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Better Judgements eZine
Terria Judge, Realtor
CRS, ABR, GRI, Broker Associate

Better Judgements is a newsletter on home matters, from Terria Judge, your Garden 
City, KS real estate agent!

Contact Terria Judge at 620-271-2129!

Terria Judge
Coldwell Banker, The Real Estate Shoppe, Inc.
John P. Judge, Broker
1135 College Dr. Suite E
Garden City, KS 67846

620-275-7421 x 223
http://terriajudge.com

tjudge@gcnet.com

Subscription Management at end of newsletter.

Thanks for your subscription to Better Judgements, the newsletter from your 
Garden City Kansas Realtor, Terria Judge.

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In this Issue
=============

1. Recipes: Black Bean Jicama Salad, Aztec Platter
2. Great Listings
3. Factors to consider when buying a second home, article
4. Spring Cleaning the Frugal, Natural Way! article

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Recipes
========

As you know, yesterday was Cinco de Mayo, so in honor of this celebrated day, 
here are a few festive recipes! Ole!


Black Bean Jicama Salad 
http://www.fabulousfoods.com/recipes/salads/bean/blkbeanjicama.html

3 C cooked black beans (from scratch or canned, rinsed and drained)
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 C diced jicama 
2 red peppers, finely chopped
1 C yellow corn (off the cob or frozen) 
3 jalapeno peppers, chopped (for less heat, remove the seeds)
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro 
1 tablespoon cumin 
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar


Makes 8 Servings, 1 Cup Each 
Prep Time: 25 Minutes
Chill: 2 Hours 

In a large salad bowl, combine all the ingredients. Cover and refrigerate for 
at least 2 hours. 

Exchanges: 2 1/2 starch; 1 vegetable 

Total Calories Per Serving 146; Calories from fat 20; Total fat 2g; Saturated 
fat 0; Cholesterol 0 mg; Sodium 90 mg; Carbohydrate 27 g; Dietary fiber 8 g; 
sugars 5g; Protein 7g 



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Aztec Platter
http://www.fabulousfoods.com/recipes/salads/bean/aztecplatter.html

Quinoa-Corn Salad:
1 cup raw quinoa*, well rinsed 
1 cup thawed frozen corn kernels 
juice of 1 lemon 
1 tablspoon olive oil 
2 or 3 scallions, minced 
salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste 

Bean Salad: 
1 can (16 oz.) pinto, pink, or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 heaping cup finely diced ripe tomatoes
1 tablespoon apple cider or balsamic vinegar 
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, more or less to taste 

Garnishes:
pumpkin seeds 
black olives 
1 medium red bell pepper, cut into strips 

Makes 6 Servings 
Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a heavy saucepan. Add the quinoa and simmer 
gently, covered, for 15 minutes. When the quinoa is done, remove it from the 
heat, fluff it with a fork and transfer it to a mixing bowl. Combine the quinoa 
with the remaining ingredients for the quinoa-corn salad and toss well. 

While the quinoa is cooking, combine all the ingredients for the bean salad in 
another bowl and toss together. 

To assemble the Aztec Platter, transfer the quinoa-corn salad onto a large 
platter and spread evenly to within an inch or so from the edge. Pushing the 
salad outward from the center, make a well in the center of the platter, about 
5-inches in diameter. Mound the bean salad into the well, and sprinkle it with 
a handful of pumpkin seeds. Arrange olives and pepper strips around the edge of 
the platter. 

Per Serving:
233 Cal; 4 g Fat; 40 g Carbo; 0 mg Cholesterol; 9 mg Sodium; 9 g Protein 

Exchanges: 
1 Very Lean Meat; 2 Bread/Starch; 1 Veg; 1 Fat 

*About Quinoa 

Probably the most nutritious grain available, quinoa is considered a complete 
protein as it supplies all eight essential amino acids as well as other 
essential nutrients. Quinoa is also lower in carbohydrates than most other 
grains. 

The small bead-like grains cook in half the time of regular rice. The grains 
expand to 4 times their original volume when cooked. Use quinoa as a more 
nutritious alternative to rice or couscous or add to soups, side dishes, main 
dishes, casseroles or anywhere else you'd use grains like rice or couscous.

You can easily find quinoa in most any healthfood store and most supermarkets.



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View all Terria's listings at http://gardencityksrealestate.com
View her listings in detail at http://terriajudge.com
View rental information at http://gardencityrentals.com


Great Listings
==================

1. 303 Nth Kearny
http://terriajudge.com/303nkearny.html

Large detached garage 24x36. New Siding 
Master bedroom on main level, 2 bedrooms Up 
New carpet, vinyl, and exterior siding 
New stove and vent hood 
New paint thru out the main floor 



2. 1201 N 3rd
http://terriajudge.com/1201third.html

3 plus bedrooms 
One and a half baths 
Extra room for up laundry/office/hobby room 
Large Living room 
Updated Kitchen, AC/FA 


3. 1409 Walker
http://terriajudge.com/1409walker.html

2 bedrooms
1 Bath
Central Gas Heat
Single garage with opener
Nice fenced yard with sprinkler system

--See all of Terria's listings at http://terriajudge.com!



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Factors to consider when buying a second home.
By Martin Lukac 

As the economy gains steam again, a second home purchase is a natural investment 
for a nation wary of terrorism alerts and stock market doldrums as buyers look 
for a secure home away from it all. "Most people end up living and retiring in 
their second home, which makes it a great value because if they end up selling 
their primary residence, the value (of the first home) typically exceeds the 
cost of the second home and they can pay off the second home and live off any 
extra money. Current market conditions of reduced demand, but low mortgage rates 
make it a relatively good time to buy -- for now. Limited inventories in all 
housing sectors will likely drive up prices as second home buyers return to 
market with the strengthening economy. 
To get the most bang for your buck in a second home, there are some specific 
considerations. That includes not forgetting that you likely aren't in it just 
for the money. A second home is also a lifestyle choice. Choose one based on 
your personal desires, for starters. Other, important factors to consider 
include: 

Financing. Shop around for the best deal on a second home loan, which are just 
as competitive as primary home loans, though with tougher qualifiers. Lenders 
know you'll have two mortgages and, if you get into financial difficulties, 
you'll likely let the second one go first. 

Shop real estate brokers located in the area of the second home or who are 
familiar with the community. They know the market and can price competitively. 

Timing. Virtually every real estate market has a seasonal ebb and flow when 
buyers are scarce and purchase costs drop. Paying as little as possible on real 
estate investments is key to profitability. In many areas, the slow market 
begins when schools open and families want to stay put for continuity in 
education, friendships and community. Other areas slow to a crawl when the 
winter's snows arrive, while in sunny climes that could be the start of buying 
binges. 

Location. Obviously, location is as important to a second home's value as it is 
for any home. If you aren't choosing a new home in a resort or development where 
prices are relatively fixed, shop for a second home much in the same way you 
shop for your first home. For value, buy the cheapest home in the best block or 
buy into the cheapest neighborhood in the best community. Also look for the 
potential for appreciation, typically found in areas where demand eventually 
will exceed supply 


E-mail: info@1LoansUSA.com
Author's URL: http://www.1LoansUSA.com
#1 Loans USA publishes mortgage information newsletter including mortgage rate 
predictions. 



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Spring Cleaning the Frugal, Natural Way!
By Cyndi Roberts 

Spring Cleaning the Frugal, Natural Way! 
Remember the days when Spring meant cleaning the house from top to bottom? Well, 
actually, I don't either, but I have read about it and seen it done in old 
movies! 

Still, there comes a time when we all must do at least a little cleaning. Maybe 
you prefer to start in one room and work your way through the house a little at 
a time. Some people might like to clean all the walls at one sitting and the 
next time wash all the window coverings. 

Whatever routine you use when you clean, using these hints for natural cleaning 
products can save you money. Other advantages are: no extra packaging to dispose 
of and fewer toxic chemicals in your home. 

1. To clean windows and mirrors, mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a 
spray bottle. Spray on windows and wipe off with crumpled up newspapers. 

2. To remove stains from carpet and upholstered furniture, mix equal parts of 
white vinegar, liquid dish detergent and water. Spray on stains and scrub with 
a brush and rinse with water. Another trick is to use shaving cream to clean 
carpet stains. Just scrub it in and rinse and let dry. 

3. For a natural carpet deodorizer, sprinkle carpet with baking soda. Let sit 
for a few minutes; then vacuum as usual. 

4. Mix equal parts olive oil and lemon juice for a natural furniture polish. 
Just apply with a soft cloth and buff to a shine. You can also use this on wood 
paneling. 

5. When you have cleaned out your kitchen drawers, a bay leaf placed in the 
bottom will discourage bugs. 

6. For a general all-purpose cleaner (instead of cleaners like Fantastik, etc.) 
mix 2 teaspoons each of borax and baking soda in 1 quart water. Put in a spray 
bottle. 

7. Put an old sock on your hand, dampen it a little, and dust the leaves of your
houseplants. Add a dab of mayonnaise and your plants' leaves will shine! 

8. To clean the toilet, sprinkle in baking soda and scrub with a brush. 

9. If you have rust stains in your bathtub or sink, pour on hydrogen peroxide 
and sprinkle on a little cream of tartar. Let it sit for a half hour or so, 
then wipe clean. 

10. For cleaning bathroom tile and fixtures, mix 1/2 cup vinegar with 2 cups 
rubbing alcohol and about 1 tablespoon of liquid dishwashing soap. Add this to 
a gallon of water. 

11. Pour a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar down your drain followed by 
a quart of boiling water, to deodorize it and keep it flowing freely. 

By using ordinary household products to clean, you can save money and at the 
same time do something positive for our environment! 

Housework won't kill you, but then again, why take the chance! --Phyllis Diller 


E-mail: editor@cynroberts.com
Author's URL: http://www.cynroberts.com
Cyndi Roberts is the editor of the bi-weekly newsletter "1 Frugal Friend 2 
Another", bringing you practical, money-saving tips, recipes and ideas. Visit 
her website to subscribe and receive the Free e-course, "Taming the Monster 
Grocery Bill". 


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This newsletter is compiled and published by Mitone Cooke, 
http://drbusinesscards.com, http://funkyfranks.com