Sure, you’re probably heading to Santa Barbara for its glorious sandy beaches, and all the good things that come with it. Surfing, sunbathing, that sort of thing. But once you’re done with the miles and miles of breathtaking coastline, there’s a whole lot more of Santa Barbara to be explored – and it’s a lot more than just sandy beaches.
Santa Barbara is actually home to a whole host of great restaurants, museums and attractions, and it’s pretty easy on the eye too – most of its historic landmarks are just begging to be photographed and stuck on an Instagram story. So whether you’re there for its annual film fest or its wine festival, you’ll never be stuck for things to do in this city. Read on for the best things to do in Santa Barbara right now.
Fun things to do in Santa Barbara
1. Old Mission Santa Barbara
The late 18th-century Old Mission Santa Barbara gave the city more than just its name. You can see its lush courtyard, tiled roof, and shaded arches reflected in buildings all over Santa Barbara. But the mission is a beautiful, historical destination on its own, with a solemn cemetery, chapel, and an exhibition about its construction and life within its walls.
The compact halls of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History lend themselves well to pint-sized patrons, from a kid-sized cavern to an outdoor playground. Adults can enjoy a stroll around the campus’ Mission Revival buildings spread along a wooded creek, while the small Sea Center at Stearns Wharf is an all-ages winner, with shark- and anemone-filled touch tanks and a research center with biologically-rich muck straight from the seafloor below.
Hike to Inspiration Point for the kind of breathtaking natural encounter that will clear your mind. There are two ways to get to Inspiration Point, a beautiful outlook overlooking Santa Barbara’s coastline and the Channel Islands in the distance. The shorter option starts at Tunnel Trail and will make for about a 3.5-mile roundtrip. It begins on an easy paved road for about a mile but then makes its way to a trail that is steep in parts. The other option is starting at Jesusita Trail, which is steep in some areas and stretches about 7 miles.
4. Santa Barbara Museum of Art
State Street’s Santa Barbara Museum of Art recently completed a massive six-year renovation and expansion project, bringing new gallery spaces and public areas to the museum. You’ll find a mix of rotating exhibitions and highlights of the permanent collection that are heavy on Impressionism and Southern California abstraction. Visit the museum store for jewelry, books, toys, and other custom items.
If you’re looking for fresh seafood, head to Stearns Wharf in the early morning hours to wait for the fishing boats to unload their catch. You can buy straight from the boats and take your fish home with you on ice—it’s cheaper, fresher, and way more fun. Although the pier (home to California’s oldest working wharf) offers wine tasting, a touch aquarium for kids, and lots of shopping and dining options, avoid it after mid-morning—it tends to become a bit of a tourist trap as the day goes on.
Santa Barbara County Courthouse is the one time you might want to spend a day in court. The Spanish-Moorish structure is striking from the inside, but step underneath its spacious archway, and you’ll find yourself inside one of the most beautiful government buildings in the country, period. Take the elevator or stairs to the top of the Seth Thomas Tower Clock for sweeping views of Santa Barbara—and make sure to stop by the historical, sublimely painted Mural Room on the second floor.
If you’re the type of person who finds peace in nature, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden should be on your itinerary. This garden, which focuses on native California plants, is unlike any other. Even the Redwood Section, where redwood trees were planted beginning in 1930, looks as though the trees are organically growing there. Throughout the mile-long walkway, there are plenty of spots for visitors to sit and reflect.
Polish opera singer and garden enthusiast Ganna Walska built up the beautiful tropical and subtropical gardens at Lotusland over four decades. Today, you can explore the multiculturally-themed gardens with two-hour guided tours that’ll take you through everything from a silvery-blue forest to a prehistoric-looking cycad garden.
A tangle of trails weaves through the beautiful grounds of the Santa Barbara Zoo. Equal parts open green space and lush animal habitats, the zoo is teeming with conservation information and close-up views of creatures like elephants, lions, leopards, and giraffes. Check at the front to see the daily feeding schedule for the long-necked mammals.
Short on time? Take a 90-minute narrated trolley tour of Santa Barbara’s main attractions. Santa Barbara Trolley Company offers daily tours that leave from the Visitor Center at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. This is a great way to see the Santa Barbara Courthouse, Santa Barbara Zoo, Museum of Natural History, Old Mission Santa Barbara, Stearns Wharf, East Beach, the harbor, and more.
Mortgage and Lending with Social Media – Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc
August 05, 2010 09:00 AM
Facts & Numbers vs Assumptions – Part 2
I love what I do and I love crunching numbers, sometimes being creative and finding a way to maximize my clients cash assets, putting them in a good financial position for years to come. Meaning that I like to act like a financial planner, making sure that the borrower doesn’t always use all of their assets, especially in today’s market.
Before you continue with this post, you will need to read part 1, Planting Seeds in the Borrower’s Head. If you want the cliff notes version, read the next few sentences below.
I truly believe as a loan officer, that I do my job as well as I can, with pride and satisfaction. That a realtor should not give mortgage advice deeper than the basics. The basics would be to know what programs are good in your area, and that you ask a few simple questions to make some determinations. Other than that, the realtor should not get into the rates and down payments. I hope to explain better below.
So what am I questioning? It’s when a realtor makes a statement such as this one.“home buyers can receive 6% closing help with 10% down. Which benefits our buyers more, making a larger down payment or paying their cash for closing costs???” – How about possibly neither, which I will show below.The last comment was followed with this kind of comment. – “The lower interest rates often offered with 10% down compared with FHA may make the conventional more attractive. “ These same statements are mentioned in part one and written by Lenn Harley.
If you remember the title of Part 1, it was Planting seeds in the borrower’s head. Read my conclusion in part 1. I truly believe when you talk about such statements, that you could be planting a seed in the borrower’s head. This could confuse the borrower or even worse, make them choose your thoughts without knowing the details. Let me show you what I am talking about.
Key Important Points –
If the property is in a distressed area (declining market), the maximum LTV is 90%, which means you have to put 10% down.
The monthly payments on the conventional loans can increase or decrease depending on the credit scores.
Each scenario is the same profit margin. You would need a credit score of 720 + to avoid any pricing penalty.
Most PMI companies won’t go below a 680 credit score. There are a few that could go down to 660, but depending on the status of the lender with that MI company. But in all honesty, FHA loans would be the best option once you go below a 680 credit score. So why even bother with details.
The scenarios used below are based on a mid credit score of 699.
Now, there are a few other scenarios, such as lender paid mortgage insurance (LPMI) or 80/10 or lender paid closing costs (which you increase the interest rate which pays for some closing costs), and a few other mortgage insurance programs. But I just wanted to give you an idea on the statements that were mentioned above and how one needs to be careful in what they state to the buyer.
Reminder : – Comparing 10% down conventional with 3.5% down FHA – In regards to the money that you don’t use on the FHAloan, you either save it as cash on hand or you could invest it. You can usually get a 6% to 7% return on your money. If you have a decent idea or work with a good financial planner, you could get 9% to 10%. If you really know what you are doing and or are aggressive, you could get like 12% return. And please don’t read into those that sell you the idea to pay down your house off in half the time. There are some scams out there. They work, but not as advertised. Secondly, you will be writing off less interest if you pay off your house quicker. And the interest write off on the interest rate itself, depending on your interest rate, might not be as much as you think. Just food for thought and showing the complexities when comparing different types of mortgages.
Key Important Reminder –
Lender Overlays and different PMI companies (private mortgage companies) have different guidelines and rules. Also, when doing a conventional loan with MI, you will also have to send the file to the MI company to be underwritten. So even if your company says yes, the MI company could still say no. On FHA loans, it’s just underwritten once.
Conclusion : Many would think and or assume that with 10% down on a conventional mortgage, that it could be cheaper in interest rate and in payment than on a FHA mortgage with 3.5% down. And in some cases, even though your down payment is more with a conventional loan, it could cost you more out of pocket or possibly more within the price of the home because some sellers will tack on the seller concessions onto the price. And look at the fact that you added about $6,000 of upfront mortgage insurance on the FHA loan, yet the FHA loans look to be cheaper all the way around. And you can compare the principal balances after 5 years and how much cash that you kept in your pocket with a lower monthly payment. Food for thought.
Cash is King – I highlighted the FHA loan scenario with 5% down. As you can see, the mortgage payment would actually be about $30 less than when putting 10% down. What I hear so many people focus on is the fact that they don’t want to be underwater on the property. People, buying a home is suppose to be an investment and in many cases, a long term investment. This is a whole other topic, but it needs to be discussed. You just never know what will be around the corner and having a larger savings could save you down the road. I wrote an excellent series on this topic. Click on the Cash is King link. Part 2 of 3 –
Numbers don’t lie, uneducated facts or assumptions do.
UPDATE : I had originally worked on this post starting at 3:30 am this morning and had most of it done by 7 am. But I didn’t submit it because I had to check out one issue and then the day got away from me. But Mr. Stevens of FHA has announced new upfront mortgage insurance changes and changes for the monthly. In my opinion, the 5% comparisons, FHA loans will still be the best option, even with a credit score of 699 or less. In regards to the 10% down on conventional loans? The payment might be better by $100, but still keeping in mind that you are keeping $13,000 in your pocket. You need to think of the trade off and your future. Here is the link to the letter from FHA. Bill approved to give FHA the ability to change upfront and monthly mortgage insurance. I will be writing about this tomorrow and giving examples. thanks
A good sprinkler system is a must to keep your yard healthy and lush all year round—and keep you from doing the heavy lifting. Not only will sprinklers do the watering for you, but they can also help you save on water and energy costs.
So with the hot months approaching, it’s time to install a sprinkler system—or do some maintenance on your existing one—to ensure your lawn and garden gets all the H20 it needs.
To brush up on the particulars of sprinkler installation and maintenance, read on.
The best time to install a sprinkler system in your yard depends on your location and climate. But generally, you should put in sprinklers before or after the growing season so flora is not destroyed and there is time for it to grow back nicely, advises David Steckel, an expert from Thumbtack.
“Spring or fall is recommended, or during any sort of major landscaping project,” says Steckel.
The only time you shouldn’t install sprinklers is when the ground is frozen. In cold parts of the country, your sprinkler specialist will want to wait until after things have thawed to make any changes to your irrigation system.
Consult an irrigation professional for sprinkler problems
Some of the most common sprinkler issues include reduced water pressure, inadequate water coverage, timer or wiring issues, and leaks, says DJ Olhausen, a real estate agent with Realty ONE Group Pacific.
These issues can cost you “thousands of dollars in repairs” if they aren’t caught early on, Olhausen says.
But don’t try to diagnose these problems yourself—leave sprinkler system maintenance to the experts.
“Irrigation professionals have the right equipment and know-how to properly repair or install a sprinkler system,” says Dave Holmes, service training manager for The Grounds Guys, a Neighborly company. “We have found that those who install their own irrigation systems often experience stress and concern regarding their systems following the installation.”
Irrigation experts are not just putting pipe in the ground, Holmes explains. They are evaluating your landscape’s plants and grass and providing answers and solutions to what they need.
There are a number of ways to get water to your lawn or garden, including sprinkler irrigation, drip irrigation, and surface irrigation. That’s why choosing the correct system for your yard is not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Olhausen tells homeowners to take into consideration the type of climate you’re in, what spray patterns are most ideal for your landscape, what kind of soil your lawn consists of, what your overall budget is, and how your water pressure performs.
You should also think about whether you want an in-ground or above-ground system, and an automatic or manual system.
To the average homeowner, the answers to these questions aren’t obvious. That’s why it’s wise to consult with a professional irrigation company before choosing a sprinkler system.
Sprinkler system costs
Whether you’re installing a sprinkler system for the first time or repairing part of your current sprinkler system, costs vary based on your location and the type of system you have.
The average cost to install a sprinkler system can range from $90 to $800, with more expensive systems costing $1,320 to $5,650, according to Thumbtack. Then, you have to factor in the cost of the actual system.
In-ground sprinkler systems will run about $2,500 to $3,500 for a quarter-acre lot. Drip irrigation systems that are used to deliver water to the plants’ roots and stems cost $1,800 to $2,500 per acre.
Sprinkler repairs, on the other hand, can cost $91 to $300, plus labor.
“In order to save money on future maintenance and repairs, it is important to clean your sprinkler heads and valve to remove dirt, grime, and other residues,” says Steckel. “Also, keep tabs on the water pressure to prevent leaks and check wiring, which may deteriorate due to normal wear and tear.”
Orange County Housing Report:
Housing Insanity Returns
April 17, 2023
The active listing inventory in the past couple of weeks decreased by 89 homes, down 4%, and now sits at 2,053, the second-lowest mid-March level since tracking began in 2004 behind last year. In March, 39% fewer homes came on the market compared to the 3-year average before COVID (2017 to 2019), 1,346 less. Last year, there were 1,732 homes on the market, 321 fewer homes, or 16% less. The 3-year average before COVID (2017 to 2019) was 5,780, or 182% more.
Demand, the number of pending sales over the prior month, increased by 103 pending sales in the past two weeks, up 7%, and now totals 1,663. Last year, there were 2,241 pending sales, 35% more than today. The 3-year average before COVID (2017 to 2019) was 2,777, or 67% more.
With the inventory falling and demand rising, the Expected Market Time, the number of days to sell all Orange County listings at the current buying pace, decreased from 41 to 37 days in the past couple of weeks, its lowest level since May of last year. It was 23 days last year, much stronger than today.
For homes priced below $750,000, the Expected Market Time decreased from 32 to 27 days. This range represents 21% of the active inventory and 29% of demand.
For homes priced between $750,000 and $1 million, the Expected Market Time decreased from 26 to 22 days. This range represents 16% of the active inventory and 26% of demand.
For homes priced between $1 million to $1.25 million, the Expected Market Time decreased from 31 to 27 days. This range represents 10% of the active inventory and 13% of demand.
For homes priced between $1.25 million to $1.5 million, the Expected Market Time decreased from 33 to 30 days. This range represents 9% of the active inventory and 11% of demand.
For homes priced between $1.5 million to $2 million, the Expected Market Time decreased from 56 to 52 days. This range represents 13% of the active inventory and 9% of demand.
For homes priced between $2 million and $4 million, the Expected Market Time in the past two weeks dropped from 76 to 72 days. For homes priced between $4 million and $6 million, the Expected Market Time increased from 210 to 212 days. For homes priced above $6 million, the Expected Market Time increased from 308 to 341 days.
The luxury end, all homes above $2 million, account for 31% of the inventory and 11% of demand.
Distressed homes, both short sales and foreclosures combined, comprised only 0.5% of all listings and 0.5% of demand. Only five foreclosures and five short sales are available today in Orange County, with ten total distressed homes on the active market, unchanged from two weeks ago. Last year there was one distressed home on the market, similar to today.
There were 1,789 closed residential resales in March, 32% less than March 2022’s 2,645 closed sales. March marked a 41% increase compared to February 2023. The sales-to-list price ratio was 99.6% for all of Orange County. Foreclosures accounted for 0.1% of all closed sales, and there were no closed short sales. That means that 99.9% of all sales were good ol’ fashioned sellers with equity.
Copyright 2023- Steven Thomas, Reports On Housing – All Rights Reserved. This report may not be reproduced in whole or part without express written permission from the author.
Depending on whether you’re an organized queen or a messy queen, decluttering and organizing your space can either be a wonderful or stressy experience.
Luckily, there are certain steps you can take to get the process rolling and see instant results without taking up loads of your time. We know how busy you are, trust.
We spoke to a handful of decluttering professionals to get the low-down on exactly what they recommend their clients get rid of and how to make the process that much easier.
From unnecessary mail and paperwork to expired pantry items, these are some of the easiest — and most impactful — items to throw out, so you can finally start that decluttering journey.
These are all items you can get rid of quickly, so you can make a big ol’ dent in your clutter pile.
1. THROW AWAY CATCH-ALL PAPER STORAGE
Have you been shoving paper into a big accordion file? This is professional organizer Ben Soreff’s most hated office supply, as he finds it too big and inaccessible. “The accordion file and similar catch-all paper storage is limiting and forces you to work with it instead of it working for you.” He says it needs to go in the trash, like yesterday. Go through yours, find the papers you need and put them in something much more accessible, like a file holder for your desk (this cute gold one is Amazon’s Choice(opens in new tab), BTW).
2. GET RID OF INEXPENSIVE REPAIR ITEMS
I’m super sentimental, and hate throwing away broken things. I do always buy replacements for them. Soreff urges his clients to discard all those inexpensive repair items, like a broken coffee pot. This is because these are the types of things that we say we are going to fix but never do. “We don’t want to live in the future or say the word ‘could’ when it comes to organizing,” he explains. Amen to that.
3. PUT ALL THAT UNNECESSARY MAIL IN THE TRASH
When you don’t go through your mail, it can easily stack up and make your space messy. “The first item I recommend my clients get rid of is mail,” says Lisa Dooley, organizing coach at Your Organized Life. “It tends to pile up and cover all available surfaces.” She recommends gathering and putting aside what needs to be shredded, and create a pile for filing what needs to be filed and acted upon.
4. REMOVE ANY OUT OF DATE FOOD
When sorting through and purging a cabinet or pantry of food, it’s important to immediately throw away cans/boxes/packages of food that have expired. Stacey Agin Murray(opens in new tab), professional organizer at Organized Artistry, LLC, recommends checking the refrigerator and pantry shelves for expired food every time you’re going to the supermarket. “Expired items can be thrown away and then added to the shopping list.” Don’t take any risks with this, because you don’t want to risk your health.
5. BIN CLOTHES LEFT BEHIND FROM AN EX
In the words of T-Swift, you’re never ever getting back together. Or you might, but hanging onto their gross old clothes isn’t gonna make that happen, no matter how much you wish. “It’s challenging for a client to start a new relationship if remnants of an old one are still hanging in their closet,” says Murray. “I often recommend donating the clothing to a thrift shop or charity — especially if the relationship did not end well.” Treat yo’ self get yourself a new hoodie that’s 10x comfier than the one your ex left.
6. BREAK DOWN AND BIN PACKAGING AND BOXES
Sure, those neat little iPhone boxes or expensive cosmetics packaging might seem too pretty to throw out… but what are you really going to do with a closet full of empty packaging? “The number one thing I tell my clients is to get rid of packaging that items come in, as they take up way too much space,” says Marie Jackson(opens in new tab), founder of Organized Marie. “Plus, multiple mismatched boxes isn’t appealing to the eye — our brains love symmetry and that’s what it looks and feels better when items are out of the packaging.” We’re all about that aesthetic, people.
7. YOU DON’T NEED THOSE TOILETRY SAMPLES
Take a look at all those toiletries you get in subscription beauty boxes that you’ll never use yourself. And those miniature hotel toiletries that you pick up every trip, but never then pack for other trips. Yep, they’re clogging up your space big time. “Donate these to local refuge and homeless shelters for pampering,” says Katherine Blackler, founder of SortMySpace Ltd(opens in new tab).
8. SAY GOODBYE TO THOSE “SOMEDAY” ITEMS
Keeping ahold of items, just in case? Blackler says not to do that, y’all. “Someday is not one of the 7 days of the week, so if you can’t give a confident example of when or where you’d use it, consider letting it go.” She especially recommends this if you can re-acquire the items easily enough.
These are all fab places to start with decluttering your space. But want to go all-out on the tidying? Give our 30-day decluttering challenge a try.
Kaitlyn McInnis is an experienced travel and lifestyle writer with a keen interest in interior decorating and home optimization. An avid traveler, she’s currently splitting her time between her apartment in a century-old châteauesque building in Montreal and her cozy chalet in the woods (that she built with her own two hands… and many YouTube tutorials!). Her work has been published in Travel + Leisure, Tatler Asia, Forbes, Robb Report Singapore, and various other international publications. With contributions from Eve Smallman, Staff Writer
Protect Your Identity When Buying a Home
Identity theft is a really serious problem for many Americans. The fallout from having your information stolen and misused can last for years. That’s why it’s crucial to protect both your personal and financial information when purchasing a home. Here are some steps you can take to safeguard yourself during the process.
Secure Personal Information
Keep any documentation that includes your social security number, birth date, driver’s license number, and financial account numbers in a secure place. When you do share, make sure they’re transmitted through an encrypted platform or delivered in person.
Look Out for Phishing Scams
Be cautious with unsolicited emails or phone calls asking for personal information. Never open any suspicious-looking email, even if it appears to be from your lender or title company. Always verify the identity of all phone callers.
Use Secure Websites
When searching for homes or mortgage information online, browse sites that start with “https” and have a padlock icon in the address bar, which indicates a safe connection.
Monitor Your Credit Report
Check for suspicious activity, such as unauthorized loans or accounts. Do this often, as identity thieves usually act quickly.
Know Who Has Access
Confirm who will have access to your information, in what setting they’ll see it and how it will be disposed of once it’s no longer needed.
Shred Sensitive Documents
After the home-buying process is complete, take it upon yourself to shred sensitive documents.
Buying a home is fun and exciting, but it’s important to stay vigilant with your personal information. A licensed real estate professional and reputable lender will be invaluable in providing financial protection and peace of mind.
Selling a Smart Home: What Stays and What Goes?
The global smart home market is expected to exceed $170 billion by 2025, according to Strategy Analytics. In the U.S. alone, 37% of households already owned one or more smart devices by 2020. So what do you do with all this smart tech when you sell your property?
Clearly identify what you intend to take with you to avoid any last-minute confusion that could jeopardize your deal. The rule of thumb says any smart tech that’s connected, mounted or nailed down stays with the house. Common examples include smart blinds, HVAC controls, exterior floodlights, and alarm systems. On the other hand, sellers typically take smaller, freestanding devices like smart speakers.
Before the closing date, sellers should wipe their digital account information and log out of all smart systems. As an extra kindness to their buyers, sellers could create a list of all smart items that will stay, including warranty information, age of the product, proof of purchase, names and model numbers, and instructions on how to do a factory reset.
Pros and Cons of Paying Cash for a Home
Even if you have enough cash to buy your house outright, it may not necessarily be the best decision for you. Consider the following pros and cons, then discuss your options with a qualified tax adviser or financial planner.
Pros
Making a cash offer greatly reduces the amount of paperwork (and fees) involved in buying a house and can save thousands of dollars in mortgage interest and closing costs. Also, owning a debt-free property can provide financial peace of mind.
Cons
Some buyers feel more comfortable keeping more of their assets liquid for greater flexibility or in case of emergency. Depending on your savings and investment income, you may prefer to take advantage of the tax deductions available on mortgage interest.
Stylish Home Tech: Where Function Meets Fashion
If it looks cool while keeping you cool, it must be stylish home tech.
Household devices and appliances that function well and have a sleek, modern design define stylish home tech. This includes products such as smart home systems, smart lighting, comprehensive entertainment packages, and appliances with advanced features and design.
Today’s sophisticated tech allows you to easily set up and operate various home elements. Lighting and window coverings can be controlled from a smartphone or tablet. Innovative TVs can stream content or respond to voice commands. Some front doors come equipped with motion-activated lights and a video doorbell. You can even buy a wall-mounted, Wi-Fi enabled air conditioner that’s disguised as framed artwork.
Modern kitchen appliances have certainly evolved to be both functional and chic, with enhancements like energy efficiency, quiet operation and touch controls. Many manufacturers also offer a variety of slick finishes, including fingerprint-proof stainless steel, shatterproof glass doors and panels that change colors to reflect the home’s design palette. Now that’s some trendy tech.
Get Ahead of Repairs Before Selling
You put your best foot forward for a job interview. Selling a house is no different. Instead of a stylish suit and top-notch grooming, your property will be dressed for success with a modest investment in these essential details.
Make sure everything works, including garage doors and openers, locks, windows, hinges, light switches, toilets, faucets, and built-in kitchen appliances.
Brighten dark rooms with fresh paint in light, neutral shades.
Refinish or repair worn hardwood floors.
You don’t need a full remodel to spruce up a kitchen or bath. Freshen paint colors, modernize hardware and lighting, and consider replacing dated countertops.
Replace or paint the front door and add an attractive planter and new house numbers. Be sure exterior walkways, fencing and lawn are in tip-top shape.
Give your home a deep cleaning before the first showing is scheduled.
We all love hanging out with our friends, but planning a party can be stressful. So why not host a game night instead? We’ve got some great game night ideas along with some tips for hosting the perfect night!
One of the best things to do with a large (or even small) group of people is a good ole game night. Playing games with friends is one of the best ways to let loose, have fun, and really get to know the people you are with.
Wondering where you would even begin when it comes to hosting your own game night? Well, look no further because we’ve got you covered! Whether you’re in need of some great game night ideas or some great tips on how to host the perfect night, we have just what you need!
GAME NIGHT IDEAS
When it comes to hosting a game night, your end goal should always revolve around people having fun and getting to know each other better. There are tons of games out there that do this. Here are some of our top game ideas for game night!
THE BOWL GAME
One of our favorite games that we like to play frequently for our game nights is the Bowl Game. It’s seriously the best party game that you’ll ever play! If you are looking for a game that will have everybody laugh-crying, while learning random facts about your friends, then this is the game for you.
CRAZY KISS, MARRY, KILL
Have you ever heard of this game? While it can be played using names of people that you know, this version of Kiss, Marry, Kill is a little less personal and a little more fun! You can use the names of celebrities/sports stars or fictional characters for your choices, such as cartoon characters, tv show/movie characters, and book characters.
Example: Winnie the Pooh, Tigger and Piglet. It’s really funny to hear the reasons WHY each person chooses who they will kiss, marry or kill. Someone may kiss Piglet because he’s so cute, marry Tigger because he’s always excited to do new things, and kill Pooh so that they can have the honey all to themselves, ha!
This game is super simple, since you need only pens and paper. You can either write up the list of options ahead of time or have everybody come up with their own options for everybody else to choose from. It’s a lot of fun to see which names each person chooses and why!
PRESS CONFERENCE
Looking for a more unique game to play at your game night? This one is a great choice! For this game, someone holds a “press conference” and answers questions from other guests. The catch? The person holding the press conference doesn’t know who they are pretending to be, but the “interviewers” do. During the press conference, they try to guess who they are based off of the questions that they’re answering. It’s such a fun game!
REACT AND ACT
If you need a good icebreaker to get your game night started off right, then you’ll love this one! In React and Act, guests take turns reacting to various situations, like winning the lottery or getting fired, while the rest of the group has to try and guess what situation is being acted out. It’s kind of like charades, but you can use words and noises, which makes it even more hilarious! Trust me, seeing someone running around like they’re being chased by a bear and screaming is definitely a sight to see.
THE NOT-SO-NEWLYWED GAME
Hosting a couples game night? This game is a simple question and answer game that really helps you get to know each couple and see how well each couple knows one another. The questions can be as simple as “where did you go on your first date?” to see if they remember the details. Or they can be a little bit more controversial, such as “who is the better cook?” It can get really funny to see who remembers all of the little details better and if they agree with each other on the more controversial questions!
SPOONS
If you’ve played this game, then you know exactly why it made our list. The game of Spoons has been around for a while. In case you haven’t had the opportunity to play it yet, here’s the rundown! You need a deck of cards (without the jokers), some spoons, and a group of 3-13 people.
Pile your spoons in the center of the table, using one less than the number of people you have playing. (So if you have 12 people playing, you have 11 spoons in the middle.) Each player gets 4 cards and the rest of the cards are in a pile on the table. The game begins with each player discarding and drawing a card, doing so until they get 4 of a kind.
Once the first person gets 4 of a kind, they can take a spoon from the pile. After that, everyone else can grab a spoon. The last player who doesn’t grab a spoon gets the first letter in the word “Spoons.” Once a player has gotten all of the letters, they’re out and a spoon is removed from the middle of the table. The game keeps going in this fashion until there is one player remaining. It’s a simple, yet fast-paced game that is definitely a fun game for everybody!
MURDER MYSTERY GAMES
Murder mystery games aren’t just for Halloween! You can definitely play these games year-round and have your guests asking for more. While there are a lot of great murder mystery games that you can buy, you can also find some free ones that are just as good! The Spruce has 12 free murder mystery games for you to choose from.
DROP A HINT
This simple game is a crowd favorite and requires little prep. All you need are some index cards with a word or phrase written on them (or use the cards from Reverse Charades). Divide everybody into two teams. For this game, one person guesses while their teammates work together to get the guesser to guess a particular word by dropping hints. The catch? The teammates can only say one word at a time! This can be really funny since they’re not allowed to talk between themselves to know which words the others are going to say.
MIRROR CHARADES
This is a fun twist on the classic game of Charades. Instead of one person going up and acting out the chosen word, there are two. Out of these two people, one of them draws the word and looks at it; making sure their partner doesn’t see it. Then, the player who drew the word stands behind the group of people who are guessing and begins to act out the word, while their partner stands in front of the group of people guessing and mirrors the actions their partner is doing.
Everyone guessing can only look at the person standing in front of them and try to figure out what word they are acting out. This makes it a little more difficult since the person standing in front of them has no clue which word they are acting out! This game can be quite tricky, but is tons of fun to play.
HOW TO HOST THE PERFECT GAME NIGHT
Alright, so now that you have a lot of game night ideas that you can play, we can move on to some tips for hosting the perfect game night!
CREATE YOUR GUEST LIST
As we mentioned before, game nights provide a great opportunity for people to have fun and get to know each other better. There are a few options when it comes to who you’re going to invite.
You can invite close friends/family you already spend a lot of time with. Even though you do tons of things together, you’ll still have the opportunity to learn something new about each other!
Invite a mix of close friends/family and acquaintances. Choosing to go with a guest list like this helps keep things familiar, but also widens your circle of people you know.
If you’ve recently moved to a place where you don’t have any close friends or family, then invite people that you’ve met and would like to get to know better!
Whoever you end up choosing to invite, just make sure that they genuinely want to play games. Nothing will kill your fun game night vibes faster than someone who doesn’t want to participate!
SEATING ACCOMMODATIONS
You always want to make sure everyone has a place to sit during game night. Before your guests arrive, make sure you have enough seating that also allows everyone to feel comfortable and included in the group. If you’re playing board games, make sure you have enough table space for everyone to easily pull up a chair. Or, if you’re playing more interactive games, move your furniture around so everyone can join in on the fun!
FOOD AND DRINKS
It’s hard to have fun when you’ve got the hangries. So, for true game night success, you’ll want to make sure that you’ve got the food and drinks covered! Use the tips in THIS post to get some cheap party food ideas.
To help keep the costs down, ask your guests to bring their favorite drink, treat or food. Along with taking some things off of your to-do list, it’s also a great way for your guests to get to know each other a little better through the foods and drinks they are bringing.
HAVE FUN
Sometimes when you’re hosting, you completely forget to have fun. Really, isn’t that the entire reason you’re hosting a game night in the first place?! The more fun you have, the more fun your guests will have. So, let loose a little and don’t be afraid to step down from your hosting responsibilities and join in on the party!
So there you have it! Hosting a game night really is quite simple, especially if you follow these tips! Do you have any game night ideas that have worked for you in the past? Let us know in the comments!
Check out these posts while you’re here!
Get your house ready for your game night – check out these products that we use to clean our house (kids included!).
If you’ve got leftover party food, use these creative ways to use them up rather than throwing them out!
Homeowners aim to lighten up their home’s look on the outside, a new survey finds.
The majority of homeowners say they would like to lighten up their home’s exterior with a neutral color palette, according to a new survey of more than 1,400 respondents conducted by The Harris Poll and commissioned by Alside, an exterior building product firm. The top five most popular siding colors for 2023, as identified by survey respondents, are:
Off-white/cream
White
Light gray
Light brown
Medium blue
“It’s interesting to compare the national survey data to what we’re seeing in the market,” says Chase Creighton, business director of vinyl & composite cladding for homebuilding firm Associated Materials. “The farmhouse trend is driving more of the preference of homeowners choosing white and light colors. It’s possible, too, that cost may be a driver. As building material prices have risen, consumers may have gravitated toward lower cost options and away from premium colors.”
In fact, Alside, in its review of its company’s sales data, found that demand for white siding paint has more than doubled since 2018. View some of the leading siding colors below.
Source: Alside
Source: Alside
Source: Alside
Melissa Dittmann Tracey is a contributing editor for REALTOR® Magazine, editor of the Styled, Staged & Sold blog, and produces a segment called “Hot or Not?(link is external)” in home design that airs on NAR’s Real Estate Today radio show. Follow Melissa on Instagram and Twitter at @housingmuse.
This year, Easter Sunday is April 9th. Many of our favorite springtime events are back this year with in-person celebrations!
Easter is such a fun time, whether you’re coloring eggs at home or joining an Easter Egg Hunt out and about, we hope you have fun! These Spring rituals are such a fun part of being in Los Angeles.
You may also be planning to have a special Easter Brunch, and some local restaurants will be offering outdoor dining and delicious meals to go. Scroll down to see all the deliciousness.
Be Egg-stra this Easter Sunday (April 9th) with a delightful brunch at Lumière Brasserie at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel. Begin with a welcome Mimosa followed by prix fixe selections such as Biscuits and Caviar, Crab Benedict, Duck Confit as well as a bountiful dessert station. Includes an egg hunt with the Easter Bunny filled with treats, sweets, and furry surprises. Bunny will happily pose with families and each child receives a colorful basket to take home. Seatings at 11:30 am and 1:30 pm. $125 per adult, and $65 per child between the ages of 5 and 12. Children under 5, eat free. Children’s menu, vegan and vegetarian options are available.
Blessing of the Animals
El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument
125 Paseo de la Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012
The Blessing of the Animals is an annual tradition that has been celebrated here since 1930. On the Saturday before Easter (April 8th) from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm, families are invited to bring their pets to be blessed. The festivities also include live musical entertainment, food, and fun. Check the website for information about street closures to make your arrival easier.
From Thursday, March 23rd through Sunday, April 9th (10 am to 6 pm each day) families can hop over to the Bunny Bungalow to visit with the Easter Bunny. A variety of photo packages are available. Reservations may be made online.
Egg Hunt in the Park
Memorial Branch Library
4625 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90019
The Memorial Branch Library invites families to its Egg Hunt in the Park event happening on Saturday, April 8th from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Children will hunt for eggs in the park, and after the egg hunt, enjoy a special story time.
Spring Egghunt Bash
Chevy Chase Recreation Center
4165 Chevy Chase Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90039
Visit Chevy Chase Recreation Center on Saturday, April 8th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm for a Spring Egghunt Bash. This free event features egg hunts, arts and crafts, games, face painting, music, refreshments, and more. Check the website for the list of egg hunt times (grouped by ages).
Spring Egg Hunt
Mar Vista Recreation Center
11430 Woodbine St., Los Angeles, CA
Mar Vista Recreation Center is the place for a Spring Egg Hunt happening on Saturday, April 8th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Children will enjoy games, arts and crafts, cookie decorating, a visit with Spring Bunny, egg hunts, and more. Don’t forget to bring your own basket.
Enjoy a decadent Easter Sunday Brunch Buffet on April 9th from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM – perfect for enjoying time with loved ones in the airy dining room or on the beautiful, expansive outdoor terrace. Executive Chef Samuel Jung will be pulling out all the extravagant stops that Baltaire is known for, with a carving station featuring USDA Prime Rib, Glazed Spiral Ham, and Scottish Salmon; iced shellfish station with fresh oysters, shrimp, and Peruvian scallops; a stunning display of freshly made sushi selections; a variety of breakfast dishes including French Toast, Eggs Benedict, Shakshuka, Chilaquiles & more; a variety of greens and side dishes; and freshly baked assorted pastries and desserts. Price: $150 for adults, $50 for children
A special prix fixe brunch menu from Chef Neal Fraser and team with featured wine selections from Wine Director Matthew Fosket on Sunday April 9th from 10am-2pm in the Main Dining Room (open-air weather depending) and Lounge. Additionally, a plethora of brunch cocktails by Bar Director Tobin Shea will also be available. Menu highlights include: Cinnamon Crunch French Toast with cereal milk ice cream and spiced maple syrup, Harry’s Berries Tartine with strawberry, lavender goat cheese, fennel pollen and spiced honey, Scotch Egg with duck sausage, garden greens and roasted shallot vinaigrette, Congee with maine lobster, charred corn, soft egg, burdock, scallion and sichuan chili oil, and Spring Pea Cavatelli with speck, pea tendrils, truffle butter and lemon. *$65 plus tax and gratuity per person. **Separate/special children’s menu for $21++ for those under 10 years old
Join us at the Cat and Fiddle Easter Sunday, April 9th. We are offering a Pre Fixe menu with choices of soup or salad, entrée and dessert. The menu is available for dine in, reservations strongly suggested, or pick up on 4/9. Pre-order by 4/8 on our website to guarantee availability. Start with our Curried Carrot Soup and enjoy mains such as our popular Traditional Sunday Roast and other roast options such as Australian Leg of Lamb Stuffed w/ Spinach & Kale or our vegetarian option, Nut Roast Wellington. Finish with our delicious Chocolate Mousse. Whether you’re looking to celebrate with family or friends, you’ll enjoy the cozy environment and our private patio and indoor pub.
The Spring Festival and Crafters Fair is happening at Rustic Canyon Recreation Center on Saturday, April 8th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. The festivities at this free event include games, prizes, contests, egg hunts (at 1:00 pm), and more.
Celebrate Easter Sunday while cruising on Marina del Rey Harbor. On Sunday, April 9th, the two-hour Brunch Cruise offers a buffet brunch, live onboard entertainment, a visit from the Easter Bunny, and more. The 2.5-hour Dinner Cruise offers a plated dinner, live DJ entertainment, and spectacular views. Details and booking information are available online.
Celebrate Easter with beloved traditions at the historic Langham Huntington, Pasadena resort on Sunday, April 9th, including stunning brunch buffet displays in The Huntington Ballroom and The Terrace, and a vibrant springtime Easter Afternoon Tea in the Lobby Lounge. All dining guests will enjoy admission to a bevy of family-friendly activities, including an Easter Egg Hunt on the sprawling Horseshoe Garden, a live petting zoo, and kids’ train rides. Plus, ballroom brunch guests will enjoy photos with the Easter Bunny himself! Prices, menus, and booking information are available on their website.
The Community Services Department of South Pasadena is hosting its Annual Spring Eggstravaganza on Saturday, April 8th from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. The fun includes inflatables, games, pictures with the Easter Bunny, and egg hunts. Ticket information is available online.
Santa Anita Park is hosting a Spring Carnival on April 1st and 2nd (11:00 am to 7:00 pm), April 8th (8:30 am to 7:00 pm), and April 9th (10:00 am to 7:00 pm). This special event features carnival games and rides, bounce houses, food, pony rides, arts and crafts, face painting, and more. Check the website for all the details as well as ticket information.
At The Bunny Museum, it’s all bunnies all year long. The Museum was founded in 1993 and currently houses more than 45,000 “bunny works of art from antiquity to contemporary art.” The Museum, also known as “The Hoppiest Place on Earth,” is open Monday-Saturday from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm, and on Sundays from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. (Admission is $12 for adults; $10 for seniors and military with ID; $8 for children up to 13 years old; free for children 4 and under.) No reservations are needed.
2nd & PCH invites the community to Hoppin’ Photos with Bunny on April 1st and 2nd (11:00 am to 5:00 pm) and April 8th (12:00 pm to 4:00 pm). Hoppin’ Photos are available on a first-come, first-served basis. A photographer will not be present. Capture memories and grab a selfie in front of a spring-themed backdrop. And on Sunday, April 2nd from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, Silent Bunny is available for “quiet one-on-one time for children and adults of any age with sensory sensitivities.” Silent Bunny is a reservation-only event. All the details are available online.
The City of El Segundo will be hosting an Egg Hunt and Camp Expo on Saturday, April 8th from 9:30 am to 11:00 am. Check the website for more information as it becomes available.
Underwater Eggstravaganza
El Segundo Wiseburn Aquatics Center
2240 E. Grand Ave., El Segundo, CA 90245
El Segundo invites you to an Underwater Eggstravaganza on Saturday, April 8th from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. “Join us as we dive-in to some fun and catch those floating eggs.” Space is limited; be sure to reserve your spot by calling 310-524-2738.
Caring Bunny will also be at the Del Amo Fashion Center on Sunday, March 26th from 9:00 am to 10:30 am. “Caring Bunny is a special, sensory-friendly experience – exclusively for children with special needs and their families.” Reservations are required and are available online.
Easter Brunch
La Venta Inn
796 Via Del Monte, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274
Enjoy Easter Brunch at La Venta Inn. Two brunch seatings are available — one at 9:30 am and one at 12:30 pm. In addition to the brunch buffet, children will enjoy a “hunt for treat-filled Easter eggs and pose for photos with the Easter Bunny.” Reservations may be made online.
Terranea Easter Champagne Brunch in the Palos Verdes Ballroom Sunday, April 9, seatings at 9:30, 10 and 10:30 a.m. and at 1, 1:30 and 2 p.m.
This lavish annual event is presented by the resort’s Executive Chef Andrew Vaughan and his culinary team. The Easter Bunny will make a special appearance and the Kids’ Buffet will offer their favorites. Among the many delicious choices are Asian Kitchen Station serving Pan Seared Local Snapper with black bean sauce and Crispy Tofu Tao Si with Char Sui Style Pork Butt. Chilled Seafood features Jumbo Shrimp and Oysters, Chilled Crab Claw and Smoked Salmon. Traditional Honey Glazed Ham Leg and Tandoori Yogurt Fed Leg of Lamb are at the Carving Station. In addition, there will be Pasta and Risotto, a Salad Bar, Charcuterie and Cheese and classic breakfast options. For the decadent finale, guests will love the house made Pastries and Ice Cream Sunday Station. An array of bottomless mimosas will be made to order and of course, there is Champagne and a cash premium bar available. $129 for adult guests, $59 for kids (five to 13), $15 for kids (two to four); exclusive of tax and gratuity. Reservations available online.
Mar’sel Easter Sunday Brunch Sunday, April 9, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; live entertainment from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
With breathtaking views of the Pacific, dining indoors or al fresco overlooking the ocean is a lovely, getaway experience at mar’sel. Award-winning Chef Fabio Ugoletti always delights guests with his inventive twists on Mediterranean cuisine, using the very best locally sourced products from the ocean, resort gardens and surrounding peninsula. For his Easter Brunch, he will be serving Course One of Asparagus Salad with quail eggs, prosciutto Parma, Parmigiano fondue and black truffle; Course Two is Cavatelli with lamb ragu, whipped ricotta, fava bean and parsley; Course Three is a choice of Deconstructed Carrot Cake with cream cheese drops and butter pecan gelato or Coconut Cream Roulade with mango gelato. Wine pairing from the restaurant’s Wine Spectator Award of Excellence list is available. Three-course Brunch is $125 per guest, wine pairing is $65; exclusive of tax and gratuity. Reservations available by calling 844-242-0967.
Catalina Kitchen Easter Brunch Buffet Sunday, April 9, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; live entertainment from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Discerning families appreciate panoramic views, ocean breezes and delightful food and drinks at the spirited casual eatery catalina kitchen– inside or on the terrace. The Buffet Brunch features a From the Raw Bar Station, Donut Wall Display, Farm Stand Greens, Crepe Station, Outdoor Pancake Station, Eggs Every Style and Hand Carved Salt Crusted Prime Rib, Herb Roasted Rack of Lamb, Grilled Tri Tip and Spicy Chicken Sausage, Bratwurst and Andouille with mustard. From the Stone Oven comes catalina kitchen’s Three Cheese Pizza, Carne Asada Pizza and Caprese Pizza. Mouthwatering Desserts presented by Chef Pierino Jermonti are Orange Scented Ricotta Cannoli, Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta, Strawberry Almond Torte and more. There will be a Farm-To-Table Bloody Mary, Mimosa and Margarita Bar at an additional $25. $119 per adult guest, $45 for kids (five to 12) exclusive of tax and gratuity. Reservations available by calling 844-242-0967.
Easter Weekend specials will be honored at other resort restaurants at Terranea. At Nelson’s spectacular cliff-top setting, the specialty menu on Saturday, April 8, and Sunday, April 9, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. will offer jumbo crab cake benedict served with a house salad, white chocolate raspberry pyramid and for sipping, Prosecco punch or house made white sangria. At bashi April 8 to 9, from 12 to 9 p.m., guests may savor sizzling Korean beef short ribs with garlic green beans and kimchi or pepper crusted ahi with crispy rice, as well as its Jessica Rabbit cocktail, which is perfect for Easter and composed of Ketel One, carrot, ginger, tarragon and egg whites. During Easter weekend, the Lobby Bar, from 3 to 11 p.m. on Saturday and 12 to11 p.m. on Sunday, will be concocting aCottontail Martini shaken with Absolut Elyx, coconut, honey and vanilla, and serving Rack of Lamb. During the holiday weekend, sea beans’ special desserts are Mango Coconut Roulade, White Chocolate Raspberry Pyramidsand decorated Easter Cookies. There’s also decadent vegan chocolate and passion fruit compote and for breakfast and brunch a Waffle Station.
Bring the family to Tanaka Farms for a special Easter Hilltop Luncheon on Sunday, April 9th from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Attendance also includes a visit with the Easter Bunny as well as an Easter egg hunt. Details and menu are still to be announced. Check the website for details as they become available.
From Saturday, March 11th through Saturday, April 8th, families can have some springtime fun at Irvine Park Railroad. The Easter Eggstravaganza includes many fun activities such as egg hunts, games, and train rides, as well as the chance for children to meet and have their pictures taken with the Easter Bunny. Details are available online.
Easter Celebration
Tustin Sports Park
12850 Robinson Dr., Tustin, CA 92782
Enjoy a special Easter Celebration on Saturday, April 8th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. The festivities include a Pancake Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at 9:00 am. Be sure to check the website for more details as they become available.
Egg Hunts
Pines Park
34942 Camino Capistrano, Dana Point, CA and
Sea Canyon Park
33093 Santiago Dr., Dana Point, CA
“Hop on down with your family to our annual egg hunts and discover a treasure of hidden candy and plastic-filled eggs.” These Dana Point Egg Hunts are offered at two locations and are designed for children 10 and younger. A pancake breakfast will also be available at both locations from 8:00 am to 11:00 am, with proceeds going to “Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary’s charitable efforts.” The Easter Bunny will visit both locations for photos, and a magic show is planned as well. Check the website for details.
Spring Egg Hunt
Oak Knoll Park
5700 Orange Ave., Cypress, CA 90630
The City of Cypress invites families to its Spring Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 8th. The fun includes egg hunts and spring activities for children ages 3-11 including crafts, games, and more. Pre-registration for egg hunts is required and is available online.
The City of Buena Park is holding its annual Spring Eggstravaganza on Saturday, April 8th. The fun starts at 8:00 am with a pancake breakfast. Families will also enjoy bounce houses, games, crafts, candy hunts, pictures with the Easter Bunny, a petting zoo, and much more.
Easter Celebration
Pretend City Children’s Museum
29 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92618
Celebrate Easter at Pretend City Children’s Museum on Saturday, April 8th. Hop on over for some Easter fun including constructing egg carton creations, story times, an egg hunt, and more. The Easter Bunny will also be on hand. All activities are included in general admission. Ticket information is available online.
La Habra
Egg Night
La Bonita Park
1440 W. Whittier Blvd., La Habra, CA
The City of La Habra is hosting its annual Egg Night event on Friday, April 7th from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. This special event is open to children ages 7-13. “The cost is $10 per child, which includes all activities and glow in the dark items to help you hunt.” Be sure to bring an empty basket and a flashlight. Pre-registration is required. Call 562-383-4200.
The City of La Habra is hosting its annual Spring Family Eggstravaganza on Saturday, April 8th from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. This special event will include egg hunts, a balloon artist, games, crafts, face painting, inflatable attractions, vendors, and more. A helicopter Easter egg drop is scheduled for 9:30 am. A pancake breakfast may be purchased separately. Details are available online.
Eggcelent Easter Pop-Up is happening on Saturday, April 8th from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The fun includes pictures with the Easter Bunny, vendors, an egg hunt, and more. Register online for this free event.
Pico Park is generally the location of the City of Pico Rivera’s Annual Easter Eggstravaganza. The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 8th. Be sure to check the website for more information as it becomes available.
West Covina
Easter Wonderland
Plaza West Covina
112 Plaza Drive, West Covina, CA 91790
Easter Wonderland comes to Plaza West Covina on Saturday, March 18th at 10:00 am. Celebrate the Easter Bunny’s arrival with face painting, arts and crafts, a bunny petting zoo, and more. The Easter Bunny will be taking photos from March 18th through Saturday, April 8th. Reservations are required.
The Downey Easter Eggstravaganza is happening on Saturday, April 1st from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Described as “our biggest egg hunt yet,” the fun includes “a field filled with over 10,000 Easter eggs!” The egg hunt is designed for children 12 and younger. Be sure to register your child online for this free event.
La Mirada
Easter Egg Hunt
La Mirada Regional Park
13701 S. Adelfa Ave., La Mirada, CA 90638
The City of La Mirada’s annual Easter Egg Hunt is happening on Saturday, April 8th from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. Have fun with arts and crafts, games, music, and photos with the Easter Bunny. A low-cost pancake breakfast will also be served during the event. Check the website for additional details.
Cerritos
Photos With the Bunny
Los Cerritos Center
239 Los Cerritos Center, Cerritos, CA 90703
The Easter Bunny is at Los Cerritos Center and ready to take a picture with your kiddos. Pre-booking is recommended. The Bunny is available seven days a week through Saturday, April 8th. (Monday through Friday 11 am to 7 pm, Saturday 10 am to 8 pm, and Sunday 11 am to 7 pm.) Additionally, Sensory-Friendly Bunny will be available on Sunday, March 26th from 9:30 am to 10:30 am. Reservations are required for Sensory-Friendly Bunny.
The 78th Annual Pancake Breakfast and Egg Hunt is happening at Smith Park on Saturday, April 8th from 7:00 am to 11:00 am. In addition to the yummy breakfast (a $5 donation is requested for the pancake breakfast), there will also be games, crafts, an egg hunt (for children 12 and younger), a visit from Mr. Bunny, and more.
El Monte
Easter Breakfast
South El Monte City Hall Front Lawn
1415 Santa Anita Ave., South El Monte, CA
Enjoy an Easter Breakfast in South El Monte on Saturday, April 8th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. The fun also includes an egg hunt (for children ages 1-10), games, a petting zoo, and a visit from Peter Cottontail. (Breakfast is served until 11:30 am.)
Out of sight, out of mind doesn’t always work when it comes to cleaning. Sure, you can pretend that those areas you can’t easily see or reach are immaculate. But, deep down you know the truth and it is to everyone’s benefit to clean these spots periodically. You’ll reduce dust that can trigger allergies and asthma, kill some bacteria that can cause illness and make your mother proud.
1) Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
You don’t have to sit on someone’s shoulders to clean a ceiling fan or high-up light fixture (nor is that a good idea). A disposable duster with an extendable handle is a much better way to capture dust and spider webs. Choose a disposable duster over a feather duster because the disposable dusters are made of materials that cause the dust to cling rather than simply be scattered around.
If you don’t have a disposable duster, use a clean microfiber cloth and secure it to a broom or mop handle with a rubber band.
And if you must use a ladder, it’s a good idea to have another person to brace the ladder and come to your aid if you slip or fall. Using a ladder when you’re home alone is never a great idea.
2) Ceilings and Moldings
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
Take a minute to look up; you may be shocked to see all the dust and spider webs that have taken hold near your ceiling and crown moldings. Use a long-handled duster, clean and dry sponge mop, or broom to whisk down the dirt. Always do this first when cleaning a room so you can vacuum up the fallen debris.
3) Cabinet Tops and Tall Furniture
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
When you buy a disposable duster with an extendable handle, be sure to get one with a pivoting head so you can adjust the angle to reach to the tops of cabinets and tall pieces of furniture.
If you have allowed dust and particles of grease to accumulate on kitchen cabinets, use a sturdy step stool and clean with a soft cloth dipped in a solution of two cups warm water, one teaspoon dishwashing liquid and one teaspoon household ammonia. Wipe away the soil and then rinse with a cloth dipped in plain water. Dry with a soft clean cloth.
4) Window Blinds
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
When you dust blinds with a static duster, remember to close them and clean one side and then reverse the direction to clean the other side.
Or, to clean both sides of the slats at once, wrap two microfiber cloths around each end of a pair of kitchen tongs and secure with a rubber band. Then simply slide the tongs along each slat to wipe away the dust top and bottom. Toss the microfiber cloths in the washer and you’re done.
5) Window, Sliding Door and Shower Door Tracks
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
Window, sliding door, and shower door tracks attract dust and dirt in amazing amounts and cleaning them can be difficult because of the tight spaces. When it’s time to clean, you may need to remove screens and give them a good cleaning. Then, start by using the crevice tool on your vacuum or making a custom crevice cleaner. Removing as much loose dust and grime will make the rest of the cleaning easier.
After vacuuming, mix a solution of two cups warm water, one teaspoon dishwashing liquid and one teaspoon household ammonia. Use a flexible stiff-bristled brush to scrub out the tracks and then rinse with plain water. You may have to use some vinegar and extra care to remove soap scum on shower door tracks depending on the type of metal.
Here’s an extra tip on cleaning outside window and door tracks: if you have a pressure washer or pressure nozzle for the hose, a good burst of water can often make tracks sparkle.
6) Behind the Toilet
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
Unfortunately, the floor and wall behind the toilet are very difficult to reach since most mops and cleaning tools simply won’t fit the space.
This is when it’s time to grab some knee pads and rubber gloves and get down to work. Start by using a dry stiff brush to remove loose dust, hair, and soil (don’t forget the baseboard). The crevice tool of your vacuum is useful to suck away the debris. Then use a soft brush or sponge dipped in warm water and a disinfectant cleaner to wipe down the area including the back of the toilet base. Rinse with a sponge or cloth dipped in plain water and dry with a soft cloth.
7) Refrigerator Coils
Dust and debris on refrigerator coils raise your utility costs and keep your refrigerator from performing efficiently. With just a couple of tools and a little effort, you can clean the coils easily. You don’t even have to unplug the refrigerator.
The coils that condense and cool the refrigerant are located on the back of the appliance or underneath. For coils located on the back, simply roll out the refrigerator and use the vacuum upholstery brush attachment to vacuum away dust.
For models with coils on the bottom, unsnap the ventilated grill. Use a long-handled stiff brush and the crevice tool of your vacuum to remove dust and debris. Use the brush to reach into all corners where dust bunnies may have collected. While you’re there, also clean the condenser fan so the blades are dust free and turn easily. You may need to remove a separate panel on the back of the refrigerator to access the fan.
8) Dishwasher Filter
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
Most dishwashers have a filter that catches food particles and prevents small objects from being flushed away. Cleaning the filter regularly is the best way to have both sparkling clean dishes and no bad odors. Check your appliance manual to locate the filter–usually on the floor of the dishwasher–in your model.
For easy access and cleaning monthly, empty the dishwasher and remove the bottom rack. Use a soft, damp cloth to clean around the area. Some filters cannot be removed, only lifted, so be sure to clean under the cap. If you have a removable filter, unscrew and soak in warm soapy water then wipe down with a soft cloth to remove debris before replacing.
To remove any interior build up in your washer and deodorize, pour one to two cups of distilled white vinegar in the bottom of the empty washer and allow to sit overnight. Replace the bottom rack and run a short cycle in the morning for a fresh smelling dishwasher.
9) Garbage Disposal
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
With all of that water traveling through, you would think in-sink garbage disposals wouldn’t need to be cleaned. But just one whiff of a dirty one and you’ll know that cleaning is necessary.
Start by using the disposal correctly by running it with a full stream of cold water and allowing the water to run for ten seconds after turning off the disposal to flush all the debris away. If you smell bad odors, either grind some citrus peels while running cold water or add some ice cubes sprinkled with baking soda and grind with cold water.
NEVER place your hand or a scrubbing brush down into the disposal unless the electricity has been turned off–not just the switch–on the electrical breaker. At that point, you can use a stiff scrubbing brush and baking soda to give the interior a good cleaning. Switch back on the electrical breaker and run the disposal with plenty of cold water.
10) Heating and Air Register Covers
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
If your HVAC register and air return cover look like they’re wearing a heavy winter coat, it’s time for some heavy duty cleaning. If possible, remove the vent–usually just a couple of screws–and take the covers outside to spray away the mess with a water hose. Or, you can rinse in a sink or soak in some hot, soapy water because the dust often contains accumulated grease particles from the kitchen.
To prevent this mess, use the upholstery brush attachment of your vacuum to clean the vents and change or clean the filters at least monthly. You’ll have cleaner air circulation and your HVAC system won’t have to work so hard.
11) Computer Keyboards
The Spruce / Ana Cadena
Think about what you touch before you use your computer keyboard; not to mention all the things that land on it when you’re double-tasking a meal and work.
For safe cleaning and getting into all those nooks and crannies, disconnect your keyboard from the computer or turn off your laptop completely. Turn the keyboard upside down and give it a good shake over a trashcan.
Next, grab some compressed air and use it with the keyboard tilted at about a 75-degree angle so the dust and small particles can be easily blown away. Finish by dipping a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol to clean between and the tops of keys. Grab a new swab as each one becomes soiled. This will remove body soil and grime and disinfect any hidden germs.
Cleaning the keyboard once a week is a good goal. If someone has a cold or virus, it should be cleaned after every use.
While you’re cleaning electronics, don’t forget your cell phone and those accessories like a computer mouse and earbuds.
Thanks!
Please fill out the form below and we will be contacting you shortly with information about your home.
©2023 The Personal Marketing Company. All rights reserved. Reproductions in any form, in part or in whole, are prohibited without written permission. If your property is currently listed for sale or lease, this is not intended as a solicitation of that listing. The material in this publication is for your information only and not intended to be used in lieu of seeking additional consumer or professional advice. All trademarked names or quotations are registered trademarks of their respective owners.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/how-to-clean-hard-to-reach-places-4153518-02-88d56a52021b4353bdc2088b06d00c18.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/how-to-clean-hard-to-reach-places-4153518-03-57594aa4d609421787d487dd238288ca.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/how-to-clean-hard-to-reach-places-4153518-04-b20b764cf4a34c3d9ed206ba8ce38464.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/how-to-clean-hard-to-reach-places-4153518-05-7a7bea413fcb4441a909ead85e3618a4.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/how-to-clean-hard-to-reach-places-4153518-06-5fa5453e6d8e4e28b905bdff698d5617.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/how-to-clean-hard-to-reach-places-4153518-07-2c99595a36c74ea99d02394c542e2ca1.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/how-to-clean-hard-to-reach-places-4153518-08-0ef2b5e08a934f51bef3e4107513dc2a.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/how-to-clean-hard-to-reach-places-4153518-09-d79954ae3beb4ceebfeb33f40639bd1c.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/how-to-clean-hard-to-reach-places-4153518-10-c19d1d02fe954e8eb652f09bf184f8aa.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/how-to-clean-hard-to-reach-places-4153518-11-5ac1bd24fdbc440ab1ff4cd1ccb7fce5.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/how-to-clean-laptops-4177150-05-c80c78c3fe7645ff851248519dd13f54-1e8732eaeafd4170be15e3ef2a11f40f.jpg)
