New Year’s Eve in Orange County

We can't believe we are even writing about this. We are very excited for the New 2012 year coming, and knowing that there's plenty of activities for us lucky ones here in Orange County, we decided to get out some ideas if you are looking for something more family friendly for New Years Eve.

Here's some ideas that we just extracted from our friends at www.just-spotted.com :

* Discovery Science Center’s Noon Year’s Eve Celebration: 9am – 5pm. Ring in the New Year just a bit early this year… “Why wait till midnight? Grab the kids and get ready to celebrate the new year with us at NOON on December 31! Noon Year’s Eve is a fun-filled day of celebration with activities for all ages. Countdown & toast to 2012 at 12pm &…

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nellie_gail_christmas_lightsWith the kids out of school, we are always looking for something to do. This year we made it a point to go out every night and look for the best Christmas lights in South Orange County. The tradition of Christmas Lights dates back to the middle of the 17th century in Germany.  Over the next two centuries the magic of Christmas Lights spread through Eastern Europe then to the rest of the world.  Candles were originally used, followed by lanterns and then on to electricity.  In 1882 Edward Johnson lit a Christmas tree in New York City by creating the first string of electric Christmas Lights.  In Just 20 years department stores began using Christmas Lights for their holiday displays.

I must say that when you are actually looking for the best, the…

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This year is quickly drawing to a close, and as the christmas shopping winds down, thoughts turn to how to end the old year and welcomne the new.  Kids are out of school and you may be looking for acitivities to keep those busy heads, well, busy. First, let me go through some events happening this weekend that are kid friendly, great for families and if you are looking for some christmas spirit.

Friday December 16th:

The Nutcracker: Celebrate the beauty and pageantry of the holidays with Festival Ballet Theatre Company's annual production of The Nutcracker. Friday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. at Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Dr., Irvine. Price: $40 adult, $37 senior, $35 child.

A Christmas Carol: Come see this timeless Christmas classic with all your…

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gated_pool_home_lake_forest_broken_bowOur team just listed a gorgeous, remodeled pool home in gated neighborhood of Sycamore Creek, Lake Forest. If you were waiting for that ooportunity, of a home with a great backyard that has room for entertainment, a nice sized pool and a hot tub, this is it. And all priced at $449,000.

The property is located at 22056 Broken Bow Dr, Lake Forest, and here's the link for more detailed information:

http://www.ocexecutives.com/listing/s681538-22056-broken-bow-dr-lake-forest-ca-92630/

Some of the features are:

  • Nice annd spacious remodeled kitchen with granite counters and stainless steel appliances
  • Garden window
  • Custom cabinetry
  • Hardwood floors downstairs with an open floorplan lending flexibility for living.
  • 3 bedrooms plus a loft
  •  Large…

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dana_point_boat_parade_2011Dana Point Harbor will host its annual holiday boat parades! Dana Point will feature a steady flow of lighted boats on the water -- some with simple and classic decorations and others with extravagant holiday scenes played out on their decks.

This year, its the 37th annual Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights, "Santa Salutes the 70s," will feature about 100 boaters competing in the categories of style, intricacy and outlandishness.

Past years' entries have featured towering light displays and inflatable snowmen riding motorcycles and planes. In 2008, one boater even outfitted his craft with rotating wooden attachments that gave the appearance of dolphins swimming alongside.

Dress warm!!! It gets chilly out. Parade can be seen pretty much from…

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san_clemente_north_beach_dog_parkFor many years, South County beach cities residents have talked about having a open area at the beach where dogs can run freely and if the city of San Clemente approves it, there would be an beach area that would let dogs run unleashed at a designated acre at North Beach from 4 to 9am daily. This is the area that is right in front of the parking lot that follows the North Beach trail, where dogs are allowed, but only on leash, and not on the sand. This would be as a one year test and will be discussed this following Tuesday.

As of now, Dana Point doesn't allow any dogs on its beaches, Laguna Beach allows dogs on leash on the beaches all winter and in specific hours during the summer months, and Newport Beach is probably the most pet friendly South OC…

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Ladera Ranch is one of those dreamy communities when it comes to holiday activities, home decorating, and family fun. Indeed, this ladera_ranch_holiday_winnerpast weekend, we visited the community when they were holding their annual Tree Lightning. What a blast!

Driving around and experiencing all of these Ladera Ranch homes decorations, reminded me how much I love this time of the year. Some of the neighborhoods even have their own theme, or have put similar decorations around the 'village' they belong to, as part as the festivities.

What a great way to experience what this community and potential place to call home can be all about, plus opportunities to meet neighbors and get inside information about the communities ! Here's some upcoming events:

December 10th - Live…

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Wow, so given that safety can be a crucial factor when buying a home, we got some great news for you if you are thinking of a Mission Viejo Real Estate opportunity: Mission Viejo was ranked as the safest city in California, and  also ranked the third safest in all US, only after Fishers, IN and O'Fallon, MO.

Irvine and Lakeforest also made the list, being 6th and 12th on the list, Orange (26th) and Newport Beach on 32nd place.

Not only Mission Viejo has that great quality, but the lifestyle that can be lived here is great: Lake Mission Viejo nearby is a private lake with access to beaches and activities to Mission Viejo residents. With 45 parks and counting, every home in Mission Viejo is within a mile of a park. Residents can hike, bike, swim, fish,…

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Orange County condos are at very affordable price right now, and some even say they have reached bottom. Seems like buying a condo is a great investment opportunity even if you don't plan to live in it. But before you jump into buying a condo, there's 10 questions you should know the answer to, ask yourself or find out about:

1. How much are the monthly condo fees and what does it go towards?
2. What are the specific rules of the condominium?
3. How much is in capital reserves and how much gets funded every year?
4. Any contemplated or pending special assessment or legal stuff happening?
5. How is the association managed: professionally or self?
6. Is it legible for FHA or VHA funds?
7. How many of the units are lived in by their actual owners?
8.…

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