I’m very excited to have received the State of Florida’s Minority, Women, and Service-Disabled Veteran Business Certification for Green Realty in November of 2011. I’ve been meaning to post about this, but the holiday bustle followed by the beginning of the year’s madness, caused a delay.   My very dear friend Steve David, suggested that I apply for this certification that, from my understanding, is not easily obtained. The objective of the Office of Supplier Diversity is to improve business and economic opportunities for Florida’s minorities, women, and service-disabled veteran business enterprises. Essentially, it makes Green Realty eligible to be connected with “government spenders”. It was a very long and tedious process to apply for this certification, but I’m thrilled to have it! ... 02/14/2012

Kale is an amazing vegetable often called the "Queen of Greens". I happen to agree with that title and with several friends watching their diets, either for weight loss or for the betterment of their health, I wanted to share 2 simple ways to prepare and enjoy this flavorful and nutritious food to show them my support. Kale Salad                                                                                                                What you need: ·         2 Bunches of Kale, washed - ripped leafy part from vein in big pieces ·         ¼ Cup of Olive Oil ·         2 Teaspoons of Salt ·         3 Cloves of Garlic, crushed ·         ¼ cup of nutritional Yeast ·         1 Teaspoon of lemon juice of Apple Cider Vinegar ·         Gloves (to massage the leaf pieces)     What do you do: ... 02/07/2012

  As some of you may already know, I became a Certified Gourmet Raw Vegan Chef last month.   I promised my friends I would share the delicious recipes I learned in the course. And since today is Super Bowl Sunday, I can’t think of a more appropriate recipe to prepare than my incredibly mouth watering and easy-to-make Salsa!     This is what you need:   ·         4 Medium tomatoes, seeded and diced ·         1 Small Jalapeno Pepper, ·         1 Small Vidalia onion, thinly sliced or 2 green onions thinly sliced ·         1 Clove of garlic, crushed ·         2 Tablespoons of cilantro, minced ·         1 Teaspoon of sea salt     This is what you do:   Simply combine all ingredients. Let it sit at least 15 minutes before serving.     Tips:   Use organic ingredients whenever possible, especia... 02/05/2012

I’ve seen a lot of my ActiveRain peers set up their goals at the end of the year and then post their accomplishments. I am going to do a much smaller version, for the month of January. Of course, my listings and sales are huge accomplishments for me no matter what month we are in, but I just wanted to focus on the following two since they are new...one being professional, the other personal. Professionally, I wrote and taught my first class called "Keeping Your Sanity while Working Short Sales". It was very exciting and I loved it! I hope it’s the first of many this year. Personally, I became a Certified Raw Vegan Chef this month! I’m particularly proud of that accomplishment, since it allows me to give my family more delicious vegan options (I’m the only vegan in the family).  I can’t ... 02/01/2012

Some short sales makes us completely disregard our diets so it is nice when our sellers sends us delicious snacks.   This awesome gift basket was sent to us by our wonderful Sellers whose short sale was just closed in Plantation, FL. They were most cooperative and a pleasure to work with and we thank them so much! 01/31/2012

Two Cats.Two catsOne up a treeOne under the treeThe cat up a tree is heThe cat under the tree is a sheThe tree is witch elm, just incidentallyHe takes no notice of she, she takes no notice of he.He stares at the woolly clouds passing, she stares at the tree.There`s been alot written about cats, by Old Possum, Yeats and company,But not Alfred de Musset or Lord Tennyson or Poe or anybody.Wrote about one cat under, and one cat up a tree,God knows why, this should be left for meExcept I like cats, as cats beEspecially one cat up,And one cat under,A witch elm,tree. 01/27/2012

  "Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals." Martin Luther King, Jr.   I believe that if every person spent just part of their time fighting for an injustice that they were passionate about, we would be living in a much better place. There’s still too much of turning the blind eye, and we shouldn’t be honoring people like Dr. King just one day out of the year. I encourage everyone to volunteer their time to a cause of their liking, and you’ll find that your life and your world will change for the better.     01/16/2012

Honeybells Are In Season - Only in January!  Honeybell season is short lived, but for those who love this delicious fruit....get them while you can! Unfortunately, Honeybells are only available in January. The local farmers markets sell them by the bushel or by the pound, but they are stocked with them and when January is over...they are gone. Honeybells come in two sizes...a small round Honeybell or the larger Honeybell that resembles a small grapefruit. Both are equally sweet, contain literally no seeds, and peel very easily. South Floridians await    their arrival and then crowd the markets when Honeybell season arrives.                     Spykes Grove located in Davie, has a farmers market that sells Honeybells, as well as wonderful fresh fruits and vegetables. Gift baskets can be ... 01/16/2012

  There are dog people and there are cat people. While I love both, my Transaction Coordinator, Marianna, is partial to dogs. This is her rebuttal to all my cat posts. In her words, all the dog people will appreciate this poem (I sure do).   Once I was a lonely dog, Just looking for a home. I had no place to go, No one to call my own. I wandered up and down the streets, in rain, in heat, and snow. I ate whatever I could find, I was always on the go. My skin would itch, my feet were sore, My body ached with pain, And no one stopped to give a pat Or to gently say my name. I never saw a loving glance, I was always on the run. For people thought that hurting me was really lots of fun. And then one day I heard a voice So gentle, kind and sweet, And arms so soft reached down to me And took m... 01/15/2012

  The Cat Owner's Prayer     Because I'm only human, it's sometimes hard to be   The wise, all-knowing creature that my cats expects of me.   And so I pray for special help to somehow understand   The subtle implications of each proud meowed command   Oh, let me not forget that chairs were put on earth to shred   And what I like to call a lap is actually a bed   I know it's really lots to ask but please, oh please, take pity   And though I'm only human, make me worthy of my Kitties!!!     Meet my kitties!!    Davidson    Tobbie Marble                        Ronnie II   Jodie Foster-Forever             01/06/2012

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! I wish everyone a healthy, happy, and prosperous 2012 - full of love and lots of sales! 2011 was a rough year at the very least and a very interesting one at the very best. How was 2011 for you, and what are you hoping for in 2012? Do you have a New Year's Resolution?     12/31/2011

  Take action now to turn it around in 2012   Recent economic upheaval has taken a hefty toll on most of us. It’s impossible to know what’s next in 2012, or to know the kind of an impact that an unstable market will have on your family’s finances.   Regardless of what happens in Washington or on Wall Street, two things are very clear: 1) you are not alone; and 2) now is the time to brace for changes.   Unemployment and underemployment are national epidemics, and 25% of the homeowners in the country owe more on their mortgage than their home is now worth. Unfortunately, the sad truth is that homeownership has become a financial liability for many. Many homeowners feel like they're stuck between a rock and a hard place because they cannot afford to make payments on their home and they can... 12/27/2011

I want to wish everyone who celebrates a very Merry Christmas! I know most of us have had to overcome many obstacles this year, but I sincerely hope that these tribulations help us focus on the spirit of the season and help us appreciate our everyday blessings. I hope that you're surrounded with loved ones and that you have a wonderful day.   12/24/2011

To all our friends who celebrate the Festival of Lights: May the warmth and glow of each candle you light make your heart and home happy and your Chanukah bright! Everyone at Green Realty wishes you and all your loved ones a very Happy Chanukah and healthy, happy, and prosperous 2012!     12/20/2011

  I’ve never understood why women love cats. Cats are independent, they don’t listen, they don’t come in when you call, they like to stay out all night, and when they’re home they like to be left alone and sleep. In other words, every quality that women hate in a man they love in a cat.       Tobbie Marble the Kitty 12/16/2011

CHRISTMAS PHOTO CHALLENGE - SPOTTY IS UNDER THE TREE    The holidays are a time for gatherings and joy with our loved ones, and a reminder to cherish those we love. Unfortunately the holidays also remind some of us of those we've lost, whether family, friends, or pets, and there will always be a void in our hearts. This picture below shows my beloved Spotty under the Christmas tree before he passed away this year. Although I miss Spotty more and more every day, I know that my Spotty is still around me in spirit, and I hope everyone who feels as I do finds a little comfort in knowing that as long as we remember them, they'll never really be gone. It may sound silly to be so sad over a pet, but those of us who consider our pets as part of the family know what I'm talking about. For those ... 12/12/2011

 Happiness is a warm puppy... or kitty... or senior dog or cat! Spread happiness this holiday season by coming out and supporting the Broward County Animal Shelter during their Howliday Wonderland! I strongly encourage anyone who can to adopt or foster a pet this holiday season. Not only will you be rescuing an animal, but you'll be bringing joy to your home.     12/09/2011

  Below is an article sent to me by a Realtor friend of mine, and while I usually don’t pass along posts like this, this particular one made an impression on me. I really think it’s a smart idea, and would make a world of difference to the local businesses and the gift recipients.   Everyone is struggling, so why not help them out with something that they need rather than something unnecessary. I understand that this may not go over well with children, but I’m sure many adults would be super appreciative for any help that they can get. What do you all think?     Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods --merchandise that has been produced a... 12/07/2011

  When God Created Kitty Cats When God created kitty cats, He had no recipe; He knew He wanted something sweet, As sweet as sweet could be. He started out with sugar, Adding just a trace of spice; Then stirred in drops of morning dew, To keep them fresh and nice. He thought cats should be soft to pet, Thus He gave them coats of fur; So they could show they were content, He taught them how to purr. He made for them long tails to wave, While strutting down the walk; Then trained them in meow-ology, So they could do cat-talk. He made them into acrobats, And gave them grace and poise; Their wide-eyed curiosity, He took from little boys. He put whiskers on their faces, Gave them tiny ears for caps; Then shaped their little bodies, To snugly fit on laps. He gave them eyes as big as saucers, T... 12/05/2011

  Many days I thank my lucky stars that I’m part of such an incredible Board of Realtors. Ever since I joined and got involved with the South Broward Board of Realtors, they have welcomed me with open arms and given me many opportunities to learn so much and grow. I get so much out of them, so I was super flattered when I received this invitation to be recognized for my Board service. I hope that all of you are part of a great Board that inspires you to get involved and shows you as much love as mine has shown me. I am looking forward to spending time with my REALTOR friends tonight; it will be a great evening.   12/01/2011