Friday Foto ~ ‘Tis The Pumpkin Season

My daughter’s pumpkin on her Denver balcony, looks a little cold….

 

Happy October!

We Are Now Accepting Qualified Listings

Call Today for More Info on Our 

Distinctive Marketing Plans

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.     

www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker Associate ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI

Surterre Properties

Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 495-8600

Keep Flies Away With One Simple Trick…It Really Works!

Keep flies away the natural way…

  

I recently saw a post on facebook about this trick…and I never thought about blogging about it until now, since so many people had never heard of this, I thought it would be worth sharing.

My wife’s family has been doing this for many years to control flies the natural way. I was skeptical until we tried it ourselves. It really does work. We would just put in 1 penny and sometimes a crumbled up piece of aluminum foil in a bag, filled it with water and then hung it by a tree, under a patio umbrella or wherever pesky flies would be. It definitely works!

Below are comments on this fly control idea.

Zip-lock water bags: #1 Says: I tried the zip lock bag and pennies this weekend. I have a horse trailer. The flies were bad while I was camping. I put the baggies with pennies above the door of the LQ. NOT ONE FLY came in the trailer.The horse trailer part had many. Not sure why it works but it does!

#2 Says:Fill a zip lock bag with water and 5 or 6 pennies and hang it in the problem area. In my case it was a particular window in my home. It had a slight passage way for insects. Every since I have done that, it has kept flies and wasps away. Some say that wasps and flies mistake the bag for some other insect nest and are threatened.

#3 Says:I swear by the plastic bag of water trick. I have them on porch and basement. We saw these in Northeast Mo. at an Amish grocery store& have used them since. They say it works because a fly sees a reflection& won’t come around.

#4 Says:Regarding the science behind zip log bags of water? My research found that the millions of molecules of water presents its own prism effect and given that flies have a lot of eyes, to them it’s like a zillion disco balls reflecting light, colors and movement in a dizzying manner. When you figure that flies are prey for many other bugs, animals, birds, etc., they simply won’t take the risk of being around that much perceived action. We went from hundreds of flies to seeing the occasional one, but he didn’t hang around long.

We Are Now Accepting Qualified Listings

Call Today for More Info on Our

Distinctive Marketing Plans

 

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.

http://www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker Associate ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI

Surterre Properties

Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 495-8600

Caruso’s Friday Funny & Quote

Ho! Ho! Ho!  Even Santa played…

 

The only real mistake is the one from which…we learn nothing. ~ John Powell

 So… this year,  I’ll try to do my Christmas shopping early instead of waiting till last minute!

 

Happy Friday, Everyone!

 

  We Are Now Accepting Qualified Listings

Now providing “Short Sale Services”

Call Today for More Info on Our 

Marketing Plan 

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.     

www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI

Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 495-8600  

 

 

 

Happy Turkey Day!

Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving.

I am very grateful for my family, friends, clients, and affiliates not only today, but every day. Many Blessings!

Spooky and creepy Halloween decorations don’t help to sell homes…

Not everyone coming to your home is a trick or treater…some may be Potential Buyers!

With Halloween less than 30 days a way it seems that many homes are getting decorated for the holiday.  However, if your home is on the market, the less you decorate the better. Less is more.

Follow these simple rules for decorating and you can still have a Happy Halloween and get your home Sold!

• Do not decorate the exterior of your home with spider webs strung from tree to tree or draped over shrubs.  No scary witches, ghouls or bats hanging from the front porch. No signs pointing to the haunted house or dungeon.  Most importantly, do not build a cemetery in your front yard! No tombstones, crypts or skeletons should cover any part of your yard.  Keep it happy not creepy.  Many buyers can’t seem to look past the decorations, and if the decorations make their kids cry, they won’t stay long enough to see the home.

 

• Less is more.  Limit yourself to just one room if you must decorate and keep it simple and happy.

 

• If you have an annual haunted house or birthday party planned, perhaps you should decorate a few days before and Hold all showings until after Halloween. Lastly, makes sure you put all decorations away and clean up the yard the following day.  Your home should be timeless and have wonderful curb appeal.

 

Make the home look happy and inviting and it just may sell on, October 31^st!   

We Are Now Accepting Qualified Listings

 Now providing “Short Sale Services”

Call Today for More Info on Our Fall into Fall Marketing Plan

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.

www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI

Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900

Day of the Dead ~ Dia de los Muertos

 

 

El Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead, is a traditional Mexican holiday celebrated on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2. This is a joyous occasion when the memory of deceased ancestors and the after life is celebrated. It is believed that at this time the souls of the departed return to visit the living, as well as bring good luck to their families. It is a time to remember family and friends who have died. It is a very colorful and joyful occasion.

Traditions are celebrated by the families visiting gravesites, where they clean and decorate the graves with flowers, food, candles, colorful skulls and toys.

Families will often bring a picnic to eat at the gravesite and bring the favorite foods and drinks of the deceased, as offerings. They build private altars adorned with flowers and photos to honor the deceased. The skeleton represents the spirit that still lives on.   The families decorate or bring sugar cubes decorated to look likesmall sugar skulls. They share memorable stories of the departed. 

In many large cities they often have parades with horses, dancers and musicians. Latino artists from all over the country come to exhibit and sell their art pieces. This community event has grown into a yearly cross-cultural event and is observed in Mexico, United States and Canada. The vendors sell sugar skulls, candy coffins, paintings, crafts, and other “Day of the Dead” treats.  It is not a morbid occasion, but rather a festive time.

 And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.     

www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI

Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900

     

 

 

 

Caruso’s *HALLOWEEN* OC Happenings ~ North County

 

 

NORTH COUNTY

 

 

ANAHEIM

TOMORROW Saturday, October 29, 2011 starting at 11am is the annual Anaheim Fall Festival & Halloween Parade. The Halloween Parade has been an Anaheim tradition since 1924, when baseball legend Babe Ruth was honored as the Grand Marshal of the celebration. The Fall Festival features game and food booths, live entertainment, craft fair, a children’s costume contest and trick-or-treating. Food and craft booths are available for a nominal fee. Most events are held in Downtown Anaheim, at the Center Street Promenade. For more information you can call (714) 999-3456. Also this Halloween weekend from 7pm until closing come and experience The Empty Grave. This Haunted Attraction located a few block from Disneyland with 50,000 square feet of terror! This event features state of the art special effects, live actors and animatronics. Online tickets are available.

BREA

Nothing to report

 

BUENA PARK

Everyweek NOW through October 30^th, 2011 is the Knotts Berry Farm ‘Snoopy’s Costume Party’! Pirate, witch, cowboy, angel? It’s that time of year to decide who you want to be. Knott’s invites you to dress to the nines in your Halloween finery and come to “Snoopy’s Costume Party” in Camp Spooky. This daytime, non-scare celebration, of cheer rather than fear, is the social event of the season with shows, activities and of course, trick-or-treating all geared for kids ages 3-11. Snoopy’s Costume Party runs weekends October 1-30 and is included with regular park admission. Knott’s Berry Farm Theme Park operating hours are 10:00 am to 5:30 pm. And for the older crowd come and experience Knotts Scary Farm Halloween Haunt all Halloween weekend!!! Knott’s professional “scare-masters” transform the old Berry Farm into Knott’s Scary Farm for another year of the world’s first, biggest and most famous theme park Halloween event! Every year all 160-acres of Knott’s Berry Farm are transformed into your worst nightmare with 13 themed mazes, 7 live shows, and 4 scare zones featuring hundreds of free-roaming monsters. This year there will be new mazes such as ‘Invasion Beneath’ in the Calico Mine Ride and old favorites will be returning.

CYPRESS

HALLOWEEN, October 31^st is the annual City of Cypress Halloween Carnival from 6-9pm! This event includes Food, Game Booths, Prizes, Entertainment, Costume Contests and Spook Alley. Admission- $3, children under 1 year old are free. Professional pictures will be available for $10 (cash only). For more information you can call 714-229-6780.

FULLERTON

October 28 and 29, 2011 beginning at 6:30pm is the annual Haunted Garden at the Arboretum. Every year the Fullerton Arboretum transforms their garden into a haven for all that goes bump in the night. But don’t worry, their guides will take you safely through the treacherous paths that wind through the dark forest the evil spirits call home. Tours through the garden begin at 6:30 pm both nights and run until the last tour leaves at 8:30. The end of the tour features a Haunter’s Ball, where there are games and activities for those lucky enough to make it through the garden. For the younger Halloween lovers, there is a special kids party on Saturday, October 29th. With friendlier ‘monsters’, the afternoon features a costume parade, pumpkin patch tours, crafts, games and a few surprises. This is suitable for children age 3-5. Cost is $6 per child and must be accompanied by an adult. For RESERVATIONS & INFORMATION you can call 657.278.4002. Also there is a special Halloween tour planned on the 31^st at 6pm. Did you know Fullerton is one of the most haunted cities around? Ghosts are lurking at every corner. Take this tour and find out what businesses have pots and pans flying around after hours, what famous deceased Fullertonian makes an “appearance” now and then, enjoy some of Fullerton’s history, and where the spirits like to have a beer or two. Don’t miss out on a hauntingly good time! “Ghost hunters” should be prepared to walk approximately 1.5 miles (lasting about 2 ½ hours), and the tours will include climbing stairs. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a sense of humor with them. The tour is not recommended for children under 13.Meet at Fullerton Museum. RESERVATIONS & INFORMATION you can call (714) 738-6545. It’s strongly advised to get your registrations in early.

GARDEN GROVE

Nothing to report.

LA HABRA

TODAY calling all little monsters for a Halloween bash featuring crafts, games, a costume parade, and a dance party! Little ones dressed in costume will receive 50% off Museum admission. Free to CMLH members.

LA PALMA

HALLOWEEN October 31, 2011 from 6 – 8:30pm is the annual Halloween Carnival! This safe, family-oriented alternative to the traditional trick-or-treat features a fabulous COSTUME CONTEST for ghouls and boys with special prizes in each age division! This year’s Halloween spookfest will feature CARNIVAL GAMES, a “GOBLIN GULCH” for children under the age of 5, and a haunted area. This is a free event and will be cancelled if it rains. For more information, please call the La Palma Recreation and Community Services Department at (714) 690-3350.

PLACENTIA

Nothing to report

STANTON

Nothing to report

WESTMINSTER

Coming up soon is the annual Simon Kidgits Club Spooktacular Halloween! The Simon Kidgits Club invites all of you little ghouls and goblins to come have a spooktacular good time and enjoy loads of frightfully fun Halloween themed activities and treats! Wear your cool costume and enjoy a safe place to haunt this Halloween. The event is located at the Westminster Mall. For more information you can call 714-898-2558.

YORBA LINDA

TOMORROW October 29, 2011 at 7:00 is the Versai, The Wine Bar Halloween Party!  Join our first Halloween party, Saturday October 29th at 7PM to close. Enjoy live entertainment and free food. 1st and 2nd place prizes for best costume. The first 20 guests to arrive in costume will receive a free entrée from our Halloween menu. Must be in full costume, mask alone will not qualify. To qualify you must be 21 and you must purchase one glass of beer or wine. For INFORMATION/RESERVATIONS you can call 714-993-3676 & reservations are recommended.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*As seen in orangecountyregister.com & orangecounty.net

 

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.     

www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI

Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900

 

Caruso’s Halloween Week ~ The History Behind Halloween!

The origin of Halloween dates back 2000 years ago to the Celtic celebration of the dead. A Celtic festival was held on November 1, the first day of the Celtic New Year, honoring the Samhain, the Lord of the Dead. Celtic ritual believed that the souls of the dead returned on the evening before November 1st. The celebration included burning sacrifices and costumes. These early events began as both a celebration of the harvest and an honoring of dead ancestors.

Halloween spread throughout Europe in the seventh century. It began with “All Hallows Eve”, the “Night of the Dead”. It is immediately followed by “All Souls Day”, a Christian holy day.

The first lighted fruit was really carved out of gourds and turnips. European custom also included carving scary faces into the gourds and placing embers inside to light them. This was believed to ward of evil spirits, especially spirits who roamed the streets and countryside during All Hallows Eve.

Halloween history in America was very much influenced by Irish immigrants. The Irish brought the tradition of carving turnips and even potatoes with them to America. They quickly discovered that pumpkins were bigger and easier to carve. Bobbing for Apples is a tradition widely popular a few decades ago. It dates back to ancient roman times in honor of the Roman goddess of fruits and apples

Did you know?!? Americans spend over $14 billion on costumes, decorations, party supplies and other Halloween paraphernalia!!

.

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.     

www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI

Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900

     

      

Caruso’s OC Happenings ~ South County

 

South County

 

ALISO VIEJO

Coming up October 28-29, 2011 from 5-10pm is the annual Halloween Fair and Haunted House! Soka University will have booths for children, haunted house for young teens recommended for age 10 and over), games, activities and performances for all to enjoy! All proceeds benefit SUA student clubs. Here is the schedule of events; 5:00 pm – Game stations open (all ages), 5:45 pm – Club performances & at 7:00 – 10:00 pm – Haunted House is open. Game and Haunted House tickets sold at the door. Haunted House: $5. For more information you can call 949.480.4000.

DANA POINT

TOMORROW October 15, 2011 is the annual Memory Walk at Doheny Beach. This Memory Walk is part of a national movement to help those battling Alzheimer’s and related memory loss disorders. There are 2 or 4 mile walk options. The event is wheelchair and dog friendly. For more information you can call Andrea McDonald at 949.757.3708.

LADERA RANCH

Nothing to report

LAGUNA BEACH

Nothing to report

LAGUNA NIGUEL

TOMORROW October 15, 2011 from 11:00am-3:00pm is the City Hall Grand Opening (30111 Crown Valley Pkwy).This special event includes a dedication ceremony, entertainment, exhibits, food, giveaways & tours of the new City Hall. Michael Caruso will also be making an appearance. Shuttle parking will be available.

LAKE FOREST

Nothing to report

MISSION VIEJO

TOMORROW from 7 – 9 pm is the annual Haunted Tour up Black Star Canyon! By lantern light, follow a mysterious guide through haunted oak woodland where ghosts from the 1800s are doomed to dwell. Hear stories about grizzly bears, wolves, and jaguars. There may be chance encounters with legendary heroes and villains along the way. Look for tarantulas, bats, and owls. Wear your favorite Halloween costume. Beware the mysterious spooks concealed within the Chaparral. This is a 2 miles round-trip on a semi-paved wide trail, fairly smooth terrain, some elevation gain. *WARNING: Gritty depictions of the morbid past are not appropriate for small children or the faint of heart. Cost: $10 suggested donation per person, please pay at the trailhead. 13 and up (Minors must be accompanied by parent or guardian.)

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA

Now through November is the Starr Ranch Sanctuary – Adult Wildlife Research Camp located in Trabuco Canyon. Audubon California’s Starr Ranch Sanctuary invites you to our fall classes for adults. Join our wildlife biologist for two peaceful days at beautiful 4000 acre Starr Ranch in southeast Orange County and experience nature hands-on as a wildlife researcher. Our fall wildlife research camp gives participants the opportunity to learn and use techniques employed by wildlife biologists to study large and small mammals, reptiles and amphibians, and terrestrial invertebrates. For RESERVATIONS OR INFORMATION you can call 949-858-0309.

SAN CLEMENTE

Coming up November 4, 2011 from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. is the annual A Taste of San Clemente! Held under the stars, this annual event serves up culinary masterpieces from over twenty of the areas finest restaurants, as well as sixteen premium wineries from throughout California, ice cold Microbrews and more. Tickets are limited to 250 guests. The ticket price includes a complimentary “Taste of San Clemente” wine glass or beer mug, food, wine, entertainment and valet parking. For more information you can call 949-492-1131.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

Coming up Saturday October 29, 2011 at 6:30, 7:00 & 7:30 is the annual Ghost Tours. Get in the spirit of Halloween by joining the Historical Society Walking Tour Guides on a spooky walking tour of Los Rios Street, the oldest residential neighborhood in California. Be prepared for creepy tales of big black dogs, strange monks who have lost their heads, ghostly tales about a lady in white and other goings on. Cost: $5.00 adult’s $2.00 children. Reservations are required. Meet and pay at the O’Neill Museum. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 949-493-8444.

 
*As seen in orangecounty.net & ocregister.com

 

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.     

www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI

Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900

 

Fourth of July Facts…

Let the fireworks fly…

Throughout history, fireworks have been used for religious, patriotic and for many other happy celebratory occasions. Fireworks light up the night sky with amazing colors and roaring explosions to the delight of onlookers, they make us say “ooooh and ahhhh”! Fireworks, bring joy, pride and much enjoyment to many as a way of celebrating, our nation’s birthday.

Here are some fun facts about fireworks. Enjoy…

The Chinese are said to have invented fireworks over 2000 years ago, by accident.

The first firecracker consisted of gunpowder and bamboo shoots!

The Italians transformed fireworks into an art display.

Marco Polo is believed to be the first person to bring fireworks back from China to North America.

Salts, nitrates and oxides produce the brilliant colors in fireworks.

The first Fourth of July clebration was held in Philadelphia in 1777, a full year after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It had an elaborate fireworks display and had all of the elements of typical future celebrations.

Make it a Safe and Happy 4th of July!!!

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection. www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Best regards, Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors

(949) 753-7900