Wendy City Real Estate at Keller Williams Realty Elite, 1100 S. Stratford Road, Winston-Salem, NC (2026)

06/17/2026

EARLY SPRING APPETIZER EXTRAVAGANZA Here are 5 unusual, and incredibly easy appetizer ideas that combine simple prep with memorable flavor combinations. Try them out for your next get-together and pull in the raves.

1. Watermelon, Feta, & Mint Skewers A refreshing balance of sweet, salty, and herbal.
• The Setup: Cut watermelon into 1-inch cubes. Top each with a small square of feta cheese and a fresh mint leaf, then secure with a toothpick.
• The Twist: Drizzle with a thick balsamic glaze right before serving to add a punch of acidity.

2. Bacon-Wrapped Goat Cheese Dates Sweet, creamy, and smoky all in one single bite.
• The Setup: Slice whole dates lengthwise to remove the pit. Stuff the cavity with soft goat cheese (chèvre). Wrap each date with a half-strip of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
• The Twist: Bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes until the bacon is perfectly crisp.

3. Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon Sliders A classic European pairing that looks elegant and takes minutes.
• The Setup: Slice a cantaloupe or honeydew melon into thin wedges. Wrap a delicate slice of salty prosciutto around the center of each wedge.
• The Twist: Scatter a few ribbons of shaved pecorino or parmesan cheese and a crack of fresh black pepper over the top.

4. Caprese Salad Skewers A portable, mess-free take on the traditional Italian salad that is perfect for mingling.
• The Setup: Thread a cherry tomato, a fresh basil leaf, and a mini mozzarella ball (bocconcini) onto short wooden skewers.
• The Twist: Arrange them on a platter and provide a small bowl of rich balsamic reduction for easy dipping.

5. Blue Cheese & Honey Pear Bites
An elegant, no-cook option that plays beautifully with contrasting textures.
• The Setup: Slice firm, ripe pears into thin rounds or wedges. Top each slice with a crumble of pungent blue cheese and a single toasted walnut half.
• The Twist: Elevate the flavor profile by adding a tiny drizzle of high-quality local honey over the cheese.

06/16/2026

Here is a cooling self-care tip for this week: 🍉 The June Evening "Cool Down" Routine 🧊

When the sun stays up late, it’s easy to keep running on high gear until the moment your head hits the pillow. This routine is designed to help your body transition from the heat and energy of a June day into a restful state.

• The 10-Minute "Sole" Reset: June days often involve a lot of standing or walking in summer shoes. Fill a shallow basin with cool water, a few ice cubes, and a splash of witch hazel or a drop of peppermint oil. Soak your feet for 10 minutes right before starting your evening wind-down. It instantly drops your core body temperature and relieves tired arches.

• The Twilight Dim: By 8:30 PM, turn off all harsh overhead lighting. Switch strictly to warm lamps, fairy lights, or candles to mimic the natural progression of the summer twilight. This signals to your brain that despite the lingering daylight, it is time to produce melatonin.

• The Cool Sheets Prep: Before you start your evening skincare or shower, pull your bedsheets down and turn a fan directly onto the bed. Slipping into crisp, pre-cooled sheets makes an immense difference in sleep quality on a warm June night.

06/15/2026

Thinking about selling? Or just beautyfying your yard? ✨ Here's a Real Estate Pro-Tip: High-quality landscaping can add up to 10–15% to your home’s value and drastically speed up your time on the market when you're ready to sell. It's the very first thing buyers see!

🏡 What's your absolute favorite plant or flower to grow? Drop a photo of your garden success stories in the comments below—I'd love to see what's blooming in your yard! 👇

06/10/2026

Here is another delightful and easy unusual light meal or appetizer for home or get-togethers If you love Feta, this is a great one to try out. It feels sophisticated but takes only minutes to make. Whipped Feta with Spring Peas and Mint

• Ingredients: Feta cheese, Greek yogurt, fresh or frozen peas (blanched), fresh mint, and lemon zest.
• Method: Blitz feta and yogurt in a food processor until smooth. Spread onto a plate and top with crushed peas, torn mint leaves, a drizzle of olive oil, and lemon zest. Serve with toasted baguette or crackers.

Let us know how you enjoyed this, and rememeber, if you are looking for a new deck or patio to entertain, we can help you find the perfect new home!

06/09/2026

🌞 The "Early Summer Forest Bathe" Routine 🌳

Since June brings the perfect combination of lush green foliage and warm (but not yet overwhelmingly hot) mornings, try a modified version of the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) specifically tailored for a June day.

Instead of a typical walk where you might check your phone or focus on exercise, dedicate 20 minutes to a Sensory Landscape Immersion:
• The Golden Hour Window: Head out early in the morning—around 7:30 AM or 8:00 AM—before the summer humidity peaks.

• The "No-Device" Boundary: Leave your phone at home or completely turned off in your pocket. No music, no podcasts, no photos.

• The 5-4-3-2-1 Sensory Check: Sit on a bench or walk slowly under a dense canopy of summer leaves and actively identify:
o 5 different shades of June green (from bright chartreuse new growth to deep emerald oak leaves).

o 4 distinct sounds (the specific chatter of morning birds, the rustle of wind through high branches, a distant lawnmower, the crunch of gravel).

o 3 physical textures (the rough bark of a nearby tree, the cool morning air on your skin, the dampness of the earth).

o 2 seasonal scents (the sweet smell of blooming honeysuckle or fresh-cut grass).

o 1 deep, centering breath to acknowledge the official arrival of summer.

Taking a deliberate, slow-motion pause in a heavily shaded green space resets a overstimulated mind, lowers cortisol levels, and grounds your energy for the hotter summer weeks ahead.

06/08/2026

Last in our dealing with household pests series is about Pet (and Child) Safety. Anytime we are dealing with pest solutions, we need to be super aware of pet and child safety. When using DIY solutions around pets, the goal is to avoid neurotoxins and irritants that animals might lick off their paws or inhale near the floor.

1. Food-Grade Essential Oils
Many Southern pests hate strong scents, but some oils (like tea tree or eucalyptus) are toxic to cats.
• The Move: Use Peppermint Oil or Cedarwood Oil diluted in water.
• The Safety: Avoid using these in diffusers. Instead, wipe down windowsills or door frames high enough that your pet won't rub against them.
• The Benefit: Natural deterrent that makes your home smell great while repelling ants and spiders.
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⚠️ Pet Warning: Avoid essential oils if you have birds, as their respiratory systems are extremely sensitive. For cats, always avoid citrus and clove oils, which can be hard for their livers to process.
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2. Self-Closing Trash Cans
The simplest "pest solution" for pet owners is removing the invitation.
• The Move: Switch to a trash can with a tight-sealing, heavy lid.
• The Benefit: Keeps the smell of pet food scraps (a magnet for palmetto bugs) contained so pests never "check in."

3. Dish Soap Spray (Maybe the easiest of all!)
For an "instant kill" that won't hurt your dog if they lick the floor afterward.
• The Move: Mix 2 tablespoons of Dawn dish soap with water in a spray bottle.
• The Safety: It kills ants and roaches by suffocating them on contact but is essentially just soapy water.

Hope this series was helpful to you in preparing for the warm weather onslaughts! Let us know if you like these kinds of posts. We know they are long, but if they are helpful, that is what matters!😀

06/05/2026

How about hitting a different vineyard this weekend? Here are 4 nearby that you may not be familiar with.

Carolina's Vineyards & Hops: A fashionable tasting room right on the edge of downtown Winston-Salem, offering an excellent selection of locally sourced North Carolina wines, craft beers, and seasonal small plates.

Address:1111 S Marshall St STE 184, Winston-Salem,
Hours: Wednesday – Thursday: 4-10, Friday – Saturday: 4-12, Sunday 2-7, Monday Closed

Old Homeplace Vineyard: Once a to***co farm, this lakefront tasting room and vineyard is a beautiful spot to relax while enjoying a glass of wine. They have wine tastings and live music. Don’t forget to bring your own lawn chair!

HOURS | Fridays, 1–6 PM, Saturday & Sunday, 12-5 PM
ADDRESS | 623 McGee Rd, Winston-Salem (25 minutes away)

Weathervane Winery: Weathervane has 17 great wines and a gift shop. Nothing is mass-produced: there are no filters or huge storage tanks for aging. Everything is done by hand, ensuring each bottle has the best taste. They have wine tastings, events, and winery cottages that are available for booking.

HOURS | Tuesday – Saturday, 11 AM – 5 PM; Sunday, 1-5 PM
ADDRESS | 1452 Welcome Arcadia Rd, Lexington (20 minutes away)

Native Vines Winery Native Vines Winery is the first American Indian-owned winery in the country! They have been producing completely natural, seasonal fruit wines since 1998, with a focus on apple and blackberry. Music on the lawn is offered on specific dates throughout the summer. Wine tastings are available.

HOURS | Tuesday – Friday, 11 AM – 5 PM; Saturday, 11 AM – 6 PM; Sunday, 1-5 PM
ADDRESS | 1336 NC-150, Lexington (25 minutes away)

06/04/2026

🌱 Want a Yard That Turns Heads and Boosts Your Home’s Value? 🌱
Whether you are looking to enhance your curb appeal for a future sale or simply want to create a gorgeous, relaxing oasis to enjoy right now? This is one of the best investments you can make for your home.
5 insider tips to design a stunning, low-maintenance garden that will have the whole neighborhood talking:
1. Go Native for Effortless Beauty 🌸 Incorporate native plants and perennial flowers. They naturally thrive in our local climate and soil, which means less watering, less fussing, and beautiful blooms that return year after year.

2. Layer for Depth and Drama 🌿 Design your garden beds using the "stair-step" method:
• Background: Tall shrubs or ornamental grasses.
• Middle: Medium-sized perennial flowers or structural plants.
• Foreground: Low-growing groundcovers, annuals for pops of color, or charming border edges.

3. Mix Textures and Foliage 🍁 A truly dynamic garden doesn't rely just on flowers for color. Mix different foliage types—think broad, glossy leaves next to feathery ferns, or deep purple hostas paired with bright chartreuse grasses. It keeps the garden looking sophisticated even when things aren't actively blooming.

4. Create a Welcoming Focal Point ⛲ Every great garden needs a place for the eye to rest. Add a structural element like a classic birdbath, a pair of oversized glazed planters, a cozy bench, or a beautifully defined stone pathway. It anchors the space and makes it feel like an intentional outdoor room.

5. Don't Forget the Mulch! 🪓 A fresh, clean layer of shredded hardwood mulch is the ultimate secret weapon. Not only does it instantly make the entire yard look neat and professionally landscaped, but it also retains moisture, regulates soil temperature, and suppresses pesky weeds.

✨ Real Estate Pro-Tip: High-quality landscaping can add up to 10–15% to your home’s value and drastically speed up your time on the market when you're ready to sell. It's the very first thing buyers see!
🏡 What's your absolute favorite plant or flower to grow? Drop a photo of your garden success stories in the comments below—I'd love to see what's blooming in your yard! 👇

06/03/2026

HOW ABOUT BAKING FOR YOUR POOCH? HERE'S AN EASY AND DOG-TASTY
🐾 Homemade Dog Treat Recipe.

• 3-Ingredient Sweet Potato Bites: Combine 1 cup oat flour, 1/4 cup natural peanut butter, and 1/2 cup mashed cooked sweet potato. Roll out the dough, cut into fun shapes, and bake at 400°F until firm.

• Pumpkin & Peanut Butter "Soft-Bakes": Mix pumpkin puree, peanut butter, eggs, and whole wheat flour. These have a softer texture that is often preferred by older dogs.

• Optional Bacon Glaze: For a special touch, whisk 2 tablespoons of melted bacon grease with 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter and drizzle over the cooled treats.

🐶 LOVE, LOVE AND MORE LOVE COMING YOUR WAY 🐶

06/02/2026

To help regulate your sleep and energy for the longer days ahead, try "sunlight timing." Resetting or adjusting your circadian rythm by letting the sun do its job. Try "Circadian Sunlight Timing."

Within 30 minutes of waking up, step outside for 5 minutes of direct (but safe) sunlight exposure without sunglasses. This signals your brain to set its internal clock for the day, improving your mood and helping you fall asleep more naturally at night. If you go barefoot on the earth, that gives you a double win!

Wendy City Real Estate at Keller Williams Realty Elite

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