Basic tips for good lighting Most people do not think about lighting when they start decorating their apartment. They spend all their time poring over paint charts and magazines but it is actually the light that shows off a space to it full advantage. Good lighting will make your home feel spacious, clean and welcoming. Natural light, electric light and color are all connected. When decorating your apartment these are all things you should think of and coordinate before starting your project. If your windows are small you could use light blinds or muslin drapes instead of curtains. This will allow the natural light to come through without any interruptions.
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Cranberry Spinach Salad
INGREDIENTS · 1 tablespoon butter · 3/4 cup almonds, blanched and slivered · 1 pound spinach, rinsed and torn into bite-size pieces · 1 cup dried cranberries · 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds · 1 tablespoon poppy seeds · 1/2 cup white sugar · 2 teaspoons minced onion · 1/4 teaspoon paprika · 1/4 cup white wine vinegar · 1/4 cup cider vinegar 1/2 cup vegetable oil DIRECTIONS 1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Cook and stir almonds in butter until lightly toasted. Remove from heat, and let cool. 2. In a large bowl, combine the spinach with the toasted almonds and cranberries. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sugar, onion, paprika, white wine vinegar, cider vinegar, and vegetable oil. Toss with spinach just before serving. |
Farmer's Markets
According to "Broker's Weekly," a recent survey among New York's Real Estate Brokers unanimously declared the Union Square Farmers' Market the best in the city. From wonderful produce at Paffenroth Gardens and Sycamore Farms, to baked goods that excite the senses; this is a New York experience that is not to be missed. The Farmers' market takes place on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8AM to 6PM; and has vendors selling fresh produce, homemade preserves, fresh apple cider, floral arrangements, baked goods, and more. The best part is that the Farmers' market is surrounded by the vibrant Union Square neighborhood with Union Square Café, the Coffee Shop, ABC Carpet & Home, Trader Joe's, and enough shops to make it a great destination for an entire day trip. |
Why Buy Now?
* Interest rates remain at historic low levels. * Conforming loan limit has been increased. * First-time home buyer tax credit. * Tax deductibility of real estate taxes and interest. * Capital gains tax deduction. * Prices have come down. * There are sellers who MUST sell, and there are bargains. * There is a huge inventory, more choices for buyers. * It may be cheaper to buy than rent. Stop paying someone else's mortgage. * Cash is king. Buyers with cash are gold. * Make low offers. There is no shame. * Sellers will agree to more contingencies. * Beat the herd; this won't last. * Real estate is still an excellent long-term investment. * Better than stocks? * Monthly payments increase equity, like an automatic savings account. * Good time to trade up. * Invest in real estate and diversify your portfolio. * New York City is better than it's ever been! |
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Greetings!
So, the summer is drawing to a close, and you're wondering "what's next?" As the city comes back to life, there's plenty to do. The first street fair after Labor Day is the famous Festival of San Gennaro in Little Italy. They're all a good excuse to enjoy the weather, and people watch; so put on that sun block and join in!
Sincerely,
Louis Snitkin
Bellmarc Realty
681 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10022
(212) 688-8530 x294
(914) 589-2394 Cell
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September Street Fairs
Thursday, September 10 through Sunday, September 20 San Gennaro Festival The Feast of San Gennaro is one of New York's most famous and well-loved street festivals. Held every September in Little Italy, the Feast of San Gennaro offers great food, entertainment, and plenty of prime people-watching.
Where The Feast will take place along Mulberry Street, from Canal Street to Houston Street, on Grand Street between Mott and Baxter Street, and on Hester Street between Mott and Baxter Streets.
Things To Do The San Gennaro festival will feature four parades, more than 300 food and souvenir vendors, plenty of live musical entertainment, and even a cannoli-eating contest.
Saturday, September 12, 2009 Third Avenue Street Festival Third Avenue between 14th and 23rd Streets
Saturday, September 12, 2009 Eighth Avenue Street Festival 8th Avenue from 14th and 23rd Streets
Sunday, September 13, 2009 3rd AvenueStreet Fair 3rd Avenue between 66th and 86th Streets
Sunday, September 13, 2009 Stanton Street Summer Sundays Stanton Street between Allen and Ludlow Streets
Sunday, September 14, 2008 Tudor City Association Festival Lexington Avenue between 42nd and 57th Streets
Friday, September 18, 2009 Fulton Street Festival Fulton Street between Water and Gold Streets
Saturday, September 19, 2009 German-American Steuben Parade and Friendship Party (Noon start) Parade proceeds up Fifth Avenue from 63rd to 86th St., followed by an outdoor festival at Summer Stage in Central Park
Saturday, September 19, 2009 Village Center for Care Fair Bleecker Street between 7th Avenue South and 8th Avenue
Sunday, September 20, 2009 African American Day Parade 111th Street & Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard To 142nd Street
Sunday, September 20, 2009 West 47th-48th Street Block Association 8th Avenue between 47th and 57th Streets
Friday, September 25, 2009 Downtown Visiting Neighbors Festival Murray Street between Broadway and Church Street
Friday, September 25, 2009 N.Y.C. Police Museum Festival Old Slip between Water and South Streets
Saturday, September 26, 2009 Congress for Racial Equality Fest Broadway from Waverly Place to 14th Street
Saturday, September 26, 2009 Stone Street Oyster Fest (10AM-6PM) Stone Street between Hanover Square and Coenties Alley
Saturday, September 26, 2009 Stonewall Veteran's Association Greenwich Avenue between 6th and 7th Avenues
Sunday, September 27, 2009 Lexington Avenue Fall Festival Lexington Avenue from 34th to 42nd Streets
Sunday, September 27, 2009 Columbus Avenue Festival Columbus Avenue from 66th to 86th Streets
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Changing Priorities
Do you remember when the real-estate market was booming, all those years ago in the early 2000's? Back then it seemed that a new apartment tower was rising on every corner in Manhattan. I recently read a very interesting article that was written by Jhoanna Robeledo for New York Magazine. In it she commented on how the developers of these projects had to differentiate their buildings from the competition, and offset the "cookie cutter" feel of the apartments. They had to find a way to get potential buyers to look beyond standard kitchens and bathrooms, oak floors, and "city" windows. So, they added some "Glitz." These amenities included fabulous lobbies, wine cellars, pet spas, and other bells-and-whistles, so that they could advertise their developments as "unique living." She went on to say that the buyers joined in on the trend. Those with new "Wall Street" money, and others aspiring towards a Sex and the City life, were taken in by amenities like dedicated game rooms or full-service health clubs and spas. That desire for something fabulous and fresh has been replaced by a new focus on the livability of the apartment itself. People are no longer swayed as much by a brand-new kitchen with a granite countertop. The new "trend" places the focus on the fundamentals: location, square footage, closet space, and maintenance fees. She wrote, and I've experienced in the last few months, that buyers are far less quick to forgive sub par locations or odd layouts in sexy projects. "When the market was hot, they'd see amenities and cool configurations and respond to that." In the final walk-through, buyers would say, 'Oh, I didn't know there were only three closets." Apartment-hunters are no longer willing to be teased by what they thought was sexy. This is a value marketplace, and buyers want to get the most living space for their money. |
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