Chocolate - The Magical Health Food

Halloween offers more temptation than normal but if you love chocolate, you don’t need to feel guilty anymore! Here’s why. Nutritionists at Penn State University have discovered that chocolate has powerful (and very healthy!) antioxidant properties. Chocolate (especially the very dark chocolates) have been found to have high levels of the antioxidant flavonoids called flavanols. Long-term studies have shown that people with high blood levels of flavonoids have a lower risk of heart disease, lung cancer, prostate cancer, asthma, and type-2 diabetes. Researchers found that Dove Dark Chocolate packed a walloping amount of the heart-healthy flavanols. It reduced bad LDL cholesterol, boosted antioxidant levels in the blood and raised good HDL cholesterol by 4 percent. In the lab, they discovered chocolate reduces blood clotting, and may stabilize arterial plaque, making it less likely to travel and cause stroke and heart attack. “The chocolate flavanol factor” also triggers production of nitric oxide, which maintains flexible arteries and increases blood flow – great for controlling high blood pressure! So the next time you unwrap a savory piece of dark chocolate and offer some to a friend, you can say, “To your health and long life!” Of course everything in moderation.

Don’t Pass The Salt!

Americans consume almost two times the recommended amount of salt everyday! Most salt is hidden inside common foods...spaghetti, soup, pizza, and especially frozen dinners. Too much salt can increase your blood pressure...and high blood pressure can wreak havoc on your heart, brain, and kidneys. The average person should eat no more than 2,400 mg. of sodium daily, which is the equivalent of one heaping teaspoon a day. The average American eats over 4,000 mg. a day, and 75 percent of it from processed food and restaurant meals, according to Dr. Stephen Havas, a researcher at the University of Maryland. So before you buy food at the store, check the nutrition labels. Ask yourself, how much sodium is in one serving. Remember restaurant food can have even more sodium, so watch what you order. Ask for low-sodium entrees, or select fresh salads, and avoid those French fries. Cutting salt could save your life!

How You Can Lower Your LDL...The Bad Cholesterol

Worried about your cholesterol? Researchers have found a way to easily reduce your LDL cholesterol by simply adding one key ingredient to your daily diet. What is this magic, secret ingredient that could change your life? WALNUTS! Yes, just by eating 8-11 walnuts every day, you’ll lower your “bad” LDL cholesterol by up to 11 percent. And you can further reduce your LDL significantly by eating more fruits, vegetables, and olive oil.

Detergent Secret…

Detergent makers recommend that consumers use more of their product than necessary. Here’s a quick tip: Use only half as much detergent in your laundry and dishwasher. You’ll save money and your clothes and dishes will be just as clean – maybe even cleaner!

Hobbies And Your Health

Doctors at Harvard Medical School found people who have hobbies are able to handle stress better. Hobbies like painting, wood working, knitting, or making pottery, have a calming effect on people and distract them from everyday worries. And they can give you a sense of satisfaction. Research suggests it strengthens your immunity, and studies show that men with hobbies were less likely to die of stroke or heart disease.

Advantages of using a REALTOR®

A skilled REALTOR® can save you thousands of dollars by serving as your “Buyer’s Representative,” who will help you write your offer and negotiate your deal. Here are four ways I can help you save time and money: 1. Help you analyze your needs and find the home you want at the right price. Coldwell Banker has been serving our community since 1906 and has a 24 point buyer service guarantee. 2. Give you direction and contacts to get pre-approved for a home loan. I suggest calling John Porter at Mortgage Masters. 206-954-8736 or email him at john@mortgagemasterwa.com 3. Help you avoid traps and pitfalls in negotiating the best deal with the sellers. I will share the recently sold comparable properties before suggesting an offer price. 4. Coordinate inspections, appraisals, escrow and title services with the best companies, ones I know and trust. Hiring the right inspection company is so important. You want to know what you are buying so there are no hidden surprises after you move in.

Northwest Harvest

More Washingtonians are struggling with food insecurity in the troubled economy due to COVID-19. Northwest Harvest was founded as a non-profit in Seattle in 1967 and supports 370 food banks and meal programs in the state. Northwest Harvest provides meals to anyone in need without verification while respecting their dignity and promoting good health. Their mission is to help people make tough choices between essential needs like rent and medicine and feeding themselves a little easier. They distribute an average of two million meals each month through distribution centers in Kent, Yakima, and Spokane. They offer volunteer assignments at their distribution centers and collect nonperishable food around the holidays. northwestharvest.org

Soundproofing Tips

From loud electronics and kitchen equipment to noisy neighbors and street sounds, an otherwise serene home can easily become an unpleasant cacophony of disturbances. Keep the peace with a few simple soundproofing tips. • Install interior doors that aren’t hollow. Particleboard-core, composite-core, or solid-wood doors are all better options. • Add sound-dampening throw rugs and fill bookshelves in the most voluminous rooms. • Maintain appliances or invest in quieter ones when it’s time for replacements. • Keep external noise to a minimum by closing the garage door, installing triple-pane glass, and using curtains made from tightly woven fabric. • Add insulation to thin walls and ceilings. • Tighten squeaky floorboards. • Avoid inexpensive or poorly designed speaker systems.

Dreams May Help You Solve Problems

Did you know Paul McCartney composed “Yesterday” in a dream? Studies show that when you dream, you’re more open-minded and may see things from a different perspective. Here are two different approaches you might try to solve a problem or increase your creativity: 1. Clear your mind before you go to sleep. Read a book, talk about something else, go to sleep, and trust your subconscious. 2. Focus on the problem you want to resolve. Form it into a question (for example, “What should I say to have a successful meeting?”), write it down, and visualize a positive outcome. With either method, write down what you remember about your dreams when you wake up. They may be illogical, but the imagery or events could be a metaphor for a solution that relates to your problem. These techniques require a positive attitude and lots of practice, but they can help you! For further information, look up the work of dream psychologists, such as author Deirdre Barrett.

Northwest Harvest

More Washingtonians are struggling with food insecurity in the troubled economy due to COVID-19. Northwest Harvest was founded as a non-profit in Seattle in 1967 and supports 370 food banks and meal programs in the state. Northwest Harvest provides meals to anyone in need without verification while respecting their dignity and promoting good health. Their mission is to help people make tough choices between essential needs like rent and medicine and feeding themselves a little easier. They distribute an average of two million meals each month through distribution centers in Kent, Yakima, and Spokane. They offer volunteer assignments at their distribution centers and collect nonperishable food around the holidays. northwestharvest.org

Counterfeit Goods are Even Sold on Trusted Sites

Buyer Beware U.S. Customs seized $1.26 billion worth of counterfeit goods coming into the country last year. The classic is true, if it seems too good to be true it probably is. These were the top 6: 1. Handbags/wallets 2. Watches/jewelry 3. Wearing apparel/accessories 4. Consumer electronics 5. Footwear 6. Pharmaceuticals/personal care

Smart Grocery Shopping

You can read plenty of articles on the internet about how to save money on groceries, but do you really have a grocery shopping strategy? Here are some supermarket tips and secrets that will make you a savvy shopper.  Approach grocery shopping like a job. You need to have a plan (take a list) and a budget to make the best use of your time and money.  Stick to a time schedule. Shop for what you need and get out. It is said that if you’re in the store more than 30 minutes, you’ll spend an extra 50 cents to $1 per minute as you walk the aisles.  Shop alone. Real Simple Magazine says parents will spend 10-40 percent more if they take their kids along. It might be worth it to hire a babysitter!  Only buy “food” at a grocery store. Generally, you’re better off buying toiletries, cleaning supplies and pet food at a big-box discount store.  Know the floor plan. Shop the perimeter first for fresh fruits and vegetables, protein and milk. You’ll find some good buys in the center aisles, but you’ll also be tempted by items like frozen convenience foods.  Don’t assume everything on sale is a bargain. Stores often display “sale” items at the end of the aisles. Manufacturers pay to have their products put there so they aren’t necessarily a good deal.  Check “price per unit.” Sometimes it’s cheaper per unit to buy two smaller items than it is to buy one supersize package.  Look high and low. Stores often place higher-priced items at eye level (brands pay for the space). Check prices on the top and bottom shelves.  Pay attention at checkout. Shoppers lose up to $3 billion a year on scanner mistakes (current sale prices not reflected).

Head Coach Pete Carroll

Our Coach Pete Carroll - Go Hawks I am proud to be a Seahawks fan and proud to have Coach Carroll represents the Seahawks and our great city! He was born Sept 15th 1951 in San Francisco and began his coaching career in 1973. His playing days included multiple positions in high school and at Jr. College. After graduation he tried out for the World Football League but didn’t make the team. His only non-football job was selling roofing materials in the Bay Area; he decided that was not his calling. His smarts, energetic personality and positive outlook earned him his 1st coaching job and all these years later those attributes are his hallmark! He has been Head coach for 3 NFL teams and was Head coach for USC- winning 2 national championships. As Head coach he holds an impressive record of 232-118-1 including Super Bowl 48 win and Super Bowl 49 appearance. He recently signed a contract extension through 2021. I am thrilled to have him lead our Hawks!!

Natural Energy Boosters

Try these to boost your energy without caffeine:  Drink more water. Often your body tells you you’re tired when you’re just dehydrated.  Have a protein-rich snack, like an egg, mixed nuts, beans, or tofu.  Listen to the right music. Upbeat music that you love will keep you awake and mentally energized.  Tug your hair. Surprisingly, pulling your hair gently helps release tension (which can make you tired) and gets the blood flowing to your scalp.

Earnest Money is Important

I am saving money to buy a home, but I’m not totally clear on what the term “earnest money” means. What is earnest money? First, let me commend you on saving money for a home. Buying a house is probably the most important purchase you’ll make in your lifetime – and having cash available gives you more options with your purchase. Earnest money is an important factor when you’re making an offer on a house. When you make an offer to purchase a house, the “earnest money” is the deposit that shows the buyer you are serious about the purchase. The money opens the escrow and can be applied to the buyers’ down payment or closing costs. The earnest money amount is negotiable. It typically varies depending on the price of the house and strength of the market. Generally, it’s recommended that your earnest money deposit be about two percent of your offered price. And although earnest money is not required by law in most states, it’s standard practice in real estate transactions. When the seller accepts your offer and earnest money, the property is taken off the market. In a hot real estate market, a large deposit may impress a seller enough so they will accept your offer instead of someone else’s. However, buyer beware…it can also put you at significant financial risk if for some reason the transaction runs into trouble not covered by a contingency in your purchase agreement. The Standard Offer And Purchase Contract stipulates under what conditions your earnest money will be returned if the contract fails. If you are in the market for a home and need competent and caring representation, please call!

Tipping Tips…

Do you get a little nervous when it comes time to calculate the tip in a restaurant? While it varies by country, here are some tips about tipping in the U.S.: A common tip is 17 to 20 percent (depending on the restaurant, location, extra service provided etc.). Don’t tip under 10 percent. One method is to double the sales tax and add that as the tip. You don’t have to tip on the tax. When a gratuity is included for a large party, it’s added pre-tax. However, servers include the tax when they “cash-out” and determine what they share with busboys, runners, etc. so it does benefit more people if you do. You can leave a small tip due to bad service but you are more or less “punishing everyone” when it may be, for example, a kitchen problem. Leave some tip, but tell the manager that you didn’t have a good experience. Remember we are all human and make mistakes.

Local Ideas to Enjoy Our Beautiful Fall Colors

A trip to New England to take in their amazing fall colors is out of the question but there is no reason you can’t make memories right here in the Seattle area. Here are a few ideas to explore on a nice fall day! • Washington Park Arboretum – The Arboretum is a welcome oasis on the shores of Lake Washington jointly managed by Seattle Parks and the UW. 230 Acres of trees and plants found nowhere else in the NW. • Kubota Gardens – A work of art that will awaken a feeling of serenity, humility, and gratitude. Largest Japanese Garden in the region. 20 acres, 9 ponds, 2 red bridges and 140 maple varieties. • Lake Wilderness Park – Lake Wilderness Park is the crown jewel of Maple Valley. Enjoy their 117 acres with two creek systems, three wetlands, extensive wildlife and outstanding views of Maple Tree forests. • Discovery Park – 534 acre park in Magnolia with a lighthouse on the westernmost point. Amazing views and lots of native trees with a 11.8 mile trail system.

7 Important Money Strategies

We all want our kids to do well in life...and not make some of the mistakes we might have made. Here are seven important money strategies to teach your kids that will serve them well throughout their lives: 1) Don’t carry debt. Avoid credit card debt. It’s expensive money! In fact, about 30% of college graduates will enter the workforce with $10,000 to $25,000 in credit card debt and other loans. 2) Pay yourself first. Have your children open an investment account and regularly have them put away money for goals and emergencies. 3) Set up a budget and track your expenses. Help your children set up their own budget, and teach them how to track their income (from allowances, gifts, money earned) and expenses. 4) Don’t compare yourself with others. A friend may drive a fancy car and wear expensive clothing, but they actually may be deeply in debt. 5) Don’t trust anyone with your money. No one cares as much about your money as you do. 6) Invest in a Roth IRA, and/or a market index when you start earning money. To reach long-term goals investing is a must. 7) Money doesn’t buy happiness. Money can make life easier when you don’t have to struggle financially to make ends meet. But money can’t buy love or happiness.

Roadside Assistance

Being stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire or some other mechanical problem can happen to anyone at any time. A roadside assistance plan is the kind of purchase you hope you’ll never have to use, but having the right one when you need it most can save hundreds of dollars and a massive headache. Here’s what you need to know to choose the one right for you: • Many new cars (and some certified used cars) come bundled with assistance from auto manufacturers. Though they are often valid for the length of the warranty, check with the dealer when you purchase. • Popular roadside assistance carriers include AAA (aaa.com), Better World Club (betterworldclub.com), AARP Roadside Assistance (aarproadside.com), and Good Sam (goodsamroadside.com). However, add-on plans are also available from cell service carriers, credit card companies, and insurance providers, though the services they cover vary. Some may have restrictions on towing distance, the number of roadside assistance calls allowed each year, and out-of-pocket costs you may incur by using these services. • Because some coverage plans are for specific vehicles (such as those affiliated with a warranty), you may need additional plans for other family vehicles. However, other plans, such as cell phone-related assistance, cover certain people. In choosing coverage, make sure all relevant parties and vehicles in your family are appropriately protected.

Self-Care Tips

In order to remain productive, focused, and able to care for others, it’s important to care for yourself first. 1. Stay hydrated. Even mild dehydration can be detrimental to mood and mental cognition, according to University of Connecticut’s Human Performance Laboratory researchers. Drink about a half gallon of water a day. 2. Care for plants. Being around plants can increase memory retention up to 20%, according to a University of Michigan study. 3. Get enough sleep. Adequate sleep enhances learning and problem-solving skills, and helps you pay attention and make decisions. The average adult needs 7-8 hours per day.

Lower Your Cholesterol Naturally!

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), found that people who ate a lot of plant sterols and fiber naturally lowered their cholesterol by 29%. What are plant sterols? They are foods that many of us like to eat: avocados, walnuts, almonds, olives, eggplant, olive oil, and flaxseed. The researchers found that people on the drug, Lovastatin, lowered their cholesterol by 30%, and people who ate a low-fat diet reduced cholesterol levels by 8%. What’s interesting about these findings is they show that a diet rich in plant sterols can be as effective as one of the most frequently prescribed cholesterol-lowering drugs—and without some of the side effects associated with prescription drugs. Adding these important foods can help raise your good cholesterol (HDL) while lowering your bad cholesterol (LDL). Note: If you’re on a cholesterol reducing medication, talk with your physician before making any changes.