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September 26th, 2014 at 10:31 am

Apple-picking

It’s harvest time again in Southern California, and that means apples are ripe for the picking. Before you head to the orchards for some hands-on fruit shopping, follow these common-sense tips and tricks:

  1. Research your orchards. Determine what you want out of your orchard – organic, low-spray, etc. Don’t hesitate to call the managers and ask about pesticides.
  2. Pack snacks or lunch. Never assume because you’re going to an orchard that food will be available. Stay on the safe side and pack snacks or a lunch.
  3. Plan for the weather. Will it be sunny? Bring sunscreen. Will it be rainy? Pack an umbrella or rain jacket.
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September 25th, 2014 at 5:24 pm

CEO David Cabot will be a special guest on “Real Estate Forensics”  this Friday, September 26th. The show is hosted by Mike Taylor, luxury properties director. He will be sharing the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties story as well as information about the company’s past, present and future!

When:
Friday, September 26th
9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

How to listen:
Tune in at AM 1450 or by visiting www.financialnewsandtalk.com.

 

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September 25th, 2014 at 11:00 am

Join celebrity judge Cheryl Tiegs for an evening of cocktails, wine and delicious cuisine followed by a not-to-miss fashion show in Laguna Niguel. The Colton Company is hosting its eighth annual Designer Runway Show, which benefits the Illumination Foundation, on October 2, 2014. Proceeds from the benefit go to cost-effective solutions to advance housing stability for homeless families and individuals in need. The event showcases top Orange County interior and fashion designers.

Where:
Laguna Design Center/The Colton Company
23811 Aliso Creek Road, Suite 105
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
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September 25th, 2014 at 10:00 am

Everyone likes to save money, especially if the savings can be deducted directly from your utility bill. When you move into a new home (or if you haven’t done so in your current home), address the home’s energy efficiency. A few small repairs or fixes could save you hundreds of dollars per year. Try some of the tips below and watch your utility bill shrink.

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  • Check your home for leaks. Check the attic, basement, crawlspace, windows and doors. Use caulk to seal any cracks and gaps.
  • Inspect your heating and cooling systems. Older systems can be a black hole sucking the money right out of your pockets. Upgrade your heating and cooling system and you could save hundreds of dollars.
  • Lower your water heater temperature to 120 degrees for best results. If your heater is set too high, it can eat up as much as 25 percent of your energy costs.
  • Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights, which use 75 percent less energy and last longer.
  • Install dimmer switches on indoor lights and timers on motion sensors.
  • Upgrade your appliances with energy-efficient models.
  • Unplug electronic devices you’re not using.
  • Install a programmable thermostat to manage your heating and cooling system.
  • Skip the heated dry on your dishwasher cycle or air-dry your dishes.
  • Wash only full loads of laundry.
  • Switch your ceiling fan to turn in a counterclockwise direction in the summer; in the winter, run it at low speed, but clockwise.
  • Change and clean your furnace/AC’s air filters at least once a month.
  • Block the sun with drapes and shades during the day.
  • Plant trees around the sunny side of your home to provide shade.

 

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September 24th, 2014 at 11:30 am

Cutting-Board

What’s the one item you use almost every day in your kitchen?

Your butcher block and cutting board.

If it isn’t the most-used item, it’s likely high up on your list. If you have a wood cutting board or butcher block, you likely know how much damage they can sustain. However, when cared for properly, these wooden pieces can last a lifetime or longer. Wood surfaces show dirt and blemishes much quicker than the plastic variety. To keep your wood surfaces intact, start by knowing when to use them. Avoid using your wood block to cut raw meat or poultry. Keep a few plastic cutting boards in your kitchen for these types of projects. Use your wood block for cutting cooked meats, fruit and vegetables.
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