If you rent an apartment with an in-unit washer and dryer, you’ve hit the jackpot. Even if the machines aren’t provided, living in an apartment that has washer and dryer hook-ups is a huge win and convenience, eliminating the need to go to the laundromat or use communal units. But that does mean that when you move apartments, your washer and dryer have to make the move with you (unless you’re renting them). While this sounds difficult, we’ll prove that it’s actually pretty simple and straightforward.
How hard is it to move a washer-dryer?
Because they have delicate components but a heavy build, you’ll find washers and dryers among the trickier appliances to transport and move to a new location. Moving them requires advance preparation and necessary equipment like an appliance dolly, as well as patience and some strong, willing helpers.
What’s the easiest way to move a washing machine?
The easiest way to move washers and dryers would be to hire a professional moving company. But you can do it on your own as long as you have some help and follow these steps.
Preparing your washer and dryer for moving
In the weeks and days before moving day, you’ll need to prepare your washer and dryer for the moving process. Moving apartments is an excellent opportunity to give your washer and dryer a proper clean. This prevents bad smells or mold from developing during the transition. It also keeps both units in good condition.
For the washer, run a rinse or cleaning cycle using a washing machine cleaner to break down residue build-up and remove grime and gunk. Then leave the washer door or lid open for at least a day so it completely airs out and dries.
For the dryer, empty and vacuum the lint trap. It’s crucial that you clean the trap after each use anyway. The accumulating lint and other debris could cause your dryer to overheat and spark a fire.
How to move your washer and dryer
Now that your washer and dryer have been properly cleaned, it’s time to get them prepped for moving from their current laundry room to their new location.
Make sure there is no laundry inside either unit
This should go without saying. But after cleaning both units, don’t run any more loads of laundry before the move. You also shouldn’t move the appliance with clothes inside, clean or otherwise.
Find the appliance instruction manuals
Locate the owner’s manuals, manufacturer’s instructions and installation instructions for your washer and dryer units. You should keep these in your laundry room so you never lose track of them. These booklets will have vital information about how to correctly and safely de-install and re-install each unit, so give these a thorough read before diving in.
If it still applies, you should also make sure you have the warranty information on hand in case the appliances sustain damage during transport.
Disconnect the water supply hoses
Pull each unit back from the wall so you have enough space to work.
Turn off the hot and cold water valves to the washing machine and disconnect the water supply hoses. You can usually find these located at the back of the machine. Depending on the model, you may need tools like a wrench.
Then drain the water hoses into a bucket or sink and leave them to dry before packing them in a plastic bag for moving. For all the detachable components and equipment, keep them in sealed, labeled bags so they don’t get lost during the move.
Drain the washer by detaching the drain hose
Make sure to turn the washer’s water supply off and disconnect the drain hose from its outlet location while keeping it attached to the machine. Putting a bucket beneath the drain hose, you can either run a spin cycle or carefully tilt the unit to drain any remaining water.
Making sure the washer gets thoroughly drained of leftover water not only reduces the risk of mold forming during the move but also makes it weigh less.
The drain hose stays connected to the washer, but you can secure it to the machine with bungee cords, tape or rope.
Disconnect the dryer from electrical outlet or gas
Whether you have a gas dryer or electric dryer unit, make sure the gas line or electricity is off as you disconnect the power source. Double-check that either the gas valve or electric breaker is fully off before proceeding.
Since the electrical cords are permanently attached to the machine, you can secure them for the move by putting them in a plastic bag and taping or securing them to the outside of the machine with bungee cords.
Detach ventilation hose
Disconnect the ventilation hose from the dryer unit and give it a good clean before packing it up. These hoses are usually secured with easy-to-use clamps that should be simple to open.
You can also vacuum or clean the dryer’s vents for some extra cleaning and prep.
Use shipping bolts to secure the drum
The washer’s drum is one of the most delicate parts of the machine, and too much jostling during the move could damage it. Using shipping bolts or washer locks, secure the washer drum in place following the instructions in your manufacturer’s manual.
Wrap in moving blankets or other protective material
Once all the external hoses, cords and other components are either disconnected or wrapped up for moving, wrap each unit in moving blankets to prevent scratches or other damage. You can either use packing tape or plastic wrap to keep the blankets in place.
Tip the washer or dryer onto an appliance dolly
With the aid of a second helper, tip the unit at a slight angle and slide the appliance dolly beneath.
For moving appliances, using an appliance dolly is better than a hand truck. Not only does it have a higher weight capacity, but it has built-in straps and belts to keep the appliance in place. Most importantly, it has stair climbers so you can navigate staircases if your apartment building doesn’t have an elevator.
Load onto moving truck and strap in place
Once the unit is strapped into place on the dolly, slowly and carefully start moving it to the moving truck. Along with the person pushing the dolly, have at least one other helper to guide the dolly and keep the unit in place.
Using the ramp, carefully load the unit into the moving truck. Washers and dryers should be transported in the upright position. Even if you have a stackable washer and dryer, you shouldn’t transport them in the truck as a stacked unit because the unit on top could shift and fall. So if your stacked washer and dryer can be disconnected, transport each unit side by side and use moving straps to fasten them in place.
Once you arrive at your new house or apartment, unload each unit from the moving truck, use the dolly to take them to their new position and reconnect according to the manual.
Can you lay a stacked washer-dryer combo down to move it?
If you have a stacked washer and dryer that connects in the middle, you should never move it on its side. This risks jostling and damaging fragile components. But moving a stacked unit proves a bit trickier than moving two units that are separate.
You do not want to disconnect the two components because of the complex wiring. Prepare the stacked washer and dryer for moving following the same instructions as above and move it as you would each separate unit. But use extreme caution and at least one other helper when moving a stacked washer and dryer because of its height and bulk.
When moving appliances, don’t cut corners
Moving heavy but fragile appliances like a washer or dryer requires the right tools, patience and a helping hand or two. You never want to skip any preparation steps or hurry the process, as that risks damage to the machines or harm to yourself or others.
Zoe Baillargeon is an award-winning writer and journalist based in Portland, Oregon, where she covers a variety of beats including travel, food and drink, lifestyle and culture for outlets like Apartment Guide, Rent., AFAR.com, Fodor’s, The Manual, Matador Network and more. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, hiking, reading and spoiling her cat.
Nothing says vacation like a trip to the beach, where the ocean washes away our day-to-day lives, a cold drink helps beat the heat, and the only care in the world is remembering to apply (and reapply) sunscreen.
A great beach vacation usually starts with a great place to stay — and for points and miles enthusiasts (and those new to the game), one of the best ways to get a top-notch beach resort is booking through World of Hyatt, considered the most award-friendly hotel program out there.
The U.S. is full of both great beaches and great Hyatt properties where the sun and sand are as friendly as World of Hyatt’s award chart. Here, you’ll find Hyatt resorts — from the iconic beaches of Maui to the East Coast sands near Charleston, South Carolina — and plenty of family-friendly beaches perfect for all ages.
Just don’t forget the power of the World of Hyatt program and how easy it is to book some of the portfolio’s best beach resorts by transferring points from credit card reward programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards, so all of your summer dreams can come true.
Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
Wailea, Maui, Hawaii, USA
ANDAZ MAUI AT WAILEA RESORT/HYATT
Best for: Easy beach access with plenty of dining and outdoor fun to be had right at the hotel.
Why stay here: Enjoy boutique hotel-style design amid all the amenities and outdoor fun of a sprawling beachside resort.
As one of the best hotels on Maui and among the best hotels in Hawaii as a whole, it makes perfect sense that the chic and family-friendly Andaz Maui at Wailea is also one of the absolute best U.S. beach resorts in Hyatt’s extensive portfolio.
The resort checks all the boxes, starting with location: 15 stunning beachfront acres on Mokapu Beach. Add in 320 guest rooms with private lanais, a series of suites, plus two- and four-bedroom villas, and you’ve got all the necessary ingredients for the perfect Hawaii vacation.
At the resort, guests can spend their days lazing by any of the resort’s five pools — including infinity pools, a lagoon pool and even an adults-only option — or head to Mokapu Beach and relax in a lounge chair under an umbrella.
For something more active, the resort can arrange snorkeling and whale-watching excursions, golf days or a trip to a pineapple farm. After a day of exploring, head to the 14,000-square-foot Awili Spa and Salon for a heated hibiscus body wrap ($205 for 60 minutes) to truly become one with paradise.
As for food, don’t worry about going hungry as there are four restaurants to enjoy, including the family-style Hawaiian restaurant Kaana Kitchen; a lounge with tropical cocktails and small bites; a beach/pool bar serving light lunches perfect for a day out in the sun; and Morimoto Maui, a world-class sushi restaurant from celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto. Also, since it’s Hawaii, after all, be sure to make a reservation for The Feast at Mokapu Luau, where guests are served a delicious dinner with a side of culture in the form of music, dance and more.
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Rates at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort currently start at $890 per night plus a $50 daily resort fee (on paid rates). World of Hyatt members can book award nights from 35,000 points per night.
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
Koloa, Kauai, Hawaii, USA
GRAND HYATT KAUAI RESORT AND SPA/PATRICK KELLEY/PARK HYATT
Best for: Families traveling to Hawaii who want to enjoy a full roster of activities without leaving the resort.
Why stay here: The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa is a destination unto itself with pools, waterfalls, a water park-style waterslide and tons of scheduled activities for the kids, including Hawaiian cultural lessons.
Called “a crown jewel in Hyatt’s resort lineup” by one of TPG’s most well-traveled staffers, it’s safe to say that this massive resort full of fun for all types of travelers should be on every Hyatt loyalist’s bucket list.
On a pristine stretch of beach in Poipu, this place is exactly what you think of when you conjure up images of a Hawaii resort: multiple pools and a saltwater lagoon, a lazy river, waterfalls and dozens and dozens of slender palm trees swaying in the breeze.
With over 600 rooms and suites, there’s an accommodation option for every need, and they all come with a private lanai to help breathe in some of that salty Pacific Ocean air. For a full family affair, consider one of the resort’s many suite options, such as the Alii Suite, which can be combined with a connecting guest room to create a three-bedroom suite.
There’s no shortage of activities, which include hitting up the Poipu Bay Golf Course (adjacent to the resort), learning classic Hawaiian songs on a ukulele, attending an over-the-top luau, volunteering with a nearby organization to help keep the island as beautiful as you found it, relaxing at the spa, or just simply parking it on a beach lounger and listening to the sound of the ocean.
Dining options are equally as expansive. For breakfast, hit up the open-air Ilima Terrace for a seared ahi Benedict, have fish tacos for lunch at casual poolside restaurant Hale Nalu, and enjoy a fancy dinner at Tidepools, where Hawaiian dishes are served at a lagoon by a waterfall that’s as beautiful and romantic as Kauai itself.
Rates at Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa currently start at $761 per night plus a $45 daily resort fee (on paid rates). World of Hyatt members can book award nights from 25,000 points per night.
Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa
Key West, Florida, USA
HYATT
Best for: Sunseekers looking to explore the Keys.
Why stay here: Right on the water and right in Old Town, this hotel is close to all the action.
There’s nowhere quite like Key West, a funky and lively island community in Florida that happens to be the most southern city in the continental United States — and there are few places better to stay there than the Hyatt Centric, a charming oceanfront resort tucked away between the Gulf waters and town.
Here, you won’t find sweeping beaches with views for miles, but rather a small stretch of sand where you can claim a beach chair and live that American island life.
At the pool, which is heated during the cooler months, guests can snack on popsicles while enjoying the southern Florida sun. For full relaxation, spend a few hours at the pool before heading to the Jala Spa for a deep tissue massage (starting at $160 for 50 minutes) or a full-body treatment.
Guests need not worry about dining, as there are a handful of options to choose from on the property — not to mention that Key West itself has tons of incredible restaurants. At the hotel’s dockside location, Four Flamingos, A Richard Blais Key West Kitchen serves sea-to-table dishes like oysters, a fresh catch of the day and more. There’s also a casual bar and grill concept, Blue Mojito Bar and Grill, as well as in-room dining and a coffee shop.
Rates at Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa start around $300 per night plus a $56.25 daily resort fee (on paid rates). World of Hyatt members can book award nights starting at 45,000 points.
The Confidante Miami Beach
Mid-Beach, Miami, Florida, USA
DANIEL ZULIANI/PARK HYATT
Best for: Hyatt status chasers who yearn for something chicer than your typical Hyatt Regency or Hyatt Place.
Why stay here: With an art deco design in a 1940s-era building, a stay here feels vintage – in a good way.
Both Hyatt enthusiasts and beach lovers know that The Confidante Miami Beach, part of Hyatt’s Unbound Collection, is a top-tier resort on a sandy stretch of Miami Beach. Known for its colorful beach and pool chairs, you’ve probably seen this Category 5 Hyatt property on social media at one time or another.
With 339 rooms (including over 30 suites), accommodations at The Confidante range from hip 300-to-400-square-foot king and double rooms with bold textures and a big writing desk to a 980-square-foot penthouse.
The hotel boasts a range of restaurants and eateries, including a casual beach bar-style restaurant; an indoor, midcentury-themed restaurant and bar that harks back to Miami’s past; a grab-and-go coffee shop; and Ambersweet, a restaurant serving local and regional food for breakfast, lunch and dinner in a beautiful setting with tables indoors and out.
The stars of this resort, though, are the pools (including an adults-only option) and direct access to Miami Beach, where dozens of chairs with pastel umbrellas are available for hotel guests to enjoy, along with an attendant to take care of all your needs.
Just know if you’re considering a stay at this iconic hotel, you’d better book fast. The Confidante will be transformed into an Andaz; it was announced in 2022, but we’re still waiting to hear when.
Related: The best hotels in Miami, from luxury beach stays to points properties
Rates at The Confidante start at $279 per night plus a $49 daily resort fee (on paid stays). Reserve this hotel for 17,000 World of Hyatt points on off-peak dates, 20,000 on standard dates and 23,000 points on peak dates.
Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa
Clearwater Beach, Florida, USA
RAMON C PURCELL/HYATT
Best for: Beachgoers who want a hotel with home-like amenities right on the water.
Why stay here: For longer stays, this resort offers rooms with full kitchens and laundry facilities, plus a year-round rooftop pool overlooking the ocean.
Roughly 21 miles west of Tampa International Airport (TPA), the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa is a family-friendly affair that’s also a great value.
On the Gulf near Pier 60, the resort has plenty to do and experience, starting with an 8th-floor, year-round pool overlooking the ocean and cabanas to rent with 55-inch TVs and high-speed internet access. There’s also a fitness center to get your workout in and the Sandava Spa to indulge in a little self-care.
The resort has 286 rooms, all with lots of space and balconies. Many rooms have kitchenettes or fully equipped kitchens and even multiple-bedroom options, so you can really treat the place like a home away from home while on vacation.
However, if you want to skip home cooking, don’t fret, as there are plenty of food options to enjoy. At SHOR American Seafood Grill, enjoy American fare for breakfast and seafood dishes for dinner. Savor the lunch or dinner menu of Latin favorites at Tropico Rooftop Cantina. There’s also a casual bar-style restaurant, OffSHOR, with light bites and cocktails, plus a full in-room dining menu.
Rates at Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa start at $269 per night, plus a $35 daily resort fee (on paid stays). World of Hyatt members can book award nights starting at 29,000 points per night.
Wild Dunes Resort
Isle of Palms, South Carolina, USA
HYATT
Best for: With an assortment of accommodation types, ranging from standard rooms to large suites and standalone vacation rentals, this resort really is perfect for everyone.
Why stay here: Wild Dunes may feel like an island escape, but it’s an easy commute to Charleston’s cultural attractions, restaurants and nightlife.
At over 1,600 acres, Wild Dunes Resort on the Isle of Palms — a hop, skip and a jump away from downtown Charleston — really has it all and then some.
The resort is made up of four different accommodation styles to fit every type of traveler’s needs: the costal-style Sweetgrass Inn, the more intimate and upscale Boardwalk Inn, one- to three-bedroom suites at the Residences at Sweetgrass and Wild Dunes Vacation Rentals, which offers full property rentals ranging from one-bedroom condos to seven-bedroom houses — and everything in between.
Activities at Wild Dunes are plentiful and can be as fast-paced or relaxing as you need. For a little adventure, go kayaking or paddleboarding before an afternoon of fishing. Practice your golf swing at an oceanfront golf course, or give your backhand a go at the tennis courts. You can also just let it all go at the Spa at Sweetgrass.
Across the resort, there are a handful of pools, including a fun pool complex at Sweetgrass Inn, two smaller pools and the Swim Center, which features a pool with swimming lanes. Of course, there’s also a beautiful stretch of beach to relax in the sunshine with the sound of the waves crashing along the coast.
Being a large resort, there are lots of places to dine, from upscale seafood restaurants and family-friendly Italian restaurants to quick bites and ice cream parlors. There’s even a rooftop bar with beautiful views across the island.
Rates at Wild Dunes start around $315 per night plus a resort fee on paid reservations of 16% daily rate plus tax. Award nights are available starting at 24,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa
Huntington Beach, California, USA
HYATT
Best for: Families who want space to spread out after long days by the pool or beach.
Why stay here: Pool cabanas and waterslides make for a perfect day in the sun, while a private beach bonfire complete with chairs and s’mores are a fine way to end the evening.
In California, the beaches of the Pacific are calling — and the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa is a great place to enjoy it all. Great for families, the resort offers spacious rooms to spread out in, a pool with cabana rentals, fire pit rentals and beautiful Spanish-style architecture fitting of Southern California.
During the days, relax by the pool, book a whale-watching excursion, or sign your kids up for mermaid lessons so they can live out their “Little Mermaid” fantasies. Adults can enjoy time at the Pacific Waters Spa and a cocktail at one of the many bars and restaurants, like the poolside Mankota’s Grill.
Other dining options include the casual and family-friendly Slyders Bar and Café, located by the pool, a grab-and-go pizzeria, coastal cuisine at Pete’s Sunset Grille and the upscale, date-night-appropriate Watertable, which has a menu of Southern California favorites.
As for the accommodations, choose a room that features an outdoor fire pit to really feel like you’re somewhere special or splurge on a larger-than-life suite to make sure the entire crew can spread out comfortably. If you really need more space, there’s even a 2,500-square-foot Presidential Beach House with a fireplace, walk-in closet and giant soaking tub.
Rates at Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa start around $305 a night plus a $42 per night resort fee (on paid bookings). World of Hyatt members can book award nights starting at 29,000 points per night.
Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas
Encinitas, San Diego, California, USA
ALILA MAREA BEACH RESORT/FACEBOOK
Best for: Beach lovers looking for a touch of laid-back luxury.
Why stay here: With a world-class spa and direct beach access, this resort has everything you could want for a sunny SoCal getaway.
North of San Diego in Encinitas, the Alila Marea Beach Resort is a coastal gem that offers luxurious fun in the sun with a side of local-influenced activities designed to make every guest happy.
For starters, the location is just plain gorgeous, as the resort is tucked away on a coastal bluff, and each of the 130 rooms and suites offers picture-perfect views. Speaking of those rooms, each is airy and modern, with a design that reflects the rugged nature of the coastline. For an extra-special experience, book a first-floor Fire Pit Room to unwind in a private seating area in the glow of a fire pit.
At Spa Alila, let your troubles melt away after picking the perfect treatment, like a walnut husk and sugar scrub ($225, 50 minutes) or a Himalayan salt stone massage ($230, 50 minutes).
Guests can also join one of Alila’s signature “Journeys” that incorporate local experiences into your stay, like the Surfboard Quiver. It allows guests to rent (for an extra fee) a surfboard curated by local surfer Rob Machado. If you want to relax oceanside, hit up the beach concierge, who can help you plan the perfect day.
Or, simply post up for the day at the pool overlooking the ocean, where servers are on hand to deliver drinks. For meals, check out the hotel’s signature restaurant, Vaga, helmed by executive chef Claudette Zepeda, or stop for drinks and snacks at The Pocket, a surf-inspired bar with beautiful views of the coast.
Rates at Alila Marea Beach Resort start at $629 per night plus a $55 resort fee (on paid stays). Award nights start at 35,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Mission Pacific Hotel
Oceanside, California, USA
KATE AUDA/HYATT
Best for: A modern stay near the beach that’s welcoming to your four-legged friends.
Why stay here: The heated rooftop pool overlooking the picturesque pool is second only to the pristine beach across the street.
Not all of Hyatt’s best beach hotels are massive resorts with hundreds of rooms.
One stellar resort that’s on the boutique side of things is the Mission Pacific Hotel, part of JDV by Hyatt. In North San Diego County (technically in Oceanside), the hotel has just 161 rooms and 38 suites, with many featuring breathtaking ocean views, balconies and laid-back but modern interiors. For more space, opt for a suite with a kitchenette.
There’s plenty to do outside of the hotel, like enjoying a stroll on the wooden pier across the street. If you don’t feel like leaving, you won’t get bored. Spend days relaxing in a cabana at the rooftop pool, chilled rosé in hand; hit up the associated Sunny’s Spa & Beauty Lounge across the street for a treatment; or cozy up by an outdoor fire pit and relax in the breezy air.
Guests can’t go wrong with the hotel’s dining options, especially Valle Restaurant, a Michelin Guide-recognized Mexican restaurant from Chef Roberto Alcocer that serves a popular prix-fixe meal. There’s also High/Low, a seasonal California restaurant open for breakfast and lunch, as well as The Rooftop Bar, where pool-goers can drink cocktails and party Thursday-Sunday night with a DJ.
Rates at Mission Pacific Hotel start around $281 per night plus a daily resort fee of $46 (on paid reservations). World of Hyatt members can book award nights starting at 29,000 points per night.
Mar Monte Hotel
Santa Barbara, California, USA
TYSON ELLIS/HYATT
Best for: World of Hyatt members looking for an upscale but understated SoCal spot to redeem their points.
Why stay here: Bright, breezy rooms, a sun-splashed pool area and an elegant restaurant that showcases coastal Italian cuisine are all reasons to spend a night or two here.
In Santa Barbara, California, the Mar Monte Hotel, part of the Unbound Collection by Hyatt, is a timeless property across the street from a great beach that guests can enjoy.
With 200 rooms, guests can select from options that include large ocean-view suites, as well as rooms and suites in the off-property Palmoro, a block-and-a-half away from the main property.
At the hotel, there’s much to enjoy, like live music during the summer, yoga on the beach, a bocce ball court and house bikes guests can rent to explore the area. The hotel can also direct guests to local activities, like sailing or coastal wine tours.
Although Santa Barbara has a great food scene, the hotel’s two restaurants are good reasons to stay put. At Café Lido, grab-and-go breakfast is served in the morning, while the rest of the day features a shareable menu of small Mediterranean plates and cocktails. Costa Kitchen & Bar features a local wine menu accompanied by Italian and Mediterranean dishes served in an ocean-view setting.
Rates at Mar Monte Hotel start at $275 per night plus a $30 daily resort fee (on paid stays). World of Hyatt members can book award nights starting at 21,000 points per night.
This article started out as the individual experience of one personal finance blogger as he successfully haggled with his cable company to reduce his bill by 33% back in 2009. Unfortunately, that sinking feeling you are overpaying for services such as cable is still alive and well in 2016.
But other things have changed dramatically. In 2009, Netflix was still known by many as the company with the red and white DVD sleeves that came in the mail. Hulu didn’t launch until 2007. Was there life before Amazon Prime? Not sure.
So if you are here to find out how to cut the cord with cable entirely, take these exact steps (in 2016). If you’d like to see how you can keep cable but pay less thanks to this great post by blogger G.E. Miller, jump to Cheaper Cable TV
Cut Cable Entirely in Four Simple Steps
First, figure out if you are willing to pay to leave cable. If you don’t mind paying a fee, you don’t need four steps. Simply call customer service and ask for your service to be canceled immediately. Ignore all deals or efforts to retain your service. Return all equipment and don’t forget a receipt showing you did. Important note: If you get your Internet from your cable provider and don’t want a service interruption, make sure you have your Internet-only alternative already set up.
If you don’t want to pay an early-exit fee, memorize the end of your contract date. In future calls you may hear this date repeated back to you incorrectly and extended far into the future based on some action you probably didn’t take. Insist they note the correct date and ask for this to be repeated back anytime you talk to your cable company.
Don’t forget to purchase a streaming device. Of course you can watch TV directly from the web on your laptop or tablet, but if you want to keep watching from the TV, plan for a Roku or similar device.
Wake up on your cable-free day ready to say ‘so long’. Who loves calling 1-800 numbers? Staying on hold? Resisting enticing deals to keep my business? Me, when I’ve done all my homework and look to save potentially $100 or more per month. I recently went down to Internet only, cutting our cable subscription and phone. Monthly savings: $130 per month. (By the way, not a peep of complaint from the kids, who I suspect looked at the black cable box in the same quaint way I saw my family’s last rotary dial phone in the 1980s.)
To read another tale of wrangling with cable TV providers, see contributor Rod Kelly’s post on the topic of cutting the cable cord.
Cable TV Alternatives
Netflix, of course.
Apple TV
Hulu (Basically streaming cable at this point. See more about Hulu’s plans in The Wall Street Journal)
Amazon/Amazon Prime
Sling
These are all paid, but monthly subscriptions are significantly cheaper than cable.
For free services, check out:
Cheaper Cable TV
This is the original post by G.E. Miller who gives a real-life example of using negotiation to save money. For more from G.E., check out his personal finance blogs 20somethingfinance.com and microfrugality.com.
For the third of the country who has no choice but to turn to Comcast for cable television, the thought of price haggling is about as appealing as a root canal. Comcast has a notorious reputation for being unwilling to make their customers happy. Customers of other monopolistic cable outfits across the nation know the feeling.
However, the potential savings that can come from limiting a monthly subscription expense can be enormous – that’s money that goes straight to your online savings account. What’s a frugal person to do?
Dealing with your local cable superpower doesn’t have to be an intimidating process. And as evidenced by the ease in which I recently cut my cable/internet costs by a third during a short online chat without losing any service whatsoever, you may have similar success.
With television service competition increasing and unemployment rates still trending upward, consumers are looking to slice discretionary expenses and service providers may be feeling the pinch to keep them on board. There’s no better time to ask than now. Here’s my actual chat with a Comcast rep (whose name has been altered to Rizzo to preserve his anonymity). Afterward, we’ll discuss some universal price haggling techniques to better prepare you for your interaction.
My Comcast Chat Transcript user G.E. has entered room analyst Rizzo has entered roomRizzo: Hello G.E., Thank you for contacting Comcast Live Chat Support. My name is Rizzo. Please give me one moment to review your information. G.E.: Hi Rizzo Rizzo: Hello G.E., I will be happy to assist you today. How are you? G.E.: Fine, you? Rizzo: How may I assist you today? I’m good. Thanks for asking. G.E.: I need to lower my bill. U-Verse is much cheaper. Thinking of switching Rizzo: Alright. Let me check my resources for this. G.E.: A buddy of mine was able to get $39.99/mo. for digital preferred for a year. Rizzo: Can I have your account number please. G.E.: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Rizzo: Thank you for that. I will now check on the account. Please bear with me. Thanks. Rizzo: G.E, I have checked the account. You have our Digital Preferred package for $74.94, DVR for $9.99, Internet $42.95 and Modem Rent for $5.00. I will now check on my resources to lower your bill. Rizzo: I have checked my resources. I can offer you Digital Preffered $54.99 for 12months and Internet for $19.99 for 6 months. G.E.: Can you do $44.99 on the cable or 1/2 price DVR and extend the internet to a year? Rizzo: With this your new monthly charge will be $89.97. Thats the best promotion available G.E. G.E.: Rizzo, we’re so close! =) Rizzo: Thanks. Do you want me to process this one for you? G.E.: Can you extend the internet to a year? That way the cable and internet are both a year Rizzo: The Internet Code is only good for 6 months. That’s the best price I can offer you for internet. However, you can check back on us again next quarter to check if there’s another promotion available to you. Would that be okay? G.E.: What’s my TOTAL bill now, and what would it be after your offer? Rizzo: Your current monthly charge is $132.88. With this offer your monthly bill is $89.97. G.E.: Preferred is what I presently have, correct? Rizzo: Yes, the offer that I have is also a Digital Preferred package. Do you want me to proceed and process this one? G.E.: Yes, can you send me an email confirmation? Rizzo: Unfortunately, I cannot. The process will take effect immediately. You will see this rates adjusted on your next bill. Rizzo: Shall I process this now? G.E.: yes Rizzo: Alright. G.E.: thanks Rizzo, you’re a good man. Rizzo: You’re welcome. I’m still processing. Please bear with me. Rizzo: G.E., I already have processed the order. The new charges includes Preferred $54.99, DVR $9.99, Modem $5.00 and Internet $19.99. Your new monthly charge is $89.97. Rizzo: Do you have other concerns for today? I will be glad to assist you further. G.E.: Nope, that’s it. thanks Rizzo: You’re welcome. By the way, to properly close this chat room please click on the END SESSION button. Thank you. I hope that you can find time in answering the 3 question survey after this chat. Thanks. Rizzo: Bye for now.
So what can you take away from this chat transcript? There are a few universal haggling techniques that are applicable to just about any price haggling scenario.
1. Don’t be afraid to ask.
Asking to cut my bill worked. Amazed at how simple it was to cut more than I was aiming for from my bill immediately, I asked for an even bigger cut. That request was denied (not to my surprise or dismay). Truth be told, I’m not sure that any of the techniques I used triggered the better offer, but I do know one thing — had I been afraid to simply ask for the price break, I would have never gotten one. Rule number one is to overcome your fear and just ask.
2.Be pleasant.
Congeniality is king when interacting with CSRs. Being rude only infuses CSRs with the desire to deny your request. CSRs aren’t paid near what they should be, and probably don’t have the highest job satisfaction levels. If you can appeal to their gentler human-side, you win. Spit fire at them, and they will slam the door on you with pleasure.
3.Refer to the competition.
I had heard that Comcast was motivated to be a little more giving with the entrance of AT&T U-Verse cable into the marketplace (at lower prices). I’m not sure that it helped in this specific case, but referencing the competition specifically or generically (if its offerings are weaker) rarely will hurt you.
4.State the facts.
More than anything else, I wanted to lower my cost, and that’s what I asked for. Someone I know had received a better price than I was paying and I stated that fact.
5.Do your research.
Knowing what kind of promotions the company is offering to new or exiting customers is essential to getting the best deal. When it comes down to it, if you can quit your service and then re-start it the next day at a cheaper price, the company knows it has little incentive to let you leave without matching that offer.
6.Look for special circumstances.
I’d heard that working with Comcast online chat representatives often yielded better results because the reps weren’t actual Comcast employees, and therefore had lesser incentive to play the hard line. That’s why I chose the online chat route versus the phone.
7.Let them make the first move.
Before the chat, had I not received a cost break, I was willing to cut my service levels. I didn’t offer that right away, and it turned out that I didn’t need to. Don’t show all your cards right away.
When I need to call back in, I now have two additional pieces of information that I can take into the negotiation process based on this statement form the CSR: “The Internet Code is only good for 6 months. That’s the best price I can offer you for internet. However, you can check back on us again next quarter to check if there’s another promotion available to you.”
I now know that Comcast has promotions available on a quarterly basis. I also know that there are “codes” for both Internet and cable. Both pieces of info should help me in future negotiations. Hopefully, they’ll help you as well.
Have you had similar success haggling with your cable company or ISP? What do you attribute it to? What kind of a break did you get on your bill?
Mold in the home is no joke—and it’s safe to assume actress Megan Fox agrees.
She apparently had to deal with mold and leaks in her luxurious, four-bedroom home in the hills of Malibu. She filed a complaint about these toxic issues in 2018 with the former owner, who happens to be Brad Pitt‘s longtime manager.
At last, in 2021, the case was settled and the parties agreed to move on. In early April, the 3,300-square-foot home landed on the market for $4,650,000.
Despite its notorious backstory, the property seems to have attracted a potential buyer. Marketed as a “dream home [that] looks and feels like an oil painting,” the place is in contingent sale status. And while the house is lovely, the disclosure statement is sure to be a compelling read for the would-be buyer.
The unique bungalow sports a boho vibe, with bright paint, attractive wallpaper, colorful tile, and a whimsical personality.
Set in Ramirez Canyon by a creek in a gated community, the house sits on a generous, two-acre lot with fruit trees, a greenhouse, stone walls, little bridges, and trails that wend their way through the lush grounds.
Color abounds, from the foam green cabinets in the kitchen to the fun tile work on the backsplash and around the living room and primary bedroom fireplaces.
The main bedrooom comes with its own glassed-in sitting area and adjoining spa bath. The lower level offers access to the outdoors, where there’s a cute patio with a fire pit, a sport court, pool, and an in-ground trampoline.
Fox, 37, starred in “Transformers” and a couple of the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” movies. This year she’s joining the fourth installment of “The Expendables”, an action franchise starring Sylvester Stallone.
When it comes to apartment living, ensuring the safety and security of your living space is crucial for your experience. Being aware of potential hazards that can arise during your lease term can save you time and money and protect you and your living experience.
We’ve gathered eight potential apartment mishaps and the practical tips and tricks renters need to know to safeguard their space. By taking proactive measures, you can create a safer living space and enjoy peace of mind in your apartment.
1. Fire
There are a lot of steps taken by property management for renters to protect them against fires. They install smoke detectors in key areas of your apartment and ensure they are in working order. Renters should take it one step further, by regularly testing them and replacing batteries as needed.
Residents should also inform themselves of the tools readily available in the building in the event of an emergency. Hallways should have fire extinguishers readily available and renters should educate themselves on how to use them. Additionally, it’s key to familiarize yourself with the building’s fire evacuation plan and exits.
2. Mold
Renters can take proactive steps to prevent mold growth in their apartments. One effective measure is to ensure proper ventilation by utilizing the installed fans in bathrooms and kitchen areas. These fans help to remove extra moisture from these high-moisture areas, reducing the chances of mold formation.
It is also crucial to promptly report any water leaks or excessive moisture to the landlord or property management. Necessary repairs or actions are then taken to address the issue and prevent mold growth. In the case of wet areas, it is important to clean and dry them to reduce the likelihood of mold growth.
3. Pests
To safeguard your space from critters, start by keeping it clean and free of food crumbs. You can do this by regularly vacuuming and sweeping the floors, wiping down surfaces and immediately cleaning up any spills or crumbs as they come.
Another kitchen trick is to store food in airtight containers and promptly dispose of garbage in sealed bins. You can also request maintenance to seal any cracks or gaps in windows, doors and walls you notice to prevent pests from entering.
If necessary, use non-toxic pest control methods like traps or baits, or request your apartment to consult a pest control service to address any infestations you notice like bed bugs. These preventive measures effectively protect your apartment from pests and help you enjoy a pest-free living space.
4. Carbon monoxide poisoning
Protecting your apartment from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is crucial. Ask the leasing staff if CO detectors are in their apartments and if they’re not, request they do so or install your own. Other tips include avoiding indoor use of grills, keeping vents open and not blocked and educating yourself and your roommates about CO poisoning symptoms.
Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, weakness and difficulty breathing. As carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, it is challenging to detect without equipment. If you experience these symptoms and suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, it is important to evacuate your apartment immediately, seek fresh air and contact emergency services.
5. Electrical issues
Some common electrical issues renters may run into during their lease include power outages, tripped circuit breakers and faulty switches or outlets. While the on-site maintenance team is the best resource in most of these situations, there are a few things renters should have on hand in case of emergency.
During a power outage, having a portable battery pack is essential. You can charge your electronics, plug in a flashlight and have power on hand for however long you may need it.
For tripped circuit breakers and faulty switches, it’s best to leave these alone and consult the apartment maintenance team to avoid making the situation even worse. You can avoid these mishaps by not plugging too many things in at once and checking for faulty switches and plugs when you initially move in and notifying the leasing staff.
6. Burglary
While apartments are generally secure, burglaries can still occur meaning additional security is necessary. Start by checking that all potential entry points, including doors and windows, have sturdy locks in good condition.
You can reinforce sliding doors with bars or a security rod with tools for additional peace of mind as well. If your apartment comes with a security system, it is worth the additional fee to utilize it for less stress. If they do not, consider installing an apartment-approved security system like a Ring doorbell camera to keep an eye on your apartment surroundings.
It’s also important to establish good relationships with your neighbors, as they can act as an extra set of eyes and ears. If you’re going to be gone for a long period of time, asking a neighbor you trust to collect any packages or mail left in front of the door also helps your apartment appear occupied during your absence.
7. Storm damage
From light rain to tornados, there is a lot you can do to protect your apartment, belongings and yourself from potential damage. In the case of bad weather, make sure to remove any patio furniture that would be blown away or damaged by rain and other weather conditions. Moving your car to a higher level in the parking garage or a higher elevation spot on the road will also protect your car from the damage of flooding.
In severe weather, secure any loose items or furniture inside your apartment that could be easily knocked over during a storm. Another essential step is having an emergency kit prepared with essentials like flashlights, batteries and a first aid kit. Lastly, determine the building’s area designated for residents to go during a storm. If your building doesn’t have a storm shelter, choose an enclosed spot away from windows.
8. Personal safety
We’re not always in our apartment, and it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings even in apartment common areas, garages and mail rooms. Avoid getting your mail or moving your car late at night to protect yourself from others.
If your apartment has a gate code or main door code, avoid sharing with too many individuals, as limiting access helps maintain security and prevents unauthorized entry. Being vigilant and cautious in these shared spaces can significantly contribute to the overall safety of your apartment.
Protect yourself and your living experience
As a savvy renter, you may not have complete control over your apartment living experience, but there are numerous proactive steps you can take to enhance your safety and well-being. By following these tips and tricks and utilizing the apartment on-site teams, you’re protected from the expected and unexpected.
Ready to find your safe space? Start your apartment living journey today.
Wesley is a Charlotte-based writer with a degree in Mass Communication from the University of South Carolina. Her background includes 6 years in non-profit communication and 4 years in editorial writing. She’s passionate about traveling, volunteering, cooking and drinking her morning iced coffee. When she’s not writing, you can find her relaxing with family or exploring Charlotte with her friends.
Inside: Looking for fun things to do with friends? Look no further! This guide has 101 fun activities for you and your friends to enjoy. From painting parties to bowling nights, there’s something for everyone.
Do you ever feel like you’re in a rut, doing the same things with your friends all the time?
If you’re looking for some new ideas for fun things to do with friends, look no further!
We’ve compiled a list of fun activities for friends to do so you can find something that fits your mood.
Whether you want to get active and try something new, or stay in and relax together, we’ve got you covered.
So round up your besties and get ready for some fun!
Why spending time with friends is important
Spending time with friends is an essential aspect of human life. It provides us with an opportunity to bond, socialize, and create lasting memories.
The benefits of spending time with friends are numerous, and they range from improving our social skills to reducing stress levels.
By participating in activities that allow us to spend quality time with our friends, we will have better overall mental health.
What should friends do for fun?
There is no one answer to this question, as friends can have different interests and preferences.
However, some fun activities that friends could do together include going to the movies, playing sports, going out to eat, or attending a concert.
That is why we will cover so many various ideas for you and your friends!
The fun things to Do with Friends
We all know the importance of having friends in our lives. They are the people we rely on and confide in. They make us laugh, help us when we’re down, and are always there for us.
If you are wondering what should I do today, then we have you covered.
So, it’s important to have plenty of fun things to do with friends as well.
1. Go on a Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts are a popular group activity that can be enjoyed by friends of all ages.
Planning and executing a scavenger hunt with friends can be a fun and engaging way to spend time together.
To get started, choose a location that offers a variety of interesting sights and sounds.
Next, create a list of items to find, such as a red bicycle or a funny sign.
Divide into teams and set a time limit for the hunt.
Use a special hashtag and have each team post a pic every time an item is found.
Nowadays, you can even buy a scavenger hunt kit to make it easier!
2. Play Board Games
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Board games are a great way for friends to have fun and connect with each other.
Some popular board games include Scrabble, Chess, and Monopoly, but there are many other options to choose from. Card games like poker and blackjack are also great choices. Party games like Charades and Apples to Apples can bring a lot of laughter and enjoyment.
Board games provide an opportunity for friends to engage in friendly competition, improve their strategic thinking and social skills, and have a great time together.
So, gather your friends, choose one of the best-selling board games, and let the fun begin!
3. Explore street food
Exploring street food with friends is an exciting way to satisfy your taste buds while spending quality time with your loved ones. From food trucks to pop-up stands, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Here are three street food examples that are worth finding:
Tacos: Bite into the crispy shell and savor the juicy meat, fresh salsa, and creamy guacamole. Tacos are the perfect combination of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more.
Gyros: Sink your teeth into the warm pita bread and taste the tender slices of meat, crunchy vegetables, and tangy tzatziki sauce. Gyros are a delicious Greek dish that will transport you to the Mediterranean with every bite.
Bao buns: Savor the fluffy steamed bun filled with savory meat, pickled vegetables, and sweet sauce. Bao buns are a popular street food item in Asia that will tantalize your taste buds with their unique flavors and textures.
Exploring street food with friends is an adventure that will take you on a gastronomic journey around the world. You can try new dishes, share your opinions, and bond over your love of food.
The joy of exploring street food with friends lies in discovering hidden gems, trying something new, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
4. Get Messy with a Color Run
Participating in a color run is a unique and exciting way to stay fit while having fun with your friends.
This 5K run involves getting covered in colored powder while running through different stations. It’s a great way to stay active and create some memorable photos with your friends.
Plus, you get to support a good cause since many color runs are organized as charity events.
5. Watch a Movie Marathon
A movie marathon with friends is a fun way to bond and enjoy each other’s company. They provide a fun and relaxing environment to enjoy each other’s company and appreciate great films.
To plan and execute a successful movie marathon, follow these steps:
Choose a theme or movie series: Decide on a theme or movie series that everyone will enjoy. This could be a specific genre, actor, or movie franchise like “Harry Potter” or “Star Wars.” Or just pick a variety of old classics and new favorites.
Prepare snacks and refreshments: Popcorn, pizza, and soda are classic movie snacks, but feel free to get creative with your choices. You could even have a potluck and have everyone bring their favorite snack to share.
Arrange the viewing space: Make sure the viewing space is comfortable and has enough seating for everyone. Consider using blankets and pillows to create a cozy atmosphere.
So, grab some popcorn and gather your friends for a movie marathon that you’ll never forget!
The best movies can be found on Paramount Plus!
6. See What Festivals Are in Town
Attending festivals with friends can be a fun and unique activity to break up your routine. There are many different types of festivals to choose from, including food, music, art, and film festivals.
Additionally, there are usually free local events like food festivals, music festivals, farmers’ markets, and intercultural events.
Planning ahead and checking the festival schedule is important to ensure that all friends can attend. So why not gather your friends and try attending a festival together?
7. Hike
Hiking is a fantastic way to stay active and enjoy the great outdoors with friends.
Not only does it provide a great workout, but it also offers the opportunity to bond with your crew while surrounded by natural beauty.
You can even plan on these fantastic hiking trails for beginners or more experienced hikers:
In California, Big Basin Redwoods State Park offers a variety of trails ranging from easy to challenging, with the highlight being the 11-mile Skyline to the Sea Trail.
In Colorado, the Mount Falcon Park Trail offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and is a moderate 3.6-mile hike.
For those on the East Coast, the Franconia Ridge Trail in New Hampshire is a challenging yet rewarding 8.9-mile hike with breathtaking views of the White Mountains.
Remember to dress appropriately for the weather and terrain, wear sturdy hiking boots, carry plenty of water, and pack snacks to keep your energy levels up.
8. Go for a short road trip
Planning a road trip with friends can be a bonding experience, from working together on a collaborative Spotify playlist or burning some old-fashioned mixtapes to listen to on the road to stocking up on snacks and booking an Airbnb.
Going for a short road trip with friends is an excellent way to take a break from the daily grind and explore new places. It is also a reason to escape life’s hustles and bustles.
A spontaneous road trip might turn out to be a trip to remember as you explore unknown routes, stop at scenic spots, and try the local cuisine.
9. Host a Vision Board Party
A vision board is a visual representation of your goals and aspirations for the future.
Making a dream board with friends can be a fun and inspiring activity that promotes deeper social connections while helping you achieve your dreams.
It’s a crafting and manifesting activity that can help you visualize your dreams and work towards them with the support of your friends.
Learn how to host a successful vision board party.
10. Make Smoothies Together
Making smoothies with friends is a fun and healthy activity that promotes bonding and trying out new recipes.
You will need fresh or frozen fruits, such as bananas, strawberries, or blueberries, a liquid base like almond milk or coconut water, and optional add-ins like spinach, chia seeds, or protein powder to make smoothies.
Personally, I have found the Vitamix to blend the perfect smoothie!
11. Have a Karaoke Night
Karaoke is a great way to build confidence and create lasting memories with friends, so don’t be afraid to let loose and have a good time!
To host a successful karaoke night, start by choosing a venue such as a karaoke bar or setting up a karaoke machine at home.
Provide drinks and snacks to keep energy levels high and make sure to take plenty of photos and videos to capture the fun.
12. Have a Potluck Dinner
Having a potluck dinner with friends is a fun and affordable way to spend time together while enjoying delicious food.
To organize a successful potluck, consider the following tips:
Set a date and theme: Choose a date that works for everyone and select a theme to make the potluck more exciting. Some ideas for themes include Italian food, comfort food, or secret family recipes.
Assign dishes: Encourage everyone to bring a dish to share, and assign specific types of dishes to avoid duplicates. For example, one person can bring an appetizer, another a main course, and another a dessert.
Communicate and coordinate: Make sure everyone knows what they’re bringing and communicate any dietary restrictions or allergies. Coordinate with each other to ensure a good variety of dishes and avoid too many of the same thing.
A potluck is a great way to try new foods and bond over shared experiences. It’s also a money-saver and takes the pressure off one single host.
13. Skateboard/Roller-skate
Skateboarding and roller-skating are not only fun but also great ways to build friendships and community.
There are numerous activities that can be done while skateboarding or roller-skating with friends like:
Trying out tricks and stunts with friends can be a great way to learn and improve your skills.
Racing with friends can add an element of competition and excitement to the activity.
Obstacle courses can also be set up to test your agility and coordination.
Freestyle sessions can allow for creativity and self-expression.
Doing these activities with friends can provide support, encouragement, and a sense of camaraderie.
14. Have a DIY spa day
Spa days with friends are a fantastic way to bond, relax and practice self-care. It offers a break from the stress of daily life and provides opportunities for quality time together.
Moreover, hosting a spa day at home is a more affordable alternative to going to an actual spa.
You can confer with your BFF and figure out what kind of spa treatments both of you are in the mood for. For example, you can apply face masks, give each other manicures, or soak your feet in bath salts.
If you have the funds, you could even book a couple of treatments at a real spa and make it a real spa day! Regardless of where you have it, having a spa day with friends is an excellent way to relax, rejuvenate, and bond with friends.
15. Have a Craft Night
You don’t have to be crafty to enjoy craft night!
To have a successful craft night, start by choosing a craft that everyone is interested in and gather all the necessary supplies. A few craft ideas that are perfect for a craft night include making jewelry, painting, scrapbooking, or even DIY home decor.
Once you have everything set up, encourage everyone to let their creativity flow and enjoy the process of making something together.
Make sure to create a comfortable atmosphere by providing plenty of space to work and snacks to munch on.
16. Blow Bubbles
Roll by the time calendar and remember how much fun blowing bubbles was!
Blowing bubbles is a great way to spend a lazy afternoon or unwind after a long day.
You can go with the classic way of blowing bubbles or look into a bubble machine!
So, grab some bubble solution and wands and get ready for a fun and bubbly time with your friends!
17. Have a Water Balloon Fight
Water balloon fights are a fun activity to indulge in during the scorching heat of summer.
To make the water balloon fight even more enjoyable, you can incorporate team play or set up a tournament bracket. This will add a competitive element to the game and make it more exciting.
Regardless, having a water balloon fight with friends is a great way to beat the heat and have fun.
18. Plant a Garden
Gardening with friends is a rewarding activity that allows you to connect with nature and each other.
Plus it can also provide a sense of accomplishment and a source of fresh produce.
You can choose to plant a garden in someone’s backyard or join a local CSA.
Also, this is a continuous way to get together!
19. Spend Time in Nature
Spending time in nature with friends is a great way to relax, recharge and create lasting memories.
There are a variety of activities that friends can engage in while spending time in nature such as hiking, camping, picnicking, rock climbing, paddleboarding, and gardening.
Personally, know that spending time in nature with friends can be a refreshing and rewarding experience that allows friends to bond and enjoy the great outdoors together.
20. Sign up for a Recreational Sport
Signing up for a recreational sport is a great way to spend time with friends while staying active. There are many sports that are suitable for recreational leagues and can be played with friends, such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, and ultimate frisbee.
Playing team sports has many benefits, including building camaraderie, improving communication, and developing a sense of teamwork.
Costs associated with joining a league can vary, but many leagues have affordable fees.
21. Go Kayaking
Kayaking is a fantastic outdoor activity that is gaining popularity among friends who want to bond and have fun at the same time. It provides a great opportunity to explore new waterways, race each other, play games, fish, and take breaks to swim.
While kayaking, you and your friends can discover new places and enjoy the serenity of nature, which will help you to relax and forget about your daily worries.
Also, you have to work on your communication with each other while kayaking.
22. Cook Together
Cooking with friends can be a fun and rewarding activity that helps build strong bonds.
This is one of my favorite ways to spend time with friends. You can spend hours and never actually make anything edible and it doesn’t matter! Or you can create something absolutely delicious!
23. Join a Club
Joining a club with friends is a great way to try new things and meet new people.
There are many different types of clubs to choose from, including:
Book clubs
Hiking clubs
Cooking clubs
Bunco groups, and more.
Joining a club with friends not only provides an opportunity for shared experiences and new adventures but can also strengthen relationships by creating a common interest. Plus you meet on a regular schedule for spending time together.
24. Have a Painting Party
Painting artwork with friends can be a fun and fulfilling activity. Even better, plan to host a painting party with friends!
You hire someone with experience to help you out or you can watch a video on YouTube.
The best part is being able to exchange ideas and inspiration with each other to spark creativity!
25. Play Laser Tag
Playing laser tag with friends is a thrilling and exciting activity that is sure to get your adrenaline pumping.
This is always a must-do for most teens!
Playing laser tag with friends not only provides a fun and memorable experience, but it also helps build teamwork skills, promotes physical activity, and fosters friendly competition.
26. Go Birdwatching
Birdwatching is a relaxing and enjoyable activity that can be done with friends to appreciate the beauty of nature and learn about different bird species.
All you need to go birdwatching with friends is a simple guide to birds in your area, a pair of binoculars, bird seed, and a park or garden.
Birdwatching can enhance the bond between friends as they learn to identify different bird species and discover a new hobby together. It is a great opportunity to explore new trails, take pictures, and enjoy the scenic location.
27. Have a Marshmallow Fight
Marshmallow fights with friends are a fun and exciting activity that can help you forget your worries and bond with your friends.
You need a good laugh, right? This is exactly what you should participate in.
It’s a great way to relieve stress and enjoy some friendly competition with your friends.
So, grab some marshmallows, find a safe spot, and get ready for an unforgettable marshmallow fight with your friends!
Make sure to grab this indoor s’more kit!
28. Do Yoga
Yoga is a great way to improve flexibility, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being. Doing yoga in a class with friends or in a park can make the experience even more enjoyable and motivating.
Attending a yoga class with friends can be a fun and social way to exercise. You can encourage each other to push yourselves further and hold each other accountable for attendance. Additionally, practicing yoga in a group setting can help to create a sense of community and support, which can be beneficial for mental health.
Alternatively, practicing yoga in a park can be a great way to connect with nature and enjoy the fresh air and sunlight. You can bring your own mat or towel and find a quiet spot to practice. Practicing yoga outdoors can be a refreshing change of pace from the usual indoor studio setting.
29. Plan a Trip
Planning a trip with friends can be an exciting and bonding experience. It provides an opportunity to create unforgettable memories and explore new places with your closest friends.
However, it can also be expensive, so use this 100 envelope challenge to save for the trip.
Another way to save money is to be flexible with your travel dates.
Research your destination, create a budget, and be flexible with your travel dates to save money. With some dedication and effort, you and your friends can have the trip of a lifetime. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination.
30. Explore a New Town
Exploring a new town with friends is an adventure that offers new opportunities to learn more about each other’s interests and create lasting memories. It allows you to discover new places, try local cuisine, and learn about the history and culture of the area.
When exploring a new town with friends, you can visit local landmarks such as museums, botanical gardens, and historical sites. You can also attend local events such as festivals, concerts, and fairs.
Don’t forget to try the local cuisine at restaurants and cafes.
31. Paint Pottery
Pottery painting is a popular activity to do with friends that allows you to unleash your creativity.
Thankfully, you can go to a business that provides all of the necessary supplies or you can purchase online.
Painting pottery can also be a relaxing and therapeutic activity that helps to reduce stress and anxiety.
32. Try a New Food
Let’s be honest… If it wasn’t for good friends, you may be missing out on different types of foods and cuisines.
Trying new foods with friends is an excellent way to break up your eating routine and have some fun while discovering new flavors.
So step out of your comfort zone and try something new – you never know what delicious dishes you might discover!
33. Visit a Farmer’s Market
Visiting a farmer’s market with friends is a fun and exciting way to spend a day outdoors. Not only does it support local businesses, but it also provides an opportunity to stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables.
Did you know the Palisade Farmer’s Market is one of the best in the country? I can attest to that; it was wonderful, especially during peach season.
There are many activities to enjoy at a farmer’s market with friends, here are my favorites:
Shopping for fresh produce: One of the main reasons to visit the farmer’s market is to stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables. You can compare prices, sample different varieties, and even learn new recipes from the vendors.
Trying free samples: Many vendors offer free samples of their products, from homemade jams to artisanal cheeses. This is a great way to taste new flavors and support local businesses.
Exploring local crafts: Along with food, many farmer’s markets also feature handmade crafts and artisanal products. You can browse jewelry, pottery, candles, and other unique items.
Eating street food: If you’re hungry, there are often food trucks and stalls selling everything from tacos to crepes. You can grab a bite to eat and enjoy it at one of the picnic tables or benches.
So why not gather your friends and head to a farmer’s market? You won’t regret it!
34. Compete with Minute-to-Win-It Games
This one is popular! Competing with Minute-to-Win-It games is a fun and easy way to spend time with friends while challenging each other’s skills.
To get started, gather a few household items and set a timer for one minute.
These games are not only a great way to have fun with friends, but they also improve hand-eye coordination and quick-thinking skills.
Plus this is a low-cost and entertaining way to bond with friends. Give them a try and see who comes out on top!
35. Host a DIY Escape Room
If you are looking for a cost-effective way to enjoy an escape room challenge with friends, setting up your own escape room at home is a great idea.
You can find free missions at Escape Team, and additional missions only cost a few dollars each.
Hosting a DIY escape room for your friends is an excellent way to challenge their problem-solving and teamwork skills in a fun and engaging way.
36. Join a Flash Mob
Joining a flash mob can be an exciting and memorable thing to do with your friends. Flash mobs are spontaneous gatherings of people who come together to perform a predetermined action, often in a public place.
Typically, flash mobs can range from dance performances to singing events and can involve people of all ages and backgrounds.
Participating in a flash mob can be a unique and fun experience that you and your friends can cross off your bucket list.
You can find local flash mob announcements by searching on Google or checking out websites that list flash mobs in your area.
37. Create a Time Capsule
Creating a time capsule with friends is an exciting and unique way to capture memories and special moments together. It allows you to reminisce about the past and look forward to opening the capsule in the future.
To create a time capsule, start by finding a sturdy waterproof container.
Next, gather items that are important to each of you, such as letters to your future self, photos, ticket stubs, and other mementos.
Add these items to the capsule and bury the capsule in a safe place, such as a backyard or a park.
Make a pact to open it up in a few years, say five or ten years or twenty years.
Cherishing memories with friends is important, and creating a time capsule is a fun and meaningful way to do just that.
38. Head to the Beach
Visiting the beach with friends is a great way to spend quality time together while enjoying the beauty of nature. There are many activities you can do with your friends at the beach, such as lounging under an umbrella, playing beach volleyball, building sandcastles, or having a picnic.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can go surfing, snorkeling, or take a walk along the shore. The possibilities are endless, and the memories you create with your friends will last a lifetime.
Whether you want to relax and unwind or have an action-packed day, the beach offers something for everyone.
39. Try an Art Class
Trying an art class with friends is a fun and fulfilling way to explore your creative side.
There are many places you can try painting or pottery! by going with a friend, it cuts out the scary risk of doing a creative project alone.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to create something beautiful with your friends! This is a great experience gift idea, too!
40. Go Bowling
Bowling is a fun and engaging activity to do with friends.
Not only is it a great way to get some exercise, but it also offers a variety of fun things to do while playing. From trying trick shots to competing for the highest score, bowling is a great way to bond with friends.
Bowling is a fun and engaging activity that everyone can enjoy, regardless of their skill level.
41. Use Guest Passes
Typically, when you belong to a gym, museum, or any other membership-based activity. They will offer free guest passes.
This is a great way to hang out with your friends while enjoying a new activity. Or showing your friend one of your hobbies.
42. Go Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a winter activity that involves walking on snow with specialized footwear. It is a fun and unique way to explore the outdoors with friends while enjoying the beauty of nature.
There are many snowshoeing trails and locations that friends can explore together.
Snowshoeing provides an opportunity to get exercise, enjoy the peacefulness of nature, and bond with friends.
43. Get Creative With Sidewalk Chalk
Regardless of age, sidewalk chalk is a fun activity to do with friends that can ignite your creativity and bring out your inner artist.
There are a variety of ways to get creative with sidewalk chalk.
You can draw a hopscotch board and challenge each other to see who can jump the longest.
Create a masterpiece by working together on a huge drawing and experimenting with different styles and themes.
Play a game of tic-tac-toe and enjoy some friendly competition.
You can even use sidewalk chalk to write positive messages or quotes to inspire each other.
Spending quality time with friends is important, and simple activities like using sidewalk chalk can create lasting memories.
44. Have a Cocktail Party
Overall, the goal of a cocktail party with friends is to have fun and create shared experiences that will be remembered for years to come.
The best cocktail parties are based on a theme that will set the tone for the evening. Then, select a variety of easy-to-make and crowd-pleasing cocktails that will impress your guests.
Dress up smartly, put on some music, and decorate your space to match the theme. Provide snacks such as finger foods, cheese platters, and charcuterie boards to accompany the drinks.
During the party, encourage guests to mingle and try each other’s cocktails, while sharing conversation and laughter.
45. Go to a Drive-in Movie
Drive-in movies are a unique and fun experience that makes for a great activity to do with friends.
However, drive-in movie theaters are harder and harder to find. So, you may have to plan ahead for a local showing.
Once you arrive, park your car and settle in for the movie, chatting and joking around with your friends as you watch.
46. Meditate
Meditating with friends can be a powerful way to connect and improve your mental and emotional well-being.
To get started, find a quiet spot in nature, set up a blanket, and close your eyes. Take in the natural sounds as you sit in silence together.
Alternatively, you can attend a group meditation or breathwork session or hold a moon circle.
The benefits of meditating with friends include reducing stress and anxiety, improving focus and concentration, and deepening your connection with others.
47. Have an Insta Photoshoot
One of the best things about having a photoshoot with friends is that it offers you the opportunity to create memories together.
You can make funny faces, strike silly poses, and capture the moment in a photograph. You can also dress up in costumes and enact your favorite movie scenes together, which is bound to create some beautiful memories.
Whether you are looking to be goofy or play model, a photoshoot is an excellent way to express yourself and have some fun. You don’t necessarily have to photograph people either! You can experiment with still-life photography, food photoshoots, or even take pictures of landscapes.
P.S. You will always see teens taking photoshoots around town.
48. Play charades or Pictionary
Playing charades or Pictionary with friends is indeed a fun way to build excitement and laughter within the group while also improving communication skills and teamwork.
These guessing games are perfect for group activities and can elicit lots of shouting and laughter as people try to guess the correct word or movie.
You can even form teams and start a tournament to make it more interesting. Alternatively, card games such as poker, blackjack, spoons, and rummy are also fun and cost nothing to play if you already have a deck of cards.
All of these games can help improve your strategic thinking and social skills while having a great time with friends.
49. Make videos together
Indeed, making videos with friends can be a fun and exciting activity that creates lasting memories. There are many different types of videos that can be made with friends, such as music videos, vlogs, or short films.
The research suggests that enacting favorite movie scenes with friends can uplift the atmosphere as well. Dressing the part, rehearsing together, and video shooting the entire set can create fun moments that are bound to create some beautiful memories.
Making videos with friends can strengthen friendships and develop new skills such as video production and editing. The key is to have fun with your best friends and enjoy the time spent together.
50. Start a Band
If you and your friends have instruments, getting together and making music can be a fantastic way to bond and express yourselves while also encouraging collaboration and teamwork.
Creating music together is an excellent opportunity to learn new skills and experiment with different musical styles.
Plus, it helps create unforgettable memories and offers new opportunities to learn.
51. Create a Photo Album
In our digital age, putting together a photo album is another fabulous activity that you can do with friends.
Asking each friend to contribute a few photos and putting them in a friendship photo album is an excellent way to keep your memories close and spend an afternoon with your best friends.
Plus you are creating something you can enjoy for years to come!
52. Have a pillow fight
Having a pillow fight with friends can be a hilarious bonding experience that will make you forget all your worries.
To get started, find a spacious room or outdoor area where you can safely swing your pillows without breaking anything. Before starting the fight, agree on some basic rules to ensure everyone’s safety, such as no hitting in the face or aiming for sensitive areas.
Once you’re ready, grab your pillow and let the feathers fly! Don’t forget to laugh, scream, and dodge as you try to land a hit on your friends.
53. Attend park concerts
Attending park concerts is one of the best fun things to do with friends.
Not only are they affordable or free of charge, but they also offer a great opportunity to relax and unwind with friends.
This is something to enjoy after long work weeks!
54. Start a Business
Starting a business with friends can be a great way to combine your passions and skills while also earning extra income.
However, before jumping into any business venture with friends, it’s important to consider the potential risks and challenges. It’s crucial to have a clear agreement and plan in place to avoid conflicts and misunderstandings in the future.
Another option is to research side hustles as a great way to earn extra income. There are numerous side hustle ideas that can be done with friends such as dog walking, pet sitting, house cleaning, and tutoring.
Learning how to make money online for beginners is a hot topic.
55. Play Tourist in Your Own Town
Playing tourist in your own town can be a great way to spend time with friends while discovering new sights and experiences. There’s no need to travel far when there are plenty of activities to do in your hometown.
To start, visit local landmarks such as museums, historical sites, or city parks. These places offer a glimpse into the history and culture of your town.
Try out new restaurants and cafes that you haven’t been to before. It’s a great opportunity to sample local cuisine and support small businesses.
Attending local events such as concerts, festivals, or farmer’s markets can also be a fun way to experience your town.
Exploring the outdoors by taking a hike, bike ride, or even a picnic in a nearby park can be a refreshing change of pace.
Playing tourist in your own town not only allows you to discover new places but also strengthens friendships by creating shared memories and experiences.
56. Play games via video call
Playing games with friends remotely is indeed a great way to stay connected despite the distance.
There are various options available for playing games online with friends, such as board games, card games, and online games like Fortnite or Minecraft. Additionally, apps like Words with Friends or Yahtzee with Buddies can also be used to play games with friends remotely.
If you prefer non-digital games, you could play games like “Would You Rather?” or “Truth or Dare?” on a video call.
Playing games with friends online is an excellent way to spend time together and maintain a strong connection, even when you can’t be together physically.
57. Go to a bonfire
Going to a bonfire with friends is a fun and memorable activity that allows for bonding through storytelling, laughter, and shared experiences. Honestly, I forgot how fun a bonfire was until I went last weekend!
A bonfire is an outdoor gathering around a fire, typically held on a crisp fall evening.
With the hot temperatures and risk of fires, I would plan to attend a bonfire put on by an organization with fire trucks readily available.
Ensure there are snacks and drinks, and follow safety precautions. Overall, a bonfire with friends is a great way to escape the monotony of life and create lasting memories.
58. Bake something delicious together
Baking with friends is indeed a fun and exciting activity that can bring people closer together. It provides an opportunity to bond and share a sweet treat afterward.
One can choose a recipe they would like to try, whether it’s an old standby or something brand new. A cake, a sweet fruit pie, or a few batches of favorite cookies are some of the options that one can bake and decorate.
Alternatively, holding a friendly bake-off is a good way to bond competitively with friends.
So, next time you’re looking for something fun to do with your friends, why not try baking together?
59. Go camping together
Camping with friends is an excellent way to bond and enjoy the outdoors while disconnecting from technology. It is a cheap and fun hobby that offers numerous benefits, including strengthening friendships.
Whether you choose to camp in a nearby park or your backyard, sharing stories around a campfire, cooking meals together, and exploring nature can be a healthy move for everyone to unwind.
Camping provides an opportunity to enjoy the serenity of nature away from the disruptions of city life. You can hitch a tent, make a bonfire, roast some marshmallows, and play games, which is sure to be an adventure away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
It is important to plan ahead, bring necessary supplies, and follow safety precautions to ensure a fun and safe camping experience.
60. Go Geocaching
One of our personal favorite activities.
Geocaching is a fun and exciting activity that involves using GPS to find hidden containers or “caches” outdoors. It’s like a real-life treasure hunt that can be enjoyed with friends.
To get started, one can download the official Geocaching app for free.
Geocaching can be a great way to explore new places in your local area with friends while having fun. With GPS coordinates, you can search for hidden treasures that are waiting to be discovered.
61. Go to A Local Coffee Shop
Going to a local coffee shop is a great way to spend quality time with friends. Aside from being a cliche, it is an easy thing to do and offers a comfortable environment to catch up with your friends.
You can order your favorite beverage and indulge in a little slice of cake while chatting about everything you have missed since you last spoke.
A coffee shop offers a cozy and relaxed atmosphere, which makes it a perfect spot to hang out with friends.
Going to a local coffee shop also supports small businesses in your community. It is also a great way to discover new cafes and coffee shops in your area, which can become your new favorite hangout spot.
62. Volunteer
Volunteering with friends is a great way to give back to the community while having fun with your pals.
There are various ways friends can volunteer together, such as helping out at a local animal shelter, sprucing up city landscaping, or serving meals at a soup kitchen.
Volunteering with friends strengthens relationships, gives back to the community, and is a fun way to do good.
These are the best ways to capture your bucket list and find ideas!
FAQ
There are a number of things you can do right now with friends. You can go for coffee, take a walk, or visit a museum. You could also consider doing something more active, such as going for a run or playing a sport.
Whatever you choose to do, make sure you enjoy it and spend time with your friends.
The important thing is to find something that you both enjoy so that you can have fun together.
You can watch a movie, play video games, go for a walk, listen to music, or even just sit and talk.
What Fun Places to Go with Friends Will You Choose?
These unique activities are just a few examples of the many fun things you can do with your friends.
Don’t be afraid to try something new and get creative! Who knows, you might just discover a new favorite activity.
A little short on cash? Don’t worry… here are 101 things to do with no money.
So, gather your friends and start planning your next adventure together.
And if you have any unique ideas of your own, be sure to share them in the comments below!
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Where Housing Prices Have Crashed and Billions in Wealth Have Vanished
In New Zealand, high interest rates have sent property prices sliding nearly 18 percent since November 2021.
June 19, 2023
Michael Wilson was hopeful when he put his three-bedroom house up for sale: Over a dozen would-be buyers came to the initial showing.
But about a year later, the property is still for sale. Offer after offer fell through because the prospective buyers were unable to sell their homes.
Welcome to New Zealand, one of the world’s most troubled housing markets. Over the last 18 months, homeowners and investors have lost billions of dollars in wealth after prices that spiked during the Covid pandemic started plunging as mortgage rates also soared.
“If we listed it, say, two months before we originally did, it would have literally sold the next day,” Mr. Wilson said. He and his wife, Jade, might finally have found a buyer for their three-bedroom house in Te Awamutu, a pretty North Island town of 13,000 people. But if they are lucky they will be paid about 15 percent less than they originally sought.
Sweden, Britain, Canada and Australia. Few places have experienced as wild a swing as New Zealand, which last week slipped into a recession.
more than $6 billion in household wealth, according to Statistics New Zealand estimates.
record low in the three months through December, and houses now sit on the market for an average of 47 days, with some languishing for many months.
Calls for the government to address the housing shortage grew more urgent in February, when once-in-a-generation storms and flooding damaged thousands of homes on North Island, some irreparably. Then five people died in May in a devastating fire at a hostel in Wellington, the capital, that was inhabited mostly by men without stable housing.
Despite relatively low wages and ample land — New Zealand has a population of five million spread over an area the size of Colorado — a dearth of building, coupled with low borrowing costs, meant that buyers had long been willing to pay for older homes that were poorly built and insulated.
“You’re just lucky to have shelter, rather than worry about the quality of shelter,” said Shamubeel Eaqub, an independent economist in Auckland.
high construction prices limited development.
Property values in New Zealand are also highly susceptible to the rise and fall of interest rates. Unlike U.S. mortgages, which are effectively backed by the government and often set for as long as 30 years, home loans rarely have fixed rates of more than a couple of years. Buyers and homeowners with mortgages now face interest rates of at least 6.5 percent on new loans, up from about 2 percent in 2020.
Housing problems touch virtually every corner of the population, including those on painfully long waiting lists for public housing, underserved renters for whom property ownership seems out of reach and more affluent people who bet big on property and are now seeing their investments fall in value.
Homes are among the least affordable in the world, with a median price of 780,000 New Zealand dollars, or about $480,000, compared with about $407,000 in the United States, according to Redfin.
according to the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. That is partly because there is no capital-gains tax, meaning money made on sales is typically not taxed.
The owners of Barrington Plaza, an aging Los Angeles apartment complex with a record of life-threatening fires, said Monday that they plan to evict all tenants to make way for a sprinkler retrofit that will cost more than $300 million and take several years.
Landlord Douglas Emmett Inc. notified city officials that it will withdraw all 712 units in Barrington Plaza from the rental market under the Ellis Act. The state law allows landlords to remove tenants from rent-stabilized apartments if their building is removed from the rental market.
It is expected to be one of the largest mass evictions in the city in recent years, affecting 577 occupied units, some of which house tenants who have lived in the property for decades under rent controls that keep their monthly payments below market rate.
Residents were notified Monday of the planned closure.
Tenant rights advocate Larry Gross of the Coalition for Economic Survival said Douglas Emmett should have planned to temporarily relocate the tenants and allow them to return to their rent-controlled units when repairs are complete.
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“There are long-term tenants who are going to end up being displaced and will have to pay much higher rents” in the future, he said. “They won’t be able to find comparable housing in the neighborhood or even the city.”
The complex at Wilshire Boulevard and Barrington Avenue in L.A.’s Sawtelle neighborhood will be returned to the rental market when the upgrades are complete, the landlord said. No completion date has been set and there are no provisions for tenants to return to their units.
Current tenants may have as long as a year to move out and, in the case of elderly or disabled occupants, could receive more than $22,000 in financial assistance for relocation, the landlord said.
Relocation expense payments for tenants who have lived in the building for less than three years will be as much as $9,200 and may be used for such costs as first and last months’ rent in another apartment, security deposits and moving fees. The dollar amounts follow city eviction guidelines.
Due to high turnover, most tenants are currently paying market rate rent, the landlord said.
The three-tower complex was built in the early 1960s, which puts it in a group of 55 residential towers in Los Angeles that are exempt from laws requiring sprinklers that are triggered by fire. Sprinklers are mandated in most apartment buildings, but the city has maintained an exemption for high-rises built between 1943 and 1974. Among them are condominium buildings occupied by owners who have resisted the expense of adding sprinklers.
The lack of sprinklers at Barrington Plaza proved dangerous in 2013, when one of its three towers caught fire, displacing 125 residents. Fire erupted again in the same 25-story structure, known as Tower A, in 2020. A 19-year-old man died and 13 people were injured, including a 3-month-old baby and two firefighters. Eight floors in the building were red-tagged by city inspectors as unsafe to occupy and remain vacant.
Although city law does not require Barrington Plaza and other residential towers of its era to perform sprinkler retrofits, city officials did make approval of Barrington Plaza’s planned repairs from the 2020 fire contingent on upgrading the safety standards of all units.
“We understand the impact removing all Barrington Plaza rental units from the market will have on our tenants,” Douglas Emmett Chief Executive Jordan Kaplan said in a statement. “Unfortunately, this is the only way to comply with city directives to install fire sprinklers and other life safety improvements throughout the towers following the January 2020 fire.”
Barrington Plaza will have relocation specialists available at the property who can provide individualized tenant support and aid in locating, viewing and moving into new residences, the landlord said. There will also be a telephone hotline to answer tenant questions.
“Although almost 75% of our residents have been at Barrington Plaza for less than three years, we have some residents that have been here over 20 years, and we want to make sure that this process is as seamless as possible for them,” Kaplan said. “That is why we are going far beyond the Ellis Act requirements by providing individualized relocation support tailored to the specific circumstances of each tenant.”
Gross said the landlord should use other means to protect tenants’ housing at Barrington Plaza.
“That’s one of the largest complexes on the Westside,” he said. Its “rent-controlled units will be lost forever if they use the Ellis Act.”
Don’t it always seem to go That you don’t know what you got till it’s gone? They paved paradise, put up a parking lot …
—Joni Mitchell
It seemed like old times at my favorite Hollywood restaurant the other night. The rains had stopped and everyone was coming out for their favorite California comfort food. A fire was crackling in the fireplace and dessert soufflés were puffing up in the ovens. The party room upstairs was packed with 35 colleagues at a celebratory business dinner and downstairs every table was filled. But something strange was happening.
When diners finished their meals, they took out their phones and began photographing the place. Pictures on the walls had price tags on them. So did lamps and antique tables. Every now and then people hugged each other and wiped away tears. I was one of them.
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This was the last week of life for Off Vine restaurant, a treasured refuge from the hurly burly of Sunset Boulevard, housed in a bungalow with a 115-year history, a repository of countless, colorful movieland stories.
For me, this was personal. Off Vine had become my own Cheers. Like the theme of the TV show, it was the place “Where everybody knows your name / And they’re always glad you came.”
With my friends and neighbors I found camaraderie and a warm welcome at Off Vine for over 30 years. Like so many other Angelenos, we built memories here and shared delicious meals.
“You’re crying for a restaurant?” she said.
“No,” I said. “I’m crying for all we are losing.”
We also formed a society here called the Oy Luck Club, a tongue-in-cheek title that conveyed this was a place to have a good time. We celebrated birthdays and anniversaries. Some of us brought our children as babies and they grew up with this special group of “aunts” and “uncles.” They are now adults and still came back to Off Vine as if it were a second home, a family home. It was the glue that bound us together for the rest of our lives.
How can I tell you why Off Vine matters? If you have been there for a festive brunch on the graceful patio with its bowers of bougainvillea, you may understand. If you took family there for birthday dinners or, like one of my friends, you hosted foreign dignitaries for lunch to show them another side of Hollywood, you will understand.
Recently a friend told me, “You will have to find a new place to go instead of Off Vine.”
I caught my breath, whispered, “I can’t” and began to cry.
“You’re crying for a restaurant?” she said.
“No,” I said. “I’m crying for all we are losing.”
The owners did not plan this. They hoped to stay for a long time. But this is a story of the cost of insensitive development, the devaluation of our city’s history and a place that deserves to be preserved. Otherwise, a treasured piece of Hollywood history will soon be unremembered by anyone.
Hollywood legends
My own story is linked indelibly to the history of Hollywood.
Long ago and far away in a land called New Jersey, I spent many snowy days of childhood dreaming of a magical place called Hollywood where it was always warm and movie stars were everywhere. My dreams were enhanced by movie magazines, which showed a never-ending stream of glamorous actors dining and dancing at night clubs like Ciro’s, Cafe Trocadero, Mocambo and the Earl Carroll Theatre.
Food and drink played a role in the glamour life. Stars had private booths at the likes of Chasen’s and the Brown Derby, where an artist drew caricatures of the famous that hung on the walls. Even a soda fountain, Schwab’s, was famous because legend had it that Lana Turner had been discovered there sitting on a stool sipping a milkshake.
Years later, I would move to Hollywood, but those places were mostly gone, torn down in the march toward modernization. The celebrated history of the movie capital would become confined to the footprints at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre (now TCL Chinese Theatre), stars on the sidewalk and books about its fabled past. As a journalist with the Associated Press, I had the chance to interview stars at the Brown Derby with its big brown hat on the rooftop looming over Hollywood. But soon that too was gone, as was C.C. Brown’s, the birthplace of the hot fudge sundae.
So often I’d strike out when I went in search of a Hollywood landmark such as the Garden of Allah residential hotel, where stars such as Errol Flynn and famous writers including F. Scott Fitzgerald and Dorothy Parker lived and partied in their heyday. I found it had been demolished and replaced by a bank (which was itself torn down a couple of years back for a never-built Frank Gehry project).
But all was not lost. One day in 1989 I was driving around Hollywood with my best friend and fellow reporter, Theo Wilson, when she and I discovered a remaining piece of the wonderland I‘d been searching for. It was a small, hidden oasis of a restaurant called Off Vine. Tucked away on a street just south of Sunset Boulevard and east of Vine Street, it was a delightful bungalow with a traditional porch and an outdoor patio. When we stepped inside, the warming fireplace, coffered ceilings and vintage pictures of old-time stars and movie premieres made us feel we had come home. We learned the place had a colorful Hollywood history and just recently had opened as an eating place.
We sat down for a meal of California cuisine coupled with old-fashioned comfort food that pleased our taste buds. We knew this place was a keeper.
Over the years it became our go-to destination for brunches, dinners, birthdays and pretheater meals. We brought neighbors from our Hollywood Heights enclave and founded the Oy Luck Club, a name that reflected the lighthearted intent of the members who were part of a unique community that was not the glitzy movie capital but was Hollywood, a small town with homes and shops, block parties and interesting people.
At one time there were so many of us that we brought our own huge, round tabletop that unfolded to accommodate up to 16 people, our own version of the Algonquin Round Table.
Amid this idyllic camaraderie, we never imagined that one day we would lose our treasured piece of history and community. Sadly, that time appears to be now unless some rescuer turns up at the last minute to save it.
The parcel of land on which the restaurant sits has been sold to an investor who plans to tear it down and put up a row of apartments on the whole block. Off Vine sits on what will become an underground parking garage. (Cue the Joni Mitchell song.)
For the record:
12:29 p.m. March 29, 2023The final Oy Luck Club gathering at Off Vine was on a recent Saturday, not a Sunday as originally stated.
A couple of Saturdays ago the surviving members of Oy Luck Club gathered at Off Vine to celebrate two birthdays and reminisce about our beloved clubhouse.
One of those being feted was Diva Ward, 31, who had first come to an Oy Luck at Off Vine as an infant in the arms of her mother, Carol, who flew in from Wisconsin for the event. Also celebrating was architect Michael Mekeel, a founding member of Oy Luck. The oldest member present was famed actor Alan Oppenheimer, 92.
We ordered favorites from the brunch menu: a huge Belgian waffle with berries and bacon, eggs Benedict with exquisite hollandaise sauce, omelets, a breakfast quesadilla and salads. The grand finale was, as always, the signature Off Vine soufflé available in chocolate, raspberry or Grand Marnier. It had to be ordered half an hour ahead but was worth the wait. Nowhere else have I ever tasted such a rich, puffy soufflé.
Movie-worthy history
We shared memories with co-owner Richard Falzone who has saved Off Vine repeatedly. Everyone listened as I recounted the colorful story of the little house, which itself could be the inspiration for a movie.
The classic Craftsman bungalow was built in 1908 on a dirt road surrounded by fruit trees and orange groves off a newly formed country path called Vine Street.
With the burgeoning film industry in its infancy, houses began popping up to accommodate the actors, crews and producers who came west to get in on the new art form.
The house at 6263 Leland Way off Vine Street eventually was purchased by theater and nightclub impresario Earl Carroll for the actress and showgirl Beryl Wallace.
Carroll discovered Wallace in New York and put her onstage in his famous and somewhat scandalous “Vanities,” which featured elaborate productions with beautiful, scantily clad showgirls. She was his star. The two fell in love and for the next two decades she would be his girlfriend and constant companion. When he left Broadway under a cloud due to increasingly risqué shows, he decided to go West to seek a new venue for his extravagant dreams. He brought Wallace with him to Hollywood, where she had small roles in 23 films and performed at the Earl Carroll Theatre, a supper club and entertainment venue on Sunset Boulevard. The building’s exterior bore a 24-foot neon likeness of Wallace with the slogan, “Through these portals pass the most beautiful girls in the world.”
The club, which was colossal in size and from 1997 to 2017 housed Nickelodeon’s TV production studios, is set for renovation and has been declared a historic monument. Built by Carroll in 1938, it housed a 1,000-seat showroom where productions featured 60 showgirls performing on a double revolving stage. Members of Hollywood royalty were among those who paid $1,000 each for VIP lifetime memberships.
Wallace was its premier star, and Carroll felt she needed a residence that would also serve as a retreat between shows. He purchased the charming bungalow on Leland Way that became Wallace’s home. Later her mother lived with her there while the town of Hollywood grew around them. The Pantages Theatre is a few blocks away and the Cinerama Dome is around the corner. Schwab’s was up the street at Hollywood and Vine.
But not all Hollywood stories have happy endings. Tragedy struck in 1948 when Wallace and Carroll, en route to New York to discuss an even bigger project, died together in a plane crash in Pennsylvania. A year later, her mother, suffering from depression over the loss of her daughter, committed suicide.
The little bungalow was home to Beryl’s sister for a time and then was rented to several short-term tenants, including a music production company and a shoe repair shop.
In 1989 it emerged from hiding and became the unexpected restaurant known as Off Vine, which offered an escape from the chaos and glitz that is current-day Hollywood. One historian of the area said of the spot: “It has survived through the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, Hollywood’s Silent and Golden eras, numerous earthquakes, ambitious landowners and, in 2007, a disastrous fire.” But even the electrical fire that gutted the upper story and forced closure of the restaurant for two years while repairs were done could not kill Off Vine. Its savior since 1997 has been Falzone, a former Broadway theater performer who came West in search of his movieland dreams.
He found an unexpected career change when he took a temporary job as a server at Off Vine. He loved the place, worked his way up to general manager and became a part owner with two partners. Eight months later the fire sparked in antiquated wiring panels devastated the house.
But Falzone persisted. He set up an office on the front porch to handle calls from loyal customers and to deal with the city and insurance companies. Two years later, the Craftsman bungalow, looking the same as ever, reopened. It took $750,000 to save it.
The owners were required to bring the house up to code and added a sprinkler system, larger restrooms, a wheelchair ramp and a new state-of-the-art kitchen. The upper floor, used for parties, was restored with its 13-foot coffered ceiling.
“Our journey has been long and tumultuous, full of struggles and setbacks,” Falzone said at the reopening ceremony. “It also has come to exemplify the strength of a community that has continually offered guidance, encouragement and support to a small business that found itself struggling to reopen its doors during one of the worst economic crises our country has ever seen.”
Then L.A. City Council president and future mayor Eric Garcetti said, “This Hollywood gem adds to the continued revitalization of our community.” Loyal customers, including the Oy Luck Club gang, returned in droves. The rebirth of the Pantages Theatre as a venue for Broadway road shows brought audience members there for pretheater meals.
Things were going so well that Falzone decided it might be time to apply for designation as a Hollywood historic landmark. He was supported by Hollywood Heritage, a preservation group whose co-founder, architect Fran Offenhauser, has spearheaded campaigns to save historic buildings from the wrecking ball.
But the arbiters of such decisions looked at its history and ruled that because of the fire, which resulted in a few visible exterior changes, Off Vine did not qualify.
Then the pandemic hit and Falzone had to close. But again the little restaurant that could, with the help of government COVID subsidies, survived. Off Vine reopened as soon as it was safe and struggled to get enough servers. Some loyal employees returned. Amid all of that, Falzone was blindsided by the sale and was given notice that when the lease expires this April he would be required to vacate the property.
It turns out that Earl Carroll, in a seeming premonition and an act of love for his inamorata, added a codicil to his will stating that if he and Wallace should die together the property would go to her heirs. It was still owned by Wallace’s descendants 75 years later when they yielded to a multimillion-dollar offer from Invesco, a development firm that was interested not in the lovely little house but the land on which it stands.
Notice also was given to other nearby restaurants. A Chipotle has already relocated.
“This has been my life for 26 years. It’s been my heart, my soul, my baby and my family. It’s been my everything,” Falzone told me. “It’s not just a restaurant. People are coming into a family home and they are our family. It’s a home where there’s love, good food and good cheer.”
Offenhauser, who also is a founding member of the Oy Luck Club and a powerful advocate for Hollywood preservation, sees this as another nail in the coffin of Hollywood’s history.
“There is a real Hollywood and it’s getting smothered,” she told me as we commiserated about the impending loss. “It is not a sign of progress to destroy things that are meaningful. It’s important to integrate them with whatever is new that is compatible and complementary.
“It’s not rocket science to be able to save Off Vine,” she said. “If you recognize something is important you can build around it. It’s possible to build new and not destroy the old. In the alternative, the building could be moved to another lot. It’s not that complicated.”
We reflected on how many of us who are transplants to Hollywood made it our real hometown.
“For whatever reason when we came to Hollywood we bonded with it deeply,” Offenhauser said. “This bungalow reflects that. It means something much bigger than our individual personal memories. It manifests what neighbors mean; what Beryl’s life meant; how Richard knit people together with his unique grasp of food in a home; what a livable humanistic neighborhood in Hollywood — with neighbors walking by that porch — did mean and should mean.”
When I asked Falzone the other day what happened to the pictures and memorabilia of the beautiful Beryl Wallace that adorned the walls of Off Vine as long as I had been going there, he said the family came and collected everything. Sadly, there remains no evidence that the glamorous star ever lived there.
Deutsch, longtime special correspondent for the Associated Press, is known for covering the trials of O.J. Simpson, Angela Davis, Phil Spector, Patty Hearst, Charles Manson, Robert Blake, Lyle and Erik Menendez, Michael Jackson and many more. She has been a resident of Hollywood for more than 50 years, first in the Hollywood Heights and currently the Hollywood Dell.
If you could watch any TV series for the first time again, what would it be? After someone polled the internet, these are the top-voted television series.
1. Breaking Bad
“Breaking Bad,” shared one. “The greatest tv series of all time. Though it wasn’t a Netflix original, I’d say this was one of the first shows that helped usher us into the streaming era. Truly iconic, and Bryan Cranston is one of the greatest actors of all time..”
2. The Good Place
Many people agreed with, The Good Place. “It is one of those shows that gets more interesting (in new ways) each time you watch it, and I don’t think that can be said for many other shows! Plus, it’s an absolute masterclass in casting, makes intellectual topics fun, and has unique characters — no wonder it’s my favorite.”
3. Futurama
Futurama came in at number three on the list. However, one person noted, “We skip the dog episode, though.” “I completely agree,” said another. “As this is probably my most rewatchable show, there were many memorable first-time moments. The Bee episode is up there for me.”
4. M*A*S*H
“I’m dating myself here, but M*A*S*H,” shared another. “Very, very funny. It’s about the Korean war, but the good thing is that you don’t have to know or even understand anything about history to laugh your bum off. It has its touching moments too.
5. Community
“Community. I’d give anything to see ‘Remedial Chaos Theory’ or ‘Intermediate Documentary Filmmaking’ for the first time again,” one confessed. While others agreed, one added, “You discover new things on the 30th rewatch.”
6. Fleabag
Several people voted for the show, Fleabag. “Oh man, I’m feeling wistful just imagining seeing it again for the first time.” Another added, “I can’t stress how much I would recommend this show even if you don’t see why on the first episode, everyone should watch it. I promise by the end. You’ll be glad you did. It’s only two very short seasons. I came here looking specifically for this show.”
7. The X-Files
“I started watching The X-Files when I was eight and rewatched the entire series when I was 28,” answered another. “It was such an enriching experience. All of the episodes I didn’t get when I was a kid hit deep 20 years later. The truth is out there, my friends.”
8. Fringe
One user confessed, “I didn’t expect this answer so high up. Fringe is so underrated! Hate the last season, but I wish I could experience the second season for the first time again.” A second added, “Watched it several times over. Never disappoints.”
9. Twin Peaks
“Twin Peaks. Every watch-through is a wild ride. But nothing compares to that first watch,” one suggested. Another said, “It’s an intense fever dream of a show and probably a bit quirky for some, but for my money, it’s the most absorbing series of all time.
I’m still obsessed with it years later. For those new to the show, start with seasons one and two. Then watch the movie Fire Walk With Me and then season three, which takes place 25 years later.”
10. Avatar: The Last Airbender
“Avatar: The Last Airbender,” answered another. “I’d give anything to experience it the first time again. I’m going to watch the new series from Avatar studios and hope it can replicate that feeling.”
11. Firefly
Someone volunteered, “Firefly. The best show I never want to see a remake of” shared one. “I honestly don’t want to go through the heartbreak of learning that it was canceled all over again. It’s taken me a lot of time to heal from that,” confessed another.
12. True Detective Season 1
“True Detective Season 1. Peak Matthew McConaughey right there,” one replied. “My life was much better when I watched this the first time.” Another admitted, “I saw this season again recently, and it was even better the second time. I missed so many details the first time around.”
13. Black Mirror
“Black Mirror,” one noted. “It’s not the same when rewatching. Still good, but nothing beats seeing each story for the first time.” A second said, “Yo, that show was wild the first run. It was like anti-anti depressants.”
14. Lost
One person shouted, “Definitely LOST. I’m wondering how it would be to binge the series, but there was something about the year wait to find out what was in the hatch.” A second added, “I love Lost! You can only recreate the magic of watching it for the first time by introducing it to someone who’s never seen it and watching it with them!”
15. The Wire
Finally, The Wire comes in at number fifteen on this list. Someone suggested, “The Wire is great for multiple rewatches. It’s nice having an attachment to the characters from the get-go and being reminded why you like them so much.”
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