Ghirardelli Chocolate Jubilee

By Raymus Homes - 3-17-2016

What are you doing this Saturday??

Well, if you don’t already have plans, you’ve got to check out the first ever GHIRARDELLI CHOCOLATE JUBILEE! Happening this Saturday, March 19 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at their Outlet in Lathrop, here’s three reasons why you can’t miss the Ghirardelli Chocolate Jubilee…

• Your ticket gets you into the Grand Tasting Tent where you can sample the chocolatey goodness offered by other local artisans like Nothing Bundt Cakes (Stockton), Bon Mange (Stockton), Cake Couture (Stockton), Anna’s Irresistibles (Tracy), Dunkin Donuts (Modesto), Fab Delights (Antioch), CR Fudge Co. (Newman), DeBrito Chocolate Factory (Hollister), Busen Bites (Discovery Bay), The Olive Oil Pantry (Manteca), Spirit Cakes (Sacramento), Marich Chocolates (Hollister), Sconza Candy Company (Oakdale), Way to Life Foods (Antioch), and The Rustic Puff (Lodi). Talk about a chocolate overload…my mouth is already counting down the days…

• You can attend Ghirardelli Chocolate School and actually learn how chocolate is made! Ghirardelli’s own “Chocolate Professor” – Dave Stuart – will teach participants the entire chocolate making process from bean to bar. Chocolate can be as educational as it is tasty…

• Ice. Cream. Eating. Contest. Need I say more? Prepare to be entertained as you watch six contestants eat a world-famous Ghirardelli Hot Fudge Sundae as fast as they humanly can – WITHOUT HANDS. I can already tell this event alone is going to be worth the price of admission…

The weather on Saturday is poised to be a beautiful 75 degrees – the perfect temperature for tasting and enjoying chocolate. In addition to my top three reasons for attending, there will also be live music and dancing by local artists and plenty to keep the kids entertained – including bounce houses, carnival games, and face painting.

PLUS – a special coupon is available for all friends of Raymus Homes. Click to download a coupon for 15% off all chocolate purchased during the Jubilee!

Get your tickets before they sell out!!! Click here to purchase your tickets. Save $5 by purchasing in advance.

Not only is this another AWESOME local event that can’t be missed but ALL proceeds benefit our local Boys and Girls Clubs of Manteca and Lathrop. So purchase a ticket and indulge your taste buds – after all, “it’s for the kids…” See you there!

Read more at http://www.ghirardelli.com/jubilee

Tweet Tweet We Like To Eat

By Jamie Fields - 3-15-2016

The first day of spring is almost here! Let’s get our homes and yards ready to thoroughly enjoy the sun!

If you are looking for something that will add some color to your life, get your kids involved, and attract some singing friends, I have some great ideas for you! What could I possibly be talking about?

BIRD FEEDERS

I have scoured Pinterest looking for my favorite ideas and have detailed instructions for one below! I hope that you and your kids enjoy!

POPSICLE STICK BIRD FEEDERS from Tonya Staab

What you’ll need:

• 50 Popsicle sticks
• 1 large tongue depressor
• 1 bag of bird seed
• 2 long pieces of hemp cord (thick twine)
• Glue – Adults can use a hot glue gun. Kids should stick to a strong Elmer’s or similar products.
• Hot Glue Gun

*Optional: Outdoor paint and Glitter Glue for decorating*

Instructions:

• Line up 12 Popsicle sticks. Glue two across them. Turn it over.

• Glue a second layer of 12 sticks in the opposite direction. This secures the base.
• Alternate sticks once around the frame.
• Glue down the tongue depressor in the middle. It should hang over one edge.
• Alternate sticks around the outside until you have 6 rows. Glue down each stick as you go. Set aside to dry.
• *OPTIONAL: Let the kids decorate the bird feeder. Set aside to dry.
• Parents: Use a hot glue gun to attach the cord to the underside of the feeder.
• Thread the cord in between the top Popsicle stick and the one below it. Secure with hot glue again.
• Fill with bird seed and enjoy!

Some other really exciting ideas are:

• Tea Cup Bird Feeders from Practically Functional
• Re-purposed Bird Feeders from Hoosier Homemade
• Glass Bottle Bird Feeders from The Garden-Roof Coop

For even more fun, head on over to our bird feeder Pinterest Board, Tweet Tweet We Like To Eat!

Top 5 Reasons to Buy New

By Raymus Homes - 3-1-2016

Tell me if this sounds familiar…

Your current home/apartment just isn’t working for you anymore…Maybe the upkeep is becoming overwhelming or your family has been blessed with a new addition so space is tight. Whatever your situation, you’ll likely be considering the pros and cons of used (resale) homes versus new homes. Here are five reasons why buying new should be your top priority:

1) Chance to Design your Home the way YOU want it

With a used home, you are essentially living someone else’s dream. Why settle for someone else’s choices when you can select the cabinets, counter-tops, flooring, and appliances YOU want in a Raymus home? When you purchase a new home from Raymus, you meet with our professional interior designer, Cynthia. She helps you select everything to your taste and budget so you can personalize and craft your brand, new home.

2) Everything is New and Under Warranty

Used toilet seats, used roofing, used nails, used appliances, used carpet – sadly, this is usually the standard in a used home. Plus, in a used home, the building products have aged and will likely need repair or replacement. With a new home, you can relax knowing everything in your home is new AND under warranty. Products in new homes feature the latest technology and design, offering years of comfort before needing replacement. This brings us to the next point…

3) New Homes are Low Maintenance

Ever noticed how nowadays, new cars rarely (if ever) break down? Homes are the same! Today’s new homes are built with cutting-edge materials and products that are designed to require less care and maintenance. Raymus Homes firmly believes you should spend more time enjoying your home and less time taking care of it. With our commitment to low maintenance materials and easy care surfaces, you can rest easy in your new home and soak up your slice of the “American Dream.”

4) New Homes are Energy-Efficient (leaving green in your pocket!)

So you may not be a crazy hippie tree hugger, but I know you work hard for your money and don’t like to see it flushed down the drain. Did you know, always leaving your phone charger plugged in costs you about $20 a year? Our USB outlets in the Drop Zone don’t suck power so those 20 bucks stay in your pocket (hello, Starbucks splurge). The same goes for the rest of your home – tankless water heaters, low-E windows, and radiant barrier roof sheathing all save you money on a monthly basis and keep you more comfortable in your brand, new home.

5) That “New Home” Feel

You know how people always notice that new car smell? Well, it’s the same with new homes! Not only is there a new home smell, but there’s a new home feel – the blank canvas where you and your family can be the first to make memories and make this house feel like your home. And while you can always learn to get used to the quirks of a used home, the bigger question is – should you have to?

Style. Quality. Comfort. Those define the new home experience. Do you and your family deserve anything less?

Visit Our Neighborhoods page to learn more about our new home communities!