this is a page for

Category: General

Weekend Real Estate Stalking

Our Blog sponsor Leslie Corcoran shared this fabulous new listing with me this weekend and I am dying to share it with you. What a gem…

A ravishing recently refreshed Nantucket-style colonial, newly constructed in 2000 by Greenwich architect John Downs, boasts a lush, flat landscape and a spectacular 60′ X 40′ elevated outdoor multi-sport court making you feel like you’re on vacation year-round. The colonnaded blue-stone wrap-around porch offers endless opportunities for all-weather, all-season entertaining. Sited on a pin-drop quiet street in the coveted Bronxville school district, this 5-bedroom stunner is minutes to Bronxville Village, Metro North train and the century-old, family-oriented Bronxville Field Club–and all only 30 minutes from Manhattan. Enter through a salvaged antique front door to a soaring double height entrance with beautiful millwork and clerestory windows that leads on one side to the classic living room (10 ft ceilings, crown molding and chair railing and fireplace) on the other to the 1st floor guest room with bedroom, office, shared bath and separate entrance to veranda and a formal dining room with oversized windows and doors to the stone patio. The sun-drenched open-concept kitchen with 4 exposures via over-sized windows encompasses huge island, Rutt cabinets, every luxury appliance including Fisher Paykel Stove top, DCS double oven, 2 Miele dishwashers and Dornbracht faucets. Accommodating any crowd for breakfast or lunch is a stand-out wrap around banquette. Also in this space is game room/family room with big screen TV, wood-burning fireplace and wet bar with icemaker and wine refrigerator. Second floor features a beautiful welcoming primary suite with trayed ceiling, large walk in closet and spa bathroom with dual sink, spa tub and oversized shower. A definite “scene-stealer” is the double-height hexagonal office/den off the primary bedroom, boasting cathedral ceilings and engulfed with windows. Additionally, there are 3 large bedrooms, updated and meticulous large hall bath and large laundry and storage room. Entire third floor is large open living space with work out areas, family area, built ins, storage, updated full bath and oversized windows for natural light. The partially finished lower level has storage, mechanicals, bonus area and wine storage. Border property with choice of school districts- Bronxville or Mt Vernon

1731547317c561a8cbd49037f51cf826 cc ft 960
ONEH6251111 12
ONEH6251111 10
ONEH6251111 8
ONEH6251111 9
971f69987a4f37c8804878beaba39881 full

The Power of Giving Back: Strengthening Local Communities

Amid our increasingly disjointed world, one effective means of forging unity and creating positive change lies in giving back to local communities. From volunteering or donating money to engaging in acts of kindness – our actions have an effect far beyond ourselves as individuals – in this blog post we’ll examine its transformative power for both individuals and the communities they support.

Building Stronger Connections

Contributing back to local communities enables us to forge deeper bonds with neighbors, creating an everlasting sense of unity. Participation at community events or volunteering at local organizations – or simply showing kindness with simple acts – create bonds across social, cultural, economic barriers – building understanding among us of all forms within communities while creating support systems in times of need – building stronger bonds among us is what builds stronger communities together! By building these bridges between us all we can collectively work toward shared goals while facing shared challenges head on together!

Think About Donating

Every community experiences challenges and issues that require our focus and action, such as homelessness or education inequality. By giving back to local communities through volunteerism or donations we can play an instrumental role in meeting them head on and providing sustainable solutions that have lasting impacts for those we share the planet with. Donate to help single moms and give back to your local community today. 

By giving our time or donations we can support local nonprofits, shelters schools or any organization working tirelessly on community member’s lives such as combatting homelessness promoting environmental sustainability or combatting homelessness etc… Each contribution, no matter how small, makes an important step forward – helping overcome challenges by actively engaging issues affecting them by actively engaging with problems our neighbors face.

Empowering Individuals

Giving back not only benefits the community, but it can be transformative for our personal lives too. By volunteering and engaging in acts of kindness we gain opportunities for self-reflection, empathy building and the acquisition of valuable skills that enhance understanding. Giving also instils gratitude for what we already possess while reminding us to spread kindness with good deeds – creating an impactful ripple effect of empowerment and good will across communities worldwide.

Giving Back

Giving back leaves an indelible mark on our communities. Through acts of service and giving, our actions become part of history and progress; inspiring future generations to continue the tradition and ensure positive change continues over generations. By taking responsibility for shaping a brighter future for all communities around us, our actions leave behind lasting legacies beyond our lifetimes – leaving behind something special beyond us all!

Fostering Economic Growth

Giving back to local communities has the power to spur economic expansion. When we support local businesses, artisans, and entrepreneurs, we help contribute towards building robust local economies. By shopping at neighborhood stores, attending community events, and using local services we help maintain livelihoods while creating job opportunities. 

Investment in community development projects also improves infrastructure and attracts further investments, which in turn can increase employment prospects, living standards, and the local economy. By giving back economically we create a cycle of prosperity which benefits not only individuals but also entire communities as a whole.

Final Thoughts

Giving back to local communities is an act of kindness that has far-reaching ramifications. By building connections, addressing local issues, empowering individuals, and leaving lasting legacies, we can foster positive change while strengthening society as a whole. Let us embrace giving back by remembering even minor actions can make an enormous impactful statement about who we are as people – together we can foster vibrant environments where everyone has equal access to thrive!

Effective Ways To Lower Home Maintenance Costs

It’s no secret that running a household is expensive. As living costs rise, it has become increasingly important for homeowners to make their money stretch further. One way to lower costs is to take good care of your home. Here are some tips to help you keep your home in good condition and save money along the way.

Image credit: https://pixabay.com/illustrations/hands-house-home-protection-1176674/

Schedule regular maintenance checks

Keeping up to date with maintenance checks and inspections is an effective way to reduce the risk of breakdowns and damage and lower repair costs. Paying for regular air conditioning and heating system checks, for example, may cost more money in the short term, but it could save you a fortune in the long term. Scheduling frequent furnace checks and investing in a maintenance program will reduce the risk of problems and it could save you money on furnace repair. It’s not always possible to avoid issues, but if you are up to speed with maintenance inspections, experts can flag issues before they get worse. This could save you money and prolong the lifespan of the system. Check your last service date and make an appointment if you’re overdue for a maintenance check. 

Address minor issues promptly

If you notice signs of wear and tear around your home, or an appliance isn’t working properly, it can be tempting to ignore it and hope for the best. It’s also common to forget about minor problems or to write a list of tasks that never gets tackled. Minor issues are often much easier and cheaper to remedy or repair than more complex problems. If you have a couple of missing tiles on the roof or a minor leak after a storm, for example, addressing the issue as early as possible will reduce the risk of further damage and lower the cost of maintenance and repairs. If you leave the roof as it is, you may find that fixing the problem costs you a lot more further down the line.   So book that Garage Door Repair, fix the leaky faucet, or book that HVAC service to avoid making matters worse by ignoring them.

Seek professional advice

Doing DIY around the house can save a lot of money, but there are several jobs that should be left to the professionals. If you don’t have the relevant expertise or experience to tackle household maintenance or repairs, it’s always best to call in the experts. If you attempt a job that requires specific skills or equipment, you run the risk of causing further damage, which is likely to cost more to repair. There may also be safety implications to consider. Examples of tasks that are best left to professionals include roof repairs, any jobs associated with the electrics, and complex plumbing issues. Seeking advice early will increase the chances of successfully repairing appliances and systems or solving problems and reduce the risks of repeat issues in the future. 

Picture from https://pixabay.com/photos/electrician-repair-electricity-1080554/

Running a household is expensive, especially at a time when costs are rising. Investing in maintenance may cost more in the short term, but in the long term, it could save you a substantial amount of money. Keeping up to date with maintenance checks and inspections, addressing minor issues promptly and seeking professional advice can all help to reduce costs and keep your home in excellent condition.

Unlocking Communication: Practical Tips for Social Workers Engaging with Autistic Children

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects how individuals communicate with and relate to others. For social workers who engage with autistic children, understanding their unique needs and challenges is essential to building a strong and supportive relationship. In this article, we will discuss practical tips and strategies that can help social workers communicate more effectively with autistic children.

Understanding Autism and Individual Needs

img

Before engaging with autistic children, it is important for social workers to educate themselves about the basics, including symptoms, possible causes, and treatment options. Additionally, understanding that autism is a spectrum disorder means recognizing that autistic may display a wide range of behaviors and abilities. While some children may be unable to speak or make eye contact, others might have advanced language skills or be highly sensitive to certain sensory inputs.

Researching autism and keeping up to date with the latest available resources can be invaluable for social workers. An effective starting point is to pursue an online social work degree, which can provide comprehensive education on working with diverse populations and special needs children. Moreover, seeking out professional development opportunities and workshops on autism can help social workers acquire specialized knowledge and skills needed to effectively support autistic children.

One key aspect to remember is that every autistic child is unique. Consequently, social workers should approach each child as an individual with specific preferences, strengths, and challenges. Listening to the child and their family, and learning about their experiences, can provide valuable insights into the best communication strategies for each case.

Building Trust and Creating a Comfortable Environment

Forging a strong connection with autistic children often depends on providing a comfortable and supportive environment where they feel safe and understood. This includes reducing potential stressors and creating a calming atmosphere. For instance, minimizing bright lights, loud noises, and other sensory distractions can be beneficial for children with sensory sensitivities.

Another essential element in building trust is adopting a patient and non-judgmental attitude. Social workers must be willing to adapt their communication style to the child’s needs, which could involve embracing non-verbal communication methods such as gestures, visual aids, or even augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. Respecting the child’s pace and personal boundaries, as well as offering choices and encouraging autonomy, can contribute to a more positive and trusting relationship.

Moreover, social workers can use the child’s interests to foster rapport and encourage engagement. Children with autism often have specific passions or areas of expertise, which can be leveraged to build connections and stimulate conversation. For instance, the introduction of a relatable character such as Bruno Thomas and Friends can help pique the child’s interest and facilitate communication.

Effective Communication Strategies

img

Developing effective communication strategies tailored to the individual needs of autistic children is crucial for social workers. One essential practice is adopting clear, concise, and literal language. This may involve breaking down complex requests into smaller steps and avoiding the use of idioms or metaphors that could be confusing.

Additionally, social workers should be mindful of their non-verbal cues, such as tone of voice, body language, and facial expressions. Being aware of these cues can help maintain a consistent and clear message, while also reducing potential sources of anxiety or confusion for the child.

Finally, giving the child enough time to process and respond to information is vital. Some autistic children may require additional time to process spoken language or formulate a response. Patience and understanding from the social worker can significantly improve communication with these children, fostering a strong and supportive relationship.

Collaborating With Family Members and Professionals

Cooperating with other professionals involved in the child’s care, such as teachers, therapists, and doctors, as well as actively involving family members in decision-making processes, can greatly enhance the effectiveness of a social worker’s intervention. By sharing information and working together, everyone involved in the child’s life can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the child’s unique challenges and strengths, which can ultimately result in improved support and care.

Furthermore, families can provide valuable insights into the child’s communication preferences and techniques that have previously proven effective. By incorporating these strategies into their work, social workers can facilitate better communication with the child and contribute to a more positive experience for the entire family.

Ultimately, working together and maintaining open lines of communication between all parties involved is the key to successfully supporting autistic children.

Overall, by understanding the unique needs and challenges of autistic children, creating a comfortable environment, adopting effective communication strategies, and collaborating with other professionals and family members, social workers can significantly improve their ability to engage with and support these children. With patience, understanding, and a genuine commitment to their well-being, social workers can have a lasting and meaningful impact on the lives of autistic children and their families.

Elle Marche Has Opened In Larchmont

Elle Marche, the little chic jewel box of a shop that was previously in Greenwich has opened in Larchmont on Palmer Ave. It is the retail store founded by designer, creative director, and architect of the gypset lifestyle, Rita Overzat, Elle Marché is the expanded expression of her luxury handbag brand — Beirn. The Elle Marché woman has, like Rita and her daughters (Beirn co-founders) Ali Trier and Jenna O’Rourke, a passion for travel, a zest for adventure, and a desire for decadence.

The store is full of eye-catching jewels, and luxurious clothing including a wonderful selection of designer vintage and of course Rita’s signature exotic skin bags.

Elle Marche is open all holiday weekend and there is a special opening sale going on too.

We shopped there last week and found some wonderful one-of-a-kind treasures. You can also shop online at their WEBSITE.

IMG 5204
IMG 5202
IMG 5194
IMG 5195
IMG 5208
IMG 5190
IMG 5191

Tips To Be More Organized At Home

Organization is key for many reasons and you could have needed to exercise your organizational skills for a while, or perhaps it’s something that just sprung up on you and now you need to step it up. One example could be if you need to look after a loved one following an injury. The first thing you’d do in this instance is to look for a Van Law Firm traumatic brain injury lawyer then you will need a plan of action and to get organized for their care plan at home or wherever they are.

Below is our simple guide to being more organized at home

Keep your clothes off the floor

We’ve all been there, you get home after a busy day at work and want to quickly get changed, only to throw your work clothes on the floor next to your bed or near the laundry basket. If left for longer than a day, this can build up until more clothes are on the floor than floor space. This quickly throws the organization of your home out of the window, releasing a stressful space that is messy. Instead of following this routine, try to make a conscious effort to make sure your floor space is always tidy. Buy a larger washing basket that can hold more clothes and put it in a more convenient space, so that you can access it easily. Try to find a basket that fits the style of your interiors, this way you can place it in any room, instead of the bathroom cupboard which they often end up in. There are multi-functional laundry baskets that you can use to store anything from your clothes to room sprays and washing detergents. 

Organize your entryway

Your entryway has a big impact on the overall feel of your home. When you walk in, what is the first thing you see? Are you organized with a nice console table, shoe rack, and coat stand or is it a mess with shoes lying all over the place (this happens to all of us at one point) Set a budget to improve your entryway, ensuring it’s organized and tidy. You may need to buy some furniture, but once bought, it can make a huge difference to the organization of your home. Plus, when guests come in, it’s the first thing they see and will instantly impress them, if done properly. 

Declutter your closet 

Another part of a home that often gets messy very quickly is the closet. Full of shoes, bags, coats and other accessories, it’s very easy for this part of your home to not feel organized. Consider buying a shoe rack to keep your footwear organized and ensure you have the correct size coat hangers to stop your coats from falling on the floor. Boxes for handbags can be very useful and so too is buying special coat hangers for your scarves

We hope the above three tips give you some insight into how to be more organized at home. By dedicating some time to being more organized, you will quickly see the difference. What tips do you have for being more organized at home? Which of the above tips did you find most useful? Is there anything we have missed that you think we should add? Let us know in the comment box below.