Easter Egg Hunt in downtown Chesterton, Indiana Don't miss it! Who doesn't enjoy an Easter Egg Hunt?  That's one of the many fun things we used to look forward to when my daughter was young.  If you are anywhere near Chesterton, Indiana on Saturday, April 3, 2010 at 10:00 AM, then stop at Thomas Centennial Park.  That's when the fun begins.  Yes, an Easter Egg Hunt.  It FREE for kids 0 - 12 years of age.  So if you claim to be 29 (like me) you are out of luck.  Actually for the really little kids, the Easter Egg Hunt will start at 9:50 AM, so get them there a bit early.  Don't forget to be at the Thomas Centennial Park in downtown Chesterton, Indiana on Saturday, April 3rd.  Afterward, stay around and stroll through downtown for awhile.  Have a fantastic Easter weekend everyone! 04/02/2010

Easter Entertaining Ideas at Regal Rabbit Are you having company over on Easter Sunday?  If you are struggling with new and exciting menu ideas then here's just the thing for you.  Regal Rabbit in Chesterton, Indiana is offering a cooking class on "Honey Baked Easter Entertaining".  The menu includes: Salad of Spring Greens Beats and Pine Nuts with Goat Cheese Crostini Honey Baked Ham Tomato, Onion, and Potato Gratin Carrots and Sugar Snap Peas with Lemon and Herbs Strawberry Tarts with Marscarpone Cheese Doesn't that sound like something you would be proud of serving?  The cooking class will be on Thursday, April 1, 2010 at 6:30 PM.  Regal Rabbit is located at 528 Indian Boundary Road in Chesterton, Indiana.  Pre-registration is required for the classes at Regal Rabbit. 03/21/2010

I spent an evening at Molly Bea's yesterday along with about 30 other people.  Since yesterday was the 3rd Thursday of the month, that means it was time for the monthly class at Molly Bea's Ingredients in Chesterton, Indiana. The topic was "Fondant Fun" and fun it was!  There were even some men in the class that were sweet enough to accompany their wives and the men were asking questions by the end of the class. The next class is on Thursday (of course!) April 15 at 7:00 PM.  I am definitely going to try to be at the next class too because the class is "Great Bread in 5 Minutes or Less".  Now there's not much better than a loaf of freshly baked bread and I love to bake bread but in 5 minutes or less....well, I just have to be there!  Join me next time at Molly Bea's Ingredients at 761 I... 03/19/2010

Fondant Fun When Baking at Molly Bea's Ingredients in Chesterton, Indiana If you haven't been to Molly Bea Ingredients yet, you are missing out on a unique store.  Molly Bea's offers all sorts of kitchen ingredients in bulk.  From wheat pastry flour, nuts, dried fruit, to candies and so much more, you will find just about anything you need.  In addition to all the ingredients, fun classes are offered on the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm.  This month on March 18, 2010, the class will feature fondant fun when baking.  I almost missed telling you a very important point - the class is FREE! Molly Bea's Ingredients is conveniently located at 761 Indian Boundary Road in Chesterton, Indiana.   03/14/2010

As you probably already know, blood pressure and blood sugar screenings are extremely important to find problems with your health early.  In Chesterton and Porter, Indiana, the Porter County Health System is offering free testing.  Not only is it free but there is also no appointment necessary! There are 2 dates at two different locations for your convenience to take advantage of the free blood pressure and blood sugar screening.  March 17, 2010 at the Chesterton Medical Campus, 650 Medical Rd (150 E) in Chesterton, IN from 9 am - noon. March 30, 2010 at Westchester Food Pantry, 170 E Oak Hill Rd in Porter, IN from 9 - 11 am Don't miss out on a keeping your health in check.  Set these dates on your calendar. 03/14/2010

Here is one time that I wish my husband enjoyed playing working in the kitchen!  If he did, then I would have already registered us for the next cooking class "Gourmet Couples" at Regal Rabbit.  We could try our hand at making classic French sauces on Friday, March 12, 2010.  Since Friday is also his birthday, I wonder if he would appreciate a cooking class.....Nope, don't think so!  Well, I may just have to pass on this class but there is another one coming up on Tuesday, March 16.  On that day at the Regal Rabbit in Chesterton, Indiana, the class will include recipes for "Easy Chicken Dishes -- Family Style".  It seems like a good family style chicken dish is a necessity in any home! Hey, how about joining me for the fun of cooking at the Regal Rabbit located at 528 Indian Boundary Ro... 03/10/2010

If you have fun cooking, then I know you must also enjoy shopping at food and gourmet shops.  What's not to love about browsing through gourmet gadgets, cookware, knives, cookbooks, and more?  Well, what about cooking classes at Regal Rabbit in Chesterton, Indiana? Located at 528 Indiana Boundary Road, the Regal Rabbit in Chesterton, Indiana offers a variety of cooking classes each month with different chefs.  For the month of May you can register for: Cooking Basics 101 on March 1 Winter Vegetable Harvest on March 3 Irish Favorites on March 9 Gourmet Couples - A Sauce Odyssey on March 12 Easy Chicken Dishes - Family Style on March 16 Spring Fever on March 22 Girl's Night Out - Chocolate Whimsy on March 23 Spring Cocktail Party on March 24 Don't miss out on the fun of cooking classes at... 02/28/2010

If you are looking to increase your northwest social media, social media marketing, and your online presence  you need to get with Kathy Sipple, mysocialmeadiacoach.com to see how your efforts can soar! Knowing what the terms mean, like SEO, and Social Media Marketing does not guarantee you are using them to the best advantage for yourself.  You may need some social media training to give your knowledge and your online presence a boost in the right direction. Kathy Sipple, recently awarded by votes, as The Social Media Dame of 2009, by her peers, truely lives up to the name! Social Media is her thing...whether you need help in social network marketing, social media strategy, or social media consulting, Kathy Sipple is proficient as mysocialmediacoach.com!  02/21/2010

Chesterton Mortgage Reader Question I try to respond to questions that are sent in by email and in the comments here quickly, and in some cases i keep the questions to write posts that may apply to more consumers. Today Mortgage Question submitted by a Chesterton Indiana home shopper -Question: I have been watching rates bounce up and down near 5% for the last six months, and whenever I talk to my REALTOR they suggest home prices are at the bottom ... so it's a no brainer that things can't get any cheaper. But ... does this automatically mean I should buy? Are there other considerations before we run out and make an offer on a home? Answer: You have summed up the market situation quite well, there is no better time to buy a home than now. And you are correct as well that there are uniqu... 02/08/2010

If you prefer natural, organic, and local ingredients in your food, then Third Coast Spice Cafe in Chesterton, Indiana is the place for you!  Not only do they offer some tasty omelets with fresh veggies but even the eggs they use are cage free Indiana eggs.  Now if the need for fresh food hits you at lunch time, their sandwiches and salads are also incredible.  My favorite salad is their chicken club salad.  It sounds ordinary but it's far from ordinary.  It's large and filling and I can never leave there without cleaning my plate completely!  Satisfaction at its best is what you will get at Third Coast Spice Cafe.  Oh, did I tell you that the breakfast items are available all day long.  So if you've slept until noon, drop by for breakfast or lunch.  Third Coast Spice Cafe also offers a... 01/26/2010

A fun afternoon of shopping can be accomplished at school in Chesterton, Indiana.  Visit the Schoolhouse Shop and you will find gifts, antiques, candies, pottery, glass, garden accessories, toys, and so much more.  The Schoolhouse Shop in Chesterton, Indiana is located in what used to be a two-room schoolhouse built in 1886 atop a high sand dune.  Designed in the Italianate Revival style and made from local bricks, a bell tower was place over the front entry door.  Much of the land around the school was used to farm blueberries and cranberries. In the 20s the school was abandoned and later used as a chicken coop.  in the 40s, fine art and pottery began to be sold form the building.  Two additions were built on the the schoolhouse in the 60s.  Finallly in 1997, after going through a coup... 01/24/2010

It's time to start part 2 of the Precept Upon Precept Class on the book of Hebrews, "Draw Near to His Throne".  If you missed Part 1, you can still join us for part 2.  Hebrews Part 1 was one the the best Precept studies yet and it only covered 4 chapters.  Just think how exciting it will be to get through the rest of the book!  Join us - we'd enjoy having you.  The class meets on Wednesday starting January 6 from 9 - 11am at Liberty Bible Church, 824 N. Calumet Avenue in Chesterton, Indiana.  Lessons will be handed out at the first class. If you'd like more information on the Precept Upon Precept class, here is a link to the Liberty Bible Church website. 01/01/2010

It's that time again for the annual Duneland YMCA Womanless Beauty Pageant! You heard that right, the Womanless Beauty Pageant! Although there will be plenty of laughs to go around, this is a serious fundraiser to raise the necessary funds to support the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. With a population a little more than 10,000 people, this event is one of the biggest fundraisers for our community YMCA. It also happens to be one of the most theatrical fundraisers that includes local business men competing in evening gowns and swim wear for the titles of Miss-ter Congeniality and Miss-ter YMCA. Every year this event seems to grow bigger and more lavish. Besides the competition, there is a silent auction that is part of the gala to raise funds. The unique part of the auction is that the men w... 11/06/2009

We are blessed in the United States to have the freedom to study the bible and to have many tools and study aids available.  If you are looking for a way to discover for yourself what the Bible says and not someones interpretation of it, inductive bible study is the answer. With Inductive Bible Study you can discover what the Bible means and how to apply it to your life.  Studying the bible inductively forces you to slow down and really process what Scripture is saying through observation, interpretation, and then application.  By studying the Bible inductively you will: be equipped to study God's Word on your own be independent of relying only on anothers interpretation increase your knowledge of God and His ways be greatly strengthened in your personal faith recognize the authority of... 10/16/2009

Chesterton Indiana Real Estate and homes for sale in Northwest Indiana If you have been thinking of buying a home in Chesterton, Indiana, now is a great time to make the move!  There are many types of homes  and properties available in the area, including: Acreage, Income Properties, Farms, Single Family Homes, Luxury Properties, Vacation Properties and much more.  What ever type of property you are looking for, be sure and call a knowledgeable Realtor, to find you the best deals, Including: Foreclosed Properties, Short Sales,  and re-sale properties. If you are relocating to Chesterton, Indiana, you should check out the Indiana Dunes, downtown Chesterton, Valparaiso University,nearby Valparaiso Farmer's Market, Chesterton European Market and so much more.  Home Advantage Real Estate o... 08/13/2009

It's time for the Chesterton Art Fair!  Fine arts are offered by artists from the US and Canada.  The fair will be held on August 1 and 2 at Hawthorne Park, 151 Dunes Forest Trail from 10 am to 5 pm in Porter, Indiana.  Parking is free and the cost to enter the Art Fair is $5.00.  Food, beverages and children's activities will also be available.  Don't miss the art demonstrations that will take place throughout the day.  Irene TronMaking Real Estate Enjoyable in Northwest Indianawww.irenetronrealtor.com 07/27/2009

This past Saturday, July 11, was the Annual Sand Sculpture Contest at the Indiana Dunes State Park.  After a rainy start early in the day, it turned out to be a perfect day to enjoy the sand, water, and sun on the beach.  It was sunny but mild temperatures the entire day.  We could not have asked for better weather.  The beach was full of families having fun together.  Volleyball games, barbecuing, and swimming were all going on in the midst of others hard at work building their sand sculptures.  There is just something relaxing about water splashing against the shore.  If you have a chance to spend some time out in the sun and water in your part of the world, do it!  Take the rest of the afternoon off and enjoy. We won't tell! Irene TronMaking Real Estate in Northwest Indianawww.irenet... 07/15/2009

Whether you think you can or you can't, you're right!   01/19/2009

There is currently a shrinking pool of Realtors. Now is a great time to get started. Interest rates are low and prices in our area are affordable. What a great time to buy a home. Please let me know if you are looking for a new career or thinking about buying or selling a home. 01/18/2009

Conveniently located just off of State Road 49 in Chesterton, Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve is both an amazingly peaceful spot for a picnic or a nature walk and a nature photographers paradise. Carefully planted with native foliage and wildflowers, it is also sprinkled with genius landscaping, rockscaping and engineered structures that include bridges, waterfalls, ponds and walking paths. The main structural showpiece is an outdoor ampitheater that offers incorporated leveled seating  and sits above the largest and most breathtaking waterfall in the preserve.   My girls and I were recently invited to picnic here with my family.  At first, I was hesitant to go, as my girls aren't really the picnicing type - especially in such a peaceful spot. To my amazement, the girls embraced to the ... 07/02/2008