Food Network – 12 Days of Cookies – Alex’s Gingerbread Cookies
Mmmm! Today is the start of Food Networks 12 Days of Cookies
Today we start with Alex’s Gingerbread Cookies!
pareeerica – Flickr.com
~~~~~~~~~~ CLICK Here for the RECIPE ~~~~~~~~~~
yumiang – Flickr.com
My Life as a Realtor – Day 127
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 127:
Oh boy – the day after Thanksgiving – I am stuffed… and everyone is coming back since I made 2 turkey’s and we only ate one!
So, a little cleaning and a little more cooking – to have a few fresh dishes – and a quick stop over in Patterson, NY to a clients home. D invited me over for a drink and to view the lovely things she’s done to the home in just a few months time. Unfortunately, because my guests were arriving, I had to leave early – but first I enjoyed her homemade chicken soup (I had that instead of a drink!)
Our guests arrived and we enjoyed another wonderful evening… Remi too!
Food Network – Giada’s Holiday Menu
Oh, I know – You still have Thanksgiving leftovers in your frig and here I am writing about our next Holiday – well, with gift shopping, decorating, Holiday parties, and everything else that makes us go bonkers during this time of the year, the sooner you start preparing…. the better!
pointnshoot – Flickr.com
So, on your mark – get set – go!
Here is Food Network’s Giada’s Holiday Menu ~~ CLICK ~~
not a hipster – Flickr.com
My Life as a Realtor – Day 126
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 126:
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
My side of the family and my husbands enjoyed this wonderful day with lots of food and drinks – a great day to give Thanks for all that we have.
My Life as a Realtor – Day 125
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 125:
Oh my – Thanksgiving Eve! I can’t tell you how much I have to do!
Jonathan and I set out to go grocery shopping at Costco and Shaw’s – but before getting started, we made a quick stop at Dunkin Donuts…
I was relieved that I had accomplished some of my work early this morning and would continue later in the evening since there was lots of prep work to do!
Live Like You Were Dying – Tim McGraw
This is the time of the year when many people become a bit more generous. They forgive a little easier and enjoy spending time with their families. The Holidays tend to bring out the best in everyone and even music sounds more meaningful.
Here is a new song that I downloaded to my I-Pod from I-Tunes – “Live Like You Were Dying” by Tim McGraw…
My Life as a Realtor – Day 124
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 124:
The countdown to Thanksgiving continues – as does work.
Today I had to meet with an appraiser to give him access to the home my client is looking to purchase in Patterson, NY.
Views of Putnam Lake in Patterson, NY
My Life as a Realtor – Day 123
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 123:
Busier than usual – trying to get ready for Thanksgiving. Looking up recipes to add to the traditional dishes - cleaning and organizing – lots to do and I love it – and I always find time for my Remi – took this picture of him tearing up yet another thing!
Thanksgiving Food Safety Tips
Muffet – Flickr.com
Thanksgiving Food Safety Tips with Good Morning America…
Muffet – Flickr.com
Thanksgiving with Food Network
Still need some ideas for your Thanksgiving Holiday? Maybe your cooking – or going to a family or friends home and need a dish or two to take – or – you’ll be making some of these tasty dishes on another occasion!
psd – Flickr.com
www.FoodNetwork.com has a bazillion recipes to choose from - CLICK HERE – for Thanksgiving 2009
rick – Flickr.com
My Life as a Realtor – Day 122
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 122:
Sunday – and Jonathan had his last soccer game – which ended in a tie – and I was so thankful it was a HOME GAME - at the New Fairfield High School Rebel Turf Field. And yes, once again – I sat in my car… actually it’s our rental from Enterprise…
… and watched the game – keeping myself warm and multi-tasking at the same time. I worked a bit, making calls, sending e-mails and I looked over my “To-Do” list for Thanksgiving Day.
Deviled Eggs
For Thanksgiving Day, one of my appetizers will be the traditional – Deviled Eggs – simple, inexpensive and easy to make!
~ CLICK ~ here to view Food Network recipe
starmist1 – Flickr.com
My Life as a Realtor – Day 121
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 121:
It’s Saturday – after making a few phone calls – following up with Feedback from agents that have shown some of my listings – comunicated with clients – accomplished some work on-line and finished a few chores – I set out to Stop n Shop for some grocery shopping – keeping my eye out for any specials for my Thanksgiving dinner.
Then a quick stop at Staples to purchase some ink for my printer and back home to drop off the groceries. As I started dinner, I realized I forgot a few things! So, I left David tending to my half started dinner while I went to Shaws – which is just a few minutes away. I decided while I was there to also rent a few movies from Redbox and purchase a few more pellets. I must have said this a hundred times – I LOVE MY PELLET STOVE! Do you wanna know why? Because it’s close to the end of Novemeber and I haven’t turned on my furnace!!
My Life as a Realtor – Day 120
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 120:
It’s Friday – and I have to go buy my Turkeys – notice Turkey is plural - I will be roasting 2 medium-sized Turkeys – carving one and leaving the other as my table decor – at least until it’s needed.
Stop n Shop in Danbury has Butterball Turkeys - frozen for .89 cents per pound – and fresh for $1.39 per pound – that is where I will be purchasing them.
In the middle of work, I was talking to my youngest daughter, Sara. How I got into “It’s Raining Men” by the Weather Girls started – I have no idea. Sara didn’t recognize the song, especially since I was trying to sing it and being that she is only 16 and this song and video was from 1984 – 25 years ago – so to You Tube we went and boy did we have fun watching this music video!
Then it was back to work – dinner and time to get ready for Bunco with the Bunco Babes! Right after eating and getting ready to leave for our monthly game, our power went out – my entire block had a black out! Only 3 kids were home and Hubby-Hub was working through the night. So, we lit some candles, listened to some music and told some ghost stories! Then I left for Bunco – my sister picked me up and we enjoyed our evening.
Moist Caramel Apple Cake
Mmmm! From Kraft Foods – Moist Caramel Apple Cake
joyosity – Flickr.com
My sister has made this a few times and e-mailed me the recipe directly from www.KraftFoods.com - Thanks Lisa!
Flickr Foto Fun Friday – Thanksgiving Day
For this Flickr Foto Fun Friday Post – I have chosen some fantastic photographs of Thanksgiving Day!
Fall colors all around… *Micky – Flickr.com
Veggie & Cheese Platter awaiting guests… Plutor – Flickr.com
Lots of Cooking and Baking… Jessicafm – Flickr.com
A Glass of Wine or 2… Robert S. Donovan – Flickr.com
Table is all set and ready to give Thanks… basykes – Flickr.com
Thanksgiving Feast!… xybermatthew – Flickr.com
Pumpkin & Pecan Pie… Cameron Nordholm – Flickr.com
My Life as a Realtor – Day 119
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 119:
Thursday – working from home – a few new potential clients signing up for a FREE Listing Book Account. In Connecticut… www.DianaSantosCT.ListingBook.com and in New York… www.DianaSantosNY.ListingBook.com - keeping in mind that the New York account shows home in Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess Counties – and the Connecticut account shows homes in Fairfield and parts of Litchfield Counties.
Made a delicious home-made soup with loads of sweet potatoes, carrots, home-made sausage, cabbage, rice and beans – YUMO! I always make it in the largest pot I have so that we have leftovers – at least for one day since left overs never last for very long with 5 kids!
In the early evening, I flew to Enterprise Car Rental in Danbury, CT. I switched out the Chevy Colbat for a Toyota Yaris. This will save us on gas and rental fees. Bill assisted me – who by the way, has been very patient with me.
Nestle Banana Mini-Chip Cake
Our Thanksgiving baking has begun. Amanda baked 2 Banana Chocolate Chip Cakes.
We found a recipe on www.VeryBestBaking.com with loads of Nestle Chocolate Chip recipes.
This recipe is for Nestle Banana Mini Chip Muffins – CLICK - although, we’re making 2 cakes – one for today and we’ll freeze the 2nd for Thanksgiving Day.
My Life as a Relator – Day 118
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 118:
A good day today – contracts signed on both sides for one client and contracts soon to be signed for another client.
Remi was up to no good today. I went to make a quick run upstairs and while I passed the den, I looked over and saw…
Tisha sitting in the middle of a chewed up dinosaur, branch from outside and a Best Buy bag
Well, I knew this was not Tisha’s doing, she just happened to be sitting in the middle of this mess because the sun was shinning through and she’s always working on her tan. I look over and see…
Remi – GUILTY! It’s written all over his adorable face
Back to work and many calls to agents – clients and mortgage brokers and attorney’s office’s.
Home Sweet Home – Carrie Underwood
Here is another I-Tune favorite of mine from my I-Pod ~ Carrie Underwood’s send off song on American Idol…
My Life as a Realtor – Day 117
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 117:
Class day in Elmsford, NY again. Faith graciously drove again…
We were greeted by Scott Einbinder before his 4 hour class for Century 21 agents – on making our services as Realtors better for our Buyers/Clients…
Since I have attended numerous seminars, most of what is gone over in class is repetitive, although - with Scott there are always a few “Ah, ha” moments. Because of this, I will always do my best to attend as many classes, seminars, motivational speeches,… to be the best Realtor I could possibly be - As long as I have some caffeine…
After class, we stopped at the office – then home – and back out to the bank – supermarket – picked up some wine and my daughter’s dry cleaning – back home – dinner – cleaning and ended the day with some of my favorite programs on television while working on my laptop. Monday is over!
Thanksgiving Recipes with Campbell’s Kitchen
Thanksgiving Recipes with Campbell’s Kitchen…
Here are some great recipes from www.CampbellsKitchen.com –
xybermatthew – Flickr.com
My Life as a Realtor – Day 116
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 116:
My daughter, Amanda, shared a poem that she wrote:
Hope
In the desert I walk
One foot after the other I go
Trying to escape the heat, the hunger
But I know
That no matter how long I walk
How much I try
The pain will still gnaw at me
It will still drain me dry
Of all of my hope
Of all my strength
Until I can’t go on
No more can I take
I lay
And I wait
For my final sleep
That I shall take
The world darkens
And it seems to grumble with fury
But I still wait
In no type of hurry
But wait, where is the sun
Where is the raging blaze
I look to the sky
And all I can do is gaze
The first drop lands on my cheek
Like a single tear
Then the clouds plunge me
In to a shower of cheer
I jump up
And spin and I dance
I have never felt so content
I feel in a trance
It washes away the hurt
And all of the pain
Until all that is left
Is me and the rain
~ Amanda Santos ~
Amanda
Working from home again today - went through my files and paperwork – only took me about 2 hours! But boy am I so glad it is done – I feel… lighter. I LOVE have everything organized – clean and neat.
As a Realtor, that helps tremendously since I could be home, working and dealing with home life – kids, pets, chores, Blah, Blah, Blah – and within 5 minutes of getting a call from a client, I now have an appointment that will take about 4 hours from beginning to end. So being organized is crucial. Having all my ironing done so I could quickly run into the closet and throw something decent on – having all my necessary paperwork with me in case of there being no time to stop at the office – having my electronic key updated and on me at all times (in case the call comes in while I’m out and about) – having my cell phone charged, car gassed up, and always having a last minute-quick-dinner-plan – and I don’t mean ordering pizza!
Now, keep in mind that things don’t always work out, no matter how organized I think I am, but things do go alot smoother than if I were not ready to rock and roll. This keeps me happy and calm and makes me a better Realtor 
Let’s Talk Turkey!
OK – Let’s Talk Turkey!
Alan.V – Flickr.com
Before you know it, Thanksgiving Day will be here – guests will be arriving and the more you have planned and organized, the more YOU and your family and friends will be able to enjoy the day.
From FoodNetwork -
Robert S. Donovan – Flickr.com
Mashed Potatoes for Thanksgiving
From www.FoodNetwork.com – 50 recipes for Mashed Potatoes!
~~~~~~~~~~CLICK Here to view all 50 Recipes~~~~~~~~~~
ukanda – Flickr.com
My Life as a Realtor – Day 115
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 115:
Public Open House Day today on my listing in New Fairfield, CT
2A Hudson Drive ~ New Fairfield, CT
We recently had a price reduction to $299,999 – WOW! Adorable, Affordable AND… Water Views!
Water Views from Front Entrance
After the Open House, I did some grocery shopping at Shaw’s – went home – dinner – and back to work!
Rocco Dispirito’s Comfort Food
Watch this video **CLICK** of Rocco Dispirito on Good Morning America as he shows us 3 different delicious recipes from his new Cookbook – Rocco Gets Real:
- Chicken and Chorizo Stew with Mustard Greens
- Tiny Meatballs and Tortellini with Broccoli Rabe
- New England Clam Chowder
My Life as a Realtor – Day 114
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 114:
Saturday – a take-it-easy kind of day – and I am so thankful.
I dropped off my commission check and then came back home to clean – cook and I wrote 6 Blog posts!
Fellow agent and good friend of mine, sent me a joke that I’d like to share with you…
I live in a semi rural area. We recently had a new neighbor call the local township administrative office to request the removal of the DEER CROSSING sign on our road. The reason: ‘Too many deer are being hit by cars out here! I don’t think this is a good place for them to be crossing anymore.’
From Kingman , KS .
Hope that made you smile
Had a showing today on one of my listings – Hope it went well and I also hope the agent gets back to me with feedback – better yet, an offer!
2A Hudson Drive – New Fairfield, CT
Recent Price Change – $299,999
My Life as a Realtor – Day 113
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 113:
Hey – Day 113 on Friday the 13th! Whatever that means…
Met with my clients in Southbury, CT to do the walk-thru. They are so excited to finally be homeowners. We first met a few years back when I helped them with a rental. And now they are purchasing a home.
We arrived at the home at the same time, walking right up to the front door since that is where the lockbox was located – hanging from the front door knob which was behind a storm door – which was locked! We checked every door, window – everything was locked! We looked for a spare key under rocks, in bird feeders – everywhere and NO KEY! In the meantime, I had contacted the listing agent but since this was an estate – the only key was in the lockbox! Thankfully, the brother of the previous owner had a key – Whew! An hour and a half later, we were able to do the walk-thru.
In the meantime, I had dropped off Melissa at New Fairfield Auto Body to FINALLY pick up her car. She was so excited and the car looked great. NF Auto Body always takes very good care of us and I would highly recommend anyone to use their service!
Melissa’s Scion
Since the closing was scheduled for 5:30, I went home and did a few things both for work and home. Then I was off to the closing – the main event – a special event in P & K’s lives.
My Clients Closing Attorney’s Office – Joesph Saffi – Danbury, CT
My clients are now official HOMEOWNERS and I wish them many wonderful years in their new home!
My Life as a Realtor – Day 112
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 112:
Finally – Closing for my clients is fully confirmed for tomorrow! They are so relieved and I can’t wait to once again witness and know I was a part of the purchase of another First Time Home Buyer.
Since I had David’s car during the morning – it was errands on the top of my list. Bank - and the Office in Brewster, NY – and back to New Fairfield, CT to the Liquor Store for Wine – and Shaw’s for some more groceries and pellets…
For dinner, I made homemade Pizza and Soup – Yum! I worked until a little after midnight – big day tomorrow, so a decent amount of sleep is necessary – I’ll get a whole 6 hours! Ha! Then I wonder why I have bags under my eyes…
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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Should You Move or Remodel?
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Fielding a Lowball Purchase Offer on Your Home
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