Topgolf – Renton

As we enter the fall and winter golf season there is no better time to visit Topgolf in Renton. I had a blast and highly recommend it even for those who have never been to a course. They have climate-controlled hitting bays so you will be comfortable even on a nasty day. Every bay features a sectional sofa, coffee table, HDTV, and a bar to enjoy a meal. You don’t need to bring clubs unless you want to, every bay has a full set available to use. There are 3 floors including a rooftop terrace with fire pit, several suites for VIP service, private event space, free table games and an outdoor patio with games. I thought the food and service was very good and hitting at the targets was a lot of fun! I would definitely go back and recommend it for an enjoyable outing.

Secure a Low Interest Rate

Securing a low mortgage interest rate helps make your monthly payment more affordable and saves money over the life of your loan. Besides using a larger down payment, here are three things to do to secure a low mortgage interest rate: 1. Compare multiple lenders and meet with your top three. Review the application process and your credit report to start working on any issues you may have. The higher your credit score, the better prospect for a lender you will become. Lenders will review the various loan programs with you. 2. Your debt-to-income ratio should be below 36 percent before you apply for a mortgage. The lower it is, the greater your eligibility for a higher loan amount. 3. Don’t make any drastic changes such as changing jobs or making large purchases on credit cards. You want lenders to see you have a stable job history and ability to make the payments. John Porter 206-954-8736 or john@mortgagemasterwa.com

Shop-Small Websites

“Shop small” and “shop local” are phrases we hear a lot this time of year. These websites will allow you to do just that, without leaving the house. www.etsy.com – The original online marketplace for makers, crafters, and artisans. www.storenvy.com – A place for independent brands to sell their wares. www.amazon.com/Handmade – The power of Amazon backs independent makers on its Handmade platform.

Dog Gone Seattle

Maybe you want to add a pet to your family this holiday season. Consider one of the fastest growing pet shelters in the country. Seattle area foster-based rescue dedicated to saving homeless dogs. Foster, volunteer, adopt, and donate. It takes a village! doggoneseattle.org

Lower Your Cell Phone Bill

• Auto pay: A number of wireless carriers reward their customers who opt for automatic bill payment by offering discounts off of their monthly bills. For example, Auto Pay customers receive $10 off at Verizon, $5 off at T-Mobile, and between $5 and $100 at AT&T. • Make your plan work for you: Take some time to really look at what your plan covers and make sure it’s a right fit for you. For example, if you travel a lot and are crossing international borders, opt for a plan that includes international coverage. On the flip side, if you’re staying closer to home, make sure your plan reflects that. • Go with prepaid: If you own your phone, prepaid wireless plans may be a fit at a lower cost. Mint Mobile offers data plans ranging from $15 to $30 a month, and Verizon-owned Visible’s unlimited data plan goes for $30. Pay upfront and be done for the year with AT&T’s 12-month, 16GB prepaid plan at $300 for 12 months. • Just ask: Experts suggest simply asking for a discount. Call your carrier and ask, “What can you do to lower my monthly bill?” You may find that after looking at your plan and asking a few questions the customer service rep will have ways for you to save. Follow up with, “What else can you do to lower my bill?” and you could find yourself saving $30 to $80 monthly. • Bonus savings: Be sure and take advantage of the bonus savings available through wireless carriers. Verizon offers complimentary subscriptions to Hulu, Discovery Plus, Disney Plus and ESPN Plus for six months for customers on select plans, and T-Mobile includes Netflix, Apple TV Plus, and Paramount Plus streaming for free with select plans.

Wrap Gifts Like A Pro

You’ve found the perfect gift and now it’s time to wrap it, but how? In addition to taking your time, here are a few tips to giftwrap like a pro. • Place the gift in a box to avoid odd shapes to tackle. • Pre-cut tape to leave hands free for wrapping. For a real pro move, use double-sided tape. • Measure the gift with wrapping paper before cutting to avoid coming up short. Add an extra inch or so for overlap. • Fold the cut edges of wrapping paper for crisp lines. • Add a wow factor (or cover up any mishaps) with a decorative bow. • Tie on a gift tag and voila – your gift is ready to give!

Bring Serenity To Your Home

Our homes should be our sanctuaries year-round – a place in which to escape, recharge, and reenergize for whatever may come our way. Discover a few ways to bring serenity to your home, without breaking the bank: • “A place for everything, and everything in its place” isn’t just a saying, but a way of living. Reducing clutter in your home alleviates anxiety, helps you sleep better, and encourages a happier environment. • Carve out some space for a reading nook, whether it’s a comfy chair tucked into a corner, a window seat with fluffy pillows, or a chaise with a throw blanket for a warming embrace. Flip on a nearby lamp and you’re ready to dive into the latest novel for some quiet “you” time. • Bring the outdoors in with fresh flowers, potted plants, or an armful of tree limbs loosely arranged in a tall vase. Glimpsing these bits of nature within your home will boost your mood, reduce stress, and make for a healthier, happier you.