Giving Thanks

Every year as I sit at the Thanksgiving table with my family, we each take a turn to share the things for which we’re thankful. As my mind clicks away at the multitude of events I’m thankful for over the course of the year, I always return to the same thought – all the times we’ve gathered together at this table over the years. Then I consider how our homes can retain and reflect that memory of warmth and gratitude that are shared in it, and with each year create even more. And I realize what a special honor it is for me to participate in helping people find their home – their place to live out these special memories. 

I am so thankful to work with you, my valued clients. Thinking of you and wishing you a Thanksgiving full of family, friends and love.

All the best, Joan

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Holiday Decorating Goes Green!

With the holiday season making its debut this week, it’s an opportune time to talk about decorating your home for the holidays while it’s still on the market. It’s very tempting to consider taking your home off the market during the holidays. But, if you follow the following tips, you’ll find it’s a great time to sell since buyers are serious and inventory is at its lowest of the year.

When decorating the front yard and entryway, make sure to keep the inflatable Santas, religious icons and colored lights in storage this year. Instead, think green this year – your entryway should embody a simple and classic motif, and decorated only with natural elements such as pumpkins and cornstalks at Thanksgiving and fragrant evergreen wreathes and poinsettia groupings at Christmas. Some inspiration for this look can be found in magazines and catalogs such as Martha Stewart Living, Frontgate, Plow & Hearth, Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn.

Inside your home, the best way to create a lasting impression is by creating warmth – both literally and figuratively. During the winter months, a cold house can seem uninviting, so make sure to light your fireplace and set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature. Maximize holiday warmth by setting your formal dining room table for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, again using natural elements like gourds or pinecones and poinsettias as centerpieces to decorate. Make sure to scale down the size of the Christmas tree you choose this year, as large trees can make your rooms appear smaller and crowded. Holiday scents are a great way to create warmth, as long as they’re used in moderation – a good rule of thumb is one scent per floor of vanilla, apple, pine or another universally appealing aroma.

Another key to success is in giving the buyer the visual space to envision themselves living in the house. Limit visual “noise” by only decorating a few select rooms, like the living room, family room or dining room. It’s also a good idea to limit personalized decorations like stockings, pictures, ornaments and gifts. And most of all, make sure your decorations don’t obscure the great “sells” of your home – beautiful architectural features like arches, fireplaces and stained glass windows.

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Don’t Miss This Weekend’s Best Preview Opportunity

 

70 Apawamis Avenue, Rye

In case you missed this open house earlier in the month, please feel free to stop by this weekend to tour a wonderful listing – 70 Apawamis Avenue in Rye on Sunday, November 21th from 2-4pm. This charming, sun-filled Colonial is in a fantastic location – within walking distance of all schools, town and the beach. A total of 2200 square feet includes 5 bedrooms, 2 baths, living room with large fireplace, built-ins and glass paneled door leading to the sun room. The dining room is replete with a corner built-in, chair rails and eat in kitchen. The spacious master bedroom opens to a outside sun deck. This desirable corner property boasts a fenced-in rear yard and in ground sprinkler system. Lovely details and great location…a must see!

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Local Thanksgiving Events to Enjoy with Family

Friday – Saturday, November 19-20

Apawamis Club 2010 Twig Holiday Fair, 2 Club Road, Rye. The Twig of Westchester County will be holding its annual Holiday Fair on Friday, November 19th from 12 pm-8 pm and on Saturday, November 20th from 9 am- 5 pm at the newly renovated Apawamis Club.

Over 50 fabulous boutique vendors will be offering a wide variety of gifts, including jewelry, leather goods, children’s and women’s clothing, hostess gifts, men’s accessories and more. Friday evening have a ladies night out and enjoy a glass of wine while you shop.  Peruse the two-day Silent Auction, and take your chance at our multiple raffles.

All proceeds from this Twig event support local health care concerns.  Past grant recipients include Rye/Port Chester/Rye Brook EMS, Harrison EMS, Open Door and the Carver Center. Join us and enjoy this fun start to your holiday shopping while supporting a great cause! For further info click www.2010twigholidayfair.com

Sunday, November 21

Turkey Bowl and Public Skate, Playland Ice Casino, Playland Park, Playland Parkway, Rye. Test your bowling skills with a rubber turkey on the ice during the public skate session. 1:30-5pm. All ages. $9 adults. $6 children 12 and under.

Wednesday, November 24

Harrison Public Library Presents Thanksgiving Children’s Movie, 4-5:00pm. Intended for ages 4-11. Call for further info: (914) 835-0324.

 

Saturday, November 27

Rye Recreation’s 33rd Annual Turkey Run and Paws Walk-A-Thon, Rye Recreation Park. Check-in and on-site registration starts at 8:00am, 1 Mile Paws Walk-A-Thon starts at 9:00am, 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk (non-competitive) starts at 9:30am and 3.1 and 5.2 Mile Races start at 10:00am.

Download the registration form for the Turkey Run here: Turkey Run Reg 2010

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Exclusive 15% Discount for My Readers!

I’d like to share a great find  – recently I had the pleasure of browsing through a new store in Rye Brook called And Company. They’ve been in Norwalk, Connecticut for many years and are now making their local debut. Their offerings include women’s clothing and the loveliest handmade accessories for the home – perfect for holiday gifts and entertaining.

While shopping, I met the store owner, Hesham Elmished, who graciously offered an exclusive 15% discount to my clients and blog audience on anything in the store until Black Friday.  All you have to do is mention “Joan O’Meara’s blog discount” at the register to get the discount. Do yourself a favor and get ahead in your holiday shopping with this great offer – you’re sure to find something unique!

And Company is located at 122 South Ridge Street in Rye Brook.

Hours: Monday through Saturday 10am – 6pm (closes later on Thursdays), Sunday 12pm – 5pm. Phone: (914) 305-4029.

 

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Don’t Miss Sunday’s Must-See Preview Opportunity!

70 Apawamis Avenue, Rye

Coming up this weekend is the opportunity to preview a wonderful new listing – 70 Apawamis Avenue in Rye on Sunday, November 7th from 2-4pm.

This charming, sun-filled Colonial is in a fantastic location – within walking distance of all schools, town and the beach. A total of 2200 square feet includes 5 bedrooms, 2 baths, living room with large fireplace, built-ins and glass paneled door leading to the sun room. The dining room is replete with a corner built-in, chair rails and eat in kitchen. The spacious master bedroom opens to a outside sun deck. This desirable corner property boasts a fenced-in rear yard and in ground sprinkler system.

Lovely details and great location…a must see!

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