Isn’t it amazing how everything is greener in Vermont?  No wonder they call it the Green Mountain State!  Although it’s beautiful in winter, I can’t wait for spring to get here!

If you ever get a chance to vacation in Vermont and drive north up Interstate 91, make sure you stop at the Vermont Visitor’s Center – there are beautiful displays of all the artisan crafts – Bennington Pottery, woodworking, handwoven yarns and more!  You can walk the dog, or picnic on the lawn or tables that are provided.

This photo is from one of Vermont’s lovely rest area stops along Interstate 89.

Don’t forget to sign the Linky!

Follow Me on Twitter
@Moomettes

1. Candace 2. Staci A 3. Louise 4. Americanising Desi 5. Run DMT

6. ConnieFoggles 7. Beeb Ashcroft 8. Aubrie Williams 9. BassAckwards Mom 10. You're next!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Coldwell Banker. All opinions are 100% mine.

If you’re ready to move out of your apartment or your parent’s home, there isn’t any time better than the present. Right now, first-time homebuyers, or those who haven’t owned in the last three years, can receive up to an $8,000 tax credit.

Beginning to search for your first home is an important step to having the ability to build better finances and to live in a place that’s comfortable. If you’re considering a new home for your family, there are specific things that you’ll want to know before diving in.

Before you even begin to look at homes, make sure that you conduct your own investigation. This will mean that you should find the going rates, how much other owners are paying every month, and what you can or aren’t able to afford. Current homeowners who have lived in a current home consecutively for 5 of the past 8 years can receive up to a $6,500 tax credit when purchasing a home.

You will also want to see what types of houses are going and what they are going for. If you know the basics of what’s available, it’ll be easier for you to get exactly what you want. You should also consider things such as your credit rating and your paycheck. You don’t want to walk into something that is over your head or start to look for something, only to find out that you won’t be able to move in.

Making connections with the right people is important. One of the most important decisions that you can make is to find a real estate agent that you feel comfortable talking to. This will make a difference in the type of deal that you get as well as what type of home and mortgage you end up with. Real estate agents have the ability to do investigations for you and find something that is best for you. You’ll also want to make sure that there are connections with home inspectors and the right lenders. Without the right people set in place, you might encounter problems getting the best deal on your new home.

After you begin to look around with your real estate agent, be sure that you begin to understand the terms that are being given to you. Loan terms, terms about the market, and other real estate ‘jargon’ will oftentimes be mentioned. If you don’t know what something is, ask, research it, or check with someone who’s been through the process before. Getting into a first home is a tremendous step up from an apartment, making it important that you understand excactly what it is that you’re getting involved in.

Keep the following in mind to not miss out on 2010 Homebuyer Tax Credits.

Future extensions may not be availabe, so all qualified homebuyers are urged to act and have a written, binding contract by April 30, 2010, and must have a closing by June 30, 2010.

The income limits for singles is now $125,000, while for married couples it is $225,000 with a $20,000 phase-out of the credit for both.

While searching for a new home can be fun, it’s also a challenge.

Follow Me on Twitter
@Moomettes

1. Candace 2. Staci A 3. Louise 4. Americanising Desi 5. Run DMT

6. ConnieFoggles 7. Beeb Ashcroft 8. Aubrie Williams 9. BassAckwards Mom 10. You're next!

It’s a fact, as we get older so do our parents, and along with our aging parents can come some problems. I recently did a book review on siblings and caring for aging parents. More and more Baby Boomers are facing tough choices with our aging parents regarding their living arrangements.  Some adult children choose to send our parent(s) to a nursing home or assisted living facility where they’ll get around the clock care; others decide to hire help that can come to the parents’ home; while still others may decide to bring the parent to live with them.

My independent grandmother lived alone in senior citizen housing until she was 95.  As her conservator, I arranged for her to have certain medical alert systems in place.  For example, a service checked in on her every day by phone.  My grandmother also  had a medical alert button that she wore around her neck in the event she fell.

Alternatively, my late mother-in-law lived for many years with my husband’s sister.  As mom grew older, adaptations were made in the house so that she could remain ambulatory.

If you’re considering tucking your parent under your own roof, and that parent is disabled, there’s many things you need to do to prepare your home for their safety.  This isn’t an exhaustive list, but rather a starting point in helping you figure out just what you need to do in order to make your home ready.

With a clipboard in hand, take a tour of your house from the front entrance to all interior spaces and take notes.

Entrance -
Check to see if the walkway is even for ease of walking, that the steps are not too steep, and that the handrail is adequate.  Does the door open easily and is the whole area well lit?  If your parent is in a wheelchair, the walkway needs to be wide enough to accommodate it and you may need to install a ramp.

Kitchen -
Take a look at the electrical outlets and make sure there are several within easy reach.  Keep dishes and utensils within easy reach too.  Pull-out shelves in the bottom cabinetry make for easier access.  Buy small appliances that are made for people with arthritis as they are easier to use.  Are all the bigger appliances accessible?  Can your parent reach the microwave and the controls on the oven?  A fire extinguisher is a must for the kitchen, whether your parent is living with you or not.

Bath -
Make sure your water heater is not set too high as this could cause potential scalding. A single lever faucet may be a better choice to allow them control over the water temperature.  You should install grab bars around the toilet area and shower/tub.  Consider adding a seat in the shower as well.  Put a non-stick surface in the shower/tub and make sure the bathroom flooring won’t get slick and slippery when wet.  Everything they need should be within easy reach.  If your parent is in a wheelchair, create knee space under the sink and insulate the hot water pipe to prevent burns.  Have a nightlight that turns on automatically at night.

Bedroom -
You can install grab bars wherever they are needed.  Consider getting a hospital-type bed if they need some help getting to a sitting position.  Make sure there is adequate lighting and no exposed cords or drapery to trip on. Are the bedroom and closet doors easy to open?  Keep the path to the bathroom well lit and clear of stuff at night.

The decision to have your parent move into your house isn’t an easy one.  Take the time to make your home as accommodating by researching medical alert products and as safe as you can before you lay out the welcome mat.

Follow Me on Twitter
@Moomettes

1. Candace 2. Staci A 3. Louise 4. Americanising Desi 5. Run DMT

6. ConnieFoggles 7. Beeb Ashcroft 8. Aubrie Williams 9. BassAckwards Mom 10. You're next!

Spring is here and that’s when you’ll start to see all the “For Sale” signs going up around the neighborhood.  Everybody wants to get the kids settled into a new home before the start of the next school year.  My daughter and charming son-in-law had their house on the market for 7 months last year, but decided to take it off, stay where they are and do some home remodeling, and are considering adding vinyl siding and a new deck.

In today’s buyer’s market, Home Staging is often done when you sell your home. Staging a home can command a much higher selling price. A home staging professional can be hired to tour your home and direct you to make the changes that will increase your home’s marketability. Make sure the stager you hire is accredited.

Staging a home is not redecorating it, or improving it by adding replacement windows. Redecorating a home focuses on the seller and their personality. Staging focuses on the buyer. It provides the current home owner with the knowledge to rearrange the furnishings, pictures, accessories, etc. in the best possible manner to enhance the rooms function, appearance and balance.

The seller of a home has a strong emotional attachment and often times lacks the objectivity to know what’s best to enhance their homes looks.

In the high-end market, real estate agents will often hire a stager as part of the selling package because they may be uncomfortable disclosing to the seller that their home needs work and avoid upsetting them.

The main purpose of the staging professional is to help the buyer see themselves and their belongings fit into the home they are viewing. They do this by rearranging the home to appeal to a broad base of purchasers. Stagers can be expensive, so if you want to go it alone please follow the tips below.

The first and most important consideration to prepare your home for sale is to unclutter. Clutter shouldn’t be present anywhere in your home. Go through each room and remove any clutter you see.  Hold a family swap yard sale! Organize toys in decorative boxes that are hidden away in a storage room.  You can always take them out again when you don’t have any booked showings (or send them to grandmom’s house temporarily). Bookcases should be tidy and attractively interspersed with a few decorative curios. Closets should be cleaned out so that only clothes are visible. Remove storage at top and bottom of closets. Out-of-season clothing can be placed in storage.You have to move anyway and you’ll have less to pack when you do move!

Usually the foyer will provide the buyer with the first impression. It should be clean, uncluttered, bright and inviting. If any rooms are dull brighten them up with higher wattage bulbs in lamps. Remove any personal photos from all rooms if possible and replace with prints. The buyer will want to envision the home as “theirs.”

A fresh coat of paint is mandatory. Paint your home in a neutral color (white or beige is recommended).  You can add a splash of color by using pillows,  accessories, pillows, candles or throw rugs.

Bathrooms should be sparkling! Counters should be clear with no personal items visible. Tub tile grout should be clean and shower curtains or glass shower doors should be free of mildew. Hang fluffy, colorful towels on the towel rods.

Kitchens must be spotless. Remove all precious kiddie drawings, notes, magnets, etc. off the front of the refrigerator. Keep counter space clean and clear of all items. Clean out under sinks and organize your pantry. Paint outdated cupboards with a neutral color and put new inexpensive modern knobs on doors for a fresh look. Dishes on the floor for pet food should be eliminated during a showing.

Highlight your most attractive piece of furniture by placing on the wall you see when you enter a room if possible. Tuck away Cd’s, videos, etc. Hang pictures at eye level. Group accessories in odd numbers.  Place a flower arrangement or mantle clock above the fireplace.

Clean those garages, front and backyards.  Placing a potted flower pot on the doorstep or planting flowers in bloom or shrubs in the yard for a welcoming effect will improve curb appeal.  Prune any shrubs you may already have. Don’t leave bikes or toys around the yard. If you have a pool, clean it. The lawn should be cut and watered to give the home a well cared for look. A coat of paint on the outside of the house may also be in order.

If you can afford a stager it is well worth the money. If not, just make sure you clean and unclutter! A spring cleaning will definitely pay off.

Follow Me on Twitter
@Moomettes

1. Candace 2. Staci A 3. Louise 4. Americanising Desi 5. Run DMT

6. ConnieFoggles 7. Beeb Ashcroft 8. Aubrie Williams 9. BassAckwards Mom 10. You're next!

Stress isn’t limited strictly to young families and moms with kids at home, believe me.  People have busy lives and are constantly dealing with stress. Whether you’re a WAHM, stay-at-home mom or corporate execute executive, all of us have important tasks to do on a daily basis and we’re always on the move. As long as we get to have a moment to relax and rejuvenate ourselves so we can start each day refreshed, it’s OK.

What can we do to relax and rejuvenate our minds and bodies? Soaking in a tub can do wonders for the mind and body. No time, you might ask?  Well then create the time! After the house is quiet at night, take at least 30-minutes for yourself, because you’re worth it!

There are all kinds of bath products available for you to pamper yourself with and some of my favorites are listed right here on this site that I’ve done product reviews on in the past. If you enjoy taking a bath, there are soaps, bath salts, bath bubbles, sugar scrubs, which come in variety of scents (my personal favorite is Citrus). Soak away your stress with the bath products of your choice – light a candle or two, turn out your bathroom light, have some soft relaxing music in the background, put your head on an orthopedic pillow and you are good to go. Close your eyes and enjoy the wonderful scent, let it take you to wherever you’d like to be. Try not to fall asleep!

Of course if you can afford a day spa on a regular basis, that’s great, but if you’re like me and most busy women I know,the do-it-yourself spa is just as good as the real one. Here are 3 big reasons why:

You can enjoy a luxurious bath from the comfort of your own home. So if you have little kids, there is no need to hire a baby sitter. Tell the kids or spouse it’s “Me Time” and you have all the time you need for your home spa treatment.

It’s affordable!  As much as we’d like, a visit to a day spa is nice, but it’s definitely not cheap.

If you’re not so much a bath person, then turn your shower into what I call “a relaxation staycation”.  A high pressure shower massage head does wonders and acts as a back pain treatment.

No need to make an appointment! You can set up your special bath time whenever you want.

Now that you’re thoroughly rejuvenated, curl up with a neck pain pillow, and read your favorite book or gossip magazine!

Follow Me on Twitter
@Moomettes

1. Candace 2. Staci A 3. Louise 4. Americanising Desi 5. Run DMT

6. ConnieFoggles 7. Beeb Ashcroft 8. Aubrie Williams 9. BassAckwards Mom 10. You're next!

Baby Safety

You could call me “Antique Roadshow.” As a grandmom, I often still find myself carrying around a diaper bag for Slugger, who’s going on two.  A diaper bag is one of those essentials most grandmoms or moms would be lost without.

I received A Book and A Bag from Baby-Everywhere to try out.
When you want to take an excursion out of your home with a small baby, there’s no telling what you might need. A good diaper bag can hold everything you might need including baby wipes, diapers, diaper ointment, baby powder, clothing, bottles, food, just about anything else you might possibly need while out and about with your baby.

A Book and a Bag is a wide tote that can be used by moms, grandmoms, nanny, daycare providers or babysitters.  Also an organizer, there’s a place for keys, cell phones, wallet as well as baby’s necessities. It includes a Safe Baby Organizer – a 50-page loose-leaf book (4″x7″), containing expert advice on how to prevent injuries and handle an emergency, should one occur, which fits into an outside pocket – available in English or Spanish. Colored tabs divide the sections.

Since the most important item in a diaper bag is diapers, A Book and A Bag also contains a changing pad! In fact, anything that you need to use on a daily basis can go into this tote.   Since all the “stuff” in your diaper bag can make it really heavy so if you’re going to have to be carrying it for a long distance, it has two sturdy handles that you can easily put over your shoulder.

This tote comes in either marine blue, or fire engine red – colors that even dad or grandpa wouldn’t mind carrying around!

• Recommended by the American Academy of Emergency Medicine

• iParentingMediaAward.com voted the Safe Baby Tote one of the most outstanding safety products of the year

At Baby-Everywhere, you can find diaper bags and grandmother bags that vary from basic, to trendy …

… beautiful, affordably-priced products that can be used anywhere the baby is – at home, in a car, with the babysitter and at grandma’s home.

Baby-Everywhere is offering readers of Moomette’s Magnificents a $5.00 discount promo code at checkout on these bags.

Use Code: 2442

For More Information Visit: Baby Everywhere

Moomette’s Magnificents  is hosting a Giveaway Contest! For a chance to win, there will be one (1) winner of the Baby-Everywhere Information Station. Designed to hang on the refrigerator door, a babysitter has everything –phone numbers, reminders — all in one place, and doesn’t have to run through the house looking for little pieces of paper left by the baby’s mother! Parent Tested and Parent Approved recently voted the Information Station a winning product.

Please include a way of contacting you. Should you be the contest winner, this information may be shared with the contest sponsor in order to send your prize.

Main Rule:   (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)
a) Sign up for my free Newsletter Updates to my blog through my e-mail Feedblitz link (on the top of my right column or let me know if you already are, in a separate comment) AND

b) Visit Baby-Everywhere and leave a comment about what you like best about their site and another product you’d like to try.

This contest will run until March 22, 2010 at 11:00 pm. EST

For Additional Entries, check out my Contest Entry Rules.

Follow Me on Twitter
@Moomettes

1. Candace 2. Staci A 3. Louise 4. Americanising Desi 5. Run DMT

6. ConnieFoggles 7. Beeb Ashcroft 8. Aubrie Williams 9. BassAckwards Mom 10. You're next!

Everywhere I go in Vermont, no matter what season – there’s always a photo opportunity waiting for me!

The state recently received over 30 inches of snow from the monstrous blizzard last week that affected the East Coast.

My BFF from kindergarten lives in Enfield, New Hampshire. She owns Bearly Used Books, a really cute used book store, complete with pellet stoves, and recently sent me a book on how to shoot scenic photography.

This scenic picture was taken on the way to Northfield, Vermont – home to Norwich University.

Don’t forget to sign the Linky!

Follow Me on Twitter
@Moomettes

1. Candace 2. Staci A 3. Louise 4. Americanising Desi 5. Run DMT

6. ConnieFoggles 7. Beeb Ashcroft 8. Aubrie Williams 9. BassAckwards Mom 10. You're next!

Moomettesgram’s Favorite Recipes is hosting a Giveaway Contest! For a chance to win, there will be two (2) winners of two (2) bottles of Country Bob’s All Purpose Sauce!

Enter HERE at Moomettesgram’s Favorite Recipes ,  Mar 2010

Follow Me on Twitter
@Moomettes

1. Candace 2. Staci A 3. Louise 4. Americanising Desi 5. Run DMT

6. ConnieFoggles 7. Beeb Ashcroft 8. Aubrie Williams 9. BassAckwards Mom 10. You're next!

The nature of my husband’s profession doesn’t require him to wear a necktie quite often, but when he does, he cleans up quite nicely.

His sister always enjoyed picking out dress clothes for her brothers, and was quite adept at coordinating ties and shirts.  After we were married, that job fell to me.

It’s an art to match the tie correctly with the rest of the clothes and the occasion.

I recently had the opportunity to review an affordable necktie from ABC Neckties, and picked one out for my charming son-in-law.  While he doesn’t normally wear a necktie for his job, he and my daughter go out on the town more often than my husband and I do.

We received a Baker Silk Fashion Tie in black.  It has a subtle pattern, and can easily go with a shirt of any color.

• 100% Silk

• Bocara Label

• 3 1/2″ x 58″

• Hand Made

• Dry Clean Only

At Christmas, I purchased a tie for charming son-in-law from a well-known department store.  Many of today’s top mens fashion designers such as Furmagalli, Gucci, Valentino, Armani, and Zegna have silk neck ties in their collections.  I paid much more for essentially the same quality tie that ABC Neckties offers.  I really was impressed by the tie we received.

You may ask how do you perfect the tricks of choosing a tie on-line?

Always buy the tie of correct length. An appropriate tie length is when the triangle tip of the tie touches the belt buckle.

Casual, regular office ties can be polyester blends, but business meetings and other occasions require silks or silk blend ties.

While a safe bet are solid colored, striped or dotted ties, the eye optician I regularly visit is a fan of Jerry Garcia ties – and ABC Neckties has a selection of those, along with:

• animal print
• armed service
• art
• Harley-Davidson
• patriotic
• religious, and
• themed ties

Whether you’re in the market for an inexpensive new tie for that next job interview, or a gift for Father’s Day in June, ABC Neckties offers a Money Back Guarantee as well as Secure Ordering.

Visit On Twitter: @ABCNeckties

Become a Fan Facebook

For More Information Visit: ABC Neckties

Moomette’s Magnificents  is hosting a Giveaway Contest! For a chance to win, there will be one (1) winner of a $25 Gift Certificate to ABC Neckties.

Please include a way of contacting you. Should you be the contest winner, this information may be shared with the contest sponsor in order to send your prize.

Main Rule:   (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)
a) Sign up for my free Newsletter Updates to my blog through my e-mail Feedblitz link (on the top of my right column or let me know if you already are, in a separate comment) AND

b) Visit ABC Neckties and leave a comment about what you like best about their site and the name and color of the tie you think you would choose if you won.

*Open to USA and Canada Only

This contest will run until March 19, 2010 at 11:00 pm. EST

For Additional Entries, check out my Contest Entry Rules.

Follow Me on Twitter
@Moomettes

1. Candace 2. Staci A 3. Louise 4. Americanising Desi 5. Run DMT

6. ConnieFoggles 7. Beeb Ashcroft 8. Aubrie Williams 9. BassAckwards Mom 10. You're next!

Direct Selling Consultant

I’d like to introduce my readers to Meet My Friend, Jodi Albertini, whom I’ve met through blogging and  invited to Guest Post on Moomette’s Magnificents.

Jodi immediately wowed me as a work-at-home mom who is dedicated to helping other moms succeed in attaining their goals.  She has been a WAHM for the last 4 years; is a social worker by education; an interior decorator by business affiliation and a direct sales professional by choice.

Jodi has built a team of over 1,200 consultants in two years – which she is responsible for mentoring, and has achieved the highest title in this fabulous company.  Additionally, she has spoken at several Scentsy engagements and conventions, as well as participated in training and informational videos for Scentsy.  Jodi has also made several media appearances to speak to her success as a WAHM,  and has recently began writing as an author on www.buzzle.com

With 2 years experience in Direct Sales and a current team of 1,200 consultants, I am frequently asked the “secrets” to my success.   Of course, I could go on with what is required to build a business, elaborating on all the basic motions of growing a successful Direct Sales franchise.  However, I truly believe that there are not too many true “secrets” to building a strong team and a GREAT business.  Rather, I believe that success involves a series of personal choices that differentiate those GOOD consultants from the GREAT ones:

1. Catch a Vision – Develop a vision for your business.  Imagine what it will be like when you have achieved your goals, and then strive to make that vision a reality.  No business is built overnight and big business does not come easy.  However, having an internal perspective of where you want your business to land someday will drive your daily actions that will move you toward success.
2. Share Your Enthusiasm – If you LOVE what you do (and you should), then express your passion for your business on a regular basis.  Passion creates enthusiasm and enthusiasm is contagious.  When engaged in your business, people should see the joy on your face.  Soon those who are watching will want what you have!
3. Be Bold – We often pass up business opportunities due to our own fears or insecurities.  Achieving what we desire often requires taking a chance.  Being bold does not mean that you lack fear.  Rather, it means that you are making choices for the good of your business despite fear.

This list could go on and on.  My perspective is that GREATNESS is not developed completely by what you do, but rather how you do it.  What are some personal choices that you can make to move your business from GOOD to GREAT?

Follow on Twitter: @JJANT

Visit Jodi at: Safe Candle

Jodi Albertini is a SuperStar Director with the Direct Sales Company Scentsy – a wickless, smokeless, flameless and safe candle product (www.safecandle.net).  Jodi has developed a team of 1200 Scentsy consultants in just over two years. She is a Stay-at-Home-Mom, turned Work-at-Home-Mom, with 2 fabulous children and one incredible husband of almost 15 years. Jodi’s formal education is in Social Work and Counseling.  She has learned to take a Psychological approach to sales, recruiting, and mentoring.

If you have a topic of interest that you’d like to share and be a Guest Blogger on Moomette’s Magnificents, please contact me (see Contact tab above).

Follow Me on Twitter
@Moomettes

1. Candace 2. Staci A 3. Louise 4. Americanising Desi 5. Run DMT

6. ConnieFoggles 7. Beeb Ashcroft 8. Aubrie Williams 9. BassAckwards Mom 10. You're next!