Whenever I attend public events, my intention is always to run back to my office, and write a post about it. Sometimes, work gets in the way (smile!). SO, while this post is a week late (ouch), I thought I would be remiss if I didn’t post some photos, and a quick synopsis of what promises to be  great changes in our wonderful city – New Rochelle!  Realtors in the area were invited to learn about the new plans to help create a new urban lifestyle, to attract people to the city through better transit access, easy walkability, to catalyze job creation and growth (employing only locals), providing attractive housing options that would focus on young professionals and empty nesters, and to target the demographics who would like that kind of living.  The project would be very sustainable ... 02/14/2015

            I love New Rochelle! How many times can I repeat that simple phrase. I was showing a lovely home in the area to clients, and we happened upon Barbara Reguero, who is  in charge of the current Forest Heights Neighborhood Association Newsletter.  (The Co-Presidents are Tara Fishler and Karen O'Brien).  You could see and feel the energy and enthusiasm that Barbara has for the Association and for her neighbors.  With over 90% of the Neighborhood paying their dues ( no small feat) of $50 a year,  she explained how they were able to accomplish that.  Once the neighbors realized what that $50 covered each year ( maintaining the islands, covering costs for the  yearly neighborhood block party and offsetting costs for the Annual Forest Heights Winter Dinner,  the home owners realized... 01/31/2015

We do not all speak English (big surprise there - not!), and so Sotheby's offers its' web site a choice of 18 different languages... . All in addition to having  over 750 offices around the world. Ooh la la indeed!   http://www.sothebysrealty.com/fra/sales/detail/180-l-1006-qptsx3/61-bayeau-road-new-rochelle-ny-10804   New Rochelle is GREAT! 01/25/2015

       As a Realtor, I wish to be informed, and in being informed, I read relevant articles, join relevant groups on various sites, one such site being LinkedIn – “Professional Women’s Network Powered by CNN” .  There was a recent article on how women dealt with failure .   The article basically asked well known and very accomplished/established ladies (Christine Lagarde, Arianna Huffington, Zaha Hadid, Zhang Xin, Mosunmola Abudu and  Martha Stewart)  how they had dealt with failure through their careers, and whether they deemed it a positive or a negative experience. http://edition.cnn.com/2015/01/14/business/failing-good-career/index.html  . Yours truly (along with many others) wrote a comment.. I was honored to be contacted by Stephanie Busari (Supervising Producer CNN.com Special Pr... 01/22/2015

    A taste of Hollywood in New Rochelle! Famous Actor and Jazz Singer have lovingly resided in this 4219 sq. ft. 6 Bedroom., 3.5 Bath Colonial home in Paine Heights. Located on 0.40 of an Acre. the home boasts an indoor Endless Spa Pool ® where you can swim on your schedule and at your own pace, adjusting to any speed or ability, perfect for exercise, health or just fun. (The Endless Pool ® is a resistance swimming apparatus enabling the swimmer to swim in place & for any distance – no laps). There is a Marble Entrance Foyer, Formal Dining Room, Living Room with a fireplace, and antique doors leading to the large, tiled Spa Rm with its own Shower, lounge and private side deck. The dine-in modern kitchen has easy access to a rear, private patio with a wisteria covering (in season)! The ... 01/12/2015

    2014 started off with a bang! Properties were selling quickly and at great prices, and then along came April and May, and the market for whatever reason slowed down.   This particular home had so much to offer, 3305 square feet, a newer kitchen and bathrooms, low property taxes of under $19,000 and all located on over 1/2 an acre.. However, I obtained the listing at the end of summer when the market had slowed down. The lucky buyers were able to obtain the home for $935,000.  Of the 8 similarly sized homes that sold in the last six months,  the lowest priced home was $625,000 (3616 square feet), and the highest priced property sold for $985,000 (3488 square feet) and had entered the market earlier in the year when the homes were selling quicker and higher, and closed in July . Price... 12/29/2014

The Hope Kitchen New Rochelle – “Tis the Season!”       Anyone living n New Rochelle knows about the local Hope Kitchen and Community Services. As a city of over 77000 people, there will always be those less fortunate, and who go to bed hungry each night. The Hope Kitchen has been there since 1984 helping families in need. In today’s world, those services have now increased to include emotional support, language skills, clothing and immigration services.. As being someone who is so blessed with her family, friends,  when I saw how they need  hams for those less fortunate for the  Holiday it does not cost much to give a little something from the heart to others. That was my gift to myself. Happy Holidays ! 12/22/2014

    While I have frequented Patrias a few times, and bought some gift certificates for valuable clients and friends, I first took photos yesterday of some of Patrias’ delicious fare. My friend and I commented on how the Larchmont lunch crowd would love the diversity of the menu (for both and dinner as well as lunch).. The ambiance is very much evident with Spanish influenced music (I had really enjoyed the classical guitar pieces).. Rather than partake of the Patrias luncheon special, we decided to enjoy some of the tapas bites (did I say bites-  the portions were larger than that!),  and share. Share we did, with food left over! I had recommended the fried artichoke hearts with a red pepper sauce. You have the wonderful sensation of biting into a crispy outer layer and with that soft a... 12/17/2014

   We have a lovely dog called Binky.  As soon as I saw him at the Humane Society over 2 years ago, I knew he was meant for us… I hope he felt the same way. He had been found on the streets, incredibly starved and his fur all matted, and he has – shall we say ‘issues!” He LOVES the dog park at Paw’s Place in New Rochelle, and to interact with the other dogs there. He likes to do  the sniffing though, always being in control. I wanted to get him nicely pampered before the Holidays, and I use  The Cut Above  on Myrtle Boulevard (834-6014) in Larchmont. The owner is so busy, you have to book weeks in advance and for good reason. She does an excellent job. Of course, the first time I went there to pick up my pooch I was surprised to  see Binky in a covered cage. Why? I asked. Well, that is ... 12/10/2014

  I never thought that I would be promoting a company’s commercial, but this 2013 WestJet commercial truly brings tears to your eyes. With so much sadness and unrest in this world, it is nice to step away and believe in what many of us were brought up to simply believe. Santa Claus and the miracle of Christmas. I will definitely fly WestJet if ever given the opportunity, and in viewing this video, it is also a nice way to remind us that we, too, can make a Holiday (no matter the religion) special for someone. Houlihan Lawrence has gift  drop-offs at many offices..  New Rochelle’s Hope Kitchen is also seeking gifts and food for those in need for the Holidays. You can easily donate the makings of  a wonderful Holidays feast such as ham, stuffing, yams, cranberry sauce, green beans, etc  a... 12/04/2014

      Robb and his family have greatly enjoyed living in Paine Heights for over 15 years, and so I asked Robb to share a few thoughts with everyone as to why 61 Bayeau Road is a GREAT place in which to live. “Buffalo Bob Smith” (“Howdy Doody”) used to tape his show from his home which was located a few doors away from 61 Bayeau Road. There is still the original mural on his basement wall and studio. 61 Bayeau Road features 4219 square feet, 6 bedrooms,  3.5 baths, an indoor resistant pool (The Endless Pool ®) where you can swim at your own speed and distance, and is located on 0.3996 of an acre.  The gracious 4219 square foot Colonial home features 6 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, an indoor resistance pool (The Endless Pool ®)  where you can swim at the speed and distance of your choice. On 0.399... 11/21/2014

      November 13th, marked the New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence Foundation Gala at the Fountainhead , New Rochelle. Unfortunately, I first arrived at 7:15, and only took a few photos and snippets of video, but I wanted to share with you all! Honorees last night were Andrea Mitchell ’63NBC News Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent, and Host of “Andrea Mitchell Reports” on MSNBC Deirdre Polow25 years of service on the Board of Education, and Founding and Current NR Fund Board Member Milijana (“Millie”) RadonjicAmy’s Greenhouse at Barnard School Gwen and Alvin ClaytonAlvin & Friends Restaurant Master of Ceremonies: Errol Louis ’80Host of “Inside City Hall” on NY1 News CNN Contributor, and Columnist, The Daily News There were so  many people present, a great silent raffle, and a... 11/14/2014

    Being a Brit, I love history. Living in New Rochelle, I am surrounded by it! Carrie (Lane) Chapman Catt once resided on my street, and there is marker on the property. Who was Ms. Chapman Catt? Carrie Chapman Catt 1859-1947  worked industriously as a school teacher to offset her college costs (which her father did not assist with), graduated from college and became a High School Principal one year later. She  joined the Women’s Suffrage Movement, and took it over the  in 1900. Ms. Chapman Catt and came up with what was known as the “Winning Plan” that helped pass the 19th Amendment in 1920.  “Catt told NAWSA (National Association of League of Women’s Voters) members that they had to focus on solely on the issue of suffrage and the passage of a federal amendment. So sure that women w... 11/09/2014

          I had to stop and take this photo yesterday whilst driving in my neighborhood. As I always mention, New Rochelle has long been a favorite for movie companies and those advertising companies wishing to film print ads and commercials. New Rochelle is just a 30 minutes or so Express train ride from Grand Central Station, and is an easy commute for all, not forgetting those wonderful home prices, with  great schools and wonderful community involvement. One such home is 61 Bayeau Road (http://www.61bayeauroad.com ) , located around the corner from where this particular commercial was being filmed. Being offered at $965,000 with 6 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 4210 square feet and with an in door resistance pool (The Endless Pool ®) also! New Rochelle is GREAT!   11/04/2014

      Classic field stone Center Hall Colonial with 5 bedrooms and 3 baths. With over 3254 sq. ft., this home has stunning curb appeal, numerous custom features and it is located on an unusually large 0.42 acre level and enclosed park like property. Sun filled , generous sized rooms with wonderful architectural details are found throughout this special home. The first floor features a 5th bedroom and full bath, a laundry room and a wonderful den overlooking the gorgeous rear yard. Custom moldings, hardwood floors, a wood burning marble fireplace with custom built-ins in the living room, a walk in master bedroom closet and a carpeted finished basement with a wood burning brick fireplace, all exemplify the charm that permeates throughout. Located in the desirable Bonnie Crest area and clo... 10/12/2014

61 Bayeau Road – Public Open House today, October 12th,  from 1-3 p.m. A taste of Hollywood in New Rochelle! Famous Actor & Jazz Singer have lovingly resided in this 4219 sq ft. 6 bedroom, 3.5 Bath Colonial home in Paine Heights located on 0.40 of an acre, boasts the only indoor Endless Spa Pool ® in the area where you swim on your schedule and at your own pace, adjusting to any speed or ability, perfect for exercise, health of just fun. (The Endless Pool ® is a resistance swimming apparatus enabling the swimmer to swim in place). There is a marble e/foyer, formal dining room, living room w fireplace, and French doors leading to the large, tiled spa room with shower, and side deck. The dine-in modern kitchen has easy access to a rear, private patio. The second floor features the Master ... 10/12/2014

          If you live anywhere near Glen Island Park, then you will be sure to have heard of the Glen Island Harbour Club . I was thrilled to have attended the 325th Anniversary of New Rochelle last year (2013) at the Banquet Hall, and then later that year and again this year celebrating the Yearly Fund Raising New Rochelle Humane Society event. It is very popular or weddings, events, and all celebrations for the views are glorious. The  original Glen Island resort was owned by John Starin and opened in 1880. Within 2 years, there were one half million visitors yearly. It was known as the “World’s Pleasure Grounds.” The beach and bath houses could accommodate 2000, and trolleys from the New Rochelle Train station took the visitors to the Island. Chimes from a Chinese pagoda greeted you ... 10/10/2014

    Oh my goodness! What did I just write! Well, the English Channel is approximately 21 miles if you were to swim from Dover to Cap Gris Nez, in France. However, if you owned an Endless Pool ® which is a resistance pool allowing you to swim at the speed and distance of your choice… Just imagine!  You would not have to worry about the awful jellyfish, or the paparazzi interrupting your individual challenge (and you could also make a few stops and resume the swim with no -one calling foul. 61 Bayeau Road has a wonderful  Endless Pool ®, and not only that added benefit which was a home addition, but the home also offers 6 bedrooms, 3.5 baths and is located on 0.3996 of an acre! Perfect. New Rochelle is GREAT! 10/06/2014

    Public Open House, Sunday September 28th,  1-3 p.m. Dramatic, sleek & elegant English Manor home located on 0.57 of an acre with low taxes of just $18,712. This 4 bedroom, 2.2 bath home in the Bonnie Crest Estate area reflects exceptional architectural detailing and luxurious amenities. Custom windows, elegant stone flooring that beckons the discerning buyer. There is Italian mosaic in the entrance foyer, basket weave stone in the powder room, fossilized stone in the 2nd Floor Hall bath, & beautiful black and white onyx & marble in the Master Bathroom. The ultra modern gourmet kitchen offers custom cherry wood cabinetry with a coffee glaze finish,  a honed slate backsplash, white chiffon granite counters, energy efficient appliances –  a chef’s delight! Sliding French doors lead to ... 09/26/2014

    Each year, I  lovingly cultivate my lavender plants and Russian Sage, and harvest when in bloom. The fragrance of the plant permeates throughout the house, and when the seeds have dried out, I then separate them from the stems, add some additional lavender oil, and package for my customers and clients (and friends of course) alike.   New Rochelle is GREAT!   09/26/2014