Support Your Darnestown Lemonade Stand
September 8th, 2008 categories: Movin Information, Movin Lifestyle
One of my favorite memories from my childhood was setting up the card table at the end of the driveway and sellin’ lemonade. I would be in charge of the sign. One paper cup of our best stuff would run ya a nickel. My mom would make the lemonade, or Kool-Aid if we had a special request and we would go out front and wait for the mad run on our lemonade stand. Strangers would stop by and get a cup or so and we had our regulars that would have a cup or so and visit with us. When we were all out, we were in charge of bringing in the pitcher and cups to Mom for clean up and Mom would get the card table for us. When the clean up was done, we would divy up the loot and run to the store and buy gum, candy, comics or the like. It was our money and we could do with it what we wanted.
As an adult I have always supported the local lemonade stand trade in my area. I have been out showing houses a few times to drive past kids selling lemonade. I ALWAYS pull over and treat my clients to a cup of the good stuff. It does two things, Gives us a little break and refreshment and thrills the kids. I think that those are the kinds of things that help build kid’s self esteem to know they can succeed.
Today, after I came home, I did my usual routine of getting Hutch, my dog, and going for our afternoon walk. We walked our normal trek and came back to find the kids that live across the street had set up shop while Hutch and I were out. The had the card table, sign, cups the entire deal. Jordan and Zander out there working their lemonade stand.
Now, I tell you, inflation is a tough thing but I think Jordan and Zander’s prices were fair. They charged .25 cents for one cup or two cups for .40 cents. Please note the sign, the bowl is for the money. I thought that was a pretty good deal. Jordan told my that one cup was one quarter and two cups were four quarters? Jordan also instructed me to make sure Hutch did not poop anywhere near the stand, it wouldn’t be good for business. I told her I understood and we would refrain from such things.
They were cute and so excited to sell their lemonade. They told me they would only be there as long they still had cups for customers and that they were not going to drink any of the lemonade, they had to save it for the customers.
Next time you are in Darnestown Maryland, be sure to stop off at Jordan and Zander’s Lemonade Stand. They are sure to please.
Hhmmm. . . . I think we might have a little agent in the making?
| Discussion: 2 Comments »
Fall Fun at Butler’s Orchard
September 5th, 2008 categories: Movin Consumers, Movin Entertainment
Back when I was a kid I didn’t really like Fall. I guess it was the end of the Summer vacation and the start of school . Now, it is my favorite time of the year. The weather is cooler, holidays are on the way and the turning of the leaves make this time of the year something I look forward to.
During the Fall, one of the best things you can do is visit Butler’s Orchard in Germantown Maryland. Butler’s Orchard has been a working farm for 50 years. It is also a country store and entertainment for any and everyone. There are several different fruits and vegetables that you can pick yourself. You should check the schedule to see when your favorites are in season.
I talked to Bob, from Butler’s Orchard, yesterday when I was picking up some fresh fruit and he told me he grills fresh vegetables the second weekend every month during the Summer season. Bob said that they play music, dance, sample his veggies and have a good old time. If that sounds like fun to you, September 13th and 14th will be the last weekend for Bob’s Grilling for the season.
Even if you miss Bob’s fun, you won’t want to miss the Annual Pumpkin Harvest. There are Hay rides where you go out into the pumpkin patch and pick your own pumpkins. There will be a pumpkin party every weekend from September 27th to the End of October.
There is something for each season. They have a Christmas Tree Farm. You can go and pick out your own Christmas Tree and take it home. The Thursday before Easter, there is a big Easter egg hunt and hay ride. Make sure you bring your Easter basket. You can even have Birthday parties at Butler’s Orchard..
If you have never been, you have to check out Butler’s Orchard. Fall is the perfect season to start having fun at Butler‘s Orchard. Calendar of Events Here.
Now, Fall is one of my favorite seasons. Butler’s Orchard is a Montgomery County Gem not to be missed.
| Discussion: 1 Comment »
The Worst Traffic Day of the Year . . .
August 28th, 2008 categories: Movin Consumers, Movin Information
The DC area, with it’s suburbs, is ranked as one of the top 5 worst traffic areas in the country. Right up there with Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Atlanta and DC. Actually, without looking up the exact statistics, I think these cities are the top 5 worst traffic cities in the country? I know, I know you folks down in Miami have some complaining to do too, so go ahead.
The traffic is always something we contend with in our area. Heck, I time showings and appointments around it just so I don’t have to run late or suffer the pain of sitting on the Beltway. You folks that do it day in and day out, I don’t know how you do it? Bless your hearts, I think it must get to you all sometimes.
The good news is once school is out and Summer is here the traffic seems to lighten up in our area. Folks are on vacation and out of the area. August can be like a ghost town. I marvel at how empty the parking lot at my office building is during the Summer months.
But then it happens. Labor Day weekend comes and goes and it is back to the real world for all of us. Yep, I think the Tuesday after Labor Day is the WORST traffic day of the year. Everyone is back to work and school. School buses that you did not have to contend with for the last 3 months are back on the road getting the kids to school. Frantic parents dropping kids off to school before they have to get to work. For some reason it seems no one ever schedules enough time. Racing here and there and then the mother of all traffic jams happens.
I am afraid that day. I stay home until after 9:30 am on that Tuesday and let you folks do your thing. I sit and watch the traffic updates on Channel 4 every ten minutes to wait for the all clear. When you all get to where are going and it is safe to exit the building, then I head out.
Do yourself a favor, get an early start because it is going to be a long day. Listen to WTOP on your car radio. They will give you a “traffic and weather update every ten minutes on the 8’s”. That could help you take an alternative route in case there is an accident or extra tie up.
Buckle up and be safe!
| Discussion: No Comments »
Suburban Maryland Home Show 2008, Germantown MD
August 28th, 2008 categories: Movin Consumers, Movin Information
If you are anything like me and my husband, home improvement is a never ending process. Don’t get me wrong, it is a labor of love but it is definitely labor. One of the previous owners had done several improvements ten years ago, but we have since improved upon their improvements. There are so many choices, it can be daunting. Where do you start? What is your budget? That is why the Home Show is a great place to start. Everyone you want to talk to all in one place!
We look at it as eating an elephant, one bite at a time and soon you will make progress. We divided the house into sections as far as cost, if it was something we could do ourselves, and the amount of inconvenience. The fun part is you get to make your home your very own.
A helpful way to determine these factors would be a visit to the Suburban Maryland Fall Home Show. The show will be held at the Discovery Soccer Complex in Germantown, Maryland September 12,13, & 14. There is an admission is $9.00, kids under 16 are free.
At the show you will find all kinds of vendors that can give you advice on projects you might be contemplating. Anything from gutters to granite will be at the show. There will be vendors with goods to sell that you can purchase at the show.
Make a day of it, there will be a concession stand when you need to take a break from shopping.
| Discussion: No Comments »
“Jazz it Up” at the Rockville Town Square August 30, 2008
August 23rd, 2008 categories: Movin Entertainment
“Jazz It Up” on the Rockville Town Square
Have you been to the new Rockville Town Square? It is fabulous. There are all kinds of new shops and restaurants. They even have a Gordon Beirsch brewery/restaurant. It is so much fun.
Come out Satruday, August 30th from 10:00 am to 5:00pm for the Rockville Town Square Jazz Festival.
There will be live Jazz all day long, food tastings and the shops at the Rockville Town Square will have store specials.
The tastings will be featuring the Rockville Town Square restaurants including;
Austin Grill, Bobby’s Crab Cakes, Greystone Grill, La Tasca Tapas Bar, Oro Pomodoro, Taste of Saigon and many more. The tastings are $5.00 each, plus tax and they only take cash. So make sure you stop off at the ATM before you come.
The Band Schedule is as follows;
10:15 am The Meritxell Project
11:30 am Swing Speak
1:00 pm James King
2:30 pm Donato with Friends
4:00 pm Daryl Davis
Parking is free after 7:00 pm and on the Weekends.
For more information you can call 703-690-2329 or rockvilletownsquare.com
Hope you have a great time.
| Discussion: No Comments »
Are Sellers Better Consumers than Buyers
June 6th, 2008 categories: Movin Consumers, Movin Lifestyle, Movin Real Estate News
Are Sellers Better Consumers than Buyers?
When I get a referral, depending on what the client’s needs are, I get prepared for the appointment. I have a process that I go through to prepare for a listing, but I also have a buyer listing appointment.
This just got me to wonder, why does it seem that Seller does more research when choosing their agent than a buyer?
Sellers will read the advise columns in the papers, telling them to interview at least 3 agents who work in their area. Sellers are told to check the experience and volume information about the agent that they are interviewing. Agents will bring their dog and pony show to make their case as to why they should be the seller’s agent. After speaking to each agent, they will make a decision on which agent will best fit their needs.
When I meet with buyers it is a different story? I will ask them if they have spoken to other agents and, and typically they will give me a quizzical look and say no, you are the only one? Some have said that they met someone at a house to see the inside and that was it. I will ask if they did a buyer listing appointment, they just shake their heads, no. If I talk to people that have just bought a home, I will ask them how they met or chose their agent.
The answers surprise me. Some will tell me that they just met their agent at an open house, or it is their mother’s friend, their aunt, the Internet and the list goes on. That is not the part that surprises me because I have used all of these ways to meet new clients.
The part that surprises me is that there is no interview process to find out what kind of experience the agent has, what their knowledge of the market is and so on. It seems like a more random process. Being your mother’s friend doesn’t really say a lot about experience and negotiating know how.
Buyers will call an agent off of a for sale sign, meet the agent at a house and viola they have an agent? No interview process, references or anything?
Questions you should ask of your agent whether you are a buyer or a seller;
-
What areas do the agents specialize in. Make sure they are up on market conditions.
- How long has the agent been in real estate? Have they sold homes in a similar market, are they familiar with financial options?
- What kind of volume does the agent do? Are they part time or will you have a commitment from a full time professional?
As consumers, no matter if you are the buyer or the seller, you need to make sure you have the most qualified agent to handle your largest financial transaction.
| Discussion: No Comments »
Best Dentist Ever Award!
May 21st, 2008 categories: Movin Consumers, Movin Information, Movin Lifestyle
Look Mom, no cavities! Remember the dreaded trip to the dentist as a kid? I went to the dentist yesterday for my twice a year cleaning and routine maintenance. I have a GREAT Dentist. DR Fran Watson, in Rockville Maryland. If you are looking for a dentist, run to her.
Again, yesterday no cavities! I know my dentist is different than most dentists. It is an experience to go and see her. A good experience.
Dr Watson’s office is not like other dental offices. When you arrive, you are greeted by Nicole, one of the best receptionists ever. The waiting room is a soothing sage green color with lamps, not over head florescent lights. There is a fancy one cup coffee maker for you to help yourself too. Comfortable seating, scented candles lit and the good magazines make waiting a pleasure.
When you are on your way back to the dreaded dentist chair, the soothing green walls are continued through the entire office. Another scented candle in the back too. There are the things on the ceiling to look at and a TV mounted up on the wall if you like. You can have head phones to listen to music while Dr Watson does her work if you like. One thing that struck me yesterday that I have not paid attention to before is the large basket with a rolled up fleece blanket in case you get cold there in the office.
Dr Watson not only has the best office, but her work is superior as well. The entire staff is happy to see you and make you feel at home when you are there. The best part is that all of the stuff I have had done, it never seems to hurt? Maybe it is because I feel more relaxed when I get there and while I am in the chair?
When you are finished, she has a grab basket of toothpaste, mouth wash. You get a new tooth brush and floss everytime you visit.
My trip to Dr Watson’s office yesterday made me think that I try to make my client’s have a soothing real estate experience as well. My broker’s provide one of the best and most professional offices so when clients come to see us they are comfortable. I give my clients access to all of the online information they need. I also give my buyer package with file folder for their convenience too. I am going to stretch my creativity to see if I can come up with another experience they can benefit from while working with me. I am their advocate and sounding board through their transaction.
Some people are anxious for their trip to the dentist, some are anxious when they make a trip to see the real estate agent? Maybe we need to work on the great experience the public gets when they deal with us. I want my clients to have the same kind of soothing experience when buying or selling real estate as I have when visiting Dr Watson.
Let’s all strive to set ourselves apart from the norm and give our clients a “Dr Watson experience”
| Discussion: No Comments »
Something Fun to Do in Bethesda
May 21st, 2008 categories: Movin Entertainment, Movin Lifestyle
If you like to meet new people and cook, I have a great suggestion. 
L’Academie de Cuisine Culinary school
located in Bethesda Maryland. LAC is an accredited culinary school. If becoming a professional chef is of interest to you, I have included a link to the school.
This link will provide you with all the information you will need. It has a complete class schedule, descriptions of the classes and recipes. If you have someone special that really enjoys cooking, LAC has gift certificates available too. I got some of these for Christmas. This is a great gift for everyone. I got to learn some fun recipes, I made them for my friends and family so they got to enjoy my class as well. Kinda neat!
For the novice, LAC also has a recreational school. The recreational school is broken down into to two areas. One is the demonstration classes. This is where you can come and watch Chef Francois Dionotcook for you and watch as he shows you how to prepare the recipe. The second is the participation classes. These are the ones that I like best. You get to get in there and actually make all of the recipes. You can register for everything from baking bread to making soufflés. They also teach knife skills, making candy and cake decorating classes.
There are single session classes. These classes are 3 hours long, you will watch a demonstration of the items to be prepared and then you will actually make the recipes right there in the classroom. You may also sign up for classes that are a series. They are usually 3 classes that meet once a week. There are intense weekend classes for real cooking junkies.
There are usually several recipes for each class. It is usually two or three main dishes and several side dishes. All of your ingredients are all measured and set out for you in your station. Just don’t mix up the salt for the sugar like I did when I was making English Toffee! We had to start that one over. There are also helpers there to assist you and the teaching chef.
The reward is when you are finished cooking, grilling, or baking you sit down with everyone and have a meal and a glass of wine to experience your cooking abilities. The recipes are printed and yours to take home and try again.
So next time you are trying to think of something new to do, think L’Academie de Cuisine. It is a lot of fun and a great place to meet new people!!
| Discussion: No Comments »
South Germantown Soccer and Sports Complex
May 19th, 2008 categories: Movin Entertainment, Movin Lifestyle, Movin Real Estate News, Movin Sports
You will never want for something to do if you live in Montgomery County Maryland. There are several Cultural venues, world renowned restaurants, and sports facilities to keep everyone in the family happy and entertained.
One of the best facilities we have access to is The Germantown Pool and Soccer complex, located on 695 acres located off of Shaeffer Road in Germantown, Maryland.
The pool complex has three indoor pools. Two large pools, one is Olympic size, with dive platforms and one is a lap pool. There is also a smaller kiddie pool located indoors. During the summer months there is an outdoor pool and a splash pool that is open as well.
In the same complex is the Discovery Zone soccer field. This features indoor soccer/volleyball/basketball and lacrosse indoor fields and an outdoor lighted field with stadium seating for 3200. There are 24 other soccer fields there at the complex that are always full on the weekends with soccer games being played by all different leagues and age groups. The complex also has a golf driving range, an Archery range and a pond to launch your remote control model boats. There are hiking trails, softball fields and two miniture golf courses too! Fun for everyone. It is really a great facility.
I think the county thought of just about everyone, and all you have to do is be a resident of Montgomery County Maryland!!
| Discussion: No Comments »
Stumble it!
