Nov 08 2018

Don’t be a Dunce!

To D.I.Y. or not to D.I.Y that is the question!?!

Safe to D.I.Y.

Patching drywall- Homeowners can easily fix holes in the walls left by nails. Simply make sure the wall is clean and spackle the hole. Sand down the spackle and clean the area with a damp sponge.
Cleaning the air conditioner condenser unit- Homeowners can easily clean this to maintain efficient air conditioning system. Changing filters regularly is also important. This all ensures the unit isn’t working any harder than it must.
Repairing plumbing hardware- Homeowners can easily fix items like seals, chains, or clogs. If the toilet becomes wobbly or the seat becomes loose, grab a D.I.Y. kit at your local hardware store.

Time for a Pro

Problematic drywall–If you have a large hole or if you have spackled it repeatedly in the past, an expert is better suited to properly repair the damage.
Repairing or replacing an HVAC unit- A professional that is licensed and insured is your best choice in these situations.
Alterations that require plumbing alterations- Permits will likely be needed in this situation. A licensed and insured plumber will know the proper permits and will ensure that the work is done correctly and the changes don’t negatively impact other areas.

Hope these tips help you have an uneventful #nationaldunceday!

Nov 02 2018

For those of you that don’t know, my son Noah has been dramatically effected by epilepsy. But, our lives are not nearly the only ones impacted. According to the World Health Organization, epilepsy is the most common serious brain disorder worldwide. There are 3.4 million people in the U.S. living with active epilepsy. That number is more than Autism Spectrum Disorders, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis and Cerebral Palsy combined. However, epilepsy only receives one-tenth of the funding that those other neurological disorders do. One in 10 people will have a seizure during their lifetime, and one in 26 will be diagnosed with epilepsy. So, the importance of creating awareness this month is obvious. Remaining calm and knowing seizure first aid is extremely important. Use Stay. Safe. Side. Simple to help you easily remember.

Stay with the person having a seizure.
Make sure they are Safe.
If they convulse, turn them on their Side.
Simple. Never put anything in their mouths, time the seizure, and if it lasts longer than 5 minutes, call 911.

Every year technological advancements are made that can drastically improve someone’s independence and their life. During this month is a great time to contribute to help this fight toward a world free from epilepsy and from the anxieties of not knowing if or when a seizure will strike. So, we think this is a cause within our community that should not be overlooked.

Oct 16 2018

Are you ready for some gumbo?

It’s that time again! On Wednesday, October 24, 2018 at 5 PM – 7:30 PM at Parc International, the Realtor Association of Acadiana’s 28th Annual Gumbo Cook-off will be held. Realtors and affiliates will be competing for the best gumbo and theme. There will be a wide variety of gumbo dishes for all to enjoy, so bring your appetite! There will be a children’s costume contest at 6:30PM with a chance to win prizes! Nik-L-Beer will provide live entertainment for your dancing enjoyment. All proceeds of this event will benefit Maddie’s Footprints and St. Michael’s Center for Veterans. It’s a fabulous event that you don’t want to miss!

Oct 15 2018

Trick or Treat?!

There’s a crisp nip and the air and pumpkins decorate porches, it’s Halloween time! Gather your goblins and ghouls for this year’s trick-or-treat festivities! Can’t find the trick-or-treat times in your area? Don’t be scared, we’ve got you covered!

LAFAYETTE PARISH

Broussard – October 31, 6 to 8 pm
Carencro – October 31, 6 to 8 pm
Duson – October 31, 6 to 8 pm
Lafayette – October 31, 6 to 8 pm
Scott – October 31, 6 to 8 pm
Youngsville – October 31, 6 to 8 pm

ACADIA PARISH

Church Point – October 31, 5:30 to 7:30 pm
Crowley – October 31, 5:30 to 7:30 pm/ Witchy Way October 31, 3:30 to 5:30 pm
Estherwood – Pending
Iota – October 31, 5 to 7 pm
Mermentau – Pending
Morse – October 31, 5 to 7 pm
Rayne – October 31, 5:30 to 7:30 pm/ Fright Fest October 31, 6 to 8 pm

IBERIA PARISH

Jeanerette – October 31, 6 to 8 pm
New Iberia – October 31, 6 to 8 pm
Delcambre – October 31, 6 to 8 pm
Loreauville – Pending
Lydia – Pending

EVANGELINE PARISH

Basile – October 30, 5:30 to 7:30 pm
Chataignier – Pending
Mamou – Pending
Pine Prairie – October 31, 5 to 7 pm
Turkey Creek – Pending
Ville Platte – October 31, 6 to 8 pm

ST LANDRY PARISH

Arnaudville – Pending
Cankton – Pending
Eunice – October 31, 6 to 8 pm
Grand Coteau – October 31, 5 to 7 pm
Grand Prairie – Pending
Krotz Springs – October 31, 5:30 to 7:30 pm, Haunted House October 30, 31 at Nall Park 5:30 to 7:30 pm
Leonville – October 31, 6 to 8 pm
Melville – Pending
Opelousas – Pending
Palmetto – Pending
Port Barre – Pending
Sunset – October 31, 6 to 8 pm
Washington – Pending

ST MARTIN PARISH

Breaux Bridge – October 31, 6 to 8 pm
Butte La Rose – October 31, 6 to 8 pm
Cade – October 31, 6 to 8 pm
Catahoula – October 31, 6 to 8 pm
Cecilia – October 31, 6 to 8 pm
Henderson – October 31, 6 to 8 pm
Parks – Pending
St. Martinville – October 31, 6 to 8 pm
Stephensville – October 31, 6 to 8 pm

JEFF DAVIS PARISH

Elton – October 30, 5 to 7 pm
Fenton – October 31, 6 to 8 pm
Jennings – October 31, 5:30 to 7:30 pm
Lake Arthur – October 31, 6 to 8 pm
Welsh – October 31, 5:30 to 7:30 pm

Happy Halloween!

May 18 2016

Classic French Ratatouille

Classic French recipes such as this ratatouille seem intimidating because they require specific techniques, but that’s what makes a good cook. Perhaps you don’t try this mid-week because it requires a whole lot of chopping, but ratatouille is a great Sunday afternoon recipe listening to great music and maybe even having a glass of wine…or two.

While it’s considered a summer dish found throughout the Mediterranean coast, it’s also great in colder weather because it’s warm and comforting without the heaviness of braised meats or stews.

Plus it’s a one-pot recipe, so if you’re a lazy dishwasher like I am, it makes Sunday evenings so much better!

You can eat ratatouille on its own as a side dish, but it’s so versatile in other dishes. You can add it to pasta, or top it with an egg. It’s also amazing on great French bread. Pair it with a glass of your favorite red wine.

INGREDIENTTS

34 oz fresh tomato sauce
20 basil leaves
1 large red pepper, sliced in rings
1 medium red onion, sliced in rings
1 yellow zucchini, sliced in rings
1 green zucchini, sliced in rings
1 eggplant, sliced in rings
1 tomato, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1.5 tablespoons dry oregano
salt and pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 °F
Spread ¾ of tomato sauce into a pan that will fit all of your vegetables.
Begin to layer vegetables (i.e. tomato, then zucchini, then pepper) in a clockwise rotation beginning in the center and moving outward. Don’t worry about the order of the vegetables as you’ll have more slices of some things than others.
Fill in any gaps between the vegetables with remaining tomato sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and dry oregano. Drizzle with olive oil.
Bake uncovered for one hour.

Originally posted at: Lafayette Real Estate News