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Happy New Year’s Eve Everyone!! As 2015 draws to a close I just wanted to say how thankful I am for my wonderful family, friends, and most importantly my clients. 2015 was a humbling year for me as I looked around and realized how truly blessed I am to live the life I have and to love my job. I hope 2016 brings you all much joy and happiness. Remember, this year can be whatever you want it to be so make it YOUR year. Cheers to the New Year!

Your Realtor and Friend for Life!

~ Kathy

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I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and holiday this past weekend. I know I for one ate too much food and one too many desserts. Now as you all may know, my blog is all about healthy living and eating (for the most part) and I’ve posted many healthy recipes for you all to enjoy. Here’s a look back at some of the top ones of 2015 that I think shine above the rest. So without further or due here are my top healthy recipes of 2015!

Quinoa, Feta, and Spinach-Stuffed Baked Tomatoes

Quinoa, Feta, and Spinach-Stuffed Baked Tomatoes

Recipe: http://simplyrealhealth.com/2013/06/26/quinoa-stuffed-baked-tomatoes/

Apple & Kale Salad with Creamy Garlic Dijon Dressing

Recipe: http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2014/10/creamy-apple-kale-salad.html

Baked Salmon with Creamy Avocado Sauce

Recipe: http://lecremedelacrumb.com/2015/04/baked-salmon-with-creamy-avocado-sauce.html

Bluebery Cheesecake Frozen Pops

Recipe: http://www.cricketsconfections.com/2015/09/blueberry-cheesecake-popsicles.html#more

Two-Ingredient Pancakes

Two-Ingredient Pancakes

Recipe: http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-2-ingredient-banana-pancakes-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-218658

Mini Blueberry and Chocolate Tart

Mini Blueberry & Chocolate Tart

Recipe: https://cleancheatrepeat.wordpress.com/2015/09/20/mini-blueberry-tart/

 

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Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday this season! May it be filled with love, laughter, friends, family, and not to mention YUMMY food. We’ll worry about those extra fifteen pounds we gained next year (;

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Your Realtor and Friend for Life!

~Kathy

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During the holiday season it’s easy to get wrapped up in all of the holiday parties and especially the yummy holiday food. Here are some tips you can use to eat healthier during the holiday season so you don’t start the new year with too much regret.

1. If you’re traveling a lot this holiday season, map out some healthy breakfast possibilities that you can find almost anywhere.

2. Make “smoothie packs” by portioning out the fruit you need for a smoothie, then freezing it.

3. Make lower-carb, gluten-free noodles with your favorite root vegetable.

4. Before you make any crazy New Year’s diet resolutions, figure out what your goals are and what kinds of changes are actually realistic.

5. Be aware of portion sizes, especially if you’re at a party where everything is served buffet-style and it might be harder to keep track of what you’re eating.

6. Make a kale salad that’s really, truly filling and delicious.

7. Put together some healthy, make-ahead freezer meals so that you always have a wholesome dinner option on-hand.

And don’t forget to enjoy yourself this holiday season! It’s okay to eat that slice of pie, just remember enjoy everything in moderation!

Happy Holidays!

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Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow! Share your thanks with friends and family in a memorable way and stuff your faces with yummy food!

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Your Realtor and Friend for Life!

~Kathy De La Cruz, 1st Lady of Real Estate!

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Whether you are a seasoned pro or a rookie just starting out, cooking Thanksgiving dinner is a daunting but fun task. If you’ve ever wondered just how much wine or food to get for each guest or if you blank and forget how to mash a potato, these charts will help ease your panic and have the best Thanksgiving dinner ever!

For the trip to the grocery store

For the trip to the grocery store:

For prepping a turkey

For prepping a turkey:

For stuffing

For stuffing:

For knowing when to take the turkey out of the oven

For knowing when to pull the bird out of the oven:

For pumpkin pie

For pumpkin pie:

Libby’s famous pumpkin pie recipe here: https://www.verybestbaking.com/recipes/18470/libbys-famous-pumpkin-pie/

 

 

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Congratulations Janie on the closing of your brand new home! It was a  BLAST working with you and I am so happy you chose me as your realtor and friend for life. I wish you nothing but the best in your future endeavors.

 

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The potato. Whether you mash them, bake them, or fry them, this brown starchy vegetable can easily become the star of any meal. If you want to spice up this delicious side dish, check out these 6 insanely good mashed potato recipes that you won’t be able to resist!

Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Recipe: http://www.afamilyfeast.com/loaded-mashed-potato-casserole/

Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes

Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes

Recipe: http://thefoodcharlatan.com/2014/11/11/browned-butter-mashed-potatoes-recipe/

Slow Cooker White Cheddar, Garlic & Chive Mashed Potatoes

Slow Cooker White Cheddar, Garlic & Chive Idaho Mashed Potatoes

Recipe: https://idahopotato.com/recipes/slow-cooker-white-cheddar-garlic-chive-idaho-mashed-potatoes

Mashed Potatoes with Ricotta, Spinach, and Bacon

Mashed Potatoes with Ricotta, Spinach, and Bacon

Recipe: http://kelvin-wu.blogspot.com/2011/11/mash-potatoes-with-ricotta-spinach-and.html?m=1

Mashed Potatoes with Fried Onions and Bacon

And Mashed Potatoes with Fried Onions and Bacon

Recipe: http://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a30415/golden-mashed-potatoes-fried-onions-bacon-recipe/

Creamy Oven-Baked Mashed Potatoes

Creamy Oven-Baked Mashed Potatoes

Recipe: http://www.recipegirl.com/2008/11/03/creamy-oven-baked-mashed-potatoes/#_a5y_p=1065148

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I stepped outside this morning and could not believe I was still in Austin. The weather was so cool and dreary, the type of weather that makes you want to stay inside curled up with a good book and some hot soup. Don’t get me wrong, I love soup more than the average person but there’s nothing like biting into a piece of crunchy, piping hot chicken on a cold day as well. Here is a step by step guide on how to make some of the best southern fried chicken you will ever have. My mouth is watering just typing this!

Here is everything you’ll need to make the fried chicken:

Here is everything you'll need to make the fried chicken:

Set the chicken pieces on a cutting board and season liberally with salt and pepper on all sides.

Set the chicken pieces on a cutting board and season liberally with salt and pepper on all sides.

Transfer the chicken to a large bowl and add the buttermilk, then let it sit for at least 15 minutes. Meanwhile, stir together the flour with the seasonings.

Transfer the chicken to a large bowl and add the buttermilk, then let it sit for at least 15 minutes. Meanwhile, stir together the flour with the seasonings.

Heat 1 to 2 inches of oil in a heavy skillet (cast iron is best) or Dutch oven over high heat.

Heat 1 to 2 inches of oil in a heavy skillet (cast iron is best) or Dutch oven over high heat.

When the oil reaches 350°F on a deep-fry thermometer, turn the heat down to medium. You’re ready to fry!

When the oil reaches 350°F on a deep-fry thermometer, turn the heat down to medium. You're ready to fry!

Transfer 3 to 4 pieces of chicken from the buttermilk to the flour mixture, letting any excess buttermilk drip off.

Transfer 3 to 4 pieces of chicken from the buttermilk to the flour mixture, letting any excess buttermilk drip off.

Use your hands to pack the flour onto all sides of the chicken, then, working with one piece at a time, shake off any excess flour…

Use your hands to pack the flour onto all sides of the chicken, then, working with one piece at a time, shake off any excess flour...

…and carefully place the dredged chicken in the hot oil.

...and carefully place the dredged chicken in the hot oil.

Repeat with 2 or 3 more pieces of chicken. Make sure your oil temperature doesn’t drop lower than about 340°F. Try and keep it at 350°F.

Repeat with 2 or 3 more pieces of chicken. Make sure your oil temperature doesn't drop lower than about 340°F. Try and keep it at 350°F.

Let the chicken fry for about 6 minutes, until it’s lightly browned on the underside.

Let the chicken fry for about 6 minutes, until it's lightly browned on the underside.

Use tongs or a slotted spoon to carefully flip each piece of chicken.

Use tongs or a slotted spoon to carefully flip each piece of chicken.

Cook for 6 more minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and both sides are golden brown.

Cook for 6 more minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and both sides are golden brown.

Lift the finished pieces of chicken out of the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate or baking sheet.

Lift the finished pieces of chicken out of the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate or baking sheet.

Repeat the process, cooking 3 or 4 pieces of chicken at a time, until all the chicken is cooked. Season the cooked chicken with a little more salt and pepper, as soon as it comes out of the oil.

Repeat the process, cooking 3 or 4 pieces of chicken at a time, until all the chicken is cooked. Season the cooked chicken with a little more salt and pepper, as soon as it comes out of the oil.

And there you have it! A step by step guide to making the most delicious fried chicken you will ever put in your mouth. I know after reading this blog you’re running to the nearest grocery store to buy all of these ingredients, I know I am!

... or you can serve the chicken straight-up, with the honey on the side.

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Hello Friends,

Please join me in congratulating my client and personal friend Tyra on the recent closing of her home. This is the second time I have worked with Tyra as her real estate agent and I am thankful that she chose to work with me the second time around. I wish her the best of luck in her future home where she moved to be closer to her son and family. Congratulations once again Tyra and I wish you nothing but happiness.

If you or someone you know is interested in buying. selling, or leasing a home, Please feel free to contact me!
Think of me as your Austin real estate resource!

Your Realtor and Friend for Life!

~Kathy De La Cruz, 1st Lady of Real Estate

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