Brainerd, MN

This is big hit with my family and all our guests. Simple and delicious- now what could be better? We also love homemade whipped cream and that is exactly what will best top off this dessert. Ice cream also goes well if you are serving this hot out of the oven.

Give it a try and comment back so others will know that you have taste tested and approve.

PINEAPPLE~CHERRY CAKE

• 1~ 20 ounce can of crushed pineapple in heavey syrup

• 1~ 21 ounce can of cherry pie filling

• 1 package (18.25 ounce) of yellow cake mix ~ do not mix
  

• 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts

• 3/4 cup of butter or margarine
  

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. Spread pineapple with its syrup evenly in the pan. Spoon pie filling evenly over the pineapple. Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the mixture, then the chopped nuts over all. Slice the chilled butter or margarine into thin strips, then put the strips evenly over other ingredients. Bake for 50 minutes or until golden brown. Best served warm. Makes 12 servings.

Hint *A potato peeler works well for thinly slicing the chilled butter.

• Question: What is America's first line of missile interceptor defense that protects the entire United States?

Answer: 49th Missile Defense Battalion of Alaska National Guard.

• Question: What is the ONLY National Guard unit on permanent active duty?

Answer: 49th Missile Defense Battalion of Alaska National Guard

• Question: Who is the Commander in Chief of the 49th Missile Defense Battalion of
  

Alaska's National Guard?

Answer: Governor Sarah Palin, Alaska

• Question: What U.S. governor is routinely briefed on highly classified military issues, homeland security, and counter terrorism?

Answer: Governor Sarah Palin, Alaska

• Question: What U.S. governor has a higher classified security rating than either
  

candidate of the Democratic party

Answer: Governor Sarah Palin, Alaska

Staging is Fashionable

This is not an article on how cool and hip staging is, but we stagers do think that.

Rather I am focusing on the aspect of properly dressing a home. In the world of fashion for women, often the basic black cocktail length dress is touted as the ultimate in versatility. A basic well tailored men’s suit in a neutral color would fulfill the same role for men. With the basic piece such as the black dress, the addition of jewelry, heels, a crop jacket and a purse would form a complete outfit. Change the earrings to diamond drops, the purse to a clutch, the heels to sky high Manolo Blahnik’s and you have changed the whole effect.

The same is true of staging a home. If you start with a neutral basic background which includes the wall covering, floor coverings. and large furniture pieces – you have your basic black dress. Add in your accessories with a mix of patterns and colors, a floor rug and artwork and the “fashion tone” of the room has been set. Change the accessories to a glamour mode with some sleek silver picture frames and a mirrored accent table and you are in the bling. Minimize the details and add in contemporary art and a nubby throw to add texture and warmth and the room is far different.

We stage for prospective buyers – just like you dress for the particular occasion.

We stage to enhance the property, not to highlight the accessories. The overall effect is pleasing, in balance, not too much and not too little. Just right – like a little black dress.

For help selling your home in the Brainerd Lakes area~ call Re$ale Design & Home Staging

Heritage Assembly of God in Baxter, Minnesota is again sponsoring The Great Candy Adventure. The year's title is THE GARDEN OF EATIN'. The cost is $2 per child and the ages are Pre-school through 6th grade. All Pre-schoolers must be accompanied by an adult. The date is Friday, October 31 from 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM. There will be the ever popular extreme inflatable games, special activities for Pre-schoolers, food and fun fun fun. No scary, evil or violent costumes will be admitted.

If you do not believe that candy grow on trees, come see for yourself. Attendance is usually 1500- 2000 so you will be in good company. All workers have had background checks and careful screening, so this is a safe place to bring your child. All candy will be still wrapped as it comes from the store. The temperature will be perfect, no wind and no rain (or snow). The little ballerinas and body builders will not have to wear snowsuits over their costumes.

Check it out and look for me - I will be in the Candy Buffet.

A few of you already know that I am in school once again and this time am taking Real Estate classes. I already knew a fair amount about real estate and am learning even more - amortization schedules, Minnesota laws, & government programs. My goal is to stage and sell my own listings and continue to stage for others, on a smaller scale. I want to work a little closer to home and will now be restricted mostly to Minnesota. I will still stage in Florida, but my daughter there will be taking over for the most part.

I think that being a Realtor will enhance my income and my staging experience will enhance my career as a Realtor. With both my daughters now young adults and starting their own businesses, I needed to hire or change how I do things. So I did. Will I love it? That remains to be seen. I have been self-employed for a very long time and am not used to working under someone anymore. I will be looking for a special company and an understanding broker - who will let me do things a little differently. Staging is not the norm yet in the Brainerd Lakes area of MN, so this will be a even better way to promote staging as a standard for selling.