Wednesday, December 03, 2008

Wednesdays With Wendy - Dec. Newsletter #1

December 3, 2008

Hey Everyone!

I hope you had a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving and are ready for another Wednesdays With Wendy!

As my friend/client, I value your opinion! So, please let me know what you think! All comments and constructive criticisms are welcome!


This week's post features a "Holiday Tipping Guide" from MSNBC, "Bebe" the Art Smart Car, and Wendy's "Featured Listing" of the week!

I hope you enjoy and please feel free to contact me if you have any information or topics you would like featured in an upcoming newsletter!

Holiday Tipping Guide from MSNBC -
It’s the most puzzling of holiday traditions:
Who gets a tip and how much?


End-of-year tipping always causes “huge panic,” says Rachel Weingarten, author of business etiquette and career guide "Career and Corporate Cool." The number of service providers in the lives of Americans has become so long that holiday tipping “has become out of control.” Weingarten adds, “people don’t know how to rein it in anymore.”

Panic is unnecessary, says Stacie Krajchir, author of “The Itty Bitty Guide to Tipping.” She says the best way to simplify your list is to focus on just those who “have made your life easier” over the past year, and have provided excellent service.

Deciding how much to tip depends on what region of the country you live. A ten dollar tip in a small town may be acceptable, but in a larger city, that amount may come across as insulting.
To get a better gauge on an appropriate tip, experts suggest asking neighbors and others who may utilize the same services. Below is a list of people you should consider tipping, and an average amount suggested by several etiquette experts:

Home Care:
If you live in an apartment building, doormen and superintendents should be tipped $20-$100 depending on how much of a high maintenance tenant you are. If you’re constantly getting packages and dry cleaners delivered, skew higher. Housekeepers should get the equivalent of one week's pay.

Lawn Care & Trash Collectors:

Trash collectors and lawn crews should receive $15-$20 for each person in the team.

Child Care & Teachers:
Full-time nannies should get the equivalent of one weeks pay and part-time nannies get one session. For teachers, experts agree you should avoid cash all together. Instead give a gift worth about $20-$25.

Personal Care:
Hair stylists that you visit all year long should get the equivalent of one hair cut. Personal trainers typically receive the cost of one session.

Mail, Package, and Newspaper Delivery:
The United States Post Office, FedEx, and UPS have rules that prohibit their employees from receiving monetary gifts. Instead, experts suggest giving a gift valued at $20 or less. Weekday newspaper carriers should receive $15-$25, and $5-$15 for the weekend carrier.

Home Businesses:
If you’re running a small business from home, Weingarten recommends remembering those you have a “virtual relationship” with like a helpful IT person you call frequently to help with critical computer issues. A $20 gift card from an online store like amazon.com or iTunes will show you appreciate their help.

Just as important as the amount you give is how you give the tip. Krajchir stresses that you should "always write a handwritten note" on a nice piece of paper that specifies what you're thankful for. And if you still happen to forget someone? Don’t fret says Oliver Mims, host of online manners and etiquette show properollie.tv: "You can go back later” after the holidays, apologize for your forgetfulness, and hand them the tip. They should have no problem accepting it. If you’re still dreading handing over your cash, just remember this: the tip you give now, says Weingarten, will “get you better service next year."

To see this article and many others on "Personal Finance," visit CNBC.com

Introducing: "Bebe" the Art Smart Car!

Born November 13, 2008, "Bebe" the Art Smart Car is the brainchild of North Carolina artist, Nancy Noel May. The colorful decoration on this unique car is actually one of Nancy's original paintings, depicting a delightful summer day at nearby Wrightsville Beach. Nancy had dreamed of getting a convertible, and Bebe is perfectly suited to the wonderful weather in southeastern North Carolina.

After waiting nearly a year for her Smart Car, Nancy selected the perfect painting for the graphic wrap and the local design house, Image Monster produced the image and handled the installation. You'll typically find Bebe and Nancy at Spectrum Art & Jewelry, the colorful & unique gallery where they both work. Spectrum is located in Wilmington, North Carolina. Visit the gallery on-line by clicking HERE!

To check out some paintings and a bio of Nancy Noel May, click HERE.

AND...to see what Bebe's been up to lately, be sure to check out the Art Smart BLOG!!

Wendy's Featured Listing-
412 N. 14th Street, Downtown Wilmington 28401

Looking for modern construction, but in a charming established neighborhood? Well, here's the perfect home for you - an outstanding home built as the contractor's personal residence, with all the bells and whistles. Located on a quiet block in the Carolina Heights historic area, this beautiful Mediterranean style home has a concrete exterior that utilizes Superior Walls and Stucco Flex stucco. The bright, airy interior, featuring travertine stone floors on the first level and 3 inch white oak flooring on the second, opens onto a walled courtyard. The 19' X 19' master suite includes a balcony overlooking the courtyard; the master bath has dual vanities, a handsome claw foot tub and a separate shower. The total square footage includes a 447 sq ft multi-use room, perfect for an artist's studio, mother-in-law apartment or office, with a separate entrance and a full bath. A rear loading 2-car garage is accessible by an alley that runs behind the property. A full amenities list is available.












Single Family Home
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 3 Full, 1 Half
Square Feet: 3,233
# Fireplaces: 1
Year Built: 2007
MLS Number: 426344
For more information on this property and other featured listings, email me wendy@seacoastrealty.com or visit my website

CARTUS RELOCATION - Referral Network
Did you know that I can help your family and friends buy or sell real estate anywhere in the United States! Since Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty is affiliated with CARTUS- the world's largest relocation network -
I can connect your loved ones with a relocation expert ANYWHERE in the country!
So, the next time you know someone thinking of buying or selling, CALL ME!
I'll make sure they receive the same courteous and professional service I provide for my clients!

I hope you have enjoyed this post and I hope you have a wonderful Holiday season!
As always, if I can help with any of your real estate needs, please don't hesitate to call or email!
Cell - (910) 279-3983
Office - (910) 202-3627
Fax - (910) 795-4268
Wendy@SeaCoastRealty.com
WendyInWilmington.com

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