Santa Monica Monthly – April 2024

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Santa Monica Marked as a Priority Amid Statewide Housing Development Goals

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The City of Santa Monica became one of 37 California localities designated by Gov. Newsom as “Prohousing”, making it a funding and resource priority during a statewide acceleration effort of housing development.

Read more... smmiror.com

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A new study shows buyers require a substantial six-figure income to afford a home in almost half of the states in the country, and an industry expert cautions that the situation is not expected to improve in the near future.

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Read more... foxbusiness.com

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SAVE THE DATE! JUNE 15TH, 11AM - 2PM

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The Regina Vannicola Real Estate Group & Melanie Sommers Team is excited to announce our 2nd Annual Big Gay Bake Sale in support of Pride Month. More details to come!

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Food Obsession of the Month

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Keto Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars

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These keto lemon blueberry cheesecake bars have a soft crust and a decadent filling. The rich blueberries are a perfect match with the tart lemon and rich cream cheese.

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Source: thebestketorecipes.com

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Ingredients

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Almond Flour Crust:

• 8 tablespoons butter
• 1 ¼ cup almond flour
• 2 tablespoons swerve sweetener

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Low Carb Blueberry Sauce:

• 1 ½ cup blueberries
• ¼ cup water
• ⅓ cup confectioners swerve sweetener

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Lemon Cheesecake Layer:

• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1 egg yolk
• ⅓ cup confectioners serve sweetner
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest tightly packed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Coconut Crumble Topping:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup almond flour
• ¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
• 1 tablespoons  swerve sweetener

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Instructions

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For the Blueberry Sauce:

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Add the blueberries, Swerve confectioners sweetener, and water to a saucepan over medium heat.
Simmer the mixture until it becomes thick, approximately 10-15 minutes. Set aside.

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For the Crust:

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Preheat the oven to 350F. Line an 8×8-inch pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
Combine the melted butter, almond flour, and Swerve sweetener in a small bowl. Press the crust into the foil lined pan.
Pre-bake the crust for 7 minutes. It should not be firm, just slightly beginning to brown around the edges. Remove the crust and allow it to cool. DO NOT add the cheesecake layer while it is hot.

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For the Cheesecake Filling:

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Using an electric mixer or small blender, mix the cream cheese, egg yolk, Swerve confectioners sweetener, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Spread the cheesecake layer evenly over the crust.
Spread the prepared low carb blueberry sauce over the cheesecake mixture.

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For the Coconut Crumble Topping:

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Combine the butter, almond flour, unsweetened coconut flakes, and Swerve sweetener in a small blender or food processor. Pulse until it resembles a crumb like mixture. Sprinkle the crumble over the blueberry layer.
Bake 18-20 minutes until the top is lightly browned.
Allow bars to cool completely before slicing.

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Lifestyle Tips & Tricks

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13 Features New Home Buyers Say Are Essential, Desirable

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New research shows that house hunters are willing to accept a smaller property as long as it has these key amenities.

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Courtesy of the National Association of Realtors

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When Selling Your Home, Don't Try to Conceal These 7 Problems

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When selling your home, it’s natural to want to present the property in the most favorable light possible...

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Courtesy of Forbes

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‍10 Things Interior Designers Never Do

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With the prevalence of TikTok and Instagram, every third person decorating a home feels they are a design expert.

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Courtesy of Forbes

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