Happenings in Norcross

Whistle Stop Farmer’s Market - 5/17 through 10/11/11, 4-8pm

Two words:  FRESH, LOCAL.  Stroll through this open air market every Tuesday evening at Thrasher Park.  As a farm stand / locally-grown junky, I have to say this is pretty impressive.  The wares go above and beyond produce too.  Stock up on healthy homemade baked goods, meats, cheeses, dairy products, jams and jellies.  Yum!

Strawberry Stroll - Saturday 5/28/11, 11-3pm

Word on the street is this will be a berry good time.  Visit downtown Norcross for all things strawberry.  Main attractions:  live music (yay!!!), bake sales, strawberry ice cream, upscale shopping, delicious strawberry-inspired chef's specials at the various restaurants and of course STRAWBERRIES!  Locally-grown, fresh and pesticide-free strawberries no less.

And, after all that eating, why not walk/jog/sprint it off for a good cause?  It’s not too late to sign up for the Strawberry Stroll 5K.  All 5K proceeds go to Kingdom Kids, an organization that grants wishes for children facing challenging times and health issues.

Register here:   www.active.com/running/norcross-ga/strawberry-stroll-5k-2011

Summer Concert Series - 5/30/11 through 9/2/11, 7:30-9:30pm

Pack a cooler, bring some chairs and come relax under the stars with neighbors and friends at Thrasher Park.  You’ll hear everything from cover bands (Eagles, Journey, Elton John, Sinatra, Jimmy Buffet) to country, R&B, to pop.  I can’t think of a more perfect way to unwind Friday night after a busy week.  Admission is free!  For table reservations and info, please contact Rip Robertson via crobertson@norcrossga.net.  See you there!

Independence Day Celebration - 7/3/11, 4-9:30pm

Come celebrate our Independence with fellow patriots.  Fireworks at dusk.  Food, fun, the whole nine yards!

Bluesberry Festival - 7/9/11, 5-1am 

No, that’s not a typo.  I mean the music not the fruit.  Actually, I meant BOTH. You won’t want to miss this.  Two great things collide equaling one really great night on the town.  Come early and purchase locally-grown blueberries but be sure to stick around.  With three spots to listen to some blues (Iron Horse, 45 South Café and Mojitos), you’ll want to stay out until last call!  Get a baby sitter and put this on the calendar!   

British Car Fayre - 9/10/11, 10-3pm 

British motorists and enthusiasts unite at this most proper event!  There is no charge for the general public.  Car registration is optional.  Fees:  $15/car, $10/additional cars and $10/motorcycles. The fees collected help fund local charity Rainbow Village – a Duluth based organization assisting homeless families with children.  Great cause!  Learn more:  http://rainbowvillage.org/

Come check out this year’s assortment of 130+ British rides and enjoy some oldies courtesy of 106.7 with Randy, Spiff, Greg Talmadge et al.

Food to get you in the mood: 45 South Café (a “JINNY’S FAVORITE”) will be serving afternoon tea complete with scones and Devon Cream (noon – 4pm) and The Iron Horse Tavern will be selling to-go “Ploughman’s lunch” (pork pie, cheese, pickled onion and a Branston pickle). Could there be a better incentive for a Thrasher Park picnic?!

Norcross Art Festival -11/1 & 11/2/11 

While smaller than Dogwood or Yellow Daisy, Norcross Art Festival is an intimate venue that attracted more than 50,000 visitors in 2010.  Almost 200 artisans exhibit their creations for two days right here in Historic Norcross.  Everything under the sun is on display/available for purchase; sculptures, jewelry, pottery, photography, paintings and more. I bet you can’t leave without buying something!  Enjoy!

Almost in your backyard!

Where:  Dunwoody Nature Center 

5343 Roberts Drive, Dunwoody 30338 

MARTA Accessibility:  YES!  Rte 150 will take you to DNC and Rte 129 comes pretty close.  Check MARTA website for schedules/maps.  www.itsmarta.com/150-w.aspx 

Dog Friendly:  YES!   (Two obvious rules apply: dog must  be leashed and owner must “clean up”.) 

Hours:  7 days a week, 7am to sundown

For more info:  (770) 394-3322 or www.dunwoodynature.org 

Their website sums it up nicely:  “Dunwoody Park is beautiful in every season. Turn into our lane, walk through the woods, and enjoy Dunwoody's hidden treasure. So much is happening at Dunwoody Nature Center.”  Couldn’t have said it better myself!

The truth is, there’s no easier way to get close to nature.  This is an amazing and FREE spot to visit for Dunwoodians and all locals who enjoy exploring outdoors.  The park first “opened its doors” in the mid 70’s as a part of America’s Bicentennial celebration.  Thanks to numerous Dunwoody volunteers, DeKalb Parks & Recreation and the US Forestry Service, the Nature Center hosts 25,000 visitors and 8,000 program participants each year.  The Nature Center was incorporated in 1992 and relies solely on private funding and programs generated revenue.  Something to think about:  Dunwoody Nature Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.  Donations of $100 or more include membership. Any amount over $50 is tax deductible.

On any given day, the park is chock full of fellow nature lovers, helpful volunteers and other friends.  Expect, or at least hope, to meet a Barred Owl, a Red-Tailed Hawk, a Cooper’s Hawk, an Alligator Snapping Turtle, opossums, squirrels and other miscellaneous rabbits and birds.  Don’t forget to visit the gardens.  The Gateway Garden, The Rock Garden, The Native Plant Garden and Wet Meadow all offer something unique and beautiful.  *JINNY’S TIP* -  Bring the camera!  Take a couple minutes to learn more about composting and Vermicomposting (composting with worms & micro-organisms).  Don’t miss the Wetlands Boardwalk and the serene babbling of Wildcat Creek.

Summer programs currently being offered:

Summer Camp

A full day camp running June through August, M-F 9:30-3:30

Welcoming campers grades K-5^th

Weekly Mini Camp

Daily camp running from 9:30-12:30

Welcoming little campers ages 3 and 4

Early AM and Late Afternoon Classes

Extending the outdoor fun for campers and non-campers alike.

The Nature Centers invites your little outdoor enthusiast to Breakfast with the Birds (8:15 – 9:15am) and Games of Strategy and Cooperative Team Building (3:45 – 5:00pm).  Check website for price and availability.

What other year-round programs does the park have to offer?  To name a few:  Nature classes, school field trips, scouting field trips (Many clinics meet badge requirements!), overnight and evening programs for scouts and other youth groups, adult classes, homeschooler classes, children’s birthday parties, nature hikes and much, much more. 

The Dunwoody Nature Center is a budget friendly, pet friendly, close to home, breath of fresh air outing no one should miss.  So log-off, grab some sunscreen and water and go see for yourself!  

To carpet, or not to carpet (the bathroom), that is the question!

Carpet in bathrooms.  Three words that surely send a chill down the spines of Realtors everywhere.  As a Realtor, I know it's as much an asset to a house as being built on an ancient Indian burial ground.

When it comes to bathroom flooring, the possibilities really are endless.  So many choices:  tile, vinyl, engineered wood, hard wood, laminate, linoleum.  And the list goes on.  But wait, what about carpet, you ask.  While a lot of buyers give two thumbs down to the notion of stepping out of the shower onto someone else's hand-me-down wall-to-wall bath mat, it is still everywhere.  Especially, for some reason, in master bathrooms.  Coupled with brass fixtures and shell-shaped toilet seat lids, almost nothing screams "OUT" more. 

Made popular in the late 70's and 80's, wall-to-wall carpet covered virtually every floor surface in our homes.  Gleaming hardwoods were hidden and immaculate ceramic tile was banished.   But those days are over and hardwood flooring is seemingly back to stay.  Folks love the rich warmth of oak, the elegance of cherry and the rustic appeal of hickory.  I am personally a maple girl.  I just love it.

However, as a cost effective alternative for builders and homeowners alike, carpet is still very mainstream.  At as little as $1.00 / sq ft, it remains quite popular.  The trick, however, is selecting the right product for your home and lifestyle.  Especially for the bathroom!  

If you simply must carpet a bathroom or powder room, here are a few pointers to keep in mind:

1.  Plush, natural fibers (read: wool) retain the most moisture.  Therefore, something synthetic is far better option.  Hint:  nylon yard has just become your best friend!

2.  As with any room in the house, proper padding (stay tuned - more to come about padding) and cleaning treatments are crucial.  Regular vacuuming and occasional steam cleaning are recommended. 

3.  Be sure to select carpet that is water, mildew and stain resistant. 

4.  Carpet backing should protect padding from any spills and moisture.

5.  Lay a (washable, please) bathmat on top of the carpet.  Step on it when exiting shower/tub to reduce water contact with carpet.

6.  If budget allows, it is highly recommended that you install bathroom carpet on a concrete sub floor.  If you are unable, products such as Wonderboard will suffice. 

7.  Consider modular flooring tiles rather than actual wall-to-wall.  Tiles are, so they say, easily laid and removed.  I like the sound of that!  Visit http://www.flor.com/ for details.

8.  Investigate using indoor/outdoor carpet.  It's rubber backing deflects moisture and eliminates the potential for mold and mildew.

If you are reading this and you are a fan of carpeted bathrooms, I hope you learned a thing or two.  May your carpet provide many years of warmth and comfort! 

Stage like a pro!

Everyone knows the power of the paintbrush.  Of course you should vacuum too.  Oh, and de-clutter while you're at it.  And, for a while there, the aroma of baking cookies wafting from the kitchen, was a popular tactic.  But home staging goes a bit beyond the obvious.  Especially now.  Especially in this competitive market. 

What continues to amaze me (among other things) is the seller's lack of concern for the exterior!  Sagging, overloaded gutters send buyers running the other way.  If a seller can't be bothered to weed their flower beds, who on earth should believe they've had their HVAC serviced in the past decade.  Ratty, past-their-prime doormats are anything but welcoming.  Overlooking these details sends a clear message to prospective buyers:  "Skip this house!". 

hgtv.com/real-estate/top-10-rules-of-staging-from-the-stagers/index.html

Staging doesn't have to cost a fortune but it will make a difference.

Christmas Lights Recycling Program

It's that time of year again.  The time of year when all the holiday decorations are banished to either the attic or the basement.  If you're anything like me, it's also the time to organize, part with broken ornaments and sort through strands of Christmas tree lights.  There is finally something we can do with old/nonfunctioning lights.  A friend of mine passed along this link to me.  I think it's a GREAT idea:

http://www.christmas-light-source.com/Christmas-Lights-Recycling-Program_c_210.html

Furthermore, this program benefits a charity near and dear to me - Toys For Tots.

Keeps a little more out of landfills AND gives to the tots!

Two birds, one stone!

Happy New Year!

A new addition for 2011?

What better way to start the new year!  I can't think of a better place to fall in love than Atlanta Humane Society...  I came across Mr. Cody today and thought I'd spread the word - THIS GUYS NEEDS A FAMILY!  He also needs plenty of love and understanding.  Please pass this along if you know someone in the market for a wonderful, loyal companion.

Looking for something smaller, bigger, a cat?  Follow this link and get acquainted with all the guys and gals looking for a forever home:   atlantahumane.org/adoption/adopt-pet-dog.php

Wonderful (and EASY) appetizer

Wanted to share this delicious appetizer I made for several parties this holiday season. 
It's super yummy and can easily be prepared low-cal.
Enjoy!


Ingredients

1 15-oz. carton whole milk ricotta cheese (Jinny used reduced fat...)
6 oz. Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
1/2 tsp. snipped fresh thyme or 1/4 tsp. dried thyme, crushed
1/4 tsp. snipped fresh rosemary or 1/8 tsp. dried rosemary, crushed
1 Tbsp. honey
36 toasted baguette slices (Jinny used both white and whole grain baguette - prefered the whole grain!)

Sliced apples, more fresh thyme, and/or toasted walnuts - set aside
Honey - set aside

Directions

1. Place ricotta in a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in Gorgonzola, 1/2 teaspoon thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon rosemary until combined. Fold in 1 tablespoon honey until just combined. Spoon mixture into a serving bowl. Cover and chill 1 to 24 hours. Makes 36 appetizer servings.

2. To serve, spread on baguette slices and top with apple slices, thyme, and/or walnuts. Drizzle with honey.

Market Comment - Week of November 15th, 2010

Mortgage bond prices were lower for the week pushing mortgage interest rates higher. The Treasury auctions were mixed with generally decent foreign demand but rather lackluster overall results. The weekly jobless claims data came in lower than expected which was not bond friendly and pushed rates considerably higher Wednesday. The bond market was closed Thursday for the holiday, which likely contributed to the volatility with thin trading conditions surrounding shortened trading week. For the week interest rates finished worse by about 7/8 of a discount point.  Econoc FactorsEconomic Factors

Economic Factors

The retail sales data Monday will set the tone for trading this week. The inflation data on Tuesday and Wednesday have the greatest potential to move the financial markets.

 ____________________________________________________________

Economic Factorso
mic
As of 11/15/10, Retail Sales Up 0.6%.  A measure of consumer demand.  A smaller than expected increase may lead to lower mortgage rates.


As of 11/15/10, Business Inventories Up 0.6%.  An indication of stored-up capacity.  A significantly larger increase may lead to lower rates.


Release date - 11/16/10, Producer Price Index Up 0.7%.  Core up 0.1% Important. An indication of inflationary pressures at the producer level.  Weaker figures may lead to lower rates.


Release date -11/16/10, Industrial Production Up 0.3% Important.  A measure of manufacturing sector strength. A lower than expected increase may lead to lower rates.


Release date - 11/16/10, Capacity Utilization - 75%.  A figure above 85% is viewed as inflationary. Weakness may lead to lower rates.


Release date - 11/17/10, Consumer Price Index Up 0.3%, Core up 0.1%.  A measure of inflation at the consumer level. Lower than expected increases may lead to lower rates.


Release date - 11/17/10, Housing Starts - 605k.  A measure of housing sector strength. Larger than expected decreases may lead to lower rates.


Release date -11/18/10, Leading Economic Indicators Up 0.5%.  An indication of future economic activity. A smaller increase may lead to lower rates.

______________________________________________________________

 
Low Rates

 

Mortgage interest rates remain near historic lows. Borrowers that choose to float in this environment expose themselves to an upside risk in mortgage interest rates. The Fed has specifically stated, "Measures of underlying inflation are currently at levels somewhat below those the Committee judges most consistent, over the longer run, with its mandate to promote maximum employment and price stability." This means the Fed believes inflation levels should increase. Inflation, real or perceived, generally erodes the value of fixed income securities causing prices to fall and rates to rise. If the Fed has its way it is very possible to see mortgage interest rates increase. However, there are no certainties even with the Fed's stated goals. The Fed does not directly dictate mortgage interest rates but its activities have an indirect effect on rates.

 

Recent history attests to spikes and drops in rates on almost a weekly basis. Last week was a prime example. A cautious approach to interest rate exposure is prudent.

Blankets of Belief

If you haven't heard of Soldier's Angels, now more than ever, they should definitely be on your radar.  This volunteer-led, nonprofit organization works year-round to bringing comfort and support to our service people here and abroad.  From something as simple as matching pen pals to service people to K-9 support team and the Veteran's support assistance, Soldier's Angels doesn't miss a beat.

For the last two holiday seasons, these folks have been collecting homemade blankets (thus the name...) to ship to service people deployed to war zones over the holiday season.  The blankets are all homemade and are usually sewn, quilted, knitted or made from cut and fringed fleece material.  Regardless of the style, they are a welcome and appreciated comfort of home.  The goal for 2010 is to collect 100,000 blankets!  As of today, they have collected almost 22,000 and the number continues to climb.  Such an easy way to make someones day a little brighter and definitely WARMER!

Get creative and involve friends, family, coworkers and neighbors. 

You can even start an angel team and work together:   http://soldiersangels.org/join-or-adopt.html
Before starting, read blanket guidelines:  http://soldiersangels.org/uploads/boh/BlanketsOfBelief-Guidelines.pdf
No time for sewing but feeling appreciative:  http://soldiersangels.org/donate.html
Want to prepare a care package:  http://soldiersangels.org/index.php?page=donating-items

I encourage you to remember the troops today and everyday.  Tis ALWAYS the season.  We have them to thank for our freedom here at home.

Lowest mortgage rates in MY lifetime - that's 39 years, folks!

Just passing along an article a friend emailed me.  It's too good not to share:

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Mortgage rates fall to fresh lows this week
NEW YORK, Thu Nov 11, 10:20 AM

Rates on fixed mortgages dropped to their lowest levels in decades this week after the Federal Reserve unveiled a massive bond-buying program to help spur economic growth.

Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Tuesday the average rate for 30-year fixed loans fell to 4.17 percent from 4.24 percent last week. That's the lowest on records dating back to 1971.
The average rate on 15-year fixed loans fell to 3.57 percent from 3.63 percent. That's the lowest since the survey began in 1991.

The Fed detailed plans last week to buy $600 billion in Treasury bonds. On Wednesday, the central bank gave more details, saying it plans to purchase $105 billion in Treasurys over the next month. The extra demand means Treasurys will produce lower yields for investors. Mortgage rates tend to track those yields.

Mortgage rates have been at or near historic lows since April as investors, concerned about the health of the global economy, shift their money into Treasurys, pushing down rates on the bonds and consumer and business loans.

While more borrowers have refinanced their home loans, low rates have done little to boost the beleaguered housing market. Would-be buyers remain on the sidelines, too worried about their jobs or unable to qualify for a loan because of tighter credit standards. Others can't sell their own homes before buying another.

Home sales were the worst in decades this summer, and home prices fell in half of U.S. cities in the third quarter, the National Association of Realtors said Thursday.

To calculate average mortgage rates, Freddie Mac collects rates from lenders across the country on Monday through Wednesday of each week. Rates often fluctuate significantly, even within a single day.

Rates on five-year adjustable-rate mortgages fell to their lowest level in at least five years. They averaged 3.25 percent, down from 3.39 percent a week earlier. It is the lowest rate on records dating back to January 2005.

Rates on one-year adjustable-rate home loans were unchanged at 3.26.

The rates do not include add-on fees, known as points. One point is equal to 1 percent of the total loan amount.

The average fee for 30-year and 15-year fixed loans in Freddie Mac's survey was 0.8 point. It was 0.7 point for 1-year and five-year mortgages.

source:  http://www.optimum.net/News

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Good stuff!  On the fence about purchasing?  NOW is the time!  If you're shopping, selling or just like to keep tabs on things, here's MY favorite resource:  http://www.bankrate.com/

BUYING/SELLING in metro Atlanta?  REMEMBER JINNY! 
For more info, visit my website:  Jinny@JinnyCobb.com

Looking for his forever home...

Meet Beethoven!  Just one of the MANY fellows at the Atlanta Humane Society looking for his forever home.  Although pitched as a "Retriever / St. Bernard mix", there's no telling what this guy's exact lineage is...

Whether you're looking for your first dog or to add to the pack, Atlanta Humane should be your first stop.  If you're thinking, like I was, that it's nothing but pit bulls and Rottweilers, guess again!  They have an impressive assortment of small dogs, purebreds, puppies, adults, you name it!  Oh, and did I mention - their huge inventory of cats?  Atlanta Humane Society is a no-kill shelter offering low adoption fees, they spays/neuters all adopted pets and brings animals current with shots before they go home.  It's a win-win!

Check out the other adoptables here:  http://www.atlantahumane.org/adoption/atlanta-pet-adoptions.php

I once heard that something like 75% of the dogs in metro Atlanta shelters are purebred!  Bypass pricey breeders and give a shelter dog a second chance.   I have (3 times) and there's nothing more rewarding!

Here are some other local rescue groups I like:

http://www.furkids.org/
http://www.georgialabrescue.com/

http://www.smalldoghumane.org/
https://www.pawsatlanta.org/

Meeting my Sam at Atlanta Humane (Feb 2007)

Toys for Tots and then some!

Sorry for the late notice but I just found out about this.
Wonderful cause, great incentive!

Come play Santa and a round of golf at the third annual Toys for Tots tournament, hosted by the Greater Norcross Golfer's Association.  Helping out a worthy cause has never been so FUN!
You've got to be in it, to win it!  And, what better cause than TFT!  $5,000 Hole in One ($2,500 to the player/$2,500 to our Marines' "Toys for Tots")

Where:  Berkeley Hills Country Club
When:  Monday, November 15, 2010
(sign up through 11/10/10 - that's TODAY!!!)
For more info:  tmcdermott@eglholdings.com // 404-915-8142

With the holiday season upon us, don't forget the kids!  Cash, gifts, your time  - it ALL helps make a child's holiday more bright!

Follow this link for details:  http://atlantatoysfortots.com/

Another EASY way to give, http://www.acfb.org/

SPRING CLEANING IN NOVEMBER!

ELECTRONICS RECYCLING DAY
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2010
9:00 am to 1:00 pm

For more information, call 770-528-1135

Two convenient locations:

Jim Miller Park

2245 Callaway Road

Marietta, GA  30008

http://prca.cobbcountyga.gov/JimMillerPark.htm

OR

Piedmont Church
570 Piedmont Road
Marietta, GA 30066-3644
http://www.piedmontchurch.tv/contact-us.htm


The following items ARE being accepted:

• Televisions ($10 fee per TV)
• Computer Monitors
• Microwave Ovens
• Computer Cpu’s
• Stereos
• Laptops
• Copiers
• Printers
• Video Machines
• Alarmclocks
• Disk Drives/CD Roms
• VCRs
• Floppy Drives
• Camcorders
• Telephones/Cell Phones
• Testing & Networking Equipment
• Digital Cameras
• CB Radios
• Modems
• Record Players
• Cd Players
• Curcuit Boards
• Speakers
• Portable Radios
• Electrical Panels
• Typewriters
• UPS Battery Back-Up
• Fax Machines
• Cables
• Projectors
• Keyboards
• Mouse
• Scanners
• 8-Tracks (Reel To Reel Tape)

Items NOT Accepted:

• Refrigerators
• Washers/Dryers
• Ovens/Freezers
• Humidifiers/De-Humidifiers
• Power Equipment
• Tires
• Household Trash
• Non-Electronic Equipment

Because EVERYONE has old electronics lying around...



Market Comment - Week of November 8th, 2010

Mortgage bond prices were slightly positive for the week amid very choppy trading conditions. We started on a positive note for bonds with lower than expected PCE inflation data. Unfortunately a steep sell off emerged Monday afternoon as we headed into the elections and the Fed meeting. The Fed kept rates in check Wednesday as expected and announced continued quantitative easing. Unfortunately the payrolls figure of the employment report was stronger than expected Friday morning, which erased a lot of the gains seen earlier in the week. For the week interest rates finished better by about 1/8 to 1/4.

The Treasury will auction $72 billion of securities this week. Strong foreign demand remains necessary for interest rates to stay low. The Veterans holiday Thursday splits the trading week.

________________________________________

Economic Factors

Economic Indicator Release Date Time Consensus Estimate Analysis

As of  11/8/10, 3-year Treasury Note Auction, $32 billion of notes will be auctioned. Strong demand may lead to lower mortgage rates.

As of 11/9/10, 10-year Treasury Note Auction,  $24 billion of notes will be auctioned. Strong demand may lead to lower mortgage rates.

As of 11/10/10, weekly jobless claims Wednesday, an indication of unemployment. Higher figure may lead to lower mortgage rates.

As of 11/10/10, Trade Data Wednesday, deficit Important. Affects the value of the dollar. A falling deficit may strengthen the dollar and lead to lower rates.

As of 11/10/10, 30-year Treasury Bond Auction, $16 billion of bonds will be auctioned. Strong demand may lead to lower mortgage rates.

As of 11/12/10, U of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Friday, an indication of consumers' willingness to spend. Weakness may lead to lower mortgage rates.

Trading This Week

Market conditions that often lead to mortgage interest rate volatility are thin trading and shortened trading weeks. If very few market participants are buying and selling bonds, the potential for short-term volatility is escalated. A large buyer or seller can execute trading orders that, without additional traders to buffer out the extreme buying or selling, can lead to swift market movements. In addition, shortened trading weeks have the potential to compress a week's worth of trading into fewer days. Bond traders often take defensive positions ahead of weekends and holidays to guard against unforeseen events that could possibly jeopardize their investments. This positioning can be beneficial or detrimental to mortgage interest rates. If investors sell stocks and buy mortgage-backed securities, mortgage interest rates will improve. However, if investors sell mortgage-backed securities and hold cash positions, mortgage interest rates will rise.

Holidays can often result in volatility as trading resumes following the extended close. The Fed continues to state the goal of low interest rates for some time. It is hard to argue they have not been effective with that goal. That doesn't mean we haven't and won't see any interest rate volatility. The Fed also noted recently that inflation is below their preferred levels. Recent history attests to spikes and drops in rates throughout the year.

This week could result in market swings that are favorable or negative in nature. A cautious approach to interest rate exposure is prudent considering the heightened possibility for mortgage interest rate volatility.

Baby, it's cold outside!

We've had a couple chilly evenings lately here in Georgia.  My husband and I have not had to use the heat yet but it won't be long.  In the meantime, we (read: HE) have remembered to reverse our ceiling fans which seems to have made a difference.

Like every year, I either forget or cannot remember which setting does what.  To recap for the 25th time:  Spinning Counter-Clockwise: Makes a room cooler by blowing the air downward.  Spinning Clockwise: Makes a room warmer by creating subtle updraft which pushes the warm air near the ceiling down along the walls and into the room.   Remember to turn fan off (wait for it to stop spinning) before flipping the switch.  While it's off, take the opportunity to dust/clean.  You'll be surprised what collected up there!

Stay warm!

Dogs are people too

Something fun for our four-legged friends

Being the proud parents of two (yes, TWO) rescued Beagles, we're constantly sniffing out dog friendly spots around town.  Having visited a handfull of dog parks in metro Atlanta, our number one choice is still Brook Run - f/k/a the Henry Jones Dog Park.  Close to home and tucked away in the far end of the Liane Levetan Park at Brook Run, this is a 4 acre slice of heaven!  It is smoke-free (huge for people and dogs alike) and meticulously maintained by the tireless JAWITP volunteers.  If you enjoy the park and would like to lend a hand, clean up day is the LAST Saturday of each month.

Volunteering details:  http://www.jawitp.com/aboutvolunteers.html

Hope to see you there!

  The Liane Levetan Park at Brook Run

4770 North Peachtree Road

 Dunwoody

Hours:  sunrise to sunset

Sam (tricolor),
Allie (b&w) 



Let them eat cake! Or soup.

Looking to do something GOOD for someone else?

St. Martin’s Episcopal School is collecting UPC labels from Campbell's, Pepperidge Farm & Swanson products. They're also collecting caps from V8 juice bottles. And who doesn't love V8 Splash?!

In 2009, the labels/caps redeemed earned $500 for SMES!  Our pantries are already stocked with a lot of these products.  And, since the empy containers are landfill bound, why not take a minute to clip the UPC label off?

There is no easier, less expensive (read: FREE) way to give!

If you don't live in Metro Atlanta OR have another school in mind, perhaps they're already enrolled in the program.  There are a handfull in MY community so why not check yours:

http://www.labelsforeducation.com/

Atlanta friends, I'm happy to turn in your labels/caps if you'd like.  Email me and we can make arrangements:

Jinny@JinnyCobb.com

For more information regarding SMES, please follow this link to their website:

http://www.stmartinschool.org/