Friday, December 27, 2024
Housing Market Predictions for 2025
If you’re thinking about buying or selling a house and wondering about the housing market, you’re not the only one. The real estate market has seen a lot of unusual trends in the past couple of years, so it makes sense that you’d want the latest market update before you make any major decisions!
Wednesday, December 25, 2024
Friday, December 13, 2024
CHRISTMAS DECORATING TRENDS FOR 2024 - #3 Small Christmas Trees with Big Holiday Spirit!
Small or mini Christmas trees can be set on a table or easily tucked into a small space.
Mini trees are also great options for those secondary Christmas trees you may want to have throughout the house—Deck the halls... tables... mantels... a bedroom or our new favorite holiday trend, even in the kitchen.
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
CHRISTMAS DECORATING TRENDS FOR 2024 - #2 1970's DISCO Is Back
This RED-HOT Christmas Trend is Coming To Town!
The 1970s called, they’re bringing disco back. Since fall last year, the hashtag #discodecor has amassed 38 million views on TikTok. Naturally, the magical glittering flecks of light created by this retro gem are screaming “put me on a Christmas tree” in 2024!
Monday, December 9, 2024
CHRISTMAS DECORATING TRENDS FOR 2024 - #1 RIBBON
Each year, we eagerly anticipate coming up with a new theme for our Christmas tree and home decor. So whether you’re pining for nostalgia, looking for a fresh take on a tree topper, or just looking for affirmation that it’s not crazy to put a Christmas tree in your kitchen(!), you’ve come to the right place. Decor trends this year can easily be incorporated into your own holiday decor. Remember, more really is merrier.
Nothing is more quintessentially Christmas than ribbon, but... "2024 is absolutely ‘The Year of the Bow,’ ” according to interior designers.
Bows range in size - you can go oversize and use a large bow as a tree topper or in place of a wreath, or you can go smaller and tie them on literally anything. Plus, bows work especially well on trees.
Thursday, December 5, 2024
The We Energies Cookie Book 2024
We look forward to sharing the 2024 Cookie Book with you this holiday season.
The 2024 We Energies Cookie Book is a celebration of your childhood memories. Use our online edition and start baking. It’s a great way to make memories with the next generation.
Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Pabst Theater Group Give-Away at the Riverside Theater
And now he could cook for you! In celebration of a recent Milwaukee Journal Sentinel profile of Sloan, Pabst Theater Group is giving away an eight-person private dinner featuring a menu curated by Sloan presented in the green room at the Riverside Theater.
It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get a sneak peek at the exclusive green room, typically reserved only for acts playing the theater. The food Sloan serves there has been touted by touring artists as some of the best catering in the country. Before coming to Pabst Theater Group, Sloan owned celebrated Milwaukee restaurants The Social and Sol Fire.
The giveaway is live now and will close DECEMBER 16TH. Entrants must be 18 years of age or older, and only one entry is allowed per person.
Thursday, November 28, 2024
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
BEETS #5 Peak season for beets is late summer through late fall
Beets contain nitric acid, which helps with vasodilatation, the process that expands the blood vessels in the body and improves blood flow.
Since beets are a source of nitrates, they may play a role in brain health. Studies suggest that a diet rich in nitrates may have a beneficial effect when it comes to improving cognitive brain function.
Beets are also a great source of betaine, which helps in digestion. They are high in glycemic index, but are great when eaten as either an appetizer or a small side dish.
Friday, November 22, 2024
Sweet Potatoes #4 Sweet potatoes are in season during the fall
Sweet Potatoes are higher in vitamin A than regular white potatoes. In addition to all of the wonderful antioxidant flavonoid benefits, sweet potatoes bring color and nutrition to any meal.
Those who have diabetes or other blood sugar issues may benefit from limiting high glycemic index foods. How potato affects a person's blood sugar largely depends on the type of potato, portion size and cooking method.
Sweet potatoes are a starch, so don't rely on them for weight loss. Remember, loading them up with butter or brown sugar, as we often do at Thanksgiving, defeats any nutritional benefits.
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Church and nonprofit Christmas cookie sales in the Milwaukee area for 2024
Monday, November 18, 2024
Pumpkins #3 Pumpkin picking is popular during fall
Most of us think of pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin pie and pumpkin muffins when we think of this fall fruit — and yes, it is a fruit. But, none of those are healthy. However, roasted pumpkin, pumpkin soup and pumpkin seeds can be quite healthy. Pumpkin is loaded with fiber and vitamins and it's typically low in calories. When making foods with canned pumpkin, be sure to use plain pumpkin rather than pumpkin pie filling to avoid added sugars.
Pumpkins are very high in beta-carotene, which is a form of vitamin A. Beta-carotene helps you to see clearly and also serves as a powerful antioxidant. Roasted pumpkin seeds make a healthy and delicious snack that's also high in nutrients, including zinc, which supports a person's immune system.
Besides their use in traditional baking dishes, pumpkins can be used to make soups
Thursday, November 14, 2024
Christmas 2024: Milwaukee Holiday Lights Map
The annual map of holiday lights displays is live and updating. Select map icons to read more about each display and use the +/- to zoom in or out on the map.
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
This Savory Side Was Named 2023's Most Popular Dish on the Thanksgiving Table
The turkey is the star of Thanksgiving, right? Well, it turns out the side dishes are actually the main event.
A study published October 26th reports that 51% of Americans would rather have Thanksgiving without a turkey than a Thanksgiving without the sides—indicating 2024 is the year #MakeSidesTheMain takes over on social media and at the holiday table. That remains to be seen, but with 16% of Americans reporting their meal includes seven or more side dishes, it's possible that more gatherings may skip the white and dark meat. READ MORE
Friday, November 8, 2024
Apples #2 Apple picking, a popular healthy and fun fall outing
Apples may help protect against cardiovascular disease, researchers have found. Consuming one medium-sized apple a day may help lower cholesterol, blood pressure and inflammation, according to a study in the journal Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition.
Apples are a great low glycemic fruit with quercetin, flavonoids and polyphenols, which help with mast cell stabilization, allergies and general antioxidant benefits.
Apples are great to clean out oral dentition as we chew the apples. They're handy to carry as snacks, and they're great to use with other meals, baked along with meats and/or healthy desserts.
An apple a day may actually keep the doctor away. Apples are high in fiber, vitamin C and other beneficial compounds.
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Cranberries #1 Plan to visit a Cranberry bog during the fall harvest season
Cranberries provide healthy fall side dishes and are a wonderful high-antioxidant treat. They are also a wonderful dessert when combined with Greek yogurt.
Cranberries contain compounds such as anthocyanins, procyanidins and flavonols that have shown potential cancer prevention impacts, according to a 2018 study published in the Journal of Science and Food and Agriculture. Studies have also shown that cranberries may have a positive effect on heart health and cholesterol while protecting against inflammation in the intestines and bacteria in the stomach.
Monday, November 4, 2024
Barnacle Bud’s Presents Gene’s Supper Club On The River
Starting on Nov. 1.
Thursday, October 31, 2024
Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Easily Transition Your Halloween Decor into a Thanksgiving Welcome
Get rid of the ghosts and ghouls, but keep the pumpkins!
Turn around those Jack o'lanterns and add some natural woven or fairy-tale pumpkins for an extra touch of autumn. Next, bring out the fall colors. After you've removed all the black from your porch, it's time to bring in some warmer tones.
Friday, October 25, 2024
Wisconsin Housing Market
The Wisconsin housing market isn’t that competitive.
The median home sales price in October 2024 has decreased in the past 3 months to $317,900. That’s up 10.2% and $29,400 higher than October 2023 of last year.
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Apple a day and other great fall food choices that are healthy, delicious and fun
BONUS: Honey is a natural healthier sweetener
Monday, October 21, 2024
When Can I Start Decorating for Fall? Answers and Decor Inspiration
The coziest time of year is almost here. When it’s been 90 degrees out and humid for weeks, it’s easy to find yourself thinking: When does fall start again? We love days spent swimming at the beach with pool toys and lounging on patio furniture in the summer sun, but after months of sticky heat, it’s natural to start daydreaming about all the fun activities the fall season brings. If you’re already itching to break out the pumpkins and buffalo plaid, you’re probably wondering when to decorate for fall. Is August too early? Should you wait for the leaves to start changing? How soon is too soon?
Thursday, October 17, 2024
Looking to try the Best Taco in Wisconsin?
Birria tacos kept Lazo's Taco Shack in business during the COVID-19 pandemic.
(Birria is a meat stew or soup, mainly made with goat or beef. The meat is marinated in an adobo made of vinegar, dried chiles, garlic, and herbs and spices before being cooked in a broth.)
Four years later, Yelp named the restaurant, at 641 N. Lovell St., as its Wisconsin choice for Best Taco Spot in Every State.
Lazo's Taco Shack opened in 2019, just three months before the pandemic. "We were afraid it would close down," said Jozelyn Lazo, who co-owns the taco shop with her dad, Jose Lazo, and brother, Jose E. Lazo.
A family friend who had just visited California, a hub for birria tacos, suggested adding the item to the menu. The Lazos hired a cook specifically for birria tacos and made it a Wednesday special. READ MORE
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
Kopp's Frozen Custard ranked #11 on Yelp's list of top burger joints in the US!
Friday, October 11, 2024
These are the hottest communities around Milwaukee, according to home sale data...
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
2024 Kohler Food & Wine festival
The very popular event sells out fast and tickets are on sale now! The 2024 Kohler Food & Wine festival, is taking place Oct. 17-20 at Destination Kohler, a luxury resort one hour north of Milwaukee in the village of Kohler.
The festival’s activities include chef-led demonstrations, food and wine tastings, cocktail seminars, exclusive dinners and more.
Monday, October 7, 2024
Owning a Home Now Costs More Than 40% of Income
With U.S. home prices 50% higher than they were before the COVID pandemic, it now costs homeowners more than 40% of their monthly income to afford a median home...
Thursday, September 26, 2024
DIY Home Project #9 - New House Number
Add style, while making it easier for delivery drivers to find your home.
House numbers are more important than ever in the age of e-commerce and quick deliveries. A great easy summer home improvement project is to put up new, quite visible house numbers on your siding, front door, mailbox, or even as yard décor.
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
DIY Home Project #8 - Update The Front Door
Friday, September 20, 2024
DIY Home Project #7 - Build A Fire Pit
It's almost time for s'mores!
Everyone loves a fire, and the most elegant way to enjoy them is with a fire pit. Anyone can dig a fire pit and line it with bricks. From simple to a grand center piece on our patio, you have lots of options. So choose your style and bring your dreams of evenings by a flickering firelight to life.
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
DIY Home Project #6 - Hang String Lights On Patio
An easy upgrade or addition to your patio
String lights are a beautiful addition to your outdoor space that feel just as magical in the summer as they do in the winter. Instead of relying on a single bulb near the patio door, illuminate your entire patio with a crisscross of string lights. Now is the perfect time to hang them permanently and set up your light control in a convenient place.
Monday, September 16, 2024
DIY Home Project #5 - Install New Shower Head
Quick and rewarding project
There's no DIY project more rewarding and luxurious than installing a new shower head. You won't notice what you've been missing with an old scale-clogged shower head until you've replaced it with an adjustable, massaging or rain shower head with perfect water pressure and droplet distribution. Anyone can change out a shower head and you'll thank yourself immediately for this quick and rewarding home improvement.
Thursday, September 12, 2024
DIY Home Project #4 - Upgrade Closet Doors
A fun remodeling project... consider what can be done with your closet doors. Hardware, paint, trim wood, mirrors, and more... quickly transform closet and hallway doors throughout your home.
Tuesday, September 10, 2024
DIY Home Project #3 - Update Window Treatments
Consider new blinds or curtains
A window refresh is a great addition to any room. This is your chance to replace those old mini-blinds. You can choose from a new style of blinds or shades, depending on the size of the windows. Or, you could go with real curtain rods and beautiful draperies. You can go for the multi-layered look with sheer curtains in the middle and gorgeous drapes on the outside. Or, choose only sheer curtains for rooms that need more light.
Friday, September 6, 2024
DIY Home Project #2 - Restyle Handles & Pulls
Wednesday, September 4, 2024
DIY Home Project #1 - Paint Refresh
Pick your favorite room(s)
When thinking about home maintenance, everyone knows that a fresh coat of paint can reinvent any space. Changing the color, even subtly, can bring in new energy and create a new sense of flow without heavy home remodeling. Experiment with accent colors, banish old scuffs, and create a dynamic look in your favorite spaces.
Repaint your kitchen cabinets for a mini-remodel. Breathe new life into your living room, personalize your bedroom, or refresh your guest bathroom.
Monday, September 2, 2024
Thursday, August 29, 2024
Red Bull Wake The City to make it's US debut in Milwaukee!
Red Bull Wake The City is coming to Henry Maier Festival Park in Milwaukee, WI on Saturday, August 31st, 2024.
For more information please CLICK HERE
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Team Hoffmann receives the RE/MAX Luminary of Distinction Award
The RE/MAX Luminary of Distinction award is the most exclusive career award in the RE/MAX network, and represents the highest level of achievement. To qualify, a RE/MAX Associate must earn $20 million in gross commissions over a career of at least 20 years with the company.
“I am deeply honored to receive the RE/MAX Luminary of Distinction award."
Justin Hoffmann
"This achievement would not have been possible without the trust and support of my nearly 5,000 past clients and customers. I am also incredibly grateful to the many coaches, real estate mentors, and, of course, my current and past employees and agents, whose hard work and dedication have been invaluable."
"Thank you all for being a part of this journey and helping me reach this milestone.“
Justin Hoffmann
Friday, August 23, 2024
Inspiring DIY Home Improvement Projects
Wednesday, August 21, 2024
What to know about Boerner Botanical Gardens
Boerner Botanical Gardens, 9400 Boerner Drive in Hales Corners, is part of the Milwaukee County Parks system. Here's what to know if you're planning a visit.
Where is Boerner Botanical Gardens?
The gardens are located inside Whitnall Park.
When is Boerner Botanical Gardens open?
The gardens are open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily May 1-Sept. 10, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily Sept. 11-April 30.
Monday, August 19, 2024
12 Milwaukee-area festivals into Autumn
Some festivals in Wisconsin are just about the food.
Ethnic and community festivals focus on specific beverages or foods relevant to business or culture, and fairs offer regional and new food products. Local restaurants and vendors show off their specialties, and autumn brings harvest foods and wines.
Dig in, drink up and bring your appetite to these area festivals.
Thursday, August 15, 2024
Hiring a contractor in Wisconsin?
Hiring a contractor in Wisconsin?
What to know about licenses, insurance and lien waivers.
Hiring a contractor for your home project can be overwhelming, and people fall victim to home improvement scams every year.
Here are some questions the pros suggest asking before hiring a contractor.
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Grilling Trend # 6 - Grilled Whole Fish and Shell-On Seafood
Friday, August 9, 2024
Grilling Trend #5 - Grilled Unique Cuts of Meat
Grilled Unique Cuts of Meat
If you’ve taken a peek at your supermarket bill lately, you’ve most likely noticed some significant increases. Groceries are getting more expensive across the board, and one of the fastest-spiking categories is beef. (Beef prices jumped 7 percent from April 2023 to April 2024, according to the USDA’s Economic Research Service.)
If you’re watching your budget, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to skip beef all together if you enjoy it. The secret lies in choosing a different kind of steak and using a marinade.
People are getting more experimental with their grilling. They are going beyond the basic steak, chicken breast, and burger. Not only are many of these cuts a better value, but they do very well on the grill.
Consider adding these value proteins to your shopping list: Denver steak, Teres major steak, Hanger steak, Skirt steak, Beef cheeks, Chicken thighs and Lamb.
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
Grilling Trend #4 - Bold Marinades, Rubs and Sauces
Monday, August 5, 2024
Grilling Trend #3 - Grilled Fruits and Desserts
Grilled Fruits and Desserts
When in doubt about what to grill, default to fruit and pound cake! :)
2024 favorites include stone fruits like peaches and nectarines, slabs or skewers of pineapple, thick slices of tomato, and avocado halves. The textures, slightly charred flavor and caramelization of the fruit more than satisfies any sweet tooth.
You can incorporate fruit into classic desserts like crumbles, crisps, and pies, then opt to “bake” them on the grill instead of in the oven.
Tuesday, July 30, 2024
WISCONSIN STATE FAIR 2024!
In 2024, Wisconsin State Fair will celebrate 173 years of tradition and hope to once again welcome over one million Fairgoers over the course of its 11-day run.
August 1 - 11
Friday, July 26, 2024
Grilling Trend #2 - Other Grilled Veggies
Other Grilled Veggies
Turn over a new leaf and toss other vegetables on the grill too... And we’re not just talking about portobello mushrooms, onions, or peppers. Here are a few unexpected grilled veggies to add to your menu 2024.
Beans and peas. Toss chickpeas, fava beans, peas, or snap peas in oil, then cook them in a metal mesh basket over very high and direct heat. Shake the basket and keep the vegetables constantly moving to avoid burning.
Cauliflower steaks. Follow your favorite cauliflower steak recipe, but instead of searing it in a skillet, cook the cauliflower on the grill. The result is a “hearty, very savory, and filling” option
Whatever is in season. Check your local farmers market, to stock up on a variety of the season’s best to grill.
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Griling Trend #1 - Grilled Salads
Grilled Salads
Although it’s not exactly a new concept this year, grilled lettuce is an underrated grilling trend.
People don’t always realize how much flavor and texture can be experienced by grilling little gem lettuce or charring radicchio. Adding avocado or crunchy peanuts is a great way to finish the salad.
You need not cook it on the spot if you're hosting a crowd, or are simply craving a head-start. Grill your greens an hour or two in advance, then storing them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and share the dish. A cool charred salad delivers all the smoky flavor you crave with grilled recipes, just with a refreshing level of hydration and a welcome chilled counterpoint to the warm weather and proteins.