That library card in your wallet is worth a free pass to a state park this year
in Michigan until September 25, 2009. Check with your local library to see if they
have signed up for this free state park program. There are also free
hammocks as long as supply lasts.
I would love to take a good book to the beach and read for a few hours
with the waves lapping, and my hammock swaying in the breeze. In fact,
I have a new mystery thriller that probably need to be read in the open air,
a lot less scary. When my imagination and the plot thickens, I can look up
and see a serene scene to bring me back to reality.
Do we really know what we are eating and what we are exposing ourselves to
every day. All the little things we do add up. Like your coffee filters....
Did you know that the white coffee filters are made white by bleaching the
paper with Chlorine? Chlorine is a poison to humans and animals.
You are pouring boiling water on the filter, chlorine leaching is a sure
thing. Want chlorine with your coffee? Not me, I use the brown filters that
aren't bleached. Not sure why they cost more, but it is worth the extra
money to me.
Another little known fact is the numerous toxins that are released by
air fresheners and perfumes. These common household items can make you ill.
Prolonged exposure to air fresheners, especially ones that are plugged into an
outlet, (which turns these chemical compounds into noxious gases) are truly
alarming. If you need aroma control, try something else a little more friendly to
humans, like green plants. They clean the air and produce oxygen.
Westbrook Realty - Grand Rapids Real Estate
Copyright 2009 All rights reserved
photo by Bonnie Westbrook
Lola Audu,a local Realtor and very intelligent lady has an insightful, thought provoking
post featured today:
The Flattened Life - The Impact of Digital Natives in a Traditional Realty Word
I was commenting and found my response growing way too long, so I am posting my reply
here instead:
I find the digital trend is going faster and faster. I think this speed is what is spooking
so many people. As a baby boomer, I am excited and thrilled to be along for the ride.
As with anything new, it takes a while for all to hop on board and there will be a few bumps
and bruises along the way. I am trying to hang on to the merry-go round and stay in the game
because I think there is no choice, Hang on or drop out!
Personally, I think openness and full disclosure are good for our industry, even if that means
a rating system and open comments on our local MLS. I also find it a paradox that we
(real estate agents) have such a poor reputation generally, but in polls, most people like
our services and "their personal agent. Individually, we are great, but as a profession,
we have work to do to improve our generic profile.
Maybe this is just what we need, full exposure to the light of day. What are we afraid of?
Being exposed in social media and other Web 2.0 sites, I think most people are aware
of sour grapes and flaming comments. People who make these type of attacks show
what they are about, it really doesn't reflect on the person or company addressed. And it
may get the word out that we do a needed service for people:
We help them buy and sell real estate. One of the largest investments most people
ever make. I find most agents are hard working professionals, and if Open Exposure
gets rid of the "Bad Apples," I'm OK with that.
Thanks for the inspiration, Lola. I don't consider myself flattened....just stretching.
Westbrook Realty - Grand Rapids Real Estate
Copyright 2009 All rights reserved
Tree Peony photo by Bonnie Westbrook
~ THINK GLOBAL ~ BUY LOCAL ~
Everyone knows this one, right? Walk right past those fresh strawberries from
2000 miles away (as in South America)in your local grocery store (in January)
and go to the frozen foods section. It is likely the frozen strawberries were picked,
frozen at their peak, and do not suffer transportation time or lose nutrients from
freezing.
Better yet, buy from farmers and growers in your local region and freeze, can
or dry your own fruit and veggies.
I subscibe to the theory that the food grown in local soil has the ingredients
you need to thrive and be healthy. Fruits and vegetables from far away, do not.
They also cost a fortune in fuel and production to get to you.
Think about this the next time you want fresh raspberries in February. Be a "Green
Food Buyer "and buy from your local farmers, it is good for the environment and you.
If you think about preserving your own food, it isn't that difficult. It used to be a way
of life for our parents and grandparents. Even if you only can tomatoes, or peaches,
you are helping the local environment and the local farmers.
My friends and I have talked about having a "Canning Party." Many hands make
work go quickly and we could all benefit from the results. Those fresh canned peaches
taste pretty darn good on a cold winter evening.
So in the interest of GOOD FOOD & LOCAL FARMERS, here is a list of LOCAL FARMS
in West Michigan that sell to the public: Grand Rapids Michigan Farm Markets
You can probably find your own local markets online in your area. State and
County extention offices are good places to look.
I have a small garden and today, we have asparagus and rhubarb available to
eat. The lettuce I planted 2 weeks ago is coming up, and I will be eagerly
awaiting the first strawberries at the local markets. (Mine are blooming but the
resident critters like them as much as we do)
Yes, I know the asparagus bed needs weeding...on today's to-do list.
Westbrook Realty ~ Grand Rapids Real Estate
Copyright 2009 All rights reserved
Photos of produce and Bos Farm Market by Bonnie Westbrook
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The Terry Westbrook Real Estate team -assisting clients in real estate in the Greater Grand Rapids MI market. We offer relocation, free home searches for buyers, & extensive internet marketing to sell
Bonnie: Have been a residential Interior Designer for over 25 years. I really enjoy working with clients to enhance their home's beauty and their enjoyment of it. I have joined my husband, Terry Westbrook, and his real estate team to concentrate on marketing and home staging. My many years of experience in the Interior Design field can help clients realize the home of their dreams or assist them stage a home for a quick sale. Blogging is a new role for me and I am looking forward to sharing how wonderful the West Michigan area is to call home.
TERRY knows what it takes to attain success. As a leading real estate professional in Grand Rapids for over 35 years, he has forged a solid reputation based on integrity and quality service. He takes time to get to know his clients and has formed lifelong relationships. In short, he gives his personal best to anything he does. His approach to real estate is actually quite simple, but his years of local knowledge, experience and straightforward advice are what truly distinguish him from the competition. He understands the ins and outs of the building process and knows how to improve the marketability of your home when it comes time to showcase it. We use a team approach to give you the best advantage when buying or selling a home in the Grand Rapids area. Terry's Bio
Home Staging: Many homeowners need help converting their home from the place they live to a marketable commodity. If they can make this leap in their minds, I can help them in accomplishing their goal. I can also assist home buyers with furniture placement, color selection, and I have many excellent contractors, sources and workmen to get that new home looking just like you hoped it would.
On a personal note: Our family of two children, are grown and have their own children, which means we have 2 delightful grandsons to spoil and enjoy, Evan & Jeffy. We take off to see them every chance we get.
Ada, Michigan is a delightful picturesque community adjacent to Grand Rapids. It has a small town atmosphere with big city amenities minutes away. Prestigious Forest Hills Schools, safe neighborhoods, and quality built homes are some of the reasons people choose to live here.
The historic covered bridge which is located in the downtown area on the beautiful Thornapple River just before it enters the majestic Grand River. Great restaurants and shopping are moments away from this park. The rolling hills, heavily wooded areas, and award winning school system in Ada make it an ideal place to live and work.
Cascade, Michigan is a suburb on the southeastern side of Grand Rapids, Michigan. An area of quality, upscale homes, a wandering river, rolling hills, and the Forest Hills school system make this a very desirable place to live in the greater Grand Rapids area.
Caledonia, Michigan was listed as Money magazines' 100 best places to live in 2006. It is a small community with a newer, large school system southeast of greater Grand Rapids. It has many newer suburban homes and developments which continue to draw new citizens to the area and has seen tremendous population growth in the past few years.
East Grand Rapids, Michigan is an established city with predominantly older homes, a downtown area adjacent to Reeds Lake, and an award winning school system centrally located.
A very cohesive city with friendly neighborhoods, quality housing, and many big city amenities with a small town feel. Children can walk to the neighborhood schools, or just bike over and get an ice cream cone at the local shop. Safety and quality of life are high on the list of why people choose East Grand Rapids as the place to live.
Forest Hills, Michigan is not a city but a community school system which encompasses Ada, Cascade, Grand Rapids Township, and parts of Kentwood. It is a prestigious, award winning, well funded school system with great community involvement.
Kentwood, Michigan is a suburban community southeast of Grand Rapids., It is well established and has seen record growth inthe last 30 years. It has a large and well regarded school system, lots of local neighborhoods, and suburban shops and restaurants.
Lowell, Michigan is a charming historic city built on the Flat River. It is a bustling community with businesses, an active arts community, a thriving public school system, and many community features.
Rockford, Michigan is a quaint small town with a larger rural suburban area around it that has seen record growth and has built a world class school system with lots of technical emphasis.
Terry is a very dedicated realtor! Our family can not say enough good about him. He was patient, persistent, creative and very knowledgeable in the selling of our home.
Our home was on the market during the time when homes in Michigan were not selling. We had an old farm house with acreage on a very busy road__ not an easy home to sell even in good economic times. With Terry's persistence and dedication we fortunately were able to sell our house. Terry even persisted on working coming right out of surgery. He completed the buy/sell agreement for our home a day after he was discharged out of the hospital. What dedication!!!
Our family would highly recommend Terry for selling or buying a home. He developed a personal relationship not only with my husband and I but also with our two teenage sons. What a wonderful realtor to have during a "stressfull" time for our family. Thank you so much Terry for all you did for us!!
Mary Beth, Mike, Kenzie & Dalton
I have to thank you for the super job you did getting me so well settled. It could have been a very traumatic time but everything moved as " smooth as glass. " Your preparation was awesome, too. I sold real estate for only 2 years and I wasn't near you in the work you did for me. You sold my house and have me so well tucked in the new one in about one month! Has to be a record. Thank you and Bonnie, too for everythng. I can recommend you very happily -
Loretta M.
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