I Love Orchids, But They Don't Love Me!       I love orchids, real or artificial. They are very elegant, beautiful, exotic, but unfortunately, high maintenance. I bought one plant on my second year in real estate in 2006. Just like any orchid plant bought from stores, it starts out with very tall, long stems filled with blooms. After the blooms withered,  I anticipated more blooms the following year... but that didn't happen. I kept tending it the way I know how, (watering when completely dry, in a bright location) but it lost the second shoot regardless.  It didn't bloom in 2007, nor 2008, and not in 2009, either. But wait, in March of last year, these beauties showed up!         In 2009, hubby brought home a beautiful orchid plant for me, again this one had two long stems filled with ... 05/11/2011

It's Hamburger Helper Night, You Know! So here I am on the 10th of the 31 Days of May Challenge; what to write about I still don't know! I'm supposed to have some topics in the pipeline, in case the ideas dry up (but there's nothing there now, you know). I can write about politics (sometimes can be divisive, you know). Don't want to talk about my clients and my deals, (fiduciary, you know). Don't want to talk about my family (I'm private, you know).   I can tease my husband, but he's busy in the basement (doing one of the honey dos, you know). And can't talk about fleas (don't have a dog, you know). Now the Chef has to go... (it's Hamburger Helper night, you know).   05-10-2011 05/10/2011

Gas Prices on Parade   When the price of oil goes up, consumers immediately feel the pinch at the gas pumps. I have my iPhone with me at the ready, so I took pictures of posted gas prices in my neighborhood.  This is the first one taken on April 23 as it reached $4.00/gallon at our local Sam's Club, just south of O'Fallon, Illinois.                                                                                                                                                A week later, time to fill up again on May 3 in a local gas station in the business center of O'Fallon Highway 50.      What a difference an evening makes on May 4 on the intersection of US Highway 50 and Scott Troy Road merely five minutes from where I live.         Hooray! I took this just tonight on the way home fr... 05/09/2011

Paulo's at the Mansion - an Elegant Restaurant in O'Fallon, Illinois One of my favorite restaurants is right here deep in the heart of O'Fallon, Illinois. It's Paulo's at the Mansion, nestled in a park-like setting surrounded by mature trees, looking out over a small lake.  It was built in 1857, a two-story Italianate style brick building with a square cupola on the third floor. In early 2000 it was completely rehabbed to be used as a restaurant called The Mansion at Lakepointe.  Though the fare was great, the former owners had to close down the enterprise.  Enter David Kappert and Paulo Pacheco who brought with them, along with their culinary talents, the business savvy this place needed.  After more restoration inside and out, they opened this elegant yet understated mansion in its pr... 05/08/2011

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAYMAY 1, 20111:00 - 3:00 P. M. 1209 Applewhite, O'Fallon, IL 62269 Visit this open house and see for yourself this ready to move in home with 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, and more than 2500 square feet of spacious living.  As you enter the open foyer, the lovely staircase between the formal living room and dining room greets you.  The family room and the kitchen are separated by a serving bar perfect for entertaining.  Off the kitchen is the breakfast area that opens to the sunroom with two decks on each side. Double doors open to the master suite upstairs with a walk-in closet.  Two other bedrooms are upstairs, and an extra room that opens to the stairway is an ideal area for an office or study. Mature trees in the backyard offer privacy and the level lot will accomodate a swimm... 04/30/2011

Celebrate the Month of the Military Child April is designated the Month of the Military Child for all our military members' children and youth under 18.  They are recognized for their resiliency, character, and sacrifices in their role in the armed forces community.  *This Defense Department Commemoration is part of the legacy of the former Secretary of Defense, Caspar Weinberger, and first celebrated in 1986.  Scott Air Force Base in Illinois will cap this celebration on Saturday, April 30, 2011 from 10:00-2:00 P. M. at the Youth Center's Youth Fair. Fun activities are scheduled for the kids to participate in: - Mad Science - Circus Harmony- 4-H Skill-a-thon - Basketball Tournament - Petting Zoo.  Call (618) 744-9862 to find out more. Come out and support this event! *Edited For your l... 04/27/2011

The Manors at Fairwood Hills Home Owners' Association Meeting If you happen to live in The Manors at Fairwood Hills in O'Fallon, Illinois, there's an Home Owners' Association (HOA) Meeting on Thursday, April 28, 2011, at 7:00 P. M. It will be held at the O'Fallon Public Safety Building on 285 North Seven Hills Road just across the YMCA Building in O'Fallon. Contact Yolanda for your local public service announcements. 04/25/2011

Enjoy These Beauties While They Last There's a Weather Warning and Weather Watch issued for Scott Air Force Base, IL tonight.  It's reported that 3/4 to 1-1/2 inch hail is expected.  We live in O'Fallon--about 10 minutes from the base, and chances are the storm will also affect us.  So, I decided to take pictures of our tulips in full bloom in the backyard late this afternoon.  If the storm comes this way, I would have captured the images of these beauties. Fair is fair, my husband planted them last fall.  He seems to have the green thumb in the family.  Aren't they beautiful?  I hope the storm doesn't damage them too much, but from the looks of the sky just now, we might not have a tulip garden tomorrow.  Enjoy! Picture of the Moment - Tulips in Bloom   04/19/2011

Pictures from the Bridal Expo 2011 - Scott Club Since I blogged about the Scott Air Force Base Bridal Expo I thought it fitting to attend, and post some pictures from this event. The weather turned a bit chilly and overcast today, but the trees by the club are blooming. The Expo Hall and the Banquet - yum! The bridal gowns displayed were beautiful. All gowns courtesy of Simply Elegant of St. Louis, Missouri.   Created by Patty Cakes of Highland, Illinois. Created by Cake Artistry of Belleville, Illinois.   Beautiful floral arrangements everywhere!   Catered by the Scott Club, Scott Air Force Base. Scott Air Force Base is the third largest employer in the Metro East.  O'Fallon and the Southwestern Illinois area are proud to be called its neighbors. 03/24/2011

Bridal Expo 2011 at Scott Air Force Base Club, Illinois     Spring is in the air, snow has come and gone (for now), and today is a beautiful, and sunny day.  It's  that time of year when brides-to-be are looking for places to shop and gather ideas and inspiration for that fairy tale dress for that special date and occasion.   Bridal shows are fun to attend since I get to see beautiful dresses, and it's special to watch the mothers and their daughters get excited about what's available.  I also like to see the latest trend in table and floral arrangements, not to mention the awesome, unique, & whimsical cakes that bakers create.  They look yummy as well! Come and see several specialty shops including wedding cakery exhibit their latest, beautiful collections at the Scott Air Force Base S... 03/16/2011

With pride, but sad hearts O'Fallon will welcome back Airman 1st Class Zachary Ryan Cuddeback tonight in a funeral procession.  He, along with Senior Airman Nicholas J. Alden of South Carolina were killed in the line of duty in Frankfurt, Germany on March 2.  Zac was born at Scott Air Force Base in July 1989 and moved out of the area when he was 14 years old.  He was an "Army brat" and joined the United States Air Force in 2009.  He was assigned to 86th Vehicle Readiness Squadron in March 2010 after graduating from basic training. He was survived by his parents, his younger brother, and his puppy, Einstein.  He will be interred with full military honors next to his grandfather at St. Joseph's Cemetery in O'Fallon tomorrow afternoon, March 12.  Our hearts and prayers go out to his parent... 03/11/2011

Time to think of Spring! Check out the American Girl Fashion Show at the Hilton's Regency Conference Center - 400 Regency Park in O'Fallon, IL on Saturday, March 12, 2011. Show times are: 9:00AM, 12:30PM, 4:00PM, tickets are for $35.Call the O'Fallon Parks and Recreation for more details, 618-624-0319. It should be fun! View Larger Map 03/08/2011

1 Corinthians 3:15 (GOD’S WORD Translation) 15If his work is burned up, he will suffer the loss. However, he will be saved, though it will be like going through a fire. What do you think is the most important in your  life? Is it your job? How important was the super bowl to you to watch? Is your home the most important thing in your life? Now, there’s nothing wrong with these things, but I want to ask you: What is there about your life that is going to remain when the mountains have crumbled? When the stars have fallen from their sockets?Wood, hay, and stubble are going up in flames! Everything looks very different to us when we look thru the lenses of eternity. 1 Corinthians 3:14 (GOD’S WORD Translation) 14If what a person has built survives, he will receive a reward. Is what you are... 02/22/2011

DIY Steps to Kitchen Improvements - Before & After This could have been titled, "Three Easy Steps..." but we have different interpretations of the word "easy" so keep it mind that the steps are dependent on your skill level or that of your significant other, relative, or friend.  These steps are not expensive and can be done in a weekend: The kitchen before:  What did we not replace:  The valance over the kitchen sink, sink, faucet, cabinets, dishwasher, range/oven, the countertops, and we did not provide a refrigerator. What we did on this kitchen: 1.  Painted the walls, 2.  Re-routed the light fixture wiring, and replaced the light fixtures, 3.  Staged with everyday props. We replaced the vinyl flooring, however since it was in good condition, it was probably unnecessary. The kitchen ... 02/21/2011

It's Just Hot Water Hubby and I went out to a Chinese buffet in O'Fallon earlier tonight.  As we sat down, we ordered water and hot tea.  The server said that they were out of hot tea.  My husband and I looked at each other kinda incredulous at this.  What kind of a Chinese restaurant is this?  No hot tea?  Server looked at the hostess, hostess looked at the server, then I said it's just... hot water. The hostess spoke to the server, you can do this, go get them hot tea!  We laughed, and proceeded to the buffet table.  When we came back the tea was there, all hot and steamy.   All was well, and we had a good dinner, with hot tea.  The end. 02/16/2011

She Claims I just don't understand! I just don't understand my wife. She's always nagging me to keep things around the house fixed up.   I replaced the broken door latch on her car.   I installed new faucets in the kitchen sink.   I fixed the sagging kitchen cabinets.  I replaced the rotten steps by the front door.   She wanted a Porta-Potty" for when we went camping.   She wanted more privacy in thebathroom.   I fixed everything she wanted.  And still, she isn't happy!                                                     Local Scott AFB | Metro East IL Real Estate Guide Metro East & Scott AFB Illinois Home StoreBe The First To Find Your New Home You may use this local Scott AFB - Metro East Illinois real estate website to search for every home for sale surrounding Scott Air Force Base ... 02/06/2011

Are you looking to buy a home for sale in OFallon, IL? There are 227 Homes for sale in O'Fallon IL actively being marketed on 12/20/10. These homes are all price ranges, from the least $29,900 to the highest price of $869,900. Our average listing price is $218,888 and have an average Days On Market of 149 days. Status - A TOT LP: $9,889,171 HI: $534,900 LO: $152,500 MEDIAN: $211,675 AVG: $241,199 AVG DM/CDM: 218/506   Property Type - N TOT LP: $9,889,171 HI: $534,900 LO: $152,500 MEDIAN: $211,675 AVG: $241,199 AVG DM/CDM: 218/506   Grand Total: TOT LP: $49,687,510 HI: $869,900 LO: $29,900 MEDIAN: $200,000 AVG: $218,888 AVG DM/CDM: 149/226   Displaying matches 1 through 227 of 227 Only 24 homes have sold in OFallon between 11/20/10 to 12/20/10 in the last month.The lowest sales price was... 12/20/2010

File this under SOLD! I'm happy to announce that after close to six months of marketing, I just sold my own house.  It was a little underwhelming since it was priced to sell... really.  Sellers nowadays are under pressure to sell for whatever they can get or be prepared to pay monthly mortgage, insurance, and horrors of all... taxes if the property hasn't sold after one year.  We didn't want to wait for another six months, so the new homeowners got themselves a great deal, and for what we can tell, they're very excited to move in this house.   And I totally understand.  Best wishes to the new family on 13 Shallowbrook Drive, O'Fallon, IL! 12/19/2010

Have you been considering buying or selling an upper end home in O'Fallon IL priced over $350,000 So far this year there have been 18 "Re-Sale" homes that have sold in O'Fallon, IL list priced from $350,00 and higher. Status - C TOT LP: $8,433,300 HI: $790,000 LO: $359,900 MEDIAN: $397,400 AVG: $468,517   TOT SP: $7,913,400 HI: $755,000 LO: $345,000 AVG DM/CDM: 174/222 AVG: $439,633 Property Type - S TOT LP: $8,433,300 HI: $790,000 LO: $359,900 MEDIAN: $397,400 AVG: $468,517   TOT SP: $7,913,400 HI: $755,000 LO: $345,000 AVG DM/CDM: 174/222 AVG: $439,633 Grand Total: TOT LP: $8,433,300 HI: $790,000 LO: $359,900 MEDIAN: $397,400 AVG: $468,517   TOT SP: $7,913,400 HI: $755,000 LO: $345,000 AVG DM/CDM: 174/222 AVG: $439,633 Displaying matches 1 through 18 of 18 These homes have had an aver... 10/15/2010

Just SOLD!  After having three open houses  on this property in the span of four months, this property went under contract in early September and closed at the end of the month. The new family is very excited about this purchase and they will enjoy its spaciousness and great location for many years to come.  May they make many happy memories here. 13 Ravenwood Circle, O'Fallon, IL 622694 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, more than 2900 SF, on gorgeous and private setting.  Located only minutes to Scott Air Force Base, easy access to I-64, close to shopping and dining, and St. Louis, MO is only 25 minutes away.     10/08/2010