tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58273683025229286672024-03-13T10:49:33.471-07:00One Picky ChickI'm a woman. A former television journalist. A current household President. A wife. A mom. A decorator. An entertainer. An occasional party planner. And one picky chick! Everything I do, I want it to be exceptional. But easy. Simple is key. Inexpensive is a must. It's exhausting but I continue to strive for it while balancing parenthood. And I think you can too!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger303125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5827368302522928667.post-75638531741357789142023-01-26T14:47:00.002-08:002023-01-26T14:47:28.100-08:00What Past Recessions tell us about the Housing Market <p> </p><h3 class="kcm-post-minimal-title" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 1.4em; letter-spacing: -0.035em; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px 0px 0.2em; outline: none !important; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"><img alt="What Past Recessions Tell Us About the Housing Market | MyKCM" class="attachment-entry size-entry wp-post-image" height="410" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" src="https://files.mykcm.com/2023/01/12122450/what-past-recessions-tell-us-about-the-housing-market-in-2023-KCM.jpg" srcset="https://files.mykcm.com/2023/01/12122450/what-past-recessions-tell-us-about-the-housing-market-in-2023-KCM.jpg 750w, https://files.mykcm.com/2023/01/12122450/what-past-recessions-tell-us-about-the-housing-market-in-2023-KCM-600x328.jpg 600w, https://files.mykcm.com/2023/01/12122450/what-past-recessions-tell-us-about-the-housing-market-in-2023-KCM-100x55.jpg 100w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 300; height: auto; letter-spacing: normal; max-width: 100%; outline: none !important; vertical-align: middle;" width="750" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; outline: none !important;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; outline: none !important;" /><div class="kcm-post-minimal-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; outline: none !important;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: none !important;">It doesn’t matter if you’re someone who closely follows the economy or not, chances are you’ve heard whispers of an upcoming recession. Economic conditions are determined by a broad range of factors, so rather than explaining them each in depth, let’s lean on the experts and what history tells us to see what could lie ahead. As Greg McBride, Chief Financial Analyst at <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic; outline: none !important;">Bankrate</span>, <a href="https://www.bankrate.com/investing/stock-market-outlook-2023/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00aeff; outline: none !important; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="says">says</a>:</p><blockquote style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-color: rgb(229, 229, 229) !important; border-left-style: solid !important; border-left-width: 1px !important; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.3; margin: 1.5em 0px; outline: none !important; padding: 1em;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: none !important;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; outline: none !important;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic; outline: none !important;">“Two-in-three economists are forecasting a recession in 2023 . . .”</span></strong></p></blockquote><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: none !important;">As talk about a potential recession grows, you may be wondering what a recession could mean for the housing market. Here’s a look at the historical data to show what happened in real estate during previous recessions to help prove why you shouldn’t be afraid of what a recession could mean for the <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2022/12/27/confused-about-whats-going-on-in-the-housing-market-lean-on-a-professional/?a=712972-3e3a422b564e3a54d2d720eae2a58582" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00aeff; outline: none !important; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="housing market">housing market</a> today.</p></div></h3><h4 style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00aeff; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: -0.035em; line-height: 1.4; margin: 1.75em 0px 0.5em; outline: none !important; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-size: 1em; outline: none !important;">A Recession Doesn’t Mean Falling Home Prices</strong></h4><h3 class="kcm-post-minimal-title" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 1.4em; letter-spacing: -0.035em; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px 0px 0.2em; outline: none !important; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"><div class="kcm-post-minimal-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; outline: none !important;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: none !important;">To show that home prices don’t fall every time there’s a <a href="https://www.corelogic.com/blog/2019/03/housing-recessions-and-recoveries.aspx" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00aeff; outline: none !important; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="recession">recession</a>, it helps to turn to <a href="https://www.thebalance.com/the-history-of-recessions-in-the-united-states-3306011" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00aeff; outline: none !important; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="historical data">historical data</a>. As the graph below illustrates, looking at recessions going all the way back to 1980, <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2022/12/12/what-every-seller-should-know-about-home-prices/?a=712972-3e3a422b564e3a54d2d720eae2a58582" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00aeff; outline: none !important; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="home prices">home prices</a> appreciated in four of the last six of them. So historically, when the economy slows down, it doesn’t mean home values will always fall.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: none !important;"><a href="https://files.mykcm.com/2023/01/12122452/a-recession-does-not-mean-falling-prices-MEM.png" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00aeff; outline: none !important; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-106878" height="450" src="https://files.mykcm.com/2023/01/12122452/a-recession-does-not-mean-falling-prices-MEM.png" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: auto; margin: 0px auto 1.5em; max-width: 700px; outline: none !important; vertical-align: middle; width: 700px;" width="600" /></a></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: none !important;">Most people remember the <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2023/01/11/todays-housing-market-is-nothing-like-15-years-ago/?a=712972-3e3a422b564e3a54d2d720eae2a58582" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00aeff; outline: none !important; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="housing crisis">housing crisis</a> in 2008 (<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic; outline: none !important;">the larger of the two red bars in the graph above</span>) and think another recession would be a repeat of what happened to housing then. But today’s housing market <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2022/11/30/why-there-wont-be-a-flood-of-foreclosures-coming-to-the-housing-market/?a=712972-3e3a422b564e3a54d2d720eae2a58582" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00aeff; outline: none !important; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="isn’t about to crash">isn’t about to crash</a> because the fundamentals of the market are different than they were in 2008. According to <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2023/01/09/what-experts-are-saying-about-the-2023-housing-market/?a=712972-3e3a422b564e3a54d2d720eae2a58582" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00aeff; outline: none !important; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="experts">experts</a>, home prices will vary by market and may go up or down depending on the local area. But the average of their <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2022/12/21/what-to-expect-from-the-housing-market-in-2023/?a=712972-3e3a422b564e3a54d2d720eae2a58582" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00aeff; outline: none !important; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="2023 forecasts">2023 forecasts</a> shows prices will net neutral nationwide, not fall drastically like they did in 2008.</p></div></h3><h4 style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00aeff; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: -0.035em; line-height: 1.4; margin: 1.75em 0px 0.5em; outline: none !important; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-size: 1em; outline: none !important;">A Recession Means Falling Mortgage Rates</strong></h4><h3 class="kcm-post-minimal-title" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 1.4em; letter-spacing: -0.035em; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px 0px 0.2em; outline: none !important; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"><div class="kcm-post-minimal-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; outline: none !important;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: none !important;"><a href="https://mtg-specialists.com/2022/05/11/recession-interest-rates-and-real-estate/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00aeff; outline: none !important; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Research">Research</a> also helps paint the picture of how a recession could impact the cost of financing a home. As the graph below shows, historically, each time the economy slowed down, <a href="https://www.freddiemac.com/pmms/archive" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00aeff; outline: none !important; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="mortgage rates">mortgage rates</a> decreased.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: none !important;"><a href="https://files.mykcm.com/2023/01/12122448/a-recession-means-falling-mortgage-rates-MEM.png" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00aeff; outline: none !important; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img alt="What Past Recessions Tell Us About the Housing Market in 2023 | MyKCM" class="aligncenter wp-image-106876" height="450" src="https://files.mykcm.com/2023/01/12122448/a-recession-means-falling-mortgage-rates-MEM.png" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: auto; margin: 0px auto 1.5em; max-width: 700px; outline: none !important; vertical-align: middle; width: 700px;" width="600" /></a></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: none !important;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic; outline: none !important;">Fortune</span> <a href="https://fortune.com/2019/06/19/next-recession-assets-mortgage-rates/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00aeff; outline: none !important; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="explains">explains</a> mortgage rates typically fall during an economic slowdown:</p><blockquote style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-color: rgb(229, 229, 229) !important; border-left-style: solid !important; border-left-width: 1px !important; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.3; margin: 1.5em 0px; outline: none !important; padding: 1em;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: none !important;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic; outline: none !important;">“<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; outline: none !important;">Over the past five recessions, mortgage rates have fallen an average of 1.8 percentage points from the peak seen during the recession to the trough. </strong>And in many cases, they continued to fall after the fact as it takes some time to turn things around even when the recession is technically over.”</span></p></blockquote><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: none !important;">In <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2022/12/16/2023-housing-market-forecast-infographic/?a=712972-3e3a422b564e3a54d2d720eae2a58582" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00aeff; outline: none !important; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="2023">2023</a>, market experts say mortgage rates will likely stabilize below the peak we saw last year. That’s because <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2022/12/19/mortgage-rates-are-dropping-what-does-that-mean-for-you/?a=712972-3e3a422b564e3a54d2d720eae2a58582" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00aeff; outline: none !important; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="mortgage rates">mortgage rates</a> tend to respond to inflation. And early signs show inflation is starting to cool. If inflation continues to ease, rates may fall a bit more, but the days of 3% are likely behind us.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: none !important;">The big takeaway is you don’t need to fear the word recession when it comes to housing. In fact, experts say a recession would be mild and housing would play a key role in a quick economic rebound. As the 2022 CEO Outlook from KPMG, <a href="https://home.kpmg/xx/en/home/media/press-releases/2022/09/global-ceo-short-recession-optimistic-global-economy-over-3-years.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00aeff; outline: none !important; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="says">says</a>:</p><blockquote style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-color: rgb(229, 229, 229) !important; border-left-style: solid !important; border-left-width: 1px !important; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.3; margin: 1.5em 0px; outline: none !important; padding: 1em;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: none !important;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic; outline: none !important;">“Global CEOs see a ‘mild and short’ recession, yet optimistic about global economy over 3-year horizon . . .</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: none !important;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic; outline: none !important;"> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic; outline: none !important;">More than 8 out of 10 anticipate a recession over the next 12 months, with <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; outline: none !important;">more than half expecting it to be mild and short</strong>.”</span></p></blockquote></div></h3><h3 style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00aeff; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: -0.035em; line-height: 1.3; margin: 1.25em 0px 0.2em; outline: none !important; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-size: 1em; outline: none !important;">Bottom Line </strong></h3><h3 class="kcm-post-minimal-title" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 1.4em; letter-spacing: -0.035em; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px 0px 0.2em; outline: none !important; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"><div class="kcm-post-minimal-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; outline: none !important;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: none !important;">While history doesn’t always repeat itself, we can learn from the past. According to historical data, in most recessions, home values have appreciated and mortgage rates have declined. </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: none !important;">If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home this year, connect with me <a href="http://www.onepickychick.com/p/contact-me_20.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a> for expert advice on what’s happening in the housing market and what that means for your homeownership goals.</p></div></h3>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5827368302522928667.post-45009486250334153592023-01-04T12:47:00.008-08:002023-12-28T17:16:41.552-08:00Losing A Friend to Suicide <p> <b>The Headlines:</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>What do you do when someone you love... </b></p><p><b>Can't go on?</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;"><span>The New Year can be a special time... it is full of hope and excitement for what's ahead. But, for some, it is not special - instead it can be scary, isolating and depressing. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJcT3Pk5RNxvF2iz4BHG0vyHoiTVKa9EZYDm_lKfDYmgqsHVkkK2HAxyR708AniCP_5tv5Yk3lb_kuVX0zKLuGRqoh3Sg8QOTjKp0iBU1N4ZQ_N3Veu0o9U_UHS_YWKF6H0804SZLCOwk5RW5F3qDwIMZXHsIv0VUFXVh_gCX2BBoo3hb02K8MTSlqA/s1080/6.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJcT3Pk5RNxvF2iz4BHG0vyHoiTVKa9EZYDm_lKfDYmgqsHVkkK2HAxyR708AniCP_5tv5Yk3lb_kuVX0zKLuGRqoh3Sg8QOTjKp0iBU1N4ZQ_N3Veu0o9U_UHS_YWKF6H0804SZLCOwk5RW5F3qDwIMZXHsIv0VUFXVh_gCX2BBoo3hb02K8MTSlqA/s320/6.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">You know what I've noticed? Too many people in this world are hurting. Think about it. They are everywhere. That 20 year old who can't find her soul mate. The husband who lost that connection he once had to his wife. The man who can't land the job he desires. The child who is teased. The old lady who is physically hurting and lonely. The Grandpa who remembers his glory days of football but not much else. The boy who never gets picked for a team. The teen who can't afford the college she desperately wants to go to. Or You. Are you hurting? If you're not... you may be the only one. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;"><span>Most all of us struggle with sadness at one point in our lives. We may not show it, we may actually try to squash it. But it is there. It is how you handle the feeling, the pain, that matters. In the past several months, I have learned that sometimes sadness can become much bigger than the person or the people surrounding them know. Until one day, it overcomes them and then it's too late. My friend, Daniel Clark, killed himself in October of 2022. When he did, he took many of us down right with him. This blog is for him and those that are stuck in the same spot. It's also for those of us who are on the outside looking in to someone who has lost... hope. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;"><span><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">20 years ago in February of 2002 - I started working at channel 12 News, KPNX, in Phoenix Arizona.</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">It was a big deal. Big news market. Something, back then, that a new reporter/anchor... strives for. I was a reporter for the morning show. I previously anchored morning shows but this time I would be paired with a photographer each and every morning. The photog I tended to be paired with very early on... started the same day as I did.</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"> His name was Daniel. </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">On that day and all the days forward, he wasn’t just “my work husband” but my lifelong friend. </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyA9xrj27KN4SsefkXezu1CTwMt43dy838VJGDqfDoGzWAwX6FoKhjNydCb1wuug2JUi8LjZ9BJRcUG1SNIyIfg3YEchot7TR9RnKqJnkSTtOC6ISLDr-gowHPLrTiMrfRmIz_F705lrKjyonAi6IUOVHM2j0Z0FTGRdFxzHCJ1WWmNkE6_Mmw-Tsrkw/s1080/1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyA9xrj27KN4SsefkXezu1CTwMt43dy838VJGDqfDoGzWAwX6FoKhjNydCb1wuug2JUi8LjZ9BJRcUG1SNIyIfg3YEchot7TR9RnKqJnkSTtOC6ISLDr-gowHPLrTiMrfRmIz_F705lrKjyonAi6IUOVHM2j0Z0FTGRdFxzHCJ1WWmNkE6_Mmw-Tsrkw/s320/1.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">We worked the morning show - 9 years together. We went through so many anchors and producers… but during that time the two of us we stayed constant. In fact, we probably saw the sun rise almost 5 days a week together. Side note: did you know the coldest part of the day - is just before sun rise? Not sure why, something about the inversion layer. Daniel could probably tell you… he was proud of information. He was curious and he wanted to know things. So, as I shivered every morning, Daniel sweat. He ran hot, always. Over the years, we covered everything from the Rodeo/Chedisky wildfire to serial shooters to Car Seat Safety day to Turkey Tuesday to a 2 week Prison Stand-off to Olympic curling - at the Ice Den in Scottsdale not the real deal. There was lots of conversation, lots of F- words (he loved that word), some flowery arguments, plenty of stops for QT Diet coke & hot dogs. He made clear what he valued in life: his love of his wife, his sister, he "liked persons - not people" and that's a quote. He lived to ski and cook and he loved his dogs - I particularly remember one named ND. Stood for New Dog. Seriously, that was his name.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Rolling out every morning in a live truck with Daniel, felt safe. We would go to the diciest places and I wish I could remember some specific cross streets but there were so many locations, so many, I just can’t - they all run together. But the point is - he always had me… and I knew that. Daniel and I together were going to get the job done - he would make sure of that. He was half photographer/half producer. He was so good, I kind got to sit back with my feet up. I literally did that in the live truck actually. My feet on the dash as I wrote or read - he drove or gathered pictures. Back then, he loved every minute of the job. Daniel was fierce, passionate, kind, dedicated, loyal, fast, hard working and oh so talented. He was also stubborn, opinionated and harsh yet protective. We would argue and smile at the same time. That was his style.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYprBZytBEQPcDKYzZLRu8QpcwItzXT9aeCvvBi0dn-hgBAsLWY4MMIBIciWPzI2B_ycUt3kflKmCDR1Ctat33nGUi1SeH2NlPfUngxd4CUjqftsPgrHRA4szDdw17T0R8HL9pH0Eipp9D_DuCmZH1ZfN1d1yFk4fU6TVXN5Tq1ucfkSowb0yUE7Gmw/s1080/3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYprBZytBEQPcDKYzZLRu8QpcwItzXT9aeCvvBi0dn-hgBAsLWY4MMIBIciWPzI2B_ycUt3kflKmCDR1Ctat33nGUi1SeH2NlPfUngxd4CUjqftsPgrHRA4szDdw17T0R8HL9pH0Eipp9D_DuCmZH1ZfN1d1yFk4fU6TVXN5Tq1ucfkSowb0yUE7Gmw/s320/3.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">One of the things I remember most about Daniel - he would drive and look for news the entire way. No joke, he looked toward the sky, saw a fluttering airplane or a plume of smoke and wanted to know if that was a story. I usually just wanted to get back to the station so I could resume my day but he so badly wanted to get the big story before anyone else. Until one fateful day… he did. In 2007, he was up close, maybe too close, with a very big story. It was the helicopter crash in Phoenix where 2 News photographers and 2 News pilots collided and died. Daniel was in the air at the time. He saw the whole thing. I think the day Daniel covered, arguably, the biggest story of his life… was the day that changed him forever. Not in a good way.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Turns out, sometimes the thing we’re so desperately looking for is the very thing we shouldn’t find. </p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">After that, Daniel and I worked together about 4 more years. Until early 2011, when I had my second baby. I was still on maternity leave, I had not officially quit yet and I saw him covering the Pat Tillman run on a Saturday morning at ASU. My 3 month old son was in a stroller, my husband was running and Daniel took one look at me & knew I was “breaking up” with him for good. But we always remained friends. He watched my kids grow up, we talked, texted, met for lunch, I helped him and and his wife look for a house at one point… we were always in touch. And I had always hoped he would one day turn to God. Because he and God - were not close. So, I sent him poems, audio books and chatted with him about God's Power. But his struggle was too deep. HIs past was too painful. </p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjltGqrdvcO4HztmMvi7Hcm5erNm8AWwulO0ZkPUJwbTfpz4ne_Cf8272a9_o9itgx8W8740XC4r-qLN8iYev7VCB-XQigQHxnl7hdMDcBjHBjBpjFeau4y8F6Eiu-PrzQRP1bjBR1WmUR_NRpTYJSQTIz9dzNxnvWGvQABOevSeGGJBzZ7ndMyo1dddw/s1080/5.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjltGqrdvcO4HztmMvi7Hcm5erNm8AWwulO0ZkPUJwbTfpz4ne_Cf8272a9_o9itgx8W8740XC4r-qLN8iYev7VCB-XQigQHxnl7hdMDcBjHBjBpjFeau4y8F6Eiu-PrzQRP1bjBR1WmUR_NRpTYJSQTIz9dzNxnvWGvQABOevSeGGJBzZ7ndMyo1dddw/s320/5.png" width="320" /></a></div><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p>See, I think because Daniel was not cared for in the way he needed to be as a child (his words, not mine), Daniel started caring for others in the way he yearned. And that made him care too much. He was a text book care taker. One of the last times I spoke to him I begged him to just start taking care of himself. I said, no more dogs, wives, TV reporters, just focus on taking care of YOU. It is time. He agreed. <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"> </span><div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">We texted after that talk, he got a new job at another local TV station... I thought things were looking up. But then he had a few set backs and I told him, "Ugh Daniel, you can turn this bus around! When do you start the job?" to which he replied, "(October) 13th..."</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"> </span></div><div><p style="text-align: left;">Last words. A week and a half later he was gone. </p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkHGjSuEDelT2qgSxxKbalMiYlhSkSxS7er9e7fVHh7NqitTQ_kmd5ZbZVIV7Za-Sne5wRz-cssj70DqhtcOjU7P-QlmFwid401uBH5NPk4X58tkSpRGQF9VrG9MOY5UX1Fb0F9Z4qCecK47bskR50yfWp7Argi_aridcxh357NJO5R9J_76dxOFVtg/s1080/2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkHGjSuEDelT2qgSxxKbalMiYlhSkSxS7er9e7fVHh7NqitTQ_kmd5ZbZVIV7Za-Sne5wRz-cssj70DqhtcOjU7P-QlmFwid401uBH5NPk4X58tkSpRGQF9VrG9MOY5UX1Fb0F9Z4qCecK47bskR50yfWp7Argi_aridcxh357NJO5R9J_76dxOFVtg/s320/2.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I think when Daniel died he was mad. I think the substances Daniel was abusing made him a different person. I think he couldn't see past his own anger, wouldn't seek the help he needed and wanted some revenge on the people who loved him the most. He got it. Now, the closest people to him are the most hurt. They feel responsible for his death, they are guilt ridden and they forever will carry a hole in their heart that only Daniel could fill. The sadness in them is excruciating. But here's the problem with that... they get to go on. They get a second chance to do things differently. Someday, a part of that sadness will start to recede. At least, I sure hope it does. But Daniel does not get that second chance. He doesn't have any hope for some change of heart and happiness. He took that away from himself. And to me, that's the saddest part of this story. If only Daniel could have seen that too. <p></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Now, I am someone who is very excited and proud to know Jesus - he's my best friend and as mentioned earlier, I constantly tried to bring him to Daniel but he would have none of it. So when I learned of Daniel's death - the Christian in me automatically went to the questionable place of - where is Daniel? As far as I know, He did not want to know God. His sister has since shared with me, at one point Daniel did accept him into his heart. I also started reading and talking to my Christian friends and while I am unsure of definitive answers my hope lies somewhere in this bible verse:</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Psalm 34:18<br />The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.</b></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I closed with that bible verse when I spoke at Daniel's memorial and I stand by it because it's true. God is with us all the time, but especially when we are "broken-hearted." </div><div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Daniel I will miss you, you were like family, I am ticked off that you’re gone but I will remember you forever. I hope you are some where the light shines, some place in which the sun rises and makes any chill feel like warmth upon your skin forever. </p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;">Amen.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;">If you know someone with sadness that is too tough to handle... don't make the mistake Daniel did... please call 988. They're available 24/7. </p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5827368302522928667.post-47831751575924483292022-09-23T09:37:00.000-07:002022-09-23T09:37:34.949-07:00Balanced Housing Market?<p><b>The Headlines:</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>The Housing Market has changed.</b></p><p><b>What does this mean for you? If you're buying or selling...</b></p><p><b>Balance is back.</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><h4 style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00aeff; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 30.858854293823242px; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: -0.035em; line-height: 1.4; margin: 1.75em 0px 0.5em; outline: none !important; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none !important;">Buyer Demand Then and Now</strong></h4><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 18.003999710083008px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: none !important;">During the pandemic, <a href="https://www.mykcm.com/2022/09/07/expert-forecasts-on-mortgage-rates/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00aeff; outline: none !important; text-decoration: none;" title="mortgage rates">mortgage rates</a> hit record lows, and that spurred a significant rise in buyer demand. This year, as rates increased due to factors like rising <a href="https://www.mykcm.com/2022/07/20/should-you-buy-a-home-with-inflation-this-high/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00aeff; outline: none !important; text-decoration: none;" title="inflation">inflation</a>, buyer demand pulled back or softened as a result. The <a href="https://www.showingtime.com/blog/july-2022-showing-index-results" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00aeff; outline: none !important; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="latest data">latest data</a> from <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic; outline: none !important;">ShowingTime</span> confirms this trend (<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic; outline: none !important;">see graph below</span>):</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 18.003999710083008px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: none !important;"><a class="use_kcm_lightbox" href="https://files.mykcm.com/2022/09/15114634/20220919-MEM-Eng-1.png" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00aeff; outline: none !important; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img alt="Will My House Still Sell in Today’s Market? | MyKCM" class="aligncenter wp-image-104766" height="450" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" src="https://files.mykcm.com/2022/09/15114634/20220919-MEM-Eng-1.png" srcset="https://files.mykcm.com/2022/09/15114634/20220919-MEM-Eng-1.png 1000w, https://files.mykcm.com/2022/09/15114634/20220919-MEM-Eng-1-600x450.png 600w, https://files.mykcm.com/2022/09/15114634/20220919-MEM-Eng-1-768x576.png 768w, https://files.mykcm.com/2022/09/15114634/20220919-MEM-Eng-1-100x75.png 100w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: auto; margin: 0px auto 1.5em; max-width: 700px; outline: none !important; vertical-align: middle; width: 700px;" width="600" /></a></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 18.003999710083008px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: none !important;">The orange bars in the graph above represent the last few months of data and the clear cooldown in the volume of home showings the market has seen since mortgage rates started to rise. But context is important. To get the full picture of where today’s demand stands, let’s look at the July data for the past six years (<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic; outline: none !important;">see graph below</span>):</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 18.003999710083008px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: none !important;"><a class="use_kcm_lightbox" href="https://files.mykcm.com/2022/09/15114637/20220919-MEM-Eng-2.png" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00aeff; outline: none !important; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img alt="Will My House Still Sell in Today’s Market? | MyKCM" class="aligncenter wp-image-104768" height="450" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" src="https://files.mykcm.com/2022/09/15114637/20220919-MEM-Eng-2.png" srcset="https://files.mykcm.com/2022/09/15114637/20220919-MEM-Eng-2.png 1000w, https://files.mykcm.com/2022/09/15114637/20220919-MEM-Eng-2-600x450.png 600w, https://files.mykcm.com/2022/09/15114637/20220919-MEM-Eng-2-768x576.png 768w, https://files.mykcm.com/2022/09/15114637/20220919-MEM-Eng-2-100x75.png 100w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: auto; margin: 0px auto 1.5em; max-width: 700px; outline: none !important; vertical-align: middle; width: 700px;" width="600" /></a></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 18.003999710083008px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: none !important;">This second visual makes it clear that, while moderating compared to the frenzy in 2020 and 2021, showing activity is still beating pre-pandemic levels – and those pre-pandemic years were great years for the housing market. That goes to show there’s still demand if you <a href="https://www.mykcm.com/2022/09/12/getting-your-house-ready-to-sell-work-with-an-agent-for-expert-advice/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00aeff; outline: none !important; text-decoration: none;" title="sell your house">sell your house</a> today.</p><h4 style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00aeff; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 30.858854293823242px; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: -0.035em; line-height: 1.4; margin: 1.75em 0px 0.5em; outline: none !important; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none !important;">What That Means for You When You Sell</strong></h4><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 18.003999710083008px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: none !important;">The key to selling in a changing market is understanding where the housing market is now. It’s not the same market we had last year or even earlier this year, but that doesn’t mean the opportunity to sell has passed.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 18.003999710083008px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: none !important;">While things have cooled a bit, it’s still a <a href="https://www.mykcm.com/2022/09/02/heres-why-its-still-a-sellers-market-infographic/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00aeff; outline: none !important; text-decoration: none;" title="sellers’ market">sellers’ market</a>. If you work with a trusted local expert to price your house at the <a href="https://www.mykcm.com/2022/08/09/selling-your-house-your-asking-price-matters-more-now-than-ever/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00aeff; outline: none !important; text-decoration: none;" title="current market value">current market value</a>, <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none !important;">the demand is still there</strong>, and it should sell quickly. According to a <a href="https://www.realtor.com/research/2022-summer-sellers-survey/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00aeff; outline: none !important; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="recent survey">recent survey</a> from <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic; outline: none !important;">realtor.com</span>, 92% of homeowners who sold in August reported being satisfied with the outcome of their sale.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 18.003999710083008px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: none !important;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00aeff; font-size: 41.13914108276367px; letter-spacing: -0.035em; outline: none !important;">Bottom Line</strong></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 18.003999710083008px; margin: 0px; outline: none !important;">Buyer demand hasn’t disappeared, it’s just moderated this year. If you’re ready to sell your house today, let’s connect so you have expert insights on how the market has shifted and how to plan accordingly for your sale.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 18.003999710083008px; margin: 0px; outline: none !important;"><br /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 18.003999710083008px; margin: 0px; outline: none !important;">For more information on local, Arizona home supply and any Real Estate related questions... contact Nicole at 480-993-8671.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 18.003999710083008px; margin: 0px; outline: none !important;"><br /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 18.003999710083008px; margin: 0px; outline: none !important;">** All data taken from ShowingTime, Realtors go-to app to set up appointments to view homes for sale </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5827368302522928667.post-81791902699948520152022-09-06T09:46:00.004-07:002022-09-08T09:09:04.505-07:00The Drivers License<p> <b>THE HEADLINES:</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>THEN ONE DAY</b><b>...</b></p><p><b>THEY DRIVE THEMSELVES.</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p>Here's the funny thing about parenting... as you teach your kids... they teach you right back. </p><p><br /></p><p>Yep, it's happened. My daughter gets her license. Today. It's a relief, it's terrifying, it's expensive, it's overwhelming, it's depressing, it's helpful... it's all the stuff. And I'm having a bit of a nervous break down. For many reasons. This is very much the beginning of the end of her being our baby, in our house, under our roof, family of four. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPHM_cO_PB6rRf-Pxc3tCcp6Jf_wAirbB9KRolBpknYtT6cteWbvRp_9Dv6jKWep4jaV_DkllU-jSvwjvfqYTxg77oslbb6iATywFQnDxqYAIBsUhkbDlIcIReRSVhMphIx5UD80LqffqnbVoyLf445vxB2kuA5zIyLpIIFqHmHTDe5a1IAiAbUtJSw/s1080/5.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPHM_cO_PB6rRf-Pxc3tCcp6Jf_wAirbB9KRolBpknYtT6cteWbvRp_9Dv6jKWep4jaV_DkllU-jSvwjvfqYTxg77oslbb6iATywFQnDxqYAIBsUhkbDlIcIReRSVhMphIx5UD80LqffqnbVoyLf445vxB2kuA5zIyLpIIFqHmHTDe5a1IAiAbUtJSw/w393-h393/5.png" width="393" /></a></div><p>I'm pretty convinced the drivers license is designed to help prepare parents for what's to come. They get that license, start moving around without you being there, they come and go as they please, until one day they go off to college. Then they come home for Christmas, Spring break and Summer. But after that, you barely see them. Unless you take them on some amazing trip. Uh-huh. </p><p><br /></p><p>How do I know this? Because I did it. Think about it. Bet you did too! And this... is why I'm so sad about today. Because part of my life is now over forever. There's no going back. Yesterday, for the first time, I watched baby videos of my little girl. We have never done that. I bawled. I had to stop watching. For a brief moment, it took me back... and I wanted to stay there. I truly wanted to dive into that video and just "be" for a bit. Such a beautifully, exhausting, messy moment in time that I want to go back into now. If only... </p><p><br /></p><p>Instead, I have to embrace today. </p><p><br /></p><p>Today means, from here on out, she will go places and we will remain. Here. She can now go get that birthday present for her friend. She can pick up her brother from baseball practice. She can grab dinner on the way home. She can drive to her job. All of it, she can do, on her own. There's no going back. Only looking forward. </p><p><br /></p><p>Is that a problem? Not for her. But for me it is - a little problematic. You see, when they're in your car you have a captive audience. They have to listen to you. They can try to shut you out but really that's not possible. This is the case every morning - when I take my kids to school. For about 15-25 minutes (depending on the school and child), I get to deliver my own lesson plan. I spout off things I read in my latest book or heard at a bible study. I get to teach. And they listen. It is when we do some of our best chatting. I love it and I now crave it because it will, mostly, go away. And that is painful. It's treacherous really. But it, once again, reminds me that I am still growing up with her. There are still lessons to be learned here. There will be plenty more. Especially because, we never really stop learning unless we choose to stop. Something we should never do by the way. Once we choose to stop growing we may as well lay down and have someone throw dirt on us. Cause it's over. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0sM5PbC5ZKojqLakrc7k57EqrRf55mdcI2T3SJuK89HPvzYIuTvbyEie9u9SY-ZAvczoV3L8SOj_RYR-z1vkPrBsKYl5lL-DY3wSnXBJ2e2uJvvbuhTcd17rFHo_121ppCr-AZ12KLKmyiA0teUyOz2L0lc-1r-tNvZ-TnxlJ3uLf1u1v01qUNxV5xQ/s1080/6.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0sM5PbC5ZKojqLakrc7k57EqrRf55mdcI2T3SJuK89HPvzYIuTvbyEie9u9SY-ZAvczoV3L8SOj_RYR-z1vkPrBsKYl5lL-DY3wSnXBJ2e2uJvvbuhTcd17rFHo_121ppCr-AZ12KLKmyiA0teUyOz2L0lc-1r-tNvZ-TnxlJ3uLf1u1v01qUNxV5xQ/w378-h378/6.png" width="378" /></a></div><br /><p>I have to remind myself, the relationship between myself and my daughter is not over. It is, however, morphing into a new stage. A different stage. A stage where trust becomes paramount and guidance takes the place of telling. My child needs to know this is now up to her. Mom and Dad will always catch her but now she has to throw the ball. She has to determine where that ball is going and who she's chucking it toward... Yes, now is the time to make her own way. With God, myself and her Father by her side... while sitting back watching and learning.</p><p><br /></p><p>As she starts to drive - I am not worried about her getting in trouble, buying too many coffees, coming home late, getting in an accident (well, yes, I'm worried about that one), eating too much fast food, driving too fast (ok maybe a little)... I am worried about something far more simple. </p><p><br /></p><p>Where did my little girl go? Because it seems like she's gone. </p><p><br /></p><p>And the cold, harsh reality is... I already miss her. </p><p> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5827368302522928667.post-75178920799200654642022-07-21T13:16:00.002-07:002022-07-21T13:16:54.740-07:00Rollercoaster Real Estate? <p><b>The Headlines: </b></p><p><b>As a Realtor, people always ask "where is the market going to go"?</b></p><p><b>My answer is usually: I don't have a crystal ball. </b></p><p><b> But... </b></p><p><br /></p><h3 class="kcm-post-minimal-title" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 1.4em; letter-spacing: -0.035em; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px 0px 0.2em; outline: none !important; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;">Think Home Prices Are Going To Fall? Think Again</h3><img alt="Think Home Prices Are Going To Fall? Think Again | MyKCM" class="attachment-entry size-entry wp-post-image" height="410" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" src="https://files.mykcm.com/2022/07/20110656/20220721-KCM-Share.jpg" srcset="https://files.mykcm.com/2022/07/20110656/20220721-KCM-Share.jpg 750w, https://files.mykcm.com/2022/07/20110656/20220721-KCM-Share-600x328.jpg 600w, https://files.mykcm.com/2022/07/20110656/20220721-KCM-Share-100x55.jpg 100w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: none !important; vertical-align: middle;" width="750" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; outline: none !important;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; outline: none !important;" /><div class="kcm-post-minimal-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; outline: none !important;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: none !important;">Over the last two years, the rate of home prices appreciated at a dramatic pace. While that led to incredible <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2022/06/21/the-average-homeowner-gained-64k-in-equity-over-the-past-year/?a=712972-3e3a422b564e3a54d2d720eae2a58582" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00aeff; outline: none !important; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="equity gains">equity gains</a> for homeowners, it’s also caused some buyers to wonder if home prices will fall. It’s important to know the housing market <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2022/07/14/housing-experts-say-this-isnt-a-bubble/?a=712972-3e3a422b564e3a54d2d720eae2a58582" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00aeff; outline: none !important; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="isn’t a bubble">isn’t a bubble</a> about to burst, and home price growth is supported by strong market fundamentals.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: none !important;">To understand why price declines are unlikely, it’s important to explore what caused home prices to rise so much recently, and where experts say home prices are headed. Here’s what you need to know.</p><h4 style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00aeff; font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: -0.035em; line-height: 1.4; margin: 1.75em 0px 0.5em; outline: none !important; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-size: 1em; outline: none !important;">Home Prices Rose Significantly in Recent Years</strong></h4><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: none !important;">The graph below uses the latest data from <a href="https://www.corelogic.com/press-releases/corelogic-data-national-home-price-gains-continue-to-exceed-20-in-may/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00aeff; outline: none !important; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="CoreLogic"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic; outline: none !important;">CoreLogic</span></a> to illustrate the rise in home prices over the past year and a half. The gray bars represent the dramatic increase in the rate of home price appreciation in 2021. The blue bars show home prices are still rising in 2022, but not as quickly:</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: none !important;"><a href="https://files.mykcm.com/2022/07/20110659/20220721-MEM-Eng.png" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00aeff; outline: none !important; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img alt="Think Home Prices Are Going To Fall? Think Again | MyKCM" class="aligncenter wp-image-103489" height="450" src="https://files.mykcm.com/2022/07/20110659/20220721-MEM-Eng.png" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: auto; margin: 0px auto 1.5em; max-width: 700px; outline: none !important; vertical-align: middle; width: 700px;" width="600" /></a></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: none !important;">You might be asking: <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic; outline: none !important;">why did home prices climb so much last year?</span> It’s because there were more buyers than there were homes for sale. That imbalance put upward pressure on home prices because demand was extremely high, and supply was record low.</p><h4 style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00aeff; font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: -0.035em; line-height: 1.4; margin: 1.75em 0px 0.5em; outline: none !important; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-size: 1em; outline: none !important;">Where Experts Say Prices Will Go from Here</strong></h4><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: none !important;">While <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2022/06/28/a-key-opportunity-for-homebuyers/?a=712972-3e3a422b564e3a54d2d720eae2a58582" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00aeff; outline: none !important; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="housing inventory">housing inventory</a> is increasing and buyer demand is softening today, there’s still a shortage of homes available for sale. That’s why the market is seeing ongoing price appreciation. Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic; outline: none !important;">First American</span>, <a href="https://twitter.com/YahooFinance/status/1545073046393802757" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00aeff; outline: none !important; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="explains">explains</a> it like this:</p><blockquote style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-color: rgb(229, 229, 229) !important; border-left-style: solid !important; border-left-width: 1px !important; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.3; margin: 1.5em 0px; outline: none !important; padding: 1em;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: none !important;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic; outline: none !important;">“. . .we’re still well below normal levels of inventory and that’s why even with the pullback in demand, <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; outline: none !important;">we still see house prices appreciating. </strong>While there is more inventory, it’s still not enough.”</span></p></blockquote><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: none !important;">As a result, experts are projecting a more moderate rate of <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2022/06/16/home-price-deceleration-doesnt-mean-home-price-depreciation/?a=712972-3e3a422b564e3a54d2d720eae2a58582" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00aeff; outline: none !important; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="home price appreciation">home price appreciation</a> this year, which means home prices will continue rising, but at a slower pace. That doesn’t mean prices are going to fall. As Selma Hepp, Deputy Chief Economist at <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic; outline: none !important;">CoreLogic</span>, <a href="https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/housing-market-predictions/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00aeff; outline: none !important; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="says">says</a>:</p><blockquote style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-color: rgb(229, 229, 229) !important; border-left-style: solid !important; border-left-width: 1px !important; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.3; margin: 1.5em 0px; outline: none !important; padding: 1em;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: none !important;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic; outline: none !important;">“The current home price growth rate is unsustainable, and higher mortgage rates coupled with more inventory will lead to slower home price growth <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; outline: none !important;">but unlikely declines in home prices</strong>.”</span></p></blockquote><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: none !important;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; outline: none !important;">In other words, even with higher mortgage rates, moderating buyer demand, and more </strong><a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2022/06/17/more-listings-are-coming-onto-the-market-infographic/?a=712972-3e3a422b564e3a54d2d720eae2a58582" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00aeff; outline: none !important; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="homes for sale"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-size: 1em; outline: none !important;">homes for sale</strong></a><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; outline: none !important;">, experts say home price appreciation will slow, but prices won't decline.</strong></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: none !important;">If you’re planning to buy a home, that means you shouldn’t wait for home prices to drop to make your purchase. Instead, buying today means you can get ahead of future price increases, and benefit from the rise in prices in the form of <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2022/07/08/why-growing-home-equity-is-great-news-if-you-plan-to-move-infographic/?a=712972-3e3a422b564e3a54d2d720eae2a58582" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00aeff; outline: none !important; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="home equity">home equity</a>.</p><h3 style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #00aeff; font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: -0.035em; line-height: 1.3; margin: 1.25em 0px 0.2em; outline: none !important; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-size: 1em; outline: none !important;">Bottom Line</strong></h3><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: none !important;">Home prices skyrocketed in recent years because there was more demand than supply. As the market shifts, experts aren’t forecasting a drop in prices, just a slowdown in the rate of price growth. To understand what’s happening with home prices in our area, or if you want to buy or sell this year, connect with me today.</p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5827368302522928667.post-70307090132243846562022-02-22T06:19:00.001-08:002022-02-24T09:47:56.209-08:00Showing God <p><b> The Headlines:</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>God is working for you.</b></p><p><b>Are you working for him?</b></p><p><b>And... can people tell?</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLjekVM4_5b6avJrGYpKpMJfk180mblVm_GHg0mJdLA2WPKwu2aJWN3sa130Z5mrCCv3wDcpIc4NSLZv_X4Sy58KLfxj4ksShxW6JrpSGExFdxwI2zFj3COrUeiVZE8RpVD7jFC_NNTWQDmLCX_vUt8ieSsrMmgka5BOPXeyUcU1aW0gJyLt4fN0cnqA=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLjekVM4_5b6avJrGYpKpMJfk180mblVm_GHg0mJdLA2WPKwu2aJWN3sa130Z5mrCCv3wDcpIc4NSLZv_X4Sy58KLfxj4ksShxW6JrpSGExFdxwI2zFj3COrUeiVZE8RpVD7jFC_NNTWQDmLCX_vUt8ieSsrMmgka5BOPXeyUcU1aW0gJyLt4fN0cnqA=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p>I have long been a Christian. My Grandfather was a Lutheran Minister and growing up my family and I went to church every Sunday. I have always had a close relationship with God. I pray and talk to him all the time. I know bible stories galore and am very secure with and in my Christianity. I rely on it everyday.<p></p><p>So, one day, back when I worked for the local NBC station in Phoenix, Arizona... something shocking happened. As I was chatting and getting ready for air, I said something to my anchor at the time... when she looked at me quizzically and said, "wait, you're a Christian?" Ohhhhhhhhh boy. I was paralyzed. Embarrassed. Kinda Sickened. "Of course," I replied, "it's like, the most important thing to me!" </p><p>How did she not know that? </p><p><b>HIDING GOD?</b></p><p>Cleary, it didn't seem to be. Apparently, I wasn't showing God. I wasn't talking about him. I wasn't acting on him. He was hidden. Yet... he was truly the most important thing to me. How could that be? It was shameful. If something is important to you, you show it. People know. </p><p>I'm reading a book right now, "Elijah" by Priscilla Shirer. In it Shirer contends what you do, how you spend your time, money, efforts... is what you, in a sense, worship. It's like your God. Gulp. Think about that one. </p><p>What do people know about you? What do you show? What is important? </p><p>For instance, if you're at dinner and you dip out to the restroom... does your bestie know what to order you? I bet she does. If you're single and you like guys with red hair.... are your girlfriends looking for carrot topped men for you? Probably. If you dream to be a professional golfer - do people know where you'll be on a beautiful (not windy) morning in Scottsdale? Of course. Because you show all those things. </p><p>That Anchor friend of mine knew I liked fine dinners, fine wine and fine facials. But she had no idea that my biggest "find" had nothing to do with the finer things in life. It had everything to do with My God. But I needed to show it. And fast. Now, no, I didn't go on Television that morning declaring to all, "In Phoenix, Nicole McGregor, I'm a Christian.... 12 News" but it did change me. From that point forward, I was keenly aware that I needed to TALK my WALK. </p><p><b>TAKE 2</b></p><p>*As the years passed I became a Mom. This is when you really get a chance to talk and walk with God. In fact, I've noticed it's at this time when many are brought closer toward God. Through their children. There are opportunities like Pre-School, Sunday School or camps. You never realize this when you're a child yourself. But turns out when you're a kid - people throw lots of opportunities at you. They want to create environments where the child can learn and grow. </p><p>Those opportunities tend to dry up as we age (like everything else). Until all of the sudden you look around and see absolutely no opportunities that you don't make for yourself. Feel me? So, unbeknownst to us (at the time), children need to seize these amazing chances at lasso-ing something special. Like drawing, like building, like... God.* </p><p>Parents are lucky too because they can piggyback on what their kids are being exposed to... including God. Some don't need an introduction to God but they might need to get reacquainted with him. Maybe we all need that actually. My children of course were baptized. We pledged to make God a center of our lives for not only ourselves but our children. I was Mary and BP was Joseph at church on Christmas when our daughter was just a few months old. They both went to a Christian Pre-School. My daughter goes to a Christian (Catholic) High School. We go to church as much as our schedules allow. I try to read Christian books and attend bible studies. I make it one of my priorities. It's still not enough. It probably never will be and I'm okay with that. What I'm not okay with is someone looking at me, shockingly, and saying "you're a Christian?" No, please, never ever again. </p><p>I want to make sure people know that my God is more important than my Gucci. I do not want there to be any question about that. I don't worship people, planes or purses. Only him. I hope my actions and words show God everyday. And most importantly, I need this to trickle down... to those little people who I'm in charge of making big Christians. </p><p>I think it's working. Here's why.</p><p><b>SHOWING GOD </b></p><p>Almost every night I take my son to bed. We talk, pray, sing, sometimes I cry (ok, I cry a lot). It is a special time. On this occasion, my son was about to embark upon a baseball tournament. We, as per usual, started to pray but while I typically lead it... this night , I asked him to do it. "You can use the extra prayers, maybe you should request strength this weekend." He had been a little under the weather. He prayed. The next day, the team played great. He, in particular had a really good game. So when we came back that night for prayer I suggested he may want to do the honors again. And after yet another day of amazing play - it came time to pray. This, you see, was a 3 day tournament. The first we've ever had. But this time, before prayer, I asked him: "Hey, who are you playing baseball for?" He thought about this for a while. A good 30 seconds. He answered: "me..." "Oh," I said, </p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;">"what if you started playing for God?"</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhaZ_1g1AhFcq4XismT5AJiKLtdjeFdccFdKUJBiupMog3ts2ky1pURyxE4bNW7DubMdwtTLpmZ9GRnMFYSe03sX0MUQHQTo0JhxjwLaBDTmusFr57Z-7-3u-ZOPSFnFCtV37yF4j4VU4KQbAvHWupDRYxFU6LcRVzGwyD5LUlUzdyexvtrl5HRrX16-g=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhaZ_1g1AhFcq4XismT5AJiKLtdjeFdccFdKUJBiupMog3ts2ky1pURyxE4bNW7DubMdwtTLpmZ9GRnMFYSe03sX0MUQHQTo0JhxjwLaBDTmusFr57Z-7-3u-ZOPSFnFCtV37yF4j4VU4KQbAvHWupDRYxFU6LcRVzGwyD5LUlUzdyexvtrl5HRrX16-g=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><p>He wasn't baffled. Instead he looked at me and said... "that's what I was gonna say!" I asked if maybe, when he stepped onto the field... if he should give it to him? </p><p>Give God the glory. </p><p>Play ball in his honor. All the time. I told him he didn't have to point to heaven when he ran over home plate. He didn't have to make the sign of the cross over his chest when he got a good hit. I didn't want him, in any way, to act like the pro's do. He just had to be himself. Do what he thought right. I encouraged saying a prayer before or as he took the field. I didn't explain exactly when or how to do this... I figured he could work that out.</p><p>The next day my son's team played ball again. They won two more games. They went all the way to the last game. The Championship. I didn't know what unfolded at the time, but was told later. </p><p>Before that last game my son, #3, (for yes... all the reasons why you can imagine and more) PRAYED. </p><p>He got on his knees in the dug out, leaned on that long bench, humbled himself before our Lord... and he started to pray. That 10 year old little guy prayed in front of all of his team mates. By himself. But not for long. Soon, one little boy asked him what he was doing and when he told him he joined. Then there were two. Until another little boy asked them what they were up to and he kneeled beside them both. From what I was told, it wasn't much later that all of those kids were alongside each other praying before that game. Showing God.</p><p>Wow.</p><p>My little man, bravely did what, apparently, I couldn't do all those years earlier. He Showed God. Boldly, unapologetically, perfectly. I was proud. Not for the baseball game. Oh no, they lost that one. Two to zilch. Even after all those little prayers. </p><p><b>HE'S GOT YOU</b></p><p>But that's how God works.</p><p>Sure, it would have been even better if they had won the game. Or maybe not. Because that's not always how life goes. Just because you ask for something... doesn't mean you get it. In fact, often times you don't. I know you know that. But I think, no matter what the score board said, those boys won that day. They won something way bigger than the first place ring. They hit a homer out of the park when they kneeled before him. When they Showed up for God. Showed the world, or at least our little part of it, that he's there, everywhere, all the time. They showed he's in charge. Even during a kids baseball game. It's amazing how so many of us rely, solely, on ourselves. Like, we got this... when we don't. He's got it. He empowers US to go get it. </p><p><b>STEP AND REPEAT </b></p><p>If you've read this far I think you're into this. So do me a favor and go back up and read the paragraph that's starred under TAKE TWO. Then come back and meet me right here.</p><p>Did you read it again? Okay so now...</p><p>Create YOUR opportunity to Show God. You're not 5 anymore, no one's reading you bible stories or taking your hand and helping you cross the street. You have to do it. And see, God needs you to... heck the world needs you to do this right now. There's a lot of people out there NOT Showing God but we can change that. It just takes you. </p><p>I hope my son understands that now. Or at least is starting to... may that never change when he's angry, or sick, or hurt... or lost. Because he will lose more baseball games even when he's Showing God. We all will suffer from time to time, some more than others... even though we're showing up. But that doesn't mean we stop. </p><p>Naaaaaah... that's when we lean in more. And more. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0czcrrMVvfofBWc5a7YEM4sBnAM76mwLvVYlOPRhmnVMsi0VyFYao5XacUbq_RWdFeluDzZCbSOVoik0FFJdGrUQC-OrGcNU-2CFcMUTUaVL64XxBB70ljTXXe4PvAxqfqbHKN9BKU2Lijqiy-qAebB31kFyZseO-7K_zAuuWN4ENSe2VevmQu3AyVQ=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0czcrrMVvfofBWc5a7YEM4sBnAM76mwLvVYlOPRhmnVMsi0VyFYao5XacUbq_RWdFeluDzZCbSOVoik0FFJdGrUQC-OrGcNU-2CFcMUTUaVL64XxBB70ljTXXe4PvAxqfqbHKN9BKU2Lijqiy-qAebB31kFyZseO-7K_zAuuWN4ENSe2VevmQu3AyVQ=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><p><b>Finally tonight,</b> when I was in my 20's my Mom got me one of my favorites gifts. In the eyes of the world, sadly, it wouldn't be much. But to me... it meant everything. It was a simple wood frame with words underneath the glass. It said:</p><p style="text-align: center;">Nicole,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Trust me.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I have everything under control.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Jesus</p><p><br /></p><p>Wow. And all I had to do... was show up.</p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5827368302522928667.post-62190568924702308012021-08-04T07:44:00.010-07:002021-08-04T09:14:36.638-07:00Purchasing a "Multi-Generational" Home<p><b>The Headlines:</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Love Grandma? Have a Favorite Aunt?</b></p><p><b>Maybe you should buy a home together?</b></p><p><b>It's called a Multi-generational home.</b></p><p><br /></p><p>It's been a while since I've written. Not sure if you've noticed but Real Estate has gone a little bonkers. Because of that, as well as the other things life throws at a woman my age, in my "stage"... writing has taken a back seat. Yes, I've been busier than ever in 2021 writing contracts, showing houses, negotiating deals... making dreams start at home.</p><p><br /></p><p>It's pretty clear - People want to move. This was bound to happen after COVID. I wrote about it the minute we were all "locked in" last year. We all hung out in our houses for a really long time. Many of us... got sick of them. Add that to record low inventories all over the country and you get what we're seeing now in the housing market. Real Estate is cray.</p><p><br /></p><p>I've had countless conversations with people who want to cash in on the market. The problem? They don't know where to go. There seem to be only 2 choices: either A) move to a new location/state where prices have remained lower than where they currently live or B) stay in your home.</p><p> </p><p>But, there is one more option some families could potentially use...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7ne8OqbtZGXtxT5X-e9Ja1jWj542Mi43n0Fh6c_i0sDbztJAwxmpI7Y7WnSdJSSk1OF2RxA4bs8JQWjcmA5c-_dGKruVDK2R4db_PHYR_Hs2SaTy4pjxbnwHI_E3LrHkwn-bkJELyIc5/s1080/INSTA+%25233.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7ne8OqbtZGXtxT5X-e9Ja1jWj542Mi43n0Fh6c_i0sDbztJAwxmpI7Y7WnSdJSSk1OF2RxA4bs8JQWjcmA5c-_dGKruVDK2R4db_PHYR_Hs2SaTy4pjxbnwHI_E3LrHkwn-bkJELyIc5/w421-h421/INSTA+%25233.jpg" width="421" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Multi-Generational housing, by the way, has been going on forever in other countries. But us Americans - like our space. You remember your Grandma? She didn't want anything to do with moving in to your parents home. But other cultures do it all the time and we're just now catching on. </p><p><br /></p><p>How does it work? Of course there are many ways to go about this but essentially... Grandma has a home, she sells it, takes the money she gets from that sale and uses it to help a family member (son/daughter/niece) purchase the new, larger home that she can then live in with the core family. Basically, you're pooling together more money to buy the home that will work for everyone. Of course, specifically how this works out (dollars wise) - consult your family attorney, money manager, tax professional and/or mortgage broker.</p><p><br /></p><p>According to a study done by Generation United, multi-generational houses have increased 271% in the last 10 years - with more than 1 in 4 Americans living in this type of situation. The reasons, according to GU, are many. Not just purchasing a "new house". In fact, that's just the off-set benefit. Eldercare and child care are the leading reasons. People need help with raising their family so they move in together. Both at 34%. Followed by job loss or unemployment, healthcare costs, cultural expectations and education/retraining. See the full article <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-study-reveals-multigenerational-living-nearly-quadrupled-in-the-past-decade-with-the-pandemic-playing-a-strong-role-301258787.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a></p><p><br /></p><p>Living together with your extended family does indeed save money and can help that home upgrade... but there are strings. <b></b></p><p><b>Here are 5 things to think about:</b></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUHCt5bxt0XqwMCSgPsvk0Y60zwA2eWVNc1NVNRB6z5fRsXwsDKN7tQDi9dXk7T0Qf-xBFpAjVL8C1o5basRsYqRDu6qDUyr7HCM7cyjAbKiIHAvwdtKzEsC3k1tenOlJ83wmPXK4lZP0/s1080/Multi-Generational+Homes.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUHCt5bxt0XqwMCSgPsvk0Y60zwA2eWVNc1NVNRB6z5fRsXwsDKN7tQDi9dXk7T0Qf-xBFpAjVL8C1o5basRsYqRDu6qDUyr7HCM7cyjAbKiIHAvwdtKzEsC3k1tenOlJ83wmPXK4lZP0/w436-h436/Multi-Generational+Homes.png" width="436" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><b>1. Grandma will need to be taken care of at a certain point. </b> </p><p>She may help now but that won't last forever. My Mom came to live with me 2 years ago after my Father passed away and it was determined she had Alzheimers. We did not move... (maybe should have) We were going to build a casita on our property but then we decided maybe we would just buy a larger house. Soon after, COVID hit. We never left. </p><p>I can handle her now - but for how long? </p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>2. Bills, including food, electricity, etc... will be higher.</b></p><p>Who pays for that? How is it split? Remember college? When you got mad at your roomie for eating your cookies? Those days are gone. Sharing is in full swing at multi-generational houses. But define who pays for what up front. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>3. The core family will never be alone. </b></p><p>The need to carve family time becomes important. Grandpa may feel left out when you take just your two sons to dinner - but you have to... tell him that up front. Make sure everyone understands the family "unit" still needs to be intact. You're just changing the dynamics a bit.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>4. Where will people spend their leisure time? </b></p><p>Is there defined space in the new home? Will Gram have her own "living room"? Or does she have to share the kitchen? Is her own room her main living area? What about bathroom space? It doesn't matter what the arrangements are - just talk about them up front.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>5. Parallel or Perpendicular family values? </b></p><p>The main reason living with Mother/Father/Grandmother/Grandfather/Aunt/Uncle can be challenging is simply: all adults have their own ideas on how things should "operate" in a household. So, in a new house you purchase together - which rules, well, rule? </p><p>Are you going to church every Sunday? What constitutes "healthy eating"? Is there a bed time? How often and how late do we have guests over? Bottom line, do your values line up? And if they don't - can you agree to deal, talk, resolve? This may be the most important point because living together is a big decision and you need to make sure everyone can do so.. in peace. Otherwise, it doesn't matter how big that house is!!!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Finally Tonight,</b></p><p>I'm a proponent of Multi-Generational houses. In a lot of cases it's the right thing to do for many reasons. I am living that right now. No doubt, it comes with its own set of challenges but there's no other way I'd have it. There are so many positive things that can come out of the arrangement... (besides and in addition to getting a bigger/better home). This time is precious. It isn't here forever. Maybe not even tomorrow. For us, living with my Mom is a blessing. But it is not for everyone. If living with your loved ones feels like an opportunity for love first and financial opportunity second... you're on the right track. </p><p><br /></p><p>Let me know if can help you and your family with a dream home of your own. </p><p>Nicole </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5827368302522928667.post-34048635693440304362020-11-30T09:39:00.001-08:002020-11-30T09:39:47.205-08:005 Reasons to Stage A Home<p> <b>The Headlines:</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Wanna get the most out of your Home Sale? </b></p><p><b>Consider staging it.</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p>I am Realtor. I love houses. Buying, selling, decorating, remodeling. I love it all. </p><p>In the past, I haven't staged houses. So many people have gotten good at decorating (thank you Pinterest) there's not always a need. But turns out there are some very good reasons to stage a home. </p><p>What are they? Read on.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5awLGUmC4H5Qf52T137vHQgV1i3vA6lh9NEKFUd-ZXalBkFAEzsppIAhfoIMyTWukBKnu3kPppDlvO0cLcJM1aMgRvCJi54HJ62wjYVAgXVkUFoQog49wgRv4FMk2Ks3p-4aVvwkDS9i3/s1200/Before-14.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5awLGUmC4H5Qf52T137vHQgV1i3vA6lh9NEKFUd-ZXalBkFAEzsppIAhfoIMyTWukBKnu3kPppDlvO0cLcJM1aMgRvCJi54HJ62wjYVAgXVkUFoQog49wgRv4FMk2Ks3p-4aVvwkDS9i3/w426-h640/Before-14.png" width="426" /></a></div><p><b>1 - It's empty. </b> This is an obvious one. A house without anything in it can be a tad boring to look at. Staging changes that!</p><p><b>2 - The homeowner is more mature. </b>People are like fine wines... we get better with age. I whole heartedly believe this. But sometimes, and I mean no offense here... as we age, we can become a little skewed as to what is "in". This goes for almost everything: clothes, make-up styles, food, furniture. It may have been amazing when you placed it there 20 years ago but to that potential buyer who's a 34 year old mother of 2... she's not impressed. </p><p>Let me give you an example. My daughter is 14. Last year, she had to have Air Force Ones... I thought Vans were still the thing. I was wrong. Turns out Air Forces were 100% the THING. Those shoes on her feet made her feel shiny, new and cool. The same kinda goes for houses. When some people reach a certain age they may not really know, like or care about trends in home styling anymore. And that's ok by the way... they're supposed to be playing more golf and drinking more martinis! However, that's also when they need stagers to bring them up to date. </p><p>According to an article compiled by the National Association of Realtors, the largest group of homebuyers in 2020 are the Older Gen Y/Millenials ages 30-39 coming in at 25%. Ages 40-54, the so called Gen Xers, are in a close second coming in at 23% of the home buyers. </p><p>They have money and they're ready to buy. May be a reason to stage. Just sayin'...</p><p>See the whole NAR article: <a href="https://www.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/documents/2020-generational-trends-report-03-05-2020.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a></p><p><b>3 - Quick sale. </b> Really want to sell that house? There's 2 things you can do. Bring that price down and/or stage it. </p><p><b>4 -The house is amazing but the decor is not. </b> This is a hard one. Bottom line here is, not everyone has good taste. As a Realtor, it's kind of your job to help the seller put their best foot forward and that could mean suggesting a stager. This has actually happened to me before: the coffee table is absolutely horrendous. But it's the homeowners prized possession. They think the coffee table alone may sell the house. When it all actuality, it's so bad it could kill the deal (well, maybe...). </p><p>Turns out, if you have a good house, it may sell. But if you stage a good house - it WILL sell. </p><p><b>5 - Helping BUYERS find their vision. </b> Some buyers really need to be helped along by physically showing the the possibilities of a home. If they see a room it's a room. No big. If they see a desk in that room it's now an office. They then remember they NEED an office. This house has one! </p><p>If a house is poorly decorated, or spaced... buyers will think it's a bad house. If they see a well pro-portioned, up to date place... they will think it's a new, cool pad to call home. <b> </b>It can change their whole mind set. And their whole plan to purchase. <b> </b></p><p><b>Check out some of the possibilities below. These are BEFORE/AFTERS (</b>love those!)</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLd3Z1QjHCEdthMsUaoFVIVGdH3YINg8ISHA88iZqOVaJVytC9mYDGBPvwkoKZ71DHQFeWY2LR65DWJjYhQM4o1tIwvKJ6-EPeQaC9f6t1mAXeMEle_X7Ciyw381zTsZ1Sxzwnck44cf0A/s1200/2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLd3Z1QjHCEdthMsUaoFVIVGdH3YINg8ISHA88iZqOVaJVytC9mYDGBPvwkoKZ71DHQFeWY2LR65DWJjYhQM4o1tIwvKJ6-EPeQaC9f6t1mAXeMEle_X7Ciyw381zTsZ1Sxzwnck44cf0A/w426-h640/2.png" width="426" /></a></div><p></p><p><u>How do you stage?</u> There are different ways. You can hire someone to add to what you currently have like some of the pictures above or you can have the stagers do everything from top to bottom like the pictures that follow. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2Qt4i0PWVMWXck9J1iBtHShskr5sHr418qfbKRPG4sa8YZQbcyrhMGpHuvWdbsqmp7nxrsZjmEmHhzfQq1QABW8Uilza6PrvyWvfbWo4ajU7z6pUMTdqtCJGwjme6AploeRMHaOapu4-/s1200/3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2Qt4i0PWVMWXck9J1iBtHShskr5sHr418qfbKRPG4sa8YZQbcyrhMGpHuvWdbsqmp7nxrsZjmEmHhzfQq1QABW8Uilza6PrvyWvfbWo4ajU7z6pUMTdqtCJGwjme6AploeRMHaOapu4-/w426-h640/3.png" width="426" /></a></div><div><br /></div><u>What rooms do you stage?</u> That depends. What do you want to showcase about your house? Who do you think would want to buy your home? Below was a bedroom turned into an office. Since people are home more these days... a home office is now a top priority.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9ZypJeVVMi3PGUI0pL5okjEuqctWAlGKRd1WmF8Nc3vFvfF5tnQo1hFB4tNNfhquwEvLaolBL-3085c5LD12kDHgwo02B-bPaNkOKeskMxKLplBzOUCYkOFkmtGxJkoEGuCwW3O_pSw7/s1200/4.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9ZypJeVVMi3PGUI0pL5okjEuqctWAlGKRd1WmF8Nc3vFvfF5tnQo1hFB4tNNfhquwEvLaolBL-3085c5LD12kDHgwo02B-bPaNkOKeskMxKLplBzOUCYkOFkmtGxJkoEGuCwW3O_pSw7/w426-h640/4.png" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Master bedrooms are always a big deal. Stagers will make it feel like a get away, a retreat. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9nBAKHpCnX-qxcfRlugrKlfXUqqfqn0aSHm_Qyk-2KzRrzmIQiWaJrvPlZGX6h1SCrRdhB6XstkMQPrR3iV_biufBDIuRrljZJza6DxVQVMG_8NEFA7Bft14OSHDV9tAq9TMdl5PV2gjj/s1200/6.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9nBAKHpCnX-qxcfRlugrKlfXUqqfqn0aSHm_Qyk-2KzRrzmIQiWaJrvPlZGX6h1SCrRdhB6XstkMQPrR3iV_biufBDIuRrljZJza6DxVQVMG_8NEFA7Bft14OSHDV9tAq9TMdl5PV2gjj/w426-h640/6.png" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's another Master. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfl7H_tYH7GkcCtKFiu6PHjoZS9EUOLSz0Se3esdqOErgyEj8ux6msfB0WYIcO97drnPB6huhMEHCBWLGAe7xuWS2ClnmIY2_rUfIjZD0-fgXqoaRfvxhXHbknY_CLOLRxO60tEcL7mnFk/s1200/7.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfl7H_tYH7GkcCtKFiu6PHjoZS9EUOLSz0Se3esdqOErgyEj8ux6msfB0WYIcO97drnPB6huhMEHCBWLGAe7xuWS2ClnmIY2_rUfIjZD0-fgXqoaRfvxhXHbknY_CLOLRxO60tEcL7mnFk/w266-h400/7.png" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8FDIZzoW6MPzYTcAMFDmiqQw9pXZZsdc40JqphW7uawrN7r7diFsGL6IC9nA0JS0JSa0yP7xJfQ-B6sTS72qfRaKEDNDk_y_kgVPMvEHFg7IdCh6FKOxPC_9jcHBw1HbbNw7955flpkW/s1200/10.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8FDIZzoW6MPzYTcAMFDmiqQw9pXZZsdc40JqphW7uawrN7r7diFsGL6IC9nA0JS0JSa0yP7xJfQ-B6sTS72qfRaKEDNDk_y_kgVPMvEHFg7IdCh6FKOxPC_9jcHBw1HbbNw7955flpkW/w426-h640/10.png" width="426" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Of course living and dining is big since that's where everyone is...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKYWOHxcH1IPx6hR3JshyphenhyphenhVLsog4aKq5H3GtRut8qp68BmaYbjcFwVsorKlXAGWS5EEDR0faVs1zEpaiR50U8VThRheCgdI3_5QcnSplarSmPOY_04yq_kUSTTZAPvgMffIZkULnE1EgF2/s1200/5.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKYWOHxcH1IPx6hR3JshyphenhyphenhVLsog4aKq5H3GtRut8qp68BmaYbjcFwVsorKlXAGWS5EEDR0faVs1zEpaiR50U8VThRheCgdI3_5QcnSplarSmPOY_04yq_kUSTTZAPvgMffIZkULnE1EgF2/w426-h640/5.png" width="426" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnHvVDBJ27w81VlSmOKmWAgLbXyP0qPmuE-OSa9EinuF7V3bqGn2tH80Iyarre0XRbS-iHrT706kFVvPeatxaRE4sf0WN3fG3kS1Cb5xpliWRXegy76lsI_pNQWb0sDscZ1ROwLNCrDja/s1200/8.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnHvVDBJ27w81VlSmOKmWAgLbXyP0qPmuE-OSa9EinuF7V3bqGn2tH80Iyarre0XRbS-iHrT706kFVvPeatxaRE4sf0WN3fG3kS1Cb5xpliWRXegy76lsI_pNQWb0sDscZ1ROwLNCrDja/w426-h640/8.png" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Kitchens matter too. Those can be easily de-cluttered and re-designed. Throw up some cool counter stools, signs, bread boxes and a trendy canister or two. Done. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Finally tonight,</b> please remember not all stagers are created equal. There are some good ones, some okay ones and some really great ones. Find a really great one and work with them! </div><div><br /></div><div>I like Honeycomb Homes AZ, LLC... you can find them at info@honeycombhomesaz.com</div><div>And say HELLO to your home sale!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiz3AUcPcJiCsOlyvM5NvTri6mYx7pEilAfVapnBO3dIzCJlOmMlTZoT7daRJmvmLrxnpAOIAqsFAWVsdB05yl3ccYfq7drP7m3w7cIgZkgRzinoXoUHxWY8qTAV2dtYtleJ8-sKVcPcMG/s1200/11.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiz3AUcPcJiCsOlyvM5NvTri6mYx7pEilAfVapnBO3dIzCJlOmMlTZoT7daRJmvmLrxnpAOIAqsFAWVsdB05yl3ccYfq7drP7m3w7cIgZkgRzinoXoUHxWY8qTAV2dtYtleJ8-sKVcPcMG/w266-h400/11.png" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1SxTAYkPlSn8O1K6YgrPgagv9l_YD8S2RvnPTb7rV4J32R_MdAtDbMtZL-NOozdAZ2IJ7QjxTbeExOwtgM5IUOlu1EQPQk5WHyxFB2m4zVWHFgxOOVdLiBahbqCotKhIoNOVrJMXJPBIF/s1200/12.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1SxTAYkPlSn8O1K6YgrPgagv9l_YD8S2RvnPTb7rV4J32R_MdAtDbMtZL-NOozdAZ2IJ7QjxTbeExOwtgM5IUOlu1EQPQk5WHyxFB2m4zVWHFgxOOVdLiBahbqCotKhIoNOVrJMXJPBIF/w426-h640/12.png" width="426" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Pin for later: </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQxcVudT1U2JxG4eSTQ1kn9hB71cw6bOlQsx0dCQeDg8jJOu_oqEZ7RCJEFs-pJ16xeBsOnBXuWVQjuWJz7h_QU5uWTzrNijUNFFLszx7NQ25MWSeBDOUDg3ax7FkU8oftqF0UHNxSUcQ/s2000/5+Reasons+to+Stage+A+Home.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQxcVudT1U2JxG4eSTQ1kn9hB71cw6bOlQsx0dCQeDg8jJOu_oqEZ7RCJEFs-pJ16xeBsOnBXuWVQjuWJz7h_QU5uWTzrNijUNFFLszx7NQ25MWSeBDOUDg3ax7FkU8oftqF0UHNxSUcQ/w256-h640/5+Reasons+to+Stage+A+Home.png" width="256" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5827368302522928667.post-59159779330103399932020-08-21T12:48:00.002-07:002020-08-21T12:48:15.551-07:00What I will Tell my Child about High School<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>The Headlines:</b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><br /></b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b>You have a baby... </b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><br /></b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b>And they grow up.</b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><br /></b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><br /></b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><br /></b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><br /></b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Has this happened to you? You head to the hospital to have a baby and then you take them home. They go to sleep... you wake up and they're in high school. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">That's truly how life works. It's just that quick. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbAY3KTBBCrD9sL3R_C9guaOhKyTTr4lenb-x3jKdLwBT0KMPZDa5RwvbYPT35_J3v2YhBgjF4gxgQNjWDsuSS1xKaDsvszoh-Rkki6NtIDZDYO1NI2YJqFZp_AxCcyK40CqB11ciH-qZ7/s1200/ONEPICKYCHICK.COM-194.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbAY3KTBBCrD9sL3R_C9guaOhKyTTr4lenb-x3jKdLwBT0KMPZDa5RwvbYPT35_J3v2YhBgjF4gxgQNjWDsuSS1xKaDsvszoh-Rkki6NtIDZDYO1NI2YJqFZp_AxCcyK40CqB11ciH-qZ7/s640/ONEPICKYCHICK.COM-194.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">They are your little boy/girl and then overnight they are a complete adult. Their voices change. They have opinions. They get boy/girl friends. They find themselves. They lose themselves. They go out ALL THE TIME. They seem to not need you.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">But they do. They definitely do. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">My daughter is ready to grow into her own person but she also still wants my input as to how that happens. She wants to know if a sharp right turn is a good idea or if veering there is better. And I want to tell her. But I'm treading lightly. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Why? Because I want her to know that many decisions are now hers to make. Now, I'm here to see her make them. In 4 more years, I won't be.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">After 14 years, this time of input isn't "my way or the highway" but rather, here's what<b> I</b> would do - so what do you think <b>you </b>should do? It's hard letting go of that control but I've seen what happens if you don't... either clear cut resentment and anger or a child who never knows how to make decisions on their own. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Neither is good. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmR6OJLn3UGzogX0_sgGhjDrf8mY7FhCh26zlUXdNAOYHRw6qK6pw2GFIHKqMrQDPYIIEKRp4fEcJWCcZjmlOd89I16Zr0Xgj8UJ-M-1kefoyKyBVZ1p4JRkiqvNCHaSimEcN9O0GmJHpj/s1200/1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmR6OJLn3UGzogX0_sgGhjDrf8mY7FhCh26zlUXdNAOYHRw6qK6pw2GFIHKqMrQDPYIIEKRp4fEcJWCcZjmlOd89I16Zr0Xgj8UJ-M-1kefoyKyBVZ1p4JRkiqvNCHaSimEcN9O0GmJHpj/s640/1.png" /></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">It's like High School is a 4 year training program: into adulthood. Cause they're going there with or without our help. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">High School is also the last time we get full time with this little girl in our house. And that, my friends, is somewhat excruciating, isn't it? My husband lived for almost 3 years in California doing his job. Good job experience - not so great for the family. He missed her entire Middle School. Time he will never get back. He "moved home," a few months ago. I thank God he won't miss her High School in the same way. These next few years will be a fresh and fast new reality that will go a little like this...</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b>Freshman </b>- pretty similar to 8th grade. She's new to HS... she will proceed with caution. Make new friends. It's still Corona time.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b>Sophomore</b> - she'll be more comfortable. Lots of friends and activities will follow. Life will start to speed up (COVID will be mostly behind us - hopefully), she'll be preparing to drive. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b>Junior</b> - so much happens this year. Freedom abounds. College visits, studies and sports hit a high, she is in her High School prime!</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b>Senior</b> - she's speeding up while winding down. she may begin to hate us. She's practically out the door. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">And then she is... gone. Off to college. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">As suddenly as she came roaring in to our lives - she darts out. So what can I tell her during these 4 incredibly formative years? Do I have any knowledge to share? I do. You do too. Maybe it goes something like this:</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b>Dear Dream Come True, </b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><br /></b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b>Get ready for the time of your life. </b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><br /></b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b>These 4 years can be incredible. There will be major highs and deep lows. Studies will consume you. People will confuse you. You will find a Best Friend Freshman year who may not be a Friend Senior year. There will be opportunities before you that you have to take advantage of and focus on. Be true to yourself while remaining supportive of others. Do not pretend to be someone you're not. Try something new. Something unexpected. As long as it's legal. Remember three's a crowd so maneuver that carefully. Be on Social Media, do not rely on it. Talk to people more than snapping them. Make friends for who they are, not what they can do for you. Find a crush but don't marry them. Laugh ALL THE TIME. And don't eat frozen yogurt with sourdough bread every afternoon. That did terrible things to my rear when I was your age. </b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><br /></b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b>Let me break it down: </b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b>Find yourself and through that you will find others. </b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b>Help others and you will become true.</b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b>Be true and kind and kindness will follow. </b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><br /></b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b>You have so much to give, so much depth and potential that I cannot wait to see where it will lead you. Or where you will lead. Because the girl you are today is just the beginning of the woman you will be tomorrow. </b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><br /></b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b>Please know, during all 4 years of high school... your family will be here. By your side. The entire time. We will wait to see you soar, stop to catch your fall, dry the tears that come and cheer when you stand tall. By yourself, not alone. </b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><br /></b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b>That's not reassure you. It's our Promise to you. </b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><br /></b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b>Trust in that... trust in God and trust in yourself. If you do that, fully and heartily - the rest will be "easy".</b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><br /></b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><br /></b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b>All our love and prayers,</b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b>Your Mom, Dad and Brother</b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQlWRp1fbP8XOkTiLFnGUsAI65XxyrL-4U7oKhfaOO88cTB6nzalnv9sQAtkL-TU_pqi5dTgzK50qmum9ujbmgLY5aP8HPcan_YWfO-fznUePPJTYqqhupHOy83Bu44cxDHHIC2PUdI00/s1200/2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQlWRp1fbP8XOkTiLFnGUsAI65XxyrL-4U7oKhfaOO88cTB6nzalnv9sQAtkL-TU_pqi5dTgzK50qmum9ujbmgLY5aP8HPcan_YWfO-fznUePPJTYqqhupHOy83Bu44cxDHHIC2PUdI00/s640/2.png" /></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Yes, High School is fleeting but I contend it leaves a lasting mark on many. It can set the tone for the rest of ones life. In many different ways. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">In this day in age, of COVID, I am certain the "Coronnials" as I call them... will not only have the typical trials and tribulations of growing up but they will have so much more. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Perhaps the challenge will make some rise. It will also make others crumble. It's their choice which path they take. As a parent of a high schooler I want to encourage my child to push her limit beyond what others would have imagined. The opportunities will flow like a thriving waterfall if they see and live it that way. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">When I brought my little bundle home from the hospital I knew we were in for a wild rollercoaster ride. Just never thought the ride would take us to High School... the very next morning. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Pin for later:</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5HeYtCX5HXhCXa-gNv9krKBoIdxsilgsTBx7PYVHx_it9sJpVOy62BZZDe6iITvq-NtIlU1qRKjPpIKdV4CYpruxoSQ5lxSTTZit8d5SXh0hFOhXJV-NWK4pGXZ_IYt9s8lva-Q7tk-e/s2000/ONEPICKYCHICK.COM-195.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5HeYtCX5HXhCXa-gNv9krKBoIdxsilgsTBx7PYVHx_it9sJpVOy62BZZDe6iITvq-NtIlU1qRKjPpIKdV4CYpruxoSQ5lxSTTZit8d5SXh0hFOhXJV-NWK4pGXZ_IYt9s8lva-Q7tk-e/s640/ONEPICKYCHICK.COM-195.png" /></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><br /></b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5827368302522928667.post-7651027197946504172020-07-06T09:39:00.006-07:002021-10-06T07:55:07.936-07:00Family Movie List<b>The Headlines:</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Families have been inside a long time.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>So, it's time to watch some movies. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Here are our favs!</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Ohhhhhh Corona Virus. You have definitely slowed us down. You have demanded a re-set within the American Family. </div><div><br /></div><div>For that, I thank you. </div><div><br /></div><div>You have also ruined and taken many lives. </div><div><br /></div><div>For that, I hate you. </div><div><br /></div><div>As discussed earlier in another post, my family slowed down and came together unlike ever before. We did things that families should do but don't because we're all too busy. Living our lives. In the past few months we've taken road trips, gotten a puppy, cooked more and... watched lots of movies. An indulgence we've never taken on. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUaUTjPsJ-nrKNjaWsIiUrHDGbz6iVNMO_a2n37qSp4GuA4sXcpqYeudpyyJloo1ChzOSSllGo_Pa1J_smmkhVLIp7Ce5i38JcdokvjYEKdqohj0jtZ3l7boMzIRSd01wiXymufLPoqnAo/s1200/1.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUaUTjPsJ-nrKNjaWsIiUrHDGbz6iVNMO_a2n37qSp4GuA4sXcpqYeudpyyJloo1ChzOSSllGo_Pa1J_smmkhVLIp7Ce5i38JcdokvjYEKdqohj0jtZ3l7boMzIRSd01wiXymufLPoqnAo/w416-h625/1.png" width="416" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div>I love being stirred into emotion. Emotion that provokes and stokes. Feeling is good. I think crying is helpful. It gets those thoughts out of our head and into the world where we can deal with them so much better. Many of us shrivel when we think of our emotions. Movies make us deal with them head on. In a safe zone. They're not really OUR problems - they're on screen. That's how and why Family Movie Night can be so beneficial. </div><div><br /></div><div>Problem is, the last time I went to a theatre I bought a ticket and didn't watch one lick... I just talked to my friend the entire time. Don't worry, the theatre was pretty empty. I, if I'm lucky, perhaps see 4 movies at home and 2 in the theatre every year. That's about a half dozen movies for 12 months. </div><div><br /></div><div>However, with the virus, times changed. </div><div><br /></div><div>For the first time in a long time we had time. We sought out old(ish) movies (that we watched when we were young)... as well as a few newer movies. My one requirement was simply this: the movie must touch our hearts. It has to have a message, make us tear up, stir something inside. Like I spoke of above. I, personally, will not sit down for Marvel Movies. No offense. Just not my jam. I wanted this time spent sitting in front of a screen... to be worthwhile. </div><div><br /></div><div>There are 2 children in my house right now. A 13 year old girl and a 9 year old boy. So the movie we picked had to be for everyone. Many of them are sports related. Sport themes really touch on the inspiration factor. A few of them were Christian centered. Some both. Others neither. Pretty sure they're all PG-13 or PG.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is what we came up with... </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69); color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: x-large;"><b>COVID Family Movie List </b></span></div><div><p style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mr. Holland's Opus</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><font color="#454545" face="" size="5"><span style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69);">Stand</span> By Me</font></p><p style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font size="5">My big fat Greek Wedding </font></p><p style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Top gun</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font size="5">Forest Gump</font></p><p style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font size="5">Fried Green Tomatoes</font></p><p style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font size="5">ET</font></p><p style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font size="5">It’s a Wonderful Life (obvi better at Christmas)</font></p><p style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font size="5">Mary Poppins</font></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font size="5"><font color="#454545" face=""><span style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69);">Sound</span> Of Music</font></font></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: x-large;">Saving Mr Banks</span><font color="#454545" face="" size="5"> (if u watch Mary Poppins you HAVE to watch)</font></p><p style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font size="5">Can’t but me love </font></p><p style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Hatche (about a dog)</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Ferris Bueller's Day Off</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Pursuit of Happiness (Father's Day)</span></p><p style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHPDJu9bZ6R128hPc5N9R_TXAWtjAJNO54_SiOF2r4a2TJd1R7UVupRxZTIAkO2exqajVrkEPpFxFwEMj1giP1lIJOAfK_FeSbOY-2VSmeq0l7f1YHtG_SJR9NyRIr0Z-VMO7IKwZyC0RF/s1200/3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHPDJu9bZ6R128hPc5N9R_TXAWtjAJNO54_SiOF2r4a2TJd1R7UVupRxZTIAkO2exqajVrkEPpFxFwEMj1giP1lIJOAfK_FeSbOY-2VSmeq0l7f1YHtG_SJR9NyRIr0Z-VMO7IKwZyC0RF/w333-h500/3.png" width="333" /></a></div><font size="5"><br /></font><p></p><p style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><font size="5"><b>(Christian based)</b></font></p>
<p style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font size="5">Case for Christ (great movie for non-believers)</font></p><p style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">**Greater</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> (also Sports)</span></p><p style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font size="5">I can only imagine </font></p><p style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font size="5">Overcomer</font></p><p style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Full Count</span><font color="#454545" face="" size="5"> (also Sports)</font></p><p style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font size="5">I Still Believe</font></p><p style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font size="5"><br /></font></p><p style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font size="5"><b>(Sports themed)</b></font></p>
<p style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font size="5">Racing in the rain </font></p><p style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font size="5">Coach Carter</font></p><p style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font size="5">The Perfect Game</font></p>
<p style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font size="5">Rudy </font></p><p style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font size="5">McFarland, USA</font></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font size="5"><font color="#454545" face=""><span style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69);">Trouble</span> With the </font></font><font color="#454545" face="" size="5"><span style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69);">Curve </span></font></p>
<p style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font size="5">Remember the Titans </font></p>
<p style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font size="5">We are Marshall </font></p><p style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font size="5">Secretariat</font></p>
<p style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font size="5">Miracle </font></p>
<p style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font size="5">Hoosiers </font></p>
<p style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font size="5">Karate kid </font></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font size="5"><font color="#454545" face="">The <span style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69);">Legend</span> of Bagger Vance (this could be considered Christian if you believe Bagger was God or an Angel - yup - watch & think) </font></font></p>
<p style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font size="5">The Blindside </font></p>
<p style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font size="5">Karate Kid </font></p>
<p style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font size="5">Field of dreams </font></p><p style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font size="5">League of Their Own </font></p><p style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font size="5">The Natural</font></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font size="5"><font color="#454545" face="">Twelve (a little cheesy, no big <span style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69);">actors, but worth the watch. Esp for your a young ball player</span>) </font></font></p><p style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font size="5">Seabiscuit </font></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuNV1bByUhLwkiKUSPvqXvZ79YSUBfSis6ZoRnEJuvDk7nergeXiF7ZAdlO3rrrGpG2s07ZH-bdAl99Ym228gE5VdKkxi4_xBAKaGORTG0VqtulxT7ztgL3CnX-32RHC4Pu1Y39iN35mVC/s1200/2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuNV1bByUhLwkiKUSPvqXvZ79YSUBfSis6ZoRnEJuvDk7nergeXiF7ZAdlO3rrrGpG2s07ZH-bdAl99Ym228gE5VdKkxi4_xBAKaGORTG0VqtulxT7ztgL3CnX-32RHC4Pu1Y39iN35mVC/w333-h500/2.png" width="333" /></a></div><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p>
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<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font size="5"><font color="#454545" face=""><b>(For a Pre/Teen girl - only) </b></font></font></p><p style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font size="5">Steele Magnolia </font><span style="font-size: x-large;"> (Mother's day)</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font size="5"><font color="#454545" face="">Mothers & Daughters (Mother's <span style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69);">Day</span>)</font></font></p><p style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font size="5">Notebook</font></p>
<p style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font size="5">Bridges of Madison County </font></p>
<p style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font size="5">Sliding doors </font></p>
<p style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font size="5">Titanic </font></p></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69); color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: x-large;">Goodwill Hunting</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69); color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69); color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: x-large;">Dead Poets </span><font color="#454545" face="" size="5"><span style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69);">Society </span></font></div><div><br /></div><div><div>I hope you enjoy the list and more importantly, appreciate, all of these movies. Like I said, many, if not all, made us feel. I truly believe not enough of us allow ourselves to feel. Especially men and boys. Our boys need to learn how to have other emotions besides just happiness and anger. They need to know it's okay. My son cried during some of these movies. That, is exactly what I wanted him to do. And keep doing. Long into his teen, adult, parenting years and beyond. </div><div><br /></div><div>Crying doesn't make my boy soft. It makes him layered. It will help him get through the tough times that are bound to happen to him. To all of us. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Finally tonight, </b></div><div>By far, our most favorite movie on the above list is<b> GREATER</b>. It hits all the marks. Plus, it's a true story. If you like that sort of thing... I do. I like to know there's a little bit of girth behind the story on screen. This movie has that... and more. So - much - more. </div><div><br /></div><div>Don't miss it. Thank me (and CORONA) later... </div></div><div><br /></div><div>Love, </div><div>Nicole </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Pin for later:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQhoSwpPNZhio2bxp2OVf-bo8-WVF10M41Lu9KQzwg_3IfTVTpreMMDmCrPZ8Dt52fzeNBt45WdYVOCU3poFWOrOOPYTvBNz35avBuFHJCYznuh4jeSE2uiXdZhtEorUwW5yQF8KHLH8K/s2000/ONEPICKYCHICK.COM-193.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="800" height="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQhoSwpPNZhio2bxp2OVf-bo8-WVF10M41Lu9KQzwg_3IfTVTpreMMDmCrPZ8Dt52fzeNBt45WdYVOCU3poFWOrOOPYTvBNz35avBuFHJCYznuh4jeSE2uiXdZhtEorUwW5yQF8KHLH8K/w250-h625/ONEPICKYCHICK.COM-193.png" width="250" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5827368302522928667.post-54997074147119728612020-06-14T18:28:00.003-07:002021-11-01T14:27:56.411-07:00Happy Father's Day... p.s. Thank You God<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>The Headlines:</b><br />
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<b>How Do You Celebrate Father's Day...</b><br />
<b><br /></b><b>When He's Gone?</b><br />
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The other day my daughter asked my husband what he wanted for Father's Day... he simply replied, "My Dad back"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAEdDwLe6U1pUpGr8dolQS6vjDxlhyT1A8uNy0dWAQeJ891JOoY7uvQjf_uHHpulWPB6xw1rAq1NsuRYQ4TgwBCWlF-UaLtIB124Q2UrXvT-BIteQMgslMEZ-juHxj2A-co4Di8PtluKIt/s1600/Celebrating+Father%2527s+Day....png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAEdDwLe6U1pUpGr8dolQS6vjDxlhyT1A8uNy0dWAQeJ891JOoY7uvQjf_uHHpulWPB6xw1rAq1NsuRYQ4TgwBCWlF-UaLtIB124Q2UrXvT-BIteQMgslMEZ-juHxj2A-co4Di8PtluKIt/s640/Celebrating+Father%2527s+Day....png" width="426" /></a></div>
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<b>This Father's Day Is Going to be Hard</b><br />
Not because it's the first Father's Day without my Dad but because it's another one.<br />
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Wow, does time fly. <br />
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3-3-2019 was my Dad's last day on Earth.<br />
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It was one of the most painful days for me. As it is for anyone who loses someone. Now, as we go through this crazy time of our lives... (COVID) I, all of us actually, have more time to think about the way life used to be. Before his death. Ironic how a person's death can change your life. <br />
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<br />
I've wanted to write this post since he passed. I first started doing so within a day of him being gone.<br />
I planned on writing it more for me than anything else. My hope is the words that come out here will set them free from me forever. Perhaps it will lessen the stabbing pain that, over time, turned into a dull hurt that just exists within... <br />
<br />
But maybe not. I have cried many tears. I'm almost fresh out.<br />
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<b>Crushing News</b><br />
It was February, 2019. My Father called to tell me they suspected he had lung cancer. I was gutted. But thought... this will be a long battle we can take on. See, my Mother In Law had just dealt with lung cancer herself and she had made it through the storm. A "survivor" for just shy of 3 years now.<br />
<br />
Two weeks later, as my Father was scheduling his appointments and making his plans, his breathing suddenly got worse. Now, mind you, he already had the chronic condition of COPD so breathing trouble was something we were all familiar with. But this was different and I was worried so I told him to go to urgent care. He didn't want to... until later that day when he had no choice. He landed in the ICU with Pneumonia. We all figured he would be given a walking breathing machine which he'd have to lug around the rest of his life but that was not the case. He was in ICU for 4-5 nights before they moved him into a regular hospital room. I didn't know it yet, but this was because doctors felt between the COPD, Pneumonia and Cancer (which had metastasized to his adrenal glands and bones)... they didn't suspect he'd live very long.<br />
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They were right.<br />
<br />
I'm an only child. We were a close family of 3. Life never gave my parents anything they didn't work for. Dad went to night school to earn his BA, while he was working full time and a father to a newborn. My mother quit her job to raise me. She didn't buy special purses. They didn't go on tons of big trips. There were no huge peaks and no deep valleys. I felt safe, secure and very loved. Until now... for some reason I felt that safety slipping away.<br />
<br />
While my Father was in the hospital, I was in Arizona being a Mom. My daughter had a dance competition and had gotten sick with the flu during it. I caught that flu so I couldn't rush to my Dads side when I was needed. Finally, when I did reach the hospital I was quickly given the news.<br />
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There was nothing else they could do. <br />
<br />
Those are words that crush you. You feel powerless, devestated and maybe a little mad all at once. Doctors believed the best option was hospice. My Father felt so bad... not for himself. For me and my Mom. He felt responsible for this horrible predicament we were in because he was the one who didn't stop smoking even after I repeatedly begged him for years as a child, teen and adult. I wished I wasn't right. Or maybe I just wished he had listened to me. Not because I knew better but because he did. My Dad had always taken care of my Mom and I and suddenly he would no longer be able to do so. I would lose the biggest cheerleader of my life.<br />
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"Are you happy?" he asked after I received the dire news. A sweet homage to something I used to say all the time as a child when people seemed down... "NO Dad," I said, "No I am really really not happy" and neither was he. But, as he clutched the stuffed animal from his granddaughter and the blanket from his grandson (below), the man kept a brave face the whole time. He would "keep pounding" for as long as he could.<br />
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The next day was spent laughing and talking, discussing and crying. The decision had been made to go home so the preparation began. The doctors gave him a couple weeks. I was focused on those weeks... appreciating the time I had ahead to love on him as much as I could.<br />
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He was released to go home on a Friday and when he got there he adamantly told my Mom "it wouldn't be long," I thought that was his way of trying to ease her mind. He always tried to do that... but now I'm not sure. I now think he knew something the doctors didn't. <br />
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He perked up when he got home. I was surprised but encouraged. It was on this day he relayed the last stories he would ever tell. I had heard the same stories at least 333 times before... about how I got my middle name and how all 3 of our birthdays and my parents anniversary lined up in a very sweet, coincidental way. But this time, as he spoke, I knew it was different. Because I had a feeling those proud stories would never be heard, from his lips, again. <br />
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Now I longed to hear the stories I dreaded over the years. <br />
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You know, the ones where you roll your eyes as they're being told? He would talk endlessly about me to anyone who would listen. Stories about the day I was born - when the raced from Corona Del Mar to the Newport Beach Hospital - where my Mom almost had me in the car. Or the first time I tasted ice cream or chocolate or when another pre-schooler thought I was a boy. I'd never hear about the best friend he named Begonia (her name was Tanya) or the time one of his clients kept calling to hear the voicemail I had left on the machine because it was so funny, or when I called him from college crying about having no money in my checking account, or the time he dropped me off in Kennewick, Washington for my first TV job in the dead of Winter and feared for my life. <br />
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I would never hear any of that any more... and it was crushing.<br />
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I cherished those stories for that brief and final time. It meant he was in a good spot. But I was not. My sickness had come roaring back in. I needed to rest. So we all went to sleep. <br />
<br />
I thought we could pick up where we left off the next day. But he couldn't talk very well. His breathing had gotten worse and he wanted nothing to do with food... though he let me slowly stuff an Italian Ice down his throat. It was during this time that he said to me, "this is taking too long." Dad never wanted to be hooked up to stuff lying in a bed waiting to pass away. He had made that abundantly clear over the years. Shortly after that through his hoarse voice he said, "I want to go home" to which I replied, "You are home Dad." But he was not in the home he was speaking of... he was ready to go to Heaven.<br />
<br />
<b>The Gift that Keeps on Giving </b><br />
That was the greatest gift he ever gave me, teaching me, that home was always where your Lord lived. It was a lesson that some may take for granted. I have not. I never will.<br />
<br />
I said goodbye to Dad that night. Nothing poetic or special... I just tearfully gave him a kiss and told him I'd be back. I had to leave California and go to my Arizona house because I needed to repack, see my children, get healthier and come back to him. I would be gone a little more than 24 hours. As I knew it... he had weeks. I spent the next day calling friends, getting his Pastor to make one last visit (Dad's request) and arranging for around the clock care. Care we would have to pay for... I was happy to do it. Dad was not.<br />
<br />
No matter, he didn't have to pay for that care.<br />
<br />
They called me that day and said he was barely responding. The 4 breathing machines we had learned on Friday were no longer needed by Sunday. He was one step above life support. Hospice would not be leaving his side. My Dad would be happy to know we wouldn't have to pay a nurse $25 an hour. I think he pulled some strings with God for that one. In the middle of the night, the day after I left, they called to say he was gone. It was his 3rd day on hospice. March 3rd. I wasn't there. Greatest regret.<br />
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You'd think the story would end there. But you'd be wrong. <br />
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<b>God was Not Finished Yet</b><br />
My 8 year old son sent the above text to my Dad's phone a couple days after he passed. I'm not sure why. Grandpa Gordon wasn't going to answer. Apparently it was his way of trying to reach out to someone he loved and missed dearly. If only he could answer.<br />
<br />
During the time my Father was sick, our family dog, Maverick, who also had his share of breathing problems, declined. His favorite person on earth (besides us)... was my Dad. He was on some meds but they didn't seem to be working. Maverick was old, 16 years old. That's like a serious senior Labrador. But the decline was too hard to ignore. His breathing was more labored than ever before. Oddly, similar to my Fathers. But he carried on.</div>
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<br />
It was about 3 weeks later after my Dad died that my husband called to tell me some horrible news about his Father. After dinner and a brief celebration of his Mom's recent Cancer "clear" news - his Dad had some sort of stroke (hemorrhage) in his home, was found unconscious and was rushed to the ER.<br />
<br />
The news was grim. <br />
<br />
He never woke up after that. Doctors soon explained there was no hope for any positive recovery. I got on a plane a day later to say goodbye to the man who had raised the person I have to come to know as one of the strongest, most loyal and caring individuals I have ever met and it was excruciating. But we did it. Together.<br />
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We then came home to tell our children the shocking news, their Grandpa Gary had passed, and watch our daughter in a dance competition. I remember being so worried about our dog, Mav, as his decline was incredibly noticeable. When we went to bed that night we were both emotionally exhausted. I tried to feed Maverick but he wasn't much interested in his food. That was odd but after what we'd been through I didn't push it. He laid in a corner of our bathroom I'd never seen him in before, while that too was odd, I just let him be.<br />
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<b>Goodbye Again </b><br />
It was in the middle of that night that he wailed in a way I'd never heard before. It was like a howl. I immediately woke up and turned on the light. Before me was a dog who could no longer move the bottom half of his body. It looked as though he was paralyzed from the waist down.<br />
<br />
Fortunately, due to the cicumstances, my husband was home. He was supposed to be in Florida.<br />
We gave him a portion of a tranquilizer to calm him down and in the morning I told my kids they should say goodbye to the only pet they've ever known. When we got back to the house after taking the kids to school Maverick was in yet another corner. I'm sure he shimmied himself there since his bottom half was not working at all. We retreated to the office to talk about what to do and the same yelp wailed from his gut. <br />
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<br />
I couldn't believe this was happening. For a third time in almost as many weeks.<br />
<br />
We rushed him to the vet and he gave us some choices. None of them good. All of them almost cruel. So I asked him about the last choice... the one no one wanted to mention. He agreed that was the best option. That dog looked right into my eyes - almost begging for me to let him go. I had just seen those same eyes in my Father. <br />
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<br />
The next step was peaceful and painful at the same time. <br />
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If you ever have to do it you'll know what I mean. We left and I'm pretty sure I had a panic attack in the car. Once home I walked in to the house and because it was so silent - I walked right back out. I just couldn't do it. I needed to sit outside and cry. But as I did my husband came over, comforted me and said... "You're not gonna believe what I'm looking at..."<br />
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<b>Sign From Above </b><br />
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<br />
As I sat on the wall, the sun high above my head, my shadow was a spitting image of our dog's silhouette. How could that be I asked? It just was... the shape of my shadow was him. <br />
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It was all I needed. Those 3 were in Heaven looking down on us. Together.<br />
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They were happy. We were devastated. So much sadness. So many tears. All of it a coincidence yet none of it a coincidence. God was certainly talking to us. <br />
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<b>The Power of 3's</b><br />
People always say things happen in 3's.<br />
<br />
Even though I didn't know it - it has always been significant in my life. Why? I think it's to remind us of God's presence. The number 3 holds huge significance in the bible. Think about it.<br />
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Father/Son/Holy Ghost. There were 3 crucified when Jesus was up on that cross. He rose on the 3rd day. Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus. 3 Wiseman (or at least 3 gifts). The list goes on. So I'm pretty sure this was all part of a plan.<br />
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<b>The Greatest Lessons</b><br />
I have never experienced death like I did in 2019. I hope I don't have to again anytime soon but I did learn some things. I learned in the weeks before death everything you do are mountains, not mole hills. Every word said, step taken, picture snapped. They all matter more. So soak them in... take your time. You will never get that moment back. Ever. And the loss will be felt. Some time. Either right then, or when you're driving down the street. Perhaps when you're at a park or watching a commercial. It will hit you when you least expect it. <br />
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So in order to avoid having any regrets... take your time while going through this time. <br />
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I also learned life after death, for the living, is just like the movies. You wake up in the home that used to be filled with noise of that person no longer there and the silence is deafening. It is an unreal, new reality. <br />
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In my case, I learned that when your parent dies you finally and officially grow up. I think this is true for everyone. You can be 70, 50, 30 or 13.... but under no circumstances can you run to them anymore and ask for help. It is totally and completely up to you now and forever more.<br />
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I should mention my Father left behind not only me but the woman he loved for years. My Mom was his responsibility. He (maybe sometimes begrudgingly) loved caring for her. But he had been telling me in the years leading up to his last day that her memory was fading. He was right. She is now officially diagnosed with Alzheimers. <br />
<br />
So we will celebrate this Father's Day together.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>God is speaking to you.</b><br />
Perhaps most importantly, this whole experience left me with one glaring and blaring message. I believe it's the most important lesson I learned during this time. <br />
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That is simply this... God speaks to each and everyone of us throughout our lives. <br />
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But in order to hear him we have to be listening. Because he's not picking up the phone. There are no door bells ringing. No one's coming over an intercom saying "Nicole, God's on line one!" We have to be looking and willing to hear his voice.<br />
<br />
On my last Birthday while my Dad was alive, he wrote me a letter. He had never once done that before in his life. Just wasn't his style. <br />
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My daughter asked him to... she knew words mattered very much to me. In it he said that he was proud. That it had been such a joy to see me grow. He said, "You wear many hats. You are a daughter, wife and mother. All hats look very good on you which means you are doing things right."<br />
<br />
Dad made me believe I was the best. Not the best Realtor or Journalist or Party Planner. But I was simply the best daughter and person he could ever know. He always made that abundantly clear. And that filled me up. I can only hope that I am doing that for my children. At the end of the letter he reminded me, "all of us our blessed" and closed with "p.s. Thank You God"<br />
<br />
Through this process the good Lord was shouting at me all of those things. And he's constantly seeking my attention now. He still has more to say.<br />
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Yes, I miss my Dad. More than anything. But when I look back on the time I wrote about here it's like I was living out a good, long Novel written just for me (and my family). Each and every move orchestrated by someone from above. I wish he was still here today but (among many things) God was telling me he was needed more in heaven. <br />
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Today, our life continues to be blessed, even through the madness that has followed us as well as the entire country in which we live right now. Since Dad left I now manage all aspects of Mom's life. I am happy to do so... because she has always taken care of me and my family right back. For that matter, in some ways, so too does my Dad. Directly and indirectly, he is still there. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">That... all part of God's plan. Glad I was listening. <br />
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So what may God be telling you? Because I promise he's trying to get your attention. Somehow.<br />
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<b>Finally tonight, </b><br />
A week ago, more than a year after we lost our dog Maverick, my Dad and Father In Law.... we decided it was time to get a new puppy. A Silver Lab. Seen one of those? Many have these gorgeous blue eyes when they're young. They're kind of rare. This, we believed, was the perfect Summer to get a pup. Not much sports or traveling happening so... we drove all the way to a small town called Pearsall in the SouthWest part of Texas to pick up the new addition. As we made our way to the Ranch where he was born... we turned the corner only to see a big sign that read: "Maverick Self Storage".<br />
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Turns out Pearsall, Texas is home of the "Mavericks"... now isn't that a coincidence? <br />
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Actually... no it's not. It's really not a coincidence at all.<br />
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Happy Father's Day Dad. Thanks for still being there... even when you're not.<br />
P.S. Thank you God.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5827368302522928667.post-49946466807609619872020-04-21T12:20:00.001-07:002020-04-28T10:01:24.227-07:005 EASY Improvements to Sell Your House (after COVID Quarantine)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>The Headlines: </b><br />
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<b>Stuck in Your House?</b><br />
<b><br /></b><b>Has it made you realize... you need a Home? </b><br />
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April 2020 is the month we all spent inside.<br />
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I wrote a blog on this a few weeks ago explaining why I think this could be a good thing for families all over the world. You can check that out <a href="http://www.onepickychick.com/2020/03/when-life-gives-you-lemons.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a><br />
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But I also predict 3 other things will happen during this time of "quarantine":<br />
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<li>Agoraphobia cases (a type of anxiety disorder which can eventually lead to a fear of leaving your home - going outdoors) in the U.S. will rise. While people will soon get the OK to go back to normal, some won't feel comfortable doing so and sadly it could impact them... for a long time. </li>
<li>There will be more Divorces. The number of cases in China have already gone up. Typically, a bad marriage won't get better in isolation. It will end. </li>
<li><b>People will want to move.</b> Left in their place of residence long enough - essentially trapped - they will decide it's time for a change of scenery. Let me explain this one a little more.</li>
</ol>
There are two kinds of residences.<br />
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One is a house. Simply used as a place to rest your head and eat a couple meals. Many of us currently live in a house. Why? Because we're too busy working. Keeping up with kid sports. Shopping. Catching a movie. Going out to dinner. Meeting people for coffee. Going on vacations. All of the things that have stopped happening for now. <br />
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The other place people live is a home. This is a place where those inside really enjoy being. They bought it because they wanted to be there as much as their schedules would allow. They decorate, cook, play sports in the driveway, swim in the backyard. They have friends over. Watch Netflix. It's a place that they leave because they HAVE to... now that's a home. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-vifzmNb5zeo10jhvTXRt-T_YVDTrMaH4w19Z1wxfwkjdanCDVwtQ35G3w7FQEwrpELL0hpYB-aE5bG5F_JA4-jCmmPIyzl-N9EMhZqDn-3KIZTsBB3iyYoaOJ3dGR9-7kPDlUbo557I/s1600/Have+a+House%253F.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-vifzmNb5zeo10jhvTXRt-T_YVDTrMaH4w19Z1wxfwkjdanCDVwtQ35G3w7FQEwrpELL0hpYB-aE5bG5F_JA4-jCmmPIyzl-N9EMhZqDn-3KIZTsBB3iyYoaOJ3dGR9-7kPDlUbo557I/s640/Have+a+House%253F.png" width="426" /></a></div>
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It's my contention that after the COVID conclusion... many people will be determined to leave their House and look for a Home. Suddenly finding a home will become a priority,<br />
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If that's you... you may be thinking about selling sooner than later. So here's some food for thought...<br />
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<b>5 EASY Improvements to Sell Your House </b><br />
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<b>1 - Paint Baseboards</b><br />
They immediately make your house pop. The difference is worth the time & low cost.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gTb7AxmvwORKcf_IvAqLUqlLYp9wWqMU1iExY5B95BLqSd90J72in_30u1UVJTT1kV0u4SCdxhT7Jq_5t9i92Uw6N2I0WUXz3XdqjE3ZnWXKcZA9WU4HNpWuoZ7sb-rfz6F93R7XOvmD/s1600/1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gTb7AxmvwORKcf_IvAqLUqlLYp9wWqMU1iExY5B95BLqSd90J72in_30u1UVJTT1kV0u4SCdxhT7Jq_5t9i92Uw6N2I0WUXz3XdqjE3ZnWXKcZA9WU4HNpWuoZ7sb-rfz6F93R7XOvmD/s640/1.png" width="426" /></a></div>
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<b>2 - Install new Light Fixtures/Fans </b><br />
I'll be honest, I've taken buyers into homes and they immediately are smitten with the cool chandelier/pendant. Do you then know how many times sellers will say, "light fixture does not convey." Really? That was one of the reasons my buyers perked up to begin with... it won't necessarily kill a deal but a scene stealer light will sweeten it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKD7BNtAZp1BKNLXhH6QCkrJk5WgFc_6MNVB8_dA6oPHxBVwLr6cmbH48-fbO7fZ45_bk-s8sf6YuCs9WejoYfj7gUWDjvBFQLGCElReXAMVFvZjgEIDTpDJKnV2fXaDTCH6BnNt9xx1ak/s1600/2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKD7BNtAZp1BKNLXhH6QCkrJk5WgFc_6MNVB8_dA6oPHxBVwLr6cmbH48-fbO7fZ45_bk-s8sf6YuCs9WejoYfj7gUWDjvBFQLGCElReXAMVFvZjgEIDTpDJKnV2fXaDTCH6BnNt9xx1ak/s640/2.png" width="426" /></a></div>
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<b>3 - Take DOWN Curtains</b><br />
Many curtains either scream - I'm dated or are too heavy for the room. There are definite exceptions to this rule... but not many. If you have curtains that truly enhance the room and you don't mind parting with them, leave them up. <br />
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But consider this, if you really like them and take them down before you market the house - YOU can keep them for your next place! See, win-win.<br />
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<b>4 - Replace faucets</b><br />
It's easier than replacing a counter top and can give that extra sparkle that buyers will notice.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVgjj-5ZlQaJdqzotRY6qigttgb0w7CFwsPS2Kw49tHiRcMlynTY07hQSjGOkDq9BU80JgnNKA8CFSuSAq6nP-nTvwoNAbkzqdRG1HWbeC4QsjM78DGc1BIGhlckWUEeMLXFo5vf8073E/s1600/4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVgjj-5ZlQaJdqzotRY6qigttgb0w7CFwsPS2Kw49tHiRcMlynTY07hQSjGOkDq9BU80JgnNKA8CFSuSAq6nP-nTvwoNAbkzqdRG1HWbeC4QsjM78DGc1BIGhlckWUEeMLXFo5vf8073E/s640/4.png" width="426" /></a></div>
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<b>5 - Change the Door Handles/Knobs</b><br />
This could cost a bit of coin, depending on the quality. But if you've got old, perhaps brass knobs - you know what I'm talking about.<br />
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Consider doing it. It's like sporting an awesome outfit and wearing old jewelry. Conversely, put on some fabulous new earrings, throw on an amazing bracelet and it completes the new look! SOLD!<br />
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<b>***Bonus </b><br />
This is a no brainer but it warrants mentioning. Spring cleaning is great for selling a house. The less stuff in it, the bigger it looks. Think closet. Stuffed closet means you don't have enough room. Closet with space looks bigger. <br />
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And do a deep clean. I mean get out those Magic Eraser Sponges and clean your place up! You'd be surprised how many people DON'T do this and it's not good. <br />
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<b>Finally tonight, </b>I will say one more thing. I've said it before multiple times. I did a blog on it <a href="http://www.onepickychick.com/2015/08/why-you-should-decorate-with-white.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a> but it doesn't hurt to talk about it again in this forum. Since we're on the subject and all...<br />
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<b>Paint all your Walls White. </b>This, if you really want to take it up a notch and give your house the most opportunity to SELL FAST. Painting clearly takes a little more work and possibly time and money... But, WHITE walls go a loooooooong way. <br />
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I know everyone has a white obsession right now. I always have (see above Blog Post). But the reason is bigger than that. No doubt White makes rooms looks larger. But even more than that, color, even the slightest bit of it... can be offensive. Think orange accent wall or purple bedrooms. <br />
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You may love it - but that potential buyer... hates it. <br />
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If you're thinking about buying or selling and want help doing it... don't hesitate to call or email me nicole@onepickychick.com or my brokerage <a href="https://www.myposhprops.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Posh Properties</a>. Until then, stay safe, healthy and busy! You may have some work to do...<br />
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Pin for Later:<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5827368302522928667.post-49624013406419644962020-03-25T07:34:00.001-07:002020-04-10T13:10:01.038-07:00When Life Gives You Lemons... <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>The Headlines:</b><br />
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<b>Since COVID-19 our entire country is stuck inside.</b><br />
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<b>Are you going to panic? </b><br />
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<b>Or...?</b><br />
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The other day my neighbor asked me if I wanted some lemons. Her trees produced too many and she wanted to share if I was up for some.<br />
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Ahhhhh.... YES!<br />
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See, I like to "decorate" with produce. It just brings a fresh, Spring feel to the house. Little did I know that those lemons would come in handy. I would not just use them for decoration. <br />
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Since the Corona Virus, aka COVID-19, came racing into our lives it's pretty clear these are unprecedented modern times. We've heard much about past pandemics. Like in a far off, historical way. Including the Asian Flu, Spanish Flu, AIDS. For the record, turns out Ebola was not a Pandemic but an epidemic since it was confined to West Africa. <br />
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With today's Medicine many of us thought this day would never come. But it's here. And it has a lot of us concerned, uncomfortable and downright scared. <br />
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So now the question is... how are you handling COVID-19? What are you showing to your kids? Who are you becoming? Really? Think about it. Are you fighting for toilet paper or picking up some goods for your neighbor. Taking or giving? Are you praying or pouting? <br />
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Do not get me wrong. It's bad. Some people are affected greatly and sadly by this virus. My cousin is one of them. She was in the ICU in the west side of Washington State for about a week, doctors say she almost didn't make it. She is not 75. She's my age. Which means a young chick. Just kidding. Let's leave it at - not 75. She's now healing at home and is expected to be okay. We continue to hope.<br />
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I'm really not trying to be some high on herself Mom who has no worries or concerns. I know this is not good. I am aware people are losing their jobs, struggling to make ends meet, worried for their children and their grandmothers. I am one of them.<br />
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But I'm also choosing to see beyond all that is horrible. Stop and think: <b>Has there ever been a time or will there ever be a time again that we will be with our families with nothing to do but be together?</b> In fact, quite the opposite. When this is over - because it will be over - we're all going to have to get to work. We'll have a lot of catching up to do. The appointments will come back, sports will start, work will pick up. YOU WILL GO TO THE MALL and OUT TO DINNER.<br />
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Until then, consider this - those lemons - know what we did with them? We made lemonade for the first time. We made lemonade. Something so simple. Something we have never had the "time" to do before. What else are we doing? We're sleeping in. I am writing in this blog (which I never get to do)! We discuss, together, what we're having each night for dinner. I've seen families walking in our neighborhood. Never seen that before. We hang out in the backyard, the front yard. We watch TV shows together. In fact, we're running out. <br />
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Any ideas? Seriously, let me know. What do families watch these days?<br />
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I'm even playing basketball with my son (a first). My daughter is creating art for her room. All of these things were not happening 2 weeks ago. Instead, we were on a hamster wheel trying to catch up. Never stopping. Constantly running. <br />
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The world is a different place and while it's a change we didn't see coming it may be the 180 we needed. I ran in to my friend at Target today. We stayed (almost) 6 feet away and she said something I believe is true, "God is trying to get our attention." I agree with her. Someone (I choose to believe it's God) desperately wants to remind us to take a break, slow down and look up. See what's right in front of you. Appreciate what you have. Pay attention to it. <br />
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Now... grab hold of it. <br />
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Yesterday I watched the local news. I live in Arizona so I was watching CBS 5 and my good friend Paul Horton (we did news together years ago in WA state and then re-connected here) was doing the weather forecast FROM HIS HOME. His two adorable children were climbing all over him and it was precious. When will that happen again? Maybe never. But it's happening now. <br />
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This time will come to an end. We will be healthier. People will go back to work and school (thank you Jesus). The alarm will wake us up at 5:45 again. And then, this one moment in time, will be gone. That brief period of your personal history when we got to be together with no strings attached, nothing to do, no where to go... will be all over. We'll tell our grandkids about it in story book fashion and, contrary to popular belief now, one day, we may actually long for it.<br />
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Because the bottom line is, if you stay healthy, have food (toilet paper/paper towels) as long as you have some dollars (which lawmakers are about to roll out a stimulus) if you have a roof over your head... you and your family will be ok. You'll be fine. Remember that. Believe it. Tell your kids that... they need to see and hear it. Not from President Trump. From you. <br />
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Finally tonight, Sunday I saw 60 minutes. Haven't watched that show in a while either. They had a man by the name of Neil Kashkari, the current president of the National Reserve Bank and a former Treasury official who helped get us out of the 2008 economic crash and what he said was good. He admits this Corona Crisis will be a difficult financial situation that could get better or worse, depending on how long we stay "sick." But he also said something we need to hold on to - a message that is so important for us to remember right now (which covers yet goes beyond the financial assessment he was speaking to)... he said: <b>we got through the last devestating financial crisis and we will get through this one. </b><br />
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Together. <br />
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And while we're waiting... make some Lemonade.<br />
Here's to being cautious and careful, my friends, but not crazy.<br />
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Love and blessings,<br />
Nicole<br />
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To see his Neil Kashkari's full interview on 60 Minutes click <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/video/coronavirus-crisis-fed-official-neel-kashkari-uncertain-how-economy-will-fare-60-minutes-2020-03-22/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5827368302522928667.post-31909881176764360922020-01-21T12:35:00.001-08:002020-01-21T12:35:32.162-08:00Transform Your Office <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>THE HEADLINES:</b><br />
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<b><br />Find your STAR</b><br />
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<b>Follow it.</b><br />
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<b>Change what's bugging you.</b><br />
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<b>Today. </b><br />
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<b><br /><br /></b>Sometimes you look up and find a guiding light... it will shine brighter than you knew possible. And make a simple dream become reality. This is true with anything... even a room!<br />
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An office is a big deal. This, may not occur to you since most people think about kitchens and bathrooms first. Or if you go to someone else's building and do work this will not pertain to you. This is for the person with the home office. Because if you have one and use one, there's a good chance you spend most of your days in it.<br />
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Therefore, an office needs to be 2 things: functional AND cool looking. Promise, you'll work better in here.<br />
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Let's take the 3-2-1 approach. <br />
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Like you're blasting off, into greatness. Below was what I had to work with. Not much. We had already painted this room and put in new wood floors. So at least there was that. Everything else was... bad. This desk was my husbands old work desk from when he first put his home office together in let's say the ripe old year of 1998. It had to go. We also had the chair that we rocked our kids in for like 4 -5 years, maybe more, I'm not sure. So... we had a clean slate. <br />
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Countdown begins...<br />
<b>THREE </b>- <b>Define It</b>. As I always say when decorating.. first you have to <b>Define Your Style</b>. See that full explanation by clicking <a href="http://www.onepickychick.com/p/decorating.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a>. Basically, you just decide: What's your style? What do you want your home to be? Modern-Minimalist? Rustic-Romance? Desert-Farm-Cottage? Beach-Casual-Chic? You need at least 2 to 3 words to describe what you're aiming for. Typically this is done for an entire house but sometimes... it's just one room. As in my case. My house is very light and white - for which I have coined the term - Desert Cottage. But for my office I changed it up a bit. It's the only room painted an, obviously, different color. I wanted it to be warmer, more masculine and highly functional.<br />
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Therefore, my Defined Style here became Rustic Ranch (w/ color). Now that I've got "Defined Style" it's time to get moving!<br />
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<b>TWO </b>- <b>Gather it</b>. Clear out your current room and shop for your new one. On-line, in stores, look for what will fit your above plan. Gather all of it up, sell it, buy it, give it away... whatever means you need. <br />
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***TIP Get especially friendly with your tape measure - bring it everywhere with you! <br />
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I bought two desks so I could wrap around the room. I contemplated making desks (which shouldn't be that hard) but knew my husband would never get around to that... the key here though was making another work space and opening up the room. The way the desks hugged the wall accomplished that as opposed to the old huge desk that took up the whole space.<br />
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What else did I gather? I found a comfy leather (leather always screams office to me) chair to watch some TV if someone needed a break!<br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">I looked for fun accessories like in the form of this side table. I just love the (fake) cowhide look. It works in so many "defined styles"!!! </span></div>
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I also housed all my office pens and paperclips in jars to bring some flair while adding practicality. I'll need those things often and they'll be easy to find now!</div>
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We put up some wood shelves (found on Etsy) held up with pipes and added a lot of boxes (Ikea). <br />
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I run my household and business out of this room. I practically live here. So lots has to be stored. All those Boxes allow me to do that, But I also wanted some extra pendants to shine, well, more light on the writing spaces. Plus, add to the look...<br />
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***TIP set up pendants in already existing canned light spaces to make install easier!<br />
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Now, the super fun part...<br />
<b>THREE </b>- <b>Set it</b>. Sometimes this takes a day, sometimes 4 weeks. Depending upon how efficient your planning is... this is also where some mistakes can be made. Like... something might not fit. Or doesn't sit well with you. Then it goes back.<br />
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***TIP Check the return policy before you buy, sometimes there's a re-stocking fee or no returns at all. <br />
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If you don't take it back... it gets re-purposed. That's what happened here...<br />
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I love this rug. But it just didn't work at all with this room. The room needed more texture and warmth. And the return policy on the rug stunk. Therefore, I had to Plan B it. In this case, I knew if I couldn't use this rug here I could use it outside or where it ended up...<br />
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in the dining room. This is where it belongs. And when I'm done with it... it can head to the patio! <br />
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P.S. Note the new large light fixture over the dining table - I happen to love that new addition too.<br />
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<b>Finally tonight,</b><br />
Getting rid of that rug made me look for what became the clear STAR of the show. You know, whether you're choreographing a dance, putting together a company or decorating a room you have to have one STAR - to shine! This often happens when you start a project. An old heirloom, a special piece of art, something that just makes the place. Then, all decorating centers around that one STAR! But sometimes, like in this case, it comes later.<br />
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When I got rid of the striped rug I found the one that belonged... it brought everything together. It was the STAR and it made the room sing. The new rug also gave me some colors to play off of and add to the room... which is why I brought in the flowers and candies.<br />
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It was a perfectly well priced, colorful, low pile, large piece that my chairs rolled over while my heart "swooned"... <br />
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And the STAR takes a bow... Now blast off!<br />
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Pin for Later:<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5827368302522928667.post-62972245450550608702019-01-14T07:17:00.000-08:002019-01-14T07:17:06.214-08:00Do You have "Vision" (When You're Buying A Home)? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>The Headlines:</b><br />
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<b>There are 2 kinds of buyers. </b><br />
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<b>Which one are you? </b><br />
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<b><br /></b>In the market to buy a house this year? To me, there's never a time you shouldn't be looking. Why? Yes, because I"m a Realtor but also because you never know when the right one will hit you. The house you never expected pops up and you can't say no. <br />
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That's happened to me personally. And when I don't move on it... (years later) the husband and I complain: "if we would have bought that..."?<br />
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So always keep an eye out. But for what exactly? That depends on you. Pay attention to what matters to your lifestyle. Yes, that can be limiting. So here's a way to open up the possibilities. Ask yourself one question:<br />
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DO YOU HAVE VISION? <br />
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If you do, sky's the limit. It may not have the exact amount of bedrooms but you can change that. No white cabinets? There's paint. No need for a dining room? Demo it. If you have vision, as long as the "bones" are there your options for reno work are endless.<br />
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Here's what you cannot change: 1) location and 2) size of lot (usually). Everything else is up for grabs.<br />
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Have you seen Fixer Upper? Then you know what I'm talking about. <br />
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If you buy a home that needs some"TLC" you are, most likely, going to get a better deal. Because more needs to be spent after you move in. Here's an example.<br />
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I worked with some buyers who knew exactly where they wanted to live. It was a small neighborhood without a lot of inventory so they kept a close eye on it. When a house came up... they pounced. Once inside, they saw it was far from their dream home. But they knew it had the 2 things that couldn't be changed. The rest they could work around. They bought it. <br />
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While going through the buying process they brought in a contractor to see if their plan had legs. It did. And work began as soon as the papers were signed. <br />
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After a few months their home was ready to roll!<br />
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Here are the pictures:<br />
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Above is the living room. They added one huge sliding glass door that fully opens to the patio (a trend we're seeing a lot right now) - we live in Arizona after all. They also spruced up the living room by adding industrial shelving, a mantel and busting out a wall to make for one big "great room". </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaXpQbXVVmE6wmBn0eCJ-siTFVlVOTK40yLJZVtNeegYFBGotyuFwyodKzyljW4NaG_T8GuUQL8YuEB4NH5Dbvz_Rrh-1kIV50x61iBLRSku1eDGs2H49coK9wb-b8uQaXnRyQiYvM-uc/s1600/ONEPICKYCHICK.COM-175.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaXpQbXVVmE6wmBn0eCJ-siTFVlVOTK40yLJZVtNeegYFBGotyuFwyodKzyljW4NaG_T8GuUQL8YuEB4NH5Dbvz_Rrh-1kIV50x61iBLRSku1eDGs2H49coK9wb-b8uQaXnRyQiYvM-uc/s640/ONEPICKYCHICK.COM-175.png" width="426" /></a></div>
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Here's the dining room they demo'ed. They moved more walls and small cabinetry. However, they also enclosed one area (with french doors) so they could have a formal office space. </div>
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But the crowning glory, as with almost any house, is the kitchen. You know, the place where we ALL spend time. The kitchen, before, was nothing special. Just a galley kitchen that felt super cramped. This busy house needed some major space. So they turned the island around, made it way bigger and used the breakfast "nook" to make for ONE big open area. It absolutely works.</div>
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They're not completely finished. They want to do a few more tweaks in the bathrooms. But, to everyone who visits it looks like a whole new house. In fact, the former owners came by and I hear it brought them to tears... happy tears.</div>
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It is now the new owners dream home. Because they had vision. They bought a house that was less expensive than most in their target neighborhood and then turned it into exactly what they wanted. <br />
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THEY had VISION. The question now is... do you?<br />
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Finally tonight, if you're in the market to buy a new home ask yourself the vision question. It's okay of you don't have it. There are lots of "turn key" homes out there. It certainly will take less time and effort to purchase one of those. But know there are also lots of people who can help you with "finding your vision". Realtors, interior designers and contractors can all lend a hand. The homeowners above used <a href="https://www.georgeconstruction.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">George Construction</a> in Phoenix and myself as a Real Estate Agent. <br />
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Let us know if we can help you this year! <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5827368302522928667.post-66584638002477029632019-01-07T06:53:00.000-08:002019-01-09T09:23:58.208-08:00Living a Simple Life <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><br />Does life have to be so complicated (when those kids grow up)?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Maybe.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>But we're trying to chill. </b></span></div>
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</b>It's the New Year and I'm tired. No, not because we partied past midnight on NYE... because it was a long 2018. This may be one of the reasons you heard from me about 3 times the whole year. Life has gotten complicated for our house. I'm going in too many directions, the husband is traveling more than ever, my children are involved in a lot and we are blessed with many friends and family with whom we love to spend time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Every year, about once a year, I have some sort of epiphany. Last year, it was that we had to stop raising Entitled Kids. You can read that <a href="http://www.onepickychick.com/2017/11/are-you-raising-entitled-child.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a>. We're still working on that... it's a process. Now, it's the need to simplify things. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">You Feel me? I know.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">It's happening to a lot of us. We're all exhausted. Kids are getting older and frankly, so are we. We wake up in the morning by 6:00 and don't stop going until late at night. There's hardly a moment to grab a bite or just stop. What in the world are all of us doing? Driving kids places, meeting people, working on projects, joining book clubs, WORKING, volunteering in school, volunteering out of school, attending sporting events, doing homework, preparing meals, having play dates, traveling, planning parties, making appointments, getting to appointments, holding appointments, canceling appointments.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">It really is a busy life. And as kids grow up it just gets busier. That seems impossible to young Moms, I know. But it's true. See, babies need to be held, fed and loved. Constantly. But life is fairly one dimensional. You stay with your baby and do all those things with him/her. You have no time but for a very different reason. It's you and the baby, almost 24/7... (also known as a parasite - who truly and lovingly sucks everything from you. Literally: vitamins, minerals and bone density. I had theeee worst teeth problems after I breastfed) You are their everything. Their very survival depends on you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Here's the deal, this all changes when they get in the 5 year old range. Parents start to come up for air. They begin to live their life again. They walk without that bouncing baby on their hip. This is the time when parents, mostly Moms, begin the process of finding themselves. For the second time. Reconnecting and remembering who they were. And then they run with it. They pile on life the way they used to before children. The problem is... kids don't go away. Their needs don't subside. They just change. </span>Children no longer cry because they're hungry, they cry because someone said something mean at school. <b> Rather than feed them to stop the tears, you have to be with them and help mend their feelings</b>. It takes longer with more thought and effort. See, just as you held them when they were 1... you still need to hold them when they're 11. They may even need those hugs more now. So, here in lies is the reason why the craziness begins.</div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Parents resume their lives before children BUT ONLY during the hours of 8-3 Monday through Friday. Not including holidays, weekends or half days at school.</b> That's tough. It's saying, pick up where you left off but don't drive in the fast lane. Stick to the slow lane. But that's not what happens. Your old self comes up for air and really likes the view! So, you quickly start to pile on stuff, just like before kids. Meantime, kids pile on life too. Which means everyone's in the fast lane going 90 mph and no one can find the rest stop. Hence, this blog post.</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Living a simple life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">In 2019, it has occurred to us that we have to simplify our lives. I realize t</span>hat takes balance, strategy, time management and a small miracle. What a "Simple Life" looks like to each family depends on that family. What works for the Smiths might not work for the Williams. Therefore, this post is hardly a "How to..." it's more of a "What if..."? </div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Here's what I do know, this year, in our house we will work very hard to change the way we "do business"... sleep more, consume less, slow down, and breathe. I need to breathe. Why have people smoked for so many years? I believe it's almost more about the deep breathing than the nicotine. Deep breathing is quick, free and it calms people down. </span></div>
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Simplifying Life in 2019: </div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16px;">BREATHE more. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times";">Get ORGANIZED. I've always been "sort of" organized but now we're cleaning stuff, throwing things out and getting systems in place. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16px;">PRIORITIZE. God, Family, Work, Friends, Exercising, "Charity/Volunteering," Everything Else... in that order. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times";">Say NO more. I have some friends who are great at this, I am okay at this... I will get better. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times";">TAKE IN THE MOMENTS. This is what life is... my husband has long told me to do this more. He wants us to spend meaningful time soaking it all in. I'm not sure what that means, maybe more traveling, perhaps less talking, laughing and giving.. I don't know exactly but I'd like to figure it out. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "times";">Finally tonight, I kinda feel like we're hitting one big re-set button. You know, like when you un-plug your computer and suddenly everything that was a little discombobulated - has magically gotten better. Yea, that's what we're trying to do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times";">We're on our way. No doubt there will be a few detours... January through May in Arizona is always a little nuts. Plus, </span><span style="font-family: "times";">I know life happens in the midst of crazy. And perhaps crazy is part of real life. I'm okay with that. I'll just remember to breathe. </span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5827368302522928667.post-89686186145713331362018-09-25T16:42:00.000-07:002018-09-25T16:42:08.927-07:00When is the right time to get your CHILD a Phone?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>The Headlines:</b><br />
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<b>We finally gave our daughter a phone. </b><br />
<b><br />Here's WHY we did. </b><br />
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<b>And why we DIDN'T... for such a long time.</b><br />
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Let's get one thing straight right off the bat. The answer to the title question above is: NEVER. There is never a RIGHT time to get your child a phone. But the fact is... they're going to have one sooner or later.<br />
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For a long time we opted for "later..." until we decided we could no longer hold out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEIUYl1dKAemPRUZ9DJnNVmJMfmT0IcBIzbubqCDiC4pEP4xTuDPb_PkZaRx5X3Tnxqcru90DpBJ7SMsRs6zxGiO8uPnU9cBs8mzA5QPNuJpqubOyUIN0-ny1Y6qNJZBW_rNUo34NuWAxg/s1600/ONEPICKYCHICK.COM-167.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEIUYl1dKAemPRUZ9DJnNVmJMfmT0IcBIzbubqCDiC4pEP4xTuDPb_PkZaRx5X3Tnxqcru90DpBJ7SMsRs6zxGiO8uPnU9cBs8mzA5QPNuJpqubOyUIN0-ny1Y6qNJZBW_rNUo34NuWAxg/s640/ONEPICKYCHICK.COM-167.png" width="426" /></a></div>
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These days, lots of parents give their kids phones early. There are some pretty valid reasons to do that... divorce, parents working, busy children's schedules. I wouldn't argue with any of them. Each family is different. <br />
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But at our house... none of those reasons were good enough reasons to get our girl a phone. Why? Many many things... but here are the <b>TOP 3 reasons our child didn't get a phone</b>:<br />
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<b>1- EASIER </b><br />
Mainly, I didn't want to face the undeniable<b> responsibility</b> that comes when your child holds their own phone. Last year, there was someone texting people at school posing as other students. My daughter's name was in the mix but I didn't care much. Why? Cause she didn't have a phone. She wasn't really involved. The other mother was about to call 911. I didn't have to... and I loved that. <b> It was much easier</b>. For me.<br />
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<b>2 - </b>K<b>ids grow up fast when they get a phone</b><br />
Information is so readily available, too readily available when they have it at their fingertips. It is incredibly <b>handy but not always healthy</b>. <br />
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<b>3 - We want our daughter to learn the art of speaking</b><br />
Before she succumbs to texting her entire life away she <b>needs to learn how to talk to people</b>. Because here's the problem, communicating face to face is going to become a lost "art form" I guarantee you. We, as a society, are doing it less and less. We're texting, twitting, insta-talking so much we're forgetting how to talk with each other. Huge, vast, ginormous problem. I can't even think about how bad it's going to get for our kids as they grow up.<br />
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But, after those 3 big reasons and about 1,000 others we chose to ignore... we decided it was time to jump right in to the biggest foreseen firestorm facing parents today. We're all gonna get burned at one point. But... we did it anyway. Our 7th grade daughter got her phone. She was ecstatic. <br />
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Here's why we took the plunge.<br />
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<b>TOP 3 reasons she got a phone... (</b>which just so happen to be the exact same reasons we were holding out<b>):</b><br />
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<b>1 - We want our daughter to learn the art of speaking (</b>via phone)<br />
Like it or not, <b>this is the future</b>. If she doesn't get on board soon... she may miss the boat a bit. I believe it's good for kids to stand out but not necessarily stick out - if you know what I mean. She needs to correctly learn how to communicate the way everyone else is in the the entire world. If she can't... she'll not only be the only one not invited places but she may not get a job that requires her to have certain "media skills," if you will. Learning these skills responsibly is imperative. <br />
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<b>2 - Kids grow up fast when they get a phone</b><br />
Having a phone will test her. In many, many ways. It will test her self control, time management, ability to follow rules... it will test her social kindness, the list goes on and on. I'm kind of excited to see what she does with it... who she will become? I hope she makes some right decisions. I know there will be wrong ones. One thing's for sure... <b>she will mature more</b>. That's both good and bad of course. But at least it will be under our watch. We'll just have to be very aware of what's going on, who she's talking to, what she's looking at and reading. ALL THE TIME.<br />
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<b>3 - Easier</b><br />
Yes, with this new capability... life will be much easier... for me. Truthfully, it came down to this... I needed her to have a phone for my sanity. <b>Communicating with her is much less complicated now</b>. I am able to talk to her whenever I want, which makes my life better. And probably hers too...<br />
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So, how are we handling this new found responsibility of a child with a phone? It started with a simple "contract." I'm pretty sure most parents do this now. They write something up. Their child signs it. If they don't follow it - phone is GONE. Good plan. Here's what we made up:<br />
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<b>New Phone Contract </b></div>
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<span style="color: #212121; font-family: "the girl next door"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">*No phone usage after 9:00pm </span></div>
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<span style="color: #212121; font-family: "the girl next door"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">No social media posts until agreed upon by Mom & dad </span></div>
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<span style="color: #212121; font-family: "the girl next door"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Any social media apps must be approved by M/D</span></div>
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<span style="color: #212121; font-family: "the girl next door"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">All passwords are to be shared with M/D</span></div>
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<span style="color: #212121; font-family: "the girl next door"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">All homework must be done before any phone time (unless necessary & allowed by M/D)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #212121; font-family: "the girl next door"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">M/D can look at phone at any time</span></div>
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<span style="color: #212121; font-family: "the girl next door"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">DO NOT erase any texts under any circumstances</span></div>
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<span style="color: #212121; font-family: "the girl next door"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">*Show M/D any questionable texts/pictures/posts right away </span></div>
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<span style="color: #212121; font-family: "the girl next door"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Phone can be taken away by M/D at any time to be monitored </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "the girl next door"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">No D or F grades on any tests </span></div>
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<span style="color: #212121; font-family: "the girl next door"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Absolutely NO grade below B- on a progress report/report card </span></div>
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<span style="color: #212121; font-family: "the girl next door"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Any violation minimum 1 week without phone(unless otherwise specified by M/D)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #212121; font-family: "the girl next door"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Phone plan to be partially paid for by phone holder ($10 per month)</span></div>
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-She signs and dates it and then there's this little addition:</div>
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<span style="color: #212121; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11.5pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>* friends may have to abide by starred line items </b></span></div>
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That's right. My house. My rules. Especially when it comes to the phone. Here's the thing. I've discovered getting rid of the phones can, at times, take pressure off kids. And give kids, well, a chance to BE kids! <br />
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A few months ago my daughter had a new friend over. And each time she was with her, my daughter didn't have a phone (the friend did). Turns out that girl went home and told her Mom she really liked hanging out with my daughter. "It's nice..." she said, "we're not always on our phones!" Wow. Really? After all this, maybe the most important point to remember is that the <b>phone can be a part of their life... it just can't be their whole life!!!</b><br />
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If it is... there's a big problem. A problem that will just get bigger the longer it goes un-checked.<br />
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Will we regret giving her a phone? Probably. But it had to be done. She's already gotten it taken away. Twice. Plus, I got an alert yesterday... <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPWDbkZ7ilFjjlQVUwPxp4GuliM5Yu8cLq72E7J9IiPI2Q0_bccAhEQJbC7t5i_HGF8nVSXDDIHyU-czV1Lb6FG5vkuxi90nxg9QtS5MhyphenhyphenyKmD_T-YmZHfIpL5gAlcqkLd1Z2Uw3Jn7q2/s1600/ONEPICKYCHICK.COM-166.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPWDbkZ7ilFjjlQVUwPxp4GuliM5Yu8cLq72E7J9IiPI2Q0_bccAhEQJbC7t5i_HGF8nVSXDDIHyU-czV1Lb6FG5vkuxi90nxg9QtS5MhyphenhyphenyKmD_T-YmZHfIpL5gAlcqkLd1Z2Uw3Jn7q2/s640/ONEPICKYCHICK.COM-166.png" width="426" /></a></div>
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Recognize that puppy? Yea, and we still have over a week to go until the end of the month. My daughter just kindly informed me on the way to school yesterday that I should just get an unlimited plan "like all her other friends parents..." of course I heard that, snickered then chuckled a bit. <br />
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Yes, it may already be time to add another line to that Phone Contract.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5827368302522928667.post-35227636415509612542018-09-07T09:46:00.001-07:002018-09-07T09:47:22.318-07:00Cantaloupe Martini Cocktail <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Every Fall Party needs an Orange Cocktail!</b></div>
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<b>I don't even like Cantaloupe.</b></div>
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<b>Best Cantaloupe Martini recipe EVER!</b></div>
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<b>Plus a cute, kid version. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5du8-IlQLvpzYCw830KJyfO3ec1oQNL5Il8NsIkDN7R2bQZCsR-rkT2yqo0tP_nkq3ZS5Nm8ia5bbkSDitBUzyoY4HpowKpX2AuuxdP_f2XL2GI4uE_wXPI64FWSlR9LrY3gPlJtzehel/s1600/ONEPICKYCHICK.COMg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5du8-IlQLvpzYCw830KJyfO3ec1oQNL5Il8NsIkDN7R2bQZCsR-rkT2yqo0tP_nkq3ZS5Nm8ia5bbkSDitBUzyoY4HpowKpX2AuuxdP_f2XL2GI4uE_wXPI64FWSlR9LrY3gPlJtzehel/s640/ONEPICKYCHICK.COMg.png" width="426" /></a></div>
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This can be downed all year long (hello Summer) but it's orange so, come fall, the drink really fits! </div>
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We've made this cocktail for years. It is major yum. Blows me away every time I taste it. It's so easy, so refreshing and so beautiful! Yes, it's a Cantaloupe Martini and I will tell you it's like biting into that fruit, but better. Because, honestly, I don't even like cantaloupe. I love watermelon, honeydew... but cantaloupe... I always leave in the fruit bowl. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbHfy4Or21x0iZPk4TezFKGFwh3HxMOtC6Mn_lAMZQUlQrdICS8jRphtLs-qB3Rf2XqEOXUYmt3vSX_3iR1aHzEHWuEeq7UCvVdO8ePjxEwuNda7YwRcchzWx5P5QqsX3DStDEJiZeQco/s1600/opcdrink7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbHfy4Or21x0iZPk4TezFKGFwh3HxMOtC6Mn_lAMZQUlQrdICS8jRphtLs-qB3Rf2XqEOXUYmt3vSX_3iR1aHzEHWuEeq7UCvVdO8ePjxEwuNda7YwRcchzWx5P5QqsX3DStDEJiZeQco/s640/opcdrink7.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b>Here's What You Need:</b></div>
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2 oz Orange Juice (I get medium pulp)</div>
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2 oz Marie Brizard Watermelon Liqueur (found at Total Wine or ask your local grocer)</div>
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1 1/2 oz Three Olives Vodka (1 of my favs)</div>
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Splash of lime</div>
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<b>Here's What You Do:</b></div>
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Mix all together...</div>
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Shake well over ice in a shaker and pour.</div>
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Makes 1 drink.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQECPqIhhFlxnSHhOp1cT7363YpjCGb57w5XvDJP96ExTIctSHTsR84JxQ9W4moteFnWRkrMetcvOIBbDq5kMSBsfF95X_4lpos7326MX9mkeNIKvjKcuhmq5vU14xrN9TGvF8RPE5iRm/s1600/ONEPICKYCHICK.COM-163.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQECPqIhhFlxnSHhOp1cT7363YpjCGb57w5XvDJP96ExTIctSHTsR84JxQ9W4moteFnWRkrMetcvOIBbDq5kMSBsfF95X_4lpos7326MX9mkeNIKvjKcuhmq5vU14xrN9TGvF8RPE5iRm/s640/ONEPICKYCHICK.COM-163.png" width="426" /></a></div>
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It's a little taste of heaven, I promise!</div>
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At our house this year, we'll be throwing a Halloween Night Party -- and for something like that you've got to get the kids a special drink too! And yes, it has to be orange. Rather than just throwing orange juice in their cups I came up with a version of my cantaloupe cocktail. And it's almost as good as the adult one. But... not... quite. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDN4chWTPat9xBnUNOdaTtqceB7BACMpqylLRtSEBeKZKoSSHm_AVzgf0j9borRsK-8QIm-3gD-kFqjKVdmWPKVW4lPLt4_rD1E8HJ_ZmmbJYZcDDFm8P04JwYh4NEXCB1ahetVQSV7g/s1600/opcdrink2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDN4chWTPat9xBnUNOdaTtqceB7BACMpqylLRtSEBeKZKoSSHm_AVzgf0j9borRsK-8QIm-3gD-kFqjKVdmWPKVW4lPLt4_rD1E8HJ_ZmmbJYZcDDFm8P04JwYh4NEXCB1ahetVQSV7g/s640/opcdrink2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b>Here's What You Need:</b></div>
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Orange Juice</div>
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Fruits Punch Gatorade</div>
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7-Up or Sprite </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZp9iwYIKIXyGllUp7pnRT5wFdJl-R3YsmKKBJc4TfI4SvYzJ3ciwaCiHMZzq68cCqffaVFYyO4dKfHQpDJrF1o9BXZkSEKOD4gyULxb1KO8ZiKm5ysiu7lGWhgxw00vFL7uskdaeAGI/s1600/opcdrink1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZp9iwYIKIXyGllUp7pnRT5wFdJl-R3YsmKKBJc4TfI4SvYzJ3ciwaCiHMZzq68cCqffaVFYyO4dKfHQpDJrF1o9BXZkSEKOD4gyULxb1KO8ZiKm5ysiu7lGWhgxw00vFL7uskdaeAGI/s640/opcdrink1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b>Here's What you Do:</b></div>
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Mix about 2/3 orange juice, 1/3 Sprite and a few splashes of the Gatorade to give it a "cantaloupe" color. It's really yummy and will look good in a large pitcher!</div>
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Yea, may not be my favorite holiday... but it's getting there. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5827368302522928667.post-37511734622182973702018-08-20T10:39:00.001-07:002018-08-20T10:39:58.534-07:00When PETs are SICK<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>The Headlines:</b><br />
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<b>Love is always hard. </b><br />
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<b>Love in the face of sever sickness or death... even more difficult. </b><br />
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<b>When it's your Dog (and you've never had a pet before)... </b><br />
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<b>It's unchartered territory. </b><br />
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<b><br /></b><b><br /></b><b><br /></b>As a child, I never had a pet. My Mom was overwhelmed with just one living thing to take care of... A pet was never going to be a part of our household. So when BP, the husband, insisted on a chocolate lab about a year after we were married I was like, ok I guess I need practice keeping something alive if I want children someday. <br />
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We found Maverick. <br />
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But a couple weeks ago, we came home to him struggling a bit. My dog, in his old age tends to gasp for air... it's called Laryngeal Paralysis and it's fairly common for labs who are, well, old. So, he's done this before. I thought, he'll get better. But he didn't. He got worse.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzU2zybDLRS__M7aaFFvXClFUlnnHCZlhlcG7U-vw0QDJJma5TEj6TICSCXOkuBerNDMf6HGab7kJdbv8xNJQcRyw3nCIhFTw3QOn6MCEYulzqJFZcrLEAGxJ8SLkZvl9-9ckv7RdIvBRa/s1600/When+a+Pet+is+Family-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzU2zybDLRS__M7aaFFvXClFUlnnHCZlhlcG7U-vw0QDJJma5TEj6TICSCXOkuBerNDMf6HGab7kJdbv8xNJQcRyw3nCIhFTw3QOn6MCEYulzqJFZcrLEAGxJ8SLkZvl9-9ckv7RdIvBRa/s640/When+a+Pet+is+Family-2.png" width="426" /></a></div>
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Let me back up a bit, Maverick came to live with us after 3 months of being introduced to the world. He was gorgeous. A deep chocolate Labrador. We flew to a special breeder in Northern California. Picked him up there. Drove him to Arizona. I fell for the pup on that trip. He spent the whole time on my lap. Once at home, we had him live with a trainer for a couple months. He hunted, got into trouble, ate a tiki torch (including the kerosene). He was attacked by 2 dogs on a walk. Got in a car accident with my husband. He liked to escape. You know, the whole 9. It was and has been a full life.<br />
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But Mav turned 14, in people years, last month. By my calculations that would put him right at 98 dog years old. He's definitely slowed down. Laryngeal Paralysis isn't a death sentence but it's the start of something towards that. The condition is one that strips the nerves and muscles from working properly. Not only in their throat but other places, like their hind legs. Surgery is an option, but not always a good one. Especially for his age.<br />
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That means, my poor dog sometimes (especially when he gets agitated or hot) has trouble breathing. It comes and goes but it hasn't been a huge issue. Let me say this, my dog is old, maybe a little wobbly, skinny... but he has never seemed to suffer. Until this day. The day I came home and he couldn't breath. I think the house got a little warm (we have a NEST and there was no movement so no AC was kicking on). I kept thinking he would get better, relax and catch his breath. But he didn't and that turned into a completely sleepless night. He couldn't get comfortable, he couldn't sit still, he just wasn't getting enough oxygen.<br />
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Early the next morning, after I had dozed off ever so slightly... I knew he couldn't take it any more. This was it. I woke up my children and told them to grab their stuff. There was a good chance they would have to say goodbye to the only dog they'd ever really known. We all hopped in the car, not Maverick, he was carefully carried, and I drove as quickly as possible to the ER Vet location.<br />
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Because of his clearly poor condition, they took him back immediately. We were told it seemed the condition significantly worsened and he was tranquilized to get him through it. There wasn't much we could do at this point but make him comfortable. The vet on duty did think it may be a good idea to do a lung x-ray. Just in case it was more than the Laryngeal Paralysis. <br />
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In the meantime, they discharged him, we went home and I started preparing for his death. Lots of tears were shed on this day. BP was away and it was just me trying to figure everything out. Yet, I had never known how hard it would be... I was unprepared for the heavy duty emotion I would feel. People pain I get... pet pain is new. But it was almost just as hard.<br />
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Late that same night the ER Vet called me back and left a message. Mav may not be just suffering from the LP... the test revealed he had pneumonia too. Apparently, this illness can go hand in hand with LP. So the decision was made to put our dog on anti-biotics. Within hours the old Maverick started to come back. 1 day later he even barked. A lot. A sound I truly thought I would never hear was ringing out like a song on stage.<br />
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But I fear it's just a reprieve. Yes, today, he's stronger than I imagined I'd ever see him... but I'm not sure how long it will last. I'm giving him all his favorite foods and he is getting more special attention than he's seen in a while. Plus, lots of sleep. I want the remainder of his time here to be comfortable and sweet. Just like him.<br />
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I still don't fully get dogs. I don't agree with people putting pets above human beings. But after having, loving and crying over one for so long I think I understand why they're such a part of the family:<br />
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<b>THEY'RE ALWAYS THERE</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWFWlGHbHw19F87Hqd5v5gwhRxfZQw0jkki7fnCVpYBVfCiubVMKQqJwAs11hEZjzJegKlBK3b0koYRPMAtRd2356mqlrC-FoOY4DuAnAxLv1O77yPsQQyUOL1-4i5cDFsfTbfANj5duwK/s1600/ONEPICKYCHICK.COM-162.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWFWlGHbHw19F87Hqd5v5gwhRxfZQw0jkki7fnCVpYBVfCiubVMKQqJwAs11hEZjzJegKlBK3b0koYRPMAtRd2356mqlrC-FoOY4DuAnAxLv1O77yPsQQyUOL1-4i5cDFsfTbfANj5duwK/s640/ONEPICKYCHICK.COM-162.png" width="426" /></a></div>
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That's it. No matter what... in good times, bad times, all times. They don't go on vacation, off to college, to the library, shopping, they don't get married. They just stay by your side. Who else does that? If you're a Christian the answer is God but the Dog you can actually see. People come and go, marriages break apart, kids grow up, Grandparents pass. Pets are the ultimate companion. That is, as long as they're physically able. The only time your pet will leave you is when it's not up to them. That's pretty special. Very rare. Incredibly powerful. Even comforting.<br />
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When my 7 year old son saw our Dog after that horrifically painful time in the ER - he looked at him, gave him a long, lingering hug and as he turned to me he said, "I'm glad Mavy didn't die today... because then I wouldn't have had this moment." Heart melt. I feel like we may have a few more moments left with our Dog. Maverick will not be around too much longer... but he's here for now. Weeks, months, maybe he'll even live to see 15. We'll enjoy the time we have, while we have it. <br />
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As long as we can all... catch our breath.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5827368302522928667.post-57322057231709454452018-08-01T07:40:00.000-07:002018-08-01T07:40:58.707-07:00Kitchen Brick Wall <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>The Headlines:</b><br />
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<b><br /></b><b>Want to do something special in your home?</b><br />
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<b>Try this...</b><br />
<b><br /></b><b><br /></b><b><br /></b>Everyone wants to be noticed for something. Singles want to show off their shoes, girls want to wear their Ivivva shorts, boys want to be good in sports, Dad wants to have a great car and Mom - well she wants a fabulous purse - and - great kids of course!<br />
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Homes also want to get noticed. They want, at least one thing, that people stand up and applaud. Is it a great kitchen island? A fab back yard? An amazing office? Maybe even a light fixture that catches everyone's eye...<br />
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Or your home can have a stand-out wall. Like this one:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWnkGofNIKEKUkar_2dXcJDFRffRAq-oZtkocEGNYBdrZzKMJYY_K-Aig5j8ATFOi3gVUbXaJw-VkvdkUCoEqK7YNm0gqaI-wP8ygB7gex4zEbQAE-fNgnWeSkWRCKQmC3S1d08owySD6u/s1600/ONEPICKYCHICK.COM-159.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWnkGofNIKEKUkar_2dXcJDFRffRAq-oZtkocEGNYBdrZzKMJYY_K-Aig5j8ATFOi3gVUbXaJw-VkvdkUCoEqK7YNm0gqaI-wP8ygB7gex4zEbQAE-fNgnWeSkWRCKQmC3S1d08owySD6u/s640/ONEPICKYCHICK.COM-159.png" width="426" /></a></div>
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Often... the story starts like this: sell or remodel, remodel or sell? That's how it started for this client - who in the end - decided not to sell and move but instead give her place a facelift. She had lots of plans. Including paint the cabinets, paint the walls, re-do her shower, take down a "wall," get new counter-tops, sinks & faucets, put in a barn door and finally add some "texture" to her kitchen wall. <br />
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Now, there are a few ways you can do that. Wallpaper, paint, tile or wood. She was leaning towards the reclaimed wood paneling look. It's clearly all the rage. I'd even go as far as to say it's a little "trendy" right now! This girl... not trendy. She's got great style but an Antique/ Traditional/Classic <a href="http://www.onepickychick.com/p/decorating.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">DEFINED STYLE </a> is a more accurate description for her.<br />
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So we came to an agreement that brick would work best. Now, when you say brick many people start to panic. It seems heavy and scary. <b>Not when you do brick veneer.</b> I hear the screeching brakes now. VENEER people say? Absolutely not they reply. That is, until they see it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyDa5em0WB1JohKr2FHcWkK2HRM4XtMx9tzz5CqvhgYqpl_duMp771E96sturaoEU9_gukOr3tSg5d7w1peSJvt2K_HfuhZDtF9angv8KMNqauoQpuFCLR9TqPRzgSFKQlSCvsm-yRqzaz/s1600/ONEPICKYCHICK.COM-154.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyDa5em0WB1JohKr2FHcWkK2HRM4XtMx9tzz5CqvhgYqpl_duMp771E96sturaoEU9_gukOr3tSg5d7w1peSJvt2K_HfuhZDtF9angv8KMNqauoQpuFCLR9TqPRzgSFKQlSCvsm-yRqzaz/s640/ONEPICKYCHICK.COM-154.png" width="426" /></a></div>
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This ain't your Grandma's veneer people. It really does look like the real thing... and it's actually still fairly heavy. Just about a quarter of what a full brick would be. So for cases like this or a fireplace. Heck, in a almost every case... it's absolutely what you want to use! And we did. <br />
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**Sidenote, I also used veneer on my own fireplace (years ago). Turned out great too... click <a href="http://www.onepickychick.com/2013/06/fireplace-remodel.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a> to see it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVXuRknUZf2I8A92eOxLYgNRR0LV5AIwu8rHhLqoKEsGixhrI_n7Zwl5gQDROnV8fwI_YRZ9uPZlpBaJtzc_U4SqzA9yGz2cuDETrEBp-zAjnAj4VLeZy5MkM0r_j8Mad2nPfZSeuZ1hyC/s1600/ONEPICKYCHICK.COM-155.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVXuRknUZf2I8A92eOxLYgNRR0LV5AIwu8rHhLqoKEsGixhrI_n7Zwl5gQDROnV8fwI_YRZ9uPZlpBaJtzc_U4SqzA9yGz2cuDETrEBp-zAjnAj4VLeZy5MkM0r_j8Mad2nPfZSeuZ1hyC/s640/ONEPICKYCHICK.COM-155.png" width="426" /></a></div>
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She had thoughts about applying it to her island as well. But I reminded her too much of a good thing... is never a good thing. So we painted the island a different color instead. That too... home run.<br />
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Of course, we didn't stop there. We did all of those things above that we mentioned too. The place looks like a million bucks. Here's some before and after shots.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7DUd5T9h2tpNwDH4N4N9_zZ7wSCzL9x36AOoiVMEeWYFRH5digVPi0jNvkxRYuaUqYmYy2j1cazfs-OMz6CtyfXc_vhtrYppQcoUnfZbuQPmlM0li2zKyV7ae1Qw27-ZhJoSkXtoP873/s1600/Before-12.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7DUd5T9h2tpNwDH4N4N9_zZ7wSCzL9x36AOoiVMEeWYFRH5digVPi0jNvkxRYuaUqYmYy2j1cazfs-OMz6CtyfXc_vhtrYppQcoUnfZbuQPmlM0li2zKyV7ae1Qw27-ZhJoSkXtoP873/s640/Before-12.png" width="426" /></a></div>
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In Bath 1, we painted the cabinets, walls, added a new mirror, new counter and sink. Plus a brand new shower, top to bottom (excuse my bad photography). <br />
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In the kitchen, we removed a wall, and then same drill... new counters, painted the cabinets and walls, added new hardware and a new sink/faucet.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzncqrdFmD7jDujXBZ4EQjsK1-B683fR2Hgp9grkCiI22_iC1jzDpn8M0qhu5Kv1K9Zwl6RFlZnhp_tJv-0LlFZtS0koxoRlm4LgZp4725_gmjP1KbtS196pSUW007PcPOL0ZChhJ56k8/s1600/ONEPICKYCHICK.COM-157.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzncqrdFmD7jDujXBZ4EQjsK1-B683fR2Hgp9grkCiI22_iC1jzDpn8M0qhu5Kv1K9Zwl6RFlZnhp_tJv-0LlFZtS0koxoRlm4LgZp4725_gmjP1KbtS196pSUW007PcPOL0ZChhJ56k8/s640/ONEPICKYCHICK.COM-157.png" width="426" /></a></div>
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She chose these 3 counter surfaces for Bath 1, Bath 2 and Kitchen. Highly recommend New Carrerra Quartz. If you want Quartz... looks great installed. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZlDzXu269BoyBNUanLIfZGRN87SQVdcqwltbltbIM0fu3o1JWwhPZZzsqF88oliq3j-UmjWAbXD7KwVLzUZV1zb4J7vqmedwLwTz8C6JwOCD9bBWTphpJVgSnWe8SCbtUBU-846yPBts/s1600/ONEPICKYCHICK.COM-158.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZlDzXu269BoyBNUanLIfZGRN87SQVdcqwltbltbIM0fu3o1JWwhPZZzsqF88oliq3j-UmjWAbXD7KwVLzUZV1zb4J7vqmedwLwTz8C6JwOCD9bBWTphpJVgSnWe8SCbtUBU-846yPBts/s640/ONEPICKYCHICK.COM-158.png" width="426" /></a></div>
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She also desperately wanted a barn door, which she loves:<br />
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But in the end, as I said, the showstopper is certainly that brick wall. It's classic, not too costly and cool... everything a house wants to be! <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5827368302522928667.post-52099774931238151122018-06-14T08:30:00.001-07:002018-06-16T07:38:36.534-07:00Parenting Your Parents<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>The Headlines:</b><br />
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<b>There comes a time...</b><br />
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<b>When Parents need to be parented. </b><br />
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<b>It's like flipping a switch. And everything changes.</b><br />
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<b><br /></b>Parents are like your right arm. You arm helps you get things done. It's a part of you. You love and need it. Until one day it gets a sprain... still works but it just isn't the same anymore. <br />
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When you're a kid you can't wait to get old. "I'm 6 and 3/4 almost 7," they say. Or "It's 1 day until I turn TEN" kids scream! They constantly compare ages at lunch and on the play ground. The pecking order can be decided based on the earliest birth date.<br />
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Until one day, usually around 29, it all changes. You're going to be 30. A real grown up for sure. <br />
Birthdays then start to mean a little less... in fact you savor the years rather than wish them away. You get married, start your family and all is well for a while. Until something changes.<br />
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And suddenly it hits you - your PARENTS are old. That moment in time is one you'll never forget. You may cry, you may laugh a bit... but one thing's for sure. It's going to get interesting. <br />
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Mind you, there's a good chance you have children, possibly small, who still really need their parents. So you're kind of in a pickle. Or sandwiched? However you say it, you're getting pulled in two directions. By 2 simultaneous "Parenting" jobs.<br />
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<b>5 Clues Your Parents Need Parenting</b><br />
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<b>1 - Driving </b>- This "skill" is one of the first to go. It can be slightly less noticeable than some of the points below. Because, we all know driving can be a challenge at any age. But for old people, the challenge is, shall we say, elevated. Like when your parents start bumping into things, veering off roads, scraping sides, blaming everyone else for THEIR bad driving. Or the scariest one: falling asleep behind the wheel. Then you know, old age has definitely set in. <br />
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<b>Time</b> to get in the driver seat every time you're around them. Let them drive on an "as-needed" basis only. And pray. Every night.<br />
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<b>2 - Memory</b> - This comes and goes over time. It will be better, than it can get worse. It will cause arguments and frustration. But the best option is to laugh it off - tell them what time you'll be leaving for the movie 20 times. Then, 20 times more. It's okay. Frustrating but okay.<br />
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They may have Alzheimers, they may have dementia, they may just be old. It probably doesn't matter. It's during this stage your parent is just not how they used to be. Unable to do the things they once were so good at. That special dinner made from memory is now missing a few ingredients. It may not even really taste the same.<br />
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<b>Time </b>to cook for them. Or go out.<br />
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<b>3 - Traveling </b>- Have you noticed as people get older they don't like to travel as far? First, they no longer want to go overseas. Then, they don't want to travel outside the country, after that getting on a plane can be too difficult until finally going far beyond their own city seems like a daunting task. Unless of course, they go with YOU. You are now their only escape route to a true vacation. <br />
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Memories will be made that way. Wait, hopefully memories will be made (see #2)!<br />
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<b>Time </b>to travel together. Remember, patience is a virtue.<br />
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<b>4 - Socializing</b> - This becomes a lot less important to your parents when they're getting older. They will talk to who they want to, when they want to. They may even be a little rude to servers, random strangers and the occasional friend. <br />
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They could start to isolate themselves more. Everyone will be hanging out having a good time and your parents take a seat. This can prevent them from saying something out of line but it can also just be a big bummer. Everyone's not necessarily enjoying themselves. Or maybe it just looks that way. Sometimes old people need some peace and quiet. Perhaps hard for you to understand. But not for them. <br />
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<b>Time</b> to make sure they have someone to talk to (if they want)? This is something you do for your kids... now do it for them. Remember, your parents probably used to do it for you too! <br />
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<b>5 - Medical</b> - Now this is the hard one. Nothing funny about it. Things start to crumble during this time of their lives. Let's be clear... things start crumbling after 40 but this is different. At least according to my Mom. She reminds me every time I talk to her. She's tired. She aches. She's breaking down. Like a beloved old Volvo. <br />
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This can hit you like a ton of bricks like in my case, where my Dad almost died from a brain aneurysm. I wrote about that <a href="http://www.onepickychick.com/2014/06/third-lifes-charm.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a> ... it was devastating and I thought I had lost my Dad as I knew him forever. But he actually came back (side note). Orrrrr it can be a slower process. Week by week, doctor to doctor, phone call to phone call. Each time, something new. Health problems are hard for everyone. Hardest on the people experiencing them... until you're the one taking care of the person with the health problems. <br />
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<b>Time</b> to appreciate time. You never know how much there is... <br />
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<b>Parenting You Parents.</b>.. if you're around my age - you've lived it and you know - it's a weird experience. Parents used to be strong - let's call them SUPER HEROES fighting for good in every corner of your life. They'd defend you from bad dreams and wrong turns. They rarely (seemingly) made mistakes in your young eyes and you respected the heck out of them. You took their advice and life was better because of it. Most of the time. <br />
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The problem now is... the tables have turned my friends. The advice sought... is yours. You help them, heal them, make the phone calls. You order off the menu. You plan, find the triggers, collect the papers, hold the holidays. You love the heck out of them. They are still your parents but a completely different version of the parents you once knew. And it will never change back. <br />
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They still care about you... they just have more focus on them. Their life requires them to... the days of being your cheerleader, while not over, have just shifted a bit. They celebrate your wins a little less because their losses might matter more. Their long term aim becomes short term hits. While your life has rolled, their lives have rocked and that's a lot of moving. Especially for someone who's getting old. <br />
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My parents took care of my Grandma(s) as much as they could when I was younger. I witnessed the whole thing. It was a hard, long process and I saw my Mom, miss her Mom, when she was still alive. But, like everything, it's so different when it's you. So hard to understand until you're there. Now, this is your new normal. Not bad, not always good - just different. So mourn for a minute. Shed a few tears. Talk to God. Then pull up your boot straps and get comfortable. But don't choose to wish it away 'cause the only change that lies ahead probably ain't the best alternative. <br />
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Until it is...<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5827368302522928667.post-4928944162738311642018-04-24T14:35:00.002-07:002018-04-25T07:54:40.328-07:00How to make a Small Bathroom - LOOK BIGGER<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>The Headlines:</b><br />
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<b>Make a small Bathroom...</b><br />
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<b>Large with Life!</b><br />
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<b>Here are some ideas.</b><br />
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<b><br /></b>A small bathroom can be a really big deal. Especially if it's an en suite. You want it to gleam with pride. It can make or break the whole room. <br />
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So, when it was time to re-do my daughter's bathroom I knew there was some pressure. Maybe there always is... It needed to be fantastic yet not too glam, not too sweet. Just right. And bigger.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAPY4oEt7w1fEbzVaZd8fNhoo8BrZ0NGyxx7wtnHro1xltYD2OAC3rKNW_gSGOOjRnjJYbmtyFQt5d26R3uPn0ZI2IhhfdylkQNr3OGNnM8C6uKwsyU73Nng3EbBSa_Z35F53JUwfSNgX/s1600/ONEPICKYCHICK.COM-152.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAPY4oEt7w1fEbzVaZd8fNhoo8BrZ0NGyxx7wtnHro1xltYD2OAC3rKNW_gSGOOjRnjJYbmtyFQt5d26R3uPn0ZI2IhhfdylkQNr3OGNnM8C6uKwsyU73Nng3EbBSa_Z35F53JUwfSNgX/s640/ONEPICKYCHICK.COM-152.png" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3679nrUqLqWwSZBRX00E3Dy5QKkgFg1LvZOfVcEjK5IjtOIOGli2DEs9Xal5zey2TncvLDRsz075YHEpauQVdvlCV_YC4CBYHcuzmiTdiQJCItsKj9V4qkFsMWpqD4yf6DaO_fiiVECQ/s1600/After-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3679nrUqLqWwSZBRX00E3Dy5QKkgFg1LvZOfVcEjK5IjtOIOGli2DEs9Xal5zey2TncvLDRsz075YHEpauQVdvlCV_YC4CBYHcuzmiTdiQJCItsKj9V4qkFsMWpqD4yf6DaO_fiiVECQ/s640/After-2.png" width="426" /></a></div>
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So let's get to it. A small bathroom can look even smaller if you choose the wrong way to remodel it. Here's how to make your small bathroom look larger than life!<br />
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Tip #1<br />
<b>When you do ANY room - start with something you're positive you want</b>. <br />
In this case it was that penny tile. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQp0XCNeC7cQ-h2rkBqQ2pq4LwXgPDX3nT83U-X1DF_Os-mRwh1D4pCwE4M6Wwy1y6cQUPyQkR_avXjerFEbwecSmId9UFnDBMaaWZOPIfvcLoFrQpzSFEa6xrEPbXBvTQPXokbIlm5DcZ/s1600/onepickychick.com-147.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQp0XCNeC7cQ-h2rkBqQ2pq4LwXgPDX3nT83U-X1DF_Os-mRwh1D4pCwE4M6Wwy1y6cQUPyQkR_avXjerFEbwecSmId9UFnDBMaaWZOPIfvcLoFrQpzSFEa6xrEPbXBvTQPXokbIlm5DcZ/s640/onepickychick.com-147.png" width="426" /></a></div>
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Penny Tile is so cute and so not overdone. Now I had a jumping off board for all of the other things I had to pick. Which led to this...<br />
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Tip #2<br />
<b>Use the same tile (and same grout) in the shower as your bathroom floor </b><br />
Simply because it can make the small space seem a little bigger. It keeps the eye moving and almost creates an optical illusion the area is larger. Maybe not much, but when you're not working with a ton of space, take what you can get. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIQvYOM7_OlgMsLxy17O87PTgqAAf30RDMyYYu7qCyJoxdfdf1biSJ8YoxQxO_89vrQibWK1EL7SRqPJgh8cMwIbLT3EAd5jCBnHsxU18UERFo9Xu0mnG3xpxAGjYf_bky9APNUdQ_mr3/s1600/onepickychick.com-148.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIQvYOM7_OlgMsLxy17O87PTgqAAf30RDMyYYu7qCyJoxdfdf1biSJ8YoxQxO_89vrQibWK1EL7SRqPJgh8cMwIbLT3EAd5jCBnHsxU18UERFo9Xu0mnG3xpxAGjYf_bky9APNUdQ_mr3/s640/onepickychick.com-148.png" width="426" /></a></div>
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Tip #3<br />
<b>Small spaces look bigger when covered in light colors. </b><br />
We went white. For many reasons. You can read why I often choose white <a href="http://www.onepickychick.com/2015/08/why-you-should-decorate-with-white.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a> but when it came to this bathroom... there were 3 reasons it HAD to be done. One it was small. Two it was dark (not a window in sight). Three, I needed it to stand the test of teenager. White would accomplish all of these things.<br />
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Tip #4<br />
<b>Use a glass shower door.</b><br />
So you can see through it. Shower curtains, for obvious reasons, shortens the room. Glass doors make the room more spacious. Not that it is...<br />
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Plus, obviously you can see the details that you undoubtedly added to that fabulous shower of yours! And that deserves some attention.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2RdTQDjzsYdzEjRChgpwutmQRX6cZ8RnghPonaV8_fgxJKC31wSNceM7nIo-DWjAIjfY3zv5GWx9d9IqwPRE9qz6E7LUMgyAoRNIKaPf_n0vHAKfjkN_U5qJpLZTJAcWkcTbFvnjCL9p/s1600/onepickychick.com-151.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2RdTQDjzsYdzEjRChgpwutmQRX6cZ8RnghPonaV8_fgxJKC31wSNceM7nIo-DWjAIjfY3zv5GWx9d9IqwPRE9qz6E7LUMgyAoRNIKaPf_n0vHAKfjkN_U5qJpLZTJAcWkcTbFvnjCL9p/s640/onepickychick.com-151.png" width="426" /></a></div>
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Tip #5<br />
<b>Add flair with lights, pulls and backsplash </b><br />
We did not use flashy backsplash on purpose... but if you're going to go crazy do it here. It's fairly easy and inexpensive to change out.<br />
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Lights aren't too bad either but pulls/handles are the easiest and cheapest to re-fresh - so go crazy!<br />
Now, have some fun making that small bathroom a big hit!<br />
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Fore more info: nicole@onepickychick.com<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5827368302522928667.post-6030484754794520312018-04-03T13:13:00.001-07:002018-04-10T11:28:26.584-07:00MOMs in Middle-School<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>The Headlines:</b><br />
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<b>I knew it was going to be hard. </b><br />
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<b>For HER.</b><br />
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<b>What I didn't know is how hard it would be for ME</b><br />
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You ever notice how things change but really stay the same? Even down to the name of 6th/7th/8th grade. It used to be called Junior High when I was going. Now they call it middle school. <br />
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It honestly doesn't matter what they call it... the name change doesn't make it any easier. It's still, typically, the hardest time in a persons life. Not just for the kids in school. <br />
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Everyone else in the family suffers too. Especially Moms. I first wrote something about my daughter entering "Middle School" back in August, when it happened. You can read that <a href="http://www.onepickychick.com/2017/08/what-i-will-tell-my-child-about-junior.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a> ... what I didn't know is how the transition would also affect me. As a Mom, going through it with your child, it's like you're being traumatized all over again. It's almost as if they throw you back into that very same situation that you experienced yourself ump-teen years ago. <br />
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But it's not you. And as a parent <b>that's the first thing you have to remember. </b> No matter how much your child cries. No matter how hurt they are. You have grown since those days. You, as a parent need to keep a cool head. You have to advise and diffuse. Stoking the fire is not an option. Putting it out is your job. Though sometimes, the trauma and drama may feel like towering inferno... it is not. No Fire Department is needed. <br />
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So put down the phone and talk to your child. Let him or her vent. Then take a moment... and think. Think about how most all kids, especially at this age, are good. They're just trying to muddle through this difficult thing called the "pre-teen" years. They're dealing with raging hormones and changes they knew not physically possible. They're getting challenged in school un-like ever before. Sports are harder. Emotions are stronger. Parents seem meaner.<br />
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Friends... well they're there to help you through it. Until they're not.<br />
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Remember in all "situations" there's one side, another side and the truth... which lies some where in the middle. When times are tough I think about the fact that while my child is hurting, she probably also hurt someone along the way as well. Because hurt people hurt people. And all kids, this time in their lives... are hurting. It's inevitable. While you may always want to blame the other side, it takes 2 to have a "fight." <br />
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Our school year started strong. It went down hill in the Fall. I'll be honest, my daughter made some poor choices. Not pretty but a part of growing. I explained to her that by acknowledging the mistake we take that power away from the problem. Then change happens. Change did happen in our household. Not just for her... but for our whole family. I wrote about that <a href="http://www.onepickychick.com/2017/11/are-you-raising-entitled-child.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a> & <a href="http://www.onepickychick.com/2018/02/whats-your-family-brand.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a> ... we took the opportunity to seize the moment and produce a difference. It is, and always will be, a work in progress.<br />
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The work continues today. But as we strive to be better, kinder, more forgiving people bad things will continue to happen... especially in middle school. So what is a Mama bear to do? If it was only as easy as producing a list on a blog.<br />
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It's not. <br />
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So everyday on the way to school I will tell my kids 1 thing: be nicer to people than they are to you. Someday, it will come back ten-fold.<br />
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Will they be? Everyday? Of course not. But if I say it enough times... it will resonate. Then, she/they will be better than before. I think it already seems to be working. I see a confidence building, a heart that is warming, a head that is focusing. <br />
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Many times my daughter gets frustrated with me because she thinks I take the other side. I don't take it, I help her look for it. Because, like I said, there's always more than one way to look at a situation. Like views of the same Sunset... everyone sees something different. And I will help her sort through those views. However painful. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOD3yWYz2ACjBzrOMOiz6glYAge0F-E0yOwha8DoXyPhohMGy40Ig5ygNQTT4espD8gwGf5nCiCm_M1GTHGZyooxbbZ91UthrE0mLGG96S70mhNpn7DClEhUh51wh6XQE9e7P2hG3Qbmvl/s1600/Mom+is+Always+on+your+side.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOD3yWYz2ACjBzrOMOiz6glYAge0F-E0yOwha8DoXyPhohMGy40Ig5ygNQTT4espD8gwGf5nCiCm_M1GTHGZyooxbbZ91UthrE0mLGG96S70mhNpn7DClEhUh51wh6XQE9e7P2hG3Qbmvl/s640/Mom+is+Always+on+your+side.png" width="426" /></a></div>
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This conversation can happen multiple times for us during any given week. My best guess - that will continue through the next couple of years. It's good for both of us... as we march through Middle School - together. As long as... at the end of the day, she lets me hold her and remind her -I love her. Always will. No matter what side she's on. <br />
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I'm forever on hers.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5827368302522928667.post-73621898172314722362018-02-28T07:25:00.000-08:002018-02-28T07:25:27.152-08:00What's Your Family Brand?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>In this brand rich world... I think we all need one.</b><br />
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<b>So what's yours?</b><br />
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I took a walk this morning. Not a big deal, I do this on many mornings. Honestly, walking is my main form of exercise. On most days I take an hour plus walk in my lovely neighborhood and I do the exact same route. Every time. <br />
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But here's what I did different today. I turned around. I was ready for a change and guess what? The world looked completely new. It was really incredible. Everything that I was used to somehow, from another point of view, was revealed in a different way. <br />
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I think that's how we are in life. We do the same things over and over, the way we know, the way we're used to it. Until one day... when you're ready to change. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFuVF3XKbo8q9H9Rwi59PdUzuY7jWGH84JMnIEUBOA2w8nGpa2iZZF_dtZwa-7CbPEbjF0zwKE1Wml4Vz55yFlfd197NUZPA-yFhHrHAqHBX68-TVKbByfF_H6aB3FqE0x5a8pTAcxz8A/s1600/ONEPICKYCHICK.COM-145.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFuVF3XKbo8q9H9Rwi59PdUzuY7jWGH84JMnIEUBOA2w8nGpa2iZZF_dtZwa-7CbPEbjF0zwKE1Wml4Vz55yFlfd197NUZPA-yFhHrHAqHBX68-TVKbByfF_H6aB3FqE0x5a8pTAcxz8A/s640/ONEPICKYCHICK.COM-145.png" width="426" /></a></div>
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This year, my kids will turn 7 and 12. The years haven't just gone fast... they've gone at lightening speed. I feel like I'm blinking and in that one tiny second I'm missing so much. BP, the husband, wants me to slow down, enjoy it more. I do too many things he says, I'm on the computer too much (rarely doing social media), on my phone. planning, scheduling... he's right - it's exhausting. But I love my kids, my friends, my house, my work, my shopping... what's going to give? Anything, he says, everything. But the stuff that's truly important. <br />
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He's right. We are ready for change in my house. Ready to look at the world from a different point of view. I spoke of it first in my post about children and entitlement. You can read that <a href="http://www.onepickychick.com/2017/11/are-you-raising-entitled-child.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a> ... that book helped open the door for my family and I to change things. Christmas was also different around here. We adopted a family and spent almost as much on them as we did on us. My kids also contributed their hard earned cash to the quest. It was a defining moment when we walked into the home of the woman who had lost her husband to a brain tumor. My son built legos with her boy and my daughter talked with her little girl about her favorite sport. The sport she couldn't afford to play. And as we visited with her... where she raised her 3 children under the age of 9, in a two bedroom apartment, all by herself, I couldn't help but think that the vision of her tiny, 2 foot tall tree would remain in their heads forever. <br />
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And we're not stopping there. I'm reading a new book.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN82xGSFf1aULiMED4EddUDWqRR4vf_0cpJEJzmDkkOqgCD5dBu2SihWXz8mjbTbvSpYwVmUy9Ehyphenhypheno_gx52-_txeZw2eg9SMpDkJ1hfrVu3BMNfM41QJNHKRIFMn1Gn8R5HnKaUXDE2BFZ/s1600/Untitled+design-14.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN82xGSFf1aULiMED4EddUDWqRR4vf_0cpJEJzmDkkOqgCD5dBu2SihWXz8mjbTbvSpYwVmUy9Ehyphenhypheno_gx52-_txeZw2eg9SMpDkJ1hfrVu3BMNfM41QJNHKRIFMn1Gn8R5HnKaUXDE2BFZ/s400/Untitled+design-14.png" width="266" /></a></div>
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The Book, called "Having a Mary Spirit" by Joanna Weaver, was born out of the story about Mary and Martha in the Bible. They were two very different people and sisters. In a nut shell, Jesus came to visit them and Martha was scurrying around prepping and cleaning, making food. She was doing it all FOR Jesus. But Mary was doing nothing except being WITH Jesus. Martha got annoyed with Mary for not helping but Jesus was glad. Two totally different ways of showing their love, gratitude and support. But one... better than the other?<br />
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I am Martha. Many of us are Martha. I will try to be more like Mary this year. I'll probably fail at it... but that's ok, trying is better than nothing.<br />
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Which brings me to our family brand. The pastor at our church brought this up on a Sunday a while back. It's such a good, valid question. See a swoop, you know it's NIKE. A big red spot and it's Target. Golden arches, McDonalds. <br />
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What about your family? <br />
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What do people see when they look at you? This year, it's time to define who we are. So, when I made our last Christmas cards I started that "branding process":<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd8tkvEGU7VbxB9QK0zm4UZpj3csO0H3Pm7IqYGCL2dDqhdta7CjYm4QCIEUAfB6o3jbJMakZ5-DMeg2aBy58TK_WsJHYTG3s2Tc_K4lPahJvpqByHtm5Wo_qZodW2bBNNfViTxSl9Q5k3/s1600/ONEPICKYCHICK.COM-144.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd8tkvEGU7VbxB9QK0zm4UZpj3csO0H3Pm7IqYGCL2dDqhdta7CjYm4QCIEUAfB6o3jbJMakZ5-DMeg2aBy58TK_WsJHYTG3s2Tc_K4lPahJvpqByHtm5Wo_qZodW2bBNNfViTxSl9Q5k3/s640/ONEPICKYCHICK.COM-144.png" width="640" /></a><span style="text-align: left;">I wrote on my Christmas card the things that we deem truly important. I'll list them here:</span></div>
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<b>Care more, worry less</b></div>
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<b>Love everyday</b></div>
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<b>Learn to fall... and get back up</b></div>
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<b>Other before ourselves</b></div>
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<b>Be better than good</b></div>
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<b>Live God Centered</b></div>
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Our thought is... we will live our days, through those 6 "pillars" trying to get better. In case you're wondering, we don't have an official family brand. Our brand is not truly visible through the eye... it's not on a commercial, not on the side of a truck, not on a bottle. It's a feeling hopefully seen and felt by those who know us. </div>
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So the question is, are you ready to find your family brand? Don't even attempt if you're not prepared for change. Because things are seen, movement happens, cracks occur and life truly alters when you decide it's time to take a different path then the same one you've been walking down for years. <br />
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If you don't find it - I promise - it will find you. The trick is, you have to be ready and willing, like many of us aren't, to see it. Acknowledge it.</div>
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I have a friend... who had a crappy year. One thing after another. Deals fell through, sickness happened, robberies occurred, literal "disasters" inside the walls of their house... people even died. Through it all I would occasionally ask (hopefully not "judgey" like - that was not at all my intention): "Do you think someone's trying to tell you something"? It was received with a hard laugh. My friend wasn't ready. And that's okay... </div>
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Things can only be seen from a different perspective when you're willing to turn around.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPzvxPIOvxd1vbinKCGJJBSqADjhhCVo1-R8udm42i_0NaLkSl6QpfBrtZPD1wh3qPYiafKTauWOmgW21KUIMtFtt6KwCud8dwHd4app_O8n3qgUHFvlrJ8AHc1gph2GaEJm7t-PisdjKu/s1600/What%2527s+Your+familyBrand%253F.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPzvxPIOvxd1vbinKCGJJBSqADjhhCVo1-R8udm42i_0NaLkSl6QpfBrtZPD1wh3qPYiafKTauWOmgW21KUIMtFtt6KwCud8dwHd4app_O8n3qgUHFvlrJ8AHc1gph2GaEJm7t-PisdjKu/s640/What%2527s+Your+familyBrand%253F.png" width="256" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5827368302522928667.post-15010897219986045402018-01-30T12:22:00.001-08:002018-02-05T15:14:17.500-08:00Window Screen Art<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Want some art for your wall?</b></div>
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<b>Buy a painting.</b></div>
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<b>Or do something different.</b></div>
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When I was a kid, yea a long time ago, I would bring a friend home from school. They'd come in... and chuckle. There were always odd little scenarios everywhere you looked. Our beach house was far from the norm. There weren't cool, new furnishings. There were old, odd things placed in nooks and crannies. My mom. Her decor... was unusual. There was an old bird cage - with no bird in it. A torn up mannequin (better known as a dress form) but no seamstress. A peeling Coca Cola cooler, with no soda in sight. My personal favorite(s)? The school desk she found on the side of the road, the huge radio she got in her crazy Aunt's attic or maybe it was the bench she took (with permission of course) from an old, abandoned church while we were on vacation in the midwest. <br />
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Thank you Jesus. </div>
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Turns out Mom was before her time. She was Shabby when it wasn't Chic. She was distressed when that was just stressful. She like ripped when it was rare. Her taste was true to her own self. Trendy she was not. But her unique style was classic with a twist of her kind of cool. </div>
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Am I like her? No. BUT do I take some cues from her never written rule book? Sure do. </div>
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Like this...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBlP576JKFBBBSCHtPCxDCRX0GWXXmI1gqSTJ0CMG44J8XmQxyC9nB2E2Ox5a3Fk-jd_mo4YziFDpvu451aAMZobRLj9KT9LBpjeuR_6OsD7zgpsBnyYvZ-HTJ2wXxVnSZA1OASIYkMcC/s1600/WindowScreen+Art.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBlP576JKFBBBSCHtPCxDCRX0GWXXmI1gqSTJ0CMG44J8XmQxyC9nB2E2Ox5a3Fk-jd_mo4YziFDpvu451aAMZobRLj9KT9LBpjeuR_6OsD7zgpsBnyYvZ-HTJ2wXxVnSZA1OASIYkMcC/s640/WindowScreen+Art.png" width="426" /></a></div>
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I recently did this for someone else after she was inspired by what she saw at my own house. I put up a window screen "frame" in my living room. It's one of the first blogs I did years ago because it was one of the quickest, cheapest and easiest updates I ever did! Excuse the XOXO from the picture below... it's Valentines Day soon.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA11cTzpzRrLNtjm1iOyKt3tcYdhEPGJDCEd8V6Y8cte5iO6EWmyLv1pe7A2rMvfsmaCj_FmhuSyEsj7wsn-DoeenbTW8n1owDLjhfohSu7x86j3hxAD9TO3me5OhW1Qnxw_RVevQgJqHp/s1600/ONEPICKYCHICK.COM-140.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA11cTzpzRrLNtjm1iOyKt3tcYdhEPGJDCEd8V6Y8cte5iO6EWmyLv1pe7A2rMvfsmaCj_FmhuSyEsj7wsn-DoeenbTW8n1owDLjhfohSu7x86j3hxAD9TO3me5OhW1Qnxw_RVevQgJqHp/s640/ONEPICKYCHICK.COM-140.png" width="426" /></a></div>
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You can see the full blog <a href="http://www.onepickychick.com/2013/11/window-screen-frame.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a> </div>
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Now, the room below needed something bigger. As you can see... this lonely little art piece looked a little out of place and just couldn't carry this large of an open space. Screens were perfect. Mixed with this homeowners Rugged/Rough/Glam "Defined Style" it totally works! Read more about "Defining Your Style" <a href="http://www.onepickychick.com/p/decorating.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ZojEEtw_oi-QWSbz-8FvsE8Mfw1lYyQF5NGSc41t5bXgedI-MP5J50vDegj0LYECkXjoY81wJFJIPY7dWdEhgQ4AacWAxxhaSUC0I4I09kKXV4UWHtFyfDgyPcEk8C0nAGcsPO7JkmDW/s1600/Before-10.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ZojEEtw_oi-QWSbz-8FvsE8Mfw1lYyQF5NGSc41t5bXgedI-MP5J50vDegj0LYECkXjoY81wJFJIPY7dWdEhgQ4AacWAxxhaSUC0I4I09kKXV4UWHtFyfDgyPcEk8C0nAGcsPO7JkmDW/s640/Before-10.png" width="426" /></a></div>
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So how do you pull off this unique look? It's clearly not that hard.</div>
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<b>Find Your Window Screen </b></div>
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This won't take much effort because old screens are kinda everywhere. For now. They're often overlooked in antique shops or at salvage yards because I'm not sure people know what to do with them. Until now. Due to that, the cost is significantly lower than windows. I chose one large screen for my house. For the other house, we went with three big screens. She wanted to make a statement and the room is very large. It completely holds your attention.</div>
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<b>Decide What to Feature</b></div>
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I like pictures or fabric. My client went with fabric because she has lots of pictures on the walls. I went with pictures because I have no pictures around. Beware, some fabrics won't be very prominent behind a screen. These fabrics were bold and sparkly so they could be seen. You need to test swatches. What you like in the store might not work in your house (behind a screen)! You can easily staple fabric. Or mount your pictures to the wall.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibtXJWHHw0kocF4nE22S5TFu6cJN42c_9NXyc0Eh6Pymaj1Yt5lforp3XyQkA5MEybVuUsI9HuZeVH06RkPskNL1fySFiRUvyG1-lCwpt0xzprZp-WyexDjcHZuglmi91057H2I1l0-WL_/s1600/Find+Bold+Fabrics.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibtXJWHHw0kocF4nE22S5TFu6cJN42c_9NXyc0Eh6Pymaj1Yt5lforp3XyQkA5MEybVuUsI9HuZeVH06RkPskNL1fySFiRUvyG1-lCwpt0xzprZp-WyexDjcHZuglmi91057H2I1l0-WL_/s640/Find+Bold+Fabrics.png" width="426" /></a></div>
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<b>Hang Them UP</b></div>
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This step is easy, screens are light. Project is done.</div>
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Well that was difficult, not difficult. But it certainly is hard to ignore how fabulous the place looks because of something someone might have otherwise thrown away. </div>
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Yea, long ago my Mom was ahead of her time. Today... I'm just trying to catch up. Aren't we all?</div>
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<b>Pin for later:</b></div>
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