Riverside, CA

In my household, I am affectionately referred to as the "Bingo Whore". Don't laugh, my mother is the "Slot Slut" (she is addicted to those little one-armed bandits). I have always had fun playing Bingo thanks to the array of colorful characters that frequent these places. The games may change from bingo hall to bingo hall, but the players remain colorful no matter where you live. So, when I heard about this fabulous event going on at the University Village in Riverside, CA, I just had to go. From 6-7:30pm, the public is welcome to come and play Bingo for FREE! Prizes are donated by the local businesses, including Denny's, Game Stop, Fat Burger, the University Village Cinema and various restaurants located in the village. There were also passes for the San Diego County Fair given away. My son and I went last Wednesday night and came SO CLOSE to winning. We both were only 1 number away from winning the prize package that included a Game Stop gift card (thus the face of defeat below when we both lost). I was also 1 number away from winning 2 of the other 5 games, including the final blackout! What heartbreak! Once we lost out on the Game Stop gift card, my son lost interest. But, I think I have him hooked. He's going back with me tonight to see if maybe one of us can win that Game Stop gift card prize package. By the way, tonight is the last night of the series this year. It will be back next June. Wish me luck!

Heather Chavez - Second Self Virtual Assistance: When There Isn't Enough of You to Go Around!

Houses and Condos for Sale in Riverside CA

Single family homes
Number of active listings 1121
Number of listings in escrow 1206
Number of listings that sold last week 39

Condos/Townhomes
Number of active listings 68
Number of listings in escrow 59
Number of listings that sold last week 13

The market is really hopping right now. There are lots of buyers out there ready to take advantage of a terrific time to buy a home - with very low home prices, low interest rates and the $8000 tax credit for first time buyers. If you've been thinking about buying a house and can afford one, don't let the opportunity pass by.

Written and posted by: Vicki Pedersen, ABR, Pedersen Real Estate, Riverside/Corona, California, 951-840-5212 vicki@pedersen-team.com Visit my website.

Taken at the ice cream social held at the Heritage House in Riverside, CA today. Bet you can't guess what this guy's cooking up? What do you think?

Heather Chavez - Second Self Virtual Assistance: When There Isn't Enough of You to Go Around!

***This photo was taken by me. You are welcome to use it if you like. Just make sure to mention where you got it from and add a link back to the original. Thanks.***

Last weekend, my son and I were able to go our very own historical landmark: the Heritage House in Riverside, CA. Even though I have lived in this area for over 20+ years, I have never actually set foot inside of it until last weekend. It's absolutely beautiful. Built in 1891 by Mrs. Catharine Bettner, the Heritage House was chosen to be an example of what was typical Victorian architecture in Riverside's burgeoning youth. Since there is no air conditioning to the upper floor of the home, it is closed in July and August (the hottest months of the year). In fact, this weekend is the last hurrah until September 2009.

To hear a brief history and see some great photographs I took while visiting the Heritage House, please click here.

To celebrate it's last open date before the doors close for the summer, the Heritage House is hosting an old fashioned ice cream social that is absolutely FREE to the public on Sunday, June 28, 2009 from 12-4pm. Come on down, cool off from the heat and enjoy a taste of yesteryear at one of the oldest and most beautifully interesting homes in Riverside, CA.

Heather Chavez - Second Self Virtual Assistance: When There Isn't Enough of You to Go Around!

Yesterday, I took my son out to eat lunch at a fabulous little place called Jason's Deli. This great little find is located at 2555 Canyon Springs Parkway on the border of Riverside and Moreno Valley, near March Air Reserve Base. When we went yesterday, many of the soldiers that work at March ARB happened to be eating there as well. We managed to beat the lunch crowd by arriving a little earlier than noon. But, right after we got there, the line wound around the back wall. My parents always like to eat here when they come into town and, pull my arm, I take them there. They have franchises all over the country. They have also been named as one of the most healthy menus around by Parents magazine thanks to their use of organic food whenever possible. I've had their Turkey Wrap, potato cheese soup, Sergeant Pepper Po'boy and, yesterday, settled in for their salad bar. My son absolutely adores their MeataBalla Po'boy. When my son was finished, he proclaimed "I'm not light-headed. I'm heavy-stomached" while patting his bulging (well, bulging for the stick figure of a kid he is) belly.

Classic car enthusiasts should stop by our local Jason's Deli this Friday, June 26th from 5-8pm to see some amazingly restored classic cars in all their beauty. You get to enjoy the music of the 50's, 60's and 70's as well as awards, raffles and a 50/50 drawing.

Also, Jason's Deli is offering a "Kids eat FREE on Sundays" deal for all kids accompanied by a parent or guardian. Kids get to pick any meal off of the JR menu and the offer is limited to one JR meal per child per dine in visit. The laid back atmosphere allows you to get a big group of people together for Sunday brunch without causing a big fuss or hassle. Just push a few tables together and you can get the party started. So, come on down so you can be "heavy-stomached", too. You won't regret it!

***The photo used in this post is my very own work. But, if you like it, feel free to use it any way you wish. If you really like it, make sure to mention where you got it from when you use it. Thanks***

Heather Chavez - Second Self Virtual Assistance: When There Isn't Enough of You to Go Around!