Fighting the Fire and Serving Las Vegas Fire Fighters

702-379-3401--- Employed in a career in as a Fire Fighter, Are you in Rescue? Maybe you are in Law Enforcement as a Police Officer, Corrections Officer or Reserve Police Officer, Serving in the Military? The Radcliffe Group at Keller Williams Realty Southwest in Las Vegas, Nevada is here to serve your real estate needs. Experience over many years has demonstrated as the team leader of the Radcliffe Group, and as a past commissioned contract negotiator, retired police officer after 27 years with Las Vegas Metro Police Department (LVMPD) and the Illinois State Police, I understand contracts, time restraints, what it takes to be on duty, privacy/safety concerns, shift work and obstacles that come up and wanting the best for yourself, your family, and community. We will work with you and the provisions allotted for your relocation expenses or home ownership goals to develop a plan in accordance to your budget and dreams.

I can relate to your needs and am here to serve as I believe in giving back how I can. Fire Fighters never pay a full commission when you work with us, and we offer Fire Fighter discounts for mortgage services through our preferred partnerships.

Thank you for your trust and for protecting our cities The Radcliffe group looks forward to hearing from you and servicing your real estate needs.www.DaveRadcliffeVegas.com

Written By Nickel Lowman

www.DaveRadcliffeVegas.com

 702-379-3401

Farmers Market at the Fort

Buy Local. Eat Fresh.

Farmer's Markets reflect local culture and economy, the purpose of a physical retail market is to feature foods sold directly by farmers to consumers. Farmers' markets typically consist of varying vendors and local products.

The aroma of fresh cut flowers and herbs will fill the air at The Fort, join Cowboy Trails Farms at the Old Las Vegas Fort, this coming Wednesday September 10th from 2-6pm and fill your basket with fresh produce, and farm fresh eggs, herbs and organic specialty items. There are crafts for the kids and recipes that will keep your weekday dinners interesting.

While on site for the Farmer's Market, tour the Mormon adobe fort, that was established more than 150 years ago that is now part of the Nevada State Parks and is remnant of the original adobe fort, which contains interpretive displays. The Visitor Center contains exhibits on the history of the site original , as well as historic artifacts of the period. Historic interpretation is important and will remain the focus of the park even with events such as the Farmer's Market. The Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort is located in downtown Las Vegas, at the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and Washington Avenue.

Written By Nickel Lowman

Real Estate for Law Enforcement

702-379-3401--- Employed in a career in law enforcement as a Police Officer, Corrections Officer or Reserve Police Officer? The Radcliffe Group at Keller Williams Realty Southwest in Las Vegas, Nevada is here to serve your real estate needs. Experience over many years has demonstrated as the team leader of the Radcliffe Group, and as a past commissioned contract negotiator, retired police officer after 27 years with Las Vegas Metro Police Department (LVMPD) and the Illinois State Police, I understand contracts, time restraints, what it takes to be on duty, privacy/safety concerns, shift work and obstacles that come up and wanting the best for yourself, your family, and community. We will work with you and the provisions allotted for your relocation expenses or home ownership goals to develop a plan in accordance to your budget and dreams.

I can relate to your needs and am here to serve as I believe in giving back how I can. Law Enforcement Officers never pay a full commission when you work with us, and we offer law enforcement discounts for mortgage services through our preferred partnerships.

Thank you for your trust and for protecting our cities The Radcliffe group looks forward to hearing from you and servicing your real estate needs.www.daveradcliffeltd.com

How exciting is inspiration in the old and tired?

How exciting is inspiration in the old and tired?

Last week as summer vacation came to an end for many of my closest teacher friends, we celebrated with a girl’s night on the first day of school with an annual dinner out; to catch up and say goodbye to the lazy days of summer. I can say, my summer has been all but lazy beginning a new business and doing all the things I love.  There’s a Swedish proverb that says “A life without love is like a year without summer.” Well, a few summers back, I found a new love; now one of my many loves. No, it’s not a person; it’s renewing and re-purposing random things into something new again. So, you ask, how does re-purposed junk fit into last week’s dinner plans?

As we dined at Yard House, one of our favorite local hang outs for happy hour at Town Square, I was a bit distracted. With lots going on in my mind, life and business, I had an unusually hard time focusing on some of our conversations. (I was really surprised with where my mind was that night.) It wasn’t until after we made a trip to Yogurt Land, that my brain began to wind down. It wasn’t until we walked into ARTIFACT, that it actually forgot there was even anything to think about. At that moment and for a good hour or so as we shopped, I had mastered life’s chatter.

ARTIFACTis a creative boutique featuring one-of-a-kind, aesthetically pleasing, re-purposed and up-cycled home furnishings, clothing and other unique products. Their eco-conscious offerings are hand crafted by talented local artisans as well as artisans from across the United States. I fell in love with this little boutique. It’s reminiscent of a little place I visited in Laguna Hills a few months back. 

ARTIFACT is also of similar style, to a shop I hope to one day run, at a retreat-style bed and breakfast that supports my dreams of a running a non-profit organization (that is created to empower and ignite the life back into those who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness and have given up on living the life of their dreams) To me, giving up on your life and dreams is similar to the old junk we toss into the garage (thinking it will be used again) to one day be sold at a yard sale or donated to the Goodwill, but instead sits and collects dust. An example of this is the old trophies we have won over the years; at ARTIFACT, they are turned into fancy Wine Toppers.

As I browsed the store with two of my friends, I found myself laughing constantly and saying “look at this”, “oh-my gosh; isn’t this cute”, “he/she would love this”, “how much is that”, “did you see this”? If I hadn’t noticed the friendly smile of the woman behind the counter when I picked up some of the greeting cards, I may have never known she was the local artist, HeatherRichileau who created them. We chatted and I asked about their price, and she shared how she was inspired to create them and that all the items in the store have similar stories. 

How exciting, is inspiration in the old and tired? Tonight, at ARTIFACT, there is a champagne and shopping event that starts at 7:00pm to celebrate the accomplishments of HuilinChen, the Junior League of Las Vegas 2014 Fashion Forward Winner as she premiers her fall 2014 collection. Join ARTIFACT and support local artist by frequenting this lovely gift shop and boutique; you will find many one of a kinds. Her designs are unique and exciting she was recently featured in the Las Vegas Review Journal and was noted as the “Whimsy” of Las Vegas.

As I build my blogging, social media and website enhancement business, I know that it is a vehicle that will lead me to my own little gift boutique one day. Currently, without a shop front, I display some of my own artistically repurposed and handcrafted items on my own website www.ArtsyOccasion.com and will build my Etsy shop that will one day be overflowing with one of a kind gifts that will support my bigger goals and when the time is right, all of the pieces will fit into the perfect puzzle, after all, I dreamed it up in a local Life MasteryRetreat (an amazing 2.5 day leadership course). So, as the summer comes to an end, and the evenings turn cool, many of my happy hours will be spent creating and repurposing new artifacts of my own. Enjoy the last days of summer Vegas and check out ARTIFACT and some of the other cool events like First Fridays Downtown, this coming weekend.

Written by Nickel Lowman

Military Moves and Relocation

 

702-379-3401--- If optimizing your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) to invest in real estate while serving is your goal, we can assist in your search for housing in the civilian community. We can help you with you move, whether it's your first military move or your fifteenth, the Radcliffe Group at Keller Williams Realty understands the Permanent Change of Station (PCS) process and permissive Temporary Duty (TDY) leave time frames that are allowed and we are here and honored to help you, though our Relocation Assistance Program. We understand family separation, dislocation, move in, relocation and travel allowances allotted. Allow the Radcliffe Group to assist; we want to provide you with a smooth transition from one city, base, or school system to another. We know the importance of a smooth transfer of household goods and what the proper coordination of your relocation can do to avoid temporary lodging and get you (and your precious family) feeling right at home. Our military never pay a full commission and reduced loan fees are available as a thank you for your service through our military discount program. www.daveradcliffeltd.com

Written by Nickel Lowman

Centennial Hills Las Vegas

Big Dreams become yours at 

5500 Big Sky Lane, Las Vegas

This 5 Bedroom and 3 bathroom home spreads across 2704 square feet of this beautiful gated neighborhood

in the Centennial Hills neighborhood of Las Vegas, Nevada 89149.

Call David at The Radcliffe Group at Keller Williams Realty today 702-379-3401 for a private tour.

Search all properties currently listed for sale in Centennial Hills and Las Vegas Nevada at www.daveradcliffeltd.com

Tour this beautiful Centennial Hills Home 89149

Dogs Leave Paw Prints On Your Heart…

I know this because I was a dog owner for 15 years. She was my 70 pound baby. Kima was a Husky-Chow-Rottweiler-Wolf.  A real mix by all standards, nevertheless, she was this girl’s best friend for many years.  As I now sit in my over-sized chair, working from home, I think of how she was by my side no matter what, unless of course, she was chewing through the fence boards to make her way out of the yard so she could chase a stray cat, terrorize the neighbor’s bunny, or if she was munching on a peacock (yes, I said peacock) or bringing me gifts of live possums into the living room. She was always at my feet, with an unconditional love. She relocated with me 8 times over the years, and she now rests peacefully here in Vegas.  In honor of National Dog Day, I thought it was fitting to share some local places that value our furry friends as much as they do us, two legged folk.

Downsizing our yard from over a half acre in California to a small cinder blocked fenced patio sized space, didn’t leave much room for Kima to roam, so we looked for alternative pet friendly (leash free) locations and activities. If you haven’t yet checked out Desert Breeze (Dog) Park, I recommend you do, it was one of our nearby favorites. Desert Breeze is actually where we met Kima’s furry friend Ash, and her owner, who eventually became my housemate for a couple of years. I had posted an ad on Craigslist for a roomie, and because you don’t know what kind of crazies you will meet on Craigslist (please be careful), we met at Desert Breeze Dog Park. The dogs hit it off (and as a dog owner, you know how important it is for the pets to get along) we realized it could work out, and so Ash and her owner moved in. The dogs really enjoyed each others company and I found having a second dog in the house made for fewer social trips to the dog park. I’ve included a site with some of the other dog friendly parks in Las Vegas.

Sometimes I would met up with friends and bring the pooch along. As I searched for new places to eat out, what I found was, dog friendly restaurants were few and far between, unless you were looking for fast food (and I don’t eat fast food). I was pretty disappointed with the selection, so I kept searching.  I was able to find a list of 37 dog friendly restaurants (that includes the fast food options) with outdoor tables on a site called BringFido.com.  Sometimes after a walk we would stop for coffee; Holley’s Cuppa in Mountain’s Edge has outdoor seating and a great chai tea, I just needed to pack Kima’s water bowl if we were stopping there.

Just across the parking lot from Hollie’s is a little place called Barking Dogs, it’s a pet bakery, boutique and self and full service grooming salon. I usually groomed Kima at home, so we never tested out the grooming services, but my niece takes her dog there all the time. It’s a cute little place, with treats and specialty items, and they take a holistic approach to your dog’s overall health. It’s a cute place, a nice alternative to the big chain places. As an alternative for grooming,  mobile pet grooming seems to be big in Vegas, a convenient option, especially if your furry friend was like mine: so excited to take a car ride, she would jump out of the moving car, if the windows were open wide enough.  As I write this, I wish  I could remember the name of the mobile company I would see every day on my way to work as we raced down morning traffic on Blue Diamond.

Kima was a runner (and a free spirit) and could magically get out of most fenced areas, so vacationing without her or even working sometimes out of the house for long periods of time, would be cause for concern wondering if she would be home when I returned. I couldn’t kennel her because of her magical Houdini disappearing act, so I often had friends and family helping out when I was away. I recently met a women, who I now consider a friend, who does pet sitting, and de-cluttering while you are away. If Kima were still with me, I would definitely call on Amanda of Declutterbug Plus to pet sit in my absence.

When Kima’s senior years started affecting her ability to do things, like the 5K American Heart Association Walk, and we needed an emergency Vet on a Saturday afternoon, because she had collapsed (I thought she was having a heart attack, It ended up she was just overly exhausted) we found Durango Animal Hospital. From our first visit to her regular dental cleanings, I always felt like Kima was in great care there; I highly recommend their services.  (By the way, great tip- they even recommended getting her pet prescriptions at Target or a local pharmacy to save on the expense of getting them directly from the Vet.) When she passed away, they even sent me a card expressing their condolences.  I refer them all the time.

Growing up, a pet was an animal (that lived outside) and not so much of a focus as they are now where people actually do live and plan activities with pets. As I Googled National Dog Day, I found this short article that was referenced on a radio broadcast this week, titled More Young Women Choosing Dogs Over Motherhood, it’s pretty interesting to hear the statistics of “Women (who) are not only having fewer children but are also getting married later. The federal data behind the report show that over the past seven years, the number of live births per 1,000 women between ages 15 and 29 in America has plunged 9 percent. At the same time, research by the American Pet Products Association shows the number of small dogs — under 25 pounds — in the United States has skyrocketed, from 34. 1 million in 2008 to 40.8 million in 2012.” The article goes on to say, “There are more single and unmarried women in their late 20s and early 30s, which also happens to be the demographic that buys the most small dogs.” As an unmarried woman without children, I have always had the belief system, that having a pet was a lot easier than having a child. 

Coincidence or not, dogs are not only man’s best friend, but woman’s best friend too. However, ladies, if you do have a 2 legged best friend gearing for the attention you once gave your 4 legged friend, and there is an engagement ring on your finger and marriage is in your near future, there are ways to incorporate your pup into your wedding ceremony, Wedding Bells Chapel, might be your Las Vegas option (it was the only venue I stumbled across that was pet friendly, but I wasn't looking.) As I searched for restaurants, I came across plenty of hotels and motels that were pet friendly in Vegas. Just remember you get what you pay for when you stay in some of these dog friendly rooms.

To all my Facebook friends who posted pictures of their favorite furry friends yesterday for National Dog Day, I hope you find these links useful as you spend time in Vegas with your pup. I’ll be posting other useful links soon. Check out some of these cool places, as the time spent together with you pup will leave paw prints on your heart long after the memories of repairing a broken fence board disappear.

Feel free to share your favorite pet friendly facilities, we love the exchange of information and to hear about Las Vegas local’s favorites.

Written by Nickel Lowman