What You’ll Need:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
• powdered sugar

 How to Make it:

1. Preheat oven to 375.
2. Microwave butter on HIGH for 40-45 seconds or until butter is melted.
3. Add sugars, eggs, flour and vanilla.
4. Mix well.
5. Add pecans; mix well.
6. Using small scoop, drop dough 2-inches apart onto cookie sheet.
7. Bake 8-10 minutes - until edges are slightly brown.
8. Cool 2 minutes and remove to cooling rack. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.
9. Enjoy the delicious cookies!

The mortgage amount is based on the value of the property after work is completed. Eligible property must be at least one year old, must be dwellings designed for one to four families, and must meet local zoning requirements. Demolished or razed homes are eligible as long as some of the existing foundation system is in place. Properties that are not eligible are newly constructed detached units and cooperative units.

Other eligible properties include houses or modular units that have been moved onto the mortgaged property. Non-mortgaged property is not allowed until the new foundation has been inspected. Mixed-use properties are eligible as long as no more than 25% for a one story, 33% percent for a three story, and 49% for a two story are used for commercial purposes and the funds will only be used for the residential functions and areas.

Condos are eligible for a 203(k) as long as they are owner occupied and rehab funds are used for the interior only. In addition, the lesser of five units per condo association or 25% of the total number of units can be under rehabilitation at any one time, and the maximum mortgage amount cannot exceed 100% of the after-improved value. Condo investors are not eligible.

A 203(k) allows homebuyers the flexibility to make a number of improvements and repairs and save for luxury items. Improvements can include painting, room additions, decks, and other items. All improvements must include Cost Effective Energy Conservation Standards. For new construction, the standards must conform with HUD Minimum Property Standards and local codes. For rehabbing existing structures, required improvements include smoke detectors, weather-stripping, caulking, insulation, ventilation, and replacing inadequate heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems.

The 203(k) Home Rehab Loan program is ideal for all homebuyers, since most homes on the market require some repairs and improvements. Improving your home’s appearance, insulation, ventilation, as well as its heating and cooling systems will save you thousands of dollars in utility bills, as well as increase your return on investment.

The Springfield Art Museum is hosting a number of exciting exhibitions from both their permanent collection and from national exhibitions. Current exhibits include Roger Shimomura: Minidoka on My Mind; Roger Brown: Urban Traumas and Natural Disasters; and Prints U.S.A. 2011. Roger Shimomura is Distinguished Professor of Arts Emeritus at The University of Kansas. His work examines his family’s internment during WWII. Roger Brown was a member of the Chicago Imagists. His paintings explore the “tragic intersection” between natural and urban landscapes.

Prints U.S.A. is a national, competitive exhibition sponsored biennially by the Springfield Art Museum. Its goal is to encourage and recognize printmaking in the U.S. and its possessions. Elizabeth Wyckoff, Curator of Prints, Drawings and Photographs at The Saint Louis Art Museum, is this year’s judge.

Upcoming exhibits for 2011-2012 from their permanent collection are:

• Song of Flowers. Song of Flowers will run December 3, 2011 – January 29, 2012 in the Weisel Gallery.
• Domestic Vacations: Photographs by Julie Blackmon. Domestic Vacations will run December 17, 2011 – February 12, 2012 in the Kelly Gallery.
• Series of Prints: From Callot to Warhol. Series of Prints will run December 10, 2011 – February 5, 2012 in the Thielen, Badgley, and SMMA Galleries.

In 2012, Springfield Art Museum will host these events:

• The Multicultural Exhibit will run selections from their permanent collection. Dates are January 14, 2012 – February 26, 2012.
• The Springfield All School Exhibition showcases young (K-12) artists to celebrate Youth Art Month and will run March 10, 2012 – April 15, 2012.
• Watercolor Now! Will be hosted by the Southwest Missouri Museum and showcases work by Watercolor U.S.A. Honor Society members. It will run May 5, 2012 – July 8, 2012.
• John Cavanaugh: Hammered Lead. John Cavanaugh is a sculptor who is considered to be “master of hammered lead.” The exhibit is scheduled for November 17, 2012 – January 13, 2013.
• MOAK 2012 is a four-state regional exhibition which encourages artists from Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Kansas. MOAK will run November 17, 2012 – January 13, 2013.

Most of you probably think that getting your lawn ready for winter means that you do a happy dance at the end of the years last mowing. Well not if you are wanting to do that same happy dance a happy come spring. Your lawn needs you to help protect it from what is to come. In most parts of the country now is the vital time to get prepared for the cold ahead.

There is a list of things that need to be done in the crucial time and the first task at hand starts with feeding that lawn of yours! Now is a key time to ensure your lawn is getting the vital nutrients it needs to endure the winter. And contrary to what most people think, autumn is actual the vital season to be giving your lawn that extra t.l.c. 

Something most people do when the weather starts cooling down is pruning. This is actually one of the worst times to do that. Pruning promotes growth and you do not want that to occur in plants that are going dormant for the winter. There are a few exceptions to this rule so call your local nursery for more details if you have questions.

One thing you do not want to forget to do is to cover your plot. You can approach this in two different ways. One is to plant a nitrogen-rich cover crop like clover. This is easy to turn under come springtime. Or a lot of people will take an easier route and simply use burlap. Either works great, just a matter of personal preference. 

One thing you DO want to do is; THINK SPRING! This is a great time to start planting bulbs for spring. They are inexpensive and give you something to look forward to in the spring. In most areas the smaller bulbs can go in now, and the larger bulbs can wait until later.

Last but certainly not least, this is a nice opportune time to sit back and reflect on the years garden and growth. Take note of what grew and maintained well and what things did not do so well. You can also start making a list for the things you want in the spring. Maybe try something new! 

I hope these little tips were useful. Here is to beautiful lawns and gardens in spring 2012!

This promotion extends through the entire 2011 Springfield Cardinal season. Participating restaurants include Big Whiskey's, Bistro Market, Bruno's, Fedora Social House, Flame, Kai, Maria's, Mille's, Nonna's, Springfield Brewing Company, St. Michael's and Trolley's Bar & Grille.

The Springfield Cardinals are a minor league baseball team affiliated with the St. Louis Cardinals major league franchise. They play in the Texas league with home games at Hammons Field. With a loyal fan base, they average about 7,000 fans per game. Isn’t time to go the ol’ ball game? Learn more about “Dinner and a Ballgame” by calling (417) 831-6200.

In an average year, over 5,100 American kids are injured badly enough in a fall from a window to seek medical attention, stated in the first nationwide study of this problem. Between 1990 and 2008, an estimated 98,415 American kids younger than the age of 18 were treated at hospitals for injuries sustained after falling out of windows, according to an analysis of cases included in the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System.

Toddlers top the injury list due to them falling out, majority of the time, head first. Toddlers have a lessened sense of danger and are naturally top heavy and this leads to most of the head and face injuries. Although most injuries are not fatal, they can still be very serious, with years of recovery.

Falls are very much preventable. For instance, not putting furniture near windows that small children can climb and gain access. You can also install window guards that don't allow the window to be fully open. Some states are even mandating such prevention measures. Be especially aware of windows on the second floor. In the end, we all just want keep our kids safe. Be sure and do your part and make window safety a must in your home.

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/44209660/ns/today-today_health/t/falls-windows-injure-kids-every-year/

Numerous events have been cancelled, scheduled differently or modified. For example, the Ozark Empire Fair changed the ride schedule, starting and ending later in the day. It also provided misting stations. Power grids have been off the charts with all of the energy needed to keep Springfield citizens cool.

With the heat, there are many health concerns: dehydration, heat stroke, heat exhaustion and hyperthermia. Be aware of the danger signs and check on elderly neighbors, children and those with chronic health conditions. Here are some tips to stay safe and sane through the hot summer months:

• Be aware: Some symptoms of dehydration include headaches, fatigue and nausea.
• Stay hydrated. For those who work outdoors, this may mean two to four glasses of water per hour.
• Drink water, not sports drinks. If your electrolytes are low, skip the sugary sports drink and instead opt for dark green, leafy vegetables, celery and cucumbers. Oranges, melons, peaches, pears and plums are also healthy choices.
• Wear light, loose clothing.
• Stay in air conditioning or seek shade.
• Eat small meals throughout the day. This will keep the body functioning consistently without causing burden.
• Watch for signs of heat stress in pets. Ensure they are hydrated. Remember that dogs and cats do not sweat as humans do. Whenever possible, provide pets with air conditioning. Cool dogs by applying alcohol on the pads of their feet via cotton balls or spray bottle. This will cool their feet, lowering body temperature. If a pet is unconscious or unable to walk normally, seek a veterinarian’s assistance immediately.
• Be attentive to fire danger: Burning brush is even more dangerous right now because the heat wave followed after a group. of storms that left fallen branches and debris.

Learn more about an app designed by the OSHA, U.S. Department of Labor to help protect outdoor workers from heat-related illness: http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/osha/osha20111204.htm

How to Stay Healthy in the Heat and Humidity: http://www.washingtonian.com/blogarticles/health/wellbeing/20231.html

U.S. Route 66, established in 1926, was one of the first and most famous highway systems in America. Originally, the highway ran for 2,451 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Los Angles, California; it also ran through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. What began as a dirt and gravel road evolved into the first completely paved transcontinental highway in America stretching from the Great Lakes to the Pacific Coast. Although it was officially removed from the U.S. Highway System in 1985, it is known today as the “Historic Route 66.”

Springfield, Missouri, is known as the birthplace of Route 66 and is responsible for the actual naming of the Chicago-to-Los-Angles Highway. Located in Park Central Square in downtown Springfield is a placard dedicated to the city by the Route 66 Association of Missouri.

For those looking to find a piece of Americana, Red’s Giant Hamburg, which claims to been the world’s first drive-thru restaurant, is located right on Route 66 in Springfield.

If you are more interested in finding remains of the original highway, go to downtown Springfield along Kearney Street, Glenstone Avenue, College and St. Louis streets and on Missouri 266 to Halltown. Some highlights of Route 66 that are in Springfield include the site of the first “Historic Route 66” sign, the historic Gillioz Theater (built in 1926), and the Steak N Shake historic restaurant; there are even several authentic hotels such as the Rest Haven Motel (1947), the Skyline Motel (1950), and the Dogwood Park Inn (1939).

Looking for a great family activity in Branson? On Saturday, June 11^th from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. the Sheppard of the Hills Fish Hatchery is hosting their annual Family Fishing Fair. The event is held in conjunction with the statewide Free Fishing Weekend.  Families will be able to fish in a pond stocked with bluegill and catfish.

Along with fishing and goodie bags for all the children, there will be a variety of stations for children to learn the ins and outs of the sport. There will be a station for fly tying, bait and fly casting, knot tying, where to fish, fish art, and to top it all off there will be a fillet and cooking station for families to sample their catch! At noon, there will be a performance by the Fishin’ Magicians. Make sure to bring your own poles and a cooler for your fish. A few loaner poles will be available, but are first come, first serve.

The Sheppard of the Hills Fish Hatchery, located just southeast of Branson, is the largest trout production facility in the Missouri Department of Conservation. Each year, the hatchery produces more than 1,000,000 of catchable trout each year, with around 475,000 of those being sent to Lake Taneycomo. The role of this facility is to produce enough rainbow and brown trout to meet the Conservation Departments requirements as well as supplying eggs and fingerlings for grow-out at other trout production facilities.

Perhaps after the Family Fishing Fair, families can explore one of the four hiking trails available at the hatchery.  The Ozarks’ forest is home to many diverse species of plans and animals, which would make this the perfect end to an educational day of fishing!

Deciding whether to rent or buy is a major part in any relocation; there is no straight answer for this question because it depends on factors unique to each situation. This question used to be somewhat irrelevant during the housing boom. However, after the substantial decrease of home prices nationwide, this debate was one again in the front of every homebuyer’s mind.

One key part to answering the “rent vs. buy” debate is knowing how long you plan to stay in your home. According to nytimes.com, it is better to buy if you plan on staying in a home for more than five years. They calculated this using an average home price of $172,000 with a 20% down payment and 5.5% mortgage rate.

A buyer or renter may also want to consider some of the intangible benefits of making this decision. It is more likely that a buyer will feel more rooted down and connected to their community; they will also have fairly stable home costs whereas rent fluctuates more. Someone who rents an apartment most likely has their need for community fulfilled, but they have the added benefit not being tied down with the responsibilities of home owning.  Also, consider the fact that although the renter is not responsible for the costs of repairs or maintenance. A buyer, although in charge of those costs, has the added benefit of being able to decorate and make their home their own.

Many people assume that buying a home is the right path because it’s what our parents and grandparents have done before; however, the housing market has changed dramatically since that time so more thought needs to be given to the pros and cons of current market.

To use the nytimes.com “rent vs. buy calculator,” visit www.nytimes.com/interactive/business/buy-rent-calculator.html.

If you are thinking about buying or selling a home in 2011, give us a call at (417) 818-1237 or send us an email to explore your options and to find out when is the best time for you to make a move.

QR code (short for “quick response”) is a two-dimensional bar code that consists of black modules arranged in a square on a white background. Although very similar to a standard barcode, the QR code can contain much more data, including URLs, geo coordinates, or text. Originated in Japan, the QR code is used to take information and put it on to a cell phone just from taking a photo. The applications that are required for scanning QR code are available for iPhones, Blackberry’s, and Android.

QR codes can be used to simplify searching for information. For example, you are in the market for a new home. While you are driving around window-shopping for a new home, you come across one that you like. There are no more fliers for you to take with information, but there is a QR code for the home. Using your smart phone, you can scan the code, and then you will be sent to a website or video about the home.

QR codes can be used on things like business cards, clothing catalogs, billboards, a for-sale sign in a car window, or even in an ad that is placed in the phonebook. Using these codes allow buyers to view the house with much more detail such as walk scores, Google Maps, local school information, and more.

QR codes are extremely helpful in collecting information when searching for a home. It will make it easier for the buyer if they are able to obtain information on a smart phone for each house they are considering.

Fantastic Caverns, just northwest of Springfield, MO., is one of more than 5,600 known caves that dot the Missouri landscape, and more are still being discovered. Of these, just 18 are open to visitors — and only one offers a riding tour.

Riding wasn't even an option back in 1867, when the first known explorers visited Fantastic Caverns. They were 12 women who, equipped with ropes and ladders, ventured inside to answer the owner's advertisement for cave explorers. With only flickering torches or lanterns for light, they surely saw only a hint of the cave's splendors as they groped their way along its dark and slippery passages. It is unlikely that anyone else had been there before them — the cave shows no signs of human habitation.

Today's riding tour tells a different story. Along the roomy, brightly lit passageways, visitors can see thousands of speleothems — cave formations that include stalactites and stalagmites, tiny soda straws, cave pearls, massive columns and flowstones, thin and delicate draperies and more. These distinctive formations, each one like no other, and all created by water a drop at a time, take us back though the ages to a day when no human footstep was heard here.

To read more about Fantastic Caverns be sure to visit their website.

Open Daily throughout the year except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve & Christmas Day.
    
January 1 - February 25: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
February 26 - March 11: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
March 12 - April 29: 8:00 am to 7:00 pm
April 30 - August 15: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
August 16 - September 5: 8:00 am to 7:00 pm
September 6 - October 31: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
November 1 - December 31: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

Home prices are one factor in determining your cost of ownership, but so are interest rates and financing availability. Even though interest rates have gone up in the last six months, they are still near historic lows. Since your monthly mortgage payment is a combination of paying down your principal and paying the interest owed, if home prices come down a little further but interest rates up, it could cost you even more to service a mortgage on an identical home!

While a home is a major investment, it is also the center of your personal life. It's important to live in a home that reflects your taste and values, yet is within your financial "comfort zone." To that end, it may be more important to lock in today's relatively low interest rates and low home prices, rather than to hope for a further break in prices in the future.

Please give me a call if I can be of any assistance in determining how much home you can afford in today's market.