No More Chaos: Kitchen Storage

January 14th, 2011 · General

Published by HouseLogic.com with additional comment from Homescout Realty

Chaos in your kitchen? Regain composure with these strategies to banish stress-induced clutter and leave the space in an orderly fashion.

Keep it in order:

Rack attack: Store pots, everyday dishes, spices, and wine on racks that are freestanding, wall-hung, and ceiling-hung–and voila! Everything is in its own location, visible, and easily accessible!

Position the racks where they make sense: A pot rack above the cooktop; a dish rack close to the dishwasher for quick unloading; spices near the range or meal prep area; a wine rack near the wine glasses and dining table.

Shelf expression:
You can size an open shelf to fit anywhere you need it and paint or stain it to match your décor. Use shelves for storing such kitchen necessities as cookbooks, attractive dishware, oils and vinegars, and spices.

Home improvement centers have storage sections where you can hunt, but don’t overlook the office supply and bathroom sections for even more low-cost shelves.

Great divide:
Organize the contents of kitchen drawers and cabinets with wire or wood inserts. Drawer dividers keep utensils sorted and orderly. Vertical dividers inside cabinets create a spot for storing trays and cookie sheets. You’ll also find special inserts for storing knives and spices neatly inside drawers.

Elevated thinking: Wire stacking shelves have legs to elevate the storage surface. Set a stacking shelf on a countertop, existing shelf, or inside a cabinet to increase kitchen storage space. Use a stacking shelf for canned goods, dishware, spices, and more.

Hang ups:
Install pegs or hooks along a backsplash, inside cabinets, or anywhere on a kitchen wall to create a place for cups, hot pads, cooking utensils, keys, and recipe clips. Hooks are available that fit over doors or come equipped with magnets that adhere to any metal surface.

Basket case: Baskets come in a variety of materials to complement your décor, from natural woven grasses to canvas to colorful plastic bins. Set baskets on open shelves, inside cupboards, and on the kitchen counter to round up small items, such as napkin rings and bamboo skewers.

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Wine & Dine Underground

January 11th, 2011 · Chicago dining

Saturday evening I was graced with the pleasure of dining with great friends and great food. Di Sotto Enoteca, a newly opened restaurant focused entirely on drinks and appetizers. If you are familiar with Chicago than you are most likely aware of Francesca’s, this Italian favorite that resides above Di Sotto Enoteca at 200 E. Chestnut St.


If anything, this entrapment provides an intimate charm. Enclosed in a wine cellar confine and with the added rustic flare, you’ll feel satisfied instantly. There is an endless list of wines that will have you sipping on various reds and whites. Accompanied nicely with the wine is a decadent list of antipasti, bruschetta, cheeses, and salami.

The above photos tell the full story of my food selection. All were VERY tasty. The mozzarella antipasti with tomatoes, pesto, and toast. Followed by two bruschetta choices, one with ahi tuna and the other with portabella mushrooms and an underneath layer of cheese. The array of cheese and salami selections will mask the Italian flare. Only complaint would be that as a chosen dinner destination, a list of more substantial foods would have been appreciated. A dessert list would have also associated well in the dim lit setting and cave-like ambiance. With Saturday being their first Saturday appearance, I believe there are high hopes for this wine haven and would settle best as a destination for before dinner drinks or after.

Chin chin!

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Let it GO!

January 6th, 2011 · General

How much stuff can you actually hoard until it becomes too much? First week into 2011, let’s start off by getting organized. First things first. Get rid of what you do not use! You don’t have to throw it all away. But at least put away what you don’t for-see yourself utilizing in the next week/month/year.

Say good-bye to this & that:

Collectibles: What are you saving the for? Magazines, newspapers, and bills just lying around. All they are doing is taking up unnecessary space. Not to mention, it looks messy. Magazines and newspapers that have already been read, recycle them! Guests don’t care to read issues from a decade ago. If the magazine happens to be so newsworthy that it can’t be thrown away, insert it in a box. A hidden destination.

That just doesn’t look right: Open up your refrigerator and take a peak into your cabinets. I am positive you will come upon more foods than you’d expect that are no longer edible. Look at the dates on packages. Just because it has remained in wrapping, does not mean that it can stay around forever. Cuisine that is no longer edible and that has started to mold also creates gruesome odor. Dispose ASAP!

Decorations:
After a long holiday season, it is now over! There is no need to keep the Christmas lights streaming above the fireplace. Box it up, it will come out again in about 11 months. Same goes for all the holiday cards you’ve received and gifts that have been left out since the morning of December 25th. Keeping this stuff out creates clutter and continues to build up. Until Valentines Day, let’s keep the decorations to a minimum.

Half empty: Ok, so you tried the new dove shampoo, but didn’t like it. Therefore you’ve got your half empty dove shampoo in the shower as well as your full bottle of pantene pro v that you are now using. The dove isn’t going to get used just sitting there untouched. I know it’s hard throwing away what is half empty, but just do it!

For more on what items to get rid of, click here!

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Mr. Handy Man: Electrical Tools that are a Must

January 5th, 2011 · General

Published from HouseLogic.com with additional remarks from Homescout Realty

Become your own handy man and you will save yourself future expenses by fixing simple repairs. All you need is a toolbox with the equipment featured below.

Electrical tools fall into two categories: Test & Repair.

Test the power:

Electrical testers: Useful to determine if, where, and how much electricity is flowing–good and easy information to collect before you call an electrician.

Circuit tester: This plugs into an electrical outlet to test the presence of electricity, aka whether an outlet is “hot.” It’s a good tool to help you determine whether the lamp is broken or the outlet isn’t working. Make sure you test the tester on an outlet you know is hot, so you can trust its accuracy on others. Cost: $4.

Multimeter: One meter checks several electrical properties–AC or DC voltage, current, resistance–to help diagnose malfunctions. They’re digital or analog, and can test switches, batteries, and power sources. Cost: $15 digital; $10 analog.

Battery tester: Digital or analog meters are great for testing that drawer full of loose batteries. Cost depends on the types and sizes of batteries it tests. Cost: $15 for a household battery tester with an LCD display; $7 analog.

Repair the problem:

Linemen’s pliers: These pliers grip, twist, and cut heavy wire and cable; they also can do double-duty to hammer nails or wire staples. Cost: $30 for 9″ pliers.

Long nose (needle-nosed) pliers: These skinny and grooved pliers have snipping blades that reach into small places to snip and bend the end of wire. Cost: $20 for 5″ pliers.

Wire stripper: This plier-like tool cuts through and strips plastic or rubber insulation around cable and wire. Cost: $12 for a 6″ stripper.

Insulated screwdrivers: Flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers come with insulated tops that protect against electrical shocks up to 1,000 volts. Cost: $40 (2-piece set; 4″ Phillips and flat).

Electrical tape: This plastic vinyl, ultra-sticky tape covers and insulates wire. Cost: $4 (3/4-inch, 66 ft.)

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Prioritize Decorating

January 4th, 2011 · General

A new year, a new thought…prioritize your spending! I came across this article on tips to redecorate on a budget. As part of 2011, spruce of your living arrangement with these simplified yet economical ways.

Stray away from impulsive buys. Yes, we all come across items and think, “wow, that would look great above the mantel,” but these expenses add up! Know what you need and shop accordingly. Make a list and have an idea of how much you are looking to spend before you head into the aisle of various paintings.

Calculate. This is an essential task that must be done before you head into shopping mode. Look at your finances and make a note of what you are ABLE to spend. Don’t have yourself guessing as you are choosing between two different desk chairs. Know beforehand and be mathematically correct!

Creativity. Look around the house before peaking through the aisles. You may just happen to come across something that can be turned into something else. About to throw away those awful containers that have been hanging in your cabinets for years? Maybe they do have some unknown purpose that can be turned into a do it yourself project.

Don’t settle. A rug is an essential piece for a living room, but don’t just pick a rug because you need the warmth under your feet. Choose a rug that you LOVE. A rug that you will be happy with for years to come and that will match the arrangement of the room. Decorating takes time and does not come together over night.

Map it out. Create a blueprint on a piece of paper or in your mind as to how you’d like to fixate the room. Having ideas ahead of time is essential to piecing the room together appropriately and at a reasonable price.

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Beautiful Gold Coast Property!

January 3rd, 2011 · Hot Properties

$2450 beautiful 2 bedroom apartment in Gold Coast!

This amazing 2 bedroom apartment will make you feel right at home! It features an updated/renovated kitchen, hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, modern bathrooms, and has a balcony with a gorgeous view. The building also comes equipped with on-site laundry, sundeck, basketball court, and a convenience store. Hurry up and check it out for yourself!

For more information please call Homescout Realty at 312-377-4663 or email Carly at cgeer@homescoutrealty.com.

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South Loop HOT PROPERTY

December 30th, 2010 · Hot Properties

$1400 1 bedroom apartment in the South Loop!

Head south to the loop to embrace the beauty of this one bedroom apartment. Featuring granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, dishwasher, microwave, and hardwood floors. This great accommodation also comes with a washer/dryer in unit, gym facility, and a balcony. To make things better, cable or satellite is included. Hurry up and call today to find out more!

For more information please call Homescout Realty at 312-377-4663 or email Carly at cgeer@homescoutrealty.com.

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New Years: Do this…or that

December 29th, 2010 · General

What does New Years mean to you? A time of reflection. An opportunity to be nostalgic of the year passed. The ups and downs. 2010, the year I graduated college, moved to a new city, and started a new job. What about you?

Most believe that December 31st is a time to celebrate one year coming to an end and January 1st, a year of new beginnings. I’d say that’s pretty much how it goes. However, there are various strategies one takes embarking into the year of fresh beginnings.

1. PARTY. The big bash. The elaborate outfits. Sparkling mini dresses and dangling earrings. The “whatever goes” kind’ve evening. In Chicago there are endless celebratory events that help you mask this affair. Check out this site to launch the best Chicago picks, bars and restaurants! It is possible to watch your budget and to find hot spots in your neighborhood!

2. Cozy it up on the couch. Don’t be AT ALL ashamed of this option. This is actually the safe route, along with the smart route. Avoid the treacherous traffic and the unavailability of cabs. Plus, you’ll get to see the ball drop on the big screen and stay warm under Grandma’s knitted quilt she made you.

3. Play hostess. An excuse to stay in your living space. Bring the party your way. Have fun adding some festive cheer to the abode and derive some easy food recipes. Here are 5 easy pairings of appetizers and cocktails that should be shared with all your guests. Don’t do all the work, let the guests chip in and bring some additions to tie together the perfect evening.

4. Take it easy on the EVE. From experience, I believe that most people take in all the fun on December 31st and drift into lala land all through New Years day. That is just the traditional likelihood of what will happen. Make this year about the day. Gather up the crew to watch the football games and once again, surround yourself with a delightful feast. Every festive occasions got to include food, am I right?

Happy New Years from all of us at Homescout Realty, have a very special night and/or day with your family and friends! We hope to upgrade your lives as your begin your search for your home in 2011!

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River North HOT PROPERTY

December 28th, 2010 · Hot Properties

$2395 for a 2 bedroom – 2 bathroom in River North!!


This huge upgraded kitchen with hardwood floors should not be over looked! Featuring a washer/dryer in unit, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances. Parking is available and the city view is unreal! Hurry up to get a look into this amazing apartment!

For more information please call Homescout Realty at 312-377-4663 or email Carly at cgeer@homescoutrealty.com.

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Write it, Read it, Know it!

December 21st, 2010 · General

I’ve been blogging for a solid three months. Within that time, I’ve learned some valuable insights on how to keep people reading. Well, I hope people are reading…

Be in the KNOW. Brainstorming on what to write today? Read, there is ALWAYS something! To me what is most important is being up to date on what is going on in the world. New updates are being every second.

Sources. Reading just one source will have you isolated. It is crucial to branch out and scrutinize various sources to expand your perspective on issues. I believe that it is also valuable to read different newspapers and blogs to tap into different writing styles and topics. Set up google reader to easily browse through preferred blogs.

Words. Livin things up with alternative writing styles. Humor yourself one day and intellectualize yourself the next. Become familiar with thesaurus.com.

You are NOT writing for yourself. According to this article on how to maintain a successful blog, one of the tips suggests being respectful. We all have our own opinions. Maybe the food didn’t appeal to us, the article lacked content, or the real estate property was disastrous. Be cautious with words! There are readers viewing your work and you don’t want them to look down upon you because they believe your views are bias. Reveal the truth, but in a classy manner.

Images. Don’t judge a book by the cover. Yes, true but pictures are appealing to readers. When I come across an article with only words, I hit next. Hasn’t anyone heard of google images? That would be my go-to search engine.

For more blogging tips, check out this article relevant to real estate blogging. Continue creating excellent content and expanding your knowledge. Capture your audience and expand your SEO. Now, WRITE!

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