The idea is to commit $50 each month to locally owned businesses. Maybe that means rethinking where you currently invest your money, opting to pick up that birthday card or pair of jeans in a locally owned business instead of the big box you’ve been going to. Or maybe it means eating out once a month because you realize slamming the brakes on all spending stalls economic recovery. And it means not shopping online, 99.99999% of online sales generate nothing for the community you live in. It’s just that simple.
Best Regards,
Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GRI GREEN
2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors
Keeping your business and personal life is key to staying sane. But sometimes it can be tricky if they take place under the same roof. So if you are deciding on setting up a home office, or need to renovate, follow these tips from HGTV and Lowe’s:
Draw a line between work and play with your computer: although tempting to use the family computer for business, you should separate the two. It will eliminate the chance of someone deleting an important file.
Install additional phone or cable outlets if needed to accommodate your various office equipment.
Divide the office into 3 sections: the work center, the reference center, and the supply center. Put your desk, computer, and daily necessities in the work center along with a filing cabinet for easy access to important files. Put dictionaries, old print, books, binders, etc in the reference center. The supply center should hold, obviously, all your supplies.
These tips will ensure your home office feels like a space you can get work done in and will separate the personal from professional.
Best Regards,
Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GRI GREEN
2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to be with family, full of rich traditions.
My family and I wake up early and all help in the kitchen. Since they were young the kids loved helping, even if it was simply cracking an egg or stirring a few ingredients together. My mother-in-law always makes the mashed potatoes, she has the best recipe that no one else can seem to re-create. We always have something Italian in the spread of food and eat around 3 in the afternoon. The next day consists of relaxation, a long run, and left-over turkey sandwiches.
What are your family traditions? I'd love to hear them!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, enjoy the time off, and remember to always be Thankful!
Best Regards,
Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GRI GREEN
2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors
The dreaded, or should I say exciting to those who look forward to it all year, Black Friday is upon us again. Mothers and people alike will gather around and countdown until the craze for holiday gift shopping and sale prices begin. Every store has most likely begun to not only mentally, but physically prepare for the determined shopper who will stop at nothing to get their child or themselves the item they most want. It amazes me that some dedicated individuals will wake up at the crack of dawn to stand in line and wait outside of a store as if they are waiting for a new attraction to open at Disneyland. As most of the people begin the countdown, I know I will most likely enjoy sleeping in and relaxing the morning of Black Friday.
For all of those devoted and completely focused Black Friday individuals... I wish you good luck. I know that it may be stressful and you may become overwhelmed by either hostile or over bearing costumers, especially those who are working retail, but just remember to try and remain composed and stay filled with holiday cheer!
Here are some helpful tips on what you can do to make Black Friday a more pleasant experience for you.
1) Plan on shopping in an area where stores are close together.
2) Bring food with you, or allot for a breakfast break
3) Don't go it alone. Bring your spouse, parent, sibling, friend
4) Look at the ads before you set out
Along with those helpful hints, be on the lookout for stores who have decided to one up the other stores and begin their Black Friday prices and sales a few days early in order to relieve some of the stress. Good luck and happy shopping to all of those on the Friday after Thanksgiving ....BLACK FRIDAY!
And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.
According to many reports, Oprah will announce on Friday that she has decided to end her talk show. The show is said to end September 9, 2011--the last day of her current contract.
Oprah is a legend. Her show has changed the lives of thousands. The Queen of Daytime is set to change the landscape of television with her departure.
Do you think this is true? Or will it be a Brett Favre-like retirement only to come back the next season?
Best Regards,
Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GRI GREEN
2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors
Come out and join Laguna Canyon Foundation on a 3.5 mile hike at the Aliso and Wood Canyon's Wilderness Park. For more information call 949-923-2235.
DANA POINT
The Dana Point Turkey Trot is hosting a VIP party kick off at the Ocean Institute tonight from 5:30- 7:30 p.m. For more information call 949-496-1555.
LAGUNA BEACH
Nothing to report.
LAGUNA HILLS
Nothing to report.
LAGUNA NIGUEL
The City Council will meet tonight to discuss the renovation of Crown Valley Community Park Pool which will cost around $390,000. They are considering also purchasing a replacement pool filter system. For more information visit cityoflagunaniguel.org.
RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA
Nothing to report.
SAN CLEMENTE
The City Council will discuss plans for the new community sports park as well as ideas for construction. The sports park will include an aquatics center, lighted sports fields and a miniature golf course.
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
San Juan Hills High School is raising money for their athletic department by selling Christmas trees. Not only can families order a tree for themselves, but they can also purchase a tree for U.S. Marine Corps Families. The deadline to order a tree is on Dec. 5th at the San Juan Hills High School. For more information visit sjhhs.school.loop.com/christmastrees
And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.
CERT Fundraiser: If residents mention "Costa Mesa Cert" while enjoying a meal at Newport Rib Co. twenty percent of the bill will be given to the Costa Mesa Community Emergency Response Team. So go enjoy a meal and help a great cause! For more information visit costamesacert.org.
FOUNTAIN VALLEY
Come enjoy a free popcorn and soda while watching "Holiday" at the Fountain Valley Library. For more information call 714-962-1324.
HUNTINGTON BEACH
Have access to the Huntington Library 24/7 by using its online resources at www.hbpl.org. You can mange your account, access research databases and discover their virtual audio book service.
IRVINE
Nothing to report.
LOS ALAMITOS
The Recreation and Community Service Department will hold a clinic in order to prepare for the Race on the Base. The clinic hopes to offer tips on how to complete the triathlon as well as point out key strategies for staying hydrated and not injuring yourself. Clinics will be held on Saturday Dec. 12th from 10-11:30 a.m. for more information call 562-430-1073.
NEWPORT BEACH
Nothing to report.
ORANGE
Come out and visit Rep. Ed Royce R- Fullerton at his 40th District Open House from 5-8 p.m. Nov. 30th. Ed hopes to answer questions from his constituents and address current issues important to them. For more information call 714-744-4130.
SANTA ANA
In honor of National American Indian Heritage Month, the Civic Center Plaza will be hosting a Native American Dancer named Rodney Howard at 6:30 p.m.
SEAL BEACH
On Nov. 27th at 4 p.m. the Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating its 2nd annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Holiday music, hot chocolate and activities for children will all be provided. Toys for Tots will also be accepting gift donations for the upcoming holiday season. For more information visit sealbeachchamber.org.
TUSTIN
Nothing to report.
VILLA PARK
On Wednesday, the Hooked on Hallmark Ornaments will be hosting their monthly meeting at 6 p.m. For more information visit HoHoClub@cox.net
And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.
The annual Made In California exhibit, part of the City of Brea Gallery, is accepting entries until January 25, 2010. The exhibit will take place March 27, 2010 to May 10, 2010. A wide variety of artists will be attending and prizes will be awarded to the winners. For more information call 714-990-7730 or visit breagallery.com
BUENA PARK
The Mayor is hosting a prayer breakfast Thursday at 7 am at Knott's Berry Farm Resort Hotel. Advance purchasing is required. For more information call 714-236-3860.
CYPRESS
Nothing to report.
FULLERTON
Come celebrate the 100th birthday of the grandfather clock in the Children's Library at 6:30 p.m. November 18, 2009. An array of activities such as puppet shows as well as face-painting will be offered. There will also be a delicious clock shape cake to indulge in! For more information call 714-738-6343.
GARDEN GROVE
In preparation for college, as well as pointers on leadership skills, building money management and financial aid, Sen. Lou Correa's office will be providing workshops sponsored by Pathways to Higher Education from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Coastline Community College. For more information call 714-558-4400.
LA HABRA
On November 26, 2009, Calvary Chapel La Habra will be providing a free Thanksgiving dinner to the public from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information call 714-446-6222.
LA PALMA
Nothing to report.
PLACENTIA
CareMore Care Center had its grand opening on Saturday. The center will provide assistance and medical to seniors. It is located on 1325 N. Rose Drive.
STANTON
Nothing to report.
WESTMINSTER
On December 4, 2009, the Soroptimist International of Westminster will be holding its annual lunch and action beginning at 11:30 a.m. For more information call 909-596-4261.
YORBA LINDA
On December 12, 2009, people are encouraged to come take a walk down "Peppermint Lane" with Santa Claus and his helpers from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Yorba Linda Community Center. Breakfast as well as other entertainment and activities will be offered. For more information call 714-961-7181.
And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.
The traditional holidays Christmas and Thanksgiving are fast approaching, but did you know there is a special holiday or observance for just about any day or month of the year? Here are some TOP 10 WACKIEST HOLIDAY OBSERVANCES
10. International Talk like a Pirate Day
Talk like a Pirate Day is observed on September 19th every year and it’s always a fun holiday to celebrate. This holiday encourages you to talk like a pirate all day. Refer to your friends or others as maties. Or throw in random pirate language in your everyday speaking like ahoy or aye aye or arrrr!!! There is a whole new vocabulary to learn when talking like a pirate so make sure you are prepared by going to the official talk like a pirate day web site. They even have a countdown to the next Talk Like a Pirate Day. They take their holiday very seriously!
9. Go for Broke Day
Go for Broke Day is always observed on April 5th each year. Go for Broke Day is the day to put it all on the line, take a chance, place a bet, roll the dice and take a risk. It could be money or love. It could be taking a new job or initiating a risky project. Many of us go about our daily lives playing it safe, just floating through life and not really taking that many big chances. If you are overly conservative or hardly ever take chances then this is the day to let loose and put it all out there. You just might have an exhilirating experience if you take a chance on something. If you can get up the courage to take a risk, then put it all out there and go for broke!
8. National Sarcastics Month
National Sarcastics Month is observed for the whole month of October. You can observe this wacky holiday by being as sarcastic as you can be. Go ahead and try it out! You will also be made aware of how sarcasm can affect others when you are being sarcastic with others or they are sarcastic with you. Some people take this type of humor nicely and others really don’t care for it, so be careful who you choose to be sarcastic with.
7. International Moment of Frustration Scream Day
This holiday is observed on October 12th every year. On this day every year you can share your frustrations with all the citizens of the world. You are encouraged to go outside at twelve hundred hours Greenwich time and scream for a solid thirty seconds. Screaming can make you feel better when you are frustrated. I’m seriously thinking about observing this holiday every time I get frustrated from now on! This holiday was created by Thomas & Ruth Roy under the name of Wellcat Holidays & Herbs.
6. National Whiners Day
National Whiners Day is observed on December 26th each year. As you can imagine this is the day to whine about anything and everything in life or whatever. If you’re already a whiner this will come easy for you. For someone who’s not usually a whiner, find something that’s annoying you and whine incessantly about it. You may not be able to change it, but you can gripe and whine your heart out about it today. Go ahead and whine because no one can blame you for whining like a baby today.
5. International Panic Day
International Panic Day is always observed on June 18th and is a day for everyone to be worried and concerned. There is no one reason that is provided for the panic, just that this is the day to observe widespread and mass panic. There is also a Panic Day that is observed in March.
4. Blame Someone Else Day
You can celebrate this day on the first Friday the 13th of the year. This is the day of the year where you can take every mistake you’ve ever made and put the blame on someone else. Go ahead, blame the Democrats, the Republicans or anyone in between. Find someone to blame for everything you’ve ever done poorly or started and never finished. Be careful though because remember others can blame you for their shortcomings this day too. Once this day passes it’s all your fault again, so remember to use Blame Someone Else Day wisely!
3. Have a Bad Day Day
Have a Bad Day Day is always observed on November 19th each year. Have a Bad Day Day is observed by encouraging people to wish other people to have a bad day. Instead of saying have a good day all the time, this is the one day a year when it’s okay to instead say “Have a bad day!”. So, I hope you have a bad day!
2. Get a Different Name Day
Get a different name day is for people who do not like their name or the name that was given to them at brith. That’s okay, because you didn’t have a choice at birth, you had to go with whatever your parents gave you. If you like your name that’s great. But if you don’t like your name, then this day is definitely for you. Take advantage of the day and change your name. Get a Different Name Day is actually a copyrighted holiday. Even if you like your name you could still changed it up on this day just for fun. Get a Different Name Day is observed on February 13th every year.
1. National Inane Answering Message Day
Observed on January 30th every year, this holiday encourages you on this day to bring an end to all of the mindless and endlessly long answering machine messages that annoy and waste the time of callers. Or, you could leave a long, drawn out, insane message on your machine this day. The choice is up to you.
Written by Amanda Haddix
ENJOY!
Best Regards,
Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GRI GREEN
2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
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