PUMPKIN CRISP RECIPE 1 LARGE CAN PUMPKIN PUREE 3/4 CUP SUGAR 3 BEATEN EGGS 1 CAN EVAPORATED MILK 3 TSP. PUMPKIN PIE SPICE 1 BOX YELLOW CAKE MIX 11/2 CUP MELTED BUTTER  MIX FIRST 5 INGREDIENTS IN A BOWL--TRANSFER TO A BUTTERED 19x13 BAKING DISH SPRINKLE CAKE MIX ON TOP- DRIZZLE BUTTER OVER TOP BAKE @ 350 FOR 1 HOUR... GARNISH WITH WHIPPED CREAM! 11/23/2009

It's time to travel-- whether you are going to Grandma's house, Mom & Dad's, or travelling to see the kids over the holiday... and if you dread the trip to the airport-- here is a great video to help you calm down and enjoy your flight... or at least make it more pleasant! It really is true-- flying is far safer than driving! How To Cope With a Fear Of Flying on Howcast 11/23/2009

Thanksgiving makes me think of sharing and being grateful for everything we have! Even during these tough economic times...we have so much to be Thankful for ---and there are so many families out there that could use our help-- especially this time of year. Watch this HowCast and see how you can make a difference for another family in need! How To Help Feed a Family in Need on Howcast 11/23/2009

Until today, I'd given my hometown of La Quinta short shrift in my autumnal quest to explore Coachella Valley's plethora of hiking trails. A few days ago, Sue, aka The Energizer Bunny, and I crossed off the trails crisscrossing the Rancho Mirage foothills on my hiking to-do list, adding them to those recently tackled in the Coachella Valley Preserve and the Palm Desert mountains. So, today Marianne—a more sedate, stop-and-smell-the-roses hiker—and I decided to ease into La Quinta's hiking possibilities with the Bear Creek Urban Trail, a 6-mile loop circumnativing the homes nestled in the southernmost pocket, or cove, of the Santa Rosa Mountains. La Quinta Cove is the city's oldest residential area—with some bungalows dating back to the '30s—and offers an eclectic jumble of architectural... 11/19/2009

Mortgage Delinquincies Up for 3rd Quarter..Nevada, California, Arizona and Florida lead the way..http://tinyurl.com/ykwzdow  I firmly believe that the delinquincies will lead to more foreclosures through most of 2010.  I also think that in my area of California, the Coachella Valley, and in particular La Quinta, Palm Desert and the Eastern Coachella Valley, this will be reflected in more drops in the mid to high priced homes especially.  These homes have not slid in price as much as the low end where there are plenty of buyers waiting for product.   Golf Course homes, and gated communities with newer homes will see some bank owned properties pulling their sales price/sf down.  I have Buyers that are awaiting this scenario.  They are looking to buy a second home, or move up into a golf c... 11/17/2009

I love where I live in La Quinta, California, but each year the holidays are challenging. People look at the holidays as time to relax and have fun. My children are grown and not living at home. Then people think I can relax even more. At this time there are gifts and cards for clients, employees, family and friends. There are parties and entertaining at my home. There is the decorating, then the ancillary people we acknowledge and thank especially at this time of year - the security people at the gates, the gardeners, the pool service people, the mailman, the housekeepers, the bankers, and on and on. My checkbook is already hurting. I love to give, but it is harder and harder each year to do it physically and also financially. People come here to relax and cannot understand that once I... 11/16/2009

La Quinta's NEW spot; The Wine Bar.  I love Old Town La Quinta, but I noticed last season that there wasn't any music!  What??  There is now, and I am told there will be more this season.  The Wine Bar in Old Town is fabulous.  It is owned and run by a very intense fella, Justin, who closed up his wine bar in Palm Desert on El Paseo to focus entirely on his wine bar in Old Town, La Quinta.  It has paid off.  In the middle of August, I stopped in for a glass of wine and some apps and was pleasantly surprised to see a duo setting up to perform.  Turns out, that was their intro and it went over so big, that they are  now playing at the Wine Bar every Friday and Sat. pm.  Joanne, the singer, sounds a bit like Sheryl Crow..throaty and sultry, but what a strong voice!  She adds some excitemen... 11/16/2009

When you decide to put your home on the market-- Here are a few tips to get it SOLD ! 1. RID YOUR HOUSE OF CLUTTER! 2. HIDE YOUR PET'S STUFF! 3. MAKE YOURSELF SCARCE! 4. CAREFULLY CONSIDER YOUR FIRST OFFER, IT MAY BE THE BEST YOU GET! 5. DON'T TAKE LOW-BALL OFFERS PERSONALLY. 6. MAKE A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION CURB-SIDE... TRIM SHRUBS AND HEDGES. 7. REMOVE PERSONAL ITEMS, PHOTOS, KIDS ARTWORK, ETC. 8. TOSS OUT OLD RUGS, BEDSPREADS...REFRESH! 9. MAKE IT LIGHT AND BRIGHT WITH NEW PAINT, LIGHT COLORED CURTAINS, ETC. 10. DO ANY REPAIRS NEEDED BEFORE YOU PUT IT ON THE MARKET!                                                Click on the house to see the video!  11/15/2009

The Desert Sun features LQCC New Clubhouse! WE are so excited about the new Clubhouse at LQCC!  and it has even made the news...with the economic times and dreary forecasts, it is great to see some signs of recovery and excitement in La Quinta!  Larry Bohanan of The Desert Sun wrote an article this weekend featuring the new Clubhouse and interviews with the new General Manager!  LQCC is celebrating it's 50th Anniversary this year-- and the beginning of a new era!   LA QUINTA— Bruce Zahn says he’s heard some of the snowbird residents of La Quinta Country Club are coming back to the desert a bit early this year. “The membership is pretty excited,” said Zahn, the general manager and chief operating officer of La Quinta, one of the oldest private country clubs in the desert. “The word is ou... 11/15/2009

The city of La Quinta is getting a new fire station.  Not only is that great news for the local community and firefighters, but also it is a boost to our local economy.  The City of La Quinta saw the need for local jobs and people out of work and for the first time ever, awarded a majority of the contracted work to local contractors.  They were able to do this, by building the new Fire Station into 13 phases.  So 8 out of the 12 contracts will be right here in our Coachella Valley.  The new fire station when complete will be 7,500 square feet and house up to 4 engines.  The ground breaking has already begun and is expected to be complete in 10 months.  On a positive note for local residents , the location is expected to improve response time. Thank you La Quinta for not only giving us a... 11/13/2009

I cant believe the holidays are upon us. Where does the time go?  I noticed the big tree is up in Palm Desert and stores have the Christmas decorations already out.  So I figured since everyone else is thinking about the holidays, i should too. Dec 4th   5-9pm Holiday Arts & Crafts Bazaar and Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Old Town la Quinta.  Santa, music, and activities as well as a chance to shop for unique crafts and gifts for your loved ones.  The best part about it is the beautiful Old Town La Quinta location.  11/11/2009

Jan 18-24 is the Bob Hope Classic here in our own beautiful La Quinta.  For the first time ever, the tournament is being played exclusively in La Quinta.  SilverRock is the home course this year which is just down the road from us.  So golfers and fans save the date, there is sure to be a lot of activity and events.  If you need a place to rent, give us a call early so we can make sure you find a spot.       11/10/2009

What a beautiful time of year! It is our springtime. Flowers are in bloom. The grass has just been reseeded and the golf courses are pristine. The temperatures are amazing- low 80's daytime and low 60's at night. The cool crisp sunny mornings are invigorating. People have come back to their homes after escaping the summer heat. Outdoor events are everywhere- runs, airshow, art show, farmer's market, soccer, football, wine tasting, open houses, BBQ's, and on and on. People are happy, friendly, and healthy from the sunshine, warmth, and activity. What a wonderful place to live! Come and join us!   11/10/2009

I have tried both of these Twitter helpers... and I have found that Hoot Suite actually offers more.  It came later in the Tweet craze and has had time to learn from other formats.  With Hoot Suite you can actually track your tweets and find out how many clicks you are getting on any of your Twitter accts... and follow individual tweets.  This can be a terrific tool for letting us know which tweets are reaching our clients/friends.... plus you can even see the regional demographics on each tweet.  Are your tweets being followed in Brazil?  I wonder???? 11/08/2009

I'm planning a long weekend away in the desert with my best gal pal.  I have a capable partner to watch over the business while I'm away for three or four days.  It was planned as a rest and relaxation break before the holiday madness begins.  I wondered if I would be lost without my daily real estate fix.   No worries, it looks like I will not suffer from real estate withdrawal.  My friend wants to check out the best deals on Rancho Los Palmas condos while we are in Rancho Mirage.  That's easy since we'll be staying in a friend's condo at the resort.   I'm working with a developer on the Boitano Palms development in the Coachella Valley and really need a few more photos of the area.  My camera will be tucked in my bag and I'll sneak out early one morning to catch the sunrise over the m... 11/07/2009

HOW COLD IS IT? If you live where it's freezing cold-- just play this video and you will WARM right up ☼ ! On this fabuouls Friday---we have the most amazing sunny day in LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA! No wonder so many people come visit in the fall and winter-- ! We are so lucky to live in a place that warms us with its ☼ SUNNY DAYS ☼ and soothes us with its BEAUTY! 11/06/2009

  The Desert winter Polo Season is here!  The Polo season here in the Desert officially begins with the first Tournament, The Road Runner Tournament, which will be played November 21 & 22.  Indio, home of the Coachella Valley Music Festival, Phish Festival and Stagecoach Music Festival is also home to the second largest Polo Club in the United States!  Florida is the only State that has more fields for it's players.  Eldorado Polo club has 13 fields and the neighboring Empire Polo Club has 4 of it's own.   Horses and players begin trailering in, setting up housing for themselves and their families and help about mid-November and stay until about mid-April.  Practice Games are Weds through Friday, and Tournament play is Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  League play will begin in January.  If... 11/06/2009

Everyone knows what an eyesore utility boxes are, but they are necessay as we all need electricity so we live with them.  The city of La Quinta has decided to hire an artist named Julie Kirk to turn these boxes into a masterpiece.  Each utility box is in the process of being painted with the theme of La Quinta in mind.  Mountain scenes, desert scenes, wildflowers and more.  I happened to pass one on my way to work today and wow do they look nice.  No longer an eyesore, but something to gaze upon as art.  Once again, I am grateful to be able to work and live in La Quinta.  Thank you La Quinta and Julie Kirk. What types of things does your city do to make the area more enticing?   This picture was taken from the local newspaper "The Desert Sun" 11/06/2009

Tonite I had a call from our Escrow Officer, Denise Dupont, Oasis Escrow-- she was working late, of course.  She had just spoken to one of my clients to help clear up some details on a deal.  I asked her what time he had called her--- and she said... I called him.  She had heard he had some questions on the paperwork-- and she took it upon herself to contact him to make sure everything was done to his satisfaction!  Escrow Officers are the unsung heroes of our business, and if you have a good one... let her/him know how much you apprecieate them!  I know Denise is crucial to our business at the Lori Bowers Group... and we should all let her know it!  11/05/2009

It is that time of year again, the courses have been reseeded and the new grass is picture perfect.  It is so beautiful to drive through La Quinta and see the scenery and how clean and well kept everythig is.   * SilverRock, La QUinta's beautiful city course has reopened and is offering special rates till Christmas!  Be sure to take time to enjoy the mountain views from the amazing course. *If you are a golfer, you will enjoy this event on Novemebr 10th from 6 to 7 pm at the La Quinta Museum.  The topic is Golf Fitness!  Learn how to improve your game by becoming "Golf Fit".  This free class is cheaper then a new set of clubs!    11/05/2009