Cocktail and Food Pairings to Spice Up Thanksgiving

November, 19, 2020

Many people are facing scaled-back holiday celebrations this year, and we see this as a great opportunity to add a few new special touches to the day. These crisp fall cocktails and tasty food pairings will be sure to make your Thanksgiving memorable.

Apple Cider Mojitos

Mojito’s do not have to stop when summer does, a little apple cider turns this into the perfect fall refresher. Mint + cider may sound strange at first, but it ends up very refreshing. A small tip – to make it even more Autumnal, try rosemary or thyme instead of mint.

Mojito Recipe Here

Suggested Pairings

Cheese & charcuterie board, with that fresh taste, this would be great paired with an appetizer

Chips, crackers, and light dips (salsa, hummus, etc.)

Turkey dinner, the refreshing mint twist pairs well with poultry.

Spiced Mexican Hot Chocolate

What is the Holiday season without hot chocolate? With this recipe, cinnamon sticks and a splash of bourbon will change the way you look at hot cocoa for good. We recommend enjoying this cocktail with dessert.

Spiced Hot Cocoa Recipe Here

Suggested Pairings

Best to stick with sweet treats for this recipe

Peppermint bark

Shortbread or sugar cookies

Pecan pie

Apple Cider Sangria

Another spin on a summer drink, this spiced and sparkling punch made with apple cider, brandy, and a splash of Prosecco packs big flavor with fresh lemon, ginger, orange bitters, and sliced seasonal fruits.

Cider Sangria Recipe Here

Suggested Pairings

Turkey dinner, the fresh fruits help this pair well with poultry

Spinach and artichoke dip

Fresh baked apple pie

Cinnamon sugar dusted doughnuts

Mulled Cider

Of course, the colder weather calls for a comforting hot cider. This spiked version is easy to make and budget-friendly to serve at holiday gatherings. The cider base can be prepared beforehand and refrigerated up to 2 days — when ready to heat, simply add the rum of your choice.

Mulled Cider Recipe H ere

Suggested Pairings

Appetizers, especially any with beef or pork

Pigs in a blanket

Bacon wrapped dates

Marinated or breaded mushrooms

We would love to know if you try any of these recipes, and what you think of them. Leave a comment below!

Big Island Inter-island Travel Reopens!

October, 23, 2020

Date: 10/20/2020 | Read County Release

Amendment #2 to Mayor Harry Kim’s COVID-19 Emergency Rule No. 12 adopts two negative test exception choices for inter-island travelers entering the County of Hawaiʻi.

1. A pre-travel negative test exception that will follow the State’s transpacific travel testing program.

2. A negative test exception that will allow inter-island travelers to present a negative COVID-19 test result taken during their 14-day self-quarantine after arrival on Hawaiʻi Island to be released from quarantine.

Both negative test exceptions will be integrated into the State’s Safe Travels Program.

Negative test exceptions: Pre-test with negative COVID-19 results upon arrival: Persons five years or older traveling to Hawaiʻi County who provide written confirmation of a negative test result from a State approved COVID-19 test administered to the traveler within 72 hours prior to arrival into Hawaiʻi County are exempt from quarantine. Children under the age of five traveling with parents or guardians who have negative test results are exempt from quarantine. “State approved COVID-19 test” means a test to determine the presence of active COVID-19 infection that has been approved for use under the Department of Health.

Pre-test with no results upon arrival: Persons who avail themselves to a pre-test but do not have their results upon arrival are subject to quarantine in accordance with Exhibit B Section 4(c) of the 14th Proclamation, but may submit their negative test result to the State by uploading such verification to www.travel.hawaii.gov.

Post-Arrival test: Persons subject to the 14-day self-quarantine may arrange for and break self-quarantine to receive an approved COVID-19 test while in mandatory self-quarantine. Those persons who provide written confirmation of a negative test result from a State approved COVID-19 test will be removed from quarantine. Negative test results must be submitted to the State by uploading such verification to www.travel.hawaii.gov.
Written acceptance of the negative test results will allow the traveler to no longer be subject to quarantine.

Place of Quarantine: Persons requiring paid or commercial lodging while subject to the mandatory 14-day self-quarantine shall designate a hotel or motel as their quarantine location. Short-term vacation rentals (STVR), bed and breakfast (B&B) establishments, or other paid or commercial lodging defined by the Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes as “transient accommodations” shall not be designated as a quarantine location except for visiting essential and critical infrastructure workers, provided quarantine restrictions are followed.

Persons shall bear all costs related to their inter-island pre-travel and post-arrival testing, however, County district testing will be available at no cost.

All inter-island travelers are required to create a profile on the Safe Travels website. Visit travel.hawaii.gov for details and to create your profile

FREE HAWAII COUNTY TESTING

SAFE TRAVELS WEBSITE

You can find additional information & resources at the links below:

State of Hawaii’s Safe Travels SystemWebsite: https://travel.hawaii.gov/

State of Hawai’i Department of Transportation | Latest Information On COVID-19Website: https://hidot.hawaii.gov/coronavirus/

State of Hawai’i Department of Health | Daily News Digest & ResourcesWebsite: https://hawaiicovid19.com/

County of Hawaii | COVID-19 Latest Information & UpdatesWebsite: https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/coronavirus

Change of Seasons | September Market Reports

October, 15, 2020

Our Real Estate Market Report for September 2020 is here! The real estate markets have continued to see increased activity in both states. These reports highlight important market data and trends for the California Tri-Valley and surrounding cities as well as the Big Island of Hawaii during September 2020. Venture Sotheby’s International Realty is open for business and continues to utilize technology to operate at the highest levels. Links to the full reports are below.

Click Here for Full Hawaii Market Report

Click Here for Full California Market Report

Big Island Pre-Travel Testing Update

October, 14, 2020

The pre-travel testing program which will allow visitors from the mainland to avoid Hawaii’s 14-day quarantine will begin statewide on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020. Hawai‘i County will implement the strictest policy, requiring an antigen test for all arriving trans-Pacific travelers. This test will be a second test following the mandatory test required at least 72 hours before traveling to Hawai‘i from the mainland.

The pre-travel tests required 72 hours prior can be administered by 17 different partners, including CVS, Walgreens, Kaiser Permanente, and several major airlines.
The Big Island secondary tests will be administered at all three Hawai’i Island airports: Ellison Onizuka International Airport at Keahole, Waimea-Kohala Airport, and Hilo International Airport.

“This second test upon arrival to Hawai’i Island will provide an extra layer of protection for our community,” Big Island Mayor Harry Kim said. “Virtually all medical and coronavirus experts agree for the necessity of more than one test.”

This antigen test will provide results within 15-20 minutes. If a traveler tests negative for COVID-19, they will not be subject to self-quarantine. Those testing positive for COVID-19 will be required to take a subsequent PCR test immediately and will be required to self-quarantine per state Department of Health rules while awaiting the results of this test, which can be expected within 36 hours.

In addition to these tests, all incoming travelers to Hawaii including interisland, are required to create a profile and fill in a Health questionnaire on the Safe Travels website. Visit travel.hawaii.gov for details and to create your profile.

SAFE TRAVEL WEBSiTE

List of trustEd testing partners

You can find updated information & additional resources at the links below:

State of Hawaii’s Safe Travels System
Website: https://travel.hawaii.gov/

State of Hawai’i Department of Health | Daily News Digest & Resources
Website: https://hawaiicovid19.com/

County of Hawaii | COVID-19 Latest Information & Updates
https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/coronavirus

State of Hawai’i Department of Transportation | Latest Information On COVID-19
Website: https://hidot.hawaii.gov /coronavirus/

End of Summer | August Market Reports

September, 22, 2020

Our Real Estate Market Report for August 2020 is here! While restrictions have been changing almost weekly in both states, the real estate markets have continued to see increased activity. These reports highlight important market data and trends for the California Tri-Valley and surrounding cities as well as the Big Island of Hawaii during August 2020. Venture Sotheby’s International Realty is open for business and continues to utilize technology to operate at the highest levels. Links to the full reports are below.

Click Here for Full Hawaii Market Report

Click Here for Full California Market Report

Travel Testing To Start Oct. 15th | Hawaii Travel Update

September, 21, 2020

Press Release | September 16, 2020

Honolulu – Gov. David Ige today announced a new leadership team that will oversee the state’s public health response to COVID-19 and the pre-travel testing program for COVID-19, which will start October 15.

Pre-travel testing enables travelers to avoid a mandatory 14-day quarantine if they are tested no earlier than 72 hours before their flight arrives with an FDA-approved nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), performed using a nasal swab, and can show proof of negative test results from a CLIA certified laboratory. Travelers also will have their temperatures checked upon arrival and must fill out a travel and health form. Upon arrival in Hawai‘i, passengers unable to provide proof of an approved negative test will be required to go into quarantine for 14 days or until they can provide proof of negative test results.

Maj. Gen. Ken Hara, director, Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency, continues his role as incident commander, spearheading the collaboration between federal, state and county resources to address the pandemic response.

Dr. Libby Char, director, State Department of Health, is responsible for the management of the state’s public health programs and collaboration between state, county, and private healthcare partners.

Lt. Gov. Josh Green will spearhead the pre-travel testing program, which includes adding partners to administer the tests and sourcing new testing options and is also responsible for planning the state’s COVID-19 vaccination strategy.

“This new leadership team gives us a stronger operational structure, stronger leadership, and clears the way for stronger partnerships between the public and private sectors,” said Gov. Ige.

Dr. Virginia Pressler, former director of the State Department of Health, has volunteered to lead the Laulima Alliance, a cross functional team of public and private sector resources, ensuring that all have a voice in policy making and implementation of programs responding to the pandemic.

“Together with the progress we’ve made, and continue to make, in the fight against COVID-19, this new leadership team gives us confidence that the time is right to launch our pre-travel COVID-19 testing program, which is an important step toward reviving our economy while continuing to protect public health,” said Gov. Ige.

You can find updated information & additional resources at the links below:

State of Hawaii’s Safe Travels System
Website: https://safetravels.hawaii.gov/

State of Hawai’i Department of Transportation | Latest Information On COVID-19
Website: https://hidot.hawaii.gov /coronavirus/

State of Hawai’i Department of Health | Daily News Digest & Resources
Website: https://hawaiicovid19.com/

County of Hawaii | COVID-19 Latest Information & Updates
https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/coronavirus

Summer Market Heating Up

August, 17, 2020

Our Real Estate Market Report for July 2020 is here! While restrictions have been changing almost weekly in both states, the real estate markets have continued to see increased activity. The California East Bay continues to see low inventory and properties are receiving multiple offers. These reports highlight important market data and trends for the California Tri-Valley and surrounding cities as well as the Big Island of Hawaii during July 2020. Venture Sotheby’s International Realty is open for business and continues to utilize technology to operate at the highest levels. Links to the full reports are below.

Click Here for Full Hawaii Market Report

Click Here for Full California Market Report

What to Expect While Buying and Selling Real Estate During COVID-19

July, 16, 2020

We are all living in uncertain times amidst this pandemic, and many of our lives have seen drastic changes. The real estate industry has experienced many of those changes in order to continue completing successful transactions during the Coronavirus outbreak. Homebuyers and sellers, as well as their agents, have adapted with new technology and protocols to help keep everyone safe during the buying and selling process. We have a list of tips below which will help your experience go as smoothly as possible.

Purchasing

As the real estate industry has “opened” back up, we have seen a dramatic increase in market activity. Currently, open houses are not permitted throughout most of the state, however, our agents are able to help buyers view potential homes in person. Listings can be viewed on a one-on-one basis with your real estate agent. The current CDC guidelines must be followed, which include, limiting the number of people in a home at one time and requiring face coverings while in the home.

Virtual property viewings have been growing in popularity. Many homes on the market now have listing videos, 3D virtual tours, and plenty of high-quality photos that can give you a good visual of the home, without having to physically visit the property.

Now more than ever, it is essential to have a trusted real estate agent guiding you through the COVID-19 real estate rules and regulations. These guidelines are often changing as we learn more about this disease, and your real estate professional must stay informed about the latest updates.

Selling

In today’s climate, selling a home may look a little different. However, Venture Sotheby’s International Realty has the tools and resources to help you successfully navigate through this time. As mentioned above, homes can be shown in person, as long as buyers follow CDC guidelines. If you are still occupying your home while it is on the market, there are a few ways to make this process easier for everyone. Try to keep all doors open and lights on, to discourage buyers from needing to touch these surfaces. Be sure to have disinfectant cleaners on hand so that buyers and their agents can easily wipe down any surfaces that may have been touched.

Our sales professionals have taken the Shelter-in-Place time to amp up their digital marketing efforts to continue to ensure maximum exposure for your home. We offer new digital listing brochures that give a virtual showcase for your property photos, information, website, and virtual tour links. These digital brochures can be easily sent to potential buyers. Our agents also have access to exclusive social media marketing, global exposure opportunities, a network of over 23,000 global sales agents, and all backed by the world’s most recognized luxury real estate brand, Sotheby’s International Realty®.

Venture Sotheby’s International Realty is here for you when you are ready to take that next step. Our experienced sales agents have the knowledge and expertise to help successfully guide you through your real estate journey. Contact us today!

June Market Moving Forward

July, 14, 2020

Our Real Estate Market Report for June 2020 is here! The real estate market in both Hawai`i and California continues to move forward during this uncertain time. As restrictions have been changing almost weekly in both states, the market is beginning to shift and activity is still increasing, notably in the number of properties going into escrow and closing. This report highlights important market data and trends for various cities during June 2020. Venture Sotheby’s International Realty is open for business and continues to utilize technology to operate at the highest levels. Links to the full reports are below.

Click Here for Full Hawaii Market Report

Click Here for Full California Market Report

Hawaii Travel Quarantine Extended

On Monday, July 13th Governor David Ige announced that he will delay the launch of the pre-travel testing program for incoming travelers to Hawai‘i. The program is now scheduled to begin on Sept. 1st, 2020. This extension means that the mandatory 14-day traveler quarantine remains in effect through Sept. 1st for those traveling to Hawai’i from out of state. We have put together a list of resources to help you stay up-to-date on the latest rules and regulations.

Gov. Ige shared in Monday’s press conference that the decision to extend the travel quarantine was not made lightly. “We have always said that we will make decisions based on the health and safety of our community as the highest priority,” Ige said. To date, the state of Hawai’i has reported the lowest number of COVID cases in the country, and travel restrictions along with early social distancing measures have played a significant role in that success.

If you are planning to travel to Hawai’i prior to Sept. 1st, the State of Hawaii created the Safe Travels website to help you prepare for your trip and expedite your exit from the airport.

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR – NEWS RELEASE: GOVERNOR IGE ANNOUNCES PRE-TRAVEL TESTING PROGRAM FOR HAWAII ARRIVALS DELAYED UNTIL SEPTEMBER 1

You can find updated information & additional resources at the links below:

State of Hawaii’s Safe Travels System
Website: https://safetravels.hawaii.gov/

State of Hawai’i Department of Transportation | Latest Information On COVID-19
Website: https://hidot.hawaii.gov /coronavirus/

State of Hawai’i Department of Health | Daily News Digest & Resources
Website: https://hawaiicovid19.com/

County of Hawaii | COVID-19 Latest Information & Updates
https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/coronavirus