Leslie Faught

October Housing Statistics in the East Bay

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 16:14:00 GMT

Curious About the Current Real Estate Activity in Your Neighborhood or a Neighborhood You Are Interested In? CLICK HERE

As always, I am happy to help with any questions you may have and any assistance I can provide.

Have a wonderful week and all the best,

Leslie ��

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The Best Way To Clean Your Face Mask, According to Science

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 18:18:00 GMT

In an age of misinformation, something as simple as cleaning a cloth face mask can become incredibly confusing. What should you use to clean it? How should you clean it, and how often?

We’ve likely read many of the same articles you have, and we’re still confused. Which is why we chose to turn to the science experts for some definitive advice on how to properly clean face masks. Apparently, it’s not all that complicated!

Here are a few things to keep in mind before you start dousing your face masks with every disinfectant you can find.

How often should you wash your face mask?

Your washing machine might not approve, but here’s the thing: Cloth masks need to be cleaned pretty regularly—as in, almost every time they’re worn. While taking a solo walk to the mailbox might not qualify, any activity that brings you out in public or around other people should be cause enough to wash it.

“If you’re using a standard cloth mask, it needs to be washed after each use,” says Keane Veran , CEO of OURA , a leading manufacturer of reusable face masks.

If your mask has antimicrobial properties, it requires less frequent cleaning—like two to three times a week, Veran says. Otherwise, plan on washing it after every trip out in public.

What you need to know about hand-washing your mask

Luckily for your washing machine, it’s not the only way to clean a mask. In fact, while it might not be the most convenient, the experts agree: Hand-washing your homemade DIY mask is best. Although machine washing will also work to disinfect a mask between uses, hand-washing is better for one simple reason: It helps your mask last longer.

“Ideally, masks should be hand-washed with detergent,” says Veran. “Scrub them under warm water to thoroughly lather the detergent.”

Be sure to remove any filter in your mask before washing it, and don’t worry about making the water as hot as possible. Although hot water does help to kill microbes, using detergent to wash your mask thoroughly is sufficient.

“Any standard detergent would work well to break down microbes,” Veran says. “It’s the soap that breaks down the fatty capsule of the virus, allowing it to be washed away.”

What you need to know about machine-washing your mask

Depending on how many mask-wearers you have in your household, you might be tempted to machine-wash your masks. And while hand-washing preserves masks longer, sometimes it’s our own sanity that needs preserving. If that’s the case, here are a few things to keep in mind to give your masks the best possible chance of surviving the laundry machine.

Drying your mask

Since the novel coronavirus is deactivated by washing it, how you dry your mask is really just a matter of personal preference. Air-drying it in the sun is a great option, though machine drying works just as well.

“Think about washing and drying anything that’s like a mask,” says Bill Carroll , adjunct professor of chemistry at Indiana University. “Generally, cloth masks will be cotton or cotton-polyester, and the things that go over your ears will be elastic or of the same material as the mask. So the care of such a mask should be analogous to a cotton article with an elastic waistband—like underwear. If you would put underwear in the dryer, it should be OK for the mask as well.”

The final word

Again, take a look at how durable your masks appear to be, and develop a cleaning regimen that makes sense—both in terms of your usage and how many people are in your household. Maybe this means buying enough masks that you always have a clean one ready. If you have a lot of mask wearers in your home, get them involved in helping you hand-wash these items every week or few days. The family that cleans together, stays healthy together!

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First Street Alehouse in Livermore

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 05:42:00 GMT

Inspired by two brothers who wanted to bring a small slice of Chico to their new home town, the Alehouse provides an upbeat, social atmosphere while fostering a strong sense of community. It has been said that you may walk in the door not knowing anyone but you are sure to walk out the door with a few more friends.

As you look around the Alehouse you will undoubtedly notice the stunning woodwork and incredible atmosphere, but if you look a bit closer you will see the subtle hints of a family. The hostess stand is lined with pictures of their kids, the family tricycle is hung from the rafters and their son’s footprints are set in the concrete as a reminder that they are all in this together.

Set one foot in the door and it is obvious that people love being at the Alehouse. Guests sit conversing while enjoying great food and typically a frosty beverage, or two, but what stands out the most is the positivity and friendliness of the staff. The owners pride themselves on treating others like they would like to be treated and this policy is clearly visible when it comes to their staff benefits. Offering medical and 401K matching benefits to their staff has allowed them to acquire a devoted staff who are fully invested in the business and what the Alehouse stands for.

If you have never given the Alehouse a shot make today the day. We think you will find out why it is known by the locals as, “the heartbeat of Downtown Livermore.”

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Top Livermore Wineries

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 05:39:00 GMT

Livermore is home to some of California’s oldest wineries and a storied history of viticulture , and yet his area on the far eastern side of Alameda County is perhaps regarded most as a commuter town: the place off Interstate 580 with those windmills in the distance, rather than an idyllic spot for wine.

But the prominence of wine tasting in Livermore has changed over the past 15 years. There are more than 60 wineries and about 96,000 acres of wine grapes in the Livermore Valley American Viticultural Area ( AVA ).

Nearly a century before Chateau Montelena and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars of Napa triumphed at the famed Judgment of Paris in 1976 , Livermore’s Cresta Blanca Winery was crowned the Grand Prix winner at the 1889 Paris Exposition. This honor marked the first time a California wine beat the competition in France.

Livermore’s terroir benefits from the east-west orientation of its valleys, along with a warm growing season that’s tempered by the San Francisco Bay’s cooling breezes. Red varieties tend to thrive here, especially Petite Sirah , Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel .

The following lineup represents some must-stops as you explore the Livermore Valley. It starts from the northern end of Livermore and runs west, before taking a counter-clockwise loop through the heart of its wine country.

THE LIVERMORE WINERIES

Vasco Road is your entry point. At first glance, the scenery is more bedroom community than Bordeaux. But within just about 2 miles, a land of wine awaits.

Our first stop isn’t a vineyard but an industrial park. Sample full-bodied Zinfandel, Bordeaux varietals and more at Wood Family Vineyards . Its recently opened tasting room sits adjacent to a warehouse that contains its winery operations. Chances are members of the Wood family will be on hand in the laid-back tasting room, possibly offering samples of cheese and chocolate to pair with their wines.

Next, drive a mile northeast to Wente Vineyards , which has produced wine in the Livermore Valley since the late 1800s. There are two tasting rooms on this property. Sample current releases such as fizzy Small Lot Brut and estate-grown Chardonnay at the Estate Tasting Room. Or, head to the Winemakers Studio for flights that focus on reserve wines and special blends such as the aromatic Artisan White. Fuel up on roasted prawns or an Indian spin on fried chicken at the Wood Fire Kitchen, a food truck on Wente’s patio.

Head a mile west on Tesla Road to another historic Livermore site. The sprawling Concannon Vineyard estate is likely to be packed on the weekends, but wine history buffs who don’t mind the occasional party bus will definitely want to see the mini-museum to the side of the tasting room. Concannon, after all, is credited as the first U.S. winery to bottle a varietal Petite Sirah. There, display cases trace the winery’s history to the late 1800s with bottles, awards and other artifacts.

Double-back and turn onto nearby Mines Road for a stop at Murrieta’s Well , a property with a lineage that dates to the 1800s. Tastings are by reservation only so they might be able to squeeze you in if you call. It’s worth a try for the overall consistency of the wines, and be sure to sample the Petite Verdot.

One of the best stops for all of Livermore wine is just a few miles away on Tesla Road. Look for the funky farmhouse that doubles as the tasting room for BoaVentura de Caires Winery. Smooth and balanced Cabernet Sauvignon is the specialty here, along with Portuguese-influenced wines.

About 2 miles west, on Greenville Road, is McGrail Vineyards and its picturesque views of the valley. Savor the acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon and unwind with a round or two of bocce ball near the lawn.

Finally, head across the street to Bent Creek Winery , a small estate with bold wines, that’s tucked about a quarter mile from the road. You’ll find plenty of elbow room here in a serene setting that’s framed by vineyards.

Before dinner, have a flight of Livermore wines at First Street Wine Co. , a cozy bottle shop and wine bar that draws a friendly mix of locals and visitors.

Those at the bar will tell you the best restaurant wine list in Livermore is across the street at Uncle Yu’s at the Vineyard . Owner Nicholas Liang is a sommelier so it’s no surprise this Asian restaurant features an epic wine list that ranges from Livermore’s finest to rare Burgundy.

Grab a seat at the bar if you’re feeling casual. Order the mu shu pork, a rich glass of Cuda Ridge Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon from Livermore, and toast to a thriving wine region in the East Bay’s backyard.

A good place to end your night is at Purple Orchid Wine Country Resort and Spa, near the heart of Livermore’s wine country. If you want boutique accommodations instead of a hotel chain, this is your spot.

By Chris Macias on The Press: https://thepress.sfchronicle.com/article/livermore-wineries/

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Espresso Rosetta in Downtown Livermore

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 04:48:00 GMT

Espresso Rosetta owners Mercina and Jeremy Schneider are long time residents of Livermore, as well as long time coffee connoisseurs. Jeremy, an engineer gone rogue, is the shop’s fix-it guy with a can-do attitude. He’s always tinkering and discovering ways to make processes more efficient, fool-proof, and fun for baristas and customers alike. Mercina was exposed to the world of coffee at a young age, acquiring first hand experience with coffee techniques from her uncle, David Schomer. Schomer developed what is known as the Schomer method of coffee preparation, which quickly gained worldwide recognition and praise. This method is what is used at Espresso Rosetta today.

View their Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/espressorosetta/

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Ultimate Rightsizing Checklist

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 16:37:00 GMT

Are you starting a new chapter in life, but you have no idea how to downsize your home? Here’s a step-by-step guide to quell the ulcers and simplify the process.

If you’re overwhelmed with panic at the thought of moving to a new, smaller place, it’s likely stemming from uncertainty about how to downsize your home.

Not only do you have to face a whole new epoch in life, you likely have more possessions than you can take with you when moving to a smaller home. Whether you’re an empty nester, downsizing for financial reasons or simply want less upkeep, being smart about how you downsize is critical.

Luckily, we’ve got plenty of tips (and a free downsizing checklist) for making wise decisions throughout the downsizing process. Here’s your step-by-step guide to paring down, packing smart and downsizing your home.

How to Downsize Your Home, Step By Step

Step 1: Make the biggest decisions first.

The best way to downsize is to go room by room, making the big decisions first and then the small ones. The following questions should help. Discuss the answers with your partner (if applicable) and think carefully about larger or more complicated items before you decide what stays and what goes to your new home.

Questions to Ask Before Getting Rid of Large Items

These are hard questions, especially if you’re moving into a condo or apartment. If you’re moving into a smaller single-family home, they’re a bit easier – but will still require thought.

Step 2: Create stations for giveaway items, donations, items for resale and trash.

It makes sense to know where you’re moving before you start a full pack job. You don’t, however, have to wait before you start decluttering your current space. Whether you’re planning your downsize or already mid-pack, you can use a simple four-pile system to make the job much easier.

The Four-Pile Sorting System for Downsizing

Choose distinct corners or rooms for each pile. When you come across possessions that meet one of these descriptions, immediately place them at the designated station so you can dispose of them in batches, saving major time.

Step 3: Start in little-used nooks and storage spaces.

When downsizing, you can find some easy wins in those holes and crannies you rarely enter, or that tend to accumulate junk. This includes spaces such as:

These niches often contain a) unused items (AKA junk), b) memories and c) larger items for sale. Refer to the steps above for big decisions: place the junk in designated piles and set the memories aside. We’ll deal with them in a bit.

If you decide to keep items that won’t fit inside your new home, make sure you have enough storage at your new place or consider renting a storage unit. Often it’s easier to pare down further once you have a little time away from possessions and can tell what’s truly useful.

Step 4: Downsize your furniture collection next.

Obviously you’ll need furniture in your new home. The question is: What furniture will fit in your new, smaller home?

It’s important to measure your new space and your furniture to see if the latter fits. Make sure to account for doorways; sometimes even if your furniture would fit inside the space, you can’t get it in there to begin with.

Most likely you’ll have to eliminate some pieces. Instead of focusing on what to get rid of, though, set your sights on what you can’t live without or what you would replace if it were gone . That means über-cozy beds, antique furniture or the wonky side table from your kid’s middle school shop class.

For everything else, starting finding new homes for excess furniture pieces, whether that means offering them to friends and family, selling or donating them, or sending them to your storage unit.

Are you starting a new chapter in life, but you have no idea how to downsize your home? Here’s a step-by-step guide to quell the ulcers and simplify the process. 3.9k Shares

If you’re overwhelmed with panic at the thought of moving to a new, smaller place, it’s likely stemming from uncertainty about how to downsize your home.

Not only do you have to face a whole new epoch in life, you likely have more possessions than you can take with you when moving to a smaller home. Whether you’re an empty nester , downsizing for financial reasons or simply want less upkeep, being smart about how you downsize is critical.

Luckily, we’ve got plenty of tips (and a free downsizing checklist ) for making wise decisions throughout the downsizing process. Here’s your step-by-step guide to paring down, packing smart and downsizing your home.

How to Downsize Your Home, Step By Step

Step 1: Make the biggest decisions first.

Questions to Ask Before Getting Rid of Large Items

These are hard questions, especially if you’re moving into a condo or apartment. If you’re moving into a smaller single-family home, they’re a bit easier – but will still require thought.

Step 2: Create stations for giveaway items, donations, items for resale and trash.

The Four-Pile Sorting System for Downsizing

Step 3: Start in little-used nooks and storage spaces.

When downsizing, you can find some easy wins in those holes and crannies you rarely enter, or that tend to accumulate junk. This includes spaces such as:

Step 4: Downsize your furniture collection next.

Obviously you’ll need furniture in your new home. The question is: What furniture will fit in your new, smaller home?

For everything else, starting finding new homes for excess furniture pieces, whether that means offering them to friends and family, selling or donating them, or sending them to your storage unit.

Step 5: Head to the kitchen for everyday items.

The kitchen, more than any other room in the home, contains items you use every single day. Even your clothes don’t see the type of loyalty you bestow on, say, the cast iron pan you heat up morning, noon and night.

Again, don’t focus on what to eliminate. Instead, go through your drawers and pull out the pieces you really can’t live without: your food processor, your well-loved pans, your silverware.

Remember that it’s okay if your kitchen is disproportionately represented in your piles of moving boxes, especially if you like to cook. If your move to a smaller home means moving into a smaller kitchen, though, these posts may come in handy:

Step 6: Comb through bedrooms and living spaces one by one.

Now that you’ve made tough decisions about big items, done some serious decluttering and pared down your furniture, it’s time to deal with the thousands and thousands of smaller possessions that make up a home.

More than anything else when downsizing, we get stuck in nostalgia. The macaroni art! The college tee shirts! The art supplies from that oil-on-canvas phase!

Decluttering sentimental items can be tough, but with a few targeted questions, you can make much better decisions about what you love and what can go. Check out our list of questions to ask yourself while decluttering sentimental items here.

When it comes to paper keepsakes such as special art projects, certificates and other paper milestones, Gretchen Rubin of The Happiness Project has a brilliant system for filing sentimental items. Any time she has to sort through papers, she pulls out truly special pieces (best-in-class artwork, special family photographs, momentous b-day invitations). Then she files them in a special accordion folder dedicated to nostalgia and discards the rest.

She also recommends choosing one representative item for collections. So, one college tee shirt and one snow globe from your every-state-in-the-continental-U.S. collection. Ditto one pair of baby shoes, one item from the costume jewelry you no longer wear, one amazing trophy from your golf days.

Still stuck? Ask if each object “sparks joy,” as Marie Kondo explains it in her fabulous book. If you can’t honestly say it adds measurably to your life, let it go.

The post Ultimate Rightsizing Checklist appeared first on Leslie Faught.

How to Rightsize Your Home Without Losing Your Mind

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 16:29:00 GMT

Whether you’re moving from a palatial estate to a downtown apartment or you’re moving in with a significant other, downsizing is in order. Moving from a large home full of your stuff to a smaller space can be tricky, and while it’s easy to say “just get rid of your extra stuff,” doing it is much harder. Here’s how to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Over the past few years, many people have downsized not because they want to, but because the housing market crashed. Others (myself included) opt to live in a smaller space because it’s in a desirable neighborhood, close to work, or downtown near amenities. The two biggest cost concerns when looking for a place to live are size and location, and regardless of why you’re downsizing, there are some ways to make the move easy.

Take Inventory: What Would You Replace If It Were All Gone

Before you do anything—before you even move and know how much space you have to move into, the first thing to do is take a close inventory of your belongings. Ask yourself, If everything you owned was lost in a fire, what would you replace? Take stock of the things that are actually important to you, and the things that you could live without, or could actually replace or downsize along with your living space.

Ideally, you’ll make three lists: Must haves, can live withouts, and things I could replace. Your must haves obviously need to come with you. Your “live withouts” are the things you could sell, donate, or get rid of entirely in some fashion—or at the very least aren’t necessary. That doesn’t mean you’ll get rid of them, just that if space becomes a concern, they’re the first ones to go. Your “could replace” list should be reserved for things that you could potentially sell and buy something smaller that you’d like, like a smaller TV instead of the massive wall-hogging monster you have now, or space-saving furniture compared to the huge sectional couch and recliners you may own today. Plus, taking a full inventory of your things is a great way to make a detailed home inventory, for that renter’s or homeowner’s insurance that you should absolutely have.

If you’re moving into a smaller space with someone else and combining households, this step is even more important, not just for you, but for the person you’re moving in with as well. Go through your inventories together. Be ruthless with your lists, too—it’s often said that the things you own expand to fill the space you live in, but the opposite, that they contract to fit nicely, never happens.

Sell, Sell, Sell: What Are You Better Off Owning Versus Having Money to Buy?

The next step is to part with those things that you don’t need and sell them for cash. We’ve given you a complete guide to selling your unwanted stuff for the most possible money, so get together with your neighbors and host a yard sale to get rid of those heavy furniture items or appliances, and use your seller’s guide to Craigslist to craft the perfect listings for your old books, computer accessories, or anything else you want to make some money on. After all, the core part of downsizing is to downsize, so try to make as much money from the things you won’t take with you as possible. The more money you make, the more you’ll be able to buy things that are size appropriate for your new home, or save the money and enjoy your new life in your smaller space.

Similarly, think about some of the things you own that are just “insurance” items. For example, an extra mattress in the garage, or the futon in the basement—those things you keep for no reason other than the possibility of something you do use every day breaking. Those are prime candidates to sell: The things you’re keeping are only depreciating in value. You’ll do yourself a favor by stashing the money you get from them in a savings account and buying a couch or a futon if you ever need one instead of holding on to an old, musty one just in case.

Decluttering and downsizing is hard, make no mistake—selling things makes it easier because honestly, who doesn’t like money? If you need more help though, check out our guide to kicking your clutter habit for tips to make the whittling process as easy as possible. Similarly, if you’re a clotheshorse and your problem comes from your wardrobe, we have some specific tips to help you out there, too.

Finally, whatever you do, if you can’t sell it, don’t hesitate to donate it to charity, like your local Goodwill, or whatever other organization you prefer. If you can’t make use of it and it’s in good condition, someone else will, and they’ll appreciate it.

Never Duplicate, If You Can Help It

We mentioned that if you’re moving into a smaller space with someone, making sure you go over your inventories together is essential. The last thing you want to do when trying to combine two households is to find out that you’ve both brought two full sets of dishes, flatware, glasses, or worse, large items like chairs, couches, desks, and so on. This is where it’s even more important to have a home inventory in-hand before you move, and that you both sit down and make decisions on the things you want to keep, who brings the dishes and who brings the glasses, who brings the bed and who brings the couches.

We talked a bit about smoothing the transition when a significant other moves in, but the big challenge when you move in with a partner in a smaller space will be making sure you both bring only what you really need and really want, and that you’re both on the same page about exactly how minimal your new home will be.

Even if you’re not moving in with someone else, duplicating items is a terrible idea. It should be easier to avoid since the only person you’re dealing with is you, but keep in mind that when you’re downsizing you may not have room for enough beer glasses to entertain a crowd of 20, and that most nights it’ll be you and maybe your significant other—two or four (in case you have a few guests) will suffice. Get out of the mindset that you can have multiples of an item just because you prefer one or the other in very niche circumstances, and you’ll be in good shape.

Give Yourself Plenty of Storage Options

Once you do make the transition to your new home, make sure to make use of all of the available storage space you can get your hands on. Ottomans that open up and have space inside, wall-mounted shelving, under-bed storage boxes, they’re all your best friend if you’re moving to a smaller space. One rule of storage when it comes to small spaces is that you should store up, not out, so if you can make use of your walls for storage and shelving, do it—it’ll keep things off of the floor and out of your immediate living space. We have some storage tips to help you out, and of course, a trip to the Container Store or IKEA will always offer some inspiration to help you get organized.

One point though—think about what you can do with the stuff you have before you go buy a bunch of containers that just adds to the overall clutter. We’ve mentioned before that you shouldn’t get seduced by boxes, containers, and organizational gadgets—they can often just add to the problem by encouraging you to put stuff you don’t need into pretty boxes that look nice on a shelf, when that shelf could be used for something you actually want, or better yet, nothing at all until it’s needed. Try to think of your downsizing as an opportunity to do something new and live a lighter life with a lighter load instead of spending more money shoehorning the things you have into a smaller space.

Finally, as an absolute last resort, consider getting a storage space. You’re essentially paying rent to someone just to house your stuff—stuff that you’re not using, and storage units are almost never ever a good deal when you do the math and figure out how much you’ll pay for the unit every year versus the actual value of the items you’re putting into storage. If your items are absolutely essential, sentimental, or extremely valuable and you don’t have room for them, then it’s an option, but if you’re storing things because they’re “just in case” items like we mentioned earlier, sell them, pocket the money, and keep the money “just in case.”

Try to Stay Organized, and Be Ruthless About What Enters Your Space

Finally, once you’ve managed to move into a smaller space and you’ve trimmed your possessions down to the things that actually matter to you, adopt a fairly ruthless approach to what comes into your home. Space is at a premium, and an “organized” small space can become a “cluttered” small space without much time or effort. Make sure that everything you bring in, everything you buy or order online, is something you can store with the space you have now and something you really want or need. Make compromises if you have to, like “I’ll buy these new jeans, but I’ll get rid of as many pairs that don’t fit anymore,” or “I really want this chair, but I’ll have to get rid of my old one to make room for it.”

It may sound logical, but don’t just acquire more things without thinking about where they’ll go and how they’ll fit into your lifestyle. When you have large open spaces in your home, it’s one thing to squeeze something in between two other things. When you have no wall space and floor space is at a premium, it’s hard enough to find space to unpack a box that something came in, much less find a place to put the actual delivery.

Downsizing doesn’t have to be a hassle or a horrible experience—it may sound like it, and parting with the things you own can definitely be emotional, but try to think about the life you’ll get in exchange for the crap you’re giving away. If you’re moving to a smaller apartment to shorten your commute or live in the neighborhood you’ve always wanted to, remember that, and try to make sure that new life is as happy as possible. If you’re downsizing because you need to save money, think about the money you’ll save, and the savings you’ll build up by selling the crap you don’t need—use it as motivation to never get stuck in a bad financial position again. Whatever your reasons are, attitude matters—and the more upbeat you can make the process, the smoother it’ll go.

Article Source: https://lifehacker.com/how-to-downsize-your-home-without-losing-your-mind-523560358

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Senior-Friendly Guide to Rightsizing

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 16:25:00 GMT

Most seniors know that there will come a day when they’ll have to rightsize, either to simplify their lifestyle, to cut costs, to be closer to grandchildren, or to address medical needs.

It’s often a stressful and tolling process — both emotionally and physically. But it doesn’t have to get overwhelming. Here are some tips from MYMOVE to make rightsizing easier.

Tips to make downsizing later in life easier

1. Start early.

Give yourself plenty of time for this process, because it will inevitably take longer than you expect. Take your time, and don’t try to sort through your entire house in one day or weekend. A couple of weeks to a month is a more realistic timeline. Take it one room at a time, and take breaks throughout.

“Go through each item one by one,” says Alison Kero, CEO of ACK Organizing in Brooklyn. “It’s important to give everything you own your attention for at least a second or two. It will also help you develop a great decision-making system because you’re learning how to focus and then choose.”

If you aren’t rushed, you’ll find downsizing to be much less stressful.

2. Start small.

You probably already things you want to get rid of in the kitchen or garage, but avoid diving into such a big room at the very beginning. You have years and years of things to sort through. Start in an area with little emotional attachment. The laundry room or linen closet are good options.

Understand your needs. If you’re moving into a two-bedroom house, four sets of sheets should be plenty. The rest can go.

“Garages/attics/basements are notorious for being the hardest rooms to tackle,” says Debra Blue, of Blue Moon Estate Sales. “These rooms tend to accumulate all the old hobbies, boxes, old holiday decorations, and clutter. They’re also known to be rather uncomfortable spaces. In the summer it’s too hot, winter it’s too cold, and in the springtime, it can be too humid.”

3. Eliminate rooms you won’t have in your new home.

If you’re moving to an apartment or townhome, you might not have a garage or office space. Nearly everything in those spaces will need to be sold, donated, tossed, or relocated to other rooms. These areas might also be good items for consignment or garage sales; nice office furniture and outdoor tools are more valuable than old sofas or mattresses.

“Organize backwards,” suggests Jamie Novak, author of ‘Keep This Toss That.’ “A common suggestion is to pick out the stuff you don’t want and pack the rest. Try the opposite — pack the keepers. What’s left can be looked at and most can be shared or donated.”

4. Get rid of duplicates.

You’ll find this is especially true in your kitchen. You have two or three spatulas and ladles, a couple of oversized stock pots, and four different sized cookie sheets. Now’s the time to reduce the clutter. If you’re feeling wary of handing off that second roasting pan because you use it every Christmas (but at no other time during the year), consider giving it to a child or grandchild who can bring it over for the holiday and take it home when they leave.

5. Only make Yes or No piles — no Maybes.

When you’re going through years of belongings, some things are going to tug at your heartstrings, and you’ll be tempted to make a third pile of things to keep if you have space. Don’t fall for it. You’ll end up with a Maybe pile that’s bigger than either of the other two. When that happens, you haven’t really made any progress in sorting, just moved it across the room.

Take a hard look at every item you pick up. If you use it regularly, keep it. But it’s time to let something go if it’s been sitting in a closet or on a shelf for a year or more.

“If you already weren’t using it, or didn’t like it, why on earth would you want to pack it up and schlep it to your next house?” says Hazel Thornton, of New Mexico-based Organized for Life. “I know it sounds silly, but people do it all the time. Moving isn’t cheap, either; do you really want to pay extra to move stuff you don’t even want? Don’t delude yourself by telling yourself you’ll deal with it at your next destination. No, you won’t.”

6. Reduce collections creatively.

It can be hard to let go of a lifetime collection of porcelain dolls or snow globes from all your vacations, but they will eat up a lot of space or end up stored in a box where you’ll never see them.

Instead, pick a couple to keep and take high-resolution photos of the rest, then have them made into a photo book that can sit on your coffee table or mantle. You and guests will be able to enjoy them without the clutter. There are also tech tools or websites such as Fotobridge.com that will convert those boxes of photo negatives to digital.

7. Don’t be afraid to sell things yourself.

With Craigslist, Ebay, numerous smartphone apps, yard sales, and an abundance of consignment shops, selling your belongings has never been easier. You probably won’t make a ton of money on most items, so consider how much time you want to invest.

Yard sales are usually faster, but items won’t sell for as much. Craigslist has its drawbacks, but you’ll have a much wider audience and can probably get more for your stuff. Consignment is a good option for high-end furniture, handbags, and other accessories; prices are reasonable, and they’ll sometimes pick up heavy furniture for you.

If you aren’t handy with a computer, your grandchildren can probably help. But if that all sounds like more than you care to deal with, hiring a firm to run an estate sale might be your best bet.

8. Consider legacy gifts early.

Is there an antique clock in your foyer that you plan to one day leave to your son? Maybe a china collection your granddaughter adores? If there are certain heirlooms or pieces you plan to leave to your family in your will, consider giving those gifts now.

This has two benefits: you’ll get the items out of our way, and you’ll be able to enjoy the feeling of giving those items to your loved ones now. While you’re at it, find out if there are any items your children want that you don’t know about — you might find an easy way to make them happy and lighten your load.

9. Allow some time to reminisce.

While you’re cleaning and sorting, there will be some days when you want to stop emptying the kids’ bedrooms and just look through the kindergarten drawings, soccer trophies, and once-prized stuffed animals. It’s OK to pause and let the nostalgia take over for a bit. Cry if you need to, or move on to another room and come back. This is why you started early — just don’t let it prevent you from eventually getting the job done.

“I always ask my clients how the item at hand makes them feel,” says Morgan Ovens, of Haven Home in Los Angeles. “If it brings up any negative feelings, let it go. If it brings happiness of course it stays! The idea here is to only be surrounded by things you absolutely love. Isn’t that a great goal?”

10. Use this as a chance to bond.

Invite the kids and grandkids over for the weekend. Talk to the young ones about where you bought your favorite trinkets. Tell them about your family’s heirlooms. Let them help pack, ask questions, and spend time with you. Get help posting items for sale online.

It can be one more moment your family shares together in the house you’ve loved — before you start making those memories together in your next home. Remember that it’s your family that’s important for the memories you cherish, not the stuff around you.

Making the move after you pack

Now that you’ve downsized your belongings, how are you going to make your move? You’ll want to have an answer in mind from the beginning of your downsizing process.

Will you be rounding up family members to help pack and drive a moving truck? Or will you pay for a full-service moving company to pack, ship, and unpack your things? Perhaps something in-between, with a mobile storage option in which you pack a container, and then the storage company does the shipping?

For seniors, there’s often another option. More companies, known as senior move managers, are popping up across the country that cater specifically to seniors moving — either to smaller homes or moving into senior living or nursing communities. They’ll usually do as much or as little as you want, from packing and moving to home cleaning and estate sales.

There are hundreds of senior move specialists. The National Association of Senior Move Managers reported nearly 1,000 companies as members in its 2015-16 annual report.

“There are now senior move specialists in most communities,” says Sara Geber, an aging transition coach with LifeEncore. “These are people trained to help at every step of the way, from selecting the new residence to downsizing, to transportation back and forth, etc. They are generally very reasonable in cost and well worth the expenditure. Most real estate brokers know of such professionals, as do estate attorneys and financial advisers.”

It’s important to keep these options in mind as you downsize because it might change your opinion on whether to keep or sell certain items. If you’re moving everything yourself, a 300-pound china cabinet might be better suited for the consignment shop to avoid the hassle and risk of injury. If you’re paying for full-service, you might be more inclined to keep it, but know that such heavy items add onto the price tag.

You’ll also want to be on the lookout for potential scammers. It’s fairly rare, but there are some companies out there that will promise one attractive price for a full-service move, and then once your stuff is all packed up in the truck, they’ll demand more money while holding your items hostage. Do your research and use companies that come with recommendations from family and friends.

If you’re undecided about what type of move is best for you, let MYMOVE help you compare moving options.

Dealing with the emotional toll of downsizing

Inevitably, most people will struggle a bit with nostalgia when they’ve reached a point where it’s time to downsize. Geber, with LifeEncore, spoke with MYMOVE about how to make the best of this difficult time.

“Change is hard for everyone, but the older we get, the more accustomed we are to our surroundings and our ‘stuff,’ even if all that stuff threatens to strangle us,” she says.

She says a lot of these negative feelings come from both sadness and fear, which is why she recommends making a downsize as early as possible when it’s easier to adjust to a new environment.

Many senior living communities allow potential residents to spend a few nights on site to get an idea of what it would be like to live there. Take advantage of that if you can. You want to make sure you find the right fit, Geber says.

And don’t let the apprehension get you down.

“Looking forward to a new environment” can help ease the transition, Geber says. Focus on the positives and appreciate how much simpler life will be with fewer surfaces to dust, rooms to vacuum, or towels to wash.

Your downsize doesn’t have to be stressful, sad, or scary. Stay positive and get excited about a simpler life in a new place with less clutter.

Article source: https://www.mymove.com/moving/senior-guide-downsizing/

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Brasas Do Brazil Churrascaria – Concord, CA

Mon, 23 Sep 2019 05:11:00 GMT

At Brasas Do Brazil Churrascaria , you can enjoy an unlimited, and delicious variety of rotisserie-grilled means served tableside, a gourmet salad bar, authentic Brazillian appetizers, and an experience like no other.

Come for the full experience. The waiters move around the restaurant with the skewers, slicing meat onto plates – steak, chicken, pork, and lamb. This serving style is called rodizio and is quite popular in Brazil!

*Image from Open Table

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Mount Diablo State Park – Concord, CA

Mon, 23 Sep 2019 05:01:00 GMT

Many visitors to Mount Diablo head straight for the Summit to enjoy the splendid view. As mountains go, Mount Diablo isn’t particularly tall – only 3,849 feet. However, it is surrounded by low, rolling hills and broad, flat valleys, so the view from the Summit is remarkable. When conditions are best, you can see almost 200 miles. To the east beyond California’s high central valley, the crest of the Sierra Nevada seems to float in space. All in all, you can see over 8,539 square miles and parts of 40 of California’s 58 counties from the Summit of Mount Diablo.

Gates open 8:00 am and close at sunset. Visitors should plan to be in their vehicles by nightfall and headed out to avoid being locked in.

Image from Purple Orchid

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Orangetheory Fitness – Concord

Wed, 08 May 2019 01:38:00 GMT

Orangetheory Fitness – Concord is conveniently located on 5100 Clayton Road Suite B3. Unlike traditional gyms, you’ll have the opportunity to meet your fitness coach and discuss personalized fitness goals and concerns.

Why it works? Between the inspirational coaches, mind-blowing science, and cutting-edge technology, Orangetheory is unlike any workout you’ve ever experienced before and one you can’t live without. Be sure to arrive 30 minutes prior to your first scheduled session.

*Image from MindBody

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