Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Packing part 2

So you would think, that after 30+ trips to Disney World and knowing the parks so well I can navigate with my eyes shut packing would be a simple science.
It ain't.
I am a chronic over packer. I was bad before the kids but with them I'm worse. So, so much worse.
Every trip I SWEAR this is the trip I get my stuff together and really pack only what we need. Pack light, pack smart. (the travel equivalent of work smarter not harder) Never happens.
As I'm packing I split into two people. Part of me channels my wonderful paternal grandmother. A beautiful 94 year old feisty Jewish Brooklyn grandmother who doesn't take guff and can pack your entire apartment in one tiny box. Seriously. The woman could put an elephant in a carry on bag and still have room.  It is one of her more enviable talents. To her a suitcase is a game of Tetris (not that she would know what Tetris is) and everything you need to pack has a particular way it needs to be put in the suitcase in the proper order (and folded and wrapped right). 
Then there is the Cher Horowitz in me.(You know, from the movie Clueless) and she needs to pack EVERYTHING in case. In case it rains, in case it's sunny, in case it's cold, in case it gets dark, in case I run into someone cute and famous, in case, in case, in case...
She's responsible for the 30 extra batteries weighing the suitcase down that were packed in case the mister fans need them.
She's also responsible for the 10 extra pairs of shoes we pack and the 900 extra tee shirts and the 500 pairs of underwear and the 5 bathing suits per child and please, don't get her started on the non clothing items.
She's the part that's obsessive about having cute bags and cute hair accessories and packing makeup and hair products.
She and my internal grandmother have epic battles when it comes time to pack.
My solution to make everyone happy was that I discovered Space Bags. Space Bags are my lifesaver and a Godsend. They allow me to pack everything I need, want and desire and still fit everything into a duffel bag.

This trip however, I'm trying something new, at least for the kids. Outfits. I'm packing coordinated outfits for them. We went to Old Navy yesterday to get shorts for this trip and I made sure to only get shorts that would work with shirts they had in their closet and to make sure they would work with more than one shirt per child.

That is the grandmother in me. Organized, concise, efficient.
The Cher in me is screaming "WAY HARSH!" and telling me that history shows that I NEED to overpack for the kids. That they NEED all the clothing I always pack for them and she's sort of right.

I can't recall who said that even children fresh out of a bath are still sticky but it's true. Kids are messy critters and while I plan on doing laundry on this trip, we don't have a washer and dryer in the room this time around and so I'll have to take the laundry to the laundry area which may or may not be close to our room.

The more clothing I pack, the less laundry I'll have to do while on the actual vacation.

This trip I have a box. A Rubbermaid container and I'm slowly putting all the clothing and non essentials we need to take with us in it.

It's REALLY full now and I'm not done packing. I was ahead of the game when Lion wasn't wearing shorts. He flat out refused to wear shorts. That had eliminated more than half of the boys clothing. Yesterday when we were in Old Navy he all of a sudden decided he was going to wear shorts.

Great.

Today I'll be making a pilgrimage to Bed Bath and Beyond to get Space Bags...Cher meet my grandmother

Monday, May 24, 2010

824 2Nd Av Troy, NY 12180

824 2Nd Av  Troy, NY 12180
$249,900
$1,070/month
5 Bed, 1.5 Bath | 5,000 Sq Ft |
MLS #201013448


Property Information for 824 2Nd Av
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Property Features

    *
      Single Family Property
    * Status: Active
    * Age: 132 year(s) old
    * 5 total bedroom(s)
    * 1.5 total bath(s)
    * 1 total full bath(s)
    * 1 total half bath(s)
    * 9 total rooms
    * Approximately 5000 sq. ft.
    * Style: Victorian

   

    * Living room
    * Dining room
    * Family room
    * Kitchen
    * Basement
    * Kitchen is Eat In
    * Basement is Full Basement
    * 4 or more fireplaces
    * 1 car garage

   

    * Parking features: Detached
    * Heating features: Hot Air,Natural Gas
    * Inclusions: Range w/Oven
    * Exterior construction: Wood,Full Basement Foundation
    * Roofing: Slate
    * Approximate lot is 100 x 140
    * Corner lot
    * Utilities present: Public Water,Public Sewer
    * School District: Lansingburgh

Interior Features
Cable Hook-Up,High Speed Internet Acc,Crown Molding,Bay Window,Country Kitchen,Wood Floors,Full attic, Walk-Up attic access,Formal Dining Room,Laundry Area
Exterior Features
Porch
Listing Information
Refreshed at 6:31 PM PT (11 minutes ago)
Added on Feb 22, 2010 (91 days ago)
To access this page directly, use
http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/824-2Nd-Av_Troy_NY_12180_1116333563

29 Ingersoll Grove Springfield, MA 01109

29 Ingersoll Grove  Springfield, MA 01109
$449,000
$1,920/month|Change My Scenario|Get Mortgage Rates
9 Bed, 3.5 Bath | 7,089 Sq Ft on 0.38 Acres (16,500 Sq Ft Lot) |
MLS #71068496


Property Information for 29 Ingersoll Grove
Save Listing
Message from www.EntryOnly.com Go to http://www.EntryOnly.com to see a full Listing Detail Sheet ......................... Click on the appropriate Property Type
The Besse Mansion is said to be one of the grandest homes in Western Massachusetts. The home features twenty-three spacious rooms, extraordinary woodwork, Bradley and Hubbard fixtures, beveled and stained glass windows, and five fireplaces. From the double parlor featuring mahogany columns and adjoining solarium, to the stately dining room, oversized gourmet kitchen complete with a Viking oven, to the new gas furnace, the Besse Mansion offers the finest in antique home living.
Property Features

    *
      Single Family Property
    * Year Built: 1887
    * 9 total bedroom(s)
    * 3.5 total bath(s)
    * 3 total full bath(s)
    * 1 total half bath(s)
    * 23 total rooms
    * Approximately 7089 sq. ft.
    *
      Type: Detached home
    * Style: Victorian

   

    * Master bedroom
    * Living room
    * Dining room
    * Family room
    * Kitchen
    * Den
    * Basement
    * Laundry room
    * Bathroom(s) on main floor
    * Hardwood floors

   

    * 4 or more fireplaces
    * 4 open parking space(s)
    * Carport
    * Heating features: Gas, Steam
    * Exterior construction: Concrete block, Rock/stone
    * Roofing: Shingle, Slate
    * Community park(s)
    * Lot is 16500 sq. ft.
    * Approximately 0.37 acre(s)
    * Lot size is less than 1/2 acre

Interior Features
Master bathroom, Disposal, Freezer, Microwave oven, Range, Refrigerator, Basement interior access, Concrete flooring, Full basement, Bedroom(s) on upper level(s), Bathroom(s) on upper level(s), Ceramic tile flooring, Family room on 1st floor/level, Wood floors, Security features, Upstairs laundry, Master bedroom upstairs, Sun room, Pantry, Electric laundry hookups, Washer hookups, Library, Sunroom
Exterior Features
Enclosed porch, Fenced, Porch, Sprinkler system, Close to public transportation, Shopping nearby, Walk/Jog trails, Paved drive, Paved road, Public road, Sidewalk, TV cable available, Gas connection, Frontage: 110
Listing Information
Refreshed at 4:43 PM PT (14 minutes ago)
Added on Apr 21, 2010 (33 days ago)
To access this page directly, use
http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/29-Ingersoll-Grove_Springfield_MA_01109_1118111712
This listing is brokered by
The Entry Only Listing Service
Office: (877)249-5478

    
MLS # 71068496 - Active
Single Family - Detached
29 Ingersoll Grove     List Price: $449,000
Springfield, MA 01109-4010    
Hampden County
Style: Victorian     Color: Yellow
Total Rooms: 23     Bedrooms: 9
Full/Half/Master Baths: 3/1/Yes     Fireplaces: 5
Grade School:     Middle School:
High School:
Neighborhood/Sub-Division: McKnight Historical District
Directions: Off Worthington Street
Remarks
The Besse Mansion is said to be one of the grandest homes in Western Massachusetts. The home features twenty-three spacious rooms, extraordinary woodwork, Bradley and Hubbard fixtures, beveled and stained glass windows, and five fireplaces. From the double parlor featuring mahogany columns and adjoining solarium, to the stately dining room, oversized gourmet kitchen complete with a Viking oven, to the new gas furnace, the Besse Mansion offers the finest in antique home living.
Property Information
Approx. Living Area: 7089 sq. ft.     Approx. Acres: 0.37 (16500 sq. ft.)     Garage Spaces: 0  Carport
Living Area Includes:     Heat Zones: 1  Hot Air Gravity, Steam, Gas     Parking Spaces: 4  Off-Street
Living Area Source: Public Record     Cool Zones:   None     Approx. Street Frontage: 110 ft
Living Area Disclosures: Does not include third floor or solarium
Room Levels, Dimensions and Features
Room     Level     Size     Features
Living Room:     1         Fireplace, Hard Wood Floor
Dining Room:     1         Hard Wood Floor
Family Room:     1         Fireplace, Hard Wood Floor
Kitchen:     1         Pantry
Master Bedroom:     2         Fireplace, Hard Wood Floor
Bedroom 2:     2         Fireplace, Hard Wood Floor
Bedroom 3:     2         Hard Wood Floor
Bedroom 4:     2         Hard Wood Floor
Bedroom 5:     3         Hard Wood Floor
Bath 1:     1         Half Bath
Bath 2:     2         Full Bath
Bath 3:     3         Full Bath
Laundry:     2         Hard Wood Floor
Library:     1         Hard Wood Floor
Sun Room:     1         Stone / Ceramic Tile Floor
Den:     2         Fireplace, Hard Wood Floor
Bedroom:     3         Hard Wood Floor
Bedroom:     3         Hard Wood Floor
Bedroom:     3         Hard Wood Floor
Features
Appliances: Range, Disposal, Microwave, Refrigerator, Freezer, Dishwasher - ENERGY STAR, Vent Hood
Area Amenities: Public Transportation, Shopping, Park, Walk/Jog Trails, Medical Facility, Highway Access, House of Worship, Public School, University
Basement: Yes   Full, Interior Access, Bulkhead, Concrete Floor
Beach: No
Construction: Stone/Concrete
Electric: Circuit Breakers
Exterior: Stone
Exterior Features: Porch, Enclosed Porch, Sprinkler System, Fenced Yard
Flooring: Wood
Foundation Size: 0
Foundation Description: Granite
Hot Water: Natural Gas, Tank
Interior Features: Security System, Cable Available
Lot Description: Paved Drive
Road Type: Public, Paved, Publicly Maint., Sidewalk
Roof Material: Asphalt/Fiberglass Shingles, Slate
Sewer and Water: City/Town Water, City/Town Sewer
Utility Connections: for Gas Range, for Electric Range, for Gas Oven, for Electric Oven, for Electric Dryer, Washer Hookup
Waterfront: No
         
Other Property Info
Adult Community: No
Disclosure Declaration: No
Disclosures: Ant. centr. vac and 3d fl. sinks in bdrms not working.
Exclusions:
Home Own Assn: No
Lead Paint: Unknown
UFFI:   Warranty Available: No
Year Built: 1887  Source: Owner
Year Built Description: Approximate
Year Round: Yes
Tax Information
Pin #: S:06925 P:0052
Assessed: $325,400
Tax: $6345  Tax Year: 2010
Book: 12628  Page: 564
Cert: 10-9-2002
Zoning Code: R1
Map:   Block:   Lot:

Property Description  The Besse Mansion offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reside in one of the grandest homes in Western Massachusetts. The Besse Mansion is a twenty-three room Queen Anne style home built in 1887. In 1916, the exterior of the home was remodeled with stucco walls, massive granite blocks and other English cottage details. The home features oversized rooms, extraordinary woodwork, Bradley & Hubbard lighting fixtures, bevelled and stained glass windows, and five fireplaces. The grand foyer boasts an oversized white oak mantel, coffered ceiling and a bronze Bradley & Hubbard chandelier. The double parlor features mahogany columns and a mahogany mantel with built-in Bradley & Hubbard candelabras. The adjoining solarium features pocket windows facing southward. The dining room maintains Honduran mahogany paneling, a coffered ceiling and double french pocket doors. The library overlooks the porte-cochere and features mahogany paneling, built-in bookshelves and a six-foot tall stained glass window. The large gourmet kitchen features granite countertops, stainless appliances including a Viking stove and hood. A butler s pantry and breakfast room adjoin the kitchen. The third floor has a newly built kitchen, as well. The Besse Mansion has a new gas furnace, an irrigation system, exceptional landscaping and too many more details to list. A large collection of Besse memorabilia is offered for sale with the home. The Besse Mansion is conveniently located in Springfield, Massachusetts, just 90 minutes from Boston and 2-1/2 hours from New York City.

Property Features

    * On the MLS! MLS ID: 71068496
    * 9 bedrooms
    * 3 full bathrooms
    * 1 half bathroom
    * Victorian style construction
    * 3 stories
    * Built in 1887
    * Lot size is .37 acre
    * Views of neighborhood
    * Standard Gas heating system
    * City provided sewer/wastewater

    * Has 5 fireplaces
    * 4-car Carport (attached)
    * Has an attic
    * Has a basement
    * Landscape irrigation system
    * Professionally landscaped
    * Recently renovated
    * Updated kitchen
    * In the McKnight Historic District neighborhood
    * $6,345 estimated taxes (per quarter)

Thursday, May 20, 2010

104 Highland Av Middletown, NY 10940


104 Highland Av  Middletown, NY 10940
$399,900
7 Bed, 4.5 Bath | 3,592 Sq Ft |
MLS #484484

Property Information for 104 Highland Av
Save Listing
Message from Susanne Dermigny Tax credits up to $8000 are available for first time buyers and move up buyers before April 30. Find out if you qualify at www.homebuyertaxcredit.com
Stately home on lovely Highland Avenue in one of Middletown's most desired locations. Sets beautifully on an expansive property. Spacious and elegant, with 12 ft ceilings, 6/7 bedrooms, 2 fireplaces, St. Charles Kitchen, hardwood floors. Wonderful yard with picket fence and porches perfect for entertaining. You will love living here.
Property Features

    *
      Single Family Property
    * Status: ACTIVE
    * Area: Middletown City
    * County: Orange County
    * Year Built: 1860
    * 7 total bedroom(s)
    * 4.5 total bath(s)
    * 4 total full bath(s)
    * 1 total half bath(s)
    * 11 total rooms

  

    * Approximately 3592 sq. ft.
    * Style: Colonial
    * Master bedroom
    * Dining room
    * Family room
    * Den
    * Office
    * Basement
    * Hardwood floors
    * 2 fireplaces

  

    * 2 car garage
    * Parking features: Detached
    * Heating features: Natural Gas, Oil Above Ground, Hot Water, Radiator, 1 Heat Zones
    * Exterior construction: Frame, Clap Board Siding
    * Lot features: Estimated Annual Taxes are $10,300.00
    * School District: Middletown
    * Elementary School: John Chorley
    * Jr. High School: Monhagen Middle School
    * High School: Middletown High School

Interior Features
Attic Pull Stairs, Full Attic, Formal Dining Room, Dishwasher, Dryer, Oven/Range, Refrigerator, Washer, Foyer, Pantry, Formal Dining Room, Master Full Bathroom
Exterior Features
Blacktop Driveway, Circuit Breaker, Out Building, Porch, Paved Street Surface, Municipal Sewer, Municipal Water
Listing Information
Refreshed at 6:11 PM PT (less than 5 minutes ago)
Added on Mar 18, 2010 (63 days ago)
To access this page directly, use
http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/104-Highland-Av_Middletown_NY_10940_1117068374