School starts-TOP 20 Green Colleges

I read this article from the "The Grist" I wanted to share. It is nice to know how colleges are moving towards an eco-friendly environment. So good to know. Enjoy the last couple of weeks of summer.

http://www.grist.org/article/2009-08-20-top-20-green-colleges/PALL/

Good Summer for Real Estate

Some times there are not enough hours in the day. The kids are back to school on Sept. 2nd. And I hope to be back on track with my blog.

Business has been very good. I can't complain. In my opinion, sales in my area the NJ Shore have been much better than last year. I haven't stopped to look at actual numbers in my area but people are out there wanting to buy and not just sitting on the sidelines and waiting.

That being said--prices are still in the down cycle. There are still too many homes on the market for sale. The lessons we learned in school about supply and demand and pricing are at work here. But nevertheless, things are moving right along. The rates are still low and if you are a 1st time buyer even better because right now there is the $8K tax credit that you can take advantage of until November 2009.

For me, I hope to try to enjoy the last couple of weeks with my girls. The weather has been absolutely awesome lately and don't want to waste any time of fun until their off to school.

Wishing you a totally terrific rest of summer no matter where you are. Take a day or even a few hours doing what you LOVE to do. Many Blessings and ENJOY.....

NJ Millionaire rating holding steady at Number 3

As the summer is flying by as rapidly as it came, my blog has been suffering for sure. No updates since May shame on me. But if anyone is out there following Real Estate Lu; I am on Twitter and Facebook keeping up with Real Estate tips, Feng Shui tips, Area information, Green innovations and what I feel could be of some value to my readers.

Everyday economy is one of the hot stories. Very happy that the stock market is doing much better this summer. The Real Estate Market on the other hand is still moving very slow. It is moving however; don't get me wrong. I feel that Real Estate sales are higher this year than last. I work in the Monmouth/Ocean market and pay close attention to the Activity, especially what is under contract and closed. I see more buyers lately. Possibly due to many who were waiting it out for the best deals decided to jump in. They are getting them many cases and taking advantage of that $8,000 tax credit that won't be here forever.

Changing gears a bit. My Home State of NJ much to my surprise is still ranking pretty high on the Millionaire list. I just read an article in the Asbury Park Press that notes we are #3. Please read the link below.

That ranking is much to my surprise, since so many that I know have lost jobs, Real Estate inventory is still very high and foreclosures are looming over all the market place. Yet, I am always some one who sees the glass as full and believe that this is the time to make things happen.

Wishing you all a wonderful Summer, until my next update.

http://www.app.com/article/20090714/NEWS/90714089/-1/NLETTER01?source=nletter-news

SUMMER IS HERE! Great Sexy "GREEN" Swimsuits

Ladies this one is for you!

If you are still shopping for that eye catching swimsuit for summer, check out this link I've provided. These swimsuits are not only sexy but also manufactured in the USA under fair trade practices to earth-friendly fabrics like soy fiber, organic cotton, hemp, recycled denim, and water-based dyes, you'll never guess what some of these upcycled suits once were.

Have fun in the sun and please don't forget your sunblock.

http://www.treehugger.com/galleries/2009/05/10-sexy-sustainable-swimsuits-for-summer.php?page=1

Solar Lighting: More than Just Roof Panels

Solar lighting is a term that has been in the lexicon of eco-friendly energy supporters for years, but in the past it has been dismissed by many as being too expensive and unreliable. However, we’ve seen many advances over the past few years that have enabled solar lighting to become a viable alternative for more and more people. Even so, most of us do not have the time, money, or wherewithal to install solar roof panels. But solar energy is now a readily available, inexpensive, and practical option for folks who are looking to improve their home lighting scheme. So we’ll go over how use solar energy to help power your outdoor lighting setup.

Today there are hundreds of solar lights out there, and a number of major lighting manufacturers utilize the sun’s power. Most of these products are pathway lighting, but recently we’re seeing lanterns, post mounts, and even flood lights that run solely on solar power. This is in large part thanks to technological advances in the production of the photovoltaic cell battery, which is responsible for storing the sun’s energy into usable energy. For a long time, most of these batteries were not powerful enough to be able to store enough energy to provide lighting at night, or if they were then the batteries were too unwieldy and expensive to be able to use for residential lighting. However, changes the chemical makeup of the battery’s semiconductor has enabled the production of smaller batteries that are able to store and release enough energy to provide adequate night lighting. While these batteries are not powerful enough to provide home electricity, their size and inexpensiveness made them ideal for outdoor pathway lighting.

This in turn helped spur a trend among homeowners and landscapers beginning using path lighting, post lanterns, and other forms of outdoor lighting to enhance the appearance of the yard space while at the same time providing a sense of security for the house’s occupants. Outdoor yard lighting for a number of years fell a bit out of vogue, as many viewed it as too expensive and wasteful. But solar technology has enabled the average home resident to purchase additional lighting without having to worry about their impact on the environment, not to mention their electricity bills!

This goes to show that sometimes it is best to think small when it comes to energy saving. While outdoor solar lights might not save as much energy per capita as roof panels, their availability has made them a feasible and eco-friendly option for all homeowners.

Celebrate Earth Week - One little thing that you do can make a difference

EARTH DAY -- Wednesday, April 22rd.

This week is a good time to invest time and effort in making some greener changes in our lives to help us all to live healthier. We can improve our planet by being more conscience of how fragile and scarce our resources have become over the years of neglect and abuse.

A few ways to help, its so easy:

* EARTH WEEK begins today. Don't forget to reduce, reuse, and recyle. Many have children in the Little League. Why not, give your old equipment to someone in need. Don't let it gather
dust in your garage; give another child the opportunity to play! That would include all sports, clothes and items that you are no longer using.

* NATIONAL TURN YOUR TV OFF WEEK is April 20-26th. SO.......turn off the TV and go have a catch with your kids, ride a bike, take a walk. It will be healthy and fun for your whole family!!!

* TRY unplugging all your appliances, computer, TV's after use. You would be amazed at how much you can save in your utility bills and wasted energy overall.

* IT'S a great time to start your own vegetable garden.

* INSTEAD of having lunch delivered to your office, walk to a nearby restaurant and save take-out containers by dining in. Or bring your own container to the restaurant and have it filled there. At the very least, bring a set of your own silverware and a bottle of your favorite condiment to the office so you can skip the plastic utensils and the little packets of salt, pepper, ketchup and soy sauce.

So many things in so many little ways can go a long way. If everyone does one little thing, what a World this can become and what a legacy we will leave for our children and generations after. Let's celebrate Earth Week by living GREENER.

Green Glossary

I believe that most of us are becoming more aware about our environment and learning more about being healthier in lifestyle, eating right and taking care of our planet.

With that said, I think it would be nice to be up on some of the greener terms that are starting to seep more into our vocabularies and in what your read. I thought it would be helpful to know what Alkylphenol Ethoxylates (APEs) are. They are found in laundry detergent, Or PABA an ingredient that was used in sunscreens but no longer because about 40% of those who use it are allergic.

A to Z terms and definitions put together by the Green Guide. It's good to be smart and safe. HAPPY SPRING.
http://www.thegreenguide.com/greenguide/glossary

NJ new stimulus proposal

I'm sure that you have been following our deficit saga for that last 2 years. Especially since last summer the NJ economy has been going down the tubes and all you hear politicians argue and come up with lame proposals and ideas on how to fix our rapidly sliding economy.

Our unemployment level has been the lowest it has been in over 25 years. This link features the newest proposal to help create jobs. It is a start but it doesn't really chip the tip of the iceberg of debt that we currently face. It seems to hit one segment of what needs to be done? What do you think?
http://www.app.com/article/20090306/NEWS0301/903060311/-1/nletter01?source=nletter-news

A New Years Blessings

A friend of mine emailed this to me today. Its' a beautiful sentiment that I thought I would share. Wishing to strive in 2009, many abundant blessings to you.........

A New Year Blessing
That the single, most significant dimension of life is your relationship with the Source of Goodness who never ceases to sing love songs to your soul
That you find meaning, purpose, and vitality in what you do daily
That you treasure your loved ones and let them know how dear they are to you
That you make choices and decisions that reflect your truest self
That you look in the mirror at least once a day and smile in happy amazement
That you remember relationships are what count above all else - more than work or money, or all the material things we spend so much time tending
That you live in an uncluttered manner, enjoying the freedom to be content
That you keep your sense of humor when things don’t go the way you want
That you find adventure in each new day and marvel at the wonders of creationwhich constantly present themselves to you
That you never give up on yourself when others turn away or do not understand
That you are attentive to the health of your body, mind and spirit
That you take risks and accept the growth-full challenges that come to you
That you draw on your inner strength and resiliency when you are in need
That you carry peace within yourself, allowing it to slip into the hearts of othersso our planet becomes a place where violence, division, and war are no more
© Joyce Rupp January 2004

Past Year and New Year Reflections

Another year come and gone. Phew, in a way I was glad to say goodbye to "2008". I found myself officially a single mom in 2008. A new adventure for me and my girls. It is the hardest job I have ever hard in my life.

As a Realtor, a definite challenge with the market being the way it has been. I choose to ignore the bad and focused on the good and had a better year than I did in "2007". I will chose to do so again. The best thing we can all do for ourselves is to be focused on building a bright future, no matter what.

My German Shephard "Sammantha" went to heaven. Sad for me as she was my first baby, my first dog and a faithful and loving companion for almost 14 years. We were all blessed to have her in our lives. I will forever hold her in my heart and cherish all the memories, laughs and fun that we all had as a family. "My Sammy" may she rest in peace.

I learned a lot this year. A lot about life, challenges, being a mom, and a hard worker. I wish to continue moving forward, helping others make a change for the better in their lives. I wish to be able to use my experiences in life to bring forth the best choices for my clients in the Real Estate business. This will be a better year in Real Estate, an ideal time to buy a home or move up to the home you have always wanted. Mortgage rates now are at all time lows and if you can buy-you should buy now.

This will be an interesting year. A new President brings the hope that we all need to have confidence in changing our world for the better. He needs to be the catalyst to helping our economy build itself back together again. He need to be the driving force to bring jobs back, stimulate the housing market and make our country the country it deserves to be.

This year we all have to work together to be a positive force in our lives and if possible the lives of others. I believe that if we all strive for the best, be the best and believe in the best outcomes it will happen. This year brings many more challenges but I think that hard work and good positive thinking we will all overcome.

Lastly, I viewed a video that sends a positive message to all, it's short but does put things in perspective. Enjoy it and God Bless. I wish you my readers, many abundant blessings, great success, good health, love and happiness in this New Year.........

http://www.consciousone.com/friends/index.cfm?PID=452

My New Years Wish......

MY NEW YEAR'S WISH FOR YOU.

'Father, I ask You to bless my children, grandchildren, friends, relatives, blog followers and email

buddies reading this right now. Show them a new revelation of your love and power. Holy Spirit,

I ask You to minister to their spirit this very moment. Where there is pain, give them Your

peace and mercy. I ask that we all strive to bring peace, prosperity and care to this

beautiful planet of ours. We all need to work together to live in harmony, health and love. We all

need to believe in ourselves and what our efforts can accomplish to make this a better world.

Where there is self doubt, release a renewed confidence through Your grace,

In Jesus' precious name.

Amen.'

Cool Green Idea for those who don't like leaf blowers

I personally don't mind raking the leaves in the fall. It's good exercise and a gratifying experience seeing the big pile after a job well done. If you have kids it's even more FUN to watch them take the leaf pile plunge. If you don't like blowers and don't mind raking, click on the link below. HAPPY HOLIDAYS.

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/12/clog-free-rake.php

PLEASE HELP THE MADONNA HOUSE - TOY DRIVE

THE MADONNA HOUSE - NON-PROFIT ESTABLISHED TO HELP POOR FAMILIES WITH THE FOCUS ON CHILDREN -- NEEDS UN WRAPPED TOYS FOR THEIR GIFT DRIVE - THEY WILL BE ACCEPTING GIFTS BETWEEN NOW AND DEC. 19TH---NEW TOYS FOR INFANTS THROUGH 14 YEARS. ANY NEW CHILDREN'S GIFT WILL BE GLADLY ACCEPTED. IT MEANS SO MUCH TO THEM.

When you are shopping for a bargain, don't overlook this wonderful source for your clothing and accessory needs. The Madonna House currently has a selection on New Men's, gently worn Women's clothing, vintage items, baby needs, home furnishings. It's definitely worth a look. Item's are priced for as little as $2.00. The Madonna House a local charitable organization founded in 1987 to help poor families in need. Items collected are primarily childrens items but adult clothing, household items, diapers, baby formula, toys, carriages, basically anything a mother and child could use. This charity founded on Love and Kindness could use volunteers to help in the Donation area and in the Thrift Store. Hours are flexible, experience not necessary. Looking for kind hearted souls that want to give back to the community.

Please respond via email or call the Madonna House directly. 732-775-1140 or stop by the facility located at the corner of Route 35 and Seventh Avenue. Not far from the Jersey Shore Medical Center.

Good Deeds for the Holidays - takes a minute

Send a Holiday card to those that have been in service and need our support for their recovery..

Send a card to:

A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue,NW
Washington , D.C. 20307-5001


FOR THE ANIMAL LOVER-
This is pretty simple... Please tell ten friends to tell ten today! The Animal Rescue Site is having trouble getting enough people to click on it daily to meet their quota of getting free food donated every day to abused and neglected animals..

It takes less than a minute (How about 20 seconds) to go to their site and click on the purple box 'fund food for animals' for free. This doesn't cost you a thing. Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate food to abandoned/neglected animals in exchange for advertising.

Here's the web site! Pass it along to people you know.
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3

If you're driving on the NJ tolls roads-bring some extra $$

For anyone that commutes to and from work on the GSP or Turnpike, tolls are going up as of Monday. In this economy, times are tough. It's really hard to keep money in your pocket these days. Stay well and drive safely.

http://www.app.com/article/20081127/NEWS/811270447/-1/nletter01?source=nletter-news




WISHING ALL MY READERS AND THEIR FAMILIES A HAPPY AND SAFE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY.

More on NJ Greenhouse Gas Emissions

New Jersey is on the bandwagon to reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Read about the auction coming on December 17th.

http://www.app.com/article/20081109/NEWS/811090369/-1/nletter01?source=nletter-news

Cleaners, what to look for.

I find the Green Guide as a valuable source for learning more about being green, they cover just about every topic that affects us and our planet. In staying consistent with my blog and my concerns about home, safety and Real Estate. I wanted to share the article below for anyone wanting to know more about cleaners, labels and certifications on cleaners. Sometimes the best clean you can get is with some good elbow grease and some soapy water. Baking soda is also not a bad option either. I also highly recommend Melaleuca cleaners. I use them all the time. They work, the don't use harsh chemicals and some of them smell pretty good. Read on and be Green.......

http://www.thegreenguide.com/products/Housekeeping/All-Purpose_Cleaners?source=email_gg_20081105&email=gg

Homeowners Great Ideas for Saving from the Simple Dollar

As a Realtor, Mother and Faithful energy conscience proponent, I subscribe to numerous newsletters and publications to learn as much as I can about being a non-wasteful green devotee.

Some of these I use myself, I have recommended many of these tips to my buyers and sellers, now I wish to share with you some of the tips I have learned and the new ones that I saw posted on the Simple Dollar. Please review below and see what you can use to help you save.

1. Check the insulation in your attic - and install more if needed.

2. Lower the temperature on your hot water heater down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit (55 degrees Celsius)

3. Toss a water heater blanket over that hot water heater as well.

4. Install ceiling fans in most rooms.

5. Wrap exposed water pipes with insulation.

6. Install a programmable thermostat - and learn how to use it.

7. Hang a clothes rack in your laundry room (or, better yet, an outdoor clothesline).

8. Check all toilets & under-sink plumbing for leaks or constant running - and check faucets, too.

9. Replace your air handling filter.

10. Make sure the vents in all rooms are clear of dust and obstructions.

11. Mark any cracks in the basement with dated masking tape.

12. Install CFL and LED light bulbs in some locations.

13. Choose energy efficient appliances, even if you have to pay more up front.

14. Set up your home electronics with a SmartStrip or two.

15. Air-seal your home.

16. Plant shade trees near your house.

17. Take advantage of tax benefits for any improvements you make.

18. Develop a home maintenance checklist - and run through it for the first time

REAL ESTATE NEWS - Things are looking up....

Existing-Home Sales Rise on Improved Affordability

http://www.realtor.org/press_room/news_releases/2008/ehs_rise_on_affordability?LID=RONav0021

Monmouth County being GREEN

A while back ago, I wrote about the plan for NJ to reduce carbon gas emissions by 2020. This is a big step for NJ to join in the fight to take care of our planet earth. Along those lines, Monmouth County is on board in dedicating themselves to combating climate change and global warming.

Monmouth County has outlined some ways to reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions creating programs that:

• promote waste to energy programs
• incorporate LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design)standards in new construction and the rehabilitation of buildings
• implement better land use policies
• develop alternative sources of energy
• foster economic development and job creation
• expand transportation and work choices to reduce traffic congestion
• reduce energy bills

To name a few.........please check out the Monmouth County website at http://www.monmouth.nj.us/ for further information.