We saw our first robin yesterday - sure sign spring is here!! If you live in Grand Rapids MI, you
know that the robins return signals spring. We have had a cold and snowy winter this year and are
especially glad to see our first one this year.
Robins bring the message of spring in person every year!
I always marvel at their early arrival ~ They are the first birds to nest in the spring and hatch
their first babies in April. A pair of robins will raise 2-3 batches of young every summer season,
selecting and building a new nest every time. They ignore the weather, our soil is still frozen in
spots, so not much worm activity yet. They are also the State Bird of Michigan. Probably selected for the
forementioned reasons.
Much like the robins, we also get the urge to move and
make a new start in the spring.
Are you thinking of getting a home with more room?
Do you need a bigger garage or basement?
Do your children need more space to play??
Whatever the reason, now is a great time to move up and get the home of your dreams.
If you need advice on your current home's value or just how much that dream home will cost you,
we can give you the information you need to make an informed decision.
Search Grand Rapids Homes for Sale
Greater Grand Rapids Area Information
Copyright by Bonnie Westbrook 2008
Contact: 1-888-240-1968 x 0 toll free
Website url: Terry Westbrook.com
Email: bonnie@terrywestbrook.com
robins photos from wikipedia-American robin
A friend gave me two free coupons for a local spa treatment. I hadn't heard of the salon, the Douglas J
Institute, located in downtown Grand Rapids at 138 Commerce St SW. She said it was wonderful and I should
enjoy it. I admit I am a grown up Tomboy and don't really like salons and all the paraphernalia that goes with
it. I tolerate my semi-yearly haircuts and that is about the extent of my foray into the world of beauty.
My friend, Karen Webster, (you can read about Karen's blog reaction here)
and I decide to do lunch and then get the Self-Renewal Facial at the salon. We had a
fantastic lunch at Little Mexico downtown and found our way over to the salon. With a little
research, I found out the salon is a training institute and features Aveda products.
When we registered at the front desk, the hostess told us it would be 2 hours. We looked at
each other, shrugged and thought, OK. We don't have any other appointments, why not?
But secretly I was thinking:
"What in the world are they going to do with us for 2 hours. My face isn't that big or that bad."
We were escorted back to 2 secluded rooms by two young trainees. All spa services are done by senior students,
who are supervised by a licensed trainer. We were stationed in separate rooms and given a brief questionnaire
to reveal any allergies or sensitivities to products being used, told to disrobe, put on a spa robe, and the
treatment begins.
The lights were turned down, soft, soothing music was playing. Jenny gave me the most fantastic 2 hours
that seemed like 15 minutes I've ever spent in a salon setting. My facial was 3 separate phases with a hot
towel (sheer heaven) after each. I also received a foot massage, an ayurvedic massage of my head, neck
and shoulders, a scalp massage, plus an arm and hand massage. After all this, they offer a complimentary
cosmetic touch-up so you don't have to go out with a bare face.
It was so relaxing, I'm ready to rebook if my life gets the least bit frazzled. I would recommend this experience
to anyone, it was a delightful afternoon. Thanks, Douglas J!
P.S. I might get addicted to this salon life, after all.
Search Grand Rapids Homes for Sale
Greater Grand Rapids Area Information
Copyright by Bonnie Westbrook 2008
Contact: 1-888-240-1968 x 0 toll free
Website url: Terry Westbrook.com
Email: bonnie@terrywestbrook.com
facial photos courtesy of Flickr - chocokat & loveberry
It is SugarBush Time in Grand Rapids Michigan. We are fortunate to have Blandford Nature Center, a 143 acre
natural site in the second largest city in the state. And all this month on Saturday and Sunday (*except Easter
weekend) there will be a SugarBush Festival with the smell of maple syrup cooking in the air. This fresh maple
syrup is available to eat at the annual pancake breakfast. So, you can have some real maple syrup on
those pancakes! If you have never had one of nature's sweetest treats - make it a point to sample:
The Annual Pancake Breakfast is March 15th from 8 AM to 12 PM
1715 Hillburn Ave. Grand Rapids Michigan
Admission: $3 Adults $1 children
If you are interested in Maple Sugaring Facts, here are a few to consider:
Tapping does no permanent damage and only 10 percent of the sap is collected each year. Many maple trees have been tapped for 150 or more years.
Usually a maple tree is at least 30 years old and 12 inches in diameter before it is tapped
Much more information is available at the Michigan Maple Sugar Association
Volunteers are needed to run the sugar bush and help with all the facilities. A perfect way to learn all about this
process, a hands on education for yourself and your children/grand children.
* Easter Weekend, Blandford Nature Center's 5 miles of Nature Trails will be open for self-guided tours.
Mixed Greens has more information on volunteering, Blandford Nature Center, and Sugar Bush Fun.
Copyright by Bonnie Westbrook 2008
Contact us at : 1-888-240-1968 x 0
Website url: Terry Westbrook.com
Email: terry@terrywestbrook.com bonnie@terrywestbrook.com
sugarshack picture courtesy of mixed greens
If you are interested in doing something different for this coming 4th of July celebration, we have an New Approach to a musical festival for you her in West Michigan. In tiny Rothbury, Michigan, they are making music history and tying it in a big green ribbon. Do you remember Woodstock? It will have similar music offerings, over 100 bands, artists, and acts, featuring The Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer, 311, Modest Mouse, Snoop Dogg, and Widespread Panic to name a few, but will have a green sustainable focus.
The promoters are centering the Festival at the Double JJ Ranch & Golf Resort, which is on the shores of Lake Michigan just north of Shelby. The Double JJ Ranch offers lakes, beach fronts, trails, forests, fields, and even onsite lodging, bars, and restaurants.
This is no ordinary Music Festival, they also plan on having:
An onsite Think Tank with innovative leaders in the Green movement in a round table discussion to plan and pursue saving our environment.
A Circus & Theatre where the show comes off the stage and engages more than a few of your senses - the run-in with a busker, a formal affair in the lounge of The Establishment, an unexpected aerial performance in the tree tops...
An Energy Fair: Visit the Energy Fair to enjoy a flurry of scheduled and surprise activities, test drive some new wheels with bleeding edge new technology, plus food and drink, vending, performances, presentations, contests and interactive opportunities, and so much more.
A New World Cabaret Experience: ROTHBURY's bold and bawdy spot to get your fix of vaudeville croquet and smart, eclectic entertainment in a bizarre artisto-twistic atmosphere. Scheduling is still being confirmed.
The Tripolee Dome:with a chill out bar and lounge, yoga instructions, Earth harp classes, and more.
Also including: E Town, Yoga Program, and The Big Gig Open Mic Stage:
The early tickets go on sale today, February 27th for the Rothbury Music Festival!!
Summer will be here soon, this sounds like an event you won't want to miss, if I can get Terry off the golf
course for one weekend we might have a " Rothbury Experience."
~ The View from Here ~
Bonnie Westbrook's Grand Rapids Real Estate Blog
Copyright by Bonnie Westbrook 2007
Contact us at : 1-888-240-1968 x 0
Website url: Terry Westbrook.com
Email: terry@terrywestbrook.com
photos form widespread panic & dave matthews band sites
Winter is an amazing season for us here on the pennisula called Michigan. We have fresh water lakes the
size of small seas all around us that offer recreation, fishing, scenic views, and awesome acts of nature, like the
one pictured below. This was taken at the Petoskey Breakwater on February 10, 2008 during a storm.
I went hunting for a few photos that would give you a snap shot of what it is like to
live in our picturesque state of Michigan.
My friend, Karen Webster, wrote a post titled "You think I want to move south, no freakin' way" about loving
Michigan winters and it inspired me to write this for all of you that have left the North Country and went to live in
Southern climates. This is a quick tour of what you are missing on a Saturday in February.....
Sledding is one of the best kid activities in the winter. No fancy
equipment, just a sled and a hill, which are plentiful here.
The hot cocoa afterwards is a ritual that any Michigan kid will
remember with fondness.
Cross Country Skiing is enjoyed by all members of the family and
gets you close to nature - no noise and you can bring the dog!
I don't recommend snowboard flying pictured above
but it does look thrilling!
Just because the sun goes down doesn't
mean you can't ski or snowboard here!
This is Crystal Mountain at night.
Now to an amateur photo taken this morning out my dining room window - As you can see the birds have eaten
almost all the seeds in the feeder and the icicles are not dripping even though the sun is shining.
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Visit my Website for Grand Rapids and Surrounding Area Information
Grand Rapids Real Estate is My Real Job
The View From Here ~ Bonnie Westbrook's Grand Rapids MI Real Estate Blog
Copyright by Terry Westbrook 2007
Contact me at : 1-888-240-1968 x 0 toll free
Website url: Terry Westbrook.com
Email: terry@TerryWestbrook.com
photos courtesy of Bonnie Westbrook & Flickr photostream: Petoskey Breakwater -latitude45, airtime -stargazr, speeding sledder -stpaul paul,I see you -misty 576,cross sountry skiers -karen from mi, skier w/ dogs -jonwilli, Crystal Mountain - iam_ajh & Kite flying snowboarder - farlane
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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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