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Tips for going to the Kentucky Derby

This is what I've learned from going to many Kentucky Derbys. If you are making plans to attend next year's Derby, here are my tips

  • Ladies, buy your hat first. Then pick out a dress that matches the hat, then the shoes that match the hat and dress. Then the bag. It's easier to find the right dress than the right hat. 
  • Buy your hat in Louisville at Dees Crafts, or in a Facebook Group for Derby hats. There's no such thing as too big or too fancy. There are a few local stores that sell them too. Do not order a Derby hat from Amazon - everyone will know it's not authentic.
  • The weather forecast can be wrong. Dress for anything. Bring sunscreen and a clear rain poncho. You may need both in the same day. It might be 40 degrees and raining or 72 degrees and sunny.
  • Buy your Derby shoes at least a week before Derby and wear them everyday to break them in. If you skip this step there's a 100% chance of blisters on Derby Day. Don't spend too much on shoes. They'll look like trash by the end of the day after walking so much.
  • Get reservations for hotels and restaurants as soon as you know you are going to the Derby.
  • Figure out where you want to sit by doing this virtual tour - https://churchilldowns.io-media.com/web/index.html#
  • Get tickets on https://www.kentuckyderby.com/tickets/seating-experiences/reserved-seating 
  • It's normal to pay to park in people's yards or driveways near the track for $20-50 per car. There is not enough parking at the track for everyone, so you'll most likely park 1/2 mile away.
  • Manage your expectations to avoid frustration. There will be long lines for restrooms and food and drinks. Expect it and roll with it. If you don't drive a car,...

Things to do in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky in December 2021

Things to do in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky in December 2021

  • Ice skating at Northland in Cincinnati or the Northern Kentucky ice center
  • Light Up College Hill on December 7 at Patrick’s Park in Cincinnati
  • Heritage Village Museum Guided Tours Dec. 8-10
  • Winter Market and Santa's Workshop Saturdays and Sundays at Washington Park
  • “It’s a Wonderful Light” Holiday Festival on December 11 at the American Sign Museum
  • Go to a Cyclones Hockey game Dec 8, 10, 29 or 31
  • Holiday Beer and Donut Pairing on December 14 at Taft’s Brewpourium
  • Christmas in Loveland on December 18 at Old Historic Loveland
  • Harlem Globe Trotters Dec. 30, Heritage Bank Center
  • ...

Things to do in Louisville Kentucky in December 2021

THINGS TO DO IN LOUISVILLE AND SOUTHERN INDIANA IN DECEMBER 2021

  • Lights Under Louisville at Louisville Mega Cavern now-January 2
  • Derby Dinner Playhouse "A Christmas Story" - through Dec 30
  • Derby Dinner Playhouse "Once Upon A Snowflake" now through Dec 20
  • Christmas Gifts and Décor Show on December 10-12 @ Kentucky Exposition Center
  • The Nutcracker - Louisville Ballet on December 11-23 @ The Kentucky Center
  • Louisville Chorus Christmas on December 11 @ Beargrass Christian Church
  • Corydon Indiana Winter Wine Walk on December 11 @ Downtown Corydon 3:00-7:00
  • "Secrets of Bluegrass Chefs" TV show taping on December 11 @ Kitchen Theater Paristown
  • ...

Home Maintenance Checklist

  • Cut back overgrown vegetation from your home's walls and fences.
  • Check for broken blinds and replace.
  • Wash windows inside and out.
  • Lighten up! Get rid of one thing you no longer need.
  • Clean your dryer vent and exhaust duct.
  • Refresh landscaping by adding a layer of fresh mulch and plant brightly colored perinnial flowers.
  • Check siding for damage, pressure wash if needed, replace damaged pieces. 
  • Check deck for damage, pressure wash if needed, then stain or seal.
  • Sow grass seed.
  • Fertilize lawn.
  • Spray for weeds and bugs.
  • Clean out gutters.
  • Trim tree branches away from roof.
  • Look at roof to spot missing shingles.
  • Check ceilings inside for water stains.
  • Touch up exterior paint, especially around windows and doors.
  • Clean interior walls and baseboards.
  • Patch holes and cracks in drywall.
  • Touch up interior paint.
  • Clean interior walls and baseboards.
  • Patch holes and cracks in drywall.
  • Touch up interior paint.
  • Recaulk areas where caulk is cracked or missing.
  • Change furnace filter every month.
  • Get an AC tune up in the summer.
  • Clean and service the furnace in the fall.
  • Change batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide deterctors.
...

Things to do in March & April in Louisville & Southern Indiana

20 things you can do in March and April

1. Play with my new home search app and let me know your feedback - click here to download it
2. Refinance your mortgage to get a lower monthly payment - bonus: the $$$ you save each month can be redirected into a savings account for retirement or an investment property or the stock market, all of which are on sale right now
3. Attend an online webinar on how to buy investment properties - ask me for details on how to view our next webinar
4. Find out what your home is worth in today's market
5. Look at houses by doing a video call with me while I walk through the house for you - you don't have to leave your house to look at one
6. Or you could look at houses in person - I will provide the hand sanitizer, masks and gloves
7. Spring clean and get rid of clothes and items you no longer want or need - we'll pick them up and donate them for you - just email us what you want to give
8. Do some repairs and updates to your home that will help it sell quicker. The easiest update is light gray paint and black hardware and brushed nickel fixtures. - click here for Heidi Fore's complete checklist We are happy to give you advice if you want to do a virtual video consultation.
9. Stage your house to make your rooms look bigger - move all the items that you aren't using everyday into the storage room, including extra furniture pieces that aren't needed, boxes of stuff you rarely open, and things that sit on the countertops that you don't use all the time
10. Clean out your car...

Things To Do in March & April in Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky

20 things to do in March and April

1. Play with my new home search app and let me know your feedback - click here to download it
2. Refinance your mortgage to get a lower monthly payment - bonus: the $$$ you save each month can be redirected into a savings account for retirement or an investment property or the stock market, all of which are on sale right now
3. Attend an online webinar on how to buy investment properties - ask me for details on how to view this
4. Find out what your home is worth in today's market
5. Look at houses by doing a video call with me while I walk through the house for you - you don't have to leave your house to look at one
6. Or you could look at houses in person - I will provide the hand sanitizer, masks and gloves
7. Spring clean and get rid of clothes and items you no longer want or need - we'll pick them up and donate them for you - just email us what you want to give
8. Do some repairs and updates to your home that will help it sell quicker. The easiest update is light gray paint and black hardware and brushed nickel fixtures. - click here for Heidi Fore's complete checklist We are happy to give you advice if you want to do a virtual video consultation.
9. Stage your house to make your rooms look bigger - move all the items that you aren't using everyday into the storage room, including extra furniture pieces that aren't needed, boxes of stuff you rarely open, and things that sit on the countertops that you don't use all the time
10. Clean out your car
11. You can get...

quick updates for a quicker home sale

QUICK UPDATES FOR A QUICKER SALE - by Heidi Fore, realtor since 2002

Your home is beautiful and I want to help you accentuate the best features of the property. Here are my suggestions based on my experience of what buyers want to see when they view a home to buy. Your ...

Things to do in Cincinnati in March

There's some great stuff happening in Cincy this month! Don't miss out...

On March 1st, 3rd or 4th, go to Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park for AmericUS. Universes is an award-winning, multi-cultural performance ensemble that breaks traditional theatrical bounds to create its own brand of storytelling. Fusing theatre, poetry, dance, jazz, hip-hop and down-home blues, Universes will create a compelling portrait of contemporary America in this world premiere. Hailed by audiences and critics alike, Universes has performed off-Broadway, internationally and at major theatres across the country. This all-new show will challenge, move and entertain you.

Drink up at the Cincy Winter Beerfest at Duke Energy Convention Center on Friday, March 6th or Saturday the 7th. You can sample over 350 craft beers. Named one of top 10 craft beer fests in nation.

Calling all women! On Sunday, March 8th, attend the City Flea Womenfolk Market at The Transept, an event by women, for women, to celebrate, support, and embolden women. 

Check out Yoga After Work at Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve and reap the benefits! Join to reduce stress, increase awareness and learn to be comfortable both on and off the mat. This adult, mixed-level class is taught by a certified instructor, so beginners are welcome, especially those who have never tried yoga. 

The Cincinnati International Wine Festival is a charitable, non-profit...

Things to do in Louisville in March

Here's some very fun ideas for March 2020! Louisville is the place to be!

The Louisville Zoo presents Wild Lights Asian Lantern Festival, featuring over 2,000 beautiful lanterns wrapped in more than 60,000 feet of handmade silk. From March 5th - April 25th, come see the amazing water dragon, glowing moon swings and LED lily pads, and marvel at the deft ability of the incredible Chinese acrobats at the nightly stage show. Wild Lights is open Thursday through Sunday, 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Prices start at $15.50 and can be purchased at wildlightslouisville.com.

Every Tuesday in March (3, 10, 17, 24, 31), from 3 pm - 5 pm, take the Intro to Glass Mosaics class at Riverside, the Farnsley-Moreman Landing. This class is designed for age 14 and older.

There will be a tribute to Prince being held at Mercury Ballroom on Saturday, March 7th at 8 pm. Put on your purple and turn it up!

At the Kentuckiana Cluster of Dog Shows, dogs of every kind show off their cool canine cunning at the Kentucky Fair & Exposition Center. Doors open at 8 a.m. daily and admission is free Thursday. Tickets for Friday, Saturday and Sunday are $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 4 to 13 and $20 for families. You’re sure to have a tail-wagging good time!

On Sunday, March 15th at 3 pm, be inspired by the film River...

Things to do in Louisville in February

Here are some fun February events in the Louisville area! 

Fleur de Flea Vintage Urban Markets

947 E. Breckinridge Street, Louisville

February 1 - 2

Details!

"Start the new year with a mission to reuse, repurpose and recycle" and attend the grand opening of this permanent indoor vintage market in historic PARISTOWN minutes from Germantown, the Highlands and downtown Louisville. Over 125 vendors, samples from local restaurants, cocktails and more.

Beach Boys

The Louisville Palace

February 7 at 8 pm

Details!

You will not stop smiling the whole night at this event! "Let's go surfin' now/ Everybody's learning how/ Come on and safari with me."

Miss Saigon by Broadway Across America

The Kentucky Center

February 11 - 16 

Details!

This legendary musical is from the creators of Les Misérables. You'll be caught up in the story and singing the tracks in your head for days afterward!

Brantley Gilbert Concert

KFC Yum! Center 

February 14 at 7:30 pm

...

Things to do in Cincinnati in February

February is for all the things you love... furry friends, sports and beer, food, and more! Check out these activities in the Cincinnati area!

My Furry Valentine

Sharonville Convention Center

February 15 & 16 from 10 am - 5 pm

Details!

Hundreds of adoptable animals, vendor booths, raffles, and free kids activities make this a family friendly event - or a great place to find a companion pet!

Cyclones Hockey $1 Beers

Heritage Bank Center

February 20 at 7:30 pm

Details!

Good hockey and if you're 21+, enjoy $1 cans of Miller High Life and Pabst Blue Ribbon beers.

Taste of the Nations

Endeavor Elementary School

February 22 from 12 pm - 3 pm

Details!

Not only an opportunity to taste food from around the world, but also raffles and giveaways, a children’s zone, and a parade of nations for the children to participate in. A variety of vendors will also be selling crafts, jewelry, clothing, and much more.

Cincinnati Home and Garden Show

Duke Energy Convention Center

February 22-23 & February 27- March 1

Details!

"Game of Stones" feature garden, other garden showcases, and tons of exhibitors to find anything...

Things to do in Cincinnati in January 2020

If you're in the Cincinnati area, check out these fun events in January! 

Snow Banks at the Banks

The Banks

Saturdays from 12 pm - 8 pm & Sundays from 12 pm - 6 pm

Details!

Laughs at Tafts with Joe Derosa

Taft's Brewpourium

January 25 from 8 pm - 10 pm

Details!

Fairytale Ball

NOAH'S Event Venue in Blue Ash, OH

January 19 from 9 am - 6:30 pm

Details! 

Superpower Dogs

Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX Theater

Daily showings between 11 am - 5 pm

Details!

Art After Dark

Cincinnati Art Museum

January 31 from 5 pm - 9 pm

Details!

...

Things to do in Louisville in January 2020

Here are a variety of things to check out as we start off 2020!
New Year, New You
Free 7 Day Online Event
January 2 - 8
-
Taco Tuesdays
The Sports & Social Club
Tuesdays 11 am - 4 pm
-
Silent Disco Yoga
Louisville Slugger Field's Hall of Fame
January 11 from 6 pm - 8 pm
-
Great Train Expo
Kentucky Exposition Center
January 11 - 12 from 10 am - 6 pm
-
Monster Jam
Freedom Hall at Kentucky State Fair
January 18 at 7 pm
-
Clothing Exchange
Kid Check, Louisville, KY
January 23 - 25
...

Things to do in Cincinnati in December

Things to do in Louisville in December

The holiday season is in full swing! Shout out to GoToLouisville.com for some great event ideas for this month, from art shows and plays to Christmas markets and light shows, from date nights to family fun. We hope you will take the time to enjoy a few of these with the people near and dear to you - the real reason for the season that sometimes gets lost in the hustle and bustle. 

Lights Under Louisville - Louisville Mega Cavern - Mon - Fri 6 pm to 10 pm | Sat - Sun 5 pm to 10 pm
A Christmas Carol - Actors Theatre of Louisville - Dec 4 - 13 at 7 pm (2 pm weekend matinees)
Holiday Date Night Mixology Class - Stitzel-Weller Distillery - Dec 5 from 5:15 pm to 7:15 pm 
Made Market Holiday Market - Mellwood Arts and Entertainment Center - Dec 7 from 10 am to 5 pm
Family Fun: Coffee Filter Snowflakes - The Carnegie Center for Art and History - Dec 14 from 10 am to 12 pm
Santa's Wonderland - Bass Pro Shops - Sat - Sun 10 am to 10 pm
Docent Tours - 21c Museum - Wed & Fri...

Things to do in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky

Looking for some activities to do this month? Here’s some great ideas!

November 2, 2019: It’s a Mac and Cheese Throwdown at the Phoenix. The gloves are off as some of the city’s most talented chefs go head-to-head in a MELTY-CHEESY-SMACKDOWN of epic proportions! YOU decide who will be named the MAC N’ CHEESE CHAMPION of Cincinnati.

November 3, 2019: Family First Saturday: Girl Power is happening at the Cincinnati Art Museum (11am – 4pm). Spend the day with your family and celebrate their special exhibition, Women Breaking Boundaries, with free and fun activities for the whole family. Enjoy a special scavenger hunt, performances, hands-on art-making and more. Enjoy special preschool activities from 11:00 a.m–1:00 p.m.

November 9, 2019: Join us for opening night of the Greenacres Artists Guild Art Show: Cincinnati Masters Old and New. This cocktail party style event will feature paintings from the Nippert Private Collection not seen in decades, including work from Duveneck, Farny, and Hauser. Once you've taken in the old, take time to explore the work of the next generation of Cincinnati masters. The event is free and open to the public. Hors d'oeuvres will be served throughout the evening and there will be a cash bar available. We ask that you kindly RSVP to assist us in our event preparation.

November Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2019: Candy...

Things to Do in Louisville in November

Fall is in full swing and the holidays are approaching. Here's some fun activities for you to check out this month!

November 6 & 20, 2019: Shred at Story - Wellness Wednesday Series Join us on select Wednesdays this winter for a pop-up Shred415 workout at Story Louisville. Stick around for post-class smoothies, networking and a VIP tour of the co-working space! Bring your own water and yoga mat. Complimentary street parking is available. Enter Story at 900 E. Main Street and take the elevator to the third floor.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shred-at-story-wellness-wednesday-series-tickets-77476784147?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

November 9, 2019: 2019 Holiday Bazaar Our Annual Holiday Bazaar, always held in the 2nd Saturday of November. Enjoy Crafts, Handmade Items, Baked Goods, Christmas Decor, Ornaments, and much more! 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2019-holiday-bazaar-tickets-75614455873?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

November 9, 2019: Barre3 4th Birthday Celebration To kick off our celebrations, we are offering FREE classes all day Saturday, November 9th. In addition to free classes, we will be having giveaways all day from local spots like Exhale Yoga, Shred415, Life Bar, and lululemon! We will also be having Phocus in studio to keep you hydrated throughout the day. Sign up for class here, spots will fill up fast - http://bit.ly/32XUK5n If you can't make it class...no problem! Just release your spot to make space for someone else.  

...

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