September 2023

It’s Your ( Backyard) Party — Save Money If You Want To Gathering friends and family together for a party in your backyard is always a good time, especially as the fall weather arrives and we leave summer temperatures behind. Whether yours is an intimate party or a bigger shindig, we’ve come up with a few ways to save some money so your wallet will enjoy the fun, too. • Make Your Own Invitations : If you’re going for something more formal than a word of mouth or text invite, take time to make your own invitations, and get creative. Or, for tech-savvy guests, send an e vite or create an event on Facebook and invite them on social media. • Make It A Potluck : There’s some speculation that potluck s date back to the Middle Ages when an impromptu meal would be served to unexpected guests — the dinnertime drop- ins would get “the luck of the pot.” Take a cue from our festive forefathers and ask guests to bring an appetizer, side, dessert, or drink of choice. Keep things organized by making a sign-up list to avoid duplicate dishes. For added fun, ask your guests to share their recipes. • Shop Smart : Keep an eye out for sales and discounts in the days and weeks leading up to your party. If you decide to go with a theme, shop for decorations and other party items at discount and dollar stores. And if you think the theme is something you’ll return to again, store the décor to reuse when the time comes. • Cheers : If you plan on serving drinks, consider offering one beer and wine option, or perhaps a signature punch or spiked lemonade. Ask your guests to bring their favorite drinks, too. • Hey Mr. DJ : Have a friend who knows their stuff when it comes to music? Ask them to create a playlist that you and your guests can enjoy all party long. • Keep Your Eye On the Prize : At the end of the day, your party is a time for you to enjoy being with friends and family. Remember to keep your eye on the prize and enjoy yourself!

1 Brain Teaser… You find yourself in a cabin with no electricity. When night falls you have a candle, a wood stove and a gas lamp, but just one match. Which do you light first? (See page 4 for the answer.) Real Estate Question? Maybe you want to know how much your home is worth. Or maybe you just need a recommendation for a handyman, carpet cleaner or plumber… Either way, I love hearing from all of my good friends and clients. And I’m happy to help answer questions you might have about anything relating to real estate or home-ownership. If you have a question, tip or idea, call me at 805-701-8410 . I’m here to help! Did You Know? In Old England, September was called Haervest-monath, or Harvest Month, because it was the time to finish harvesting crops in preparation for winter. The Origins Of Labor Day The first Labor Day was celebrated more than 140 years ago in New York City. In 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed a law making the first Monday in September each year a national holiday in “ celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers.” Food Preserving Websites Get a jump on your favorite winter recipes by canning and preserving your favorite fruits and vegetables now to enjoy the fresh flavors later. www.foodinjars.com – A terrific resource for beginners just getting started. nchfp.uga.edu – Tips on not only canning, but drying, pickling and fermenting from the National Center for Home Food Preservation. www.simplycanning.com – From the author of “Simply Canning Guide” and teacher of food preservation classes at the Simply Canning School.

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