Bringing the beach home for the holidays doesn’t necessarily mean that you will have a mermaid as your tree topper.  The ocean is full of exciting elements that can add to your holiday décor; but there is no need to go over the top.  There are ways to enjoy a seaside holiday theme without diving right into the ocean.  Starting with the tree topper, since that is a highlight of holiday décor, consider a large starfish fastened to the tree with a strong tie-tie.  Another option is to find some sort of branch or sea grass and fasten that to the top of your tree.

Underneath a sea of starfish and shell ornaments, you could set the tone with either clear white lights or blue/green lights.  During the holiday season, green lights are more St. Patrick’s Day green, so unless you can find a teal blue/green, it’s best to stick with white or blue.  Should you choose blue lights for your tree, spreading glass and light colored ornaments around branches provides a nice contrast.  With white lights, you can still use light colored shells as ornaments (hung by rope, not metal hooks); but add a punch of color with silver, gold and colorful ball ornaments.  Suitable colors for a beach theme may also include coral, if you can find this shade of ornament.

For your front door wreath, you don’t have to stick to the literal translation of beach theme by hooking a giant shell or ring of shells to your door.  Think elegant and polished.  Use your natural, bushy pine wreath or swag – or both – and just hook in small starfish and shells along with lighting of your choice.  This understated wreath provides a unique and warm welcome to guests.

A decorative idea that a lot of people miss out on is that of hanging decorations from the ceiling or lighting fixtures.  Depending on the ceiling height where you place your tree, you might consider hanging a few silver or gold ball ornaments from the ceiling for visual interest.  To do this, choose your favorite ornament (this could even be large shells or starfish) and string ribbon through the attachment hole.  Wire ribbon may work best, as this can be wrapped around small thumb tacks that are hammered into the ceiling.  If the ornaments you wish to hang are lightweight, you may be able to adhere them to the ceiling with strong double-sided tape.  Doing this, you avoid having to fill holes after the holiday season has passed.  This idea can also be used with great success over the dining room table.

There are no rules for holiday decorating.  Since this is a time of year when you can let your imagination be your guide, take these ideas and run with them.

Do you conform to the market?

If you think that everything in the market is overpriced then you’re not conforming to the market. Someone who’s ready to buy a home sets realistic expectations about the market after doing an extensive research about it.

Do you have enough savings?

Your savings do not have to be equivalent to the amount of the home you intend to purchase. But you must at least have 2 to 3 months of mortgage payments reserved in the bank. Mortgage lenders look at this when considering a mortgage application. Having some money in the bank will give you better chances of having your loan application approved.

Do you have resources and time to maintain a house?

Maintaining a house is a huge responsibility, one that will take up time and money. Make sure that you have enough resources to take on this responsibility. If you’re not ready for this commitment, then that means that you’re not ready to buy a home yet.

Do you have a stable job?

A stable job is important for two things: one is that lenders look at your job stability during your loan application and two is that it means that you’re going to stay in a particular place for some time. Lenders give priority to those who have at least two years of employment at the same company or in the same field. If you don’t have a stable job in a particular place, there’s more potential to relocate. If you’re going to relocate, it won’t make sense to buy a $250,000 worth of house in a place where you won’t be staying for long.

The area has several interesting places that you may visit while spending your grand vacation. It is highly guaranteed that you will never get bored.

The Christmas Tree Lane stretches about 0.7 mile (1.1km) of Santa Rosa Avenue from Woodbury Road to Altadena Drive. Since the 1920s, this has been a holiday tourist attraction. It was included on the list of National Register of Historic Places in 1990 and also a famous California Historical Landmark.

Another tourist attraction is the Cobb Estate located on top of Lake Avenue which is a free botanical garden of the U.S. Forest Service. The Farnsworth Park which is also located on Lake Avenue is a huge county park that has picnic grounds, club house and play areas ideal for a family bonding activity.

Never miss out on your chance to visit Altadena’s Mariposa Village for a shopping spree! Another place to go to when you want an extravagant shopping moment is the South Lake Shopping district wherein you can find tons of good finds sold at very reasonable prices. The village also has a magnificent library that houses a huge collection of interesting books. If you are a performing arts enthusiast, make sure to make a visit to the Theater Americana and watch original plays or the Pasadena Playhouse for theater productions.

For a unique dining and entertainment experience, drop by the Old Pasadena and you will fall in love with the place. Also a must-visit is the Norton Simon Museum which displays artworks and crafts that will feed the eyes of art lovers visiting the area.

Now, if you love the outdoors and you would like to have an unforgettable bonding with Mother Nature, Altadena definitely have several places to offer! First on the list is the Descanso Gardens which allow you to enjoy great leisurely walks while discovering native plants. For exotic plants and long, relaxing walks, head to the LA County Arboretum. If you’re into racing, make sure to drop by the Santa Anita Racetrack and witness one of a kind racing in the area. Never forget to pay a visit to the Huntington Library Museum and Gardens, too. For a sightseeing adventure, trail the Mount Lowe Railway or the Echo Mountain and have a dose of pure bliss and excitement!