Volunteer opportunities are everywhere in Orange County. Whether you’re looking to help with shelter animals, homeless outreach, or literacy programs, there’s something for everyone with different levels of involvement. Here are a few opportunities that residents can take part in to help make a difference in the community.
Volunteer With Animals
6621 Westminster Boulevard, Westminster
714-887-6156
Animal shelters all over the county need volunteers for everything from fostering pets to walking dogs. WAGS Westminster is one of those locations that needs help, and they have a variety of opportunities that are available for adults, families, and even minors.
Volunteer opportunities include transporting animals to educational and elder settings for outings, bottle-feeding babies, dog walking and training, construction projects, fostering, and more. Those under 18 can help out with cleaning, rabbit care and play, creating home adoption kits, and playing with cats.
More Opportunities to Volunteer With Animals
OC Animal Care: Volunteer opportunities include socializing and grooming animals, hosting donation drives, leading shelter tours, and participating in shelter and community events. Opportunities are available for adults. For those under 18, OC Animal Care has a list of community service projects that can be completed to help the animals.
Orange County Humane Society: Volunteer opportunities include cat cuddling, walking dogs, participating in charity events, and help with fundraising. Opportunities are available for those 18 and up with current health insurance and they ask that you commit to 8 hours per month.
Therapeutic Riding Center of Huntington Beach: TRCHB is equal parts working with horses and working with people. The primary goal of TRCHB is to empower people with physical and developmental challenges to discover and gain self-confidence, strength, and self-reliance through developing a relationship with horses. The therapeutic riding programs they offer are very low cost for their students, so the organization relies on the help of donations and volunteers. As a volunteer, you will help support riders during their therapeutic riding sessions.
Fight Food Insecurity
8014 Marine Way, Irvine
949-653-2900
Second Harvest Food Bank provides nutritious food to those in need with over 59 million pounds of food distributed annually. Volunteers from the community age 13 and up are able to work in the food distribution center alongside the Food Bank team to ensure all are well fed in Orange County.
There’s even an outdoor opportunity at Harvest Solutions Farm for individuals and volunteer groups to help plant and harvest nutritious seasonal produce for the community. The product harvested from Harvest Solutions Farm is ultimately distributed to individuals and families in Orange County through Second Harvest’s network of distribution sites.
More Opportunities To Help With Food Distribution
Food Finders: Food Finders focuses on reducing food waste and distributing it to those in need. Volunteers can download the app and choose from the available food rescues to pick up donations and deliver them to a designated site.
Friendly Center: Volunteers aged 14 and up can help distribute food on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month. They also need help with administrative tasks, holiday events, and after-school tutoring.
Laguna Food Pantry: Serving over 800 families each week, volunteer opportunities here include picking up groceries, sorting and stocking shelves, greeting guests, administrative tasks, and fundraising. Volunteers ages 14-17 are welcome when accompanied by a responsible adult.
OC Food Bank (Community Action Partnership of Orange County): Volunteers at the OC food bank help assemble food boxes for seniors and kids. There are also opportunities to deliver food via the Mobile Food Trolley, get dirty by working at The Giving Farm at Westminster High School, distribute food at a community drive-thru, and more.
Saddleback Church Grocery Distributions: Saddleback Church has grocery distribution programs at locations throughout Orange County. They also host Grocery Pop-Ups at schools and other locations to serve those in the community. Volunteers are needed for grocery distribution, sorting and packing food at the warehouse, driving for food rescues, and picking up and delivering pantry items. Volunteers as young as 8 are encouraged to help in the Warehouse. Those 8-12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
South County Outreach: Volunteer opportunities include sorting and stocking food, picking up donations, working the thrift store, office support, driving a truck, hosting a food drive, participating in seasonal events, and more.
*Note that many churches also have food distribution programs and they often need volunteers and donations to help the food insecure in the immediate community.
Support For Senior Citizens
Huntington Beach seeks volunteers to help provide assistance to senior citizens. Most communities have a senior outreach program so check the website for your city of choice to find out how to volunteer. Huntington Beach needs volunteers to deliver meals to seniors in their homes, provide transportation, serve hot lunches to seniors at the community center, and provide friendly visits to those in need. While many seniors spend their days alone, this is a great opportunity to provide much needed human interaction for people who are lonely and unable to get out and socialize.
*Many cities in Orange County have senior assistance programs that can be found on the official city website.
More Ways To Volunteer With Seniors
Council On Aging Southern California: Volunteer opportunities include visiting homebound seniors, assisting with Medicare and health care, being an advocate for long term care facility residents, and connecting with seniors during the holiday season.
Meals On Wheels: Volunteer opportunities include delivering meals to homebound seniors, senior lunch service and activities, friendly visitors, helping with activities at adult day care centers, and office and administration assistance.
Military & Veteran Support
Operation Help A Hero: This organization has been supporting Camp Pendleton military members and families since 2001 and have since extended support to military communities across the nation. Volunteers here can help with a number of projects like Operation Christmas Spirit, Operation Rack Pack, OHH Baby Showers, and Operation Enduring Support.
San Clemente Military Family Outreach: Volunteers can provide support and assistance to military members and families stationed at the northwest area of Camp Pendleton by participating in several morale events including distributing Easter Baskets, hosting baby showers for expecting mothers and social teas for military wives, assisting with the Christmas “Thank A Family” program, and distributing over 1,000 turkeys and Thanksgiving Meals.
USO: Opportunities are available with the USO through John Wayne Airport and Camp Pendleton. Opportunities include working shifts at USO centers and providing support for events, homecomings and deployments, on-base activities, and holiday celebrations.
*Many cities in Orange County have adopted military units to which they regularly provide support including Mission Viejo, Irvine, Anaheim, and Rancho Santa Margarita.
Environmental Volunteer Opportunities
Orange County Parks and Zoos always need people to help out. Parks need volunteers to help restore trails, provide education to visitors, help out in the nature centers, and serve as additional staff during high traffic times. At the zoo, volunteers can provide guided tours, help prepare food for the animals, and assist with other zoo activities. Volunteering at community parks and zoos is a great way to help educate and inform other people in the community.
More Ways To Get Outdoors and Help the Environment
Bolsa Chica Conservancy: Volunteer opportunities include one-time events and long-term commitments. Participate in wetland restoration days, clean up via kayak, become a host at the interpretive center, be a site monitor, and more. Volunteers as young as 6 are welcome to participate in restoration days.
Irvine Ranch Conservancy: Volunteer opportunities include trail maintenance, working in the Native Seed Farm, pulling weeds, and more, all within Irvine Ranch Open Space. Opportunities range from one-time to long-term.
Laguna Canyon Foundation: Short term opportunities include trail maintenance and habitat restoration, and working in the nursery with native plants. Long-term certified volunteers will have access to additional opportunities.
Newport Bay Conservancy: Conduct tours, participate in hands-on restoration, and take the lead with coastal cleanups when you volunteer here.
Orange County Coastkeeper: Volunteer to clean up the coast to protect our environment and the natural habitats of our wildlife both on and offshore. In addition to beach cleanups, you can find garden opportunities, creek cleanups, and more.
Sea & Sage Audubon Society: Find a selection of environmental volunteer opportunities at various locations throughout Orange County. Opportunities may vary.
Other Volunteer Opportunities In Orange County
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County is in need of volunteers who are interested in mentoring children to help them make meaningful connections and reach their fullest potential. Mentors spend a few hours a day twice per month with their match doing meaningful activities.
Local libraries always need volunteers. Teens are especially welcomed as volunteers for libraries, providing help with story times, crafts, and other youth programs and providing much needed help by sorting and shelving books. Literacy programs and outreach for arts and culture is a great way to spend time volunteering in the community.
714-434-6200
Habitat for Humanity builds and restores homes to provide reasonable living accommodations for at risk and low income families. There are many different ways that volunteers help with Habitat For Humanity. The main volunteer function is construction, helping to build and restore homes. Other volunteer opportunities include graphic design, provide homeowner education to selected families, write press releases, answer phones, and provide data entry services. Volunteers for Habitat For Humanity help improve lives by giving people a place to call home.
Volunteers at CHOC Children’s Hospital will make a difference in the lives of sick children and their families. Volunteer opportunities at CHOC include clerical support, providing activities like coloring and reading to patients in waiting areas, assisting in play rooms, showing families around the hospital and more. Volunteers at CHOC Children’s Hospital help to brighten the day of sick or injured children and their families.
The Ronald McDonald House provides a safe and comfortable place for families to live together while children receive treatment for cancer and other severe illnesses and injuries. Volunteers for the Orange County Ronald McDonald House can provide a variety of services like light housekeeping, administrative tasks, helping families, stocking supplies, and answering phones. Long term volunteer opportunities are only available here, so no short term or summer only volunteers will be accepted. Volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House provides comfort and support to families so they can focus on being together as they help their children through the recovery process.
The United Way fights for financial stability, quality education, stable housing, and good health for everyone. Volunteers for the United Way can help in a variety of ways. Teens can help out by leading youth summer camps and providing tutoring to younger kids. Other opportunities like distributing food, volunteering at shelters, collecting bedding and clothing, mentoring children, and creating welcome home baskets are some of the many ways you can lend a hand with the United Way. The United Way is a great opportunity to help families find stability and learn more about the steps they can take for a brighter future.
For more, visit OC Nonprofit Central which helps volunteers and donors find local community nonprofits. Find detailed information about local organizations, make informed charitable decisions and give all in one place.
For more volunteer opportunities see our Christmas Donation & Volunteer Ideas pages.
Heidi Deal is the author of the Newcomers Handbook to Living In Los Angeles & Orange County, and a children’s book author specializing in history and human rights.
Keeping Current Matters | Nov 28, 2023
When it comes to what’s happening in the housing market, there’s a lot of confusion going around right now. You may hear one thing in conversation with your friends, see something totally different on the news, and read something on social media that contradicts both of those thoughts. And, if you’re thinking about making a move, that can leave you with a lot of lingering questions. That’s where a trusted local real estate agent comes in.
Here are the top 3 questions people are asking about today’s housing market, and the data to help answer them.
1. What’s Next for Mortgage Rates?
Mortgage rates are higher than they’ve been in recent years. And, if you’re looking to buy a home, that impacts how much you can afford. That’s why so many buyers want to know what’s ahead for mortgage rates. The answer to that question is: no one can say for certain, but here’s what we know based on historical trends.
There’s a long-standing relationship between mortgage rates and inflation. Basically, when inflation is high, mortgage rates tend to follow suit. Over the past year, inflation was up, so mortgage rates were as well. But inflation is easing now. And this is why the Federal Reserve has recently paused their federal funds rate hikes, which means many experts believe mortgage rates will begin to come down.
And in some ways, we’ve started to see hints of slightly lower mortgage rates in recent weeks. But it’s certainly been volatile and will likely continue to be that way going into next year. Some ongoing variation is to be expected, but the anticipation is, that in 2024, we’ll see a downward trend. As Aziz Sunderji, Strategist at Home Economics, says:
“The bottom line is that interest rates are likely to be lower-perhaps even lower than many optimists think – in the weeks and months to come.”
2. Where Are Home Prices Headed?
While there’s been a lot of concern prices would come crashing down this year, data shows that didn’t happen. In fact, home prices are rising in most of the nation. Experts say that trend will continue, just at a slower pace that’s much more normal for the housing market – and that’s a good thing.
To help show just how confident experts are in this continued appreciation, take a look at the Home Price Expectation Survey from Pulsenomics. It’s a survey of a national panel of over 100 economists, real estate experts, and investment and market strategists. As the graph below shows, the consensus is, that prices will keep climbing next year, and in the years to come.
3. Is a Recession Around the Corner?
While recession talk has been a common thing over the past few years, there’s good news on that front.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) polls experts on this topic regularly. And last year at this time, most of them thought a recession would have happened by now. But as experts look at all the leading indicators today, they’re changing their minds and saying a recession is getting less and less likely. The latest results show that more experts now think we’re not headed for another recession (see chart below):
This is big news for the housing market. And while the 48% to 52% split may seem close to half and half, the key thing to focus on is that the majority of these experts think we’ve avoided a recession already.
Bottom Line
The big takeaway? The data shows there isn’t cause for concern – there are actually more signs of hope. Let’s connect to talk more about the housing market questions on your mind as we head into the new year.
The famous Christmas carol tell us that this is “the most wonderful time of the year!” However, a lot can go wrong over the holidays.
This infographic from Iron Security advises us what to be aware of. There are safety hazards, such as frayed electrical cords, holiday theft, and fire hazards, such as when frying turkeys or burning holiday candles. Establish these practical safety measures (even throughout the year) and make this holiday season the most wonderful time of year!
Yelp.com | Nov 17, 2023
Keeping Current Matters | November 20, 2023
This time every year, homeowners who are planning to move have a decision to make: sell now or wait until after the holidays? Some sellers with homes already on the market may even remove their listing until the new year.
But the truth is, many buyers want to purchase a home for the holidays, and your house might be just what they’re looking for. As an article from Fortune Builders explains:
“ . . . while a majority of people take a step back from the real estate market during the holiday months, you may find when the temperature drops, your potential for a great real estate deal starts to rise.”
To help prove that point, here are four reasons you shouldn’t wait to sell your house.
1. The desire to own a home doesn’t stop during the holidays. While a few buyers might opt to delay their moving plans until January, others may need to move now because something in their life has changed. The buyers who look for homes at this time of year are usually motivated to make their move happen and are eager to buy. A recent article from Investopedia says:
“Anyone shopping for a new home between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is likely going to be a serious buyer. Putting your home on the market at this time of year and attracting a serious buyer can often result in a quicker sale.”
2. While the supply of homes for sale has increased a little bit lately, overall inventory is still lower than it was before the pandemic. What does that mean for you? If you work with an agent to price your house at market value, it could still sell quickly because today’s buyers are craving more options – and your home may be exactly what they’re searching for.
3. You can determine the days and times that are most convenient for you for home showings. That can help you minimize disruptions to your own schedule, which can be especially important during this busy time of year. Plus, you may find buyers are more flexible on when they’ll tour a house this time of year because they have more time off from work around the holidays.
4. And finally, homes decorated for the holidays appeal to many buyers. For those buyers, it’s easy to picture gathering with their loved ones in the home and making memories of their own. An article on selling at this time of year offers this advice:
“If you’re selling around a holiday and have decorations up, make sure they accent—not overpower—a room. Less is more.”
Bottom Line
There are plenty of good reasons to put your house on the market during the holiday season. Let’s chat and see if it’s the right time for you to sell.
Keeping Current Matters | Nov 1, 2023
Maybe you’re in the market for a home and are having a hard time finding the right one that fits your budget. Or perhaps you’re already a homeowner in need of extra income or a place for loved ones. Whether as a potential homebuyer or a homeowner with changing needs, accessory dwelling units, or ADUs for short, may be able to help you reach your goals.
What Is an ADU?
As AARP says:
“An ADU is a small residence that shares a single-family lot with a larger, primary dwelling.”
“An ADU is an independent, self-contained living space with a kitchen or kitchenette, bathroom and sleeping area.”
“An ADU can be located within, attached to, or detached from the main residence. It can be created out of an existing structure (such as a garage) or built anew.”
If you’re thinking about whether an ADU makes sense for you as a buyer or a homeowner, here’s some useful information and benefits that ADUs can provide. Keep in mind, that regulations for ADUs vary based on where you live, so lean on a local real estate professional for more information.
The Benefits of ADUs
Freddie Mac and the AARP identify some of the best features of ADUs for both buyers and homeowners:
- Living Close by, But Still Separate: ADUs allow loved ones to live together while having separate spaces. That means you can enjoy each other’s company and help each other out with things like childcare, but also have privacy when needed. If this appeals to you, you may want to consider buying a home with an ADU or adding an ADU onto your house. According to Freddie Mac:
“Having an accessory dwelling unit on an existing property has become a popular way for homeowners to offer independent living space to family members.”
- Aging in Place: Similarly, ADUs allow older people to be close to loved ones who can help them if they need it as they age. It gives them the best of both worlds – independence and support from loved ones. For example, if your parents are getting older and you want them nearby, you may want to buy a home with an ADU or build one onto your existing house.
- Affordable To Build: Since ADUs are often on the smaller side, they’re typically less expensive to build than larger, standalone homes. Building one can also increase your property’s value.
- Generating Additional Income: If you own a home with an ADU or if you build an ADU on your land, it can help generate rental income you could use toward your own mortgage payments. It’s worth noting that because an ADU exists on a single-family lot as a secondary dwelling, it typically cannot be sold separately from the primary residence. But that’s changing in some states. Work with a professional to understand your options.
These are a few of the reasons why many people who benefit from ADUs think they’re a good idea. As Scott Wild, SVP of Consulting at John Burns Research, says:
“It’s gone from a small niche in the market to really a much more impactful part of new housing.”
Bottom Line
ADUs have some great advantages for buyers and homeowners alike. If you’re interested, reach out to a real estate professional who can help you understand local codes and regulations for this type of housing and what’s available in your market.
HouseDigest.com | Feb 22, 2023
Have you ever decided to tackle a cleaning project around the house (perhaps one that you’d been putting off for a while), only to discover that you’re out of the cleaner that you thought you had? It can be beyond frustrating to have to put off what you want to accomplish because you have to grab your keys and run to the store to buy the missing spray or powder.
But believe it or not, several cleaning substitutes, many of which you likely have in your home already, can take the place of store-bought cleaners. And even better, many of these substitutes are safer than their chemical cleanser counterparts, which often include toxic ingredients. Say goodbye to having to ventilate the room while spraying! Read on to learn more about some of the best cleaning substitutes that will take the place of kitchen sprays, bathroom cleaners, stain removers, and so many other store-bought sprays, gels, and powders.
Vinegar in place of kitchen sprays
Vinegar is for much more than cooking. It can help with a wide range of cleaning tasks in numerous rooms throughout the home. The best type of vinegar to use for cleaning is distilled white vinegar, which includes 5% acetic acid. While safe enough to handle or even consume, the vinegar’s acidity helps break down and remove gunk on surfaces.
If you’re looking for a substitute for kitchen sprays, either because you ran out of the one you normally use or are looking for something that won’t introduce more chemicals around the areas you cook, look no further than vinegar. To use it to clean the kitchen, mix it with water in a spray bottle using a 1:1 ratio (equal parts of both liquids). Spray the mixture on countertops, cooktops, shelves in the refrigerator, and other surfaces. If there are any particularly sticky or caked-on messes, leave it to sit for a few minutes before wiping the surface down. Because vinegar is non-toxic, you can even use it to clean coffee pots, stainless steel cookware, cutting boards, and other kitchen tools that you wouldn’t want to get anywhere near standard kitchen sprays.
Hydrogen peroxide in place of mold and mildew shower sprays
Hydrogen peroxide is another versatile product. You likely have a bottle of hydrogen peroxide in your medicine cabinet or under your bathroom sink for tending to wounds, but did you know that it could also double as a shower spray? If you have areas of mold or mildew along your shower tiles, skip chemical bleach-based cleansers and reach for that bottle of hydrogen peroxide in your medicine cabinet instead. Add it to a spray bottle and spray it directly over moldy or mildewy spots. Leave it to sit for about 10 minutes, then use a scrub brush to clean the tiles. Rinse everything, and your shower should be good as new again.
The reason hydrogen peroxide is such an effective cleaner comes down to its chemical composition. When the bonded hydrogen and oxygen atoms come into contact with surfaces, they create a reaction, loosening gunk and grime and disinfecting the surface. Unlike chemical bathroom cleaners, hydrogen peroxide is non-toxic and will not damage your lungs. If you habitually use more natural cleaning products, just keep in mind that you should never mix hydrogen peroxide and vinegar. According to the Missouri Poison Center, combining these two liquids can cause peracetic acid to form, which could irritate your eyes, skin, or lungs.
Lemon juice in place of glass and window cleaner
Keeping your windows clean and streak-free can be a chore. However, you don’t have to rely on store-bought glass and window cleaners for this task. Instead, you can use lemon juice. It has antibacterial and antiseptic properties, which make it an excellent choice for a range of cleaning tasks. Lemon juice is also acid, which means that it can help breakdown grime, much like vinegar.
The next time you need to clean the windows in your home, try making a DIY glass and window cleaner using lemon. Add about 1 ½ cups of hot water to a spray bottle. Then pour in 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, and gently swirl the bottle to mix the two ingredients. Use this cleaner to spray your windows, then wipe them using a microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish. As a bonus, using lemon juice will leave behind a pleasant fragrance, to make your house smell as clean as your windows will look.
Cornstarch as a carpet stain remover
If you have stains on your carpets from pets, kids, or any other number of causes, fear not. Open your pantry, and you may see the perfect substitute for carpet stain removers. Believe it or not, cornstarch can work well at removing stains and their corresponding odors from your carpets.
To use cornstarch as a stain remover, you’ll want to mix it with a little water or distilled white vinegar. The mixture should be a very thick paste, so take care not to add too much liquid. Once the paste is prepared, spread it over the stain on the carpet and let it sit for several hours until stiff and dry. Once dry, vacuum up the excess cornstarch from the rug (if it is stuck on, you can gently scrape it off using a knife or kitchen scraper before vacuuming). The cornstarch should have absorbed the stain and its odor, leaving your carpet clean. For deep, set-in stains, you may need to repeat the steps above a few times.
Gin or vodka as jewelry cleaners
Did you know gin and vodka can help keep your jewelry clean? In fact, using gin was a trick that some members of Queen Elizabeth’s staff used to swear by when cleaning the royal jewels. Try dipping jewelry with diamonds and other gemstones in a glass with a little bit of gin or vodka. Leave the jewelry to soak for at least four hours.
When you return to pull out your jewelry, you should notice that it looks much cleaner and more brilliant. So, how exactly does alcohol clean diamonds and other stones? The secret lies in the higher ethanol content of these two alcohols. When the gems are left to soak, it acts as a natural solvent, breaking down and getting rid of any grime on the stone. If this cleaning method was good enough for the Queen, it might be worth giving it a shot with your gems and jewels.
Shaving cream in place of stainless steel cleaner
Fear not if your stainless steel appliances always seem to be covered in fingerprints or hard water stains. You don’t have to run out and buy a specialized cleaning product with questionable ingredients. Instead, you can just head to your bathroom cabinet and pull out a can of shaving cream (opt for a basic, fragrance-free formula for best results). Simply cover the stainless steel surfaces with some shaving cream — it doesn’t take too much — then wipe it off using a damp cloth.
Once most of the shaving cream has been removed from the surface, use a clean and dry microfiber towel to finish the job. Rub the surface until the classic stainless shine returns. The shaving cream works to remove the stains (you can leave it to sit for a few extra minutes on hard water spots and stains) and leaves your stainless steel stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, and other appliances looking like new.
Baking soda in place of dish stain removers
Our mugs, dishware, and plastic storage containers can develop stains over time. Even when we know these items are clean, they can still look dirty and dingy. Baking soda can help you rejuvenate these items throughout your kitchen, giving them a new shot at life. Baking soda is slightly abrasive and works to release the particles that caused the stain. It also absorbs odors, so if any of the stained items also have an unpleasant odor, baking soda should help with that too.
To use baking soda as a stain remover, mix it with a small amount of water and vinegar to form a thick paste. Apply the paste over the stained area, leave it to sit for about half an hour, and then wipe it off with a sponge. If needed, you can repeat the steps an additional time for more stubborn stains. Once the stain is removed, rewash the item as usual before using it. You can use this paste to tackle a variety of stains in the kitchen, including coffee- or tea-stained mugs, stained plasticware, cutting boards, countertops, and more.
Coconut oil as a shower cleaner
If you’re looking for a more natural way to clean your shower and want to stay away from bleach and other harsh chemicals, the solution you need may be sitting in your pantry right now. Coconut oil can actually be used to clean a variety of surfaces, including shower walls and bathtubs. Place some coconut oil on a rag or scrub brush and use it to wipe down all the surfaces in your shower or bathtub. Once that’s done, rinse with warm water, and you should notice that everything looks much cleaner.
The reason coconut oil can be an effective cleaner — and a particularly good choice for showers — is because of the lauric acid found in it. Lauric acid works as an antimicrobial, giving surfaces a thorough cleaning. If you want to boost the power of the coconut oil or tackle any particularly tough stains, try mixing it with some baking soda. As noted above, baking soda is a great stain remover.
Witch hazel in place of floor cleaners
You may have taken witch hazel to relieve symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, inflammation, skin irritations, and other more serious conditions. The liquid from the witch hazel plant is extracted and then taken orally or applied directly to the skin, depending on the condition. It may seem strange to think that the same substance that can help with medical conditions can also help keep your floors clean, but it is true. You can use witch hazel on tile, vinyl, and linoleum floors, but it isn’t the best solution for your hardwood floors.
Fill your mop bucket with about 1 gallon of warm water. Then, add between ⅓ and ⅔ of a cup of witch hazel and mix it in well. Dip your mop or cleaning brush in the solution, and use it to clean your floor. The witch hazel will help break down dirt and debris, leaving your floors clean and shiny. If you want a quicker, less-involved cleaning job, witch hazel can still help. Instead of mixing a solution in your mop bucket, add some witch hazel and a little bit of water to a spray bottle and spritz the floors in your home before wiping them down with a microfiber towel or mop head.
Toothpaste in place of shoe cleaners
If your white shoes have seen better days, toothpaste may be able to help you rejuvenate them. White, baking soda-based toothpastes — stay away from gels — can work wonders at taking scuff marks and dirt off tennis shoes. An old toothbrush will work as the perfect cleaning tool to complement the toothpaste.
Simply apply a little white toothpaste onto the toothbrush head and use it to tackle any stained or dirty areas on the shoes. Scrubbing in a circular motion will be the most effective way to release stains and messes. After you’ve cleaned all the necessary areas, allow the toothpaste to sit for about 15 minutes, then wipe it off using a damp towel. You may need to repeat the steps above a few times for more stubborn stains. In addition to working well to remove stains from the canvas and fabric parts of shoes, a whitening toothpaste can also be an effective cleaner for the rubber edges of your tennis shoes. Apply it to these areas with a toothbrush, following the same methods described above.
Borax as toilet bowl cleaner
No one enjoys cleaning the toilet, but it is one of those tasks that we just can’t skip. However, you can skip the bleach- and chemical-based cleaners you want to keep out of your house. The ideal substitute may be waiting in your laundry room right now. Borax is traditionally used as a laundry booster, but its chemical makeup also makes it an effective toilet bowl cleaner. With its pH of 9.5, it is on the alkaline side. That means it can work to remove a variety of substances, such as oils, fats, and anything acidic, when mixed with water.
To use Borax as a toilet bowl cleaner, add approximately 1 cup to the water in your toilet bowl at night. Dump it in slowly, trying to get some of the powder to coat the sides of the toilet. You may even want to put on gloves to apply some of it along the toilet’s upper rim to achieve a thorough clean. Once the Borax powder has been applied to the inside of the toilet bowl, let it sit there for several hours, ideally overnight. When you wake up, take your toilet brush and give the inside of the bowl and along the rim a good scrubbing. Flush and admire how effective the Borax was at getting rid of stains.
Fabric softener as baseboard cleaner
Baseboards can get dirty so easily. After all, they’re right along the floor where dirt and other gunk get tracked in. Another item that is probably in your laundry room right now can help you tackle this cleaning task. Try cleaning your baseboards with fabric softener, and you won’t want to go back to whatever cleaners you used to use. Not only is fabric softener an effective cleaner for this task, but it is also really easy to use.
Transfer a little of your fabric softener out of the bottle and into a spray bottle. You’ll want to be able to control how much comes out, which won’t be possible with the wide open mouth on the package you get from the store. You’ll want to add approximately 1/2 a cup of fabric softener and about 2 ½ cups of water. Put the lid on the spray bottle and gently swirl the mixture to combine the two ingredients.
Spray the mixture directly on your baseboards, then go around with a dry microfiber cloth to wipe them down. For carpeted rooms, you may only want to spray a small section at a time to prevent the mixture from dripping onto the carpets. Alternatively, you could spray the solution directly onto the microfiber cloth to eliminate the chance of it dripping down onto the floor. One of the biggest benefits of using fabric softener to clean your baseboards is that it can also help them stay cleaner for longer. It will leave behind a slight coating on the baseboards, which will work to repel dust and other debris from sticking to them.
Throughout the holiday season, spectacular light shows brighten up botanical gardens and arboretums across the country. Instead of spring flowers, visitors find twinkling holiday lights, often accompanied by a range of other festivities. Check out these 5 places that will literally brighten your holidays!
Astra Lumina
We’re always told to reach fo the stars, but what if the stars could reach for us?
The stars are descending from the night sky. Set off across mysterious grounds to discover a celestial pathway of lustrous light, cosmic visions, and astral song. Immerse yourself in illuminating encounters of lighting, projection and sound, and connect with the stars before they return to the sky above.
Astra Lumina at South Coast Botanic Garden is the 17th experience in the Lumina Enchanted Night Walk series.
When: Nov. 9-Jan. 1 @ 5:30-10 p.m.
Where: South Coast Botanic Garden, 26300 Crenshaw Blvd, Palos Verdes Estates
Tickets: Starting at $28-$38 at astralumina.com
Lightscape
Photo courtesy Sony Music
Experience a winter walk on the dark side of the garden and let your imagination soar with the new sights and sounds along the Serpent Trail and Forest Path. The reimagined Lightscape merges nature and art in the mesmerizing Fire Garden, awesome Arch of Light, eye-catching Feast of Light, exotic Dancing Palms, and other spectacular installations. Fan favorite, the magnificent Winter Cathedral, returns! Food trucks every night and a full bar too. Pssst–Santa is coming to Lightscape on select nights. Arboretum members save up to $6 a ticket.
When: Nightly Nov. 17-Jan. 2 @ 5:30 p.m.
Santa Nights: Dec. 7-9, 15-17, 20-23
Where: The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden is at 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia
Tickets: $14-$18 for children, $29-$35 for adults, at arboretum.org. Save 20% on Value Packs!
Enchanted Forest of Light
Shimmering nocturnal wonderland
Descanso’s Enchanted Forest of Light is an interactive, nighttime experience unlike anything else in Los Angeles, featuring a one-mile walk through unique lighting experiences in some of the most beloved areas of Descanso Gardens.
Returning favorites and fresh delights
Don’t miss popular returning illuminated favorites, including an entire town of magical “stained glass” creations on the Main Lawn by contemporary sculptor Tom Fruin; sparkling geometric installations from HYBYCOZO in the Rose Garden; Flower Power on the Promenade; and exquisite lighting effects in the Ancient Forest.
A magical route through the garden
Click here to see the Enchanted Forest of Light path through the most beloved parts of Descanso.
Rain or shine – Enchanted lights up the night
Enchanted is a rain-or-shine event. Tickets are non-refundable, have timed entry, and must be purchased in advance.
Dates: Nov. 19–Jan. 7 (closed Nov. 23, Dec. 24–25)
Entry times: 5:30pm, 6pm, 6:30pm, 7pm, 7:30pm, 8pm, & 8:30pm
Where: Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge
Tickets: $25-$30 for children, $35–45 for adults at descansogardens.org
Luminaria Nights
Photo courtesy of California Botanic Garden
Come find your glow this winter during Luminaria Nights at California Botanic Garden. This holiday lights experience is like no other in Southern California, featuring peaceful luminaria- and string light-lined paths between beautifully illuminated musical venues. With at least three live performers each night, art installations, and food, sweet treats, and drinks available for purchase, Luminaria Nights highlights the quiet evening beauty of CalBG’s unique native plant gardens. New this year: Members Only Preview Night on Friday, December 8th! Become a CalBG member today to purchase tickets for this special night. Join at or upgrade to the Acorn or Family Plus membership level to gain access to our December 8th VIP reception with exclusive treats, drinks, and music.
When: Dec. 9-10, 15-16 @ 6- 9 p.m.
Where: California Botanic Garden, 500 N. College Avenue, Claremont
Tickets: $15 for students; $20 adults at calbg.org
Night of 1000 Lights
It’s Candy Land!
The Gardens’ holiday décor will be reminiscent of the vintage board game we all remember as children.
Stroll along the Rainbow Trail, past the Lollypop Woods and the Gumdrop Mountains, through the Peppermint Stick Forest, and the glistening light tunnel, on your way to the Candy Heart Carnival, featuring carnival games for kids of all ages.
Visit the Molasses Swamp, the Old Peanut Brittle House, and the Candy Land Express Train on your way to visit Santa in his workshop. Then head to the fire pit and whip up your own batch of s’mores. The Garden Shop will be open and is a must-see for unique holiday gift ideas. Make a wish at “The Wishing Tree” and create lasting memories with friends and family celebrating the holidays at Sherman Library & Gardens.
When: Two Member Nights on December 6 & 8
General Public Nights on December 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22
6 pm – 9 pm each night with three entry times each night: 6:00 pm, 7:00 pm & 8:00 pm.
Where: Sherman Library & Gardens, 2647 East Coast Highway, Corona del Mar
Tickets: $35 for general admission; $25 for members at thesherman.org
Keeping Current Matters | Nov 3, 2023
Some Highlights
- If you’re ready to buy a home but are having a hard time affording it on your own, or, if you have aging loved ones you need to care for, you might want to consider a multi-generational home.
- Living with siblings, parents, and even grandparents can help you save money, give or receive childcare, and spend quality time together.
- Let’s connect to find a home in your area that’s perfect for you and your loved one’s needs.
Christine Almarines @christine_almarines
Realtor DRE# 01412944 | 714-476-4637
Michelle Kim @michellejeankim_homes
Realtor DRE# 01885912 | 714-253-7531
Anaid Bautista @singlemomrealtor
Realtor DRE# 02179675 | 949-391-8266
