Best of 2017

As 2017 comes to a close and I reflect on the past year, I cannot help but think about what a great (but super fast!) year it was. I am excited for what 2018 will bring, but I also wanted to take a moment to share a few things I learned this year and the best of 

Favorite Property:

3542 Rocky Ridge Way, El Dorado Hills

  

This home was custom built on a gorgeous lot in El Dorado Hills and we had the buyer for the transaction. We had been working with them for a long time and this was their dream house! The views off the back are spectacular - you can see all the way to Sacramento. The best part was, we made lifelong friends. 

Best Recipe:

This recipe I found this year for Gingerbread Cake from Salt and Baker is so perfect and delicious! It is light and airy and tastes just like a gingerbread cookie! I made many rounds of this cake to give away this year and it was extremely popular. I can't wait to make it again next year!

Best Gift Received:

Nespresso Breville Creatista Plus

We had been searching for the perfect espresso machine, and this is it! We received it for Christmas and haven't stopped using it since. My husband uses it multiple times a day - it does everything! It will be our most used gift this coming year. 

5 Favorite Finds: 

1. Thriftbooks - If you are like me and you love reading, then this is the site for you! This is a great place to get discounted books for super cheap! Plus, if they don't have the exact book you are looking for or for the price you want, you can add it to your "wish list", and they will email you notifications so you can see when it comes in. They also have free shipping on orders over $10. Um, yes!

2. Alarm.com - If you are looking for a low-cost but still super effective home security system, this is it. You pick your provider (we use GeoArm), and then alarm.com will provide the service. Is is a lot cheaper than some of the bigger companies and you also have the options to control your lights, thermostat and more!

3. Granite Outlet - After searching and searching for the exact right kitchen counters, we found this place, which I believe was actually recommended to me by my aunt (she knows all the best places!). This place has pre-fabricated stuff already on hand and it is seriously so cheap! It was so much cheaper than buying a marble or granite slab somewhere else and having them cut it and hone it. I will always recommend them from now on. 

4. This All-Clad Non-Stick Double Burner Griddle has made my life so much easier this year! If you don't have one, I highly recommend you get one, or one like it! I use it for everything! Frying bacon, "grilling" chicken, vegetables, eggs, literally everything! It makes meals so easy! 

5. Amazon Prints - Did you know Amazon (as well as literally doing everything else) also does printing? They will do holiday cards, canvas prints, photos, calendars, and more! I just recently found this out and wanted to share for those of you who didn't know! I can't wait to try them out!

Favorite Book:

   Truly Madly Guilty, Liane Moriarty - Such a good read - it is witty and will also make you cry! I recommend it for anyone who loves a great story. 

5 Favorite Restaurant Finds:

1. Sourdough & Co - El Dorado Hills - Delicious Sandwiches!

2. Emperor's Garden - Folsom - Our new favorite Chinese go-to!

3. Umi Sushi - El Dorado Hills - Fast service and almost the entire menu is 50% off!

4.  36 Handles Pub - El Dorado Hills - Great for Happy Hour or anytime, delicious pub food and drinks!

5. Taqueria El Dorado - El Dorado Hills - The #1 Spot for Mexican food in El Dorado Hills. So good!

Best Hike: 

Lyons Creek Trail, Kyburz - Such a beautiful hike in the mountains and not too strenuous! I have done this trail several times but this year I took my husband and he absolutely loved it! There are so many wildflowers to see! 

2017 has been such a great year! I am excited to see what 2018 has to offer. I hope you all had a wonderful year as well- it has been great to share my moments with you this past year and I can't wait to share more as our remodel of our house progresses and we keep moving forward on this journey we call life. 

Have a wonderful and safe New Year's Eve and I will see you next year!

Just Listed for Sale!

3247 Bordeaux Drive

El Dorado Hills

Premium .38 acre lot in the gated Promontory has HUGE VIEWS of Folsom Lake. Build your dream home in one of El Dorado Hills finest neighborhoods where you can enjoy beautiful sunsets over the water, city lights, the Sutter Buttes and the inter-coastal range! Excellent location close to schools, shopping, dining and Folsom. Ready to go with fencing, retaining wall and utilities at site. 

Offered at $249,999

For more information on this gorgeous property, please visit: 3247BordeauxDrive.com

Sale Pending!

4553 Wandering Way

Camino

Found the perfect house for my clients on a quiet street in Camino right by Apple Hill! 

20 Ways to Save Money This Year

Money feeling a little tight now that it's the holidays and you've maxed out your credit cards buying Christmas presents? I know it always gets crazy during this time of year due to the added expenses of presents, decorations, parties, and food!

That's why I have put together this great list of ways you can save thousands this year. Pretty much everything on this list are things that I have tried and can attest actually do save a lot of money.

1. Cut the cord on your cable plan. I have actually never had cable. I have always just paid for Netflix since I lived on my own. When I met my husband he had a cable/internet plan that he paid over $100/month for! I told him about how I have lived without cable for my entire life and when we moved in together, he decided to cancel his plan. A few years later, we now share a Hulu and HBO Now plan with some other members of his family, which he loves, but the only thing we actually still pay for is Netflix! It costs us (well, now that they have raised their rates) $10.99/month! So much cheaper than cable. 

2. Cancel your gym membership and work out outside. Is there anything better than feeling a fresh breeze on your face when you are walking or running in the brisk outside air? I honestly don't think so. In the neighborhood we live in, tons of people take advantage of the outdoor walking/hiking trails or just walk/run on the sidewalks. You can cancel your gym membership and save yourself anywhere from $15-30/month or more depending on your plan and run outside and lift weights at home. 

3. Rethink your remodel.  I don't mean don't do it, you just don't always have to hire a contractor to do the entire job. Consider DIYing parts of it - painting or putting in baseboards, and using a handyman for easy stuff like installing back splash. Our kitchen remodel is going to cost us about 1/3 of the price we could have paid if we had hired a contractor to redo the entire kitchen - we are hiring it out in parts.

4. Get a roommate. I tried this one for a while a few years ago - I rented out a room in my house for $500 month. The lady I rented it to bought all her own food and groceries and I still had an extra room to spare! If you have the space, why not? It's extra cash in your pocket!

5. Take surveys online. Many online research companies will pay for your opinion- it's not much, but if you're not busy, why not? Here is a list of the top ten highest paying online sites - it's an easy way to make cash in your spare time!

6. Don't say no to those extra shifts at work. No one wants to be working when they can be at home with their family or spending time doing something they really love. But if your boss asks you to work overtime or work one weekend day, think about saying yes instead of no and the extra cash you can make. Especially if you didn't have plans anyway. A few extra shifts a month and that could add up to a lot of money!

7. Eat at home. If you cut out eating at restaurants and pare down to only once a month, this will save you a ton of money! I know for a while my husband and I would eat out once or twice a week and that really adds up! Especially if you have more people in your family. Eating at home (or packing a lunch) for every meal 7 days a week will save so much money. Then treat yourself at the end of the month with a nice meal at your favorite place!

8. Don't waste food. This is one thing we try really hard at in our house. For example, if I make extra pasta on pasta night, I will either take the leftovers for lunch or make pasta salad for dinner the next night. I try to use up everything we have. I even use the ends of the bread loaf - just turn them over! It is always my goal to use everything in the fridge before it goes bad so we are not wasteful and it saves a lot of money on groceries!

9. Cut out meat. As every carnivore knows, meat is expensive. Adding it to every meal can get costly. Start with breakfast and lunch, and go vegetarian. What we did in our house was have a veggie night 2 nights a week. Even just doing that saves money! Then you can go to 3-4 nights, or whatever you feel comfortable with. Make sure you are supplementing your protein and other nutrients as needed and you will see the cash add up!

10. Pack your lunch.  Figure that one couple (2 people), spends approximately $5-10 on lunch, each day of the week, so somewhere around $75/week just on lunch? So per year that adds up to almost $4000 per year on lunches? If you made your own PB&J or even a cold cut sandwich the cost wouldn't be anywhere near that. Or you could go back to # 7 on this list and eat at home and then bring left overs to work for lunch! We usually switch off between sandwiches/salads and leftovers and it saves so much money!

11. Stop impulse buying. In this day and age, and especially now that we all spend so much time online, it is so easy to see something and just buy it. At the checkout line in the grocery store, or even those ads on Instagram. My advice is, just don't. If you can avoid it and make a conscious effort to say, I'm not spending money right now, you will be amazed by how much you can save. 

12. Drive instead of flying. Sometimes there is a flight deal that is too good to pass up. $69 one way to San Diego, or whatever. But if it's not a deal, usually driving is always the cheaper option. Jump in the car with your spouse or friends and road trip it and save the money you would have spent on flights!

13. Vacation with other people.  In a couple weeks, we are staying in Alameda for my husband's company holiday party. Instead of getting our own hotel room, we are sharing a room with 2 Queen beds with another couple. This instantly cuts the cost in half. We usually do this whenever we can - if we have a wedding to go to, or anytime, unless it is a romantic weekend away. It saves so much money!

14. Use all of your beauty products. A few months ago, this was a new thing I tried to see how much more money I could save if I just stretched my mascara, foundation, lotions, etc for a few months instead of buying new ones. I said to myself, I have about 25 different lotions under the sink, I am not buying new ones until I use these ones up (as hard as it is if you see something you like on sale!). And I still haven't bought any. I can't even imagine how much I've saved. So far, I have broken down and bought 1 mascara for about $8. That's it!! In about 3 months. I am still using everything else I have in my drawers that needs to be used up. It is soo hard! But I mean, why not? It seems like a great way to be conscious of the extra money we spend on unnecessary beauty products!

15. Stop playing the lottery. Some people think playing the lottery is fun, for others it is a habit, still others have money set aside as part of their "entertainment" fund specifically for lottery tickets. And what if they actually won? But what if you don't and you spend 10+ dollars a month (or more?) every year? That money can go right into a savings account and that is $120/year you can save and that will add up so quickly over time!

16. Stop ordering alcohol at restaurants. This is one of the number one ways to save money. Drink prices in bars and restaurants are outrageous! One time we went to a sports game and 2 beers cost us over $30! It's ridiculous. I'm not saying you have to literally cut out drinking when you go out completely, but if you are conscious of the amount of money you are spending, you will realize that there is a potential to save a lot!

17. Don't go to Starbucks - One of the most important things I did when I first decided I wanted to save money a few years ago was cut out Starbucks completely. I bought a 24oz Tervis cup and made coffee at home for an entire year. I saved over $1500, no joke! And that was just one coffee. That doesn't even count the muffins, etc., I would have bought. It really does add up!

18. Switch to a credit card that offers cash back. One of the best things my husband ever talked me into was switching to our Citi Doublecash Card. This card literally gives you 2% on all purchases - with the assumption that you pay your entire balance at the end of the month. Whatever card you use, make sure it offers a great benefit like this one. The cashback we receive every month just goes towards our balance!

19. Quit smoking. With the price of cigarettes now up to $8/pack, if you are a smoker, consider quitting! This would be a great way to save some real cash. I'll be honest with you guys, I used to smoke. I smoked at least a pack a day (back when a pack was around, maybe $4?). So on average my habit cost me just about $1500 a year, probably more. Think about how much you smoke and how much you spend on cigarettes! Even if you only smoke socially. I know it's hard to quit- take it from me! But in the long run, it can really add up and that money can go towards something so much better!

20. Take time to shop around for deals. You might be accustomed to always buying ground coffee at Target or getting gas at the Valero around the corner from your house, but if you take a few minutes to either look online for a better deal or shop other places, you might find that a new place has a better price on something you buy a lot. For example, before I met my husband, I always bought Dunkin Donuts ground coffee at Target, but now I buy it in bulk at Costco! It saves so much money (especially with the amount of coffee I drink!)! 

I hope these ideas have helped you and maybe even think of additional ways to save money. Some of these have really added up in my life! 

Sale Pending!

6300 Crystal Boulevard

El Dorado

40 Beautiful Acres in El Dorado!

Holiday Party Menu Roundup

As I may have mentioned, I love the holidays and everything about them! It is so fun to get together with everyone during this time of year and celebrate! In the past, I have had very successful holiday parties. I decided not to have one this year because I have a lot of other things on my plate. However, I wanted to share my favorite holiday foods and quick and easy decorations for any of you that are planning on having one! 

Food

This year, I am making this Gingerbread Bundt Cake! I am going to make minis to give out to my family and friends, but a full size would be perfect for a party dessert!

These super easy Peppermint Patties



I am going to be making these cranberry brie bites for a work party. I tried them at a different function the other day and they are so good! I just had to share! 




These decorated oreos would be super easy to make and chocolate covered oreos are always delicious! These ones are so cute!



This reindeer fudge would be cute as a party treat or to wrap up to give to family and friends! 

Another thing that I always like to make for parties is stuffed mushrooms! They are a huge hit! Here is a great recipe I found for Bacon Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms- I will share my recipe for stuffed mushrooms later in a different post for you too!



Another thing that I really enjoy making for large parties are sandwich roll ups (or pinwheels).  These Christmas Tree Roll Ups would be perfect for a holiday party! 

Drinks

Jingle Juice Holiday Punch - Doesn't this look amazing? And those little cranberry ice cubes would be so easy to make too!

If you're like me and you love mojitos, here's a great recipe for Christmas Cranberry Mojitos that are bound to be a hit! 

Another thing I am making for our work party this year is apple cider. This Sparkling Apple Cider would be so easy to make for any party! And it's non-alcoholic, so kids can enjoy it too!

Decorations & Party Favors

These would be so cute for name place card holders or even for food place cards! 



These simple yet stunning glitter bulbs would make a great centerpiece for your table!





Aren't these chocolate bars wrapped like snowman the cutest? These would be so easy to do and give out as party favors! 

These adorable marshmallow snowman would be so cute to give out too! The only site I could find that shows how to make them was this one. Hopefully that helps!






Whether you are having a party or just going to one, some of these things are perfect for gift giving and/or bringing as side dish to a party you are going to! Whatever the case may be, have fun at all of your holiday get-togethers and a great holiday season!

Sale Pending!

1 Acre on Idle Creek Drive

Shingle Springs

I am so happy to announce that this lot is under contract! More information on this property can be found at: IdleCreekDrive.com

Gift Ideas for Everyone on Your List

The holidays are here and so is the pressure to find that perfect gift! Every year I try my hardest to pick out the exact right things for my friends and family that I know they will just love. This year, I found some great stuff and I wanted to share in case some of you were struggling as well!

These adorable electric toothbrushes come in a family pack too! As an extra gift, you can pre-pay for toothpaste/toothbrush head refills for a year.

For the person who has everything (but can't seem to find any of it!): the tile app

For the coffee lover on your list:

Breville Nespresso Creatista Plus Espresso Maker

For the earth lover:

This forest would be a great idea. 

For the traveler:

This inflatable travel pillow:

For the glam girl (or guy!) 

This adorable rose gold crazy straw from the new Tiffany "Everyday Objects" line:

Or, these watches by Daniel Wellington are all the rage:

  

For the tech guy:

These toys are so hot right now:

GoPro Hero6 Black                                                  

   

      Oculus Rift Virtual Reality System

             

       

For the fitness enthusiast: 

Fitbit Alta: 

(Or any other Fitbit, really!) I have the Alta and I love it! It's perfect for counting your steps during the day - you can also get the app and keep track of your water intake, sleep, and more!

Stocking stuffers/ smaller gift ideas: 

This adorable furry bathrobe and matching slippers from Pottery Barn, on sale right now!

  

Love Your Melon Beanie:

Not only does LYM make adorable beanies and caps for men, women and children, they donate 50% of the profits of each sale to their non-profit partners (working in pediatric oncology, funding cancer initiatives, and providing support to families of children battling cancer). 

Wacaco Minipresso: 
Makes espresso on the go! There are other colors too or you can choose the NS which works with Nespresso pods. 

Yeti Rambler Colster Beer Insulator:
Works with soda, sparkling water, beer (canned or bottled), and more! My husband has one and he just loves it! It will keep your drink cold the entire time you are using it. 

Just for fun:

Dog and cat lovers will love these hilarious socks!

This awesome Apple product inspired candle:

It is the perfect accessory to your new Mac 2.0 

Explore candles on Houzz


This new take on a wine bottle stopper is a great stocking stuffer! (For a wine lover that can take a joke). And they are re-usable!



Pickle Candy Canes:
And a ton of other crazy flavors from Archie McPhee including Coffee, Wasabi, and Bacon!





I hope this guide helped you with some of your gift giving decisions. If not, I hope it was at least fun to look at some of the new stuff that came out this year! I know some of these items are on my wish list! 

Have a safe and happy holiday season!  🎄