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Bonnie & Terry Westbrook Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Library Card + Michigan State Park = Reading in the Great Outdoors

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.

Glen Lake Michigan

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.

Greening Your Environment ~ Tip #4 ~ Avoid Toxins

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.

green plant

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

Are You Feeling Flattened, too?

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.

Tree Peony Bloom by you.

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

Greening Your Environment Tip # 3 ~ Buy Locally

~ 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.

mongo strawberry

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.

Bos Farm Market Cascade MI

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)

asparagus growing

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