Doesn't always happen in Northwest Indiana but the Weather Channel was right this time! Weather has to be one of the hardest things to predict.  This seems to be especially true in colder locations that get lake effect snow.  Such is the case for Valparaiso, Indiana which is just minutes away from Lake Michigan.  Today's forecast was right on the money.  It started snowing about 5:30 this morning and has just continued.  Since I had a dentist appointment scheduled this morning at 8:00, I left home early. Am I ever glad I did because the roads were a mess.  The road crews just hadn't had enough time to clear all the streets yet.  I arrived at the dentist office early only to find out that my appointment was actually for 9:00 not 8:00.  Opps!  I was very early and the dentist hadn't even ... 01/07/2010

I just read a well-written post on Active Rain by Diana Osowiecki about recycling.  She even included a informative video on how to recycle.  Her post made me stop to think about how much things have changed when it come to conserving and recycling.  For those of us who live in Valparaiso, Indiana the city government has made it easy and convenient for us to recycle.  Our recycling products get picked up each week on the same day as the trash pick-up.  Every resident in Valparaiso, Indiana is supplied with a large trash can for their trash and then a second can with a yellow lid specifically meant for the recycling products.  We don't even have to sort it any longer.  The recycling company purchased machinery a few years back that is able to sort the material into glass, paper, aluminum... 01/07/2010

The Village Park Enrichment Center has a priority of enriching the lives of adults 50 and above.  Members enjoy monthly scheduled activities, lunches, field trips and so much more.  Some of the monthly activities include Bingo, Western Dance, Bunco, and more.  Memberships are available to both Valparaiso, Indiana residents and non-residents.  Village Park Enrichment Center is located at 605 Beech Street in Valparaiso, Indiana in what used to be Banta Elementary School.   Valparaiso has found the perfect use for a city building that was not needed as a school any longer.  In fact, some of the members of Village Park Enrich Center can remember attended school as children in the same building!   01/06/2010

The 2009 Rising Star Award has been announced and the winner is from Valparaiso, Indiana!  Don Tersigni walked away as the Top Rated Comedian after competing against over 300 other comedians.  Don Tersigni has a natural ability to put people at ease with his easy going sense of humor.  His talent is evident from the first moment you meet him.  How do I know?   Well, he happens to be my next door neighbor.  Just think, I'll be able to say "I knew him when!"  To catch a glimpse of the award and Don Tersigni's talent, click on this link. If you have a special event coming up, Don Tersigni, the 2009 Rising Star, is available for performances at corporate shows, conventions, casinos, private shows, and churches around the country.  His link includes a calendar of some of his future shows.  B... 01/06/2010

Jeff Eriks, a Northwest indiana general contractor with Cambridge Construction, a NWI Commercial Construction Company, has built his business on Integrity and honesty.  In doing so, Cambridge Construction has built a reputation of not only listening to what you tell him you require in your building, but they also take the time to learn your business.  It is his belief that until you actually see the work being done, and how it relates to work space, you are unable to optimize your work space. Once the remodel/build has been completed work flow will be smoother and more productive. His blog entitled Money Saving Tips When Building or Remodeling is a good article about how he helps create the best possible build or remodel plan for his Clients. Timing is everything in business, and now is... 01/06/2010

Great news for the Valparaiso Indiana home market.  According to reports generated from the Greater Northwest Indiana Association of Realtors (GNIAR) MLS, the residential home market appears to be strengthening and showing a solid core of homes retaining or adding value.  The median house price rose again to $175,000 in 2009 in Valpo, continuing a strong trend over the last six years.  Cities across the country with a strong base of long time residents, core businesses, and higher education opportunities are reporting similar findings.  Unit sales of residential homes did drop slightly to 762 units for 2009 as the national economy was sluggish and lending challenges reduced employment continued.   The market as a whole was supported by the government tax credits of $8,000 for homebuyers... 01/06/2010

Today in mortgage rates As usual, I'll lead with disclaimers "the views expressed here are the opinion of the author, based on an understanding that quite often the market doesn't do what any of us expect."Mortgage interest rates are continuing to hold in the low 5's. Yesterday we were able to lock some customers, with solid credit and down payments, at 5.25 or even better if the customers were interested in paying a point to obtain a better rate for the next year. We should have today's rates at around 10 a.m. this morning.What's affecting the rates right now?   Read entire article by going to Northwest Indiana Mortgage Bank - Daily Briefs 01/04/2010

The Matt Evans Team of Keller Williams is proud to announce the addition of map search to our website at www.themattevansteam.com.  This tool has proven to be a very valuable tool for those looking for homes in our area.  Home buyers and investors can literally mouse-over properties and click on the properties for more information.  It's a great way to look at a whole neighborhood in Valparaiso, Porter County, or the rest of the Northwest Indiana GNIAR MLS region.  From the left side navigation, click on Home Search, then in body of next page click on Search for Properties in the area.   When searching, you can zoom in, zoom out, set search criteria parameters, and more.  You can set price ranges, features, or other limiting factors to streamline your search. Be sure to setup your own a... 01/04/2010

Dozens and dozens of cookies were made on Christmas Eve by my daughter, Jess.  All the cookies went to our church, Faith Evangelical Bible Church,on the 24th for all to share.  The sad part is that all the yummy cookies are all gone!  They all disappeared by the time the evening was over.  The Cookie Monster in me wants more cookies.  Not that I should have anymore but a warm cookie on this cold day in Valparaiso, Indiana just sounds so good.  Oh, wait......There's more of Jess' cookie dough in the freezer.  All I have to do is heat up the oven and bake for 11 minutes.  Got to go....I've got cookies to bake!  I've got priorities, you know.        These are just a few examples of the assortment of cookies made by Jess Tron.  All cookies were devoured at Faith Evangelical Bible Church in ... 01/04/2010

Yesterday morning I was out early in the peacefulness of a Sunday morning shoveling our freshly fallen snow.  There's something so beautiful about a blanket of white snow on the ground.  The rabbits that live under our shrubs and blue spruce tree had been out even earlier and left their paw prints across our yard. Snow has fallen in Valparaiso, Indiana for the last 3 days.  I have to admit that I enjoy the snowfalls.  I don't even mind shoveling my driveway but don't tell my husband that since I've been trying to talk him into buying a snow blower.  Well, I couldn't let the morning go by without a picture for you to enjoy along with me.  01/04/2010

Now here's great thing for those college students who need their coffee to stay up late to study but are also on a tight budget.  Do you know any college students who are NOT in that situation?  Here's a bit of help to make it through a Monday.  Starting January 4, 2010, Mondays are College Student Night at Evelyn Bay Coffee Company in Valparaiso, Indiana.  Just present you college ID and all coffee drinks are 50% off between 3 - 10 PM.  Yes, they have wireless internet available so you can actually get some work done as you enjoy their wonderful coffee.  Beware that they close at 10:00 PM.  For those of you that wait until Monday night to start on your project that is due on Tuesday morning, you'll have to find somewhere else to stay up for your all-night marathon of homework. College ... 01/02/2010

What a Game on New Years Eve - Valparaiso University Crusaders Win in Final Seconds 55-54 over University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Panthers !   Ok, so the scoreboard photo is blurry (hey, this game was a nail-biter :) but it shows that with 3.8 seconds, Valparaiso University Crusaders trailed by 1 &  Milwaukee Panthers coach took a time out to set up a play to inbound the ball which is stolen away (intercepted) by Valpo Senior Brandon McPherson who takes it to the basket himself for the W ! Click link below to watch video recap of this exciting games top moments including the loud ending-> Highlights & final awesome play from the Horizon Network TV or read a written recap of the game from VU's website-> 12/31/2009 - Men's BasketballMcPherson Steal and Layup Gives Valpo One-Point Win in Fi... 01/01/2010

The old saying "Looks Can Be Deceiving" is especially true today in Valparaiso, Indiana.  Looking out my from my home office, it's an absolutely glorious sunny day outside.  A clear blue sky up above and with snow on the ground makes it seem like it'd be a nice day to be outdoors.  Don't be deceived.  It's zero degrees out there!  Just a little chilly.  I haven't stepped out yet but I'm sure I will in just a little bit.  The wind doesn't seem to be blowing so that is a good thing.  If you are going out today in the sunshine of Valparaiso, Indiana, bundle up because it is colder that it looks.  Boy, I sure am sounding motherly on this first day of 2010!  Let's have some hot cocoa and warm cookies. 01/01/2010

It's back for the spring semester!  Do you enjoy reading and trying your hand at writing poetry or short stories?  Do you look forward to a book reading?  Well, then this is the perfect thing for you to attend: Wordfest at Valparaiso University. Sponsored by the English Department and Cultural Arts Committee of Valparaiso University, Wordfest is a series of readings, lectures, and discussions by professional writers.  The best part is that all events are free and open to the public.  The first session of 2010 takes place on Monday, January 25 at the Brauer Museum of Art on the campus of Valparaiso University.  The guest speaker on this night will be Susan Neville, a creative nonfiction and short story writer.  Wordfest starts at 7:00 pm. Here's a link to the calendar of events for the 2... 12/30/2009

Elkhart Real Estate Agent Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Realty says, why would you want to live anywhere else except Northern Indiana?  Well, except for the snow of course, because Indiana and Northwest Indiana has resources for everyone!  I just read some very interesting posts by #nwiseogroup about: Josh Walker, an audio engineer who produces music and records for budding musical talent; Jeff Eriks, who owns Cambridge Construction Company Steve Dalton, the Senior Loan Officer for Sierra Pacific Mortgage, Scott Swinford who does Credit Repair and Loan Modification; Christopher Buckley NW Indiana Attorney who posts free information on his NWI Lawyer Blog! Check out these people, as you are sure to learn something helpful now or later! 12/30/2009

After days of cold, clouds, and snow, there is beautiful sunshine in Valparaiso, Indiana this afternoon!  Sunshine is streaming in my windows.  The snow on the ground is glistening against the sunshine.  There is just something about sunshine that helps brighten the day. It seems to energize people......but... not cats.  I am ready to go out in the sunshine while my three cats are dozing in the sunshine! Well, I might have to go out and enjoy our bit of sunshine by taking advantage of some of those After Christmas Sales.  Yes, and I have a gift card to Penneys!  Clear out people because here I come!  Can you tell that I love sunshine in Valparaiso, Indiana? 12/29/2009

Buying a Home, in Northwest Indiana, whether it is your first or twenty fifth home, takes a cooperative effort of a handfull of people. Here are some first steps to guide you in your search: Gather your Tax Returns, Pay Stubs, List of Bills you owe and; Get Pre-appoved by a Northwest Indiana Mortgage Lender--Sierra Pacific Mortgage will tell you exactly what you can afford, and makes an offer stronger to a Home Seller, Hint: A Bank can only offer you the programs that bank offers, a Mortgage Lender finds you the best rates tailored to your situation...whether you live in Valparaiso, Portage or Chesterton, Sierra Pacific Mortgage works for YOU! Your Northwest Indiana Mortgage Lender will have REALTOR(r)'s they work with (have synergy with) and can refer you to someone who will work well ... 12/28/2009

You have found your dream home.  Good for you!  But before you sign all the paperwork, take a step back.  Take some time.  Are you getting lost in your dream?  STOP and take a dose of reality! Don't get lost in your dream home! The real estate market is in a constant state of change.  Regulations set to protect the consumers are also being updated constantly.  All too often, I find buyers and sellers do not understand the real estate process.  It can be very confusing and overwhelming, especially for the first time buyer.  My advice to both buyers and sellers is to ask lots of questions all along the way.  Educate yourself and understand what you are signing.  Your real estate professional works for you and is there to protect your interests.  If there is a question they cannot answer, ... 12/28/2009

Buy yourself some Clark Popcorn Company popcorn from Valparaiso, Indiana and enjoy!  The popcorn is "hand made in small batches"--a truly great product from a small family business.  Owned and operated by longtime Valparaiso resident Scott Clark, the company is making popped popcorn in all sorts of flavors--from Caramel Pecan to Chipotle Cheddar and it is GOOD!  It is especially delicious when watching a movie at home in the nasty weather.  The family has over 50 years experience in the popcorn industry, so they have experience and pride in everything they do.  According to Scott, the company creates their own products from individual ingredients for the best flavor.  Sounds like the Popcorn Festival is on their calendar for 2010, so be sure to stop by the booth. To find more out about ... 12/23/2009

I am so excited!  Only 2 days left until Christmas.  There's snow on the ground and there's a forecast of more.  Snow just adds to the feeling of Chirstmas for me.  Tomorrow promises to be a busy, busy day.  For me there's seems to be two kinds of business.  One, is the kind that you wonder when it's ever going to end.  The second kind of busy is when you hope it doesn't end too quickly because it's fun being busy! Well, tomorrow will be a fun type of busy!  Baking lots and lots of cookies.  Making appetizers galore for Christmas Eve at Faith Evangelical Bible Church.  Many of our appetizers came from AR member's suggestions of recipes that I cannot wait to try.  The Foodaholics and Bon Appetit groups are great places for cooking ideas. Just in case I run out of time, here's my wish for... 12/22/2009