Lisa Lopez Properties

Just heard the news, Pathmark in Manahawkin is closing it’s doors. While the news is not surprising, it does sadden me to know that another local establishment has to close.
While discussing the closing with friends I learned that grocery store preference is a highly personal issue, one that if introduced over cocktails might insight a fight or two. After careful consideration (one cup of coffee and breakfast) I have divided my friends grocery store preferences into the following categories:
Super Saver: pricing the only determining factor for where they will shop and are willing to overlook congestion and other minor inconveniences to save.
Hybrid: those wanting savings but also wanting a calm and pleasant atmosphere. These shoppers are willing to spend a bit more and maybe drive a longer distance to shop in a quiet calm environment.
Marketers Dream: these folks are all about the experience…their eyes glass over and hearts race in as they enter the higher-end grocers whose food displays rival Macy’s Christmas windows. Price is not the issue, quality (or the perception of) is.
Supermarketnews.com did a profile of shoppers and types. They determined 10 types exist as follows:
The New Value Shopper: Those seeking the best deals can come from all income strata these days.
The Techno Consumer: Increasingly, shoppers can find just about everything they need in cyberspace.
The Health and Wellness Shopper: Consumers are taking charge of their own well-being.
The Underserved Consumer: An increased focus on nutrition has helped put a spotlight on food deserts.
The Indulgent Shopper: Who cares if it’s not on sale? The trick is getting these free-spenders away from Whole Foods and Costco.
The Convenience Shopper: Small formats are just part of the solution to expediting the food-shopping experience.
The Channel Surfer: More retail choices make it easier for consumers to cherry-pick based on specific needs.
The Ethnic Shopper: Authenticity and strong community bonds are key to attracting these consumers.
The Green Shopper: What have you done for the Earth lately? Green consumers want to know.
The List Maker: Supermarkets must work hard to influence the buying decisions of these careful planners.
Regardless of what type of shopper you are or where you shop, you have to agree that the closing of a store that served it’s community for any length of time as Pathmark did is just sad.

Despite our best efforts, there are some of us that remain ‘turkey-challenged.’  Year after year we attempt to prepare the ‘perfect’ turkey.

Here is a list of some websites that might come in handy for your turkey this year:

http://www.howtocookathanksgivingturkey.com/

http://www.butterball.com/tips-how-tos/turkey-experts/overview

For a little humor read the Butterball Turkey Hotline Extreme calls article:  http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/438621/the_butterball_turkey_hotlines_most.html?cat=22

Selling your home during the holidays

decorating tips for the homeowner “less is more”

• Don’t block or cover up important selling features such as fireplace mantels, stairs, stained-glass windows with decorations.

• Tone down the size of tree. In place of a 10-foot tree, try decorating a table-top, four-foot version.
• Stack wrapped presents in a closet or in one corner.
• Use more splashes of red than green because red is an emotionally appealing color.
• Resist the urge to hang banners and use greenery instead such as evergreen or rosemary garlands.
• Display centerpieces made from pine cones or other wintry pieces of nature.
• Never leave candles burning unattended.
• Set a plate of cookies on the counter, next to festive paper napkins for guests.
• Simmer spicy apple cider on the stove, and set out cups and ladle.

The holiday season is upon us. The wrappers from Halloween candy are buried deep in garbage bins and thoughts of turkey and toys are starting to spin in our heads.
For those actively pursuing a new home there are added stresses. We hope this page will help you navigate the ‘special needs’ of the holiday season.