Just bought the new home and looking to score some amazing deals? Well my absolutely favorite store is prepping you up for Black Friday. Hang that new flat screen tv in the media room, set up Alexa in living room, and add some style to the bedrooms and bathrooms. Target is your one-stop shop which is why I consider myself a Target addict! I can spend hours in Target. It instantly brightens my mood whenever I walk through the door.
Explore the new Black Friday ad from Target before next week!
Here are my tips for shopping at Target:
- Get a Target Red Card
This card can be linked to your debit card or you can use the credit card feature for this. I prefer the debit. I save 5% everytime I use it. In Texas, that is basically you paying less on the sales tax around 3.25%. #WINNING
- Scan your Target app
Whenever I am in Target, I make sure to scan the items I purchase to see if it is on Cartwheel or any additional coupons can be applied. That is even more savings. I've saved over $500 dollars using Cartwheel.
To List or Not List During the Holidays
Every year at this time, many homeowners decide to wait until after the holidays to put their homes on the market for the first time, while others who already have their homes on the market decide to take them off until after the holidays.
Here are seven great reasons not to wait:
- Relocation buyers are out there. Many companies are still hiring throughout the holidays and need their employees in their new positions as soon as possible.
- Purchasers who are looking for homes during the holidays are serious buyers and are ready to buy now.
- You can restrict the showings on your home to the times you want it shown. You will remain in control.
- Homes show better when decorated for the holidays.
- There is less competition for you as a seller right now. Let’s take a look at listing inventory as compared to the same time last year:
- The desire to own a home doesn’t stop when the holidays come. Buyers who were unable to find their dream home during the busy spring and summer months are still searching!
- The supply of listings increases substantially after the holidays. Also, in many parts of the country, new construction will continue to surge reaching new heights in 2018, which will lessen the demand for your house.
Bottom Line
Waiting until after the holidays to sell your home probably doesn’t make sense.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! – Love New Avenue Realty
It’s 2016!!! Wow this year is following here. I’m looking to build New Avenue Realty to a higher height than it was in 2015. I’d admit that 2015 went beyond my wildest imagination so I am only excited to see what 2016 would like for the New Avenue Realty brand.
Some new things that New Avenue Realty will be doing is hosting My First Place workshops monthly in cities around the metroplex. So we will be coming to a city near you this year. We will be hosting events to get to know people in the community as well as branching out to different sectors.
But here is a little snippet of the goals for New Avenue Realty:
Crowning 36 homeowners is a big deal. So that is one of my main focuses in 2016. What about you? What does 2016 look like for you?
Best Places to See Holiday Lights (Christmas) – Dallas/Fort Worth
Sing along with me, “The most wonderful time of the year is here.” This time of the year brings so many warm and cozy feelings to everyone. The best way to get into the holiday spirit is to go venture out to see holiday lights. I’ve taken the time to get you going in different directions to view lights around the metroplex.
This neighborhood in Plano does not disappoint when it comes to spreading the holiday cheer in the city of Plano. From the Deerfield HOA website:
Deerfield is located in Northwest Plano between Preston Rd. and Coit Rd. Enter from Legacy on Colonnade or Archgate, noting one-way and restricted-turn signs along Old Pond Dr. and Hallmark Dr.
The light show can be seen between the hours of 7pm-11pm during the entire month of December.
RED and BLUE routes on the map below are suggested main thoroughfares; be sure to visit side streets and cul-de-sacs along these routes! Use Quincy Ln. or Legacy Dr. to connect both routes.
If you decide to walk the neighborhood, then please park North of the Clubhouse on a less busy street. Here’s a map of the route: Deerfield Holiday Route Map
Christmas Capital of Texas – Grapevine
Grapevine has deemed itself the Christmas Capital of Texas and rightfully so with the ICE and Lone Star Christmas event at the Gaylord Texan and Snowland at the Great Wolf Lodge. Don’t forget to venture out to Downtown Grapevine to shop and view the light tour downtown. Head to Grapevine on Thursday, December 3rd to enjoy the parade of lights with your family.
Vitruvian Park transforms into a MAGICAL HOLIDAY WONDERLAND during Vitruvian Lights; Friday, November 27, 2015 – Friday, January 1, 2016.
On December 5th, the festivities continue at 6:00pm with a LIVE Concert, Gourmet Food Trucks, Delicious Desserts, Beer/Wine, FREE Photos with Santa and the Holiday Snowman, an Elf Balloon Artist, Holiday Shopping Village and Metrocrest Services Toy & Food Drive.
Prairie Lights – Grand Prairie
Christmas in the Square – Frisco
Christmas in the Branch – Farmers Branch
Venture off to the North Pole and take the kids to have Breakfast with Santa. There is no place magical than this one during the holiday season as there is a treat for all at the Anatole.
Six Flags Over Texas – Arlington
The park transforms into winter wonderland in Arlington. The whole family will be able to enjoy the millions of lights, rides, Santa, and more.
West 7th Starlight Symphony – Fort Worth
Join West 7TH & Pinnacle Bank as we light our streets with Holiday Joy! View a five-minute music and light spectacular held on the hour, 6-10pm.
Texas Motor Speedway “Gift of Lights”
The “Gift of Lights” is a two-mile drive through the speedway that features over 200 lighted displays with more than two million LED lights. Once again, this holiday festival is brought to Dallas/Fort Worth by Christmas by Zenith, the premier provider of holiday displays. The “Gift of Lights” will be open Thanksgiving Day from 6-10 p.m. CT and the display will be open during that timeframe seven days a week through Dec. 31.
Now I wish you and yours a happy holiday season and take the time to enjoy the holiday lights around the metroplex.
P.S. Know of any that I should add to the list? Email me at [email protected] to have your favorite place added to the list.
2015 Fourth of July Events
The best time of the year for barbecues, lakes, and most importantly summer fun has approached us. Yes, you guessed it. It is time for the 4th of July. Our friends at Fox4News have gathered a list of all the activities happening right here in DFW. So get out there and enjoy the holiday season!
Fireworks, food, music, parades and more family fun — it’s all happening across North Texas to celebrate the Fourth of July
. See what’s happening in your neck of the woods.
JULY 4TH EVENTS
Addison, July 3
Kaboom Town
Fireworks and more
www.addisonkaboomtown.com
Allen, June 27
Allen USA Celebration
Free concerts, food, fireworks and more
allenusa.org
Arlington, July 4
Arlington Fourth of July Association Parade
arlington4th.org
Balch Springs, July 4
4th of July Celebration
Fireworks, food and family fun
www.cityofbalchsprings.com
Bedford, July 4
Bigtop 4thFEST
Fireworks, concert and more family fun
www.bedfordtx.gov/4thfest/
Burleson, July 4
Independence Day Celebration
Free concert and fireworks
www.burlesontx.com
Canton, July 4
Chamber of Commerce Parade
visitcantontx.com
College Station, July 4
“I Love America” Celebration at the George Bush Library
Free museum entry, entertainment, fireworks and much more
bushlibrary.tamu.edu
Coppell, July 3 – 4
Spirit of Coppell
Two days of Fourth fun include a parade, food, fireworks and more
coppelltx.gov/special-events-activities/july-4th-parade
Crowley, July 11
Celebration of Freedom
Parade, festival, fireworks display and more
www.ci.crowley.tx.us
Dallas, July 4
Fair Park Fourth
Fireworks, live music, rides, discounted museum admissions and lots more family fun
www.fairpark.org
Denton, July 4
Yankee Doodle Parade
www.cityofdenton.com
Kiwanis Fireworks Show at UNT
www.dentonkiwanisclub.org
Desoto/Lancaster, July 4
Fourth of July Celebration
Fireworks, food and family fun
www.ci.desoto.tx.us
Duncanville, July 4
Grand Old Flag Fourth of July Celebration
Parade, festivities
www.duncanville.com
Farmers Branch, July 3-4
Independence Day Celebration
Walking parade, pie eating contest, food, prizes and more
www.fbspecialevents.com
Red, White & Blue Bike Parade
www.facebook.com/FarmersBranchParade
Farmersville, July 4
Sparks of Freedom
Live music, booths and fireworks
www.farmersvilletx.com
Flower Mound, July 4
Independence Fest
Children’s parade, live music, fireworks and much more family fun
www.flower-mound.com/festival
Fort Worth, July 4
Fort Worth’s Fourth
Fun on the river, live music, fireworks and more
forthworthsfourth.com
Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Picnic
www.willienelson.com
Texas Motor Speedway – Patriotic Friday Night Drag
www.texasmotorspeedway.com
Frisco, July 3-4
Frisco Freedom Fest
Children’s fun expo, live entertainment, food fest, FC Dallas soccer match, fireworks and more
www.friscofreedomfest.org
Garland, July 4
Star-Spangled Spectacular
Family friendly activities, food, live entertainment, fireworks
visitgarlandtx.com
Grand Prairie, July 4
Lone Stars & Stripes
Racing, family fun, music and fireworks
www.lonestarpark.com
Granbury, July 3-5
Old Fashioned 4th of July
Car show, 5K, parade, live music & fireworks
www.granburychamber.com/4th-july-celebration
Grapevine, July 3-4
Annual Fireworks Extravaganza
www.grapevinetexasusa.com
SummerBlast
Fireworks and family fun every Friday all summer
www.grapevinetexasusa.com/summerblast/
Greenville, July 4
Superbowl Speedway
Race and fireworks
www.superbowlspeedway.com
Gun Barrel City, July 3-4
July Fest
Live music, fireworks, carnival and more
www.gunbarrelcityfestivals.net
Haltom City, July 4
Family 4th
Multi-city fireworks show for North Richland Hills, Haltom City and Richland Hills
www.netarrant.org
Haslet, July 2
Independence Day Parade & Fireworks Celebration
www.haslet.org
Hudson Oaks, July 4
Boomin’ 4th
Fireworks and live music
www.boomin4th.com
Hurst, July 4
Hurst Stars & Stripes
Family fun, live music and fireworks
hursttx.gov
Irving, July 4
Independence Day Celebration
Fireworks show, parade, live music and more
cityofirving.org
Joshua, July 3
Family fun, children’s parade and fireworks at Owl Stadium
www.facebook.com/pages/City-of-Joshua-Texas-Administration/104652652287
Lake Cities, July 4
Lake Cities Fourth of July
Parade, carnival rides, live music, fireworks
www.lakedallas.com
Lancaster/Desoto, July 4
Fourth of July Celebration
Fireworks, food and family fun
www.ci.desoto.tx.us
Lewisville, July 4
Red White & Lewisville
Fireworks
www.cityoflewisville.com
Mansfield, July 3
Rockin’ Fourth
Rock ‘n roll, recreation and rockets
www.mansfieldtexas.gov
McKinney, July 4
Red, White and Boom
Fireworks, food, live music, car show and much more
www.mckinneytexas.org/index.aspx?nid=830
Mesquite, July 4
Fireworks Extravaganza at Devil’s Bowl Speedway
Sprint Car Nationals and fireworks
devilsbowl.com
North Richland Hills, July 4
Family 4th
Multi-city fireworks show for North Richland Hills, Haltom City and Richland Hills
www.netarrant.org
Plano, July 3-4
All-American Fourth
Community band concert, parade and fireworks show
www.plano.gov
Richardson, July 4
Family 4th of July Celebration
Family fun, picnicking and fireworks
www.cor.net/index.aspx?page=336
Richland Hills, July 4
Family 4th
Multi-city fireworks show for North Richland Hills, Haltom City and Richland Hills
www.netarrant.org
Roanoke, July 3
Roanoke’s 3rd Rocks
Fireworks, live music and family fun
roanoketexas.com
Rockwall, July 4
Fireworks display at Myers Park at dusk
www.rockwall.com
Rowlett, July 4
Fireworks at Bayside
Live music, food, children’s activities, fireworks and more
www.rowlett.com
Sachse, July 3
Red, White & Blue Blast
Music, food, fireworks and more at Heritage Park
www.cityofsachse.com
Seagoville, July 4
Fireworks in the Park
Water slides, food, vendors and fireworks
www.seagoville.us
Southlake, July 3
Stars and Stripes Festival
Family fun, food and fireworks
www.visitsouthlaketexas.com/stars-stripes
The Colony, July 4
Liberty By The Lake
Family fun, food, live entertainment, 5 & 10 K, fireworks and more
libertybythelake.com
Trophy Club, July 4
Independence Day Celebration
5K, parade and fireworks
www.trophyclub.org
Waxahachie, July 3 – 4
Crape Myrtle Festival
Hometown parade, battle of the bands and fireworks
www.waxahachiecvb.com
HOLIDAY RECIPE — STRAWBERRY CREME PIE
It’s a few days before Christmas and I wanted to share one of my recipes that is super easy and finger licking good. Well the finger licking is after the mix of it.
(From left to right)
A. Gather all of the ingredients together.
Graham Cracker Crust
Strawberry kool-aid packet
Cool Whip
Frozen cut strawberries or fresh strawberries (I was a stickler for time so I chose to go the frozen route)
Sweetened Condensed Milk
B. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Save at least half of the cool whip to use as a topping.
C. Mix the ingredients until you see a smooth consistency and a solid color.
D. Place mixture into the graham cracker crust.
E. Take the remaining cool whip and place it as the topping of the pie.
F. Top the pie with the plastic from the graham cracker crust and set in the refrigerator for 2 hours and enjoy.
My mom gave me the recipe in high school and it has been my go to pie for holidays. I’ve recently add the strawberries to the recipe. You can easily change it to fit your favorite fruit but I prefer strawberry here. If you choose a different fruit, let me know the results because I like to do food testing in my kitchen.
What’s your favorite recipe to make during the holidays?
Cheers to You – Holiday Celebrations
As Thanksgiving passes us by, there is a holiday blooming near. I am a fan of Christmas not because of presents but because of the special love that is delivered through that moment. I personally thank Christmas is filled with more love than Valentine’s Day. It is such a joyous occasion and it reminds you of all the things that you are truly thankful for throughout the year. What better way to have the joy of this holiday than to share some gracious moments that are centered throughout the metroplex. My first suggested stop would be in my town of Lewisville:
Take a holiday stroll through the town of Lewisville and enjoy Christmas shopping, photos with Santa, and all the goods of life that Lewisville can offer during this time of the season. Rebecca Darling of “R We There Yet Mom”, has linked 10 Holiday Events in Dallas/Fort Worth for 2014. One of my all time favorites is the Lone Star Christmas. I was able to take my mentee from Big Brothers Big Sisters a few years ago and I promise you couldn’t tell who was the adult or the kid there. Okay so I behaved as an adult but definitely had some kid fun. One adventure on her list that I would like to check out is the Grapevine Vintage Railroad. I actually discovered this little gem while out showing homes in the area.
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| Holiday Events in DFW |
If I have left any places that you frequent in the metroplex during this time, please comment below and let me know about it. I’m always eager to get out to experience new adventures. What’s your favorite holiday spot?
Reflection of Thanksgiving
Now that we’ve stuffed our faces with turkey, macaroni and cheese, dressing, and pie after pie after pie, what were you most thankful for?
For me this Thanksgiving season, I was thankful for the support of my parents and close friends. After deciding to take this real estate journey as a full time endeavor, these were the people who supported my efforts. The are always there to give me encouraging words when I need it the most. Another thankful moment for me was the support of my clientele. I have been blessed to work with some amazing people this year who have helped my business grow for 2014. My clientele aren’t just clients but friends to me as well. During the course of looking for your home, you spend about 2 months on average together which really transforms the feeling of stranger to friends. You learn about the family dynamics, their love for certain things, and the goals in life.
Buying a home isn’t just me opening the doors to prospective homes for my clients but opening the doors to new opportunities in life through homeownership. These homes will be the foundation for Thanksgivings to come, childhood memories, wedding anniversaries, high school and college graduations. It is those moments that make my career worthwhile.
So overall my reflection of Thanksgiving was more of who and what I was thankful of. The support of those who know and love me and those who grew to know and support me.
I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday break with those same people in their lives.
