Archive for the ‘Fun in Lombard’ Category

Great Food in Lombard and Downers Grove

As summer begins, I try to take advantage of all that our area offers. I call up a friend or two and try the many restaurants and events going on in the area. Here are this week’s offerings.

I took the opportunity to celebrate a friend’s birthday at breakfast the other day. Five of us tried the new Honey Jam which is located at 3000 Oak Grove Road in Downers Grove. They took over the old Bakers Square on Butterfield Road across from the Portillo’s. We were greeted warmly and although it was crowded, it only took a few minutes to seat us. I tried the Julian Benedict which was truly phenomenal. Our server was wonderful and gave us a Very Berry Waffle to share with the birthday girl. We actually were sitting next to Mr. Portillo who is the owner of this establishment. What a great guy! If you have something or someone to celebrate, I would recommend this new place.

Last Thursday night, I met a friend at Brio’s at 330 Yorktown Center in Lombard. We sat outside on their couches, had a glass of wine and enjoyed one of the first nights of summer. Our server suggested their $2.95 appetizer special that goes from 5-9pm. We both chose the quarter burger, I also had the eggplant and shrimp and my friend ordered the steak bruchetta. We were very surprised to find that we had misread the appetizer list and the quarter burger turned out to be a full sized burger quartered! It was way more than we expected. The service was wonderful, the ambiance is decadent and the appetizers were excellent.

Great Recipes To TRY If You Are Not Going Out

If you aren’t in the mood to go out, why not invite a few people over for lunch. It doesn’t have to be hard. The other day I was invited to a friend’s house for lunch and she had a wonderful salad that I have included below. She served it with iced tea, rolls and had a great cake that I will also include. Give it a try and let me know how you liked it.

Joanne’s Salad:
Mixed Greens
Thin Pear slices
Crumbled Blue Cheese
Walnut pieces
Cranberries
Grilled Chicken

She just tossed the hot chicken over the other cold ingredients, topped it with poppy seed dressing and served. Delicious.

Coconut Cake:
Prepared white cake mix
1 can of Coconut cream
Cool Whip
Coconut (bagged)

Simply prepare cake mix as directed. Poke holes in cake every 3 inches or so. Pour over the can of coconut cream, refrigerate. Prior to serving spread the cool whip over the cake and sprinkle coconut over entire cake. It looks as good as it takes. Perfect for a warm night’s lunch or dinner.

If you have an idea for my next blog, drop me an email at CarynKuhlman@att.net.

To subscribe to this blog by email use to box near the top of the left hand column.

To talk to a Realtor® who knows Lombard and the surrounding areas like the back of her hand, Call Caryn Kuhlman 630-730-8027

What to do with all that “stuff”

Finally we have some good weather. This weekend we will go into our garage and begin to pull out the stuff we need to open up our pool. This is always a dreaded weekend, as I am sure I will find many extra things that really don’t belong in the garage. Sweatshirts my kids dropped as they left in the car, roller skates and sleds that we don’t use anymore, pictures, area rugs and lamps that I use for staging my listings.  What to do with all this extra stuff???

Answer: Garage Sale!

Just like Antique Road show, not all treasures are worth something. So, if you are planning a garage sale, start with three boxes. Mark them as 1. Good Stuff we don’t need any more. 2. Garbage and 3. Free Stuff (things nobody in their right mind would buy, but maybe take.) If it looks like you have enough for a garage sale, here are some tips.

The keys to a good garage sale are:

Advertising: Local newspapers are the best. Most have a special section reserved for garage sales. Letting people know in advance that you are having a garage sale will get those early birds out and at your sale first thing. Make sure you advertise by listing a few key, anchor items that will draw attention to potential garage sellers. Examples would be a dresser or tools. Unless you have baby clothes, don’t waste your time with adult sizes, take those to a co-signment shop.   Note: before you put up signage, check with your town or village as to their rules for garage sales. Many places need permits.

Pricing: If people wanted to pay retail or close to retail, they wouldn’t stop at a garage sale! The idea is to get rid of the stuff you don’t want, so you can go out and buy more! lol. Have early bird specials like take $1.00 off if you buy five items. Make your pricing realistic, if not cheap.

Ask a neighbor: If you don’t have enough stuff of your own, why not ask a neighbor or two to join you. This way you will attract more buyers and have someone to talk with while you work.

Call 1-800-775-Vets: You can have the American Veterans of America pick up everything you have left over on the following day. It’s even tax deductable.

Be Friendly: I know that sounds obvious but each person who comes to your garage sale should be considered a guest. I always have a huge jug of ice cold lemonade and offer it free to all who are shopping.

Don’t forget to give me a call at 630.730.8027 and I will be sure to stop by. : )

To subscribe to this blog by email use to box near the top of the left hand column.

To talk to a Realtor® who knows Lombard and the surrounding areas like the back of her hand, Call Caryn Kuhlman 630-730-8027

Lombard Area Gardening Challenge

Join the Best Looking Garden Challenge- Click on the picture to view a helpful video on how to start your vegetable garden

This year, I am planting a vegetable garden. I’m not a novice as I plant Tomatoes every year, but this year I am hoping to attempt more. I am blessed with a very large lot with amazing soil (at least for flowers) so I am excited to give a vegetable garden a try.

I would be interested in what you have planted in the past. I am planning on growing Tomatoes, lettuce, bell peppers, herbs, cucumbers and zucchinis as I use those weekly. Tomatoes need at least six to eight hours of sun a day to produce well — and full sun is best, especially in cooler, more northern climates like Lombard. Provide well-drained soil with a pH around 6.0 to 6.8. In our area,  plant in spring after frost danger is past.

Since I have always been competitive, how about a little contest? Send me a picture of the start of your vegetable garden and another at the peak of growing season and the one with the best looking garden will win a $25.00 Gift Certificate to Home Depot.  You can send them to Caryn.Kuhlman@cbexchange.com.  or give me a call at 630-730-8027 and I would be happy to stop by and take the picture for you. Good Luck and happy planting.

Oh, one other suggestion, I found a video that may help you with planting a vegetable garden. Starting a Vegetable Garden Video

To subscribe to this blog by email use to box near the top of the left hand column.

To talk to a Realtor® who knows Lombard and the surrounding areas like the back of her hand, Call Caryn Kuhlman 630-730-8027

Lombard Park Distict Has Great Gifts

Each year around this time, I begin to receive invitations to Communions, Confirmations, Graduations and Weddings. This year I have already received three invitations to Eagle Scout Ceremonies.

If you have a special event coming up and are looking for an unusual gift, I have a suggestion. It’s from the Lombard Park District. They offer a memorial tree and personalized brick program.

You can have a tree planted in the honoree’s name for $150.00 – $200.00 depending on the size and type of tree. If you want something a bit less expensive, you could order a brick engraved with whatever you wish for as little as $75.00. When my mom, who was a forever gardener, passed away, some friends purchased a memorial brick in her name.

It sits below the Lilacia Park sign and each time I visit, I stop by to see it. What a very thoughtful gift.

To subscribe to this blog by email use to box near the top of the left hand column.

To talk to a Realtor® who knows Lombard and the surrounding areas like the back of her hand, Call Caryn Kuhlman 630-730-8027

Out and About in Lombard – Annuals and Perennials

I know we have had a few nice days recently. But if you are tempted to buy some annuals to plant outside, STOP. It’s just too soon to do it. The experienced gardener waits until at least Mother’s day to put those first beauties in the ground.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t begin to plan now. Take a walk around your house. Is it attractive and inviting? Are there wide open spots that could use a make over? This is the time to begin planning, not planting!

Many people find that annual flowers such as impatiens, geranium or snapdragon’s fill their need to have instant color. The term “Annual”, means that they complete their life cycle in one growing season. They grow, flower, produce seed and than die. Next year you will have to purchase them all over again.

I prefer perennials. Perennials come back year after year. And they come in fuller and more beautiful every year. Examples of these would be coneflowers, sedum, asters and salvia. Successful perennial gardens start with the soil. If you eliminate all the weeds prior to turning the soil, it will make your job much easier throughout the growing season and bring you years of color in your garden.

If you are looking to plant some perennials, give me a call, I just might share!

To subscribe to this blog by email use to box near the top of the left hand column.

To talk to a Realtor® who knows Lombard and the surrounding areas like the back of her hand, Call Caryn Kuhlman 630-730-8027