When it comes to pricing your house, there’s a lot to consider. The only way to ensure you price it right is by partnering with a local real estate professional.
To find the best price, your agent balances current market demand, the values of homes in your neighborhood, where prices are headed, and your home’s condition.
Don’t pick just any price for your house. If you’re ready to sell, let’s connect to find the perfect price for your house.
💡 Find out if we’re the right Realtor Team for you! Check out @carealestategroup
A few simple steps will keep your gas grill in top condition. Follow this grill maintenance checklist all year long for safer, cleaner grilling. For charcoal grill maintenance tips, click here.
When the Season begins
When the Season Ends
Choose from over 20 festive and tasty 4th of July themed drinks to stay cool and refreshed this summer!
This is a fun non alcoholic drink that both kids and adults will enjoy at your 4th of July party.
6. Sparkling Blueberry Mojito Punch
Just 5 easy ingredients in this drink recipe for an easy and festive drink. The blueberries make it look extra special and so fun.
7. Red White and Blue Smoothie
Your kids will love the patriotic stripes in this delicious smoothie. Layers of almond milk, fruit and more come together for a great treat.
8. Red White and Blue Punch
This is another fun layered red white and blue punch that’s perfect for the kids. This one uses Gatorade, Cranberry Juice and Mandarin Orange Sparkling water.
9. Blueberry Mojito
This blueberry mojito is one way to use up all of those yummy blueberries.
This surprisingly simple drink uses white wine, white soda. It gets its patriotic colors from frozen cherries and blueberries.
13. Red White and Blueberry Margaritas
This festive margarita uses frozen strawberries, coconut milk and frozen blueberries. Just layer it in a fun glass.
14. Citrus Splash
This looks like an entertaining drink. How fun is it that they used pop rocks along the rim of the glass?
15. Patriotic Ice Cream Sodas
These ice cream sodas look phenomenal and I bet they taste as good as they look, too! To get the fun colors all you have to do is change up the variety of soda.
16. Fourth of July Milkshakes
This recipe had my attention as soon as I read the word milkshake. Okay, the added whipped cream and sprinkles certainly makes it more appealing as well.
17. Raspberry Lemonade
Just a few simple ingredients and you can make the delicious Raspberry Lemonade.
18. Red White and Blue Pina Colada
This drink has a blend of pineapple, coconut and strawberries. You can’t beat the combo of pineapple with coconut in this 4th of July drink.
19. Red White and Blue Sparkling Juice
This is like a 4th of July snack in a glass. Everyone will love downing the ginger ale and then eating all of the fruit.
20. Fourth of July Sparkler
The lovely drink uses Rosé Champagne, club soda and berries. The different colors and berries make the drink festive.
21. Red White and Blue Daiquiris
The daiquiris use frozen lemonade and lime aid. A bonus is that you can make these ahead of time and freeze.
22. Fourth of July Layered Drink
This layered drink uses white Powerade, Cran-Apple juice and Blue Gatorade. The colors magically stay separated in each drink.
23. Watermelon Lemonade
Watermelon juice is so refreshing. Combine that with Lemonade and you have yourself a winning summery drink.
The Fourth of July is the biggest celebration of the year. Family and friends gather to celebrate Independence Day clad in red, white, and blue clothes and patriotic hats and glasses. It’s time for parades, barbecues, and fireworks. Here’s a list of events to help you find a 4th of July celebration near you.
*Some 2022 Events have been cancelled due to COVID-19. Please check the websites for details.
Safe and Sane Fireworks are allowed in certain Orange County cities with restrictions. The fireworks must be approved by the CA State Fire Marshal and each city has designated times in which fireworks can be discharged. The following cities allow Safe and Sane fireworks on July 4th on private property and residential streets only:
Anaheim: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm (No fireworks in East Anaheim)
Buena Park: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Costa Mesa: July 2 – July 4 until 10:00 pm
Fullerton: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Garden Grove: 10:00 am-10:00 pm
Huntington Beach: Noon-10:00 pm
Santa Ana: July 1st Noon-10:00 pm; July 2nd & 3rd 10:00 am – 10:00 pm; July 4th 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Kick off your Independence Day with the community parade at 9AM, followed by a free community festival with games, a rock wall, DJ and Gamemaster, giant slide, and face painting.
AVCA July 4th Celebration Where: Grand Park/Town Center Amphitheater – 6101 City Lights Drive When: 6PM – 9:30PM
Activities: Experience the annual 4th of July Celebration and fireworks. Features face painting, community booths, create-a-card, and carnival games.
Activities: Start the day off at Canyon High School with the Firecracker Run 5K/10K (7AM) followed by the Yankee Doodle Dog Show (9:00AM) and the Fourth of July Parade (1:00PM). Move over to Peralta Park for food vendors and live entertainment. Fireworks begin at 9:00 p.m.
Activities: Pancake breakfast by the Kiwanis Club begins at 7 a.m. followed by a morning service. The Country Fair begins at 9:00 a.m. and includes a Kiddie Parade, Bow Wow contest, Teen Fun area, craft area, food, rides, live entertainment, games, and exhibits. $3 swimming at the Plunge opens at 11 a.m.
The free community celebration invites you to bring your family and friends for a memorable day with activities, live music, contests, and a fireworks show. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and set up on the lawn for an evening of fun. Food and drinks will be available for purchase but you are welcome to bring your own picnic. The event is free, parking is $10. Fireworks start at 9:30PM.
Activities: Come watch the Pacific Symphony July 4th Spectacular Hotel California: A Salute to the Eagles. The Pacific Amphitheater event will include patriotic tunes and a fireworks display.
CYPRESS
Salute To America Where: Cypress College – 9200 Valley View Street When: Friday, July 1, 2022 5:30PM – 9:30PM
Activities: Enjoy this patriotic celebration with live music by the Smokin’ Cobras, food trucks, vendors, entertainment, and a fireworks display at 9PM.
DANA POINT
There will be a flyover at 5:55 to 6PM on the 4th of July. The Condor Squadron includes WWII North American AT-6 airplanes.
Activities: Family activities, rides for kids, food vendors, live music and more. Fireworks begin at 9:00.
HUNTINGTON BEACH
4th of July Celebration Where: Huntington Beach Neighborhoods and Downtown When: July 4th All Day
Activities: The biggest 4th of July Parade in Orange County has been modified again for 2022. There will be a parade caravan traveling through Huntington Beach neighborhoods on the morning of the 4th of July. The parade route will be announced at a later date. There is also a city-wide decorating contest that residents and businesses are invited to participate. For 2022, a Pier Plaza Festival is planned with vendors, a Ferris wheel, and a 12,000 square foot beer and wine garden. The Surf City 5K run will feature staggered start times on a course along Goldenwest and into Central Park. Finally, fireworks over the ocean have been tentatively approved. Stay tuned for more details.
July 4th Celebration Where: Founders Park – 28275 Avendale Blvd., Ladera Ranch When: July 4, 2022 – 3PM – 9:30PM
Activities: Games and activities will include a bungee, giant slides, the Wizzer, rock wall, Orbitron, zip line, race game trailer, face painting, artists, and carnival games. Fireworks at 9PM.
Schedule of Events
7:00 a.m. – 10K Freedom Run
7:45 – 11:30 a.m. – Pancake Breakfast
8:30 a.m. – 5K Freedom Run
9:30 a.m. – 1K Kids’ Firecracker Dash
10:30 a.m. – Community Parade
3:00 – 8:00 p.m. – Games & Activities
3:00 – 9:00 p.m. – Food Trucks
5:00 – 8:00 p.m. – Teen Zone
6:00 – 9:00 p.m. – Concert (Undercover – Top 40)
Dark – Fireworks
Activities: Fireworks show. This is a popular event. Come early to spend a day at the beach before the fireworks.
LAGUNA HILLS
Fourth of July Celebration Where: Laguna Hills Community Center & Sports Complex When: Cancelled
Activities: Carnival rides, games, live music, patriotic crafts, face painting, food and drinks available for purchase. No seating available, bring lawn chairs. Fireworks at 9:00 p.m.
July 4th – 5K & Kids run at Crown Valley Park (8AM), Pancake Breakfast (7:30AM – 10:30AM), Free Lap Swim & Pool Party at Laguna Niguel Aquatics Center, Patriotic Flyover (5:30PM), Concert At Crown Valley Park (6PM-8PM), an Fireworks display.
Activities: 4th of July Parade – “The Parade Is Back In Town” Parking is at El Toro High Schools back parking lot, and on Lake Forest Drive and Serrano Road. The Kiwanis will serve a pancake breakfast at 7AM in front of the high school, and the El Toro Chargers 5K run/walk begins at 7:30AM.
LA HABRA
4th of July Celebration Where: La Bonita Park: 1440 W. Whittier Blvd. When: July 4, 2022, 4:00 – 10:00PM
Activities: Fireworks show, flyover, live music by Pop Vinyl, kid’s activity booths, food vendors and general vendors. Fireworks begin at 9:00 p.m. Presale cost (June 6-30) is $5 for 13 and up, $3 for kids 3-12 years old. July 1 – 4 cost is $7 for 13 and up, $5 for ages 3-12. Limited capacity – wristbands required.
Activities: Gates open at 4:00 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9:00 p.m. Bring chairs and blankets and claim your spot to enjoy the show. There will be vendors, food, entertainment, and a family fun area. Entry will be through the Lexington or Orangewood gates.
MISSION VIEJO
July 4th Street Faire Where: Olympiad between Marguerite and Melinda When: July 4, 2022
Activities: The street faire begins at Noon and includes food, live entertainment, games, vendor booths, and family fun. Plus, fireworks will begin at 9:00 p.m.
NEWPORT BEACH
July 4 Fireworks Cruises With Davey’s Locker Balboa Peninsula, Newport Harbor Where: Davey’s Locker, Pavilion Building 400 Main Street Newport Beach 92661 When: July 4, 2022 (7 pm to 9:45 pm)
Activities: Join cruises to view the amazing fireworks shows Newport Beach is known for. Cruises start off touring Newport Beach and viewing the yachts and boats celebrating July 4th, as well as Bay Front estates going all out with Independence Day events. As the sun sets the ships choose from several huge fireworks displays and get positioned for the show. The sights and sounds of fireworks over the ocean is a magical experience. This is a sell out event. For more info and tickets go to https://cruisenewportbeach.com/book-cruise_newportbeach.html or call 949-673-1434.
For those who can’t make the fireworks cruises, fireworks shows take place from Newport Back Bay, a private barge just outside the mouth of Newport Bay, viewable from the Wedge and surrounding beach, and an amazing private show off Emerald Bay Newport Coast just south of Newport Bay.
Annual 4th of July for Families Newport Peninsula Bike Parade at 9:00AM W. Balboa Blvd. & 36th Street Community Festival 9:30 – 11:30AM Channel Place Park – 4400 Channel Place
Carnival Games + Arts & Crafts + Lawn Games & Music + Food for Sale
Annual Mariners Park Independence Day Celebration Parade begins at 10:30 on the corner of Commodore and Mariners Drive
Celebration 11:00AM – 1:30PM
Food trucks, Live music, free entertainment, eating contests, lawn games, puppet show
Activities: Guests will enjoy a weekend full of events and fun including swimming, watersports, inflatable water park, movies on the beach, and more. Fireworks show on 4th of July.
Activities: Decorated boats will be cruising the Harbor. Come out and watch or join the fun.
ORANGE
3rd of July Celebration Where: Grijalva Park – 368 N. Prospect St. When: July 3, 2022, 4-9PM
Activities: The City of Orange’s 2022 Third of July Celebration will feature music, games, kids activities, food trucks, and a fireworks display. Children 2 and under are free, general admission is $7.
July 4th Star Spangled Spectacular Where: Lago Santa Margarita Beach Club and Lakeshore Park: 21472 Avenida De Los Fundadores, Rancho Santa Margarita When: July 4, 2022 8:00AM to 9:00PM
Activities: This year, SAMLARC is hosting a 4th of July celebration complete with food, a patriotic bike parade, activities on the lake, and a fireworks display.
Activities: Enjoy a weekend packed with fun at the summer carnival featuring music, dancing, carnival rides and games, bounce house, food, exhibitors, and fireworks at 9:00 p.m. on July 4th! Free trolley service!
Friday, July 1: Carnival is 4PM – 10PM
Saturday & Sunday: Carnival runs 12PM – 10PM
Monday, July 4th: Summer Carnival & 4th of July Celebration 12PM – 10:30PM
Activities: Fireworks begin at 9:00 p.m. A livestream will begin at 8:30 at www.Tustin4thOfJuly.com with a radio broadcast of music on 91.7 FM. The High School will remain closed. Families are asked to watch the show from home.
Activities: For 2022, Villa Park rolls out the Stars On Parade masked strolling and rolling event on the 4th of July. Decorate your bike, scooter, wagon, skateboard, stroller, or scooter and join in the fun. Motorized vehicles will be permitted but will park on Taft and enter the group after walkers have passed. Line-up begins at 8:30 am.
YORBA LINDA
4th of July Fireworks Spectacular Where: Veterans Sports Park – 4756 Valley View Ave. & Yorba Linda Middle School – 4777 Casa Loma Ave. When: July 4, 2022 beginning at 5:00 PM; Fireworks at 9:00 PM
Activities: Food vendors, family activities, live band featuring Rouge Radio and fireworks display.
In between barbecues and beach days, you still need to stay on top of maintenance around the home. Otherwise you might find yourself with big problems down the line—and big repair costs. If you want to know what the SIX SUMMER MAINTENANCE TASKS THAT COULD SAVE YOU CASH are, click on the video below!
Do you know about the Huntington Library near Pasadena? It’s not just a Library! It’s also an Art Museum and Botanical Gardens. The Huntington is located near Pasadena at 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, California, 12 miles from downtown Los Angeles. Visitor information: huntington.org or 626-405-2100.
PLEASE NOTE: WEEKEND RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Advance reservations required for weekends. Capacity limited. No walk-ins. >> Reserve HERE
This weekend kicks off Huntington Library’s Summer Evening Strolls where you can enjoy the breathtaking gardens at sunset, meet your friends and dine at the 1919 Cafe. Summer Evening Strolls are only available on selected evenings through Labor Day. Check out Huntington Library’s website for detailed information on dates, hours, and tickets.
Fri., July 1 | Sat., July 9 | Sat., July 23 | Sat., July 30
Sat., Aug. 6 | Sun., Aug. 14* | Sun., Aug. 21*
Fri., Sept. 2*
*4:30–7:30 p.m. due to the earlier sunset.
KEEP IN MIND:
Advance online timed entry reservations are required.
Strolls conclude at 7:30pm beginning the weekend of Aug. 21 due to sunset.
Red Car coffee shop open until 5 p.m.
1919 Cafe open until 7 p.m.
Huntington Store open until 8 p.m.
Galleries, the Library Exhibition Hall, and the Children’s Garden are closed.
Picnicking is not permitted during Summer Strolls.
∼ ∗ ∼ ∗ ∼ ∗ ∼ ∗ ∼ ∗ ∼ ∗ ∼ ∗ ∼
There are plenty of other events on their CALENDAR including the following that we hand picked:
FREE DAYS – The first Thursday of every month is Free Day. Go to site for more info!
SPECIALTY TOURS – Three selections of 90-minute walking tours of the Chinese Garden, Japanese Garden, or the entire Estate!
MUSIC IN THE CHINESE GARDEN – Enjoy traditional Chinese music every Wednesday afternoon in the Garden of Flowing Fragrance. Let the music transport you to another time and place as you stroll through one of the most magical landscapes in Southern California.
You may be someone who looks forward to summer each year because it gives you an opportunity to rest, unwind, and enjoy more quality time with your loved ones. Now that summer is just around the corner, it’s worthwhile to start thinking about your plans and where you want to spend your vacations this year. Here are a few reasons a vacation home could be right for you.
Why You May Want To Consider a Vacation Home Today
Over the past two years, a lot has changed. You may be one of many people who now work from home and have added flexibility in where you live. You may also be someone who delayed trips for personal or health reasons. If either is true for you, there could be a unique opportunity to use the flexibility that comes with remote work or the money saved while not traveling to invest in your future by buying a vacation home.
Bankrate explains why a second home, or a vacation home, may be something worth considering:
“For those who are able, buying a second home is suddenly more appealing, as remote working became the norm for many professionals during the pandemic. Why not work from the place where you like to vacation — the place where you want to live?
If you don’t work remotely, a vacation home could still be at the top of your wish list if you have a favorite getaway spot that you visit often. It beats staying in a tiny hotel room or worrying about rental rates each time you want to take a trip.”
How a Professional Can Help You Find the Right One
So, if you’re looking for an oasis, you may be able to make it a second home rather than just the destination for a trip. If you could see yourself soaking up the sun in a vacation home, you may want to start your search. Summer is a popular time to buy vacation homes. By beginning the process now, you could get ahead of the competition.
The first step is working with a local real estate advisor who can help you find a home in your desired location. A professional has the knowledge and resources to help you understand the market, what homes are available and at what price points, and more. They can also walk you through all the perks of owning a second home and how it can benefit you.
A recent article from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), mentions some of the top reasons buyers today are looking into purchasing a second, or a vacation, home:
“According to Google’s data, the top reasons that homeowners cited for purchasing a second home were to diversify their investments, earn money renting, and use as a vacation home.”
If any of the reasons covered here resonate with you, connect with a real estate professional to learn more. They can give you expert advice based on what you need, your goals, and what you’re hoping to get out of your second home.
Bottom Line
Owning a vacation home is an investment in your future and your lifestyle. If this is one of your goals this year, you still have time to buy and enjoy spending the summer in your vacation home. When you’re ready to get started, let’s connect.
During the dark days of the COVID-19 pandemic, growing plants and vegetables felt both soothing and life-affirming. It’s no wonder many people became first-time gardeners. But now that life is getting somewhat back to normal, tending those plants may have fallen by the wayside. If your garden looks like it needs some TLC this year, there’s still hope!
“Don’t be discouraged if your garden doesn’t look great right now,” says Erin Schanen, Troy-Bilt garden expert, master garden volunteer, and creator of The Impatient Gardener blog and YouTube channel. In many cases, she says, your neglected plants can be nursed back to health—but it won’t happen overnight.
If you’re game to revive your feeble flora into a thriving garden once more, read on. Here are some of the vital steps you should take.
Clear out your flower beds
Out with the old, and then in with the new, say garden experts.
“Before planting new flowers, shrubs, or vegetables, it’s important to first clear out any fall and winter debris that made its way in,” says Bailey Carson, home expert at Angi, the home improvement recommendation site.
“Clear out leaves, needles, pine cones, and weeds, in addition to any other unwanted rubbish like acorns, twigs, and moldy mulch,” adds Carson. It’s important to start off your spring garden with a clean slate—even if you have just a container garden.
And don’t forget weeds, says Schanen. The longer you wait to tackle them, the bigger the job will be, so don’t delay.
“Dig them out with a soil knife, trowel, or garden fork so you remove the roots as well, and shake off any soil,” Schanen says.
Re-edge the area
Edging sounds more difficult than it is, but it can make a huge difference in a garden.
“Few things can make a garden come together better than a fresh, tidy edge,” says Schanen. “If you used some kind of edging material, make sure it’s well-weeded and level. If you used stones or bricks, this might mean removing them, tidying up, and replacing them.”
Carson says edging can also help to define the division between your landscape and your lawn.
“To clean up last year’s edging, a pair of edging shears might be all you need. Once this is cleaned up, you’ll be amazed at the difference,” says Carson.
After you’ve cleaned up the place through edging, you can have a better view of what else needs to be done.
“For shrubs and trees, check for and prune away any dead leaves and broken branches or limbs. Then take some time to cut back your perennials to help promote fresh spring growth,” says Carson.
Carson says to examine your garden carefully for damage from critters. If you spot any, she says to consider building a barrier or adding some plants to your garden that are known to deter animals, such as those labeled “deer-resistant.”
“If you’re refreshing a container or window garden, this is the time to add some new plants and seeds. Strawberries, tomatoes, radishes, and hot peppers thrive in containers, but don’t be afraid to try other fruits, vegetables, herbs, and smaller-breed plants as well,” says Carson.
Fertilize your plants
Carson suggests applying an organic granular fertilizer to any landscape plants that survived the winter and to new ones you’ve added.
“To keep the foliage safe, be sure to sprinkle the fertilizer around the base of your plants, rather than directly on them. After that, spread a preemergent weed-control product throughout the beds to stop any weed seeds from germinating,” says Carson.
Schanen says heavy feeders like clematis and hydrangea will benefit from a dose of slow-release fertilizer. As a bonus, it will feed your soil. She recommends organic fertilizers, because there is less risk of overfertilizing and burning tender new growth.
“Apply the appropriate amount as directed on the package around the dripline of the plant you’re feeding. If you started with good soil, most perennials and shrubs won’t need much in the way of fertilizer,” says Schanen.
Make sure to water in any fertilizer or amendments, she warns. Annuals need fertilizing to keep producing blooms all season, and should be fed regularly once they start putting on growth.
Add new mulch
The final step in refreshing a garden is to apply a fresh layer of organic mulch, says Carson. Mulch smothers weeds, protects and improves the structure of soil, and improves hydration, she says.
New mulch can help flower beds look cleaned up and refreshed, Carson says. But she advises that the layer should be no thicker than 2 to 3 inches, and it should be added gradually to prevent crushing plants.
“Organic mulches that will break down and feed the soil are best for plants,” says Schanen. “This can be compost, pine straw, broken-down and shredded leaves from the previous fall, bark mulch, or even arborist chips, which are the shredded bits of branches and foliage created by arborists when trees are removed.”
A couple inches of mulch in a wide circle around the tree is plenty.
“And remember to remove weeds before mulching. Any weeds left under mulch will quickly rebound and ruin the fresh look you worked hard to achieve,” says Schanen.
Thanks!
Please fill out the form below and we will be contacting you shortly with information about your home.
![Why an Agent Is Essential When Pricing Your House [INFOGRAPHIC] | MyKCM](https://files.mykcm.com/2022/06/23153223/20220624-MEM-1046x2115.png)
