Every house provides a lifetime of happy memories for kids that will follow them into adulthood. There will come a time where each child leaves the nest. At first, you may want to hold onto the house your little ones grew up in. What if they fall hard on the bottom and need a place to crash? And besides, this house has all of your happy memories too!

 

However, there will be a point where the house becomes too much to handle. Downsizing might seem daunting or pointless right now. Just keep an open mind as we try to help you look at the pros of cutting back. Here’s how and why you should start thinking about downsizing.

 

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Why You Should Think About Downsizing

Getting older is not fun. Therefore, you need to have fun as you get older. Upkeeping a house that was meant to serve an army will serve you (and your spouse) no good as it starts to fall apart. Let’s face it. The best years of the house have already happened. Now comes the repairs you never thought your house will need.

 

Upkeeping your house can be costly. Trying to make your way to retirement and enjoying the fruits of your labor doesn’t typically include reno projects. Get out before the house gives out.

 

Also, you want to leave your large house before you can’t. Nobody wants to live in a big area where you can’t reach the kitchen promptly or the bathroom is up a flight of stairs you can’t ascend. Start thinking about how the conveniences in your life will become inconvenient. Then come up with a plan to find a place that can accommodate your needs.

 

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How to Start Downsizing

Downsizing is a monumental decision. It’s one that should never be taken lightly. Therefore, take as much time as you need. However, there are a few things you can do to get the ball rolling.

 

For every new item you bring into the house, chuck one out. When you are finally ready to sell, you are going to have to get rid of so much stuff. There’s going to be your belongings, your spouse’s, your children’s, and anyone who’ve you inherited from. That’s a lot!

 

If you know there’s no monetary value to an item that you no longer feel a nostalgic pull toward, then get rid of it now. That warm feeling will most likely not return and you have a bunch of other items that will fill that void.

 

Bring in appraisers if you are unsure of the value of anything. If they don’t purchase your unwanted costume jewelry or fine China set, have a tag sale. There’s nothing more rewarding than getting compensated for items that once brought you happiness. Now they’re going to enrich the lives of others.  

 

Lastly, if you are curious about downsizing, talk to those who have. You’ll be hard-pressed to find someone who didn’t find it a cathartic process. Then, give it a try yourself!

 

Buying a new home will not be the cheapest thing you ever do. Interest rates and taxes alone are enough to make you feel the need to get three jobs. To save in the long run, many people pay extra on their down payment. Paying as much upfront on the principle as possible means you are taxed and charged interest on a smaller dollar amount going forward. Now, let’s face it. Nobody has a few extra thousand sitting around. You’ll probably need every penny you can get to make a down payment on your new home. So, if you are looking to save for a down payment, look out for these costly customer hoaxes that will leave you penniless.

 

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Free Trial Offers

You’ll see many ads on the internet claiming to give a “free trial,” “first month free,” or “free product.” This lesson is as old as time. Nothing in life is for free.

 

Anytime a service asks for credit card info (even to cover the shipping and handling), read the fine print. There’s a darn good chance you signed up for a subscription service.

 

It’s the oldest marketing trick in the book. They give you a free product, hope you forget to cancel in the next month, and then a product shows up again a month later. Then another charge is added to your account.

 

That’s how these businesses make their money. Each month they hope you don’t cancel. Sadly, a lot of people don’t.

 

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Don’t Go Hot Spotting Just Anywhere

Think you hit the Wi-Fi jackpot when someone doesn’t lock their signal? Think again. They hit the jackpot.

 

Scammers will set up an open Wi-Fi signal in hopes that someone will sign on. This is an unsecured line. Your device even tells you when you are choosing to link up to it. ANYONE can access your information on your phone when you’re on their unsecured line. That includes your contacts, passwords, and pictures. This is especially common in popular places like airports and downtown areas.

 

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Computer Is Infected Messages

 

Scamming has gotten pretty intricate…and believable. These con artists can even hack your computer to generate a message that looks like a legit Microsoft virus prompt.

 

On it, they will tell you to call them to fix the issue. From there, they will remote into your computer and voila. You are hacked. Now your once clean computer is loaded with Trojans and malware that will not only slow down your computer’s performance but siphon your info as well.

 

To avoid this, don’t call anyone. Don’t click the link. Either ignore it, or restart your computer. Also, contact the real Windows or Apple (or whatever) support. Look them up yourself. Don’t go by the prompt on your computer.

 

If you are planning a visit to a wildlife attraction in Los Angeles or Orange County you will not have a hard time finding the perfect place based on your desires. There is a large assortment of wildlife attractions in both areas and they all come with unique experiences and advantages. Any attraction that you choose will offer the right packages and experiences for you and whoever you are taking with you. Each and every one of these spots is also suitable for both adults and kids. Planning a trip can be overwhelming because you have to consider all the factors that might affect the outcome of your day. This is why we have compiled some of the best attractions in these cities to help you decide where to go for your visit.

Attractions in Orange County

 

 

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The Zoomars Petting Zoo

The Zoomars petting zoo offers a fun-filled adventure for adults and children alike. Patrons get a chance to interact with all the animals including the llamas. There are also gold mines and little trains to ride on and this makes for the ultimate fun experience. The zoo accommodates parties for its visitors and there are many exciting events held throughout the year that kids will absolutely enjoy.

Website: http://www.zoomars.com/

 

 

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Ocean Institute

This educational establishment teaches visitors about life in the ocean among other things about the environment. This educational experience is done in a fun way so it is suitable for kids, since they will be engaged and thus will fully grasp the information. Parents are usually welcomed to take their kids so that they may develop a love for the sciences from a very tender age.

Website: https://www.ocean-institute.org/

 

 

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The Reptile Zoo

The Reptile zoo is completely dedicated to exposing visitors to and teaching them about a wide range of reptiles. Kids and adults are able to look at and interact with the animals. They may feed them, touch them etc. visitors are guaranteed to have a fun time as there is so much for them to see and do.

Website: http://thereptilezoo.com/

 

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Orange County Zoo

When you visit The Orange county zoo, you will be overwhelmed with the many activities that you can take part in. This is a family adventure where the family can view many animals of all types, shapes and sizes. There is much more to do other than viewing animals such as boat and bike rides and riding ponies.

Website: https://www.irvineparkrailroad.com/rides-attractions/orange-county-zoo/

 

Attractions in Los Angeles

 

 

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Cabrillo Marine Aquarium 

This aquarium displays the lively sea living within the region of south California. The aquarium displays a wide range of marine animals and their livelihood to its visitors. This is the perfect place for families and school trips. Young children are sure to be fascinated by the display of the aquarium.

Website: https://www.cabrillomarineaquarium.org/

 

 

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The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens

The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens has thousands of organisms of all types including endangered species that are rarely seen in attractions of this kind. The botanical gardens display innumerable plants. One visit will take hours because there is so much to learn about and so many things to take in.

Website: https://www.lazoo.org/

 

Los Angeles and Orange County together have some of the most exciting wildlife experiences in the country. There are so many to choose from, all offering exciting and educational experiences for visitors. You may even to schedule multiple trips so that you can get to experience more than one of these attractions. There is nothing better than learning about the environment in a fun and engaging way.

 

Home resale value should be at the forefront of every home renovation or upgrade decision you make. The modern home buyer often looks for a house that already has what they want in a home in place, so upgrades and renovations are not required once the purchase is completed.

 

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Home buyers also want a home that is energy efficient, limiting the need for expensive system upgrades. One efficient upgrade that will help improve your resale value: solar panels. Solar panels are gaining popularity and their design has rapidly improved in the last decade.

Once upon a time, solar panels were garish and large – looming atop a home or on poles in the yard somewhere. Now, designs are low profile and dark, creating a sleek and at times almost invisible look.

 

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Solar systems are far more efficient now and do reasonably impact the overall cost of electricity. On average, a good solar system will cost between 10 and 18 thousand dollars to install. Solar users can anticipate saving around $1,500, per year. Thus, homeowners with a quality solar system can anticipate paying for itself in around ten years.

Simply put, buyers are drawn to the cachet of solar systems. Even if a system does not promise to save the potential home buyer much money, the distinction of purchasing a home with one seems to stand out to prospective buyers. Realtors quickly tout that a home has a solar system, as it may pique the interest of buyers.

A recent study by the Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory offers the opinion that a solar system, on average, will increase the value of a home by some $14,329. This amount alone is enough to cover the cost of many systems, without adding the value of any savings accrued by the system itself. The study also found that the size, or sophistication, of the system had little impact on the amount of home value increase – so, even a small system pays dividends.

 

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With this study, and the additional benefits of a good solar system, it is reasonable to conclude that the addition of a solar system is a great idea for anyone looking to sell their home. It will increase home value and the marketability of your home.

The kids are back to school. Everything pumpkin is hitting the shelves. That means the holidays are here. Blink and before you know it, it’s Thanksgiving. Then it’ll be time for Christmas. Before you know it, you’re exhausted…and broke! So, why not get ahead of the hysteria? It’s never too soon to start decorating for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Here are some great decoration ideas for the holidays!

 

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Pine cones

Whether they’re falling from the trees in the autumn or taking center stage on a wreath during the winter, pine cones are festive for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. All you need to do is go outside and pick some up from the ground. Put them in a basket with pumpkins and other gourds in the fall. Then when Christmas rolls along, take out the squash (eat it) and throw in some bells and ornaments. Fan of Jack Frost? Add some canned snow frost to the pine cone for a winter wonderland effect!

 

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#sofrehaghddesign #sofrehaghdesigner #persianwedding #sofrehaghdbynazanin #californiaweddings #islandhotelweddings #decorativenuts #persianceremony

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Vases of Nuts

Nothing says the holidays like a big bag of shelled nuts. Pour these holiday faves into a vase. Fill out the vase with orange, marigold, and red flowers for Thanksgiving time. Swap the fall hues for Madonna lilies and roses for the Christmas season. Maybe even go the extra mile and change up the mixed nuts for chestnuts. Just be sure to put individual water tubes on each stem so that you can keep the flowers alive longer but still eat the nuts when the holidays are over.

 

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Use Gold Ornaments and Decorations

There’s only one color that you can use to get your family into the spirit for Thanksgiving and keep that excitement going all the way through the New Year. That color is gold. Gold compliments the rustic and outdoor hues that comes with autumn. However, it also captures the purity and majestic vibe that the spirit of Christmas delivers. Little accents like gold tea lights, copper village houses, and gold star decorative pieces can bring the joy of the holidays to your home for months on end.

 

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Cinnamon

If one scent can capture both Thanksgiving and Christmas, cinnamon might take the cake. From apple pie to gingerbread houses, this spice will liven up any home. Actual cinnamon sticks also make for great decorative pieces. Put them in a container with some potpourri or inside of a mason jar wrapped in holiday-themed bows like an all-natural reed diffuser. Cinnamon sticks are also great to stir hot chocolate, tea, or cider as well!

 

The escrow process has over the years seen some change from regular bank checks to the use of cryptocurrency. If you don’t know what escrow is, it is a form of mediation between a buyer and seller, where a third party holds onto the buyer’s funds (or documents) until all negotiations are finalized before handing them over to the seller. In the real estate world, the third party is responsible for the distribution of funds to the seller and other bodies and seeing to it that all the buyer’s and overall proper sales conditions are met. Typically, these funds are in a physical form but since the introduction of cryptocurrency, this has since changed. For those who are unsure about what cryptocurrency is, think “digital money”. So how does this “digital money” change the escrow process?

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EFFICIENCY AND TRANSACTION SPEED

During the escrow process, third parties are added who can, instead of speeding the process along, slow it down. These third parties include lawyers, bankers, and brokerages, and mismanagement of paperwork or mistakes can severely slow down transaction speeds. Smart contracts ensure that contracts are final and sales conditions are enforced at all times. So, there will be less paperwork, of course, fewer meetings and definitely less signature signing

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CUTS COST

Because many third parties are removed, costs are significantly reduced. One of these costs is to the escrow companies who charge anywhere between 1 and 5 percent of the property value for their services. Another is the amount of taxes the buyer has to pay for loans and to the IRS.

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ELIMINATES FRAUD

One function of the escrow process is to reduce fraud. Escrows make a number of verifications which greatly eliminates the chances of either party falling victim to real estate fraud. Though useful, escrow is not 100% foolproof and many fraudulent transactions slip through the process every year. Usually, documents are forged, as are notary stamps and grant deeds. Use of smart contracts and digital ownership certificates completely eliminate the risk of fraud as these unique certificates are almost impossible to replicate and as a result cannot be sold or advertised except for by the property owners themselves.

These are only three ways in which cryptocurrency is changing escrow as the technology is still new, and, when regulated it may further impact the escrow process. But there’s one thing that is certain, it will alter the real estate industry.

The great thing about pools is that everyone can enjoy them. The young, the old and the in-between can have tons of fun at BARBECUES, parties or even little get-togethers. But there is a lot more that goes into having a pool than meets the eye. There are costs associated with it and special responsibilities.

 

If you’re unsure about installing a pool in your backyard pay close attention to these pros and cons before making your decision:

PROS

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• • Having a pool in your backyard is a lot of fun. Not only can you swim and splash about, but you can play pool and ball games with your entire family! And, if you’re not one for excitement you can lounge by the pool and sunbathe or float on your pool bed. Your house will definitely be the ‘cool house’ and hangout spot for you and your kid’s friends.

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• • It’s convenient. After a long day at work or a hot summer day, nothing beats a dip in a pool to destress you or cool you down. You will no longer have to leave home and wait in lines, pay for memberships or deal with unsavory characters at a community pool.  The added benefit of having your own private pool that you control yourself is a benefit all to itself as well.

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• It can help you stay in shape. Swimming is actually a great way to keep in shape especially if you’re not into impact exercise. It also promotes lung and heart health and weight loss. This is a great form of exercise for people of all ages and will save you the time, energy and money it would take you to join a gym!  Even if you’re not a big swimmer, learning few water aerobics moves is also a great low impact exercise for any age level.

CONS

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• • Owning a pool adds an additional duty of care for homeowners. You will be held liable for any harm or injury that occurs as a result of having a pool on your property. The pool will have to be childproofed if you will have toddlers or small children around your house. This includes installing meshes, locks, fencing, and so on to prevent them from falling in. Even then, you will have to properly supervise because you will be held accountable.

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• • Pools require a lot of maintenance. You will have to clean it regularly using the right chemicals and techniques or else a myriad of problems can arise. This involves a variety of diseases and infections which afflict the skin, ears, eyes, respiratory, gastrointestinal and neurological systems, and open wounds. Algae and other bacteria forming in the pool will also make it look very unsightly.

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• You might not get back what you spend on the pool when you sell your house. This is because the market demands greatly affect how much your house can potentially be sold for. So, don’t just go building a $100,000 pool and think you will be earning $100,000 more just because the house has a (very expensive) pool. Be sure to do proper research before making such large investments because you might not see great returns.

 

There are more pros and cons that were not listed but this should be enough to bring you one step closer to making your decision. So, will you be installing a pool in your backyard anytime soon?

 

A party isn’t a party without some good food. Here are some suggestions for food preparation and presentation.

Layout, Drink, & Food
• Appetizers are a must for guests to nibble on while the main meal is being prepared. This can be easy things like jalapeño poppers, watermelon, greek salad skewers, fresh baguettes with dip, etc.

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• Have a separate drinks table. A big pitcher of water infused with lemon, cucumber or mint is great to keep everyone hydrated. If you are supplying mixers for alcoholic beverages, have them lined up on the table as well.

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QUICK TIP: Be sure to let guests know beforehand whether this is a BYO party or if drinks will be supplied.

• Have another table specifically for food. Placing the food out in a buffet style can be a good way for guests to pick and choose what they want on their plate.

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ATMOSPHERE

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Creating a space with a nice atmosphere is essential for a great backyard party.
• Give guests areas for mingling and conversation. People tend to hover near the areas with food so it can be a good idea to create a mingle space near the appetizers. Toss down some cozy cushions, comfy chairs, circular tables or benches.

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• Create a music playlist that you can put on just before guests begin to arrive and that will continue to play throughout the evening. You can even set up an iPad for guests to pick their favorite songs.
• Set up some games to encourage conversation and laughter amongst your guests. Ladder golf, jumbo Jenga, and ring toss are all great ideas.

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• Nothing makes a party better than a genuine and attentive host. Be sure that you are greeting every guest that comes to your party and keeping an eye out to ensure everyone looks like they’re having a good time.

Now that you have these ten tips you are on your way to throwing a backyard party that your friends and family will be talking about long after it’s done.