Mariners Cove Subdivision is located in Oak Harbor, Slidell, La.  It is a Gated Waterfront Community with lush, tropical landscaping.  Very well manicured lawns with lots of palm trees welcome you as you enter this neighborhood.  Very convenient to Interstate 10 and only a short drive to the city of New Orleans.  Navigate your boat right into Lake Pontchartrain or beyond from your own backyard!  Houses range in size from approximately 2200 square feet to approximately 4500 square feet.  1/2007 - 1/2009Sold Price Range: $305,900 - $460,000 For more information on this or any other Slidell Subdivisions check out www.propertypromenade.com  PropertyPromenade.comYour Source for Slidell, La. Real Esate 01/26/2009

    Eagle Point Subdivision is located off of Spartan Drive near Salmen High School (Home of the Spartans).  Convenient to Hwy 11 and the new Cross Gates Gym, Smoothie King, and Lenny's Subs!  Also just down the road from the beautiful Fritchie Park! Houses range in size from three to five bedroom and are a mix of French, Ranch and Traditional architecture. F 1/2008 - 1/2009Sold Price Range: $206,000 - $240,000 For more information on this or any other Slidell Subdivisions check out www.propertypromenade.com  PropertyPromenade.comYour Source for Slidell, La. Real Esate 01/25/2009

Upgraded your phone recently....for Christmas perhaps?  If you have an old cell phone hanging around how about donating it to a good cause?!?  You can drop your phones off at AT&T, 61103 Airport Road, near Target in Slidell and the proceeds from the recycled phones will go towards providing phone cards to military members (from all branches of service) to call home!! Each phone generates enough money for one soldier to talk to his or her family for an entire hour while abroad!  01/24/2009

Feeling like sushi anyone?  South Seas Chinese Restaurant in Slidell ranks up there with the best of the best in my opinion.  I discovered the sushi bar at this place when my husband was deployed; I'd take myself out to lunch or dinner a few times a week and South Seas quickly became my favorite.  The sushi chefs are not only talented but a delight to talk to, they all seem to really love what they do!  This sushi is fresh!  I mean, it seriously taste as if it is right off of the boat. My favorites are the Sparton roll and the Hornet Roll, but I have never tried anything there that I didn't love!!  This was one of the first places I took my husband when he got home - it's now one of our favorite places to dine!  Give them a try, you'll be glad you did.  Their info is: 1714 Gause Blvd., ... 01/24/2009

Looking for a great place to dine with the family on a Saturday night?  Carreta's Grill - 1340 Lindberg Drive in Slidell just might be that place!  My husband and I were having a craving for Mexican food and decided to give them a try; the atmosphere was awesome!  They had a live band playing great dance music with a Mexican fusion!  Adults and children of all ages were dancing on the dance floor while my husband and I enjoyed our meal.  We decided this place was to be put on the list of things to do when our grandchildren come for their visit next month! I haven't located a website for them, but the phone number is: 985-847-0020.  The waiter indicated that the band played most every Saturday night - I'd give them a call if you're planning to go to be sure they are scheduled!!  01/23/2009

Don't miss the Krewe of Bilge on February 7th, 2009 at 12:00pm as it floats (literally) through the shores of Eden Isles Subdivision in Slidell, LA!  This krewe is celebrating it's 30th anniversary this year! This unique parade, instead of rolling down the streets in traditional 'floats,' literally floats down the waterway in decorated boats and throws beads to the shorelines!  There are several public restaurants and bars along the route that provide a great spot to enjoy this event.  The krewe has a website for more information: www.kreweofbilge.com Les bon temps roule, - Karin ;) 01/23/2009

All information subject to change. Slidell Mardi Gras Parade Schedule: Sunday, January 25th - Krewe of Claude 1:00pm Sunday, February 1st - Krewe of Slidellians 1:00pm Saturday, February 7th - Krewe of Bilge 12:00pm Sunday, February 8th - Krewe of Perseus 1:00pm Saturday, February 14th - Mona Lisa & Moon Pie 7:00pm Sunday, February 15th - Krewe Of Dionysus 1:30pm Friday, February 20th - Krewe of Selene 6:30pm Saturday, February 21st - Krewe of Salt Bayou 2:00pm     01/22/2009

I viewed my property taxes online this week and blew a gasket.  In these times when property values at best are holding steady my taxes went from pre-Katrina ($800) to over $2200.  I don't know how in the world some people will be able to come up with the extra cash.  This is a Republican dominated parish that is supposed to believe in low taxes.  I don't think it matter any more what party you belong to.  I wonder what my home is really worth when someone has to pay taxes, flood and homeowners insurance on top of the house note.  I don't know if I can sell this house anymore.  This is really a problem. I really don't feel like paying for parish employees retirement at 55 anymore.  The old argument was they made less money.  I don't believe this holds water anymore over a plain working ... 01/21/2009

Here is a tax tip I didn't know about, and may be you didn't either.  I had two buyers last year I know of paying PMI.  They can deduct it from last years taxes using schedule A line 13.  Let your buyers know they may appreciate this tip.  Remember every little bit helps. 01/17/2009

Clipper Estates Subdivision is an exclusive gated waterfront community located just outside Slidell city limits.  It is one of several waterfront neighborhoods in the area.  One of it's best assets is it's location.  Clipper is located much closer to the lake than most others.  This translates into less idling time to and from the lake.  2007 sales were 11 units sold.  Average sale price $361,000 or 137 sq. ft. 2008 sales were 12 units sold.  Average sale price $347,000 0r 137 sq. ft. That's quite a feat considering the national housing market.  One more home sold in 2008 and the price per square foot stayed the same.  Anyone considering selling, buying or re-locating to the Slidell, Louisiana area please call your Northshore Real Estate Expert today.   01/02/2009

I am sorry I missed this party fellows.  This must have been a good one in Spartan Trace Slidell.  As one can see there wasn't an economic problem in 2008 for these guys, at least they didn't show it.  I didn't notice anyone outside the home this morning.  I guess they were shaking off a good night.  When I was younger (in my good ole days), we had some good party's.  But I think they outdid me.    01/02/2009

Good news to taxpayers.  The Northshore Harbor Center located near East Lakeshore Subdivision has reduced their tax mills from 7 mills to 6.15 mills.  This will reduce a $100,000 home taxes by $10.62 and a $300,000 home by about $19.12.  Doesn't sound like much but it all adds up. Bon Village Subdivision in Slidell has started a recycling program.  Trash cans were set up at intersection collecting tin, aluminum and newspaper.  Money collected from this program will go to area schools. Soccer moms get your child registered to play soccer this Spring.  You have until this coming Wednesday.  You can go to their website or call 649-2175.  Slidell is a great place to start your young ones career.  This is where my daughter started and now she plays in college on a scholarship. 12/28/2008

For the past three days I think I live in London.  The fog is as thick as pea soup.  I even had to cancel my fishing trip earlier in the week because we deemed it too dangerous to venture out.  Last Thursday it was freezing and snowing.  Over eight (8) inches of snow in the area.  That's a blizzard for us.  This week we are close to eighty (80).  No wonder my sinuses are going nuts.  I think we own the motto " don't like the weather wait a day".  This picture was taken at 5 P.M. 12/18/2008

Fortune magazine forecasts the New Orleans area will actually see an increase in property values next year.  The only other area forecast to improve was Allen-Mission, Texas.  These are the only two out of the top 100 markets in the country with positive forecasts.  California and Florida have plenty of more pain to go thru.  I am not familiar with Texas but I do know the New Orleans area well.  We never had those crazy run up in prices like the "boom" areas.  I never sold a house with more than one offer on it and for more than asking price. Of course this is only a forecast and things could change.  No one knows for sure. 12/15/2008

Congratulations to Joseph Cao (R) the first Vietnamese-American elected to the Unites States Congress ever.  Now Louisiana boasts not only the first Indian heritage governor (Bobby Jindal) but also Joseph Cao.  He defeated nine term congressman William Jefferson (D) yesterday.  The turnout was low favoring Cao.  Jefferson is also under indictment for bribery.  Many of you may remember him for stashing $90,000 in his freezer.  Cold hard cash baby.  Think about this fact.  This is a Republican winning in a heavy Democrat city (New Orleans).  America is still the best land for opportunity.  Never give up.   12/07/2008

There are 64 parishes in Louisiana.  St. Tammany pays the second highest property taxes in the state.  We pay around 170 mils.  I personally in Eagle Point pay 170 mills and 31 mills to the city of Slidell.  People and residents of Slidell and St. Tammany I urge you to vote against all property taxes even re-newels in the future.  This is the only way we are going to gain control of your money.  I know we need fire houses and other crucial services.  BUt if you don't gain control the value of your house will decline when you can't sell it because of all the add on costs.  The worst people to trust are politicians with someone elses money. 12/05/2008

I recently had one of my listings expire.  Nothing new these days.  The seller re-listed with another agent.  This agent is a big producer in my area.  She is very aggressive.  One of those that calls you five times before you can call her back.  By the way call her and you are lucky to hear from her by the end of the day. Back to my blog.  I like most agents wanted to see the new listing, price information etc.  Everything looked good until I saw the pictures.  They were the exact ones I took back in March.  How do you like that?  My broker informed me these are copyrighted and I had not giver her permission to use them.  I really don't mind her having the listing or selling the house, but do your own work.  Stop being so lazy.  Makes one wonder how many times has she done this before.... 12/03/2008

Yesterday in Covington Louisiana a father and son perished in a house fire.  There were no smoke detectors in the home.  Over 96 people have died in Louisiana this year from house fires.  The overwhelming majority of these also didn't have smoke detectors.  New building codes require the new homes to have smoke detectors wired into the house.  The older homes only will have battery operated ones. My home in Slidell has five alone.  People if you live in an older home spend a little money and buy at least two smoke detectors for your loved ones.  I don't like reading headlines like this. 11/24/2008

Did any one see that today in the Giants and Cardinals game today?  I have been watching football for years now and never knew this rule existed.  The offense can try a kick at a field goal with a holder.  The defense can return it like a kickoff if it's no good.  The last time it was tried was 1968 by the Bears.  Judging by the results today it will be another 40 years before it's tried again.  I hope the Saints show up Monday night.  By the way I don't know if the Bears made it or not. 11/23/2008

Jeremy this one is for you. Ingredients 1 pound fettuccine pasta 1 tablespoon butter 1 pound cooked shrimp (peeled and devined) 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup half and half 6 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese salt to taste Directions: 1)  Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook pasta for 8-10 minutes or until al dente: drain 2) In a large skillet saute shrimp and garlic in the butter for about one minute.  Pour in half and half and stir.  Sprinkle in parmesan cheese one tablespoon at a time and stir constantly.  Once Parmesan cheese is added stir frequently.  Make sure it does not boil.  Sauce will take a while to thicken. 3) When sauce has thickened combine with pasta and serve hot. I prefer to use angel hair pasta and add more half and half so it isn't so dry.  You will tweak this... 11/17/2008