How to Find the Perfect Real Estate Agent

These are what I consider the five most important things to look for when selecting a real estate agent.

1. Look for a Realtor®.

Being a real estate agent and being a Realtor® aren’t the same thing.  An agent who is a Realtor® is a member of the National Association of Realtors®,  the trade association for brokers and agents.  Realtors® are bound by a Code of Ethics, and hold themselves to a high standard.  Agents join the National Association, not just for the internal benefits such as training and accreditation, but also because it shows clients that they are committed to providing the best service. 

2.  Look for someone who lives in and knows the area.

Using an agent who lives in the area where you’re planning to move can be tremendously helpful.  He or she can give you tips and resources from the experience of living in the area.  

I’ve lived in the Back Bay for 11 years. I am confident that I can answer almost any questions you might have about moving to the area.  Looking for the closest post office?  Where to find the best coffee?  Where to get the best salad?  I’ve got you covered.

3. Read reviews.

This business is almost entirely reputation- based.  Real estate agents aren’t paid a salary. Our income is solely commission-based.  Reviews from past clients and customers are very important.  They help the agent understand what the client liked and didn’t like, and also give future clients a glimpse of how the agent works and what to expect.  

4.  Choose someone who understands you and your needs. 

By choosing an agent who understands you and what you are seeking, you will save a lot of time.  There will be properties that meet some of your criteria but aren’t really what you want.  An agent who knows exactly what you’re looking for isn’t going to waste your time showing you places that will not work for you.

5.  Choose someone who will put your needs first.

Choose an agent who answers your phone calls.  If he doesn’t answer yours, he probably does not answer potential buyers’ calls either.  Make sure you select an agent who is willing to work with your schedule.  And pick an agent who will communicate with you the best way for you—whether it’s by phone, text, dm or email.  

If you have any questions about Back Bay real estate or about the market in general, please ask me!  My cellphone number is 617 528 8461 and my email address is willy.charleton@nemoves.com.  I’d love to hear from you!

Maple Sap

Tis the season for tapping!    Maple syrup and honey are two of my favorite sweeteners.  Really, the only ones I use.  I don’t like fake sweeteners.  I haven’t done this in a few years, but there’s no reason I shouldn’t.  Tapping maple trees is very easy, and the product is so nutrient dense and versatile.  Getting your own maple sap is free, aside from buying the spigot.  The last time I did it, we tapped 2 trees.  One produced gallons a day.  it was unbelievable.  We couldn’t keep up with the collection, but it froze well.

Like I said, it’s versatile.  Maple sap is pretty much maple syrup, watered down 40 times.  Actually, maple syrup is maple sap boiled down 40:1.  Maybe you’ve gotten sap at whole foods.  Well, if you think that’s good, you’re in for a treat!  If you tap a tree that is.

I like to use it for brewing tea and coffee.  I did boil some down with a lot of vanilla and then some chaga, cat’s claw and pau d’arco.  It was a very palatable way to use those herbs, but it wasn’t a syrup.  It's nutrient packed on its own.  Not too sweet and pretty mineral dense.  It can be a good source of manganese.  It's really simple and easy to collect.  It's like New England's coconut water.

You'll want to do this like, now.  The sap flows the most when the temperature fluctuates the most.  When it's above freezing during the day, and below freezing at night is prime time.  Read more here.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Sugar Maple works best, but tap whatever you want.  They’re easy to identify.

tap

drill

hammer

plastic gallon jug

sharp knife

sieve

containers for storage

You’ll need to:

Identify a Sugar Maple.  The bigger the tree, the more taps you can put in.  Don’t be greedy.

Using a 3/8” or so drill bit, drill a hole about 2 inches into the tree.  Angle it so the sap can drip out.  Hammer the spigot in.

Take a gallon jug, and cut a hole in it for the spigot.  Using a hole punch, punch a hole for the spigot’s hook.

Hang the jug by the hook

Check every hour or so at first so you get sense of how often you should empty the jug.  Debris will accumulate, so the sieve will take the crunch out of your sap.

How to Drive a Stick

How I Prepare to Travel

“I have found out there ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.”

— Mark Twain

    I have a love/hate relationship with traveling.  I thoroughly enjoying going to different places, experiencing new cities, recognizing how others have changed since my last visit.  Flying is what gets me.  Flying, just like anything, has its advantages and disadvantages.  It is generally the fastest mode of transportation, not including layovers, delays, the TSA and gate agents.

    Unfortunately, body scanners are not the only source of radiation when flying.  The altitude at which commercial planes generally fly contains twice the levels of UV radiation as found at sea level.  Flying over clouds or snow can reflect the light (visible and invisible), doubling the amount of exposure in-flight.  This is especially dangerous for pilots, who have significantly more exposure than the average traveler.  Pilots’ exposure is also increased because of the large window in the cockpit.  Cockpit windows are generally made of plexiglass and allow enough UV-A to pass to make a difference.  One hour of flying at altitude can expose a pilot to as much radiation as would a 20 minute session in a tanning bed.

    The body scanners are not only worthless, but harmful.  You can opt out, but you have to stand next to the carry-on x-ray scanner while you wait to be patted down.  I like to think of the pat down as a complimentary lymphatic drainage.  The current TSA scanners use millimeter-wave frequencies to detect metal objects on your body.  Great!  I prefer ceramic knives anyway, no contact-oxidation.  The TSA says the scanners are harmless, but interestingly enough, Raytheon uses the same technology in their "active denial system" for crowd control, which burns the targets skin.  Their motto is "Pain without Injury."  I think pain is usually an indicator of injury.  If I burn my hand on a hot pot, that's an injury.  Getting burned by a microwave is not different, and may even be more harmful.  They argue that it's non lethal, but again this is dosage dependent.  If you microwave someone for long enough, they'll die, or at least wish they were dead.  Studies show that the active scanners can depress cell lifespan and alter genetic expression.  So from here on, I’m going to spell out how I prepare to fly, to make my travel as efficient and harmless as possible.  

    There are several things you can do to prepare for flying that will help reduce the mental and physical stress.  First of all, be healthy and fit.  You don’t want to die traveling because you got a blood clot.  Flying exposes you to a huge number of people.  You’re going to be trapped in a sealed tube with a hundred other people.  You don’t know what they’re carrying!  Having an optimized immune system will create less stress in the body.

    I like to load up on antioxidants before I fly.  UV (as is x ray) radiation is ionizing radiation.  That means that as the waves pass through you, they knock off electrons.  Oxidation.  When I know I’m traveling, I take MegaHydrate on a more regular basis.  Not only is H-- the most potent antioxidant, but when combined with silica, helps detoxify radiation (I think).  I also like to up the zeolites, powder and liquid.  They each work differently.  When I have the little bottle of NCD2, I take it with me through “security.”  Vitamin C is another good one to consider, as is colloidal silver for immunity.  I also tend to sweat, between carrying stuff, having many layers for many climates, stressing (just kidding, I don’t do that!) so I like to take 2-3 quintessentials before I leave for the airport.  Edit:  I just heard that liquids can be brought through security, if frozen.  I am curious to know the justification, not that I'm complaining!

    Mushrooms are great because not only are they adaptogens, but can stave off radiation as well.  Chaga contains melanin, which can attach itself to radiation, and help the body eliminate it.  Chaga also contains a usable form of superoxide dismutase, a very potent antioxidant.  Being adaptogenic, it also helps to reduce mental stress and anxiety.  TL;DR:  Drink chaga even if you’re not traveling.  

    I brought this post up with my friends Scott and Nitsa over at Sun Potion, who also thought it was worth mentioning Reishi, for its supreme calming effects.  Reishi is known as the herb of good fortune, which is also something you'll want when relying on so many other people and things to get where you want to go.  Scott and Nitsa also mentioned taking a salt inhaler on the plane.  I don't have any experience with one, but I can see how it makes sense.  Drip some essential oils in there, and breath away!  It works to clean and flush out your respiratory system.  I definitely want to keep my lungs clean when trapped breathing recirculated airplane air.  It's like having your own portable, personal rock salt lamp.

Look how tan that thing is!

    In a previous post I mentioned grounding.  When you’re in an airplane, you’re not grounded to the earth.  But you can ground yourself to the plane by touching the frame of the seat in front of you, I hear.  My understanding is that you can get some electrons, but the plane’s ground has only a limited supply, and does not contain any Schumann resonances.  However, that doesn’t mean you can’t bring a Schumann resonance with you!  I bring a zapper with me.  Either this one or this one.  Grounding when you reach your destination will also help reset your circadian rhythms, as will unprotected sunlight to the eyes.

    The most important part of the flight is the snacks.  I don’t care if we crash and burn, as long as I’m eating chocolate.  Snacks are really important though.  You don’t want an energy drop while your delayed for 16 hours in Minneapolis while on hold with the airline that forgot to put your bag on the plane.  Two words: Goji berries.  Sweet, complete protein and polysaccharid rich they are.  And the number one food source of lithium. You’ll want that, it’s a mood stabilizer.  All jokes aside, it is important to have chocolate with you as well.  You’ll get some MAOIs, PEA, anandamide and theobromine, assuming you have good chocolate.  Seasnax are another favorite of mine.  Salty and iodine rich, perfect for helping me keep my calm and protecting my thyroid.  My preferred energy source is fat, so I like to bring olives and/or some kind of nut, preferably macadamia.  You might be thinking, “but if I bring food with me, it will be x-rayed!”  Yes, that’s true.  But all food on the other side of security will be, so it’s much cheaper to bring your own.  I’ve successfully asked TSA agents to hand-check my food and supplements.  Before I fly I take a screen shot off the TSA website saying you can have supplements hand inspected instead of sent through the scanner.  Although, I just looked for the page on their site and can’t find it, but in any case, your supplements will experience ionizing radiation from outer space.  Currently, the only way around that is strictly ground transportation.

The contents of my carry-on

    Not all travel prep is directly related to the body.  It’s important to pack smartly to maximize efficiency and organization.  I think my backpack is perfect for travel.  It has a secure space for my computer, 22L of space to hold my carry-on necessities (like food), an easy access top pocket and is durably made in Montana.  The buckles are made with nickel plated stainless steel from Waterbury, CT.  The fabric is DuPont engineered 1000D Cordura Nylon that’s nearly waterproof.  Kletter opted for the old standby YKK zippers, in a larger than usual size.  There are also nylon tabs on the backpack to pull in the opposite direction while zipping.  It’s everything I want from a backpack, minus the sherpa.

    Good headphones are another necessity for easy traveling.  You want to hear the clearest sound, while not hearing babies cry.  I don't like noise canceling headphones.  They work by introducing frequencies that cancel out the ambient noise.  That doesn't sound very efficient to me.  And I don't want to have electronics strapped to my head if I'm only getting sub-par sound quality.  I use ear buds for convenience when driving and out and about, but I prefer having space between the speaker and my ear.  These are my favorite headphones, as you probably know.  I previously said I was loyal to B&O.  They're very comfortable over the ear headphones that sound amazing, with the option to daisy chain.  What more could I ask for?

    I also recently acquired a dope-ass suitcase.  I’m 24 and I remember using three different suitcases in my lifetime so far.  My new one will last me for the rest of my life.  It’s aluminum with a lifetime warranty.  It’s got 33L for my packing convenience, with 2 built in locks.  Rimowa’s been around since 1898, so I’m thinking they’re doing something right  I also appreciate that it's North American made.  Rimowa's suitcases are made around the world, but mine happens to be from Canada.

The Most Opulent Face Wash

The Most Opulent Recycled Face Wash

“If I were two-faced, would I be wearing this one?”

— Abraham Lincoln

    I don’t like to waste.  I’m assuming you read the post on how to make the richest almond milk.  Well, with the leftover almond pulp, I’m going to make the most opulent face wash.  I don’t usually put anything on my skin that I wouldn’t eat.  I grew up using Dr. Hauschka’s Cleansing Cream.  My mom’s been using it longer than I can remember, so when I started washing my face, that’s what I used.  I used it regularly until about a year ago, when I started washing my face less often.  Towards the end of my Dr. Hauschka career, I got their book.  It gives directions on how to make most of their basic products.  Cleansing cream? Almond Butter.  Toner?  Apple cider vinegar.  Looking back, it’s so obvious!

My nut-milk bag was in the wash, so I used this cloth.

    I like things to be simple, so this face wash recipe is really easy with few ingredients that are all edible:  Almond flour, coconut oil, and essential oils.  I usually use frankincense and lavender.  Both are known for their beautifying qualities.

    The first step is making almond flour from the pulp.  The longer you blended the milk, the finer your flour will be.  However, don’t fret if you have a chunky pulp.  Spread it out on a sheet to dehydrate.  Try to break up any big clumps, they can start to ferment on the inside if they get warm and don’t dry.  Drying the pulp exponentially extends the shelf life.  In these images here, I did not dry the pulp as I only made a small amount that I’ll use in a few days.

    Once they’re dry, I mean really dry, toss them in a blender and grind again, so you get a consistent texture.  Store any flour you’re not using in the freezer.  Now that you’ve got the flour, I’m just going to walk you through the steps I take to get a face wash.

You'll need:

1/2 Cup Almond Flour

2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil

2-3 Drops each Frankincense and Lavender Essential Oils

    I like to be gentle with this, mixing it by hand in a non-metal bowl using a wooden spoon.  I store it in a little short mason jar.  I only make a little at a time, so I can’t speak to how long it will keep.  When I take a shower or bath, I put it on my face and let it sit.  I like to open my pores and let my skin soak up the oils (I’m assuming you either have clean running water, or filter your shower water).  I rub it in not long before I rinse it off.  The almond meal makes a great exfoliant.

A few notes on essential oils:

    I’m not brand loyal, I’ve used Elizabeth Van Buren, YoungLiving and I have a doTerra Frankincense, which so far has been my favorite Frankincense.  But I think it’s important to get good oils.  Look for 3rd party tested (with great results) and food/therapeutic grade.  Depending how good you want your oils to be, you can also look where they’re sourced.  

    I also think it’s important to go by latin names.  There are roughly 30 different species of Lavendula (Lavender).  My preference is Lavendula angustifolia, or True Lavender.  The doTerra Frankincense I have is Boswellia frereana.  Something else to consider is the source.  Lavendula angustifolia is native to the western Mediterranean, while Boswellia frereanna is native to eastern Africa.  I want my essential oils to be made from Di Tao herbs.

    While I enjoy making my own skin-care products, I’m currently trying out a few different Living Libation’s oils and creams, which I am in love with, but not ready to report yet.

Thank you for reading! (If you did)