Your Bucks County Source of Weekend Events and Things to Do (9/18 - 9/21) Whether you are from Bucks County or just visiting here are just some of the great events and places to visit in the area.
On Going Events:
SCARECROW COMPETITION & DISPLAY Time: 10:00 AM End: 10/26/08
Location: Route 202, , Lahaska, PA
Contact: 215-794-4000
Bigger than life scarecrow creations are displayed outdoors and compete for over $4900 in cash prizes
GARDEN RAILWAY Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm End: 11/23/08
Location: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road , Kennett Square, PA Contact: 610-388-1000 ext 512 Imaginations embark on a journey through miniature Longwood landmarks made from natural elements. Walk under trusses as trains travel above and see the detail and expert craftsmanship of this fanciful railway.
Other Exhibits to check out at Longwood Gardens are:
NATURE'S CASTLES Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
FALL FANTASY IN GLASS Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
EVITA Time: Wed & Thurs. 2:00 pm & 8:00 pm, Fri. 8:00 pm End: 09/19/08
Location: Bucks County Playhouse, 70 S. Main Street , New Hope, PA
Contact: 215-862-2041
The story of Eva Peron, the Argentine girl who charmed and scratched her way up to share the power and the bed of her country's leader.
REEFER MADNESS, THE MUSICAL Time: Wed/Thrus. 7:30pm, Fri/Sat 8:00pm, Sat/Sun 3:00pmEnd: 10/04/08
Location: Montgomery Theater, 124 Main Street , Souderton, PA
Contact: 215-723-9984
The wild uproarious musical is a parody of the anti-marijuana propaganda film of the same name.
Thursday Events:
EVENING PADDLE Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Silver Lake Nature Center, 1306 Bath Road , Bristol, PA
Contact: 215-785-1177
Call for details
LETIP OF BLUE BELL - WEEKLY NETWORKING MEETING Time: 7:00-8:30 AM Location: Blue Horse Tavern, Skippack Pike and Pennlyn-Blue Bell Pike , Blue Bell, PA
Contact: Carin Brizzi, Publicity Chair, 267-803-4112
LeTip International, Inc. is the pioneer in professional business leads exchange. Members meet weekly to grow each other's business through the exchange of qualified leads, increased exposure, and development of business communication skills. To avoid a conflict of interest, only one representative of a profession is accepted in any one chapter.
DAVID IVORY PRESENTS Time: 8:30pm Location: Puck, 85 Printers Alley , Doylestown, PA
Contact: 215.348.9000
Friday Events:
OPEN PLAY NIGHTS AT LET'S BOUNCE AROUND End: 09/20/08
Location: 4369 W. Swamp Rd, Cross Keys Place Shopping Center , Doylestown, PA
Contact: 215-340-5387
Come celebrate the opening of our New Soft Play Jungle Gym on Friday, September 19th from 6:30pm to 9:00pm. Free Pizza & Drinks and Cool Prizes! Just $9.00 per kid. Parents Play for Free
WINE TASTING FOR SINGLES Time: 7:00 PM Location: Crossing Vineyards & Winery, 1853 Wrightstown Road , Washington Crossing, PA
Contact: 215-493-6500
A unique way to meet new people. Wine, cheese, and music.
CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF Time: Fri & Sat 8:00 pm End: 09/20/08
Location: Town and Country Players, 4158 York Road , Buckingham, PA
Contact: 215-348-7566
Greed, hypocrisy and secret passions threaten to tear apart a wealthy but dysfunctional Mississippi family in this stunning masterpiece by Tennessee Williams.
DAVE STEWART AND HIS 30-PIECE ROCK FABULOUS ORCHES Time: 8:00 pm Location: Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave. , Glenside, PA
Contact: 215-572-7650
The legendary Eurythmics co-founder & 4-time Grammy Award winner, has assembled a mind-blowing ensemble of world-class vocalists and musicians rocking through orchestral arrangements of smash hits made famous by Eurythmics and other International Superstars.
NBC-TV'S "LAST COMIC STANDING" NATIONAL TOUR Time: 8:00 pm Location: Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave. , Glenside, PA
Contact: 215-572-7650
The finalists of the brand new season of NBC Last Comic Standing the smash hit reality show which has taken America by storm.
2008 TRENTON JAZZ FESTIVAL Time: 2:00 PM Location: Trenton War Memorial Patriots Theater, 1 Memorial Drive , Trenton, NJ
Contact: 609-984-8400
Featuring Teena Marie, Euga Groove, S.O.S. Band, & Gordon Chambers
VILLAGE RENAISSANCE FAIRE Time: 11 AM to 6 PM End: 09/21/08
Location: Fairgrounds of the Middletown Grange, 576 Penns Park Road , PennsPark, Wrightstown Township, PA
Contact: 215-598-3322 (cell) 267-304-8060
Join us at Bucks County's OWN Renaissance Faire!! Live jousting on horseback, hawk show, hand-to-hand combat. Special children's activities and events. Seven stages of music, dance, theater and fine arts. Admission: Adults-$5.00; under 8-free!
ADHD AWARENESS WEEK - FAMILY FUN EVENT Time: 3:30pm Location: Pavilion in the Woods, Mondauk Commons Park, 1451 Dillon Road , Ambler, PA
Contact: 267.880.6544
Family FUN Event - "Play for AD/HD"
Join us for cooperative games, face painting, water ice and lots of FUN for all ages!
Learn more about AD/HD, discover local resources, take home valuable information and help raise awareness around AD/HD.
BUCKS FEVER EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN TOUR Time: 12 to 4 pm; Tour; Ticketholder reception 4-6 pm Location: Self-guided driving tour,
Contact: 215-348-3913
Join a self-guided driving tour of architecturally and environmentally unique homes and sites. Tickets: $20).
FRIENDS & FAMILY FUN DAY Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Location: Peace Valley Nature Center, 170 Chapman Road , Doylestown, PA
Contact: 215-345-7860
Food, music and silent auction. Rain or Shine
JIM WEIDER'S PROJECT PERCOLATOR LIVE Time: 6 p.m. Location: The Stockton Inn, 1 Main Street , Stockton, NJ
Contact: 215-350-2721 ProJECT PERCoLAToR represents Jim's newest musical venture into a powerful groove & atmospheric guitar driven band. Jim blends rock&blues with funk & jazz groove's combining modern drum loops and samples, to playing beautiful melodic ballads.
Enjoy!
Each person's greatness is beyond what they can imagine and we often are blind to our value.
Think of Muhammed Ali's saying "I am the greatest."
There are many days we are simply at war with ourselves. We pick ourselves (and others) apart and we fail to see the positives in ourselves (and others.) These self defeating activities and thoughts affect our spirit and will ultimately affect those we are associated with - family, friends, colleagues and clients and they will certainly affect your business.
If you've ever read Stephen Coveyyou will know he talks about "sharpening your saw." This means renewing yourself by daily self care and self-maintenance in the areas of physical, emotional/social, mental and spiritual. Why is this important? In my experience, if you are trying to maximize your successand you are neglecting these areas and having self defeating thoughts you will fall short of reaching your goals.
The mental level- Where is your focus? Is it on what you don't want or what you do want ? Your thoughts create your reality, so what thoughts are you thinking right now?
The emotional level---Are you happy? Do you like the person you are giving to the world? Are you doing things that make you happy? Do you surround yourself and seek out happy people? Do you pick other people apart or do you lift them up? Are you involved in activities that make you happy? Are you for real?
In our desire to achieve success and reach the top of our field, we often deprive ourselves of a balance in our lives. Ever hear the saying you get what you give? If you have the right energy you will attract the same energy back. Want happy and appreciative clients - give them those things and you will receive it back. As you become more mindful of this you will see your business change. You will attract like minded people like a magnet. Everyone will want to do business with you because you're positive and uplifting.
I challenge you to live with the idea that you are the greatest and see if and how it affects your day.
After reading many of the daily blogs the last few days, I just thought it was appropriate to share some uplifting thoughts vs. negative ones. I hope I have inspired you to think a bit differently today in how you present yourself to the world whether in person or on-line and that it will make a difference in your day whether you choose to comment/share or not.
So with that in mind, I will start.
I am the greatest (see my meme if you don't believe me.) I am the greatest mother, wife, daughter, sister, colleague and friend. I have a lot to offer the people who are in my life. I love my life and the people that are in it. I love what I do for a living and I love the opportunity I have to make a difference in my client's lives and in their work. I hope one day we will have the opportunity to work together.
Can you identify with a hoe? Now before you get up in arms realize I'm talking about the tool you use in your garden! The hoe has long been symbolic of work. We all need to work. Some of our jobs pay very well in terms of money and some pay nothing (so to speak) like the job of a mother. For me, I have always identified myself with my work (thanks dad) as it has always given me a sense of usefulness and accomplishment.
Some of us love our jobs beyond imagine. We are driven towards success, approval and a specific outcome (money, status, opportunities.) There are some of us that don't really like our jobs (not me!)
One of the most important things to remember is "Work" is something you do, not who you are."
These thoughts got me thinking about how I balance my work and family life. When Friday night hits I typically get a glass of wine and I'm ready to start my weekend - whether I'm kicking back with my husband and kids or we have something fun to do together. I believe after working so hard all week and constantly on the go that a fun and relaxing weekend has been earned and definitely deserved.
Like many of you, I am an entrepreneur and there's always something that needs to be done for work. So how do I enjoy my family time on weekends but still ensure my business is running smoothly? I carve out some time on Saturday and Sunday to make sure I check my emails, blogs and make any changes/follow-up to my website. Doing this within reason and with limits allows me to stay on track with my business without taking away from my family time.
So here's a rundown of what I typically do - I get up around 7:30-8:00 (I consider this sleeping in) and I spend about an hour or so doing these tasks before my family gets up. Then my time becomes my families - whether we have an event to attend, errands to run or we are just hanging out together. Yes, having this balance is important to me. I get such great satisfaction from my work and I get just as much from the time I spend with my family. Having this balance is critical to my success in both areas of my life. I will attend worship services to show my appreciation for all that I have in my life. I will spend the afternoon with family, (Sept-Feb I may catch some of the football games. I'm a football widow), we will have dinner together and then that hour comes when we all start switching gears to get ready for the week ahead. I will check in on my email, blogs and website and I will make sure I have my plan in place for the week. Even this small amount of prep time allows me to have my week and my Monday start off on the right.
All of these things in this combination are what has me feeling balanced and looking forward to all that's going to happen in the upcoming week - working with my current and hopefully some new clients, marketing, school events, voice lessons (not mine - my daughters - if you read my recent meme you'll remember I can't sing a lick), home cooked meals, and anything else I can fit into my day.
So tell me, how do you balance work/life on weekends?
Do you have a process that allows you to stay on top of business "stuff" yet still enjoy your "me/family" time?
If you haven't had Monkey Munch you are missing out! So let me first tell you something first before I get into what Monkey Munch is. My daughter and I are addicted to Jon and Kate plus 8 (For me- it's almost the same as my addition to AR - sometimes I'm even watching the show and then blogging in between commercials - is that wrong?) Have you ever seen this show? If you haven't it's about a couple who had twin girls and decided to try to have "one" more baby but after difficulty conceiving they turned to fertility drugs and wound up having sextuplets. Now they have 8 children (Cara, Mady, Hannah, Alexis, Aaden, Collin, Leah, Joel.)
I think you need to watch the show yourself (On TLC) to determine if you like it and it's ok if you don't - we still do. Ok, so back to my point - Monkey Munch. We got the recipe from the show and have been wanting to make it and finally did tonight.
What is it? And how do I make it? All we know is, "it's sooo easy a monkey could make it!"
It's a chex based treat/dessert and it's so yummy and addictive. Here's how you make it:
Ingredients
Directions
Put chex in a large bowl and put aside.
Place chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter into a quart-sized microwavable bowl.
Stir the ingredients together.
Microwave the mixture uncovered for a minute on "high." Stir the mix again and continue to zap in thirty second intervals until it mixes smoothly.
Add the vanilla and stir.
Put combination into a 2-gallon, Ziploc freezer bag.
Add powdered sugar, seal the bag and shake until distributed.
Spread Monkey Munch out on wax paper to cool and dry.
Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for storage.
Monkey Munch is an easy and fun recipe to make with the kids - have them measure and mix the ingredients and they'll feel like they're baking. Have fun and let me know how you enjoyed it or at least how much fun your kids had making it. No kids? - no worries - you were a kid once right - so go ahead and make some Monkey Munch.
Anne Marie
In a market that is difficult and dare I say challenging and where people are struggling economically, physically and emotionally, I find myself reflecting back to September 11th. A day that will be marked as one of the worst days in our history. And although we experience tough days and times we can't even compare it to the despair, violence and terrorism that affected us seven years ago. A time when our nation was gripped by fear.
Each year I find myself remembering where I was and how it affected some close friends and colleagues of mine - one friend lost his wife, another's husband got out safely and the countless stories of someone we know who knew someone who perished or whose family was affected.
Since that day I have vowed to live a different life. A more authentic life. I remember to tell my husband, my children, my friends and my family that I love them. I don't take them for granted. I take more pictures and I mark all the little moments in my life because they are usually the best. I attend every one of my child's events. I lead by example. I work hard and I play even harder. I smile, I laugh, I cry and I pray.
Who I once was, is not who I am now. I am forever changed - changed for the better.
I invite you to visit the wonderful memorial that is right in my backyard of Lower Makefield, Bucks County, PA. I will be there tomorrow and I will remember and pray for those that have perished and the friends and family they left behind.
The Official Pennsylvania Memorial to the Victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks
The Garden of Reflection 9-11 Memorial, designed by Yardley architect Liuba Lashchyk, was created to remember and honor all 2,973 killed on September 11, 2001. It is situated in Memorial Park in beautiful Bucks County, PA in Lower Makefield Township. This memorial takes you on a journey of sorrow and leads you to hope and peace.
http://www.9-11memorialgarden.org/news_detail.asp?id=20
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Bringing the real estate professional over 10 years of experience in creative marketing design, ideas, training, tips, tools and motivation including customized branding of you and your business.
Since I started my real estate "marketing" virtual assistance company, I have watched many real estate professionals get overwhelmed with handling many of the day to day marketing and even the administrative tasks that come with their job. The key to working with a "Malfi Marketing Solutions" is the relationship that will be built - a partnership - that will allow me to get to know you and your business so that together we can effectively collaborate and discover ways to increase both your online and offline presence.
If it's not evident to you by now, consumers are very knowledgeable and computer savvy and are using the internet to not only search for homes but for agents and real estate professionals who they feel are like minded and can lead them to the results they are looking for.
Working with Malfi Marketing Solutions will allow you to partner with a Real Estate "Marketing" Virtual Assistant who will compliment your business goals by helping you attract clients and providing you with focus and support so that your business takes its rightful position in your market.
Need a one time project completed or on going assistance? We have flexible plans that will work for you. You can pay hourly, by project or set up an on going plan to secure the monthly hours that you need so that it works for you. Our focus in on Marketing and Branding you and your business with specialties including: Listing Coordination, Marketing and Design, Database Management, Lead Management and another area we call "Get the Word Out."
Still wondering if you need a Real Estate "Marketing" Virtual assistant? The real question should be, Can I afford not to have one? The advantage of having a Marketing Virtual Assistant is that we do not take up space in your office, call in sick, or leave you with unfinished projects. Here's the best part - We're only there for you when you need us! Need more convincing, visit my website to explore all the services we provide and how we can launch your business forward.
My marketing experience and the value it can bring your business:
I spent over 11 years with one company in the Temporary and Full Time Placement Staffing industry in which I was responsilbe for an area that included 3 branch offices and 2 onsite customer locations. I consistently sold over 3 million dollars in services each year, sometimes even more, to local clients and was responsible for all my own marketing, networking, sales, and overseeing operations, staff training and mentoring. I'm telling you all of this because I have walked in similiar shoes - I know what it takes to build your presence both online and offline. I know what it takes to be in sales. Allow me if you will to demonstrate even if on a small scale how my marketing knowledge and experience can help you take your business to the next level. I promise - you won't be disappointed and you'll only be wondering - why didn't I do this sooner.
Should you feel we have similar business goals I invite you to add me as an associate. If you feel that my blogs are helpful and want to see what comes next I invite you to subscribe to my blog and I look forward to future chats with you.
Are you spending lots of time and money on marketing efforts that are not producing results?
There really is no project too large or small for Malfi Marketing Solutions. The main thing you want to consider is if you are using your time wisely. As a licensed agent you are better off doing the tasks that actually require a license and letting Malfi Marketing Solutions handle the rest. To ensure continued growth, turn to someone that can perform these activities effectively and has the knowledge and experience to know where to focus your marketing and what works and doesn't work. Don't find yourself spending countless hours stuck behind your desk and trying to focus on marketing and administrative tasks that will not bring you the results you desire. Together, lets work smarter, not harder.
Through a corporate program, I am offering all Coldwell Banker Realtors a discounted rate on services. Please contact me via my website to inquire about services and rates.
If your brokerage would also like a marketing program specifically designed for your agents, please contact me via email or my website. I would be more than happy to create service plans and rates that will benefit your agents.
Here's a brief overview of some of the marketing services you can expect from Malfi Marketing Solutions:
Real Estate Listing Coordination
Have a new listing but not enough time to post it and give it lots of exposure? Here are some of the things we can do for you. If you don't see something you need, contact us to discuss.
Input listings into MLS and manage updates
Setup and manage showing feedback system
Design a professional color flyer and brochure
Just Listed/Sold Postcards
Virtual Tours (realestateshows.com) - visit my blog or website for special promotion. Examples: http://www.realestateshows.com/336372 & http://www.realestateshows.com/336396
Prepare Open House materials
Weekly/Monthly Seller reports
Create and post listings to on line classified real estate platforms (craigslist, postlets, realbird, and more
Website Maintenance and Updates
Marketing and Design
Marketing Plan Design and Implementation
Design flyers, property brochures and presentations
Newsletters
Website Design using Point 2, Top Producer or Homestead (contact us to discuss design ideas and rates.)
Database Managment
Have the contacts but don't have them organized? We can organize them using your database of choice or we can recommend one to you. (very familiar with Top Producer 7i and 8i and Constant Contact)
Lead Management
Need help following up with your past clients and new contacts? Follow up with newsletters and email campaigns.
Get the Word Out Services
Search Engine Optimization (basic keywords and recommendation of tools to use to increase your ranking in search engines)
Real Estate blogging - if you have the content, I have the time, graphics and knowledge to help you portray the message and branding you are looking to convey.
Marketing Consultation/Training
Need some advice and guidance on where to focus your marketing efforts? Lets spend an hour (or more if you need it) to discuss these ideas and strategies.
Branding:
Webinars
An interactive 5 week webinar workshops, Branding Sanity, brought to you by a joint collaboration of Anne Marie Malfi and Rebecca Levinson. Sign up via the link to reserve your spot.
More webinar workshops being developed and coming soon!
Relocation Packages
Have a lot of clients calling you that are relocating to your area? Why not provide them with a fantastic looking relocation package that outlines all the things about the area they are interested in. We will do all the research and create a package for your clients.
Research
Whether you are looking for the best places to market your listings, promote your services, CRM and lead capture services, or website and blogging platforms to use in your ongoing marketing efforts, partner with Malfi Marketing Solutions to lead you in the right direction.
Our Software/Hardware
MS Word · Microsoft Access · Microsoft Excel · Microsoft PowerPoint · Microsoft Publisher · Adobe Acrobat · Quark · PDF Converter Color Laser Printer · DSL Internet Access · E Fax · Flatbed Scanner
Programs Frequently Used
MLS System
CMA Toolkit
Realestateshows.com*
Postlets
Vflyer
Activerain/Localism
Top Producer (Website and 8i)
Point 2
ENeighborhoods
and more!
*special promotion offer on my website - www.MalfiMarketingSolutions.com
What is a virtual assistant?
A virtual assistant is an independent entrepreneur that provides creative, technical, and administrative tasks that saves you time and money while providing these services only when you need them.
How am I different and why do I call myself a Real Estate "Marketing" Virtual Assistant?
Yes, I consider myself a part of the Virtual Assistant industry, but where I am different is that I focus all my efforts on your behalf dealing with all things marketing - on getting to know you and your business and consulting with you to find the best ways, using the best tools and resources to create an online and offline marketing presence. There are many great VA's on this network and elsewhere but I bring my over 15 years of experience in marketing and sales to you as a benefit - I have felt the pain and discouragement when it comes to generating sales and revenue but I have also felt the joy, success and benefits of working hard at my marketing and I want to share it with you. I encourage you to contact me and discover for yourself how I can be an asset to you and your company.
How do I know if I need a virtual assistant?
Call us today for a free 30 minute consultation to discuss your needs and how we can help you do what you do best - putting up more SOLD signs.
Only need us for a short term project? Just starting out in the business and need some guidance and advice? Ask us about our New Client Fall Promotion.
Looking for some "Back to Basics" Marketing Training or a training session on Blogging - how to setup, etc - contact me via my website to sign up.
Testimonials:
"Anne Marie Malfi is an incredibly resource of knowledge and excels in her field as a Virtual Agent in the Bucks County, Pennsylvania area. We have been very impressed with both her knowledge and professional nature and her wonderful personality make her an absolute joy to work with. She is very astute in real estate 2.0 practices and has the upmost respect from me and my coleagues at Castellum Realty LLC for her work in social media and her networking in and around the area. We couldn't give a higher recommendation and believe using her will give your company a leading edge in your specific market. If you were to have any further questions in regards to this recommendation then feel free to contact me." Everand Korthals, Owner , Castellum Realty LLC.
"Ann Marie is a tremendous VA who has a strong grasp on the web 2.0 and how to enhance a Realtors business. She is a constant source of knowledge that anyone who practices Real Estate could benefit from. If you are thinking of hiring a virtual assistant I can think of nobody better than Ann Marie." Bill Gassett, Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate
"Anne Marie is an essential and effective asset to my business. She has been the point person for many of my current and future projects and lends the insight, ability, skills and services that saves my business time and money, allowing me to concentrate on my revenue building opportunities. I would recommend Malfi Marketing Solutions to any business looking to increase their productivity." Rebecca Levinson, Real Estate Marketing Consultant, Blogger, Socially Networked for 17 years d.b.a Real Skillz
"Annie Marie refreshed our website - providing much needed editing and visual improvement. Her work is excellent. She has wonderful marketing ideas, and provides thorough and expert virtual assistance. We highly recommend Anne Marie." Margaret Oscilia, Owner, CreativeConceptsandContracting
"I can't say enough about the services, support, expertise, and knowledge I receive from working with Anne Marie. She has truly been an asset to my business and all my marketing strategies and without hesitation I would highly recommend her services. Halli Eckoff, Realtor, Coldwell Banker Hearthside
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If you're interested in learning more about my marketing services or would just like some one on one time to brainstorm ideas you can reach me in the following ways:
Email me: annemariemalfi@yahoo.com
Call me: 267-229-0275
Websites: www.realestatemarketingva.com
www.MalfiMarketingSolutions.com
Twitter: 
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