Shop local in Middletown, KY!

The most wonderful two minutes of the year will be here before we know it, so now is the time to address all of your Kentucky Derby needs! Whether you are searching for those perfect accessories to complete your Derby Day look or you long to be the hit of the party with your ultimate host or hostess gift, The Prickly Pear has you covered! With tons of awesome jewelry and fashion pieces, bow ties for the gentlemen (and kids!), Derby hats and fascinators, and a constantly updated selection of unique gifts for any lover of Louisville, “The Pear” is your one-stop-shop for all things Derby.

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Relaxed living at its finest!

Located only 13 miles from downtown Louisville, on the northeast side of town, you will find a little piece of paradise. Norton Commons is Louisville, KY’s first mixed-use community with a total blend of commercial and residential properties. If you haven’t experienced a neighborhood like this, it is truly something you have to see for yourself!

Prospect, KY offers a great number of beautiful neighborhoods with mature tree coverage and a quiet community atmosphere. The area of Norton Commons is no exception. With all the amenities of a small town, the lifestyle of this neighborhood is hard to find elsewhere. Residents can take comfort in knowing they have everything they need for happy living within walking distance of home. Perfectly manicured lawns give way to a complete system of paved walkways connecting each area of the neighborhood. It’s much like a scene from a movie! Neighbors have endless opportunities to meet up on a stroll to the local Town Center, a day at the neighborhood pool, or for a peaceful evening at one of the parks.

Planning to sell your...

There hasn't been a better time to sell!

February’s statistics have been reported for the Louisville, KY real estate market, and it is evident that now is a great time to sell your home. Inventory is down 11% (6,065 properties in February 2014 versus 5,397 properties in February 2015). With a lesser number of houses available, demand inevitably increases. Last month, sellers saw multiple offers placed on their properties simply because of the high demand. Buyers are fighting for the perfect home!

Year-to-date sales support the fact that Louisville’s market is strong as well. With an increase of 6.3%, we have seen 1,732 properties sell so far this year versus the 1,629 homes that had sold up until this point in 2014. Buyers have clearly begun to search for a new home early this year; the spike in sales is usually seen in the spring to summer months.

Not only are more homes selling, but the average selling prices are higher too. In February 2014, average prices were just under $159,000. This past month yielded an average selling price around $172,500. Again, the high demand for quality properties forces more competition between buyers and high price points to match. ...

Nothing says springtime quite like bright-colored floral arrangements! An updated front door wreath is a quick, easy, and inexpensive way to start to bring some of that seasonal cheer right into your home. With just a few items and 5 minutes of your time, you can create a simple and one-of-a-kind piece to welcome spring!

What you will need:

- A wreath. (We used a twig-style wreath, so adding a little extra can change the decor from season to season. You can find one at any craft store that also has a floral department.)

- A handful of artificial flowers. (Choose bright, springtime colors! A variation of sizes works well, but choose whatever fits your personal style. These can be found in any craft store's floral department...

There is just nothing quite like the sweet taste of homemade marshmallow treat bars. They are one of those deserts that you can easily change up to fit any occasion. Making a Valentine’s Day treat? Add red food coloring and chocolate chips. Need a last minute Christmas dessert for a family get-together? Mix in some sprinkles and stack them in the shape of a Christmas tree. The variations are truly endless!

With St. Patrick’s Day this week, try out this easy recipe for a super fun take on this classic family favorite. The kids will love to help make them too!

The ingredients you’ll need:

- 6 cups of crispy rice cereal

- 10 oz bag of mini marshmallows

-...

Looking for a house that is easy to manage? This is it!

This newly listed home, in the Fern Creek/Jeffersontown area, is a prime example of low-fuss living in Louisville. The house is completely move in ready; it’s perfect for a buyer looking to make a quick and easy change. With classic and neutral interior colors, there is no immediate need for paint. Your furniture and accessories will surely fit in just perfectly! There is just nothing quite like the peace of mind in knowing that any desired cosmetic updates are not necessary before your move.

Once inside the home, you can certainly tell that a low-maintenance space was one of the primary goals when the house was built. Pergo flooring covers the kitchen, master bedroom, and family room creating a very easy-to-clean space. There is truly something to be said for making it easy on yourself!

The previous homeowner stressed the many perks of one-level living as well. One of their most favorite parts of the home is the convenience...

It's every Irish lad's favorite week of the year - St. Patrick's Day is upon us!

When it comes to celebrating the feast of St. Patrick here in Louisville, KY, no one does it better than the Ancient Order of the Hibernians. Originally founded in New York during the 1800’s, the AOH grew from a need to guard the lives of Catholic priests who were in constant danger during the 1600’s while holding true to the Catholic Faith. The Ancient Order of the Hibernians has transformed into an organization that focuses on keeping the Irish heritage alive here in the United States. The organization offers a place for Irish American Catholics to uphold their traditions while staying true to their motto of “promoting friendship, unity, and Christian Charity”.

As one would expect, members of the AOH (really anyone who is the slightest bit Irish…or just enjoys a good Irish beer) wait patiently each year for one of the biggest parties in Louisville – St. Patrick’s Day! St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is known for his personal transformation into a faithful...

Fighting the winter blues? Roundhouse kick these gloomy days to the curb by joining Hwang’s Martial Arts and Kosair Children’s Hospital for a day of fun and family fitness.

This Saturday, March 7, 2015, is the Louisville Health Kick Festival!

Beginning at 12pm, there will be tons of activities for the whole family to enjoy. The kids can visit with Batman, Superman, Anna, and Elsa, while their parents can take advantage of free health screenings that will be provided by Norton Healthcare. Inflatables and exercise demonstrations will get the whole crowd moving. We could all use a way to burn off some of this snow day energy! There will be a silent auction, raffle, emergency vehicles to explore, and even a petting zoo with...