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October 19, 2023October 19, 2023

Weekend Events | October 20 – October 22

Get ready for a thrilling October! From eerie movie nights and spooky events to family-friendly gatherings and beyond, we’ve got your schedule packed with excitement. Dive into our weekly selection of local happenings from October 20 to October 22.

Los Angeles Weekend Events | October 20 – October 22

Cinespia Cemetery Screenings

When: Until October 31

Where: Hollywood Forever Cemetery

What: The renowned cemetery screening series in Los Angeles concludes its season with a lineup of eerie selections. This includes a screening of “Halloween” on October 14 and “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” on October 21 at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Additionally, there will be an off-site showing of “The Ring” on October 20 at L.A. State Historic Park.

Dine L.A.

When: October 6 – October 20

Where: Various Locations

What: Spend your Friday dining in style for the final day of Dine L.A.! The bi-annual two-week dining event returned for its autumn edition and it has not disappointed. You can enjoy prix fixe menus at numerous restaurants, with options for both takeout and dine-in, starting as low as $15 for lunch and $25 for dinner.

CicLAvia: Heart of L.A.

When: Until December 3

Where: Downtown LA

What: CicLAvia’s upcoming ride on October 15 promises to be one of its most remarkable events to date. This bike-friendly gathering will transform nearly eight miles of city streets into car-free zones. The route will encompass iconic areas such as Figueroa and Broadway in downtown Los Angeles, Chinatown, 1st and Central in Little Tokyo within the Arts District, and extend across the 6th Street Bridge towards 1st Street in Boyle Heights.

Westside and Beach Communities Weekend Events | October 20 – October 22

Beverly Hills Art Show

When: October 21 – October 22

Where: Beverly Gardens Park

What: Since 1973, artists have gathered at Beverly Gardens Park every spring and fall to display their creations at what was once known as the Affaire in the Gardens festival. This year, the event will spotlight 230 artists presenting a diverse range of art forms, including paintings, sculptures, watercolors, photography, and more. Spanning four blocks along the picturesque Santa Monica Boulevard, between Rodeo and Rexford Drive, the festival promises to offer something for everyone. Attendees can enjoy free children’s activities, indulge in delicious food from food trucks, and savor beverages in the beer and wine gardens while enjoying live music performances.

Made in L.A.

When: September 30 – December 31

Where: Westwood

What: The Hammer Museum’s impressive series of biennial exhibitions continually raises the bar by shining a spotlight on emerging and often overlooked Los Angeles artists, and the sixth installment appears to be no different. Titled “Acts of Living,” this year’s exhibition centers around the idea that art is an integral part of our everyday lives. It presents a diverse collection of works, blending new commissions with historical pieces from 39 talented and prolific artists such as Marcel Alcalá, Sula Bermúdez-Silverman, Jibz Cameron, and many more.

Oogie Boogie Bash

When: Until October 31

Where: Anaheim

What: Look who’s back! The “Nightmare Before Christmas” infamous bug-filled sack is reprising its role for the Oogie Boogie Bash at Disneyland. Join this exclusive after-hours event with special tickets at Disney California Adventure Park this Halloween season.

San Fernando Valley Los Angeles Weekend Events | October 20 – October 22

Halloween Horror Nights

When: September 7 – October 31

Where: Universal Studios

What: Spooky season is creeping in, whether we’re ready for it or not. The most evident indicator? Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights has arrived, featuring haunted houses inspired by titles like The Last of Us, Stranger Things, Evil Dead Rise, The Purge, The Exorcist: Believer, and beyond.

CicLAmini: North Hollywood

When: September 17 – December 3

Where: North Hollywood

What: Cycle through a mile of Lankershim Boulevard during this compact version of the vehicle-free, bicycle-centric festival.

Urban Death

When: Until October 31

Where: North Hollywood

What: Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group hosts a chilling series of vignettes. Armed with a shoddy flashlight to illuminate their path, guests navigate a labyrinth of terror before enduring a series of shocking scenes (over the course of roughly 35 minutes) that will unsettle even the most stoic of horror fans.

Conejo Valley Los Angeles Weekend Events | October 20 – October 22

Halloween Haunted Trail, Costume Contest, and Trick-or-Treat Street

When: October 21

Where: 2525 N. Moorpark Rd, Thousand Oak

What: Head to Thousand Oaks this Saturday for a Halloween event designed for young children by the Conejo Recreation & Park District. Enjoy the Haunted Trail, costume contest (starting at 6:00 PM), Trick-or-Treat Street (6:00 PM – 8:30 PM), and a captivating live reptile show at 7:00 PM. Tickets for the Haunted Trail are $5 per person (ages 2+), available online at crpd.org, with a standby line for $5 (cash only). Don’t miss the fun – buy your tickets early!

Nights of the Jack

When: September 29 – October 31

Where: Santa Monica Mountains

What: Stroll through the picturesque King Gillette Ranch as this hidden gem in the Santa Monica Mountains comes alive with the warm glow of thousands of intricately hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns. Nights of the Jack is back for another year, offering a one-mile walking trail experience, complete with delicious food trucks and a “Spookeasy” for added excitement. In 2023, Nights of the Jack has introduced new features to enhance the experience, including an augmented reality scavenger hunt along the trail, a captivating Día de Los Muertos display, stunning lantern art, and a special section known as “the Enchanted Forest.”

Reign of Terror Haunted House

When: September 29 – November 4

Where: Janss Marketplace

What: Janss Marketplace has revealed the dates and ticket sales launch for the 17-night Reign of Terror Haunted House, a highly acclaimed immersive haunt experience in the U.S. Celebrating its 24th season, Reign of Terror opens its doors on September 24th at Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks, offering 138 unique rooms and 10 interconnected, spine-chilling attractions, spanning over 28,000 sq ft of floor space, all revamped and improved for 2023.

October 19, 2023October 19, 2023

From Wi-Fi 7 to Electric Jets and More! | Tech News

Stay connected in the world of technology and media. Our weekly round-up of the latest tech news gives you a bite-size version of today’s headlines. From Wi-Fi 7 to Electric Jets and more, we have you covered!

What is Wi-Fi 7 — and do you even need it?

Wi-Fi is gearing up for another upgrade with the imminent arrival of Wi-Fi 7, following Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E. This new generation promises significant speed improvements, enhanced interference handling, and reduced network latency. Unlike previous upgrades, Wi-Fi 7 will still work seamlessly with older devices, gradually delivering better performance as you upgrade your devices to support the new standard. The key improvements in Wi-Fi 7 include increased bandwidth with 320MHz channel support, Multi-Link Operation (MLO) for combining bands, and an increase in MU-MIMO spatial streams to 16 x 16. It aims to make your smart home more reliable and improve mesh systems by allowing seamless band switching. Overall, Wi-Fi 7 holds the potential for significantly faster and more efficient wireless networking, even if the promise of 8K video may not be its most immediate benefit.

Compact, High-Speed Public EV Chargers Now Available and Expanding Rapidly

Gravity, the company known for its electric taxi fleet in New York City, has developed a compact and ultra-fast DC charging system tailored for densely populated urban areas, addressing the limited charging options for electric vehicle owners in cities. Their system, consisting of “Distributed Energy Access Points,” can deliver an impressive 500kW of energy, significantly reducing charging times. While current vehicles in North America cannot accept power beyond 350kW, Gravity aims to future-proof its setup for upcoming models. The first 500kW charging station is set to open in Midtown Manhattan, offering faster charging solutions for urban EV users.

Google Meet Introduces Skin Smoothing and Teeth Whitening Effects for Video Calls

Google is introducing a highly requested feature that allows users to apply “beauty” effects during video calls. The Google Meet portrait touch-up feature is rolling out on mobile devices for early adopters, with a broader rollout scheduled for October 28th. It will also come to Google Meet on the web by the end of 2023. Users can choose between two portrait modes, “Subtle” and “Smoothing,” offering varying levels of complexion smoothing, under-eye lightening, and teeth whitening. This feature, aimed at lightly enhancing appearance, can be enabled in the settings and is available for premium Google accounts, excluding personal accounts. Despite being a later addition compared to competitors like Microsoft Teams and Zoom, it addresses the demand for such tools in professional video conferencing.

This Electric 30-Rotor Jet Can Be Yours…For $10 Million

German electric aviation company Lilium has partnered with EMC Jet, a Texas-based air brokerage and management firm, to break into the US electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft market. The company plans to sell its premium Lilium Pioneer eVTOL jets, which are designed as a sustainable alternative for private jet users, priced at $10 million each. These jets offer a range of around 110 miles and are ideal for short hops between airports or quick trips within urban areas. Despite not having FAA and EASA certification yet, Lilium aims to secure orders with payments tied to them ahead of receiving the necessary approvals, a common practice in the private aviation market. They project receiving the final type and production certification in 2025 at the earliest.

X to Introduce an Annual $1 Fee for New Users in Two Countries

X is introducing a $1 per year subscription for new web users in New Zealand and the Philippines. The paid plan will be part of its “Not A Bot” program aimed at reducing spam and manipulation. Users in these countries will also need to verify their accounts with a phone number. This new subscription is separate from X’s main $8 per month subscription. Users who opt not to subscribe will have limited access. Likewise, they will only be able to perform “read-only” actions like viewing posts and videos.

Original Pixel Watch Receives Wear OS 4 Update from Google

Google is releasing Wear OS 4 for its original Pixel Watch. The update will gradually roll out to users in the coming weeks depending on their carrier and device. The update introduces several enhancements, including the Google Calendar app, enhanced notifications, and more. It also enables data transfer to a new phone without a factory reset. Likewise, this allows data and settings backup for upgrading to a new Pixel Watch. However, the original Pixel Watch may not support Safety Signal, available on the Pixel Watch 2 through Fitbit Premium. This feature connects to LTE networks for emergency features.

October 14, 2023

Weekly Economic Update | Week Ending October 14, 2023

Stock markets were relatively unchanged this week – Despite the war in the Middle East, stock markets ended the week about the same as they were last week. We did see stocks drop following the September CPI report which showed that inflation picked up slightly in September with consumer prices increasing 3.7% from one year ago. That marked the third consecutive month of the key inflation reading increasing after dropping steadily from 9.1% year-over-year in June 2023 to 3% year-over-year in June of 2023. Unfortunately, that trend ended in July and consumer prices increases have ticked up steadily in the past three months. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 33,670.29, up 0.8% from 33,407.58 last week. It is up 1.6% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 4,327.78, up 0.4% from 4,308.54 last week. It is up 12.7% year-to-date. The Nasdaq closed the week at 13,407.28, down 0.2% from 13,431.34 last week. It is up 28.1% year-to-date.

U.S. Treasury bond yields – The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 4.63%, down from 4.78% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 4.78%, down from 4.95% last week. We watch bond yields because mortgage rates follow bond yields.

Mortgage rates – The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as of October 12, 2023, were as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 7.57%, up from 7.49% last week. The 15-year fixed was 6.89% up from 6.78% last week.

Real estate sales figures for September closings will be released next week by the California Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors. You can get that data now for your city or zip code at RodeoRe.com.

Have a great weekend!

October 12, 2023October 12, 2023

From Threads Edit Feature to Starlink’s Cell Plan and More! | Tech News

Connect with this week’s major tech news headlines! From Threads Edit Feature to Starlink’s Cell Plan and more, we have you covered. Check out this week’s blog below for the tech news you won’t want to miss.

Threads Introduces an Edit Feature

Meta is introducing two significant updates to its Threads platform, according to CEO Mark Zuckerberg. The first is an edit feature that allows Threads users to modify their posts within five minutes of publication, without requiring a subscription fee like Twitter’s Blue service. Edited posts will be indicated with an icon next to the timestamp, although an edit history feature is not currently available. The second feature is “Voice Threads,” enabling users to create voice posts. This feature, available on the iOS app, allows users to record their voice, with the spoken text highlighted in the post as it plays. Meta has been consistently expanding Threads’ capabilities since its launch, including adding a chronological following feed, a web client, and post search functionality.

Adobe Develops Generative AI for Video Manipulation

Adobe unveiled Project Fast Fill, an experimental AI tool for video manipulation, showcased at the MAX conference. It can add or remove objects in videos with ease, akin to Google’s Magic Editor but for video. This feature is being considered for integration into Premiere Pro and After Effects. Adobe is actively developing AI editing tech for various media, including audio, 3D design, and voice translation. With AI tools for both photos and videos becoming more accessible, questions about media authenticity arise. Fast Fill marks a significant step toward broader AI-driven video manipulation.

Google’s AI-Enhanced Search Can Now Generate Images

Google is introducing its Search Generative Experience (SGE), allowing users to generate images from text prompts starting Thursday. This move follows Microsoft’s introduction of a similar feature in Bing Chat using OpenAI’s DALL-E model earlier this year. With SGE, users opted into Google’s Search Labs program can enter a query in the search bar, and the AI-powered tool generates images based on the prompt. The tool is powered by the Imagen family of AI models. Google also emphasizes responsible use, embedding metadata and watermarking to denote AI-generated images and preventing violations of its prohibited use policy. Additionally, Google is introducing draft generation tools using SGE for written content, allowing users to export drafts to Google Docs or Gmail.

Starlink Unveils New Page to Promote Upcoming Cellular Service in 2024

SpaceX has launched a new webpage to promote its upcoming “Starlink Direct to Cell” service, which aims to provide cellular connectivity to existing LTE phones using satellite technology. Initially, the service will focus on texting in 2024, with voice and data functionality planned for 2025, along with support for IoT devices. The service will work with existing LTE phones without the need for hardware, firmware changes, or special apps, offering seamless access to text, voice, and data. While the service may have relatively slower speeds of two to four megabits per second compared to terrestrial networks, it will provide extensive coverage, including remote areas in the continental US, Hawaii, parts of Alaska, Puerto Rico, territorial waters, and beyond T-Mobile’s network signal. Satellite connectivity for smartphones is becoming increasingly important, with companies like Apple and AST SpaceMobile exploring satellite-based solutions for emergency communication and 5G connectivity.

TikTok Revamps Payment System for Creators of Popular Filters and Effects

TikTok is introducing significant changes to its creator fund. This will be specifically for those who develop popular filters and effects on the platform. The Effect Creator Rewards program, is expanding to more regions, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, and the Philippines. The eligibility requirements have also been revised. Now creators can join with just five published filters, with at least three of them used in 1,000 videos. The payment structure will shift from a flat fee to a variable rate depending on factors like the region. These changes aim to make it easier for a wider range of effects creators to participate and potentially earn money from their creations. Previously, creators were often making filters without compensation, and the new system seeks to improve their monetization opportunities.

Uber Eats Introduces Multi-Store Ordering Feature

Uber Eats has introduced a new feature called “multi-store ordering.” The feature allows customers to order from two different stores or restaurants simultaneously without an extra fee. This feature comes in handy when, for example, one person craves tacos while another wants pizza. Customers can select items from a store’s menu. At the bottom of the menu, they will find a button to bundle their order with items from another store. This feature, while convenient for customers, may pose challenges for delivery drivers.

October 12, 2023October 12, 2023

Weekend Events | October 13 – October 15

Fun and haunts await this October! From spooky screenings and haunted happenings, to family friendly gatherings and more, we have you covered through October 31. Read on below for our weekly round-up of local events happening this October 13 through October 15.

Los Angeles Weekend Events | October 13 – October 15

Dine L.A.

When: October 6 – October 20

Where: Various Locations

What: Summer has come to an end, and the “eat-your-feelings” season is upon us. It’s time to save some money with DineLA, the bi-annual two-week dining event that’s back for its autumn edition. You can enjoy prix fixe menus at numerous restaurants, with options for both takeout and dine-in, starting as low as $15 for lunch and $25 for dinner.

CicLAvia: Heart of L.A.

When: Until December 3

Where: Downtown LA

Cinespia Cemetery Screenings

When: Until October 31

Where: Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Westside and Beach Communities Weekend Events | October 13 – October 15

Made in L.A.

When: September 30 – December 31

Where: Westwood

Oogie Boogie Bash

When: Until October 31

Where: Anaheim

OCMA Anniversary Party

When: October 14

Where: Costa Mesa

What: The Orange County Museum of Art celebrates a year since the opening of its bright new Costa Mesa building with a full day of programming, including a sound bath (11am), pancake brunch (11am–2pm), art activities and live music (1–3pm), a dance performance (5pm), happy hour (5pm) and outdoor dance party (5–9pm).

San Fernando Valley Los Angeles Weekend Events | October 13 – October 15

Halloween Horror Nights

When: September 7 – October 31

Where: Universal Studios

CicLAmini: North Hollywood

When: September 17 – December 3

Where: North Hollywood

What: Cycle through a mile of Lankershim Boulevard during this compact version of the vehicle-free, bicycle-centric festival.

Urban Death

When: Until October 31

Where: North Hollywood

Conejo Valley Los Angeles Weekend Events | October 13 – October 15

Nights of the Jack

When: September 29 – October 31

Where: Santa Monica Mountains

Reign of Terror Haunted House

When: September 29 – November 4

Where: Janss Marketplace

Halloween CineMalibu Outdoor Movie Night

When: October 13 | 5:30pm – 9:30pm

Where: Malibu Bluffs Park

What: Head to Malibu Bluffs Park for a family-friendly movie screening of 2019’s animated ‘The Addams Family’ feature. This evening of fun includes pre-film giveaways with D’Amore’s Pizza Truck and Kona Ice to be on hand. Just be sure to B.Y.O.B – Bring Your Own Blanket and leave the sips at home, as alcohol will not be permitted.

October 11, 2023October 9, 2023

LA’s Best Breweries | L.A. Eats

In the spirit of Octoberfest and fall, we’re brewing up a list of LA’s best breweries. The Los Angeles craft beer scene is magical. Everything from classics, barrel-aged sours, hazy IPAs, and new pop-ups across LA. Be sure you will find your beer in local bars or breweries with dedicated taprooms. Here, you will find award-winning brewers trying new inventions or breweries selling up to 5,000 unique beers in South California.

Simply put Los Angeles floods with breweries and bars from San Fernando Valley to Conejo Valley and Westside. Explore our top picks for the best breweries in town and enjoy great craft beer.

Boomtown Brewery

Location: Downtown LA

When it comes to breweries, you’ll enjoy a wide beer selection at Boomtown Brewery. You will always find at least 20 beers on tap whenever you visit this brewery. Signature beers include seasonal fruited ales and Bohemian pilsners. You can visit the taproom every six to eight weeks to enjoy artist-created labels.

Monkish Brewing

Location: Manhattan Beach

Opened in 2010, Monkish has distinguished itself from other breweries by focusing on Belgian-style ales. The all-Belgian brewery pioneered the hazy and juicy beer, unfiltered Northeast-style IPAS, on the West Coast.

Phantom Carriage

Location: Manhattan Beach

Get the absolute best craft beer in Manhattan Beach at Phantom Carriage. As one of South Bay’s favorite breweries, it’s known for farm-inspired craft beer and sours. The brewery welcomes you with a decor scheme of a haunted house.

The Surly Goat

Location: Encino

Surly Goat is another top LA brewery for an epic night out. The icon brewery has 27 taps rotating in its dedicated taproom. If you visit the brewery, you will find one of the most sought-after IPAs, Pliny The Elder.

Modern Times Beer: The Dankness Dojo

Location: Downtown LA

Modern Times is known for consistently serving great beer. You will find at least 15-20 unique beers every time you visit their taproom. Come in groups and enjoy barrel-aged cider aged in bourbon barrels.

Santa Monica Brew Works

Location: Santa Monica

The Santa Monica Brew Works opened a full Tap right in SM after years of brewing and distributing beer. The taproom is ideal for a big group, thanks to the ample floor space and long tables. Enjoy their cucumber kölsch or the Head in The Clouds hazy IPA.

The Library Alehouse

Location: Santa Monica

This brewery is known for hosting popular tap takeover nights. Library Ale House has a spacious taproom with roughly 25 taps of the best craft beer on the Westside.

All Season Brewing

Location: Mid-Wilshire

The brewery produces classic American -style beers in its 15-barrel powerhouse. Do not hesitate to go for a second pint once you taste All Season Brewing’s crowd-pleaser, crushable beers.

Ladyface Alehouse & Brasserie

Location: Agoura Hills

Located in Agoura Hills, Ladyface Alehouse and Brasserie began as a beer bar before it blossomed into a brewery. It is known for signature beers such as La Grisette. Get to enjoy LA’s local Cheeseboro IPA in a Belgian-style brewery.

October 10, 2023October 9, 2023

Enjoy Apple Picking this Fall | Out & About

When it comes to celebrating fall weather, apple picking is an ideal experience. Aside from being Instagram-worthy, this nature-focused activity bodes all the most loved elements of fall. Southern California offers several excellent apple farms to choose from. Read on for our favorite picks of where to go apple picking in SoCal this fall.

Snow-Line Orchard

Dating back to 1898, Snow-Line Orchard has been a staple of Southern California apple farming. Founded by Issac Ford and operated for the past 36 years by Mert and Shirley Hudson, Snow-Line offers a wide variety of apples for snacking and cooking. Likewise, the farm also has a winery and cider, raspberry picking, and delicious mini-cider donuts. Snow-line is open for u-picking on the weekends only. From July to the end of August, the farm is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 to 4:00 pm, and September through December, seven days a week, 9:00 to 5:00 pm.

Willowbrook Apple Farm

The Willowbrook Apple Farm features a Stayman-Winesap apple orchard that is over 100 years old, with original trees planted in 1910. Certainly, after picking your apples, you can enjoy apple cider, a petting zoo, a caramel apple, and clean-crafted wine by a bonfire. Beginning Labor day, Willowbrook will be open Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Los Rios Ranchos

Los Rios Ranchos is one of the premier apple-picking farms in the area. They have 32 varieties of apples, including Gala, Spartan, and MacIntosh, but check online before you go for a listing of what’s ready to pick. Likewise, Los Rios Ranchos also has a petting zoo, store tent, apple cider, and country cooking with picnic tables. They are open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Riley’s Apple Farm

Make your way to Riley’s Apple Farm. Riley’s Apple Farm features Glen Seedling, Gravenstein, Red Delicious, Early Fujis, McIntosh, Jonathan, Spartan, Rome apples, and more. Of course, weekends are particularly fun here, where visitors are treated to apple cider pressing, tomahawk tossing, and archery. Contact Riley’s for available u-pick times.

Stone Soup Farm & Heritage Orchard

Stone Soup Farm & Heritage Orchard is a family-owned farm that features 130-year-old heirloom apple orchards. The farm uses organic growing methods and has made a dedication to sustainability and seasonality. Visitors are given a 10-minute tour where they will learn of the farm’s history and unique approach to farming. Likewise, events and workshops on various topics are offered as well as a gift shop, wine tastings, and wonderful local delicacies. Contact Stone Soup for available u-pick times.

Apple picking time is here, get out and enjoy.

October 9, 2023October 9, 2023

Luxury Fall Home Decor Trends | Home Tips

Fall, with its golden hues, crisp air, and cozy vibes, has always been a muse for interior designers. However, when it comes to luxury homes, the transition into autumn is not just about adding a pumpkin or two; it’s about melding opulence with the season’s warmth. Let’s dive deep into this year’s luxury fall home decor trends and discover how they can elevate the ambiance of a high-end dwelling.

1. Rich, Warm Hues:

Move over, cool summer tones; autumn is all about warmth. Think deep burgundies, rich browns, burnt oranges, and muted golds. These colors not only capture the essence of fall but also add a touch of elegance and sophistication when incorporated through plush upholstery, statement rugs, or fine wall art.

2. Velvet Everything:

Velvet has made a grand re-entry into the luxury decor scene. Its plush, soft texture complements fall perfectly. Imagine sinking into a deep velvet sofa or chair with a hot beverage in hand. Whether it’s a luxe velvet cushion or a grand sofa, this material is an autumn must-have.

3. Statement Fireplaces:

A fireplace, beyond its functional warmth, serves as a focal point in many luxury homes. Fall is the perfect time to revamp or highlight this feature. Opt for grand mantels, ornate designs, or innovative fire art installations that warm not only the room but also the heart.

4. Artisanal Craftsmanship:

Handcrafted decor pieces, from bespoke wooden furniture to hand-blown glass vases, are in vogue. These unique, one-of-a-kind items add character to a luxury home, giving it a personal touch and a story to tell.

5. Layered Textures:

Mix and match different textures to create a cozy yet opulent ambiance. Pair a sleek leather couch with a soft cashmere throw or a glossy marble table with matte pottery. These contrasting textures evoke depth and intrigue.

6. Nature-Inspired Decor:

This fall, designers are drawing inspiration directly from nature. Incorporate dried floral arrangements, pinecone centerpieces, or even artistic installations that mimic the changing foliage outside.

7. Metallic Accents:

While metallics are a year-round luxury trend, this fall, it’s all about muted, matte finishes. Think aged brass, darkened silver, or frosted gold. These tones bring a touch of glamour without being overly flashy, harmoniously fitting the autumnal mood.

8. Ambient Lighting:

As the days grow shorter, the need for strategic lighting becomes paramount. Luxury homes are opting for adjustable, layered lighting schemes that offer both functionality and ambiance. Consider adding sophisticated floor lamps, pendant lights with dimmers, or even candles in ornate holders.

9. Timeless Antiques:

While contemporary design elements are essential, there’s something undeniably charming about adding a touch of the past. Vintage trunks, classic paintings, or age-old sculptures can infuse history and nostalgia into modern settings.

10. Spa-Like Bath Retreat:

As the temperatures drop, there’s an increasing desire for comfort and relaxation. Transform bathrooms into spa-like sanctuaries using heated floors, deep soaking tubs, and earth-toned accessories.

In conclusion, this fall, luxury home decor is all about combining the heartwarming essence of the season with opulent, sophisticated touches. By incorporating these trends, one can ensure their home is not only stylish but also a cozy haven ready for the cooler months ahead.

October 6, 2023

Weekly Economic Update | Week Ending October 7, 2023

Job growth unexpectedly surged in September – The Department of Labor and Statistics reported that 336,000 new full-time jobs were added in September. That was almost double the 170,000 new jobs that economists expected. The unemployment rate increased to 3.8% in September, up from 3.5% in August, its lowest level in almost 60 years, as more workers entered the workforce. Average hourly wages increased 4.2% year-over-year, down from 4.4% the previous five months.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 33,407.58, up 0.3% from 33.507.50 last week. It is up 0.8% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 4,308.54, up 0.2% from 4,298.05 last week. It is up 12.2% year-to-date. The Nasdaq closed the week at 13,431.34 up 1.6% from 13,219.22 last week. It is up 28.3% year-to-date.

U.S. Treasury bond yields – The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 4.78% up from 4.59% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 4.95% up from 4.73% last week. We watch bond yields because mortgage rates follow bond yields.

Mortgage rates – The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as of October 5, 2023, were as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 7.49%, up from 7.31% last week. The 15-year fixed was 6.78% up from 6.72% last week.

Have a great weekend!

October 5, 2023October 5, 2023

From Microsoft Updates to the New Leica and more! | Tech News

Stay connected in the world of technology and media. Our weekly round-up of the latest tech news gives you a bite-size version of today’s headlines. From Microsoft Updates to the New Leica and more, we have you covered!

Samsung’s SmartTag2: Smaller and Longer-lasting

Samsung has unveiled its second-generation locator device, the SmartTag2, at its Developer Conference. This updated version boasts longer battery life, enhanced durability in various conditions, and improved Bluetooth Low Energy signal penetration for easier tracking, even in underground settings. The SmartTag2 is also smaller and has a remarkable battery life of up to 700 days, surpassing its predecessor and Apple’s AirTags. It features an IP67 rating for resilience against wet and dusty conditions and comes with a larger keyring for added durability. Samsung has also revamped its SmartThings Find app for improved usability. The SmartTag2 will be available globally starting October 10th, with pricing yet to be revealed.

Sony’s High-Bitrate Movie Service Now Accessible on PS5 and PS4

Sony is introducing its movie streaming service, previously known as Bravia Core and now rebranded as Sony Pictures Core, to PlayStation consoles like PS5 and PS4. This service allows users to buy or rent up to 2,000 movies directly from their consoles, including blockbuster hits like Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and Uncharted. Sony Pictures Core offers high video fidelity with Pure Stream, streaming HDR movies at up to 80Mbps, significantly higher than other streaming platforms. It also boasts the largest collection of IMAX Enhanced films and offers early access to select Sony Pictures films. PlayStation Plus Premium and Deluxe members can access a curated catalog of up to 100 movies from the Sony Pictures library for free. This service is available today in 23 markets, with the rebranding set to occur next year on other platforms.

After Seven Years, Leica Unveils the Leica Sofort 2 Instant Film Camera

Leica has announced the long-awaited sequel to its Leica Sofort instant film camera, the Leica Sofort 2, priced at $389 and set to be available on November 9th. This upgraded model now operates as a hybrid instant camera, featuring a 1/5-inch digital sensor, allowing users to select the photos they wish to print. It also supports printing photos taken with smartphones. The camera offers USB-C support, multiple lenses, and a lever for photo printing, as well as new color options. Leica aims to compete with Fujifilm’s Instax Mini Evo with this stylish instant film camera, offering additional features like printing photos from other Leica cameras via the FOTOS companion app.

Adobe Teases Revolutionary AI Photo Editing Tool Set to Transform Its Products

Adobe is gearing up to unveil an AI-powered photo editing tool known as Project Stardust at the upcoming Adobe Max event. This innovative tool is designed to simplify image manipulation for users without prior editing experience. It features an “object-aware editing engine” that automatically identifies and selects objects within photos, allowing for easy movement, deletion, or manipulation. Project Stardust also includes a “Contextual Task Bar” that can detect the next steps in the design process and offers quick editing options. This tool showcases generative AI capabilities, such as replacing objects or filling spaces with AI-generated content. Adobe’s Project Stardust promises to revolutionize photo editing by making it more accessible and efficient.

Microsoft Releases Faster and Redesigned Teams App for Windows and Mac

Microsoft has released an upgraded version of its Microsoft Teams chat client for Windows and Mac users. This revamped version offers significant improvements, with up to two times faster performance. The improvements are a result of Microsoft transitioning from Electron foundations to Edge WebView2 technology. The new Teams client also achieves feature parity with the previous version. Likewise it will be the platform for future feature releases, making upgrading straightforward for users. Classic Teams users will be automatically upgraded to the new version in the coming months.

Google Unveils Additional Colors and Enhanced Features for Pixel Buds Pro Earbuds

Google is introducing new colors, blue and porcelain, for its Pixel Buds Pro noise-canceling earbuds. Likewise this aligns the devices with Pixel 8 and 8 Pro devices. The company has also announced several software features, including conversation detection. Additionally, improvements in voice call quality are expected with support for Bluetooth Super Wideband. This also includes Google’s Clear Calling voice enhancement technology. Users will receive listening stats to monitor their hearing health and notifications to lower the volume if needed. A low-latency mode for gaming will also be automatically activated in compatible games.