Archives for the month of: December2015
ABOUT THOSE NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS . . .
Posted by New Home Resource on December 28, 2015 in
The end of 2015 is here. Ack! If you’re anything like us, you’re wondering just where in the world it went – and how did it do it so fast? Even so, these last few days before we turn the calendar on a new year always cause us to look back over the past 12 months – and wonder what the next 12 have in store for us.
It’s also pretty natural right about now to start thinking of that list of New Year’s resolutions you want to put in motion. In theory, it sounds like a good idea, right? But in reality (oh come on, you can admit it) – most of them usually last about as long as it takes to put the ink on the paper (or at least hit “save” on that Word document). In fact, 88% of New Year’s resolutions fail, according to a 2007 survey of over 3,000 people. Ouch.
Almost before you know it, you find yourself busy trying to remember to make it “/16” instead of “/15” when you type the date. Next, you find yourself several days into month and the magic of that “January 1” milestone becomes a distant memory. And ultimately – life just keeps marching on day after day – just like always, oblivious to all your wonderful intentions.
Happens every year, doesn’t it?
But that’s not to say you shouldn’t make an effort. As Benjamin Franklin said, “Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.” We just happen to think some ways to achieve that progress are more effective than others.
Because really, it’s not so much about “January 1” being the start of a miraculous, new lifestyle – as much as it is to recognize this: That if something needs changing or improvement, it needs it to happen “now” – not wait for a date on the calendar to appear.
Just to give you an idea of what we mean, we’d like to share three of the “resolutions” that we put into practice every year (and every day, for that matter). And while we’re by no means claiming a perfect record, we do our best. And sometimes, we even make progress . . . a single step and a single day at a time.
1) Run toward something, not away from something.
There is a significant difference between the two. When you spend your life running from dissatisfaction, it will follow you everywhere. Running from discomfort is not a life strategy. We need to make certain that we’re making our choices based upon what we’re moving toward rather than what we’re moving away from.
2) See yourself as if you were already there.
State your goal, and make every decision with that mindset. (And here’s a little hint: If you can’t clearly envision yourself doing your goal, don’t even bother. Your “resolve” isn’t going to get you there…..only your mindset and subsequent actions will.)
3) Focus on “diligence” not “discipline.”
You’ve heard the saying that “anything can become a habit after 21 days”? Ummm, not so much. Pretty much anybody can have the discipline to do something for 21 days. But few people will have the diligence to continue doing it for the rest of the year. With diligence, you’ll do the right thing a little bit every day, and it will add up to something big down the road. (Here’s your pithy saying of the day: “Diligence rules; discipline drools.”)
Our suggestion? Just start living every day the way you know will make you a happier, more successful person. And by the way, it’s okay to cheat on your New Year’s Resolution and start it a few days early. That is, if you actually want to change. But whatever your goals for the coming new year, we hope you make it one to remember!
New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with all of their Las Vegas real estate needs. Whether your preference is for a newly-built home from a local builder, or a resale property in just the right location, a New Home Resource Realtor® is here to find the perfect property for you. Please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000 or at www.newhomeresource.com. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Moreno Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, Lance Partin and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!
It’s getting close to the holidays – and you’re already out of ideas, aren’t you? You’ve been through the malls and the department stores; trolling online sites looking for brilliant suggestions. Do we have the picture? (It’s okay – you can admit it. It’ll just stay between us.)
That’s why we wanted to lend you a hand with some gift suggestions that are a bit ‘off-the-beaten-path.’ And if these don’t do the trick for your needs – perhaps they’ll help to light up that cartoon-like bulb over your head to help you think of something that will! We have to go shop some more now. But you have fun with these in the meantime!
Talk about the perfect gift for any homeowner! We all know there’s plenty of technology out there for our homes these days, but we can vouch for the fact that Ring is not only easy to use, but affordable, too. How Ring Works: The Ring™ Video Doorbell lets you answer the door from anywhere using your smartphone. It features an HD camera with night vision, providing a clear view from your front door, day and night.
It installs easily in minutes, with no professional help or additional tools required. A built-in rechargeable battery lets you install the doorbell anywhere, or connect it to existing doorbell wiring. Motion-triggered alerts sent via the free Ring™ app (iOS® and Android™) notify you of arriving guests and deliveries. With Ring, you’re always home.
NomadKey – The Charging Cable That’s Always With You
Small enough to be a stocking stuffer – and useful enough to be a lifesaver (at least for people with serious relationships with their smartphones!). This ultra-rugged, key-sized, flexible charging cable (available in both Apple Lightning and Micro USB form) – makes it easy to charge your device from the nearest USB port without lugging around cables and wires (which is why most of us don’t have a charging cable handy when we need one!).
It’s not often you’re able to actually give the gift of “Peace of Mind.” But this is one gift that will truly bring that to your recipient. Think about it: There’s a reason there are so many horror stories about computers crashing – because it happens more than we like to think. If it’s ever happened to you, you’ve probably already taken steps since then to make sure your digital life is backed-up. (If not – hey! Great gift idea for yourself, too!) But for those who haven’t been there – or aren’t as tech-savvy as they would like – giving the gift of online back-up can save them from ever losing those irreplaceable photos, videos, and information. It may not be “sexy” – but it WILL be appreciated. As soon as their friend loses all their data in a computer mishap, and they think to themselves: “Man – I’m glad that’s not ME!”
You want “different”? You want “unique”? Then the MOVA Globe might be right up your alley, then. (You really have to see the video to get the full effect.) No batteries, no wires – just amazing technology that allows this globe to remain in perpetual rotating motion using only ambient light and the earth’s magnetic field. It doesn’t get any cooler than that. A real conversation piece for home or office. A calming (and mesmerizing) gift that you’ll score points for! (You can see one up-close-and-personal at Boulevard Trophy right here in Las Vegas, too.)
Not something for the ‘faint of budget,’ but even a single Chef or Utility knife from New West Knifeworks will bring a work of art to the kitchen of whoever is lucky enough to receive it. Each knife is a finely crafted masterpiece created by America’s premier boutique knife manufacturer. As far as we’re concerned, the images speak for themselves. Visit their website to learn more.
Disney Mickey Mouse Pants Tea Pot
You are saying to yourself right now: “Omg I know someone who would LOVE that!” (Do we know you, or what?) More to the point, this tea pot is so adorable, who Wouldn’t want to have a bit of this whimsy in their home? Definitely something you don’t see in every store you go to (we found it on Amazon.com) – and after all, isn’t “unique” the goal for gift-giving?
Here’s to a great holiday for everyone! (And feel free to send any of those gifts our way, too! <wink!>)
New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with all of their Las Vegas real estate needs. Whether your preference is for a newly-built home from a local builder, or a resale property in just the right location, a New Home Resource Realtor® is here to find the perfect property for you. Please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000 or at www.newhomeresource.com. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Moreno Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, Lance Partin and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!
Did you ever feel like you just spend all year dieting to prepare for….(dum, Dum, DUM!) …. The Holidays? Yep – we do, too. And in the spirit of convincing you to focus on all things wonderful and tasty about this season, to encourage you to bake with abandon in your Home Sweet Home – and better yet, to let you know you’re free to share the spoils with us! – here’s a list of some pretty delicious and gorgeous recipes that we think will help get you in the spirit (if you’re not already there, that is).
Vanilla Bean Shortbread Cookies
What screams “Christmas” more than the tradition of shortbread cookies? These sweet versions add the most delicate of holiday touches in the form of two tiny holly leaves and a red berry for a minimalist “under-the-top” look. The recipe from Sweet Lavender Bake Shoppe is melt-in-your-mouth fabulous (and easy to make, too). And because it took us awhile to hunt down those simple touches of decor, we’ll just let you in on a secret: We found ours in the $1 section of our nearest Target store! (but it’s a simple cake/cookie decoration item to find, too.)
Stained Glass Christmas Cookies
You’re seriously not going to believe how easy it is to make these beauties – or the simple ingredient that it takes to create that “stained glass window” effect. Think: Life Savers or Jolly Ranchers. Yep –it’s that simple. But, we’re going to let Martha Stewart explain how to do it right in her classic recipe.
Checkerboard Cookies
Want to step up your game a bit? If you’re looking for something a little more challenging – and a cookie that makes a bold statement on your platter – try these vanilla and chocolate Checkerboard Cookies. Not a walk in the park – but not as hard as you would think, either. This Cook and Be Merry recipe provides step-by-step instructions, complete with images to help you get there.
Pomegranate Jeweled Cheese Ball
Sometimes, you need a little “real food” sustenance to get you through the baking chores – or perhaps to add something a little more on the “savory” side for your holiday gathering. So give this a shot: Pomegranate Jeweled Cheese Ball recipe for your from How Sweet Eats. White cheddar, toasted almond, and crispy sage – decorated with the prettiest fruit of the season. Beat that.
Sparkling Cranberries
You. Are. Simply. Not. Going. To. Believe. This. One. These Sparkling Cranberries couldn’t be easier to make or more enjoyed by your guests. Not to mention they taste great and you can trust us on that, because we don’t even like cranberries! (unless they’re prepared like this) This is actually a great recipe to let the kids handle – and you are SERIOUSLY going to want to have these on-hand as a “quick-attitude-pick-me-up” – available at your fingertips each time you walk past the table where you keep them on display. (We’ve noticed that location seems to move depending on which room we’re spending time in.) They’re pretty and cute at the same time – festive as the holiday itself – and taste so darn good you’ll find yourself making them more than once this season (we bet). Here’s the recipe from 30 Pounds of Apples.
Mini Gingerbread Houses for Your Mug
Can’t pass up an opportunity to bring gingerbread into the mix. And speaking of, are these the sweetest additions to any coffee cup EVER? A big thanks to Tablespoon for bringing this too-cute-for-words Mini Gingerbread House recipe to the table. Our only complaint? They’re too adorable to eat!
Strawberry Santa Poppers
These are so adorable and so easy! You’ll just need strawberries (the bigger, the better), whipped cream or frosting, and black icing or candy to form the eyes. Simply slice the top of the strawberry off (to make the hat) and place a big dollop of whipped cream or frosting on the flat part of the strawberry. Then top that off with the top of the strawberry “hat”, and bring the Santa to life with eyes and buttons. (For even more fun – figure out how to put a belt on him, too!) Easy-Peasy – and just the right touch of whimsy for your table spread. Plus, you can always say “Hey – it’s fruit! It’s healthy! Have more!”
Holiday Cranberry Syrup
Anyone who loves to entertain during the holidays knows that “themes” are important. You can find all sorts of awesome cranberry-flavored drink recipes online (both alcoholic and non) – and now, there’s no need to run out to find those bottles of expensive drink syrups (that can taste a bit chemical-ly anyway, we think.) Cranberries give this syrup its rich color and characteristic tang in this recipe from Midwest Living. Use the sugar mixture as a base for drinks – or other ideas include as a topper for ice cream, cake or pancakes. Heck, you can even give it away in decorative bottles for food gifts (and add the recipe on the card for that special touch). Bottoms up!
Soft Pretzel Bites
(Because after all that sugar – you need a little salt!)
Keeping that holiday table filled with a variety of tidbits is easy when you keep in mind the main food groups: Sugar, Fruit, Pretzels. (Or maybe that’s just our motto?) Anyway – Two Peas and Their Pod have created this easy-to-follow recipe for Soft Pretzel Bites (dare we say they’re as good as Auntie Anne’s?). We’ll probably just have a separate plate full of these for ourselves. Thanks!
Rudolph-Tini
Yes, Virginia – grown-ups enjoy the holiday season in grown-up ways, too! Although with enough martini glasses on-hand, you can also whip up a non-alcohol version of this Rudolph-Tini for the kids – just because they’re so adorable. Get the recipe here: All Recipes link for this fun cocktail, and while you’re there, you can discover a whole world of other drink recipes for the holidays, too!
We may return our blog to its regularly-scheduled helpful homeowner and home buying tips soon…….but we’re having a little too much fun this month with all our personal favorites for enjoying the holidays – and a few new ones we’ve found. Hope that’s okay with you!
New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with all of their Las Vegas real estate needs. Whether your preference is for a newly-built home from a local builder, or a resale property in just the right location, a New Home Resource Realtor® is here to find the perfect property for you. Please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000 or at www.newhomeresource.com. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Moreno Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, Lance Partin and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!