What does the coming year hold for the housing market? Here’s what experts project for 2022. Mortgage rates are projected to rise and so are home prices. Experts are forecasting buyer demand will remain strong as people try to capitalize on rates and prices before they climb, creating another strong year for home sales. Let’s connect so you can make your best move in the new year.
📞 Call us today!
CA REAL ESTATE GROUP powered by Keller Williams Realty
Now that January is just around the corner, we present to you ten resolutions for your home this year, in the perfect spirit of new beginnings. They say home is where your heart is but a lovelier, better organized, and more comfortable place to live will surely work wonders.
CA REAL ESTATE GROUP powered by Keller Williams Realty
Christine Almarines @carealestategroup
Realtor DRE # 01412944
714-476-4637 | christine@carealestategroup.com
Michelle Kim @michellejeankim_homes
Realtor DRE # 01885912
714-253-7531 | michelle@carealestategroup.com
For more home maintenance and real estate tips, follow us on FB/IG @carealestategroup
A couple of years ago I went on a search for Basil Hayden’s Bourbon; it had been highly suggested as the bourbon of choice for this amazing stuffing. Sadly I was unsuccessful in my efforts to locate it in Denver and managed to make do with another brand but I will never forget that recommendation from a friend. When I was asked if I would like to recreate the Basil Hayden’s Holiday Spice Cocktail created for the brand by Joaquín Simó who was just named Bartender of the Year at the industry Tales of the Cocktail Convention held each year in New Orleans, how could I say no?
The recipe for this remarkable bourbon dates back to 1796, when Basil Hayden himself was a master distiller. Hayden was born and raised in Maryland, where he learned to make whiskey from rye. When he came to Kentucky, Hayden began making whiskey from a base of corn, but added a higher percentage of rye than other distillers, resulting in a smooth, mild bourbon that was distinctly his own. The abundance of rye gives it a slightly peppery taste and aroma, perfect for sipping on the rocks but also delicious in a well crafted cocktail.
Aged eight years at a relatively mild 80 proof, Basil Hayden’s has a very broad appeal. The Spirit Journal has said, ‘Basil Hayden’s is one of the best ultra-premium bourbons that you can find. It’s a good example of what a classic bourbon is like. It’s absolutely brilliant.” It’s all true; this is one fine bourbon. I couldn’t help but love the packaging too; check out that metal and copper stamped band that encircles the bottle. Very cool indeed.
Partnering with Basil Hayden’s, Joaquín has created the quintessential holiday cocktail. The Basil Hayden’s Holiday Spice combines the bourbon’s spicy finish with the winter flavors of maple syrup and cinnamon. Joaquín’s expert mixology skills make the cocktail the perfect addition to any holiday party, or a low-key fireside evening. For Mr. Simó, it’s been an unlikely journey from his native Ecuador to the accolades at the Tales of the Cocktail convention. After finishing his degree in English literature and comparative religion at Boston University he found himself working dive bars and rock ‘n’ roll joints before moving to New York eight years ago where he polished his craft.
Known not just for being a master mixologist, Simo’s engaging manner and eagerness to discuss a wide range of topics with patrons shows a genuine hospitality; combined with his skills with a shaker and jigger make this a most relevant accolade. I was excited about this cocktail for a couple of reasons beyond the bourbon too. The ingredients seemed to sing on paper; how could they not be fabulous mixed together? A great bourbon mixed with lemon juice, maple syrup and cinnamon with just a touch of Amaretto and bitters? I knew I would love it before the first taste and I was right. As much as I do enjoy some specialty cocktails over the holidays; many are sweet concoctions and I was so ready for a big girl drink!
I love that this is a great cocktail for all winter long…maybe someone will gift you a bottle of Basil Hayden’s for the holidays..I sure hope so! CHEERS!
SERVES 2
BASIL HAYDEN’S HOLIDAY SPICE COCKTAIL
10 minPrep Time
10 minTotal Time
Ingredients
4 oz Basil Hayden’s Bourbon
1 & 1/2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
1 oz Maple Syrup
1/2 oz Amaretto
6 dashes Angostura bitters
Instructions
Combine Basil Hayden¹s, lemon juice, maple syrup, Amaretto and bitters in a mixing tin with ice and shake vigorously.
Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
Grate a cinnamon stick over the top and add the stick to the cocktail as garnish.
🐶 It’s no secret that we love our furry friends – about 70% of U.S. households have pets. What may come as a surprise is how large a role they play in the homebuying process.
🐱 Americans spend $1,163 a year on their pets, and nearly half of pet owners say they would move for better accommodations and amenities for their pets.
🐰 If you’re thinking of adding a furry friend, or if you already have, let’s connect to discuss how you can find a home that meets all your pet’s needs.
It’s a Catch-22 homeowners are all too familiar with: Remodeling your outdated kitchen is almost certain to pay off big when you sell—but the actual makeover takes big bucks.
Is there any way to make a huge change without all the expense? Well, believe it or not, you can give your kitchen a face-lift without ripping out everything and starting from scratch. Yes, it all comes down to being creative with your cabinets—uppers, lowers, and everything in between.
Here’s some savvy advice from the pros who know, along with excellent cheap and simple cabinet updates you can start—and finish—this weekend.
You can’t go wrong with basic white in the kitchen. It channels a clean vibe that’s easy to live with, and makes resale a breeze when you’re ready to move.
But a little color is also lovely, especially cool blue hues and trendy pastels. A handy DIYer can fix up kitchen cabinets with a fresh color coat in a couple of days. (It’ll cost you only the paint and brushes—and your time.)
Marty Basher, a professional organizer with Modular Closets, votes for matte paint finishes over glossy, as the latter sheen can veer into garish territory.
“Choose muted colors in jewel and earth tones instead of overly bright ones for a more luxe feel,” he says.
Glass-front cabinets are all the rage—you might even have a set in your kitchen right now. But rather than style (and restyle) the plate stacks and glasses inside, let paint step in (again) to do the tough work of updating and beautifying your workaday cabinets.
“A fun pop of color on the backs of a few glass-front cabinets adds interest to the room and lightens up the look,” Henry says.
Just as bright paint can enliven your cereal bowl display, so too can a couple of pieces of wallpaper. Even better: Make it temporary paper, which you can remove anytime you need a change.
And don’t stop with cabinet backs—temporary wallpaper is a nifty surprise along your drawers’ outside edges. (Just pull the drawers open to reveal a pretty pattern.)
You know that gorgeous glow you spy on Instagram when you’re scrolling kitchen renovations? It comes from under-cabinet lighting. This smart upgrade brightens shadows that are invariably created by overhead pendants and can be installed by a pro for just a couple hundred bucks.
Want to go cheaper? You can get lights that plug in to existing sockets or grab some adhesive lights to press on in dark corners. Or just place a couple of small lamps you already own along counters under your cabinets.
A simple rack or drawer rearrangement can take advantage of unused kitchen cabinet space. If you’re a wine person, you can quickly create an X design with plain wood for stacking bottles on their sides.
You may not notice it at first, but molding is the unsung decor hero in every room. Simple pieces of crown molding, whether stacked, stepped, or the traditional variety, can be added to the tops of your cabinets for an upgrade that looks custom and expensive.
Karen Gray-Plaisted of Design Solutions KGP approves of crown molding on top of cabinets as it extends the design right the ceiling.
“Or reconfigure just a couple of upper cabinets to reach your ceiling like the ones around the sink or refrigerator area,” she says.
You might also try bottom molding, which is just what it sounds like: decorative pieces you attach to the edges or the base of lower cabinets or the kitchen island.
Adding these “feet” transforms lowers or an island, making them look like pieces of furniture.
FREE to the public. The boat parade will light up the harbor for five consecutive nights. The parade starts at Collins Island at 6:30 p.m. and will last approximately three and a half hours over 250 ships participate in the parade along with hundreds of water front estates. Providing the backdrop for the parade is the Ring of Lights waterfront home and business decorating competition. FREE for spectators, entry fee for participating boats. Over million and half people view the parade each year.
For those of you that would like to be in parade both Newport Landing and Davey’s Locker will offer 3 general admission cruises nightly every night of the parade that are a part of the actual parade. Viewing the parade from a ship means that you see all of the parade and homes in full decor that line the waterfront. General admission tickets can be reserved over the phone.
LOCATIONS FOR CRUISES: December 3, 2021 – January 2, 2022
Offered three times nightly (check websites for times) Newport Landing
309 Palm – Suite A, Newport Beach Ca 92661 Davey’s Locker 400 Main St., Newport Beach, CA 92661
Orange County’s favorite yuletide tradition continues! From the first “Bah humbug” to the final “Wassail,” this timeless classic is sure to rekindle your holiday spirit. Join all your favorite Dickens characters—Tiny Tim and the Cratchit family, the Fezziwigs, the Ghosts of Christmas past, present and yet-to-come, and of course, everyone’s favorite curmudgeon, Ebenezer Scrooge, portrayed by SCR Founding Member Richard Doyle.
LOCATION:
South Coast Repertory
655 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA
A spectacular drive-thru experience with over a million lights, holiday music, characters and real snow!
Guests will enjoy in the safety of their own vehicle a magical and interactive drive through a winter wonderland of lights. This one-mile drive-thru will include over one million lights. Limited tickets and time slots per day!
LOCATION:
OC Fair & Event Center
88 Fair Dr
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Featuring ice tubing down an 8 lane, 150 foot mountain, massive snow play and slide area with separate areas for toddlers and kids with fresh snow blown in daily, ice skating on SoCal’s largest outdoor ice rink under the stars in the middle of Winter Fest OC, nightly Christmas tree lighting celebration with a parade of the Winter Fest OC characters.
There’s also fireworks and snow flurries, plus a not to be missed experience with Santa and his reindeer flying over the fairgrounds through Christmas Eve, an all new Alpine Village with a new light maze and new wintery attractions, over 20 carnival rides and attractions, festive entertainment, seasonal eateries, visits with Santa and so much more.
LOCATION:
OC Fair & Event Center
88 Fair Dr
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
The Muckenthaler’s annual Holiday Festival features various activities, including family-friendly activities, live music, free art workshops for kids, and an arts and crafts sale. Featuring Performances by Noelle Lidyoff, The Sugar Daddies, The Kamaaina Glee Club, & Momentum Dance.
LOCATION:
The Muckenthaler Cultural Center
1201 West Malvern Avenue
Fullerton, California 92833
Enjoy Ballet Repertory Theatre’s cherished 45-year-old tradition of bringing beloved holiday music to life with nearly 300 performers in dazzling costumes. Travel with young Clara through a magical world of life-size dolls, toy soldiers, colossal mice, and delicate snowflakes to the fabulous Land of Sweets, home of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. Exuberant French, Spanish, Arabian, Russian, and Chinese dancers await you, along with twirling candy canes and waltzing flowers. Orange County’s longest-running Nutcracker is the ultimate feel-good family tradition.
LOCATION: Golden West College Theater
15751 Gothard Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…holiday fun at Pretend City! Join us for our exciting 12 Days of Christmas Countdown! Each day leading up to Christmas, we will “unwrap” a new holiday activity at the museum! Get in the holiday spirit as we gear up for Christmas and countdown the days!
Cost is included with museum admission.
LOCATION:
Pretend City Children’s Museum
29 Hubble
Irvine, CA
Join us as we celebrate Kwanzaa at Pretend City! Each day we will light a candle on the Kinara and celebrate a new principle through a variety of activities.
Cost is included with museum admission.
LOCATION:
Pretend City Children’s Museum
29 Hubble
Irvine, CA
5..4..3..2..1..HAPPY NOON YEAR! Join us for our annual New Year’s Celebration in the middle of the day! We will celebrate the new year at different times throughout the day as the sun travels across the different time zones! There will be a confetti countdown at 4 different times to celebrate the new year in Bangladesh, Dubai, Athens, and London, as it turns to midnight in these different cities! We will also have New Year’s activities and art for our little ones to enjoy!
LOCATION:
Pretend City Children’s Museum
29 Hubble, Irvine, CA
INFORMATION / TICKETS: 949.428.3900
Sawdust Winter Fantasy
November 20-21 & 26-28, 2021
December 4-5, 11-12 & 18-19, 2021
Weekends – 10am to 7pm
This unique fair offers shoppers the opportunity to purchase unique artisan crafts from various local artists. Includes live entertainment, hands-on art projects and picture-perfect moments, the Sawdust Art Festival’s Winter Fantasy will become your family’s holiday tradition.
LOCATION:
Sawdust Art Festival
935 Laguna Canyon Rd
It’s “CSI: Bethlehem” in this holiday mystery extravaganza from the author of Late Nite Catechism, as Sister takes on the mystery that has intrigued historians throughout the ages – whatever happened to the Magi’s gold? (“We know that Mary used the frankincense and myrrh as a sort of potpourri – they were in a barn after all.”) Retelling the story of the nativity, as only Sister can, this hilarious holiday production has been vaccinated, masked and ready to take on Christmas in a very Sister way.
LOCATION:
Laguna Playhouse
606 Laguna Canyon Road
Laguna Beach, CA 92652
Experience the wonder of the holiday season during “Casa Lumina Holiday Walk” on select evenings from December 5 to 23 at Casa Romantica. Over 1,000 twinkling lights illuminate Casa Romantica’s exquisitely-decorated home and gardens with holiday themes.
$8-$12
LOCATION:
Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens
415 Avenida Granada
San Clemente, CA 92672
Christmas is approaching and 9 year-old Ralphie wants only one thing: a Red Ryder Range 200 Shot BB gun. When he mentions it at the dinner table, his mother’s immediate reaction is that he’ll shoot his eye out. He then decides on a perfect theme for his teacher but her reaction is like his mother’s. He fantasizes about what it would be like to be Red Ryder and catch the bad guys. When the big day arrives, he gets lots of presents under the tree including a lovely gift from his aunt that his mother just adores. But what about the BB gun?
LOCATION:
Camino Real Playhouse
31776 El Camino Real
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 675
All Zoo celebration featuring stations focusing on winter and snow. Watch animals receive icy treats, listen to festive music, enjoy the winter decorations, play educational games, create cool crafts and listen to delightful winter stories.
General Public – free with price of admission; FOSAZ Members are FREE and Santa Ana Residents are FREE on December 15.
LOCATION:
Santa Ana Zoo
1801 E Chestnut Ave
Santa Ana, CA
New Year’s Eve isn’t just for adults- head to Kidseum for a kid-friendly countdown! Families will enjoy complimentary face painting and craft stations where they can make their own disco balls, confetti poppers, and even noise makers during this kid-centric celebration.
Ticketed Event: Member or with paid Bowers Museum admission $15 | General $20
LOCATION:
Bowers Museum
2002 North Main Street
Santa Ana
Every week, Nixon Library visitors will enjoy rotating sets of model trains chugging up mountains and rolling across the American plains. Visit the Nixon Library throughout the Holiday season to keep up with the latest rotating model! New trains every week!
LOCATION:
Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
18001 Yorba Linda Blvd.
Yorba Linda, CA 92886
In today’s housing market, the number of homes for sale is much lower than the strong buyer demand. As a result, homeowners ready to sell have a significant advantage. Here are three ways today’s low inventory will set you up for a win when you sell this season.
1. Higher Prices
With so many more buyers in the market than homes available for sale, homebuyers are frequently getting into bidding wars for the houses they want to purchase. According to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), homes are receiving an average of 3.7 offers in today’s market. This buyer competition drives home prices up. As a seller, this certainly works to your advantage, potentially netting you more for your house when you close the deal.
2. Greater Return on Your Investment
Rising prices mean homes are also gaining value, which increases the equity you have in your home. In the latest Homeowner Equity Insights Report, CoreLogic explains:
“In the second quarter of 2021, the average homeowner gained approximately $51,500 in equity during the past year.”
This year-over-year growth in equity gives you the ability to sell your house and then put that money toward a down payment on your next home, or to keep it as extra savings.
3. Better Terms
In a sellers’ market like we have today, you’re in the driver’s seat if you make a move. You have the power to sell on your terms, and buyers are more likely to work with you if it means they can finally land their dream home.
So, is low housing inventory a big deal?
Yes, especially if you want to sell on your terms.Moving now while inventory is so low is key to maximizing your opportunities.
Bottom Line
If you’re interested in taking advantage of the current sellers’ market, let’s connect today to determine your best move.
Freshly brewed java doesn’t have a season, as any coffee aficionado knows. But with holiday decorating upon us, caffeine lovers of Instagram are showing off their seasonal coffee stations and hot cocoa bars.
Why have these hot-beverage stations become a holiday trend? Because a cozy drink is like (getting or giving) a hug in a mug.
“Warm beverages not only warm the body, but they also warm the soul,” says Annemarie Schumacher, event planner and founder of Make Every Day an Event at Schumacher Creative. “People crave nostalgia during the holiday season, and things like hot cocoa bring us back to our childhood.”
Whether you confine your coffee station to a corner of your kitchen or go all out with a sideboard takeover, there are many ways to put your decor-style stamp on a beverage bar.
Ready to give the whole house a spike of holiday cheer? Here are Instagram’s best holiday drink stations to inspire you as well as tips on how to shop the look.
1. Ribbons and trim
Setting up a coffee station doesn’t mean you have to become a barista. Instead, let folks serve themselves.
“These days, there are a variety of warm beverage makers that make the logistics of a beverage bar super easy,” says Schumacher.
And to dress things up for the season, you can add some homespun charm to a white kitchen backdrop. Just tie some colorful ribbons and bows along a length of string to make a fun and easy garland. Red is the right pop of color for a holiday coffee bar.
“Holiday-themed signs are a great way to add a festive look and feel to a beverage bar,” says Cate Griffing, who runs the painting-based website West Magnolia Charm, which also includes topics regarding decor and home improvement. “It’s a simple piece of decor that doesn’t take up a ton of space but can pack a lot of punch.”
Get the look: Look for your expressive wall art to find your perfect holiday message and build your tableau around it.
3. Santa mugs
Bring on the mugs!
“You can’t have a hot cocoa station for the holidays without some darling Christmas mugs,” says Schumacher. “Perhaps you have some coffee cups or mugs that have been passed down from generation to generation. I personally love the sentiment.”
You’ll find an assortment of Christmas ceramics at your favorite kitchen and home goods stores. And have some fun by mixing and matching styles.
Get the look: Sip from your very own Santa mug like this one from Sur La Table ($10).
4. Holiday bunting
Holiday bunting adds a festive touch to this coffee, tea, and cocoa station. Don’t be afraid to layer on several different strands—the more, the merrier. This bar features three: white “snow” balls, glittering confetti, and red felt.
“And trays are a useful tool in creating a coffee bar,” says Griffing. “If you aren’t lucky enough to have a separate coffee station in your home, a tray allows you to designate one by organizing all the coffee supplies in one place.”
Get the look: Nab your very own cheerful holiday bunting ($23), and check out which tiered tray suits your holiday style ($37).
5. Vintage thermos
This display of retro thermos bottles in red plaid brings to mind scenes of snowy days spent sledding and ice skating. It’s a unique way to summon both the spirit and nostalgia of the season to your beverage bar. And the idea is a practical one, too: Thermoses come in handy on days when you need to take your coffee on the go.
Get the look: Check out Etsy for a wide variety of vintage thermoses ($25 to $35).
6. Bar cart
If you can imagine your coffee station becoming a tradition, you may want to invest in a bar cart. With a cart, you not only get your hot-drinks station off the kitchen counter, you can also wheel it into the living room when you’re entertaining.
“Who can resist the coziness of sipping a delightful mug of hot chocolate in a darling mug while surrounded by the twinkling lights of your Christmas tree,” says Schumacher. Bonus: You can turn it back into a bar cart when the season ends.
Another idea for a permanent coffee station is to upcycle a vintage sideboard.
“I encourage people to find a sideboard, console table, or bar cart to curate their station,” says Schumacher.
To get a similar “white Christmas” theme going at your house, try painting your upcycled furniture with milk paint, which needs very little prep work and has a matte finish that lets a bit of the natural wood show through.
Get the look: Once you find the perfect sideboard, grab a gallon or two of milk paint ($23).
After a very muted holiday season last year (thank you, pandemic), many are eager to make up for lost time by fully embracing holiday cheer this year. And for many, that means going all out, with lights, shiny baubles, and all the trimmings that make Christmas decor the fantastic spectacle it can be.
But before you deck your halls, take note that the adornments you grew up with at Grandma’s house—or even the decorations you used in your own home a few years back—may be looking a little tired and dated by now. Home trends come and go, after all!
So if you’re eager to turn a fresh page for this (relatively) normal holiday season, check out this list of which Christmas trends are in, and out, this year.
1. Out: Traditional red and green color schemes
Of course, when you’re setting up for the Christmas season, the traditional colors of red and green naturally come to mind.
“From what I’ve seen, the usual red and green colors are still popular, since the overall feeling is a desire to return to the familiar and not take decor risks after all the recent upheaval,” says Tiffany Gholar of the eponymous design firm.
Nonetheless, many consumers are branching out as they choose their holiday colors, says Brandon Hart, Wayfair marketing spokesperson. So if you’re looking to shake things up, there are other options. Like…
In: Coastal colors
Hart notes “a growing interest in coastal looks, with sea-blue shades rising in popularity.”
Sea shades are unexpected at Christmas.
(Wayfair)
Our pick: Try 6 feet of gorgeous silver and teal in this stunning garland (above), made for both indoor and outdoor use ($52, Wayfair).
In: Jewel tones
Hart also reports that shoppers are snapping up all kinds of decor in gem tones (think ruby red, emerald green). Remember, those three wise men apparently wore cascading robes from head to toe in deep royal shades.
Dishwasher-safe and gorgeous to behold
(Williams Sonoma)
Our pick: The raised beading and oval designs on these fab goblets will transform your Christmas eve buffet as you pour your wine, water, or wassail—you name it. The price is more than fair for the set, too ($60 for six, Williams Sonoma).
A single wreath or naked wooden tree may seem hip and modern, but it’s out of step with the times.
“Better to err on the side of looking like a Christmas shop exploded all over your living room—after last year’s subdued looks, more is better,” says Marty Basher, the design and organization expert at Modular Closets.
In: Boho accents
Gholar feels that bohemian flair is hitting its stride now, and she votes for lending your tree and mantel a cheerful flair.
“These looks embrace the folk art and craft traditions of artisans around the world, so seek out handmade ornaments and garlands in colors that aren’t necessarily associated with a traditional American Christmas,” she says.
Trim your tree with colorful Mexican designs.
(Etsy)
Our pick: Hand-embroidered hearts on your fir are both rustic and bright, lending a fun pop that you just can’t get from plain ol’ Christmas balls ($8.75, Etsy).
In: Metallic trees
A metallic tree is right on target, says Hart, adding, “Gold trees were a big hit last year, and this trend is expected to continue in the current season.”
Metallics in general are a safe bet, because their shine is sure to perk up even the staidest displays.
It’s a bit pricey, but this tree will be the talk of your holiday party.
(Amazon)
Our pick: Pre-strung warm white bulbs already adorn this stunning 5-foot tree from Martha Stewart‘s line. Gold tinsel also fills in those pesky gaps you’re apt to get with real trees ($229, Amazon).
In: LED lights on overload
After the 20 months we’ve been through, this is no time to be subtle. Basher urges homeowners to lay in a supply of twinkle lights in every shape, size, and color.
LED lights are now produced on a scale so small, “you can add them to almost any decor scheme you like this holiday season, including the bannister, your tables, and on wreaths,” he says.
You can’t go wrong with extra lights this year.
(Lowe’s)
Our pick: These safe, long-lasting classic Christmas lights are just what Santa’s ordered this year. And at nearly 50 feet in length, you can wrap the entire tree in seconds flat ($29, Lowe’s).
3. Out: Store-bought everything
As tempting as it is, resist the urge to click and buy every shiny thing you see.
The reason? Basher notes that a “return to authenticity” is the note to hit, whether you’re shopping in vintage stores, poking through your own attic for family heirlooms, or simply using real boughs and wreaths rather than plastic ones that’ll end up in a landfill.
In: Upcycled decor
Mix old with new this year or, suggests Gholar, “Purchase holiday items that have been made from recycled materials.”
Etsy is an excellent source, of course, but you can certainly go the DIY route or try a project with the kids.
Reuse and repurpose everything you can this season.
(Etsy)
Our pick: This set of 21 ornaments made from pages of old books is simple yet appealing, for any tree or wreath you’re trying to perk up ($87 for set, Etsy).
Thanks!
Please fill out the form below and we will be contacting you shortly with information about your home.