Just a reminder that we are having our local meet up in Westchester this Monday (tomorrow). It will be in White Plains at Uno's Pizzaeria (14 Martine Ave) at 6pm. Parking is FREE.  (Park at the Seasons...same building...grab a ticket...Uno's will validate it). Looking forward to catching up with everybody.    This is right off the Bronx River Parkway (exit 21) and off of 287 (exit 5).  It's right by the Galleria   12/01/2012

The recent "Light the Night"  benefitting Leukemia and Lymphoma blood cancers  held on November 27th at the Westchester County Center was a great success. The will to make the event happen (no matter the weather) came through.. Here are a few of the people at the event... everyone has a story.           Dr. Mitch Kaphan went for a routine colonoscopy before Memorial Day weekend of this year. His doctor (luckily) found a mass. There was also some cancer cells found in his bone marrow. Dr. Kaphan - between working in 3 offices, and donating his time at his local Synagogue is too busy to think on the negatives. He is a survivor. He was all smiles last night shown here with Robin (a nurse) and loving wife.   In the center, Lauren Berger, Senior Director, Patient Services Programs for the Le... 11/28/2012

There is an old saying "Where there is a will there's a way..."  With nearly a Million Dollars raised at last year's fund Raising event "Light the Night Walk" and with over 3000 participants and growing each year,  it was with great anticipation that this year would surpass that.. but Hurricane Sandy visited the neighborhood and then some, and this wonderful fund-raising event which benefits the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (both monetarily and spiritually) had to be postponed..The event had been held for the past 5 years at the Rye Playland, and we all know that the Boardwalk was ruined because of "Sandy"... It was rescheduled for Tuesday, November 27th, 2012 6 p.m. at the Westchester County Center not knowing that there would be inclement weather via freezing rain and snow and so it ... 11/28/2012

Holiday lights synched to music in White Plains NY 10604 - North Kensico Ave Are you looking for some fun Christmas lights synched to music?  Well this is really cool...right here in our own backyard in White Plains right off 287.  The street address is 21 North Kensico Ave, and it is quite a site to see...and hear.  These pictures are from last year, and every year more lights are added. I learned about this last year...the house is owned by one of my customers and he loves to decorate.  Every year, he adds to his collection.  Why? It's just a fun hobby!   This year, he has 7,600 lights!  He has the lights synched to music on 107.7 FM (you can either tune in or yourself or listen to it from the speaker in the mail box).  He has over 50 songs programmed.  And, Santa will appear in the w... 11/18/2012

Yes, it's time for another local meet up, and I'm looking forward to this one.  This time, we are going back to Uno's in White Plains.  Why?  Because food is good, and it's the easiest place to park in White Plains.  (And, parking is FREE).   When: Mon, December 3rd 6pm Where: Uno's in White Plains - 14 Martine Ave, White Plains NY 10606. Parking:  At the Seasons (same building) 4 Martine Ave.  Get the ticket, bring to Uno's, they'l stamp it and it's free.   Another reason for this location is that it doesn't have a ton of traffic. This time of year, we start to get holiday shopping traffic...so don't get off 287 at exit 8...this is where it's bad, and this is why Uno's is more convenient.  It's right off exit 5, and right of Bronx River Parkway (exit 21). Also, if anyone from NYC wants... 11/14/2012

Wonderful 4BR colonial Home for Sale in White Plains! Overview Maps Photos Description Neighborhood $689,000 Single Family Home Main Features 4 Bedrooms3 BathroomsLot: 0.31 acre(s) Location 5 Piper CtWhite Plains, NY 10607-2604USA To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below: Rummy Singh Dhanoa Keller Williams Realty Group(914) 4388840rummydhanoa@hotmail.comhttp://www.FreeNYHomeSearch.com   Listed by: Keller William Realty Group Our recent listings Price Reduced : Pelham Pkwy Multi Family SHort SaleOffice Space in a commercial building for Lease in YonkersMagnificent 4BR Custom Colonial Home for Sale in Whiteplains!Wonderful 4BR colonial Home for Sale in White Plains!Awesome 2 unit Multiplex for sale in Mount Vernon! Subscribe to our... 10/22/2012

Magnificent 4BR Custom Colonial Home for Sale in Whiteplains! Overview Maps Photos Description Neighborhood $698,000 Single Family Home Main Features 4 Bedrooms21 Bathrooms1 Partial BathroomLot: 0.52 acre(s) Location 12 Drisler AveWhite Plains, NY 106072431USA To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below: Rummy Singh Dhanoa Keller Williams Realty Group(914) 4388840rummydhanoa@hotmail.comhttp://www.FreeNYHomeSearch.com   Listed by: Keller William Realty Group Our recent listings Price Reduced : Pelham Pkwy Multi Family SHort SaleOffice Space in a commercial building for Lease in YonkersMagnificent 4BR Custom Colonial Home for Sale in Whiteplains!Wonderful 4BR colonial Home for Sale in White Plains!Awesome 2 unit Multiplex for sale in ... 10/22/2012

  Channeling Mark Twain here, and NO, not talking about me, but rather a store.   The rumors started this spring, when a tractor-trailer backed into the front of Stickley Audi on Tarrytown Road in White Plains.   The sign came down, boards went up, and the whispers started.   Then there was the Clearance Sale. SIGH. Where herds of professional store-closeout bullies salespeople did little to dispel the rumors.   But alas, the truth came out...a long-needed facelift had been in the works, the tractor-trailer just got it on the fast-track.   The store has remained open during the renovations, and they still have a while to go, but the early reviews-OK, my early review-is that it's great.     A very welcome change is evident the moment you step into the lobby: Look up (fabulous bubble chan... 10/09/2012

Yes, hardwood flooring can be installed in a basement...as long as there is not a water nor moisture issue.  In Westchester County, many basements are below the ground and/or constructed directly on a concrete slab. As a result, many basements (especially in older homes) have water issues/leaks or they tend to have excessive moisture.  If you do have either of the issues, I would recommend that you stay away from hardwood as well as laminate flooring. Many customers mistakenly believe that laminate is waterproof...it isn't! And, often laminate will do even worse than hardwood will in a humid basement.  Instead, if you have moisture issues, you are better off using a waterproof or water resilient surface such as tile or vinyl.   If your basement is below grade (i.e. beneath the ground) a... 09/20/2012

Last night I got a call from one of my favorite real estate agents.  She told me she has a pending sale and her buyer wants to visit the house one more time....and she asked him if he wanted her to make arrangements for a flooring person to be there.  (Gosh, I have to love her...she's looking out for her client and for me).   This is in a nice condo complex in White Plains, and we've done a bunch of work there.  When she told me the address, I paused as it sounded familiar - not justhe street, but the # too.  I asked her who the seller was, and of course it was one of my customers from over 4 years ago.  How cool is that?   The agent said she couldn't remember how the floors were/what was needed...but of course I remembered.  I said she has oak in the kitchen entryway, but not the livin... 09/20/2012

This afternoon, I had an appointment for refinishing hardwood floors in Westchester. My customer was really nice, and he and his wife wanted to rip up the carpet and refinish the hardwood that is underneath the carpet.  It seems one of their cats had "done some damage."   Anyway, my customer was so surprised at how much both the cats liked me.  They kept coming up to me and cuddling and one was even licking my hand.   When it was time to measure, of course they went super crazy over the laser. That was really fun to watch.   As I was leaving, my customer said, "My cats are my character judges...and they really love you."  So, I think in a few months we will be sanding and refinishing their floors.  Gotta love those pets!   09/04/2012

This is what CNN Money has to say about White Plains NY:   "Only a 35-minute train ride from the Big Apple, White Plains is popular with commuters. But the seat of Westchester County is no slouch in the jobs department, with a bunch of large corporate offices (including the newly refurbished and ultra-chic headquarters of Heineken U.S.), an entrepreneurial spirit (it's the birthplace of Mark Zuckerberg), and top-test-scoring kids. When not working, folks like to try out the city's new bike paths, practice their swing at one of three golf courses, and jog on the trails at Silver Lake Preserve. One caveat: The cost of living can be high."   See the full list at http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/best-places/   Call me today if you like to learn more about housing options in White Pl... 08/28/2012

Yes, for all of you in the Tristate (NY/NJ/CT), you have 2 chances to mingle with some of the finest Active Rainers around the area.  I always love going to these - they are fun + I come away with a few tips.   1.  Tues...that's tomorrow...8/28 at 4pm in Wilton CT.  This is at Dagny's home at 20 Windy Ridge Place.  You must bring something to eat (or drink)...so that way, we all have something to eat.  Thx Dagny for hosting this 4th meet up at your lovely home.2.    2.  Thurs 8/30 in White Plains at 6pm.  This is at The Brazen Fox, 175 Mamaroneck Avenue.  We are hoping to eat outside.   I hope you can join us for one (or both).  I will be at both.  Oh, and 1,000 Active Rain bonus points for all attendees.    08/26/2012

Facts have never been as intriguing to me as people, and their personal experience has. I am a curious person, and understanding another's circumstances fully paints a more complete and memorable picture. For several years now Doug has wanted to see the WWII vintage planes at the traveling Wings of Freedom exhibition, but as convenient as the Westchester County Airport is to get to, something else always got in the way. Til yesterday. WOW. You've got to go. Standing next to the planes is one thing. Walking across the open belly of the plane, on an suspended 8" wide strip, in between (faux/de-commissioned) bombs...standing in the top gunner turret, looking down to see the paint worn away from the platform, where so many brave had stood...seeing the under-gun turret: understanding men wer... 08/20/2012

Yes, sometimes life has a way of working itself out and a series of mishaps can result in something positive.  I had a couple of incidents that really bummed me out; but in the end, they've led me to a better place.   So, 2 weeks ago, I got my new T-shirts with my new "The Flooring Girl" logo.  The color was perfect and I was happy...until after I saw what I looked like in it.  Let me just say, it was not the most flattering look for me, and it helps show that I need to lose some more weight.  (I knew this, and I will work on this.).  So, I told Donna that we have to come up with a new plan for the shirts...I can't wear these if I don't look good in them.   Fast forward to earlier this week.  Believe it or not I had a customer (who is going to buy some hardwood for me) give me some cand... 08/18/2012

A few days ago had started writing about a project I've been watching, and was now going to be participating in. The 1950s ranch house at 64 Holbrooke Road in White Plains has been transformed into an eco-friendly model of green building, and is going for Gold LEED certification, I'm helping style the photos for AIA award consideration. Every project has a goal, and in this case, the focus is the space, and the innovation. Any 'styling' needs to be simple and clever. Meet Joey Joey the Goldfish was brought in to add life and whimsy to the Master Bath.  (More on the room itself next time). He handled the shoot like a pro, not needing too many takes to hit his mark. Here he is with Josefera Mulaire, who is handling all the photography for the house.  The plan was to have Joey rest on his ... 08/17/2012

Phil Faranda and I are going to host another Active Rain meet up in Westchester.  This will be in White Plains since it's centrally located.  We thought this would be a good location as we can eat outside, if the weather is good, or eat inside if it's rainy...remember the first one we had here?  Oy vey, let's pray that it doesn't rain like that again... I got sopping wet.   Thurs, Aug 30th 6pm The Brazen Fox 175 Mamaroneck Avenue  White Plains, NY 10601   We hope you can make it.  The last few we've had have been so much fun. They've been smaller groups which I think has been great as we've all gotten to know each other very well.  And, at each one, I've come away with new business ideas for my business.   See you there! 08/16/2012

Over the winter of 2009-20010 homeowner Gerry Angel paid about $1000.00 per month to heat her 1850 square-foot ranch. This coming winter she's thinking around $100.00 a month for her newly re-designed, now 2900 square foot house. Maybe. Today starts a mini-series about a local project that is very exciting. Gerry's passion for green and sustainable, combined with the vision of Hastings on Hudson architect Christina Griffin, and the work of uber-contractors Mamaroneck's Murphy Brothers have merged to bring the eco-transformation of this house to almost completion. Today the photo-taking starts, and The Refreshed Home has been brought in to help style them. More to follow-can't be late for the first day!-but here's the exterior B&A just so you can see how cool this is going to be.        ... 08/12/2012

A few months ago I wrote a blog at the request of the White Plains Beautification Foundation.  They were raising money for a new Cedar of Lebanon evergreen tree for the Holocaust Memorial Garden.   Although I’m very familiar with downtown White Plains, I had never actually seen the garden.   Located at 148 Martine Ave.  right next to the Michaelian Office Building, it is a bit tucked away.  I promised myself I’d go to see the garden and bring my camera – and I finally managed to do so on Thursday. The Gates of Remembrance dominate the garden. They were created by the sculptor Rita Rapaport in 1992. They memorialize the lives lost and the suffering of millions during the Nazi era.   The posts of the Gates remind me of flames.  The plaques represent the concentration camps (barbed wire) t... 08/11/2012

cs: Pet-Friendly Cooperatives, Walkable Neighborhoods in Westchester, White Plains Often when buyers start looking for White Plains NY condos for sale, they find themselves drawn to older complexes with old-world charm.  Westchester coops comprise the largest share of pre-war buildings and many high-end Westchester coops end up being on the short list of buyers for White Plains NY condos.  The Broadlawn of White Plains is just such a complex. The Broadlawn – White Plains – Sales History: The current sales prices reflect  a recovering market for cooperatives in Westchester generally.  This sector of the market was particularly hard-hit once the the new buyer tax credit expired in 2010. The charts below track sales prices and sales volume from the peak in 2007 through the crash and throug... 07/21/2012