And the Winner Is...

Gary & Colleen Wood are the winner of the $15 gift certificate to Champps Resturant & Bar in Jordan Creek and a $10 gas card to get you out there and back! Thanks to everybody for posting. Be sure to read through them, there are some great suggestions.
We'll do another question next Monday, so be sure to check back. And if you need any info on buying or selling real estate in the Des Moines area, give us a call. Bill @770-2455, Bob @ 979-2883.

Will you take a Staycation? and Where?

I learned a new word today - Staycation! The urban dictionary defines it as "a vacation that is spent at one's home enjoying all that home and one's home environs have to offer." With the U.S. economy sagging and the average price for unleaded regular gas surging toward $4 per gallon, day trips close to home have a fresh appeal. Instead of giving up a summer R&R completely, why not plan to see the sites around Iowa? Every small town in Iowa has a celebration for something...there's Pancake Days, Good Egg Days, Duesey Days. There is a outdoor Christian music festival with 50+ bands. Then there are local attractions that welcome visitors all year long - John Wayne Birthplace, Pella Heritage village, Ledges at Boone Iowa. There is a website that lists all Iowa events by the calendar or by the region or town - http://www.traveliowa.com/. Some of the interesting ones I just found - Rubberbandance Group in Perry Iowa June 4, Scandanavian Days in Story City June 6-8, Citywide garage sales in Nevada June 14, a Garage Tour (tour the best garages in town instead of houses) June 22. One of our favorites right here in Des Moines is CelebrAsian and it is this weekend - May 17.We'd like to hear your favorite destination or celebration that is a day-trip away. You have until Friday May 17 to post your faves! We'll draw a name then for a dinner gift certificate. Don't Delay - Post your Favorite Today!

Graduation Time - Gift Ideas

May is graduation month and we are invited to several celebrations. I was wondereing if you have a favorite gift for graduates? I'll share some of mine, maybe you could share yours?

• Digital Camera
• Watch
• Dorm Frig
• Shirt from the University the graduate will be attending.
• Books - check out top five on this site.
• Starter Investments. Here's a couple sites to start on. Share Builder. One Share.
• Gift cards - electronics always rate high. Best Buy. Target. Walmart.
• Cold Hard Cash.
• A quality ink pen.
• Journal

Please post some of your favorite fits - to give or to receive!

For some graduates, buying a house/condo/townhouse might be the next step. If it is, The Eisenlauer Team would love to be your Realtor. We can help with the purchase (or sale) or real estate in Polk county or any nearby county. Give us a call. Bill 770-2455 or Bob 979-2883.