Bethlehem, PA

Even though the holidays are over and old man winter is sticking around, there are still many things to do in the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania.

Today, Friday, January 8th, 2010, is Bethlehem's First Friday. You may be saying, January 8th is actually the second Friday of the month. Yes, you are correct. Being that New Year's Day was the first Friday of January, Bethlehem is celebrating it's first Friday on the 8th.

Bethlehem's First Friday is a celebration of the arts and culture. This event brings some artistic stimulation.

You will see paintings inspired by a trip to the French Riviera by featured artist Ann Schlegel at the Banana Factory and large prints by photographer Winifred Helton-Hamon at Fox Optical.

You will also enjoy music by Steve Brosky and Jimmy Meyer at Cleo's, and by Domenic, Miles and Paul Salerni at Fox Optical.

There is more. You can snack on chocolates from Tallarico's and soup at Stone Soup Studios.

This event runs from 6 - 10PM on Third and New Streets in Bethlehem.

Click here for more information.

Brigita McKelvie, REALTOR, e-PRO, GRI

Pennsylvania License #RS 297130

Keller Williams Real Estate

Looking to make your Bethlehem home stand out against the competition, but have limited funds or time for remodeling projects? Here are some low to no cost/high impact ideas that will score big with the buyers and turn that 'FOR SALE' sign to 'SOLD!!'

1. Make a good first impression. No one is impressed if the exterior is messy. Sweep the front porch, dust for cobwebs and clean the windows. Paint the front door an eye-catching color and make sure the lock does not stick! If it's difficult to get in, the buyer is forming a negative opinion before they even get inside. If your front door is dated and funds allow, consider replacing the front door with a new energy efficient one. There are currently tax credits for certain energy efficient upgrades. You can also infuse a little color with a new exterior door mat.
2. Clean, Clean, Clean! From the ceiling to the floors, make the interior shine. Dust for cobwebs, clean the baseboards, dust the ceiling fan blades. Clean out your closets. A clean closet looks much larger than an overstuffed one. Have the carpets professionally cleaned.
3. A little paint goes a long way. Paint the walls and trim for a fresh new look. Stick to neutral shades to appeal to the largest percentage of buyers.
4. Recondition or paint worn looking kitchen and bath cabinets and add new hardware for an updated look.
5. Add roll-out trays in the kitchen cabinets. Buyers do open kitchen cabinets and the additional, efficient organized storage scores big with potential buyers!
6. Granite countertops are hot with potential buyers! While granite slab is costly, granite tile is a fraction of the cost. 12-inch granite tiles will cost a homeowner several hundred dollars in materials.
7. Replace old flat interior doors with new modern paneled interior doors. Bright new doors give an updated modern look to the home and impact every room.
8. Fix small everyday nuisances. Make sure all lights have working bulbs, none of the faucets have drips, none of the toilets continue to run, and the doors do not stick. Small annoyances that you live with everyday will have potential buyers deducting dollars off their offer or worse yet, they will select another home!
9. De-clutter and de-personalize. You are moving anyway, so pack up family photos, treasures, kids toys (at least some of them!), and collections. Remember less is better. You want potential buyers to be able to visualize themselves and their belongings in the home. Another added benefit is that your home will appear larger.
10. Freshen the basement. Give a fresh clean look to an unfinished gray basement with paint. You would be amazed at how painting the gray walls and floors of an unfinished basement completely transforms and freshens the space.

If you are looking to sell your Bethlehem home, I can help! Call me for a free, no-obligation market analysis. Visit my website for more information: www.mrslehighvalley.com

Ring in New Year with your family and friends at First Night 2010 enjoying a wide variety of performers and attractions at venues throughout Bethlehem's beautiful historic downtown! Enjoy an exciting evening of music, art and family fun.

Most First Night venues are within walking distance of each other. Families can enjoy folk, choral and instrumental music; jazz, blues and rock bands; magicians; clowns; arts and crafts; children's performances; snowman building; ice skating and much more.

Festivities begin at 1PM New Year's Eve Day with the 2nd Annual First Night Bethlehem 5K and conclude at midnight with the Just Born PEEP drop and a spectacular fireworks display to welcome the New Year!

Adding to the excitement this year is PEEPS® Fest, a sweet, new festival showcasing the wonderful world of PEEPS! Join in the fun of music, crafts, special displays and other attractions highlighting the confection that has won the hearts and taste buds of many throughout the nation.

Shuttles will run from 5 p.m.-12:30 a.m. to help guests travel from site to site to enjoy the First Night Bethlehem celebration has to offer. The bus fare is free with your First Night admission button.

Most of the First Night Events require an admission button. Click here for more information on admission.

No matter what venues you visit, you'll find fun at First Night Bethlehem!

Brigita McKelvie, REALTOR, e-PRO, GRI

Pennsylvania License #RS 297130

Keller Williams Real Estate, Bethlehem, PA

New for this year is Bethlehem's PEEPS Fest 2009. This PEEPS celebration is about the favorite marshmallow treat.

This 2 day event is presented by Just Born Inc. in Bethlehem and ArtsQuest, highlighting this delightful confection. There will be 2 days of great music, art and family fun held in the city PEEPS were born.

Some of the features of this fest will be:

- The first annual Lehigh Valley PEEPS Scholastic Diorama Competition - highlighting the artistic talents area students as they express their appreciation for PEEPS through art. The winner will be invited to "drop" the PEEP at midnight during the annual First Night Bethlehem music and art celebration in downtown Bethlehem Dec. 31.

- During the week between Christmas and the New Year, some of Bethlehem's finest restaurants will be featuring delicious desserts that feature PEEPS as a central ingredient.

Participating Restaurants (Dec. 21-29):

• Apollo Grille (85 West Broad Street, Bethlehem)
• Edge Restaurant (74 West Broad Street, Bethlehem)
• Granny McCarthy's Tea Room (534 Main Street, Bethlehem)
• Looper's Bar & Grille (313 East Third St., Bethlehem)
• Moravian Bookshop (428 Main Street, Bethlehem)
• Starfish Brasserie (51 W Broad St)
• Tika's Restaurant & Lounge (501 Main St., Bethlehem)

- Talented musicians, loveable clowns and wonderful PEEPS-themed arts and crafts for family fun.

- Special display showing how PEEPS are Just Born and a special video highlighting the entire PEEP-making process from beginning to end.

- On Dec. 30 and 31, both the popular PEEPS mascot and the bright-yellow PEEPSTER will be on hand for photos.

This event is sponsored by Just Born, 69 NEWS, Coca-Cola, and Capital Blue Cross.

Sounds like a great Fest for family fun after Christmas. So, come on out December 30th from noon - 4PM (tickets required) and December 31st from noon until midnight (as part of First Night in Bethlehem) at Spring and Main Sts. in Historic Bethlehem, PA and join in the fun.

Brigita McKelvie, REALTOR, e-PRO, GRI

PA License #RS 297130

Keller Williams Real Estate, Bethlehem, PA