Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Recipe of the Month: September 2010
These awesome pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are always a hit! There is pudding in the cake mix so they are very moist and delicious! The cream cheese frosting is a snap to make. I hope you will try them out and let me know what you think!
Pumpkin Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter flavored shortening
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- Cream Cheese Frosting
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease cookie sheets.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter flavored shortening and sugar. Beat in the egg and vanilla, and then stir in the pumpkin puree. Combine the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and vanilla instant pudding mix; gradually mix into the pumpkin mixture. Roll into walnut sized balls and place them 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets.
3. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, until lightly browned at the edges. Allow to cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting.
Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients:
- 2 (8oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
1. In a medium bowl, cream together the cream cheese and butter until creamy. Mix in the vanilla, then gradually stir in the confectioners' sugar. Store in the refrigerator after use.
Let me know if you try this recipe!
- Ashley
Pumpkin Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter flavored shortening
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- Cream Cheese Frosting
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease cookie sheets.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter flavored shortening and sugar. Beat in the egg and vanilla, and then stir in the pumpkin puree. Combine the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and vanilla instant pudding mix; gradually mix into the pumpkin mixture. Roll into walnut sized balls and place them 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets.
3. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, until lightly browned at the edges. Allow to cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting.
Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients:
- 2 (8oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
1. In a medium bowl, cream together the cream cheese and butter until creamy. Mix in the vanilla, then gradually stir in the confectioners' sugar. Store in the refrigerator after use.
Let me know if you try this recipe!
- Ashley
Friday, August 27, 2010
Garden Update: August 2010 - MUMS!!!
Hi there everyone,
I'm so excited that I've already gotten some Mums for my garden! I really love fall and am looking forward to also getting my mini pumpkin and hay bale for my porch! Anyways, here are some current pictures of my garden in August:
I'm so excited that I've already gotten some Mums for my garden! I really love fall and am looking forward to also getting my mini pumpkin and hay bale for my porch! Anyways, here are some current pictures of my garden in August:
Here are two of the Mum plants on my porch.
Here are the other two Mum plants.
My sweet potato vine on my front porch has gotten HUGE!
I'm really excited about my new Venus Fly Trap! These plants are awesome and live in your house year-round.
All of the flowers in my garden have gotten huge and basically taken over!
My red bell peppers are looking good! Yum!
This plant has grown as large as a bush! It started as only a tiny plant in the spring when I bought it because I thought it looked cool.
My pretty purple flowers!
Well, that's my update for now. I can't wait until my Mums start blooming and I can get the rest of my fall decorations!
- Ashley
Recipe of the Month: Cookie-Brownie Bars
These cookie-brownie bars as I so cleverly call them are absolutely delicious and amazing! I made them once for a concert at the Ravinia and they were devoured. They have just the right amount of richness.
Cookie-Brownie Bars
Ingredients:
• 1 (18.25 ounce) package white cake mix
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup butter or margarine, cubed
Directions:
1. In a bowl, combine the dry cake mix, eggs and oil. With floured hands, press two-thirds of the mixture into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan. Set remaining cake mixture aside.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk, chocolate chips and butter. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 45 seconds; stir. Microwave 45-60 seconds longer or until chips and butter are melted; stir until smooth. Pour over crust.
3. Drop by teaspoonfuls of remaining cake mixture over top. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool before cutting.
Next time you need a great snack for any event, you should seriously try this recipe. I'd love to hear your comments when you make them!!!
- Ashley
Cookie-Brownie Bars
Ingredients:
• 1 (18.25 ounce) package white cake mix
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup butter or margarine, cubed
Directions:
1. In a bowl, combine the dry cake mix, eggs and oil. With floured hands, press two-thirds of the mixture into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan. Set remaining cake mixture aside.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk, chocolate chips and butter. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 45 seconds; stir. Microwave 45-60 seconds longer or until chips and butter are melted; stir until smooth. Pour over crust.
3. Drop by teaspoonfuls of remaining cake mixture over top. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool before cutting.
Next time you need a great snack for any event, you should seriously try this recipe. I'd love to hear your comments when you make them!!!
- Ashley
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Article in the Wall Street Journal Online
Hey Everyone,
So I was perusing through the Internet and reading stories about real estate when this one in particular caught my attention. The headline read "Redfin: Less Than Half of All Home-Sale Attempts Successful in ‘09". That's less than a 50% success rate! No wonder sellers are so hesitant to list their home in this economy!
"A survey of seven major housing markets found that less than half of all attempts to sell a home in 2009 had, as of last Wednesday, resulted in a sale." (http://blogs.wsj.com/developments/2010/08/16/redfin-less-than-half-of-all-home-sale-attempts-successful-in-09/). When buyers see all these properties sitting on the market for so long without selling, they definitely should see opportunities for great deals. Not that they should take advantage of these desperate sellers, but many sellers are settling for lower offers just to get rid of their houses so they can move on. The good news for these distraught sellers is that they will luckily make up for some of that loss in their next purchase! Interest rates are so low right now so not only will they get a low interest rate on their mortgage, but they will also get a good deal on their purchase of a home. It really does all even out in the end.
Here is data from Cook County:
County Name Listings Activated in 2009 # 2009 Listings Sold % 2009 Listings Sold # Still Active % Still Active
Cook County, IL 134,710 44,789 33.3% 7,893 5.9%
Here's the link to the entire article: http://blogs.wsj.com/developments/2010/08/16/redfin-less-than-half-of-all-home-sale-attempts-successful-in-09/
- Ashley
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Ashley's Garden Update: July 2010
Hey there everyone! I bet you've been wondering what's the latest update with my garden? You haven't...well, I'm going to tell you anyways! LOL!
Most of my plants are doing very well although I'm sad to say that my cilantro plant died due to all the heavy rains that we had. It drowned from too much water in the pot. I wish I could plant things in the ground, where they do so much better!
Here are some pictures from my garden:
Most of my plants are doing very well although I'm sad to say that my cilantro plant died due to all the heavy rains that we had. It drowned from too much water in the pot. I wish I could plant things in the ground, where they do so much better!
Here are some pictures from my garden:
These are some yummy veggies that I picked: grape tomatoes, yellow banana peppers, sugar snap peas, and green beans!
These are my green beans that I made for dinner after just being picked! They were soooo good with some butter and breadcrumbs!
This is my lantana plant that has gotten huge! It's doing so well in the ground!
This is my garden in the back, which also does very well every year. The in-ground sprinklers hit it just right and when it rains, it really saturates the area back there!
This plant has grown into a huge bush!
Here's a jalapeno from my plant. I plan on making this jalapeno cheddar potato soup that my parents had on a cruise and the waiter gave them the recipe for...yum! (recipe to come soon I'm sure!! lol)
Here are some yellow banana peppers on my plant. I want to make a relish with these for Italian sub sandwiches.
Here are some green peppers from my plant. I also have red peppers, which start out looking exactly like this.
Well, I hope you like looking at my progress! Sorry I couldn't figure out how to flip my pictures I'm starting to look forward to mums in the fall and mini pumpkins! But mostly pumpkin spice lattes!
- Ashley
Friday, July 30, 2010
Recipe of the Month: Heavenly Chocolate Mousse
Hey there! You absolutely have to try my favorite recipe for chocolate mousse...it's so delicious! It takes a little work, but it's definitely worth it in the end! It's from my Betty Crocker Cookbook!
Ingredients:
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup (heavy) whipping cream
- 1 package (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup)
- 1 1/2 cups whipping (heavy) cream
Directions:
1. Beat egg yolks in small bowl with electric mixer on high speed about 3 minutes or until thick and lemon colored. Gradually beat in sugar.
2. Heat 1 cup whipping cream in 2-quart saucepan over medium heat just until hot.
3. Gradually stir at least half of the hot cream into egg yolk mixture, then stir back into hot cream in saucepan. Cook over low heat about 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens (do not boil).
4. Stir in chocolate chips until melted. Cover and refrigerate about 2 hours, stirring occasionally, just until chilled.
5. Beat 1 1/2 cups whipping cream in chilled medium bowl on high speed until stiff. Fold chocolate mixture into whipped cream. Pipe or spoon mixture into dessert dishes. Refrigerate until serving. Store covered in refrigerator.
Be ready to indulge yourself! Let me know if you make it...I'd love to know what you think!
- Ashley
Ingredients:
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup (heavy) whipping cream
- 1 package (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup)
- 1 1/2 cups whipping (heavy) cream
Directions:
1. Beat egg yolks in small bowl with electric mixer on high speed about 3 minutes or until thick and lemon colored. Gradually beat in sugar.
2. Heat 1 cup whipping cream in 2-quart saucepan over medium heat just until hot.
3. Gradually stir at least half of the hot cream into egg yolk mixture, then stir back into hot cream in saucepan. Cook over low heat about 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens (do not boil).
4. Stir in chocolate chips until melted. Cover and refrigerate about 2 hours, stirring occasionally, just until chilled.
5. Beat 1 1/2 cups whipping cream in chilled medium bowl on high speed until stiff. Fold chocolate mixture into whipped cream. Pipe or spoon mixture into dessert dishes. Refrigerate until serving. Store covered in refrigerator.
Be ready to indulge yourself! Let me know if you make it...I'd love to know what you think!
- Ashley
Thursday, July 29, 2010
New Affiliate Staging Company: Elle M Staging
Hey There!
I'm super excited to announce my new partnership with a local staging company servicing the Chicagoland area. They are called Elle M Staging and here is a word from them:
I'm super excited to announce my new partnership with a local staging company servicing the Chicagoland area. They are called Elle M Staging and here is a word from them:
In today’s real estate market home staging is critical. A house on the market for too long not only loses dollar value but loses buyer interest. Don’t neglect the opportunity to get the most out of your largest investment!
Elle M Staging will set your house apart from comparable homes in your area and help avoid costly price reductions.
In our initial consultation, we tour your house and present ideas and solutions to your most challenging spaces.
Through furniture placement, wall color, accessorizing, and more we will neutralize and bring alive your house.
Create that winning first impression so buyers can envision themselves living there!
Elle M Staging is now offering professional home staging in the Chicago land area.
Take advantage of our affordable services by contacting us today at:
708.805.6886 or ellemstaging@gmail.com
View us on the web at ellemstaging.com
I hope you'll take a minute to visit their website!
- Ashley
Saturday, July 24, 2010
New Phone: Motorola Cliq XT powered by Android
So after having plenty of issues with my T-mobile MyTouch and 3 exchanges later, T-mobile finally decided to replace my phone with a different phone all together. They sent me a Motorola Cliq XT. So far, I'm not gonna lie, I really like the phone...even more than the MyTouch. The only problem that I'm having right now is that it's on the 1.5 version of Android and the MyTouch was on 1.6. On the 1.5 version of Android, there is no navigation in Google maps. Being a real estate agent, I used that navigation on my MyTouch like it was going out of style!
All in all, it's a pretty neat phone. Being an avid Facebook junky, I like that there are a lot of social media tools on this phone. When someone calls or I call them, the contact's Facebook picture shows up on the phone! I like this feature because people update their Facebook pictures frequently and so I will always have a current picture of someone in my phone! Another pretty sweet thing is that there are 5 screens as opposed to the MyTouch's 3 screens. I definitely will be filling those screens up with my favorite apps and widgets!
My only complaint is that my contacts transferred over strangely and it will take me a little bit of time to perfect them.
Anyways, I am hoping that this phone will allow me to be an even more efficient Realtor!
- Ashley
All in all, it's a pretty neat phone. Being an avid Facebook junky, I like that there are a lot of social media tools on this phone. When someone calls or I call them, the contact's Facebook picture shows up on the phone! I like this feature because people update their Facebook pictures frequently and so I will always have a current picture of someone in my phone! Another pretty sweet thing is that there are 5 screens as opposed to the MyTouch's 3 screens. I definitely will be filling those screens up with my favorite apps and widgets!
My only complaint is that my contacts transferred over strangely and it will take me a little bit of time to perfect them.
Anyways, I am hoping that this phone will allow me to be an even more efficient Realtor!
- Ashley
Thursday, July 8, 2010
The Housing Market: Supply and Demand
Remember that dreaded economics class back in high school or college? Supply and demand? Well, hopefully you paid attention to your professor, because economics plays a large role in the housing market.
Remember that as the demand for something goes up and the supply goes down, the value and price go up? And likewise as the demand for something goes down and the supply goes up because there's more available, the value and price go down?
Now in terms of the housing market, as the supply of housing went up and the demand fell, the values and prices fell. Many people do not think of the housing market in this way. All sellers think that their house is worth more than they paid for it, which isn't always the case. Since there are fewer buyers out there nowadays, they truly have the upper-hand in most cases. Once demand for housing begins increasing, we will see the supply decrease and the value and prices will begin to rise.
Thinking of selling your home? At least we are in the prime summer months where showing activity is generally higher than other times of the year. Contact me today and I will share my marketing plan with you. When you list with me, you also get a free home staging consultation! Call or email me for more details! 708-307-9616 or sales@ashleywydra.com
- Ashley
Remember that as the demand for something goes up and the supply goes down, the value and price go up? And likewise as the demand for something goes down and the supply goes up because there's more available, the value and price go down?
Now in terms of the housing market, as the supply of housing went up and the demand fell, the values and prices fell. Many people do not think of the housing market in this way. All sellers think that their house is worth more than they paid for it, which isn't always the case. Since there are fewer buyers out there nowadays, they truly have the upper-hand in most cases. Once demand for housing begins increasing, we will see the supply decrease and the value and prices will begin to rise.
Thinking of selling your home? At least we are in the prime summer months where showing activity is generally higher than other times of the year. Contact me today and I will share my marketing plan with you. When you list with me, you also get a free home staging consultation! Call or email me for more details! 708-307-9616 or sales@ashleywydra.com
- Ashley
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Ready to List your Home?
Don't miss out on all the summer buyer activity! List with me and get a free home staging consultation, too!
There are two things that sell your home: being priced correctly and being marketed correctly. Get both when you list with me! I utilize an extensive online marketing campaign and share several comparable properties when pricing your home.
Let's get your home SOLD! Contact me today @ 708-307-9616 or sales@ashleywydra.com. Don't forget to visit my website http://www.ashleywydra.com/ to see my listings plus search through the entire MLS of available properties!
- Ashley
There are two things that sell your home: being priced correctly and being marketed correctly. Get both when you list with me! I utilize an extensive online marketing campaign and share several comparable properties when pricing your home.
Let's get your home SOLD! Contact me today @ 708-307-9616 or sales@ashleywydra.com. Don't forget to visit my website http://www.ashleywydra.com/ to see my listings plus search through the entire MLS of available properties!
- Ashley
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