Top Ten Reasons to Buy Locally Owned and Unique Local Businesses to Visit.

Top Ten Reasons to Think Local- Buy Local- Be Local 

  Original Article by SustainableConnections.com

1. Buy Local- Support Yourself: Several studies have shown that when you buy from independent, locally owned business, rather than nationally owned businesses, significantly more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers and farms continuing to strengthen the economic base of the community. 

2. Support Community Groups: Non- profit organizations receive an average 250% more support from smaller business owners that they do from large businesses. 

3. Keep Our Community Unique: Where we shop, where we eat, where we have fun, all of it makes our community home. Our one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of this place. Our tourism businesses also benefit. " When people go on vacation the generally seek out destinations that offer them the sense of being someplace, not just anyplace." Richard Moe, President, National Historic Preservation Trust. 

4. Reduce Environmental Impact: Locally owned businesses can make more local purchases requiring less transportation and generally set up shop in town or city centers as opposed to developing on the fringe. This generally means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution. 

5. Create More Jobs: Small local businesses are the largest employer nationally, in our community and provide the most jobs to residents. 

6. Get Better Service: Local businesses often hire people with a better understanding of the products they are selling and take more time to get to know customers. 

7. Invest in The Community: Local business are owned by the people that live in this community, are less likely to leave and are more invested in the community's future. 

8. Put Your Taxes to Good Use: Local businesses in town centers require comparatively little infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services as compared to nationally owned stores entering the community. 

9. Buy What You Want, Not What Someone Else Wants You To Buy:  A market place of tens of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term. A multitude of small businesses , each selecting products based not on a national sales plan but on their own interests and needs of their local customers, guarantees a much broader range of product choices. 

10. Encourage Local Prosperity: A growing body of economic research shows that in a increasingly homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle the communities that preserve their one-of-a kind business distinctive character. 

Unique Local Business In West Michigan

Sweetie- Licious Bakery Cafe

Visit her website: www.sweetie-licious.com

I love pie. I LOVE HER BAKERY! It's like taking a step back in time when you walk in and THE FOOD IS AMAZING! I was given a recipe book of her pies as a gift and I make them all the time but they don't quite have that magic touch she seems to have with her food. I highly recommend, when you are in the mood some pie, driving here and having some of her award winning recipes. I recommend the Blueberry Basil Cream Pie! My family loves it! - Corey Nice, Relationship Manager for Jeff Northouse Group. 

American Spoon Foods

Like most good things, American Spoon began with dreams. For Justin Rashid, it was the dream of a livelihood harvesting the bounty of the farms and woodlands of Northern Michigan. For Chef Larry Forgione, it was the dream of gather the harvests and traditions of America's diverse region into a distinctively American cuisine. Their first preserves, made from Early Glow strawberries, we soft succulent and filled with halved berries. There were described as " Spoon Preserves" because they were more suited to spooning than spreading with a knife. The because permanent and so did the concept of putting as much fruit and honest flavor into every recipe, a concept that has inspired a continually expanding line of delicious products. - Saugatuck.com

308 Butler St. 

Saugatuck,49453

www.spoon.com

Acorn Studios 

Acorn Studios is a blank canvas space intentionally designed for people to gather, learn and make. Acorn Studios offers farmer's market cooking classes, cocktail making fun, and many other fun events. 

919 E. Fulton

Grand Rapids, MI. 49503

www.acornstudios.net

Marie Catrib's 

Marie Catrib's is one of my favorite restaurants. Marie moved from Lebanon to Flint in 1970, and later moved to the U.P. where she starting baking baklava at home and selling it at local markets. Within a year she opened her first restaurant, Marie's Deli, in Houghton MI. 

Unfortunately, Marie passed away last year at the age of 65 after a long battle with cancer. The restaurant is still making wonderful meals. 

1001 Lake Dr. SE

Grand Rapids, MI. 

www.mariecatribs.com

Marie Catrib

Blandford Nature Center

Blandford Nature Center was once known as Collins Woods. It was part of the Collin's family farm. Victor Blandford purchased the farm from the Collin's family and began selling of pieces of the property. 

The founder of Blandford Nature Center is Dr. Mary Jane Dockeray.She worked for the Grand Rapids Public Museum in 1949 as a nature lecturer. Mary Jane convinced to the Blandford family to donate 17 acres of the property for the development of a nature center. 

The Blandford Nature Center is a great place to spend the day outside with your family. They have beautiful hiking trails, rescued animals and farm animals that you can visit. The also have an old school house, a homestead barn, sugar house for maple syrup, and an old blacksmith's shop for you to explore. 

1715 Hillburn Ave Nw 

Grand Rapids, MI. 49504

blandfordnaturecenter.org

"It is hoped that an awareness and enthusiasm for nature will further stimulate concern for the total environment and will be an asset for the world and its future"

Mary Jane Dockeray

High Rated Interior Designers in West Michigan

Lindsay Hoekstra, Custom Interiors LLC

www.LindsayHoekstra.com

Lindsay has over 15 years of experience in interior design and fine art. She has served clients across the country from L.A., Chicago and New York City. Lindsay can create spaces on any budget. Her work has also been featured on EasyClosets commercials on DIY Network. 

Past Client Review: 

Lindsay has the unique ability to determine the personal style of her clients and redefine a space according to their tastes - from ultra modern to French provincial to rustic cottage. She can also accomplish a redesign on nearly any budget! I have lived in my home for over 10 years, but never loved it until Lindsay helped me with everything from furniture, to paint colors, to wall decor to pillows. She is simply amazing! She was even able to use many items I already had and make them look new simply by moving them or combining them with other pieces. I have recommended her repeatedly and receive many compliments on what she has done in my home.

Mindi Freng Designs 

www.mindifrengdesigns.com

Mindi has a Bachelor of Arts, with and English Degree from Hope college. Mindi also worked at Moynihan Gallery in Holland, MI. as an Art Consultant, In-Home Designer, and a custom framing designer. 

Customer Review: Mindi is fantastic! More than one neighbor has commented on how my house looks like it was in a magazine. The first project was the main floor living area including the kitchen and the master bedroom. She is so creative and finds the perfect detail to take a space from great to fabulous! Her holiday class was fantastic and inspiring. She has so many ideas and solid design knowledge. I revamped my holiday decorating for next to nothing and it looks so much better. I can't wait for her other classes this coming year.

Jennifer Butler Interior Design

www.jenniferbutlerinteriordesign.com

Jennifer has over 20 years of experience and worked with many of Grand Rapid's leading architects. She has a distinguished portfolio that includes smaller-scale remodels and multi-million dollar custom homes. She also has day spas, athletic facilities, churches and offices in her portfolio.

Customer review: Jennifer has been instrumental in the design of my new home. She keeps an eye on the overall costs while making sure that the building plans conforms to her clients' tastes. She is warm and personable, communicating her ideas in a thoughtful way. She works well as part of a team and represents and advocates for the wishes of her clients. She is careful to hear her clients preferences and is able to design a wide range of styles, from the more contemporary to the early farmhouse style. Jennifer is a great asset to any building project. I have been thrilled to have her as a member of the team that is designing my next home.

Jeffery Roberts

www.jefferyroberts.com

Jeffery Roberts has training in fine arts along with a degree in architecture, fashion and interior design. Jeffery is based out of Chicago but has an office in Grand Rapids. 

Jeffery finds inspiration in dynamic architecture, the arts and Lake Michigan. A personal reason that he is one of my favorites is, he love to up-cycle, making things from the past into beautiful, new works of art. 

Customer review: I have used Jeffery for several projects from a very large renovation to a smaller spruce-up project recently. Jefffery is very creative and talented and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a unique design.

Outrageous Celebrity Homes

Will Smith's 20 million dollar home has it's own zip code!

John Travolta's 4 million dollar home in Florida has it's own personal jet runway with private jet!

Oprah Winfrey's 84 million dollar home boasts it's own lake. 

Richard Branson's private tropical island

Bill Gates' 120 million dollar home has a system wear guest where smart pins so they lighting, music and climate is set to there personal preferences.

Original posted by financesonline.com

Check out this listing! 6676 Crystal Downes

Schedule a showing of this beautiful home by contacting me at Jeff@jeffnorthousegroup.com

Pre-Qualified Vs. Pre- Approved What's the Difference?

Without good preparation, many buyers get lulled into the mistaken notion that if a lander pre-qualifies them for a mortgage this means that they have been pre-approved for a home loan. Unfortunately, there's a world of difference between these two terms. If you've ever been confused by the two, we'll bring you up to speed on how these terms differ- and why misunderstanding them can mean disaster for buyers. 

The Skinny on Pre-Qualified

Getting pre-qualified is the initial step in the mortgage process, and it's generally fairly simple. You supply a bank or lender with your overall financial picture, including your debt income and assets. After evaluating this information, a lender can give you an idea of the mortgage amount for which you qualify. Pre-qualification can be done over the phone or on the internet and there is usually no cost involved. Loan pre-qualification does not include an analysis of your credit report or an in-depth look at your ability to purchase a home. 

The initial pre-qualification step allows you to discuss any goals or needs you may have regarding your mortgage with your lender. At this point, a lender can explain your various mortgage options and recommend the type that might just be best suited to your situation. 

Because it's a quick procedure, and based only on the information your provide to the lender,  your pre-qualified amount is not a sure thing; it's just the amount for which you might expect to be approved. For this reason, a pre-qualified buyer doesn't carry the same weight as a pre-approved buyer who has been more thoroughly investigated. 

They Skinny on Pre-Approved

Getting pre-approved is the next step, and it tends to be much more involved. You'll complete an official mortgage application (and usually pay an application fee), and then supply the lender with the necessary documentation to perform and extensive check on your financial background and current credit rating. (Typically at this stage, you will not have found a house yet, so any reference to "property" on the application will be left blank. From this, the lender can tell you the specific mortgage amount for which you you are approved. You'll also have a better idea of the interest rate you will be charged on the loan and, in some cases, you might be able to lock-in a specific rate. 

With pre-approval, you will receive a conditional commitment in writing for an exact loan amount, allowing you to look for a home at or below your price level. Obviously, this puts you at an advantage when dealing with a potential seller, as he or she will know you're one step closer to obtaining an actual mortgage. 

The other advantage pf completing both of these steps is that you'll know in advance how much you can afford. This way, you don't waste time with guessing or looking at properties that are beyond your means. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage also enables you to move quickly when you find the perfect place. When you make an offer, it won't be contingent on obtaining financing, which can save you valuable time. In a competitive market, this lets the seller know that your offer is serious and could prevent you from losing out to another potential buyer who already has financing arranged. 

Once you have found the right house for you, you'll fill in the appropriate details and your pre-approval will become a complete application. 

Getting Committed

The final step in the process is what's called a "loan commitment", which is only issued by a bank when it has approved you, the borrower, and the house in question. This means the home should be appraised at or above the sales price. The back may also require more information if the appraiser brings up anything he or she feels should be investigated (i.e. structural problems, accessibility issues, outstanding liens or litigation in progress). Your income and credit profile will be checked once again to ensure nothing has changed since the intial approval. 

A loan commitment letter is issued only when the bank is certain it will lend, so the commitment date on your purchase contract should be closer  to the closing than the date of your offer. ( The seller can ask to see that letter as soon as the date has passed, so beware of anyone who tries to put an early commitment date into your contract).

Be warned. Pre-approved and pre-qualified are not the same thing, so don't assume that the bank will provide your loan until you have the former. This mistake could cost you your new home!





Original Article by Brian O'Connell 

Going Green. Tips to "Green" your home and lifestyle That Can Save You Money and Protect Our Planet.

There are many ways to save money on our bills at home by just being more energy efficient. Being more energy efficient is not only good for our wallets but for the world we live in. Here are some simple tips how greening up our lifestyle can make a difference all around us;

Have and Energy Audit

For buildings that are older than 25 years, energy audit & improvement generally output a 25%-35% minimization in energy use. There are Federal government grants available in funding the improvements. 

Install a Programmable Thermostat

For every 2 degrees Fahrenheit (1 C) you lower your thermostat, you save 2% of energy use. Lowering the room temperature in the evening and when there is nobody at home can have a sizable impact on your heating costs. A programmable thermostat allows you to figure when your heating system can reduce temperature. 

Seal Out The Cold

Lower the heat lost from your home by getting rid of drafts around windows, doors, baseboards and outside of wall openings. This could save you up to 15% of your heating costs. Use caulking, expanding foam and weather stripping to seal air leaks. Seal electrical outlets and switches on outside walls with foam gaskets. 

Understand Water Heating Options

Consider your options before replacing your existing hot water system. And on demand water heater provides hot water only when needed, but doesn't use energy to keep water hot in the tank. These systems are used extensively in Europe and can save up to 30% in energy costs. Solar water systems are a great green heating source that pre-heat water for the existing water system, therefore reducing the energy needs by an average of 50% over the four seasons.

Free Heat- Passive Solar

In the winter, the sun can provide some help to heating your home. It's as simple as opening the blinds to let the sun in. This is referred to as passive solar energy, a great form of green heating. Depending on the number of windows on the south side of your home, this can save you up to 5% on heating. Remember to keep the blinds closed at night to keep the heat in. 

Turn Off Heat Sources in the Summer

Shut off the pilot light in your furnace and fireplace in the summer. 

Plant Some Trees

Plant evergreen trees on the north side of your home to act as a wind break. Wind can rob a structure of heat. Using the natural protection of trees is an excellent way to help retain the heat in our homes. 

Install Ceiling Fans

Install ceiling fans to circulate heat in the cathedral ceilings or high ceilings. Heat rises so circulating the air from the ceiling to the floor with help keep the lower portions of the room warmer. 

Wash Clothes in Cold Water

Washing your clothes in cold water saves energy required to fill the water heater. It's easy to go green now that there are many laundry detergents available specifically for use with cold water. 

Dry Your Clothes Naturally

 A clothes dryer requires a lot of energy, so why not switch to air drying your clothes on a clothes tree? When you do use your dryer, clean the lint filter thoroughly after each load and don't over dry the clothes. 

Reduce Summer Cooling

Set your air conditioner to 75 F (24 C) and raise it when you leave, or set your programmable thermostat to do this for you. For each degree set below 75 degree Fahrenheit  (25 C), you will use 3% to 5% more energy.  The energy saving tip will give you the most comfort at the least cost. 

Use Compact Florescent Light Bulbs

The existing light bulb we are used to is technology from over 100 years ago. It is inefficient and produces heat.  A common energy saving tip is to use a Compact Florescent Light (CFL). The bulbs cost more to purchase but, they save you money in the end because of the life of the bulb. They last much longer that incandescent bulbs, run cooler , and use almost 80% less electricity. Some people object to the color of the light, so what you need to shop for is Warm White, which is much closer to the light from a traditional bulb. Remember to keep the bulbs once they burn out for disposal with hazardous wastes such as batteries as they contain mercury. 

Eliminate the Power Drain

Many electronic devices use power when they are plugged in and turned off. Use the power strips and timers to eliminate power suckers. If you want to understand how much electricity is being used, get a Watt Reader, which will show you how much energy is being used. 

Turn Off Your Computer When it is Not in Use

A computer left on for 24 hours uses the same amount of energy as a 13w Compact Florescent light bulb left on for almost 10 days. Most people wouldn't leave a light on for 10 days, so why does it make sense not to turn off the computer? Some people are concerned that this energy saving tip will wear out the hardware faster, but those are outdated thoughts. In the last decade, computer hardware has evolved and will not be adversely affected by turning the machine on and off. Plug in your computer to a power strip and shut off the strip after shutting down the computer. 

Add Shade to Reduce Air Conditioning

Planting deciduous trees (trees with leaves that fall off in the winter) on the sunny side of a building will block the summer's sun from heating it up, and in the winter, after the leaves are off the tree, the sun will help heat up the building. Sometimes, all we need to do is look at nature to learn some energy saving tips. 

Original Article by: the Carbon Diet.

If Want a Low Interest Rate on Your Home Purchase, the Time to Act is Now!

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) —The Federal Reserve announced the end its bond-buying program Wednesday, marking the close of a six-year effort to stimulate the economy.

• • Billionaires double since financial...49min
  • Game 7 standing room only tickets: $8002hr
  • Fraudsters use paycheck selfies to...2hr
  • Chipotle workers say they work extra...
  • Ferrari to split with parent company...
  • Gas is $3 a gallon or less for most...

The decision reflects how much the economy has improved since the recession. It's akin to taking the training wheels off of a child's bike.

The 12 members of the central bank's committee also voted to keep its key interest rate near zero. This means people with savings in the bank get little to no interest, but the low interest rates spur people and businesses to spend and invest.

The Fed has given indications that it will likely raise the interest rate in 2015. In its statement today, the Fed kept in the closely watched statement that it will maintain interest rates at the current low rates "for a considerable time."

Many economists and traders expect the Fed to begin raising rates in the summer of 2015.

The bank started its bond program, known as quantitative easing or "QE", in November 2008 to aid the economy and the crippled housing market. It became the flagship program of former Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke's term in office.

Improving economy: The economy has come a long way in six years. The unemployment rate is now 5.9%, its lowest mark since QE began. There are over 8.5 million more people employed now than in November 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

In the announcement Wednesday, the Fed said the job market is improving.

"On balance, a range of labor market indicators suggests that underutilization of labor resources is gradually diminishing," the statement read.

Current Fed Chairwoman Janet Yellen has often cited her concerns this year about the sluggish job market, but it appears the Fed's views have shifted somewhat.

The Fed also wants inflation to stay consistently above 2%, which it has not since the Fed lowered interest rates.

The total number of housing starts, an important measure of the health of the real estate market, has almost doubled since its low point shortly after QE began, according to the Census Bureau.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average was down around 20 points just before the Fed's announcement. The Dow continued to drop after the statement came out.

Read more: http://www.wyff4.com/money/fed-ends-6year-effort-to-stimulate-economy/29410602#ixzz3HYyiLbzR

Historical Grand Rapids

The Hawkins Building

1 Ionia Avenue

The Hawkins Building (and entire block technically) gets it's name from a wholesale grocery operation that occupied the building in the early 20th century.

Rexall Drug Store

South east corner of Monroe and Michigan

In the 1940's, Dr. Robert W. Clayton had his offices on the second floor of the building occupied by the Burkehead and Collins Rexall Drug Store. 

Alabastine Mine

1200 Judd St.

In the early 1890's , the Alabastine Mining Co. began open quarry mining . This business provided raw gypsum that was refined and used for numerous consumer products such as, plaster, toothpaste, casts and fertilizers. Bert Kragt bough this mine in 1943 and his family still owns it today. 

Campau Square

Street cars shared the streets of old Grand Rapids with horse drawn carriages. 

The Doll House

Lagrave Avenue

Selling antiques and gifts, The Doll House was owned by Helen Nichols. The Cottage Bar, which is still operating today, is seen on Lagrave Ave. just south of The Doll House. 

Rathbun House

Monroe and Waterloo ( Market St.)

This photo was taken in the late 1870's. The Rathbun House was located on the north west corner of Monroe and Waterloo- Waterloo was later named Market Street. The Rathbun House was the city's leading hotel in the 1870's

The Trolley System

Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids had an extensive trolley system up until 1935. GM, and other big automotive companies, owned Michigan at the time. GM suggested that the city convert to buses (which were built by GM) and Grand Rapids was the first U.S. City to convert to buses.

Incredible Invisible Architecture

Architecture the James Turrell way states: “The qualities of the space must be seen, and the architecture of the form must not be dominant.” That’s the approach one firm is taking with the Tower Infinity in South Korea. It’s being marketed as the first “invisible skyscraper.” The building will be wrapped in a “reflective skin” that reveals the surrounding environment. Camouflaged buildings are nothing new, but architects and designers are still learning how to refine and conceptualize these structures to help people experience form and space in unique ways. Here are a few example of my favorite invisible buildings.

The Cairns Botanic Gardens in Australia, designed by Charles Wright Architects, minimizes intrusion upon the landscape. “We proposed a design which literally reflects the gardens as camouflage for the building,” designers stated. The surrounding tropical plants mirrored along the visitor’s center transformed the entryway into an inviting, nature-filled space.

The eco-friendly Pinnacle at Symphony Place in Nashville proves that skyscrapers can be unassuming.

In the same space previously occupied by the house of Rachel Raymond, an iconic work of architecture built by her sister, the famous American architect Eleanor Raymond in 1931, Pedro Joel Costa, a Portuguese architect built an 'invisible' house. The bucolic landscape of Belmont, Massachusetts, where it is located, contrasts with the challenge of its futuristic lines. Large glass panels create a harmonic rupture with the context as they blend into nature. Spacious areas designed with innovative whim reflect the needs of contemporary housing and living space. 

Seoul, South Korea, is the seat of the Infinity Tower, designed by GDS Architects, which will open its doors in the summer of 2014. The skyscraper will be equipped with the most sophisticated optical camouflage technology and promises to practically "disappear" from the view. The stylized crystal needle, more than 1,476 feet tall, will feature an advanced system of computers, cameras and LED lights that will create a reflective cover on the outside of the massive structure, which will be translucent by day and bright at night. Eighteen optical cameras located at different points will capture real-time images of the surroundings and project them on the building. According to the position from where you observe it, you will see through the building, or the building could be partially visible. One purpose of utmost importance in this project is not to blur or interrupt the landscape of the rest of the city, but rather integrate it creating a harmonious fusion with the new Tower -

Le Project Triangle is one of those buildings that make us think that we may actually drive flying cars one day. To be completed by 2014 in the Porte de Versailles area in Paris, its most impressive feature is that, according to the architects, it won’t cast shadows on adjacent buildings. The trick is the orientation and its shape: While it looks like a massive pyramid from one side, the other side shows that it really is an ultra-thin triangle resembling a shark’s fin.

Sources; TheStranger.com, Flavorwire.com, and Allison Natasi