Paterson, NJ

Once while driving along the countryside in New Jersey, my attention was attracted by an impressive wrought iron gate and fence. They were magnificent – gorgeous, amazing, marvelous. I stopped and even touched them. I felt in love at once and decided to order the same for my own country house.

I asked the owner about the fence and he gave me the address of the company who produces such fences and gates. It was Cacciola Iron Works from New Jersey. I wasn’t disappointed. The service was excellent, the result – incredible. Now I’m proud not only of my house but the gate as well.

This is a funny Turkey story. Do you have one?

I will never forget preparing my first turkey for Thanksgiving about 20 years ago. At the time, my husband and I were renting this adorable apartment in good old Paterson, New Jersey.

Have you ever heard of Paterson, New Jersey? This was the home town of the famous comedian Lou Costello. Remember the comedy team Bud Abbott and Lou Costello? I am sure "Who's on first, What's on second" will trigger your memory. Lou was very proud to mention on his show and movies that he was born in what was once the "Silk City of the World", Paterson, New Jersey.

Well, let's get back to my story regarding the turkey. My husband brought home this huge turkey that he had gotten from work. He was so proud of it. On the other hand, my thoughts were, "What am I going to do with this huge- frozen- naked bird?" I had grown up in Spain, without an oven. At that time, using the oven in itself was a challenge.

Thank God for good friends! I quickly got on the phone and was able to gather enough information to start the task at hand. I wouldn't think of calling a relative and letting them know that I didn't have a clue.

I soaked the turkey for a long time. Once it was defrosted, I realized there was something inside it. My thoughts were, "look it comes with a surprise". I started pulling out all sorts of stuff, even packets, that I had no idea their purpose.

Next, was the struggle of getting this bird out of the sink. This was a true test. The bird kept slipping and sliding all over the place. I finally got up on a stepstool, said some pleasant words, grabbed it as tight as I could and held the turkey against my body. I felt I was winning this battle only to see it slip out of my hands and fall on the kitchen floor. Well, just not to get it back into the sink, I gave it a sponge bath!

To make a long story short, I roasted the turkey and it looked beautiful. I set it down on the dining room table. We all sat and gathered around the roasted turkey. I was so proud of myself. Then suddenly I heard Aunt Millie say, "Dolores you cooked the bird upside down. Turn it over"...................Well we all laughed. It was the beginning of the best Thanksgiving ever.

Do you have a funny Turkey Story you would like to share?

Let wishes of a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving rain on you all.

ASP Home Staging Statistics

"Your Investment in ASP Home Staging will always be less than your first Price Reduction"
- Barb Schwarz, The Creator of Home Staging

Return on Staging Investment
The following is a summary of the results of HomeGain's 2007 national survey, based on the ten areas of home improvement identified by real estate agents in HomeGain's original survey in 2003. They are listed from the highest to lowest returns on investment:

As the chair for the Neighborhood Party that we had on Sept 20, I was very happy with the turnout. We were expecting only about 250-300 people to show up, but we must've had around 500-600. It was a great thing my Colleague and had solicited enough donations of food and beverages to accomodate the amount of people that showed up. I was so excited that it was a succes, since my colleagues Beverly and I, put so much effort into it. This is definitely not the last time that this will happen.