All Things Erica

Back to work!

2012-01-26T14:29:00.004-05:00

After yet another getaway (this time to a friends wedding in Mexico) I am ready to get back to work. From what the analysts are projecting, 2012 is going to be a good real estate year. So far numbers are already up from last year at this time, except for home sale prices, which are down and that is a good thing. Finally I am able to say I'm putting my money where my mouth is and I am

Happy New Year

2012-01-05T15:30:00.005-05:00

Bits of Truth... all quotes (clipped to polyvore.com)

merry merry & Happy Happy

2011-12-22T16:26:00.004-05:00

Greenway Court - neighborhood Bar Harbor ME 04609 - Sotheby's International Realty

2011-11-14T12:56:00.000-05:00

BACK ON THE MARKET!!!I love this shingle style home that borders Acadia National Park. Close to town (about a mile) yet tucked into granite outcroppings amongst the pines while overlooking the mountains of Acadia. Greenway Court - neighborhood Bar Harbor ME 04609 - Sotheby's International Realty

thoughts....

2011-11-07T11:05:00.004-05:00

"The size of your success is measured by the strength of your desire; the size of your dream; and how you handle disappointment along the way." - Robert Kiyosaki I would rather be angry than disappointed, but from every disappointment I've encountered I find that something enlightening comes out of it.....

Halloween and more....

2011-10-31T15:39:00.007-04:00

Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. - BuddhaHappy Halloween Darlings....Of course I was Lady Gaga....and was totally in character as well...how fun! I won the costume contest, ha! Willa and Olivia were so cute too, a little pirate and a little parrot! Overall it was a fantastic time and a great way to end the Fall in Bar Harbor.

Love the life you live....

2011-10-25T10:42:00.007-04:00

Oh so many things to be happy and thankful for! Trips to Europe with my mom, busy real estate world, fabulous family and friends....loving life!

Newest pending!!!

2011-08-11T14:25:00.001-04:00

August!?

2011-08-03T15:35:00.003-04:00

I can not believe it is August already! The month of July flew by faster than I ever remember - that is scary. Between working in the real estate world, bartending at Side Street Cafe, cleaning a rental cottage, catering on a boat, and babysitting my nieces it is no wonder that time is flying. Making hay while the sun shines as my mother would say.....hopefully I'll be able to live off some of

Great quote...

2011-06-01T15:18:00.001-04:00

this is SO true....and SO hard to accept sometimes!"People always fall in love with the most perfect aspects of each other’s personalities. Who wouldn’t? Anybody can love the most wonderful parts of another person. But that’s not the clever trick. The really clever trick is this: Can you accept the flaws? Can you look at your partner’s faults honestly and say, ‘I can work around that. I can make

High Point!

2011-05-24T11:28:00.003-04:00

This has been a long time coming, about 5 years actually! Last week I sold two properties on one day totally $1,450,000 in sales!! After the last few years of frustration and personal hardship I am so proud that I have stuck it out and remained patient. I absolutely love my job and finally all the hardwork is paying off!! Both transactions were very involved and each of my clients were

Lamoine - New Waterfront Listing

2011-05-17T15:05:00.001-04:00

Germany!!

2011-05-13T13:07:00.002-04:00

I was very fortunate to have recently gone to Berlin, Germany for a week. Now I have the travel itch and am hoping to travel more in the near future! Berlin was wonderful...the history, the culture, the architecture, the food, and the friendly people!Here are some of the pictures

hilton head fb

2011-04-14T12:41:00.001-04:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

Spring is slowly SPRINGING

2011-04-12T11:24:00.006-04:00

I just got back from a crazy vacation with my mom, sister and nieces (ages 1 and 3). Now I need ANOTHER vacation :-) We all had so much fun running around from beach to pool to playground...but Aunty is quite tired. It was great to see my cousin Ben and his wife Ashley & baby Brady as a surprise too! The first week in April was a great week to get away...we flew away as Bangor was getting 1

Pretty great song....

2011-03-15T20:29:00.000-04:00

Super cute & fitting for St Paddy's Day week!

2011-03-15T09:13:00.002-04:00

5 Realistic Approaches to Pricing Your Home

2011-03-11T09:31:00.000-05:00

winter with my darlings

2011-03-04T13:30:00.001-05:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

Quinoa-Stuffed Red Bell Peppers Recipe

2011-02-25T14:46:00.000-05:00

THIS looks amazing...and it is on my menu, I can't wait to try them!Quinoa-Stuffed Red Bell Peppers Recipe

February SO far SO good!

2011-02-17T11:17:00.003-05:00

Hello real estate world! A lot going on!!

Winter while it lasts!!

2011-01-26T16:52:00.007-05:00

We curse it but we love it....here are some great shots from Mount Desert Island....

Merry Merry & Happy Happy

2010-12-28T10:38:00.004-05:00

Christmas 2010 - What a difference 1 year makes! Although the holidays are a mix of many emotions, I'm glad to say I'm much happier than I was last year! So much has changed in 1 year, for the worst yet for the best. What a difference it makes spending Christmas morning with a 3 year old rather than a 2 year old too!! My niece Willa, recently 3, entertained us all on Christmas morning with her

December...so far so great!

2010-12-09T14:32:00.005-05:00

Since the last time I've blogged SO many awesome things have happened. I visited some great friends and family in Colorado where I lived for a year in 05-06. It was a little strange to be back - but it was so great connecting with friends and family again. I even went to my first Roger Waters/Pink Floyd concert in Denver which was incredible! As I came home it was time for Thanksgiving...

60k can buy you a piece of the "rock"!?

2010-11-05T10:11:00.005-04:00

I am so happy to have represented the buyers of this great piece of land in Bar Harbor - near Town Hill. They got a GREAT deal as this lot sold for $60,000. It is a great time to consider buying land on MDI since prices have come down and contractors are eager for the business. Here is another land listing that is also a great deal - new subdivsion on MDI. White Deer Circle

Lazy yet productive Sunday!

2010-10-31T15:09:00.002-04:00

Happy Halloween!Before gearing up to see the all the kids in their costumes and attending a few Halloween parties myself, I'm having fun (yes FUN!) doing some statistical research on the Maine real estate market. Here is a snippet of what I've been looking at: Hancock County GeneralLiveActive Listings2478Under Contract117Open Houses0Year To Date2010New Listings in 20101955Sold Listings in

October on Mount Desert Island....

2010-10-25T21:18:00.010-04:00

I am LOVING this month! I've had more business this month than all summer combined - crazy! Plus things in-town are winding down a bit which is great....such a funny life here with the seasons and craziness. It has been great to take a deep breath from time to time and get outside and enjoy Acadia - so gorgeous this time of year!Last weekend I took a mini-vacation despite being busier than ever..

A few things I've been up to....

2010-10-05T10:39:00.006-04:00

Time to get blogging!!For now all I can do is upload some pictures of recent activities...so far October has been a lucrative and busy month....unlike some of the non-lucrative busy months from summer, ha :-) SOLD!!! A great start to October! Friends, Peter & Christina bought a house in Bar Harbor - love it! Having SO much fun dancing my pants off at Zamirski-Kloko Wedding! Martha

Newest Pending!!!

2010-08-18T12:54:00.002-04:00

I love representing friends and helping them buy their first home!!This house has a ton of potential and is a great deal very close to downtown Bar Harbor.

Business AND Busy-ness

2010-08-03T16:27:00.007-04:00

Summer in Maine - what a treat! This is the time of year we wait for all winter...hot, sunny weather, all of the local businesses are open, real estate is picking up, taking trips to the beach (once for me so far this summer), and bbq-ing with friends (less and less as the craziness of August arrives). It sometimes feels like living here on the coast of Maine is all or nothing! No complaints

Love this condo in Portland!

2010-06-25T14:29:00.002-04:00

my how time flies!

2010-06-16T10:35:00.002-04:00

It is already mid-June, hard to believe! I was visiting with a friend last night and we were talking about how much has changed in one year!!!! Babies, weddings, engagements, divorces, buying and selling homes, moving, and SO much more. As we were chatting it made me so thankful to have such great friends in my life, especially over the last year of crazy transition. What a lucky girl!!

Incredible views of MDI and beyond!!!!

2010-06-06T14:45:00.005-04:00

This magical property has over 40 acres of enchanting forests and rolling fields plus over 700 feet of shorefrontage on Frenchman's Bay and Skillings River. There is just something about this home that speaks to you when you're there....I love that!!!!

New Listings galore!!!!

2010-05-04T14:37:00.006-04:00

I'm happy to share 3 new listings! Tis the season, and so far so good with the incredible spring weather we've been having here in Bar Harbor!! I have a great feeling about the upcoming season. It seems that all the buyers I've talked with recently are realizing the bottom of the market is here and NOW is the time to invest in real estate. Thank you Mr. Dow Jones...helping out the consumer

April Showers...

2010-04-25T10:29:00.002-04:00

Pretty cool shot from the Shore Path in Bar Harbor last week...couldn't help but think how lucky I am to live here!

MDI Young Professionals Host First Meeting

2010-03-31T14:25:00.012-04:00

Finally, after over a year of talking about it we officially launched the group MDI Young Professionals. At the first meeting there were over 20 Young Professionals which really shows how much of a need there is for something like this. I am so excited to get the ball rolling and grow this group from our informal "thirsty Thursday" crowd to a real deal networking group of young professionals

Wall Street Journal Weekend Edition

2010-03-18T14:20:00.004-04:00

Another great reason to list with a Sotheby's Affiliate like The Swan Agency Sotheby's International Realty - stellar advertising opportunities! My listing at 452 Phillips Way in Ellsworth just happened to get the PERFECT center placement!

In like a Lion and out like a Lion.

2010-02-28T23:00:00.005-05:00

I was so glad to see February get here, and I am SO glad it is over. There have been so many changes in my life over the last 3 months, but over the last 3 weeks things have been ALL over the place. From a newborn niece, to a new apartment, to turning 28...what a roller coaster. I am so thankful to have such great friends and family who have been supportive and that is an understatement.

New addition to the family!

2010-02-15T20:45:00.002-05:00

My niece, Olivia Marion Bond, was born yesterday on Valentine's Day. What a GREAT Vday gift....in fact, the only Vday gift....I'm so glad that Valentine's Day will no longer be the most useless holiday out there!! Yay for birthdays!

Cold day for showings, but look at that VIEW!

2010-02-05T23:15:00.003-05:00

I was lucky enough to show Highland Rose with Kim Swan the other day. A very COLD and windy Mid-Winter day, but just LOOK at that view!! Highland Rose is an exceptional waterfront listing nestled into the rocky coast of Maine overlooking Frenchman Bay. It was a great day in my real estate world to have shown this property!

I heart Bon Appetit magazine...

2010-02-02T08:52:00.003-05:00

For some reason I seem to forget I subscribe to the wonderful Bon Appetit magazine and when it arrives in my mailbox each month it is like a mini Christmas!! This month, the wonderful and fabulous February, is my FAVORITE month of the year and to my surprise, the Editor in Chief of Bon Appetit concurs! So many great people born in this month....if I do say so myself.As I read through Barbara

New price on this Bar Harbor duplex....

2010-01-14T16:47:00.001-05:00

Lakefront Estate for sale - new listing!

2010-01-06T20:43:00.005-05:00

I am so pleased to share this incredible new listing in Ellsworth, Maine on the shore of Branch Lake. Set on 5 gorgeous and well landscaped acres this lakeside estate is breathtaking. Over 1000 feet of shore frontage on a pristine fresh water lake but only 30 minutes to Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park. Set on an island, "Isle Wood" is the perfect destination location. As you

Tis the Season!

2009-12-09T16:15:00.003-05:00

As I type the snow is falling and the wind is howling! The first real storm of the year is always so exciting. The rush at the grocery store the day before, the lines at the gas station full of plow trucks, and of course the buzz from everyone canceling/making plans. To hear any complaints about the weather this early in the season is quite obnoxious - I mean, HELLO, this is Maine after

New Years Eve WEDDING

2009-12-04T16:37:00.002-05:00

I can't even wait to go to my first New Years Eve wedding! For some reason I love celebrating this holiday....preferably with my nearest and dearest friends, so attending a friend's wedding on this holiday seems perfect!PLUS from the picture, you can tell I have a real love affair with Champagne....Cheers.

The Great Circle of Real Estate

2009-11-24T20:44:00.004-05:00

I am so happy to have represented my sellers in the sale of their home on 55 Burnt Hill Road in Tremont, Maine. That was by far the most showed listing I have ever had. The home ended up selling for $197,000 a great deal for the new first time buyers, and a good return on a 2nd home/vacation home for my sellers. The best part is, I had the pleasure of working with these clients when they

Dreaming of your own place in Bar Harbor, Maine?

2009-11-18T12:48:00.001-05:00

45 Prospect Ave, Bar HarborOriginally uploaded by Erica_Bates45 Prospect Avenue, Bar Harbor.This JUST came on the market today, for $275,000.In-town four bedroom home with many updates PLUS additional 600 +/- sq ft guest house/office/studio. Large deck overlooking the backyard and stream perfect for bbq-ing and hanging out. Updated kitchen, new roof, hardwood floors and tile make this an easy

afternoon antipasto

2009-11-17T22:01:00.001-05:00

afternoon antipastoOriginally uploaded by Dana Moos, RealtorFriend and colleague, Dana Moos, took this shot and I found it on Flickr...mouth watering. This is my dream "meal" and many of you think, meal? Dana and I have often joked that we could survive on the items in this photo, with wine of course. At this time of year, as the holidays approach, food brings family together (and thankfully

Maintenance free living!?!

2009-11-12T11:30:00.001-05:00

Maintenance free living!?!Originally uploaded by Erica BatesWinter is upon us, which means shoveling/plowing and de-icing. Wouldn't it be fabulous to know you never had to worry about that?! This is a great 3 bedroom, 3 bath oceanfront condo in Stockton Springs. I admit, I was not aware of how close Stockton Springs was to Bar Harbor/Bangor/Camden/Rockport. It is a great location in the heart

First Time Buyer Tax Credit EXTENDED

2009-11-10T21:34:00.002-05:00

I am so happy to have represented another first time buyer!! It is so amazing seeing the joy on a new homeowners face when they actually get through piles of paperwork and are officially a HOMEOWNER! I recently represented a buyer who thought it might not be a reality to own a home - and I was so proud that they made it through all the inspections and bank appointments to find at the end of the

Listing presentations...

2009-11-02T11:54:00.004-05:00

I am so excited to be working on one of my favorite things: Listing Presentations!! I'm currently working on 3 and they are all very different properties, so I'm in the process of tailoring them all. Working for a Sotheby's International Realty affiliate is so fabulous, but even more so when working on behind the scenes details for things like listing/marketing presentations. The company

First things first...

2009-10-29T15:35:00.004-04:00

I just read a friends newest post to her blog, and it made me so happy for her! She mentioned how hard, yet important it is to take one step at a time and really get through the moment of NOW. That really hit home with me, especially at this funny strange time of "late twenties." I am finding that I often want to live many different lives - but yet, need to focus all of my needs/desires/goals

Septic Inspection??

2009-10-14T20:04:00.004-04:00

Twice in the last month I've had buyers request septic inspections. No big deal right? Well the last two inspections I have attended have been big deals - one tank was buried down 5 feet - as opposed to the traditional 2 feet. Those people brought in their own excavator to dig down to the tank, my oh my. Today, I attended another inspection that seemed it would be quite easy, as we could see

How can Twitter really benefit me in the Real Estate industry?

2009-10-12T16:04:00.000-04:00

This was a great question posed by Jeff Manson in the article: http://www.geekestateblog.com/can-twitter-really-increase-your-real-estate-sales/#Like any new social media site, it can consume too much of our time and be seen as useless. However, these sites can be a tool to grow our business – if used correctly. I feel that Twitter is a great tool for those in the Real

Education galore!!!!

2009-10-03T18:04:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow I'm heading to Portland for a 2 day "Innkeeping Bootcamp" hosted at the gorgeous Danforth Inn (by far my favorite place to stay in Portland). If you are wondering if I am in the market to buy an Inn, that is actually not true (well for now anyway :-)). I am going to take the class to learn more about the process a buyer and innkeeper go through when purchasing an Inn, or in other words

Countdown is on...

2009-09-28T16:08:00.002-04:00

The First Time Homebuyer Tax credit is only available on homes purchased prior to December 1, 2009. I am definitely seeing an increase in buyers who are looking to take advantage of this. In fact, right now I'm working with 4 different groups of 1st time buyers. I am so thrilled to be able to help them in this HUGE and very EXCITING transaction. Lately, I'm showings homes in the lower price

SOLD!!!! I promised more...

2009-09-23T14:25:00.004-04:00

Very happy buyer and even happier sellers, who also happen to be my inlaws! GREAT combo. This charming 1860s Cape sold last week for $182,000 located at 335 Upper Dedham Road, Dedham. On another note, I am seeing first time buyers get more serious as we enter into Fall. Good thing since in order to take advantage of the tax incentives (state and federal) a first time buyer must have closed by

2009-09-14T22:19:00.003-04:00

I love when a buyer is soooooo thrilled to buy the house of their dreams and the seller is sooo relieved that their home is being transfered to an appreciative soul! What a great job this is (most of the time :-) )Home buying and selling is so emotional for most, and this one particular transaction I have coming up is bittersweet for sure - my in-laws are selling. Don't get me wrong, I am

I love September!

2009-09-03T08:10:00.005-04:00

Ahhh, I am SO happy to see September and what a great stretch of weather we are having! I have seen the inquiries really pick up with the first time buyer sector - I've shown a few couples recently that are hoping to make offers within the month. The deadline for the tax credits being offered by the Federal and State governments is November 30th, so the race is on!On my way back from showing

August!

2009-08-21T15:26:00.002-04:00

I have a love hate relationship w/ this month!!! So gorgeous outside but soooo busy....too busy to blog...sorry!!! more in september!!

Mount Desert Island Voted TOP 5 in the world?!

2009-07-20T15:32:00.005-04:00

Travel & Leisure Magazine does not have to tell me that MDI is in the Top 5 best Islands in the WORLD, but I'll let them!! Check out the link to the article. Come visit us and play in Acadia National Park, bike the carriage trails, swim at Sand Beach, sail a 4 masted Schooner, drink our yummy microbrews and of course devour a lobster!! Once you visit you'll realize that MDI is a destination

The views of MDI are best "off island"

2009-07-15T14:08:00.004-04:00

Just listed: 819 Lamoine Beach Road, Lamoine. 320 Feet of shorefrontage including a private beach. Breathtaking views across Eastern and Frenchman's Bays with Mount Desert Island as the backdrop. $1,200,000 for this oasis. Home has four bedrooms, 2 baths with an attached 1 bedroom/1bath in-law apartment. Peaceful setting offering 1 acre of sloping, rolling lawn that leads down to the beach.

Word Press or Blogspot??

2009-07-02T14:38:00.000-04:00

Dilema? which blog host to use?? I've heard over and over that Word Press is better for a million reasons....but should I switch now? Having a hard time with this decision....

another day in paradise

2009-06-18T14:19:00.001-04:00

Originally uploaded by Erica BatesSummer in Maine - can it get any better? This shot was taken from Lamoine Beach overlooking Mount Desert Island. The views from Lamoine of MDI are some of the best in my opinion. There are some great deals on waterfront property in Lamoine also, stay tuned I should have a new listing for you to see shortly!!

gearing up for tweetup

2009-06-10T12:02:00.002-04:00

I'll be heading to Boston tomorrow for a TweetUP, oh social media overload here I come! I can't wait! I'm hoping to learn a lot (duh i'm sure i will) and come back with a lot of great new ideas to promote my business. This is my 3rd year selling real estate (got in during a great market!? ugh!), and I'm confident that this is the year things will really take off....the power of positive

Twitter Queens!

2009-06-05T15:35:00.007-04:00

Social Media, social media everywhere we look - there is an article about it, a topic about it in a company meeting, I even muttered the words at a listing presentation recently! It is a fact of life, especially in the business world - if you are not on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter (to name a few), than you are old news, which translates to bad news in business.I am so thrilled to be a young

Rosé Mission!

2009-06-04T13:25:00.005-04:00

I recently read an article in Bon Appetit magazine that inspired me to branch out and taste this interesting varietal that often gets confused w/ a cheapo White Zin that I may have loved back in high school. I am also a big fan of effervesence this time of year, so the article I referred to above really intrigued me because it focused on bubbly Rose!I prefer a more dry than sweet style, but I'm

SOLD - 37 Skyline Pines, Bar Harbor, Maine

2009-06-02T15:18:00.006-04:00

I was fortunate enough to work with great buyers and a great seller recently to close this sale. A gorgeous chalet style home perched atop a mountain w/ fabulous views!! I listed the home in January (such a tough time to list property in Maine, because even the prettiest properties look so COLD), and was pleasantly surprised at the amount of showings we had right off the bat - one even took

sushi please

2009-05-17T13:00:00.003-04:00

running off to grab some sushi w/ jon while he does some bidding. i love being able to incorporate business and pleasure!!! Ichiban in Bangor serves great sushi...and other Japanese favs....226 Union Street, Bangor, ME 04401 (207) 262-9308.

Summer past times...

2009-05-12T16:50:00.002-04:00

From the ages of 16 - 20 I worked at a golf course...the best job ever, by the way! I loved greeting the regulars...knowing just the right amount of powdered creamer they liked in their coffee..or the brand of smokes they were going to buy. One of the best things was lining the golf carts up at night! I loved that!! The summer I learned to golf was great too, although at 17 I still thought

Affordable home on MDI!

2009-05-05T17:01:00.001-04:00

Originally uploaded by ericaebatesThis is a great new listing of mine - located at 55 Burnt Hill Road in Tremont. It is about 25 minutes from Bar Harbor, and about 40 minutes from Ellsworth. Very affordable at $225,000 and very cute! Classic shingle style Cape on the exterior, yet on the interior there is cathedral ceilings, a loft, an open layout, and tons of storage space. This home is also

nice way to end the weekend...

2009-05-03T19:32:00.003-04:00

After a busy weekend mixed with a few surprise real estate appointments and a lot of yard/house work I'm ready to relax and make a nice dinner. So, tonight's menu - Wild Alaskan salmon with toasted sesame oil/ginger/wasabi/lemon juice vinaigrette, roasted with fresh dill, fennel, garlic and smoked sea salt. While it is roasting, I threw together a salad and made some spinach couscous - such a

Heating UP!

2009-05-02T13:18:00.002-04:00

Things are heating up in Bar Harbor!!! Both the weather and the real estate market! The last 2 weeks I've had multiple offers on one of my listings, and finally it went under contract! One closing last week, and hopefully one this week...and one scheduled for June 1.The streets of Bar Harbor are busier too - and I'm seeing a lot of out of state plates on the weekends. What a great place to

panorama sunset from VOE

2009-04-21T16:48:00.001-04:00

panorama sunset from VOEOriginally uploaded by Dana Moos, RealtorThis is truly breathtaking! A friend and colleague took this picture from her new house...over at The Village at Ocean's End in Southwest Harbor, Maine. This shot is just one glimpse of the many amazing views from the property. www.oceansendmaine.com is the official website, see what your next view could be!

What to do, what to do....

2009-04-19T15:08:00.002-04:00

So many different thoughts running through my head about the next step!? Where and when should we buy...to make sure it works for both of us, when I really want to make sure it works mostly for me since I feel like I've sacrificed enough already. I guess sacrificed is not the best word, haha, but rather compromise. I admit, I'm not very good at that...but a least try. The next few months

335 Upper Dedham Rd, Dedham, Maine - home for sale!

2009-04-08T11:48:00.001-04:00

meticulously kept groundsOriginally uploaded by ericaebatesImmaculate country cape with 3 bedrooms - 2 baths, over-sized heated 2 car garage. Many recent updates, including new roof and new water heater - yet this home retains it's original charm with hand-hewn beams, wide plank floors, and built -ins. Set on 3 gorgeous acres, with the change to buy more if one wants to. This is a great

Gorgeous new home in Waldoboro with shared dock and private mooring!

2009-03-26T12:59:00.001-04:00

Dock looking over water and mooringsOriginally uploaded by ericaebates167 Deaver Road in Waldoboro is the place to buy right now! As we head into Spring anticipating Summer now is the time to begin your negotiations on that perfect getaway house! This property has beautiful landscaping, a shared dock less than 200 yards away, a mooring, oversized garage perfect for storing your boat, and 2800

busy busy busy!!

2009-03-24T18:15:00.004-04:00

I am happy to say I am really busy lately! Whether this is Spring Fever or what - I am impressed with it! I had a call on Saturday night to show one of my listings on the following morning - I called my client who was THRILLED to have a showing even with the late notice. I've had many email inquiries from people that I hadn't heard from in months - which gives me hope! I've also been trying to

great tapas, extensive wine list and home grown fare!

2009-03-17T10:57:00.004-04:00

I am SO thankful for Cleonice Mediterranean Bistro in little Ellsworth, Maine! So many nights Jon and I end up there for either tapas and drinks or a full meal prepared with local ingredients from their own farm Artisana. Usually Jon and I will go in and order our "usual" which is a Stormy Night martini (Gosling's Rum, ginger juice, lime and candied ginger) for me and a Geary's Hampshire Ale for

food, wine, and more

2009-03-13T17:09:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow I'll be lucky enough to spend some time with my sister and a few mutual friends. We're hoping to go to a wine tasting at Sawyer's Specialties in Southwest Harbor, and then back to Bar Harbor to have "happy hour" (i LOVE that term!) and then on to my sister's house for dinner - not really a traditional "progressive dinner" but kind of sounds like it may turn into that. I'm so excited to

Cupcakes are fun!

2009-03-09T16:37:00.007-04:00

Cupcakes are so much fun - and I never make them...for risk of eating them all (since Jon my husband prefers savory than sweet..) but today when I saw this beauty at Morning Glory Bakery - Rodick Street, Bar Harbor - it took a lot of self control ( told you i was working on it) to not devour this....

Social networking to my advantage!

2009-03-09T15:36:00.003-04:00

So recently I was introduced (I guess you call it that still in Virtual World), to a local business owner/boat builder on Facebook by one of my "friends" who is the boat builder's brother - this is sounding much more complicated than it is. After "meeting" John on Facebook I thought it would be appropriate to introduce myself to him personally..aka real world, seeing that we both do business in

Erica's Real Estate Listings...check them out!

2009-03-08T13:14:00.000-04:00

http://www.ericabates.mainelistings.com/

Easy like Sunday Morning...

2009-03-08T13:05:00.003-04:00

The best part about a Sunday morning for me is slowly getting out of bed, grabbing some coffee and sitting down to watch Sunday morning news talk shows. Meet the Press, Wall Street Journal Sunday, and Fox News Sunday are all up there on my list - a newcomer that I have added into the mix is MaineBiz Sunday. A local program that is very informative on the economy in Maine and generally focuses

Schoodic Point - Acadia National Park

2009-03-07T11:20:00.001-05:00

Where I live...

2009-03-07T10:41:00.003-05:00

As winter seems to drag on this time of year, I can't help but think why do I live here? I could choose anywhere in the world to live and I choose this? A few minutes pass and I get over it - and laugh at my love/hate, passive/aggressive relationship with the place I call home. I have lived in a handful of other places over my 27 years - Boston, Colorado, Australia and various places

blogging demystified

2009-03-06T16:28:00.001-05:00

Here it is - my first web log, little bloggy, tears are coming to my eyes. jk. Ok, blogging before seemed to me a way to find out any and all information - gosh, sometimes even info I never wanted to know about. But, I'm learning that blogging is not only a way to find out any and all info, but also a way to connect with people on a level I never normally would have other than in virtual world