6 Things to Do with your Halloween Candy Surplus - 10/31/10 01:50 PM

Are you dreading the mounds and mounds of Halloween candy your children will bring home Halloween night? Or, those extra bags of candy you bought "just in case we get more trick-or-treaters than last year." If you are wondering what to do with your Halloween candy surplus read on.
Donate It
The deployed men and women of the U.S. forces are in continual need of care and comfort packages. Donate your individually wrapped hard candy (Skittles, Tootsie Rolls, Twizzlers) to www.operationcareandcomfort.org  and help bring joy to our American military. Chocolate can be sent October through February.
Recycle It
Recycle your extra … (4 comments)

50 Fun Things To Do in Ventura County For The Holidays - Veteran's Day at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library - 10/28/10 05:13 PM
 
50 Fun Things to do in Ventura County
Ventura County Good Old Fashioned Family Fun Series
#11 Veteran's Day at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
 
 
Looking for a fun, educational way to spend your Veteran's Day? Want to see cannons and artillery displays? Hear and see a live C-17 flyover? Take pictures of your children in a military humvee? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the Veteran's Day Event at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is perfect for you.
 
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
40 Presidential Drive
Simi Valley, CA 93065
November 11th, … (0 comments)

Halloween Safety Tips For Your Pets - 10/27/10 02:21 PM
Halloween is a fun time of year; we have parties to attend, and trick or treaters to buy for. Scary Decorations to put up, and fall plants to buy. But, let's not forget our furry, four-legged friends this Halloween, and what we can do to keep them safe and happy. Here are a few Halloween safety tips for your pets courtesy of ASPCA.
1. Keep the treat bowl away from Fluffy and Spot. Chocolate in all forms can be dangerous for cats and dogs. Dark and baking chocolate are especially dangerous. Artificial sweeteners found in many candies can also cause problems … (1 comments)

Who Wants to Live in Prestigious Westlake Village, CA? - 10/27/10 01:48 AM
Who wants to live in Prestigious Westlake Village, CA? YOU DO! Or maybe someone you know! This is a fabulous French-County inspired home JUST REDUCED $60,000 today! Please kick back and enjoy the virtual tour - you'll be glad you did! 5,200+ s.f. estate home situated on a large lot in the gated community of "The Signature Collection" at North Ranch in Westlake Village - Thousand Oaks, CA. Get ready for Elegance!
… (4 comments)

Thousand Oaks Free Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program - 10/25/10 04:51 PM
If you are a Thousand Oaks resident (or an unincorporated Ventura County resident) with household hazardous waste that needs to be disposed of, check out Thousand Oaks monthly collection program. This free program regularly serves over 300 people and collect up to 30,000 pounds of toxic waste that may have otherwise been placed in the trash or illegally dumped. The next collection date is scheduled for November 6th.
Getting started is easy. Follow the following 5 steps.
1. Review Material Accepted (at the end of this blog).
2. Verify you are a resident.
3. Schedule an appointment at http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e2zq0f35b95e1113&llr=vptqcqdab .
4. On the … (0 comments)

50 Fun Things To Do in Ventura County For The Holidays - Ghost Tour in Strathearn Park - 10/25/10 04:19 PM
50 Fun Things to Do in Ventura County for the Holidays - Series
#10: Ghost Tour in Strathern Park
Interested in some ghoulish fun, and learn the history of Simi Valley, California in one shot? Then..The Ghost Tour in Strathearn Park is perfect for you. Now in it's 12th spooky year, The Ghost Tour is a family friendly event that is appropriate for all ages. It is not a haunted house, but rather a walking tour that explains the history of Simi Valley in an entertaining way by those who created it. Strathearn Historical Park and Museum is owned and maintained … (2 comments)

Pay It Forward: Imagine a World Without Cancer - American Cancer Society's "Relay for Life" this weekend in Moorpark, CA - 10/19/10 03:31 PM
Imagine a world without cancer...
Please join me this Saturday evening at 5:00PM to walk in the

"RELAY FOR LIFE" in Moorpark at Royal High School
Our team is called "Rockin' for the Cure!"
Join Prudential California Realty's relay team headed up by Gayla Bruin
Office Coordinator of the Prudential California North Ranch office.
Round the Clock walkers will experience one of the most touching and beneficial experiences as we "walk for the cure" around the track at Royal High School. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe … (5 comments)

50 Fun Things To Do in Ventura County For The Holidays - Halloween Family Festival - 10/18/10 12:29 PM
50 Fun Things to Do in Ventura County For the Holidays #9
 Gull Wings Children's Museum 
Halloween Family Festival
 
Gull Wings Children's Museum, founded in 1986 is the only children's museum in Ventura County. Some of their many educational programs for children include: space exploration, science, public safety careers, California ecosystems, and coastal conservation.
Come out, and show your support by attending their annual Halloween Family Festival! Unique events like the Root Beer Garden, Fishing Derby, and Police and Fire Safety demonstrations are sure to be a big hit with the entire family. Also enjoy the pumpkin decorating contest, Halloween costume … (3 comments)

Single-Story 4 Bedroom Home for Lease in Moorpark, CA - 10/17/10 07:44 PM
The best little rental house in Moorpark, California. Who doesn't want to live here? Charming, remodeled home for lease and it's available NOW! Just $3000 per month. Home was updated a few years ago with tile, new fixtures, carpet, paint, crown molding, granite, landscaping and more!
4216 Colibri Ct is ready for you to move into this week!
… (2 comments)

Are the Borrowers to Blame for The Glut of Foreclosures? - 10/17/10 07:21 PM
Marte Cliff from Idaho brings up an interesting question on ActiveRain's Real Estate blog. "Are Borrowers to Blame?". Much grinding of teeth and finger pointing from and in every direction has gone on. I think the biggest issue is not whether borrowers are to blame, but how to get the borrowers working again and the economy moving so we can all afford our homes!
Via Marte Cliff (Marte Cliff Copywriting):
The crisis caused by millions of foreclosures has caused enough finger-pointing to last most of us a lifetime, and despite it all, there is no one “culprit” that can be blamed for everything … (0 comments)

New Westlake Village, CA ESTATE listing with a new LISTING TOOL! - 10/17/10 06:16 PM
This fabulous Country French Estate in Westlake Village, California is ready to welcome you as the the happy new owners! 2034 Waterside Circle, Westlake Village, CA, 91362 is immaculate and waiting for you to call it your new home. Beautiful 4 bedroom + office + bonus room, 5 bath, 5300 SF home on a large, private property is located behind the gates at the Signature Collection, n prestigous North Ranch area of Westlake Village, CA. This home has everything the livable-elegance that will compliment your lifestyle.
What to do in Westlake Village, Conejo Valley and Ventura County areas of Southern California? … (0 comments)

50 Fun Things To Do in Ventura County For The Holidays - Day of the Dead Community Celebration - 10/14/10 05:15 PM
Don't let the name spook you! This community event is fun for the whole family.

The Museum of Ventura County is holding their 10th Annual Day of the Dead Community Celebration for families. The Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, is a festive celebration that focuses on the importance of the arts, and creating art that celebrates the memory of those the living have lost.
There will be mariachi music, dancers, craft activities, face painting, art and altars. The best part...this event is free, and the museum has free entrance all day, until 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, October … (0 comments)

Ever Wonder if Your Favorite Restaurant is Clean? - 10/13/10 10:48 PM
You walk into a restaurant, and the place seems a little dirty, or maybe there is an odor. Have you ever thought to yourself, "I wonder if this place is clean, OK to eat at?" We have all heard the old saying, "take a look at the bathroom to get a glimpse of how clean the kitchen is," but...is this always the case? Not always.
To find out if your favorite restaurant, or maybe the one your meeting friends at on Saturday night makes the grade, visit your local health department's website for their latest inspection results. You can view the … (4 comments)

Who Pays for Escrow and Title Fees in Southern California? - 10/13/10 08:45 PM
Local custom helps buyers, sellers, lenders and servicers negotiate the fees charged in a real estate transaction. Who pays for escrow and title fees in Southern California?
Here is what is customary for Good Faith real estate fees in  Ventura County, California Real Estate. (Remember, each transaction is different and many fees are negotiable. Mutual agreement in the purchase contract, lender requirements and real estate law also play a role in how many and how much!)
SELLER-PAID FEES:
Real Estate Commission Owners Title Insurance Policy 1/2 of Sub-escrow fee 1/2 of Escrow fee (or each pays their own) Document preparation … (2 comments)

50 Fun Things To Do in Ventura County For The Holidays - World BookFest - 10/13/10 12:06 AM
 
Ventura County Good Old Fashioned Family Fun Series #7
World BookFest
A Multicultural Children's Fair
 
Looking to add a little culture to your little one's routine. Look no further than the World BookFest in Camarillo. Enjoy Keoloha & Co. Polynesian dancers, Guatemalan Folksinger Chelito, UPS Ballet Folklorico Dance Group, Ventura Senior Readers Theater, Folksinger T.J. Zeiler, and Authors Barbara Jean Hicks and Amada Irna Perez.
Bring a blanket, healthy snack or lunch, and stay to enjoy all of the great entertainers mentioned above. Your children will love the multicultural experience.
Admission is free with book giveaways!
November 6th
9 … (2 comments)

Live in Prestigious Westlake Village, CA for just $259,000!!! - 10/12/10 01:58 AM
… (5 comments)

Choosing the Right Breed of Dog for You! - 10/11/10 06:31 PM
Choosing the right breed for you, your family, and your surroundings is essential for the long term happiness of all parties involved. Man's best friend can quickly turn into man's biggest irritation if a mismatch occurs. Here is a quick list of canine breeds, and their best attributes courtesy of marthastewart.com. 
Good with Children
Beagle, Basset Hound, Bearded Collie, Beauceron
Apartment and Small Homes
Boston Terrier, Brussels Griffon, Bulldog, Chihuahua
Calm Companions
Basset Hound, Bergamasco, Bulldog, Bullmastiff
Hypoallergenic 
Bichon Frise, Chinese Crested, Irish Water Spaniel, Maltese
All-American Dog Breeds
American Bulldog, Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog
Happy doggie searching!
Looking for the … (4 comments)

Could you live in a house smaller than a large closet? - 10/09/10 04:30 PM
For Sale: Energy Efficient 0 BR / 0 BA , 89SF, single family (of 1) home. Dual pane window. Super efficient floor plan. Listed at $38,977 = $439 SF.
(Thanks for letting me re-blog, Chrissy!)
Via Chrissy Doremus ~ U.S. Inspect ~ Home Inspections (U.S. Inspect):
In the past, we've looked at the largest house in the world. What about the smallest?  How about eighty-nine square feet? It's not a rambling ranch for a family of five, but it is the home of Jay Shafer, an artist builder, who since childhood has dreamed of building this small house. And so he built … (6 comments)

Single-Story Home for Lease in Moorpark, CA - 10/08/10 07:58 PM
… (0 comments)

50 Fun Things To Do in Ventura County For The Holidays - Costume Exchange - 10/08/10 02:03 PM

Ventura County Good Old Fashioned Family Fun Series #6
Halloween Costume Exchange

 
Calling all Ventura County Parents! Looking for a way to exchange your child's Halloween costume from last year, and save a little dough? Look no further than OaksParent.com 4th annual Halloween Costume Exchange.
Saturday, October 9th from 2:00-3:30 p.m.
The SWAP will begin at 2:30 Sharp!
Horizon Hills School
33 Greta Street
Thousand Oaks                    
Bring your gently used, newborn to size 6 Halloween costumes on a hanger, and place any accessories in a bag. You will … (2 comments)

Price Dropped $40K! Open House Sunday, Oct 10, 1:00 - 4:00 PM, 2034 Waterside Circle, Westlake Village, CA - Fabulous Country French Estate! Now $1,560,000 - 10/08/10 11:34 AM
… (4 comments)

50 Fun Things To Do in Ventura County For The Holidays - Spooky S'mores - 10/07/10 03:21 PM
Ventura County Good Old-Fashioned Family Fun Series #5
Spooky S'mores
 
Gooey, sticky s'mores made over an open fire...a fall must have for children (and adults) of all ages. The Conejo Parks and Recreation is hosting a Spooky S'mores hike on October 16, 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks. This moderate hike, recommended for children over 3 years of age, takes you into Wildwood Canyon to a campfire-perfect for roasting marshmallows. Learn about bats, hear Halloween stories, and make yummy s'mores!
Costumes are welcome!
The fee to register online at www.crpd.org is $8.00 per person. Class code #4418.4101. For more … (1 comments)

Shining a light on a Home Selling issue. - 10/06/10 10:40 PM
It's almost Halloween and here's a Great Tool for locating that mysterious offending ghost-like odor in a room! THE BLACK LIGHT for $20! I'm totally buying this.. First of all, I'm using it in my own house, Thank you to Molly, Maggie & Sissy, my Havanese dogs.. Then I'm using it in a couple of my listings.. The possibilities are endless! Ahhh Haaa, hoo hee, Thanks for letting me reblog this smelly situation!
For all your Real Estate Needs in Ventura County, California
Kathy Smiley :)
Prudential California Realty
(805) 497-7804
FOLLOW MY BLOG AT www.KathySmiley.com
 
Via Ginger Foust-Home Stager Oakhurst … (3 comments)

Abandoned Foreclosure Animals Create Health Problems - 10/06/10 09:27 PM
I had to pass this particular blog along. The fact that some animals are being abandoned when homeowners leave a foreclosed property is not only disturbing, it's illegal.  This is a plea to all who read this: If you even suspect a neighbor has abandoned an animal in Ventura County, please call Animal Control (805) 388-4341 or 1-888-223-PETS. There is also an Animal Rescue in Simi Valley that has a weekly pet adoption at Petsmart every Saturday.  Please spay and neuter your own pets, and be aware of your neighbor's pets. Ahh. My little furry one's are begging for a walk - so on with … (3 comments)

Home Selling and Fresh Baked Apple Pie - 10/06/10 02:08 PM
MMM...Apple Pie! There is nothing like the smell of fresh baked apple pie. Numerous studies have shown that our sense of smell can influence our decisions, even big purchasing decisions. With that said, the next time you are showing your home to prospective buyers consider baking an apple pie beforehand. The delicious smell just might make the deal. Here is a family recipe for apple pie courtesy of Jack Creek Farms in Templeton, Ca. 
 

 
Sunday Supper Apple Pie
6 to 8 medium tart pie apples (peeled, cored & sliced)¾ cup to 1 cup sugar¼ cup flour2 tbsp butter½ … (0 comments)

50 Fun Things To Do in Ventura County For The Holidays - 10/06/10 11:06 AM
Ventura County Good Old Fashioned Fun Blog Series #4
Boo at the Zoo
 
Tricks, treats, and tigers are just a few of the fun things to enjoy at America's Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College. Your little ghosts and goblins can celebrate Halloween this year among the zoo's many exotic animals. This zoo is the perfect size for younger children, offering many up close and personal exhibits. Other activities include special Halloween themed shows, costume contest, trick or treating, and crafts for the kids.
Boo at the Zoo is offered October 30-31, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adults $5. $4 for … (0 comments)

50 Fun Things To Do in Ventura County For The Holidays - 10/05/10 06:35 PM
Ventura County Good Old-Fashioned Family Fun Blog Series #3
PumpkinLiner Vintage Train Ride

 
All aboard...For an exciting twist to the traditional pumpkin patch visit, catch a ride aboard Fillmore and Western Railroad Company's vintage PumpkinLiner. This old fashioned train takes you through the groves of Heritage Valley to a private pumpkin patch named "ICHABOG" located at Loose Caboose Garden. Here you and your family can pumpkin hunt until you hear that last call train whistle...Pumpkins start at $1.00.
The Loose Caboose Garden and Gift Emporium also offers jolly jumps, a carousel, arts and craft vendors, garden art, koi ponds, … (6 comments)

What is Loss Mitigation? - 10/05/10 01:38 PM
 
Great article by Jason Gordon explains exactly what Loss Mitigation is, and how the decisions made by lenders have such a huge impact on the real estate market. There are many decision the lender can make when a borrower is late or unable to make current payments. Each decision will either help solve the problem or sets off a chain reaction of events. Very informative! Thank you Jason!
Best, Kathy Smiley
Prudential California Realty
Westlake Village, CA 91362
www.KathySmileyHomes.com
 
Via Jason E. Gordon (Primary Residential Mortgage Inc):
While basic understanding of the "book smarts" within the mortgage industry will help … (0 comments)

50 Fun Things To Do in Ventura County For The Holidays - 10/04/10 07:57 PM
Ventura County Good Old-Fashioned Family Fun Blog #2
Fall Storytime at the Newbury Park Branch Library
 

Spend quality time with your family, and capture their love of reading this fall season at the Newbury Park Branch Library, located at 2331 Borchard Road in Newbury Park. The library has taken all the fun things about fall, and created a seasonal storytelling series that will warm your loved ones hearts. Here are the fun details.
Fall Fun for Babies and Toddlers (Ages 18-36 months)
Thursdays, 10:30-11:10 a.m. October 14, 21, 28; November 4
Apples and pumpkins, falling leaves and chilly nights. … (2 comments)

Updated Home for Lease in Moorpark, CA - 10/03/10 02:29 AM
… (1 comments)

Find Investors: THE CASE FOR REAL ESTATE - 10/03/10 01:40 AM
Real Estate is a Great Investment , Right Here, Right Now! This is a super well-written blog post explaining the mechanics of the market relative to an INVESTOR'S perspective. This clarifies why inevitably increasing interest rates and future inflation underscore the value of investing in the market NOW. Buy real estate now! Buy real estate often!
Via Patrick Dague (Get Investors Now):
It is not difficult to find investors for real estate in the current market.
Interest rates are at an all time low. Certificates of Deposit (CD) and savings accounts earn a meager 1.5 percent or less. Under such circumstances, investors would … (4 comments)

Open House Sunday, Oct 3, 1:00 - 4:00 PM, 2034 Waterside Circle, Westlake Village, CA - Fabulous Country French Estate! $1,599,900 - 10/02/10 02:51 PM
… (1 comments)

Neighborhood Assistance Corp of America job is helping homeowners restructure loans - 10/02/10 02:15 PM

Neighborhood Assistance Corp of America (NACA) is a non-profit group dedicated to affordable home ownership. They played a big role in exposing predatory lending practices.
NACA is hosting a "Save the Dream" Tour at the LA Convention Center this weekend, 24/7 until Monday night. INFORMATION about the tour. There will be another tour stop in Sacramento October 8 - 12 at the Sacramento Expo Pavillion.
The NACA solution to foreclosure is to "restructure the existing mortgage" by permanently reducing the interest rate to achieve an affordable mortgage payment. A mortgage restructure is not a refinance that requires eligibility for a … (1 comments)

Save the Dream Tour at LA Convention Center from til Monday - 10/01/10 02:32 AM
Thousands of homeowners trying to receive relief from too-high mortgage payments are descending on the LA Convention Center between now and Monday. Bringing pay stubs, mortgage documents, credit reports and letters from their lenders, homeowners are hopeful they will get an answer to their mortgage payment problems on the the same day.  It is a a free, five-day, around-the-clock mortgage modification bonanza, and has hundreds of counselors bank representative.
You must be able to verify your income and be prepared with your financial documents. If you can pull this information together and get down to the convention center, you could get … (6 comments)

Carpinteria Avocado Festival- A Fun Time For All! - 10/01/10 01:58 AM
 
Thanks Sylvia Miller for posting this article about the Avocoado Festival in Caprinteria, CA. Carpinteria is just about 45 minutes north of the Conejo Valley (Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Newbury Park, Moorpark, Simi Valley, Camarillo). It is a charming community on the coast and just about 2o minutes from Santa Barbara!!
 
Via Sylvia E. Miller (Coastal Properties):
Now that the beautiful summer weather has hit the central coast, there are lots of great activities to participate in on the weekends. For the first weekend of October, the fine people of Carpinteria (of which I am one) will host … (3 comments)

 
Real Estate News and Living from Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks and the rest of the Conejo Valley, California. Including the cities of Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills and Newbury Park. Welcome to "The City in the Country!"' (that is soo corny - but it's great that we are just 20 miles from LA, yet still a small town, ... home of Lake Sherwood.. home of Westlake Lake.. GREAT LIFESTYLE! ,,, shhh.. don't tell anyone...""


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