"Dinner with the Pros" Charity Event

This March, a unique charity dinner where guests were served by current and former NFL football players was held at the La Costa Resort and Spa. This event, organized by former Charger's kicker John Carney, featured great food, a live auction, and lots of dancing! This great event benefitted four different charities: All for God, Blessed Sacrament Catholic School, Mary’s Mercy Center and Veronica’s Home of Mercy. This event raised money for great causes, as well as raise excitement for an exciting year of sports!

pictured: Four former and current NFL players, along with singer/actress Lauren Mayhew.

And don't forget to check out Katie's Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Website!

Recipe of the week- Garlic Parmesan Wings

This weekend while you're watching the masters, or some baseball, impress your guests and your taste buds with some baked garlic parmesan chicken wings!

Ingredients:


1/2 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
24 chicken wings, nude, baked (or fried per your desire)

Directions:


1. In a small glass bowl, melt butter in microwave.
2. Whisk into butter the garlic powder, onion salt and pepper.
3. Arrange hot, fresh-baked nude wings on a serving platter and drizzle with butter mixture.
4. Top with parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
5. Enjoy!

Steal a Peek: The Downton Abbey Garden

With Season 3 bringing heart-wrenching new twists and turns to Downton Abbey lovers, one question cannot help but present itself: why don't they shoot more scenes in the garden?  Check out this article for a look at the plants, flowers, and other elements that make Downton's garden such a magical place: http://www.realtor.com/home-garden/garden-trends/landscaping/steal-this-look-downton-abbey-garden.aspx.  You might feel the sudden urge to inject a little Downton-ian elegance into your own garden!

Of course, in our opinion, the gardens of Rancho Santa Fe could certainly give Downton a run for its money. If you're interested in learning what gives Rancho Santa Fe its gorgeous floral charm, give Katie a call, or check out her Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Website!

Throwback- Phil Mickelson at Torrey Pines

For those of you who have made the trip down to Torrey Pines for the Farmers insurance open (formerly known as the Buick open), you know the excitement that comes from watching the worlds best play a course that has become a San Diego icon. Highlighted in this video is Rancho Santa Fe’s own Phil Mickelson in some of his greatest moments on tour.

Also, It’s Masters week! Do you have any plans to watch the tournament with friends? Family? Pick a winner and give us your feedback in the comments section!

And don't forget to check out Katie's Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Website!

Household items that double as cleaners!

Ever have an annoying stain or scuff mark that you don’t have the cleaning supplies for? Check out this list of great household items that can help you out! Who knew coffee filters were great window cleaners, or that beer could freshen up your wooden furniture?!? With the good weather on its way, get your house looking new again in time for a great spring!

http://shine.yahoo.com/photos/surprising-household-items-double-cleaners-slideshow/tennis-ball-remove-scuff-marks-floor-photo-2590186-195800210.html

And don’t forget to check out Katie's Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Website! 

Great spring break destinations for the whole family!

http://www.travelchannel.com/interests/family/articles/top-10-family-spring-break-vacations

Looking to get away this spring break? Here’s a list of great destinations for the family! It includes exotic getaways, as well as locations within driving distance from Rancho Santa Fe! Whether you would rather learn to surf under the Hawaiian sun, or do some skiing in Colorado, this spring, get away for some rest and relaxation!

 Dont forget to check out Katie's Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Website!

Great turnout at the 4th annual Puppy Love 5k!

This past week, the Helen Woodward Animal Center hosted the 4^th annual Puppy Love 5k. This event raised critical funds to assist orphaned animals. The 5k was a great place to show off your pride and joy (sorry kids), and have a grand old time going for a little jog with your dog! This year's event featured Grand Marshal Raoul Martinez from San Diego's Fox 5, and the future is looking bright for this great fundraiser! The best of luck to the Animal Center, and we hope to see you there in the future!

Also, don't forget to check out Katie's Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Website!

Recipe of the Week: Stuffed Strawberries

 

Although valentines day has come and past, its never ill timing to whip up some tasty treats!

 

 Ingredients:

24 Large strawberries, hulls removed

12 ounces cream cheese at room temperature

1-teaspoon vanilla (can use orange or almond instead)

3 tablespoons confectioners sugar

1/2lb dark chocolate flakes

 

Preparation:

 

Place cream cheese in a bowl, microwave for 30 seconds so that it is soft.

 

Whip together the cream cheese, vanilla, and sugar.

 

In the center of each strawberry, using a sharp knife, make a hole in each one, as deep as you can without going out the bottom.

 

Spoon or pipe the filling into each hole

 

Dip cheesecake end of strawberry into chocolate flakes making sure you completely cover the cheesecake filling with chocolate (you can also dip in melted chocolate and nuts)

 

Chill and serve

 

Enjoy!

 

Other options:

 

Instead of cheesecake filling, use a vanilla cream filling by mixing:

 

2 (3.5 ounce) packets of instant vanilla pudding mix

2 cups of heavy cream

1 cup of milk

 

Mix ingredients together in bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate to set.

 

Also, don't forget to check out Katie's Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Website!

Great New Apps for the iPhone!

Did you get a new iPhone over the winter holidays? Still trying to maximize its potential? Check out these great iPhone apps to simplify your life, from great recipes, to a free traffic-avoiding app!

http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/best-iphone-apps/

Also, don't forget to check out Katie's Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Website!

Recipe of the Week: Presidents Day Pie

 

Since our first president was an avid cherry lover, this week, we will give y’all the recipe for one of George’s favorites!

 

Ingredients:

 

4 Cups cherries pitted

1 Cup sugar (1 ¼ cups for sour cherries)

¼ Cup Flour

½ Teaspoon Cinnamon

Pastry for a double-crust 9-inch pie

 

Preparation:

 

-Mix ingredients for filling.

-Place in pastry-lined pie pan

-Put top crust on. Cut vent slits in top crust, and flute edges.

-Brush top with milk and sprinkle with sugar.

-Bake at 425’F for 25 minutes, reduce heat to 350’F and bake for 25-30 mins more.

TIP: Put sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a large Ziploc bag. Add the cherries and toss to coat. This coats them more even then doing it in a bowl and the filling is firmer.

Resolutions For a New Home!

Is one of your goals this year to buy a home?  Well, here are some resolutions that will help you!  This list will help you figure out which parts of the process come before others, and how to get your ducks in a row before buying a home.  Get your planning process started now, and make your 2013 dreams come true!

And if you're looking in the Rancho Santa Fe area, give Katie a call when you get to the "Find a Realtor" stage! Check out her Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Website for details.

Debt Relief Extended!

After a lot of worry over whether certain measures would be extended in 2013 to help those struggling financially, one important measure has definitely come through! A law giving financially strained home-sellers tax relief on forgiven mortgage debt has been extended through 2013.  Read the whole article for details! http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/jan/02/mortgage-debt-relief-extended-homeowners/

If you have more questions about mortgages or home financing, give Katie a call, or check out her Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Website!

What's In Store For 2013

Happy New Year Everyone!

Now that it's 2013, we all have a clean slate.  And the prognosis for the San Diego housing market in the new year is looking good! According to the San Diego Union Tribune, "As reported [in December 2012], housing prices rose 13.7 percent over the past year in the county, and sales jumped an impressive 22.4 percent, the best performance in seven years. It is our hope that this rebound will continue and that it will lead an economy that exceeds all expectations in 2013."  Here in Rancho Santa Fe, we also saw a great rebound in numbers compared to previous years.

Let's hope this upward trend continues!  For a look at that article and a more in-depth review of San Diego in 2012, see http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/dec/30/hopes-for-the-new-year/ .

If you're curious about recent selling prices of other homes in your neighborhood, Katie would be happy to provide you a list!  For more information, check out Katie's Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Website!

Holiday Energy Savers!

It's winter! The holidays are here, the days are shorter, the nights are colder, your house may be covered in lights, and company often stays long into the night.  Although we don't get snow here in Rancho Santa Fe, it sure does get chilly! Rancho Santa Fe resident or not, if you're like most people, your energy bills are spiking WAY up about now!  Here are a few easy ways to make sure that the heating, lighting and other common energy-wasters in your house are as efficient as they can be!

And don't forget to check out Katie's Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Website!

(from http://freeyourmindonline.net/lowering-heat-cost.html)

The cold months of the year are normally when keeping the house comfortable can cut into your spending plan BIG time. So I will try to come in and save the day, and go over some things that can be done help lower your electric bill. Hopefully I'm not too late. As in the Summerizing article, some of these things are common sense, but not often thought about, and some are a little tricky so to speak. First up...

Put Some Clothes On!

For crying out loud. On average you save 3% on your electric bill for every degree you turn your thermostat back, but that is easier said than done, and no one wants to sit in the house shivering. Hot months can change to cold without us realizing it. It's time to switch to long pants and long sleeve shirts. Your head and your feet are two primary thermal indicators for your body, so one thing you can do to really stay warm, is to wear a knit cap and some thicker socks. With your head and feet warm you will be able to turn that thermostat down considerably.

Hold Your Heat!

Windows

Leaky windows can be a major culprit in high heating costs, so if this is a problem, you will want to take care of it right away. One way to know if you have a problem is to light a candle and hold it near the edge of your window. If it flickers then you know you have a draft problem.
You can use caulking to cover cracks in windows. You can also use plastic sheeting kits. You can use the plastic on the inside or outside of your windows to reduce costs.

Doors

One of the things you can use to seal your unused doors is clear tape. It keeps a lot of air from blowing in, and it is easy to apply and remove.
You can also use weather-stripping on your doors and windows that lead to a garage or a basement. You can weather-strip most doors for $15 or $20 but you will save much more than that over the winter.
You can also use something like a draft guard to keep cold air out.

Ventilation Fans

Whenever you use a bathroom or a kitchen fan, you are sucking the heat out of your house. While breathing is a beautiful thing, I'm sorry that I'm going to have to advise you to choke your house. Ventilation fans can greatly increase your heating costs.
You can get an anti-fog mirror in your bathroom if you don't like your bathroom mirror steamed up after a shower. You can also turn on a hair dryer and dry your mirror streak free when it fogs up, and that will avoid heat loss.

Basements and Attics

Make sure that your basement and/or attic is insulated well. This can save you hundreds of dollars every single year on your bill.
You can use a can of expanding insulation foam and go through you attic and basement sealing all of the small areas around your pipes. Covering your hot water pipes with cheap foam can also help cut down on heat loss.

Fireplaces

Do you have a fireplace? A glass screen or front can reduce fireplace heat loss. You can also purchase a draft stopper (an inflatable pillow that you insert into the flue) and seal off your fireplace from heat loss very effectively.

Dryers

Put a vent seal in your clothes dryer opening to keep heated air from leaving your home, and make sure that it stays closed when the dryer is not in use. This works better than metal flappers.

Ducts

Check the ducts in your home to make sure that all of the crevices and cracks are properly sealed off, so that the heat from your house is not spilling into your walls or into your attic (if you have one).

Drains

Cover all drains. Yes ladies and gentlemen. Your drains will also suck heat out of your home. So whatever drains that you have, you should cover them when you aren't using them. You can purchase rubber drain covers really cheap at your local hardware store.

Outlets

Another avenue for hot air to escape your home is electrical outlets. You can cover your unused outlets by putting in child safety plugs.

Home Base

If your house is on a slab foundation, insulating around the base of your home can save a lot of money. You can do this a number of ways; foam boards, foam spray, etc. If this is expensive you can always improvise and shovel some snow against the base of your home (if it is available). 

Be Strategic

Windows

Open up the curtains and blinds on the sunny side of your home when the sun is shinning and close the curtains and blinds on the shady side of your home so that the radiant heat comes in but does not escape. Then close the sunny side curtains when the sun goes down. If applicable, you can prune branches from bushes and trees to allow more sunlight into your home.
You can also reduce your electric bill by getting some curtains made from the heavier materials as they can keep air from leaking in and out of your house.

Rooms

Close off unused spaces (attic, garage, basement, spare bedrooms, and storage areas) and use space heaters in the rooms that you use and lower the heat to the rest of the house. Do you have a second floor or a basement that you don't normally use during the day? Then don't heat it till you need it. If there are vents in your heating system, close them off in those unused rooms.
Warning: Before you close any vents, get the advice of an expert on whether it is safe to do so (I had to throw the disclaimer in there).

Cooking

Cook in and don't eat out. When you cook, you save money on restaurant bills or convenience foods, and you also heat your house at the same time. Use this to your advantage.

Laundry

Not only does cooking heat your house, but drying your clothes does also. So if your dryer is located around where you are during the day, then your dryer cycle can be wonderful at supplying excess heat while your heating system is turned off.

Breathe!

While airflow is bad when it comes to heat escaping your home and cold air coming in, it is good when it comes to your heating systems. So...
Change your furnace filter. This will increase your heaters airflow and efficiency. You can get filters for a very low cost from your local hardware.
Vacuum and dust your radiators and heating vents often. The dust that builds up on these surfaces reduces airflow, and subsequently the amount of heat that can get into your rooms.

Misc. Tips

Do you have a service contract with your heating system provider? It will often include a yearly check and tune up. Get in contact with them (because I'm SURE they won't contact YOU) and make sure you get your money's worth, and save your moneys worth.
Insulate your water heater tank to increase efficiency by wrapping it in an insulation blanket available at hardware stores. Don't cover the thermostat. Drain water from your water heater to remove sediment. Sediment slows down heat transfer and therefore lowers the heaters efficiency. If you have an owner’s manual it should show you how. Turn down your water heater thermostat to about 120 degrees. Some thermostats are as high as 140 degrees.
Use light-emitting diode—or "LED"—holiday light strings, and reduce the cost of lighting your home during the winter holiday season. LED bulbs use a fraction of the energy of conventional lighting.
Check with your local utility company for an energy audit. Some energy saving devices may be provided and installed free for low income families.
Drinking warm fluids will also keep you warm and allow you to turn your heat down.
Speaking of fluids... Here is an innovative way to keep warm at night while the thermostat is down. You can boil (or almost boil) some water on the stove or in a microwave. Put that water in some sort of sturdy container, wrap it in a pillowcase or some sheets until it’s just nice and warm but not too hot. Then put it under the covers five minutes before you get in bed, and sleep with it under the covers. This will warm your bed up. You can do this with a rice heating pad or a hot water bottle.

On The Other Hand

Many people like the idea of using an electric blanket in the winter. But on the other hand, is it safe?
Turning down your thermostat at night is a good thing, but on the other hand, turning it down drastically (in contrast to where it is during the day) may not save you as much as you think. The contents of your home have to be reheated, in addition to the air, when you turn the heat back on.
A lot of people like to turn their heat off when leaving on vacation (no need to heat the house while you are gone), but on the other hand, you may not want to let your house go below 40 degrees because your pipes might freeze and burst.

Alternative Methods To Lower Your Electric Bill

Try using Home Made Energy. You can generate heat for your home using solar and wind power. This can save you hundreds of dollars per month and help you with lowering heating costs! You can also save money by building a Solar Water Heater. This heater will contain tubes that use the Suns radiation to stay heated. This can be another cost saver.

A Rancho Santa Fe Farmer's Market - Will It Happen?

The village of Rancho Santa Fe has been contemplating a farmer's market for some time.  Although there are several small businesses in the quaint Rancho Santa Fe "downtown," many are concerned that this area is becoming a banking and investing hub, discouraging small restaurants, shops and other businesses. Many Rancho Santa Fe residents are hoping that a weekly farmer's market will help revitalize downtown, renewing a sense of community there.  Let's hope the project goes forward!  Chances are looking good right now....read a longer article on the process here!

And don't forget to check out Katie's Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Website!

What NOT To Do Before Buying a Home

Are you thinking of buying a home within the coming year?  If so, whether you are looking in Rancho Santa Fe or elsewhere there are some big DON'Ts you should know about!  Certain large purchases and other financial actions immediately before buying a home can hurt your chances of getting approved for a mortgage loan.  So read this article and don't be caught unawares!

http://www.realestateabc.com/homebuying/donts.htm

If you're looking at homes in the Rancho Santa Fe area, give Katie a call, and don't foget to check out her Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Website!

Friday Home Humor

Today, I have just a little home humor to brighten your Friday morning!   It seems not everyone is cut out for home ownership....I guess you'll just have to take that chance! Copied from http://xkcd.com/905/.

And if you do decide to own a home, check out Katie's Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Website!

What Country Suits You Best?

As lovely as Rancho Santa Fe is, sometimes I daydream about living somewhere completely different. Do you ever wonder if you would be happier in Italy or Mexico? Whether a relaxed, tropical lifestyle or a thrilling cosmopolitan one would be better for you? Take this fun little quiz to find out which country is tailor-made to suit your values, desires and philosophies. You might be surprised at the answer!

http://www.quibblo.com/quiz/aQB0tnS/What-country-best-suits-you?view_quiz=1

If you are suddenly taken by the desire to move abroad, call Katie for recommendations on international real estate brokers - but if you're sticking close to home (at least for now....) visit her Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Website!

10 Ways to Spice Up a Tired Kitchen!

Is your kitchen looking a little rough around the edges?  The holidays are a tough time of year to start (and afford) a remodel, but you want your kitchen to look bright and new for holiday festivities!  What to do?  Well, here are ten easy and inexpensive ways to give your kitchen a gorgeous new character.  Good luck, and enjoy!

http://www.realtor.com/home-garden/kitchens-baths/kitchens/easy-kitchen-projects.aspx

And don't forget to check out Katie's Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Website!

Why Do You Need a Realtor?

If you're getting ready to buy or sell your home, you might be asking yourself this question - especially in a world filled with Craigslist, online ads and how-to books for dummies. But don't make your decision without knowing all the facts! Here are 7 reasons why a realtor can really help you get a better deal in the end.

http://www.winningagent.com/why-you-need-a-realtor/

If you have more questions about what a realtor can do for you, especially in Rancho Santa Fe or the greater San Diego area, give Katie a call or visit her Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Website!