I read all sorts of magazines and websites for information about running and fitness. Months ago I stumbled across www.tribesports.com. It is a pretty cool site for people who like a challenge. I haven't been bold enough to fully participate in any of the challenges on Tribesports, but it has motivated me to challenge my husband to do either ten pushups or ten situps every day for the month of December. It seems like no big deal. So much so that Todd said, "How 'bout both?" And even that led to a discussion about how it was going to be so easy that maybe we should have a 10 and 10 minimum, but if we felt like it we could do more. And instead of waiting until December we decided to start the 25th of November.
The funny thing is that, to start, the 10 & 10 were harder than I expected! I'm not a kid anymore. Those pushups nearly killed me. At least in the beginning. Now I whip 'em out pretty comfortably and quickly and get on with my day. Both Todd and I have done the minimum every day since. Instead of looking forward to the end of the month when we can stop, we're both motivated to continue and even add to the challenge. I think the key has been that we have such an achievable minimum. I don't have to convince myself to do much, just 10 and 10. Once I've started I usually keep going.
So pick a good challenge partner and go for it! Maybe you want to drink more water, call your family more, walk for X minutes per day...set a goal, set the challenge and achieve it! You'll be amazed how empowering that small success can be!
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Agent hours
Before I became a real estate agent I was reluctant to call my agent before 9 am or after 5:30 pm or on weekends. Since I've become a licensee I've learned that 1) not everyone shares that reluctance and 2) that's okay.
I came from a small town (about 550 people) located just outside a not-large town (about 13,000 people) so not a lot happened after 6 pm. Now that I live in Reno I have come to understand that, in a city that doesn't sleep, the people looking for real estate don't sleep either. The people that work in the casinos and hospitality industry may be getting home from work at 1 am and, like many folks, wind down by looking at houses on the Internet.
Yesterday was Christmas and I thought I'd get a jump on some of the work I have on the docket for today. I did some home searches and scheduled some showings. I e-mailed four different agents with questions about their listings. This is on Christmas day, mind you, and every single one of them replied.
At 10:23 pm I received an e-mail inquiry about home owner's association dues for a home in north Reno. I quickly retrieved the information and replied to this prospective client. Only afterward did it occur to me that it was late and I may be establishing an expectation that I don't want. Oh well, I guess I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.
In the meantime, day or night, drop me a line if I can help with your real estate needs!
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
I came from a small town (about 550 people) located just outside a not-large town (about 13,000 people) so not a lot happened after 6 pm. Now that I live in Reno I have come to understand that, in a city that doesn't sleep, the people looking for real estate don't sleep either. The people that work in the casinos and hospitality industry may be getting home from work at 1 am and, like many folks, wind down by looking at houses on the Internet.
Yesterday was Christmas and I thought I'd get a jump on some of the work I have on the docket for today. I did some home searches and scheduled some showings. I e-mailed four different agents with questions about their listings. This is on Christmas day, mind you, and every single one of them replied.
(This picture has nothing to do with this blog post, I just like to include photos to catch your eye.)
At 10:23 pm I received an e-mail inquiry about home owner's association dues for a home in north Reno. I quickly retrieved the information and replied to this prospective client. Only afterward did it occur to me that it was late and I may be establishing an expectation that I don't want. Oh well, I guess I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.
In the meantime, day or night, drop me a line if I can help with your real estate needs!
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Merry Christmas!
Todd and I spent a quiet Christmas morning together drinking coffee, making breakfast, and opening gifts. We exchanged phone calls and texts with family and friends. It was a day filled with love, conversation and laughter. Later, while cooking dinner together...turkey, stuffing, potatoes, gravy, green beans...Todd playfully snapped me with a towel. I turned and said, sarcastically, "I hope you're happy!" The expression on his face could not have been more loving as he said, "Hopelessly" and kissed me on the forehead. Easily the best gift a girl could ask for. I wish all of you all the peace and love this season offers.
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
Monday, December 24, 2012
Pizza Progress
Not so very long ago I posted some information about my goal to improve my pizza crust. I've been working with a really simple and tasty recipe and have been happy with it. But then I read some web articles that recommended using a food processor and gluten flour to reach the chewy NY style crust I'm striving for. And we've been watching some Food Network videos of Alton Brown (love science + food!) and have picked up some additional tips. We tried out some of these tips over the weekend.
1) The food processor. I swear by it. I love my stand mixer, but the dough I've been getting out of the food processor is like satin and easily passes the window pane test. I got this tip from the Pizza Lab web article I shared previously. I decided to go back to my old recipe this weekend and, lo and behold, it also suggests the food processor! I was just so stand-mixer-centric that I'd never even noticed the alternate instructions! This crust held up nicely to the process of sliding off the peel without sticking. Ample corn meal surely helped.
2) A HOT oven. This goes without saying but years ago my Pampered Chef pizza stone shattered in the oven when I tried to preheat it to the 500+ degrees that is recommended. I bucked my reluctance and decided to give it another shot with my replacement stone. This stone is well seasoned and the other one was less so, that may be the difference. In any case, we set the oven to its max: 550 degrees F. I think we'll let it go just a minute or two less next time (it continues to cook for a period after it is pulled from the oven) but we achieved a nice cracker-crisp underside and still great breadiness to the edge.
3) The cheese. Alton Brown puts his cheese directly on the crust and then splashes it with sauce. This worked beautifully and we actually felt that the proportions worked out better in this manner. We used both less sauce and less cheese. But we used better cheese. In this case better was also more expensive but totally worth it. Fresh mozzarella rounds and very finely grated fresh Parmesan...can't be beat. For anyone doing the math, it is less expensive to build your own (assuming you have some staples in your pantry: flour, yeast, tomato sauce and paste) and you get a far superior pizza. Maybe not at first, but even our early efforts were tasty and we love the process of cooking together which is priceless.
4) The beverage. You can, of course, drink whatever you want. But we have been lovin' on the Tahoe Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines. If you're under the legal drinking age and reading this, then I recommend grape KoolAid. Or Mountain Dew if you're feeling bold.
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
1) The food processor. I swear by it. I love my stand mixer, but the dough I've been getting out of the food processor is like satin and easily passes the window pane test. I got this tip from the Pizza Lab web article I shared previously. I decided to go back to my old recipe this weekend and, lo and behold, it also suggests the food processor! I was just so stand-mixer-centric that I'd never even noticed the alternate instructions! This crust held up nicely to the process of sliding off the peel without sticking. Ample corn meal surely helped.
2) A HOT oven. This goes without saying but years ago my Pampered Chef pizza stone shattered in the oven when I tried to preheat it to the 500+ degrees that is recommended. I bucked my reluctance and decided to give it another shot with my replacement stone. This stone is well seasoned and the other one was less so, that may be the difference. In any case, we set the oven to its max: 550 degrees F. I think we'll let it go just a minute or two less next time (it continues to cook for a period after it is pulled from the oven) but we achieved a nice cracker-crisp underside and still great breadiness to the edge.
3) The cheese. Alton Brown puts his cheese directly on the crust and then splashes it with sauce. This worked beautifully and we actually felt that the proportions worked out better in this manner. We used both less sauce and less cheese. But we used better cheese. In this case better was also more expensive but totally worth it. Fresh mozzarella rounds and very finely grated fresh Parmesan...can't be beat. For anyone doing the math, it is less expensive to build your own (assuming you have some staples in your pantry: flour, yeast, tomato sauce and paste) and you get a far superior pizza. Maybe not at first, but even our early efforts were tasty and we love the process of cooking together which is priceless.
4) The beverage. You can, of course, drink whatever you want. But we have been lovin' on the Tahoe Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines. If you're under the legal drinking age and reading this, then I recommend grape KoolAid. Or Mountain Dew if you're feeling bold.
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
Friday, December 21, 2012
Ten Cookies
This post isn't really about cookies, per se. For a week I've been considering writing about the sad and horrific events in Newtown, CT. To be honest, I don't have the words, the vocabulary, the writing skill, the strength of emotion or character, to say anything about it that would do justice to the lives that were taken. A nation grieves, my friends and family grieve. I personally cannot even view the videos or news articles about it because I feel like I might burst from the well of despair I feel boiling in my chest.
I was talking to my best friend, Glen, this morning. He knows me well enough to know that issue-avoidance is my MO in situations like this. We've been through it before with Columbine, the attacks on the World Trade Center, and nature-made but no less devastating, the tsunamis in Thailand and Japan, and, sadly, other world events. We touched on it briefly in our conversation and I said that I have such a hard time forcing myself to remember that in spite of it all there is still much good in the world. He shared such a sweet quote with me that I have to share:
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping,'" Fred Rogers wrote in the Mister Rogers Parenting Book.
That's right. THE Mister Rogers. You can read the full Huffington Post article here.
In that vane, Glen's wife took up the 26 Acts of Kindness cause. This movement suggests performing one act of kindness, no act too small, for each of the lives lost in the Connecticut shooting. We chatted about some of these kindnesses and I was struck by one of Carol's ideas. She asked Glen to stop by the coffee shop he frequents and pay for 10 cookies. Then he asked the shop owner, Wayla, if she would randomly and anonymously distribute the cookies. Sounds pretty simple doesn't it? Ten cookies.
But those ten cookies have now touched Carol, and Glen, and Wayla, and the ten people who will receive them, and me in the retelling, and my blog readers, and the people the recipients tell. Who knows...those recipients may choose to pay it forward and gently touch countless other lives with the kindness and goodness that exists in people.
I think I'll head to the bakery down the street and spread some kindness myself. Ten cookies.
www.jerianne.rnhomes.com
I was talking to my best friend, Glen, this morning. He knows me well enough to know that issue-avoidance is my MO in situations like this. We've been through it before with Columbine, the attacks on the World Trade Center, and nature-made but no less devastating, the tsunamis in Thailand and Japan, and, sadly, other world events. We touched on it briefly in our conversation and I said that I have such a hard time forcing myself to remember that in spite of it all there is still much good in the world. He shared such a sweet quote with me that I have to share:
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping,'" Fred Rogers wrote in the Mister Rogers Parenting Book.
That's right. THE Mister Rogers. You can read the full Huffington Post article here.
In that vane, Glen's wife took up the 26 Acts of Kindness cause. This movement suggests performing one act of kindness, no act too small, for each of the lives lost in the Connecticut shooting. We chatted about some of these kindnesses and I was struck by one of Carol's ideas. She asked Glen to stop by the coffee shop he frequents and pay for 10 cookies. Then he asked the shop owner, Wayla, if she would randomly and anonymously distribute the cookies. Sounds pretty simple doesn't it? Ten cookies.
But those ten cookies have now touched Carol, and Glen, and Wayla, and the ten people who will receive them, and me in the retelling, and my blog readers, and the people the recipients tell. Who knows...those recipients may choose to pay it forward and gently touch countless other lives with the kindness and goodness that exists in people.
I think I'll head to the bakery down the street and spread some kindness myself. Ten cookies.
www.jerianne.rnhomes.com
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Don't stop!
I run every other day. Give or take a day. And, shamefully, I've let 3 days go by since my last run. I AM RUNNING TONIGHT! NO EXCUSES!
I feel like I am always at a critical point in my running. If I don't run today I may never run again. That thought lead me to search for a quote I'd seen somewhere. I didn't find it, but it went something like, "Don't stop. It is easier to keep going than to start over." And that is so true about fitness. For me anyway, it feels like gaining fitness happens over months and years and losing it happens over hours or days. So tonight I'll run so that I don't stop forever.
While I was looking for that quote this article caught my eye: How to Run Without Getting Tired.
It is pretty basic, but generally sound, advice. I'd love to hear any successes or failures you've experienced in your running adventures. Comment! Comment!
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
I feel like I am always at a critical point in my running. If I don't run today I may never run again. That thought lead me to search for a quote I'd seen somewhere. I didn't find it, but it went something like, "Don't stop. It is easier to keep going than to start over." And that is so true about fitness. For me anyway, it feels like gaining fitness happens over months and years and losing it happens over hours or days. So tonight I'll run so that I don't stop forever.
While I was looking for that quote this article caught my eye: How to Run Without Getting Tired.
It is pretty basic, but generally sound, advice. I'd love to hear any successes or failures you've experienced in your running adventures. Comment! Comment!
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Christmas crunch
Todd and I decided to make some treats for some friends and neighbors as holiday gifts. We decided my mom's old tried and true recipe for caramel corn would be perfect. (Or maybe I just wanted caramel corn and masked my gluttony behind the guise of gift-giving. Its so hard to say.) I have 3 recipes I like depending on how much time I have and which ingredients I have on hand. One is from my Aunt Bee, one is from a friend from high school and one is my mom's. Mom's takes longer than the others but is SO worth it!
Oven Caramel Corn
15 cups popcorn, popped
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees.
2. Divide popcorn between 2 ungreased baking pans (13x9x2) or one large roasting pan.
3. In saucepan heat sugar, butter, corn syrup and salt over medium heat stirring occasionally until bubbles begin to form around the edges. Continue cooking over medium, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat. Stir in baking soda until foamy. Pour over popped corn, stirring until well coated.
5. Bake one hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
One batch makes a nicely filled gallon Ziploc bag.
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
Oven Caramel Corn
15 cups popcorn, popped
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees.
2. Divide popcorn between 2 ungreased baking pans (13x9x2) or one large roasting pan.
3. In saucepan heat sugar, butter, corn syrup and salt over medium heat stirring occasionally until bubbles begin to form around the edges. Continue cooking over medium, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat. Stir in baking soda until foamy. Pour over popped corn, stirring until well coated.
5. Bake one hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
One batch makes a nicely filled gallon Ziploc bag.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
SOLD = Thank you!
I sold a house yesterday! Yay! For those of you that have ever bought or sold a house you know that that actually means I've been working diligently for 2 months to sell a house and the final closing and recording happened yesterday. A line in the sand, if you will.
I love people so I love the process. I enjoy working with another good agent toward the common goal of doing the best for our clients to get what they both need. I love the image of a new family and their excitement at taking over their new home. There was a tenant in the house I had listed and through the listing and sales process I got to know this lovely family. I sent a quick thank you to them this morning to thank them for all their hard work moving their belongings and leaving the home in spotless condition for the buyers. It reminded me that there are so many dedicated people that make a deal happen and they all need Thank Yous for their efforts.
First Centennial Title: Cindy, Cheri and Donna. These ladies responded to every call and question I had. Every transaction I've had with them has been impressive.
Keller Williams Realty Group One Reno: Bryan Anderson, the buyer's agent, was great about communicating with me and kept his sense of humor through it all.
My sellers: A couple of the nicest people I've ever met. They were bright, and honest, and funny, and could not have been better about communication and responses to my requests for signatures or information. They are the kind of people that, after you've met them, you wish you could have met them years earlier so you could have more time getting to know such kind and interesting people.
The buyers: A young family that was also very responsive to requests for signatures. Maybe you're beginning to see a theme here. It is SO important to get paperwork to the right people at the right time. The entire process breaks down when that doesn't happen.
My broker, David Hilbig, who is always ready with guidance and counsel. There is a reason everyone says "I love Dave!!" And Jaime and Emma in our office who schedule showings and assist with the multitudes of paperwork that are involved in a transaction. And the other great agents at Keller Williams Group One Sparks, (Regina, JC, Ed, Jamie, Deb, Sandy and Ray to name a few) who are so generous with their knowledge and support.
The handyman, the inspectors, the appraiser. And those tenants I mentioned earlier who allowed their daily routine to be disrupted with showings and appointment from that handyman, appraiser and the inspectors. They are so sweet that when I thanked them for their hard work, they replied to thank me for mine.
I guess rather than pouring gratitude out on this page I should be breaking out my thank you cards and pen and sending my appreciation to each of them!
Don't forget to contact me if you, or anyone you know, wants to buy or sell real estate in Reno/Sparks!
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
I love people so I love the process. I enjoy working with another good agent toward the common goal of doing the best for our clients to get what they both need. I love the image of a new family and their excitement at taking over their new home. There was a tenant in the house I had listed and through the listing and sales process I got to know this lovely family. I sent a quick thank you to them this morning to thank them for all their hard work moving their belongings and leaving the home in spotless condition for the buyers. It reminded me that there are so many dedicated people that make a deal happen and they all need Thank Yous for their efforts.
First Centennial Title: Cindy, Cheri and Donna. These ladies responded to every call and question I had. Every transaction I've had with them has been impressive.
Keller Williams Realty Group One Reno: Bryan Anderson, the buyer's agent, was great about communicating with me and kept his sense of humor through it all.
My sellers: A couple of the nicest people I've ever met. They were bright, and honest, and funny, and could not have been better about communication and responses to my requests for signatures or information. They are the kind of people that, after you've met them, you wish you could have met them years earlier so you could have more time getting to know such kind and interesting people.
The buyers: A young family that was also very responsive to requests for signatures. Maybe you're beginning to see a theme here. It is SO important to get paperwork to the right people at the right time. The entire process breaks down when that doesn't happen.
My broker, David Hilbig, who is always ready with guidance and counsel. There is a reason everyone says "I love Dave!!" And Jaime and Emma in our office who schedule showings and assist with the multitudes of paperwork that are involved in a transaction. And the other great agents at Keller Williams Group One Sparks, (Regina, JC, Ed, Jamie, Deb, Sandy and Ray to name a few) who are so generous with their knowledge and support.
The handyman, the inspectors, the appraiser. And those tenants I mentioned earlier who allowed their daily routine to be disrupted with showings and appointment from that handyman, appraiser and the inspectors. They are so sweet that when I thanked them for their hard work, they replied to thank me for mine.
I guess rather than pouring gratitude out on this page I should be breaking out my thank you cards and pen and sending my appreciation to each of them!
Don't forget to contact me if you, or anyone you know, wants to buy or sell real estate in Reno/Sparks!
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
Monday, December 17, 2012
RNO Homes
I've mentioned before that I am part of a team of agents called RNOhomes. We are a large group of dedicated individuals who pool our resources for advertising, marketing, and client support. Each of us is still available to help our clients in the one-on-one personal style that buyers and seller deserve, but we share a wealth of knowledge to build a strong unit. It has been such a wonderful learning experience and further reinforces the faith I have in the quality of Keller Williams agents.
We met again this morning to discuss ways that we can build on the team's strengths. We'll be doing a group video - in front of our new Reno offices - as well as videos for each of our own websites. If you're looking for a great agent to help with the sale or purchase of a home check us out. If you're interested in learning a bit more about me and how I'd love to assist you, visit my site!
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
We met again this morning to discuss ways that we can build on the team's strengths. We'll be doing a group video - in front of our new Reno offices - as well as videos for each of our own websites. If you're looking for a great agent to help with the sale or purchase of a home check us out. If you're interested in learning a bit more about me and how I'd love to assist you, visit my site!
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
Friday, December 14, 2012
The List
I keep a To Do list and today's is full!
If I can get an appointment my clients are signing on a house they are selling. There is a KW Cares fundraiser in our Reno office at noon. It is a chili cookoff which I would have loved to participate in, but am going to spend every free minute today making tamales for a dinner party we are hosting. Grateful today for a kitchen with so much counter space. I've made tamales in a kitchen with 1/8th the space this one has. It can be done, but isn't nearly as much fun!
We ran last night and a couple of nights ago. 5.8 miles and 7.1 miles respectively. For the past month I've done the large majority of my running on the treadmill. Being out on the road has triggered a bit of sciatic pain so I get to limp around while selling real estate and making tamales. My brother Marvin has the right attitude about pain...it's good to feel some once in awhile so you can appreciate all the times that you don't feel it.
The tamales recipe is quite an ordeal so instead of trying to sort out the details I recommend you buy a good cookbook (Tamales 101 by Alice Guadalupe Tapp is the one I swear by) and just jump in. Read all the instructions first. There are a number of steps and you can really streamline the process by planning ahead.
So that covers real estate, a bit o' running and recipes. As for baseball, I'm unable to turn up any definitive info about the negotiations between the City of Reno and the Reno Aces. Here's the most recent article I was able to find: http://www.rgj.com/article/20121116/NEWS/311160012/What-s-deck-Reno-Aces-deal- If you see or hear anything, please share it with me!
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
If I can get an appointment my clients are signing on a house they are selling. There is a KW Cares fundraiser in our Reno office at noon. It is a chili cookoff which I would have loved to participate in, but am going to spend every free minute today making tamales for a dinner party we are hosting. Grateful today for a kitchen with so much counter space. I've made tamales in a kitchen with 1/8th the space this one has. It can be done, but isn't nearly as much fun!
We ran last night and a couple of nights ago. 5.8 miles and 7.1 miles respectively. For the past month I've done the large majority of my running on the treadmill. Being out on the road has triggered a bit of sciatic pain so I get to limp around while selling real estate and making tamales. My brother Marvin has the right attitude about pain...it's good to feel some once in awhile so you can appreciate all the times that you don't feel it.
The tamales recipe is quite an ordeal so instead of trying to sort out the details I recommend you buy a good cookbook (Tamales 101 by Alice Guadalupe Tapp is the one I swear by) and just jump in. Read all the instructions first. There are a number of steps and you can really streamline the process by planning ahead.
So that covers real estate, a bit o' running and recipes. As for baseball, I'm unable to turn up any definitive info about the negotiations between the City of Reno and the Reno Aces. Here's the most recent article I was able to find: http://www.rgj.com/article/20121116/NEWS/311160012/What-s-deck-Reno-Aces-deal- If you see or hear anything, please share it with me!
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Free Souls
My post title sounds like some sort of demonic ad on Craigslist! "Free souls! Moving to smaller apartment and don't have room. You must pick up. Bring help...too heavy to lift alone!" And, to be honest, my post doesn't really have anything to do with homes, running, recipes or baseball. But I stumbled across this picture on Facebook this morning (it WAS posted on a motivational site for runners so that should count for something) and it made me smile.
I smiled, not just because the picture is at such odds with the imagery I've gotten while reading Bukowski, but because the words are so true. As Todd and I were walking through the grocery store last night we were passed by a girl of about 9. At first glance she reminded me a little of Jodie Foster from the Freaky Friday movie. On a second glance she reminded me a LOT of Jodie Foster from the Freaky Friday movie. She was slim, her blond hair cut in a bob, her nose freckled, she was wearing a faux leather jacket, black leggings torn at the knee, and tennis shoes. She walked with such a casual confidence you couldn't help but notice her. And if that image didn't make you smile, the fact that she was whistling a jaunty little tune certainly would. I turned to Todd and saw a mirror image of the dopey grin I felt on my own face. A free soul if ever there was one.
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
I smiled, not just because the picture is at such odds with the imagery I've gotten while reading Bukowski, but because the words are so true. As Todd and I were walking through the grocery store last night we were passed by a girl of about 9. At first glance she reminded me a little of Jodie Foster from the Freaky Friday movie. On a second glance she reminded me a LOT of Jodie Foster from the Freaky Friday movie. She was slim, her blond hair cut in a bob, her nose freckled, she was wearing a faux leather jacket, black leggings torn at the knee, and tennis shoes. She walked with such a casual confidence you couldn't help but notice her. And if that image didn't make you smile, the fact that she was whistling a jaunty little tune certainly would. I turned to Todd and saw a mirror image of the dopey grin I felt on my own face. A free soul if ever there was one.
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Hats off
Today I want to take my hat off to a couple of other bloggers.
The first belongs to one of my girlfriends, Jamie Guier, a fellow Oregonian-transplanted-to-Reno/Sparks-and-turned-realtor. At a party last night she mentioned that she had made a quick trip to Oregon to see family. Is it sad that the part of her story that really caught my attention was the mention of homemade chicken noodle soup? She has graciously agreed to guest blog that recipe for me some time in the coming weeks. In the meantime you can get a taste of Jamie's passion for real estate by reading her blog: http://reno-nv-homes.blogspot.com/
The other blog is one I stumbled across while looking for running and riding events in the Reno area. This blog, http://ridinginreno.blogspot.com/, has been a great motivator for me to get on my bike trainer as a cross training exercise. Turns out the guy that writes this blog is a guy my husband knows because he offers training in mining applications. Small world.
So check out these blogs and check back soon for Jamie's mom's chicken soup recipe!
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
The first belongs to one of my girlfriends, Jamie Guier, a fellow Oregonian-transplanted-to-Reno/Sparks-and-turned-realtor. At a party last night she mentioned that she had made a quick trip to Oregon to see family. Is it sad that the part of her story that really caught my attention was the mention of homemade chicken noodle soup? She has graciously agreed to guest blog that recipe for me some time in the coming weeks. In the meantime you can get a taste of Jamie's passion for real estate by reading her blog: http://reno-nv-homes.blogspot.com/
The other blog is one I stumbled across while looking for running and riding events in the Reno area. This blog, http://ridinginreno.blogspot.com/, has been a great motivator for me to get on my bike trainer as a cross training exercise. Turns out the guy that writes this blog is a guy my husband knows because he offers training in mining applications. Small world.
So check out these blogs and check back soon for Jamie's mom's chicken soup recipe!
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Reno Retirement
It always strikes me that things just seem to come together. Five of the buyers that I am working with right now are moving here from other areas as part of their retirement plan. When I ask them why they've chosen Reno, they say things like "I grew up here and want to come back", "We have kids and grandkids in the Bay area, don't want to live in California and Reno is a short drive", "My son is going to attend the University of Nevada", and "We want a good golf community and sunshine but don't want to live in Arizona."
Because of these conversations I've had my buyer goggles set to a view of what Reno has to offer retirees. And then I read an article in the Reno Gazette Journal: Reno Makes National Magazine's Top 8 Places to Retire. The "Where to Retire" publication nailed it with this assessment:
The magazine’s editor, Mary Lu Abbott, praised Reno’s current housing prices and outdoor activity options.
“Reno has so much to offer active retirees, from the cultural scene to casino action complemented with year-round outdoor recreation,” Abbott said. “And all those perks come with outstanding bargains in home prices as the city recovers from a hard hit in the housing crisis."
If you're thinking of retiring or know someone who is please share this information with them and then have them call me. I'd love to help!
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
Because of these conversations I've had my buyer goggles set to a view of what Reno has to offer retirees. And then I read an article in the Reno Gazette Journal: Reno Makes National Magazine's Top 8 Places to Retire. The "Where to Retire" publication nailed it with this assessment:
The magazine’s editor, Mary Lu Abbott, praised Reno’s current housing prices and outdoor activity options.
“Reno has so much to offer active retirees, from the cultural scene to casino action complemented with year-round outdoor recreation,” Abbott said. “And all those perks come with outstanding bargains in home prices as the city recovers from a hard hit in the housing crisis."
If you're thinking of retiring or know someone who is please share this information with them and then have them call me. I'd love to help!
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
Monday, December 10, 2012
The Tree is Up
We got our Christmas tree(s) up for the year. We have had a lovely 7 foot artificial tree...I won't go into the pros and cons of real vs artificial...for the past few years and really love it. This year, because our living room ceilings are so grand, we decided to purchase a larger tree. I found a sweet deal on craigslist and the minute Todd got home from work we started putting it up.
But I'm sentimental, especially around the holidays. I couldn't NOT put up my sweet old tree. So we made room for it in the family room and put it up too. I love to stand in the kitchen where, if I crane my neck just right, I can see both trees at once. The tall one is beautiful with a perfectly coordinating set of new ornaments. The old one is covered in a lifetime collection of ornaments, each with a story and a memory behind it. If I had to choose a favorite I couldn't do it. I guess they're like people...you make room for the good ones in your life.
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
But I'm sentimental, especially around the holidays. I couldn't NOT put up my sweet old tree. So we made room for it in the family room and put it up too. I love to stand in the kitchen where, if I crane my neck just right, I can see both trees at once. The tall one is beautiful with a perfectly coordinating set of new ornaments. The old one is covered in a lifetime collection of ornaments, each with a story and a memory behind it. If I had to choose a favorite I couldn't do it. I guess they're like people...you make room for the good ones in your life.
Friday, December 7, 2012
What I SHOULD have done...
My darling friend, Regina, regularly donates platelets at the United Blood Services near our office. As regularly as is allowed, in any case. She invited me to go with her so I did. She made the appointment, described her personal experiences, and forwarded me the e-mail message from United Blood Services that outlines what you should and shouldn't do when donating.
I was supposed to run on Wednesday. I got sidetracked with cleaning my living room and putting up Christmas decorations and told myself I'd run on Thursday. That would, after all, put me back on the same schedule as my husband. This was the point that I should have looked at my calendar to see what else was coming up during the week but alas, I did not.
I woke up on Thursday...the day I was to donate...with a very stiff neck. I did some gentle neck exercises and thought about what my day had in store. I still had a couple of hours before the appointment and thought about taking some aspirin or ibuprofen for my neck. The appointment! No aspirin allowed. And just to be safe I decided against the ibuprofen.
I thought I'd go down and have some coffee and see if moving around helped. But then I remembered you're supposed to go light on caffeine. So no coffee...because I rarely "go light" on things I love once I start. Grr!! My neck was hurting and I had my no-coffee crankiness going on. Naturally I decided a quick run would be the answer. I came up with the idea because running really does tend to ease the stress I carry in my neck and shoulders. (See how great running is for you?! And I'm saving tons on massage fees!) This of course would make me short on time but I told myself I would just do a quick 2 miles.
Two miles in felt too good to just stop so I decided I could do the 5K if I didn't dry my hair. So I did 5K, felt pretty good, rushed through getting ready and dashed out the door. On the way I remembered that I was supposed to have a low fat, balanced breakfast. A Fiber One bar counts, right?
Is anyone even a little bit surprised that halfway through the donation procedure I got a bit lightheaded? I don't blame United Blood Services...they were unbelievably kind and attentive. I blame me. If I had simply followed my own running schedule I would have had time for a healthy meal. Lesson learned. My little episode shouldn't deter anyone from donating. In fact, you've now got all the tools you need to have a successful visit. And how great I feel knowing I've helped others totally outweighs the momentary discomfort.
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
I was supposed to run on Wednesday. I got sidetracked with cleaning my living room and putting up Christmas decorations and told myself I'd run on Thursday. That would, after all, put me back on the same schedule as my husband. This was the point that I should have looked at my calendar to see what else was coming up during the week but alas, I did not.
I woke up on Thursday...the day I was to donate...with a very stiff neck. I did some gentle neck exercises and thought about what my day had in store. I still had a couple of hours before the appointment and thought about taking some aspirin or ibuprofen for my neck. The appointment! No aspirin allowed. And just to be safe I decided against the ibuprofen.
I thought I'd go down and have some coffee and see if moving around helped. But then I remembered you're supposed to go light on caffeine. So no coffee...because I rarely "go light" on things I love once I start. Grr!! My neck was hurting and I had my no-coffee crankiness going on. Naturally I decided a quick run would be the answer. I came up with the idea because running really does tend to ease the stress I carry in my neck and shoulders. (See how great running is for you?! And I'm saving tons on massage fees!) This of course would make me short on time but I told myself I would just do a quick 2 miles.
Two miles in felt too good to just stop so I decided I could do the 5K if I didn't dry my hair. So I did 5K, felt pretty good, rushed through getting ready and dashed out the door. On the way I remembered that I was supposed to have a low fat, balanced breakfast. A Fiber One bar counts, right?
Is anyone even a little bit surprised that halfway through the donation procedure I got a bit lightheaded? I don't blame United Blood Services...they were unbelievably kind and attentive. I blame me. If I had simply followed my own running schedule I would have had time for a healthy meal. Lesson learned. My little episode shouldn't deter anyone from donating. In fact, you've now got all the tools you need to have a successful visit. And how great I feel knowing I've helped others totally outweighs the momentary discomfort.
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
Thursday, December 6, 2012
I Scream for Ice Cream Scones!
I broke my cardinal rule of baking the other day. I modified a recipe before I'd tried it in its original form. This is one of those "agree to disagree" scenarios in my house. Todd has never followed a recipe as written. He HAS to mess with it...usually adding something spicy. I think it is best to try a recipe first and then adapt it to your taste later. Our compromise is based on the fact that I bake and he doesn't.
I was craving scones, ran through some cookbooks and did a quick web search and found a couple to try. I'm an instant gratification sort and opted for the one with just 2 ingredients. Sounds too good to be true, but they turned out really well! The modification I made was to add the ingredients necessary to change them from vanilla to vanilla-cranberry-orange scones. First the base recipe from www.allrecipes.com:
Ice Scream Scones
3 cups self-rising flour*
2 1/2 cups vanilla ice cream**, melted
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Pour the ice cream into a large bowl; fold the flour into the ice cream until the dough just begins to come together. Using your hands, gently knead the dough into a ball, adding flour as necessary to keep the dough from sticking.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll into a 9x13 inch rectangle. Cut the dough into 12 circles, 3 inches in diameter, and place on a baking sheet.
4. Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown and cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes.
My notes:
* You can make your own self-rising flour out of all purpose flour. For each cup of all-purpose flour, add 1 1/4 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt and mix to combine.
** Do not use low-fat ice cream.
I didn't roll into a rectangle and cut into circles. I rolled it into a large round and cut into 8 wedges. Then I baked them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
To adapt these I steeped a half cup of dried cranberries in boiling water while preparing the dough. I added 2 Tbsp fresh orange juice, a Tbsp orange zest, and a 1/2 tsp cinnamon to the ice cream before adding the flour. Before turning out on a floured board to knead I coarsely stirred in the drained cranberries. Once baked and cooled I glazed them with my mom's doughnut glaze recipe: Warm 1/4 C milk, 2 Tbsp butter, 1/2 tsp vanilla, dash of salt over low heat until dissolved. Add 3/4 lb confectioner's sugar (more or less) and stirring until it reaches desired consistency.
Try it and let me know what you think! Especially if you create a delicious variation!
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
I was craving scones, ran through some cookbooks and did a quick web search and found a couple to try. I'm an instant gratification sort and opted for the one with just 2 ingredients. Sounds too good to be true, but they turned out really well! The modification I made was to add the ingredients necessary to change them from vanilla to vanilla-cranberry-orange scones. First the base recipe from www.allrecipes.com:
Ice Scream Scones
3 cups self-rising flour*
2 1/2 cups vanilla ice cream**, melted
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Pour the ice cream into a large bowl; fold the flour into the ice cream until the dough just begins to come together. Using your hands, gently knead the dough into a ball, adding flour as necessary to keep the dough from sticking.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll into a 9x13 inch rectangle. Cut the dough into 12 circles, 3 inches in diameter, and place on a baking sheet.
4. Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown and cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes.
My notes:
* You can make your own self-rising flour out of all purpose flour. For each cup of all-purpose flour, add 1 1/4 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt and mix to combine.
** Do not use low-fat ice cream.
I didn't roll into a rectangle and cut into circles. I rolled it into a large round and cut into 8 wedges. Then I baked them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
To adapt these I steeped a half cup of dried cranberries in boiling water while preparing the dough. I added 2 Tbsp fresh orange juice, a Tbsp orange zest, and a 1/2 tsp cinnamon to the ice cream before adding the flour. Before turning out on a floured board to knead I coarsely stirred in the drained cranberries. Once baked and cooled I glazed them with my mom's doughnut glaze recipe: Warm 1/4 C milk, 2 Tbsp butter, 1/2 tsp vanilla, dash of salt over low heat until dissolved. Add 3/4 lb confectioner's sugar (more or less) and stirring until it reaches desired consistency.
Try it and let me know what you think! Especially if you create a delicious variation!
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
They care! They really, really care!
I've bragged before about the wonderful generosity of Keller Williams agents and the amazing outlet, KW Cares, that gives that giving such special meaning in our company. I think I've even mentioned the monthly sales meeting that brings together both the Reno and Sparks Keller Williams offices for an opportunity to share information and successes. This week was a beautiful culmination of all of that.
Our meeting started by covering the usual topics. We discussed licensing, contracts, our upcoming Reno office move. Our vendor partners shared product information and extended invitations to holiday gatherings. And we had an auction for some fun items that you could purchase with play money, Bob's Bucks, earned from New American Mortgage. There were gas cards and massage certificates and chocolates for our bidding pleasure.
Before the auction kicked off a couple of agents gave a presentation about KW Cares...a public charity created to support Keller Williams Realty associates and their families with hardship as a result of a sudden emergency. Ed Davis shared that some years ago KW Cares very generously contributed to him after he experienced a medical emergency. He has taken up the cause and spearheads a lot of the fundraisers that we have. Today was no different.
Ed raised as many Bob's Bucks as he could and many agents donated their bucks to him as well. And then he raffled them off for actual cash to support an agent in need in the Reno office. Those bucks were raffled and then donated back to be raffled again. Hundreds upon hundreds of dollars were raised. While the raffle was taking place a collection jar went around the room and wallets opened. When all was said and done we had all given and were all the richer for it.
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
Our meeting started by covering the usual topics. We discussed licensing, contracts, our upcoming Reno office move. Our vendor partners shared product information and extended invitations to holiday gatherings. And we had an auction for some fun items that you could purchase with play money, Bob's Bucks, earned from New American Mortgage. There were gas cards and massage certificates and chocolates for our bidding pleasure.
Before the auction kicked off a couple of agents gave a presentation about KW Cares...a public charity created to support Keller Williams Realty associates and their families with hardship as a result of a sudden emergency. Ed Davis shared that some years ago KW Cares very generously contributed to him after he experienced a medical emergency. He has taken up the cause and spearheads a lot of the fundraisers that we have. Today was no different.
Ed raised as many Bob's Bucks as he could and many agents donated their bucks to him as well. And then he raffled them off for actual cash to support an agent in need in the Reno office. Those bucks were raffled and then donated back to be raffled again. Hundreds upon hundreds of dollars were raised. While the raffle was taking place a collection jar went around the room and wallets opened. When all was said and done we had all given and were all the richer for it.
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
No NaNo Novel
I have to admit...I didn't write a novel in November (insert sad-faced emoticon here). But what I love about NaNoWriMo is that each time I participate I get closer to writing one than I would if I didn't try. In the past I've written in November, then stop, and never look at it again. This year I read those earlier attempts and was surprised that they weren't as horrible as they felt while I was writing them. So the deal I've made with myself is that I am going to keep writing on this one until I hit the 50,000 word mark. Ugh! Why do I do this to myself!
I kid...I do it because I love having goals. Some of my goals this year...to run 500 or more miles (just about there, and barring any injury, I should make it), start a blog (done!), read at least 12 books (I'm going to have to squeeze 3 small ones in this month). I don't really make resolutions, I set these as I go and looking back at this list I see what sorts of things are important to me. I think I'll carry these forward. Starting with my annual Resolution Run with my husband at midnight on New Year's.
What goals, resolutions if you will, are you setting for yourself?
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
I kid...I do it because I love having goals. Some of my goals this year...to run 500 or more miles (just about there, and barring any injury, I should make it), start a blog (done!), read at least 12 books (I'm going to have to squeeze 3 small ones in this month). I don't really make resolutions, I set these as I go and looking back at this list I see what sorts of things are important to me. I think I'll carry these forward. Starting with my annual Resolution Run with my husband at midnight on New Year's.
2012 - Me, Todd, and our favorite running companion Yuri!
What goals, resolutions if you will, are you setting for yourself?
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
Monday, December 3, 2012
ChickEnchiladas
I'm getting excited because some wonderful friends are coming to visit later this month! It has been about a year and a half since we saw them last so I can't wait to catch up. 15 or so years ago Jeri made chicken enchiladas for us for dinner. She wrote up the recipe for the flour tortillas on one page while reciting the filling/topping directions to me to write on another scrap of paper. Those treasures are part of my love of cooking. Even after I enter a recipe in my cookbook program on the computer, I hang on to those precious scraps.
When I told Todd when the Vradenburgs would be arriving naturally he yelled, "I love CHICKENS!" Jon and Jeri's adorable daughter Emma will radomly yell that and then run around the room like a madman. Alyssa, the older sister, will sometimes join her if she is feeling particularly silly.
When I think of Jon and Jeri I yell (in my head), "I love chicken enchiladas!" So here is that recipe from a thousand years ago! My chickenscratch notes leave a lot to be desired, so the assembly directions are simply how I've been doing it for years and not necessarily how Jeri intended.
1 medium onion, diced
1 lb grated cheddar cheese, divided
1 small can diced green chiles
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 pint half and half
1 cup chicken broth
8 flour tortillas (see Jeri's recipe above or purchase pre-made)
sour cream, optional
hot sauce, optional
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cook chicken and onions in large skillet over medium high heat until chicken is cooked through. Drain off excess liquid. Add 3/4 of the cheese and chiles and stir.
In a bowl combine soups, broth, and half and half until smooth. Add one cup of this mixture to the chicken mixture and stir to combine.
In 9x13 casserole place one tortilla, spoon approximately 1/8th chicken mixture, roll and slide to one end. Continue until all tortillas are filled. If any chicken mixture remains just spoon it into casserole alongside the rolled tortillas.
Pour remaining sauce mixture over filled tortillas, sprinkle with remaining cream cheese. Bake for 30 minutes or until cheese bubbles. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving. Serve with dollop of sour cream and hot sauce to taste.
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
When I told Todd when the Vradenburgs would be arriving naturally he yelled, "I love CHICKENS!" Jon and Jeri's adorable daughter Emma will radomly yell that and then run around the room like a madman. Alyssa, the older sister, will sometimes join her if she is feeling particularly silly.
When I think of Jon and Jeri I yell (in my head), "I love chicken enchiladas!" So here is that recipe from a thousand years ago! My chickenscratch notes leave a lot to be desired, so the assembly directions are simply how I've been doing it for years and not necessarily how Jeri intended.
Jeri's Chicken Enchiladas
4-5 chicken breasts, cubed1 medium onion, diced
1 lb grated cheddar cheese, divided
1 small can diced green chiles
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 pint half and half
1 cup chicken broth
8 flour tortillas (see Jeri's recipe above or purchase pre-made)
sour cream, optional
hot sauce, optional
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cook chicken and onions in large skillet over medium high heat until chicken is cooked through. Drain off excess liquid. Add 3/4 of the cheese and chiles and stir.
In a bowl combine soups, broth, and half and half until smooth. Add one cup of this mixture to the chicken mixture and stir to combine.
In 9x13 casserole place one tortilla, spoon approximately 1/8th chicken mixture, roll and slide to one end. Continue until all tortillas are filled. If any chicken mixture remains just spoon it into casserole alongside the rolled tortillas.
Pour remaining sauce mixture over filled tortillas, sprinkle with remaining cream cheese. Bake for 30 minutes or until cheese bubbles. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving. Serve with dollop of sour cream and hot sauce to taste.
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
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