What Do We Do While Waiting For Christmas?

Gingerbread House Decorating and a trip to Old McDonald's Farm afterwards......

Gobble Gobble Turkey Day Is Just Around The Corner

As we approach Thanksgiving I'd like to take the opportunity to thank all the wonderful people that I've come in contact with this year.

I've made a lot of long lasting relationships and friends forever.... and I just want to thank each and every one of you.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Dinner on The Plaza

We had a lovely dinner last night on The Plaza. A great italian restaurant Accurso's . I had the chicken spadini.... it was to die for. We were greeted by the owner of the restaurant, which is a really rare touch these days. Made you feel real welcome. Great atmosphere.. the service was EXCELLENT! Plenty of parking behind it. It was totally enjoyable! You should try it sometime!

Fall Is Definitely Here

Out with the warm balmy weather and suddenly... enters Fall. I personally prefer a long spring and a long fall, but this one has turned into winter already.

I do have to say that the trees were absolutely gorgeous this year. I can't remember the last time they were so bright and the colors so vivid.

Now it's on to the holidays... and if your budget is tight due to the economy but you still want holiday lights... I thought this was cute.

Memorial Day in Kansas City

I have been meaning to publish these shots I took of Celebration at the Station in honor of

Memorial Day.

It was a great event, lots of people! The Kansas City Symphony did a fabulous job performing wonderful classical pieces.

Gladstone Bluesfest June 5-6, 2009

For the 13th year Gladstone's Summer Bluesfest will be held this weekend at Oak Grove Park.

This festival has attracted up to 15,000 and this year should be no different.

For additional information visit the Gladstone Chamber of Commerce website.

This is a free festival and parking is only $5.00.

Kansas City Easter Parade at Zona Rosa

As we gather tomorrow with our family and friends..... I want to wish everyone a very Happy Easter!
In 2006 Zona Rosa in the Northland introduced an all time Kansas City favorite, the Easter Parade! It caused such enthusiam that it's become an annual tradition at the shopping area.
The community is invited to participated in this tradition which features the Easter Bunny, a petting zoo, free giveaways and a best dressed contest.

Our furry friend Buddy won't be in the best dressed contest but he certainly is festive!
Happy Easter

$8000.00 Free Money For 1st Time Buyers

I have heard that here in Kansas City there have been a couple of instances where accountants have been telling their first time home buyers that they cannot apply for the $8000.00 tax credit until 2009.
THAT is NOT TRUE!

I have a copy of the blank 1040. Go to page 2, under line #69 where it says attach form 5405. I also have also a copy of form 5405 that you will need. You can look at "C" at the top. You can claim it now if purchased in 2009. If they purchase in July, 2009, they can file an amended return and get their $8000 immediately.
However, the drawback is that the EZ form which most of them would file does not accommodate this so they will have to file the regular 1040.
I would be willing to share these forms with whomever wants them.......... just email me at franwhite@kc.rr.com........... in the subject line put TAX FORMS and I'll send them to you as PDF file you can print out.
And if you know someone who is wanting to buy, NOW is the time to do it.....if they are looking in the Kansas City North area, have them give me a call 816-682-3897
Until next time.......

Kansas City Home Show

The Kansas City Home show was this past weekend and we went on the first evening it opened.
There were a lot of vendors there with different things: windows, siding, housewares, guttering, roofing, more windows and more siding, fountains and all sorts of different things.
We chatted with the gentleman that was there from an invisible fence company because we are considering doing that for our little furry friend we adopted the end of January.
It was an interesting evening... unfortunately due to the weather here in Kansas City, they were reporting on the television that it drastically effected the turnout of the home show.

Rates Could Be In The Upper 4% By Tomorrow

Here's the actual press release from the Federal Reserve:

Press Release

Release Date: March 18, 2009
For immediate release
Information received since the Federal Open Market Committee met in January indicates that the economy continues to contract. Job losses, declining equity and housing wealth, and tight credit conditions have weighed on consumer sentiment and spending. Weaker sales prospects and difficulties in obtaining credit have led businesses to cut back on inventories and fixed investment. U.S. exports have slumped as a number of major trading partners have also fallen into recession. Although the near-term economic outlook is weak, the Committee anticipates that policy actions to stabilize financial markets and institutions, together with fiscal and monetary stimulus, will contribute to a gradual resumption of sustainable economic growth.
In light of increasing economic slack here and abroad, the Committee expects that inflation will remain subdued. Moreover, the Committee sees some risk that inflation could persist for a time below rates that best foster economic growth and price stability in the longer term.
In these circumstances, the Federal Reserve will employ all available tools to promote economic recovery and to preserve price stability. The Committee will maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at 0 to 1/4 percent and anticipates that economic conditions are likely to warrant exceptionally low levels of the federal funds rate for an extended period. To provide greater support to mortgage lending and housing markets, the Committee decided today to increase the size of the Federal Reserve’s balance sheet further by purchasing up to an additional $750 billion of agency mortgage-backed securities, bringing its total purchases of these securities to up to $1.25 trillion this year, and to increase its purchases of agency debt this year by up to $100 billion to a total of up to $200 billion. Moreover, to help improve conditions in private credit markets, the Committee decided to purchase up to $300 billion of longer-term Treasury securities over the next six months. The Federal Reserve has launched the Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility to facilitate the extension of credit to households and small businesses and anticipates that the range of eligible collateral for this facility is likely to be expanded to include other financial assets. The Committee will continue to carefully monitor the size and composition of the Federal Reserve's balance sheet in light of evolving financial and economic developments
Voting for the FOMC monetary policy action were: Ben S. Bernanke, Chairman; William C. Dudley, Vice Chairman; Elizabeth A. Duke; Charles L. Evans; Donald L. Kohn; Jeffrey M. Lacker; Dennis P. Lockhart; Daniel K. Tarullo; Kevin M. Warsh; and Janet L. Yellen.

Kansas City's St. Patrick's Day Parade

Aye me little wee lads and lassys.... it's St. Patrick's Day again in Kansas City, Missouri.
Kansas City has a very active Irish following, along with an Irish Fest that happens over Labor Day, we have a great St. Patrick's Day parade downtown!
This year the parade will run Broadway - 33rd Street (Linwood) to 43rd Street from 11 AM to 1 PM.
This is the 36th edition of this Kansas City tradition and the weather appears to be very cooperative!
Follow this link http://www.kcirishparade.com/ for more information....

First Time Buyers $8000.00 Tax Credit Tax Information

I have heard that here in Kansas City there have been a couple of instances where accountants have been telling their first time home buyers that they cannot apply for the $8000.00 tax credit until 2009.

THAT is NOT TRUE!

I have a copy of the blank 1040. Go to page 2, under line #69 where it says attach form 5405. I also have also a copy of form 5405 that you will need. You can look at "C" at the top. You can claim it now if purchased in 2009. If they purchase in July, 2009, they can file an amended return and get their $8000 immediately.

However, the drawback is that the EZ form which most of them would file does not accommodate this so they will have to file the regular 1040.

I would be willing to share these forms with whomever wants them.......... just email me at franwhite@kc.rr.com........... in the subject line put TAX FORMS and I'll send them to you as PDF file you can print out.

And if you know someone who is wanting to buy, NOW is the time to do it.....if they are looking in the Kansas City North area, have them give me a call 816-682-3897

Until next time.......

Super Secret Spices...www.penzeysone.com

Every once in a while we venture out of our neighborhood in the Northland and go to this fabulous spice store that carries nothing but SPICES!
I know I've mentioned before that my wonderful husband was a Chef in another life before he became a Pharmaceutical Robot Engineer........ and that the kitchen is HIS domain !
We have this special place that we go to in old Overland Park, Kansas, just a hop, skip and a jump from our neck of the woods.
Upon walking in your mouth begins to water at the mere possibilities of what you could dress up with their array of spicies from all over the world. It's truly delightful!
You can get anything from vanilla from other parts of the world to mouth watering garlic to dried chopped celery.....
We can't even go in the place without dropping fifty bucks! They also have boxed gift sets for every occasion
It's a real treat! Check out their website http://www.penzysone.com/


And you are ALWAYS greated with a smiling face!

Until next time...............

Gladstone Discusses Being Smoke Free

This week the Gladstone City Council hammered out the details of its ban on smoking in most enclosed places.... places of employment and public places within city limits. This includes Gladstone's thirteen parks.

The ban does have some exceptions for instance: bowling alleys, pool halls, bars and restaurants that seat less than 75 people as long as they post a sign that says "non-smoking areas are NOT available."

A decision to my knowledge hasn't been reached as yet... but watch for a decision to be made shortly.

First Time Buyers Get 8000.00 For Buying A Home

Yes, you read correctly..... a lovely couple that I just worked with are getting $8000.00 for buying a home.

Of course I'd love to tell you that it was just for the pleasure of working with me, but in all honesty it's due to the new American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

They qualified in every way...
#1. They haven't owned a home in the last three years
#2. They purchased between 1/1/09 and 12/1/09
#3. Their combined income wasn't over $150,000
#4. They intend to keep the house for three years.

With anyone who is wanting to get a home, you need to have your credit in order in addition to all the requirements of the act.

So if you have been sitting on the fence and not making a decision to buy a home ... Now is the time!

If you need some assistance with your real estate needs, please feel free to call me. 816-682-3897

Cocoa Mulch.... DANGER to Dogs and Cats

I am a pet lover and the new ownere of a Kerry Blue Terrier.... I use mulch in my yard and so do some of my clients in the Kansas City North area. I felt this important information to share to keep your pets safe.

With the Spring season upon us, please be sure and check the contents of the mulch you are putting in your landscaping.

Checked on Snopes and it is true. ( http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/cocoamulch.asp)


Over the weekend the doting owner of two young lab mixes purchased Cocoa Mulch from local discount store to use in their garden. They loved the way it smelled and it was advertised to keep cats away from their garden. Their dog Calypso decided that the mulch smelled good enough to eat and devoured a large helping. She vomited a few times which was typical when she eats something new but wasn't acting lethargic in any way. The next day, Mom woke up and took Calypso out for her morning walk . Half way through the walk, she had a seizure and died instantly.

Although the mulch had NO warnings printed on the label, upon further investigation on the company's website, this product is HIGHLY toxic to dogs and cats.

Cocoa Mulch is manufactured by Hershey's, and they claim that 'It is true that studies have shown that 50% of the dogs that eat Cocoa Mulch can suffer physical harm to a variety of degrees (depending on each individual dog). However, 98% of all dogs won't eat it.'

Cocoa Mulch, contains a lethal ingredient called ' Theobromine'. It is lethal to dogs and cats. It smells like chocolate and it really attracts dogs. They will ingest this stuff and die. Several deaths already occurred in the last 2-3 weeks. Theobromine is in all chocolate, especially dark or baker's chocolate which is toxic to dogs. Cocoa bean shells contain potentially toxic quantities of theobromine, a xanthine compound similar in effects to caffeine and theophylline. A dog that ingested a lethal quantity of garden mulch made from cacao bean shells developed severe convulsions and died 17 hours later. Analysis of the stomach contents and the ingested cacao bean shells revealed the presence of lethal amounts of theobromine.

First Time Buyers Tax Credit Info

This just in from a Mortgage lady I refer to:

The $7500 tax credit for first time buyers is a great thing to help stimulate interest. There have been a lot of questions and little clarification. The Tax groups are finally getting some information. Here is a recent clarification:

Unmarried couples get a break on claiming the new credit for home buyers. They can allocate the credit any way they want. Example: If one of the two unmarried purchasers has more than $95,000 of AGI, the credit can be allocated in full to the other buyer. Similarly, if one of the buyers has owned a principal residence in the past three years and thus is not eligible to claim the credit, the entire credit can be taken by the other. The maximum credit is 10% of the purchase price, but not more than $7500. For homes purchased in the first 6 months of 2009, buyers can claim the credit on their 2008 return or they can file an amended return. When filing a joint tax return as a married couple, neither buyer can have owned a home in the last 3 years.



Missouri Housing Development Corporation has come up with a program in which buyers can "borrow" against the $7500, up front, for their downpayment, and pay MHDC back when they receive their funds. Missouri is the first state to come up with a program to get the money up front to help with downpayment.

It's Pumpkin Picking Time in Kansas City

It's that time again here in Kansas City when we pack up the kids for a day of events at one of the area Pumpkin Patches!

Weston Red Barn Farm
This farm was puchased in 1989 by Steve and Cindi Frey. They have a pumpking patch, orchards, sheep to pet and pony rides in beautiful and historic Weston.

Johnson Farms
With over 30 acres you can pick your own pumpkin or buy them already picked! The wagon rides and animal corral are great fun for the kids. They have gourdes, squash and flowers too.

KC Pumpkin Patch
Here you will find 10's or 1,000's of U-Pick pumpkins and many other activities to keep your children busy all day!

Carolyn's Country Cousins
In Liberty, Missouri is just plain fun! A "mega" pumpkin patch, animal barn, pig races and you can even make your own scarecrow!

Pumpkins Etc.
Located east of Platte City they have a down home pumpkin patch, gourds and beautiful mums.
It's a family run farm, not heavy on the bling but full of old fashioned fun.

Please check out the links of their websites for more information.

I'd like to personally thank an old and dear friend Katy for the use of her gorgeous little pumpkin pickers pictures for this post.

Weston Irish Fest

We had this pleasure this past weekend of attending the Weston Irish Fest. It usually takes place around the second weekend of October every year for about the last nine years. This year they couldn't have had better weather! The trees were beginning to turn color, there was a breeze in the air and little or no humidity. As we were walking down the street of the friendly sidewalks of Weston, Missouri I encountered this young lad. He was really talented and I couldn't resist putting money in his violin case after this stellar performance!

The Kansas City Zoo Announces October and November are F R E E

Yes, you read right..... The Kansas City Zoo is offering free admission to Kansas City, Missouri residents for the months of October and November.

Of course you have to prove that you live in Kansas City, Missouri and rightfully so.

You will need proof of residence and a state-issued ID which is required at the admissions gate.

You can also verify that you are a resident with a bill or credit card statement, even a bank statement, with your name and Kansas City, Missouri address.

It is free during normal zoo hours.