On June 12, in addition to touring the Missouri Botanical Garden, I also walked the Japanese Garden.  I think this is my favorite part of the garden.  You can see a large part of the Japanese Garden when traveling on Magnolia Street (on south side), but you have to peer though the fence.  To fully appreciate it, you need to spend a few hours walking the meandering path through the garden.  This is the largest traditional Japanese Garden in North America.  It covers 14 acres, including a 4.5 acre lake.  For more information on this treasure, visit:  http://www.mobot.org/hort/gardens/japanese/intro/index.shtmlI've created two virtual medial presentations from the photographs I took that afternoon:http://www.realestateshows.com/201960http://www.realestateshows.com/201962It's hard to take a... 08/29/2007

"To discover and share knowledge about plants and their environment, in order to preserve and enrich life."    -Missouri Botanical Garden Mission On June 12, 2007, I had an opportunity to visit the Missouri Botanical Garden.  It's a shame I get there so seldom, as it's about six blocks from where I live.  As is often the case, we take so many things for granted.   This amazing garden is one that should not be taken for granted.  We are very fortunate to have it so close to us for all to enjoy.For information on the Botanical Garden and it's history, visit: http://www.mobot.org/It was a beautiful afternoon  - a great day for a walk - and the opportunity to shoot some photos. I've compiled them in four virtual media presentations.  I hope you enjoy viewing them as much as I enjoyed shooti... 08/29/2007

The Skinker DeBaliviere Neighborhood is a beautiful neighborhood with tree-lined streets and brick residences located in the west end of the City of St. Louis. It is bounded by the city limits on the west, Delmar Boulevard on the north, DeBaliviere Avenue on the east, and Lindell Boulevard on the south. The neighborhood is within walking distance of Washington University, Forest Park, the University City Loop and two MetroLink stations. The neighborhoods within Skinker DeBaliviere include Kingsbury Square, Nina Place, Parkview, Rosedale and Washington Heights. The annual events are the Breakfast Garden Tour, Wintermarket, and National Night Out.This is one of the most liveable and vital neighborhoods in St. Louis city in part because of it's residents and institutions. 08/29/2007

The homes were built between 1880 and 1950 with lots of old world charm. It was designated an historical district in 1985 and its architectural styles include Bungalows of various types, Chalet's, Victorian, English Tudor, Georgian, Arts and Crafts, and Dutch Colonial Revival. There are many two and four family structures as well as single family homes, a great number of which have undergone extensive renovation.The Warner Mansion, located on Grand Avenue, is another remarkable structure, now home to the Mental Health Association. Also interesting are the miniature houses of Hortus Court. Of historical significance is the home on Flora that represents one of George Helmuth's residential commissions--Helmuth of Helmuth Obata Kasselbaum (HOK).The democratically run Shaw Neighborhood Impro... 08/29/2007

The St. Louis Central West End Association's Glow In The Park will be September 14, 2007 at the Norman K. Probstein Golf Course in Forest Park and includes valet parking, cocktails, appetizers, and a cabaret style dinner.  To learn more about the event and get tickets click this link Glow In The Park. 08/29/2007

The St. Louis Central West End is home to many activities in fact on Friday, September 7, 2007 there will be the gallery walk with participating galleries include: Atrium Gallery, William Shearburn Gallery, Xen Gallery, Left Bank Books Gallery and Millea Furnishings. The Gallery Walk will take place from 6:00-8:00 PM. Come and join the festivities. 08/29/2007

 Photo credit: Jack Jennings JAPANESE FESTIVAL 2007Learn about the fascinating, mysterious world of geisha from a woman who knows it firsthand. Experience the thrilling action of a sumo wrestling bout. Listen to the thunderous pounding rhythms of taiko drums. It will be a Midwest matsuri (celebration) when the Japanese Festival returns to the Missouri Botanical Garden on Labor Day weekend, Sept. 1-3, 2007!Labor Day weekend, September 1, 2, and 3It will be a Midwest matsuri (celebration) when the Japanese Festival returns to the Garden on Labor Day weekend 2007. Learn about the fascinating, mysterious world of geisha from a woman who knows it firsthand. Experience the thrilling action of a sumo wrestling bout. Listen to the thunderous pounding rhythms of taiko drums. Don't miss the Candy... 08/29/2007

Come to the West End Neighborhood Homes Tour and see what's happening in St. Louis City.This house tour will incorporate viewing new homes in Maple Acres, West End Estates, Hamilton Homes, The Delmar Place, Cabanne Heights, and Robert Place developments. In addition to new homes see the beautifully restored and updated turn of the century homes. This neighborhood is nestled between the Delmar Loop East entertainment, shopping and dining venues and the Central West End dining, Chase Park Plaza Hotel and movie theatre. Minutes from Metro link station and Washington University Hilltop campus and Washington University Medical Center. Visiting Forest Park doesn't have to be a weekend only adventure since this area is just minutes away you can go everyday if you desire.The tour will take plac... 08/29/2007

  Photo taken by Lisa Johnston and used with permission. Please visit her website.   I've had some friends and colleagues express their disappointment over missing the June house tour in Lafayette. I used to rent an apartment in that area....right across from the park and I LOVED it. :) For those who missed it there's always the seasonal tour. It's a gorgeous neighborhood and I'm so glad it has been restored. Below are some events coming up so don't miss out!! :)   August 31 - Tour de Lafayette Criterium Bike Race The first event in the four-day Gateway Cup bike race, held each Labor Day weekend. The Tour de Lafayette takes place Friday evening and features a FREE children's bike race at 6:00 pm. Tour De Lafayette Bike race t-shirts will be sold near the finish line the night of the bik... 08/28/2007

Saint Louis Central West End Real EstateWe here at the Coldwell Banker Gundaker-CWE continuously monitor local real estate statistics to keep our clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends.  Below you will find St. Louis Central West End real estate statistic for the 4th week of August 2007.New homes on the market: 0Number of homes entering escrow: 0Number of homes closing escrow (sold): 0Number of homes expiring: 0Avg Days on Market: 0 To find the value of your home with a free, over-the-net home evaluation, please visit: www.VictoriaSmall.biz.If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood, would like more information about Saint Louis Central West End or would like to be the first to know about hot new listings before other buyers do, then give me ... 08/27/2007

Saint Louis Shaw Real EstateWe here at the Coldwell Banker Gundaker-CWE continuously monitor local real estate statistics to keep our clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends.  Below you will find St. Louis Shaw real estate statistic for the 4th week of August 2007.New homes on the market: 0Number of homes entering escrow: 1Number of homes closing escrow (sold): 0Number of homes expiring: 0Avg Days on Market: 0To find the value of your home with a free, over-the-net home evaluation, please visit: www.VictoriaSmall.biz.If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood, would like more information about Saint Louis Shaw or would like to be the first to know about hot new listings before other buyers do, then give me a call at:Victoria A. SmallRemember, ... 08/27/2007

Saint Louis DeBaliviere Place Real EstateWe here at the Coldwell Banker Gundaker-CWE continuously monitor local real estate statistics to keep our clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends.  Below you will find St. Louis DeBaliviere Place real estate statistic for the 4th week of August 2007.New homes on the market: 0Number of homes entering escrow: 0Number of homes closing escrow (sold): 0Number of homes expiring: 0Avg Days on Market: 0To find the value of your home with a free, over-the-net home evaluation, please visit: www.VictoriaSmall.biz.If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood, would like more information about Saint Louis DeBaliviere Place or would like to be the first to know about hot new listings before other buyers do, then give m... 08/27/2007

Saint Louis Skinker-DeBaliviere Real EstateWe here at the Coldwell Banker Gundaker-CWE continuously monitor local real estate statistics to keep our clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends.  Below you will find St. Louis Skinker-DeBaliviere real estate statistic for the 4th week of August 2007.New homes on the market: 0Number of homes entering escrow: 0Number of homes closing escrow (sold): 0Number of homes expiring: 0Avg Days on Market: 0To find the value of your home with a free, over-the-net home evaluation, please visit: www.VictoriaSmall.biz.If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood, would like more information about Saint Louis Skinker-DeBaliviere or would like to be the first to know about hot new listings before other buyers do, then ... 08/27/2007

Saint Louis Upper West End Real EstateWe here at the Coldwell Banker Gundaker-CWE continuously monitor local real estate statistics to keep our clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends.  Below you will find St. Louis Upper West End real estate statistic for the 4th week of August 2007.New homes on the market: 0Number of homes entering escrow: 0Number of homes closing escrow (sold): 0Number of homes expiring: 0Avg Days on Market: 0To find the value of your home with a free, over-the-net home evaluation, please visit: www.VictoriaSmall.biz.If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood, would like more information about Saint Louis Upper West End or would like to be the first to know about hot new listings before other buyers do, then give me a call ... 08/27/2007

picture used with City Museums permission   SNEAK PEEK!!! Invites you to a **** receptionFeaturing strolling circus performers, live music,drinks and hors d'ouervesAt Café Belas Artes1854 Russell BlvdSunday September 9From 4 to 7 p.m.$50 per personComplimentary Valet Parking DRESS EXPRESSIVELY!-preview acts and purchase tickets to upcomingCircus Harmony: Espressivo-hear stories about the Arches' peace building journey to Israel-enjoy the display of photos both of the recent trip to Israeland Circus Teaches the Art of Life  photos by Jeane Vogel-experience the multicultural ambiance of the unique Cafe Belas ArtesPurchase of tickets supports the work of the Circus Day Foundationinspiring individuals and connecting communities through circus arts. If you do not receive your invitation via... 08/26/2007

Earlier this year, I entered the Missouri Lottery 2008 Calendar Contest.  The subject matter was Missouri Gardens:http://www.molottery.com/aboutourgames/promotions/photocontest/08winners.shtmI recently found out that I did not win a place in the calendar, but did win an honorable mention.  At first, I was disappointed that I didn't place, but I don't have any real photography experience or training.   I did take a photography class in college, but never pursued it past just shooting for fun and family.  So, I am grateful that they liked one of the photos well enough to give me an honorable mention.  I should not have even submitted a few of them - I knew they were amateurish - but it was free to enter, so I thought, why not.  Also, my photos weren't overly original.  I'm sure many peopl... 08/26/2007

I just received some positive feedback from a recent client and I wanted to share it.  It's good to hear when people appreciate what we do...Thank you for all your help on the sale of my mom's four family flat. For a month prior to listing with Tim, we tried to sell the flat on our own. We listing it on Zillow and Craig's List. We held open houses on four consecutive Sundays but no one came by. I interview others trying to sell without an agent and their stories did not leave me confident. We signed with Tim and his marketing plan was so complete that in less than a week we had an offer. I tell anyone who is selling or buying give Tim a call.  (D. Link, D. C., LINK Chiropractic)It was good to hear some kind words after such a bad week....http://www.timtanzhomes.com   08/25/2007

Saint Louis Central West End Real EstateWe here at the Coldwell Banker Gundaker-CWE continuously monitor local real estate statistics to keep our clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends.  Below you will find St. Louis Central West End real estate statistic for the 3rd week of August 2007.New homes on the market: 7Number of homes entering escrow: 4Number of homes closing escrow (sold): Number of homes expiring: 3Avg Days on Market: 179 To find the value of your home with a free, over-the-net home evaluation, please visit: www.VictoriaSmall.biz.If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood, would like more information about Saint Louis Central West End or would like to be the first to know about hot new listings before other buyers do, then give me... 08/24/2007

Saint Louis Shaw Real EstateWe here at the Coldwell Banker Gundaker-CWE continuously monitor local real estate statistics to keep our clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends.  Below you will find St. Louis Shaw real estate statistic for the 3rd week of August 2007.New homes on the market: 3Number of homes entering escrow: 1Number of homes closing escrow (sold): 2Number of homes expiring: 4Avg Days on Market: 99To find the value of your home with a free, over-the-net home evaluation, please visit: www.VictoriaSmall.biz.If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood, would like more information about Saint Louis Shaw or would like to be the first to know about hot new listings before other buyers do, then give me a call at:Victoria A. SmallRemember,... 08/24/2007

Saint Louis DeBaliviere Place Real EstateWe here at the Coldwell Banker Gundaker-CWE continuously monitor local real estate statistics to keep our clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends.  Below you will find St. Louis DeBaliviere Place real estate statistic for the 3rd week of August 2007.New homes on the market: 1Number of homes entering escrow: 1Number of homes closing escrow (sold): 2Number of homes expiring: 1Avg Days on Market: 458 (New Construction/Rehab)To find the value of your home with a free, over-the-net home evaluation, please visit: www.VictoriaSmall.biz.If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood, would like more information about Saint Louis DeBaliviere Place or would like to be the first to know about hot new listings before o... 08/24/2007