Holiday Treats

15 Holiday Treats from Food & Wine

Scallops with Potato Pancakes and Caviar Sauce

Vinny Dotolo found inspiration for this elegant dish by thinking about New Year's Eve classics. Both Champagne and caviar flavor the butter sauce that he spoons over seared scallops set on mini potato pancakes.

Ricotta-Stuffed Arancini

Arancini means "little oranges," referring to the golden color of these fried rice balls and to their usual round shape. A popular Italian snack, arancini are often filled with meat, cheese or vegetables, but these are filled with fresh ricotta and a hint of Parmigiano-Reggiano

Arugula Salad with Prosciutto and Oyster Mushrooms

When he was a boy, Fabio Trabocchi loved foraging for mushrooms in the woods around his house. In this elegant salad, he tosses lightly sautéed oyster mushrooms with arugula and tops them with thin slices of prosciutto and Pecorino Toscano.

Ligurian Seafood Soup

This gorgeous dish of layered shellfish and seafood is based on a recipe that sommelier Richard Betts found in a 1995 issue of F&W. Betts freely adapts the recipe to whatever looks best at the market, but he always follows the same formula: fish on the bottom, shellfish on the top. "It’s so impressive," he says. "When you pull it out of the oven, people freak."

Skirt Steak with Paprika Butter

"I love skirt steak because it's just fatty enough, and it cooks quickly, which is great for dinner parties," says Vinny Dotolo. He serves the steak thinly sliced, with a lightly smoky, tangy paprika butter

To continue reading this article and for many more sign up for this blog

Homeowners Insurance Basics

You didn't save, shop, and slog through red tape all this time just to move into a place that might get toothpicked by a hurricane, did you? Here's how you can maximize your insurance protection when you buy a place.

What It Is
A standard homeowners insurance policy is a "package" of four categories of insurance: coverage for the structure of the building; coverage for your belongings (everything inside the building); liability protection in case someone is injured in your home; and living expenses if you're forced temporarily out of your home. All four kinds of coverage can be tweaked and customized based on your needs. Most homeowners insurance claims are made because of fires or natural disasters, but the coverage also protects your property against theft (damn kids!) and protects you against potential lawsuits.

Who Needs It
Ain't you listening? Every homeowner needs a policy. Most banks require one when you get a mortgage anyway, but their minimums may only cover the structure -- not the stuff inside, liability, or living costs.
How It Works
After you buy, you should reevaluate your coverage regularly at a set time -- say, each year at Christmas, when you can photograph all your rooms and take a look at the new things you've added or gotten rid of in the last year. You can reduce extra coverage for valuables as they depreciate (like a custom home theater you poured thousands into back when you loved Nickelback) and increase certain types of protection as your home takes shape. Also, be aware that while the standard homeowners policy often covers perils ranging from fire to theft to "civil unrest" and vandalism, earthquake and flood coverage must be bought separately.
Floods (the natural disaster kind, not the washing-machine-backup kind) aren't covered by homeowners policies -- flood insurance is actually sold as a separate policy, which is funded by the federal government (check out fema.gov/nfip/ for the full scoop). Wondering why flood insurance comes from Uncle Sam? Flood damage costs are generally so high and so difficult to predict, private insurers can't afford to cover them. So while flood insurance is bought through private agents, it's in fact run through FEMA -- the policy costs are set and underwritten by the government.
You can also purchase an umbrella policy -- an extra million dollars in coverage costs only a few hundred dollars per year. This extra liability coverage protects your home and other assets if, for example, you're held responsible for a serious car accident and your car insurance liability coverage can't handle all the legal costs.

register to finish reading this article and for much more incredible free info @ http://www.teamcarsonazrealtors.com/

6 New Home To-Dos

6 New Home To-Dos

You’ve found a dream home in your dream neighborhood. Congrats! Now the real work begins: Start ticking these things off your list.

1. Check Your Insurance Policies

Moving to a new state? Chances are you’ll have to get new insurance policies. You might even need to find a new company since not all insurers blanket the entire country.

2. Sign Up for the Town Newspaper

It’ll help you get to know the area quickly. Also, consider subscribing to the regional magazine—all of those dining guides are invaluable.

3. Get Copies of Your Medical Records

Even if you’re young and perfectly healthy, you’re still going to need your records at some point. Avoid the hassle by getting them before you move out of the area—you’re going to need to change doctors when you move, so you’ll want your new doc to have all of the information that they’ll need.

4. Hook Yourself Up

Call your current water, electric, cable, Internet, and phone companies and soon-to-be companies a month before your move date. This way, you have enough time to schedule appointments required for shut off and turn on. This will prevent you from getting charged after you leave your old home or for any service that’s not on in your new one. Ask for written confirmations in case you have to appeal a charge.

For more great articles and the remainder of this one sign up to follow this blog by registering @ http://www.teamcarsonazrealtors.com/

The best steps to follow when buying a home

7 Steps to Buying a House

Find out how much you can afford.

Before your first steps to buying a new home, your mortgage lender will look at a couple different numbers to find out your spending limit. The first figure is your take-home pay. Banks like to follow the 28/36 rule: Your monthly mortgage payments should total no more than 28 percent of your net paycheck, and your total debts, including car payments and student loans, shouldn't inch over 36 percent.

Get preapproved for a loan.

For a small fee, a lender will contact your employer, bank, and others to verify your income, assets, debts, and credit history. You’ll then get a letter stating that your mortgage is approved for a certain amount (which will help you determine your price limit!) up until a certain date. This document is more for the home seller’s benefit to prove that you’re a serious buyer. There's no obligation on your part to actually get a mortgage.

Start searching for new digs.

A good way to start is to look at advertisements of homes located in neighborhoods you might want to check out. Then see who the listing agent is -- chances are that company does a decent amount of business in the neighborhoods you’re interested in. Also use our finding a home tool.

Make an offer.

Do your own research in your local paper, office of public records, or Zillow to find out what similar homes in the area have recently sold for. Choose a number for your initial offer. If it’s far below the asking price, be prepared to defend it with your research. Don’t let your real estate agent pressure you into making the first number any higher than you’re comfortable with.

Settle on a price.

The seller will respond in one of three ways: an acceptance, a counter-bid (giving you a number somewhere between your offer and the asking price), or declining by sticking to their original asking price. Find out why the sellers are digging in their heels. If you can agree on a number, you’ll sign a contract and be asked to put down a “binder” or “earnest money." Make sure the contract specifies that you can get this money back if you withdraw your offer.

Get an inspection.

Ask a realtor to recommend a certified inspector or check out the American Society of Home Inspectors. Have our home inspection checklist handy.


to continue reading the article and much more valuable info contact us today @ www.teamcarsonazrealtors.com

Here are some great tips for the holidays

10 Healthy Holiday Party Tips

Your guide to a guilt-free winter bash.

By Elaine Magee, MPH, RD

I know that not everyone feels this way, but I personally love to attend and throw holiday parties. The holiday music twinkling in the background, those festive fashions, and time to visit with people you don't see often -- what's not to love?

Some might also think that a holiday party is not the place to highlight health. I beg to differ. What makes a party special is the people, the conversation, and the dancing (if you're lucky) -- not the high-cal desserts or greasy finger foods. It is possible to throw a healthy holiday party that will please most of your guests. (I say "most" because there are always a few people who are impossible to please, no matter what!)
That said, here are my top 10 tips for throwing a healthy holiday party. Adopt as many as you like -- the more the merrier!
1. Offer no- and lower-calorie drinks galore so your guests have lots of healthy options. Here are a few to try:

• Holiday tea
• Diet soda
• Mineral water
• Coffee
• Light beer and wine spritzers made with club soda
• Holiday punch made with diet soda (like ginger ale or lemon-lime soda) and/or light cranberry juice

2. Serve fruit and vegetable trays. For appetizers and dinner, I use the 50% rule: I try to cover 50% of the food table with fruit and vegetable dishes. Here are some winter options for your fruit and veggie arrays:

• For fruit trays or fruit salads, try apple slices (spray with lemon juice to prevent browning), orange slices or wedges, melon cubes, grapes, canned pineapple, and cherry or grape tomatoes.
• For raw veggie trays, try jicama, baby carrots, celery sticks, sugar snap peas, broccoli, and cauliflower florets.

3. Keep dips and spreads as light as possible by substituting nonfat sour cream, light cream cheese, light or low-fat mayonnaise, and low-fat yogurt for the more caloric versions.
4. Look for ways to add beans to your dishes to beef up the fiber and plant protein, which will help your guests feel fuller faster. It's easy to use beans in salads, casseroles, and appetizers. One of my favorites is a light 7-layer dip that features canned, nonfat refried beans.
5. Serve whole grains or whole-grain blends. You can use half whole-wheat flour in nut breads, muffins, and even cookie recipes. You can use whole-wheat blend pastas, whole grain crackers, and whole wheat (or whole wheat blend) dinner rolls. Check the ingredient list and the fiber grams on the nutrition information label for the rolls and crackers to make sure you are getting a product with at least half whole wheat and more fiber.
6. Serve lean meats and fish. There are lots of festive meat options that are lower in fat (and saturated fat) and high in protein. Try cooked shrimp served with cocktail sauce, roasted sliced turkey breast, lean ham, and sliced lean roast beef. Grilled or broiled salmon filet makes a great appetizer when served with whole-grain crackers.


To continue reading this article and other valuable info. register to follow us @ www.teamcarsonazrealtors.com

AZ Celebration of Lights

Here is a cool thing to do this Holiday Season. Thanks to Judy Hedding, (About.com Guide) for the info.

Where is the Arizona Celebration of Lights?

At 99th Avenue and Loop 101 (at Thomas). This is a new location in 2010. Here is a map and directions to the event.

When can I see the Arizona Celebration of Lights?

Every night, from Thursday, November 25, 2010 through Sunday, January 2, 2011.
Sunday, Monday through Thursday: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday, Saturday and Holidays: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

What happens at the Arizona Celebration of Lights?

You'll be driving for about a mile through five tunnels to see the holiday light show. You stay in your own car. On Thursday through Sunday nights you can park at the end and visit a Christmas Village featuring food and vendors. I have written up some things you should know before you go, and they are on the next page.

How much will it cost to get in?

Passenger vehicles: $15 per vehicle
Buses: $1 per person, $15 minimum
If you plan to make more than three trips through this holiday season, you might want to inquire about a season pass.

Are there any discount coupons?

Receive a $2 discount per vehicle with a donation of three cans of food or a new, unwrapped toy; $2 discount on Mondays for seniors; $2 discount on Tuesdays for military personnel (present ID); $2 discount on Wednesdays for teachers, fire and police personnel (present ID).

You can also save time and money by ordering your Celebration of Lights tickets online. There's a small processing fee, but you still save money. Tickets purchased online are good for any night of the holiday light display.

Only one discount per vehicle. Partial proceeds from the event will benefit local charities.

What if I have more questions?

Visit the Arizona Celebration of Lights online.

Do you have any pictures?

Picture Gallery: Arizona Celebration of Lights

- - - - - - - - - -

Tree lightings, holiday lights, festivals, holiday music and entertainment, gift guides and holiday travel tips -- find them all at the Christmas Holidays Guide for Greater Phoenix.

For more info contact us today

5 steps to do-it-yourself credit repair

5 steps to do-it-yourself credit repair

By Dani Arthur • Bankrate.com

Blotches on your credit report cost you. But, don't despair. It's never too late to become credit worthy -- just get started, and remember that it won't happen overnight.

Here are 5 steps for improving your credit rating:

1. Order your credit reports
Find out what the top three credit bureaus -- Equifax, TransUnion and Experian -- are saying about you. It's likely that they're all slightly different. Yes, different! Creditors don't have to report to all three credit bureaus, so they typically report to the credit bureau to which they also subscribe.

Useful phone numbers and addresses
	Federal Trade Commission consumer response center (877) 382-4357
	Equifax P.O. Box 740241 Atlanta, GA 30374-0241 (800) 685-1111
	Experian (formerly TRW) P.O. Box 2104 Allen, TX 75013-0949 (888) 397-3742
	Trans Union Corp. 760 W. Sproul Rd. Springfield, PA 19064-0390 (800) 888-4213

Time and money is wasted, says Steve Rhode, president and co-founder of Myvesta.org, if you only order a report from one credit bureau. You can order a credit report from each bureau for free once a year through annualcreditreport.com.

If you've been denied credit, insurance or employment because of your credit report, you are entitled to a free copy of your report from the reporting agency. The company you applied to must supply the credit bureau's name, address and telephone number. You have 60 days after receiving the denial notice to request your copy.

2. Examine your reports carefully
Nearly every consumer has an error on at least one credit report from one of the major credit bureaus, says Rhode. Credit bureaus generate your report on information they receive from your creditors; they don't verify.

Keeping your credit report a true reflection of you is -- like it or not -- your job. Get ready to clean and polish. Carefully look for everything from typing errors, outdated and incomplete information to inaccurate account histories. You'll want to make a thorough list of items you dispute and why. Be meticulous.

Here's how to read and understand your credit report.

If the negative information in your report is true, only time and improved habits can change that. Late payments, such as credit cards, and charged-off accounts remain on your report for seven years; bankruptcies for 10. Most creditors, however, look for a pattern of payment rather than focusing on one-time or rare occurrences; so consistent on-time bill payments will improve those blemishes.

3. Double-D strategy -- dispute and document
Remember, a bad report costs you money. So, it pays to be thorough! You can either complete the dispute form provided with your credit report or write a letter. Clearly identify each mistake and state why it's wrong. A recommendation is to send a photocopy of your credit report with the mistakes circled to the reporting credit bureau. Include copies of supporting documents.

Document, document, document. Keep copies and records of all the forms, letters and documentation that you send the credit bureaus, plus dates sent. The credit bureau must investigate any relevant dispute within 30 days of receiving your letter. Any item that is not verified as accurate by a creditor is removed.

Sometimes it's necessary to contact your creditors to resolve mistakes. Bankrate's 7 steps to fixing your credit report will help you tackle the serious errors.

If the credit bureau makes any changes to your credit file, it will send you the results and a free, updated copy of your credit report. Once a negative item is removed from your report, the credit bureau cannot put it back on unless a creditor verifies its accuracy and completeness -- and sends you written notice.

TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE AND FOR OTHER VALUABLE INFORMATION. CONTACT US TODAY!