Happy Nowruz

Shima 0 comments 20.03.2026

𝑯𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒅𝒂𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑯𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝑵𝒐𝒘𝒓𝒖𝒛 to my fellow Iranians!

Nowruz translates to “new day” and is the epitome of a new year.

Iranians all over the world celebrate a fresh beginning with several festivities held throughout the month. Some include visiting family, giving money to children, jumping over a fire, and even having a picnic with loved ones to conclude the festivities. 🧺

Amongst the most popular tradition is setting up a Haft Sin table on a sofreh where items starting with the letter, Sín, also known as, the letter S, (س) are placed. We even have goldfish! 🥚 🪙 🍎

Every family creates a setup with their own touch, creativity, and love.

Haft Sin displays are also often seen at Iranian weddings in hopes of commencing the newlywed's marriage in bliss. I am grateful to have had many versions of the sofreh, all thanks to my Mom.

This year feels very different, but the dream for brighter days has never been stronger.

From my family to yours... happy new day.

Just a hop and skip from Los Angeles…

Shima 0 comments 15.12.2025

Just a hop, skip, and Polar Express ride away from Los Angeles.

Beautiful Los Rios in San Juan Capistrano is a must-visit this holiday season. 🚂 🫖

Pro Tip: lunch at @trevorsatthetracks.

Havasu for Christmas

Shima 0 comments 15.12.2025

Contrary to popular belief, Lake Havasu City in Arizona is not only fun during the summer. In fact, the winter has its own perks! Enjoyment without the heat. Enjoy cooler temperatures (for Havasu) and explore all the beauty London Bridge has to offer.

During Christmas, enjoy a wide array of lights, the annual boat parade, and delicious restaurants. If you're looking for a cozy home, check out our Airbnb.

10 sleeps until Christmas

Shima 0 comments 15.12.2025

No better way to make your home cozy than with plush pillows and a dreamy red throw.

BINGO!

Shima 0 comments 09.12.2025

𝗔 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗱 𝗱𝗼𝗴 𝘄𝗮𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗕𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗼 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗱… 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲. 🐶💫

A little over a month ago, I went to visit my sweet friend Karleen and explore Venice Beach. My mom came along, and we were having the best day—until I noticed a puppy with floppy ears being dragged down the street near @erewhon

It was clear the poor pup was starving and completely exhausted. I don’t remember much, except that I started following the man who had him.

I asked if I could say hi to his dog to get a sense of the situation. Within seconds, I realized he’d either just gotten the puppy… or stolen him. I asked things like, “When was his last meal?” and “When did he last have water?” He didn’t know—or care. 💔

So, I asked if he’d sell me the dog.
He said, “Yeah—$20,000.” 🫠

Long story short, he wasn’t budging and walked off. After walking Karleen home, I got in the car with my mom, found them again, and pulled over.

Let’s just say I got him way down from $20K. (I am a Certified Real Estate Negotiation Expert 😏)

After putting him in the car, I texted Steven.
“Hi honey, I know you’re at work—but I just paid a homeless man for his puppy. I’m sorry, I had to.”

Straight to the vet we went, where he met Daphne and was examined. The vet guessed he was about three months old. After a week of quarantine, he finally met the boys—and it’s safe to say he’s officially part of the family. 💕

I didn’t set out to rescue a puppy that day… but fate had other plans. From the streets of Venice Beach to cuddles on the couch—welcome home, Aspen.

Aspen is a type of tree and also, a beautiful, snowy city that seemed fitting for his breed.

Venice Beach is officially off limits for me for a while. 🤭

Working from Home Goals

Shima 0 comments 09.12.2025

𝚆𝚘𝚛𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝙷𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝙜𝙤𝙖𝙡𝙨. 🖥✌🏽 👩🏻‍💻 📞⏳

𝗘𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗹𝘃𝗲𝘀 are a great option for bare walls that need some accessorizing! This piece of furniture consists of open shelves that allow for displaying small objects and sometimes having an enclosed cabinet as a base.

Eye on the Prize

Shima 0 comments 09.12.2025

There are no shortcuts to any place worth going. If it’s important to you, you’ll find a way. If not, you’ll find an excuse.

Talk is cheap—go big or go home, and never be afraid to walk the road less traveled.

This is your journey and your happiness.
Take back your power by looking back every now and then to see how far you’ve come.

No one will recognize your growth more than you.
Don’t compare, judge, or try to make sense of other people’s journeys. Your only responsibility is to do what’s right for you and to make intentional choices day in and day out to create the life you want. Own your story.

Make it a great day, or not. The choice is yours. And don’t forget to keep your eyes on the prize.

Barbie Dream Home Expectations

Shima 0 comments 09.12.2025

Barbie Dream Homes: Giving homebuyers unrealistic expectations since 1962. 😩

Ah, home-buying… so exciting, yet so disappointing?

This is a reality many first-time homebuyers face. Now mix that with a market that has little inventory — the struggle is REAL. It’s easy to feel burnt out and defeated in today’s competitive market.

Like dating, you might NOT find a partner who meets every criterion you’re looking for. Because of this, many buyers are choosing to remove items from their “perfect home” list so they don’t miss out on taking advantage of today’s lowered rates.

Though purchasing a home can be an emotional process, it requires focusing on practical matters. Such as remembering that your first home is more than likely not your last.

According to data from the @uscensusbureau, the average person in the United States moves more than 11 times in their lifetime. ‼️😯

Think of your first home as a step in the door toward building equity and possibly long-term residual income (hello, refinance!).

Next, remember that a seller is not required to deliver a brand-new home. If the home has been lived in, it will come with a past — possibly some damage and repairs needed. Yes, we’re still talking about homes here. 🙃

Last but not least, please don’t feel discouraged or let comparisons from real estate shows (i.e., @bravomilliondollarlisting, @hgtvfixer, @propertybrothers) stop you from enjoying the benefits of homeownership.

No house is perfect, but taking advantage of building your own equity will always outweigh paying someone else’s mortgage through renting.

Plus, a house only becomes a home with your special touch.

Mrs. Claus’ Holiday Tips for Long Beach

Shima 0 comments 09.12.2025

Long Beach is a hidden gem during the holidays! Whether you’re looking to enjoy a festive drink or hop on a classic cable-car trolley for a waterfront tour that will showcase the best light displays around, there’s something for everyone. 

The tour includes the famous floating Christmas trees of Alamitos Bay, and beautiful Naples Island!

Learn more by visiting bigredbus.com for hours and operation. @bigredbuslb 

Kindness goes a long way

Shima 0 comments 08.12.2025

Real estate is an interesting industry.

Other agents, your colleagues, are also your competition. Despite that, you build relationships with them, and sometimes, if you’re really lucky, they’re willing to help you.

A few weeks ago, I helped a colleague with social media. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but apparently, it meant a lot to her…and today, she left me this sweet surprise.

You never know what someone might be going through. This is just another reminder that it costs nothing to be kind and to offer your support.

“When you get where you’re going, don’t forget to turn around and help the next one in line.”