Consider Giving the Gift of Herbs This Christmas

Herbs are always a welcome gift that will make good use of your stash of home grown or purchased herbs and spices. Try making batches of some of these herb blends to give away. Use decorative jars, and make your own printed labels:Chicken Herb BlendBouquet Garni Herbes De ProvenceBlackened SeasoningOld Bay SeasoningTaco SeasoningChinese Five SpicePickling SpiceCajun Blend

Sage is Good for More Than Stuffing

You may have been introduced to sage via your spice cabinet, but it was an herbal remedy long before it became popular for culinary use. Sage was a medicinal go-to herb for the ancient Greeks and Romans, and it's been used as an antibacterial agent and to promote soft tissue healing for centuries across Europe and in the U.S.

 Sage In Your Medicine Cabinet

Sage is a natural antiseptic and

Seed Catalogues

The weather has turned cold, grey and rainy with bouts of wet snow flurries, definitely not gardening weather. Walking to the mailbox isn't as enjoyable. The walk back to house was enjoyable Friday despite the nasty weather. I had the new Stokes catalogue safely tucked under my arm. Seed catalogues always bring a bit of sunshine on the dreary, cold days. I'll read through them, dog ear pages

Holiday Note from the Herb Gardener: If you are a lover of the environment, please consider going green this Christmas by sending e-cards, buying wrapping paper made from recycled stock, and conserving energy this holiday season. Teach a young person the value of being eco-conscious, and give a gift that will benefit all of us in the years to come.

~* The Bathroom Reveal *~

I've finally gotten around to where I am satisfied (for the time being) with my bathroom decorating. To the shelf I added an apothocary jar filled with decorative Gawri fruit (the jar is a recent thrift store find - as I told Lynda, I am obsessed with these jars!). I have no idea what Gawri fruit is, but I liked the looks of them. The rose picture was a thrift store find (I had changed the finish on the picture frame) and to the decorative glass bottle (another thrift store find) I added some pipberries.

The cupboard in it's new home!

Let's take a look inside!
Here's a pipberry candle ring that I am using as a wreath. I attached a doily to the back of it. I used an ornament hook stuck through the back of the doily to hang the pocket watch from it. Heidi was my inspiration for using the doilies...thank you, Heidi!

This is a picture of me as a little girl...I think I'm around four years old. This is one of my favorite pictures. I have a yellow polka dotted dress on.

This jar belonged to our dear "Granny". I used a rub on transfer to add the "K".

Here are a few old bottles that belonged to my dear Dad. Beside them is a birdhouse that was a thrift store find.

Thanks for taking a look!


As always, thank you so much for stopping by...I do appreciate each and every one of you! It's so nice to be able to share my home and "treasures" with you!

Sweet Woodruff is a Delicate Addition to Your Garden

Sweet Woodruff is a beautiful little herb with delicate leaves that grow in tight whorls. It makes an attractive groundcover, and has the reputation of being invasive, but it's shallow rooted so easily kept in check. It grows best in shade, but will tolerate a sunny spot if kept moist. It makes a nice presentation under a larger shrub like a hydrangea. It’s also a natural for your azalea bed.

CityofOceanShores.com Newsletter 11.2007

Ocean Shores Real Estate Update
October '07 versus October '06 in Ocean Shores
29 homes sold in October 2006 for an average sales price of $207,778 or $145 selling price per square foot versus 25 Homes sold in October 2007 for an average sales price of $204,818 or $152 selling price per square foot.
23 Lots sold in October 2006 for an average sales price of $50,217 versus 17 Lots sold in October 2007 for an average sales price of $35,929.
6 Condos sold in October 2006 for an average sales price of $151,575 or $137 selling price per square foot versus 2 Condos sold in October 2007 for an average sales price of $314,000 or $291 selling price per square foot.

Conclusion: In this one-month snap shot, sales are down, values are down and Ocean Shores, like most of the rest of the country, isn't exempt from the recent housing downturn. However, if you take a leisurely drive around Ocean Shores, you'll find over 100 new homes being built, over 700 new condos are being built, hundreds of lots are being cleared and new businesses are steadily opening in the downtown core. Additionally, the City has issued over 171 single family home building permits to date for 2007. That's three more than last year at this time and this year is on track to be the second highest year of permits issued on record. Clearly Ocean Shores is still in the early phase of it's development and even though sales are down, the market here hasn't lost much momentum at all.

Statistics not compiled or published by the NWMLS. Statistics are based upon data provided by the NWML and compiled by Jeff Daniel of Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties.

Seabrook Still on the Rise.
Once again, Seabrook continues to buck the slow down in housing due to strong fundamentals and is on pace to double sales in 2007 over 2006 numbers. Seabrook's incredible beach and breathtaking views are really the icing on the cake of a well designed town where the attention to detail is unlike anything in the Northwest. The limited supply of quality places like this within a short drive from Seattle is the cornerstone of Seabrook. Click "HERE" to see a Seabrook Home Listing.

Hogan's Corner Resort?
A Hogan's Corner resort that would feature a golf course, a hotel with an indoor water park and a condominium complex was given preliminary approval by the Grays Harbor County Commissioners recently. No the developers are in the process of finding a buyer for the $12.75 million dollars project just outside of Ocean Shores. The Planned Unit Development envisions in addition to the golf course, hotel, water park and condos, a residential component that could accommodate as many as 504 residences. Some 50,000 square feet of commercial space is also planned on the 542 acres available for this project.

Upcoming Events
* Winter Fanta-Sea Craft Show - Nov 23-25
Over 70 arts and crafts booths feature thousands of unique handmade items just in time for the holidays at the Convention Center.
* Festival of Trees - Dec 3
Each year, local families, businesses & organizations decorate trees at the Ocean Shores Shilo Inn. Proceeds will benefit the Ocean Shores Food bank and the North Beach Senior Center.
* North Beach Singers Christmas Cantata - Dec 7-8
The North Beach Singers present Yuletide favorites to bring in the holiday season at the Convention Center. Admission is free.
* One Beach of a Sale - Jan 12th
The Ocean Shores Chamber of Commerce is planning a brand new city-wide clearance and garage sale at the Convention Center that'll last all day. Shoppers will be searching out new and quality used items from residents and local antique dealers. In addition, there will be a bus available to take shoppers all around downtown for free. To request a booth, contact the Chamber at 360.289.2451. Space is limited to 60 booths.
* Antique & Collectible Show - Feb 9-10
6th annual Antique & Collectible show offers seminars, expert evaluation and over 80 booths at the Convention Center. Huge event!

News
* Election Results
Voters in Ocean Shores recently decided to reorganize under a new form of government. The new strong mayor form of government also means that the city will eventually add two council members. The current council will likely approve a resolution calling for a special primary election in March, followed by a General Election in April electing a new full-time mayor. It appears City Manager Rich McEachin would keep his job until a new mayor is elected. At that point, the City Manager position will likely no longer exist.
* City Manager Puts His House on the Market.
I guess you could put this into the above news brief, but city manager Rich McEachin put his house on the market this past week. I guess this is a sign he won't be running for mayor next spring...

* Second Razor Clam Dig of the Season is Near.
The second razor clam dig of the fall season will open Friday on evening tides at four beaches. Evening digs are scheduled at Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Copalis and Mocrocks on Friday and Saturday. Twin Harbors will stay open Sunday and Monday. Dan Ayres, coastal shellfish manager for the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, said he expects plenty of diggers to hit the beaches this weekend. "Holidays are a popular time for people to go clam digging," he said. "We do expect a larger crowd than might normally come out in November. And the weather report is looking favorable, so that will also mean more diggers." The next dig is scheduled for Friday, December 21st & Saturday, December 22nd.
* New Grocery Store Moves Forward in Ocean Shores
Sources tell me that the current ownership of the IGA has exercised their option to build a new grocery store in the downtown area bumping up against the Post Office, bordered by the liquor store and Alec's Restaurant. The new location is not fare from where the current IGA sits. The new building will more than double the total square footage from 18,000 sq ft to 40,000 sq ft which will provide many opportunities for growth and expanded areas in the meat, produce and deli departments as well as a in-store bank and the possibility of a new pharmacy. The store is currently waiting for an anticipated start date. Construction should take approximately 8 months.
* City Approves new Fire Station
The city council approved an $8 million, 25-year loan to finance the construction of a new fire station in Ocean Shores. The new building will be built on the Point Brown Avenue site next to the police station.
* Possible Shipwreck washes up in Ocean Shores
A mystery has washed up on the beaches of Ocean Shores - a possible shipwreck. Ocean Shores' Museum and Interpretive Center will take over the find, protect it, and try and find out just what ship the piece came from. The Museum's director says he'll consult with marine historians and naval architects. Historic drawings and how the piece was put together should be able to narrow down the time frame as to just how old this ship is, if it is in fact, a ship.
* Blog Crazy
I like blogs. They're easy to make. Here's a few of mine. Check them out sometime by clicking on the title below:
My Kayak Surfing Blog
My Ocean Shores Real Estate Blog
My Active Rain Blog
My Windows Spaces Blog

Did You Know
* Tourism Fact
Ocean Shores is the second most visited destination in Washington State? Boasting miles and miles of beaches, a golf course, casino, 23 miles of freshwater to explore and a marina, Ocean Shores is truly one of Washington's best getaways. Over 4 million people visit every year.

http://cityofoceanshores.com/default.htm has been updated and includes all of 2008's official events.

Check it out!

Jeff Daniel

Designated Broker
Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties749 Point Brown Ave NW, Ocean Shores, WA 985691.

360.581.9020 (cell) - 1.888.469.3100 (toll free)

PROPERTY SEARCH: http://homepages.com/JeffDaniel/AgentHome.aspx
OCEAN SHORES INFO: http://www.cityofoceanshores.com/
AGENT INFO: http://www.coldwellbanker.com/for/jeffdaniel

BLOG: http://oceanshoresrealestate.blogspot.com/
BLOG: http://activerain.com/jeffgdaniel
BLOG: http://cityofoceanshores.spaces.live.com/

~* My Roasting Pan *~

I hope all of my American friends had a wonderful Thanksgiving. My dh, dd, and I spent a quiet day at home. We had a nice meal, watched a funny movie, had a nice visit with our dear friends, Mark and Josie, and finished the night up by watching Christmas videos from when our dd was young. It was a good day...there is always so much to be thankful for!

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I wanted to share this picture of my roasting pan with you. This roaster was used by my dear Gram, my dear Mom and now by me. I hope to one day pass it on to my dd. This pan has seen many turkeys. I have a lot of wonderful memories that are associated with this pan...I will always hold them dear to my heart!

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As always, dear friends, I'm thankful for each one of you who take the time to visit me and leave me such sweet comments! Have a great weekend.

Natural Pain Relief From White Willow Bark

Willow bark has been used as a medicinal herb for thousands of years and has chemical properties that are being tested for their immune boosting, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pain reducing capabilities. It is widely known as the aspirin herb, because it contains salicin, an aspirin like chemical.The use of willow bark for the treatment of pain and inflammation has been traced back to 400

Grow Aloe Vera and Have Its Healing Properties at Your Fingertips

I just brought my aloe vera plants indoors for the winter. I bring them in before the first frost and leave them in a westerly facing window until spring. I only water two to three times during winter, and put them back out again at the end of April. I've been doing this for about the last eight years.Uses for Aloe VeraSure, we all know about how great aloe vera is for healing and reducing the

~* From Me To You *~

Wishing you and your families a very blessed Thanksgiving!

The "Be Thankful" figurine was a gift to me from my friend, Trish! Thank you very much...I just love it!

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Thank you so much, dear friends, for all of your sweet comments on my picture frame project. I've decided to hang the picture in the kitchen. Also, please be patient for the pictures of my bathroom. Although the cupboard and shelf are hung, it's proving to be a slow process getting them decorated...hopefully they'll be done to my liking soon!

Get Natural Relief From a Cold or the Flu

‘Tis the season to sniff and cough, and when the inevitable cold or flu comes calling, you are going to be looking for fast relief. Before you run to the pharmacy, check your kitchen cupboard for useful and inexpensive remedies.DecongestantInhale the steam from a strong cup of camomile tea to open nasal passages, and add lemon to beverages to take advantage of its antibacterial properties.Fresh

~* Picture Frame Project *~

I found two of these metal picture frames at our church bazaar for .25 cents. I just love the detail of them. However, there was blue paint in the nooks and crannies which I didn't love. I decided to coat them with black paint and then rub the paint off. This allowed the paint to fill up those nooks and crannies...just perfect in my eyes!

I have a bunch of old pictures that I scanned for another project. I took one of those pictures (a picture of my dh when he was a year old) and mounted it on a piece of black card stock and put it in the frame. Would you believe that dh is standing in the same kitchen of the home we live in right now?...now you know why "Home Is Where The Heart Is" for me!

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Thank you to Jo-Ann, Colleen, Julie, Meggie, Brenda, Kristen, Adrienne, Louise (my new friend who has a blog called "The Home Is Where The Heart Is"), Pattie, Esther, Robin, Heidi, Wendi, Penny, Deb, Terri and Bob, and Dena for your kind comments about my cupboard and shelf. I can tell you that they have been hung, but now I'm working on adding my treasures to them...this is proving to take a little time...stay tuned though...pictures will be taken as soon as I'm satisfied with the results.

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Julie, I'm not one to jump on the paint band wagon, so to speak, unless the finish is bad. The little cupboard with it's dark finish was bad...some things look good not painted but this wasn't one of them.

Pattie, I am definitely not a painting expert...I know that I do it the wrong way, but it works so I guess that's all that matters. I do not sand or prime the piece I'm working on. I do clean it thoroughly though and then start painting.

Heidi, the shelf was not a yard sale or thrift store find. I actually got this shelf a LONG time ago from a Home Interior party that I had at my home. I have an idea of some of the items for my cupboard, but it's not filled yet. I also do not decorate for Thanksgiving per say...I decorate for fall and that pretty much covers Halloween and Thanksgiving.

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Well, dear friends, it's time to end this post...there are several piles of laundry calling my name. Have a great weekend!

~* Bathroom Cupboard *~

My $4.00 yard sale find has finally been painted. I'm really looking forward to having it in the bathroom. DH promises that he will hang it this week.

Before:

After:

I also painted this shelf from Home Interiors. It was brown, but I thought it would work better being white. I'm also going to have dh hang it in the bathroom.

Thanks for taking a look!

~* Thank You *~

Dear friends, my heart is so deeply touched by all of your kind words of sympathy. I appreciate it so much!

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I hope to be back to blogging again soon. I have a few things to show all of you! My cupboard is finally finished and now I need to have my dh hang it up in our bathroom...stay tuned!

Image by: Country Luv'n Clipart

Former Allen Firefighter Accused of Attempted Prison Escape

Raymond Wingfield, 36, was found guilty by an Anderson County jury of two counts of aggravated assault on a public servant, one count of aggravated assault, and attempted escape. Mr. Wingfield, who claimed he was forced to participate in the escape attempt by another inmate, was sentenced Friday to two 40-year and two 25-year prison terms, to be served concurrently.

(Dallas News, Nov. 6, 2007) Full Story

~* When I Come Home To Heaven *~

When I come home to Heaven

How joyful it will be

For on that day at last

My risen Lord I'll see.

No greater happiness than

To see him face to face,

To see the Love in His eyes

And feel His warm embrace.

I've done nothing to deserve,

It was given freely through

The grace of Jesus' Love.

Then why should earthly cares

Weight down upon me so?

They'll be a distance memory

When home at last I go...

by: Beth Pluckwisch

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Thank you all for your kind words and prayers for my dh's "Granny". She went home to be with her Lord and Savior this morning and though our hearts are breaking we know that she is in a much better place!

~* A Prayer Request *~

I am asking for all of you dear blogging friends to please keep my husband's grandma, affectionately known as "Granny", in your prayers. She is 88 and has had a massive heart attack plus some other ailments. She is not doing very well at this time.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

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Graphic from Antique Clipart