Natural Ways to Beat Depression...

April showers bring plenty of glowers. But why? Early spring's oscillating temps and lack of sunlight can cause a serious drop in your level of serotonin, a feel-good chemical that's found in the brain. And without enough serotonin, our mood descends into darkness or, at the very least, an unpleasant crabbiness (you know, the bad temper we typically blame on the rain). Fortunately, you can outsmart wicked weather patterns with these mood-boosting tips as you await the arrival of sunnier days.

Light Up Your Life

If a Miami mini-break isn't an option, seek out a light box. A strong one that emits at least 10,000 lux can have the same effect as basking in the early-morning sun--minus the cancer-causing UV rays. Place the light box on a table near you--you need only 30 minutes of exposure to increase your serotonin levels and leave you "more alert and energized, two factors that contribute to a good mood," says Michael Terman, Ph.D., director of the Center for Light Treatment and Biological Rhythms at New York City's Columbia University Medical Center. For more info--such as where to buy a light box--visit cet.org.

Devour Chocolate Daily

It's true: One small square a day can keep the blues away. Chocolate contains a pleasure-promoting, mood-regulating neuro-transmitter called phenyl---e-thylamine, which stimulates a rush of endorphins, the same compounds released during an orgasm. Studies show that cocoa has almost twice the amount of antioxidants as red wine, so it helps lower blood pressure and wards off wrinkles. When snacking, stick to dark chocolate that's at least 70 percent cocoa--; it's healthier than the milk-infused variety.

Find Bliss in the Bedroom

Your body releases oxytocin, the so-called cuddle hormone that lets you feel more emotionally connected to your partner. Just one romp in the sheets will get you to your happy place.

Go Fish

People who eat foods containing omega-3 fatty acids--like salmon and tuna--have a better handle on their emotions and are more likely to be upbeat and agreeable, says Sarah Conklin, Ph.D., a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Allegheny College in Pennsylvania. The American Heart Association recommends eating two four-ounce portions of fish twice a week. But don't overdo it: Stick to one can of albacore a week to avoid mercury poisoning. Walnuts and flaxseed are also packed with the get-happy proteins, which have been proven to prevent heart disease.

Study Claims Connection Between Women’s Self-Esteem and Facebook Photos

A recent study claims the relationship between the concept of self-esteem and the photo posting habits of women in Facebook, the top social networking site of the present times. The study was published in Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking journal by the University of Buffalo last Monday.  The main result of the said research indicated that women whose self-esteem depend on their appearance upload more photos of themselves and tend to have more “friends” in their social networking accounts.
The study, led by Dr. Michael A. Stefanone, involved a group of 311 individuals that was comprised of about 154 women. They were asked to respond to a questionnaire that measured how they see themselves and also gauged how they use their Facebook accounts. Self-esteem was measured in terms of public sources like the World Wide Web and private sources like the participants’ families.

The result of the research indicated that the individuals, whose self esteem depends on public contingencies like the Internet, uploaded more pictures. These people see themselves in terms of their physical appearance, other people’s appreciation or good opinion of them or in winning competitions or rivalries. Those who are dependent on appearance in fact showed the highest amounts of photos uploaded online.

The research also claims that people who derive or get their self-esteem from private sources like academic proficiency, morality, and familial love show less internet activity. It was found out that about 12 percent of the friends of Facebook users are not really acquaintances but people they just met online. Women also showed more close friends than men and spend more time editing and keeping their profiles updated.

Can I trust the home values at the County Appraisal District value?

Here is another question I have to address constantly with my friends and clients: The short answer is no, but I will explain why below.

First of all, you should know that these values are there for taxation purposes only, and they are only done once a year.

Second there is a difference between market values and tax appraisal values. In theory, they should be the same but it is absolutely impossible for the county to visit every neighborhood in the county, go inside each home to check its condition, and generate at least "three" comparable solds for each property.

Third, the county bases its appraised values based on budgetary reasons for the year. That means, the county establishes a budget for the year, decides the increase in taxation needed to meet the budget, and then generates the increase in tax rate applicable to all the properties in the area. Then if the increase was too much for a homeowner the burden of proof is in the homeowner to show the county that they made a big mistake.

Fourth, Texas is a nondisclosure state. That means that when you buy your home, you don't need to tell the county how much you paid for your home. Texas is still a free country and they can not force you to reveal that. So when they ask you how much you paid, it is up tp you to disclose that.

Fifth, some uninformed homeowners don't dispute their increase in taxes under the belief that the market value is rising, not realizing the only true thing is that their taxes are increasing. On the other hand, there are some savvy homeowners that make use of very depreciated data and pull the values down based on low sales in the neighborhood.

Sixth, market values, like gasoline prices, are determined by actual supply and demand (higher in the Summer than in the Winter). It is established when a buyer and a seller come to a meeting of the minds, sign a purchase contract, and the transaction actually closes.

 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Houston Association of REALTORS®

 

RE/MAX is a company built on the promise of exceptional customer service. Whether you are selling your home or searching for that special place to call your own, you deserve to work with someone who has your best interests in mind. I realize that something as valuable as your trust must be earned.

I strive daily to live on the basis of Honesty, Integrity, and Trust.

Whatever your particular real estate need, I'll work hard to make sure that you are completely satisfied. I have the knowledge, experience, and dedication that it takes to get results.

Shay Wesley, RE/MAX CityView

713-965-7161

shaywesley@remax.net

Kansas High School Newspaper Says It's Moral to Execute Gays

Ah, high school journalism programs. They offer a venue for budding young writers to get their feet wet in the world of reporting. They also offer ample opportunities to stick a big, wet, ginormous foot in your mouth.
Case in point, in my junior year of high school, I tried to argue that the Red Hot Chili Peppers were a better band than The Beatles. Perhaps I might have misjudged just how much pop culture influence the Chili Peppers would have on this world. But whatever, I've tried to put that article "Under the Bridge." (Heyoo!)
But it's not like I wrote an article that suggested it would be moral to execute an entire population of students. Yet that's exactly what happened in Wichita East High School in Kansas, where a student got the green light to author an editorial, and have it published in the school's newspaper (The Messenger), that said same-sex relationships were not normal, and then quoted from a Leviticus translation that says men who lie with other men should get the death penalty.

Bathrooms...Go A Long Way!

In your house the bathroom might be the least favorite part. But if you are planning to sell your room, a real estate agent is definitely going to give you an advice that the bathroom should be kept in good condition. Painting in bright colors are included in this. The atmosphere should bring peace to the people living in the property and it should be calm. Bathroom is something that could add to the selling price of the property. The bathroom is usually taken care by the ladies of the home in the olden days. The kitchen is also given the same preference.
If you want to create a certain atmosphere and style, it is important to use the right bathroom accessories.

Perhaps the first thing to do is to decide the color motif of the bathroom. For example, you can choose red bathroom accessories if you want to project passion and love. Most of us emphasis on the wall’s colors and designs Red bath towels are those, which should be include in accessories and furnishing. The more of the light pastel colors are majority decors. If you want to create a light atmosphere especially it is true. The appearance of the small bathroom may look larger when you choose like colors.

The whole setting should also match the bathroom furniture. Information including the bathroom design is all gathered from internet, which has become a great resource. One could utilize this tool to shop for items and they can browse through many retail stores online. It is easier to get ideas on the type of bathroom accessories that you wish to have. The bathroom accessories that can be integrated area are found through this. There are both traditional design and modern themes. Classical themes like Victorian, classic or renaissance design are some sort of themes you may find easily.

One should not neglect the showers and sink while incorporating modern bathroom designs. This is something that can offer rich atmosphere. Simple things like faucets and taps are proven necessary and should not be overlooked. Minimalist design to sleek are those you can choose. These designs are not so overwhelming and are said to be compact. There are some options for us to choose from like Chrome or gold finish. Ceramic handles are some of them. Some modern bathroom accessories that are interesting like bidet are built inside the toilet. Popularity is gained slowly in this. It is necessary to complete the whole bathroom design with the towel bars and cabinets. Overall a bathroom should give peace to its users.  : )

Shay Wesley
RE/MAX CityView
713-965-7161
ShayWesley@Remax.net

Uncle Sam wants you ... to repay the home tax credit

Uncle Sam has a reminder for some people who took advantage of the first-time homebuyer tax credit three years ago: He wants his money back.

Americans who bought homes in 2008 using the government’s tax credit will be required to start repaying the credit beginning with their 2010 tax return, according to the Internal Revenue Service.

In an odd twist, those who took advantage of a nearly identical tax credit in 2009 or 2010 will not be required to pay it back.

Under the terms of the 2008 tax credit, the credit must be paid back over a 15-year period, beginning with this year’s return.

That means anyone who took the maximum $7,500 credit will have to add $500 to their income tax liability for 15 years. If you sell your house before the 15 years are up, the entire tax credit bill will be due the year the house is sold.

The Internal Revenue Service describes the 2008 program as “like an interest-free loan.”

This may come as a shock to some people, who may have forgotten the terms of the so-called credit, which was really more of a tax deferral. The IRS said it is sending reminders.

“There will definitely be people that are going to be surprised by it,” said Sean M. Dowling, vice president of The Dowling Group in Stamford, Conn., and a certified financial planner.

For others, it paid to be late. If you bought a home in 2009 or 2010 using the same tax credit, you don’t have to pay it back, as long as you stay in your new home for at least three years.

That’s because the government changed the rules regarding the tax credit after the first year, allowing people to take the credit without any requirement that they pay it back.

 

For those later homebuyers, it works more like free money. People who took advantage of the program in 2009 and 2010 were able to take a maximum tax credit of $8,000, and they don’t have to pay it back as long as they are in the house for at least 36 months.

If you bought a home using the tax credit, Dowling said it is definitely worth verifying whether you owe the money, and paying the liability if you do.

If you don’t pay it, the IRS is likely to send you a bill — perhaps with interest due.

History of Valentine's Day....Happy V-Day!

History of Valentines Day – The Man Valentine
Is the history of Valentines Day expressed in the current celebration of yummy chocolates, lovely cards, and sparkling engagement rings? What is the story behind such a highly-retailed celebration?

Some say the day is named after a bishop named Valentine, who was stationed in the Roman Empire. Claudius II was the Emperor at that time. He thought that unmarried men made better soldiers, so he decided to make it a law that young men could not marry. Around 270 A.D., Valentine took pity on the ostracized soldiers who were not permitted to marry or see their sweethearts.

He became an advocate of these young lovers and began to perform secret marriages. He was soon found out and jailed. Emperor Claudius II attempted to convert Valentine to begin worshipping the Roman gods, but Valentine refused. Instead, he tried to convert Claudius to Christianity and Valentine sentenced to be executed on February 24, 270.

Another version of the history of Valentines Day tells that Valentine fell in love with his jailer’s daughter. Just before his death, he sent her a note and signed it “from your Valentine.” An aura of romance surrounded his demise and those who knew about it spread the tale. Bishop Valentine became Saint Valentine with his fame extending to England and France.

After his death, Valentine then became what is known as a “Patron Saint.” Some considered him the spiritual overseer of an annual festival in which young Romans would distribute cards of affection to those they wished to formally see. This festival was held each February 14. There are Valentine cards in museums worldwide that date back to 1415.

February has been the month to celebrate love ever since the Middle Ages.
History of Valentines Day - Symbols of the Day
Even though the history of Valentines Day is unclear, it has become one of the most popular holidays among lovers and florists! The common symbols of Valentine’s Day in this era are cupids, hearts, roses, teddy bears, and words of adoration. Children exchange valentine cards decorated with current comic and cartoon icons. Adults have continued this tradition of card giving which makes this day, behind Christmas, the second largest card-sending holiday of the year.

Cupids with bows and arrows represent Roman mythology. Cupid was the son of Venus, the goddess of love. The shot of the arrow would strike the unsuspecting desired person or god, making him fall in love.
History of Valentines Day – Finding True Love
The history of Valentine’s Day began in the era of courtly traditions. The stories of how women were wooed by grand gestures of gallantry flourish in romance novels of today. We all wish to be desired -- to be loved and accepted.

God has met this need through the most loving act ever done in the history of the world. God loved us so much that He sent His son to earth to live as a man. We are separated from God due to our sin, so God provided a way for us to spend eternity with Him in heaven. In a great act of love, Jesus died on the cross as a perfect substitute for each of us. He died, was buried, and rose again. When we acknowledge His gift and accept it, He comes to guide our lives and love us as we’ve never been loved before.