2015? What happened to 2014?

WHAT?? 2015??

I used to hear it all the time from my parents: "Where does the time go?"

Now I understand why they said that.  I'm thinking that now!  Where in the world did 2014 go?  And 2013 and 2012 for that matter?

Goals were set.  Days, weeks and months quickly zipped by. 

Some of my hightlites include a trip to the Dominican Repulic - spending two days in the Atlanta Airport (no thank you, Delta Airlines).  I was blessed to spend some wonderful time with my daughter, Catie.

I flew to Los Angeles for a week for ERA's International Business Conference.  There I was honored to be selected as one of the top 3 Rookie of the Year for 2013 - Internationally!  (WOW! Still blows my mind!)  There in LA, I got to spend some time with wonderful colleagues touring the city and quality time with my hubby.

I spent a few days in St. Louis with my wonderful family camping and visiting Grant's Farm.

I spent another week in Orlando at Disney with my entire family and had the time of our lives. 

Workwise: I doubled my year from last year both in production and wonderful clients.  

I started my own radio program for real estate.

I hired a wonderful Assistant (Miss Micha) that has helped me physically, mentally and spiritually. She is definitely a God send. 

So here we are.....the last few days of 2014 and we reflect on our good times, bad times and questionable times.  

As I reflect, I do not dwell on the bad times or question the questionable times.  I have embraced the knowledge that everything happens for a reason.  I also know that mistakes I have made in the past do not define who I am.  Mistakes are lessons learned.   I move on.  I also thank God for good things and bad things.  All my experiences are ordained.  The people I have met and the wonderful clients that I have worked with......all sent directly to me.  God is awesome like that.

I have been blessed with this wonderful opportunity to help people.  I help buyers find the home of their dreams and I help sellers sell their home.  It's a great thing.  I love what I do and I actually GET PAID FOR IT!  I still can't believe it.  I am one lucky girl!

So....bring it on 2015.  I'm ready for you.  I'll meet new clients, new co workers and new friends.  I'll have new experiences (both good and bad) and new goals to meet.   I'm excited to see what this year will bring. Bring It.

Visions of a NON Domestic Goddess

So I've never been all domestic (AKA Susie Home Maker).  And honestly, have always been a bit green with envy for those that are.  My creative counterparts can envision a project the minute they see something that they can use. (Karol Bryant, Cori Walton and my mom)

So, with the holidays upon us, all I can do is scan the internet of all these wonderful ideas and just "Pin" them to my Pinterest wall and know beforehand, that they will never be tried.

I thought I would share them with you.  Maybe someone can use some of these oh so cool ideas.

Ginger Bread Houses:
http://www.hgtv.com/design/make-and-celebrate/entertaining/one-dough-three-designer-worthy-gingerbread-houses-pictures?nl=HGKB_120814_bloglink2_&c32=e288ab47af860fd03b0d87683fc75a097c2e4772

Beautiful Centerpieces:
http://www.hgtv.com/design/make-and-celebrate/entertaining/eye-catching-christmas-centerpieces-pictures


Garland:
http://www.diynetwork.com/decorating/how-to-make-pinecone-christmas-garland/pictures/index.html

http://www.hgtv.com/design/make-and-celebrate/holidays/glittering-garland-videos/#video-1
(warning:  Sigh Factor!)

Wreaths:
http://www.diynetwork.com/decorating/25-holiday-wreaths-you-can-make-yourself/pictures/index.html

Gift Wrapping Ideas:
http://www.diynetwork.com/decorating/14-unique-ways-to-wrap-gifts/pictures/index.html

http://videos.hgtv.com/video/gift-wrapping-tips-91550

http://www.hgtv.com/design/make-and-celebrate/handmade/go-green-with-gift-wrap



**image above borrowed from http://thedomesticgoddesswannabe.com/

Family time for the holidays

One of the many wonderful things about my childhood was the Christmas traditions that we had as a family.  Because I was raised as an Air Force Brat, we were several hundred miles away from family.  Therefore, our Christmas was usually spent with friends and other military families.

Our family always spent Christmas Eve as our "Santa Visit" and our presents miraculously arrived on Christmas Eve as we were out looking at Christmas lights.  It was always amazing the way that Santa always knew when we were gone.  His timing was impeccable.

This is the best time of year for making memories with family and friends!  Here are some great things to do in Southern Indiana to this Christmas Season:

50 Days of Lights - French Lick, IN

Experience two magical villages sitting next to each other, filled with sparkling lights and wondrous displays, larger-than-life holiday trees, music of the season filling the air and holiday treats to tempt every taste bud.  

888-936-9360 or frenchlick.com for additional event details

www.visitfrenchlickwestbaden.com/events

While you are there, check out the POLAR EXPRESS (we had a blast!)

http://www.frenchlickscenicrailway.org/polarexpress.html

Downtown Corydon Winter Wine Walk

Point Blank Brewing Company will present the 5th Annual Historic Downtown Winter Wine Walk on December 13, 2014 from 3-7 PM.   Three hundred advanced tickets will be available the first of October for $10.00 each.  Advanced ticket holders will be able to start the walk at 2 PM.  Tickets the day of the event are $15.00.  Admission includes a souvenir glass.  ID is required for participation. 

This is a great opportunity to support locally-owned businesses after normal business hours, spend time with family and friends, or just enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season.  Local wines make excellent gifts for the holidays - be sure to stock up!


                                                    PLEASE SAMPLE RESPONSIBLY!!

Event Details

Dec. 13, 2014 - (3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.)

Point Blank Brewing Company
105 E. Beaver St.
Corydon, IN 47112

Phone: 812-225-5141
Website: http://www.pointblankbrewing.com

35th Annual Victorian Christmas 

Reitz Home Museum
224 SE First St, Evansville, IN, 47713

http://www.reitzhome.com/

Always beautiful, the Reitz Home Museum is especially so during Victorian Christmas. 18 rooms sparkle under the expert hands of 18 different local designers to create an experience you won't forget! Candlelight tours available Dec 5th and 13th. Event runs November 16-January 4. 

EMTRAC Express

On Friday, December 5, Saturday December 6, Friday, December 12 or Saturday, December 13 from 6 – 7:30 p.m.,families will be flocking to the Evansville Museum’s Transportation Center for a holiday evening of magical memories! Guests will enjoy a special reading of The Polar Express in the train’s club car and will be treated to hot cocoa and cookies in the train’s dining car. A special gift and a visit with Santa will make this an evening to cherish for years to come.

Pajamas are welcome, and “Golden Tickets” are required for the event.  The cost is $20 per person for Members and $25 per person for Not-Yet Members. Children under age 2 may sit on the lap of a ticket-holding adult. Tickets will be received the evening of the event.

Reservations may be made by calling the Museum at (812) 425-2406 extension 226. Please make your reservation early, as seating is limited. 

Ritzy's Fantasy of Lights

Garvin Park
Heidelbach Avenue Across from Bosse Field, Evansville, IN, 47711

As the holiday season arrives, Garvin Park transforms into into a winter wonderland of lights and holiday scenes.  Each year, the "magical mile" helps pay for thousands of physical, occupational and speech therapy sessions to children and adults with disabilities at the easter Seals Rehabilitation Center.; 5-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday 5-10 p.m.

http://www.easterseals.com/in-sw/get-involved/events/ritzys-fantasy-of-lights.html

Winter Carnival

Vanderburgh 4-H Center
201 E. Boonville-New Harmony Rd, Evansville, IN, 47725

Dazzling displays of Christmas lights, fully decorated Christmas trees and beautiful holiday decorations await at the Winter Carnival! Come visit Santa's workshop! and tell him your Christmas wishes. Santa's workshop is located in the SIAM building, which is in the center of the light display. Workshop hours are Friday and Saturday's 6 to 9 PM and Sundays 6 to 8 PM. This event is free to the public. Donations will be accepted. Winter Carnival runs Nov. 29 - Dec. 25, 2014.

Candy Cane Express

December 6, 2014

Victory Theatre
600 Main Street, Evansville, IN, 47708

This one hour FAMILY FRIENDLY show will combine all of your favorite Christmas songs. Featuring a 5-song medley from Disney's hit movie "Frozen" it is bound to put the whole family in the Christmas spirit! If everyone makes the "nice list" there is going to be a Santa appearance your kids won't want to miss!

Downtown Christmas

December 13, 2014

Main Street
Downtown Evansville, Evansville, IN, 47708

A Downtown Christmas is a new tradition in old fashioned elegance! A half mile of  luminaria lines the street while choirs sing and folks mingle, sipping (free!) hot chocolate, perusing pop up shops and art galleries. Be on the lookout for Santa Claus

Dickens Christmas on Franklin

December 13, 2014

Historic Franklin Street
W Franklin St, Evansville, IN, 47712

A new Evansvile tradition filled with old world charm! Watch as historic Franklin Street is transformed into a Dickens village for one day only! Fresh garland scents the air and Christmas carols everywhere! Live actors in Victorian garb create the mood of Dickens novel as you shop and sup on one of Evansville's oldest and most preserved street. Carriage rides pick up and drop off at West Branch Library park. 1:00 pm -4:00 pm

Nutcracker

December 13 - 14, 2014

Victory Theatre
600 Main Street, Evansville, IN, 47708

Evansville Ballet Theatre, accompanied by the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra, will present the treasured holiday tradition Nutcracker at Evansville's historic Victory Theatre. This full-length ballet is the area's only production with live music featuring the talents of the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra. 

Princeton Snowflake Stroll Parade

December 6, 2014

5 pm
Princeton's annual lighted Christmas parade.
This years parade will be coming up South Main and then around the courthouse square.

Downtown
Princeton, IN

Contact: Phyllis Ernst
(812) 385-3279
firstplacetrophies@insightbb.com

Boonville, IN Christmas Parade

Downtown Boonville, IN

Dec. 7th, 2:00 pm

And of course, the world famous Santa Claus, IN, has so many wonderful events.  Here is a schedule of all the events coming up:

http://www.santaclausind.org/files/9614/1573/7951/2014-Santa-Claus-Christmas-Celebration-Events.pdf

If you know of any that I've missed, please feel free to email me.  I'll be happy to add them for you.

Have a wonderful Christmas!  God Bless you and your family!

-Theresa

Being Thankful

The holidays are upon us and a time of reflection always occurs this time of year.

I am particularly thankful for the clients (who I can now call my friends) that I have had this year.  God has truly blessed me with wonderful people in my life.

As we sit down with family and friends, please remember those that may not have the blessings that we have.  There are many people that are lonely that may not have friends and family to spend holidays with.

As a child growing up in the military, we were always hundreds of miles from relatives.  Therefore, our holidays always included single service men and women that had no where to go for the holidays.  Our holidays were filled with many people laughing, eating and sharing.  (thank you, mom and dad for those memories)

As we approach the holiday season, do you know someone that may enjoy your company, home and yummies?  Invite them.  Start a new tradition.

May you and your family have a wonderful Holiday!!

Theresa Catanese's Listings : Online Magazine

Check out these lovely homes for sale!  Please feel free to call me or email me for your personal tour!





Theresa Catanese's Listings : Online Magazine

I love fall!

Do you love the fall colors as much as I do?  Check out these gorgeous photos from Houzz.com

http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/33311383/list/Brilliant-Scenes-of-Fall-Color-Indoors-and-Out

Questions about home financing? Here's a radio program just for you!

I sat down with Neil Gilles of Mortgage Masters in Evansville to talk about financing.  If you had questions about financing your home, take a few minutes and listen to the program.  Hopefully, your questions will be answered!

https://chirb.it/8nht5w

Located Near the University of Evansville!

15 Norman Avenue Evansville, IN Listing#: 201447474

This Rookie has a radio program!!

I work with 90% of buyers.  It's not what I had intended to do, it's just been what I have been blessed with doing.  Because I work with buyers, I receive a LOT of questions about the industry.

I now have my own radio talk show on WVHI AM 1330 !!

I talk Real Estate.  Have questions?  Please feel free to email me or call me and ask them.  I will find someone to come on the show and talk about the questions that you have!!

This program will be aired on WVHI on Wednesdays and Fridays from 4:00-4:15 pm.

This particular program was with Accurate Inspections.  We discuss the importance of having home inspections, what you can expect and what an inspector looks for. (click the link below)

I hope find it entertaining and informative!  #radiotalk #realestate #home #inspection #evansvilleindiana #realtorinevansville

-Theresa

`Accurate Inspections

213 S Fairlawn

Charming U of E charmer!  Located near shopping, bus routes, schools and churches!





213 S Fairlawn

213 S Fairlawn

Charming U of E charmer!  Located near shopping, bus routes, schools and churches!





213 S Fairlawn

1611 Westminster Dr

Check out this lovely McCutchanville Estates Home!





1611 Westminster Dr

213 Fairlawn Avenue Evansville, IN Listing#: 201422677

213 Fairlawn Avenue Evansville, IN Listing#: 201422677



Beautiful Home near UE that is ready for you to move right into!

Love your neighbor

My rant for the day: I just got a call from one of my former clients (have I mentioned lately how much I love my peeps?) She was in tears because one of her "lovely" new neighbors left her a not so nice letter (anonymous of course) about her unkept lawn. 
I was just thinking about this the other day as I was listening to someone complain about their neighbor's yard (different neighborhood). 
Here is my rant......before you judge someone, have you considered where they are coming from?
The neighbor that you are complaining about may be a single mother working two jobs to provide her kiddos a home over their heads. She also might be single because her low life of a husband walked out on her for some skank he met on the internet. Maybe the only time she may have to mow her grass is late, late, late in the evening. Maybe she can't afford to actually pay someone to mow it.
OR....maybe that neighbor you are judging so harshly is an elderly person that can barely make it to the front door, much less to mow the lawn. Maybe they are living on a fixed income and have so many medical bills they don't know how they are going to keep the lights on, much less pay someone to mow the grass for them.
Jesus said to love our neighbors. Is loving your neighbor putting a nasty letter in his/her mailbox for them to find?
Loving your neighbor is getting out and finding out what their needs are. If you can't mow their grass, pay for someone to do it for them. Then, leave a nice anonymous note in their mailbox that you wanted to bless them with a nice lawn. 

6 Tips for Surviving Your Home Closing

So you have survived price negotiations, inspections and all the headaches of proper paperwork to the lender.....it's time to close!  Here are some tips:





6 Tips for Surviving Your Home Closing

ERA Award Nominees Live Webcast 2013 FINAL