Going Away for the Holidays? 

10 Things a Burglar Doesn’t Want You to Know

Successful burglars have lots in common, and love home owners who unwittingly give invitations to robbery. 

Here’s how thieves thank you for your generosity:

1. Thanks for the ladder

Call me a social climber if you will, but I did discover a ladder in your back yard. Thank you for leaving it where I could lean it against your home and easily reach a second-story window. I really love it when upper story openings aren’t wired to a home security system! 

So, if you want to keep me out, store your ladder in the basement or a locked garage. And call your security company to wire upper-story windows into your alarm system.

2. Loved your trash

Can’t tell you how much fun I have driving around neighborhoods on trash day (especially after big gift holidays) when the empty boxes on the curb reveal what wonderful new purchases you’ve made. Your thoughtfulness made it possible for me to land a new laptop and a flat-screen television in one easy trip to your home!

Next time, break down the boxes and conceal them in the recycling or trash bins. 

3. Dear Lazy

Recently, I noticed you hadn’t trimmed trees and shrubs around your home, so I knew I’d have a wonderful place to hide while I worked to break in. I really can’t thank you enough for all the great new things I grabbed.

Next time, trim back bushes and trees near windows and doors. Make sure entry points to your home are easily visible from the street — I much prefer to work in private! While you’re at it, install motion-sensor lighting. I’m scared of bright lights!

4. Su casa es mi casa

I was sincerely relieved to find you just had a plain wood-planel back door. I had no trouble kicking it in! But it was nice to know your windows were unlocked anyway. Some people please make it even easier to get in by having glass windows on their back doors. I only have to break one pane and turn the deadbolt. You weren't really trying to keep me out - were you?

You may want to take a cue from your neighbor and install steel-wrapped exterior doors with deadbolts on all your entries. And be sure your windows are locked when you’re away.

5. Bad reflection on you

You’d be surprised how many home owners position a mirror in their entry hall so I can see from a window if the alarm system is armed. (Yours wasn’t, but I’m guessing you know that by now!) Thanks for taking a lot of pressure off of me. 

A little free advice: Relocate the mirror so your alarm system isn’t visible if someone else would peer through a window.

6. Telltail grass

Wow, isn’t it amazing how fast the grass grows, even in the colder months. And all those leaves! I swung by now and then and noticed your lawn was uncut, leaves weren’t raked, and your blinds were always closed. To me, that’s an open invitation. 

Next time, hire someone you trust to mow regularly, pick up around the doorstep, open and close various window shades, and turn different lights on and off (or put a few on timers). One more thing: Lock any car you leave in the driveway, or I can use your garage door opener to get in quickly.

7. Getting carried away

Many thanks for putting your valuables into an easy-to-carry safe that I could carry right out your back door. (Nice jewelry, and thank you for the cash!) 

You may want to invest in a wall safe, which I rarely attempt to open. Or, rent a lock box at your bank.

8. Dear BFF

Thanks for alerting a professional acquaintance of mine via your social network that you were away for the week in Puerto Vallarta, having the time of your life. Me? I enjoyed a very relaxing visit to your home with no pressure of being caught.

If only you had known that posting comments and photos of your trip on social networks is fine — but do that after you return so you won’t broadcast your absence!

9. Tag, you’re it!

Where are you? When you use popular geo-tracking apps, such as FourSquare and Glympse, I might know if you’re not home. Web sites such as www.pleaserobme.com help me keep track of your whereabouts. 

If you prefer that I not visit your home, be careful about geo-tagging. But, otherwise, thank you for the loot! 

10. Thanks for the appointment

Thanks for inviting me into your home to view the laptop you wanted to sell. I do apologize for the scare I gave you when I took it (and your purse).

Did you know that some large U.S. cities are averaging one so-called “robbery by appointment” per day? If you want to sell high-ticket items to strangers, I suggest you arrange to meet at the parking lot of your local police station. I definitely won’t show up, and you’ll still have your valuables.

EASY THANKSGIVING DIY PROJECTS

It's hard to believe Thanksgiving is only a few weeks away.  Below are a some 

simple DIY project that will easily spruce up your festivities.

Apple Votives

These are adorable and easy to make. The best part is, you can easily cut away any wax 

that gets on the fruit and use them for a post-holiday pie!

marthastewart.com

The Thankful Tree

Invite your family and guests to contribute to the Thankful Tree as they arrive. Have a few already filled in before they arrive so guests can be inspired and find out what you’re thankful for this year.

simplyvintagegirl.com

Pine Cone Turkeys

OK, it says it’s for kids, but we really want to make these this year. Are they not adorable? We bet if you asked nicely, the kids table would let you hang out with them and make a few.

shopruche.com

Abundance Seed Balls

If you’re like us and have way too many dried beans hanging around your house, this is the project for you! Dried beans are super cheap at the supermarket.

finecraftguild.com

Rosemary Wreath Place Cards

These are my fave! They smell great, look super cute, are a breeze to make. 

spoonforkbacon.com

Gourd Garland

Spruce up your fence, porch, or fireplace with this fall-inspired garland.

marthastewart.com

Apple Stamp Table Runner

Grab some muslin, an apple, paint, and few paint brushes and you’re all set to make 

this chic table runner.

designsponge.com

There is a blizzard of fun events this month. Take your pick!

8 Great Suburbs in the Area

We hear about Charlotte’s great neighborhoods everyday, but today I’m going to tell you about Charlotte’s popular and growing “burbs” that offer better prices and lower taxes.

1. Fort Mill

It’s not just the relatively low property tax that’s persuading families and newcomers to look across the border—“You get all of the conveniences of Ballantyne and the south Charlotte corridor without having to pay for it. Good schools, affordable single-family homes (buyers can scoop up a home in the $150,000 to $300,000 range for 1,700 to 3,200 square feet), new hospitals, and proximity to I-485 and I-77 have made Fort Mill one of the most desirable ’burbs in the area. 

Plus, neighborhoods such as Baxter Village —which has been one of the more popular neighborhoods in the Carolinas - are appealing to young families looking for a strong sense of community.

Fast Facts:

Distance from Uptown:

Eighteen miles, or about forty minutes during rush hour

Perks:

South Carolina taxes and lower cost of living coupled with decent schools, new hospitals, and access to nearby Ballantyne and south Charlotte’s offerings.

Proximity to major highways:

Five to ten minutes to I-77, fifteen to twenty to I-485

Proximity to shopping:

Ten minutes to Ballantyne, Blakeney, and Stonecrest. About twenty to Carolina Place Mall

2. Concord

When out-of-towners fall in love with the quaintness of Davidson but can’t quite afford the home prices, their best bet is to look east toward Concord. This northeastern suburb boasts a botanical garden, art galleries, theaters, specialty shops, and restaurants, all within walking distance. Downtown Concord offers a lot of entertainment options, while also maintaining its small-town charm. Add proximity to the I-85 corridor, NASCAR racetrack, Concord Mills to the diverse schooling options and relatively low property taxes, and it’s easy to see why this once-hidden gem has been one of the top places for newcomers to move to in recent years. Plus, the small-town feel isn’t confined to downtown: residents exude southern charm. “

Fast Facts:

Distance from Uptown: Twenty miles, or about forty-five minutes during rush hour

Proximity to major highways: Less than ten minutes to I-85, fifteen minutes to I-485

Proximity to major shopping destinations: Just minutes to downtown Concord. Fifteen minutes to Concord Mills

Perks: Beech Spring Mountain Bike Park (Poplar Tent Road) and Sherman Branch Park (Rocky River Church Road) are two of the best mountain biking trails in the region. Frank Liske Park offers ball fields, picnic shelters, mini-golf, volleyball courts, paddle boating, walking trails, and a popular summer camp.

3. Indian Trail

Longtime Charlotteans may have a hard time believing Indian Trail is one of the top places Realtors tell potential buyers to settle down. Believe it. This once-sleepy town in southeastern Union County became a hotbed during the boom, resulting in dozens of new neighborhoods. Six years later, the infrastructure has caught up, making way for new retail and restaurants. At nearby Sun Valley Commons, a massive cineplex now resides alongside restaurants and retailers. Indian Trail is really turning into the next Huntersville, but with easier access to south Charlotte. 

Fun Facts:

Courtesy

Distance from Uptown: Fifteen miles, or about forty-five minutes during rush hour

Perks: Union County taxes plus the addition of Sun Valley Commons’ retail and restaurant offerings mean there’s less reason to drive into town

Proximity to major highways: Less than ten minutes to I-485, just minutes to Highway 7

Proximity to shopping: Twenty minutes to Blakeney and Stonecrest, twenty-five minutes to Ballantyne, fifteen minutes to Sycamore Commons in Matthews (Old Navy, Costco, New Balance)

4. Huntersville

There’s a reason Huntersville remains one of the strongest markets in the Charlotte area. This ’burb boasts some of CMS’s best schools, area’s most very affordable homes (expect to pay $90 to $100 per square foot), and proximity to great retail like as Birkdale Village, and lots of great restaurants. You’re only twenty minutes away from Charlotte, but it feels like you’re on vacation. Considered the north Charlotte version of Ballantyne, Huntersville has one thing south Charlotte doesn’t: Lake Norman. Being able to get to Lake Norman and the area parks like Latta Plantation in five minutes, makes Huntersville even more attractive to those who work in uptown but want to live a suburban lifestyle.

FAST FACTS: 

Distance from Uptown: Fifteen miles, or about forty-five minutes during rush hour

Perks: Boasts some of CMS’s best schools. 

Proximity to major highways: Within five to ten minutes of I-77 and I-485

Proximity to shopping: Just minutes to Birkdale and NorthLake Mall, thirty minutes to Concord Mills

5. Mount Holly

Mount Holly brands itself as Playful City USA, and with good reason; it features six parks and two recreational facilities. And if the city can’t host your favorite adventure, it’s likely within striking distance of a place that can. The U.S. National Whitewater Center is just across the Catawba River, and beautiful Crowders Mountain State Park is less than a thirty-minute drive.  “In Mount Holly, you can be in the mountains in an hour or at the beach in three. The underlying appeal of Mount Holly can be summed up in one word: potential. While local tax rates aren’t unusually low, the area’s median home listing price of $115,000 means bargains are plentiful. Plus, the proactive Mount Holly Community Development Foundation is working to revitalize downtown by establishing it as a historic district. A thirteen-mile shoreline greenway along the Catawba River is also in the works.

FAST FACTS:

Distance from Uptown: Twelve miles, or about thirty minutes during rush hour

Perks: The breathtaking Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens and the Schiele Museum of Natural History are each less than a thirty-minute drive.

Proximity to major highways: Ten minutes to 85 and 485.

Proximity to shopping areas: About thirty-five minutes to SouthPark mall, forty minutes to Concord Mills, one hour to Gaffney Premium Outlets in South Carolina

6. Marvin

Beyond the horse pastures and wooded drives are some of the best deals in Charlotte area real estate. Combine the sweet deals with Union County taxes, an impressive school system and proximity to jobs in south Charlotte, and Marvin’s worth a serious look.

FACT FACTS:

Distance from Uptown: Twenty-three miles, or about forty-five minutes during rush hour

Perks: Union County taxes and schools, not to mention a lot more land for your money

Proximity to major highways: Five to ten minutes to 485

Proximity to shopping: Five minutes to Blakeney and Stonecrest, ten minutes to Ballantyne, and the Promenade on Providence

7. Waxhaw

Think you can’t afford to live in a five-bedroom home on a two-acre lot in horse country? Think again. Waxhaw, in low-tax Union County, offers some serious bang for your buck. Plus, its prime location is just beyond the Mecklenburg County border and just off Providence Road, which was recently widened to accommodate the growth down south. Eight award-winning public schools serving Waxhaw have been built within the past six years, and Carolinas Medical Center has a new, state-of-the-art treatment facility. Combine those facts with the family-friendly atmosphere of the quaint shops, restaurants, antique stores, and art galleries in the delightful historic district and you’ve got a winner. 

FAST FACTS:

Distance from Uptown: Thirty miles, or about one hour during rush hour

Perks: Recreational opportunities abound in Waxhaw. Cane Creek Park features a 350-acre lake for boating, swimming, and fishing. Harvey Clay Nesbit Park contains a diverse array of ball fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas. There’s even a downtown skate park.

Proximity to major highways: Twenty minutes to I-485, twenty-five minutes to I-77

Proximity to major shopping destinations: Ten minutes to Blakeney, twenty minutes to Ballantyne, thirty-five minutes to SouthPark mall

8. Rock Hill

The Parks, Rec and Tourism Department is way ahead of its time with its parks and sports complexes that serve every corner of the county. Plus, Rock Hill residents can take advantage of nearby Winthrop University’s cultural scene, which includes theater, dance, and live music, usually at a fraction of the cost of performing arts venues in uptown Charlotte.
Rock Hill, SC is only about thirty miles from uptown Charlotte, but South Carolina taxes, a lower cost of living, nearby employment hubs; proximity to I-77; lots of green space and strong schools, thirty-one local parks and four rec centers make it a must see.

FAST FACTS:

Distance from Uptown: Thirty miles, or about fifty minutes during rush hour

Perks: Property diversity: “You can live on a lake or on thirty acres—there is such a wide range of residences,” says Heather Lamp, a broker with Real Estate Carolina Group.

Proximity to major highways: Five to ten minutes to I-77, twelve to fifteen minutes to I-485

Proximity to shopping: 10 minutes to Galleria Mall, which has national retailers and department stores

           

In addition to traditional Trick or Treating in your neighborhood, there are still plenty of fun, FREE, and not too scary events for the kids this Halloween.

Check out this family-friendly events where your young goblins and ghouls can show off their costumes, score some candy and have some fun.

In addition to traditional Trick or Treating in your neighborhood, there are still plenty of family-friendly FREE, and not too scary events for the kids this Halloween.

The Great Elizabeth Pumpkin Wall 

Located in the Elizabeth neighborhood at 2107 Greenway Avenue, the annual Pumpkin Wall is lit every night at sundown through Friday, Oct. 31. 

Sea Life's Spookfest

Weekends of Oct. 18, 25, and 31, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Concord Mills

Trick-or-treat under the sea and watch divers carved pumpkins inside the Ocean Tank at 12:30 p.m. each day. Free with aquarium admission.

Trick or Treat The Lake

Friday, Oct 31, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Pineville Lake Park

1000 Johnston Dr.

Pineville, NC 28134

A free and safe event for kids presented by Pineville Parks and Recreation and the merchants of downtown Pineville includes music and a costume contest. Free.

Candy Crawl in Downtown Concord

Friday, Oct. 31, 3 to 5 p.m.

Union Street

Concord, NC

Kids can trick-or-treat the businesses in Downtown Concord. Union Street is closed to traffic from 1:30 to 5 p.m. Free.

Halloween In Old Town Cornelius

Friday, Oct. 31, beginning at 2 p.m.Kids and their parents can pick up a map of participating businesses and trick-or-treat the historic downtown collecting stickers for a prize between 2 p.m. and sundown. Free.

Phantom of Opera MonsterMash Bash

Friday, Oct 31 6:30p

Jonathan's of Matthews

10630 Independence Pointe Pkwy.

Matthews, NC 28105

(704) 847-8911

Bring the whole family for an evening of dancing to Motown and oldies music with Elvis in the building, presented by King Shazaam Tributes. Tickets are $5 with kids under 10 admitted free.

Enchanted Fall Festival

Nov. 1, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Piedmont Progressive Preschool

9704 Mallard Creek Rd.

Charlotte, NC 28269

(704) 510-1022

Kids can come as their favorite enchanted character for this afternoon of fall family fun, including a Fairy House competition, family photos, Touch-a-Truck, Hole-in-One golf, carnival games, bake sale, and a 50/50 raffle. Free.

Krispy Kreme Halloween Giveaway

Oct. 31

All locations

Wear your costume (but leave off the mask) to any Krispy Kreme shop on Halloween to receive a free donut of your choice.