because they need to know exactly what they are doing, and assertive because they have to take an assertive stance in the negotiation process. You want someone on your side who knows how to take a stand.

• Ethical. You want an ethical real estate agent who you can trust. Not only will he or she show up where expected, but will show up on time. Your Realtor must have an outstanding reputation and perform his or her job with high moral clarity.

• Markets your home by many different means. Sometimes all that’s needed is a sign in the front yard and you’ve got offers on your home from here to the Brazos River. Other times, depending on market conditions and other factors, selling your home may require extra techniques and tools such as virtual tours, internet marketing, open houses, direct mail, etc… Make sure your agent is ready to do whatever it takes to get your and your home moving.

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Concrete floors are all the rage in most public venues such as restaurants, churches and homes. Why? Most likely because concrete floors are relatively inexpensive to create, last longer than carpet, look clean, modern and sleek. Concrete floors not only look wonderful, but they are easier on the environment being the green option of choice for many home owners. 

Concrete floors are also very versatile with unlimited styles, colors and glimmers and are appealing for a number of decorating styles including Modern, Contemporary, Minimalist, Old World, Tuscan, Southwestern, Architectural, Rustic and even Traditional. 

Ways to Do Concrete Floors

These durable, distinct and easy-to-maintain floors are created in a variety of ways. Some concrete floors use more than one of the following applications: 

• Acid Stained & Dyed Concrete Floors
• Polished Concrete Floors 
• Artistic Concrete Floors

Acid Stained Concrete Floors

Acid stain is used to create the marble effect on the concrete floor. You can boost the appeal of boring grey concrete with a look of faux marble, solid colour, elegant hues or artistic designs. When combined with Polished Concrete, stained floors are all the more attractive. 

Polished Concrete Floors

Polished concrete floors reflect light making them shiny and beautiful. These beautiful floors are created with a permanent solution that reduces the need for re-application. Routine cleaning is all that is required to maintain smooth, luxurious finish. Resistant to abrasion. 

Artistic Concrete Floors

Concrete floors can garner the look of real stone without the expensive price tag. Artistic concrete floors are best left to the professional who knows what he or she is doing. Concrete floors can be artistically engraved and designed using multiple colors, styles and finishes. Concrete floors with artistic flair can be used for interiors and exteriors. 

How to Do Concrete Floors Yourself

You can do concrete floors yourself, or hire a professional. It’s important to verify that the cement is properly prepared prior to staining. Many professionals recommend an overlay of cementitious material prior to staining floors that are not new construction. 

1. Purchase stain at hardware supply store. Acid stain can be dyed different colors. 

2. Protect areas surrounding floors (walls, baseboards, trim) to protect from stain.

3. Prepare the concrete according to stain manufacturer instructions.

4. Test stain on area of floor to make sure you like the way it looks.

5. Score concrete surface into desired pattern with diamond blade saw. 

6. Apply stain. Use more stain for richer color, less stain for diluted color.

7. Protect floor with sealer or polish, giving the shiny finish. 

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Mother’s Day is upon us on Sunday May 9, 2010. A time to show honor to the Mothers in our lives. Mother’s sacrifice so much of their lives for their children, and deserve a lot more than they are given in return. They mean so much to us, and give so unconditionally. I hope we don’t take them for granted. I hope we take time to show them how very much we appreciate their continuous stream of love and support. 

Most mother’s are terrific. Other mother’s have made mistakes. There are mothers who did the best they could, but some how came up short. Some mothers have passed on. No matter what the situation between you and your Mother, take time to relish in something good about her. Take time to remember the times she was there for you when no one else would be, find something good to dwell on, even if it’s just the fact that she delivered you from her tummy. Whatever you do, don’t let bitterness keep you from showing your appreciation. 

Make time for your Mother this Mother’s Day. Make memories with your mom by making the day special, even if you talk to her every day. Think about what she really likes, and make the day something that really blesses her. It doesn’t have to be expensive. Most moms I know would be happy with the gift of time with their grown kids–and some (with little ones) would just like time away! Whatever the Mothers in your life need, try to make the day extra special for them. They deserve it. 

Give thanks that she is always on your side, has always loved you dearly. Give thanks for your mom who gave birth to you, as well as to the one who raised you and protected you. Moms are wonderful and they mean the best for us. Thank you, Mom for being wonderful. 

What are YOU going to do for your Mom this year? Leave us a comment below. We’d love to hear from you! 

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(c) All Rights Reserved - Jenna Ryan 2010

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It’s Springtime. Time to start clearing away the old things from your life–mind, body and soul. Get rid of any debris standing in the way of you and a life of pure enjoyment (or at least ease and satisfaction). Junk, clutter and piles of things you don’t use around your home creates a chaotic environment that’s not conducive to peace and relaxation. Take a moment to reflect on the ways you can make your home more peaceful, inviting and clutter-free this spring. Here’s 10 tips to get you motivated.

1. Organize your closets.

I’m sure you’ve heard it before, get rid of  any items of clothing that you haven’t worn in a year or more. what are you keeping those old size 00 jeans for, a rainy day? (Kidding) It’s better to have a clear, fresh closet today so you can find the things you need. 

2. Replace your A/C Filter.

A dirty A/C filter will cause the air in your home to be stuffy and allergenic. Replace your A/C filter with a fresh one from Wal-Mart or the grocery store.

3. Call a charity to haul away unwanted items.

Help less fortunate families by donating items to charity that you and your family are no longer using. Not only will you be helping needy families, but you can also get a tax deduction. If possible, you may also want to deliver donations to a donation truck near your home. 

4. Hold a garage sale.

If you’re short on funds, you can hold a garage sale and make a few extra bucks off your old junk! 

5. Move big pieces of furniture and clean underneath.

How long has it been since you looked under your bed? Take the opportunity this spring to take a gander and get rid of pen lids, missing shoes, earrings and other accessories that one always finds when we move our beds or heavy furniture to see underneath.

6. Clean windows.

How long has it been since the windows of your home have been cleansed? It’s probably about time to give them a good clean. There are services that will do this for you, or you can break out a ladder and windex to get the job done yourself. 

7. Get paperwork in order.

Do you have stacks of unopened mail and family business filing to do? Stop! It’s springtime. Time for renewal. Time to get rid of the tasks hanging over your head and making you miserable. Tackle that paperwork once and for all. It shouldn’t take you too long, and just think of how great you’ll feel once it’s done! 

8. Fix broken items in your home.

If there are items that need to be fixed in your home or apartment, spring is the time to do it. Hear the birds chirping, see the sweet sunshine beaming down… perfect timing for tackling that broken hinge, or replacing broken door stoppers.

9. Clear out junk drawers and junk piles. 

Do you have piles of junk that needs to be dealt with? Take this gorgeous spring season to officially deal with the piles of junk in your midst. Organize, arrange, discard–free yourself to focus your mind on other things. Stop allowing junk piles to dominate your living quarters, and dominate your life.

10. Clean your garage.

What better time than spring to clean out your garage? Who knows, you may even be able to fit another car in there. Seriously, even if you’re impeccably clean, garages have a way of collecting items we don’t have time for. Take time this spring to clear away anything in your garage you never use. Your home will feel like new.

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