Halloween Safty Tips

Halloween Safety Tips 1d ago
Crime Prevention Officer Andrew Bornhoeft from Elk Grove Police Department
Halloween is an exciting night of the year and a particularly special treat for young children. It is also an important time to be extra vigilant for potential safety hazards. The Elk Grove Police Department wants everyone to have a happy, fun, and safe Halloween by following these tips:

NO MASKS 
Wearing a mask can limits the field of vision, which can cause young ghouls and goblins to trip over steps, or worse not see traffic. Face paint is a safer and sometimes even scarier alternative.

FLAME RESISTANT COSTUMES
When picking out costumes for your kids, always check the label to see if the material is flame resistant. With common decorations being Jack o'Lanterns and candles, it’s important to keep fire safety and prevention in mind.

BRIGHTLY COLORED COSTUMES
Choose bright costumes instead of black or dark-colored outfits. Add reflective tape to costumes. Lighting is going to be dim at best, so you want your kid to be easily visible to everyone around. This makes it easier for cars to notice them and for you to keep track of them.

STAY ON SIDEWALKS AND CROSSWALKS
Use the sidewalk, and cross the street at cross walks. Watch out for traffic. If you are driving, go slow and be extra cautious.

BLUNT AND FLEXIBLE PROPS
If your kids’ costumes call for props, make sure that they aren’t sharp or rigid. That way if they hit someone with it or fall onto it on accident, no one will be hurt.

BRING A LIGHT
It’s a good idea to have them carry their own light source as well, whether it’s a flashlight, a glow stick or even a lightsaber. This makes them visible and also helps them look where they’re walking.

DON’T RUN
Walk to your destination, and watch out for cars and other trick or treaters.

TRICK OR TREAT AT FRIENDLY HOUSES
Stick to trick or treating at well-lit homes in neighborhoods that are familiar to you. Skip over dark houses and homes of strangers. And never go inside the house of someone you don’t know.

DON’T GO ALONE
Parents should accompany children to the doorsteps of houses when trick-or-treating.

NO PETS
Pets can get spooked and stressed out around so many people on the streets as well as many unusual sights and sounds. It’s best to keep them safely at home.

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS
Trick-or-treating is the most fun with friends! Going in a group is safer because the kids will be easier to notice on the street, and pranksters will be less likely to pick on you.

For more tips, visit the Elk Grove PD website at http://bit.ly/1HebgMw. Have a safe and spooktacular Halloween!

http://bit.ly/1HebgMw

Hot Real Estate Neighborhoods in Sacramento

Looking to buy a house in the Sacramento region? Better gird yourself for a fight. The Sacramento real estate market is on fire, and would-be buyers are finding themselves competing for houses in the most desirable neighborhoods. 

ELK GROVE

Once viewed as a bedroom community, Elk Grove increasingly is seen as a vibrant city of its own, thanks to a city council that has worked to attract jobs and make the town more business friendly. One of Elk Grove’s hottest real estate micromarkets is the 95757 ZIP code—the area between highways 99 and 5 south of Elk Grove Boulevard. Most of the houses here are of newer construction, built after 2000 with families in mind. You can expect to pay $300,000 to $350,000 for a house with at least 2,000 square feet of space. These days, local house hunters find themselves vying with buyers from the Bay Area who’ve been priced out of their own market. “You can hardly get into Elk Grove for under $225,000 right now,” says real estate agent Kevin Cooper with Cooper & Associates Realty. “Anything under $300,000 is very, very competitive.” 

Cooper points out that homes in the 95757 neighborhood, priced correctly, sell quickly and at close to full asking price, leaving buyers not much room for negotiation. Despite a heated-up market, he doesn’t foresee a return to the bad old days leading up to the 2007 real estate market crash. “The market feels healthier now,” he says. “Lending standards are being adhered to. Before, if your dog could fog a mirror, we could get him a loan.”

Why Elk Grove: “Foremost, it’s the sense of community. Elk Grove has lots of greenbelts, parks and aquatic centers. It’s a very diverse community and a great place to raise a family.

To see more neighborhoods:  http://www.sacmag.com/Sacramento-Magazine/June-2015/Real-Estate-Hot-Neighborhoods/

Preparing Your Roof For The Rain

With any luck, Mother Nature will send us an El Niño winter. Is your home ready? Preparation and basic maintenance is the best prevention for any major home issue. So when gearing up for heavy rain, start with an inspection, a task diligent homeowners carry out throughout the year.

Look now, before the rains, for shrinking and curling shingles. Clean gutters and downspouts, checking for areas where water can pool up around the roof or foundation, causing often expensive damage. Survey the inside of the home as well, looking for signs of roof or other leakage.

Ideally all repairs and upgrades should be made before the first set of heavy storms. If all looks good, trim back any trees or branches that could fall on the home. In some areas, leaning or unhealthy trees may need to be removed all together. Once the big branches are gone, clear all debris from the roof. This may need to be done a few times throughout the winter, as leaves and pine needles hold moisture which can lead to mold or rot.

Reverse Mortgages (Good or Bad)

Reverse Mortgages (Good or Bad)

I recently had a client of mine tell me "I just did a reverse mortgage and it is the best thing I have ever done" He went on to say that through his reverse mortgage he is able to gain interest on the equity in his home. That peaked my interest in finding out about what this Reverse Mortgage thing is all about. I had always heard how bad they were so I really wanted to understand what he was so excited about. As it turns out the reverse mortgage program has a lot of new rules and benefits that are so much better than ever before. They still aren't for everyone but today's version is making sense for many seniors, some who are living in homes they no longer need or want (many in 2 story homes) who just don't have the cash available to get into anything else. Since you are using the equity in your home credit scores are not a factor with reverse mortgages. Some seniors who are struggling to meet their monthly expenses and need additional cash, maybe still have a house payment that they struggle to make, or just want to travel and do some of the things they always planned for retirement can benefit. Here are some of the changes with reverse mortgages:
1. The homeowner can stay in their home until they die, the bank does not take it away.
2. If equity is still left in the home when the owner dies it goes to the heirs.
3. Heirs have the option of buying the home at 95% of the current market value.
4. They are now non-recourse loans meaning that should the homeowner use more money than they have available their heirs will not be responsible for the difference.
5. You can sell your current home and use all or part of the the equity to get into a home that better meets your needs and in most cases use the reverse mortgage on the new home so you have no payments on the new home.
6. You have options on how to take the money, you can take a lump some, payments over time, or have it set aside as a home equity line of credit that draws interest.
7. There are choices of fixed or variable interest rates.
As with any loans you take out you need to completely understand all the costs involved and decide if the process makes sense for you. It is always recommended that you talk with a professional and when meeting with them have your children or other relatives there so everyone understands the process.
Call us if you need a recommendation to a trust worthy person who can provide you solid information that is easy for you to understand on the reverse mortgage program. Sandy (916) 544-2066 or Steve (916) 425-1100..

Scary Good Fun

Holiday Novelties for Scary Good Fun   These gadgets and gewgaws may not be necessary, but they sure are a lot of fun. Check out some of our top picks for making this Halloween a holiday to remember. Skull and crossbones ice trays are great for Halloween parties, or as a gift for the pirate who has everything! Unbreakable plastic resin trays easily eject eight cubes per tray. And, they're dishwasher safe. Carnival prizes are a great alternative to handing out candy—especially if you always end up eating the leftovers! Get this 100-piece bag, or grab a larger size with 250 pieces. Scary sounds abound on this Halloween music compilation. If you want to deliver the perfect amount of spooky ambiance for events or trick-or-treaters, try a noise samplerinstead. Stream both for free with an Amazon Prime membership. Frightening fog is coveted by haunted houses and movie studios alike. Don't forget to order plenty of non-toxic fog juice to keep the fun going all evening. Ghost meter EMF sensor alerts you to the presence of nearby electromagnetic frequencies. Bring it along on your haunted house tour or trick-or-treating for some added fun with the kids. With light and sound modes, it's handy for day or night Halloween fun. Haunted toilet paper rollers will keep your guests guessing what's next with every spin. It installs in seconds, and since you can erase and record as many messages as you like, you can play this prank all year long. Funny side up molds two eggs into your choice of skull (bacon crossbones not included) or a wide-eyed owl. Since Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, it's the perfect way to start the day! Creepy clown plays a banjo couldn't be more frighteningly funny. The 39-inch robotic clown has red hair and wears a scary shredded clown suit. And if clowns aren't much of a treat for you, Amazon offers many other alarming animatronics and thousands of otherHalloween holiday decorations you'll love! Source: NBC News

Homes Values Continue to Rise in Sacramento

BY MARK GLOVER

mglover@sacbee.com

Home sales in the Sacramento area slowed down a bit in September, while the median sales price continued to rise, according to statistics released Tuesday by Irvine-based market researcher CoreLogic.

In Sacramento County, 2,191 homes – including new and resale homes and condos – sold last month. That was down slightly from 2,254 in August, but it was a 15.8 percent increase over 1,892 in September 2014.

The median sales price among all Sacramento County homes in September was $280,000, up from $271,000 in August and a 7.7 percent increase from $260,000 in September last year.

There were 1,815 existing homes that changed hands in Sacramento County last month, down 4.7 percent from 1,905 in August. But the sales volume was about 14 percent higher than 1,594 in the year-ago period.

Among detached single-family homes in Sacramento County changing hands in September, CoreLogic said the median sales price was $280,000, down from $275,000 in August but up nearly 7 percent from the September 2014 median of $262,000. For perspective, the resale median in August 2005 was $372,000.

One notable, significant change among the statistics: New home sales in Sacramento County in September totaled 177, up nearly 67 percent from 106 in August and nearly 40 percent over 128 in September last year.

The median sales price among new home sales recorded in Sacramento County in September was $383,000, down sharply from the August median of $416,750.

Sales of all homes in Placer County in September totaled 892, down from 925 in August but a nearly 18 percent year-over-year increase from 757 a year ago.

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/news/business/article40495131.html#storylink=cpy

Some perspective as real estate “bubble” conversations emerge

October 5, 2015 By Ryan Lundquist 9 Comments

Lots of real estate “bubble” talk lately. Have you noticed? It’s a hot topic for the public and real estate community as housing affordability is becoming more of an issue since values have been on the rise for the past four years. Even Hollywood is getting in on the action with movies hitting the screen about the bursting of the “bubble” ten years ago (thanks Jonathan Miller for the heads-up). Anyway, this isn’t another post on whether we are in a bubble or not, but rather some things to keep in mind for the real estate community as bubbly conversations emerge. I’d love to hear your take in the comments below.  For the Full story:  http://sacramentoappraisalblog.com/tag/sacramento-real-estate-market/

7 Tips for a Better LinkedIn Profile

7 Tips for a Better LinkedIn Profile   Whether you're searching for a new job, looking for new referral connections, or just trying to look your professional best online, maintaining a LinkedIn profile is mandatory. Today, 93 percent of recruiters use social media sites to vet employees. Fortunately, a great profile doesn't take long to create with these seven tips: Write an eye-catching headline. LinkedIn defaults the headline beneath your name to whatever your current job title says. Change it up to get noticed with action verbs and descriptive nouns. You may be a "marketing analyst," but a "10-year marketing veteran with a proven eye for viral content" is more powerful. Use a professional headshot. According to Rick Sass, career coach at Lee Hecht Harrison, recruiters are 70 percent more likely to read your profile if you have one. Take advantage of the background image. Showcase your interests like skiing, hiking or cooking. Avoid copyright issues by using personal or public domain photos. Make your Summary special. The Summary section makes LinkedIn more powerful than a résumé. You can convey skills and experience with a readable narrative that also showcases your personality. At the bottom of your summary, include a section called "Specialties." Load this section with suitable keywords employers or referral partners might search. For example, if you work in advertising you might include: "Specialties: copywriting, social media and split-testing." Highlight transferable skills. The Experience section is the closest thing to a résumé on LinkedIn. Don't use it to write a laundry list of duties you've performed for past employers. Confidently and conversationally highlight skills you developed in each position, and show how they apply to the job you want or the market you serve. Quantify your accomplishments. There's credibility in numbers, so use specific data to demonstrate your expertise. Don't just say you're "a sales expert," include data on actual sales. If you've increased social media followers, give the percentage. If you don't have hard data, link to samples of your work in the Experience section. Get a proofreader. According to Jobvite, spelling and grammar mistakes put off recruiters. Ask a friend or trusted colleague to check your spelling and grammar. Creating a LinkedIn profile that helps you get noticed or hired isn't difficult. It takes a small investment of time now to create big dividends in the future. Schedule some time to update your profile this week! Sources: Forbes, Success.com

Retiring Overseas

Imagine spending your retirement on an island in the Caribbean or in a historic European village. Thanks in part to a strong dollar, the dream of retiring abroad is becoming a reality for more Americans. According to a recent Bloomberg study, 615,000 Americans are receiving their Social Security checks outside of the United States. That’s a 57% increase since the year 2000. What’s driving that growth? A recent survey reported the top three reasons for retiring abroad as achieving a lower cost of living (87%), a simpler, less stressful life (82%) and better weather (74%). Survey respondents were also asked if their experiences lived up to their expectations. A whopping majority (85%) said they were happier living abroad.1 So why are some retirees happier on foreign shores? Commonly cited reasons are slowing down, becoming more present and mindful, and finding a strong sense of community. Many report that they’ve found a greater sense of meaning and purpose through making a positive difference in the lives of the local population. In fact, many expats have been pleasantly surprised to discover deep-seated connections with their new neighbors.

For the full article go to: http://www.ameriprise.com/content/files/AMP_20151006.HTML?CID=MOD_FMP_Pro_Oct_2015#2

New Changes for FHA and USDA Loans

Some of the FHA & USDA changes will effect a borrower's loan process.  Buyers should be prepared to answer these questions for their lenders and understand most need documentation.

1. Q. Are you using gift funds as a part of this transaction?  Change: Gift Funds must be sourced (able to verify with documentation where funds came from) even if they are wired.

 2. Q. Do you have student loan debt?  Change:  Student Loan Payments if deferred or not, will have to be counted either with the scheduled payment due w hen out of deferment, or 2% of the total amount (Have documentation of total amount or current payments).

3. Q.  Are you authorized to use any accounts not in your name?  Change:  Have to be counted in the debt ratio unless you can get 12 months of cancelled checks from the owner on the account (showing he has made all payments). You cannot remove the account from the borrower's credit report as an alternative to documenting the payments.

4. Q. Do you receive Alimony and/or Child Support? (Voluntary or Mandated) Change:  Now accepted by FHA with 6 months receipt to payments.

5. Q. Do you have any accounts that require you to pay off each month?  (i.e. American Express) Change:  Can be omitted from the debt to income ratio with 12 months evidence of the balance being paid in full and on time. If unable to document 12 months in full and on time payments, 5% of the balance will be included in the debt to income. Borrower must have sufficient assets verified to pay the account balance in full in addition to what is needed to close on the mortgage.

6. Q. Have you changed employers or type of employment in last 12 months?  Change: If employee has changed jobs more than 3 times in the last 12 months or has changed line of work, it will be more difficult to document stability.

7. Q. Have you been unemployed for more than 6 months?  Change:  Will require at least 6 months on the new job before applying for FHA loan.

8. Q. Have you had a Short Sale, Foreclosure, and/or Bankruptcy?:  Rules are different for different types of loans so be sure to let your lender know about them and dates when they 9. Q.  Are you applying for a  USDA Loan?:  Change: The Up Front Mortgage Insurance Permian is increasing to 2.75, effective October 1st

Is It Smart to Buy a Fixer-Upper

Is It Smart To Buy A Fixer-Upper As Your First Home?

Posted on Sep 22 2015 - 3:29pm by Housecall

Share on facebookShare on twitterShare on google_plusone_shareShare on pinterest_shareMore Sharing Services

#0

Contributed by William Giakoumatos

Buying your first home can be very exciting. Among all the decisions you'll have to make when you seek that home is whether you want to buy one that's ready to move into and live in as is, or one that needs a little work. Many people buy fixer-uppers because of the lower cost, but sometimes those kinds of homes can end up costing you a lot more in the long run. Here are some things to consider when you're trying to decide whether it's smart for you to buy a fixer-upper or not.

1. What can you get in your price range?

Many first-time homebuyers are on tight budgets. They don't have a lot of money to spend, and they want to live in a good area. Overall, location is more important than the house, because the house can be changed. If you can't get into a good area without buying a fixer-upper, it may be worth considering. Just be sure you're really buying in a location you like and one that you want to remain in for a while so you can get the best deal and turn your house into a solid investment. Look at several houses, both fixer-uppers and finished, before deciding.

2. How handy are you, really?

There's a big difference between painting a room and fixing that plumbing leak. When you're considering a fixer-upper for your first home, make sure you're honest about your skill level. Don't buy into more than you can fix, or than you can afford to have fixed. By getting a good, thorough home inspection, you'll have a better idea of what kinds of improvements really need to be made. That can help you make the right decision based on the work you're able to do on the home.

3. How much savings do you have to use for repairs?

Repair budgets rarely get adjusted downward. Typically, it will cost more than you expect to repair a home. Even if you have plenty of savings, it's a good idea to get some repair estimates before committing to buying. That way, you'll have realistic numbers you can look at when you're trying to decide if that home is the right one for you. Surprise expenses can still crop up, but there will be fewer of them to contend with.

4. Do you have friends and family who can help?

If your uncle is a contractor and you have a niece in the design business, your odds of doing well with a fixer-upper just got better. When you have people who are in skilled trades and can help you work on your home, you can save a lot of money in labor costs and protect your investment more easily. It's not a requirement to have people like that in your family when you buy a house that needs work, but it can certainly help the process.

5. How long do you plan to live in the home?

Renovating a home takes time. If you don't plan to live in your first home for a long time, you might not want to buy something that requires a lot of work. You don't want to get into the middle of a renovation and decide that you need to move. It can be very difficult to sell a home that's in the middle of renovations, and you're likely to lose a lot of money in the process. Don't buy a fixer-upper you aren't really committed to keeping for years.

6. How is the market where you're looking?

If it's a buyer's market in your location, you may be able to get a great home for a much lower price. With that in mind, you could get into a home that needs less work and still not have to break your budget. Markets that favor the seller are going to have higher home prices, so buying a fixer-upper to get into a better neighborhood could be the way to go. There's nothing wrong with buying a house that needs some work, as long as you've done your homework and are prepared to handle the changes that need to be made.

7. Are the home's issues cosmetic or something more?

Cosmetic issues are things that can be lived with, even if you're not crazy about the way they look. If you have structural issues, though, you can't just leave those alone and not worry about them. They have to be fixed. Finding out which the home has and how much it will cost to correct any structural problems is very important if you're considering a fixer-upper for your first home.

What's Good, What's Not to Eat

11 Foods That Can Fool You Figuring out which foods are good for you can be daunting. The biggest obstacle isn't evolving nutritional research, innumerable healthy food choices or even the countless diets. The main problem is that some foods don't provide the nutrition we think, either due to advertising or general misperception. Here are 11 foods to watch out for: Salads are at their nutritional best when they contain more fresh, raw vegetables and lean protein than any other ingredients. As an example, the average Chicken Caesar has 700 calories and a whopping 46 grams of fat because the calories, carbs and fat grams from ingredients like cheese, croutons, egg or fried chicken can add up. Salad dressings can add flavor, but they also add unwanted calories and fat. Average salad dressings may contain 75 calories and 6-8 grams of fat per teaspoon—and most of us pour more dressing on our salads than just a teaspoon. Here, less is certainly more, and homemade dressings (such as light vinaigrette) are the best options. Rice cakes are the poster child for all things healthy, but they contain a large amount of high glycemic index carbohydrates that raise blood sugar levels. Elevated blood sugar levels can slow down the body's ability to burn fat. Adding a small amount of peanut butter or cheese, which contain healthy fats, can help mute the insulin response. Chili has received a bad rap, mainly because "restaurant chili" usually contains inordinate amounts of fat, sodium and calories. Homemade chili is easy with a slow-cooker. Add vegetables and legumes to pack in vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber for a healthy, nutrient-dense meal that's also highly satisfying. Click here for 32 top-rated chili recipes from Cooking Light. Crackers can make a great snack as long as you've verified the nutritional content. Many crackers actually contain more calories and fat, not to mention hydrogenated oils and sugar, than natural corn chips. Make sure to read the label! Fruit juices are high in both sugar and calories, whether bottled or freshly squeezed. An 8-ounce glass of juice has nearly the calories and sugar content of the same amount of soda. Stick to either fresh-squeezed or natural juices containing 100 percent juice with no added sugar. Try diluting with spring water, too. Nuts should be eaten in moderation if you're counting fat grams, but that doesn't mean they're an unhealthy food. Nuts are a fantastic source of low-carb protein and are high in fiber, so they curb hunger. Walnuts contain Omega-3 fatty acids, making them heart healthy as well. Flavored oatmeal contains a fair amount of sugar, sometimes as much as 15 grams per packet. If you're one of those people who eats two packs at a time for breakfast, you may be consuming almost 30 grams of sugar before you even leave for work. Plain quick oats cook in roughly the same amount of time and give you more control over sweeteners. Salsa is usually low in calories and fat; the sneaky ingredient, however, is salt. Fortunately, making your own is easy! Muffins may taste delicious, but they are also loaded with calories, fat and sugar. Large muffins can contain up to 400 calories, which means nearly one-fifth of your caloric allotment on a 2,000 calorie-per-day diet. Whole grain and low-fat muffins are a better alternative, but make sure you read your labels regardless. Protein bars were designed with "pro" athletes in mind. As a between-meal snack, they might provide more protein than the average person needs, and more calories than can be burned off. Some protein bars are more of a meal replacement than a snack, so get in the habit of checking the labels before you eat anything pre-packaged.

Rate's Stay Low

Fed Holds Its Benchmark Rate Steady

 

September marked the start of football season for fans across the country. But investors and economists were focused on another team—the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), and whether it would hold its benchmark Federal Funds Rate steady.

What Is the Fed Funds Rate?
It's been more than nine years since the Fed raised the benchmark rate that banks and other depository institutions use to lend money to each other overnight. Despite some speculation to the contrary, the Fed held this rate steady at its September meeting instead of raising it. Why is this play important to homebuyers and homeowners? When the Fed Funds Rate climbs, home loan rates and lines of credit often increase as well, depending on the market and overall economy.

Will the Fed Funds Rate Rise This Fall?
Slowing global economies coupled with tame inflation were cited as two of the main reasons for the Fed's decision to hold the Fed Funds Rate steady in September. As we move further into October, the Fed will continue to monitor key statistics that signal improvement to the economy. In August, for example, consumer spending and retail sales were up, while housing starts have kept pace with more than one million new excavations each of the last five months.

However, the labor sector disappointed in August, as U.S. employers added 173,000 jobs, which was below expectations and the second lowest level in the past 19 months. Overall though, the labor market is stabilizing, adding an average of 212,000 workers each month through August of this year.

The Fed will consider a rate hike again at its meeting later this month before calling its next play. September data here at home and global conditions around the world will be key factors in its decision.

The Bottom Line
Home loan rates remain attractive and near historic lows. If you have any questions about the housing market and home loans, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Article from: You Magazine

Fall Soups

Easy Fall Soups By Kirk Leins Making soup doesn't have to be a marathon. Due to advancements involving key ingredients, many soups can be prepared in less than 30 minutes and for very little money. The biggest improvement is canned (or boxed) stock. This product may never replace its homemade counterpart, but the various versions do a great job of getting a healthy dinner on the table, fast. Keeping canned broths (primarily chicken and vegetable) on hand will open up a world of quick, inexpensive and delicious soups. Carrot Ginger Soup (Serves 4) 1 pound carrots, peeled and roughly chopped 1 small onion, roughly chopped 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, peeled and chopped 1/4 teaspoon curry powder 4 cups chicken stock or water 1 cup orange juice 1/4 cup heavy cream 1 tablespoon unsalted butter Salt and pepper Combine butter and 1/4 cup of the chicken stock in a soup pot, and place over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add onion, ginger and curry powder. Once onions are tender, add remainder of chicken stock, orange juice and carrots. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer for 20 minutes. Using a food processor, blender or immersion blender, puree the mixture until smooth. Add cream, and return to simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and serve. A dollop of crème fraiche and snipped chives make an excellent garnish. Play around with the veggie-to-broth ratio depending upon the density of the vegetables and how thick or thin you like your soup. Pumpkin Curry Soup (Serves 4) 1 medium onion, chopped 2 medium leeks (white part only), chopped 1 clove garlic, chopped 1 15-ounce can of pumpkin puree 4 cups canned chicken stock 1 cup half and half 2 teaspoons curry powder 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 bay leaf 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 tablespoons olive oil Salt and pepper Fresh cilantro In a soup pot, melt butter together with oil until hot. Add onion, leeks and garlic, and sauté for 5 minutes. Add curry powder, cumin, ground ginger, cayenne pepper, and a dash of salt and pepper, and stir. Add pumpkin puree, chicken stock and bay leaf and stir to combine. Simmer for 15–20 minutes. Remove mixture from stove and process with an immersion blender until smooth. Return pot to stovetop and add half and half. Adjust seasonings, and simmer for another 5 minutes. Serve in bowls, and top with fresh cilantro. Kirk Leins has been cooking his entire life. No stranger to professional kitchens, he currently devotes most of his time to cooking instruction, food writing and producing television. Kirk also provides his services as a personal chef in and around the Los Angeles area. He has made several TV appearances on both the national and local level, and is the Executive Chef for YOU Magazine. Sign up for Kirk's free newsletter and cooking blog at www.NoTimeToCook.com.

www.NoTimeToCook.com.