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Holiday Hosting Made Easy
Use This Quick Checklist To Get Your Home Party-Ready
Between holiday shopping, baking, and events, hosting a party can be the straw that breaks the busy camel’s back. With a quick and easy cleaning checklist, getting your home ready for guests doesn’t have to require intensive labor. If you get off work at 5:00 p.m. and have guests coming at 7:00 p.m., these guidelines will keep you on track for preparing your house and yourself.
- Do A Walk Through: Clean from your front porch in. Your front door and entryway will be the first part of your home your guests see, so they should be a priority when it comes to house cleaning. Don’t forget to make space in your coat closet as well.
- Touch Up the Bathrooms: You will have a lot of traffic through your bathrooms by the night’s end, so it’s best to start with a clean slate. Sanitize your surfaces and make sure there is extra toilet paper easily accessible.
- Freshen Up: Don’t put getting yourself ready off until the last minute, or you may run out of time. When you’re tidying up the bathroom, take the time to touch up your makeup and hair so you can be party-ready without stress as the hour approaches.
- Make Space: Empty out your garbage, recycling container, dishwasher, and fridge. You’ll want space in the refrigerator for drinks, in the dishwasher for dirty dishes, and in all available waste containers.
- Set The Mood: Put on your party playlist, dim the lighting, and do a final walk through to get everything prepared. If you have time, do a final dusting and de-cluttering run through the home so everything will be picture perfect.
No party would be complete without a great venue to host it in. Contact real estate agent Betsy Dittman, an expert in California Luxury Real Estate Properties, for all of your Beverly Hills, Conejo Valley, San Fernando Valley, and Los Angeles luxury real estate needs.
The Best Christmas Lights In Southern California
Where To Visit For a Merry & Bright Holiday
It’s the most wonderful time of the year for strolling through light-strung streets. Grab the family and hit these ten notable light displays in Southern California for holiday memories you’ll treasure for years:
photo credit: Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association
Looking for an interactive event to keep your little ones entertained? From 6:00-10:oo p.m., the Los Angeles Zoo offers dazzling light displays, time with Santa Claus, and the chance to meet a real life reindeer.
photo credit: Wakefield Court’s facebook page
Wakefield Court in Saugus lights up from 5:00-10:30 p.m. each night and offers a Night Before Christmas self-guided tour through this sparkling winter wonderland. Bring hot cocoa and the kids—this walk is one you’ll be talking about until 2015.
photo credit: The Grove’s facebook page
The Grove is not just famous for great holiday shopping—they also boast Los Angeles’ largest Christmas tree and a water show timed with your favorite holiday songs.
photo credit: Naplesca.com
For a mix of white Christmas with California cheer, check out Naples Island in Long Beach. On December 13th, there will be a Christmas Boat Parade well worth bearing the water’s chill.
photo: Julia H. via Yelp
If you want to visit a cozy neighborhood that decorates all over, head to Candy Cane Lane in Woodland Hills. It gets crowded, but you and yours can join the families and locals in the seasonal merriment.
photo credit: Love Beverly Hills’s facebook page
Want to glam it up this Christmas? Head to (where else?) Beverly Hills. Scroll down Rodeo Drive to look at Christmas lights in luxury. This year, the area is strung with crystal chandeliers.
photo credit: Jen S. via Yelp
If history tickles your fancy, head to Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena, said to be the oldest Christmas Light Display in the nation. Don’t miss the beautiful piece of real estate that is the Balian House, which gets strung with 10,000 lights each year.
photo credit: Yolandalights.com
Take a beautiful stroll down the tunnel of lights at Yolanda Avenue in Reseda. Since there are no cars to contend with, kids can roam freely to enjoy the display.
photo credit: Mission Inn
The Mission Inn in Riverside has decided to go big, decorated with over four million holiday lights. One of the largest holiday displays in the country, it is a cannot-miss stop.
Betsy Dittman, specializing in California Luxury Real Estate Properties, can be your guide to more than holiday lights. Contact me today, for all of your Conejo Valley and Los Angeles real estate needs!
Article Source: http://redtri.com/los-angeles/where-to-see-the-coolest-christmas-light-displays-in-los-angeles/#
What’s Your Favorite Brunch Spot?
There are few better ways to spend a Sunday than enjoying a delicious brunch with all of your friends and family. If you are looking for a new favorite brunch spot this weekend, make sure to check out these local brunch spots!
Barbrix in Silverlake not only offers $5 bottomless mimosas, but also has a full menu that appeals to everyone. From blueberry cornmeal pancakes that are topped with a berry compote and served with Vermont maple syrup to blue crab hash, you will surely leave satisfied every Sunday afternoon.
I love the idea of BLD on Beverly Blvd – breakfast, lunch, dinner, get it? With a rotating menu and options for vegetarians, this place is a definite brunch hot spot. Top Chef Masters contestant Chef Neal Fraser runs the show and his exquisite taste puts a spin on every plate, creating a mouthwatering menu for all to enjoy.
The Griddle Café, a classic on Sunset, has been a hot spot for “melt in your mouth” pancakes. Although there are long waits on the weekends, I wouldn’t pass this place up!
MB Post in Manhattan Beach is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth with the best sticky buns for miles around. Make sure to make a reservation for your Sunday brunch and try one of their famous bloody Mary’s with their bacon buttermilk biscuits that are served with a side of maple butter. If you are looking for something more savory, you will not want to miss out on the poached egg on polenta with asparagus and ricotta-stuffed French toast.
AOC in Los Angeles offers brunch from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Chef Suzanne Goin showcases market fresh fruits and veggies in all of her dishes, including spring vegetable and soft egg and grilled asparagus with polenta. Make sure to try the signature breakfast sandwich that includes arugula, prosciutto, and a sunny side up egg. There are also specialty cocktails available to complete your brunch experience.
Alcove in Los Angeles is the perfect place to enjoy a Sunday brunch with your pup. Their breakfast sandwiches and benedict options pair perfectly with specialty drinks handcrafted at Big Bar. They also offer a build your own mimosa option.
What is your favorite brunch spot? Contact me, and let me know where I should brunch this Sunday!
Plan the Perfect Holiday Party with These Tips
The holiday season is here, which means it is time to get ready for all of your holiday parties. While you may not get blankets of white snow at your Southern California home, it does not mean that you cannot create a winter wonderland party for your loved ones. Keep these tips in mind to ensure that your holiday party is one to remember!
- Be realistic – accept your strengths and weaknesses as a host, and play up your strengths while outsourcing your weaknesses. Keep in mind that the goal of your party is to create a stress free event that everyone will enjoy.
- Ask for help – people go to holiday parties to enjoy the company of their friends and family. If people are showing up and you are not completely done setting up, ask for help! Most partygoers are more than happy to help pour wine and light candles.
- Set the scene – make sure your bar is stocked with all the essentials, including cocktail tools, glasses, ice, and tongs. Set your table with enough flatware and silverware for each guest, and make sure to have some spares ready just in case. Candles, floral arrangements, and light music will all also help to set the mood!
- Stock your pantry – especially if children will be attending your event, make sure that your pantry is filled with snacks.
- Provide entertainment – there are many ways to entertain your guests while you are getting ready. Set up a game area with board games for people of all ages to enjoy. A roll of butcher paper and crayons will keep children entertained until it is time to eat.
Having the right home to entertain this season will ensure good times and great memories! Contact Betsy Dittman for all of your luxury home sales in the Los Angeles and Conejo Valley!
What’s Happening in the Conejo Valley?
Have you noticed all the changes in the Conejo Valley? Between the new Shoppes at Westlake Village and the construction at the Westlake Plaza, you have the opportunity to try something new every day.
If you have driven by the Westlake Plaza, you have probably noticed huge “protected” signs hanging around. These protected trees are the ones that cannot be taken down during the construction. Unfortunately, this protection did not extend to all the trees in the area. Over 30 oak trees were removed to make room for all the new shops and restaurants that will be going into the plaza. Luckily, many residents in the area fought hard and won to protect more than 70 trees in the area.
There are many new restaurants popping up in the area to satisfy all of your cravings. Make sure to try these delicious spots on your next night out.
- Cronies Sports Grill has been a staple in the Conejo Valley for more than 23 years, and recently opened up another location in Agoura Hills on Kanan Road. Known for their ice cold 20 oz. beer schooners and delicious menu items, the new location is one of the best new places to watch all the sports games in the area.
- Pieology is opening up their second location in the Conejo Valley on Lindero Canyon Road. The “make your own pizza” idea has rapidly caught on, allowing people to make their own delicious creations. You can choose from a variety of traditional ingredients, such as pepperoni and ham, or take the less traditional route, such as adding artichokes and fresh basil so that your pizza comes out tasting its best.
- If you are looking for a little bit of everything, make sure to check out Jeannine’s Gourmet Food Hall at the Shoppes at Westlake Village. Offering everything from benedicts and egg dishes to salads and burgers, you will surely find something you love at Jeannine’s.
- In-N-Out opened on November 5th at the Shoppes at Westlake village. The design of the store was created to fit in with the rest of the stores in the area, making it one of the most unique In-N-Outs around. Also now open in the Shoppes at Westlake Village, Jeannine’s Gourmet, Hook Burger, Bowl of Heaven, Greens Up, Total Woman, All Tressed Up Blow Dry Bar and of course Target.
- What better way to end any day in the Conjeo Valley than with a delicious bag of popcorn? Popped Fresh Gourmet Popcorn is opening up on Kanan Road in Agoura Hills and will offer over 50 different flavors of popcorn. They will also offer unique gifts and popcorn tins that are coming in just in time for holiday gift season.
- Le Pain Quotidien is also going into the Westlake Plaza. This is a great place for breakfast or lunch. Other great restaurants are opening up in the same plaza, such as Pitfire Artisan Pizza, Mendocino Farms Sandwich Market, and Pressed Juicery .
To learn more about what is happening in the Conejo Valley, contact Betsy Dittman. As a luxury homes real estate expert, I can help with all of your home buying and selling needs in Los Angeles and the Conejo Valley to ensure that you are always closest to the newest stores and restaurants in the area.
Top 10 Most Exciting Fall Eatery Openings In L.A.
Fall is the ideal time for new restaurant owners to debut the locations they have been perfecting for months. The City of Angels is home to some of the best dining establishments in the country. Here is a list of the most anticipated openings taking place this fall in Los Angeles:
- Pistola located at West Third: This meat-based Italian restaurant is sure to please pasta-lovers everywhere!
- Jon & Vinny’s new restaurant in the Fairfax District. The restaurant will double as a commissary kitchen, R&D, and wine shop. The name of the establishment is still to be determined.
- New Port Seafood located in Beverly Hills will be the new spot for seafood lovers. The menu will incorporate Cambodian, Thai, and Vietnamese elements.
- Pete’s Café located Downtown. Owners Josef Centeno and Pete McLaughlin already have 3 thriving businesses located on the same block. Leave it to these restaurant experts to cook up the best crab cakes in town.
- Eggslut Ramen located Downtown. This joint puts an extraordinary spin on the classic egg sandwich!
- The Gadarene Swine in Studio City. This spot will be great for vegetarians, as it features a menu that is heavily focused on vegetables.
- Big Gay Ice Cream in Downtown. The brand is originally from New York, and is preparing to take L.A. by storm with their delicious ice cream, and year-round operating ice cream truck.
- Sara Kramer’s new establishment. The name and location are still in the works, but the Brooklyn chef is excited to create a restaurant that incorporates fresh grilled bread.
- Suave Rico located in Culver City. The idea behind this spot is fast, but casual rotisserie
- Bacari PDR in Playa del Rey. This Italian eatery will be the second restaurant for owners Robert and Daniel Kronfli.
For the best real estate experience possible, work with a real estate agent you can trust. Contact Betsy Dittman. Real Estate, Easy.
6 Smart Tips For The Perfect Home Learning Zone
School is back in session, which means it is once again time to monitor your child’s homework each day after school. Getting your child just to sit down is hard enough. Add in homework, and the process could take up precious time that you need for other important tasks. By creating a learning zone inside your home, you will boost your child’s productivity and free up some of your valuable time. Here are a few tips:
- Have more than one designated homework area. By changing the study environment every now and then, your child will be more productive. For each space have a few basic school supplies on hand so they will not have any reason to get up and break focus. Try to free the area from as many distractions as possible.
- Switching up the study chair will also increase productivity. If your child is having trouble focusing, have them move to a different chair or the floor. Consider using a yoga ball as a chair to get their core muscles working!
- Choose where the homework space will be based on the age or development stage of your child. Younger children will do best in the kitchen because they will need the most monitoring. Older children do not have to be as close and will do better in a study or a basement.
- Make sure each homework space has excellent lighting. This will help your child to stay alert while learning.
- Hang chalkboards, whiteboards, or bulletin boards in the homework space. Your child can use them to help prioritize the day’s tasks.
- Allow your child to help with the designing of the homework space. They will use the space more if it is one that they enjoy spending time in.
Happy studying! To speak with one of the most committed and skilled real estate agents in the Los Angeles, San Fernando and Conejo Valley area, please contact Betsy Dittman.
Price It Right The First Time!
The decision to part with your home is a tough one. However, having to lower your price after your home has already been on the market is even tougher! The first two weeks after putting your home up for sale are the most crucial. This is when buyers are the most interested in your property. If your home does not sell during this time period, you may need to lower your price.
When buyers see a home with a price that has been lowered, they tend to assume that there is a problem with the house. Avoid this altogether by pricing your home right the first time around. Your listing price should be relevant to today’s current market value. It should be close to the other prices of similar homes for sale in your area. Additionally, it is beneficial to pay attention to price trending. If home prices are beginning to drop, consider pricing your home slightly lower than market value to accommodate for the potential trend. However, if prices are beginning to increase, stay at a current market price.
When preparing your home for a showing, it is important to think about your home’s presentation and curb appeal. Hiring a quality landscaping service, or power washing your entry way can be the boost your home needs to sell at full asking price! Clear out the clutter inside your home before having it photographed, or opening it up to potential buyers. Hire an experienced photographer who will know how to best highlight the features of your home. Lastly, take care of all minor repairs before the showing. Buyers will be looking for imperfections; make sure they will not find any!
For any additional home selling advice, please contact the friendly and experienced real estate professional, Betsy Dittman. Betsy can assist you with your luxury real estate needs in any of the Westside, San Fernando, and Conejo Valley communities.
