Wednesday is for Weekends!

It’s Wednesday, Hump Day, middle-of-the-week-slump when you try to plan an activity or 2 for the weekend.  I’m here to help (again)!

Waterworks has a lovely exhibit by Mona Wu, based in Winston-Salem that runs until November 19th.  Also on exhibit is “Imprints,” honoring Vietnam Veterans; this is a collaboration with Rowan Public Library and features pictures, art work, and oral histories.

This weekend has a few things going on.  Saturday plays host to the 2nd Saturday Art Crawl, a jazz concert and silent auction at the Looking Glass Artist Collective, and it’s Sasha’s Birthday at Stitchin Post Gifts!  Don’t forget to hit up the Salisbury Farmers Market for some fresh, seasonal veggies!  I hear all the butternut squashes calling my name

I’m sure you don’t need a reminder for this, but Sunday is September 11.  Please join the community at Omwake-Dearborn Chapel at Catawba College for a remembrance.  This is a free event sponsored by First Presbyterian Church but will also feature several other churches from the community.

Never fear, I’ve been looking ahead in the calendar as well!  There are a few things that I’m sure we’re all looking forward to, like the Old Stone Winery’s Weekly Wine-Down, GermanFest (!!!), a season’s end Antique and Craft Show, and the Biker Blues and BBQ Rally.  So. Much. FOOD!  Now that I’m thinking of all this food, I’m going to get back to work to distract myself.  Hopefully we’ll see you out and about this weekend!

‘Til next time,
Miss M

 

 

 

September, already?

I’m having a hard time believing that it’s September already, but I’m really done with summer and it’s oppressive heat.  I’m sure that you’ll agree, fall’s cooler temperatures will be a welcome change.  Since it’s September, people are gearing up for fall festivals, all things pumpkin, and the holidays… WHAT?!  Did I really just say that?  I did, didn’t I?  Time is moving quickly and before you know it, it will be 2012.

The other thing that cooler temperatures bring (aside from pumpkins and the new year) is the need to heat our homes.  We spent months making sure that our homes were ready for the summer heat and trying to keep our energy costs down.  It’s time to do it again, this time working to keep the heat in  In my Googling this morning, I came across this article- http://homebuying.about.com/od/buyingahome/qt/92607_WinterHom.htm.

It’s a fairly comprehensive list of “to do’s” but there are a few simple tricks that weren’t included.

1. If you aren’t in a financial position to replace your old, single pane windows, invest in some thermal curtains that are lined.  The lining is a tight weave, which doesn’t allow the air to flow through it, keeping the heat in and the cold out.  Who doesn’t like pretty AND functional?

2. The second tip is to keep doors shut and close the vents in unused rooms.  I’m not talking about exterior doors (I’m sure a few of you are hearing “We don’t pay to heat (or cool) the outside!” in your head) but rather your interior doors.  This keeps the heater from running constantly to heat the unoccupied spaces.

3. The third thing is to wear more clothes.  Am I sounding like your mother yet?  Do I really need to explain this one?

4. Stop changing the temperature setting on your thermostat!  New heat pumps don’t “Catch up” very quickly the way that old furnaces do.  Because it takes longer to get the room temperature up, the heat pump has to run longer, which costs you more in the long run!  Most of the “green” websites that I checked out recommend a temperature between 68*- 72*F in the winter.

I hope that you guys will spend a little time this month making sure that you and your home are ready for the cooler weather because it will save you a lot of time and money in the long run!

Signing off,
Miss M

 

One Hundred Years

That’s how long I feel like I’ve been away from this blog, and in blog time that’s probably pretty accurate.  We have had so much going on here at the association over the past 2 months that I’m not sure where to start.  We’ve had the usual board meetings and directors meetings, but we’ve also had the golf tournament, continuing education, computer problems, vacation time, etc.  What, it is summertime, or did you forget?

I left you on July 6th with some things to do and then went MIA.  The Boss Lady had some vacation, lots of meetings and planning parties, and a little bit of fun thrown in.  I took some time off for my second job, and I can honestly say that being at work in the A/C would have been preferable to the heat, humidity, and stomach virus that I had to deal with.

Next up was our 6th Annual Captain’s Choice Golf Tournament, which was a huge success! 96 players finished, delicious food, money raised for charity, prizes given out (not to mention beer).  Now, I have to admit I’m not a golfer, nor have I ever planned (or helped to plan) any event of this size.  It was quite an eye opener to see how it all happens behind the scenes with sponsors, players, venues, etc.  It took some spectacular planning between Boss Lady and myself due to vacation times but we got it done!  I spent the next few weeks finishing up with thank you letters and tracking things for the next item on our “To Do” list.

The next thing of course was Continuing Education for our members.  We held it at Catawba College, Center for the Environment and the building is beautiful.  It’s set towards the back of the campus in the woods, a very peaceful setting, the kind of place I’d like to have a house.  It was a full day of classes for the attendees.  We arrived at 8am and started checking everyone in, checking cards, handing out materials, and the class started at 8:30am.  I left to head back to the office but with everyone in class, it was really quiet.

We are currently preparing for our InstaTekkie class.  I’m excited about this course, it’s 2 days, held here in the office, and teaches people how to use social media from a business stand point.  This is anything having to do with marketing, sales, or networking and it covers the mainstream platforms like Twitter and Facebook but then we get into a few REALTOR specific sites like Trulia and Zillow.  I use some of these on a daily basis for personal use, so I’m excited to have the opportunity to learn a few tips and tricks to help with the business side.  If you’d like to know more about this course, leave a comment and I will get the information to you.

I think that’s all I have for now, but don’t worry, I’ll be back before then end of the week

Happy trails,
Miss M

 

It’s my Favorite Day!

Well, not really, but it is for blogging.  It’s Weekend Wednesday and I’m here with the updates- there is a ton going on this week!  I’m actually a bit surprised because there was so much going on last week due to the holiday.  No matter, here are a few things that you can get into:

1. Friday is full of options!  There is another Salisbury Ghost Walk (http://www.salisburyghostwalk.com/).  If you haven’t gone to one yet, you really should.

2. Veronica Jackson will be playing on Friday night at Black Box Theater at the Looking Glass Artist Collective (http://www.rowanbluesandjazz.org/).

3. If you’re not feeling the music, how ’bout a movie?  Movies in the Park will be featuring “Megamind (PG)” and that would be a great thing to take the kids too- http://www.cityofkannapolis.com/summerevents.asp.

4. The Blue Vine gets their own number this time around.  On Friday, the Barefoot Movement Band will be performing and on Saturday evening, you can catch Boss Hawg (acoustic band trio).  Check out their weekly schedule and specials here- http://www.thebluevine.com/Schedule.html.

5. Need a Saturday morning activity?  Of course there’s the Salisbury Farmers Market (http://www.salisburyfarmersmarket.com/).  You didn’t think I was going to let you forget, did you?

6. When you have your fresh fruits and veggies, head into Spencer and take a morning yoga class at The Green Goat Gallery, home of Blue Ewe Yoga Studio.  Anne is the owner and yoga instructor; she would love to meet you, so be sure to stop in and say “Hi!” Find directions and times here, http://www.greengoatgallery.com/yoga.html.

7.  Afterwards, just walk across the street to the Transportation Museum.  ”Learning To Fly” is an all day event, with hands-on fun, and is great for ALL ages (http://www.nctrans.org/Events/Learning-To-Fly.aspx)

8.  Saturday is also home to the “Second Saturday Art Crawl.”  Here is the brochure- http://www.rowanarts.org/media/RowanArtCrawl_Brochure.pdf.  You never know what you might find, so print off the map and let your feet wander.

9.  Last but not least, on Monday, Horizons Unlimited begin their “Mysteries of Science Summer Camp.”  I don’t know if they have any more room, but it’s worth checking to find out- http://www.rss.k12.nc.us/horizons/HU1/Home.html.

I definitely think that made up for not having a post yesterday.  If there’s anything that I missed, please leave me a comment and include a link!

Happy Wednesday,
Miss M

 

It’s a long weekend…

…and I’m in a great mood.  I have friends coming in for the weekend, parties to attend, and cocktails to make.  Since I’m dreaming and need a little visual motivation, I’m going to share.

Have a house to show this weekend?  There’s nothing like a little red, white, and blue to dress it up for the occasion…

lillyanna-lilaclanecottage.blogspot.com

http://carolinapanache.blogspot.com

thedevinehome.com

The outside isn’t the only thing that counts.  I found this site, http://jlambethandcompany.blogspot.com/2010/06/patriotic-interiors.html, while I was browsing and LOVE their pictures of patriotic interiors.

The experts say that you want the house to smell “homey.”  Fresh baked cookies are good, but what about some fresh cupcakes fancied up with fruit?  Remember, you aren’t just selling a house, your selling the community.  Show them what’s here!

carolinamama1.blogspot.com

veronicas-korner.blogspot.com

To cap this post off, imagine yourself on one of those lovely porches, with one of those cupcakes, and with this drink…
theurbanbaker.com

Cheers,
Miss M

 

Social Media Day

I remember when Facebook required a college email address to create an account; when Twitter was the next big thing; when I discovered YouTube.  Look how far it’s come- everyone (except my 92 year old Granny) is doing it, sharing details of the monotonous day-to-day or are giving a live-time chronicle of history in the making.

One of the main parts driving social media now is business and the marketing that comes with it.  Our association is the perfect example.  We are Tweeting, Facebooking, and Blogging, making contacts and making sales (hopefully).  With sites like Trulia and Zillow, we can reach more clients in more areas than ever before and help put them in the house of their dreams.  I’m still learning how to use these sites to better benefit our members, but also so that I can help them learn how to use these tools to reach new customers.  I know that just when I think I have it all figured out, there will be something  bigger and better to use.

If you want more visibility on these sites, we’d really love to have you come out and join us on September 27th and 28th, 2011 here at the association office.  We’re hosting a course called “InstaTekkie” that will help answer all those questions you have but don’t want to ask.  Call us here at the office, 704-636-1811 for more information; you can also email me at admin@salisburyrowanrealtors.com and I’ll be happy to fax or email you a registration form.  This is open to anyone, so don’t be shy!

Having said all of that, if you’re not into social media marketing, you are missing out.  Today, to celebrate, raise your smartphones and make an extra Tweet, Facebook Aunt Myrtle, and forget what your parents told you about meeting people off the internet- go meet some of your fellow social media cohorts, make friends, and learn new techniques.  You can find out if there are any celebratory events in your area here at  http://mashable.com/smday/.

Just curious, but did any of you find out how long Galloping Gertie was in furlongs?

Happy Social Media Day,
Miss M

 

Guess What Day It Is!!

It’s Weekend Wednesday!  I’m SO EXCITED because it’s a long, holiday weekend and there is a ton of stuff going on, so if you’re looking to entertain the kiddies or your long-lost Aunt Myrtle, listen up!!

1. Faith 4th of July Festival- it’s been going on since Monday and will be ending this coming Monday (July 4th).  You really don’t want to miss it, there’s so much to do- http://www.faithnc.com/.

2. Tonight, June 29th, head on out to the High Rock Boat and Ski Club to hear Sea Cruz Band; it’s part of the Summer Beach Nights that are held every Wednesday night-http://www.theboatandskiclub.com/

3. On Saturday, catch a ride on the Salisbury Historic Trolley and give your feet a rest as you explore the town- http://www.visitsalisburync.com/calendar/default.aspx?eventID=1199&eventDate=7/2/2011

 

4. It’s almost the middle of summer vacation and I’m sure that the kids are looking for something to do (aside from making you want to tear your hair out  Take them out to Dan Nicholas Park to play with the paddle boats, go hiking, or visit the petting zoo- http://www.dannicholas.net/

 

5. Maybe you just want some adult time.  Leave the kids at home (with a responsible baby sitter, of course), grab your friends and wander on over to Cauble Creek Vineyard (http://caublecreekvineyard.com/).  As always, taste responsibly!

**Random** I just went to the Google homepage and below the search button is a little note, “Your name is Galloping Gertie. How many furlongs long are you?”  What in the world?

 

Must Haves

Must Haves.

 

Must Haves

There’s nothing like cleaning up a large puddle (yes, PUDDLE) of dog poo at 8am to remind you that yes, hardwood floors in the bedrooms were a GREAT idea.  In fact, it was a “Must Have,” and thank goodness for that.  Everybody in this world has a “must have,” or possibly a few of them (like myself).  Maybe it’s the perfect pair of shoes, or it could be the latest “As Seen On TV” gadget.

What about your house?  As the long weekend (and holiday company) approaches, I’m sure that some of you are cleaning, cooking, organizing, and tearing your hair out, but there are those “must haves” that make your job just a tad easier, right?  I’m going to share mine with you, and guess what I’m putting in the #1 spot…

1. Hardwood and tile floors  If you have animals, kids, dirty husbands, or dirty jobs, you know exactly what I’m talking about.  Everytime I turn around, there is a trail of “something” leading from here to there, so easy clean up is a must. I vacuum, dust mop, and sometimes I steam-mop, like this morning.

2. My new Shark Vac-n-Steam.  Please see #1 for the explanation.  Please note, I do not get compensation for mentioning them, I just really like the product.

3. Good curtains.  Ok, so I know this is a strange one, but it’s not because I like buying curtains.  It’s economics.  Currently, my ugly but oh-so-carefully-chosen curtains are keeping the cool air in and the heat from the sunlight out;  this also means that I’m keeping my power bill down because my A/C unit doesn’t have to work so hard.

4. Sink faucets with one handle.  When my hands are full (or gross) all I need to do it give the handle a little bump with my wrist and I’m good to go!

5. A good coffee maker; I think that’s pretty self explanatory.

Then there are the things that I wish I had, the “Will Haves.”

1. Concrete floors- in all high traffic areas- laundry rooms, kitchens, hall ways, etc.  Easy to clean, incredibly durable, and I can make them any color I want.

2. A central vacuum system.  No more lugging around my 50lb vacuum cleaner.

3. An ice machine.  Here in the Carolinas, summer starts in March and doesn’t end until sometime in November.  My hubby and I are on the go constantly, doing a lot of activities out door, and our poor ice maker in the fridge just can’t keep up.  Not to mention that I’m having roughly 20 people at the house this weekend… I’m planning on having to purchase 10 lbs of ice to pack coolers, fill drinks, and help keep foods cool in the heat.

What are your “Must Haves” or “Will Haves?”  If you’re looking to buy a house or trying to update the one you’re in now, what are those things that you just won’t budge on?  It could be anything from storage to gadgets, flooring to appliances; I’m looking forward to your responses, so let your friends know about this post.  We want to hear from you!!

Happy trails,
Miss M

 

Monday Motivation

I need a little motivation since my weekends are never long enough and Mondays always come too soon.  Did any of you get to go out and enjoy Salisbury this weekend?

True to my word, I visited the Looking Glass Gallery and the Rail Walk Gallery.  My hubby and I were welcomed with open arms.  All the ladies that we talked to were very friendly and happy to explain the exhibits, give us information on the artists, and answer any questions that we had about the art.  I didn’t buy anything but I’m looking forward to going back to view their next exhibit

And now, your Monday Motivation- Faith Fourth kicks off tonight!!  I’m excited that we’ll actually get to go this year.  You can read about it here- http://www.salisburypost.com/News/062711-Faith-Fourth-kicks-off-tonight-qcd. Thanks again to The Salisbury Post for doing a great write-up and allowing me to share it with you

What are your plans for this week?  Doing anything fun or interesting?  Let us know, we’d love to hear from you

Happy 4th of July Week,
Miss M