Memorial Day weekend is fast approaching, an extended weekend for family, friends, bar-b-cue, parades and sporting events. How will you share this holiday time? When you’re out on the lake fishing, boating and enjoying your freedom, take special time to reflect on the reason for the holiday, to honor those who gave their lives in military services. 

Memorial Day Facts

• Memorial Day is always held on the last Monday of May.
• A national moment of remembrance takes place at 3pm local time.
• A Memorial Day tradition is to fly flags at half-staff from dawn until noon.
• Volunteers often place American flags on each grave site at National Cemetaries.
• Memorial Day originally was held on May 30th of every year, but was changed to the last Monday.
• Memorial Day was originally known as “Decorations Day.”

Ideas for Memorial Day Activities

If you haven’t made your Memorial Day plans, here’s a few ideas that are affordable for the whole family.

• Throw an impromptu bar-b-cue in the backyard or by the pool.
• Make a special desert with strawberries and blueberries resembling the American Flag. 
• Take pics of the kids with their American Flags for keepsake, Facebook and scrapbooks. 
• Visit grandparents and “pick their brains” about the past. 
• Take flowers and candy to elderly relatives who are in retirement centers.
• Put a flag up in your front lawn. 
• Play out in the sprinklers with the kids. 
• Vow not to work at all this weekend. 
• Attend Memorial Day services. 
• Visit a local National Cemetery. 

Whatever you do this Memorial Day, take pause for those who died in military service who are so deserving of the honor. 

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!!! 

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Not all real estate agents, Realtors^® and brokers are alike. It’s wise to shop around and find the real estate team that’s right for you. First stop to think about the qualities that you need in a real estate agent to effectively sell your home. Your list may read like this:

• Listens to my needs. You want a real estate professional who listens more than talks. Your agent needs to hear what’s important to you, and keep your priorities above his or her own at all times.

• Works hard and is not lazy. It sounds basic, but there people out there who are not willing to work as hard for you for whatever reason. You need someone at the top of their game, someone at the peak of their career who is ready to get out there and do whatever it takes to get your home sold in a timely manner and for the right price.

• Answers my calls. When you’re selling your home, nothing is worse than getting voicemail even 50% of the time. You need a real estate professional who is available for you when you need him or her. You need someone you can reach immediately when necessary.

• Positive Attitude. Want to sell your home quickly, for more than you expected? Find a Realtor^® with a good attitude. A negative, moody or depressed agent frankly will not have the confidence necessary to sell your home effectively in any market conditions.

• Knowledgeable. Your Realtor^® needs to be knowledgeable about the legalities of real estate, the marketplace and about your area.

• Successful. The best real estate agents are successful agents. You should be able to tell they are successful when you meet with them. They should have an excellent track record and sound references to prove it. An unsuccessful agent is that way for a reason, don’t find out why.

• Confident & Assertive. When it comes to selling your home, you need someone who is confident and assertive. Confident, because they need to know exactly what they are doing, and assertive because they have to take an assertive stance in the negotiation process. You want someone on your side who knows how to take a stand.

• Ethical. You want an ethical real estate agent who you can trust. Not only will he or she show up where expected, but will show up on time. Your Realtor must have an outstanding reputation and perform his or her job with high moral clarity.

• Markets your home by many different means. Sometimes all that’s needed is a sign in the front yard and you’ve got offers on your home from here to the Brazos River. Other times, depending on market conditions and other factors, selling your home may require extra techniques and tools such as virtual tours, internet marketing, open houses, direct mail, etc… Make sure your agent is ready to do whatever it takes to get your and your home moving.

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Concrete floors are all the rage in most public venues such as restaurants, churches and homes. Why? Most likely because concrete floors are relatively inexpensive to create, last longer than carpet, look clean, modern and sleek. Concrete floors not only look wonderful, but they are easier on the environment being the green option of choice for many home owners. 

Concrete floors are also very versatile with unlimited styles, colors and glimmers and are appealing for a number of decorating styles including Modern, Contemporary, Minimalist, Old World, Tuscan, Southwestern, Architectural, Rustic and even Traditional. 

Ways to Do Concrete Floors

These durable, distinct and easy-to-maintain floors are created in a variety of ways. Some concrete floors use more than one of the following applications: 

• Acid Stained & Dyed Concrete Floors
• Polished Concrete Floors 
• Artistic Concrete Floors

Acid Stained Concrete Floors

Acid stain is used to create the marble effect on the concrete floor. You can boost the appeal of boring grey concrete with a look of faux marble, solid colour, elegant hues or artistic designs. When combined with Polished Concrete, stained floors are all the more attractive. 

Polished Concrete Floors

Polished concrete floors reflect light making them shiny and beautiful. These beautiful floors are created with a permanent solution that reduces the need for re-application. Routine cleaning is all that is required to maintain smooth, luxurious finish. Resistant to abrasion. 

Artistic Concrete Floors

Concrete floors can garner the look of real stone without the expensive price tag. Artistic concrete floors are best left to the professional who knows what he or she is doing. Concrete floors can be artistically engraved and designed using multiple colors, styles and finishes. Concrete floors with artistic flair can be used for interiors and exteriors. 

How to Do Concrete Floors Yourself

You can do concrete floors yourself, or hire a professional. It’s important to verify that the cement is properly prepared prior to staining. Many professionals recommend an overlay of cementitious material prior to staining floors that are not new construction. 

1. Purchase stain at hardware supply store. Acid stain can be dyed different colors. 

2. Protect areas surrounding floors (walls, baseboards, trim) to protect from stain.

3. Prepare the concrete according to stain manufacturer instructions.

4. Test stain on area of floor to make sure you like the way it looks.

5. Score concrete surface into desired pattern with diamond blade saw. 

6. Apply stain. Use more stain for richer color, less stain for diluted color.

7. Protect floor with sealer or polish, giving the shiny finish. 

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Mother’s Day is upon us on Sunday May 9, 2010. A time to show honor to the Mothers in our lives. Mother’s sacrifice so much of their lives for their children, and deserve a lot more than they are given in return. They mean so much to us, and give so unconditionally. I hope we don’t take them for granted. I hope we take time to show them how very much we appreciate their continuous stream of love and support. 

Most mother’s are terrific. Other mother’s have made mistakes. There are mothers who did the best they could, but some how came up short. Some mothers have passed on. No matter what the situation between you and your Mother, take time to relish in something good about her. Take time to remember the times she was there for you when no one else would be, find something good to dwell on, even if it’s just the fact that she delivered you from her tummy. Whatever you do, don’t let bitterness keep you from showing your appreciation. 

Make time for your Mother this Mother’s Day. Make memories with your mom by making the day special, even if you talk to her every day. Think about what she really likes, and make the day something that really blesses her. It doesn’t have to be expensive. Most moms I know would be happy with the gift of time with their grown kids–and some (with little ones) would just like time away! Whatever the Mothers in your life need, try to make the day extra special for them. They deserve it. 

Give thanks that she is always on your side, has always loved you dearly. Give thanks for your mom who gave birth to you, as well as to the one who raised you and protected you. Moms are wonderful and they mean the best for us. Thank you, Mom for being wonderful. 

What are YOU going to do for your Mom this year? Leave us a comment below. We’d love to hear from you! 

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