Like most of us, I am constantly looking for a new way to promote my business, via the web.  Well, in my efforts, I stumbled upon a FREE website that I had never heard of, www.freewebs.com. 

I suddenly realized that I could use it for real estate, (and have another real estate website to keep up with), or I could use it to help invite friends and family to "keep up" with our everyday lives and experiences; because we are toooo busy to do so ourselves (I know, it's a shame, but this is what it's come too!) 

In this website, I can share the newest photos, events, videos, funny stories, and yes, BLOGS, with friends and family that live far away or just down the street.

I set it up, added a "Welcome" note, photos, guestbook and sent invites......that's it!!!!  AND IT'S FREE!!!!!!  I update it with news and photos just like I do here, but with a closer audience.   Here is a peek at mine......http://dahlhouse.webs.com

In addition, I was invited to a fantastic group here on AR by a fabulous lady.  It's called "The Diary of a Realtor" and I feel like I've already written things that I would write as a little girl in my diary or a "big" girl in my journal.  

Deb at Brooks Prime Properties, the founder, describes it like this..."Diary of a Realtor can be used to put your "personal foot forward" and leave records in the end for your children, family members and friends. Imagine having an entire life's story pieced together to hand down to your children."  Here is a peek at my "Realtor Diary";  http://activerain.com/blogsview/635356/Thanks-for-the-invite and a peek at the group; http://activerain.com/groups/diary.

I encourage you to make a website with family photos and events, JUST FOR THE FAMILY, the minimal SEO is a tiny perk compared to the happiness nana, papa, aunts, uncles and friends will feel when they know they are still part of the family,  when they are soooo far away OR also tooooo busy!

Make the best of what we have each day and do what you can to make someone else's day!

As always, I welcome readers to visit my websites at http://www.txrealestateguide.com ,  http://activerain.com/jenniferdahl , for real estate information about and to search for homes within the Collin/Tarrant County Area.  Contact me via email,  jenniferdahl@judgefite.com  , or call me at (817) 235-9382 for more information.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The Activerain Network and it's members and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Jennifer Dahl and Century 21 Judge Fite Company.  Jennifer Dahl and Century 21 Judge Fite Company are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided by The Community.

Quick Real Estate 411 FACTS for DFW

#1 The DFW Economy is Strong

Fact: DFW & Houston Rank As The Most Affordable Housing Markets of the 20 Largest U.S. Cities - Housing affordability means that most families in North Texas can afford a bigger, nicer house. A household income near $60,000 likely is able to afford the median priced new home in DFW.

Fact: Texas Leads The U.S. In Job Growth - Job growth is the most important market driver in creating housing demand. Texas created 218,600 jobs in 2007.

Fact: DFW Ranks As the #2 Job Growth Market in the US - DFW's diverse and strong economy produced 65,800 new jobs in 2007.

Fact: Job Growth Is Steady In DFW - DFW has maintained a steady production of new jobs.

Fact: Unemployment Is Low In DFW - The unemployment rate has steadily declined in DFW this decade. At year end 2007, the unemployment rate for DFW was a very low 4.2%.

Fact: DFW Is Now the 4th Largest Metropolitan Area In the United States - The D/FW area adds 370 residents every day. The Dallas/Fort Worth area has been consistently growing for decades because of its central location, outstanding airport, low cost of living, housing affordability, pro-business environment and temperate climate. The Metroplex is the largest metro area in Texas and ranked #4 largest MSA in the nation at over 6 million in population

Fact: DFW Population Growth is soaring - Economy.com ranks DFW as the #1 growth market in the U.S. for 2006-2011 with over 630,000 estimated population growth.

#2 The Housing Market is Strong

Fact: DFW Is A Low Risk Market - This listing of the U.S. real estate markets ranks each on the likelihood for future price devaluation. DFW's strong local economy, continued employment growth, housing affordability, stable home prices and steadily increasing home appreciation make it a very low risk real estate market.

Fact: Supply vs. Demand: Housing Market Returning to Balance Levels - Builders slowed new home starts (supply) by 36% in 2007. Closings (demand) fell by only 17% in 2007. Builders are now closing about 7,500 more houses per year than they are starting. With the slowdown in new construction, the supply of new homes will tighten in the months ahead. PEOPLE ARE TAKING ADVANTAGE OF DEALS!

Fact: No Housing Bubble In DFW - Unlike many other markets in the U.S., DFW has not experienced the massive appreciation and then depreciation of housing values. Housing appreciation has been slow and steady in DFW

Fact: DFW is Not Experiencing Price Declines Seen In Many Coastal Markets - The 20 City Composite Index fell 8.9% for the 12-month period ended December, 2007. DFW displayed more stable house prices with a year-over-year change of -2.4%

Fact: Texas Has Moderate Price Appreciation - Texas has maintained steady 6.3% house price appreciation while coastal markets have lost double digit percentages of their home's value.

Fact: DFW Median New Home Price Continues to Escalate - Despite competitive market conditions, the base price of new homes continues to increase in DFW, now over $200,000.

Fact: DFW Still Affordable - Average Price of a 2,200 sf house with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, family room, 2-car garage, DFW housing remains affordable compared to the rest of the U.S.

SOURCE:  Sandy Wright - Marketing and advertising executive, graphic designer and the lead singer in the band, Maddy Rose and SoulMix....www.lyricmarketing.com

As always, I welcome readers to visit my websites at http://www.txrealestateguide.com ,  http://activerain.com/jenniferdahl , for real estate information about and to search for homes within the Collin/Tarrant County Area.  Contact me via email,  jenniferdahl@judgefite.com  , or call me at (817) 235-9382 for more information.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The Activerain Network and it's members and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Jennifer Dahl and Century 21 Judge Fite Company.  Jennifer Dahl and Century 21 Judge Fite Company are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided by The Community.

There's no place quite like the Metroplex cities of Dallas and Fort Worth. With such diversity and numerous 5 star establishments, it's no wonder that no matter what taste you crave, you are never far from the food you love. The Metroplex is a delight for the epicurious epicurean to explore, a food-lover's paradise, where imaginations and tastes can run wild. From the traditional and romantic to new and exotic, there's a whole world to be discovered and savored.

Frisco TX Restaurants                                                                                   

Tin Star Restaurant - 3301 Preston Rd # 100

Posados Cafe - 9506 State Highway 121

Kotta Sushi Lounge - 6959 Lebanon Rd Ste 108

It's a Grind Coffee House - 6959 Lebanon Rd. #100

Giovanni's Italian Restaurant - 9741 Preston Rd

Irish Rover Pub & Restaurant - 8250 Gaylord Pkwy

Terilli's Frisco Restaurant - 4226 Preston Rd

Manny's Tex-Mex Restaurant - 7210 W Main St

Dallas TX Restaurants                                                                                        

The Palm -701 Ross Ave

The Green Room - 2715 Elm St Deep Ellum

Chamberlain's Steak and Chop House -5330 Belt Line Rd,  Addison

Kobe Steak Restaurant -5000 Belt Line Rd in Quorum Plaza

Simply Fondue - 2108 Greenville Ave 

Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek - 2821 Turtle Creek Blvd 

Fort Worth TX Restaurants                                                                        

Riscky's Barbeque in the Historic Stockyards
140 E. Exchange Ave.

Riscky's Barbeque on the West Side
6701 Camp Bowie Blvd.

El Rancho Grande- 1400 N Main St

Charleston's- 3020 S Hulen St

Joe T Garcia's- 2201 N Commerce St

Cattlemans Fort Worth Steak House- 2458 North Main Street

Billy Miner's Saloon-150 W 3rd St

Cafe Aspen- 6103 Camp Bowie Blvd

Chop House- 301 Main St

Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House- 812 Main St

Arlington TX Restaurants                                                                                

Cacharel- 2221- E Lamar Blvd

Bobby Valentine's Sports Gallery- Cafe-4301 S Bowen Rd

Abuelo's- 1041 W Interstate 20

Birraporetti's- 668 Lincoln Square

Black-eyed Pea- 3808 S Cooper St

Buck & Loon's Cafe- 3517 S Cooper St

Simply Fondue - E Road to Six Flags #178

Humperdink's - 700 Six Flags Drive

Grand Prairie TX Restaurants                                                                             

Marsala French Italian - 1618 Highway 360

The Oasis at Joe Pool Lake - 5700 Lake Ridge Pwky

Mansfield TX Restaurants                                                                                   

Cha Chas Mexican Restaurant & Cantina- 1950 Highway 157

Charlies Hamburger Grill- 640 W Debbie Ln

Don Julios Mexican Grill- 990 Highway 287 

Joes Family Restaurant -310 N Mitchell Rd

Stevens Garden & Grill- 223 Depot St

The Nut House Grill- 2300 Matlock Rd # 2959

KG Sports Grill - 581 W Debbie Lane

Bistro's - 981 N. Walnut Creek Dr. 

La Gondola - 1211 E Debbie Ln

Buffalo Wild Wings - 1716 N Us Hwy 287 

HUNGRY YET??????????

*For more information about DFW restaurants, please visit http://www.dfwmenu.com

As always, I welcome readers to visit my websites at http://www.txrealestateguide.com ,  http://activerain.com/jenniferdahl , for real estate information about and to search for homes within the Collin/Tarrant County Area.  Contact me via email,  jenniferdahl@judgefite.com  , or call me at (817) 235-9382 for more information.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The Activerain Network and it's members and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Jennifer Dahl and Century 21 Judge Fite Company.  Jennifer Dahl and Century 21 Judge Fite Company are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided by The Community.

The Kiss

She is pregnant, he had just saved her from a fire in her house, rescuing her by carrying her out of the house into her front yard, while he continued to fight the fire.

When he finally got done putting the fire out, he sat down to catch his breath and rest.

A photographer from the Charlotte , North Carolina newspaper, noticed her in the
distance looking at the fireman.

He saw her walking straight toward the
fireman and wondered what she was going to do.

As he raised his camera, she came up to the tired man who had saved her life and the lives of her babies and kissed him just as the photographer snapped this photograph.

Scroll down for photograph....

As always, I welcome readers to visit my websites at http://www.txrealestateguide.com , http://www.aboutus.org/TxRealEstateGuide.com ,  http://activerain.com/jenniferdahl , for real estate information about and to search for homes within the Collin/Tarrant County Area.  Contact me via email,  jenniferdahl@judgefite.com  , or call me at (817) 235-9382 for more information.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The Activerain Network and it's members and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Jennifer Dahl and Century 21 Judge Fite Company.  Jennifer Dahl and Century 21 Judge Fite Company are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided by The Community.

Rodney Dangerfield expired on October 6, 2004 and left a void in the comedy industry. But his quotes remind us that laughter is the essence of life. I hope you laugh as hard as I did reading these! I don't know about ya'll, but I needed this today......Enjoy!

"I drink too much. The last time I gave a urine sample it had an olive in it."

"I get no respect. The way my luck is running, if I was a politician I would be honest."

"I went to a freak show and they let me in for nothing."

"I was so ugly my mother used to feed me with a sling shot."

"I come from a stupid family. My father worked in a bank. They caught him stealing pens."

"I got myself good this morning too. I did my pushups in the nude; I didn't see the mouse trap."

"Oh, last week was a rough week. I noticed my gums were shrinking. I was brushing my teeth with Preparation H."

"I haven't spoken to my wife in years. I didn't want to interrupt her."

"Once, somebody stole our car. I asked my wife if she saw who it was. She said, "No, but I did get the license number".

"My wife had her drivers test the other day. She got 8 out of 10. The other 2 guys jumped clear."

"My psychiatrist told me I was crazy and I said I want a second opinion. He said okay, you're ugly too."

"I'm so ugly... I worked in a pet shop, and people kept asking how big I'd get."

"With my old man I got no respect. I asked him, "How can I get my kite in the air?" He told me to run off a cliff."

"I told my wife the truth. I told her I was seeing a psychiatrist. Then she told me the truth: that she was seeing a psychiatrist, two plumbers, and a bartender."

"This morning when I put on my underwear I could hear the fruit-of-the-loom guys laughing at me."

"Last year my birthday cake looked like a prairie fire."

As always, I welcome readers to visit my websites at http://www.txrealestateguide.com , http://www.aboutus.org/TxRealEstateGuide.com ,  http://activerain.com/jenniferdahl , for real estate information about and to search for homes within the Collin/Tarrant County Area.  Contact me via email,  jenniferdahl@judgefite.com  , or call me at (817) 235-9382 for more information.

I had the privilege of meeting the owner of a new spa in Crowley, Texas at one of my many trips to Target by my house yesterday.  As I struck up a conversation with her, after seeing the logo on her shirt, I asked her what "The Rejuvenation Ranch" was (yes, I talk to everybody). She said it was a new, full service salon and spa, that it was opening today and to come by and their grand opening, with free door prizes and a free BBQ lunch (yum!), so, of course, I did. 

What a great place!  As a small town Texas girl, former hairdresser, mom and stressed out Realtor, I have the the desire to be pampered!!  I loved the atmosphere here!

This cozy salon, in small town Texas, has a Texas theme motif, with names of spa packages such as the"Pony Express", the "Double Barrel", "The Duke" (for men), and the "Six Shooter"; how cute is that?!  They offer big town services with small town prices!  Services include, massages, facials, body scrubs, microdermabrasion, haircuts, colors, up-do's mani's, pedi's, waxing and much more.

After enjoying a tour, meeting the staff, getting a chair massage, eating lunch AND was given a bag full of goodies, I asked her if I could take a few pictures and blog about it.

I encourage you to enjoy a spa day at the "Rejuvenation Ranch" and take advantage of the affordable priced services and friendly staff!

I'm moving to Prosper, TX next month and ready for small town life again!

Here's a little about my new town...

PROSPER, TX USA

Located in Collin County, Prosper, Texas began in 1902 with the coming of the railroad and was incorporated in 1914. Farmers grew cotton on the land and because the harvest was especially bountiful, they named the town Prosper.

Prosper Texas is a family town located conveniently between Frisco and Celina Texas, and 10 miles northwest of McKinney near State Highway 289 . The little Town of Prosper, TX is steadily growing. In just a few years, the North Dallas suburb has grown from around 2,000 to 6,000 people.

More than 75% of the town's population in 2000 was married, the median age for residents was 32 and new growth in the region and increase in population brings more new home building in the $200,000 to $500,000 and up range. 

The Prosper Sports Association ensures that there are sports leagues for all ages. Children in Prosper attend the schools in the exemplary Prosper Independent School District.  Prosper residents value the small-town atmosphere of their community, and enjoy being close to shopping, restaurants, nightlife, major attractions and sporting events in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

Prosper is a great place to call home for those seeking country living without sacrificing the benefits of living near the big city.

PROSPER, TX SUNSET                                                         

As always, I welcome readers to visit my websites at http://www.txrealestateguide.com, http://www.aboutus.org/TxRealEstateGuide.com,  http://activerain.com/jenniferdahl, for real estate information about and to search for homes within the Collin County Area.  Contact me via email,  jenniferdahl@judgefite.com , or call me at (817) 235-9382 for more information.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The Activerain Network and it's members and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Jennifer Dahl and Century 21 Judge Fite Company.  Jennifer Dahl and Century 21 Judge Fite Company are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided by The Community.                                             

It's not a matter of if - it's a matter of when: At some point in time, we will all experience inconvenience. How we handle the unexpected is what truly defines our characters. When we're in the middle of life's unwelcome events, it helps to remember that these inconveniences can be blessings in disguise.

(PLEASE TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO WATCH THE VIDEO, IT IS UNDER 5 MINUTES)

As always, I welcome readers to visit my websites at http://www.txrealestateguide.com , http://www.aboutus.org/TxRealEstateGuide.com,  http://activerain.com/jenniferdahl, for real estate information about and to search for homes within the Tarrant/Hood County Area.  Contact me via email,  jenniferdahl@judgefite.com , or call me at (817) 235-9382 for more information.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The Activerain Network and it's members and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Jennifer Dahl and Century 21 Judge Fite Company.  Jennifer Dahl and Century 21 Judge Fite Company are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided by The Community.                    

Ironic as it may seem, my 100th post here on ActiveRain is about a lady who died with the title of "world's oldest blogger". 

Wow! What a story AND what a lady......

Born in the outback town of Broken Hill, an isolated mining city in South Wales, AU, Olive Riley passed away in a nursing home in South Wales July 12, at the age of 108.  She was a great-grandmother, had lived through two world wars and the Great Depression, was married twice, raised three kids and had been communicating with people from as far away as Russia and America on a continual basis.

Since early last year, she had written about 70 entries on her life experiences in her blog, or blob, as she called it.  This was her first blog entry.....

"Good morning everyone. My name is Olive Riley. I live in Australia near Sydney. I was born in Broken Hill on Oct. 20th 1899. Broken Hill is a mining town, far away in the center of Australia. My friend, Mike, has arranged this blog for me. He is doing the typing and I am telling the stories. He thinks it's a good idea to tell what's going on. He already made a film about me a few years back and people liked that, so they might like this blog too, he says. We'll see.

I'm starting with my Christmas trip. Last Christmas I flew up to Brisbane to stay with my great-grandson, Darren, Ginelle and their two kids.

Darren works for Qantas and so he was able to arrange for me to be hoisted up into the plane in a lift. They don't have one of those walk-on ramps at Newcastle airport where we flew from. This is actually me coming back, out of the plane, but it looks the same.

Olive getting off the plane

©2007 Olive Riley

Mike is fascinated that I went for a swim in the pool at Darren's house.

Here's me being held up by my great-grandson It was lovely! Mike asked me a hundred questions about it when I came back.

MIKE: But how did they get you into the water, Ollie, since you don't walk that well?

Olive swimming with her great-great-grandchildren.

©2007 Olive Riley

OLIVE: They helped me down into the water, one on each side, and I just floated around flapping me arms and drinking me shandy. (Shandy is half beer, half lemonade).

MIKE: They gave you a beer in the water?

OLIVE: Too right! A shandy. I had one every day I was up there too.

Olive drinking Shandy

©2007 Olive Riley

OLIVE: There I was, good as gold with my great-great-grand kids paddlin' around me all excited. 'Nana's swimmin'! Nana's swimmin'!'"

 

I am sorry to say that her death was the first I had heard of her, but after reading her blogs (blobs), I will not soon forget her.  Who knows, maybe I or a fellow ActiveRainer will someday be the hold the name, "the oldest blogger"!

There is no possible way that I could blog about her and her life any better that she did, so I will not even attempt to go any further.  There are currently YouTube videos and many links to visit to read about this woman's amazing stories and see Documentary maker Mike Rubbo capture her life in film. I encourage you to visit some....

 http://worldsoldestblogger.blogspot.com/, www.allaboutolive.com.au/, www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oaNEt1Q-YU, www.youtube.com/watch?v=pc-ARYb6mZE.

                                                   

As always, I welcome readers to visit my websites at http://www.txrealestateguide.com , http://www.aboutus.org/TxRealEstateGuide.com,  http://activerain.com/jenniferdahl, for real estate information about and to search for homes within the Tarrant/Hood County Area.  Contact me via email,  jenniferdahl@judgefite.com , or call me at (817) 235-9382 for more information.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The Activerain Network and it's members and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Jennifer Dahl and Century 21 Judge Fite Company.  Jennifer Dahl and Century 21 Judge Fite Company are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided by The Community.                                             

Sources; OhmyNews International, NEWS.com.au