🍒 Sweet Homes & Sweeter Moments: Cherry Cobbler with Homemade Vanilla Cream & Real Estate Tips from Laurie Rodriguez

By Top Lubbock & South Plains Realtor, Laurie Rodriguez

Key & Slate Real Estate Group | Keller Williams Realty Lubbock

Some of life’s sweetest moments are simple—a fresh cherry cobbler baking in the oven, the smell of vanilla drifting through the air, and the joy of calling a place your own. That’s exactly what this recipe is all about: homey, heartfelt, and full of flavor.

And whether you're enjoying dessert with loved ones or prepping your house to go on the market, Laurie Rodriguez is here to help you create a space where memories—and cobblers—are made.

🍒 Laurie’s Classic Cherry Cobbler with Homemade Vanilla Cream

This cozy dessert is as timeless as a front porch swing in a South Plains breeze. Warm cherries, golden biscuit topping, and smooth vanilla cream… It’s comfort food with charm.

Cobbler Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries

• ¾ cup sugar

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt

• ½ cup cold butter (cubed)

• ⅔ cup whole milk

• 1 tbsp coarse sugar (for topping)

Homemade Vanilla Cream:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

• 2 tbsp powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat & Prep: Set oven to 375°F. In a mixing bowl, stir cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla. Pour into a buttered 9x9 baking dish.

2. Make the Cobbler Topping: In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk until just combined. Drop spoonfuls of dough over the cherries.

3. Bake: Sprinkle topping with coarse sugar. Bake 35–40 minutes until the topping is golden and cherry juices bubble up around the edges.

4. Whip the Cream: In a cold bowl, beat cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.

5. Serve & Savor: Spoon warm cobbler into bowls, top with a big dollop of vanilla cream, and enjoy a little slice of South Plains comfort.

🏡 Just Like This Cobbler—Your Home Should Feel Warm, Inviting, and Beautifully Prepared

When buyers walk into your home, you want them to feel something—cozy, welcomed, and ready to say yes. That’s why presentation matters so much.

Here are a few home-selling tips that pair perfectly with the comfort of a cherry cobbler:

🧹 Laurie’s Real Estate Tips for a “Fresh from the Oven” First Impression:

✨ Clean Kitchen Counters: Highlight your space by clearing clutter and staging with a cookbook or a pie dish.

🪞 Add Reflective Touches: Use mirrors and lighting to brighten spaces and help rooms feel larger.

🌼 Add a Touch of Home: A vase of fresh flowers or the smell of baked goods during a showing creates emotional connection.

🚪 Don’t Forget Curb Appeal: A swept porch, tidy walkway, and a seasonal wreath can invite buyers in before they step inside.

🌾 Why Laurie Loves the South Plains

Laurie Rodriguez knows what it means to put down roots, build something meaningful, and help others do the same. From the heart of Lubbock to the edges of Littlefield, Slaton, and Sundown, she’s proud to serve the people and places that make West Texas feel like home.

Communities We Proudly Serve

Key & Slate Real Estate Group proudly serves: Abernathy, Brownfield, Buffalo Springs, Crosbyton, Denver City, Farwell, Floydada, Hale Center, Lamesa, Levelland, Littlefield, Muleshoe, New Deal, New Home, Olton, Plains, Plainview, Post, Ralls, Ransom Canyon, Seagraves, Seminole, Silverton, Slaton, Snyder, Spur, Sudan, Sundown, Tahoka, Tulia, and Wolfforth.

Explore More with Laurie Rodriguez & Key & Slate

🔹 LaurieRodriguez-KeyandSlate.com – Personalized support in Lubbock & the South Plains

🔹 LainieEilenberger.com – Real estate expertise with local love

🔹 Key & Slate on Keller Williams – Explore our full team & listings

🔹 One Ford Road – Lubbock – Tour homes in Lubbock’s premier neighborhood

🔹 Lainie on YouTube – Home tours, advice & stories

Final Thought 🍒

Just like a warm cherry cobbler, your home should feel sweet, welcoming, and ready to be enjoyed. Whether you're buying your first place, upgrading to something new, or preparing to sell—Laurie Rodriguez is here to guide you home with heart and hustle.

📞 Call or message Laurie today, and let’s bake up something beautiful—together.

Laurie’s cherry cobbler served straight from the skillet—rich, rustic, and topped with homemade vanilla cream in true West Texas style.

🌱 Organic Curb Appeal: How to Kill Weeds Naturally & Impress South Plains Buyers

By Top Lubbock & South Plains Realtor, Laurie Rodriguez

When you’re getting ready to sell your home—or simply want to love your yard a little more—nothing spoils the view like a patch of stubborn weeds.

But if you’re not comfortable spraying chemicals where kids and pets play, you’re not alone. More and more homeowners are choosing natural methods to control weeds safely and sustainably.

The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice curb appeal to keep your yard chemical-free. Here’s how to tackle weeds naturally and why a tidy, organic lawn is a big plus in the eyes of buyers.

🌿 Why Buyers Notice a Weed-Free Yard

1️⃣ It Shows You Care - A well-kept yard—without weeds—signals to buyers that you’ve maintained your home inside and out.

2️⃣ It Feels Safe - More buyers than ever appreciate an organic approach, especially families with children, pets, or allergies.

3️⃣ It Makes a Great First Impression - Clean edges and lush grass help your listing photos stand out and make buyers feel welcome the moment they arrive.

🌼 How to Kill Weeds Organically (and Keep Them Gone)

You don’t need harsh chemicals to have a beautiful yard. Here are proven organic strategies you can start this week:

✅ Pull by Hand or Hoe - When weeds are young, pull them out by the roots. Use a hoe or hand weeder to loosen soil and make removal easier.

✅ Use Vinegar Spray - Fill a spray bottle with plain white vinegar and spritz weeds on a hot, sunny day. The acetic acid damages leaves and dries them out naturally.

✅ Boiling Water Treatment - Pour boiling water directly onto weeds growing in cracks or along sidewalks. It kills plants instantly without residue.

✅ Smother with Mulch - Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around flower beds and trees. This blocks light and prevents weed seeds from sprouting.

✅ Corn Gluten Meal - Sprinkle corn gluten meal on soil in early spring. This natural pre-emergent stop seeds from germinating.

✅ Plant Densely - Healthy grass and ground covers naturally outcompete weeds for space, nutrients, and light.

🏡 Why It Pays to Go Natural

When buyers walk up to a lush, tidy yard with no chemical smell, they see a place they can feel good about calling home.

Organic maintenance can even be a selling point, showing your commitment to health, sustainability, and a cleaner environment.

🌟 How Laurie Helps You Get Market-Ready

Before you list, Laurie Rodriguez will:

✔️ Walk through your property to spot trouble areas buyers will notice

✔️ Recommend safe, budget-friendly ways to improve your yard

✔️ Share contacts for organic lawn care professionals if you prefer help

✔️ Guide you on which improvements will make the biggest impact on value

🌾 Why the South Plains?

From Lubbock to Levelland, neighbors appreciate homes that feel safe, fresh, and cared for. A healthy, chemical-free lawn is one more way to stand out and show pride of ownership.

Communities We Proudly Serve

Key & Slate Real Estate Group proudly serves Lubbock and these wonderful West Texas communities: Abernathy, Brownfield, Buffalo Springs, Crosbyton, Denver City, Farwell, Floydada, Hale Center, Lamesa, Levelland, Littlefield, Muleshoe, New Deal, New Home, Olton, Plains, Plainview, Post, Ralls, Ransom Canyon, Seagraves, Seminole, Silverton, Slaton, Snyder, Spur, Sudan, Sundown, Tahoka, Tulia, and Wolfforth.

Explore More with Laurie Rodriguez & Key & Slate 🏠

🔹 LaurieRodriguez-KeyandSlate.com – Real estate with heart and hustle

🔹 LainieEilenberger.com – West Texas homes and listings

🔹 Key & Slate on Keller Williams – Meet our team and browse homes

🔹 One Ford Road Community – Discover Lubbock’s premier neighborhood

🔹 Lainie on YouTube – Virtual tours and real estate tips

💬 Final Thought

You don’t need chemicals to create a yard buyers—and your family—will love. With a little effort and the right approach, you can keep your property looking fresh, green, and ready to impress.

📞 Reach out today, and let’s get your curb appeal market-ready the natural way.

Laurie Rodriguez shows how using organic methods to control weeds keeps your yard beautiful and safe—and makes a great impression on buyers. 🌿✨

Stars, Stripes & Strawberry Ice Cream: Laurie Rodriguez’s Sweet Recipe for Summer & Real Estate 🍓

There’s nothing more all-American than homemade ice cream on the 4th of July—especially when it’s packed with fresh strawberries and made with love. Whether you’re hosting a backyard celebration, heading to a community fireworks show, or thinking about buying or selling a home this summer, Laurie Rodriguez is here to serve up something sweet for your tastebuds and your future.

🍦Laurie’s Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped

• ¾ cup granulated sugar (divided)

• 2 cups heavy cream

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix strawberries with ¼ cup sugar. Let sit for 30 minutes, then mash gently with a fork.

2. In another bowl, whisk together cream, milk, remaining sugar, vanilla, and salt.

3. Add strawberry mixture and stir to combine.

4. Pour into ice cream maker and churn per manufacturer’s instructions.

5. Freeze for 2+ hours before serving—or scoop it straight out for a soft-serve treat!

   
   

❤️ Optional: Top with whipped cream, sprinkles, and an American flag toothpick for festive flair!

🧨 Real Estate Tips for July Events & Summer Moves

1. Use Holiday Weekends to Show Off Your Home - Open houses around the 4th give potential buyers a chance to see your neighborhood in full celebration mode. Curb appeal and community pride go hand-in-hand!

2. Highlight Outdoor Living Spaces - Stage patios with string lights, colorful pillows, and picnic tables. Show buyers how fun summer can be in your space.

3. Market with Summer-Themed Materials - From ice cream socials to BBQs, real estate events with seasonal flair draw attention. Laurie knows how to make your listing pop—even in the summer heat.

🤝 Work with Laurie Rodriguez—Lubbock & South Plains Real Estate with Heart

From fireworks to for-sale signs, Laurie Rodriguez brings warmth, insight, and genuine care to every real estate journey. Whether you're buying your first home, upgrading your space, or finding that peaceful slice of West Texas life, Laurie makes every step sweeter—just like her strawberry ice cream.

Key & Slate Real Estate Group proudly serves: Lubbock, Abernathy, Brownfield, Buffalo Springs, Crosbyton, Denver City, Farwell, Floydada, Hale Center, Lamesa, Levelland, Littlefield, Muleshoe, New Deal, New Home, Olton, Plains, Plainview, Post, Ralls, Ransom Canyon, Seagraves, Seminole, Silverton, Slaton, Snyder, Spur, Sudan, Sundown, Tahoka, Tulia, and Wolfforth.

📍Discover More with Key & Slate Real Estate Group 🏠

📌 LaurieRodriguez-KeyandSlate.com – Personalized real estate services for Lubbock & South Plains

📌 LainieEilenberger.com – Explore Lubbock & West Texas real estate listings

📌 Key & Slate Real Estate Group on Keller Williams – View homes & learn about our team📌 One Ford Road Community – Discover upscale homes in Lubbock

📌 Lainie Eilenberger on YouTube – Virtual home tours, tips & more

Final Scoop:

This July 4th, treat yourself to something cold and creamy, wave your flag high, and connect with Laurie to make your real estate dreams come true—because nothing says freedom like finding the perfect place to call home.

📞 Call Laurie today—because your next move should be as sweet as strawberry ice cream on a summer day.

Churn up some sweet nostalgia this July 4th with homemade strawberry ice cream in a vintage hand-crank maker—just like Laurie Rodriguez would serve it, with West Texas charm and a real estate tip on the side! 🍓