Allison Van Wig to Ride in Tour of Long Beach for the THIRD Year in a Row ~ Giving Where She Lives as A Keller Williams Realtor

As a Broker-Associate Realtor with Keller Williams Realty I believe strongly in giving back to the community where I both work and live. Yesterday my whole office contributed a day of volunteer service to the Long Beach Ronald McDonald House and this weekend I will be riding in the 2013 Tour of Long Beach. This ride is a fund raising event which makes it a win-win for all!

The picture to the left is from the 2011 Tour of Long Beach, which you can read all about from my blog post from that year here. This photo appeared in the Grunion Gazette and shows me and my niece Meggan.

I had so much fun in 2012 that I decided to contribute once again which I chronicled in my blog post following up from that event … this blog post has a video that shows what this worth-while event  was all about.

This year I hope to be as successful as I have been in prior years in finishing the 31 mile course … above is a photo of me at mile 25 in the 2011 Tour!

For information about this years Tour on Saturday May 11, 2013 here is a link to the article that appeared in the Long Beach Press Telegram.

Our local real estate market is on a fast moving path so I figured that my participation in this years Tour would keep me in shape for all my Seller and Buyer Clients … if you have any questions about selling in today’s competitive market … give me a call, I would be happy to email you over a market analysis of home prices in your neighborhood …

562-882-1581 … www.SuperBroker.com

Saturday May 5th, 2012 I Will Be Riding in the Bike Festival Tour of Long Beach

Last year I had so much fun and received such a sense of accomplishment during my ride in the 2011 Tour of Long Beach bike tour that I decided to contribute my time and join again in this wonderful fundraising event.

As a full time Realtor® in Long Beach and Lakewood I am quite proud of the fact that Long Beach is striving to be ‘the most bicycle friendly city in the U.S.’ … this can be evidenced by all the new bike paths and bike lanes throughout the city.

Whether you are a riding participant or just want to cheer us all on, you can join in the fun by participating in the Tour of Long Beach’s 4-mile Family Fun Ride, or a picturesque 31 or 62-mile course on the bike paths and streets of Long Beach or the 100-mile Cruz Gran Fondo which loops twice through Long Beach, Cypress, Seal Beach and Signal Hill.

All paths lead to a full-day festival with live entertainment, a vendor fair, craft beer garden and much more cycling-focused fun. Proceeds will support pediatric cancer research at Miller Children’s Hospital of Long Beach.

To see a video of some of the expected festivities and a look back at last years ride … take a peek at this video.

Look to find out what Allison Van Wig is Doing on May 5th.

Want to know even more things about how great it is to live in Long Beach or to look for homes in Long Beach and Lakewood …

Just give me a call! Allison Van Wig … 562-882-1581

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Allison Van Wig to Participate in Lakewood Community Run on Saturday, March 10th 2012

For those of you that know me, you know how passionate I am about hiking, skiing and biking … and of course my dedication to fundraising through my participation in events that support my love of running, hiking and such! This Saturday, March 10th I will be running a 10K in the Lakewood Sheriff’s Community Run

Take a quick peek at last year’s event and then come on out tomorrow and join us!

Running for a Good Cause

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MY 1ST ATTEMPT AT BAKING A TOPSY TURVY CAKE

Last Sunday was Super Bowl XLVI and my niece’s birthday and … it was also my first attempt at a Topsy Turvy cake. I got the pans last month and was ready to try it out. I love the way these cakes look, and the bakeries charge a lot for them.

I had decided that I was not going to use store bought fondant as I feel It just doesn't taste that good and I think homemade must be better. So I started out baking the cakes. These cake pans are much larger than normal and so I needed a lot more cake batter. That also requires a longer cooking time.

The first one came out okay, the second cake was raw in the center, and the topper cake was fine but I soon realized that I should have started this cake the day before and now I only have a two layer cake. Its 12:00 noon and I still need to make my fondant … yikes!!!!

Above you see the first layer, the unfrosted second layer & the finished one.

The recipe for the fondant is very simple: 4 cups of miniature marshmallows, 2 tablespoons of water, and a pound of powdered sugar. You melt the marshmallows in the microwave (takes about a minute) and then add your coloring and flavor.

You add in the powdered sugar until it's a bread-like consistency then take it out of the bowl and knead it just like you would bread dough. You will need another pound of powdered sugar for your hands and the table. Keep putting in more powdered sugar until it stops sticking on your hands.

My first batch stuck everywhere. I thought it was ready but when I tried to roll it out, it stuck to the parchment paper, the roller, and my hands. It stuck so bad I had to throw everything away and start all over!

It's now one o’clock and my party starts at 2:30. I whip up another batch, powdered sugar is now everywhere. This batch of fondant works and I am able to get it on the cake.

Note to Self:  Never try to cut a Topsy Turvy cake in layers to add pudding or frosting that will just cause it to slide. Too late for mine, as I already cut it and inserted the pudding. Now I just have to work with it. Second layer goes on and I add the fondant. Cake starts to slide and …  It’s now almost party time!

 I prop it up on one side and hope it does not slide further. Next time I will start the day before.

Everyone said it was a cute cake.

I thought it just looked a mess!

The homemade fondant tasted way better than the store fondant and the cake itself was delicious. Don't judge a cake by the way it looks. Sorry the pictures are not well focused but I did not want to get powdered sugar on the camera.

Anyhow, I hope everyone had a great Sunday and enjoyed the Super Bowl and of course all those great commercials. Click the link if you missed any or want to see them again.

Today is Monday and I have been out showing homes in Lakewood. I love that we are known as tree city USA. Have a great week everybody!

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Lucky to live in Long Beach

Being so lucky to live in Long Beach, I have been in and around Long Beach the past couple of weekstrying to figure out what to highlight in my blog, we simply have too much good stuff in our city.

These pictures that I am posting today I took around the Queen Mary and the Pike area. I will be posting more as I visit different places. Although; I have been selling homes in Long Beach for over 25 years and know the area well, I thought that others who are thinking about moving here might enjoy these pictures.

First time home buyer

After 25 years of showing buyers around I understand their fears. Knowing that I understand their fears and telling them that is not so easy. So after pondering on what is the best way to help a buyer understand the first time home buyer process, I decided to develop a video series using the buyers that I have sold homes to. I hope that you enjoy watching this video. I will be posting more in this series later on. Please feel free to give me a call or email me if you have any questions.

 See what this first time buyer has to say!

It’s Time for Christmas Tree Recycling in Long Beach & Lakewood California

Several years ago I read a very cute poem about how a Christmas tree who didn’t understand how he could go from being the center of attention and so loved and adorned to being striped of all his fancy attire and then thrown out onto the sidewalk and abandoned.

Christmas tree recycling is a relatively new event but one that I welcome … to have our Christmas trees serve a new purpose somehow takes the sting of letting it go a little easier  

And so the time has come for this ritual to begin again … I am always saddened by this act; this tree which has brought so much pleasure into our lives that we must now say goodbye to … it seems being sentimental about turning the lights out for the last time runs parallel with “get this thing out of here … I want to get the house back to normal”

Long Beach has a wonderful website with information on tips about Christmas tree recycling and more to the point … have your tree at the curb Saturday from 7 am on and it will be picked up

Lakewood has their own program and Christmas tree recycling information on their website as well. I hope you will join your neighbors in recycling your trees.

Allison Van Wig – Realtor Serving the Long Beach & Lakewood Areas can be reached at 562-882-1581 or by visiting www.SuperBroker.com

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HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO LIVE IN A HOME THAT WAS FEATURED ON A POPULAR HGTV TV SHOW?

THIS IS YOUR CHANCE … Long Beach Realtor Allison Van Wig proudly presents 3437 Charlemagne … which is a magnificent, South of Conant home offering four bedrooms and three baths with over 2,000 square feet of living space.

It’s beautiful entryway with hardwood floors lead to a remodeled kitchen with lots of counter and cupboard space.

You will be the envy of the neighborhood with this home’s great bar and formal dining area for entertaining. Living room has a bay window and fireplace; family room and one master suite are downstairs, with another master suite upstairs. All bathrooms are nicely appointed.

Resort like backyard and outdoor living space has a pool, spa, and fireplace that is surrounded by a Koi pond, unique outdoor sleeping area. Additional amenities include: Trex decking and a grassy area to lounge by the pool, central air and heating, and newer windows.

This home is so beautiful that it was featured on a popular HGTV broadcast and is a one of a kind opportunity. Take a look at the photo gallery below and then … take the on-line virtual tour to see all this home has to offer.

CLICK HERE TO SEE A TOUR OF THIS BEAUTIFUL HOME

www.3437Charlemagne.com

To schedule a private showing and for more information call Allison Van Wig directly at 562-882-1581

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NEW LISTING IN WRIGLEY AREA OF LB

Great tour of a new listing in the Wrigley area. Beautiful custom home. Almost a quarter acre lot. Four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and 1873 square feet. Take a look on my YouTube channel for other home tours as well!

CUSTOM HOME IN WRIGLEY AREA OF LONG BEACH CALIFORNIA

If you have any questions give me a call at 562-882-1581.
www.superbroker.com/

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One Month To Go Before HALF-TIME For The Year!

Now that June is here … it is time to check up on our goals, dreams, plans and … accomplishments. Here is what I have been up to lately.

In my May 13th blog, I wrote about my upcoming participation in the Long Beach Bike Festival and Tour of Long Beach … I am happy to report that I successfully completed my 31 mile bike challenge.

  

 

 

 

 

Here we are at the start … I had my red warm-up jacket on and was joined by my niece Meggan in gray and brother in law, Peter (see yellow sleeve).

I am currently training for the upcoming Tour de Big Bear in August where I am registered to complete a 50 mile course … here is a link if you would like to join in. www.tourdebigbear.com .

My thinking is that Signal Hill has enough hills to get me ready for this challenging ride … two months of training & I will be ready! Nothing recharges me more than a bike ride either at the start of my day or … before sunset, work schedule permitting of course.

June brings us graduations, gardening, back-yard BBQ’s & band concerts … but for me it is also prime time for buying and selling real estate.

These past two weeks, I have been very busy with my new listings and have two more coming up next week. Go to my website www.SuperBroker.com for all the information.

I am also developing my new YouTube channel, ReSuperBroker where you can find my own personally guided home tours of my listings, market updates and informational tips and tricks on the real estate market.

Feel free to check it out … www.YouTube.com/ReSuperBroker and let me know what you think. All suggestions are welcome.

562-882-1581

www.SuperBroker.com

 

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Local Realtor® Allison Van Wig Wants To Know … How Much Is That Doggie In The Window? New Adopt & Shop in Lakewood Mall Is Now Open!

There I was last Sunday, running errands to pick up a few things in the Lakewood Center Mall near Costco, when the vision before me made my heart stop … I had heard that there was going to be a new store opening soon called Adopt & Shop and believe me this one is going to be a super hit among pet lovers!

Want to adopt a pet without the hassle of going to a shelter?

As reported by Pamela Hale-Burns a Staff Writer with the Long Beach Press Telegram … Found Animals, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit group, is bringing shelter animals to the people at its first retail pet adoption center, Adopt & Shop, which opened just last week.

"It's a concept that's been around for a while. The idea is that there are great pets at shelters, but people just don't go to shelters," said Aimee Gilbreath, executive director of Found Animals. "So, the idea is to bring the pet to the people in a pet-store environment."

All of the pets will come from one of Found Animals' shelter partners, the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority in Downey.

The Lakewood store will feature cats, dogs, rabbits and other animals available for adoption, said Gilbreath.

The 1,084-square-foot retail store broke ground in January. Much like a traditional pet store, it will feature pets and carry all of the basic supplies needed for a new pet, including food, collars, leashes, ID tags, bowls, litter boxes, kitty litter, eco-friendly toys and bedding.

"We are incredibly excited for Adopt & Shop to open, because we know it will have a tremendous impact on the number of shelter animals adopted into loving homes throughout the area," said Dan Morrison, executive director of SEAACA. "We can only hope this is the beginning of a shift in the way people view the adoption of shelter animals."

Adopt & Shop pets will be neutered, vaccinated and micro-chipped and will go home with resources and support to ensure a successful integration into the household.

The center, located next to the Lakewood Center Costco, will be open Tuesdays through Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. An official grand opening event will be April 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

I think that all shelter animals deserve a chance to find a loving home with responsible owners … this is just one of the many, many things I love about living in the Lakewood and Long Beach communities.

As a full-time Realtor® I am happy to have the opportunity to share this information with my clients. For more information about this or anything else about living in Lakewood or Long Beach … visit my website … www.SuperBroker.com or just give me a call 562.882.1581

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Local Realtor®, Allison Van Wig Wants You To Know That Snow Is Predicted In Long Beach On March 19th … Grab Your Mittens & Get Ready!

March 19th will bring snow to Long Beach … You can count on it!

I am always looking for fun and interesting things to do in Long Beach and Lakewood and when I find them I am anxious to let my clients and fellow residents in on the facts and fun. The following event is right around the corner … mark your calendars!

Snow Day In Long Beach - Councilmember Patrick O’Donnell will host the annual Fourth District Snow Day event on Saturday, March 19th at Long Beach’s Whaley Park (5620 Atherton Street) from 11:00 a.m. to– 3:00 p.m.

Snow day is completely free and open to the public. Guests can park for free at California State University, Long Beach’s adjacent Parking Lot 14 on Atherton Street.

“This year’s Snow Day event will be bigger than ever,” O’Donnell said. “We’ve got so many things to do and see for the whole family that we expect to see even more people coming from all sides of the City.”

Indeed, this year’s day of fun and play in the snow is shaping up to be much bigger than in years before. There will be bounce houses, a live DJ, snow cones, face painting, arts & crafts, barbecued hot dogs from the Long Beach Police and Fire Departments, free giveaways from various local merchants and safety demonstrations from Police and Fire. And, new this year, the Aquarium of the Pacific’s Aquarium on Wheels will stop by to give kids hands-on experience learning about ocean wildlife.

For more information on life and living and the real estate market in Long Beach and Lakewood visit www.SuperBroker.com or give Allison a call at 562-882-1581.

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