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“Autumn is springtime in reverse.”
– Terri Guillemets
November is an ending and a new beginning of sorts. And before you know it, the holiday season will be upon us. Be sure to soak in every moment as we thrive in this changing season.
This month, we want to enrich and de-stress your life, and we’ve selected our articles with exactly that in mind. Let’s dive into a preview:
- Stress-Less Hosting Tips For A Joyful Thanksgiving
- How To Celebrate National Gratitude Month
- Local Events To Enjoy
- City of Reno Offering Discounted Trees To Residents
- A Guide To Health Networks In Reno
- Featured Listings
- What We’re Talking About Online
- Neighborhood Spotlight: Old Northwest Reno
- In the Words of Our Clients: …The best real estate agent in Northern Nevada.”
- Quotable Quote: “…How full of light and color are their last days.”
If you have questions about anything local or real estate related, consider our Team a resource. If you or someone you know is thinking of making a move, we’re always happy to help.
Sincerely,
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Save Thousands When Buying A Home…
Did you know there’s a free consumer report revealing ways to save time and money when buying a home? It’s called “8 Secrets For Saving Thousands When Finding and Buying Your Next Home,” and it’s great even if you’re not planning to buy soon. Get your free copy by calling Alan at 775-742-2591 or Magda at 775- 284-2615.
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Thanksgiving is a time for gathering, gratitude, and, of course, delicious food! Hosting a holiday dinner can be daunting, but with a bit of planning and creativity, you can make it a stress-free and memorable event for everyone. Here are some creative and stress-less hosting ideas to ensure your Thanksgiving celebration is filled with joy and laughter with your loved ones.
1. Create a Cozy and Inviting Atmosphere
Setting the right mood is key to a successful Thanksgiving gathering. Warm lighting, soft music, and a thoughtfully decorated table can make your guests feel welcomed and comfortable. Consider using:
- Fall-Themed Centerpieces: Mix pumpkins, candles, and seasonal flowers like mums or sunflowers for a beautiful yet simple centerpiece.
- String Lights and Candles: Soft, warm lighting can make the space feel more intimate and cozy.
- Personalized Place Settings: Add a personal touch by creating handwritten name cards or mini pumpkins with guests’ names on them.
2. Plan a Make-Ahead Menu
To avoid last-minute stress, opt for a menu that allows you to prepare dishes ahead of time. Soups, casseroles, and pies can all be prepped and stored the day before. You can also consider:
- Potluck-Style Dinners: If you’re hosting a large group, ask guests to bring their favorite Thanksgiving dish. This not only eases your workload but allows everyone to share a part of their tradition.
- Pre-Made Cocktail or Mocktail Bar: Set up a self-serve drink station with pre-made cocktails or mocktails, along with garnishes, so guests can help themselves without needing a bartender.
3. Get Creative with the Table Setup
Your Thanksgiving table is the focal point of the gathering, so make it special. Here are a few ideas:
- Mix-and-Match Plates and Glassware: Don’t worry about having matching sets; mixing different patterns can create an eclectic and charming look.
- Thanksgiving-Themed Table Runner: Instead of a traditional cloth, use craft paper as a table runner and write guests’ names or fun Thanksgiving trivia questions on it.
- Seasonal Accents: Incorporate mini pumpkins, gourds, pine cones, and cinnamon sticks to bring in the colors and textures of the season.
4. Prepare a Thoughtful Welcome
Make your guests feel instantly at ease with a welcoming touch at the door. This could be:
- Hot Beverage Station: Set up a small table near the entrance with hot cider, cocoa, or mulled wine for guests to grab when they arrive.
- Gratitude Jar: Invite guests to write down what they are thankful for on a slip of paper and place it in a decorative jar. You can read them out loud during dinner or dessert.
5. Engage Guests with Fun Activities
Keep the celebration lively with engaging activities, especially if you have kids in attendance:
- Board Games or Card Games: Place a few games around the house so guests can casually start a game whenever they like.
- DIY Dessert Station: Set up a dessert bar where guests can customize their own treats, like building their own mini pies, decorating cupcakes, or creating s’mores.
- Outdoor Games: If weather permits, set up cornhole, bocce, or lawn bowling for guests to enjoy outside.
6. Have a Backup Plan for Leftovers
Leftovers are a beloved part of Thanksgiving, but sometimes they can be overwhelming. Plan ahead by:
- Preparing Take-Home Containers: Purchase reusable or biodegradable containers so guests can take leftovers home.
- Create a “Leftover Recipe” Card: Include a few creative ways to use leftovers, such as turkey pot pie, cranberry-stuffed waffles, or mashed potato pancakes.
7. Plan for Dietary Needs
It’s important to consider guests with dietary restrictions. When planning your menu:
- Include a Variety of Dishes: Aim for a mix of vegetarian, gluten-free, and nut-free options to accommodate different diets.
- Label the Dishes: Simple labels can help guests know what’s in each dish, making it easier for those with allergies to navigate the buffet.
8. Keep Cleanup Easy
After a long day of celebrating, the last thing you want is to spend hours cleaning up. Make it simpler by:
- Using Dish Bins: Set up a couple of bins for used dishes, silverware, and cups, so they don’t pile up on the table.
- Line Pans with Foil or Parchment Paper: This will make cleanup faster, as you can simply lift out the liner and toss it when you’re done.
Final Thoughts
Hosting Thanksgiving is all about bringing loved ones together and creating lasting memories. By planning ahead, incorporating personal touches, and offering unique ways for guests to participate, you’ll create an atmosphere that everyone will enjoy. Remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be heartfelt. Happy hosting and Happy Thanksgiving!
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November is National Gratitude Month, a time to pause, reflect, and embrace the positive impact of gratitude in our lives. Research shows that practicing gratitude can improve mood, reduce stress, and even boost health, making this month the perfect time to kick-start daily habits that foster a grateful mindset. Here’s how you can celebrate National Gratitude Month meaningfully.
1. Start a Gratitude Journal
One of the most impactful ways to practice gratitude is by keeping a journal. Take a few minutes each day to jot down three things you’re grateful for. These can be as simple as a cozy morning coffee or as profound as a supportive friendship. By focusing on positive aspects, you’ll end each day on a high note.
2. Write Thank-You Notes
Handwritten thank-you notes are a rare but cherished gesture in our digital age. Express your gratitude to people who have made a difference in your life—be it a family member, friend, colleague, or mentor. A heartfelt note can uplift the recipient and strengthen your connection.
3. Practice Mindful Meditation
Mindfulness and gratitude go hand-in-hand. Set aside a few minutes each day for a gratitude-focused meditation. Close your eyes, take deep breaths, and focus on things you’re thankful for, letting go of stress. Meditation apps often include specific gratitude exercises that guide you in this practice.
4. Volunteer or Give Back
Expressing gratitude through action is a powerful way to celebrate. Volunteering for a cause close to your heart—whether at a local shelter, food bank, or community center—helps shift focus from self to others. By giving back, you cultivate a greater appreciation for what you have and contribute positively to others’ lives.
5. Host a Gratitude Dinner
Gather friends or family for a meal centered around gratitude. During the dinner, invite each person to share something they’re thankful for, fostering a warm, reflective atmosphere. This simple tradition can be incorporated into your Thanksgiving or as a standalone celebration of gratitude.
6. Create a Family Gratitude Jar
Encourage everyone in your household to participate by creating a gratitude jar. Each day, have each person write down something they’re grateful for on a slip of paper and add it to the jar. At the end of the month, gather together to read them aloud, reminding everyone of the many blessings in life.
7. Reflect on Personal Growth
National Gratitude Month is also a good time to reflect on your growth over the past year. Consider the challenges you’ve faced, the goals you’ve achieved, and the personal progress you’ve made. Embracing self-gratitude for your resilience and accomplishments can foster self-compassion and help build confidence.
8. Share Your Gratitude Online
Spreading gratitude can be as simple as sharing it on social media. Use #NationalGratitudeMonth to post about what you’re grateful for, inspiring your friends and followers to reflect on their blessings, too. You might also consider joining an online gratitude challenge, where participants share daily reflections.
9. Take a Gratitude Walk
Get outdoors and take a walk, noticing the small, beautiful details around you. From the crisp autumn leaves to the gentle breeze, let nature remind you of life’s simple pleasures. Bringing this sense of appreciation into a daily walk can be calming, grounding, and a great way to connect with the present moment.
10. Practice Daily Acts of Kindness
Expressing gratitude through kind actions is another way to celebrate. Offer a compliment, hold the door for someone, or help a neighbor with a task. Small acts of kindness encourage positivity in yourself and those around you, building a sense of connectedness and goodwill.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s through a quiet moment of reflection or a generous act of kindness, each step toward gratitude enriches our lives. Let’s take November as an opportunity to cultivate a spirit of thankfulness that lasts beyond National Gratitude Month and into every day of the year.
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SNAFU Con 2024
November 1–3, 2024
Reno-Sparks Convention Center | Link to Details
Colorado State vs. Nevada Wolf Pack Football
November 2, 2024
Mackay Stadium | Link to Details
Dragon Lights Reno
Now – November 30, 2024
Rancho San Rafael Regional Park | Link to Details
Dark Corner Haunted House
Now – November 2, 2024
National Bowling Stadium | Link to Details
Arenacross
November 15–16, 2024
Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center | Link to Details
Reno Phil Presents Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto
November 23–24, 2024
Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts | Link to Details
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The City of Reno, through ReLEAF Reno and the Arbor Day Foundation’s program, is offering discounted trees to residents for $26. This initiative, subsidized by 75% from ReLEAF Reno, aims to promote energy conservation and reduce energy bills through strategic tree planting. Residents can reserve trees online at ArborDay.org/Reno and pick them up on November 2, 2024, at Idlewild Park. Various tree species, including fruit trees, are available. Participants must agree to maintain the trees, including using an automatic watering system, to ensure long-term benefits for the community.
The nine types of trees offered this year have been selected for their hardiness to Reno’s climate and soils, and include the following:
Large size trees: Valley Oak, Palo Alto Sweetgum
Medium size trees: Blue Oak, Shantung Maple
Small size trees: Oklahoma Redbud, Prairiefire Crabapple
Fruit trees: Barlett Pear, Redhaven Peach
Evergreen tree: Incense Cedar
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What’s My Home Worth?
If you want to know your home’s current value, we will gladly conduct a Maximum Value Home Audit. Request this “no charge” in-depth home value analysis by calling Alan at (775) 742-2591 or Magda at (775) 284-2615, or send us an email by tapping the button below:
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While Reno is known for our vibrant outdoor lifestyle and bustling city life, we also offer a robust healthcare system with several major hospitals and health networks. Whether you’re new to the area or just exploring your healthcare options, it’s essential to know about the top facilities and services available right here in Reno/Sparks. Click here, and let’s take a look at some of the major hospitals and health networks in the region.
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Click on the property’s image to view more information.
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Would You Like to Know How Much Your
Neighbor’s Home Listed or Sold for?
Maybe you’re just curious. Or maybe you want to know how much your home is worth. Either way, we can help…with no “sales pitches” or run-arounds. Call either Alan at 775-742-2519 or Magda at 775-284-2615 and we’ll give you all the facts. Or, click on the button below to send us an email:
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Welcome to Old Northwest Reno, a vibrant and established neighborhood that blends classic charm with contemporary living. At HomeGate Realty, we love the beauty and convenience of this area, and Old Northwest Reno has been a beloved part of the Truckee Meadows for decades. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly environment or a quiet, residential retreat close to the city’s offerings, Old Northwest Reno has something for everyone. Click here, and let’s take a look at this special place. |
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“How beautifully leaves grow old. How full of light and color are their last days.”
– John Burrounghs
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If you know of anyone that would find these tips, updates, and headlines interesting, feel free to share!
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