Every month or so we at the Homes for Heroes office try and have a pot luck lunch. It was always a success, and in some ways it still is. People stopped eating my offering when one asked why my “stews” were so tasty. I gave them the recipe. Two cans of cream of mushroom soup and all the left overs I find in the office fridge. Everyone started for the bathrooms and my boss asked me to see her in her office.
She wanted to know why I was trying to poison everybody at the pot luck. What? How could being frugal be considered poisoning someone? I let my boss know that the food in the fridge was slated for the weekly garbage dump and….. “Exactly!” She proclaims. I look at her incredulously and simply state. “A ninja knows what bad food is and my meals are far from being bad.” I also point out that our society’s perception of spoiled food is terribly misguided.
Pick off the green pieces, mix in soup and Voila! Lunch.
“Mister if you know what is good for you, you will stop cleaning out the fridge for pot luck lunches.” I start to object but there is a twitch in her eye that makes me pause. An Ninja knows when a battle is lost. I nod my head and shuffle out of her office knowing that I may have lost the battle but not the war. I go to my desk and start doing a little research.
I plunk down at my desk and type in “food expiration”. There was some interesting points. Did you know that all food expiration dates are voluntary? There is not federal law requiring that information be put on labels. Well it is required on baby formula and some baby foods. But other than that expiration dates are a courtesy of the food manufacturers.
The other thing that I found at WebMD’s site was a comprehensive description of all those “use before”, “best if used” and all those other freshness dates. This new information has brought some relief to my family. I have a big can of Parmesan cheese that was “packed” on November 3, 2002 and we still use it on spaghetti nights. Now I have proof that there is “nothing” wrong with it.
Here is a quick break down of what all those dates mean. For more detailed information you can visit WebMD.
The “sell by” date is telling the stores when the manufacturers would like the item pulled off the shelves. Which is fine, it is more of a quality move by food manufacturers. So if you have something in the house that is past the sell by date, don’t panic, odds are it is still okay.
This next one has cost me a lot of money. The kids will see the date and through the offending package away. It is the “best if used by (or before)” date. This date has absolutely nothing to do with spoilage. This is a manufacturers quality move. If McDonalds used this they would have a twenty minute date stamped on each order of fries they send out the drive through window. Have you ever gone through the drive through and noticed that the fries you eat while pulling out of the parking lot taste a heck of a lot better than they do by time you get home? You still eat those fries though don’t you? So keep that in mind the next time you find something in the fridge that is past the “best if used by” date.
“Use by” date is very similar. This would tell someone when the product will be at its peak freshness. It does not mean that if you eat it a week after that date you will die a horrible death.
There is a couple more date descriptions on the site, but these have done my household the most damage. I have posted these descriptions on the fridge in hopes that I can undo the brain washing my kids have learned.
Tonight, we are having the last of the Christmas ham in a fantastic Ham and Potato soup. They always eat it and never question how fresh the products are. I should probably keep it to myself that I only make soups to mask those old refrigerator smells of 2 week old left overs. We won’t EVER discuss my chili….
I do think that by understanding what these dates will really help the family food budget. You don’t have to through out the milk when the date is passed. Smell it. If it smells bad then I suppose you can through it out, but not before. Another thing to keep in mind. Eggs will last up to 5 weeks past the sell by date in the fridge. These economic times will soon require a more frugal look when we through out that loaf of bread or lunch meat.
A few years back a Homes for Heroes founder was talking to an old friend. Old drinking buddies as they describe the relationship. They were discussing the Homes for Heroes program. Mark, being one of the founders, was plying his wares, showing his old friend how this program works and how it helps our Heroes with substantial savings. The old friend, Paul, listened, liked what he heard but wanted some time to think about it. Well he did and we are glad with the decision he came to. Paul got HFH.
Paul Krawczyk
Paul is a senior loan officer and owner of The Morris Long Group, a residential mortgage company. Paul takes a very personal and enthusiastic approach to mortgage banking educating and coaching clients about home financing. His experience in owning and managing investment property gives additional knowledge to property asset management.
Paul and his wife Janna are residents of Minneapolis and have a two year old daughter Lucy and a four year old son Oliver. Family hobbies include Mountain bike and cross country ski racing, yoga, commuting to many of Minneapolis’s outdoor festivals and gathering with family and friends ant their home.
Paul has found great satisfaction being an affiliate with Homes for Heroes because he feels it is his way to contribute back to those who work so hard for others. Janna’s background is teaching which has helped fuel Paul’s passion to want to give back through Homes for Heroes.
I called Paul today to run the bio past him to make sure it was accurate and found out I had some stuff wrong about buying and selling a car. He mentioned that he has been pleased with the police and teachers he has been working with. If you are looking to buy or refinance you can get a hold of Paul through our web site at Homes for Heroes.
Enjoy your weekend and keep all those in the Red River Valley in your prayers.
And Art does not appreciate copy cats. Gufaw, Gufaw! Couldn’t resist. Ninja’s find humor in most things not associated with the way of the Ninja.
Yesterday at Homes for Heroes I was practicing the ninja art of not moving. This ancient technique is very similar to the resting stone. If you sit still long enough people stop seeing you. Anyway I was disturbed by someone laughing out loud. It really wasn’t a laugh, more of a snort. I break my training and swiftly place myself behind the snorting colleague. The result was immediate. She had stopped snorting/laughing, rolled her eyes and clicked the replay button of what had caused her outburst. Ninja’s are very effective at non-verbal communications.
There on her console was a video of a Police Officer that had committed a crime. There is nothing funny about crime fighters participating in crime. Yet as the story unfolded I found relief to know that Mrs. Justice ensured the scales would remain balanced.
This brought back a memory of a comedy skit done on a late night television show. The skit is funny but I am not sure which is funnier. Real life or this skit below.
I have watched both about 60 times and giggle at both each time. But in the end I think real life triumphs as being more funny. Who agrees? Let me know.
Questioning what is funny. How many of you are familiar with the term “British Humor”? This next story is a good example of that. If this had happened here in the United States I think there would be a large amount of hollerin and yellin. But for you out there with a dark British sense of humor, this should give you a laugh.
Yesterday I hinted at some strife taking place between me and one of my offspring. Let me just put it out there for all to see. My eldest possesses 24 years on this planet and he and his lovely wife are expecting their first carbon dioxide producing human. This is a great joy and blessing to our family and especially to me. For I am Ninja.
It has been a long tradition that a Ninja cannot train his offspring in the ways of Ninja. It is for the safety of the family. So my son was trained as a pirate. He is a good pirate, however, grandchildren are perfect candidates to learn the ways of the Ninja.
I expressed this point to my son fully expecting him to be honored that I would train his child in the ways of the Ninja. His reaction is the source of my strife. He told me that his child would be taught the life of a pirate.
I am providing a couple of videos in hopes of persuading my son and his wife that being a Ninja is a much better life than that of a pirate. You watch and decide. This decision must be made before the blessed child arrives. There is to be no time wasted in the ways of the Ninja.
This first video shows one of the first things a Ninja must learn. That your legs are your ally.
It is also important to train ones muscles in the fluid and graceful ways of Ninja.
Both of these I am sure have convinced you readers that this new creature must be taught the way of the Ninja. I will keep you updated as time goes on.
Not only does Homes for Heroes save you money in your real estate transactions, they also will pass on from time to time some great frugal ideas on how to save money in your day to day life. Last month we we spoke of some frugal tips that put a great dinner on your plate for under 5 bucks. We then followed up with some home gardening tips that will put nutritious vegetables on your plate saving you grocery and gas money.
Well today I found another couple of ways to save some serious cash. Just by reading this blog you will have the opportunity to save over 40 American dollars and put some decent chow in your belly.
The other day the batteries went out in my wireless mouse. I scrounged around looking for some batteries. They weren’t in the usual places so I started raiding the kids rooms. Cd players, remote game controllers etc. Couldn’t find any, so I gave up on watching TV. I can’t watch TV without a remote, probably a guy thing. So I went up to the computer and started some research for frugal blogging. I found these next two videos that will be very helpful to any one who has a remote or digital calculator.
This video saved me an evening of work. I pulled down the smoke detector and tore the nine volt apart. Sure enough, there was some spare batteries for the remote. There are savings right there. 4 AAA batteries cost about 4 to 5 dollars. A single nine volt is under 2. My curiosity peaked I went back to YouTube and looked for some more interesting battery saving tricks. Here is another that will have even bigger savings if you are the type that likes little battery operated gadgets.
I am now off to the store to purchase my 12 volt battery. I will need the savings because the wife was not too happy about my foray into frugal battery saving. She said something about safety and having the house burn down while we sleep. So off I go to the hardware store down the street. On the way there I could stop at the Red Robin and get a free burger. You didn’t think that I would just give you some frugal tips without including food. No, Ninja’s need nutrition too. This web site has some more ideas on not only where to get a few free meals but also some other great stuff for free. Check it out and see if there is anything there that you might be thinking of spending money on. It is more frugal if you could get it at no cost.
If you have any frugal tricks let’s hear about them. Post a comment and I will see if we can get it into another blog. I have to cut this one short. My eldest agitator seems to be having some disagreements on child raising. Will inform you all tomorrow.
Homes for Heroes would like to introduce to you another Homes for Heroes affiliate here in Minneapolis.
David Cohen
David A. Cohen has been a Residential Realtor since 1995. He has built his career based on determination to protect and advocate for his clients best interests. His goal is to educate his clients so that they can make the best possible buying or selling decision for their families’ lifestyles as well as their financial future.
David has well balanced skill set to insure a well thought-out and well informed transaction. He prides himself on his analytical skills for assisting buyers and sellers interpret the vast market data. He is a master marketer who knows how to expose his seller’s properties by using old school gorilla marketing and using cutting edge online marketing technology.
Most importantly David understands the human and emotional element of Real Estate. He truly cares and takes a personal stake in each of his clients’ transactions. He treats his clients like they are family. That is what has driven David to join Homes for Heroes. He has a passion for giving back to our nation’s heroes! He said,” It is least I can do to back those individuals who have chosen to put their lives at risk to protect our society’s well being and defend our freedom.” He also believes in giving back to The Silent Heroes like the Nurses who are on the front line of health care and our educators who we are trusting with our number one resource, our children. David thinks that participating in Homes for Heroes is the right thing to do! It is the least he can do to say THANKS!
Now I had mentioned that David Cohen has an eye for marketing and now I can get to Elwood. You all remember the great car chase scene from the Blues Brothers. Homes for Heroes and David Cohen had an opportunity to meet the real Elwood at a local wine shop. The idea hit David hard and the rest is Home for Heroes history.
This last Saturday, Dan Aykroyd (aka Elwood Blues) was in Minneapolis promoting his new Wine and Vodka Products. He generously offered Police, Firefighters and Military (our heroes) a free autographed bottle of wine! And of course David was there clad in his Home for Heroes sweatshirt. Never missing an opportunity to spread the word of Homes for Heroes to a captive audience; David seized this highly publicized event to stand in line for FOUR HOURS to hand out lovely Home for Heroes T-shirts he digitally prints himself. When finally his turn in front this celeb for a signed bottle of wine, David offered Mr. Aykroyd his very own Homes for Heroes t-shirt. Seeming to welcome a chance to take a break from the repetition of signing bottles endlessly for hours, he happily replied ” Thanks, that’s a great program!”
Elwood driving got David to the event on time.
David and his gift for Dan Aykroyd
The driving and the wait pays off.
The day was a success for David Cohen and Homes for Heroes. If you are looking for a truly dedicated Realtor that will ensure you receive top notch service with enthusiastic marketing knowledge visit our web site to get in contact with David.
Unfortunately California is one of the states that is feeling the housing crunch the hardest. We at Homes for Heroes are aware of this and have a new member who will ensure that our heroes will get the savings and professional service they deserve.
Homes for Heroes would like to introduce to you our most recent affiliate in California who will be able to guide you through your real estate transaction with a high level of professionalism and experience. Tom Hicks became aware of us through a client of his that had been using one of our affiliate mortgage brokers. Tom contacted us and after learning about our program, immediately became a member.
Tom Hicks
Tom Hicks has been a Realtor in Southern California for over 10 years. He is currently working on his Broker’s license and will receive it within the next couple of months. Serving the northern San Diego County and southern Riverside County regions where he has lived in both areas combined for over 20 years. Beginning his business career with IBM working as a Field Engineer, bringing him to a management position with a competing firm, he started his own office equipment servicing company and operated it for 8 years. After selling his firm, he entered the technical sales field as a Regional Sale Representative for an engineering firm selling solid waste landfill gas system products. His highly conservative personality and technical background have served him well when interacting with clients, solving problems, taking care of details and maintaining a high level of integrity throughout the real estate process. For Tom Hicks the client always comes first.
We think Tom says it best himself. “I joined the Homes for Heroes because I have worked with heroes before, especially teachers, police and military and I enjoy giving back to those who have sacrificed so much. I understand their needs and they always appreciate the dedication and hard work I give to preserving and protecting their financial interests.”
So we come back to the beginning. Are you sure you are you are looking for savings in all the right places? Homes for Heroes program is a good place to start saving money. We are happy to welcome him aboard. Contact us at our website if you would like to use our program or work with Tom.
3 shattered coffee cups, 3 messily dismantled ink cartridges, one worn out electric pencil sharpener, 721 pencil stubs (that is how many pencils it takes to wear out an electric pencil sharpener), and one semi-melted microwave oven. That’s it. That is the only damage that has occurred at the Homes for Heroes office in the last two weeks. I think I have been on my best behavior.
Apparently not well behaved enough. My boss just walked in this morning and dropped a newspaper on my desk. Reaching for the paper, my boss put her hand on it inhibiting my retrieval. She looked at me and asked if I had left the country this weekend. I took a quick look at my shoes, just to make sure before I answered her. Nope, they were not my traveling out of country shoes, I looked back at her and answered, “I don’t think so.”
Then it hit me. When trained as a ninja, keen observation was drilled daily and was a required skill. I am a natural at observation and it only took me a few seconds to realize my boss was not only holding the paper in place on my desk, but she was also pointing at an article on top of the fold. With a knowing smile, I nod my head in understanding of what she was doing. She is lucky to have someone with my skills in her office. I can tell she knows that too. Her sighs and head-shaking can only mean she is trying to shake those goose bumps after she talks with me.
Australian wrestles kangaroo from family home, read the title. What could she be talking about I thought as I started to read the article. Somewhere around the second paragraph my eyes widened in disbelief. “My initial thought when I was half awake was, ‘It’s a lunatic ninja coming through the window,‘” Beat Ettlin (yes his real name) said.
Doesn’t he understand? Ninja’s do not, nor have any need to break through a window at night just to jump on the bed. I have many times snuck into homes, find the sleeping victims and jump on their bed without them even knowing. That is how good us ninja’s are. This injustice must be corrected. We are always getting a bum rap.
It occurred to me that my boss suspects that I may have something to do with this. She knows I am a ninja and I am thankful that she keeps that piece of information from the other office workers. But if she thinks I would bungle something as easy as jumping on a bed she is sadly mistaken.
I grab the paper and head to her office. I close the door and ask her why she thinks that this home intrusion had anything to do with me. I think she spots something on the ceiling because her eyes seem to be rolling in that direction. “Paris,” she responds.
“Ahhh” My only bungled ninja assignment. I was contracted to carry out some ninja business in Paris last year. Very top secret ninja stuff. I had planned being invisible by being very visible. (A very ancient ninja trick) Needless to say the “business” trip did not end well and I was forced to hide in my own luggage to get back home. I can’t really explain what happened but watch the video below as I try to blend into Paris with my modified ninja camoflauge.
That was a fluke and in no way was of true ninja. I was about to protest that point and then everything went to straight to “H”, “E”, double tooth pick.
The super looking office babe sticks her head in the office and says, “Boss, you gotta see this right away.” The stress in her voice told me that this was serious. My boss and I head out to her desk. She was sitting at her desk going all “Chloe” (24 fan reference)on the computer. “Someone is messing with us,” she says. “Why,” my boss asks. “We just got about 700 hits on our website in the last 30 seconds and the phones are ringing off the hook.”
Sure enough, my ninja observation skills picked up that every phone in the office was ringing and people were scrambling back to their desks. “Don’t panic everyone,” I shouted. “Line up in an orderly fashion and I will lead you out to the parking lot,” I said trying to bring calm to everyone. My boss puts a hand on my shoulder and suggests to me that ringing phones are not a problem and that I should probably stop the phone on my desk from ringing. I nod in agreement and bolt for my desk, grabbing the phone and smashing it to the floor.
With completing my task I sit down and observe that all the others that still have ringing phones on their desk. “They’ll never be ninja’s,” I mutter to myself and start working at my computer. I read one of the comments on our website that mentioned they had heard us mentioned on TV and was interested in our program. They did not mention when, what channel or what show they heard about us so I went to the Google and asked it what tv show were we on. Surprisingly enough it did not provide me with an answer. I spent the next half an hour trying to figure this out when the good looking office worker announces, “We were mentioned on the CBS “Early Show”. Here is the video. The response to that mention has kept us quite busy for the last few days.
I must admit that some of this blog has been exagerated. I can’t say which part, you will have to understand the way of the ninja to figure that out. However, the Homes for Heroes program is not exagerated. It is a great savings program for our Heroes. Check us out at Home for Heroes and see for yourself.
If you ask people living in the Dallas area, “where is one of the best places to work and live in Texas?” 8 out of 10 would more than likely answer Plano. Northwest of Dallas sits a relatively large “suburb” of over 200,000 happy residents. It boasts the lowest property tax rates in Texas and some of the best school systems in the state. One of those happy residents is now part of the Homes for Heroes family. Our network is growing and it is time again to introduce you to another Texan that that has thrown in his ten gallon hat to help our heroes.
Ladies and Gentlemen of the great state of Texas and fellow Americans it is Homes for Heroes honor to be able to introduce to you to James McDow.
James McDow
James has over a decade of experience putting together and closing loans. Having previously worked as a senior financial analyst and a REALTOR®, James became proficient at learning all of the angles involved in a successful real estate transaction. He also understands the vital part that the appropriate loan plays. James’ impressive attention to detail, ability to close almost any loan, access to a team of over 200+ lenders and his extreme tenacity, have all led to a very impressive repeat and referral rate.
James also has a degree in Finance, which adds to his repertoire of skills that are critical to being able to capture all of the right elements in order to find the perfect loan for his clients. James is a licensed mortgage broker and specializes in all types of loans including Conventional, FHA, and VA. He especially enjoys being an affiliate of Homes for Heroes because “closing those loans is especially meaningful and is a great way to ‘give something back’ to our heroes for what they do on a daily basis.”
When James is not working, he enjoys spending quality time with his wife and two young children. He does what it takes to get the deal closed and believes that, “If I can’t do it, then it can’t be done.” James is dedicated to researching all possible loan options until he is satisfied that he has the perfect loan for you.
So if you want that perfect loan closed, let Jame’s Texas tenacity get it done for you. You can contact him through the Homes for Heroes website.
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A few years back a 
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