Thursday, December 14, 2017

5 Superfood Substitutes Which Won't Break the Bank

5 Superfood Substitutes Which Won't Break the Bank
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5 Superfood Substitutes Which Won't Break the Bank
Tips &Tricks image 'Superfood' is a buzz term that has been used constantly over the last few years by dieters, grocery marketers and health professionals alike. Any foodstuff labelled as a superfood has been subject to a stampede of health-conscious shoppers, and marketers have bought into the craze.

Superfoods have been marketed as being far more nutritious than standard foodstuffs as well as reducing the risk of every ailment, from high blood pressure to cancer and heart disease.

However these superfoods come at a cost - literally. Superfoods are - almost without exception - far more expensive than any other food on the same supermarket shelf, and are out of the price range of the average consumer.

While there are undoubtedly health benefits to eating these superfoods, studies have found that in many cases there are cheaper alternatives on the supermarket shelves that will offer a similar boost, without draining your wallet. Here are five affordable superfood alternatives:

Spinach

Popeye may have had the right idea after all; spinach has been found to contain many of the same nutrients found in Goji berries, one of the more expensive superfoods. Spinach and Goji berries both contain plenty of Vitamin C and can provide a much-needed boost to the immune system.

Kiwi Fruit

Antioxidants found in blueberries have been found to help prevent damage to cell DNA, which can in turn reduce the risk of developing cancer. Studies have found that the cheaper alternative kiwi fruit can have the same effect, while potassium in kiwi fruit can also help to prevent heart disease.

Broccoli

Broccoli is full of vitamins A, C and E, as well as being loaded with iron, chlorophyll and calcium. Most of these are marketed as being the benefits of eating the superfood wheat grass, however Broccoli will do the same job at only a fraction of the cost. Broccoli will also count towards your five a day.

Sardines

Sardines offer many of the same benefits found in salmon - such as omega 3 fatty acids to help reduce cholesterol - and are affordable for the average shopper. Sardines are also high in protein and do not contain as many toxins as other fish.

Cooking Oil

Grapeseed oil has been embraced by several TV chefs and is a much cheaper alternative to coconut oil, which has been promoted as a superfood despite having high levels of saturated fat.
Agent Photo
Elena Serafin
Rich Cosner & Associates
Company Logo
(951) 536-2721
www.elenaserafin.com
Email: realtorelenaserafin@gmail.com
- Cal BRE# 01938435
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Wednesday, December 13, 2017

The Value of a Real Estate Tax Consultation

The Value of a Real Estate Tax Consultation
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The Value of a Real Estate Tax Consultation
Tips & Tricks image When you start looking for a home, one of the primary to-do’s is to have a real estate tax consultation completed on the property. Purchasing a property is more than just laying down enough cash up front. There are other aspects to consider such as the change in your income tax status. You should be aware of the potential pitfalls, as well as the potential rewards, of your new property. A real estate tax consultation will help you understand exactly where you stand, what you stand to gain and what you might be in for.

When considering the purchase of a home, especially for the first time, one of the most important aspects of a real estate tax consultation is you have a real property value assessment. This helps you to determine if the property has solid value, or if it is over inflated.

In many cases the property you are holding is not taxed at its actual value but at the value of another property located nearby. What happens more often than not is your property taxes are based on another nearby property with more features and amenities than yours offers; this inflates your price substantially. This is why you need to have your property value reassessed with an independent real estate tax consultant.

For example, homes that are built in a particular neighborhood may seemingly be alike, but one or more might have an extra deck or expansion installed that increases the value of the property. The tax assessor might use that particular home, over a more typical home in the neighborhood, as a standard for taxing purposes. So instead of being taxed at the value of your home, you are being taxed at the rate of a more valuable home. It is important to have an independent real estate tax consultant revalue your home so that you are not being over taxed.

A smart property owner understands that having the right assessment of their property will help them to save money. An independent real estate tax consultant will have a solid knowledge of all applicable tax rules and regulations. Instead of looking out for the best interest of the government, the consultant will be looking out for you. That is why it is important to have your property value reassessed. If you decide to overlook a simple tax consultation, you could potentially be throwing out hundreds each year. Who knows, maybe your tax consultation could mean you get to take that trip to Hawaii instead of staying home paying unnecessary taxes.
Agent Photo
Elena Serafin
Rich Cosner & Associates
Company Logo
(951) 536-2721
www.elenaserafin.com
Email: realtorelenaserafin@gmail.com
- Cal BRE# 01938435
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Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Using Posters to Make Boring Walls Come Alive

Using Posters to Make Boring Walls Come Alive
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Using Posters to Make Boring Walls Come Alive
Tips & Tricks image There's nothing like an easy interior decor problem to make you feel like you can tackle any design dilemma in your home. Blank walls are perhaps one of the easiest to solve. With a screwdriver, glue gun or anything you can use to hang framed pictures, artwork and even shelving on the walls, you can transform any bland wall into an interesting conversation piece in a matter of minutes.

Posters as a Quick and Easy Remedy for Bland Walls
There are many decor options you can choose if you are planning on sprucing up a white wall. Posters are as good a decorative option as any, especially if you do not have the budget to splurge on an expensive art piece or no time to choose family photos and have them printed. Posters also come in various colors, sizes and themes so finding the perfect poster to fit the design that you have in the room or the design you want to achieve for that space will not be so hard to do. Just by adding a poster or a group of posters, you can introduce color, contrasts, textures and an eye-catching focal point to any room.

Types of Posters
Choosing what kind of poster you want for a wall can be overwhelming. There are different kinds of posters, from those made of solid color blocks to vintage movie posters. Statement posters are also very popular, and they come in various designs to fit any type of style from shabby chic to modern and masculine interior design themes. Here are the top kinds you will encounter when you start shopping for posters.

- Solid color blocks
- Textured posters
- Statement posters
- Vintage movie posters
- Fine art prints
- Floor-to-ceiling posters

Tying Your Poster Choice with the Interior Decor
If you love the theme that you already have in the room, it would be best if you choose a poster that ties well with the decor already in place. You can use small posters with identical frames and hang them in a pattern on the wall. Or you can opt for a single large poster to cover the entire wall for a dramatic look. You have to make sure that the design, text and graphics on the poster do not clash with the aesthetic in the room. Floral prints and feminine colors are great for a cottage style living room, while minimalist statement posters are great for an edgy, modern space.

Using Posters to Decorate Bland Furnishings
Aside from blank walls, you can also use posters to cover bland cupboards if you do not want to repaint. Choose posters with floral prints if you want to wrap kitchen cupboards and want to have a country cottage vibe going on, or old movie posters if you are redoing a space for a more masculine and modern look. Simply soak the poster in lukewarm water to make it soft and easy to glue onto your furniture surfaces.
Agent Photo
Elena Serafin
Rich Cosner & Associates
Company Logo
(951) 536-2721
www.elenaserafin.com
Email: realtorelenaserafin@gmail.com
- Cal BRE# 01938435
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