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Decorating Your Christmas Tree: Tips for Reusing What You Have to Create a Memorable Tree

Whether you're decorating your first Christmas tree or your tree of many years needs a "sprucing" up, these ideas can help you have a beautiful, elegant tree by reusing what you already have!

To begin, the only real investment after the purchase of your tree will be the lights.  For the most elegant look, I suggest white lights.  White lights are classic, serene, and elegant.  If that's too dull for you, go for a single color.  For a more fun, casual look get the multi-colored.  I never recommend blinking lights inside the house.  Too busy!   

Now, for the free decorations!  You probably have the makings of some great ornaments around your home already-- you just didn't know it!  A lot of everyday items can be turned into ornaments-- you just need to see them in a new way.  Here's how!

•  Christmas Balls:  Old glass balls that are scratched, the wrong colors, or just look shabby can be reused.  Rinse them in a dish tub of soapy water and the color usually comes right off.  The glass is actually clear and the color is just a film over it.  Now you have clear glass balls that can be painted, glittered, covered in fabric, beads, and ribbon-anything you can think of.  Tip:  Use a thin paint brush to add glue to the inside of the ball and then sprinkle in glitter.  Or paint the inside with the paint of your choice.

•  Flowers:  Have an old wreath that has seen better days?  Any dried or silk flower arrangements you're done with?  Pull out the best flowers, fake fruit, and ribbons and use to decorate your tree!  Ribbon can be cut and made into several bows.  I have a friend who wanted a Victorian looking tree so we found faux roses, peonies, and hydrangeas around her home and used them on her tree.  It was beautiful!

•  Tiny Christmas Presents:  When I was young we decided to add a second tree for just us kids.  Since we couldn't afford to buy more ornaments we had to get very creative.  We took tiny jewelry and gift boxes and wrapped them with wrapping paper and yarn and then hung them on the tree.  They were adorable!  To this day we still use some of them!  Tip:  Use wrapping paper in solid colors or with very small print for the best effect.

•  Around the House:  Try looking at anything you come across in the house as a potential ornament.  Costume jewelry, tiny stuffed animals, seashells, copper cookie cutters, party favors, tiny toys, small pictures in frames, chandelier crystals, strands of pearls, tiny glass perfume bottles, small figurines, collections of small things such as spoons-- really, anything that can be tied with a ribbon and hung on the tree!  Start looking around! 

•  Memories:  My most important tip of all!  This tip requires planning ahead, but you should start now-- it will be well worth it!  Whenever my family travels we bring home a Christmas tree ornament from that place so that when we trim the tree, we remember our travels.  We also save party favors from weddings, showers, and other special events so we can add them to the tree.  We remember baby Grace's baby shower, Shirley and Patrick's wedding, Aunt Ida's 75th birthday, and many others.  We say a prayer for them as we add their ornaments to the tree.  Every year the tree becomes richer with memories.

 

By getting creative with what you have, you too can start making a memorable Christmas tree.  Through the years as we've collected more ornaments and memories, trimming the tree becomes more than just another holiday chore.  It becomes a walk down memory lane and along with that, gratitude for all we've been given.  Merry Christmas!

Michele Rose is a Realtor and Professional Home Stager in Burlington County, NJ.  She has been assisting both buyers and sellers with their real estate needs since 2004.  In 2007, she founded Rose-Colored Staging, a home staging and redesign business, to help sellers successfully market their homes with professional home staging.  She also stages listings for fellow agents, getting those listings sold!

   

 

Wine in New Jersey? The Valenzano Winefest Is Fun For Everyone!

From my Guest Blogger and sister, Lisa Rose:

My very first Winefest EVER!  Sure I've visited wineries, did the tour, checked out the grapes, sniffed the barrels, got my free wine glass, but Valenzano Winefest 2010 was so much more!



I chose my friend Keith to be my wine tasting buddy of the day.  We paid $12.00 entry as opposed to the $8.00 advanced ticket price because we both have a problem with commitment.  (Ok, not really!  But we both know that life has a way of happening and sometimes it just doesn't happen the way we expect it to:) So being the typical taking-no-chances-duo, we made our way to the tasting tables because we are also try-every-wine-in-front-of-us-people.  Free glass in hands, we were off!  (Keith's looking a bit angelic here. Don't let the clouds fool you.)

We went against all the rules!  Valenzano suggests tasting all the dry wines, then move into the semi-sweets, then sweets and fruit blends, then lastly the port.  We tried Red, White, and Blue Sangria which is a delightfully sweet blend of red cranberries, white cranberries, and blueberries.  (Very clever Valenzano;)  Of course the label is in red white and blue berries and corked with an American flag designed cork, I gravitated to the bottle like any Fourth of July "baby" would!  Delightfully sweet and oh so delicious and very affordable at $9.99.  For every bottle of Sangria sold, $1.00 is donated Operation Troop Aid.  (Better get extra!)

 

 
Blueberry Bubbly is a wonderful sparkling wine that made me want to buy a case for New Years Eve.  The Jersey Devil Port is one of my favorites and I adore the artwork of our very own New Jersey beast on the label.  I'm partial to the port when there's snow on the ground.  There is a perfect wine for every occasion isn't there?

Dry wines aren't as bad as I thought. We decided to live by the rules and do it right.  I tried the Vidal Blanc and really loved it!  A great dinner wine. I also tried the semi-sweet Pinelands Blush and learned it either has to be dry or sweet-- there's no in between for me.  Blueberry was very tasty, but not my absolute favorite because of a slightly tart aftertaste.  Let's just face it, I love sweet wine.

Valenzano did not forget the kids.  The children's section looked very entertaining for the little ones.  They had live children's music with sing-a-longs, pony rides, games, face painting and other activities by Studio Lulu.  The kids seemed to have a good time.

We really enjoyed music from Gas House Gorillas.  (At least we think that was them!)  It seemed like perfect wine tasting tunes.  We didn't hear South Southern Delta, but I liked their attire--all jazz and blues looking.  They had a car show and charities for various dogs.  This was truly a dog-friendly event and many people brought their dogs for the day.  They offered helicopter rides of the Pine Barrens for a fee--around $50.00 a person, discounted for two and Keith said, "Nuh-uh, no way."  Not in the flying mood Keith?  Maybe some other time.

 

You could even rent party tables/tents for the day and bring your own picnic and beverages (just no outside alcohol)
 

Food, Food, Glorious Food!  Vendors everywhere!  Italian, BBQ, Snacks and Fried Oreos?  Keith and I decided that was a heart attack waiting to happen.  I'm still curious.

"LUCY! I am not going to be the father of that cheese!" (Ricky Riccardo exclaimed in an old "I Love Lucy" when she tried to smuggle cheese and pretended it was a baby.)
Keith and I never found the cheese tasting.  We learned it was at the Pavilion on the opposite side of the field and we were hot and tired.  Bummer.  He promised me the Diner afterwards so I wouldn't start whining.
We cooled off a couple times by visiting the vendors under a huge tent.  Woodworkers, candles, body soaps and lotions, jewelry, toys, sports souvenirs, specialty foods including honey, sauces, spices, gourmet foods, painted glassware, handcrafted items, etc.  We ate honey sticks-- we each tried some kind of berry and it was yummy!  I tried some crab red sauce and thought it was delicious.  Also, I found the candle called "Fireside" for Keith to sniff.  I had smelled it at another festival last year.  No lie, it smells like your fireplace.  Neato! but, is that a smell I want?  We didn't buy it.

But, we each bought a bottle of Sangria to take home!  Wise purchase.

 

 

 

Michele Rose is a Realtor and Professional Home Stager in Burlington County, NJ.  She has been assisting both buyers and sellers with their real estate needs for the last 6 years.  In 2007, she founded Rose-Colored Staging, a professional home staging and redesign business, to help sellers successfully market their homes with professional home staging.

Harvest Festival and Fall Events Calendar 2010 For NJ

From my guest blogger, Lisa Rose

The best part of summer for me is when it ends.  Ok, so I've never handled the heat well.  My parents knew this and Dad, being the practical man that he was, would take Mom and us to the Philadelphia Zoo every year on the weekend after Labor Day weekend because it was usually cooler and less crowded than the summer season.  That zoo trip anniversary is today.  The zoo was not my first choice for today, 2010.  I had my hopes set on Burlington City.

Today, Sept. 11, was The Wood Street Fair in Burlington City and as always I missed it!  This makes 3 years of my Wood Street Fair knowledge all for nothing!  I quickly recuperated from Wood Street Fair Withdrawal when I realized that the temperature today reached 80 degrees-- my ideal temp is 70 and the Fall season has just begun!


Autumn is my favorite season and unlike any other season, I find it appeals to all of my senses-- the crisp leaves crunching under my feet as I walk the dogs, the smell of a fireplace, the taste of peach pie and hot apple cider.  I want to make homemade soup and I find I'm drawn to New England styled chowders and squash recipes.  Fall makes me want to burn candles and cuddle up in a blanket or sweater.  It's cozy.

To begin my Fall Festivities, I have decided to venture to Valenzano's Winery in Shamong next weekend on Sept. 18 and 19 for their Winefest with my friend Keith.  I discovered their fabulous Jersey Devil Port Wine at the Bordentown Cranberry Fest last year.  My sister, Michele Rose, a home stager, uses the Jersey Devil bottles in her business of staging homes.  The artwork is fabulous and hey, the Port isn't too bad either!  I supply her with her bottles :)
Can't make it to Shamong?  Go to Kirby's Mill in Medford for their Flea Market on Sept. 18.

This year, the Bordentown Cranberry Fest on Farnsworth Avenue is on Oct. 2 and 3. I love this festival and intend to go this year.  I wheeled Mom in her transport chair last year and found the crowds to be pleasant, the food and wine to be fabulous, and the vendors most professional.  This is definitely a family event with a separate street block entirely devoted to kids.  I'm so glad sis and I stumbled upon this festival years ago!


This year I am living close to Pemberton where the Pemberton Borough Fall Festival on Hanover Street is taking place on Sept. 25. Pemberton is a tiny town but with a few hotspots that you should know about.

If you go to the Fall Festival, don't bother going to Wawa or Burger King for lunch or snacks.  Make your way about a mile to Budd's KNP Farmers Market , 132 Vincentown Road, where they will give you some good home cooking and don't forget to try some ice cream or baked goods.

 The Grist Mill Antiques Center is a great way to spend some extra hours for browsing around.  Clark's Canoe Rental is excellent for the kids to spend a day on Rancocas Creek.  The Village Thrift is sponsored by The Christian Caring Center and brand new to "the boro."

Pemberton just isn't your scene?  Check out a community event, The Spirit of Chesterfield Festival in the Village of Crosswicks on Sept. 25. There's a 5K run, rummage sale, crafters, vendors, artisans, pony rides, baked goods, pumpkin weight guess, bands, chili cookoff, rummage sale, historic church tours, bands, book sale, antiques, cars, kids games, and more, more, more!

The Yorkshire Alliance East Union Street Yard Sale Burlington City is from 9am-3pm on Sept.26.  Eat lunch or dinner at Francesco's Italian Restaurant at 351 High Street.  I loved their shrimp and broccoli alfredo.  Park in the back and skip dessert because you'll want to walk up to Umms for ice cream.  The snickers chocolate is to die for with freshly made waffle cones.  Don't want to drive?  Hop on the Riverline.

Don't know what on earth to do with gourds other than carve and pop a candle inside?  Westampton at 2 Academy Drive is Bringing Vegetables To the Table: A Celebration of The Harvest on Sept 30 and Oct 1 for $3.00.  The focus is on vegetables grown locally in NJ and ways to prepare and enjoy the bounty of autumn vegetables.

Medford is an active community for Fall events.  On Oct. 2 Oktoberfest is celebrated from 4pm-8pm on Main Street in Medford.

Oct. 9 go toThe Annual Apple Festival at Kirby's Mill for crafts, vendors, baked goods, and homemade apple ice cream, then head over to Main Street Medford for The Scarecrow Contest and Harvest Festival and Concert!

For over age 16, Oct. 9 from 6pm-11pm is The Witches Ball in Downtown Mount Holly! Costume contests, live music, art, shopping in The Black Market, and find your future at The Gypsy Village.

Hear true tales of hauntings from members of South Jersey Ghost Research. Commemorate the evening with a portrait.  (Oct.31 is designated for the kids) Check out The Historic Prison sometime, but not for "Halloween at The Prison" mainly because they do not allow you in the building after a certain time and it is strictly an outdoor event. (I learned this tidbit last year.)

Oct. 16 is the Celtic Cafe Concert at 7pm at the Friends Meeting House on Union Street and on Oct. 30 at 7pm is the Halloween Parade on Main Street in Medford!

On Oct. 24, check out the Halloween Parade in Bordentown at 2pm and later on that day go on The Ghost Walk from 6pm - 9pm for $10. Take a ride around town afterwards and check out the decorations for the House Decorating Contest. Raindate is Oct.31.

In Burlington City, go on The Ghost Tour on Oct. 29 or Oct. 30 at 6pm.  The Halloween Hoopla is on Oct. 31 from 3pm-5pm.

On Nov.6 from 9am-4pm go to Saint Thomas Greek Orthodox Church for the
Holiday Craft and Vendor Sale in Cherry Hill.

Nov. 11 is the Veteran's Day Parade in Burlington City and Home For The Holidays is on Nov. 26 at 6pm.  I have no clue what that is, but I think I want to find out!

And in the in-between time? Check out Johnson's Corner Farm on 133 Church Road in Medford for pick-your-own everything! Hayrides are free, taking visitors to the fields for picking. Pay by weight of produce. Recently Johnson's was featured on CBS, The Morning Show.


Click here for Other New Jersey Festivals and have a fabulous Fall!

Michele Rose is a Realtor and Professional Home Stager in Burlington County, NJ.  She has been assisting both buyers and sellers with their real estate needs for the last 6 years.  In 2007, she founded Rose-Colored Staging, a professional home staging and redesign business, to help sellers successfully market their homes with professional home staging.

 

9/11 A Moment of Silence, Light A Candle

From my "Guest Blogger," my sister Lisa Rose:

This past year I went out with some friends and somehow 9/11 came up in conversation.  One friend's response went something like, "It's the past, so what? It's over."  I was shocked and mortified! (and oddly, speechless!)

It is in my make up, no, not just my make up but my entire being to never forget my history, our history, America's history.  Was I cut from a diffferent form?  Am I the odd one here?  History is how we got to the place we are today, including the events of 9/11.  Am I the only fool who gets choked up over the thought of our forefathers battling the harsh winter, breaking the ice to paddle up the Delaware River to Trenton to surprise attack the enemy troops?  America's history is what makes an American.  Watch the History Channel, "America: The Story of Us."  It's how we came to be.  9/11 made us who we are today.

The year after 9/11, the local radio stations and television news reported a scheduled Moment of Silence in memory of those who died because of 9/11, in honor of the brave men and women who fought to rescue and recover the victims, and in honor of the people who meticulously cleaned up Ground Zero.  I was on my way home from having bloodwork done and listened closely to the radio, preparing to "Stop Everything" as they said. "Park your car and take a Moment of Silence."  I pulled over into the shoulder and had my Moment of Silence as the radio waves went quiet.  I prayed and I cried.  I looked up to find that only one other car had pulled over, but I felt a camaraderie with just that one person.

Was a Moment of Silence really that important?  I've seen footage of people in other countries who participate in a Moment of Silence and am in utter awe.  Thousands upon thousands of people unified in spirit, unified in grief, simply being quiet.  Silence is the most humbling and powerful form of unity I've ever seen.  Why can't we just be quiet for just one minute?

One minute.


Today marks the 9 year anniversary of 9/11.  I haven't forgotten and being the sensitive one that I am, I admit, I get weepy.  As suggested on Facebook, I'll be lighting a candle and setting it on my front porch at sunset to burn throughout the night.  Nine years ago, when it became apparent that there were no more survivors to be rescued at Ground Zero, the media suggested burning candles on porches.  I lived in a condo and burned 3 candles, a red, white, and a blue.  When I walked my dog that night, there were candles all over the neighborhood.


Will you light a candle tonight? Will you have a Moment of Silence?

 

 

Michele Rose is a Realtor and Professional Home Stager in Burlington County, NJ.  She has been assisting both buyers and sellers with their real estate needs for the last 6 years.  In 2007, she founded Rose-Colored Staging, a professional home staging and redesign business, to help sellers successfully market their homes with professional home staging.

Presidential Lakes July 4th ~ Family Fun in Burlington County!

There may be fireworks tonight all over South Jersey but Sunday, July 4th the celebrations are still happening in Presidential Lakes, Browns Mills, NJ, thanks to the local Fire and Rescue Squad!

  Beginning with the Parade at 10am, the festivities will continue at the newly reopened beach.  Speakers, refreshments, a hot dog eating contest, a watermelon eating contest, and games are included in the fun.  The beach, opened this year for the first time in many years, is sure to be at the center of the activities.

Come celebrate this joyous holiday of independence and freedom with friends and family!

And many thanks to the Presidential Lakes Fire and Rescue Squad for making it all happen!

 

Michele Rose is a Realtor and Professional Home Stager in Burlington County, NJ.  She has been assisting both buyers and sellers with their real estate needs for the last 6 years.  In 2007, she founded Rose-Colored Staging, a professional home staging and redesign business, to help sellers and other Realtors successfully market their listings with professional home staging.

Budd's KNP Farmer's Market, Country Store, Kids Pick Your Own!

 Budd's KNP Farmer's Market, a little hot spot off the beaten path in Pemberton, NJ turns out to be a fabulous find!

I was on a quest for local honey (a teaspoon a day to battle seasonal allergies) only to discover a goldmine!  Budd's KNP Farms Country Market and Country Kitchen not only carries Bob's Buzzy Bee's Honey made in Yardville, NJ, but they carry an entire inventory of products including their low milk price of only $2.99 a gallon!  One visit and I was already hooked on this little gem of a country store.  "Old-fashioned" is right up my alley.

With many to choose from, we bought a beautiful hanging petunia plant for Mom.  We have had their skim milk, eggs, honey, banana nut bread, homemade chocolate and mint chocolate chip ice cream, key lime pie (I had never had it, and though slightly tart, it was delicious.)  One day we split a footlong hoagie for $3.99 with a bag of chips (chips that looked and tasted homemade) and to my surprise, a warm chocolate chip cookie that the cashier gave us while we waited for our sandwich to be made! (I'm really beginning to like this place.)

 

 

Groceries, Deli, Dairy, Breads, Homemade Baked Goods, Jellies, Jams, Sauces, Soda, Snacks, Pet Products, Fresh Jersey Produce, Seafood, Tobacco, Flowers and Plants and a whole lot more!

A Mom-and-Pop kind of place, they cook and bake on the premises for take-out only and I was told that if it's not on the menu, just ask and they'll whip something up for you in the kitchen.  Budd's Chuckwagon lists a full hot and cold menu including breakfast (which is available all day) lunch, dinner, and snacks. There are outdoor picnic tables for dining and you are welcome to bring your own bottle.  They even do party trays!


Listed with Jersey Fresh and Pick Your Own, this is a great place for the whole family!  They accept debit and credit cards with a $2.00 service fee, and of course, cash.  Family First WIC and Senior FMNP checks accepted.  For squirmy little ones, there are restrooms available.

Budd's KNP Farms is at 131-132 Vincentown Road in Pemberton New Jersey.
Contact numbers are: 609-894-4817 and 1-800-274-2102, email at
Buddsknpfarms@verizon.net.
Check out their site:
http://mysite.verizon.net/vzeye50t/

 

 

With her permission, this blog comes to me via my sister, Lisa Rose, and was originally published at: "Lisa's Bodacious Burlington County:  http://su.pr/Aik2vX

Michele Rose is a Realtor and Professional Home Stager in Burlington County, NJ.  She has been assisting both buyers and sellers with their real estate needs for the last 5 years.  In 2007, she founded Rose-Colored Staging, a professional home staging and redesign business, to help sellers successfully market their homes with professional home staging.

 

The 2010 Philadelphia Miles for Myeloma: What You Can Do to Help Those Battling This Cancer!

My dear friend, Chris Marinelli, has been battling this type of cancer but what is "Multiple Myeloma?"  Multiple Myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells, important cells of the immune system that produce and release antibodies to help fight infection.  Treaments include chemotherapy, bone marrow transplant and other novel therapies, but currently, there is no cure.  However, this is a hopeful time for myeloma patients because there are more treatment options available now then in the past because of the research that is being performed worldwide.

This coming Saturday, April 24th marks the 2010 Miles for Myelmoma 5k Walk/Run!  Miles for Myeloma is a fun, hope-filled day celebrating the Multiple Myeloma community, paying tribute to patients, caregivers and everyone impacted by the disease.

If you want to walk/run in the event, there is still time.  Just follow this link: http://www.active.com/donate/phillymyeloma2010/ChristopherMarinelli and click on "Register for this event."

If you can't make it to the event but would like to contribute a donation, you can follow the same link above to do so.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the research initiatives of the International Myeloma Foundation and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Multiple Myeloma Financial Assistance Program.

Date:  Saturday, April 24, 2010 @ 7:30 AM local time
Address:  Martin Luther King Jr. Drive (South Side of the Philadelphia Museum of Art)
Event Schedule
7:30 am - Day of Registration/t-shirt pick up (there should be a separate registration table for Team Marinelli)
8:30 am - Pre Walk/Run Program with the Philly Phanatic
9:00 am - Walk/Run Start
10:15 am - Awards Ceremony

Course & Directions:  The 5k Run/Walk will kick off from the South Lawn of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive just west of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.  The out and back course is flat and runs along the Schuylkill River with scenic views of the historic Boathouse row. This course is USA Track and Field/RRTC Certified.  http://www.philadelphia.myeloma.org/course1.html

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Will Martin Luther King Drive Jr. be closed to traffic? 
Yes, Martin Luther King Jr. Drive will be closed to vehicular traffic from 6am- 5pm on Saturday, April 24, 2010.

Where can I park?
Street parking is available in and around the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Ben Franklin Parkway.  There is a public parking lot directly across from the front steps of the Art Museum located within Eakins Oval.  There will be no access to the start/finish point by car as the entrance to Martin Luther King Jr. Drive will be closed.

Weather: This event will be held rain or shine!

The Philadelphia Multiple Myeloma Networking Group is a 501 (c) 3 organization.

If you have already registered, then pass this on to a friend.

 

Michele Rose is a Realtor and Professional Home Stager in Burlington County, NJ.  She has been assisting both buyers and sellers with their real estate needs for the last 5 years.  In 2007, she formed Rose-Colored Staging to help sellers market their homes with professional home staging.

OPEN HOUSE, Cinnaminson, NJ: Sunday, April 11th Beautiful Split Level Home!

If you're searching for your dream home, this just may be the one! This gorgeous new listing is a must-see! Spacious and tastefully well-kept, this home features 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, and tons of living space. Lush landscaping surrounds this home and the beautiful in-ground pool, allowing you to enjoy your vacation without even leaving your home! Check out the video and the extra photos and then set up an appointment to see this home today! You'll be glad you did!

Christine's Award Winning Chili Recipe: The Perfect Super Bowl Party Snack!

Also the perfect comfort food for the coming snowstorm in Burlington County!  This awesome recipe is from my friend Christine in Texas.  Perfect for the Super Bowl-- or any party for that matter, this chili is sure to please your family and guests!  Enjoy!

Christine's Award Winning Chili

Meats:
3 pounds chuck pot roast
2 pounds boneless pork ribs
2 pounds bulk Italian sausage

Veggies and liquid spices:
6 (15 ounce) cans chili beans, drained
2 (15 ounce) cans chili beans in spicy sauce
4 (28 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with juice
2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
2 large yellow onion, chopped
6 stalks celery, chopped
2 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
4 green chile peppers, seeded and chopped (I used serranno)
2 tablespoons bacon bits
8 cubes beef bouillon
1 cup beer (Budweiser)
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (use the thick one)
2 tablespoons minced garlic (from the jar with the "juice")
1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (e.g. TabascoTM)

Dry spice mix:
1/2 cup chili powder
2 tablespoons dried oregano
1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons dried basil
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons white sugar

First, you're gonna need something like a big huge cast iron cauldron - use cast iron if you can.

Sear the pot roast and ribs in a little oil in a cast iron pan to seal the exterior. Then put the meat into a foil wrap and roast it in the oven until the meat can be pulled apart (the time differs depending on the amount of fat, so you have to just check every 30 minutes or so after the first hour).

In a dry cast iron pan, mix all the spices in the "Dry spice mix" list and roast the spices - mixing with a whisk. I put it on low heat and stir it every now and again for about 15 or 20 minutes.

Take the sausage (we just use mild country sausage that comes in the 1 lb. plastic tubes) and brown it in the bottom of the cast iron cauldron. Once the sausage is fully browned, mix in everything in the "veggies and liquid spices" list.  Make sure to keep stirring. Then add the roasted spices and meat. Just keep stirring every now and again - I let it simmer for about 3 hours and it was actually better the next day.

It's not too spicy, has great flavor and a little kick. Of course, you can make it hotter by adding in more spices.

Hope you enjoy it-- it was a blast to make and made the whole house smell fantastic!

 

Michele Rose is a Realtor and Professional Home Stager in Burlington County, NJ.  She has been assisting both buyers and sellers with their real estate needs for the last 5 years.  In 2007, she formed Rose-Colored Staging to help sellers market their homes with professional home staging.

Burlington County, NJ Real Estate Agents and Stagers Donate Teddy Bears for Christmas!

Homes are our business.  But there are people this holiday season who are without a home.  They are without the security, the warmth, and the comfort that a home can bring.  

When Rose-Colored Staging decided to decorate the front lobby of Weichert, Realtors in Burlington, NJ , we also decided to use it to donate to those less fortunate.  We looked for a local shelter and came across Providence House, a shelter that offers refuge to victims of domestic violence.  These victims often include little children. 

"May Your Home Be Filled with Warmth & Love this Holiday Season"
"May Your Home Be Filled with Warmth & Love this Holiday Season"

I remember, as a little girl, the comfort and protection I felt from my Teddy Bear.  It was one of my most treasured stuffed animals!  So we decorated the lobby with a collection of Teddy Bears, all brand-new just waiting to go into the arms of a child. 


All Teddy Bears donated between now and Tuesday, December 22nd, will be donated to Providence House for the children there.  I am hoping our display grows as we bring in more Teddy Bears!

If you would like to donate a brand-new Teddy Bear, please bring it to:

Weichert, Realtors, 2313 Burlington Mt. Holly Rd., Burlington, NJ  08016

Hours:  M-F  8:30a-9:00p, Sat. 8:30a-6p, Sun. 10a-5p

Have a Beautiful Holiday Season!


Michele Rose is a Realtor and Professional Home Stager in Burlington County, NJ.  She has been assisting both buyers and sellers with their real estate needs for the last 5 years.  In 2007, she formed Rose-Colored Staging to help sellers market their homes with professional home staging.