Western Mass Homes Lesley Lambert

Lesley's Life

Checking in…How are you doing?

It has been a while since I posted anything besides a real estate post and I thought I would rectify that today.

I feel like there is a lot of unrest in the world right now, I can sense the strain of the economy, politics, and even the weather (phew could it get any more muggy??).

That led me to wonder, how are you doing? I would truly love to know. You don’t have to comment here, but if you would like to catch up or share something with me, please don’t hesitate. I would love to hear from you! You can always call or text me at 413-575-3611 or email: realestate.lesleylambert@gmail.com

I, for one, feel all those things I mentioned above, but I am hanging in there. Spending time catching up with friends old and new helps me feel immeasurably better. Maybe it will do the same for you?

Christmas in Western Massachusetts for Yours Truly

Gosh, it is less than a week until Christmas. I know I am not fully ready, maybe you aren’t either, but we will get there.

This Christmas is better/worse for me than the last few years. Without boring details, I have had some serious upheavals over the holidays during the last few years that had left me without my usual holiday spirit.

Growing up, I was the one that did the decorating. I was the Weber house Christmas elf. I loved all of it. The old-fashioned lit-up plastic Santa that I hung outside of our front door, the ubiquitous large bulb-colored lights…all of it. My sister and I had a tradition of sleeping under the Christmas tree the first night after it was decorated. Much like Buddy the Elf, Christmas was my favorite!

Fast forward to when I am an adult and have my kids…I had to have the HUGEST REAL Christmas tree. One year it was so big that it kept falling over and we had to bolt it into the wall. Yes, I am serious. However, I didn’t do that again because I lost a ton of my breakable decorations and I was salty about that situation. That being said, I was a stalwart champion of the authentic REAL Christmas tree for years. When my girls were still younger it was so much fun to wander the Christmas tree farm and watch them run and throw snowballs in our hunt for the “perfect tree”.

Well, kids do this thing…they grow up. They didn’t want to do the tree hunt (or didn’t have time) and I was left to my own devices or we would make a quick stop at a local tree seller of already cut trees. Last year was our last “real tree” year. I hit the wall when I had to drag that dead-ass tree out by myself and I was cleaning needles until June. Additionally, I had some personal and health setbacks that made it difficult for me to feel the joy of the season. I succumbed to the malaise…not my typical style, but there you have it.

So, this is our first year with an artificial tree. But the tree doesn’t define how we spend our holiday and I decided to get my elfish spirit back on in 2023! I had my now adult daughters (22 and 19) over for a good old-fashioned Christmas Tree Trimming Party. I made appetizers, blasted the Christmas tunes, got a good wood fire going, and decorated.

Our tree is not a “staged tree”. We don’t have a color palette or a “style”. It is all of the decorations collected since I was an adult on my own, including the fan favorites: the elementary school handmade decorations made with love by my girls. There is a lot of, “Wait, whose is this one?”, “Oh…do you remember making this?”, and “Awww how cute!”. It is a walk down memory lane as we decorate and reminisce about where the ornaments came from and spend some special family time together. I think that makes it the most lovely thing I have ever seen.

Our family is not a traditional one, but we have our traditions and I love them. I am so glad I was able to come out of whatever was keeping my Christmas Elf down and enjoy this time with my adult daughters. It will be our first Christmas without my mom, but I know she was in the room during the tree trimming and I feel her all around.

To you and yours, I wish you the merriest of the holiday seasons and all of the best going into the New Year. I feel blessed and I wish the same for you and yours!

Giving Back in Westfield, MA-What stole my heart

If you know me, then you know I love my community. I have lived in or near Westfield, MA my entire life and I am proud to call it my home.

I was raised with the understanding that if you love something, it is your job and responsibility to care for and nurture that thing. My mother instilled this in me and I carry it in my heart daily. Sometimes they are people, sometimes they are pets, and sometimes they are cherished heirlooms, but in this case, they are the community. Bear with me for a moment while I share some of what I have done, but stay with me for the opportunity that makes my heart sing.

Quick boring history

Briefly, I do a lot of volunteer work in my community. I was on the board of directors for the Friends of Grandmother’s Garden in the 90s and early 2000s when we went on a major fundraising project and tore apart and rebuilt this sanctuary in the heart of the city. I have run a project called “Blessing Bags for the Homeless” for years in Westfield. I have been on the board of directors for the Friends of the Westfield Senior Center for over eight years and I am the immediate past president of the Kiwanis Club of Westfield, I am a member of the Elks and I have recently been appointed to the Alumni committee at Westfield State University. All of these organizations and projects hold a special place in my heart, but the one that means the most to me began about three years ago.

This is the good part

Three years ago I discovered that the Westfield Public Schools were looking for mentors for their students. The children that are in the program come from any number of backgrounds, but their teachers and administration have noticed that they would benefit from a relationship with an adult who can be a part of their lives in a regular capacity. As soon as I saw this, I knew I wanted to become involved. I spent my entire life at a dance studio, many of those years as an instructor and I love children. My own children were mostly grown and I missed having younger children in my life.

Flashback to three years ago when I got my first assignment. I will call her Callie for the purposes of this story. Callie was a second-grade student who needed some help with focusing. She was assigned to me because she loved to dance. We bonded over my large collection of children’s dance stories and I taught her some of the moves. Callie flourished under a watchful eye and took to me right off the bat. Her energy was infectious and she was quick for a hug. As it turned out, Callie’s mom couldn’t afford to send her to dance class, so Callie was just doing her own thing. I was able to facilitate a scholarship and secure donations of dance apparel to give to Callie’s mom who then gave it to Callie for Christmas. Hearing her tales of dance class each week became a favorite moment of mine.

Callie is now a fourth-grade student at a new school and I have been able to follow her there and continue to see her weekly. She loves to sing and dance for me and we spend our time otherwise doing art, games, and chatting. She never fails to greet me with a hug and I never leave in a bad mood.

The elementary school that Callie was originally at contacted me a year after I started and shared that they had another high-energy student that they would like to pair with me. How could I say no? Enter my sparkle girl, Ky (also not her real name). Ky was a second-grade student who moved like she was built of bubbles. She is sunshine and rainbows personified and she grabs your interest from the start. I quickly learned that Ky was wise beyond her years. She came from a large family who fell on hard times, but you would never know it to look at her. I only knew from what she was willing to share with me.

Ky loves coloring, games, and crafts and throughout whatever we do she is singing. During our first year together, I had to miss some of our appointments because my mother was in and out of the hospital and eventually passed. Ky wrote me a homemade sympathy card that shared sentiments that were wise beyond her years. That note along with another (I will share in a moment) lives on my refrigerator. I am now in my second year with Ky, a big girl third-grade student now, and our bond continues to grow.

Each week when I arrive at these girl’s respective schools the administration shares with me that my student has been asking after me and checking in to see when they will see me. Each week when I arrive I am met with a beautiful young person running up to me with a full-on blast hug and a cry, “Miss Lesley! I missed you!”. We spend our time doing things that don’t seem important, but while we are doing them I am asking questions and giving support, I am teaching manners and patience, I am checking in on their classroom behavior and encouraging them to do their best, I am teaching them that it doesn’t matter who wins the game as long as you are playing it with someone you love and having fun and most of all, I hope I am teaching them that they can count on someone in their lives.

It is no exaggeration when I share that being a mentor has changed my life. I spend one hour a week volunteering my time, but the gift I get back will last me my entire lifetime. These children have made a mark on my heart that cannot be taken away. I hope I get to participate in their lives for a good long while.

Treasured for life

OK, so here is the second note from Ky that I mentioned. It is a thank you note that she asked the front office to send me at the end of last year’s school year:

“Dear Mrs. Lesley, Thank you for being here for me and supporting me.

I am happy that you came into my life. Love, Ky”

If you are inspired to join this lovely mission and live in Westfield, MA please email vips@schoolsofwestfield.org to get started. If you live elsewhere, contact your district office and ask how to get involved, you won’t regret it!

20 Unique Home Gifts for Every Person on Your List

20 Unique Home Gifts for Every Person on Your List

Every year, it seems the holidays sneak up on us—and every year, that brings with it the dreaded last-minute gift panic. Finding a present that hits all the right notes can be surprisingly stressful, even when it comes to people you’ve known for years.

But have no fear! We’ve lined up a list of unique gifts for every “type” on your list. And since we work in real estate, they’re all centered around home life. From the coffee snob to the sports enthusiast, these presents are the perfect way to bring beauty, function or a touch of whimsy to your loved one’s home this holiday season.

FOR THOSE WHO ARE ALWAYS IN THE KITCHEN

We all know someone whose kitchen is their happy place—but once all the basics are covered, it can be hard to find the perfect present. These gifts will be a treat for the chef, baker, or food lover on your list, no matter how well equipped they are.

1. The Coffee Snob

Glass Pour-Over Coffeemaker – $36

Have a java lover on your list who just can’t get their brew right at home? This high-end pour-over system makes a smooth brew that can even be refrigerated and reheated so your recipient can enjoy a perfect cup at any time.

2. The Foodie

Shiitake Mushroom Log Kit – $30

Help your favorite gourmand create restaurant-quality meals with this kit that allows them to grow delicious mushrooms right in their cupboard. All they’ll need to do is soak the wood and put it in a cool place, then wait a few weeks, and voila—mushrooms! Best of all, they can keep growing mushrooms on the same log for years.

3. The Baker

Vintage Etched Cake Stand – $60

If you’re lucky enough to have a fabulous home baker on your list, give a gift that reflects the joy their treats bring to others. This lovely glass cake stand is the platform that a beautifully decorated dessert deserves.

4. The Tea Aficionado

Flowering Tea Set – $25

Your favorite tea lover may have tried all of the herbal blends out there, but we bet they haven’t seen tea like this. This set contains two “blossoms” of tea leaves hand-sewn around flowers that bloom when you place them in the included glass teapot and add hot water.

FOR THOSE WHO WOULD RATHER BE IN THE BACKYARD

For many of us, time outdoors is the ultimate source of rejuvenation. The nature-lover on your list is sure to appreciate these presents that help them maximize that joy in their daily lives.

5. The Gardener

Striped Garden Tote Bag – $37

Dedicated gardeners all need a great bag to carry their gear. This tote is attractive and sturdy and will help them keep their home’s exterior beautiful and welcoming.

6. The Flower Lover

Monthly Flower Subscription – starting at $40/month

If your loved one prefers to enjoy their flora without all the work, a delivery of farm-fresh flowers is sure to surprise and delight. And you can keep the joy blossoming year-round with a monthly or bi-monthly subscription.

7. The Environmentalist

Collapsible Metal Straw – $20

Know someone who is trying to bring less plastic into their home? This reusable metal straw means they’ll never have to buy a box of plastic straws again. And since it collapses into a tiny carrying case, they can use it at home or on the go.

8. The Outdoor Adventurer

Solar Phone Charger – $29

Have a camper or adventurer on your list? This solar-powered phone charger, which comes with a built-in flashlight and compass, is a must-have. It will also make a great addition to their home emergency kit.

FOR THOSE WITH THEIR NOSE TO GRINDSTONE

Like it or not, most of us spend a good chunk of our lives working—whether at a job or on projects and chores around the house. These gifts are designed to make that work a bit easier and more enjoyable.

9. The Remote Worker

Home Office Lap Desk – $35

Working at home can be great—in part because you can work from anywhere in the house. The remote worker on your list will appreciate this lap desk with a built-in mouse pad and phone slot, which will allow them to work comfortably from the couch or the bed without overheating their computer.

10. The Back-to-The-Office Worker

Bento Lunch Box – $27

If your loved one is heading back to the office, it doesn’t mean they have to give up the healthy habit of a home-cooked meal. Send them to work with this stylish lunch box packed full of nutritious food.

11. The Do-It-Yourselfer

65ft Laser Distance Measure – $50

The handy person on your list can say goodbye to unwieldy tape measures with this nifty device. It’s perfect for DIY projects up to 65 feet.

12. The Clean Freak

Portable Sanitizing Travel Wand – $60

In the COVID-19 era, we’ve all become a little germaphobic. This UV wand kills viruses and bacteria in seconds without any wiping or washing required. It’s perfect for disinfecting shoes, computer keyboards, and more!

FOR THOSE MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT THEIR HOBBIES

Of course, there’s a lot more to life than work. If you’re gifting a friend or family member who really lights up when they talk about their hobbies, we’ve got you covered.

13. The Sports Enthusiast

Hockey Stick BBQ Set – $45

Looking for a gift for the sports enthusiast in your life that isn’t another jersey? These BBQ tools made from repurposed hockey sticks are a great pick. Perfect for cooking up food to watch with the game!

14. The Bookworm

The Book Lover’s Journal – $13

Know someone who loves to curl up on the couch with a good book? This journal will help the book-lover on your list keep track of what they’ve read, as well as their ever-growing “to-read” list.

15. The Runner

Marathon Map Hydration Bottles – $36

Help the runner you love to stay hydrated (and motivated) with a water bottle inscribed with their favorite race route. It’s perfect for runs around the neighborhood or just toting around the house.

16. The Tourist

Travel Backpack – $100

Make it easy for the travel lover on your list to bring back souvenirs. This lightweight backpack folds flat so it’s easy to pack but sturdy enough to carry their new treasures all the way home.

FOR THOSE WHO PUT FAMILY FIRST

For many of us, the greatest joy in life comes from our relationship with our family. Help your recipient strengthen and celebrate those all-important connections with these thoughtful gifts.

17. The New Parent

4-in-1 Baby Food Maker – $155

It’s hard to know what to buy for new parents once their registry is cleared out, but if they’re interested in making baby food at home, this tool is a must-have. It makes the process, from steaming to mixing, fast and easy.

18. The Genealogy Fan

DNA Kit – $99

Know someone interested in reconnecting with their ancestral home? This DNA kit can help them trace their geographical heritage and uncover their family history.

19. The Pet Person

Custom Printed Socks – $25

Is your friend’s pet their favorite family member? These adorable socks are sure to put a smile on their face as they cozy up on the couch with their fur baby. And since you can feature up to four pets on each pair of socks, no one needs to feel left out.

20. The Documentarian

Mini Link Printer – $100

We all have that relative who snaps a million photos at every family event. Help them capture each precious moment with this unique gadget that essentially transforms a smartphone into a Polaroid camera. It makes it easy to customize and print out snapshots to display around the house or insert into a scrapbook for posterity.

READY TO GIVE YOURSELF THE ULTIMATE GIFT?

We want to be your real estate consultants through every season of life. So please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or to ask for recommendations or referrals any time of year. And when you’re ready to give yourself the gift of a new home, contact us to talk about your options. From finding the right neighborhood to identifying the amenities that will make the biggest difference to your quality of life, we’re always eager to help.

LESLEY LAMBERT, REALTOR with Park Square Realty

 413-575-3611

Real Estate Market Reports and LIVE with Lesley on Facebook

So today I did my first live question and answer session, only I didn’t get any questions!

People DID show up and watch, however, so it was a good thing that I had some materials prepared ahead of time for me to discuss!

First off I spoke about the different forms of agency that are common in my area: Seller Agent, Buyer Agent and Dual Agent.

Then I shared some market data for the towns I am most active in: Westfield, Southwick and Agawam.

There is a bit of information in there about how I work differently than other agents and some of the important bits to consider about the experience and ability of your agent.

If you want to watch the video it is here:

If you are curious about the market reports they are here:

WESTFIELD REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORT

SOUTHWICK REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORT

AGAWAM REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORT

As always, if I can be helpful with any real estate matter, please do not hesitate to reach out! Lesley Lambert, Western MA REALTOR with Park Square Realty 413-575-3611