Cookie Party Swaps Can Be Elegant and Fun This week I went to a cookie swap and it was a lot of fun. The hostess had it decorated beautifully and an entire table for a tasty brunch.         This is such a good way to get together and enjoy each others company plus get an assortment of cookies to serve or give away at other parties.                    It is so easy to buy the cartons or decorative bags to put your goodies in plus a few extras for the hostess to put on the table for guests to try.                    Thanks for Reading my Real Estate Blog........           California is a dream-come-true state no matter what your needs or wants are. We have year round warm weather, beautiful beaches, rustic mountains and desert communities. If you are looking for a home in Southern Califor... 12/20/2014

This Holiday season, the Riverside Trader Joe's and the Inland Valley Association of Realtor both share a very uplifting, edifying common gifting ground for all the employees of both these fine businesses. In their Stockings and under their trees the PEARLS FOR THE SOUL book will be awaiting to serve them OVER 800 POSITIVE AND UPLIFTING SAYINGS TO GIVE AND RECEIVE THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE SCENES In both of these fine customer service businesses, fueling the success day after day all year long are the ones that are often behind the scenes and the front lines making sure that everything flows and goes so that the consumers can be guaranteed a good experience and outcome. Gratitude fills the air YOU...HAVE A NICE DAY TOO Telling us to have a nice day and thanks for coming in helps and edifies... 12/18/2014

Celebrate the First Day of Hanukkah Tonight Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish observance that remembers the Jewish people's struggle for religious freedom. Many cites celebrated tonight with the lighting of the menorah.Check your area for events scheduled.   Hanukkah commemorates the Jewish people’s successful rebellion against the Greeks in the Maccabean War in 162 BCE. A ritual cleansing and re-dedication of the Temple occurred after the Jewish people’s victory. It is believed that there was only enough consecrated oil to keep the lamp burning for one day but the small bottle of oil miraculously lasted for eight days. Hanukkah, also known as Chanukah, is referred as the Feast of Lights or Festival of Lights for this reason. Moreover, the survival of Judaism over the many years is also c... 12/16/2014

Mission Inn Festival of Lights in Riverside is USA Today's 2014 Winner   USA Today & 10Best Readers Choice Awards selected from 10 cities and the Mission Inn's Festival of Lights won top honors. Every year, the Mission Inn lights up their hotel for guests, customers, and sightseers to walk down Market Street and wander inside the beautiful hotel and enjoy. They have restaurants, a Museum, Shopping, and an Outside Ice Skating Rink.  The luxury Mission Inn Hotel & Spa has been the landmark spot in Riverside since 1856. Be sure to stop in and enjoy the lights, have a nice meal, go ice skating and just appreciate a piece of history.   Over 4 million holiday lights to enjoy, horse drawn carriage rides, ice skating, and of course the big guy is here too...yes, Santa is here to wish the kids a... 12/16/2014

Dec. 7, 1941....Remember Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Photos of the Arizona   Last month, I went to Hawaii and must say Pearl Harbor was my favorite port. Every night there I could watch the sun set and airplanes and fighter jets taking off. It was such a moving experience. We took We went on the excursion to 'The Arizona' and it was a sad but made me feel good to be an American. When we went on the ship, no one hardly says a word but they have a flag ceremony every 5  minutes. Here was a plaque on the Arizona.   Just to imagine that 1177  sailors and marine's bodies are still encased in the bottom of the ship below and then to see the oil rising daily (1 cup) from engine.      *My father-in-law, Major Robert Melton was stationed at Pearl Harbor and luckily survived this horrible day.  ... 12/07/2014

Mission Inn Hotel - Festival of Lights   Festival of Lights at the Mission Inn Hotel and Spa in Riverside - Nov 28 - Jan 6   This is becoming a annual family tradition for the Inland Empire. This is the gathering of friends, families or just a plain fun romantic holiday. This AAA Four Diamond historic Mission Inn Hotel and Spa makes the visit an unforgettable experience for the whole family.    The hotel is located at 3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside. The contact number is 951- 784 - 0300 and their website is www.missioninn.com       This is the closest one can experience the dazzling holiday experience south of North Pole. The lights spectacle started on November 28, 2014. It was presented by Duane and Kelly Roberts, the current owners of The Mission Inn Hotel and Spa. One must check... 12/05/2014

Throwback Thursday- 5 Years with Santa and Snoopy  Tonight while looking for some missing presents, I came across some Santa photos so I thought I would share them with you. The first one is at Knott's Berry Farm at Christmas when my daughter was 4. Here is a few Santa photos when she was younger.                         Thanks for Reading my Real Estate Blog  and Happy Holidays  12/04/2014

What Gratitude Means to Me First of all we must define the word Gratitude- Defined in the dictionary as 'The quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful' and 'Appreciative of benefits received'. I must say I have so much in my life to be grateful for. In my personal life, I have a wonderful husband of 33 years and kids who I am very proud of. My daughter is a successful attorney who graduated from a top tier law school in the US and does corporate law for a large and well respected law firm. I have many good friends and several friends that are like sisters. I read somewhere if you could count your truly best friends on one hand (5) then you are very rich. I feel extremely rich for my beloved friends who I have known for many years. I am also grateful for wonderful in-laws who have... 11/30/2014

And the Winner is "Alfonso and Whitney"....I Adore this Show!   I must admit I adore watching this show every week and thought they were all good this season. Tonight the last 4 couples all got perfect scores and I thought it would be hard for the judges to pick. And the winner is Alfonso and Witney. Way to go Carlton as he played that role on Fresh Prince. This was Season 19 and I am already ready for Season 20.    Thanks for Reading my Real Estate Blog.... 11/25/2014

Big changes are coming to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Just announce by housewire.com Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are now going to allow a homeowner buy back their for market value! arcticle from housewire.com   This bring good new to so many that have lost their homes! If your in the need for some help can contact us at 951-223-584 Luis Carrillo Realtor, Keller Williams Realty. Riverside and Inland Empire~   11/25/2014

UCLA Beats USC and the Bruin Bear is Hibernating Just Got to Brag that UCLA Won...Hooray Last night one of the great football games was played again and for the third year in a row, UCLA won and this time it was a landslide USC 20- UCLA 38. I went to UCR so I am always a UC follower plus I do not like that USC painted on the Bruin Bear in 'Red' paint "SC RUNS LA". What a disgrace event though the two teams always play tricks on each other. But since I am a nature lover, I was saddened that the bear was painted but luckily not ruined. Within a few hours, the red paint had been removed and the bear was covered with a big black box especially made to protect the bear until the game was played on the night of November 22, which was yesterday. They put out a press release that the bear was "... 11/23/2014

I'm a Millionaire Today- Please Congratulate Me I'm a Millionaire Today- Please Congratulate Me   I have been blogging for three years to be here today as a new millionaire.  I have connected with many great people along the way and made friends across the country. I have learned so many new techniques and Activerain has made me a better real estate agent and more computer literate.  When I earned my Ambassador Badge, I was so excited that I did "The Happy Dance". Thanks Kerrie and Bob (sniff sniff) for all your help getting me here I enjoy taking pictures of nature and really didn't realize this until I started blogging.  Thanks to all who helped me along the way. Here's to the next million. *My friend Donna Foerster is right behind me so I must recipacate and help her to pass the 'Gol... 11/15/2014

Silent Saturday- We Dance for Treats   Our dogs are our kids now that we are empty nesters. When they are getting treats, they dance around like ballerinas. Thanks for Reading my Real Estate Blog....... California is a dream come true state no matter what your needs or wants are. We have year round warm weather, beautiful beaches, rustic mountains and desert communities. If you are looking for a home in southern California, please contact me. I am a local California Realtor, live in the Inland Empire community and aware of the local market. I am here to help you find a home or to sell the home you currently own. California has great opportunities to view Nature and Bird Watching. Whatever your needs are, you will find it here in California! From the Inland Empire you are 45 minutes to t... 11/15/2014

Celebrate Veteran's Day on November 11, 2014   Recently I was at Pearl Harbor and took these picture at the USS Missouri. On November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…" In 1968, due to federal holidays, the government ordered the holiday to be celebrated on a Friday or Monday so employees could have a 3 day weekend.This change caused a lot of confusion ... 11/11/2014

Veteran Day Freebies for Military Personel and Vets Stop in for Your Thank You from Restuarants November 2014 Outback Steakhouse- On Tuesday, Outback is honoring all active and retired military personnel with a free Bloomin' Onion and a beverage. You must show a valid military ID at participating restaurants. The rest of the year, show your ID and get 15% off your bill. Starbucks- Free tall coffee to military and their spouses all day Tuesday Nov 11. IHOP- Free Red, White and Blue Pancakes Tuesday 7am-7pm. Chili's- Free Entree from their special menu on Tuesday. Hooters- Active-duty and retired military are invited to Hooters to dine for free on Tuesday: get a free entree by presenting a military ID or proof of service. Baskin Robbins- Baskin Robbins' flavor of the month in honor of Vet... 11/11/2014

Throwback Thursday-Family Pictures During the War         I was going through some of my mom's hundreds of pictures as she scrapbooked my dad's entire career in Army Air Corp which was later renamed the US Air Force.   Here is a picture of my dad at Stillwater, Missouri where he went to pilot school January 1944. After graduating he went to Navigator School for additional training at Hondo, Texas.   This B-24 Liberator airplane was assigned to the base at Hondo Army Airfield in Texas which was a Army Air Corp Training Base for Navigators. My dad trained here in the spring of 1944 until he graduated and was transferred to the Philippines in October 1944.  The second picture is of my mom and dad at Hondo, Texas. The third photo was my dad's baby sister and she had come to visit from Knoxv... 11/07/2014

Victoria Grove - Riverside CA - Real Estate Activity   If you are interested in current real estate activity in Victoria Grove Riverside CA, read on.  This information is as of October 22, 2014. Victoria Grove is a beautiful gated community in the Southwest part of Riverside California - near Lake Mathews.  It is about about three miles south of the 91 freeway just off La Sierra Ave.  It is a very nice community with wonderful residents, terrific houses and great community amenities - and it is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Riverside. Its a terrific time to buy in Victoria Grove as the number of houses on the market is high and interest rates are still very low.  But on the flip side, it is more challenging to sell in VG right now as there are so many houses for buyers to choose f... 10/26/2014

Zoos Celebrate Halloween by Feeding Animals Pumpkins We get our homes ready for Halloween and buy decorations, costumes for our kids and even our pets as it is one of our most favorite holidays. Pumpkins are very healthy and it is nice to know that the animal preserves and zoos let their animals join in the celebrations too. Here is a picture from the Tampa Zoo showing 4 animals celebrating with pumpkins.                                   *My daughter likes to remove the seeds out of the center before carving it and bake the seeds. They are tasty and also a healthy treat. Happy Halloween! CalBRE #01492138 Keller Williams Realty–Women's Council of Realtors® California Real Estate Agent- Kristin Hamilton. Inland Empire; San Bernardino, Highland, Redlands, Loma Linda, Colton, Yucaipa, Rial... 10/20/2014

  As the weather cools down, our thoughts turn to visions of … leaf piles, broken gutters, and stopped-up chimneys. Or rather, how to deal with such household chores before the winter sets in. Here are 10 jobs that should top your priority list this fall.              1. Change batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. It’s a great idea to do this on the day Daylight Savings Time ends. Check the expiration on your fire extinguisher and review your escape plan with your family as well. 2. Inspect your fireplace. Have the chimney cleaned professionally, clear out any leftover ashes from last year from disposal chute if you have one, fix cracked glass doors.  3. Get the garage into shape. Gather up summer items such as lawn chairs, umbrellas, garden tools, and beach toys, pa... 10/10/2014

Trivia History in America for September September 8, 1930 – 3M begins marketing Scotch transparent tape. September 8, 1966 – The first Star Trek series premieres on NBC. September 9, 1926 – In the United States the National Broadcasting Company is formed. September 9, 1956 – Elvis Presley appears on The Ed Sullivan Show for the first time. September 12, 1953 – U.S. Senator and future President John Fitzgerald Kennedy marries Jacqueline Lee Bouvier at St. Mary's Church in Newport, RI.     Thanks for Reading my Real Estate Blog...... California is a dream come true state no matter what your needs or wants are. We have year round warm weather, beautiful beaches, rustic mountains and desert communities. If you are looking for a home in southern California, please contact me. I am a local Ca... 09/17/2014