FOXmls.com

Fresh Berry & Ginger Granita

2014-08-01T16:19:00.000-04:00

Fresh Berry & Ginger Granita

This sorbet-like dessert is refreshing on a hot August day.

Serves 4

1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup water
1 inch fresh ginger root, peeled and sliced
3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
cup fresh raspberries, chopped
tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Directions:

Place the sugar and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil until sugar dissolves. Remove pot from heat, add ginger root, and set aside for 30 minutes. Strain the syrup into a blender and add the berries and lemon juice. Blend on high until smooth.

Pour the mixture into a large shallow baking dish and cover with foil. Place in the freezer and scrape the mixture in the baking dish with a fork about every hour for at least five hours to get a more even mixture.

To serve, let the mixture sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes then scrape into chilled bowls.

Redecorating on a Dime? Work With What You've Got

2014-07-30T16:39:00.000-04:00

Redecorating on a Dime? Work With What You've Got

By: FOXmls.com

Published: June 30, 2014

The price of redecorating can be out-of-this-world, but it doesn’t need to be. With creativity, DIY perseverance, and craftiness, you can decorate on a dime...or very close to it. How do you do it? Easy - just use the suggestions below. As you might guess, it’s all about working with what you’ve got.

Find out what you have to work with: Get reacquainted with your own possessions. What do you want to do with the old stuff in your new space-to-be? Keep? Relocate to another room? Store? The inventory process spurs creativity and stimulates planning, and helps you to decide what’s missing and what you will need to invest in.

Repurpose: Determine how you can repurpose items you already have to create what you want. Maybe you’d like a new entertainment center. But wait; you have a nice old sideboard, so you can remove drawers to create space underneath, add a lick of paint, and ...there’s your entertainment center. Cost: paint and some manual labor.

Swap items room-to-room: Just rearranging furniture can change a room’s look dramatically. From furniture, to what you have on the walls, to decor items, re-arrange or swap things between rooms.

Slipcover: Maybe you have a couch or some slipper chairs you’d like to change up. Check online for slipcovers. These days, it’s not about your grandmother’s slipcovers; there are some attractive and affordable options available now, and they can totally transform your space.

Relax and Relish: Relax and relish your new space. You deserve it.

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Protect Your Child from Hazards in the Kitchen

2014-07-25T16:36:00.000-04:00

Protect Your Child from Hazards in the Kitchen

By: FOXmls.com

Published: July 25, 2014

If you have toddlers, it's hard to imagine a more dangerous area of your home than the kitchen. Knives, stovetops, and potential toxins all pose hazards to your kids, who can and will want to touch.

If you have a small child entering a particularly "grabby" phase, try these tips to childproof your kitchen.

Move things out of reach

Cleaning supplies, glassware, and knives should all be stored where small children can't reach or climb to them. Don't leave glasses on counters where they can be knocked over; store bleach and other household cleaners in a locked cabinet, and leave knives in a drawer that can be locked.

Cover knobs and outlets

Kids can easily stand on tippy-toe to turn oven knobs and dials, or sit on the ground and play with electrical outlets. Purchase plastic knob and outlet covers to prevent disasters.

Lock the fridge

A curious little one may be inclined to open the fridge to root around for a snack. Protect their tummies, your food, and the floor by using a fridge guard to keep it closed when you're not looking.

Ditch the linens

Tablecloths and runners are just begging to be yanked by a chubby little hand. Get rid of them entirely to protect your child's head (plus your nice dishes and glassware).

Change habits

Not every safety tip is a matter of hiding, installing, or removing; being mindful of your own behavior in the kitchen is important. Use the dishwasher at night while children are asleep, so they won't unlock the door and scald themselves.

Give them Alternatives

Take pressure off yourself and your little ones by giving them something to play with when you're in the kitchen. Why not store your plastic storage bins and containers in a low unlocked cabinet? They'll spend hours building and knocking down the containers. And avoid other, more dangerous, playthings.

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This Month's Smile: Medical Miscommunication'

2014-07-20T16:28:00.000-04:00

This Month's Smile: Medical Miscommunication'

By: FOXmls.com

Published: July 20, 2014

They say laughter is the best medicine, and sometimes that comes from innocent medical miscommunication. Take, for instance, the elderly woman whose allergies were printed on her medical wristband. Later that day, the woman's son called and complained that his mother had been labelled "bananas."

Nurses face another sort of communication problem: Excuses from patients and colleagues.

The most common excuse for missing a long-postponed appointment is a grandmother's death. As one nurse confided, "This was (the patient's) sixth grandmother to die within two months." Interestingly, they also hear an equal number of excuses from doctors, who are usually stuck "on a boat" in the middle of nowhere and therefore can't make rounds.

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What Factors Make a Great Location Great?

2014-07-15T16:24:00.000-04:00

What Factors Make a Great Location Great?

By: FOXmls.com

Published: July 15, 2014

What constitutes a "good location," and why are some areas particularly attractive to buyers and/or investors?

Inherent in the concept of a "good location" is the idea of a place where people want to live. This is probably close to shopping, top schools, recreational facilities, cultural amenities, restaurants, and transportation. In addition, it's likely safe and will have well-run public services. But while good locations may be more convenient or more attractive than others, this isn't always the case. They're not always newer (or older) either.

Following are some factors that contribute to the value of homes in a particular area. Some may surprise you.

Public image: Properties located in popular, prestigious, or historic locales are often valued highly because of their perceived status or reputation, or simply because there is a narrative about the area.
Starbucks: Buyers are usually willing to pay more for homes that have a good "walk score." That means they are within walking distance of shops, recreational venues, cafe and restaurants. People are choosy about what they want to walk to, however. Many buyers identify a nearby Starbucks (by name) as one reason to purchase a home in a particular neighborhood. The other top pick: parks.
Proximity to transit: Today's home buyers don't want to spend hours commuting to and from work. Gen X and Gen Y buyers, in particular, will often forgo a 3500-square-foot home in the suburbs for an 1800-square-foot property located downtown. These groups place their priorities in the ability to live closer to work, and social and cultural attractions.
Schools: Buyers with children prefer a location close to schools, but, interestingly, the home's value may decline if it is located too close to one.

Buyers can be a fickle lot, and today's top neighborhoods may be tomorrow's also-rans. But that said, it will still always be about "location."

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Picanha (Brazilian Tri-tip Barbecue)

2014-07-01T13:16:00.000-04:00

Picanha (Brazilian Tri-tip Barbecue)

Serves 4 - 6

1 tri-tip roast, about 3-4 pounds
5 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 cup coarse or rock salt
1/4 cup olive oil

Directions:

If you can't find tri-tip, look for top sirloin cap. Trim excess fat off the meat. One side will generally be covered in a layer of fat; do not remove it, just trim it down to about 1/8". Mix the salt and garlic together to make a paste and rub it all over the meat, adding a little olive oil if needed to help it stick. Leave the meat to marinate for at least two hours, turning it occasionally.

Heat the barbecue to the highest setting. When ready to cook, scrape excess salt off the meat and place on hot grill, fat side up. Do not turn over until the first side is nearly burnt. Turn once and check doneness with a meat thermometer; medium should take about 35 to 45 minutes, depending on the meat's thickness.

Remove from grill and rest five minutes before carving.

New Old Homes Combine Charm and Convenience

2014-06-30T05:30:00.000-04:00

New Old Homes Combine Charm and Convenience

By: FOXmls.com

Published: June 30, 2014

The era of pretentious McMansions is so over. One of this year's most important trends is the move towards traditional residential design - homes with the charm of a bygone era but with a twist.

For a variety of reasons, it's unlikely most home buyers want - or can find - an authentic historic property that works as a family home. Historic homes are often inconveniently located or dilapidated beyond repair. If they are in liveable condition, they more than likely have obsolete structural elements, such as low ceilings, tiny kitchens, and miniscule closets - not particularly conducive to our twenty-first-century century lifestyle.

Consequently, some home buyers are turning to "New Old" homes, which, as the name implies, combine the charm of the past with the convenience of the present. New Old houses are rationally proportioned structures that are historically accurate on the outside, but comfortable, functional, and contemporary on the inside: Think Greek Revival farmhouses with spacious island kitchens; Craftsman-style bungalows with open floor plans; Cape Cods with roomy, walk-in closets.

Boomers are drawn to the concept, as traditional homes generate memories of happier, less disposable times when the family home was warm and inviting. Millennials, who make up nearly a third of today's home buyers, see the New Olds as authentic, reflecting their principles and values. Both groups embrace charm that doesn't sacrifice the convenience that is so much a part of our lifestyle.

Responding to the demand, several architectural firms are now specializing in traditional design with a focus on historical accuracy; they study builder's guides from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to get the scale, proportion and architectural elements exactly right.

Luckily for those who can't afford custom design but who value historical character and the charm of yesteryear, there is a twenty-first-century solution: customize a prefab or buy a plan online and hire a contractor to build it.

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Five Tips to Help You Create Your Own Outdoor Kitchen

2014-06-25T17:15:00.000-04:00

Five Tips to Help You Create Your Own Outdoor Kitchen

By: FOXmls.com

Published: June 25, 2014

Dining al fresco is one of summer's greatest pleasures. But it can be hard to pull off a great outdoor dining experience without the proper setup. Enter the outdoor kitchen. Interested in creating your own? Check out these tips:

Constructing your own island or grill area with stone can get expensive, plus it can't be easily moved. Keep costs low and set up easy with a pre-fabricated counter or grill space. Pre-fab options are often on wheels, making them easy to move, and can be purchased with built-in sinks and lighting.
Keep durability in mind. Your outdoor kitchen furniture and appliances will be exposed to the elements; choose resistant, reliable materials and treat them as recommended. Remember that the space will be exposed to cooking oils and high temperatures, so any materials used in the area will need to be heat resistant and easy to clean.
Setup is important - don't site your outdoor cooking space too far from where you plan to put the dining area. Also, consider the proximity of the outdoor kitchen to the indoor one; you'll need to move things from one space to the other, so make sure there's a clear path.
Plan to cook and dine, rain or shine? Make sure you incorporate a rain shelter.
Grow as you go. Plants, flowers, and decor can be added on an ongoing basis. Make sure the essentials are in place before emptying your wallet on extras.

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This Month's Smile: 'Your Child Said What...?'

2014-06-20T17:11:00.000-04:00

This Month's Smile: 'Your Child Said What...?'

By: FOXmls.com

Published: June 20, 2014

Kids are a delightful reminder that the world is actually a big brightly colored circus. Here are some great online examples of the fun things they say:

They're usually full of questions, but then there's the one who just thinks and thinks...then asks. Like the 4-year-old who overheard her teacher mention kickboxing. Weeks later, out of the blue, she asked why her teacher "kicks boxes."

The little girl was diligently pounding away on her grandfather's computer, lost in story writing. When he asked what it was about, she answered: "I don't know. I can't read."

Some kids may have a better grasp on reality than the rest of us. For example, young Frankie answered the question of how he earns money at home by saying: "I don't. I'm a freeloader."

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Watch Your Thumbs and Other Rules of Remodeling

2014-06-15T17:06:00.000-04:00

Watch Your Thumbs and Other Rules of Remodeling

By: FOXmls.com

Published: June 15, 2014

Today’s renewed interest in home remodeling has a dark side. Prevent problems with these "rules of thumb."

Rule 1: Safety first

DIY projects can lead to mistakes and injuries. Remember the oldies but goodies: Wear safety goggles; don’t cut electrical lines before shutting off breakers; hammer carefully...

Rule 2: Measure twice and have a Plan B

Take careful measurements and cut once. When you’re re-modeling, you need to be prepared to make changes on the fly. So develop a Plan B. For example, adding new appliances or fixtures may necessitate reconfiguring wiring or plumbing - not something you want to find out at the last minute. Be prepared.

Rule 3: Get a home inspection

Find out in advance about potential pitfalls, so you can plan ahead to avoid them whenever possible. Inspections validate (or not) previous DIY or work done when your home was built. Plus, your home may not be sound enough to undergo some big projects, such as modifying fireplaces, removing walls, or repairing foundations, without professional help. Don’t find out the hard way.

Rule 4: Call the pros

Television and online videos make remodeling projects look easy, but that isn’t always the case. Doing it yourself can save money, but doing it incorrectly may cost more. Don’t be afraid to call in the pros.

Rule 5: Budget first

Don’t start tearing down walls before you come up with a budget. And budget for everything - even the cost of screws and nails - then add 30 percent for unexpected expenses.

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Barbecue Salmon with Ginger

2014-06-01T13:31:00.000-04:00

Barbecue Salmon with Ginger

Serves 4

4 salmon fillets, skin on
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup sake
1/4 cup mirin
1/4 cup olive oil
2 teaspoons sugar

Garnish:

5 tablespoons olive oil
6 shallots, finely chopped
4 tablespoons peeled and finely grated ginger
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
4 tablespoons soy sauce

Directions:

Place fillets in a large baking dish without overlapping. Combine next five ingredients and pour over the fillets. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours, turning occasionally.

For the garnish, heat oil in a skillet and add shallots, ginger, and garlic. Saute over medium heat until fragrant, about 5 min. Add soy sauce and stir. Remove from heat and set aside. Discard marinade. Place fillets, skin side up, on preheated, greased grill for 3 min. Turn and cook 4-6 min., depending on thickness. Spread a tablespoon of the garnish on top of each fillet before serving.

Compromise 101: Buying a Home With Your Spouse

2014-05-30T09:22:00.000-04:00

Compromise 101: Buying a Home With Your Spouse

By: FOXmls.com

Published: May30, 2014

Compromise is key to a successful relationship. But that doesn't mean it's easy, especially when it comes to buying a home with your spouse or partner. How do you strike a balance between each person's needs and wants?

To begin with, start with a plan. Have a frank conversation about what each person wants and needs: Detached or townhome? New build or old? What neighborhood? How much of a down payment? Work through these questions and put together a list of what you must have, and what your deal breakers are.

Look through home magazines together and watch real estate shows. Knowing each other's taste will help during the search. But keep the focus on the way your home should function rather than d?or or room color. Changing these are easy; adding a bathroom is more difficult and costly.

Nail down the financial details before the search begins. Order your credit reports and check for inaccuracies. In some cases, you may not want to repair a negative. According to a recent Forbes article, check with a mortgage professional to find out whether you'll do more harm than good paying off a debt.

Lenders will scrutinize both your scores. If one is significantly lower, it may affect your ability to get a mortgage. Don't wait for the search process to begin before you start work to repair your credit.

The real test of compromise will start when the house hunt begins. Even if you stick to the must-have list, there will undoubtedly be homes that one partner loves; the other, not so much.

If you and your partner come to a standstill over a home, discuss why. Could some inexpensive changes make a difference?

Lastly, don't let pressure to buy override your opinions or your partner's. As this is the biggest purchase you'll make, you both should be totally comfortable with it, whatever it takes.

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You're Not Finished: Spring Cleaning Round 2

2014-05-25T09:19:00.000-04:00

You're Not Finished: Spring Cleaning Round 2

By: FOXmls.com

Published: May 25, 2014

So you thought you'd finished your spring cleaning a couple of months ago? Not so fast. The act of spring cleaning has become a deeply ingrained habit for most of us. And when something becomes habit, we often get lazy about it, assuming we know what to do. Sure, you went through your summer clothes, wiped out the fridge, and cleaned off the lawn mower. But did you wipe under the taps?

For spring cleaning round two, use the following list to help make your abode truly sparkle:

The area surrounding the stove

You scrubbed your stovetop and turned on the oven cleaner setting, but what about the surfaces? The cabinets above your stove are probably still covered in a thick layer of grease. Wipe it off! The same goes for the backsplash and nearby walls.

...and the fridge

When was the last time you looked underneath or behind your refrigerator? Thought so. Take a deep breath, pull the fridge out, and give those hidden floors and walls a good sweeping and scrub. Wipe down the top of the fridge and the inside and outside of the handles, which can get grimy from sticky hands.

Forgotten surfaces

Window sills do get dusty. Home expert Charles the Butler recommends vacuuming window sills not once a season, but once a week. He also suggests using a toothbrush and baking soda to scrub hard-to-get-at areas around your bathroom and kitchen taps.

Give your plants some TLC

Indoor heating and a winter spent inside makes for dusty houseplants. Take a cue from Martha Stewart, and give them a wash. Martha suggests you rinse off larger plants in the shower, using your shower-head attachment to spray them with lukewarm water. For smaller or delicate plants, cover the soil with paper towels and hold the pots upside down while swishing the leaves in a bowl of water.

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Once Upon a Time-Canine-Style

2014-05-20T09:08:00.000-04:00

Once Upon a Time-Canine-Style

By: FOXmls.com

Published: May 20, 2014

Question: What has four legs, barks, and can help your child read? Answer: A canine tutor.

If your child is struggling with reading or behind in homework, there is a wonderful proven solution that works on several levels. READ, or Reading Education Assistance Dogs, is a literacy program that started in Utah with the goal of helping children develop their reading skills. Now the program, or a variation of it, has spread across North America, and it's likely available at a school or library near you.

The precious pooches help improve confidence and motivation to read, and are great reading buddies who won't bark back any harsh comments or criticisms if a child stumbles or reads slowly.

Best of all, you can try this at home - with your own dog. Simply make this a learning experience for both dog and child, and chances are they'll respond eagerly.

Feline-lovers haven't been forgotten; a similar program has been tried with shelter cats, and despite the challenge of getting the cat to focus, child and animal delight in the experience.

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Print Out Your Next Home in 20 Hours With a 3D Printer

2014-05-15T09:01:00.000-04:00

Print Out Your Next Home in 20 Hours With a 3D Printer

By: FOXmls.com

Published: May 15, 2014

Imagine building a custom home in less than a day using a 3D printer. Behrokh Khoshnevis, director of the graduate manufacturing engineering program at the University of Southern California, says it's possible; soon you too can build a 2,500-square-foot residence in 20 hours using "contour crafting", a 3D printing technique.

Contour crafting is an automated robotic building process that is stronger, faster, safer, cheaper, and more eco-friendly than manual construction, according to Khoshnevis. Using this process, a massive robotic printer lays out concrete and interlocking steel bars to build a structure and then "prints out" the plumbing, electrical networks, walls and flooring.

The technology allows for unprecedented architectural flexibility, so builders can create unusual design features or unique footprints. "The walls do not have to be linear; you can make them curved simply by changing a computer program," Khoshnevis said in a TED Talk. As he recently told CBS News, the technology is highly affordable and so versatile that it can be used to build homes in slums or areas struck by natural disasters...even to construct human habitats on other planets.

Khoshnevis believes contour crafting will replace traditional building methods, making design and construction accessible and affordable for anyone.

With its myriad of applications, 3D printing will have a profound impact on virtually all industries. Currently, the construction industry is lagging behind, but for innovative architects, builders, and the real estate industry, technology such as contour crafting offers exciting possibilities.

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Ravioli with Pear and Sage Sauce

2014-05-01T13:33:00.000-04:00

Ravioli with Pear and Sage Sauce

Serves 6

2 pounds cheese ravioli
4 ounces unsalted butter
2 thinly sliced shallots
3 cloves of pressed garlic
1 cup of roughly chopped fresh sage leaves
2 beef bouillon cubes
2 cups chopped canned pears
1/2 cup pear juice from can
2 cups heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Cook the ravioli according to package directions. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic until fragrant, then add sage leaves and continue cooking until everything is softened.

Add the bouillon cubes, pear juice and pears, and bring to a low boil while stirring and breaking up the cubes - about five minutes. Lower heat and add cream, stirring until heated through. Salt and pepper to taste, then serve over the ravioli.

Homeowners Ramp Up Spending on Remodeling

2014-04-30T15:36:00.000-04:00

Homeowners Ramp Up Spending on Remodeling

By: FOXmls.com

Published: April 30, 2014

Remodeling is back in fashion - as many discovered during this spring's Kitchen and Bath Industry Show. Attendance at the Las Vegas show increased to more than 30,000 visitors, a jump of 145 percent over 2012 figures.

According to recent U.S. Census Bureau data, American consumers increased spending on their homes by 3.1 percent in 2013, compared to 2012, and spending on remodeling now totals $130 billion. BuildFax, which tracks industry activity, notes that remodeling permits have risen by 5.1 percent over 2012.

Homeowners are growing increasingly confident about the future as the equity in their homes increases. Plus, we're finding it easier to obtain home equity loans. Home-equity lending - which reached a 10-year low point in 2010 - was up by 18 percent last year to $123.4 billion, as estimated by Moody's Analytics.

Quoted in a Wall Street Journal article, "Americans Boost Spending on Remodeling," Joseph LaVorgna, chief U.S. economist for Deutsche Bank, notes: "If home prices are going up and people have more equity in their home, things like remodeling and refurbishment will do well, because it's effectively the way of playing the reinvestment game."

While some are reinvesting, others are sprucing up their homes to sell. Both kitchen and bath remodels are popular ways to increase the value of homes (as well as their asking price). It's also worth noting that many of today's projects are significant - going well beyond changing up spaces with a splash of paint and new flooring or countertops.

As the American Institute of Architects' most recent Home Design Trends Survey indicates, most of the renovation projects completed or underway are kitchen focused. Remodelers say that kitchens are now the center of the home, and computer areas are being added to cooking spaces, along with recharging stations.

Finally, it seems size matters; 89 percent of architects reported that kitchen projects were either "stable" or "increasing" in size.

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How to Find More Space in Your Home

2014-04-25T15:32:00.000-04:00

How to Find More Space in Your Home

By: FOXmls.com

Published: April 25, 2014

The temperatures are warm, and April showers have brought May flowers. It's spring. With summer on the doorstep, it's also time to ready yourself for long leisurely summer days and outdoor entertaining; it's time for spring cleaning and reorganizing.

There are two sides to this battle: You're either obsessed and want to rid yourself of everything that reminds you of winter, or you're relaxed - cleaning and organizing when, where, and how you feel like it.

Either way, here are helpful tips from experts, including moving company co-founder Laura McHolm writing in the Huffington Post.

The pantry - get rid of excess packaging to create more shelf room. Instead of having dozens of oddly shaped boxes on your shelves, hold pasta and other dried goods in clear containers. Cut important info off the packaging and tape it to the outside of containers so you'll have it at your fingertips.

The kitchen - think vertical. If you have large deep drawers, stacking pots and pans on their sides will maximize space, and help you find items quickly.

The dresser - speaking of vertical...by folding your clothes and placing them vertically in your dresser drawers you take up less space than if you stack them on top of each another. Plus, it's easy to pick and choose. Note: You may need dividers to hold your stacks upright.

The closet - if you don't have space for clothes or shoes in your closet, they end up as clutter somewhere else. Organize your closet shelves with see-through bins or pretty boxes.

The kids' rooms - hey, kids have stuff. To cut clutter, buy bed risers and store bulky items in plastic bins under the bed.

Picture this - when you're storing out-of-season clothes, take photos before you put them away so you'll know what's in each box when it comes time to pull them out again.

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Why Not Turn Your Green Thumb to DIY Landscaping?

2014-04-20T15:29:00.000-04:00

Why Not Turn Your Green Thumb to DIY Landscaping?

By: FOXmls.com

Published: April 20, 2014

A little landscaping can go a long way in transforming the look of a garden or yard. If you've got a green thumb and an eye for design, why not try DIY landscaping?

Plan: Don't rip out plants and shrubs or rush to the nearest nursery without a clear, well-defined plan. Analyze your space and the growing conditions you have to work with.

Collect magazine and online images of gardens you like, but try not to yearn for something that may not be right for your space. Then sketch out a design that balances what you love with what you can feasibly do.

Start fresh: As Better Homes and Gardens magazine suggests, try to start with a clean slate. Remove overgrown plants or features you don't like for a clearer idea of how your plan will apply.

Budget: Flowers, trees, and shrubs are not cheap, and it can be easy to spend a lot to make your space feel "full." Decide on a budget before you shop. Take your budget and design to a garden center and ask their experts what they recommend for your growing conditions, plan, and available funds.

If your budget doesn't allow for everything you need to achieve your desired look, consider completing the landscaping in stages.

Consider hiring help: For more complicated aspects of landscaping, such as installing a water feature or laying down stonework, consider using professional services. Hiring for one specific job while completing most of the rest yourself keeps costs down while ensuring a professional-looking result.

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How to Ensure Your Home's Safety During Showings

2014-04-15T15:23:00.000-04:00

How to Ensure Your Home's Safety During Showings

By: FOXmls.com

Published: April 15, 2014

When you're selling your home, your agent doesn't just put up a sign: There are procedures involved in showing your home. And that means both sellers and agents have responsibilities.

While it's the real estate professional's responsibility to ensure the safety and privacy of the home, it's the seller's responsibility to make it easy for agents to show it. The lock box (also called key box) facilitates this.

The lock box is an indispensable tool that makes it easier to show the home and affords access whether or not the seller is present.

That means that when the seller agrees to allow a lock box on the residence, he or she is not only trusting their agent, but agents from other offices who are members of the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), and who will be showing the home to their clients.

Through MLS instructions, the listing agent should tell "cooperating" or "buyer" agents how to enter and show the property. It's up to these cooperating agents to be courteous to the sellers by following the instructions. As well, the high-tech lock box enables the homeowner to know when the home has been accessed, so both agent and seller will be able to follow up should the rules not be followed.

Occasionally, the listing agent fails to include showing instructions and, since the key box is not an open invitation to inspect the property without first checking these instructions, it's essential that the "cooperating agent" contact the listing office broker for permission and instructions.

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FOXmls.com home listing of 4332 Worthington Circle Oldsmar, FL.

2014-04-07T15:39:00.001-04:00

FOXmls.com home listing of 4332 Worthington Circle Oldsmar, FL.

Crunchy Napa Cabbage Salad

2014-04-01T13:36:00.000-04:00

Crunchy Napa Cabbage Salad

Serves 6

1 medium head of napa cabbage, cleaned and shredded (about 8 cups)
2 packages ramen noodles
1 cup toasted sliced almonds
1/8 cup toasted sesame seeds
3/4 cup vegetable oil
6 tablespoons white vinegar
7 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cracked pepper

Directions:

Place the shredded cabbage in a salad bowl. With your hands, break up the raw ramen noodles into bite-size pieces, directly over the cabbage, and set aside.

Toast the almonds and sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly, until golden. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

Meanwhile, prepare the dressing by whisking together oil, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.

Before serving, add toasted seeds and nuts to the salad bowl and toss with the dressing.

Selling Property Acquired by Quitclaim Deed

2014-03-30T16:41:00.000-04:00

Selling Property Acquired by Quitclaim Deed

By: FOXmls.com

Published: March 30, 2014

There's a world of difference between a quitclaim deed and a warranty or grant deed.

A quitclaim deed can be useful when you're transferring property to family members as a gift or in a divorce, but in other circumstances it can be problematic. The grantor gives up his or her claim to the property, but this doesn't mean you now have title; you may have received a pig in a poke.

It's all about title

With a quitclaim deed, there is no warranty (guarantee) that the giver is conveying title; there could be other claims on it. Whereas with a warranty or grant deed, the buyer has legal ownership of the property. A title insurance company has cleared the title and sold the buyer a title insurance policy, which will pay costs if there is a subsequent problem with the title.

So why accept a quitclaim deed? It's an inexpensive way to transfer property, and, while an owner of a property acquired by quitclaim deed can't sell it without a clear title, the property can be sold later after a warranty deed is obtained.

To sell via a warranty deed, you'll need to pay a title insurance company for a title search; this involves looking for potential legal issues such as liens or previous disputes.

You can then buy title insurance and, with legal title, transfer the property through a warranty deed. To be legal, this must be filed at a recorder's office in the area in which the property is located.

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Play With Your Food, and Learn About the World

2014-03-25T16:37:00.000-04:00

Play With Your Food, and Learn About the World

By: FOXmls.com

Published: March 25, 2014

As parents, we're often frustrated by our child's messy table manners. But according to a recent article on Mother Nature Network, this sort of food play allows children to explore textures - to associate the look and taste of food with its feel. Research also suggests it may even help expand their vocabularies.

"Five Surprising Ways That Children Learn," by Sami Grover, playfully explores the ability of children to learn in ways adults might find surprising. As Grover points out, what's important is "teaching a child how to think - and doing so in ways that explore the full diversity, wonder, and challenge of the complicated, ambiguous, and often messy world around us."

He's not alone. In a New York Times blog post, Dr. Perri Klass wholeheartedly supports the concept of playing with your food. In fact: "... mealtime mess might actually be a sign of intelligence," he suggests.

Klass also notes that "toddlers play with their food because toddlers play with their worlds. And by playing and exploring, they accumulate all kinds of data, which helps them put together a picture and a vocabulary for the world around them."

Messy isn't really about making a mess; it's about digging into problems and exploring your environment with a sleeves-rolled-up attitude. It's a form of play. And play of all kinds, even food play, is important to the ways children learn, whether it's unstructured, structured (as in exercise or team sports), or even video-game play (which connects kids to technology in a special way).

"There is a myth that doing nothing is wasting time, when it's actually extremely productive and essential," comments author and psychology professor Dr. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek in Grover's article, "During empty hours, kids explore the world at their own pace ..."

Those of us of a certain age who developed our imaginations through play, know just what she means.

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Coming Soon: Print-Your-Own Chocolate Treats

2014-03-20T16:34:00.000-04:00

Coming Soon: Print-Your-Own Chocolate Treats

By: FOXmls.com

Published: March 20, 2014

It could be a chocolate lover's dream come true. The Hershey Company is working with 3D Systems on a printer that would allow users to design and print their own chocolates.

At the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show, 3D Systems, which provides 3D printing solutions, introduced a series of printers, accompanied by "recipes" and aimed at commercial bakers and pastry chefs.

It's not alone. Another 3D printer, Foodini, from Natural Machines, can print out other types of food items such as ravioli or quiche.

The partnership between Hershey and 3D Systems was announced at the beginning of this year. There's no word on when Hershey's printer will hit the market, but it's expected sweet printers will be available for both commercial and personal use.

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