I try a lot of recipes. A lot. And I share the good ones here. But I don't want you to think I'm some sort of recipe-floozy who falls for every recipe she tries. Some are good, but not really worth posting. And some are just duds. I made a dud the other night. It was a caramel corn recipe going around on FaceBook that I thought looked interesting. I think you all know I love me some caramel corn but this was bland and uninspired.
I won't share the recipe because I don't want to come of as if I'm badmouthing it. (That's actually what IT did to ME!) Some folks out there might be using it and loving it. More power to them. But I have a super-excellent, light, crispy oven caramel corn that I think is heaven. And I have not one, but TWO, excellent stovetop recipes that come out delicious and gooey every time. So you won't be seeing this interloper.
On the bright side...I think I begged and pleaded with appropriate sincerity and patheticness (that's right...make up a word when necessary!) to convince my best friend Glen to guest blog for me. He recently completed the construction of a pizza oven in his back yard with exciting results!
Even if it takes a few days to get that out of him I have some other fun stuff coming up in the next few days so you'll want to check back often. A quick pasta recipe that smells terrific as it simmers while I type this, a friend is selling a gorgeous house down the street, and we have a half-marathon coming up in the next few weeks. Plus the Reno Aces hosted the 2013 Triple A All Star game so I'll recap that for you as well. So come back soon!
www.sparksrenohomesearch.com
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Friday, July 12, 2013
Like a Christmas catalog
As we were leaving Oregon on our big move to Reno, one of the things I knew I was really going to miss is the really great family-run nursery in Cove. I even brought some of the hanging flower pots that I purchased there with me to our new home. And thought of my old home every time I looked at them. It was a sweet but melancholy reminder. Another thing was our great birding resource at Bobolink. Trent Bray, the owner, used to be our neighbor and was always such a delight. He knows a LOT about birds. And beer. And disc golf. Who wouldn't miss that?!
Fortunately I have several excellent garden centers to choose from here. I love Moana Nursery, Rail City Garden Center, the Old Stone House Gift & Garden. But I have to say Moana has won me over with their monthly newsletter and their birding knowledge.
Do you remember how excited you were as a kid to get the Montgomery Wards and Sears Christmas catalogs? My mom had to set a timer so that each of us kids got our fair share of time scouring and marking the pages. I'm that way with the Moana newsletter. Thank goodness I don't have to share!
But I do. I read it aloud to my husband. It covers all manner of interesting topics including great information about birds. We'll go immediately to the window to see if we can make out any of the birds mentioned in the newsletter in our own back yard.
.JPG)
So if you're looking for a solution to the brown spots in your lawn, you're interested in birding, or you want landscaping recommendations for this high desert environment you should check it out. You can sign up for their newsletter at the bottom of their web page.
As for beer and disc golf...well, that's another post entirely.
www.sparksrenohomesearch.com
Fortunately I have several excellent garden centers to choose from here. I love Moana Nursery, Rail City Garden Center, the Old Stone House Gift & Garden. But I have to say Moana has won me over with their monthly newsletter and their birding knowledge.
Do you remember how excited you were as a kid to get the Montgomery Wards and Sears Christmas catalogs? My mom had to set a timer so that each of us kids got our fair share of time scouring and marking the pages. I'm that way with the Moana newsletter. Thank goodness I don't have to share!
But I do. I read it aloud to my husband. It covers all manner of interesting topics including great information about birds. We'll go immediately to the window to see if we can make out any of the birds mentioned in the newsletter in our own back yard.
.JPG)
So if you're looking for a solution to the brown spots in your lawn, you're interested in birding, or you want landscaping recommendations for this high desert environment you should check it out. You can sign up for their newsletter at the bottom of their web page.
As for beer and disc golf...well, that's another post entirely.
www.sparksrenohomesearch.com
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Artown & More
Real estate in the Reno/Sparks area is experiencing a great deal of change right now. A shortage of inventory, climbing (but still quite low) interest rates, and confusing legislation are just a few things impacting our market. As always, I highly recommend fellow Keller Williams agent Guy Johnson's fantastic blog as a source for educating oneself: http://
If you're interested in buying or selling in Sparks or Reno give me a call. I'd love to sit down and learn more about your real estate needs or concerns. The more time I spend exploring this beautiful city of mine the more I realize how little I knew about Reno before I moved here. We are SO much more than a casino town!
With family in town for the 4th we got out and enjoyed the Wing Fest downtown: great food and live music. My nephew conquered the world's tallest climbing wall at Basecamp. (Read all about it in yesterday's blog post.) We walked along the river to Wingfield Park where live music and a movie in the park were taking place. We enjoyed an original Awful Awful burger at the little Nugget. And we had choices! choices! choices! of terrific events being held this month through Artown.
www.renoisartown.com
Whether you live locally or are coming from out of the area and want to know what is going on here just let me know. I don't pretend to know it all...because there are so many opportunities here...but I'd love to help you explore.
www.sparksrenohomeseach.com
If you're interested in buying or selling in Sparks or Reno give me a call. I'd love to sit down and learn more about your real estate needs or concerns. The more time I spend exploring this beautiful city of mine the more I realize how little I knew about Reno before I moved here. We are SO much more than a casino town!
With family in town for the 4th we got out and enjoyed the Wing Fest downtown: great food and live music. My nephew conquered the world's tallest climbing wall at Basecamp. (Read all about it in yesterday's blog post.) We walked along the river to Wingfield Park where live music and a movie in the park were taking place. We enjoyed an original Awful Awful burger at the little Nugget. And we had choices! choices! choices! of terrific events being held this month through Artown.
www.renoisartown.com
Whether you live locally or are coming from out of the area and want to know what is going on here just let me know. I don't pretend to know it all...because there are so many opportunities here...but I'd love to help you explore.
www.sparksrenohomeseach.com
Monday, July 8, 2013
Someone to look up to
There are a lot of people in my life that I admire. I am blessed to be surrounded by some really smart, kind, funny, generous people who show me in small ways every day how to be a better person. But one person in particular stands out after this weekend: my 16 year old nephew Jered.
When I say I look up to him, I mean I literally look up to him! The kid climbed the world's tallest climbing wall at BaseCamp in Reno this weekend. He was already plenty impressive. He is the strong, silent type. The type who doesn't speak a lot, but when he does you should listen closely because it will be supremely clever, funny or kind. He has repeatedly run the Race to Robie Creek in Boise, Idaho, starting when he was 12! It is a brutal 1/2 marathon and the only complaint I've heard from him is "my feet got hot".
So I shouldn't have been surprised when he said he wanted to climb the 164' wall that juts out over Virginia Street in downtown Reno. As with everything he was completely nonchalant. But I should know that if Jered says he's going to do something (run a race, send me a book he enjoyed, or climb a freaking wall) he WILL do it. And do it he did! He isn't a climber but he climbed right up that wall. He didn't overthink it. He didn't allow anyone to get inside his head. He just climbed up a wall!
Every "Great job man!" or "Way to go!" was met with a quiet, unassuming "Thank you."
"Are you tired?"
"A little."
"Did you look down?"
"Of course."
"Were you afraid?"
"Not really."
"Aren't you excited?"
"Sure."
Some people really are all about doing, not talking about doing. He inspired his entire family, and 50 or so spectators on the street, by doing what he said he'd do. THAT is someone to look up to.
www.sparksrenohomesearch.com
When I say I look up to him, I mean I literally look up to him! The kid climbed the world's tallest climbing wall at BaseCamp in Reno this weekend. He was already plenty impressive. He is the strong, silent type. The type who doesn't speak a lot, but when he does you should listen closely because it will be supremely clever, funny or kind. He has repeatedly run the Race to Robie Creek in Boise, Idaho, starting when he was 12! It is a brutal 1/2 marathon and the only complaint I've heard from him is "my feet got hot".
So I shouldn't have been surprised when he said he wanted to climb the 164' wall that juts out over Virginia Street in downtown Reno. As with everything he was completely nonchalant. But I should know that if Jered says he's going to do something (run a race, send me a book he enjoyed, or climb a freaking wall) he WILL do it. And do it he did! He isn't a climber but he climbed right up that wall. He didn't overthink it. He didn't allow anyone to get inside his head. He just climbed up a wall!
Every "Great job man!" or "Way to go!" was met with a quiet, unassuming "Thank you."
"Are you tired?"
"A little."
"Did you look down?"
"Of course."
"Were you afraid?"
"Not really."
"Aren't you excited?"
"Sure."
Some people really are all about doing, not talking about doing. He inspired his entire family, and 50 or so spectators on the street, by doing what he said he'd do. THAT is someone to look up to.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Happy Feet!
I have been struggling with my running lately. Seems like it has gotten worse since I committed to doing a 50K trail run too. My car accident a couple months ago certainly hasn't helped. I've allowed these soaring temps to stop me from getting in any running. And maybe my biggest excuse has been my heels, ankles and Achilles have been troubling me. Let this be a cautionary tale to all: Check your shoes regularly!!
I keep a run log. And that run log tracks the miles I put on each pair of shoes. My miles aren't that high on the pair I like so I didn't make a connection between these aches and pains and my heel-worn runners. Then I happened to put them on, not for a run, but a quick trip to the store. Turns out it was a happy accident. The minute I put them on I felt like I was walking on the crown of a road. I guess it was the different frame of mind that I was in...because I hadn't noticed it a few days earlier when I did a 6 miler in them.
So I bought new shoes yesterday and had a fantastic run! Shaved 30 seconds off per mile, no heal pain, no Achilles pain, only a tiny bit of left ankle pain that came after the run, not during. I woke up this morning and was able to walk down the stairs without clinging to the handrail for dear life. My hips weren't as cranky and neither was I!
This was a great eye opener for me. In the future I will be much more conscientious about doing physical inspections of my shoes. Do yourself a favor and go check yours while you're thinking about it!
www.sparksrenohomesearch.com
I keep a run log. And that run log tracks the miles I put on each pair of shoes. My miles aren't that high on the pair I like so I didn't make a connection between these aches and pains and my heel-worn runners. Then I happened to put them on, not for a run, but a quick trip to the store. Turns out it was a happy accident. The minute I put them on I felt like I was walking on the crown of a road. I guess it was the different frame of mind that I was in...because I hadn't noticed it a few days earlier when I did a 6 miler in them.
So I bought new shoes yesterday and had a fantastic run! Shaved 30 seconds off per mile, no heal pain, no Achilles pain, only a tiny bit of left ankle pain that came after the run, not during. I woke up this morning and was able to walk down the stairs without clinging to the handrail for dear life. My hips weren't as cranky and neither was I!
This was a great eye opener for me. In the future I will be much more conscientious about doing physical inspections of my shoes. Do yourself a favor and go check yours while you're thinking about it!
www.sparksrenohomesearch.com
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Beatin' the heat
It is hot everywhere right now! Record-breaking temps where I grew up, where I lived the last 20+ years, and right here in Reno/Sparks. My sweet tooth seems to be heatin' up too. Maybe it was being invited to a barbecue this weekend and wondering what dessert to take that didn't require firing up the ol' oven. Or maybe it was coming across these two cool recipes that got me in a sweets frame of mind. Either way, you'll love 'em!
1 small box White Chocolate instant pudding mix
2 cups milk
1 small tub Cool Whip
24 Oreos, crushed
2 cups mini marshmallows
In a large bowl whisk together the pudding mix and milk for 2 minutes. Add Cool Whip, Oreos, and marshmallows. Stir well. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
This can be served as small parfaits with an Oreo garnish or Cool Whip topping. Or, as I prefer, as a dip, with fruit and cookies (Nilla Wafers work well) for dipping.
Before I post this next recipe I want to throw in a small disclaimer. I know I said these are cool recipes. I know that might imply NO oven. And this one uses the oven. But only for 10 minutes! The end result is so refreshing you'll forgive me if I misled you! I promise!
2 1/2 cups crushed pretzels (slightly chunky, not powdered)
3 tablespoons sugar
3/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 8-ounces package cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
2 12-ounce tubs Cool Whip, divided
1 6-ounces package Strawberry Jello
2 cups boiling water
10 ounces fresh or frozen strawberries
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Crust: Melt butter; add sugar. Add crushed pretzels and toss until coated. Press into bottom of greased 9x13 baking dish. Bake 10 minutes. Cool well.
Topping: While crust is cooling combine 2 cups boiling water and Jello, mix well. Add strawberries. Cool Jello mixture in ridge until thick (not entirely set up). *If you have glass shelves, place a pot mat or towel under the bowl.
Filling: Combine cream cheese and sugar; beat well. Fold in one container of Cool Whip. Spread over cooled crust. Stir Jello mixture; pour or spoon over cream cheese mixture and refrigerate until firm. Spread additional Cool Whip over the top, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Help a girl out and send me your photos when you try these! I'll either add them to this post or, more likely, create a new post and publicly shower you with accolades!
www.sparksrenohomesearch.com
White Chocolate Oreo Fluff
1 small box White Chocolate instant pudding mix
2 cups milk
1 small tub Cool Whip
24 Oreos, crushed
2 cups mini marshmallows
In a large bowl whisk together the pudding mix and milk for 2 minutes. Add Cool Whip, Oreos, and marshmallows. Stir well. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
This can be served as small parfaits with an Oreo garnish or Cool Whip topping. Or, as I prefer, as a dip, with fruit and cookies (Nilla Wafers work well) for dipping.
Before I post this next recipe I want to throw in a small disclaimer. I know I said these are cool recipes. I know that might imply NO oven. And this one uses the oven. But only for 10 minutes! The end result is so refreshing you'll forgive me if I misled you! I promise!
Strawberry Pretzel Pie
2 1/2 cups crushed pretzels (slightly chunky, not powdered)
3 tablespoons sugar
3/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 8-ounces package cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
2 12-ounce tubs Cool Whip, divided
1 6-ounces package Strawberry Jello
2 cups boiling water
10 ounces fresh or frozen strawberries
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Crust: Melt butter; add sugar. Add crushed pretzels and toss until coated. Press into bottom of greased 9x13 baking dish. Bake 10 minutes. Cool well.
Topping: While crust is cooling combine 2 cups boiling water and Jello, mix well. Add strawberries. Cool Jello mixture in ridge until thick (not entirely set up). *If you have glass shelves, place a pot mat or towel under the bowl.
Filling: Combine cream cheese and sugar; beat well. Fold in one container of Cool Whip. Spread over cooled crust. Stir Jello mixture; pour or spoon over cream cheese mixture and refrigerate until firm. Spread additional Cool Whip over the top, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Help a girl out and send me your photos when you try these! I'll either add them to this post or, more likely, create a new post and publicly shower you with accolades!
www.sparksrenohomesearch.com
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