Champaign, IL

Happy Anniversary to The I.D.E.A. Store in Champaign, IL!

On October 1st, The I.D.E.A. Store in Champaign reaches its very first anniversary of being in business! To help them celebrate, I decided to head over there and find out more about what they do as a creative re-use marketplace and how their profits support the Champaign Urbana Schools Foundation.

Next time you have "junk" lying around the house that you're thinking about tossing out (shoe boxes, old keys, metal scraps, small squares of fabric, etc, etc.) consider donating them to The I.D.E.A. Store instead. And stop by to make purchases, too. They sell all kinds of useful odds and ends, such as individual markers, buttons, greeting cards, baskets, bottles, maps, frames...the list goes on. Their prices are unbeatable and the proceeds help support our local schools!

Watch the video below to learn more!

Champaign IL Neighborhoods: A Visit to Ashland Farm

Ashland Farm in North Champaign is a premier condo community offering a low-maintenance, one-story lifestyle in a convenient location... At Ashland Farm, you're just around the corner from multiple shopping centers, restaurants, and access to the major interstates that travel through and around Champaign.

Monthly condo fees cover lawn care, snow removal and exterior maintenance, leaving residents with plenty of time to simply live life minus the hassle of outdoor upkeep. All residents enjoy 24-hour access to the Ashland Farm club house featuring a fireplace, kitchen, pool table, and couches and chairs for lounging as well as entertaining. In addition, there's a heated in-ground pool just outside.

The villas were designed with modern function in mind. Special qualities you'll find include cathedral ceilings, open layouts, energy-efficient features, master suites, and gorgeous, spacious kitchens. Each of the different floor plans also include a patio or veranda, many with fantastic countryside views, and a 2-car attached garage.

Prices: Starting around $120,000 (subject to change)

Age of Neighborhood: Built around 2008

Schools: Champaign Unit 4

Ashland Farm Villas

View from the Villas

Community Clubhouse

For more information about the Villas at Ashland Farm, simply get in touch! 217-552-8059 or Shannon@HomeplaceAdvisors.com

Stormwater Utility Fee for Champaign Home Owners: Your Input Wanted!

Earlier today I had the pleasure of attending a luncheon at which the mayor of Champaign, Don Gerard, was the speaker. The focus of his presentation concerned a proposed stormwater utility fee to be paid in the future by Champaign city property owners, both residential and commercial.

As anyone who has lived in this area for a period of time knows, during heavy storms water backs up on the streets and in yards and basements. It's a very real problem that, to my understanding, has been improved from what it once was but is still very much an issue for residents.

Therefore, the city formed a Stormwater Utility Fee Advisory Committee to investigate the problem, gather input from citizens, and put forth recommendations to resolve the issue. Naturally, the most obvious source of funding for any such project would be taxes (no surprise there...) and in this situation it makes sense that the tax specifically would be one imposed on property owners. Personally, I tend to be a bit conservative when it comes to finances; don't judge, it's served me well in life ;-) However, in this case I honestly believe there's a pressing need to come up with the funds and do away with this lingering problem.

But take note!: The city is still in its decision-making stage. This means, there's still time for you to write to your city representatives with your concerns and suggestions. The mayor made it quite clear today (and in speaking with someone else on the Advisory Committee, this sentiment was echoed) that input is truly desired. A utility fee imposed on property owners is in all likelihood going to happen. So speak up and make your concerns known!

Here's a link to loads of information about the stormwater issue and proposed fee on the city's public works website. And here's a link to a list of Champaign city council members with their contact info. Write your representative today!

Fiesta Cafe - Tasty Mexican Cuisine in Champaign IL

Yesterday my husband and I enjoyed another yummy meal at Fiesta Cafe and once again we found ourselves thinking, "This is the best Mexican food in Champaign." At one time we lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico where I first came to appreciate good, authentic Mexican-influenced cuisine and since moving here to Champaign-Urbana, we've missed the easy access we once had to that type of fare.

But our fairly recent discovery of Fiesta Cafe has filled that void.

One of my favorite dishes to order in New Mexico was chile relleno, a stuffed, roasted pepper, and I'm thrilled to report that the chile relleno at Fiesta Cafe is unbelievably delicious. I like to order it as a combination plate with an enchilada and side of rice and beans. Bonus: I always have leftovers for lunch the next day. Like at most Mexican places you'll get an order of chips and salsa after being seated and here they bring two types of salsa plus a variety of hot sauces.

At Fiesta Cafe it will take a little more time between ordering your food and receiving it at your table than at many other Mexican restaurants in this area, but consider this a good thing. The wait is well worth it for the improvement in taste and authenticity of the food. I've tried just about every other Mexican place in Champaign-Urbana and this one is my favorite, hands down.

Attention fellow margarita-lovers: they also have a huge list of tasty margaritas to choose from. Oh, how I love margaritas :-) If you haven't been to Fiesta Cafe in Champaign, then the next time a hankering for Mexican food hits you, go give it a try!

Recently my husband and some friends decided to go out for a few drinks... on a weeknight. My first instinct was to pass on joining them in favor of getting adequate sleep that night. But then my husband mentioned that they were going to "Quality" in downtown Champaign. Quality? I'd never heard of it. After a quick google search, I discovered that this was a relatively new bar downtown and further, the reviews were all outstanding. I had to go check it out for myself.

Quality is officially one of my new favorite places to grab a drink with friends for several reasons:

First, Quality has a great vibe. The remodeling they've done is simply gorgeous with hardwood floors, exposed brick walls and classy, modern lighting and decor. It feels upscale. However, you won't feel out of place if you show up in your jeans, t-shirt and flip-flops (like I did). The place is clean and plenty spacious, and there's a beautiful patio out back with more seating.

Second, the bartenders rock. Seriously. They seem to really enjoy working there and are happy to assist their customers. When I asked about a particular beer on tap, the bartender offered to give me a sample free of charge. I can't recall a single time that's happened to me elsewhere. Later I asked about the business, and he gave me a brief history and mentioned a couple of tidbits that were of particular interest. For instance, the bar doesn't serve food in house; however, they encourage their customers to bring food in or have it delivered to the bar! I, for one, appreciate this flexibility.

Lastly, the details differentiate this bar from others. Example: there's a stack of board games and decks of cards next to the bar for patrons to use if they wish. And while there that night, my friends and I thoroughly enjoyed playing a few card games. I also noticed there's a wall of books in one corner adding to the casual elegance of the place. It would be a good spot to sit and read along with a drink one quiet evening. Normally, I wouldn't go to a bar to read, but in this case I'd feel perfectly comfortable doing so.

If you haven't been to Quality, go give it a try. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did.