Labor Day Recipes

Many people will be firing up the grill this weekend to commemorate the (unofficial) close of summer. We’ve got some simple recipes that are sure to be a hit with your guests!

Steak and Potato Kabobs

This easy recipe from Better Homes and Gardens uses items that are more than likely already in your pantry. Combine oil-and-vinegar dressing, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder to make a simple steak marinade.

Layered Summer Salad

This easy salad from Food.com can be made ahead of time and customized towards even the pickiest eater. Use a glass bowl for an even prettier display. 

Peach Cobbler

You’ll have no trouble finding this in-season fruit at your local Farmer’s Market or grocery store. Enjoy this classic dessert from Real Simple with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped topping.

5 Tips for Making Moving With Children Easier

Moving is difficult for even the most organized people. When children are involved the difficulty increases. Whether you are moving just down the road or to a completely new city, here are some tips to help ease the transition.

1. Let Your Kids Help

If they're old enough, let your children help you pack some of their personal belongings. Even at a young age, kids can sort their toys and help you wrap objects in tissue paper or bubble wrap. If you'll be putting some things into storage, ask them what they would like to keep and what they don't mind parting with for a while. Make sure your kids know that their toys and belongings will follow them to the new house and aren’t being thrown away. If you’re using cardboard boxes, let your child decorate them after they’ve been packed.

2. Alleviate Their Fears

If possible, take the children to see their new home and neighborhood in advance. This will help to take the “mystery” out of the move. Introducing your children to their new neighbors will reassure them that they will make new friends after the move.  

3. Pack It Last, Unpack It First

Children of all ages crave stability and comfort. Make your child's bedroom a safe place for them in your old home and recreate that same sense of ownership for them in their new bedroom. Older children may not want their new bedroom to be identical to the old (in fact, new furniture or decor could help dull the loss of school friends and activities), but younger children will benefit from a room nearly identical to the one they left behind. Make the moving disruption as minimal as possible by packing your child's room last and unpacking it first upon arrival.

4. If It’s Important, Keep It Close

Never make the mistake of letting the movers pack your child’s favorite toy or special blanket. Keep these items with you at all times. This will help ease any separation anxiety they may experience from the changes, and minimize your stress when you arrive if you can't find it right away. If it's important to your infant or toddler, it should be just as important to you -- don't let it out of your sight when you're moving.

5. Get Involved

Help your kids to make new friends by getting them involved in extracurricular activities in their new neighborhood. Find local schools, churches, co-ops and other neighborhood connections that might make your transition and introduction to your new place smoother. Sports leagues, community kids' clubs and classes specific to your child's interests will keep them busy, introduce them to new friends and make them feel more at home in their new surroundings.

Have you ever moved with children? Based on your experience, would you add anything to our list? Let us know on our Facebook page!

2013 Central Kentucky Gold Key Club Breakfast

We held our Central Kentucky Gold Key Club breakfast yesterday at Donamire Farm in Lexington. This is an annual event for local Realtors who have sold a Ball home.


We had over 200 people join us for the breakfast, which was catered by Dupree Catering and Events. Guests were able to spin a prize wheel for smaller door prizes or be entered in drawings for larger gifts, including gift cards, an iPad mini, UK Football tickets, and a TV. Everyone who had sold a Ball home in the last 12 months were able to get their name in a cash prize drawing.





Thank you to everyone who joined us. We always have such a great time planning this event and we're so thankful for your continued support of Ball Homes. We're looking forward to next year's event!

For more photos, visit the Ball Homes Facebook page.

Lexington's Favorite Home Builder

The votes are in and Ball Homes has been voted as Lexington's Favorite Home Builder for the sixth consecutive year!

Maintaining Your Laminate Countertops

Today’s laminate countertops are more popular and more customizable than ever. Laminate comes in a variety of colors, designs, styles and shapes, and is a lasting and durable kitchen surface option. Laminate countertops are a popular solution for people who like the look of granite, but don’t necessarily like the price tag that goes along with it. Some natural looking colors and patterns of laminates are made to resemble granite, slate and other types of stone at a fraction of the cost.   

What You’ll Need:

Soft Cloth or Sponge

Soft and short bristle brush

Dishwashing Detergent

Baking Soda