holidays
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!
11 Holiday Ideas To Make You Smile (Or Say, “That’s Brilliant!”)
Posted by New Home Resource on November 30, 2015 in
One of the best things about buying a home? If you ask us, it’s about creating all those new holiday traditions! All the fun and festivities, the family and friends, the feasts and the falalalala’s. It’s a season we look forward to (presents & food!) – we dread (all that work, work, work to make it all perfect) – and we cherish (memories – both good and bad – whichever, they all make up our unique life stories).
We’d like to share some fun things centered on the holidays that we found and that put a smile on our faces. We hope they do for you, too!
A tree to remember. True story (<—-get it?) – because all your visitors will definitely be telling their friends about this one. Imaginatively simple and appropriately studious at the same time – this one tells the perfect tale about the host: Give me books for Christmas!
And for those who would like to take their Christmas tree in a different direction (<—ha! did it again!): An old ladder, a few boards, a little paint, and then bring on the lights and decorations!
What is better than a gift – that’s also food? (Other than a new Jaguar, we mean.) At least it’s great if you have people on your gift list that are passionate about their baking hobbies. Great tip: Offer a gift of holiday-shaped cookie cutters – but bake brownies in them for presentation. Fun, tasty, AND useful!
If presentation is everything, then we’d just like to say we need a few of these around to present our hors d’oeuvres for our holiday party. Arrange your mints on a parchment-lined pan, bake at 350-degrees for 5-8 minutes (watch them closely, though), turn out and let cool. A fantastically-easy and creative way to present your menu in style – and then hey, you can just eat ’em! (A neat twist: Use Jolly Ranchers….we hear they come out like stained-glass windows!)
Decorative balloons placed on a Frappuccino bottle + Ribbons = Are you kiddin’ me? How creative is this? An impressive and inexpensive packaging idea – great if you’re making homemade items such as bath salts or scrubs as gifts. We’ll take two, thanks!
And speaking of packaging, is this the greatest idea for wrapping children’s gifts EVER? We’re betting they’ll be so entranced, they’ll forget about the present INside. At least for awhile. (We know a few adults who would do the same thing!)
Gift Wrapping 101 continues with this clever presentation that will ensure no one at the office party is switching name tags on your Secret Santa deliveries! Note the cinnamon stick for a festive aroma, and the live greenery to enhance the effect.
We wonder how many of those paint-chip cards they have to keep in stock at Home Depot around the holidays?
Keep the kids in the spirit by assigning them the task of making these adorable GrinchKabobs for your holiday events. Or heck, just for breakfast. Green grape, banana, strawberry, mini marshmallow, and a candy heart on top. Couldn’t be simpler – or more fun (especially when they start piping the chocolate expressions on!)
Finally, if you’ve ever wondered how bakeries manage to create those adorable, individual lattice-topped holiday tarts, look no further. (It’s a little bit like exposing a magician’s secret, huh?) Eh – no matter. We figure we can use all the cheat-sheets we can get this time of year.
Whatever your holiday this season, and whatever your personal tastes – we truly believe they’ll all be better served in a home of your very own. If you’d like to make it happen for your family, let’s chat about it over the eggnog!
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!
STAY SAFE AND IN THE “PRESENT” THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
Posted by New Home Resource on November 24, 2015 in
Everyone enjoys the holidays, and each of us does it in our own way. But with all the hustle and bustle going on during the season, it’s also a time when busy people become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime. We can never be too careful, too prepared, or too aware. So we’d like to share the following tips with you to help ensure you’ll get through the season happy – and most of all, safe.
While Out Shopping
• Try to shop during daylight hour. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.
• Dress casually and comfortably – and avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
• In parking lots – even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash – and carry the cash you do have in your front pocket.
• Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.
• If you must use an ATM, choose one that is located in a well-lit location – and withdraw only the amount of cash you need.
• Protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you.
• Do not throw your ATM receipt away at the ATM location.
• Teach your child to go to a store clerk and ask for help in the event they are separated from you.
• Teach children to stay close to you at all times while shopping.
• Never allow children to make unaccompanied trips to the restroom.
• Children should never be allowed to go to the car alone and they should never be left alone in the car.
• Teach children their full name, address and telephone number to give to police officers or mall security.
• Teach children to immediately inform you if a stranger is bothering them.
• Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home. (Not on your cell phone!)
• Wallets and purses are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, and especially in tourist locations (of which Las Vegas has many!).
• Avoid overloading yourself with packages. Take two trips to your vehicle if you have to – or better yet, ask the store clerk for help. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
• Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, con-artists will try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings – or even worse.
Driving Safe – Before, During & After Your Trip
• When approaching or leaving your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings.
• Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car, and set your alarm or use an anti-theft device if you have one.
• If you must shop at night, park in a well-lit area.
• Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows.
• Park as close as you can to your destination and take notice of where you parked.
• Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with children inside.
• Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. If you must leave something in the car, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight.
• Be sure to locate your keys prior to going to your car.
• Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag and parcels. Do not put them down or on top of the car – or leave it in the shopping cart – in order to open the door or load your packages.
• Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area.
Keeping Things Safe At Home
• Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes.
• When leaving home for an extended time, ask a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.
• Put both indoor and outdoor lights on an automatic timer.
• When not at home, leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied.
• Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home.
• Be aware that criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts or flowers.
• It is not uncommon for criminals to take advantage of the generosity of people during the holiday season by soliciting donations door-to-door for charitable causes although no charity is involved.
Enjoy Those Holiday Parties, But . . .
• Arrange for an official designated driver who will not drink at all.
• Have something to eat before consuming alcoholic beverages and know your safe limit.
• Never drink and drive.
With extra attention paid to what is going on around you, you’re more than likely to NOT be the target of criminals – they tend to focus on those who are distracted or unaware of their immediate surroundings. So stay aware and stay safe this season – because there’s way too much to celebrate (and to eat)!
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!