If you're re-doing your kitchen or bathroom, think about using glass tiles instead of ceramic ones. They're the new craze because of reflective qualities.
Avoid installing bowl-shape sinks that sit above-the-counter. They look pretty but have proved to be harder to maintain and keep clean.
Use engineered stone compound for kitchen counter tops. The material is less expensive than granite and is expected to be the trend this year.
Don't install too many glass cabinet doors in your kitchen. They look better in pictures than they do in real life and homeowners must keep their cabinets in perfect order or suffer your guests seeing whats in the cabinet.
Replace a wooden or chain-link fence with a wrought-iron one. Wrought-iron fences portray a look of luxury.
When repainting trim around your doors and window frames, go with bold and deep colors. Also, don't get rid of the trim around interior window openings -- it only looks cheap.
Avoid bamboo flooring. This flooring was popular when it first came out, but now users are saying it is easily dented and scratched. It is also more likely to warp due to weather and humidity.
If you're adding new construction, don't employ concrete blocks in exterior walls. They are not attractive and are more likely to leak moisture if not properly installed. [where: 55405]
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
The Good Realtor
Its frustrating when I'm on the MLS looking at listing and I see poor quality photos, mislabeled information or no information at all. How do sellers hire Realtors that don't treat their homes like their own. I guess it comes down to the old saying, " You get what you paid for". Agents who are quick to reduce their commission to get the listing must also be quick to provide poor service to the seller and their home. Which in turn means longer market time and less money received for their home. It just pains me to see this happening everyday when someone could just interview another agent and check out their credentials, other listings, call the agents past clients. etc.... Would you just hire any surgeon or would you talk to friends and family. Maybe even do some research to make sure your getting the right person for the job. People really need to take their time and walk into the home selling process and not run. [where: 55405]
Monday, August 27, 2007
Apple Orchards.
It’s that time of year when we gather up the family, friends and loved ones and head out to our favorite orchard for a day of festivities and fun. Here are some of the lovely orchards that surround the Minneapolis/St. Paul Metro area. ENJOY!!!!
Aamodt's Apple Farm
6428 Manning Ave N, Stillwater, MN
The mega-mall of local orchards--and it doesn't stop at apples.
Afton Apple Orchard
14421 90TH St S, Hastings, MN
A cornucopia of fruits awaits you.
Bob's Bluebird Orchard & Craft Barn
Fairlawn Ave & 260th St E, New Prague, MN
These folks leave the entertainment business to the others and focus the best apples.
Emma Krumbee's Orchard
501 E South St, Belle Plaine, MN
A sprawling mini-amusement park of apples, pumpkins and family fun.
Fireside Orchard & Gardens
1267 Woodley St E, Northfield, MN
The focus at this family-run operation is on warm service and cool, crisp apples.
Homestead Orchard
1080 County Rd 92, Maple Plain, MN
The focus is on fruit and gourds, although the tree climbing goats are strong .
competitors for your attention.
Minnetonka Orchards
6530 County Road 26, Mound, MN
Close to the Cities, this orchard is one of the most visited spots every autumn.
Minnesota Harvest Apple
8251 Old Hwy 169 Blvd, Jordan, MN
If you can't find the apple you like here, you simply don't like apples. Perhaps the
pumpkins will please you.
Pine Tree Apple Orchards
County Rd 17 & Hwy 52, Preston, MN
A magical setting in which to enjoy ripe, delicious fruit--or gain 5 pounds indulging in home made baked goods.
Aamodt's Apple Farm
6428 Manning Ave N, Stillwater, MN
The mega-mall of local orchards--and it doesn't stop at apples.
Afton Apple Orchard
14421 90TH St S, Hastings, MN
A cornucopia of fruits awaits you.
Bob's Bluebird Orchard & Craft Barn
Fairlawn Ave & 260th St E, New Prague, MN
These folks leave the entertainment business to the others and focus the best apples.
Emma Krumbee's Orchard
501 E South St, Belle Plaine, MN
A sprawling mini-amusement park of apples, pumpkins and family fun.
Fireside Orchard & Gardens
1267 Woodley St E, Northfield, MN
The focus at this family-run operation is on warm service and cool, crisp apples.
Homestead Orchard
1080 County Rd 92, Maple Plain, MN
The focus is on fruit and gourds, although the tree climbing goats are strong .
competitors for your attention.
Minnetonka Orchards
6530 County Road 26, Mound, MN
Close to the Cities, this orchard is one of the most visited spots every autumn.
Minnesota Harvest Apple
8251 Old Hwy 169 Blvd, Jordan, MN
If you can't find the apple you like here, you simply don't like apples. Perhaps the
pumpkins will please you.
Pine Tree Apple Orchards
County Rd 17 & Hwy 52, Preston, MN
A magical setting in which to enjoy ripe, delicious fruit--or gain 5 pounds indulging in home made baked goods.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Energy Efficiency Home Improvements.
Watching the home being built at the end of my street, on the corner of Washburn Ave N and Chestnut (area 7 of Bryn Mawr), it gave me the idea to send along these ideas to help us all live a little more efficiently.
• Check the insulation in your attic, ceilings, exterior and basement walls, floors, and crawlspaces to see if it meets the levels recommended for your geographical area. Remember, about one-third of air infiltrates your home through openings in your ceilings, walls, and floors. If your home is not adequately insulated, have additional insulation professionally installed. For more information, visit www.simplyinsulate.org.
• Install a programmable thermostat. The energy savings will offset the cost of a basic unit in less than a year. Programming your thermostat from 72 degrees to 65 degrees for eight hours a day while no one is home, or while everyone is tucked in bed, will cut your heating bill up to 10 percent.
• Insulate your hot water heater and hot water pipes to save energy and money.
• Insulate heating ducts and keep them in good repair to prevent heat loss. Your system can lose up to 60 percent of its warmed air before it reaches the register, if ducts are not properly insulated in unheated areas such as attics and crawlspaces.
• Cut your energy bills by up to 30 percent with Energy Star-labeled products. Look for the Energy Star label, the government’s symbol for energy efficiency, when replacing your heating and cooling systems – as well as appliances, lighting, windows, office equipment, and home electronics. Find retailers near you at www.energystar.gov.
• Install timers on lights inside your home to avoid coming home to a dark house on winter evenings. Motion detectors on exterior floodlights improve your home security while reducing energy costs.
• Use compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) in place of comparable incandescent bulbs to save about 50 percent on your lighting costs.CFLs use only one-fourth the energy and last up to 10 times longer.
• Install storm windows over single-pane windows or replace them with double-pane windows with low-emissive (low-e) coating. Low-e coating on the glass reflects heat back into the room during the winter months, reducing heat loss by 25 to 50 percent. Look for the Energy Star label to save even more. In cold climates, low-e windows can reduce your heating bills by 34 percent, compared to uncoated, single-pane windows. For more information, visit www.efficientwindows.org.
• A few carefully positioned trees around the house can cut as much as 25 percent off your household’s yearly energy consumption for heating and cooling. Just three strategically placed trees can save an average household between $100 and $250 in energy costs annually.
• Check the insulation in your attic, ceilings, exterior and basement walls, floors, and crawlspaces to see if it meets the levels recommended for your geographical area. Remember, about one-third of air infiltrates your home through openings in your ceilings, walls, and floors. If your home is not adequately insulated, have additional insulation professionally installed. For more information, visit www.simplyinsulate.org.
• Install a programmable thermostat. The energy savings will offset the cost of a basic unit in less than a year. Programming your thermostat from 72 degrees to 65 degrees for eight hours a day while no one is home, or while everyone is tucked in bed, will cut your heating bill up to 10 percent.
• Insulate your hot water heater and hot water pipes to save energy and money.
• Insulate heating ducts and keep them in good repair to prevent heat loss. Your system can lose up to 60 percent of its warmed air before it reaches the register, if ducts are not properly insulated in unheated areas such as attics and crawlspaces.
• Cut your energy bills by up to 30 percent with Energy Star-labeled products. Look for the Energy Star label, the government’s symbol for energy efficiency, when replacing your heating and cooling systems – as well as appliances, lighting, windows, office equipment, and home electronics. Find retailers near you at www.energystar.gov.
• Install timers on lights inside your home to avoid coming home to a dark house on winter evenings. Motion detectors on exterior floodlights improve your home security while reducing energy costs.
• Use compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) in place of comparable incandescent bulbs to save about 50 percent on your lighting costs.CFLs use only one-fourth the energy and last up to 10 times longer.
• Install storm windows over single-pane windows or replace them with double-pane windows with low-emissive (low-e) coating. Low-e coating on the glass reflects heat back into the room during the winter months, reducing heat loss by 25 to 50 percent. Look for the Energy Star label to save even more. In cold climates, low-e windows can reduce your heating bills by 34 percent, compared to uncoated, single-pane windows. For more information, visit www.efficientwindows.org.
• A few carefully positioned trees around the house can cut as much as 25 percent off your household’s yearly energy consumption for heating and cooling. Just three strategically placed trees can save an average household between $100 and $250 in energy costs annually.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Home for Sale on the University of Minnesota Campus.
Looking for a Home on the East Bank of the University of Minnesota Campus? This home is for you. Visit my website at www.alexanderboylan.edinarealty.com for a more detailed look at this home.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Updating your home? What To do. What not to do.
Thinking of adding value to your home? Make sure there is a return before you spend that hard earned equity. Email me and I will send you a Cost vs Value report for your area you live in.
Updates Home Sellers Must Do
Minor Bathroom Remodel
Siding Replacement
Minor Kitchen Remodel
Attic Bedroom
Updates To Avoid
Home Office
Upscale Master Suite Addition
Family Room Addition
Upscale Kitchen Remodel
Updates For A Tight Budget
Interior Paint
Flooring
Front Appearance
Light Fixtures
Updates Home Sellers Must Do
Minor Bathroom Remodel
Siding Replacement
Minor Kitchen Remodel
Attic Bedroom
Updates To Avoid
Home Office
Upscale Master Suite Addition
Family Room Addition
Upscale Kitchen Remodel
Updates For A Tight Budget
Interior Paint
Flooring
Front Appearance
Light Fixtures
Thursday, August 9, 2007
How to do Short Sales
There are many ways to lose a home but signing away ownership in a manner that destroys credit, embarrasses the family and strips an owner of dignity is one of the hardest. For owners who can no longer afford to keep mortgage payments current, there are alternatives to bankruptcy or foreclosure proceedings. One of those options is called a "short sale." When lenders agree to do a short sale in real estate, it means the lender is accepting less than the total amount due. Not all lenders will accept short sales or discounted payoffs, especially if it would make more financial sense to foreclose. If you are considering buying a short sale, there could be drawbacks. For your protection, I suggest that all borrowers Obtain legal advice from a competent real estate lawyer and Call an accountant to discuss tax ramifications.
As a real estate agent, I am not licensed as a lawyer nor a CPA and cannot advise on those consequences.
Be aware the I.R.S. will consider debt forgiveness as income, and there is no guarantee that a lender who accepts a short sale will not legally pursue a borrower for the difference between the amount owed and the amount paid. In some states, this amount is known as a deficiency. A lawyer can determine whether your loan qualifies for a deficiency judgment or claim.
Although all lenders have varying requirements and may demand that a borrower submit a wide array of documentation, the following steps will give you a pretty good idea of what to expect.
Call the Lender - You may need to make a half dozen phone calls before you find the person responsible for handling short sales. You do not want to talk to the "real estate short sale" or "work out" department, you want the supervisor's name, the name of the individual capable of making a decision.
Submit Letter of Authorization - Lenders typically do not want to disclose any of your personal information without written authorization to do so. If you are working with a real estate agent, closing agent, title company or lawyer, you will receive better cooperation if you write a letter to the lender giving the lender permission to talk with those specific interested parties about your loan.
The letter should include the following:
Property Address
Loan Reference Number
Your Name
The Date
Your Agent's Name & Contact Information
Preliminary Net Sheet - This is an estimated closing statement that shows the sales price you expect to receive and all the costs of sale, unpaid loan balances, outstanding payments due and late fees, including real estate commissions, if any. Your closing agent or lawyer should be able to prepare this for you if you do not know how to calculate any of these fees. If the bottom line shows cash to the seller, you will probably not need a short sale.
Hardship Letter - The sadder, the better. This statement of facts describes how you got into this financial bind and makes a plea to the lender to accept less than full payment. Lenders are not inhumane and can understand if you lost your job, were hospitalized or a truck ran over your entire family, but lenders are not particularly empathetic to situations involving dishonesty or criminal behavior.
Proof of Income and Assets - It is best to be truthful and honest about your financial situation and disclose assets. Lenders will want to know if you have savings accounts, money market accounts, stocks or bonds, negotiable instruments, cash or other real estate or anything of tangible value. Lender are not in the charity business and often require assurance that the debtor cannot pay back any of the debt that it is forgiving.
Copies of Bank Statements - If your bank statements reflect unaccountable deposits, large cash withdrawals or an unusual number of checks, it's probably a good idea to explain each of those line items to the lender. In addition, the lender might want you to account for each and every deposit so it can determine whether deposits will continue.
Comparative Market Analysis - Sometimes markets decline and property values fall. If this is part of the reason that you cannot sell your home for enough to pay off the lender, this fact should be substantiated for the lender through a comparative market analysis (CMA). Your real estate agent can prepare a CMA for you, which will show prices of similar homes
Active on the market
Pending sales
Solds from the past six months.
Purchase Agreement & Listing Agreement - When you reach an agreement to sell with a prospective purchaser, the lender will want a copy of the offer, along with a copy of your listing agreement. Be prepared for the lender to renegotiate commissions and to refuse to allow payment of certain items such as home protection plans or termite inspections.
Now if everything goes well, the lender will approve your short sale. As part of the negotiation, you might ask that the lender not report adverse credit to the credit reporting agencies, but realize that the lender is under no obligation to accommodate this request.
As a real estate agent, I am not licensed as a lawyer nor a CPA and cannot advise on those consequences.
Be aware the I.R.S. will consider debt forgiveness as income, and there is no guarantee that a lender who accepts a short sale will not legally pursue a borrower for the difference between the amount owed and the amount paid. In some states, this amount is known as a deficiency. A lawyer can determine whether your loan qualifies for a deficiency judgment or claim.
Although all lenders have varying requirements and may demand that a borrower submit a wide array of documentation, the following steps will give you a pretty good idea of what to expect.
Call the Lender - You may need to make a half dozen phone calls before you find the person responsible for handling short sales. You do not want to talk to the "real estate short sale" or "work out" department, you want the supervisor's name, the name of the individual capable of making a decision.
Submit Letter of Authorization - Lenders typically do not want to disclose any of your personal information without written authorization to do so. If you are working with a real estate agent, closing agent, title company or lawyer, you will receive better cooperation if you write a letter to the lender giving the lender permission to talk with those specific interested parties about your loan.
The letter should include the following:
Property Address
Loan Reference Number
Your Name
The Date
Your Agent's Name & Contact Information
Preliminary Net Sheet - This is an estimated closing statement that shows the sales price you expect to receive and all the costs of sale, unpaid loan balances, outstanding payments due and late fees, including real estate commissions, if any. Your closing agent or lawyer should be able to prepare this for you if you do not know how to calculate any of these fees. If the bottom line shows cash to the seller, you will probably not need a short sale.
Hardship Letter - The sadder, the better. This statement of facts describes how you got into this financial bind and makes a plea to the lender to accept less than full payment. Lenders are not inhumane and can understand if you lost your job, were hospitalized or a truck ran over your entire family, but lenders are not particularly empathetic to situations involving dishonesty or criminal behavior.
Proof of Income and Assets - It is best to be truthful and honest about your financial situation and disclose assets. Lenders will want to know if you have savings accounts, money market accounts, stocks or bonds, negotiable instruments, cash or other real estate or anything of tangible value. Lender are not in the charity business and often require assurance that the debtor cannot pay back any of the debt that it is forgiving.
Copies of Bank Statements - If your bank statements reflect unaccountable deposits, large cash withdrawals or an unusual number of checks, it's probably a good idea to explain each of those line items to the lender. In addition, the lender might want you to account for each and every deposit so it can determine whether deposits will continue.
Comparative Market Analysis - Sometimes markets decline and property values fall. If this is part of the reason that you cannot sell your home for enough to pay off the lender, this fact should be substantiated for the lender through a comparative market analysis (CMA). Your real estate agent can prepare a CMA for you, which will show prices of similar homes
Active on the market
Pending sales
Solds from the past six months.
Purchase Agreement & Listing Agreement - When you reach an agreement to sell with a prospective purchaser, the lender will want a copy of the offer, along with a copy of your listing agreement. Be prepared for the lender to renegotiate commissions and to refuse to allow payment of certain items such as home protection plans or termite inspections.
Now if everything goes well, the lender will approve your short sale. As part of the negotiation, you might ask that the lender not report adverse credit to the credit reporting agencies, but realize that the lender is under no obligation to accommodate this request.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Cottage Living in Bryn Mawr, Minneapolis
Bryn Mawr, Minneapolis, Minnesota
A historic wildflower garden thrives within this park-rich, urban setting.
Bryn Mawr has a lot going for it, but it's perhaps best known for its parks. Though only minutes from high-rise Minneapolis, the neighborhood boasts many places to step off the concrete: Bryn Mawr Meadows; Cedar Lake Park, a large parcel of land saved by citizens from development; a nature preserve along Bassett Creek; and the sprawling Theodore Wirth Park, laden with wooded hills and trails for biking, hiking, and cross-country skiing.
Combine that outdoor access with street after street of adorable homes and an active neighborhood association bent on maintaining Bryn Mawr's high quality of life and you've got a first-rate community. Because of its relatively large size—roughly 1,250 homes—Bryn Mawr "has the feel of a small town," says longtime resident Vida Ditter who works for the neighborhood association. The association delivers its monthly newsletter door to door, "and we’re small enough that you get to know folks."
Number of homes: 1,253
What $300,000 will buy you: a three-bedroom, two-bath home in good shape. It's not uncommon for the larger, updated homes to sell for $500,000.
Closest latte: Cuppa Java, on Penn Avenue
Homes:
The annual Doorways to Bryn Mawr calendar gives a glimpse of the community’s exciting architectural diversity: closeups of arched Hansel-and-Gretel entryways; classically inspired columned porticos; red doors, blue doors, and sparkling doors of leaded panes. Most homes were built on a scale intimate enough to be deemed cottage—1,500 to 1,800 square feet—but some are 2,500 square feet and larger.
People:
Though the population of Bryn Mawr is nearly 2,700, the feeling is as neighborly as areas much smaller. The local garden club hosts a tour every summer and the annual garage sale is one of the city’s biggest.
Shops and Hangouts:
There’s a thriving commercial district (adding to the small-town feel), where locals shop for everything from garden ornaments at Bloomsbury Market to wiper blades and walleye bait at Bryn Mawr Tire & Auto. A recent city project ripped up the sidewalk in the retail district and replaced it with concrete stamped to look like brick. Every winter, downtown businesses organize a winter festival called Saturnalia.
Greenspace:
In addition to the parks mentioned, there are at least four playgrounds for children, including one on Cedar Lake recently renovated by residents. Inside a few of the smaller pocket parks are arched copper signs that read “Welcome to Bryn Mawr.”
Cottage Twist:
Theodore Wirth Park is home to the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary, the oldest public wildflower garden in the nation. Many Bryn Mawr residents volunteer here. Woodland, swamp, and prairie areas treat visitors to native wildflowers, including bloodroot, wild ginger, and marsh marigolds in spring; lady slipper, asters, and blazing stars in summer; and big bluestem and other prairie grasses in fall. [where: 55405]
A historic wildflower garden thrives within this park-rich, urban setting.
Bryn Mawr has a lot going for it, but it's perhaps best known for its parks. Though only minutes from high-rise Minneapolis, the neighborhood boasts many places to step off the concrete: Bryn Mawr Meadows; Cedar Lake Park, a large parcel of land saved by citizens from development; a nature preserve along Bassett Creek; and the sprawling Theodore Wirth Park, laden with wooded hills and trails for biking, hiking, and cross-country skiing.
Combine that outdoor access with street after street of adorable homes and an active neighborhood association bent on maintaining Bryn Mawr's high quality of life and you've got a first-rate community. Because of its relatively large size—roughly 1,250 homes—Bryn Mawr "has the feel of a small town," says longtime resident Vida Ditter who works for the neighborhood association. The association delivers its monthly newsletter door to door, "and we’re small enough that you get to know folks."
Number of homes: 1,253
What $300,000 will buy you: a three-bedroom, two-bath home in good shape. It's not uncommon for the larger, updated homes to sell for $500,000.
Closest latte: Cuppa Java, on Penn Avenue
Homes:
The annual Doorways to Bryn Mawr calendar gives a glimpse of the community’s exciting architectural diversity: closeups of arched Hansel-and-Gretel entryways; classically inspired columned porticos; red doors, blue doors, and sparkling doors of leaded panes. Most homes were built on a scale intimate enough to be deemed cottage—1,500 to 1,800 square feet—but some are 2,500 square feet and larger.
People:
Though the population of Bryn Mawr is nearly 2,700, the feeling is as neighborly as areas much smaller. The local garden club hosts a tour every summer and the annual garage sale is one of the city’s biggest.
Shops and Hangouts:
There’s a thriving commercial district (adding to the small-town feel), where locals shop for everything from garden ornaments at Bloomsbury Market to wiper blades and walleye bait at Bryn Mawr Tire & Auto. A recent city project ripped up the sidewalk in the retail district and replaced it with concrete stamped to look like brick. Every winter, downtown businesses organize a winter festival called Saturnalia.
Greenspace:
In addition to the parks mentioned, there are at least four playgrounds for children, including one on Cedar Lake recently renovated by residents. Inside a few of the smaller pocket parks are arched copper signs that read “Welcome to Bryn Mawr.”
Cottage Twist:
Theodore Wirth Park is home to the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary, the oldest public wildflower garden in the nation. Many Bryn Mawr residents volunteer here. Woodland, swamp, and prairie areas treat visitors to native wildflowers, including bloodroot, wild ginger, and marsh marigolds in spring; lady slipper, asters, and blazing stars in summer; and big bluestem and other prairie grasses in fall. [where: 55405]
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
The condo market and new construction
Can you tell the quality of construction from one condo building to the next? Most condo buyers can't until they already bought and at that time its to late. There is a huge difference when your comparing condos. There is more to it that just looking at the finishes and the amenities. You have to educate yourself on the building structure itself, heating systems, cooling systems, windows, wall construction, the cost of updating the amenities over time, and there are many more small details you will need to know. That is why you should seek the advice of a realtor who has worked for developers and knows new construction. That is why you should call me and I would be more than happy to provide you with this invaluable advice. [where: 55405]
Monday, August 6, 2007
National Night Out 2007
Its America's night out against crime.
Tomorrow night,citizens, law enforcement agencies, community groups, businesses and localofficials in over 11,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories,Canadian cities and military bases worldwide will join forces to mark the"24th Annual National Night Out" (NNO) -- which is sponsored by theNational Association of Town Watch (NATW) -- in partnership with Target andthe U.S. Department of Justice. Nationally, over 35 million people areexpected to participate in "America's Night Out Against Crime" this year.
National Night Out is designed to:
(1) Heighten crime, drug and violence prevention awareness;
(2) Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs;
(3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships;
(4) Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
Tomorrow night,citizens, law enforcement agencies, community groups, businesses and localofficials in over 11,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories,Canadian cities and military bases worldwide will join forces to mark the"24th Annual National Night Out" (NNO) -- which is sponsored by theNational Association of Town Watch (NATW) -- in partnership with Target andthe U.S. Department of Justice. Nationally, over 35 million people areexpected to participate in "America's Night Out Against Crime" this year.
National Night Out is designed to:
(1) Heighten crime, drug and violence prevention awareness;
(2) Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs;
(3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships;
(4) Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
Friday, August 3, 2007
2007 Uptown Art Fair
The 2007 Uptown Art Fair is August 3-5
Friday, August 3rd 12 pm - 7:30 pm
Saturday, August 4th 10 am - 7:30 pm
Sunday, August 5th 10 am - 6 pm
Acts will be performing:
FRIDAY
1:00 pm – Acoustic Humanboy
2:00 pm – Ooh La Lounge
3:00 pm – Renaissance Belly Dancers
4:00 pm – Purgatory Creek
7:00 pm – City Collective
SATURDAY
12:00 pm – Random Act
2:00 pm – Becky Dalton
4:00 pm – Jistory
7:00 pm – The Truth
SUNDAY
12:00 pm – Minneapolis Salsa Movement and SalSubZero
1:00 pm – Lundstrum Center for Performing Arts
2:00 pm – St. Paul City Ballet
3:00 pm – Renaissance Concept Bands (Pirate and Black Velvet)
Friday, August 3rd 12 pm - 7:30 pm
Saturday, August 4th 10 am - 7:30 pm
Sunday, August 5th 10 am - 6 pm
Acts will be performing:
FRIDAY
1:00 pm – Acoustic Humanboy
2:00 pm – Ooh La Lounge
3:00 pm – Renaissance Belly Dancers
4:00 pm – Purgatory Creek
7:00 pm – City Collective
SATURDAY
12:00 pm – Random Act
2:00 pm – Becky Dalton
4:00 pm – Jistory
7:00 pm – The Truth
SUNDAY
12:00 pm – Minneapolis Salsa Movement and SalSubZero
1:00 pm – Lundstrum Center for Performing Arts
2:00 pm – St. Paul City Ballet
3:00 pm – Renaissance Concept Bands (Pirate and Black Velvet)
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Great Dane Group Meet Up
Do you have a Great Dane? Would you like to meet others with Great Danes? Here is your chance. Every Saturday at 10am, The Great Dane Group gets together with thier beautiful dogs for a few hours of conversation, sharing stories and watching the running and playing of the Danes. If your interested in joining our group or would like to know where the next meet up is, please email me and I will be happy to add you to their email list. [where: 55405]
Mountain Biking in Theo Wirth Park
Theodore Wirth Park Mountain Biking - Minneapolis
Length: 3.4 miles singletrack, 4.36 miles total to ride both loops
Lap: 20-40 min Singlespeed Gear: 2:1 Toilet: Yes (3 locations)
Water: Yes (3 locations) Physically - Intermediate Technically - Intermediate
The Details
The trails are broken into 2 main areas; the loop of trails south of the railroad tracks and the loop of trails north of the railroad tracks. The trails run clockwise and are one-way, except for a few short two-way connector trails. Near the intersection of Highway 55 and Theo Wirth Parkway, just past the kiosk on the northwest corner, you will see dirt singletrack go into the woods on your left. This is the beginning of the MTB trails. About 30 feet down the trail you will see the trail split, GO LEFT. The trail to your right is where you will come out at the end of your ride. The trail starts with a traversing climb until it turns right and begins twisting through the woods between Highway 55 and the railroad tracks to the north. This trail will eventually bring you back to the paved bike path via a short section of two-way trail; take a left onto the bike path. Follow the paved path north, across the bridge over the railroad tracks, and you will see a gated service road on your left. Take this service road. You will eventually hit a "Y" in the service road; again GO LEFT - and watch for singletrack immediately on your left. This is another short section of 2-way trail that brings you to a "Y" in the singletrack. Once again… GO LEFT. This trail winds through the trees near the train tracks and eventually turns deeper into the woods to the north.
Throughout the singletrack you will cross the wide, woodchip ski/walking trail; as a general rule, the singletrack continues directly across the ski/walking trail. About 2/3 of your way through the north loop, you will hit another "Y" in the singletrack - it is marked A20 - take a right (this is the only "Y" at which you will take a right). The singletrack to the left is a short trail that connects to neighborhoods in Golden Valley. Eventually you will find yourself back at the "Y" where you started riding the north loop. You now have the choice of either riding this area again, or heading back down to the area south of the tracks. To get back to the trails south of the tracks, go out to the service road and follow it to the gate and the paved bike path. Take a right onto the paved path - this will take you back across the bridge over the railroad tracks. Keep an eye out for the two-way connector trail on your right. Follow the two-way trail until it splits, and again, GO LEFT.
This final section of trail brings you back to where you started, and ends in a winding downhill with three fast in-slope turns. A great ending to a great trail!The Theo Wirth trails have many short ups, downs, and quick turns. There aren't any long climbs or downhills at Theo, but it definitely isn't flat! Simply put, they are tight, curvy, rolling trails. There are also a few 'trail features' scattered throughout the trails, including small log piles, manmade rock gardens, in-slope turns, small jumps, and a short section of elevated trail ending with a small drop (made from old, abandoned curbs). Fun stuff! The Theo Wirth trails are multi-use trails, so you may see trail runners, dog walkers, and hikers along the gravel road, ski trail, and the singletrack. Ride responsibly, be friendly and courteous to other trail users, and don't ride on trails posted closed to bikes. Theo hasn't always been legal for mountain bikes - we need your help to KEEP THEO LEGAL!
Here is a brochure and map of the Theo Wirth Off-Road Cycling Trails:http://www.mocatrails.org/files/Brochure.pdf
For more details about the Theo Wirth Off-Road Cycling Demonstration Project, go to http://www.mocatrails.org/
Length: 3.4 miles singletrack, 4.36 miles total to ride both loops
Lap: 20-40 min Singlespeed Gear: 2:1 Toilet: Yes (3 locations)
Water: Yes (3 locations) Physically - Intermediate Technically - Intermediate
The Details
The trails are broken into 2 main areas; the loop of trails south of the railroad tracks and the loop of trails north of the railroad tracks. The trails run clockwise and are one-way, except for a few short two-way connector trails. Near the intersection of Highway 55 and Theo Wirth Parkway, just past the kiosk on the northwest corner, you will see dirt singletrack go into the woods on your left. This is the beginning of the MTB trails. About 30 feet down the trail you will see the trail split, GO LEFT. The trail to your right is where you will come out at the end of your ride. The trail starts with a traversing climb until it turns right and begins twisting through the woods between Highway 55 and the railroad tracks to the north. This trail will eventually bring you back to the paved bike path via a short section of two-way trail; take a left onto the bike path. Follow the paved path north, across the bridge over the railroad tracks, and you will see a gated service road on your left. Take this service road. You will eventually hit a "Y" in the service road; again GO LEFT - and watch for singletrack immediately on your left. This is another short section of 2-way trail that brings you to a "Y" in the singletrack. Once again… GO LEFT. This trail winds through the trees near the train tracks and eventually turns deeper into the woods to the north.
Throughout the singletrack you will cross the wide, woodchip ski/walking trail; as a general rule, the singletrack continues directly across the ski/walking trail. About 2/3 of your way through the north loop, you will hit another "Y" in the singletrack - it is marked A20 - take a right (this is the only "Y" at which you will take a right). The singletrack to the left is a short trail that connects to neighborhoods in Golden Valley. Eventually you will find yourself back at the "Y" where you started riding the north loop. You now have the choice of either riding this area again, or heading back down to the area south of the tracks. To get back to the trails south of the tracks, go out to the service road and follow it to the gate and the paved bike path. Take a right onto the paved path - this will take you back across the bridge over the railroad tracks. Keep an eye out for the two-way connector trail on your right. Follow the two-way trail until it splits, and again, GO LEFT.
This final section of trail brings you back to where you started, and ends in a winding downhill with three fast in-slope turns. A great ending to a great trail!The Theo Wirth trails have many short ups, downs, and quick turns. There aren't any long climbs or downhills at Theo, but it definitely isn't flat! Simply put, they are tight, curvy, rolling trails. There are also a few 'trail features' scattered throughout the trails, including small log piles, manmade rock gardens, in-slope turns, small jumps, and a short section of elevated trail ending with a small drop (made from old, abandoned curbs). Fun stuff! The Theo Wirth trails are multi-use trails, so you may see trail runners, dog walkers, and hikers along the gravel road, ski trail, and the singletrack. Ride responsibly, be friendly and courteous to other trail users, and don't ride on trails posted closed to bikes. Theo hasn't always been legal for mountain bikes - we need your help to KEEP THEO LEGAL!
Here is a brochure and map of the Theo Wirth Off-Road Cycling Trails:http://www.mocatrails.org/files/Brochure.pdf
For more details about the Theo Wirth Off-Road Cycling Demonstration Project, go to http://www.mocatrails.org/
Minneapolis Farmers Market
A Long History Serving the Twin Cities
At the Minneapolis Farmers Market, we take great pride in our longstanding history. Since our Lyndale Market opened back in 1937, weve been a source for fresh produce and products for people all over the Twin Cities area. Our roots in the Twin Cities actually run even deeper and longer. Minneapolis outdoor Fruit and Vegetable Market “ the precursor of todays Market“ opened in 1876 at the corner of First Street and Hennepin Avenue. It was one of the few sources of fresh produce in the area at the time. The market drew customers and vendors from up to 20 miles away and thats no quick trip when you are traveling by horse and cart.
While the first market closed in 1891, a second one opened at Third Avenue North and Sixth and Seventh Streets, drawing over 400 vendors from as far away as 60 miles. Thanks to those vendors and investors who funded nearby produce warehouses and wholesale outlets, Minneapolis grew to be one of the top fruit distribution centers in the United States in the early 1900s. By the early 1930s, the Third Avenue market had outgrown its location. And in 1937, our current Market opened at Lyndale and Glenwood Avenue North, marked by the three signature red sheds that still cover our Market.Today, we support about 240 vendors who alternate the use of our 170 stalls. And since outgrowing our downtown location over 80 years ago, weve added the Nicollet Mall Market, bringing us back to where it all began.
At the Minneapolis Farmers Market, we take great pride in our longstanding history. Since our Lyndale Market opened back in 1937, weve been a source for fresh produce and products for people all over the Twin Cities area. Our roots in the Twin Cities actually run even deeper and longer. Minneapolis outdoor Fruit and Vegetable Market “ the precursor of todays Market“ opened in 1876 at the corner of First Street and Hennepin Avenue. It was one of the few sources of fresh produce in the area at the time. The market drew customers and vendors from up to 20 miles away and thats no quick trip when you are traveling by horse and cart.
While the first market closed in 1891, a second one opened at Third Avenue North and Sixth and Seventh Streets, drawing over 400 vendors from as far away as 60 miles. Thanks to those vendors and investors who funded nearby produce warehouses and wholesale outlets, Minneapolis grew to be one of the top fruit distribution centers in the United States in the early 1900s. By the early 1930s, the Third Avenue market had outgrown its location. And in 1937, our current Market opened at Lyndale and Glenwood Avenue North, marked by the three signature red sheds that still cover our Market.Today, we support about 240 vendors who alternate the use of our 170 stalls. And since outgrowing our downtown location over 80 years ago, weve added the Nicollet Mall Market, bringing us back to where it all began.
Come home to Bryn Mawr
Bryn Mawr is a wonderful place to live. Most of the people who live here agree on this. Recognition of Bryn Mawr as one of the most livable places in the metropolitan area pleases but does not surprise Bryn Mawr residents.
Bryn Mawr is a thriving south side Minneapolis neighborhood located directly west of Downtown. A part of the Cedar-Lake-Isles Planning district, it is in the northwestern corner of the 7th Ward. Bryn Mawr was developed from farmland beginning in the mid-1800's when it was promoted as a "garden suburb" or "amenity zone," because of its proximity to the lakes and an abundance of green space. Pocketed roughly between Kenwood, Cedar Lake, Wirth Park, Bassett Creek, and Bryn Mawr Meadows, the neighborhood is characterized by its long-time stability and its quietude. It remains surrounded by over 650 acres of parks, lakes, and trails, and retains much of its original small town charm, while having very good access to some of the best urban and natural features of Minneapolis and the nearby suburbs.
Bryn Mawr is the northwestern anchor to the Minneapolis' beautiful chain of lakes, yet it is just minutes from shopping and business centers; a number of important historic sites; a wide variety of cultural and entertainment venues; two major sports facilities; and several colleges and universities. A diversity of building styles reflects Bryn Mawr's history, from Victorian to tudors, colonials, bungalows, ramblers, and comtemporaries.
Bryn Mawr is a stable and desirable neighborhood, with a low crime rate and a percentage of active voters that exceeds that of both Minneapolis and Ward 7 by several points. Its residents have moderately high levels of education and income.
Bryn Mawr is a thriving south side Minneapolis neighborhood located directly west of Downtown. A part of the Cedar-Lake-Isles Planning district, it is in the northwestern corner of the 7th Ward. Bryn Mawr was developed from farmland beginning in the mid-1800's when it was promoted as a "garden suburb" or "amenity zone," because of its proximity to the lakes and an abundance of green space. Pocketed roughly between Kenwood, Cedar Lake, Wirth Park, Bassett Creek, and Bryn Mawr Meadows, the neighborhood is characterized by its long-time stability and its quietude. It remains surrounded by over 650 acres of parks, lakes, and trails, and retains much of its original small town charm, while having very good access to some of the best urban and natural features of Minneapolis and the nearby suburbs.
Bryn Mawr is the northwestern anchor to the Minneapolis' beautiful chain of lakes, yet it is just minutes from shopping and business centers; a number of important historic sites; a wide variety of cultural and entertainment venues; two major sports facilities; and several colleges and universities. A diversity of building styles reflects Bryn Mawr's history, from Victorian to tudors, colonials, bungalows, ramblers, and comtemporaries.
Bryn Mawr is a stable and desirable neighborhood, with a low crime rate and a percentage of active voters that exceeds that of both Minneapolis and Ward 7 by several points. Its residents have moderately high levels of education and income.
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