Here are some tips that will help you get organized and make moving day a lot easier in Champaign!

1. Change your address and notify companies before you move. Start by filling out a change of address form in advance of your move. Doing this ahead of time can help you to avoid hassles like past-due bills, service lapses and even identity theft. It is also a good idea before you move to set dates to discontinue your utilities at your old address as well as arrange for these services to be turned on at your new address. .

2. Create a moving schedule.
It is a good idea to set up a moving schedule a few months before you move. Set it up as a week-by-week checklist to manage the process and help to stay on track. A moving schedule helps you to keep track of the little details or things that may be over looked, thus helping you to avoid last minute headaches. 

3. Establish a packing system.
Packing is a major time consumer so think about coming up with a packing system so all of your boxes end up in the right rooms when they get to your new home. Many professional movers recommend that you use the color code system where you color code each box with a particular room to avoid any confusion with the movers. It is also helpful to give your movers a floor plan of your home with each room labeled.

4. Get rid of unnecessary items.
The less boxes you pack the less you have to move and finally unpack. So it makes sense to thoroughly go thru your items and get rid of the things you just don't need. Items such as unread books, half-empty cleaning products, clothes that you know you wont wear again should be given away or sold at a garage !sale. You don't want to bring the clutter to your new home!

 Are you ready to find and move into your dream home? Contact me today to see how I can help!

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If you love art and are looking for something to do this weekend then take a look at local Champaign art during this exhibit.

Recognizable figures from famous paintings in art history take on new meaning in artist’s Kenneth Hall’s paintings, to be featured in a Parkland Art Gallery exhibit opening Monday, February 13.

“Fragments: Recent Paintings by Kenneth Hall” will run in the gallery through Tuesday, March 27. An artist reception takes place from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, February 16, with gallery talk by Hall at 7 p.m. and music by the Urbana High School Jazz Band. Hall will provide an additional lecture in the gallery earlier on February 16, at 1:15 p.m.

Support local Champaign artists by checking out this lecture and exhibit!

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You may not be the only one who is overwhelmed by a move to Champaign, your children may be extremely nervous or even downright dreading the move! Here are some tips that can help:

1. It's a good idea to inform your children about moving as soon as possible and not delay the news. Children need time to let the big news sink in and you will need the time to help them prepare!

It can be natural to assume that the less time kids have to think about moving, the easier it will be for your children. However, experts say it is actually the opposite. Kids need time to get used to the idea of moving. Don't put off telling them about moving.

2. Welcome your children's questions about moving.

Open lines of communication will go a long way toward helping your children feel comfortable with moving. And it's okay even if you can't answer all their questions right now. Your kid's questions can give you an idea of how they're feeling about moving — whether they're excited or uneasy. Some questions may also offer an ideal way to get them involved in the moving process, such as suggesting they get online to locate nearby libraries or parks.

3. Be positive and upbeat about the move.

Your attitude about the move will influence your children's attitude as well. If you dread moving, then the move will seem dreadful to them too. Be enthusiastic, upbeat, and positive about the experiences and opportunities in store, and your children will be more likely to feel the same way.

4. Let your children know they can help with the move.

This is a good time to emphasize that the move is a family event and that everyone will be part of the planning, packing, and perhaps even choosing the new home. Start your kids on thinking of things they can do and how to get ready for the move. Assure your kids that their contributions, however small, will be valued and greatly appreciated

Have you mastered the art of moving with children, please contact us to share your tips - we'd love to hear them!

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Did you know that heart disease is the number one killer of women? February is Heart Health Awareness month and now is the perfect time to fight back against this disease.

For example, by exercising at least 30 minutes a day you can reduce your risk of heart disease. Take the stairs, and know that every time you make a decision to chose a healthier option you could be saving your life.

Studies show that for every hour of walking you may increase your life expetancy by two hours! The time to get moving is now!

Start with small workouts and find friends in Champaign to help you meet your goals. Very soon, you'll be enjoying the benefits of an active lifestyle.

Do you have any words of motivation for our readers who are just beginning the journey to heart health? Contact us and share them!

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It's time for an annual Champaign/Urbana event which features an American Indian story teller for the Winter Tales event each February. 

This year, in partnership with Spurlock Museum, Prairie Elementary is proud to host Gene Tagaban, a teller and raven dancer from the state of Washington.

Gene Tagaban is a speaker, motivator, trainer, and performing artist of Cherokee, Tlingit and Filipino heritage. With over 20 years of storytelling experience, Tagaban uses his gift of storytelling, dance, and music, as he travels across the country performing, presenting, and facilitating workshops on suicide prevention, empowerment, leadership, relationship-building, communication skills, self-awareness, spirit and honor to participants of all ages.

The storytelling assembly will be held at Prairie Elementary School on Friday, February 3rd, at 9:00am.

If you would like more information on this local Champaign event, contact Prairie Elementary Principal, Yavonnda Smith, at 384-3628.

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I don't know anyone who enjoys packing up all their belongings and moving them to a new home, but if you are organized about the entire process it can be a lot less stressful to get ready for your move!

• Plan ahead and research the best price and service if you will you require the assistance of a moving company. It’s a good idea to price this out ahead of time by using a moving calculator.
• Stock up on the following supplies: strong packing boxes (more than you think you will need), markers and tags to label boxes, rolls of packing tape, bubble wrap for fragile items, packing paper, scissors and a knife for opening boxes. 
• Pack room-to-room keeping similar items together and use smaller boxes for heavier items so it is easier to lift. 
• You don't need to spend a lot of money on packing items to protect your delicate items. You can use towels, linens and curtains to line the bottom and sides of boxes with fragile items. All fragile items should be individually wrapped and clearly marked FRAGILE.
• Make sure that any opened boxes or jars are tightly sealed before packing them. You don't want to find out that the bleach spilled once you have reached your new home! 
• Use colorful tags to identify the contents of the box and which room it will be taken to in your new home. 
• There will be so much to do and it will be easy to forget what you have. Make a master list of all household items and personal belongings.
• Finally pack a box with all the essentials and mark it “Open Me First.” This box may contain items such as: a few basic tools (flashlight, pocket knife, masking tape, light bulbs), bathroom essentials (toilet paper, soap, shampoo, toothbrushes & paste, hand towel), Kitchen items (paper towels, coffee maker & filter, paper plates, cups, utensils, pet food, trash bags).
   

Do you have any tips or tricks for moving into your new Central Illinois home? 

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Are you ready to get on stage with the official band of the Chicago Blackhawks for some live band karaoke? Make plans for this weekend to head over to Boomerangs in Urbana!

There are over 300 songs to chose from, lyrics provided, so you're bound to find something you want to perform!

Karaoke starts at 9pm and goes until 1am! Get there early to grab a $5 pitcher and order from the full menu until 9pm, appetizers until midnight.

Boomerang is located at 1309 E Washington, Urbana - next to Silver Bullet. Don't be shy and get on stage!

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Have you looked at your neighbors home and though, "There goes the neighborhood!" Before you were trying to sell your Champaign home your neighbors overgrown lawn, chipping paint and littered driveway may have been unsightly and annoying, but now there unkempt property is a hindrance to you selling your home. How can you expect to get your asking price when your neighbor's house is not a good selling point?

Here are a few actions you can take to make your neighborhood a little more presentable:

1. Your best bet is to start by being neighborly and simply communicating with them. You may uncover a problem that you can help to solve. Is your neighbor elderly or ill? Perhaps you could help out with lawn care or basic maintenance. You might even get other neighbors involved to lend a hand.
2. If you have an HOA, you can go to the president or governing committee. Most HOA’s have strict requirements for upkeep, and they take quick action to correct violations.
3. Call the city code enforcement. If your neighbors’ grass is knee high and they have a rusted out Chevy in the front yard, they are probably in code violation.
4. Use a fence or landscaping to hide unsightly side or back yards.
5. Some home sellers who are serious may offer to pay to haul off trash or try to work out another option to try to help the situation.

Another property de-valuer, especially in today’s economy, is the foreclosure. While it is true that you unfortunately cannot personally do anything about a foreclosed home in your neighborhood, you should be prepared to take a hit on your home’s appraisal value. As unfair as it is, it is a good idea to be aware of the home values in your neighborhood and what other sellers are listing their homes for. You may need to consider discounting your home or offering incentives to counteract the foreclosure.

Foreclosure is so commonplace now that it probably won’t affect people coming to your neighborhood – in fact, it may draw potential buyers. You just have to be ready to compete with the ‘bargain’ a foreclosure may present.

Have you been in a similar situation? Share your tips with us - we would love to hear them!

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There is an interesting trend in the market that is gaining attention in Champaign/Urbana as well as the entire country.  Federal officials  are hoping to launch a pilot program in early 2012 to convert government-owned foreclosures into rental properties.

The program, which was cited by Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke last week as one way to address the housing crisis, would sell foreclosed homes now owned by Fannie Mae (FNMA, Fortune 500) and Freddie Mac (FMCC, Fortune 500) to investors in bulk. The properties would then be converted into rentals.

The initiative began back in August, when the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the Treasury Department and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced they were seeking suggestions on ways to dispose of repossessed homes now owned by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Housing Administration.

In addition to getting the properties off the government's books, officials are hoping putting the homes back into productive use will stabilize neighborhoods and housing values. Also, it is looking to expand the supply of rentals, which are increasingly in demand.

The agency is not releasing details on how the rental program would work, instead saying it is "proceeding prudently but with a sense of urgency to lay the groundwork for the development of good initial transactions in early 2012."

Administration officials said they are continuing to work with the agency to develop the program.

Housing, stocks, gold and oil: Hot or not in 2012?

Until now, most foreclosed homes have been sold individually because investors have demanded bigger discounts to buy large numbers of properties.

But federal officials are warily eyeing the expected surge in foreclosures as banks ramp up their action against delinquent homeowners. The process had been stalled since late 2010 when banks' shoddy paperwork practices came to light.

There are close to 2 million homes in the late stages of delinquency, according to Lender Processing Services. Since foreclosed properties often sell below market value, they can wreak havoc on home prices.

Converting these homes to rentals can both help the neighborhood and minimize losses to Fannie, Freddie and the FHA, which hold about 250,000 properties, Bernanke told lawmakers last week.

He urged lawmakers to ramp up their efforts to fix the housing market, placing particular emphasis on the problem of vacant homes on the market.

"Restoring the health of the housing market is a necessary part of a broader strategy for economic recovery," he said.

Bernanke's comments launched a full-court press by Federal Reserve officials last week to raise awareness of the continuing problems plaguing the housing market.

His proposals were quickly followed by Fed Governors Sarah Bloom Raskin, who spoke on ramping up enforcement of mortgage servicers, and Elizabeth Duke, who said Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could do more to help heal the housing market.

Meanwhile, New York Fed President William Dudley gave a speech that touched on a wide range of housing policies -- including principal reduction and mortgage refinancing -- that he believes will boost the economy.

The Fed has already tried to boost real estate sales by pushing mortgage rates down to record lows through massive bond-buying programs.

But the renewed push for housing help indicates that the Fed, which has basically run out of monetary policy ammunition to revive the real estate market, is urging the federal government to ramp up its efforts.

"The Federal Reserve is signaling in even stronger terms the need for the government to do more to help housing," said Jaret Seiberg, a policy analyst with the Washington Research Group.

Thank you to Tami Luhby at CNN Money for the information.

Contact me to learn more about this trend, or to buy or sell a home in Champaign, IL! 

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Calling all tea fanatics! Tea drinking has soared in popularity in recent years and tea and tea drinking accessories are the latest trend. Find an unique piece of art at the invitational teapot show at Cinema Gallery located at 120 W. Main, Urbana.

There will be over 60 teapots by ceramics faculty in Illinois colleges in a wide range of styles and prices.

Support your local Champaign artist and join locals for the All Steamed Up Teapot Show! Click here for location/directions.

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Are you a first time buyer looking for your perfect home in Champaign, IL? If so, you may wonder what a home appraiser does. Home appraisers are a necessary part of your real estate transaction and it is important to know exactly what the appraiser's responsibilities are.

One of the most common misconception about appraisers is that they work for the home seller. Actually, appraisers are hired to be impartial and provide an accurate "value" to your home in order for lenders to determine if the collateral supports the debt. These same lenders are also putting a lot of pressure on appraisers which result in higher than market value home appraisals.

If you are buying or selling a home it is a good idea to do some research on the role of appraisers and how they effect you.

Below are some quick facts your should know about the appraiser and the process:

•Appraisers are licensed by individual states after completing coursework and internship hours that familiarize them with their real estate markets.

•The lender might use an appraiser on its staff, or contract with an independent appraiser. If you are allowed to choose the appraiser, and it isn't someone the lender is familiar with, the results might be subject to review before they are accepted.

•The appraiser should be an objective third party, someone who has no financial or other connection to any person involved in the transaction.

•The property being appraised is called the subject property.

•You will probably pay for the appraisal when you apply for your loan.

What You'll See on a Residential Appraisal Report

Appraisals are very detailed reports, but here are a few things they include:

•Details about the subject property, along with side-by-side comparisons of three similar properties.

•An evaluation of the overall real estate market in the area.

•Statements about issues the appraiser feels are harmful to the property's value, such as poor access to the property.

•Notations about seriously flawed characteristics, such as a crumbling foundation.

•An estimate of the average sales time for the property.

•What type of area the home is in (a development, stand alone acreage, etc.).

Contact us if you have any advice or experience with home appraisers that you would like to share that might help local homebuyers!

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Support local Champaign Agriculture programs by coming out to the Illini Farm Toy Show at the Holiday Inn and Convention Center on Sunday, January 8th from 9am - 2pm.

There will be Open Trading, Live Auctions, a Kiddie Tractor Pull and more. There will be great sales and toys for all ages!

The Holiday Inn- Urbana is located at 1001 Killarney Street, Urbana, IL 61801.

Start off the new year right by supporting our local programs, getting some great deals and having fun with the family at this unique event!

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With the general consensus being that it's a buyers market, the current real estate market can be very competitive for Champaign home sellers.  You need to make your home stand our to buyers by allowing them to envision themself calling your house home. How do you do that? With impressive curb appeal and awesome first impressions! 

This is where the home staging process begins and by following a few important staging tips, you will be prepared to  wow potential buyers and create an unforgettable home shopping experience.

Begin with your front yard. It should be inviting and clean. A good wash or fresh stain to the exterior of your home will present a fresh clean look.

Your lawns, shrubs and trees should be trimmed and flower beds and pots weeded so as not to take away from the exterior view of your home. If you are selling during the winter season, be sure to free the walkway of any snow or ice.  If the outside is inviting,  buyers will want to continue inside your home. 

Now that you have attracted a buyer into your home, first impressions don't stop there. A buyer will know within minutes of stepping foot into your home if they want to take a thorough look through the home.

A few things to consider when staging the interior of your home include the following:

• Keep your home clean and free of clutter. Old newspapers and knick knacks do not attract buyers!
• Remove "personalization" in your home by taking down family photos, knick-knacks and such.
• Eliminate any strong scents that may be in your home (i.e. pet odors, candle scents, cigarette smells, etc.)  A fresh coat of paint is always a good idea that could help freshen and clean-up a room.
• Some rooms in your home may appear small to some buyers so you may want consider removing extra furniture in a room to give the illusion of more space. The same effect can be achieved by eliminating clutter from closets.
• Burn some calories with your cleaning and impress you buyer!  

Home staging is a tried and true method of getting the edge to sell your home and having curb appeal to draw potential buyers in is key! Contact me with any questions, I would be happy to help you with selling tips!

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High Dive is closing out 2011 in Champaign with a triple-bill of local bands! The current cream of the crop are joined by a reunion of a former top-tier CU rock band. Champagne toast at midnight, complimentary coat check, 400+ balloons, and great time.

$20.00 in advance (and $TBA at the door)

If you have been thinking of buying a home, chances are that you have asked yourself the standard questions: Have you saved enough money for a down payment? Can you afford the expenses associated with owning a home? Are you going to stay in the home for a short period of time or is this home a place you intend on living in for years to come? Can you qualify for a mortgage?

There is alot to think about and if you are considering the benefits of home ownership, some of those benefits are missed by homebuyers when considering their options.

Tax deductions when you own a home

Mortgage interest tax deduction. First-time homebuyers may be pleasantly surprised when they file their personal income taxes after they purchase a home as their primary residence. The interest payments they have made to their lender are fully deductible. When you start making mortgage payments, almost the whole loan payment consists of interest. In the early years, you pay little principal back on the loan. If you have an equity loan on that primary residence, you can also deduct interest paid to the lender on loans up to $100,000.

Property tax deduction.

In addition to the mortgage interest tax deduction, you can also deduct on your federal income taxes your real estate tax payments associated with your primary residence. IRS Publication 530 has more information about how to deduct your property taxes. And, for now, it seems that Congress will continue the mortgage interest tax deduction and the real estate property tax deduction.

Buying a home with extra perks

Buying a historical property. Buying a historical home has its pros and cons. You may be able to buy a home with history and heritage, but you may have to pay quite a bit more to renovate and keep up with home maintenance. If your historic home is in an historic district, you may have other limitations on what you can do with your home and how you must maintain the home. There may be a federal tax credit and state tax credit available to owners of historic property. In some parts of the country, if you own a historic home, you may be able to get a real estate tax benefit from your local tax assessor’s office. Thirty states now offer state rehabilitation tax credits for historical properties. Keep in mind that you may have to comply with certain building standards to keep and maintain historic property to receive a tax benefit. If you’re willing to put in the work to maintain a historical home and restore it to its original beauty, you may benefit financially. Start your search for a historic home with the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Buying in a community targeted by state or federal governments for redevelopment.

One of the most important rules of real estate is Location, Location, Location. In some cases, you can benefit by finding a neighborhood that has the backing of the federal or state government. Some government agencies will give lenders incentives to have them lend money in certain communities and neighborhoods. If you can qualify for these benefits, you might find that the interest rate on your loan is below market or that some of the closing costs associated with your purchase are covered by the lender or the governmental agency. The Community Reinvestment Act is a federal law that encourages lenders to meet the needs of borrowers in low- to moderate-income communities and the location of some of these properties can be targeted under specially designated census tracts. Talk to your mortgage broker or real estate agent to find out if you can look at homes in these census tracts.

Additional benefits of home ownership

Building Equity. At the beginning of the life of your loan, you will be paying most of your payment to interest. But every month, that balance will shift and you will be paying more of your payment toward principal and less to interest. Instead of paying rent to a landlord, you will be making the payment toward your investment in equity. While the last decade has not been a good one for homebuyers, historically, when you make your monthly payments, you will find that your loan balance decreases and you increase equity in your home.

Freedom of being a homeowner. If you look at rental listings you might find such criteria as “no pets” or “no painting.” Owning your own house gives you the freedom to make your home into whatever you want it to be, and the satisfaction that comes with building a home. You can make changes and upgrade your home, building more of an investment in your future and being the king or queen of your castle.

Owning a home is a big step and you should think carefully about what home you purchase for you and your family. Do you still have questions about owning a home? Contact me!

Join Champaign art enthusiasts at the National Biennial Ceramics Invitational!

Suze Lindsay curates this year’s 13th National Biennial Ceramics Invitational. Suze Lindsay has been a professional potter for over 20 years and is a practicing artist in North Carolina. She was at Penland School of Crafts on a two year fellowship from 1987-89, and subsequently received her MFA from Louisiana State University. Lindsay has selected ceramacists for this exhibition who were former classmates from these institutions and who possess proficient skill in the diverse realm of pottery − some addressing pottery's straightforward utility, others using it as a springborad to produce conceptuaol vessels and other works of art.

Participating artists Margaret Bohls, Jim Brashear, Kathryn Finnerty, Douglas Herren, Maren Kloppmann, Neil Patterson, Jenny Lou Sherburne, Jane Shellenbarger, Janice Strawder and Holly Walker. An accompanying  catalogue for the exhibition will be available .

This free Champaign event runs from December 22nd at 3pm - Monday, January 2nd, 2012 and will be hosted at the Parkland Art Gallery at 2400 West Bradley Avenue, Champaign, IL 61821.

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Having a home in Champaign, IL during the holidays means that you have access to some of the most beautiful scenery in the country this time of year. While holiday get togethers are fun they can also be stressful!  Here are a few tips to ensure that you have a fun holiday weekend with your family and friends this Holiday.

Holiday: Tips for Hosts and Guests

Hosting the big holiday dinner is a huge responsibility. It's normal to feel overwhelmed with cooking, cleaning, decorating, and maintaining the guest list. (And let’s not even begin to think about the clean-up afterwards!) Here are some tips on how to make  your holiday fun for everyone.

1.  Remember, people will take your food- So, plan for leftovers ahead of time. Have some extra Styrofoam containers, paper plates, aluminum foil, and plastic grocery bags available for guests so they can take a little morsel or two home at the end of the evening. This will prevent the loss of your favorite Tupperware, plates, or bowls from your own cabinets

2.  Prepare for clean-up- Be sure to keep some extra cleaning supplies nearby just in case an accident happens, and it is also a good idea to always keep some soapy dishwater in the sink for used cutlery and plates as guests finish eating.

3.  Don’t be afraid to ask for help-As the host or hostess, it’s easy to assume that it’ your responsibility to do everything. This isn’t true! Asking for help with cooking, decorating, or cleaning will be a fun, easy way to get things done efficiently.

4.  Don’t leave out the specialty foods-Make sure that there is a variety of things for all of your guests to eat. It’s usually good to have a few dishes that are vegetarian, vegan, low-fat, and/or low-carb.

As a guest, it is important to remember that you have many responsibilities as well when it comes to showing good manners.

1.  Be thankful for the invitation. A thank-you note or small gift (such as candles or box of chocolates) is a great way to show appreciation to your host or hostess. Also, it is a good idea to offer to bring a dish, even if it is not a potluck dinner.

2.  If you have special food needs (such as vegetarian, low sodium, sugar free), you need to make sure your host or hostess is aware of the situation and can make necessary accommodations for you.

3.  Timing really is everything- Simple concept: if dinner starts at 7p.m., be there at 7p.m.! It is always a good idea to arrive on time or no later than half an hour after the scheduled time.

4.  Be available to help- Remember, your host/hostess has gone through a lot of work to accommodate you. It is of utmost importance that you do as much as you can to lend a helping hand when you have the opportunity.

If you have any holiday tips we’d love to hear from you! Have a Happy Holiday!

There are several exhibitions at the Spurlock Museum in Urbana to check out this weekend. Take a break from the holiday chaos and crowded shops and enjoy a day at the museum!

The Warriors, Guardians and Demons exhibition is currently running. An important part of the Spurlock Museum's Centennial Celebration is honoring the many generous people who have supported the Museum through the donation of artifacts. This lobby exhibit features a selection from the large collection of Asian carvings donated by Mr. Fred Freund.

Als, the museum is hosting the Collecting and Connecting Exhibition.  To mark our 100th year as a vital part of educational and cultural missions of the University and as a resource to local communities, the Spurlock Museum celebrates the people, collections, voices, and ideas that have made our century of service meaningful.

The museum is located at  600 S. Gregory, Urbana. Visit the website for hours and more information.

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If you have just purchased a Central Illinois home and will be moving soon, you know that you will need to deal with the dreaded packing and unpacking!  Not many people enjoy this process, but it can be a lot less stressful if you are organized and make a plan. Here are a few tips to get you started.

Plan ahead and research the best price and service if you will you require the assistance of a moving company. It’s a good idea to price this out ahead of time by using a moving calculator.
 

Stock up on the following supplies: strong packing boxes (more than you think you will need), markers and tags to label boxes, rolls of packing tape, bubble wrap for fragile items, packing paper, scissors and a knife for opening boxes.
 

Pack room-to-room keeping similar items together and use smaller boxes for heavier items so it is easier to lift.
 

You don't need to spend alot of money on packing items to protect your delicate items. You can use towels, linens and curtains to line the bottom and sides of boxes with fragile items. All fragile items should be individually wrapped and clearly marked FRAGILE.
 

Make sure that any opened boxes or jars are tightly sealed before packing them. You don't want to find out that the bleach spilled once you have reached your new home!
 

Use colorful tags to identify the contents of the box and which room it will be taken to in your new home.

There will be so much to do and it will be easy to forget what you have. Make a master list of all household items and personal belongings.
 

Be sure to pack a box with all the essentials and mark it “Open Me First.” This box may contain items such as: a few basic tools (flashlight, pocket knife, masking tape, light bulbs), bathroom essentials (toilet paper, soap, shampoo, toothbrushes & paste, hand towel), Kitchen items (paper towels, coffee maker & filter, paper plates, cups, utensils, pet food, trash bags).
 
Moving to a new home should be an exciting time and planning ahead will make all the difference to avoid a experience  Do you have any helpful moving tips that worked for you? Share them with us!

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