In this crazy real estate market it is easy to be a work-a-holic....seems like it takes longer to get transactions to close so we tend to spend more time at the office working.   What do you to balance your personal life with your business life?   Do you set hours of business?    Do you have time blocked out that you don't work?   Such as Sunday's?  Or certain evenings of the week?   When you do have time off do you have a hobby to occupy your time?   Do you spend it with family?  Do you play on a sports team?     I thought I would share what keeps me balanced.    I create....creating some thing or other has been a part of my life probably since I was in the second or third grade.   I remember the first doll quilt I made....I am not sure what happened to it...but I was pretty proud of i... 01/05/2011

My Husband and I have been going over our budget and we have challenged each other to try to come up with an extra $100 per month in eliminating any extra bills and expenses.   Here are a few ideas that we have talked about .... 1.   Review all Monthly Statements...Are  there any extras you are being charged for that you do not need?    If you still have a land line...do you need the land line first and foremost?   If the answer is yes..,,do you still need long distance or call waiting or voice-mail?    Or all of the extras that get added in?   It also is a good idea to call your cable, Internet, and cell phone carriers a few times a year....they may have a different program that could save you a few dollars.    2.   Review your Memberships and Subscriptions...Are there any that you don... 01/02/2011

Dec 15:  Middle of the week, middle of the month… Today was our Nampa Chamber of Commerce Holiday luncheon.   Besides excellent networking, today, we worked on “Warm up Nampa!”   Over 500 Chamber members and guests participated in tying fleece blankets and packaging them with bows, ready to be delivered to local charities such as the Salvation Army, Boys and Girls Club and the Light House Rescue Mission.   Today we were able to collectively, give back to the community and help those in need stay warm. We collected gloves, coats, hats, etc. and made a difference for many people in need today!   As a bonus, I had the honor of offering the prayer and leading of the pledge of allegiance.   The rest of the day included drafting another offer, uploading documents to Equator for short sale fil... 12/15/2010

South Nampa Idaho New Subdivisions Real Estate, Homes for Sale & Building Lots MLS Area 1260 :: Zip Code 83686 South Nampa Idaho Home Values & Real Estate Report Average Quarterly Sales Price of New and Resale Homes in South Nampa, Idaho Source: Intermountian MLS South Nampa New Townhomes & Condominiums Starting Home Values       South Nampa New Entry Level Subdivisions Lot Size (in acres) Lot Price Starting Home Values Copper River Basin    SW corner Roosevelt/ Middleton     $122k Creekside Park Subdivision E of Middleton & N of Lake Lowell Ave  0.14- 0.29 $25k+ $179k  Crystal Lakes S on 12th, W on Locust 0.39  $80k $180k Devlin Square S on Midland through Iowa, E on Kansas  0.19- 0.39 $23k   $189k Granite Basin off Lonestar, W of Midland  0.23+ $26k $135 Greenbriar Estates On Locust ... 12/13/2010

Who said there is no such thing as a free lunch? A recent article I was reading proves that there is a such thing as a free lunch....at least around your birthday time....some restaraunts even let you have a free lunch all during your birthday month!   So check out these birthday deals....you may be able to play your cards right to get a whole lot of free meals!!!  Many of these deals are email based....and it is a good idea to call your local restaruant to make sure they are participating in the national franchise promotion!   Here they are in alphabetical order: Arbys   join at www.arby's.com to recieve a free milkshake with a purchase Baskin-Robbins   if you register at www.baskinrobbins.com  you can recieve a free scoop of icecream for your birthday. Buffalo Wild Wings the buffalo C... 12/10/2010

Last weekend our church, Nampa First Christian Church voted to accept a proposal on a new project called "The Marginalia"  Project. What is this?? The Marginalia Project is a group of people in our church who found a need and asked the church to meet it!   It seems that in our area the local shelters as a rule make their patrons leave the shelter during the day.   On Wednesdays the shelters for what ever reason don't serve a noon meal!    The group got to gether and asked the congregation if they could have Nampa First Christian Church opened up from about 10 am til 2pm.    In order to keep it pretty simple they were asking if the church would provide hot coffee and members would work with grocery stores and donut shops to glean donuts for the homeless who needed it!    We would be serv... 12/10/2010

Looking for a great cookie recipe?   Or a wonderful recipe for a Cookie Exchange? Try these melt in your mouth cookies!!  Easy Holiday Seven Layer Bars 1 14 ounce can of sweetened condensed milk 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips 1 cup butterscotch chips 1 cup shredded coconut 1 1/2 cups crumbled graham crackers 1/2 cup butter 1 cup chopped walnuts Preheat over to 350 degrees.   Place butter in 13 x 9 in pan; melt in oven.   Swirl to coat bottom adn sides with butter Spread crumbs evenly over bottom of pan.  Layer chocolate chips, butterscotch chipsa nd nuts over crumbs.  Pour sweetened condensed milk over nuts.  Sprinkle coconut over milk.   Bake 25 minutes or until edges are golden brown.   Let cook and cut into squares.  Enjoy....and don't for get to wave the magic calorie remover wand... 12/09/2010

Yesterday I talked in my blog about the Winter Wonderland that had arrived in Nampa Idaho.   When I got up this morning I was dreading what I would find..... Sure enough it had snowed...and continues to snow to the tune of about 5-6 inches of snow.    I wasn't going to shovel my drive...thinking I would do it when I got home this afternoon!   I was ready and had a few minutes so I thought I would get a head start on the shoveling!   When I went out side I saw the new neighbor guy was out there shoveling....I started talking to him and realized he had already shoveled the sidewalk in front of my house... As we were talking I started shoveling...and he offered to help me....WOW!!!    What a treat!    I have a 3 car garage and a huge driveway...I never shovel it all the way since I only ha... 12/01/2010

Well it is interesting...for an area that is known as the Treasure Valley this whole year has been a bit different.... We are in the High Desert so our precipitation is only about 10-12 inches  each year...total.....Now i know some of you out there can get that in one storm....but not us!   I am trying to remember if I even had to shovel any snow this past year...I don't think I did....or if I did it was in December and it wasn't much.... I had shoulder surgery in January and was very worried about snow removal....my husband who is from Illinois laughed at the fact that he got to wash and wax the truck in January...in a sweatshirt!    And I am pretty sure I didn't shovel any snow after that either!!! So what is with the weather?    We have had very cold for us tempatures for about the p... 11/30/2010

Lottie Kendall posted a great Blog today referencing what items we should donate to our local food banks!!  ( http://activerain.com/blogsview/1992234/what-should-you-donate-to-your-local-food-bank- )  As I was reading this article I remembered a hint I had heard from some where...it was talking about the benefits of using coupons!   I know many of us use coupons and get some really good bargains....but what about the coupons out there that are for products that you don't use?   I would encourage you to use those coupons to buy stuff for free or next to nothing to donate to your food bank!   I know our Local Idaho Food Bank and the Boise Rescue Mission as well as the Nampa and Caldwell Salvation Armies could really use the help!    I don't eat a lot  of Hamburger Helper or Macaroni and C... 11/28/2010

Nampa Idaho Market Summary for Sunset Oaks   From May 1, 2010 as of November 24, 2010   10 homes are currently for sale      Average Price $100,290      Average price per SF $61      Average Days on Market 91   7 homes have sold these past 6+ months      Average price $99,814      Average price per SF $72      Average Days on Market 43   3 homes are currently pending sale      Average asking price $119,266      Average price per SF $63      Average Days on Market 149   Great buy on 2029 SF Home at 7431 Bay Meadows Dr.   Contact Don Wixom with RE/MAX Advantage for a market update for your Treasure Valley Subdivisions!   Call or Text (208) 880-5039 Your Idaho Real Estate Certified Residential Specialist     11/24/2010

I wish all of my buddies in Active Rain Land a very Blessed and wonderful Thanksgiving Day!!!   I pray for a wonderful time of food fun and fellowship...with family or friends!!! I will be going to my brothers house tomorrow afternoon...we will most likely eat dinner at 1:00  A turkey with all the fixens.... Then watch movies or Football!     Then later when we want dinner we will raid the desserts!  LOL   The weather is supposed to be chilly so I don't think we will be outside much! Now I am off to brave the grocery store!   Yikes!!!! This will be a special holiday as I won't be home for Christmas this year...i will be visiting my husband who lives out of state and recovering from a surgery on December 13th! Happy Thanksgiving everyone! 11/24/2010

I posted a blog a couple of weeks ago about a fundraiser at the new Edwards Gateway theatre!   It was a chance for new staff to learn their roles while helping to raise money for a few charities! The results are in....... Drum roll Please   Money raised was $41,000!!!  Isn't that Awesome! It will be disbursed to the following way: $12,500 for the Nampa and Caldwell Salvation Army Chapters $12,500 for Boys and Girls Club of Nampa $16,000 for the Lighthouse Rescue Mission   Thank you everyone who  participated!!   Another great fundraiser for the Idaho Food bank, the Salvation Army and the Boise Rescue Mission was the Boise State Bronco Football game against Hawaii.   Fans were asked to bring in cans of food... They brought in 8544 pounds of food enough for 6675 meals.   And Fans with out... 11/23/2010

Last week I wrote a blog post on shopping local.... Now that still is my preference to shop local boutiques and craft shows... But for some other bargains...looks like the major stores are going all out.... If you want to shop there...here are the hours for the stores in Nampa Idaho... To get the bargains you will need to get up very early...or maybe forgo sleep on Thanksgiving night! Here are the Black Friday store opening hours: Burlington Coat Factory 5 am - 11 pm JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts 6 am - 9 pm Ross Dress for Less  8 am - 11 pm Macy's 4 am - 11 pm JcPenney 4 am  - 11 pm Sports Authority 5 am - 9:30 pm Best Buy 5 am - 11 pm Kohls 3 am - midnight Cost Co 8 am - 8:30 pm Target 4 am - 11 pm Walmart 2 events Midnight and 5 am   11/21/2010

All sorts of things to do at Buffalo Wild Wings in Nampa Idaho 2101 North Cassia What is on tap for this week?    Watch Monday Night Football ...and get a chance to win a NFL Jersy at Halftime.  Tuesday Trivia...starting at 8 pm Wednesday is Karoake night ...from 9 pm til closing It is also Wild Wednesday ....kids night with 99cent kids meals from 5-9 and Ladies night $3 Margaritas and $2 Cape Cods As well as Teachers with an School  ID card will receive 15% off your bill On Friday November 26th watch the Boise State Broncos take on Nevada If you wear Boise State Blue or Orange you can receive: Saturday and Sunday 10 am -2 pm breakfast burritos Breakfast Flatbread, and $2 Bloody Mary's and Screwdrivers Don't for get to check out the beers of the month Short Stella Artois and Tall Miller... 11/21/2010

Cozy, 1100+ SF tri-plex unit on Indian Creek with quick Interstate access! Just 15 minutes to Boise, Idaho, this Nampa rental is in great condition and offers conveniences to downtown and freeway travel. Water, Sewer, Trash paid by landlord. Includes, Stove, Ref, Washer/Dryer, Microwave, Dishwasher, Garbage Disp & Fire Sprinklers! 3 Bed, 1.5 Bath, newer end-unit apartment with fresh paint. 6 month lease required. $500 deposit. Contact Don (call or text) 208-880-5039 If you know of anyone looking for a rental in Nampa Idaho, please tell them about this unit! Download Application   11/21/2010

Be True to Your School Vote for your favorite coach of the Week and win $750 for your high school atletic department Visit a sponsors website and nominate yiour high school coach and tell them why they deserve to be recognized! Sponsors are Commercial Tire, Idaho Steelheads, Idaho Stampede and Cooper Tires Contest runs til February 12th 2011   11/21/2010

It is time for the Canyon County Festival of Trees Gorgeous trees will be on display  from Friday November 26th to Monday November 29th, 2010 At the Nampa Civic Center All proceeds go to benefit the Nampa and Caldwell Meals on Wheels Programs Admission is as Follows: $4 adults, $3 seniors, $2 children $12 families up to 6 members $2 each groups of 10 price For event times check out www.canyoncountyfestivaloftrees.com or call Cynde Brewer at 208 573-0617 Special events include: Saturday Nov 27th Decorate your Holiday Stocking workshop  10-3 $10 for stocking Monday Nov 29th  Cooking Presentation from Copper Canyon with Wine Tasting $15 per person Tuesday Nov 30th  Festival of Trees Gala Dinner and Auction No host bar 5 pm Dinner at 6:30 pm Live entertainment and Auction of all Trees $50 p... 11/21/2010

At Wednesday's Nampa Chamber of Commerce Meeting, we had a powerful guest speaker with a dynamite message of persevering through life. He is one of the coaching staff for the Boise State University Broncos, Coach "V". He was great! Another highlight of the luncheon event, was our two neighboring mayors, Garret Nancolas of Caldwell, Idaho and our own Tom Dale of Nampa, Idaho. The two mayors have appeared at other events for community involvement and charity, but on this day, they sang the National Anthem in great harmony! The attendance was only about 400 people, but it is always great to open with a prayer, the pledge & then a patriotic song. This month, it was     The Singing Mayors...   11/18/2010

Here are this weeks Holiday  Bazaars!  I will be at the Canyon County Christmas Gift Show....hope to see you here!!!   Nov. 19 NAMPA — Canyon County Christmas Gift Show, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Idaho Center. More than 200 vendors, handcrafted items, food, decorations, and more. Admission price TBA, at the door.   Nov. 20 CALDWELL —Canyon Hill Nazarene Church Annual Ladies Bazaar, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., 903 N. Michigan. Christmas and fall arrangements, hot cinnamon rolls, baked goodies, soup for lunch, New to You booth and more. MIDDLETON — Middleton United Methodist Church Holiday Bazaar, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., 104 E. Main St., Children only shopping room, turned wood, soaps and lotion, honey, beeswax candles, jewelry, jellies, table runners, purses, baked potato bar, baked goods and more. NAMPA — Holiday Fall... 11/18/2010