Happy New Year

 

Make it a Fabulous One

Tea at the Tournament of Roses House with the 2014 Rose Court

Well, got an invitation to attend a reception tea on Sunday.  Thanks Kelly.  If was such a magnificent a property.  The very old and large trees, the sweeping lawns that lead into a beautifully restored old mansion with sweeping views of the neighborhood. 

I have been past the home now used as the headquarters for the Pasadena Tournament of Roses® Association, which oversees the annual Rose Parade®.  This felt like a culmination of many years of visiting the Pasadena area for the annual parade and the floats a few times right on my birthday the day after the parade.  I was in three of the parades as a member of USC’s marching band – “the Spirit of Troy”.  It was a really fun afternoon enjoyed with my sister Nina, close friend Angela and our hosts Kelly, Tina and Rick.

There are TOURS OF TOURNAMENT HOUSE.  Each room at the top of the grand staircase has different historical memorabilia in it.  For me it was especially fun since I saw pictures of men I knew from my college days in the MVP room.  If you are in the Pasadena area especially after Dec 25 until Jan 2, you should schedule to view floats during their creation and finalizations, also volunteer to help out.  Wear warm clothes though, its freezing where you will be applying flower pieces to floats.  Then after the parade,on day of the parade and a few days after, you can view the floats, take in their utter magnificence and aromas.  It truly is heavenly.  Just wear comfortable shoes.  And the Pics:

Yes, it was a fun day had by all. 

3 min. video of a Kitchen Design and Renovation on Philadelphia's Main Line

 

video created by  Paul McAlary

Here is a Breakdown of their costs:

Cabinets: $18,000
Brushed quartzite and granite countertops: $4,000
Wolf and Sub-Zero Appliances: $16,000
Stainless steel farm-sink faucet, handles, lighting and fixtures: $3,000
Tile, flooring materials, miscellaneous materials: $2,000
All construction labor and materials, including electric; plumbing: $20,000
Fudge factor: $2,000
Total: $65,000

Cabinets: Inset New Ashford door style, Jim Bishop; island paint: Melange Green, Sherwin-Williams; cabinet paint: Dover White, Sherwin-Williams; island countertops: brushed quartzite in Super White; main countertops: Brushed Steel Grey granite; range, hood, microwave: Wolf; refrigerator: Sub-Zero; sink: Artisan Chef Pro Stainless Steel Apron Sink; cup pulls and knobs: brushed nickel, Top Knobs

Upgrading Your House with DIY Wood Molding

www.houzz.com

www.houzz.com

I was introduced to this site by a college classmate.  It has since become very much an addiction to consult when thinking of a remodeling project.    You may save online those project or idea you like, to come back to later.  Do enjoy;  http://www.houzz.com

Hermia.                        One of my favorites:

“Loan, Loan, Loan” is also important

special thanks to Duane Gomer for these succinct words:

ALL HOMEBUYERS
Before you go to look at any open-house go to a bank and get pre-approved for a loan not pre-qualified.  This may take some work on your part but it is better to do the work sooner than later.  Two facts of which you may not be aware.  

#1 – Suppose you want to buy a $300,000 house and have the down payment but the bank says you can only qualify for a loan to buy a $240,000 house.

Before you go looking, find out what you will be allowed to buy.  You will hear the old adage, “Location, Location, Location.”  You may find out that, “Loan, Loan, Loan” is also important.

#2 – When you are making an offer, you will move to the head of the list if the sellers and listing agent know that you are pre-approved for a home of that value.  Also, sometimes when you get your approval, you will find out that the bank believes that you can afford a more expensive home than you thought.  That is a good feeling.  Perhaps, you are thinking too low.


WEB:  www.DuaneGomer.com
BLOG:  www.DuaneGomer.info
FACEBOOK:  Duane Gomer Seminars

A Priceless Gift
Instructions:

This keepsake idea is so easy for small children and says “I love you” so well, you’ll want to make them for grandparents, parents and anyone who needs a smile!


Wrap an empty box (hair dye, toothpaste, paper mache, any box will do) with colorful wrapping paper or paint a bright color.

Decorate the “gift” as creatively as possible and tie a big ribbon around the package.

Attach the following poem to the package:

I took an ordinary box

As empty as can be

I filled it with a special gift

And wrapped it carefully.

But please don’t ever open it

Just leave the ribbon tied

And hold it tightly near your heart

Because my love for you’s inside!