Orange County Zoo :
All kinds of animals – plus the zoo is inside Irvine Park, where you can also ride the railroad and have a relaxing picnic

Lake Mission Viejo :
Go swimming, fishing, or boating.  The lake is closed to guests on holidays before 6pm, though   Make sure you bring your pass!

Crystal Cove state park :
Enjoy a brisk hike, and some historic coastline cottages.  Plus the drive to get there on PCH isn’t so bad either.

The best part is you can do any of the above for between $10-$20 per person, so there’s no excuses not to get out there and grab yourself a little sunshine!

Happy Memorial Day and God bless our troops and their families!!!

Hanging artwork and photos in your new home really shows visitors insight into your life.  Custom framed artwork and photos is so expensive. We recently tried to frame a 20″ x 24″ portrait at a local frame store and the price we were quoted was $400. Buying posters and puting them in inexpensive frames can really save money. Ikea, TJ Max and Ross are some of our favorite places to buy posters, frames and framed art. Great looks and even better values.

Our HOT TIP of the day for framing family photos and getting the “custom framed” look is this. Measure your photo you want to frame. Go to TJ Max and shop for an already framed piece of art with similar measurements. Example: your photo is 16″ x 20″. Plan on matting the photo with about 2″-4″ on each side. So, a 16″ x 20″ photo with need a frame aproximately 18″ x 22″ or 20″ x 24″ opening. Take your photo and your new fram to JoAnn’s or Michaels and get new matts cut to match your photo. Ask them to put the matts, photo and frame together for you so it’s all done right. You will get the custom look for a fraction of the price!

It looks WONDERFUL and everyone will think you paid the BIG bucks. Our 20″ x 24″ portrait cost us $85 in our new frame and matts. Shhhhh! Don’t tell our guests.

It’s so easy to forget the reason for the season and confuse the joy of the holidays with the stress we put on ourselves. That’s right friends, we put it on ourselves. So, we’ve got a couple of ideas to help keep the fun in the air, the festivity in your home, and spread some joy along the way!

Gifts are a way we show our freinds and family we care. But, gifts don’t have to cost alot or be elaborate. Here’s a few examples of gifts we love and appreciate receiving:

1. A true gift would be your time, something we’re all short on. Meeting for coffee or taking a walk can send a message that the person is important enough to you to take time out of your day to hear about theirs.

2. Baked goodies! Who doesn’t love a basket of homemade treats? What a great way to say ” I care….. I covered myself in flour, messed up my kitchen, fought the crowd at the grocery store ALL FOR YOU”!! Seriously, baked goods send love straight from the heart.

3. No time to bake? How about a jar full of ingredients so the receiver can make their own batch of cookies or brownies when they need a little pick-me-up. If you google “gifts in a jar” you will find pages of ingredients to assemble.  A nice jar, a recipe card, a pretty ribbon….ta da! You’re a hero.

4. Coupons!!! Make a coupon book for someone special. This is great because you can customize it to fit their needs. Mom may get a coupon to have lunch. Friends may get a coupon to meet for a manicure/pedicure. Dad may get a coupon to get his car washed!! This is another great way to let someone know they are important to you and nothing says love like the gift of manual labor.

There are hundreds of ways to spread joy. Be creative. Remember, tis’ the season to be JOLLY!

Happy Holiday!

Today I talked to quite a few brides and I have to say you ladies are so creative!  I loved checking out your wedding websites and hearing your ideas. 

I do wonder, though, why half of you are going to Vegas to get married???  Isn’t that where the bachelor and bachelorette parties should be??  What’s wrong with a nice Laguna Beach wedding or any other beach in the OC??  Maybe I just think like that because we grew up in Michigan…maybe if I grew up here I would want to get married in a new and exciting place too…hmm…

Anyway, on to the fun. 

First of all, I have to give a shout out to Jim and Maurine, read his cute proposal story and check out HOW COOL their website is:

http://www.jimandmaurine.com/

Now-a-days for the out of town weddings, you absolutely HAVE to have a website.  Your guests will DRIVE YOU CRAZY WITH QUESTIONS IF YOU DON’T   And I love it that Maurine thought to put some Vegas things to do and know on there…way to not be bridezilla and only think of yourself, girl!! 

Another fun idea…one bride we know recently got engaged in San Francisco.  She’s getting married in OC, but wanted to have a little taste of San Fran incorporated within the wedding.  How to handle?  Easy!  Have a photographer go and take pics of areas that the two of you love, or just pretty landmarks, and then name your tables after them and use the photos as part of the centerpiece.  How cute!

One other bride we knew wanted to get pictures of downtown Laguna Beach in her wedding dress for her beach-themed wedding…but she was getting married in her family church in Dana Point.  She solved the problem by putting a 2 hour block in between the wedding and the reception, and the wedding party went down to Laguna for some wedding photos to remember.  THEN, she used those pics on the thank you cards.  Way cute.

Do you hate the thought of writing your thank you’s?  I saw another bride make a TOTALLY personal thank you and save a ton of time by printing out a collage of photos, and writing a quick thank you ON THE PHOTOS with a sparkly sharpe.  Niiiiiice, not a lot of space to write awkwardness, but totally personal and heartfelt, what a great idea :)   

There are always tons of great wedding reception ideas online at www.TheKnot.com too.  I’ll keep blogging about more in the future.  PLEASE comment with your ideas and fun things you’ve experienced so this will be a resourceful post for all busy brides.

 I took the day off real estate today to go and work the Project Playhouse raffle at the Angel’s game.  Brad Coleman my manager at Metro Realty recruited both me and Bob O’Brien to help out…it was lots of fun…there were so many people at the game!  I think we got a lot of tickets sold too. 

The raffle entered people into a drawing to win this awesome Angel’s playhouse.  The playhouse is AMAZING and was built by Taylor Woodrow builders:

I wanted to let you all know if you DON’T have a favorite charity yet, Homeaid is a good choice!  They sponsor this Project Playhouse, which are those little doll houses you see every year about this time along PCH in Newport Beach by Fashion Island.  I love working with Habitat for Humanity too, either charity helps to get people who deserve housing into a home, and you don’t have to be “a regular” to make a big difference.   

If you’re still a volunteer-a-phob you can go to either website and donate.  I keep thinking if everyone who walked past me today just bought ONE ticket…big groups can do so much when everyone gives a little together.  If anyone has any other creative ways to reach out to Orange County feel free to comment! 

Just wanted to tell you about something really special going on right here in Orange County. 

Laguna Board of REALTORS®, Newport Beach
Association of REALTORS® and Orange County Association of REALTORS® are joining forces to raise $250,000 for the Homes for Heroes / Foundations for Families Project.  It’s part of a community of 27 homes being built in San Juan Capistrano.  14 of the homes will be targeted for injured veterans and/or families of deceased veterans.

There will be a Donor Celebration on Oct 18th to kick off the event in the heart of San Juan Capistrano. The menu will be planned by Two Guys Grilling from Dana Point so come hungry!!Everyone who makes a donation of $100 or more is invited to attend.

If you are interested in making a donation just contact Teryll Hopper at Teryll@ocar.org.  Sounds like it’s going to be a great way to celebrate a worthy cause and enjoy the Orange County scenery.

The library has walk ins on Wednesday and Thursday, and appointments on Saturday.  There are nice people there helping you with the right form, fees, reviewing your forms, etc.  It’s nice to have a second set of eyes to help you review your application.  Since there is a backup, it would be annoying to get denied for filling out the app wrong!

You’re probably laughing since I have been married for 3 years, and have not fully changed my name.  I KNOW, go ahead!  I did find a neat little kit to solve that for future brides, though.  The Name Change Kit for Brides makes a perfect, inexpensive, creative, engagement gift and it provides all the forms and information you need to change your name. 

I think the passport was the last thing with my maiden name on it left.  I had most of my name changed the first year, except for health records and my email.  I’m almost there haha. 

Here’s a cute courtyard pic of the Mission Viejo Library, there’s lots to do there besides read books   We actually used their community center last year for a homebuyer seminar – anyone is welcome to rent it.  They have tutoring, computer classes, lots of stuff going on!

YOU are invited to Derek Beisner and William Jordan’s one of a kind FREE DINNER Seminar!!  As a personal investor I didn’t think I would learn much by going but I surely did and took lots of good notes   Derek and William are totally on key with creative ideas to maximize your money.

You are cordially invited to attend a FREE DINNER SEMINAR.

This event is by invitation only.  Please R.S.V.P. to reserve the number of seats you’ll need.  Seating is limited, so call Bettie Blauser at (949) 380-8600 xt 221 today.

“How the Affluent Manage Home Equity to Safely

and Conservatively Build Wealth”

This Financial Seminar is designed to help you learn the following:

·    Why people fear mortgages and why you shouldn’t!

·    Why large equity in your home can be a big disadvantage!

·    Why you should separate equity from your home!

·    If you were offered an investment that could never go up in value, but might go down, how much of it would you want?  How much do you already have?!

·    Is equity in your home a prudent investment?

·    Should you make extra principle payments on your mortgage?

·    Does substantial equity in your home enhance your net worth?

You will also learn the one secret to financial planning that

most professionals don’t even use!

You do not want to miss this workshop if you:

·    Have equity in real estate.

·    Are planning to retire within the next 1 – 20 years and want to maximize your income in retirement.

·    Would like to increase your wealth without taking additional risks.

Your hosts and speakers will be William Jordan and Derek Beisner. Derek Beisner has been a Mortgage Professional for over 11 years and has helped his clients achieve their financial goals with his unique approach to Strategic Equity Management.  Derek has helped many of the Weeks Team buyers with mortgage advice and great rates.  William is President of Sentinel Capital Management, Inc.  For the last decade, William has been educating and assisting Orange County’s investors in planning their financial futures.   He does this by designing financial strategies to allow them to accomplish the financial goals that are most important in their lives without undue sacrifices to lifestyle or unnecessary investment risk.   Mike & I PERSONALLY use William as our “financial strategizer” and think that he is one of the smartest people we know.  If your financial advisor calls you once a year on your birthday you need to talk to William. 

This is an educational seminar with no attempt to sell specific investments.  There is no cost or obligation.  We guarantee it will be time well spent!!

Tuesday, August 28th @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Waters Lakehouse Restaurant

4615 Barranca Parkway, Irvine, CA

Check in time is 6:15

Seating is limited and reservations are required.  Everyone attending learns seldom heard money-saving strategies.  Reservation Line:  (949) 380-8600 xt 221.

P.S.  Call now because seats can fill up quickly.Call (949) 380-8600 xt 221 ask for Bettie.

Last week we refereed, kept score, and served food at Orange High School for a 3-3 basketball tournament.  Today we got up waaay too early (but it was worth it) for a program called “childspree”, sponsored by Orangewoods Jaycees foundation.  Basically kids in need got to go on a shopping spree at Mervyns in Foothill Ranch.  It was a really nice setup… each child got a book bag stuffed with a ton of supplies, and then they got to go into Mervyns and buy up to $100 worth of school clothes.  Each child had a volunteer personal shopper to help them find their sizes and styles.  I helped a boy named Andrew he got some really nice clothes and shoes.  They have lots of great sales right now! 

Foothill Ranch Dennys provided a a hash brown and egg breakfast for everyone, Starbucks donated coffee, FHR Police and Fire Dept stopped in, and there was a bounce house for the kids too. If you would like to get involved next year just get in touch with Sarah Whittenberg-Hawe @ 714-329-7521 or email mstrssyrah@aol.com .

Foothill Ranch is the “newer” area of Lake Forest, and it currently has 110 active properties ranging from 285K – 1.3M.  It’s a very clean, well planned city, and it reminds me a bit of Aliso Viejo.  We highly recommend it to first time buyers because you can get a newer property for a reasonable price.  Currently there are 20 properties below 400K available – let us know if you would like to see any of these and we would be happy to schedule an appointment.

Every day there are demonstrations or classes taught on everything from glass blowing, ceramics, welding, painting and drawing…which is my personal favorite.  As a fellow artist who loves to paint and draw I really enjoy visiting the Festival and get inspired to pull out my paint and brushes again.

What a great way to spend a summer evening! The setting is absolutely gorgeous and there are live performances going on each day.

Make sure you take time this summer to visit the Sawdust Art Festival to really experience some true Orange County culture.

Besides the fact that I am constantly on the go. By the time I read a cooking magazine and go buy the ingredients I’ve blown the food budget for the week on one meal that might or might not turn out. It’s so frustrating.

Well, here’s the answer! Dinner Time Made Easy is a “prep” kitchen located in Laguna Hills that allows you to assemble meals that you will later cook at home at your convenience. No shopping, no chopping and NO CLEAN UP!! How it works is you go to their website http://www.dinnertimemadeeasy.com/index.php and register (for free), pick a convenient time to go in, pick the meals you want to make from their menu that changes monthly, go in and assemble the meals and that’s it! I spilled some of the ingredients on the ground (oops!) and before I could bend down to clean it up one of the assistants beat me to it. Right on.

Some ladies from the South Orange County Chamber and I went together. We had a blast! They provide the container for the meal, you walk to different stations that have the recipe and all of the ingredients you need for each meal and in a matter of minutes you have a pre-made homemade meal you can take home, freeze, or prepare right away. They also provide labels to stick on the containers that tell you how to prepare it once you get home.

The website has all of the meals for the month listed with the nutritional values posted. This couldn’t be easier!! They have special events like wine tasting, preschool storybook hour and other fun dates. You can even book a private party for your friends. What a great place for the next birthday party!!

I hope you enjoy it, but remember…shhh!! Don’t let on that you didn’t do it all by yourself.

If you live in Mission Viejo, CA, and haven’t got your pass to the Lake yet, it’s painless. Just make an appointment and go to the lake office (off of Marguerite and Olympiad) with your Grant Deed. You usually get a copy of the deed shortly after buying your home, and sometimes when you refi too; so check that paperwork stack of paperwork if you can’t find it.

Mike & I parked our boat at the mouth of the river by Tortilla Flats and we caught a bunch of small sunfish. He was disappointed because he wanted to catch a big fish and eat it. Me, not so much For his sake, though, I’ll ask you guys…where do the big fish like to hide on Lake Mission Viejo? Comment back and let us know! It was a memorable Memorial Day for us out there