RNO Homes

I am working with a really cool group of Keller Williams agents that meets every Tuesday morning to discuss how we can be even better at our chosen career.  Check us out at www.rnohomes.com

Last week as I was getting ready to go to my meeting I followed my normal morning routine.  I went downstairs to make sure the coffee had started.  I program it the night before but I never trust the machine (or myself) to start like it is supposed to.  Then go back upstairs to shower and get ready for the day.

As usual I went back down to get my coffee, check my e-mail, look for new and exciting home listings, and get my stuff together for work.  I have no fewer than 5 clocks in my kitchen and great room, but evidently I only look at the one over the sink.  You know the one...the one with a dying battery...the one that is running ten minutes behind.  Of course I didn't realize this.  I just thought I was really good at getting coffee and checking e-mail!

Even though I know my way I hit "Keller Williams Reno Office" on my Garmin and off I went.  I was only 3 or 4 miles from the house when I realized that I was going to arrive at 7:59.  My meeting is at 8.  And I still had to deal with McCarran and 395!  So, naturally, I hit every single stop light between my house and the office. I didn't just hit 'em, I hit 'em hard...so that I got to sit through the longest part of the light cycle.  It was f-f-f-antastic!  I like to have plenty of time to navigate the parking lot, get to our meeting room, fire up my computer.  I had no time for any of that .  Look at that Garmin!  I'm not going to arrive until 8:04!  8:05!  8:06!

Today I outsmarted the kitchen clock.  I'm not smart enough to actually change the battery, but I looked at the one on the microwave.  And the one by the door. And the one on the oven.  And the one on the mantle. You get the idea.  I gave myself plenty of time.  I hit one red light.  And I arrived almost 15 minutes early.  Grrr...

www.jerianne.rnohomes.com

Catherine Creek Classic

Perhaps you've noticed the obvious lack of "running" posts in this blog about homes, running and recipes!  I do have a half marathon coming up this weekend.  My husband Todd, several of my friends and family, and I will be running the Catherine Creek Classic on Saturday, August 4th.  I've struggled with my running since I moved to Reno.  At first I blamed the extra thousand feet of elevation I gained when I moved here but after a year I'm probably as acclimated as I'm going to get!

As I've ramped up my training for this half marathon a couple of things dawned on me:

1.  I've been focusing too much on my lack of speed and not patting myself on the back enough for my training consistency.  Shine or shine (hey...this is Reno...we don't get much rain!) I get out and do it.
2.  I love the treadmill.  For some reason I haven't been running on it!  I hopped on the other night and shaved over a minute per mile off my 5k time.  Silly!
3.  I have done almost ZERO cross training since I arrived in Nevada.  One of my best events was  the Catherine Creek Classic two years ago.  The same year I was on my bike every other day and doing bricks every other weekend.  Coincidence?  I think not!

So I'm going to stop stressing about my speed and start focusing on why I run:  Because I love it and the people who do it with me!

And if you're interested in learning more about this great half, hosted by some of the nicest people you will ever meet, check out their event web site:  http://eosportstraining.com/catherinecreekclassic.html

Or better yet! Come to Union, Oregon and see for yourself!

www.jerianne.rnohomes.com

Twilight Tour

I love houses!  Big ones, small ones, old ones, new ones!  Last week I had the opportunity to tour four amazing Reno properties in the Pecetti Ranch Estates.  Cathy Hamel, a realtor with Dickson Realty, has graciously given me permission to share a couple of photos of one of her listings on Boulder Glen Way.

If you're in the Reno area and would like a tour of this home - let me know!  You'll be surprised that a 5246 square foot house can feel this warm and inviting!  Let me know if you need more information:  http://www.jerianne.rnohomes.com/

Pork Tamales with Red Chile Sauce

Well the stuffed strawberries didn't happen but my husband and I spent most of yesterday in the kitchen making tamales.  They really are a labor of love.  Once you've had a fresh one, you'll never look at frozen the same way.

If you've never made them I have a few recommendations:

• Select a recipe.  I can't say enough about  Tamales 101 by Alice Guadalupe Tapp.  Once you've decided on a recipe read through it two or three times.  Coordinating the meat, the masa, the husks and the sauce can be tricky so you want to know what you're up against.
• Check and double check your supplies.  You really don't want to get part way into the process and realize you don't have an ingredient, or, more importantly a good stand mixer or steaming pot.
• It really helps to have a partner in crime.  While I work on the masa, my husband makes the sauce.  We've developed an assembly line process that cuts down on the time in the kitchen.  Even with a helper you need to budget a big chunk of your day to this process.

• Don't take yourself or the process too seriously!  You'll learn something new every time you make them and you'll forget two things before you make them again.  Just have a good time and enjoy the fruits of you labor...because they'll be delicious!!

www.jerianne.rnohomes.com

Cream Cheese Stuffed Strawberries

I haven't tried these yet - am hoping to do so this weekend.  They look like a light and refreshing finish to a meal!  I'll get a photo up as soon as I get them made!

Cream Cheese Stuffed Strawberries

Ingredients:
1 lb large strawberries
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
3-4 Tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 - 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs

Instructions:
1. Rinse strawberries and cut around the top of the strawberry. Remove the top and clean out with a paring knife, if necessary (some of them are naturally hollow). Prepare all of the strawberries and set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until creamy. Add cream cheese mix to a piping bag or Ziploc with the corner snipped off. Fill the strawberries with cheesecake mixture.
3. Once strawberries are filled, sprinkle or dip the tops with graham cracker crumbs. If not serving immediately, refrigerate until serving.

www.jerianne.rnohomes.com

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog about four things I love:  Homes!  Running!  Recipes!  And, maybe less obvious from my title, but certainly implied - Baseball!

I love homes so much I've made a career out of them! I am a Realtor with Keller Williams Group One Sparks Inc. in Sparks, NV. I'll be sharing tips and information about real estate.  Visit my website if you have immediate real estate needs:  http://www.jerianne.rnohomes.com/

I love running in spite of the fact that I've never been particularly fast.  I love that is an individual sport, but one that I share with my entire family.  I'll be posting motivational quotes and personal stories.  Coming up soon:  The Catherine Creek Classic in Union, OR. 

I love recipes and cooking.  And I love people who love recipes and cooking!  I've got some great friends and family members who aren't afraid to share!

And I love baseball.  And softball.  I've played off and on my entire life.  I am thrilled to live, work and play in a baseball-rich community!  I'll be posting information about local events.

I hope you'll visit again soon!