My Life as a Realtor – Day 146
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 146:
Once again, it’s Monday – more working from home – more shopping and a really nice treat for mom and I. We decided after going to Burlington Coat Factory and Shaws – we decided to take a bit of time to relax and watch “Julie & Julia” – and how happy we were that we did! These true life stories about both women was delightful – and all the food and cooking – we were both drooling!
Watching “Julie & Julia” in the den…
While we enjoying the movie – which I rented from RedBox – Remi and Tisha snoozed near me on the coach – spoiled brats!
After the movie – it was back to reality… I wrapped more gifts – did some work on-line and put up my Christmas wreaths – finally!
My Christmas wreaths from Faith and her boy scout group in New Fairfield – Beautiful!
My Life as a Realtor – Day 145
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 145:
Yesterday, after Christmas shopping ALL DAY… I came home and wrapped gifts for about 4 hours! What kept me going, was watching – It’s a Wonderful Life - Oh how I LOVE this movie.
Today, no appointments, so I did some work – then my mom and I went to Wal-Mart in Danbury, CT. Found a few more gifts for my grab bags, an X-Box video game for Jonathan and took advantage of Wal-Marts great prices for some needed everyday items.
To appreciate all that you have in these difficult times, my suggestion to you is to watch – It’s a Wonderful Life…
If you have never watched this touching movie, please do not view this next video – it is of the end, my favorite part and I wouldn’t want to spoil the ending for you…
As I get older, the meaning of life grows deeper and every year, watching the end of “It’s a Wonderful Life”, makes me cry my eyes out more and more! I hope you have a tissue box nearby.
My Life as a Realtor – Day 128
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 128:
Thanksgiving has once again – come and gone – and so have the 2 turkey’s I made!
Today was lots of catching up both with work and things at home. Also, I have started my Christmas shopping – Yahoo! I ordered a few things from QVC - I LOVE THEM!!! Really! They have competitive prices – easy pay (which on many of their items, they will split your payments into 2 – 3 – 4 easy payments) and I really like how they demonstrate each item.
Joe has also started to put up some of the Christmas lights indoors while I put away some of our Thanksgiving/Fall decor.
Surprisingly, the kids are busy with the fish tank. Yesterday, David and Jonathan changed some of the water in our tank and some of our fish died – so today, David went to PetCo and is really getting into caring for the tank – thank goodness!! It’s one less thing for me to have to worry about.
Buying a Home in New Fairfield, CT
If your looking to buy a home in New Fairfield, CT – WONDERFUL! My family and I moved here from Harrison, NY about 4-1/2 years ago and we LOVE it!
Ball Pond – Scenery during my daily commute
New Fairfield borders Brewster, NY - making an easy commute to work for both myself to Century 21 V.J.F. Realty which is located right in Brewster – and my husband who commutes via I-684 to NYC.
Candlewood Lake
Why New Fairfield, CT?
- Accessibility to I-84 and I-684 – since we do have to work!
- Great Schools – moved here with 5 kids and schools were very important to me. Don’t have school age kids? Please keep in mind that purchasing a home which a good school system is great for resale purposes!
- Low Taxes – we have a comfortably spacious home on 2.1 acres – and pay less taxes than some homes that are 1/4 the size in my neighboring towns of NY.
- Lot’s of choices for shopping in neighboring Danbury, CT including the Danbury Fair Mall - With a large family, I spend lots of $$ in groceries, clothing and other necessities – having choices and paying low taxes on items that are taxable is great!
- Candlewood Lake – BEAUTIFUL!!! 60 + miles of shoreline – motorboats are allowed and if you don’t own one, no problem since you can always rent one!
- Fresh air and scenic views – You can go hiking in Pootatuck State Forest or visit the state park of Squantz Pond - or just open your window and BREATHE!
- Great for a first time home buyer and/or luxury buyer – There are 2 bedroom homes in the $200,000 price range, perfect for a first time home buyer – or large homes, some in private Candlewood Lake communities, for up to a few mil for the luxury buyer.
- Lots of Wildlife - all I have to do is sit on my deck which faces the woods in my back yard. There we will see families of deer, foxes, wild turkeys, coyotes – and many have seen bobcat and bear - these last 2, I honestly hope to NEVER see!
Birds in my side yard
In the center of town you’ll find everything from Shaw’s Supermarket or for fresh meats and an awesome Deli, there is the New Fairfield Food Market. For a bite to eat there is Bruno’s Pizza, Biscotti’s, Portofino’s the local diner, Chinese take out and other eateries. There is also Gas stations and repair shops, Physicians and Dentists, Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts, Hair and Nail salons, our local Hardware store, Banks, Dry Cleaners, Video store – and of course our New Fairfield Post Office, Town Hall and Library. A small town life with all life’s necessities!
I plan on living here until I’m old and gray… sadly, both have already started!
Stream after a rain storm in my Backyard
Squantz Pond – State Park in New Fairfield, CT
WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR?
Surviving this Weak Economy
kevindooley – Flickr.com
Surviving this weak economy can be frustrating and seem almost impossible. When gas was almost at double where it is today, many of us drove less, consolidating our errands. If I knew I needed to pick up one of my kids from an after school activity, I would hold off going to the market and post office until it was closer to the time of having to swing by the school. We should STILL continue to do this now. Although, I’ve ALWAYS done this – I have also ALWAYS taught my kids to SHUT THE LIGHTS OFF when leaving a room – take a bag lunch and snacks from home to not only save, but eat healthier. Put an extra blanket on their bed since a cooler, night temperature kicks in at around 8pm. Do not waste, recycle paper, warm up left overs and shop sales – remembering though, to always ask, do I really NEED that?
Here are some saving ideas from my most favorite on-line sites:
- Dollar Stretching Shopping Tips from FOODNETWORK.COM <CLICK>
- Creative Ways to Cut Costs from Good Morning America <CLICK>
- Frugal Living from Oprah’s MONEY section <CLICK>
- 10 Meals Under $10 from Rachael Ray <CLICK>
- Saving Money from 7 OnLINE.COM <CLICK>
- Save a Dime in ’09 from LiveRegisandKelly.com <CLICK>
- Saving Money Tips from HGTV.com <CLICK>
- Teri Gault from TheGroceryGame.com <CLICK>
Ninjapoodles – Flickr.com
A few more ideas -
- Decide what is a “Luxury” and what is a “Necessity”
- Shut the television off and have “Fun time” with the kids – Have them read books, color, build with Llegos or blocks. Make it fun by “hiding” something (like an Easter Egg Hunt) and have the kids try to find it – the first to do so, picks the next activity!
- Have a “Pasta and Salad” dinner night once a week – really inexpensive and filling!
- Cut back on your laundry’s drying time by hanging some of your clothes. Even if it’s just a few pieces from every load.
- Rent a movie, pop your own popcorn, buy a gallon of wine (inexpensive and lasts much longer than just a bottle) and STAY HOME! This will also save gas!
- Trim your family’s hair, including your pup’s and give yourself a manicure.
- USE COUPONS! and stock up on Sale Items at the Grocery Store.
- Save those PENNIES! Every day empty your pockets and put your change in a piggy bank or decortive bottle. It adds up quickly!
- Cut your own lawn
- Make your own PIZZA. Maybe have your family pick their own personal pizza choice and make individual pizzas – I like mine with peppers – my youngest son with extra cheese, … – Yum!
- Looking to REFINANCE or purchase a HOME to take advange of the current low interest rates and tax break? Call at least 3 different lenders – all may have totally different mortgage packages – being careful with how many times they run your credit within a certain allowed time.
- Go to bed 1/2 an hour earlier every night – Getting more SLEEP is healthy for you AND since your lights, TV, computer are being shut off earlier – the savings will add up at the end of the month!
- Call your insurance agent for info on raising your deductibles on your car and home insurance to save.
- Contact your cell phone carrier and go over your usage to see if you need all those minutes and ask if they have better packages. Also, call your cable company and inquire on the “Bundle” packages – combing your TV, phone and internet can save you $$
- and… don’t forget to call your Credit Card companies to see about assisting you in lowering your interest rates.
Remember, EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS!
Joe Shlabotnik – Flickr.com
Inspirational Quote - “I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be.” – Groucho Marx
The Economy, Unemployment, Car Industry, Housing Market … We Need Some Inspiration!
In one way or another, it seems we are all in a struggle these days. The economy and inflation of pricing for gas and oil that we paid – and some are still paying if these expenses were put on credit. With the increased cost of groceries, airline tickets, fresh flowers, dinner out, getting your lawn cut, a carwash, a haircut, … - it seemed that just about everything was increased!
During these past Holidays, many stores were offering discounted prices and incentives to bring people out to shop. But as I was out and about, the stores and malls seems like any normal weekend – I could find a parking space without having to circle the lot 7 times! I didn’t have to wait on a line for 45 minutes to pay for 1 gift! This should have made me happy, but it saddened me because of the reason why it wasn’t crazy and crowded. People just didn’t have the money or were afraid to spend.
To keep sane, healthy and to remember that this too shall pass, I found a great site with some inspiration. To read some ideas - “Looking for Inspiration” by: Cheryl Richardson <CLICK>.
Some of my favorite from this list are :
- I pray. When struggling with anger, frustration, uncertainty, etc., “giving it to God” gets me through those feelings and inspires me to know that He is there with me and will guide and get me through.
- Watching “The Pursuit of Happyness”. This movie reminded me of the determination factor in the pursuit of a goal or dream. You have to keep working toward that goal, even when it’s difficult.
- I love to read books that keep me in the mind set of doing my best to be a better person.
- I find inspiration in gratitude. Every day I find at least 5 new things to be grateful for. Things as simple as running water, the cement on my garage floor, the paint on the walls of my house, the way light shines on a tree, today the frost on a picnic table like a million sparkling diamonds. When you think of how little others have in the world, we live in paradise. It energizes me to a happiness that gives me the power to do more, give more happiness, and make a difference in this world.
- Watching a sunset.
Hamed Masoumi – Flickr.com
Cheryl has been on Oprah <CLICK> - Good Morning America <CLICK> - Recent Good Morning America <CLICK>
So, eat well, exercises, listen to music, watch a sad movie and have a good cry if needed, think of and be grateful for all you have, know that you are fortunate and things WILL get better with a positive attitude and determination, and… don’t forget to BREATHE!
Danbury Fair Mall enhanced through PicNik.com
Holiday Shopping at Danbury Fair Mall
I feel like a kid again when I go Holiday Shopping at the Danbury Fair Mall in Danbury, CT.
All the decorations are up and Santa’s Tracking Station await to take photos of your little ones with Santa. Throughout the holiday season, there are community performances from local schools and organizations performing holiday entertainment - check the guest services desk for a schedule. For more information from NewsTimes.com on the malls special events <CLICK>.
The Mall, Connecticut’s largest shopping mall, has approximately 200 retailers along with lots of yummy eateries. For a treat for all ages, take a ride on the malls famous carousel. The large department stores are Macy’s, JCPenney, Sears and Lord & Taylors . A few other stores are: GAP, Old Navy, Coach, PacSun, Radio Shack, Foot Locker, KB Toys, Apple Store, Yankee Candle, H & M and many, many more located on 2 levels. For on-line printable coupons <CLICK>.
Shopping on a Budget in Danbury CT
libraryimages.net – FLICKR
This week I went shopping in Danbury, Connecticut. With the economy being where it is and the heating and holiday season upon us, getting the most for my dollar was, and always is, important to me.
Flickr.com
A few stores I went into to purchase a Closing Gift and start my Holiday Shopping was on Newtown Road in Danbury – off exit 8 on I-84. I simply parked my car and had access to a few great shops like – HOMEGOODS
and… WALMART
and… MARSHALLS
All these shops with great prices – and… I saved gas too!
Click here for some Danbury News by MapQuest.com
Debbie’s LUMINESS Hair Salon in Patterson, NY
This past Saturday, I attended my cousin’s wedding - Yikes! As the days approached, I began to worry about how to do my hair? – did I pick out the right dress? – are my shoes going to kill me by the end of the night?!
Living in New Fairfield, CT makes shopping a breeze! I found my dress at the Danbury Fair Mall in Macy’s. There also is Lord and Taylors, JC Penney, Sears and 2 levels of shops galore – and now with the completion of the malls renovation, there’s a place to relax in between shopping.
My shoes, purse and accessories were purchased in different stores through out Newtown Road and Federal Road in Danbury which has every shop for everyone. To name a few – there’s Marshall’s, Best Buy, Walmart, Target, HomeGoods, Staples, TJ Maxx, Kohl’s, Stew Leonards, Pet Co, Bob’s Furniture, Home Depot, Lowes and much, much more – all with Connecticut’s low sales tax!!
Although, for our hair - my mother, sister and I – chose to go to Debbie’s LUMINESS Hair Salon in Patterson, NY – just 5 minutes from home. Debbie and her assistant dolled us up without feeling rushed and we enjoyed good conversation and some quality time between mom and daughters.
For appointments call: 845-279-4500
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?
When your house no longer suits you, you can move or remodel. Find out which big change is the right investment of your housing dollars. Read
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Know the basics of FHA loan rules and you stand a better chance of selling your house or condo. Read
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Keep Your Home Sale from Falling Apart
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