Speechless Sunday:Family Halloween Rap Song - 10/31/10 12:25 AM
Today I'm playing rap songs with my spooky family!
The big green guy Frankenstein-my husband, Craig
Dracula-my daughter's boyfriend, Al
Witch Woman-my daughter, Melinda
Mummy Man- my son, Curtis
Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab! … (15 comments)
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Do You Know What A Ripple Is? - 10/30/10 10:55 AM
I love college football and all the events that lead up to a game. I'm lucky to live in Lake Charles, LA where McNeese State University is located...home of the Cowboys. We have attended games throughout the years especially since my husband is a McNeese alumni and so is my daughter! This afternoon we will head out to Cowboy Stadium for some tailgating with friends.
You always know it is homecoming when you drive around town and see the windows of merchants painted with blue and gold and the "Go Pokes" signs up everywhere. A cool front has moved … (10 comments)
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Do You Zumba? - 10/27/10 10:22 PM
You Can Zumba at Gigi's Fitness Center in Lake Charles
There is a fitness craze sweeping the nation called ZUMBA and its HOT! Ditch the workout Join the Party!
Zumba is an aerobic dance inspired exercise set to the beat of Samba, Salsa, Merengue, Calypso, African beats and Hip Hop. You can burn 500 calories in an hour...you are constantly moving! Zumba not only is an endurance workout, it also improves agility and strengthens your lower body.
I have stepped out of my comfort zone and been attending Zumba Class and Shakira was right, my hips don't lie but they are … (19 comments)
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Closet Organization It's a Project! - 10/27/10 11:48 AM
WELCOME TO MY CLOSET PROJECT
Earlier this week I was showing a very nice new $375,000 home to a prospective buyer. When we entered the Master Bath where the Master Closet was located the door was opened and hangers were on the doorknob. When we tried to walk in the closet we could not navigate. Has this ever happened to you?
Sometimes our closets become neglected. This inspired me to work in my own closet while switching out summer/winter clothing and getting rid of things you don't wear anymore and pull out my winter boots and shoes!
Closet space … (10 comments)
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Fall and Outdoor Fireplaces - 10/26/10 04:47 PM
When the temperatures finally drop below 80 degrees we get excited here in Southwest Louisiana! The end of October usually brings the first cool temperatures to the Lake Charles area. That first cool snap usually means temperatures dip to the 50's in the evening and that is cool enough for homeowners to begin to enjoy their outdoor patios.
Outdoor fireplaces are gaining in popularity with patio additions. Fireplaces are an aesthetic attraction and also a place where friends and family can gather and enjoy the warmth and beauty of a fire on a cool evening.
This outdoor fireplace includes … (10 comments)
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Every Home Needs a Pumpkin! - 10/26/10 12:31 AM
Add a Festive Touch To Your Home
Decorate With Pumpkins!
Pumpkins are not just for Halloween! Pumpkins and gourds are Fall decorating staples! If your home is on the market and you are looking for curb appeal, pick up a few pumpkins or fall mums to decorate your porch with!
You can use pumpkins, Indian corn, and colorful gourds to create a centerpiece on your mantle, fireplace hearth or by your front door! The colorful display can be displayed through the Thanksgiving season until its time to put up your Christmas lights!
While in Sulphur today I stopped at … (14 comments)
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Things to Do in Lake Charles: Carriage Rides Along Shell Beach Drive - 10/24/10 11:09 PM
LIGHTED HOLIDAY CARRIAGE RIDES
ALONG SHELL BEACH DRIVE
You don't have to live in New York City to enjoy a lighted holiday carriage ride!
J & R Carriage here in Lake Charles, Louisiana offers residents carriage rides throughout the year for various events held in Lake Charles.
BEGINNING DECEMBER 4-31
J & R Carriage will offer residents lighted holiday carriage rides along beautiful Shell Beach Drive.
HOMES ALONG SHELL BEACH DRIVE IN LAKE CHARLES, LA
Shell Beach Drive in Lake Charles is a landmark of beautiful homes and a favorite spot for … (9 comments)
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DeAngelos Shuts Down for A Private Event:Owner Ben Herrera's Wedding! - 10/24/10 10:06 PM
Louis DeAngelo's in Lake Charles, LA
Tonight I am sharing a highlight of Louis DeAngelo's one of Lake Charles popular choices for local Italian Dining.
Louis DeAngelo's in Lake Charles shares a special place in the hearts of my family. So instead of my usual blog about local restaurant dining and the menu or staff, I have a more intimate insight to share.
If you have ever enjoyed this fine dining establishment in Lake Charles you are familiar with the DeAngelo's front dining room filled with tables and the unique bar in the back of the restaurant where locals … (1 comments)
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Speechless Sunday:Rouge et Blanc Premier Wine Event - 10/24/10 12:15 AM
Everyday is the weekend, won't you come party with me?
Another successful Rouge et Blanc wine event
in Lake Charles, LA!
Rouge et Blanc is sponsored by the McNeese Foundation and Downtown Development Authority and is held each year in late October.
Set up in the streets of downtown Lake Charles, Louisiana among the backdrop of the Calcasieu Parish Courthouse and Historic City Hall, wine and food vendors are present in tents for patrons to sample food and wine.
Rouge et Blanc is part of the McNeese Banners series that continues to bring a variety of cultural events … (13 comments)
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LAKE CHARLES, LA HALLOWEEN CANDY BUY BACK - 10/22/10 06:01 PM
HALLOWEEN CANDY BUY BACK
OAK PARK DENTAL: FAMILY DENTISTRY
After Halloween when the kids are consumed with their "candy loot" and parents are concered with the sugar!
Drs. Harry Castle, James McGee and Michael Hebert of Oak Park Dental offer a novel idea!
Not only do these Dentists want to prevent tooth decay and care about their patients they care and want to give back to our Soldiers overseas!
Oak Park Dental located at 1616 W. McNeese in Lake Charles, LA will be joining forces with dentists across the country to BUY BACK Halloween candy from … (11 comments)
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How to Avoid Criticism - 10/22/10 12:16 AM
This is an original post by Lou Ludwig in Boca Raton, FL who shares an insightful motivational blog on the topic of criticism. I felt that it was worthy to share.
Criticism is something that is going to come naturally to those of us in real estate. You can take it 2 ways...let it upset you or accept it as a compliment. The way I see it is sometimes criticism can help us "grow" that is if it is "constructive". If we take note of the criticism in that manner maybe we change or improve the way we do things.
This … (13 comments)
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Lake Charles Holiday Shopping starts with the Mistletoe & Moss Christmas Market - 10/21/10 10:32 PM
MISTLETOE & MOSS
November 17-20,2010
It is NOT too early to begin thinking about Christmas!! With Halloween just a week away the holidays will be here before your know it!
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW FOR MISTLETOE AND MOSS
The Mistletoe & Moss holiday market kicks off your holiday shopping season in Lake Charles, LA
The Junior League of Lake Charles will transform the Lake Charles Civic Center into a Weekend Shopping Wonderland on November 17-20th.
Mistletoe & Moss is the annual major fundraiser event by the Junior League of Lake Charles.
Held each year in November, the … (10 comments)
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Champagne Brunch and Professional Cooking Event:Bubbles for Banners - 10/21/10 01:03 AM
BUBBLES FOR BANNERS
Rouge et Blanc is the annual fundraiser held each Fall in late October sponsored by the McNeese Foundation and the Lake Charles Downtown Development Authority. All proceeds benefit the McNeese Banners Series which enables the McNeese Banners program to bring many cultural events to Lake Charles for the enjoyment of the public
It is that time of year again for Rouge et Blanc which is the Lake Charles premier wine event which is SOLD OUT for October 23rd. However you can get your tickets are still available for the Bubbles for Banners Champagne Brunch on October 24th!!
… (9 comments)
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Wine and Dine This Week in Lake Charles, LA - 10/19/10 11:25 PM
WINE DINNER HELD AT
The Harlequin in Lake Charles, LA
For years The Harlequin Restaurant has been a favorite of Lake Charles residents. The Harlequin serves a great lunch and dinner and they are famous for their steaks and homemade bread pudding dessert! Dinner guests will not be disappointed with anything on The Harlequin Menu!
This week The Harlequin and owner Nic Hunter sponsored one of the wine dinners leading up to the Rouge et Blanc wine event that will be held this Saturday, October 23 in downtown Lake Charles.
Rouge et Blanc is one of my favorite … (12 comments)
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Speechless Sunday:Ring Around the Rosey is Spooky - 10/17/10 05:01 PM
Casper and His Friends Playing Ring Around the Rosey
Ever wonder about this nursery rhyme and the odd lyrics?
Ring Around the Rosey
Pocket Full of Poseys
Ashes Ashes We All Fall Down
According to the history and origin of nursery rhymes, this rhyme originated from the outbreak of the plague and posey's were supposed to be of a benefit of protection for you, the ashes ashes we all fall down refers to cremation.
Kind of creepy and that makes the picture I snapped of these little spooks playing Ring Around the Rosey even more fitting for Halloween!
These … (20 comments)
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I Participated in the Ethel Precht Hope Breast Cancer 3K - 10/16/10 01:32 PM
This morning, at the Lake Charles Civic Center people gathered to participate in the Ethel Precht Hope Breast Cancer 3K. This event is also a "pet friendly" walk/run run. I got a quick shot of this little cutie before the event started with my iPhone.
Last year over 3,000 local residents showed up and from the looks of it this year was just as well attended even on a football weekend when many residents have headed to Baton Rouge for the landmark LSU vs. MSU football game!!
The weather was perfect, 73 degrees at 8:30 am.... … (13 comments)
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Can HVCC Just Go Away Now? Or Do I need a Good Realtor for each Appraisal? - 10/15/10 02:24 PM
Larry is a Midwest Loan Officer and this is a Re-Blog of his HVCC review. It's good to hear from a Loan Officer's perspective on this topic.
We are hearing more and more about appraisal cuts and challenges and its happening in Southwest Louisiana. Appraisers are scheduled through Appraisal Management Companies that the Bank orders, they are rotated so you never know "who" you will get. It is hard for Sellers to swallow the big news pill of the house did not appraise for the contract price but they have to understand that its not the Buyer's fault, none of us … (4 comments)
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Bluerunners Reunion Musical Event October 15th in Lake Charles, LA - 10/14/10 08:57 PM
Lake Charles is fortunate to have a cultural series sponsored by McNeese and the Arts and Humanities Council. that brings quality programs to the Lake are for residents to enjoy.
As part of the Banners cultural series, Friday, October 15th, there will be a musical event held at 8pm in the Central School Theater in Lake Charles featuring the Bluerunners. Tickets are $10.
Louisiana is rich in its Cajun French zydeco folk music. The McNeese Banners series is sponsoring The Bluerunners musical event in Lake Charles tomorrow evening in what is being called The Bluerunners Reunion.
The … (3 comments)
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Lot in Graywood Subdivision Lake Charles, LA SOLD in 90 Days! - 10/12/10 07:58 PM
Graywood Lot SOLD IN 90 DAYS!: Lake Charles, Louisiana
Earlier this Summer I previewed this prime lot on the #12 Fairway of the Gray Plantation Golf Course in Lake Charles, LA
Originally listed at $147,500, Seller reduced the price and Today this Lot is SOLD!
Looking to Sell a Property in Southwest Louisiana?
When you list with MARILYN BOUDREAUX you will get maximum exposure of your property and SOLD RESULTS!
Whether you are looking for a new home, or a lot to build on, I can assist you with all your needs and … (5 comments)
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FHA Loans vs Conventional Loans - Comparing 20 percent down - Eye opening - 10-11-10 - 10/11/10 02:19 PM
This is a very good overview of FHA loans for consumers to understand.
Buyers here in Southwest Louisiana, keep in mind that if your property purchase does not qualify for a USDA loan which is the 100% financing option so popular in our area, your loan will more than likely be an FHA loan. For more information, contact your local lender.
Via Jeff Belonger-The FHA Expert - FHA Loans - FHA mortgages - USDA loans - VA Loans ( - FHA Home Loans - Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc):
FHA loans have been the major talk in the news … (3 comments)
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Speechless Sunday: Content "Attic"Kitty - 10/10/10 07:03 PM
While showing new construction homes around Lake Charles yesterday, we came upon one home where the sellers had left the attic opened for the buyer to view the floored attic access. You may be wondering why we would be looking in the attic in the preview stage of the buying process.
We do not have basements in Louisiana so attic space is actually used by homeowners here in Southwest Louisiana.
Attics are not what they used to be in days gone by where there was just a small crawl space for you to store your suitcases and Christmas decorations with … (8 comments)
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Fun Friday: I Saw Dr. Gator - 10/08/10 06:00 PM
This morning when I went to The Pathology Lab for my bloodwook, one of our Lake Charles Gators on the Geaux welcomed me at the entrance, That's a way to take the edge off!
I had to laugh at myself when even in my nervous state of mind I was pulling out my iPhone to take a picture!
For More Information on Gators by the Geaux
… (14 comments)
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Staging a Newly Constructed Home Enhances the Buyer's Impression - 10/07/10 04:30 PM
Providence Subdivision in South Lake Charles, LA
I attended Agent Open Houses today in Providence Subdivision. Providence consists of a total of 50 acres that is still being developed. This is a new restricted subdivision in South Lake Charles developed by the team of Heard Development and Canal Place Land Development (Larry and Jennifer Toups). Century 21 Mike D Bono & Co.'s is the exclusive Broker for this Subdivision.
Its hard to give a new construction home personality. No one has lived in the home yet so when buyers are viewing new construction the homes can appear "cold" … (8 comments)
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Why "as is" properties are not selling and why "move in ready" properties ARE selling - 10/04/10 11:24 PM
This Blog was written by Lori a REALTOR in the Tulsa, OK market however the content holds true to any market.
Why are buyers picky because they can be! We have alot of inventory in Southwest Louisiana to choose from, why wouldn't you want your home to stand out among the competition. I can't tell you "when" your house will sell but I can tell you if it is move in ready and priced right it will sell!
Via Lori Cain - Midtown Tulsa Real Estate (Chinowth & Cohen Realtors):
Why "as is" properties are not selling and why "move in ready" properties … (2 comments)
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Fall Color Adds to Curb Appeal! - 10/04/10 03:19 PM
Where Do you Go in Lake Charles, LA For Your Projects?
STINES!
STINES is locally owned and operated and this store is conveniently located in South Lake Charles. Those homeowners who live in South Lake Charles in nearby subdivisions of Graywood, Canal Place, Geddings, Kingspoint frequently shop STINES for home improvement projects, new building supplies and landscaping supplies. A trip to STINES is almost like a trip to the grocery store you will always run into someone you know!
STINES is a favorite of contractors in the area. All the appliances in my home and probably alot of the materials … (10 comments)
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Buying and Refinancing - - - Don't Trip over Dollars to Pick up a few Pennies!!!!! - 10/03/10 05:31 PM
I am sharing this blog written by Larry Bettag who is an FHA Specialist in Illinois.
Larry makes a good point about waiting to save a few pennies! I hear comments from buyers all the time who tell me they are waiting to buy because they think the rates will go down more! How much lower can they go? Well wish I had the crystal ball to see that! The fact is that just as easily as rates go down, they also rise, so why not just go ahead and buy now with interest rates in the 4's and don't get … (1 comments)
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Speechless Sunday:Purrrfect Living in Canal Place - 10/03/10 12:15 AM
Canal Place Subdivision is located in South Lake Charles, Louisiana. This South Lake Charles restricted neighborhood is one of Lake Charles finest neighborhoods and residents enjoy the convenience of its location. The subdivision consists of 1,800-3,500 sq. ft. homes constructed in the popular French Country design.
Residents have been taking advantage of the beautiful weather we have been enjoying in Southwest Louisiana planting Fall flowers and decorations. As I drove in the subdivision this week I spotted this new kitty kat on my street who has become the talk of the neighborhood! MEOW!!
For more information you can … (16 comments)
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Be Dressed to Kill for the Hunt - 10/02/10 01:14 AM
They Don't Call Louisiana Sportsman's Paradise for Nothing!
That's Right Sportsman's Paradise goes to a whole new level
You can really be "dressed to kill"
This is the favorite time of the year for alot of people. Not only is it FALL when we enjoy the cooler temperatures, enjoy college football games and look forward to the approaching holidays, but this is HUNTING SEASON in Louisiana!!
Our area here in Southwest Louisiana is known as "Sportsman's Paradise" You can take your pick of sports, deer, geese, duck, we have got it all to offer the sportsman. … (46 comments)
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September Shows Increase in Market Activity:Lake Charles, LA Real Estate - 10/01/10 10:45 PM
Lake Charles Louisiana Real Estate : Homes SOLD in Calcasieu Parish
SEPTEMBER 2010 Calcasieu Parish Real Estate Market Report
This month has been a month of increases in Calcasieu Parish, Lake Charles, LA Real Estate
We had increases in SOLDS AND HIGH PRICED HOMES and INCREASE in inventory and INCREASE of days on market.
Averaging statistics on a weekly basis, the following is a market snapshot of Lake Charles, Louisiana Real Estate for the month of August encompassing North, South, East, West, Southeast and Southwest Lake Charles.
MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2010
Average Active Homes Listed = 439
… (4 comments)
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Sewers & Sellers: Sometimes its A Stinky Situation - 10/01/10 11:02 AM
flickr
Dear Seller: YES You Need a Sewer Inspection
YES, Sellers if you are out of the city limits and do not have city utilities, you will need to have a sewer and water well inspection when you sell your home.
Mechanical sewers and water wells are not limited to country living. Here in Lake Charles, LA the City has expanded with communities to the South and Southeast. The expansion rate has occurred so quickly that the City of Lake Charles has not annexed alot of new areas into the "city limits", we are still growing! You will find new … (6 comments)
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