See you in the New Year!!

Happy Holidays, Dear Reader...

I hope that your holiday season is filled with quality time with close friends and family, amazing travel, and/or memories that will last a lifetime.

I will see you back here after the first of the year for more St. Louis fun =). In the meantime, enjoy the remainder of 2009, and I'll see you in 2010!

Happy New Year!!

Carrie

Help humanity, the environment, AND your pocketbook...

Years ago, I worked with an incredibly skilled investor who continuously turned out GORGEOUS rehabs in South City. That being said, for the life of me, I couldn't figure out HOW he was able to do the QUALITY of renovation that he was completing while still turning a profit?!

He went above and beyond, even replacing the missing original architectural features of the home that had been stripped over the years, including stained glass windows and glass knobs. NOT CHEAP. That is when I learned about the resource for the bulk of his reno materials: Habitat for Humanity's ReStore. Ever since, I have been a huge, HUGE fan. A totally green way to shop for materials for the home and all profits go towards an AMAZING cause!!

It's all about reduce, reuse, recycle, and restore. Win/win for everyone. Love it.

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a decent, safe and affordable place to live . With the help of thousands of volunteers and the donations of SEVERAL charitable construction companies, Habitat for Humanity builds thousands of homes every year around the world.

To help aid in the FUNDING of these projects, the organization has Habitat ReStores all over the country. Habitat ReStores are basically outlets that accept donated goods for resale from local retailers, contractors, and individuals in the community. While every ReStore is a little different, most focus on home improvement goods—furniture, home accessories, building materials and appliances.

These donated goods are sold to the general public at a fraction of the retail price to help local affiliates fund the construction of Habitat homes within their communities. ReStores provide an environmentally and socially responsible way to keep good, reusable materials out of the waste stream and simultaneously provide funding for all of Habitat’s community improvement work.

Steve and I are known for hitting the ReStore when contemplating a project in our fixer-upper. Though we have always gone to the one in the city... we decided to trek out to the one in St. Peters last week, as we had never visited that store. We were on the lookout for 3 specific sized replacement closet doors, and figured it was was worth a shot. Not only were we able to find the 3 doors we were looking for, in AMAZING Condition, for a TOTAL of $20.00... we found the door hardware, as well. A few pics from our journey...

So many unbelievable deals!! Though I must say that I prefer the city store, as it seems to have a better variety of goods... I was extremely pleased with the selection in St. Peter's as well. I urge you to check them out...

Watch out Clark Griswold...

All I can say is "WOW"!

Amazing Grace Techno - Computer Controlled Christmas Lights from Richard Holdman on Vimeo.

Time is running out...

... to catch the area's festive light displays. Click HERE for St. Louis's best, according to About.com!

#108 East Second St. - Hermann...

This beautiful 1879 Hermann Victorian, the former Angels in the Attic Bed & Breakfast, is for sale again. Last time it was on the market, it was for $461,00 in 2004. It hit the market YESTERDAY as a short sale. It is currently available for $279,000 by Drewel Realty.

This GORGEOUS piece of property boasts 3 full stories and 4500 square feet, including 7 bedrooms, 9 baths (each bedroom has a private bathroom), original carvings and millwork, original stained glass windows, a newer 3 story fire escape, a professionally finished lower level with a second kitchen (additional 1500 sq feet not included in total sq footage), and a carriage house with separate utilities and a fireplace.

This is an AMAZING investment opportunity, particularly if interested in opening your own B& B smack in the middle of Missouri Wine Country, a little over an hour from St. Louis, and only blocks from the river and the Hermann train station. HERE is a link to a virtual online tour for a more in depth view of the property. For more information or a personal tour, please email me at cdnandthecity@charter.net or call me at 314-452-7575.

2009 Holiday greeting...

Got our holiday cards in last week, and love them!

I highly recommend Shutterfly if you have never used them before. Fully customizable, great quality, and super speedy! Plus, they have a ton of special offers to help save you $!

Click to enlarge... and Happy Holidays =).

Hidden Gem Alert: Fountain on Locust

Last night, we went to dinner at one of our favorite local eateries, The Fountain on Locust. If you have never been, it is a true city GEM! The Fountain on Locust is an eclectic and ultra cozy, deco experience... known for their cool vintage-inspired decor, homemade soups, and AMAZING ice cream selections, including their menu full of ice cream martinis. The menu is jam packed with yummy sandwiches, soups, salads, and flat breads. Their focus is on quality, homemade reasonably-sized menu items... encouraging guests to finish their meal with one of their phenomenal desserts. Do not skip dessert here. Period. Absolutely delicious and the true star of the show.

One of their most notorious menu items is their Polish Dill Pickle Soup. Though it sounds a tad odd, this chunky potato soup is bursting with dill flavor and is super punchy on your palette.


It seems to be an item that people tend to love or hate. My friends are split right down the middle. Per Steve and I, however, we both REALLY enjoy it. Though the first bite leaves your taste buds a tad confused, you find yourself going back for more and more.

After much online combing, I think I finally located a comparable recipe to The Fountain on Locust. Though I encourage a visit to the Fountain on Locust for the REAL THING, here's a comparable Polish Dill Pickle Recipe if curious...

Polish Dill Pickle Soup Recipe

35 min 15 min prep

SERVES 10

6 cups vegetable stock or chicken stock or beef stock
4 large dill pickles, shredded
1/2 cup pickle juice, from the pickle jar
2 1/2 cups thinly sliced potatoes
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup milk
1 egg
2 tablespoons soft butter
Garnish
chopped fresh dill
sour cream
salt and pepper

In a large saucepan or soup pot with cover, combine stock, pickles, pickle liquid & potatoes. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and cook covered, over low heat until potatoes start to get soft (about 10 minutes). Combine flour and milk, add to broth, bring to a boil and remove from heat. Combine egg and butter and stir into broth.

Return pot to the stove and heat through without boiling. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with sour cream and or dill.

Retail Fun...

I am always on the search for cute little gifts to keep on hand around the holidays, in case of impromptu dinner parties, "Secret Santa" events, or any other last minute gatherings. As I have said before on the blog, I am a sucker for CB2. Love it. This year, particularly, they are offering a number of affordable and unique gift items that are sure to impress your host/hostess without busting your budget. A few of their fun, little gift items:

Mercury Vases for $3.95-$6.95/piece...

Mixed media Oliver Appetizer Plates for $2.95/piece...
Elf Candle Holders for $5.95/piece...
So cute, and there are SO many more to choose from!! Check out CB2's gift items HERE.

#46 York Drive - Brentwood...

I love and adore the York Village neighborhood in Brentwood and always have since childhood. There is something about the stone tower entryway and winding roads through the large lots with mature trees that makes my heart go pitter-patter. The lovely Bentwood setting, traditional architecture, and AMAZING location just seconds from highway 40 and Tillis Park is what ensures this neighborhood a top spot when talking Central Corridor desirability!

This listing is a fine example of what York Village has to offer. This 3,900 sq foot, 70 year old traditional two-story boasts 4 bedrooms and 5 baths on a beautiful wooded lot. Other features include a gourmet kitchen with a built-in sub zero, a 20X24 great room with fireplace and granite wet bar, a master suite complete with coffered ceiling and fireplace, an upstairs laundry, and a full lower level game room/theater ideal for family entertaining...


Listing is currently offered for $899,900 by Prudential Alliance (997-7600). The property was originally listed for $929,900 in September of 2009. The last price reduction was on October 2nd, 2009.

Previous MLS Sales Data History:
6/08: $950,000
12/03: $850,000
5/01: $810,000

For more information about this listings or other ones in the area, please inquire at cdnandthecity@charter.net or 314.452.7675.

Obama Tax Credit Extension Specifics...

I have had SEVERAL clients contact me over the past 2 weeks, inquiring about the specific guidelines for the new tax credit extension. Particularly in regards to current home owners.

The new guidelines are as follows:

Who Qualifies for the Extended Credit?


First-time home buyers who purchase homes between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.
Current home owners purchasing a home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010, who have used the home being sold or vacated as a principal residence for five consecutive years within the last eight.

To qualify as a “first-time home buyer” the purchaser or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase.If you or your client purchased a home between January 1, 2009 and November 6, 2009, please see: 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit.


Which Properties Are Eligible?

The Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit may be applied to primary residences, including: single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and co-ops.


How Much Is Available?

The maximum allowable credit for first-time home buyers is $8,000.

The maximum allowable credit for current homeowners is $6,500.


How is a Buyer's Credit Amount Determined?

Each home buyer’s tax credit is determined by two additional factors:
1. The price of the home.
2. The buyer's income.

Price: Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, credit may only be awarded on homes purchased for $800,000 or less.


Buyer Income: Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, which is effective on November 7, 2009, single buyers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000—may receive the maximum tax credit.

These income limits have changed from the 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit limits. If you or your client purchased a home between January 1, 2009 and November 6, 2009, please see 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit.


If the Buyer(s)’ Income Exceeds These Limits, Can He/She Still Get a Credit?

Yes, some buyers may still be eligible for the credit. The credit decreases for buyers who earn between $125,000 and $145,000 for single buyers and between $225,000 and $245,000 for home buyers filing jointly. The amount of the tax credit decreases as his/her income approaches the maximum limit. Home buyers earning more than the maximum qualifying income—over $145,000 for singles and over $245,000 for couples are not eligible for the credit.

Can a Buyer Still Qualify If He/She Closes After April 30, 2010?

Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, as long as a written binding contract to purchase is in effect on April 30, 2010, the purchaser will have until July 1, 2010 to close.


Will the Tax Credit Need to Be Repaid?
No. The buyer does not need to repay the tax credit, if he/she occupies the home for three years or more. However, if the property is sold during this three-year period, the full amount credit will be recouped on the sale.

"Life itself is the proper binge." - Julia Child

Last night, I attended the Julia Soiree- a French dinner paying homage to all things Julia and benefiting the St. Louis Food Outreach. Chef Kelly Spencer, of The Social Affair, prepared a traditional French meal as the crowd mingled and enjoyed French wine and the Beurre (butter) Bar, featuring baguettes topped with butters infused with delicacies like gorgonzola, parsley and lemon, and a dark cocoa.

If you are unaware of the Food Outreach and the services they provide, it is the only St. Louis area organization whose SOLE mission is to provide nutritional support and enhance the quality of the life of men, women and children living with life-threatening diseases such as HIV/AIDS or Cancer. Founded in 1988, Food Outreach is proud to have served 3,500,000 meals to 10,000+ clients in its 21-year history. Over 600 volunteers and an impassioned staff of 10 full-time employees and 2 part-time employees cook, pack and distribute over 410,000 meals annually.

Food Outreach is an AMAZING local cause and it’s super easy to get involved. If willing to roll up your sleeves, there are several volunteer opportunities at the facility. In not, they also have SEVERAL phenomenal fundraisers per year like a trivia night, Tasteful Affair, and Is There a Doctor In The House. They are a wonderful time for an even better cause.

All Aboard...

The Gardenland Express, one of St. Louis’s most beloved holiday traditions, is back up and running at the Missouri Botanical Gardens through January 3, 2010. Locals who have never witnessed the Gardenland Express before often don't think of going to the MOBOT in the winter. That being said, there is an entire calender full of fun and festive winter events!

This particular flower and train show is one not to be missed...




The following price includes Regular Garden Admission

Adult admission (ages 13 and up): $13
St. Louis City / County residents: $9
Children (ages 3 to 12): $5

Garden members : Free
(Also free admission for members' children 3–12)


Dates and hours:

November 25–January 3, 2010
9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily ***

Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve
9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.

***Christmas Day: Closed