Raise your hand if you started a garden in 2020. If you did, you’re far from alone. According to Garden Media’s 2021 Garden Trend Report: The Great Reset, you’re one of 16 million other people who embraced this hobby last year. Whether you built your first raised bed, adopted houseplants, planted a tree, refreshed your front garden, or started tomatoes from seed, you’re part of a growing movement that doesn’t seem to be slowing down in 2021. If you missed out on the great garden explosion of 2020, that’s ok too. It’s never too late to adopt this hobby.

To help you out, we combed through Garden Media’s comprehensive report and pulled out three of our favorite trends for 2021. No matter your experience level, this should give you ideas for developing your gardening knowledge this year.

Edible Gardening

Last spring, when quarantine hit, lots of us picked up hobbies and activities we wouldn’t have tried normally (looking at you, sourdough bread bakers). One of the biggest trends to surface was growing food. According to the Garden Media report, Google searches for “victory garden” hit their highest levels ever on April 5, 2020.

Edible gardening is primed to be a popular activity again in 2021. According to the trend report, sixty-seven percent of adults are either actively growing vegetables, fruits, and herbs, or they have plans to.

One of the great things about edible gardening is that it can be done on any scale. If you have a large yard and lots of sunshine, build raised beds or prepare a growing area using gardener Charles Dowding’s no dig method. If you live in an apartment, you can still grow plenty of plants in pots, including herbs, tomatoes, peppers, and even citrus fruit.

Miniature Plants

One of the most essential ingredients of successful gardening is patience. Plants take time to grow and develop into their final form. If waiting isn’t one of your particular skills, mini plants are an option. According to the Garden Media report, small-scale plants are gaining popularity because they fit in any space. They also provide quicker—if not instant—gratification.

“Cuteness aside, tiny plants are the perfect choice for plant keepers with limited space and time. Tiny plants grown on your windowsill, under grow lights, or under glass – can feed your plant addiction without cramping your style,” shares Leslie Halleck of Halleck Horticultural LLC in the trend report.

Mini succulents and air plants are fantastic, low-maintenance options for adding some green decor to your house. You can also go mini with petite varieties of your favorite fruits, herbs, and vegetables.

Lawn Alternatives

It might not be news to Californians, but lawn alternatives are on the rise. According to the trend report, sixty-seven percent of people polled in a National Garden Bureau survey said they wanted to explore lawn alternatives while still retaining some traditional lawn space.

Doing this can not only give you a more unique front yard, but it can also provide a better habitat for wildlife and encourage pollinator activity if you choose the right plants.

The future of gardening in 2021 is bright and bountiful. Branch out (no pun intended) and try implementing one of these trends yourself this year.

Between stay-at-home orders and the remote-based “new normal” of the Covid-19 pandemic, researchers estimate that around 42% of the population is currently working from home. While working from home is a dream come true for some people, the situation is less than ideal for many others.

Here we’ll showcase a few simple rituals that can help make working from home easier, more productive, and more balanced.

Set Your Working Hours

If you’ve been working from home, you’ve likely experienced how difficult keeping a work-life balance can be. It’s hard to focus on work when you’re surrounded by your family, chores to be done, and an office that feels like your living room (or is…). Likewise, it can be hard to turn off at the end of the workday and enjoy your free time when there’s no separation between work and home.

The first step to create a healthier work-life balance while working from home is to create your schedule. It’s best to stick to the same schedule you used when going to the office, but feel free to tweak it to make it work for you, your family, and your new lifestyle.

Start the Day with Intention, then “Eat the Frog”

Starting the workday off on the right foot is easy when you set your intentions ahead of time. This is extra important when working from home, where your workspace may be less organized than at the office.

Start by getting a cup of your favorite coffee or tea. Then, sit down at your desk and close your eyes. Visualize the day going smoothly as you accomplish everything that needs to get done. Finally, open your eyes and write a short list of the 3 main tasks for the day.

 

Level Up Your Space

All workspaces are better when they’re designed to help us stay focused and comfortable. Make sure your space is clear and tidy. Do you have easy access to all your important tools, files, and notes? What about the comfort of your work area? You may consider trying a new chair, adding back support cushions, or adjusting your keyboard or computer screen to ensure that you have a healthy posture throughout the day.

Set the Mood

Now, create the best ambiance to help you focus, be creative, or stay motivated. Smart playlists can keep you entertained while you tackle your tasks. A favorite candle or brain-boosting aromatherapy can improve your mental focus and melt away stress.

Feed Your Brain

Don’t forget to stay hydrated and well-fed. Working from home often leads to either too-frequent refrigerator trips or forgetting to eat all together. To cure both issues, prep your lunches ahead of time, keep healthy snacks like nuts and fruit at your desk, and remember to drink water throughout the day.

 

Here are a few simple recipes we can cook up at home to celebrate Mid-Autumn this year!

But First – What is the Mid-Autumn Festival?

Mid-Autumn Festival is observed in China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. The Lunar event is recognized as the Harvest Moon, lighting up the night sky for the farmers who are harvesting.

The Mid-Autumn Festival celebrates many traditions including family reunions, special foods, mooncakes, and lanterns. Its purpose is to honor the hard work that has been done over the last year. The full moon is considered a symbol of reunion, which is why families from all over gather to celebrate.

A Mid-Autumn Festival Feast at Home

Being able to cook traditional food for the Mid-Autumn Festival is all part of the experience. Here are a few recipes to try with your family at home this year.

Autumn Mushrooms and Chestnuts

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons corn starch
• 3 1/2 ounces fresh chestnuts, peeled (about 1 cup)
• 9 ounces assorted fresh mushrooms (such as button, shiitake, or enoki), sliced (about 1 1/2 quarts)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2-inch knob ginger, peeled and finely sliced (about 2 teaspoons)
• 1 clove garlic, peeled and finely sliced (about 1 teaspoon)
• 2 scallions, white parts only, finely sliced (about 3 tablespoons)
• 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons light soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• Kosher salt
• Steamed rice for serving

Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine corn starch with 2 tablespoons of water and set aside. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat.
2. Cook chestnuts in boiling water until tender, about 5 minutes. Remove with a strainer, drain, and set aside. Add mushrooms to boiling water, cook for 1 minute. Remove with a strainer, drain, and set aside.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a wok over medium heat until shimmering. Add ginger, garlic, and scallions, and cook, stirring, over until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add chestnuts and continue stirring for 1 minute. Add mushrooms and stir for 1 additional minute.
4. Increase heat to high. Add dark and light soy sauces, stirring to combine. Add cornflour and water mixture and reduce heat to medium. Cook, stirring, until sauce is thickened and coats the mushrooms and chestnuts, about 1 minute. Remove from heat. Stir in sesame oil, season to taste with salt if necessary, and serve immediately with steamed rice.

 

Shanghai Sticky Pork Belly

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds pork belly, skin on, in a single piece
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 inch knob ginger, peeled and finely sliced (about 2 teaspoons)
• 1 garlic clove, peeled and finely sliced (about 1 teaspoon)
• 2 scallions, white part only, finely sliced (about 1 1/2 tablespoons)
• 2-star anise pods
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 tablespoons Shaoxing wine
• 1/4 cup light soy sauce
• Steamed rice for serving

Directions

1. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil over high heat. Add pork belly and cook for 5 minutes. Drain and allow to cool slightly. Slice belly into 1-inch cubes.
2. Heat oil in a wok over medium heat until the oil starts to shimmer, about 1 minute. Add brown sugar and stir until the mixture begins to caramelize about 1 minute.
3. Increase heat to high. Add ginger, garlic, and scallions, and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add star anise and cinnamon stick and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Add pork cubes, stirring until the meat is well-coated in caramel. Add soy sauce and Shaoxing wine and stir to combine.
4. Add enough water to cover the pork and bring it to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 2 hours, stirring occasionally until the sauce has thickened and is dark brown and glossy. If liquid begins to dry out, add enough water to cover the meat and continue simmering. If the sauce appears thin and diluted, remove pork after 2 hours and reduce the sauce to desired consistency before returning pork to wok to gently reheat.
5. Serve pork with sauce, accompanied by steamed rice.

 

Stir-Fried Bok Choy

Ingredients

• 4 medium heads bok choy (about 2 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 inch knob ginger, peeled and finely sliced (about 2 teaspoons)
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and finely sliced (about 2 teaspoons)
• 2 scallions, white parts only, finely sliced (about 1 1/2 tablespoons)
• 1/2 teaspoons sugar
• Kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Directions

1. Rinse bok choy and cut each head in half lengthwise.
2. Heat oil in a wok over medium heat until oil simmering. Add ginger, garlic, and scallion, and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Increase heat to high. Add bok choy and stir fry until outer leaves have wilted (about 1 minute.) Add sugar and season to taste with salt and cook, stirring, for 1 additional minute. Remove from heat, add sesame oil, season to taste with more salt, and serve.

 

Don’t Forget the Mooncakes!

As you’re planning your Mid-Autumn Festival feast, don’t forget the most traditional treat of the season: the mooncake! The mooncakes represent a full moon and symbolize togetherness and unity. Just as the mooncake comes together in a circle and is connected, so does our family – near and far – during the Autumn Festival.

Don’t forget to pick up your authentic mooncakes from Honey Bakery in Long Beach to complete the celebration with your family!

 

Now that autumn is in full swing, the leaves are changing into show-stopping colors. Now is a great time to get outside and immerse yourself in the beauty of the season.

While SoCal might not get as much press as New England when it comes to fall foliage, this area is home to some beautiful walks, drives, and autumn adventures. So, grab your favorite fall beverage (it is Pumpkin Spice Latte season, after all!) and head out for a relaxing afternoon spent soaking up the glorious autumn beauty!

• Stroll Through the Huntington-Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Garden 

Located near Pasadena in San Marino, twelve miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles, The Huntington’s Botanical Garden is open for autumn floral and foliage viewing. The garden features 16 themed gardens and 15,000 varieties of plants, meaning there is always something in bloom and you’ll see color everywhere you look! Parking is free, but you will need to reserve tickets online in advance, whether you are a member of the gardens or not.

• De-Stress at Descanso Gardens
  Descanso Gardens is an urban retreat that encompasses 150 acres consisting of world-renowned botanical collections, woodlands, and chaparral. Wander through the rose garden, a favorite area that is devoted to America’s most popular flower. Or, take some time for meditation at the Japanese garden. Here you’ll find a koi-filled stream, plants native to Asia, and North America’s largest camellia collection. You can also explore the Oak Forest, which is home to century-old trees, as well as the Ancient Forest. There’s even an edible garden, Nature’s Table, that contains fruit trees and seasonal vegetables for the foodies in your family.
• Take it All in on the San Bernardino Town Trail

When you’re ready for a hike a little further out of Long Beach, head to Town Trail, near Big Bear Lake (about 2 hours away). This is a 2.3-mile trail that is easy and enjoyable where you can see endless trees and flowers. It’s great for hiking, running, mountain biking, camping, nature trips, and is dog friendly. The trail offers fantastic views of fall foliage and even a chance to see some wildlife. Because the trail is moderately trafficked, be sure to bring your mask and practice social distancing.

Autumn is such a beautiful time of year. The beauty of the changing seasons makes is the perfect excuse to get out of the house and into nature. Breathe some fresh fall air and enjoy all that the season has to offer!

P.S. Due to our rapidly changing world, always check these area’s websites before leaving for your outings to stay up to date on COVID closures or other safety information.

 

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Spring is here and summer is right around the corner. You know what that means! It’s time to get outside and enjoy all the beautiful parks that Long Beach has to offer. When it comes to our gorgeous neck of the woods, Long Beach has no shortage of amazing parks to spend a lazy Saturday. Check out the top parks and get outside!

 

 

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We will be meeting under or near by this huge #tree at #MarinaVistaPark tomorrow from 1:30 to sunset for a #Fruitluck / #vegan #picnic yay! Get more deets at www.meetup.com/Fruitluck 🙂 🌞💛😄🍌🍍 #vegansofig #rawvegan #rawtill4 #socalliving #summer #fruit #fruitandveg

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Marina Vista Park
The Marina Vista Park lives up to its name – it provides a beautiful park with a scenic view of the water. Enjoy the weekend playing soccer, tennis, or softball. Stroll along the water and enjoy the lush grassy areas. Prefer to bike? The Marina Vista Park has bicycle paths and walking paths.

 

 

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El Dorado Nature Center
This nature center is a top-notch spot for walking, exploring, and seeing wildlife. The center provides a natural habitat for all kinds of animal and plant life, and boasts several walking and hiking trails, a stream, and even an art gallery and shop. Cross the bridge to the information center on a little island!

 

 

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Rosie’s Dog Beach
If you’re a dog lover or have pooches of your own, head to Rosie’s Dog Beach! The coastline makes for lots of beachy fun for pets and their owners alike. Splash in the ocean, run, or play a game of fetch.

 

 

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Shoreline Aquatic Park
The Shoreline Aquatic Park boasts beautiful views of the Queen Mary Ship and Hotel, as well as the gorgeous Long Beach skyline. There are grassy areas, picnic tables, and the lovely shore of course! This park is a well-rounded taste of nature, the great outdoors, and the stunning city of Long Beach itself.

 

Play at the Parks

 

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With so many beautiful parks and nature regions around Long Beach, there’s no reason to stay cooped up inside! Pack your bags, plan a picnic, and get out to explore the amazing Long Beach natural beauty.

 

It is no secret that the word “cancellation”, when used in reference to the sale of a home or property, can strike fear in everyone involved in the deal. This fear is likely reasonable given the ramifications of a potential stalemate when the cancellation allowed by the Residential Purchase Agreement is invoked.

 

Disagreement over the rightfulness of a cancellation by the buyer or seller can be costly to both parties. The purchasing party may be awaiting the return of a deposit to look for and purchase a different home, while the seller could have the home tied up in escrow essentially holding the property off the market.

Simply put, avoid signing a document without a clear understanding of your cancellation rights. All parties involved should have a firm grasp on what a cancellation involves and what parameters validate a cancellation by the buyer or seller.

 

Fortunately, the Residential Purchase Agreement accounts for almost every contingency that could result in a cancellation by the buyer or the seller. Gaining appropriate financing, the satisfactory passing of certain inspections, and the disclosure of any issues with the property are all items that the document takes into consideration.

This allows both parties a reasonable and convenient “out” of the Agreement in the case of reasonable expectations being unmet. Thus, the right of Purchase Agreement cancellation is not something to be feared or loathed but a document to appreciate.

 

The Residential Purchase Agreement essentially provides protections for both sides involved in the purchase and sale of the property. If all contingencies set forth by the agreement are met, then the law dictates that the sale must commence regardless of any remorse from the buyer or seller.

In the event a cancellation is warranted and agreed upon, an Escrow Cancellation Instructions and Cancellation of Purchase Contract must be signed by both parties. These documents allow all funds to be returned, as indicated, to the appropriate parties and for the property to remain in the seller’s custody.

 

Obviously, the ideal scenario results in the successful transition of the property from seller to buyer but the Residential Purchase Agreement allows both parties to feel secure that if something should go awry, everyone can walk away confident their rights have been respected.

 

A first impression is a lasting one. If you don’t want potential homebuyers to swipe right to your house, you need to get them with the first image they see. That is the front door…and everything surrounding it. Curb appeal is essential in every step of the house selling process. From the picture they see in the listing to the actual property their car pulls up to, your curb needs to sell. So, how do you amp up the curb appeal to sell your house for more money? Here are five cheap tips.

Plant Flowers

You want to create an inviting atmosphere for someone pulling up to your house. What establishes that ambiance better than a beautiful floral arrangement? Thanks to the beautiful year-round weather in Southern California, you can plant annuals and perennials whenever you want.

 

Adding a dash of color to your landscape will go a long way in transforming the perception of your house. This sort of vibrancy gives the potential homebuyer the impression that you pay attention to detail and take care of the property. Therefore, they will enter the viewing with an open mind. Plus, the scent of flowers never hurt either!

Power Wash

Nobody wants to look at the house covered in moss or last year’s sap. Use a power washer to get all the grime off the siding, walkways, and steps. Just be sure to stay clear of any sealings near windows or doors. That will strip caulking and weatherstripping.

New Light Fixtures

When it comes to house buying, lighting is the new black. Everyone loves lights and wants more of it. So, draw attention to the fact by updating your light fixtures.

 

Outdoor lighting fixtures take a beating over the long-term thanks to weather and Californian salt water mists. Therefore, replacing these battered light fixtures will make your lights pop. If you can’t afford to replace the fixtures, then at least spray paint the old ones.

 

You will get extra points if you put in a light with a dimmer. If it looks like you go the extra mile to maintaining the outdoors, potential homebuyers will be more optimistic about what you have done with the indoors.

Paint the Front Door

 

While potential homebuyers take in the whole scene, there is always one thing that their eye is most drawn to–the front door. Make it stand out with a new coat of paint.

 

This would be a great opportunity to give your house some real personality. Find a complimentary color that matches your siding. However, you should choose one that pops rather than one that hides in the background.

 

Extra color in the entryway says, “Hello. Come in.  Buy me.” Bonus points if you coordinate the floral arrangement with the door!

Seating on the Porch Area

You are selling your house in Southern California. Embrace it’s greatest asset–the weather. People aren’t just buying your home. They are buying into the location. Put that on display as well.

 

By placing furniture on the porch, you are saying a couple of things. One, the weather is beautiful, and you want to be outside all the time. Secondly, the neighborhood is lovely. If you didn’t enjoy the company of those around you, why would you bother putting furniture out that faces them? These little nuances do a lot in upping the perceived value of your home.

 

With tax season upon us, you might already be thinking of creative ways to spend that refund. Before you go out and blow it on treats, consider how you might make the most of it this year. After all, you are a responsible home owner now! If you’re lucky enough to be getting a tax return this year, make the most of it by investing that hard-earned money into your new home. So, what are some responsible ways to spend your check?

Pay Down Your Mortgage

One of the most responsible, money-saving ways to spend your tax return is to put the money straight into your mortgage as an extra payment. It might seem like a drop in the bucket, but over time these extra payments can shave both years and thousands of dollars in interest off your repayment.

Bulk Up Your Emergency Fund
With home ownership comes responsibility. No longer can you call the landlord when your furnace goes out or the plumbing goes awry – these headaches now fall on your shoulders. There’s nothing worse than having a home emergency and no wiggle room in the bank to pay for the repairs. Credit card debts for “emergencies” can pile up fast and interest rates are high. Instead, save for the inevitable by having a dedicated savings for emergencies. A few extra thousand (or even hundred) dollars from a tax return will save the day at some point.

Fix the Necessary Repairs

Did your home come with a few issues that still need to be sorted? Getting these nuisances under control is the perfect way to spend your tax refund. Replace anything faulty in the home or anything that you expect might need replacing in the next year or two.

One Special Thing

After you have invested the bulk of your tax refund into one of the above areas, make sure to save a few extra dollars for something special. This could be a favorite artisan candle, a much-needed new chef knife, the perfect rug, or anything that makes your home feel special.  

Spend Wisely

Being a home owner is one of the greatest joys in life. Invest your extra dollars into your home and it will more than repay you in comfort, reliability, and financial freedom down the road. Making wise choices early on will make for smooth sailing for the life of your home. Happy spending!