FALL DECORATING IDEAS FOR YOUR HOME

Surround a candle in a glass vessel with acorns or tree nuts for a quick and inexpensive table setting! Scatter some leaves and nuts. Gorgeous!

Your local Hardware store has all these components to create a quick but elegant entrance to your home: pumpkins, hay bales and colorful mums. Enhance the pumpkin by wrapping it with a ribbon using stick pins or a hot glue gun to hold the ribbon in place. Add dimension and include a bow.

Turn a basket on it’s side add pumpkins, squash and gourds mixed with leaves. Quick & easy!

Highlight a favorite object such as these owls with Fall foliage. Be sure to make it interesting by adding height to the display. Cake plates, candle holders and over turned vases can help create intrigue by stacking items on them. Drape a mirror or picture with garland and scatter silk leaves and artificial acorns and pumpkins for an outdoorsy display.

Begin your Fall decorating at your front door. Local craft stores offer swags, wreaths and garlands which are on sale right now at deep,discounted prices. Stack pumpkins: large on the bottom, medium in the middle and top it off with a small pumpkin. You can use the same color pumpkin for all 3, or alternate colors: orange, green and white pumpkins.

Natural Grapevines have been formed into lit pumpkins for a warm greeting into the home. Fall garland adorns the banister railing with an artificial bouquet of flowers and leaves.

Happy Decorating!

ENJOY A BEAUTIFUL FALL DAY AT THE CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDENS

One of the perks of living in the North suburbs of Chicago is enjoying the amazing gardens at the Chicago Botanic Gardens which are located in Glencoe, Il. The Botanic Gardens are comprised of 26 unique gardens along with 4 natural areas. The Gardens are situated on 385 acres and include nine islands, with six miles of lake shoreline. Yep, it's a big place to visit!
I recommend for 1st timers to take a tram ride around the gardens. This gives you a good overview of all the different garden areas filled with info from the helpful tram guide.
There is no entry fee to the gardens however, there is a parking fee of $25 per car. If you share the fee it is very reasonable: 2 people, $12.50 per person, 4 people only $6.25 per person.
The 2nd item I recommend is eat lunch at the Garden View Cafe. It is filled with seasonal, delicious, healthy food choices. Many of the dishes are prepared with items grown on site from their fruit and vegetable gardens. How cool is that?

My 3rd fav thing to do is walk around the Rose Garden to the Japanese Gardens circling back to the English Gardens. Bring your camera, cause when the flowers are in bloom, they are full of color!
My hubby and I recently visited the Gardens (October/Fall) and decided to walk the Dixon Prairie Trail. Heads up, wear sneakers cause this is the loooooong way around the gardens. But, it gives you a different perspective of the Gardens, you burn a few calories and it's so quiet!
If you have little ones, splurge and buy tickets to the Model Railroad Exhibit, it is fascinating. There are so many Chicago Landmarks included in the exhibit, it's fun identifying the buildings.
I can go on and on but, check out their website and if you have a chance:
visit The Chicago Botanic Gardens!

THE HISTORY OF HALLOWEEN; WHY WE TRICK OR TREAT ON OCTOBER 31ST

HALLOWEEN is an interpretation of “All Hallow’s Evening”, an annual celebration observed in a number of countries on October 31. It is the eve of the Western Christian of All Hallow’s Day. It initiates the time in the Christian Community dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints, martyrs and all the faithful departed believers. According to many scholars, All Hallows' Eve is a Christianized feast initially influenced by the Celtic harvest festival of Samhain", which comes from the Old Irish word for "summer's end. Samhain Festival marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter or the 'darker half' of the year. It was seen as a point of conscious awareness, when the spirits or fairies (the Super Natural) could more easily come into our world and were particularly active. At Samhain, it was believed that the Spirits/Fairies needed to be appeased to ensure that the people and their livestock would survive the winter. Offerings of food and drink, or portions of the crops, were left for the Spirits/Fairies. In modern Ireland, Scotland, Mann and Wales, the festival included celebrating in disguise or wearing a mask and performing a song or performance in exchange for food or money. This goes back as far as the 16th century. The "traditional illumination for the group of children performers was provided by turnips or beets which had been hollowed out to act as lanterns and often carved with grotesque faces to represent spirits or goblins". In the 20th century they spread to England and became generally known as jack-o’-lanterns.
Today’s festive Halloween activities include trick or treating, attending costume parties, carving pumpkins into jack-o'-lanterns, lighting bonfires, apple bobbing, visiting haunted houses, playing pranks, telling scary stories, and watching horror films.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO ALL YOU GOBLINS!

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30th, IS NATIONAL CANDY CORN DAY!

Candy corn was created in the 1880s by George Renninger of the Philadelphia, PA-based Wunderle Candy Company.
More than $35 million pounds of this treat will be produced in 2014. That’s almost 9 billion pieces! The sweet kernel dates back to the 1880s before the telephone and automobile were invented.
Each kernel has three colors, about 7 calories and a lot of sugar. Most people either love them or hate them. Candy corn is actually made with corn syrup.
The Candy Corn has grown into other holidays besides it's most famous: Halloween, the traditional white, yellow and orange colors. For Thanksgiving the bottom yellow is replaced with the color brown, making it Indian Corn.
Christmas brings red, green and white kernels, Valentines Day offers Cupid Corn comprised of red, pink and white kernels. Easter delivers, Bunny Corn consisting of pastel blues, yellows, pinks and greens. Each piece is approximately three times the size of a real kernel from a ripe or dried ear.
How is Candy Corn made? The process is called corn starch modeling. Manufacturers first combine sugar, corn syrup, carnauba wax, and water and cook them to form a slurry. Fondant is added for texture and marshmallows are added to provide a soft bite. Machines heat the mixture and pour them into triangle shaped molds. Three passes, one for each colored section, are required during the pouring process. They then head into a drum to finish off the polishing process.
Candy corn can be eaten as a candy, included in a dessert or a drink.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgTvgQfcllM

SUGAR COOKIE PIZZA WITH PEANUT BUTTER SAUCE, CHOCOLATE CHIPS, CANDY CORN, DRIZZLED WITH A WHITE CHOCOLATE SAUCE! So easy to make as a Halloween Treat.

3 Layer Candy Corn Cake filled with Lemon, Orange and Vanilla Flavors and a white buttercream filling, draped in a chocolate glaze. Easy to make when using boxed cake mixes and melted chocolate chips for the glaze.

GORGEOUS BACKYARD GARDEN RETREATS

Have a spacious backyard? Consider installing an in ground pool. Add contrast with bushes, trees, flower beds and a slate pool deck. Enjoy a BBQ poolside with a teak outdoor table and chairs. Market umbrellas add shade and a pop of color! Solar pool covers can help cut down the costs to heat the pool by absorbing and storing sunlight.

Add whimsy to your grass backyard by incorporating a checker board pattern with square limestone's using the existing grass as the contracting squares. Arrange a table and chair for relaxing by the fire pit or create a life size chess game with blow up figures found at your local toy store or dollar store. To play a game of Checkers; cut circles from cardboard and spray paint them red and black.

Have a narrow backyard? No problem. Divide the space into separate areas for dining, gardening and a play space for the kids and family pets. For privacy year round, plant Arbor Vitae evergreen trees. These are hearty trees which can grow up to one foot or more per year and remain green year round.

Check this out! Amp up your fire pit in your backyard with an octagon full of porch swings. You may need a contractor to construct this unique seating area but, how cool is this? Add color to the swings by painting them with lime green or fire engine red paint. Accent the swings with some throw outdoor pillows. Smores anyone?

Create an instant beach in your backyard. Most of the items can be purchased from your local Hardware or Toy stores. Begin by putting down a square of plastic to prevent weeds from growing up thru the sand. Then form a square or rectangle with treated railroad ties. Fill the area with sand. Canvas cloth can be anchored to tiki torch stakes giving instant shade to the sand box. Add a swimming pool and voila: your own private beach!

COLDWELL BANKER PARTICIPATES IN THE HIGHLAND PARK, IL 4th of JULY PARADE!

On Saturday, July 4th, 2015 more than 30 Coldwell Banker Realtors marched in the annual City of Highland Park, Illinois Parade. The parade is held each 4th of July and features floats, bands and performers. Residents line Central Avenue to enjoy the hour long parade.
Each year, my Real Estate office, Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate lines up for the parade route. Our float is a Home with a front yard featuring a porch swing and benches for our clients to sit on. There are over 75 participants in the parade.
Each year, we (Coldwell Banker Realtors) hand out 3,000 chip clips to the spectators. The chip clips are white with our logo and contact info and are wonderful to have in the home to close a bag of potato chips, pretzels or your pets’ dry food bag. My husband, Robert and I are the couple on the far left. I'm wearing the white capris and my husband has the navy blue shorts on.

"TAKE YOUR DOG TO WORK, FRIDAY, JUNE 26TH"

Take Your Dog to Work Day (TYDTWD) was first started in 1996 in the United Kingdom and June 24, 1999 in the U.S. Created by Pet Sitters International (PSI)this day celebrates the great companions dogs make and encourages adoptions from local shelters, rescue groups and humane societies. The day offers a fun, summer Friday for U.S. employees to introduce their four-legged "best friend" to co-workers and PSI believes that dog-less co-workers will be encouraged to adopt when they witness the human-animal bond.
This is a great way to introduce your best friend to your job and co-workers. Your four legged friend will appreciate you so much more after they see all the hard work, schmoozing and BS that you take during the day from your boss and co-workers. And at the end of the day, you come home to THEM! Your BFF, (best friend forever), companion, child, compadre! Pure Unconditional Love.
I hope many of you include Rover, Oreo, Bear or whatever their name is and...TAKE YOUR DOG TO WORK TOMORROW!
Proven Fact: Having animals in the work environment significantly decreases stress and increases production.
Please consider adoption this weekend. Your local shelters offer so many choices.
Now, it I can only have my furry friends bring me some hot java in bed a few times a week vs "The Walk to The Latrine", at 5 AM, I would be ecstatic!
http://www.takeyourdog.com/

MAY 1 – MAY 31, 2015: SOLD & RENTAL DATA FOR NORTH SHORE OF ILLINOIS.*

THE NORTH SHORE OF ILLINOIS
........................................Units...DAYS on MARKET...Median Sold $.........TOTAL SOLD
Condo’s/Town Homes.....133.…............71....…................$265,000.................$40,369,113
Single Family……….......289…...........103........................$502,500….............$184,907,689
TOTAL…………………422….…........93…………........$399,000……..…...$225,276,802
RENTALS
…………....................Units..... DAYS on MARKET…….Median Rental $....TOTAL VOLUME
.........................................167.................39...……….…… $2,150…………….$521,347

MAY 1 – MAY 31, 2014
TOTALS………………406……….......88………..……..$405,000………….$235,825,439
Data provided by 2015 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed. Fair Housing Compliant.

This Data Includes the Following Areas: Deerfield, Bannockburn, Riverwoods, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, Lincolnshire, Northbrook, Glencoe, Glenview/Golf, Mundelein/Ivanhoe, Vernon Hills/Indian Creek, Winnetka and Buffalo Grove, Illinois.

The Real Estate Market is once again shifting and homes are selling quickly…very quickly. Many people have been waiting for just the right moment to make a move, your time maybe now. Home demand is high. Inventory remains low. Home values are increasing. Mortgage rates are still low.
Considering buying or selling a home? “Experience the Difference”, and call me today for your private consultation.
Providing exemplary service to Lake & Cook Counties, Illinois

PAM DEVENDORF, REALTOR at Coldwell Banker. Direct: (847) 681-4143, pam.devendorf@cbexchange.com
If you are thinking about selling or buying a home in the North Suburbs of Chicago, please contact me

MAY 1 – MAY 31, 2015: SOLD & RENTAL DATA FOR WINNETKA, Illinois.

WINNETKA, ILLINOIS
....................................Units…...DAYS on MARKET…….Median Sold $....TOTAL SOLD
Condos/Townhomes........1.....................59.……...................$800,000..............$800,000
Single Family…............23.....................94............................$1,120,000….......$35,194,000

RENTALS:…............Units....... DAYS on MARKET…….Median Rental $........ VOLUME
.........................................3....................37........…...…..........$11,000…….…...$28,600
Data provided by 2015 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed. Fair Housing Compliant.

The Real Estate Market is once again shifting and homes are selling quickly…very quickly. Many people have been waiting for just the right moment to make a move, your time maybe now. Home demand is high. Inventory remains low. Home values are increasing. Mortgage rates are still low.
Considering buying or selling a home? “Experience the Difference”, and call me today for your private consultation.
Providing exemplary service to Lake & Cook Counties, Illinois
PAM DEVENDORF, REALTOR at Coldwell Banker. Direct: (847) 681-4143, pam.devendorf@cbexchange.com

MAY 1 – MAY 31, 2015: SOLD & RENTAL DATA FOR VERNON HILLS/INDIAN CREEK, Il.

VERNON HILLS/INDIAN CREEK, ILLINOIS
....................................Units…...DAYS on MARKET…….Median Sold $....TOTAL SOLD
Condos/Townhomes......27.....................63.……...................$270,000..............$6,421,362
Single Family…............23...................114............................$340,000…..........$9,058,200

RENTALS:…............Units....... DAYS on MARKET…….Median Rental $........ VOLUME
.......................................23....................30........…...…..........$2,150…….…….$47,830
Data provided by 2015 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed. Fair Housing Compliant.

The Real Estate Market is once again shifting and homes are selling quickly…very quickly. Many people have been waiting for just the right moment to make a move, your time maybe now. Home demand is high. Inventory remains low. Home values are increasing. Mortgage rates are still low.
Considering buying or selling a home? “Experience the Difference”, and call me today for your private consultation.
Providing exemplary service to Lake & Cook Counties, Illinois
PAM DEVENDORF, REALTOR at Coldwell Banker. Direct: (847) 681-4143, pam.devendorf@cbexchange.com

MAY 1 – MAY 31, 2015: SOLD & RENTAL DATA FOR NORTHBROOK, Illinois.

NORTHBROOK, ILLINOIS
....................................Units…...DAYS on MARKET…….Median Sold $....TOTAL SOLD
Condos/Townhomes......22.....................84.……...................$335,000..............$8,072,500
Single Family…............31...................110............................$535,000…..........$18,086,430

RENTALS:…............Units....... DAYS on MARKET…….Median Rental $........ VOLUME
.......................................14....................44........…...…..........$2,038…….…….$27,800
Data provided by 2015 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed. Fair Housing Compliant.

The Real Estate Market is once again shifting and homes are selling quickly…very quickly. Many people have been waiting for just the right moment to make a move, your time maybe now. Home demand is high. Inventory remains low. Home values are increasing. Mortgage rates are still low.
Considering buying or selling a home? “Experience the Difference”, and call me today for your private consultation.
Providing exemplary service to Lake & Cook Counties, Illinois
PAM DEVENDORF, REALTOR at Coldwell Banker. Direct: (847) 681-4143, pam.devendorf@cbexchange.com

MAY 1 – MAY 31, 2015: SOLD & RENTAL DATA FOR MUNDELEIN/IVANHOE, Il

MUNDELEIN/IVANHOE, ILLINOIS
....................................Units…...DAYS on MARKET…….Median Sold $....TOTAL SOLD
Condos/Townhomes........9.....................28.……...................$169,000..............$1,344,500
Single Family…............51.....................64............................$229,900…..........$13,067,225

RENTALS:…............Units....... DAYS on MARKET…….Median Rental $........ VOLUME
.......................................27....................43........…...…..........$1,680…….…….$159,480
Data provided by 2015 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed. Fair Housing Compliant.

The Real Estate Market is once again shifting and homes are selling quickly…very quickly. Many people have been waiting for just the right moment to make a move, your time maybe now. Home demand is high. Inventory remains low. Home values are increasing. Mortgage rates are still low.
Considering buying or selling a home? “Experience the Difference”, and call me today for your private consultation.
Providing exemplary service to Lake & Cook Counties, Illinois
PAM DEVENDORF, REALTOR at Coldwell Banker. Direct: (847) 681-4143, pam.devendorf@cbexchange.com

MAY 1 – MAY 31, 2015: SOLD & RENTAL DATA FOR LINCOLNSHIRE, Illinois.

LINCOLNSHIRE, ILLINOIS
....................................Units…...DAYS on MARKET…….Median Sold $....TOTAL SOLD
Condos/Townhomes........5...................150.……...................$260,000..............$1,373,500
Single Family…..............9...................110............................$550,000…..........$4,715,100

RENTALS:…............Units....... DAYS on MARKET…….Median Rental $........ VOLUME
.........................................1....................10........…...…..........$3,400…….…….$3,400
Data provided by 2015 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed. Fair Housing Compliant.

The Real Estate Market is once again shifting and homes are selling quickly…very quickly. Many people have been waiting for just the right moment to make a move, your time maybe now. Home demand is high. Inventory remains low. Home values are increasing. Mortgage rates are still low.
Considering buying or selling a home? “Experience the Difference”, and call me today for your private consultation.
Providing exemplary service to Lake & Cook Counties, Illinois
PAM DEVENDORF, REALTOR at Coldwell Banker. Direct: (847) 681-4143, pam.devendorf@cbexchange.com