March Goes Out Like a Lamb…
March goes out like a Lamb…
fiskfisk – Flickr.com
and brings April showers -
_neona_ – Flickr.com
That is exactly what is due to happen – with the last day of March said to hit almost 60 degrees – and April 1st to have rain heading our way here in CT and NY.
Many of you know that I’m not too fond of being out and about in the rain – but it so much better than snow!
Barbecued Burgers Indoors – YUM!
chichacha – Flickr.com
Spring has sprung – bringing warm weather – and warm weather attracts everyone outdoors! One of our favorite things to do outdoors is BARBECUE! Although, Springweather can be tricky – one day we’re in the 60′s, the next could be in the 40′s! Being able to cook delish burgers indoors in great! Here are some awesome recipes -
LFL16 – Flickr.com
Rachael Ray’s -
- Beer-Brasied Bacon, Bacon Cheeseburgers <CLICK>
- Chicken Cordon Bleu Burgers <CLICK>
- Chili Bacon Burgers <CLICK>
- Chicken Caesar Burgers <CLICK>
- Bull’s Eye Burgers <CLICK>
Rick – Flickr.com
Homebuying Dos and Don’ts
If your taking advantage of this “Buyers Market” - here are some Dos and Don’ts from FRONTDOOR.COM <CLICK>
Also, Listing Book is a great way to search like an agent and view all current listings that are updated every 30 minutes – unlike other Home Search sites – AND – it’s FREE! Register for your account - <CLICK HERE TO VIEW>
ikkoskinen – Flickr.com
Flickr Foto Fun Friday Post – Horses
As a REALTOR in both New York and Connecticut, I have seen many farms and homes with horses. I think they are beautiful, but I do admit that I am a bit - well maybe very – intimidated by their size. But oh how I do love to view them… from afar! Here are some of my favorite Flickr photos from very daring photographers!
alisdair – Flickr.com
Wolfgang Staudt – Flickr.com
Pamzpix - Flickr.com
Clearly Ambiguous – Flickr.com
JelleS - Flickr.com
Evgeni Dinev – Flickr.com
Selling Your Home in Spring Tips
Noel Zia Lee – Flickr.com
Spring is here and historically it is when most buyers are out looking for homes to move into during the warm weather and others hoping to move in before the kids start school.
If your looking to sell your home…
FrontDoor.com - 6 Staging Tips for Selling your home in the Spring market <CLICK>
supershopperstoo – Flickr.com
For a FREE Comparative Marketing Analysis in the Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess County areas – and/or – Fairfield and parts of Litchfield Counties in Connecticut- Feel free to contact me for a confidential CMA.
Diana… cell: 203-648-2619 E-Mail: Diana.Santos@Century21.com
Pasta – Inexpensive, Filling and Yummy!
angeloangelo – Flickr.com
Looking to stretch your dollar and make easy, nutritious and delicious meals - PASTA! I stock up when I shop at Shaw’s Supermarket in my hometown of New Fairfield, CT – when they have their 10 for $10 weekly sale items. Many times, it is pasta – my favorite!
iamchanelle – Flickr.com
There are so many different ways to prepare Pasta. Here are just a few…
- Martha Stewart’s – Cooking Pasta – Simple steps to help you cook perfect pasta.
- Rachael Ray – Salad-a-Ghetti - Spaghetti and Salad come together in one dish!
- Emeril’s – Shrimp and Pasta- Add some chilis, garlic, lemon and green onion – BAM!
- The Neely’s – Easy Lemon Pasta with Chicken - Somethin’ Outta Nothin’
- Rocco DiSpirito – Spaghetti and Meatballs - Now that’s a MEATball!
flem007_uk – Flickr.com
Please keep in mind that you can change these recipes around – omitting certain ingredients to suite your taste buds and your budget.
lilivanili – Flickr.com
For an even healthier dish, use Whole Wheat Pasta. If your not crazy about the taste, mix half in with regular pasta!
iamchanelle – Flickr.com
Do you have leftover chili – chicken – veggies – steak – hotdogs? Cook some pasta, mix with your left overs and Voila!
giovanniscanavino – Flickr.com
Cell Phone Pics – New Milford, CT
While out showing homes in New Milford, Connecticut – I took a few photos using my cell phone.
Here is one looking at the Town Bridge from Route 7 – which has been under construction to up the 1 lane each way to 2 lanes.
Bridge from Route 7
View from the Town Bridge over the Housatonic River
Abraham, Martin & John – Dion
A music video by Dion – Abraham, Martin & John. Another favorite on my I-pod.
Footloose Performance at New Fairfield High School
The Rebel Performs from New Fairfield High School – will be performing “FOOTLOOSE” this weekend – March 20th, 21st and 22nd – and next weekend – March 27th and 28th. My daughter, Amanda, is in the performance and the show is fantastic! *****Please CLICK on the link below for times*****
For more information on dates and tickets <CLICK>
Admission is $15 for reserved seating - $10 for Adults – $5 for Children and Seniors 65+
Flickr Foto Fun Friday Post – First Day of Spring!
Yeah! It’s the 1st day of SPRING and Mother Nature has a sense of humor! Today in New Fairfield, CT – we had chilly temperatures and snow – yes, I said SNOW – that was sticking to the ground! Then, the sun came out and melted all the little flakes that had fallen for the past 2 hours. And now, more clouds have rolled in and a light breeze has started.
Even so, I am thrilled that today – Friday, March 20th – it is officially the FIRST DAY OF SPRING!
Here are some SPRINGY Flickr Pics of what we shall soon see – really soon I hope!
Clearly Ambiguous - Flickr.com
Spisharam – away for a couple of weeks – Flickr.com
Gaetan Lee – Flickr.com
Housing Market – What goes DOWN, must come UP!
Andreia – Flickr.com
Currently, we are in a “down” market. But… “What goes down, must come up!” – right? Many people know this of course, and have only one question - When will the market start going up?
Swami Stream2- Flickr.com
This answer can vary, depending on the state and city or town - and on the type of home – single family, condo/townhomes or new construction.
Some areas believe they have reached the bottom and there is only one way to go from there – UP!
Bill in Ash Vegas – Flickr.com
In the areas that I service – Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess Counties in New York and Fairfield and parts of Litchfield Counties in Connecticut – I can honestly say that I am busy. Many of my clients are aware that the high volume of inventory, low prices that are still negotiable – along with LOW INTEREST RATES – and the $8,000 tax credit – if it applies – makes it a FANTASTIC TIME TO BUY!
So, don’t catch yourself in the future saying, “I should have bought that house.”
I promise to do my best…
Aussiegall – Flickr.com
in helping your Home Buying dreams come true!
Ktylerconk – Flickr.com
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
In honor of St.Patrick’s Day – here are some Green Flickr pics for LUCK!
Lepiafgeo – Flickr.com
Everyone is a wee bit Irish today – so be merry, wear some green, eat some green and forget about all your worries and have fun!
net_efekt- Flickr.com
GIRLintheCAFE- Flickr.com
Eustaquio_Santimano – Flickr.com
Easy on the Green Beer – or you may start seeing things!
KaCey97007 – Flickr.com
I’m in the mood to Bake!
jspatchwork – Flickr.com
Oh how I love the smell of cake baking in the oven! Although, I have a secret… I prefer to bake by using box cake mix! Sometimes, I’ll use Pillsbury’s Butter Recipe and add cinnamon – or nuts - maybe apples – or pineapple slices - throw in some raisons or mix a bunch of these - anything, just to kick it up a notch! Also, by adding 2 tablespoons of flour, it helps take away some of the “box” taste – that’s my mom’s secret!
dizznbonn – Flickr.com
And if someone prefers blueberries, another chocolate chips and someone else wants it plain – make individual cupcakes – or divide the batter in half and make 2 loaves. Voila! Everyone is happy!
Gaetan Lee - Flickr.com
Here are some great recipes from where else, but my FAVORITE sites -
- Food Network <CLICK> has 2,788 recipes that came up when I search “Cake” – Wow! Too bad I couldn’t just back a cake for dinner for the next few months!
- Pillsbury <CLICK> – another one of my favorite sites – has a Banana-Chocolate-Caramel Cake recipe – Mmmm!
- Rachael Ray <CLICK> Even though Rachael is always saying she can’t bake much, she does have some ”Yumo” recipes! One is for Cake Mix Cookies
- For some inspirations, watch Ace of Cakes <CLICK> Now those are some awesome cake bakers!!
psd – Flickr.com
Calling all Bakers – Enter Pillsbury Bake-Off and you could win $1 Million Dollars! Hey, you never know!
jessicafm – Flickr.com
Favorite Music & Songs – David Cassidy – “I Think I Love You”
The other day my daughter Sara was talking about different things and blurted “I think I love you”. Of course I couldn’t help myself, and started to sing David Cassidy’s “I Think I Love You” hit from the 70′s. I told Sara that when my sister was about her age, she had a poster of David Cassidy, and every night she would kiss him good night. This peeked Sara’s interest, so we Googled him and I had fun going back in time and Sara totally agreed that he was hot!
Homes – One Viewing at a Time
As I view homes with clients throughout New York and Connecticut, I sometimes have to remind my buyers to view and stay focused – One Viewing at a Time.
Gaetan Lee – Flickr.com
Many times, while house hunting, buyers can’t help but mix homes together. A couple may be out viewing together – one will turn to the other saying the driveway isn’t as steep as the first home they saw earlier that day. Then, I witness the others face – the deer in headlights look – nothing is registering – a bit of memory loss has just happened! It sometimes gets so bad, I become referee – and since I have no emotional ties in the purchase, it is easy for me to view homes and retain information – and I’m always glad to help.
Silenceofnight – Flickr.com
To save yourselves some stress and aggravation, take notes – “Side yard has beautiful trees – but VERY close to the house, needs trimming - nice flat back yard, enough for swing set and a garden - front steps look in need of repair, look into cost,…” and of course, continue inside the home including the garage, attic and basement – “musty smell in basement, awesome master bedroom, can stand up in attic but it is not a walk up,…”
Squirrel Cottage – Flickr.com
Some may think that by having to concentrate on writing notes, they may be missing out on viewing the home. Actually, having to jot down notes makes you look up, down and all around!
The Gut – Flickr.com
Flickr Foto Fun Friday Post – Ladybugs
Anderson Mancini – Flickr.com
Ladybugs are a wonderful sign of Spring! I also believe they are a sign of LUCK- so I do get excited every time I see one. Here are some adorable Ladybugs taken by photographers who have added their fantastic pics to Flickr.com – my new best friend.
Peasap – Flickr.com
LadyBug Fun Facts <CLICK>
Neeku – Flickr.com
Dan Zen- Flickr.com
Fazen- Flickr.com
Spring Anyone?
SarahDeer – Flickr.com
Is anyone as ready for Spring as much as I am? We were teased a bit this past weekend with sunny skies and very warm weather. Oh how I loved to watch all that snow melt from the BIG storm we had just had a week ago! Heavy jackets peeled off, people were out and about, some were wearing shorts – that I did not do! – but I did throw my windows open and my husband took out the BBQ for the first time this year to make the most yummiest burgers! As the hour “sprung” ahead and my furnace stayed OFF an entire 24 hours!! I was springfully happy, until I saw my very first mosquito of the season… and then a second!
Aussiegall – Flickr.com
Today, in New Fairfield, CT we are back to reality – it is still winter. We have sunny skies but the temperature is only in the 30′s – too cold for mosquito’s. That, is about the only good thing about it being a cold day!
My Cell Phone Pic – Carmel, NY
During a Realtor Open House Day, I visited an historic home in Carmel, NY. Built in the 1760′s, this home is loaded with charm and of course… history. Everything from the architecture to the furniture and decorative items - including this antique telephone, which brought me back in time. Or so I could wonder what it was like…
Home for some Eggs!
Woodleywonderworks – Flickr.com
Sometimes my husband works through the night. In the morning, on his way home, he’ll give me a call and say, “I’m coming home for some eggs!”
girlreporter – Flickr.com
- Pillsbury.com and Eggs!
- Eggs Recipes from FoodNetwork.com
- Eggs – Yumo! with Rachael Ray
- Learn about Eggs and How to Cook with them!
- Eggs – from AllRecipe.com
- ? Eggs, Good or Bad ? from HealthyEats.com
foeOpoooey – Flickr.com
And remember, eggs are not only for breakfast – they’re great for lunch, dinner… anytime!
jslander – Flickr.com
Got Eggs?
jslander - Flickr.com
Home, Home on the Range…
Sometimes, when I’m out showing homes in the Carmel, Brewster, Patterson and Pawling, NY areas – I can’t help but to sing, “Home, home on the range…” 
Neilsphotography – Flickr.com We don’t have any buffalo, but we do have lots of horses and cattle!
View from Route 22 in Patterson, NY
Horses in Brewster, NY To get to know someone who lives on a ranch, do yourself a favor and visit an awesome site ThePioneerWoman.com <CLICK> . She invites all to her Frontier! Please enjoy Roy Rogers fronting The Sons of the Pioneers while singing… Home on the Range – a bit of nastalgia.
Lowe’s Weekend Projects
We are due for some great weather this weekend – so, visit Lowes.com for some great weekend projects – including making a Rosemary planter.
tiny white lights – Flickr.com
Here are some recipes from FoodNetwork.com – Cooking with Fresh Herbs.
tvol – Flickr.com
Look how YUMMY! Shrimp, Garlic, Olives and HERBS!
Flickr Foto Fun Friday Post – Lion
March sure did come in like a lion! So, for this Friday’s Foto Fun Pics… LIONS – from some awesome photographers on Flickr.com!
Corey Leopold – Flickr.com
Digital Art2 – Flickr.com
Digital Art2 – Flickr.com
Auburnxc – Flickr.com
Wwarby – Flickr.com
I’m hoping this lion will take a nice long nap, and the weather in March will end as gentle as a lamb!
Tax Tips for Home Buyers, Sellers and Owners
I receive numerous e-mails daily. Many are of helpful tips and important information.
peregrine blue – Flickr.com
FrontDoor.com has 10 Tax Tips for Home Buyers, Sellers and Owners <CLICK>
Rachaelvoorhees – Flickr.com
Please be sure to check or contact your accountant, to see if these new laws apply to you and if your eligible.
My Cell Phone Pic – Hopewell Junction, NY
While waiting for clients in front of a home we were scheduled to view in Hopewell Junction, NY – a hamlet of East Fishkill – I looked up and couldn’ t believe how beautiful the sky looked!
My clients went on to purchasing the home and now get to look up and see this wonder very often!
Favorite Comfort Food Recipes
FoodNetwork.com
Here are some Comfort Food recipes from Food Network <CLICK>
Nathanborror – Flickr.com
And some Soup, Stew and Chili Recipes from Rachael Ray <CLICK>
Guillermo Esteves – Flickr.com
Bedroom IQ Quiz
Here is a fun FINE LIVING.com Bedroom IQ Quiz -
Supershoppertoo2 – Flickr.com
Know the difference between a sham and a duvet, what is the appropriate lighting in a bedroom, choosing the right mattress and what paint colors are best. Take the QUIZ <CLICK> and find out how well you do!
bbaunach – Flickr.com
Recipes from FoodNetwork.com for Breakfast in Bed
jslander – Flickr.com
Please remember, 7 to 8 hours of sleep is highly recommended!
kekka – Flickr.com
Another Snow Storm Hits New Fairfield, CT
When I was a nursery school teacher, we would always celebrate the month of March with arts of crafts in honor of March coming in like a lion, and going out like a lamb.
Well, March here in the New Fairfield, CT area – as well as the Brewster, NY area – has had a harsh reminder that winter is still here. As we are under a “Winter Storm Warning” and this being the most severe winter storm of the season with areas in New Jersey as well as Long Island seeing up to 13 inches of snow and NYC schools being closed for the first time in 5 years! I just can’t believe that after having so much snow melt, we have a fresh, clean blanket of it… yet again!
My deck after our last big snow storm
After all the snow melted… finally! Taken just a few hours before the storm hit.
Photo taken this morning… and the snow still continues to come down!
Yesterday, I prepared for this storm by making a trip to Shaw’s supermarket in New Fairfield to stock up on a few things. Then after showing a home in Croton Falls, NY – a hamlet of North Salem, I took advantage of being near Block Busters and went in to rent a movie. My daughter, Amanda, has been taking a cooking class in school and offered to make dinner last night - Chicken Fried Rice – Yummy! I asked her to start early, since we have experienced once before an electrical outage smack in the middle of making dinner! I also had her double the recipe so we could have leftovers that could always be warmed up over the fire in the fireplace.
no3rdw – Flickr.com
We stocked up on wood for the fireplace, have pellets for the pellet stove, stored some water and have candles and matches on hand – again, just in case of the electric going out since the snow continues to come down and the wind is whipping everything around and is anticipated to continue through out the day and night bringing the temperatures in some areas 10 to 15 below zero!
Another important item that was on my list was to fill up the bird feeders. With all this snow, the birds and squirrels have so much difficulty finding food. As I work here at home today, I am entertained as I watch all the different birds come and go as they happily take sunflower seeds.
Bird taking a sunflower seed.
GETTING TO KNOW ME
As a full time REALTOR in Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties in NEW YORK – and Fairfield and parts of Litchfield counties in CONNECTICUT , I am very pleased to have the opportunity to share my passions on REAL ESTATE, FAMILY, PETS, anything and everything in and around a HOME – including COOKING, MOVIES, MUSIC and more!
I have been married for 25+ years to my wonderful husband Joe. We have 5 children – Melissa, David, Amanda, Sara and Jonathan. After waiting anxiously – for almost 17 years, being home with my kids for 10 and a Nursery school teacher for 7 years – I FINALLY became a Licensed Realtor – first in Connecticut - where my family and I live – and then in New York – where my office, Century 21 V.J.F. Realty is located.
I was born and raised in Mt. Vernon, New York. My parents, who came to the US from Portugal, were extremely hard working – with even stronger ethics on being good to everyone – everywhere – period! “Faz bem, nao olhes a quem.” This has been instilled in me all my life, which has made me the mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend and the REALTOR I am today. Thank You Ma and Papa. 
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