Yes – as a home stager I shop all the time for clients and to keep our inventory cool and up to date. But I’m really excited about a store opening that isn’t decor or furniture this week!

Trader Joe’s, the cool and quirky grocery chain so popular in Eugene and Portland is opening in Corvallis on February 12th!

Carrying organic and quality grocery items (and some great cheap wine), Joe’s has been a frequent stop of our families while in Portland.

The new store is located in the Corvallis Market Center at 1550 N.W. Ninth St. I’m in this shopping center all the time because it includes TJ Maxx (where I get lots of cool accessories for our staged homes) and Michaels Crafts (silk plants, stones and fancy papers always tempt me here).

One staging tip we use is to put a live orchid by the kitchen or bathroom sinks, on a nightstand or in the living room. They are compact, but look elegant — perfect decor in homes for sale. Larger orchids make a great simple centerpiece. These are so affordable at Trader Joe’s – and are something I always pick up there. (They last a long time too – even if they are abused!) We’ve got lots of other staples we always stock up on there – great cereal, cheeses and wine.

If you see a woman with piles of decor struggling out of TJ Maxx along with orchids, wine and cereal from Trader Joe’s – come help this Salem home stager load up her Corvallis stash. Yes – we Salemites are still jealous that Corvallis got a Trader Joe’s before Salem!

Stop by Joe’s and buy an orchid for your sweetie for Valentines Day this week! We give home selling consultations or stage in Corvallis about once a week–maybe I should start a Salem delivery service!

9 April 1942 Bataan has fallen. The Philippine-American troops on this war-ravaged and bloodstained peninsula have laid down their arms. With heads bloody but unbowed, they have yielded to the superior force and numbers of the enemy.

The world will long remember the epic struggle that Filipino and American soldiers put up in the jungle fastness and along the rugged coast of Bataan. They have stood up uncomplaining under the constant and grueling fire of the enemy for more than three months. Besieged on land and blockaded by sea, cut off from all sources of help in the Philippines and in America, the intrepid fighters have done all that human endurance could bear. Radio Broadcast - Voice of Freedom

April 9, 1942, Bataan was surrendered and Eugene Davidson began the longest trip of his young life. Sixty Eight years later, the one thing that burns in Eugene’s mind is the hunger that he and the others endured during those months before surrender and during his years in prison camp. To honor Eugene and ensure no one today has to go hungry, I am collecting food for the Linn Benton Food Share.

Until April 9, 2010, · you are welcome to bring food to the Keller Williams Realty office behind Baha Fresh on 9th Street · you can ask me to make a pick up at your convenience · you can make donations to Linn Benton Food Share in honor of Bataan Heroes It doesn’t matter how or why or where you donate, it is right thing to do. Make sure no one today has to go hungry.

Corvallis, Oregon's second annual "Corvallis Culinary Week" is coming to one of your favorite restaurants starting Monday, January 18! This great event will run through Sunday, January 24 and features special chef's menus for just $10 per person.

Enjoy traditional french, pacific rim, asian inspired, southwest cuisine and more at nine great participating restaurants in downtown Corvallis. Restaurants whipping up the specials include:

• 101 Eat & Drink

• Aqua

• Cloud 9

• The Downward Dog

• Fireworks

• Le Bistro

• Magenta

• Terzo

• Zia's

These are among my favorite restaurants in Corvallis, and I am really looking forward to trying these special menus. Plan to make reservations, because all the restaurants were very crowded last year.

In addition to Culinary Week, these great eateries should be on your list if you plan to visit Corvallis any time during the year. Do check their websites by clicking on the restaurant name above to take a peek at their menus, learn their hours, and more about the chef's and cuisine.

Bon Appetit!

If you are looking for a great salon and spa in Corvallis, Oregon, look for Pink at their new location in downtown! Pink recently moved to 128 SW 3rd St., in the former Kaari K boutique location.

Co-owners Elisha Edwards and Shannon Gammon offer hair and nail services, facials, micordermabrasion, skin rejuvination, laser/IPL hair reduction, and massage.

Elisha, shown here with daughter Ava, is a local girl who specializes in hair services. I've been lucky enough to have her do my hair for several years and highly recommend her for weaves, great cuts, and personal attention.

Pink offers a 10% discount to Hewlett-Packard, Samaritan Health Services, and OSU students and staff. You can reach Pink at 541-754-7379. Say hi for me!