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Text Box: Show Your Love with Valentine’s Gifts
from the Heart
If you want to show how much you really care about a loved one this Valentine’s Day, forget about the shopping. Instead, give a timeless treasure or precious moment. Here are some ideas.
Heartstrings 
Send a heart-felt message by collecting family photographs, audio recordings and other uniquely personal items. Don’t forget original works of art by the children, poems or other expressions of your feelings. It’s a simple idea that’s sure to become a family heirloom your loved one will cherish forever.
Time Is on Your Side
A wise man once said that the only true commodity in life is time. This year, give the most valuable gift possible, and that is time with the one you love. Set aside an uninterrupted day or evening to spend with him or her, or take the family out to let your loved one have a bit of personal time to himself or herself. Either way, rest and relaxation is always in style.
Sweet Treats
Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to create sweet treats and other culinary delights in the kitchen. Go beyond cookies and cakes by making heart-shaped eggs with heart-shaped toast for breakfast. 
A Few of Their Favorite Things
Everyone has a favorite song, preferred food and special place, so make the most of the day by putting it all together into a surprise package. Load up your loved one’s MP3 with favorite music, pack a picnic with his or her favorite food and head out to a favorite location to create a perfect day.

Clear Out the Clutter: A Simple Road to Happiness

It doesn’t take long for closets to become cluttered, but sooner or later even the most dedicated packrat must make room for new belongings.

Stop procrastinating and instead schedule time to tackle storage sheds, the garage and closets.

Not only will you feel better, but by planning ahead you can help others out during these tough economic times.

Free Up Space: De-cluttering is the fastest way to free up space without adding cost or upkeep. In fact, less stuff means less cleaning. If you haven’t used items within the past year, then it’s time to toss them. Exceptions include family heirlooms, collections and other keepsakes.

Possession Perspective: Save time and money by keeping a healthy perspective on your possessions. Many people are surprised by the sense of newfound freedom achieved by keeping a healthy attitude about belongings. Allow them to complement - not compete - with your life. Not only will you spend less by breaking the shopping habit, but it’s often easier to organize and enjoy the things you keep without the headache and hassle associated with cluttered closets.

Guilt-Free Living: Sometimes it’s difficult to let go, but it’s healthier to look ahead to the future than live in the past. Learn to let go without the guilt by donating unneeded items to charity. Not only does it provide you with a fresh start, but you also have the satisfaction of knowing that the items will be put to good use.

Are You a First-Time Buyer? Get Our Free Guide

Buying your first home is a big step and one that is likely to impact your financial future for years to come.

Make the process easier for yourself by asking for our free guide, “How First-Timers Can Make a Wise Buy.”

Just call us at 732-229-8700, Ext. 203 and we’ll send it right out to you.

February 2010

News You Can Use

Charles J. Koehler & Associates

Your trusted realty source!