Home for the Holidays

December 2018

e h t r o f Home

Holidays

A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers

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Mike Lippi 916.341.7844

Sindy Kirsch 916.730.7705 Jeanine Roza 916.548.5799

Sue Olson 916.601.8834

Melanie Conover 916.451.4972 o

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Tim Comstock 916.548.7102

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Rich Cazneaux 916.212.4444

Jared Cartwright 916.936.0090

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Steffan Brown 916.717.7217

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“The Coldwell Banker Sacramento Metro office and our beloved pets wish you Happy Holidays!”

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Home for the Holidays • December 2018 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

The history of holiday lights Holiday celebrants employ holiday lights in various ways. Certain individuals may be content to hang lights on their Christmas trees and call their decorating complete.

Others may get their holiday jollies by making sure each square inch of their home is covered in twinkling lights. Still, other people prefer the more subdued effect of lights framing one picture window of the house.

The tradition of Christmas lights stretches back to early modern Germany when people used candles to decorate Christmas trees in Christian homes. Those candles were harbingers of what would come when electric lights replaced gas and other open flame illuminating devices that were commonplace prior to the 20th century.

Thomas Edison, the inventor of the first successful practical light bulb, also created the first strand of electric lights that would be used in holiday decorating. By 1880, Edison had standard incandescent light bulbs well sorted out and desired a way to better advertise his invention, so he decided to make the most of the holiday season and

put his light bulbs on display. According to a 2003 article in American Heritage magazine titled “The Wizard of Your Christmas Tree,” Edison strung incandescent bulbs all around the compound of his Menlo Park, NJ, laboratory. Edison constructed an eightmile underground wiring system in order to power this grand light display. Because the laboratory was situated along the railroad that passed between Manhattan and Philadelphia, thousands of people were able to see the display.

The concept of electric holiday lights took a bit of time to catch on. Edison’s friend and associate Edward Johnson was tasked with stringing together colored lights in 1882 and placing them on an evergreen tree. Johnson hand-wired 80 red, white and blue light bulbs. In 1895, President Grover Cleveland requested the White House family Christmas tree be illuminated by multi-colored electric light bulbs.

In 1903, when General Electric began to offer pre-assembled kits of holiday lights, stringed lights were reserved for the wealthy

and electrically savvy. For example, in 1903 a single string of electric lights cost $12, or around $300 today.

It would take several more years before holiday lights became a national tradition.

On Christmas Eve 1923, President Calvin Coolidge began the country’s celebration of Christmas by lighting the National Christ-

mas Tree on the Ellipse located south of the White House with 3,000 electric lights.

Today, illuminated strands of lights have become a large part of holiday celebrations and have even been adopted for use during various year-round events. Such lights can be a beautiful and festive addition to many celebrations.

To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • December 2018 • Home for the Holidays

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Greet guests with a homemade concoction Adults tasked with hosting friends and family at home may want to serve up a homemade concoction for their adult guests.

The following recipe for “Jamaican Punch” from Elise Petersen-Schepelern’s “Cool Smoothies” (Ryland, Peters & Small) can be just the thing to set parties apart.

Jamaican Punch

Serves about 16 to 20 6 limes (3 juiced, 3 sliced) 1⁄2 bottle ginger wine 1 bottle wine rum or vodka Sugar, to taste 3 lemons, sliced 1 starfruit (carambola), sliced (optional) 1 pineapple, cut lengthwise into long wedges, then crosswise into triangles Sprigs of mint, to serve Put the lime juice, ginger wine, rum or vodka, and sug-

ar into a pitcher and stir until the sugar dissolves.

Fill a punch bowl with ice, add the sliced fruit, and pour the ginger wine mixture over. Stir well and serve with sprigs of mint.

CalDRE# 00457955

The man behind the beard Every Christmas Eve, children go to bed eagerly anticipating a visit from Santa Claus. This merry gentleman is purported to visit the home of every good girl and boy, delivering gifts and cheer along the way.

Before the modern evolution of Santa Claus lived a very real and generous individual named Nicholas. In the third century, Nicholas served as the Bishop of Myrna in present-day Turkey. He had a reputation for secret gift-giving, believing that giving should be done secretly and sacrificially in Jesus Christ’s name rather than one’s own.

Stories tell of Nicholas paying the dowry for poor daughters to enable them to get married. He reportedly put coins in the shoes of those who left them out for him.

It is believed Nicholas helped to restore the hope of hundreds of people in his community, making him a beloved and revered Bishop. Throughout his ministry, Nicholas fervently shared his life and fortune with others.

Nicholas continued to be revered and commemorated by many Christians even after his death. His charity and unselfish works helped inspire generations of the faithful, and he eventually was named the patron saint of everyone from merchants to sailors to pawnbrokers.

No one really knows what St. Nicholas looked like. But in 2005, a forensic laboratory in England reviewed historical data and photographs of the remains taken from St. Nicholas’ grave in the 1950s. Researchers concluded that he was a small man, perhaps no more than five feet in height, with a broken nose.

This image certainly does not fit with the robust frame and other imagery awarded St. Nicholas in more modern years. St. Nicholas is believed to be the inspiration for Santa Claus, which was a name taken from the Dutch Sinterklaas, a contracted form of Sint Nicolass, or St. Nicholas.

Tales of the real St. Nicholas’ giving spirit were blended with a fictional personification by New York-based newspaper writers who blended the St. Nicholas name

with the appearance of a Dutch town citizen. The goal was to reach out to the primarily Dutch immigrants living in New York at the time. This jolly elf image was given a boost by the publication of “A Visit From St. Nicholas,” which was published around the same time.

Eventually, the merry Santa Claus portrayal began to outshine the more accurate St. Nicholas version as a religious man, fostered by political drawings and caricatures that depicted Santa as a chubby sort in a red suit. That image prevails to this day.

Beneath the Christmas symbolism, the beard and the presents associated with Santa Claus lies a tale of generosity that originated with St. Nicholas.

SEASONS GREETINGS! Steffan Brown • 916-717-7217 • SteffanBrown.com

Thank You For a Wonderful

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2018!

Wishing you the joy of family, the gift of friends, and the best of everything in the new year.

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Home for the Holidays • December 2018 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

Gifts for holiday hosts

The season of entertaining is in full swing, with family, friends and coworkers gathering at various locales to enjoy some holiday spirit together.

When celebrating the holidays, it is customary to offer hosts a token of appreciation. During the season of giving, it may be challenging to find a gift that stands out in the crowd. However, some of the best gifts for hosts focus on their love of entertaining family and friends.

• Music speaker: Music often is an integral part of entertaining, but not every party host is equipped with a stellar sound system. Today’s Bluetooth-enabled music speakers run the gamut from handheld options to speakers that combine mood lighting with sound to large units. Shoppers can find speakers that suit the space hosts

have to work with and ones that won’t bust shoppers’ budgets.

• Bar tools: Toasting the season (or any occasion) is par for the course at a party or gettogether. Avid entertainers can benefit from having new bar tools, such as mixers and serving glasses, to make sure guests’ cups are never empty.

• Party games: Keeping guests content often involves having plenty of beverages and food available. However, for the hosts who want to go above and beyond, game night or other entertainment-based activities can add flair to special events. Board games, physical games (like horseshoes or bean bag tosses), games for video gaming systems, and even karaoke machines can fit the bill.

• Cake stand or serviceware: Hosts may want to put foods on display, and a decadent cake stand or serving plate will make occasions more glamorous.

• Spa gift certificate: Hosting can be hard work. After the guests have come and gone, hosts will no doubt need some time to rest and recuperate. This can be achieved more easily with a gift card to a nearby spa or massage therapist.

• Cleaning service: The gift of a cleaning service saves hosts from having to do the post-party cleanup, and giving such a gift in advance of the party can be the helping hand hosts need as the chore list grows in the days before the party. Holiday hosts open their homes to a bevy of guests. Invitees can show their appreciation by gifting their gracious hosts with something special.

Tom Leonard | 834-1681 Tom.Leonard@CBNorcal.com CalDRE#01714895

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To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • December 2018 • Home for the Holidays

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Save energy with holiday decorations The holiday season allows people to transform their homes into wonderlands of lights, garlands and poinsettias. Each family has its own holiday traditions, and decorations are a part of many of those traditions.

Decorations might be awe-inspiring, but those that include lights often lead to substantially higher energy bills. Fortunately, there are ways for homeowners, whether they prefer subtle displays or more over-the-top arrangements, to save money and still celebrate the holiday season in style.

• Switch to more efficient lights. A great way to ensure holiday displays consume less energy is to change the bulbs being strung.

Incandescent lights can use 80 to 90 percent more energy than LED lights. Gradually replace older light strands with newer, energyefficient LEDs. Not only do LEDs require less energy, but they also can last longer than incandescent bulbs, meaning you won’t have to replace them as frequently as more traditional bulbs. Furthermore, lower wattage usage means you can attach more strands of lights together safely.

• Use timers. Timers can be set to turn lights on and off at specific times, ensuring lights aren’t turning on during the daytime or being left on into the night by forgetful homeowners. Timers also are a good safety precaution.

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A dark house that is normally lit up can advertise to thieves that no one is home. When lights turn on with a timer, it will create the illusion that it is business as usual in your residence.

• Use homemade decorations. You also can save energy and money by recycling materials into holiday décor. Trim branches from trees and use them in vases for an instant wintry look. Prune an evergreen on your property and make your own wreath with some wire and twine. Shop yard sales for gently used decorations that still have years of utility left.

Sew ornaments from scraps of fabric or clothing that no longer fits. Each of these ideas reduces reliance on manufactured decorations that consume energy during production and fuel while being transported from factories to store shelves.

• Rely on extension cords. You can extend the length of displays without using more lights by spacing out light strands with extension cords. Intersperse spotlights to add attention to key elements of your display as well.

• Turn off interior lights. If a Christmas tree is illuminating a front window, turn off the lights in your home, as the tree may provide enough light to make a living room or den extra cozy.

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Home for the Holidays • December 2018 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

Lighting is a key component of curb appeal Curb appeal can affect prospective buyers’ perception of a home. When addressing curb appeal, homeowners may be inclined to focus on features that are easily seen from the street during the day.

But what can a homeowner do to improve on his or her home’s nighttime aesthetic?

Outdoor lighting is one aspect of curb appeal that is often overlooked, advises the home improvement experts at The Spruce. Homeowners may fail to recognize the importance of how proper illumination can provide their homes with a warm glow and make it look beautiful after the sun has set. For example, think of how cozy and

inviting neighborhoods appear during the holiday season when homes are strung with twinkling lights. Homeowners can replicate that look all year long with lighting elements.

Lighting for evening hours also helps maintain a safe environment for people who are visiting the property. Illuminating walkways and doorways provides a clearly visible and safe path to and from the home.

The following are a few ways to improve outdoor lighting.

• Focus on architectural features. Outdoor lighting can focus on the external features of the

home’s architectural style. Use light to draw attention to interesting gables, dramatic roof lines, dormers, or curved entryways.

• Play up landscaping. Stylish lighting can highlight trees, shrubs, pathways, gardens, and all of the elements of softscapes and hardscapes on a property. The lighting experts at Vernon Daniel Associates say that soft lighting can make homes feel warm and cozy. Uplighting trees or other elements can add a dramatic effect.

• Light up all doors. Make sure that doors, both entry and garage, are properly lit for ease of entry and egress from the home. Safety.com, a

home and personal security resource, says a home burglary occurs every 15 seconds in the United States. Installing motion-activated lights or lights on timers can deter break-ins. Consider using home automation to control porch lights and other outdoor lights remotely, if necessary.

• Create entertaining areas. Outdoor lighting can be used to extend the hours residents can spend outside. This is great for entertaining and can be an excellent selling point.

Homeowners are urged not to overlook outdoor lighting as a vital part of their plan to improve curb appeal.

Happy Holidays A Warm Thank You to All of Our Clients ‘60 years of experience and it doesn’t cost more!

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Grateful for 63 New Friends!

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Helpful Holiday Hints for the Home Buyer or Seller

By Michael Saeltzer CaDRE 01964451 (916) 402-3261 During the holidays your approach to home buying or selling should be adjusted. It is no secret that the number of homes sold decreases during the winter months. The biggest reason is obvious. If possible most folks simply prefer not to endure the hardship of moving during the holidays. Despite this strong preference, life has its own way of unfolding. Whether it be a job change requiring a relocation at year’s end, a financial/tax situation occurring at the new year, or even just your dream home suddenly popping up for sale, the fact is both buyers and sellers need to be aware of a few holiday season fundamentals.

If you are selling you home, be prepared for what buyers like to see and do not like to see during holiday home tours. Do provide a bit of holiday decor, but keep it neutral. Religious symbols are very personal and believe me they sometimes negatively impact a prospective buyer. Therefore, it is probably a good idea to remove them. Buyers want to see space, not obstacles, and they can be nosey. During one open house I was touring with a client I once witnessed a couple attempt-

ing to move an entire Christmas tree (and all the presents) to the other side of a living room to get a better sense of space. Keep the lines of sight in each room open and avoid the clutter. Maybe devote a closet to where the gifts can be stored during tours or even place them under a bed.

My overall point is that ideally the holiday decor of a home on the market should be minimalist.

Red is a good color to go with. A small bouquet of chrysanthemums, some ribbons, and a few candles can do the trick. Your agent should be able to supply some warm drinks and cookies.

Of course, keep the house warm and toasty. The longer buyers stay the better.

If you are buying a home during the holidays you may be able to get one for a better price. It is true that usually there is a slight dip in pricing over the holidays and that homes can tend to stay on the market longer because of a decrease in the amount of buyers shopping around. That can play to the favor of the buyer. One thing to keep in mind is that the holidays are filled with time crunches and special occasions. If you are able to offer the sellers extra time to move and remain flexible with the closing timeline that may just do the trick in terms of getting an offer accepted and or closing under the list price. The important thing is to demonstrate good will and sensitivity. A well written personal letter to the sellers expressing this care and understanding can go a long way. Your agent can help you draft one if you need, and they really do work when done right.

Home for the Holidays • December 2018 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

New Year’s traditions around the world Each December 31st, people anxiously await and count down to the arrival of the new year. January 1 often is a time for reflection and for making future plans. It also is a holiday full of tradition.

Notable New Year’s traditions include toasting champagne beneath skies lit up by fireworks, kissing one’s sweetheart at midnight and making resolutions to better oneself in the year ahead.

New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day traditions vary across the globe. The following is a look at the unique ways people ring in the new year throughout the world. • Filipinos embrace round fruits for the new year. The custom includes gathering 12 different round fruits for each month of the year. The round shape symbolizes wealth and prosperity. • Around Stonehaven, Scotland, people wield large fireballs for the Hogmanay festival on New Year’s Eve. The idea is to ward off evil spirits by swinging balls of fires over the heads of trained professionals and then tossing them into the sea.

The tradition has endured for more than 100 years. • In the Eastern Orthodox Greek Church, Christmas isn’t celebrated until January 7.

Aghios Vassilis, the Greek Santa Claus, makes his rounds on New Year’s Day.

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• Chilean families celebrate the arrival of the new year by commemorating deceased friends and family members. It is common for those in Chile to set up chairs next to graves in the cemetery. • Burmese people end the Thingyan water festival on New Year’s Day. Since April, they have celebrated the arrival of Thagyamin, a celestial Buddhist figure, with the firing of water cannons. The water-logged revelry ends with the new year. • Siberians celebrate the new year’s with the planting of the “New Year’s Treeâ€? underneath frozen lakes. This “yolkaâ€? is said to symbolize the coming of Father Frost, but also represents starting over. • Grapes are a hallmark of Spanish New Year’s celebrations. Throughout Spain, revelers gobble a grape per second as they count down the last 12 seconds of the year.

Each grape corresponds to good luck for the 12 months of the new year. • In Denmark, residents break old dishes on the doorsteps of family and friends on New Year’s Day. The bigger the pile, the more friends and good will in the new year. • In China, where the new year is celebrated on February 5 this year according to the lunar calendar, celebrants paint their doors red or hang red curtains or cutouts on windows to symbolize good luck.

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There’s no place like Home

Merry Christmas & Happy 2019!

for the Holidays.

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To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • December 2018 • Home for the Holidays

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Be prepared for unexpected company

May your days be filled with hope, joy, laughter and adventure!

Happy Holidays!

Sheila Van Noy 916.505.5395 Sheila@SheilaVanNoy.com CalDRE#00924678

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The latter part of the year is full of social engagements with family and friends. Pew Research Center says 92 percent of all Americans plan to celebrate Christmas as a holiday, with 69 percent using it as an opportunity to spend time with family and friends.

While many social occasions surrounding Christmas are anticipated for months in advance, unexpected pop-ins are also the norm this time of year. Rather than being caught off guard, individuals can take steps to prepare for unexpected guests.

• Have food available. Even if guests pop in for a little while, it’s nice to be able to offer them something to eat. Keep cheese and crackers, fresh fruit, pretzels, and other snacks on hand. Make-ahead, crowd-friendly foods can be prepared and frozen. Casseroles, pasta dishes and stews are hearty and can serve in a pinch when unexpected visitors arrive. Simply take out to defrost and heat up. Keep cookies in air-tight tins and purchase a premade frozen pie to serve, if necessary. In a pinch, you can always order out, but over time the cost of having food delivered can add up.

• Keep the bar stocked. Toasting to a happy holiday season is the norm during this time of year.

Toasting requires hosts have some spirits on hand. Stock the bar with a few staples, such as red and white

wine, vodka, rum, whiskey, and mixers. Also, you may just want to create a signature or seasonal cocktail that can be served when guests arrive, such as a spiced punch or a holiday eggnog.

• Cue the playlist. Put together a playlist of favorite holiday music that will provide the ideal ambiance should guests ring your doorbell. Thanks to services like Spotify, Amazon Music and Pandora, holiday music that fills a home with the sweet sounds of the season is now always accessible.

• Keep things neat. Set aside a closet or space that can serve as a catch-all where errant items can quickly be stored should guests arrive. Gather loose toys, books or stray papers in a basket and then stash the basket in the closet until guests depart. Routinely empty the dishwasher so dirty dishes left in the sink can be quickly loaded before guests arrive.

• Create an aromatic atmosphere.

Scented candles that evoke the aromas of the season can refresh stale indoor air. Butter cookie-, apple pie- and cinnamon-scented candles can make it seem like you just finished some holiday baking.

Guests tend to drop by on a moment’s notice come the holidays.

Preparing for the unexpected can make such visits more enjoyable.

Home for the Holidays • December 2018 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM OUR FAMILY

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How to make your favorite foods healthier After the whirlwind of the holiday season, the season of resolutions takes over. Many people to resolve to live healthier, and they may not have to give up their favorite foods to do so.

Research from the National Institutes of Health suggests American adults between the ages of 18 and 49 gain an average of one to two pounds every year. Grazing and overeating tends to increase when the weather cools down. A 2005 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that, in the fall, people tend to consume more calories, total fat and saturated fat. In the spring, people seem to prefer more carbohydrates. In addition, less powerful sunshine in winter coupled with people bundling up translates into less vitamin

D being absorbed by the body. Some researchers believe there is a link between vitamin D deficiency and weight gain as well.

To ensure that certain foods do not sabotage healthy eating plans, people can employ some easy modifications and make healthier versions of the foods they like to eat.

• Choose crunchy foods. Those who are prone to snacking can reach for noisy foods.

These include crunchy items like apples, carrots and pretzels. Scientists say that when people listen to what they are chewing — called the “crunch effect” — they eat less of that item.

• Tone down the cream. Delicious dishes like fettuccine alfredo typically are made with

lots of butter and cream. Replace cream sauces with a healthier base made of low-fat milk thickened with flour. Increase the flavor with favorite spices.

• Fry with care. Use healthy oils like olive or coconut sparingly. Many foods that are traditionally fried also can be lightly coated with cooking spray and baked for a crunchy texture.

• Choose sodium-free seasonings. The USCA recommends limiting sodium to less than 1 teaspoon of salt per day. Try options like fresh herbs or lemon juice to add some sodium-free flavor.

• Increase fiber content. Fiber helps one feel fuller longer and can also be helpful

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for digestion and heart health. Choose the “brown” varieties of rice, pasta and breads.

• Replace meat with leaner forms of protein. Lean chicken, turkey and pork can replace red meats in many recipes. Some traditional meat dishes, such as burgers, also can be modified using vegetables or seafood. Lean meats dry out quickly, so keep foods moist by watching cooking times.

• Stock up on yogurt. Greek and other varieties of yogurt can replace sour cream and mayonnaise in many dishes.

Resolving to eat healthier can be easy by making some simple swaps when preparing your favorite foods.

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Home for the Holidays • December 2018 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

Serve up warmth for the holidays People often associate holiday imbibing with eggnog, but many other beverages can be enjoyed this time of year. Wassail is a hot, mulled cider that was traditionally consumed while wassailing, a ritual of Medieval English Christmas and Twelfth Night celebrations.

A warm beverage and caroling go hand-in-hand.

Wassail can be made in many different ways, depending on one’s tastes. But cider is an integral ingredient in most wassail recipes.

Home cocktail creators can use this basic recipe and modify as they see fit.

Add all ingredients to a large pot over medium heat. Allow to boil.

Reduce and simmer for 30 to 45 minutes. Strain out the cloves and

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cinnamon sticks. For an alcoholic drink, add whiskey to desired taste.

Wassail is traditionally served out of a communal punch bowl, but can also be presented in individual mugs garnished with cinnamon sticks.

Wassail Serves 8 to 10 1⁄2 2

gallon apple cider cups orange juice or pineapple juice

1⁄4 8 4 1

cup lemon juice whole cloves cinnamon sticks cup orange juice

Whiskey, if desired

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Exterior lighting improves the safety and appearance of a home When drafting a to-do list for home improvements that can increase home value and appeal, several renovations may be atop homeowners’ lists. While kitchen or bathroom remodels may be popular renovations, homeowners also should consider outdoor lighting schemes that can make homes safer and more alluring.

Outdoor lighting serves various purposes.

Such lighting can draw attention to more impressive parts of a property. In addition, such lighting can improve security and deter criminals.

To get started, homeowners should first examine the exteriors of their homes and make note of existing lighting and where improvements can be made. If you’re not sure where to begin, speak with an electrician or a landscape designer, each of whom can offer suggestions on lighting and which options are the best fit for your particular property.

Next, you’ll want to consider efficiency and function. The United States Department of Energy suggests incorporating energy-efficient lighting, including energysaving LED bulbs or fluorescent lights, into

your plans. Timers and other automatic controls can prevent waste by turning lights on only when they are needed. Solar lights can be used as accent lights, further saving energy.

Beauty

When addressing aesthetics, think about the appeal of an accented landscape. Include lights to frame the front door and call attention to certain elements, such as decorative trees or water features. Use lights to light up deck stairways or to accent planters. Speak with a lighting professional about how to position lights to cover the most territory in the most attractive way possible.

Safety

Safety is an important consideration when improving a home. Lighting can help illuminate potential hazards or draw attention to borders or property boundaries. Navigating in the dark can be treacherous, so put lights along pathways and near pools or

spas. Be sure that lights will clearly mark other walkways around your home, such as those leading from doors to the yard or from the garage to where trash and recycling pails are kept. If a design element such as a bridge over a water feature or a particular ornamental tree or shrub is difficult to navigate in the dark, use lights to improve visibility.

Security

Added security is another reason to install more exterior lighting. Dark homes are attractive to burglars. Eliminate dark

corners by lighting up areas where thieves may be able to gain access to your home.

This includes areas near doorways and ground-level windows. Install motionsensor lights in such areas so you are not wasting energy.

Lighting may not only deter human intruders, but also it can scare away animals.

A raccoon, skunk or opossum may think twice about hanging around your home when your property is bathed in a spotlight.

Revamping exterior lighting elements can improve the safety and the look of a home.

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Home for the Holidays • December 2018 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

Enjoy a fun New Year’s Eve out on the town New Year’s Eve is traditionally a night to go out on the town to celebrate with family and friends. Such celebrations tend to be rowdy, as millions of people across the globe say so long to one year while welcoming in the next.

Because New Year’s Eve is such a popular night to paint the town red, prospective revelers may want to begin planning their celebrations early to ensure they have the safest and most enjoyable night possible.

• Book dinner reservations early. According to the National Restaurant Association, New Year’s Eve is one of the five most popular nights of the year to dine out.

Restaurants can book up quickly and early for New Year’s Eve, so book reservations as early as possible. Try to get as accurate a potential headcount as possible before booking a reservation, erring on the side of an extra person or two if necessary. Once a reservation has been made, call the res-

taurant if the party size changes. If choosing a favorite restaurant, keep in mind that the typical menu might not be available, as many establishments offer limited prix fixe offerings on nights as busy as New Year’s Eve. • Choose a celebration spot well in advance as well. Restaurants book up quickly on New Year’s Eve, and so do bars hosting festivities. Some establishments sell limited numbers of wristbands to celebrants, and once those wristbands are sold out, they may not allow additional celebrants to enter the premises. Discuss potential postdinner spots with all the members of your party, ideally deciding on a spot well ahead of New Year’s Eve. • Utilize mass transportation. Because New Year’s Eve is such a popular night to go out, roads can become crowded in and around city centers or downtown areas. If possible, use mass transportation when go-

ing out on New Year’s Eve. Doing so can help revelers avoid traffic jams and keep the focus on fun.

• Choose a designated driver or utilize a taxi or ridesharing service. In areas where mass transportation is unavailable or unreliable, celebrants should choose a designated driver or drivers from their group, or arrange for rides home via a taxi or ridesharing service. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety notes that, between 2010 and 2014, there were an average of 118.2 crash deaths on January 1. Many of those were likely New Year’s Eve revelers on their way home after midnight. Designated drivers, cabbies or ridesharing services prevent potentially impaired celebrants from getting behind the wheel.

New Year’s Eve is one of the most popular nights of the year to go out. Celebrants who plan early can ensure a fun, safe and memorable night.

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Home for the Holidays • December 2018 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

30 ways to celebrate a merry month The holiday season begins in late November and runs through New Year’s Day. It is marked by various gatherings of friends and family, decadent foods, cocktails, traveling, and gift exchanges. The National Retail Federation says consumers will spend an average of $967 during the holiday season. However, the joy of the holidays also is about all of the memorable experiences that tend to make the season so beloved.

With that in mind, here are 30 ways to make the holiday season that much more merry.

1. Visit with an elderly or housebound neighbor and share conversation.

2. Donate gently used toys to a children’s hospital.

3. Research the history of the holiday and share it with people you care about.

4. Make handmade Christmas tree ornaments.

5. Donate money to a charity or other good cause.

6. Encourage “pay it forward” movements in your community. Start by doing something simple like buying a coffee for a complete stranger.

7. Feed birds facing the cold, winter weather.

8. Take a ride or walk around the neighborhood to look at decorated houses.

9. Make a fire in a fire pit in the yard and toast marshmallows while sipping hot chocolate.

10. Binge watch holiday movies.

11. Attend the concert of a children’s choir.

12. Help a friend decorate his or her home.

13. Host a tree-trimming party.

14. Schedule a day for baking cookies.

15. Sing Christmas carols at a nursing home.

16. Put together care packages of items and send them to troops overseas.

17. Share the holidays with a military family whose spouse is in service and can’t make it home.

18. Offer to shop for someone who is homebound due to age, a chronic illness or injury.

19. Visit a large city to look at Christmas window displays.

20. Buy and hang real mistletoe … and use it.

21. Make a new friend and invite him or her to a holiday party for the first time.

22. Babysit a newborn so his or her parents can get errands done or just catch up on rest.

23. Volunteer at a soup kitchen.

24. Share the religious traditions of your holiday with someone of a different faith.

25. If weather permits, go sledding, build a snowman or have a snowball fight.

26. Share favorite memories at family holiday dinners.

27. Remember a deceased loved one with a special tribute.

28. Construct a gingerbread house.

29. Teach someone how to make a cherished family recipe.

30. Surprise a distant relative with an impromptu visit.

To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • December 2018 • Home for the Holidays

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Create a fire safety plan

Fire safety protocol gives people the ability to get out of a building promptly and safely in the event of a fire.

Fires are unpredictable and can cause devastating loss of life and property. The U.S. Fire Administration states that, in 2017, there

were 1,319,500 reported fires that resulted in 3,400 deaths and 14,670 injuries in the United States.

Travelers Insurance company advises people to develop a comprehensive fire safety plan, which can help save lives when used in concert with functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. However, the National Fire Protection Association says only about one-quarter of households actually have developed and practiced a fire-escape plan or have taken measures to prevent fires around their homes.

Here are some ways to stay safe. • Repair or replace malfunctioning kitchen appliances promptly. Keep them clean and

always use them according to manufacturer’s instructions. • Do not leave a room while cooking. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says that most kitchen fires, which can ignite in as little as one minute, start after someone left the room. • Keep a fully charged and functioning fire extinguisher on the premises, preferably one on each floor of a home or business. • Do not overload power strips with plugs, and have a licensed electrician inspect and suggest updates to antiquated wiring systems. • Teach children about the dangers of playing with fire. Keep matches and lighters away from children. • Pull together all members of an office or household to come up with an effective evacu-

ation plan.Walk through the building and inspect all possible escape routes. Mark two ways out of each room. If a window exit is recommended, have a functioning ladder that can provide safe egress. • Choose an outside meeting place that is far away from the residence or building, but close enough that it can be easily reached by all. • Set up a buddy system so that certain members of the family or company will be responsible for helping elderly, young or disabled people exit the premises. • Practice identifying escape routes, and institute regular evacuation plans so that everyone can function quickly should a fire occur.

Fires can spread quickly and easily claim lives.

By addressing fire risks and implementing safety plans, people can save lives.

WISHING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

A Happy Holiday Season!

FROM REAL ESTATE MIKE AT TURN-KEY LENDING & REALTY

Mike Lee Broker #0172405

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Happy Holidays ďż˝ From your Local Realtors

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Home for the Holidays • December 2018 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

Get creative with gift choices this holiday season (MS) — This year make some holiday gifts — or give presents that foster creativity in your family and friends. Woodcraft offers many choices for creative gift-giving, as well as more traditional tools and accessories for woodworkers and DIYers.

Woodburning and Woodcarving Pyrography, commonly called woodburning, involves the use of a heated pen to “burn” designs and pictures into wood.

This popular technique can be applied to furniture, cabinets, boxes, and other wood pieces.

The Peter Child Artist’s Pyrography Machine from Robert Sorby is the perfect tool to help someone on your gift list learn woodburning. Woodcraft Product Manager Ben Bice describes it as “one of the best plug and play pyrography machines on the market and super easy to use.” Powerful enough to create dense textures and patterns, its lightweight pen delivers perfect balance for the finest detail work.

Bütz Carving and Detail Knives are an extraordinary value for novice and experienced woodcarvers. Made in Germany exclusively for Woodcraft, these knives provide carvers with carving tools that are easier to hold, more efficient in cutting and safer to use. “ The Danish Art of Whittling Snitte,” a 128-page book by Danish woodsman Frank Egholm, introduces young and old alike to whittling through templates and instructions for creating small birds.

Martha Macias

Woodcraft Public Relations Manager Lori Harper adds color to a woodburned design created with the Peter Child Artist’s Pyrography Machine, a holiday gift idea from Woodcraft.

Knife Making and Sharpening Use the Camillus HT-7 Fixed Blade Knife Kit to make a custom knife as a gift — or give the kit as a gift. The HT-7, a perfect knife for use in the outdoors, is constructed from 5⁄32” Titanium Bonded® cutlery-grade steel and has been through-hardened to hold an edge. Kit comes with blade, screw-together rivets and fitted black nylon sheath. Scale (handle) material and epoxy are sold separately.

For the chefs on your list, pair a ZHEN Premium 67-Layer Damascus Steel Knife Blank with your preference in handle material to create a cus-

tom “parer” or paring knife with a 35⁄16”-long blade. Blanks are also available for a cleaver and nakiri, chef ’s, santoku, and bread knives.

Handle material comes in a wide range of woods.

King Combination Japanese Waterstones are a great value — two stones for nearly the price of one. Three grit combos (8” x 2” x 1” 250/1000grit; 8” x 2” x 1” 1000/6000-grit; 71⁄4” x 21⁄2” x 11” 1200/8000-grit) will cover most of your sharpening needs.

Working Efficiently

For the home maintenance and repair experts on your list, consider one of the following tools.

• The Kreg Mobile Project Center (KWS1000) is a workbench, sawhorse, assembly table, and clamping station all in one that provides a versatile, sturdy work space for DIY, repair and woodworking projects. It’s easy to set up and folds to just 61⁄2” thick to store away, • Light up a work area with the Stonepoint Rechargeable 1200-Lumen LED Work Light that provides 1200 lumens (high) or 600 lumens (low) of natural white light. Place the light on any flat surface using the kickstand that doubles as a handle or hanger.

• Great for a variety of household and shop refinishing projects, the Porter-Cable Restorer Handheld Drum Sander with Attachments is ideally designed to remove paint and finish from wood, brick and fiberglass. It also removes rust and polishes metal.

• The Kapro 946 Smarty Level has an accuracy rate up to 0.0005” (0.5mm) and gradient lines for measurements up to 2 percent. Leave that bulky 12” level hanging on the rack; this level is only 4” and clips onto your belt.

• Japanese style pull saws are easier to use than traditional handsaws, and the Ryoba style — crosscut on one side and ripcut on the other side — is especially popular. Woodcraft Product Manager Kent Harpool’s favorite is the Ryoba 180mm Razorsaw.

“When I have to cut something, this is the first saw I reach for,” says Harpool.

• Simple to use and clean, the HOMERIGHT Finish Max HVLP Sprayer will spray most solvent and water-based products — latex paint, milk paint, chalk paint, furniture paint, stains and finishes — whether on a trellis, an Adirondack chair or a fence.

To learn more about these and other products, visit your local Woodcraft store, call (800) 535-4482 or visit www.woodcraft.com.

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Home for the Holidays • December 2018 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

Celebrate Chinese New Year: 2019 is the Year of the Pig More than one billion people across the globe celebrate Chinese New Year every year. In 2019, Chinese New Year officially begins on February 5, continuing for two weeks until celebrations draw to a close on February 19.

2019 is the Year of the Pig. The pig is the twelfth of the 12 Zodiac animals, and myths tell some rather amusing stories about how the pig earned its place in the pecking order.

One such myth suggests Jade the Emperor invited 12 animals to his party, and the order of those animals would be determined by when they arrived.

As the legend goes, the pig overslept and was the twelfth and final animal to arrive at the party.

Another myth suggests the pig was the last animal to arrive at the party because a wolf destroyed its house.

Forced to rebuild the house before it could depart for the party, the pig was the last one to arrive.

But revelers should not mistake the pig’s placement for bad fortune.

In fact, according to Travel China Guide, the pig has been regarded as wealth because it has no plan to harm others and can bring affluence to peo-

ple. ChineseNewYear.net also notes that pigs’ chubby faces and big ears are also symbolic of fortune.

Several characteristics distinguish men and women born in the pig year.

Men born in such years are optimistic, gentle and very focused. Though they’re cool-headed, men born in the pig year are not considered financially savvy and are gullible because they’re trusting of others and easily scammed.

Men born in the pig year are quiet and love learning, even though they don’t know how to express their knowledge in conversation. Men born in a pig year have large social circles because they treat everyone warmly, and those within their social circles help when the going gets tough.

Women born in a pig year easily gain others’ trust because they are easygoing and treat everyone genuinely. Because they’re full of excitement, women born in the pig year can sometimes seem over-friendly. Women born in a pig year are organized and hardworking, which translates to wealth.

They also love children.

The Chinese New Year is an interesting celebration with a rich history.

A Sincere Thank You to our Family, Friends and Clients for an amazing year!

Wishing all the Happiest of Holidays and a great 2019!

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How to make the holiday season more eco-friendly With so much to do, it can be easy for people celebrating the holiday season to forget about the environment. But no matter how hectic the holiday season can be, there are always some simple opportunities to make it more eco-friendly. • Create an eco-friendly party theme.

Many holiday parties have themes. For example, “ugly sweater partiesâ€? have become so popular that many clothing manufacturers now intentionally produce colorful sweaters that might otherwise draw the ire of fashionistas. Hosts planning to throw an ugly sweater party can easily transform such festivities into something more eco-friendly by encouraging guests to purchase their sweaters from thrift stores. A Christmas tree planting party is another eco-friendly party theme that can benefit the planet and revitalize local forests at a time of year when they might be depleted due to the demand for natural Christmas trees. • Serve locally sourced foods. Food is often front and center during the holiday season. Whether hosting family and friends at home, dining out or catering an office party, patronize businesses that sell only locally sourced foods. Locally sourced foods are much more ecofriendly than foods that must be shipped

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from afar before they land on your dinner table, and such foods tend to taste fresh as well. If serving at home, use reusable dishware and cutlery instead of paper plates and plastic utensils. • Reuse decorations year after year.

Decorations need not be discarded once the holiday season ends. Come the new year, inspect holiday decorations and store those that made it through the season unscathed. Doing so benefits the planet and will save you the trouble of shopping for new decorations next holiday season. • Get rid of your old holiday lights. Still using the same Christmas lights you used in 1995? Such lights are likely incandescent bulbs that are considerably less efficient than today’s LED Christmas lights.

The Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy notes that LED lights consume 75 percent less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting. In addition, the OEERE says that LED holiday lights are easier to install and that as many as 25 strings of lights can be connected end-to-end without overloading a wall socket.

An eco-friendly holiday season is easier to realize than many holiday celebrants may know.

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Home for the Holidays • December 2018 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

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How to safely handle a prolonged power outage Accidents and storms can disrupt the electricity that powers everything in homes and businesses. A short-term loss of power can be a nuisance, but extended power outages can cause damage and may even be dangerous.

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and infrastructure must be carefully assessed after severe storms, it may take anywhere from hours to several days before power is fully restored.

The Food and Drug Administration says that food spoilage is one of the hazards of long-term power outages. If a storm is imminent, you can be proactive by freezing the contents of the refrigerator when possible so that items can stay at safe temperatures longer, advises the FDA. Food can remain safe for up to two hours at refrigerator temperature before it starts to spoil. Grouping food together in the freezer also can help it stay colder longer. Having extra ice on hand or freezing containers of water also can provide a chilling effect, as well as serve as a water supply if faucet water is unavailable — which can be a concern for those with well-pumped water.

Your barbecue can turn out to be your best friend during power outages. Many stoves, even gas ones, will not light because of electric ignitions. A gas camping stove or barbecue can serve as the primary place to cook food until power is restored. Always have a secondary propane tank on hand.

Keep plenty of bottled water on hand, especially if your water supply is wellfed and requires an electric pump to activate flow.

Stock up on blankets and warm clothing. Power outages during the winter can be especially challenging because of the lack of heat in a home. Family members can huddle together in small rooms to conserve heat. People with wood-burning stoves can use them to keep warm. Fireplaces tend to be more show than ambient heat providers, but they can still serve as a heat source in a pinch.

If you have a generator, run it safely.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission says generators should be operated as far away from the house as possible to avoid deadly carbon monoxide fumes. Also, use appropriately-gauged, outdoor-rated extension cords to power up generators.

It is also important to stay put and avoid the road after a storm that causes a power outage. Wires may be down, traffic lights may not work and dangerous debris may be littering the roads.

Hunkering down is the best approach until power is restored.

Happy Holidays � From your Local Realtors

No Place Like Home For The Holidays... Merry Christmas!

Wishing you a wonderful

Holiday season!

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Marilyn Suber 916.947.7956 CalDRE# 00614340

CalDRE# 01721160

ANDY THIELEN

TWO HOMES ON TWO ACRES! 8000 Carmencita Ave | $599,500 Main Home: 3 bed, 2 bath, 1300 sqft Second Home: 2 bed, 1.5 bath, 1165 sqft

RIVER PARK

LAND PARK

MIDTOWN

CARMICHAEL

5508 Camellia Ave. - $600,000

1083 6th Ave. - $465,000

2500 S Street - $790,000

5257 Grant Ave. - $365,000

2 Bed, 1.5 Baths, 1,258 sq.ft.

4-Plex, 1 bed/1 bath units

3 Bed, 2.5 Baths, 1,619 sq.ft.

(916) 230-3778 CalDRE# 01227077

PENDING

3 Bed, 2 Baths, 1,503 sq.ft.

w w w. a t h i e l e n . g o l y o n . c o m

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Home for the Holidays • December 2018 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

What’s new and noteworthy for gifting the cook this holiday season (MS) — There’s never been a more exciting time to gift a seasoned or novice home cook. The rise in popularity of all things culinary has raised the bar on product innovation, craftsmanship, convenience, quality, and attractive styling. When seeking cookware gifts for friends and family, here are a few new collections to consider.

Anolon® Accolade™ ($49.99 - $499.99) – Gourmet-chef-worthy, this new forged hardanodized collection features Anolon’s best nonstick. The triple-layer, sapphire-reinforced, metal-utensil-safe nonstick provides optimal food release and lasts more than 16 times longer than traditional nonstick cookware. Patented Precision-Forge™ technology puts the metal where cooks need it most – in the thicker base, slimmer side walls, and heavy-duty rims. The Accolade collection is induction suitable, dishwasher safe, and oven safe to 500°F. Anolon® Nouvelle Copper Luxe™ ($39.99 $399.99) – Styled in rich Sable or elegant Onyx, this collection features durable, hard-anodized aluminum construction and a heavy duty multilayer base crafted with copper for excellent heat conductivity. With premium nonstick on the interior and exterior, this collection is completely dishwasher safe, and the Unity Surface® of flat, easy-clean rivets means easier clean-up. Ovensafe to 500°F, all stovetop suitable, including induction, dishwasher safe, and beautiful.

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Circulon® Symmetry® Merlot ($49.99 $299.99) – Perfect to complement holiday décor, the popular Symmetry collection is now available in warm, sophisticated Merlot. Crafted from hard-anodized aluminum, a material that is twice as hard as stainless steel, this collection features the TOTAL® Nonstick System with premium-quality nonstick that lasts 10 times longer than ordinary nonstick coatings. Heat-resistant, siliconewrapped stainless-steel handles offer a comfortable and secure grip, and the cookware is dishwasher safe and oven safe to 400°F. (Also available in Black and Chocolate.)

Farberware® Copper Glide™ ($17.99 - $79.99) – Offered in Black, Blue or Copper, this collection is crafted in fast and even heating aluminum.

The copper color interior features CopperSlide™ Technology, a 2-layer long-lasting ceramic nonstick with 90 percent better food release than other ceramic cookware. This durable cookware is dishwasher safe for easy cleanup and oven safe to 350°F. Ayesha™ Home Collection Porcelain Enamel in Brown Sugar ($17.99 - $139.99) – Also available in Twilight Teal, Sienna Red, and, new for this year, Basil Green, the all-metal construction of this hard-working and exceptionally attractive, dishwasher safe cookware allows cooks to start meals on the stove, finish in a hot oven

(collection is oven safe to 500°F), and serve straight from the oven to the table.

Rachael Ray™ Porcelain Enamel in Sea Salt Gray ($29.99 - $149.99) – This stylish, twotone cookware features fast and even-heating aluminum construction, durable nonstick interiors, grippy handles, and shatter-resistant glass

lids. Dishwasher safe and oven safe to 350°F, this popular collection is available in a rainbow of colors, including Orange, Red, Marine Blue, Blue, Purple, Green and Fennel.

For more information on Anolon, Circulon, Farberware, Ayesha, and Rachael Ray cookware collections, please visit www.PotsandPans.com.

Happy Holidays � From your Local Realtors

has come to town!

look for the East Sac Santa

Merry Christmas and Thank You To My Friends and Clients For Your Continued Support

Lynn Luk Lee 916.628.2843 LynnLukLee@gmail.com

CalDRE# 01064713

CalDRE# 01188377

Beautifully Maintained Home | 3-4 Beds | 2.5 Baths | 2,089 Sq.Ft. | 2 Car Garage

10130 Elkwood Ct. Elk Grove $419,900 Claudia Roberts 916.764.0910 | Nicole Clinger 916.764.6267

CalDRE#: 01421277, 01425971

Claudia.Roberts@cbnorcal.com | www.robertsclingerteam.com | Nicole.Clinger@cbnorcal.com

To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • December 2018 • Home for the Holidays

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Families keep tabs thanks to modern technology

Thanks for being our loyal fans!

We wish you a Merry Christmas & a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year!

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Scan the above barcode

The world is a much different place than it was 25 years ago. Generation Xers likely remember going outside as kids to “call” for friends and then spending hours outside left to their own devices. Their parents probably had one requirement: “Be home before the streetlights come on.”

Whether it was safer all around or there was a different mindset to parenting back then, modern families today operate a little differently than they did a quartercentury ago. Today, greater emphasis is placed on supervising children in their activities outside of the home. However, parents and caregivers who want to allow children some freedom in a controlled manner may turn to today’s technology to help them.

Thanks to the bevy of family tracking and GPS-enabled apps available for smartphones, as well as standalone GPS watches and other devices, parents can keep tight tabs on their children and even their spouses and elderly relatives. Having a visual location for preteens and teenagers spreading their independent wings can assuage parental fears that kids are lost or up to no good.

Simply fire up the app and it’s easy to see if a person is where he or she is supposed to be.

Family locater products also may improve safety in other ways. Apps can help find

children who have wandered off in a crowd or locate those who have been abducted.

These apps also are a safety precaution for older members of the family. Spouses worried about each other and harrowing commuting routes or during travel far away from home can be reassured by checking an app and seeing the progress of a trip or approximate location. Elderly drivers have a lifeline home, and those with dementia or confusion can be easily tracked but still maintain their independence.

Many top-notch locater apps can help anyone keep a watchful eye on family. With the Life360 app, families create a “circle” and invite others to join with a unique code. Only those in the circle have access to the location of others within the circle.

The app also enables messaging within that circle. Premium features can be purchased to provide additional safety services.

Sygic Family Locator is another app designed to keep families safe and in touch.

The app enables parents to set unsafe zones and sends an alert if the child enters it. The cross-platform compatibility means that everyone can communicate even if they’re using different phones and operating systems.

Families can weigh the pros and cons of using family trackers to decide if a more watchful eye is a good bet for them.

and so is your New Home!

Your Current Value at www.MyEGHomeValue.com Contact Mark to sell your home today!

Call today to schedule your “FREE” Property Analysis 916-849-4810

2019 SPECIAL Complimentary “Home Warranty” when you sell or buy a home with Mark DeGennaro

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List your house today with Mark DeGennaro (916)849-4810 DRE 01394970

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Home for the Holidays • December 2018 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

How to keep gifts secret and hidden Surprising loved ones and friends with gifts is part of the excitement of the holiday season. It can be just as exhilarating for gift-givers to witness the gifts being opened as for the recipients who are tearing into the paper to reveal their gifts. But in order for presents to be the ultimate surprises, it is essential for items purchased to remain a secret.

Whether shopping online or in-store, gift buyers can do their best to hide gifts from others.

for those who share digital devices and accounts. You’ll avoid the message of “Name item has just shipped” from being shared with others.

• Opt to have items shipped to the store for in-store pickup, or arrange for an alternate delivery address.

In-store purchases

Online shopping The popularity of online shopping has now made it possible for just about anything to be purchased from the comfort of home or while on-the-go. This same convenience has created a new obstacle pertaining to keeping gifts a secret, especially from a spouse or children living in the same house. Gift-givers have to essentially be package ninjas, intercepting parcels from delivery people and burying the digital trail leading back to the purchase.

Here are some tips for success.

• Clear your web search history and computer cache frequently on shared devices.

This way you avoid loved ones stumbling across past searches for gifts as well as seeing all of those advertisements that seemingly pop up magically in accordance with your search history.

• Use your work email for receipts and purchase correspondence. This helps when spouses share one email account.

• Investigate if online retailers have private shopping modes, which may mask purchases from others.

• Create a family account to mask orders.

Retailers like Amazon enable you to set up

family sharing. This way each family member can have a unique log in, which will then separate order history logs among relatives. This helps relieve the stress of wondering if the kids saw your long history list of past purchases.

• Turn off push notifications of purchases or when the items will ship. This is key

Shoppers who do the bulk of their shopping at brick-and-mortar shops may have an easier job of keeping purchases a secret.

• Invest in a nondescript, opaque shopping tote that will not draw attention to where you have shopped. Retailers love to emblazon their shopping bags with names and logos, and that can cue savvy kids and adults as to where you shopped.

• Pay in cash as much as possible. Reduce the paper trail of purchases by purchasing the more secretive gifts with cash.

• Tuck receipts into a well-hidden place that others will not think to look.

• Consider shopping on lunch hour at work and hiding gifts in the office until they can be brought to the house when others are not home.

Regardless of how gifts are purchased, make sure to promptly wrap and hide presents so they are not discovered before the big day.

Happy Holidays from The Pennisi Group The PENNISI GROUP can make your Home Buying or Selling Dreams come True!!

(916) 714-8108

DRE# 01179964

To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • December 2018 • Home for the Holidays

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Few people are able to walk into a home, like what they see and then pay for a house in cash. In the vast majority of home purchases, mortgages make the dream of home ownership a reality.

Getting a mortgage requires research and some preparation on the part of borrowers if they hope to get the friendliest terms possible.

Homes are substantial, decades-long investments, so it’s smart to shop around to find the best rates and lenders available. These tips can make the process of applying and getting a mortgage go smoothly, and may even help borrowers save some money. • Learn your credit score. Your credit score will be a factor in determining just how much bargaining power you have for lower interest rates on mortgage loans, according to the financial resource NerdWallet. The higher the credit score, the better. Well before shopping for a mortgage, manage your debt, paying it off if possible, and fix any black marks or mistakes on your credit report. • Investigate various lenders. The Federal Trade Commission says to get information from various sources, whether they are commercial banks, mortgage companies, credit unions, or thrift institutions. Each is likely to quote different rates and prices, and the amount they’re willing to lend you may vary as well. Investigating various lenders can help you rest easy

knowing you got the best rate for you. Lenders may charge additional fees that can drive up the overall costs associated with getting a mortgage. Compare these fees as well so you can be sure you get the best deal. • Consider a mortgage broker. Mortgage brokers will serve as the middle person in the transaction. A broker’s access to several different lenders can translate into a greater array of loan products and terms from which to choose. • Learn about rates. Become informed of the rate trends in your area. Lower rates translate into significant savings amounts per month and over the life of the loan. Rate may be fixed, though some are adjustable-rate mortgages (also called a variable or floating rate).

Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and a financial consultant can discuss what might be in your best interest. • Discuss points with your financial advisor and lender. Some lenders allow you to pay points in advance, which will lower the interest rate. Get points quoted in dollar amounts so they’ll be easier to compare. If you’re unfamiliar with points, discuss the concept with your financial advisor.

The vast majority of homeowners secured a mortgage to purchase their homes. Learning about the mortgage process can help new buyers navigate these sometimes tricky financial waters.

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Lic# 910298

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(916) 533-6501 www.eelcaminogarage.ccom

Home for the Holidays • December 2018 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

Additions Kitchens Bathrooms

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w w w. l y t l e c o n s t r u c t i o n . c o m To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • December 2018 • Home for the Holidays

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How to save up for your first home Home ownership is a dream for people across the globe. Many people save for years before buying their first homes, squirreling away every dollar they can with the hopes they can one day become homeowners.

But thanks to factors beyond their control, even the most devoted savers can sometimes feel like their dream of home ownership may never come true. According to the Pew Research Center, American workers’ paychecks are larger than they were 40 years ago, but their purchasing power is essentially the same. Things aren’t much different in Canada, where analysis from Statistics Canada and the Bank of Canada has shown that, since 2015, wage growth in Canada has been weaker than in the United States.

Various challenges can make it difficult to buy a home. However, some simple strategies can help prospective home buyers build their savings as they move closer to the day when they can call themselves “homeowners.â€? • Determine where your money is going. If you’re finding it hard to grow your savings, audit your monthly expenses to determine where your money is going. Using exclusively debit or credit cards can simplify this process, as all you need to do is log into your accounts and see how your money was spent over a given period. If you routinely use cash to pay for items, even just to buy coffee on the way to work, keep a notepad handy so you can jot down each expense. Do this for a month and then examine how you spent your money. Chances are you will see various

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ways to save, and you can then redirect that money into your savings account. • Become a more savvy grocery shopper.

Another great way to save more money is to alter something you already do each month: grocery shopping. If you haven’t already, sign up for discount clubs at your local grocer.

This is a largely effortless way for shoppers, especially those buying food for families, to

save considerable amounts of money. Shopping sales at competing grocery stores also can save money. • Dine in more often. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says that Americans spend, on average, 6 percent of their household budgets on food. However, the USDA also notes that Americans spend 5 percent of their disposable income on dining out. If

these figures mirror your spending habits, you can nearly cut your food spending in half by dining out less frequently. That might be a sacrifice for foodies, but it can get you that much closer to buying your own home.

Saving enough money to purchase your first home is a worthy effort that can be made easier by employing a few budgetfriendly strategies.

Happy Holidays ďż˝ From your Local Realtors

SAR Master’s Club Member

(310) 612.6806 (916) 535.0392 TSogard.GoLyon.com

Larry Easterling, MBA

Wishing Everyone a Fabuous Holiday and a New Year filled with Joy!

Broker Associate

(916) 849-9431 CalBRE # 01343891

Happy Holidays and a Great 2019!

CalDRE #01072238

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and to a Wonderful 2019!

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Home for the Holidays • December 2018 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

License# 550002314 • Accredited by The Joint Commission Privately Owned and Operated

“We touch lives and make a difference

with Absolute Compassion!”

Hospice and Palliative Care...

Ensures Quality of Life at the End of Life Hospice or “end of life care” is often only considered at the last minute when a decision is much needed immediately. We at Absolute Compassion believe there is a better way. Being familiar ahead of time with what hospice and palliative services are, as well as understanding ones’ rights and options, can be of tremendous comfort to all involved at the stressful time of decision making.

Focusing on quality of life, managing pain and symptom relief rather than curative treatments for patients with incurable medical conditions and less than six months of life expectancy, the compassionate hospice team of professionals provides support in all areas of wellbeing: the physical, social, emotional, and spiritual aspects of a patient’s care.

Please call or email us for questions or concerns regarding hospice and palliative care services.

Absolute Compassion Hospice & Palliative Care · 916-399-5922 6355 Riverside Blvd. Suite T, Sacramento, CA 95831 Hospice@AbsoluteCompassion.com • www.AbsoluteCompassion.com

To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • December 2018 • Home for the Holidays

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Happy Holidays Wishing You the Gifts of Peace, Hope & Joy This Season & Every Day of the Year!

We Are Thankful for Your Continued Support & Trust With Deep Appreciation from Your Land Park Curtis Park Agents

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CalDRE# 00182401

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Home for the Holidays • December 2018 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901