Lauras Choice

A Blog from Laura Kubicki

Laura’s Choice Peanut Butter Muffins – Jack’s Favorite!

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Jack's Favorite PB Muffins!
Jack’s Favorite PB Muffins!

Ready for a mouthwatering, “I can’t wait for breakfast” treat?  These peanut butter muffins couldn’t be more that!

And since the temps are pushing into the higher end of the 90s down here in the south these days, Jack and I thought a fun indoor morning activity would be to make a quick batch of these for breakfast, snack, whatever…!

NOTE:  IF you have peanut allergies – these are NOT for you.  Sad face here.

However if you do not have peanut allergies – you simply MUST try these scrumptious goodies.  And with oats, natural PB, whole wheat flour, and skim milk, they’re a bit more on the ‘good for you’ side of the fence than not!

So…first Jack got started by combining the dry ingredients…look at that smile!

Peanut Butter Muffin Jack Measuring

PB Muffin Jack Baking Powder

PB Muffin Jack Whisking

Make a well in the middle for your wet ingredients to mix into!
Make a well in the middle for your wet ingredients to mix into!

Next…Jack combined the wet ingredients…

PB Muffin Jack Wet

Then he added them together and stirred ’til just moist!

Mix together wet ingredients

Then he scooped…

PB Muffin Jack Scoop

And finally, sprinkled with turbinado sugar…I did the batch with peanuts and sugar on top :o)!

PB Muffin Jack Sugar

He then popped them into the oven for 18-20 minutes…

PB Muffin Jack Tray Done In Oven

And Ta-Da!  C’est manifique!

PB Muffin Jack Muffins 2

 

Breakfast Is Served!
Breakfast Is Served!

PB Muffin Jack Muffins Breakfast 2

Happy Jack!
Happy Jack!

Now it’s your turn!  Let us know what you think!!!  And don’t forget to subscribe to Laura’s Choice and like us on Facebook at Laura’s Choice Blog.

Happy muffin-ing my friends!

203k Mortgages – Great Financial Tool When Buying A Home To Renovate!

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This is not Jason...:o)
This is not Jason…:o)

Hi Friends!  Are you thinking of buying a property to renovate into your dream home?  If so, this may be of interest to you!

Consumers often find ample value in what I’ll call distressed homes – properties that are under a foreclosure order or up for short sale. In many cases, “distressed” speaks more to the condition of the home than their recent financial histories. They may have been empty for extended periods and/or subject to vandalism and theft.  But they can be a great way to get a fantastic property for a good price, while delivering you the opportunity to create your own unique dream home…think “Fixer Upper” on HGTV!

If you are considering a home in need of renovation, you should consider a 203k mortgage. It would allow you to finance both the acquisition and rehabilitation with a single loan. NICE!

There are two types of 203k loans:

203k Streamline: This is the most popular. The maximum allowable in repairs is $35,000 and does not allow any structural repairs to be done to the home (unless they’re a result of an unforeseen circumstance).

Full 203k: Allows for structural repairs and can exceed the $35,000 in home repairs. Both types allow up to $1,500 in swimming pool repairs.

Here are some other key 203k facts you’ll want to know:

  • Since it is based on the home’s potential value after repairs (not its existing value), you can be approved for a higher loan amount.
  • They carry long-term-fixed rates.
  • They’re insured as soon as they fund.
  • They include escrow accounts for the scheduled repairs.
  • Loan amounts are capped according to local FHA limits.
  • Only owner-occupied properties of one to four units qualify.
  • The home must be at least one year old.

You can click here for more information on 203k mortgages.  Hope you find this information useful!  Don’t forget to like me at Laura Kubicki Realty on Facebook too for even more great real estate information and ideas.  I’m always just a couple clicks away!

Happy house hunting!

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Interior Decor Tip – Try the 60/30/10 rule!

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Hi Everyone!  Thought you might like a decor tip or two!  If you know me you know I use yellow as an accent color in my home.  Are you looking to change it up in yours?  Here’s an idea for you…

To paint and decorate your home without worrying whether you’re going overboard with color, try the classic interior design rule known as the 60/30/10 rule. It’s a foolproof way to divide your color scheme into primary, secondary and accent colors by assigning them percentage values.

Look at that accent color pop!

The primary color is the largest block of color and will act as your neutral. You can use a true neutral like beige, grey, or white, or try a soft tint of your favorite color. The secondary color is the anchor and works well on upholstery and bedspreads. The accent color should have the most color intensity and is used sparingly in pillows, chair seats or oil paintings. Outside, the primary color is the brick, stucco or siding, the trim is the secondary color and the front door, porch chairs, or planter pots are the accent.

If you choose a deep shade for walls, give the paint a satin finish for sophistication. A dark color can easily look chalky. And the opposite is true—a light color can become blinding in a shiny finish. If you have lots of fine wood trim, paint baseboards, crown moldings and door and window trims in a complementary hue like white or cream.

To test a paint chip for accuracy, hold it parallel to the wall under natural light. Buy sample jars and test the colors on large poster boards you can tape to the walls. Watch how the colors change throughout the day and evening under artificial light.

Remember, interior colors always tend to go darker, while exterior colors appear lighter.

Hope this helps ya!  And if you haven’t already – don’t forget to subscribe to lauraschoice.com!  You can easily do this – just look to the handy side bar and click Subscribe to Laura’s Choice!

Happy summer!!!!