Orange County CA 5

INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2023

In life there are constant changes, so too in the world of interior design. Trends are always shifting. The themes for 2023 seem to be: Sustainable living and health & wellness designs. There has been a move away from minimalism to individualism which has created more personalized and decorative styles. In this new, post-Covid world, there have been many changes to the way we live, both inside and outside of the home. Many of us spend much more time in the house, so people have adjusted their priorities in the way the home is used.

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With a new focus on wellness and healthy living, more attention is paid to comfort and overall well-being.

Kitchens are central to this new lifestyle and the open kitchen is an important aspect of this new trend. Most desirable are large islands that seat the family comfortably and provide lots of workspace. Upper and lower cabinets of different colors are in fashion as are stainless steel cabinetry and fixtures. To update a kitchen, a coat of paint can completely change the feel and be extremely cost effective. Lighting is also a key component, particularly if natural light is not available. A growing number of homeowners are installing led lights underneath their cabinets to illuminate the kitchen counter top.

With so many people still working at home, a designated office is often a necessity and needs to be incorporated into the design of your home. First of all, it should be comfortable and functional. It is desirable to have natural light and natural materials wherever possible. Try colors that are inspired by nature for a calming environment. For a more dramatic approach, an interesting background wall color can be useful for

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all of your zoom meetings.

Furnishings will feel more organic with the use of cotton, wool, and velvet fabrics. Of course fabric decisions can depend on the location within the home; it’s recommended that the home match its natural environment. There is still a movement toward coordinating the indoor and outdoor environments. Arches and architectural details are in as are soft edges, curved sofas, and personal pieces.

Multi-function rooms that cater to entertainment and exercise are in vogue. More people will want media rooms for movies and games as well as gyms and saunas.

Mud rooms and laundry rooms are no longer just utilitarian spaces. Today, homeowners want these spaces to coordinate with the rest of the home. Sometimes they even want to accommodate a pet with a special tub. Think about maximizing natural light throughout your home. Big open

The focus of home design in 2023 is a calm, comfortable environment in harmony with nature that incorporates work, entertainment and relaxation spaces.

windows which bring in natural light can improve mood, focus and sleep patterns which will improve one’s health.

It looks like 2023 may bring with it the end of the white wall trend. Currently, designers are reporting

clients wanting jewel tones in blues, greens and even rust, which creates a cozier environment. This is part of the eco-friendly trend of the last few years which incorporates elements of nature. Gold will also be popular as an accent color.

It is important to revisit one’s estate planning periodically, as both circumstances and laws can change without notice. If you do not have an estate plan, it is time to create one. You probably have more assets than you think.

First of all, estate planning is an opportunity to designate who will receive your assets upon death or incapacitation. It will also allow you to designate a guardian for your children. With the advice of counsel, your plan will manage assets to minimize estate

taxes, gift taxes and any other tax issues. And most importantly, a good estate plan will avoid disagreements between heirs and probate which can be time consuming and expensive.

Begin with an assessment of all your assets, including your home and other real estate, art, collections, vehicles, and jewelry. List your checking and savings accounts, investment accounts, life insurance policies, IRA or 401 accounts and ownership interests in any businesses. Estimate the value in order to divide among your heirs.

SEVERAL DOCUMENTS:

A COMPLETE ESTATE PLAN INCLUDES

POWER OF ATTORNEY

A durable power of attorney allows a person of your choosing to handle financial, legal and other matters if you are otherwise incapacitated. It remains in effect until death or revocation.

REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST

A revocable living trust is an instrument that allows the owner (grantor) of assets to establish a trust for beneficiaries with the help of a trustee. You can be your own trustee with an alternate upon death or incapacity. This document can be amended or revoked as needed. The most important aspect of a consuming and expensive probate.

MEDICAL CARE DIRECTIVE

A living will specifies your wishes for medical care. A medical power of attorney gives authority to a trusted person to make decisions if you are unable.

WILL

A will, though desirable, is not essential if you have a revocable trust. The main reason to write a will is to include assets which may not be included in one’s trust. A will is meant to simplify things. You can designate child custody and also the recipients of your most valuable possession, such as cars, jewelry or other personal items.

2022-2023 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

DATESTOURNAMENT

* Schedule subject to change

DEFENDING CHAMPION

FEB 23 - 26, 2023 The Honda Classic PGA National Resort (The Champion), Palm Beach Gardens, FL

MAR 2 - 5, 2023

MAR 2 - 5, 2023

MAR 9 - 12, 2023

MAR 16 - 19, 2023

MAR 22 - 26, 2023

MAR 23 - 26, 2023

MAR 30 - APR 2, 2023

APR 6 - 9, 2023

APR 13 - 16, 2023

APR 20 - 23, 2023

Puerto Rico Open Grand Reserve Golf Club, Rio Grande, PUR Ryan Brehm $666,000

Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Orlando, FL Scottie Scheffler $2,160,000

THE PLAYERS Championship The Country Club of Jackson, Jackson, MS Cameron Smith $3,600,000

Valspar Championship Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead Course), Palm Harbor, FL Sam Burns $1,404,000

World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play Austin Country Club, Austin, TX

Corales Puntacana Championship Puntacana Resort & Club (Corales Golf Course), Punta Cana, DOM

Valero Texas Open TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course), San Antonio, TX

Masters Tournament Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, GA

RBC Heritage Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head Island, SC

Scheffler $2,100,000

Ramey $ 666,000

Zurich Classic of New Orleans Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head Island, SC P. Cantlay/X. Schauffele $1,199,350

2022-2023 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change ORANGE COUNTY | CALIFORNIA | VOL. 5

DATESTOURNAMENT

APR 27 - 30, 2023 Mexico Open at Vidanta Vidanta Vallarta, Vallarta, MEX

Fargo Championship Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte, NC

MAY 25 - 28, 2023

JUN 1 - 4, 2023

Schwab Challenge Colonial Country Club, Fort Worth, TX

Memorial Tournament presented by Workday Muirfield Village Golf Club, Dublin, OH

JUN 8 - 11, 2023 RBC Canadian Open Oakdale Golf & Country Club, Toronto, Ontario, CAN

JUN 15 - 18, 2023

JUN 22 - 25, 2023

JUN 29 - JUL 2, 2023

JUL 6 - 9, 2023

JUL 13 - 16, 2023

JUL 13 - 16, 2023

JUL 20 - 23, 2023

JUL 20 - 23, 2023

JUL 27 - 30, 2023

AUG 3 - 6, 2023

AUG 10 - 13, 2023

AUG 17 - 20, 2023

Open The Los Angeles Country Club (North Course), Los Angeles, CA

Championship TPC River Highlands, Cromwell, CT

Mortgage Classic. Detroit Golf Club, Detroit, MI

John Deere Classic PC Deere Run, Silvis, IL

Finau $1,512,000

Posto $1,278,000

Barbasol Championship Keene Trace Golf Club (Champions Course), Nicholasville, KY Trey Mullinax $666,000

Genesis Scottish Open The Renaissance Club, North Berwick, SCO Xander Schauffele $1,400,000

Barracuda Championship Tahoe Mountain Club (Old Greenwood), Truckee, CA

Reavie $666,000

The Open Championship Royal Liverpool, Hoylake, Wirral, ENG Cameron Smith $2,500,000

3M Open TPC Twin Cities, Blaine, MN

Finau $1,350,000

Wyndham Championship Sedgefield Country Club, Greensboro, NC Tom Kim $1,314,000

FedEx St. Jude Championship TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN Will Zalatoris $2,700,000

2022-2023 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

2022-2023 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE ORANGE COUNTY

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

JANUARY

JAN 1 | OSHOGATSU FESTIVAL

Kick off the Japanese New Year’s Oshogatsu Festival! Japanese art and entertainment will be center stage. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3wvQqbw

JAN 27 - 29 |

TET FESTIVAL

The Tet Festival of Southern California is recognized as the world’s largest Tet Festival outside of Vietnam. Helping preserve culture, visitors are immersed with a vibrant array of traditional foods, live entertainment, festive games, and customs celebrating the new year. For more info visit: sdtet.com

JAN 28

- 29 | MANATEE FESTIVAL

Food, fun, and crafts all for a good cause! The Manatee Festival uses the funds raised through its annual festival to benefit friends of Blue Spring State Park, Dare Programs and other area organizations. So have a weekend full of fun for the whole family while supporting your community.

For more info visit: themanateefestival.com

FEBRUARY

FEB 11 | BLOODY VALENTINE

MARKETPLACE

Bloody Valentine presented by MAAG Marketplace celebrates Valentine’s Day and supports farmhouse restoration with unique vendors to shop, food and drinks, music, photo ops and more. Plus fun for the kids and the kid in you! For more info visit: shorturl.at/rGP05

FEB 13 - 19 |

MUSIC FESTIVAL

The Laguna Beach Music Festival celebrates its 21st anniversary in 2023, featuring pianist Jeremy Denk, winner of a MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship and the Avery Fisher Prize, as artistic director. Jeremy Denk is one of America’s foremost pianists, proclaimed by the New York Times as “a pianist you want to hear no matter what he performs.”For more info visit: shorturl.at/mtxyW

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE ORANGE COUNTY

FEB 18 | LANTERN FESTIVAL

Bring the entire family and join us for Pacific Symphony’s annual Lantern Festival, celebrating the Year of the Rabbit! The Lantern Festival, which can be traced back 2,000 years, marks the return of spring and the reunion of family. The act of lighting and appreciating lanterns is a way for people to let go of the burdens of their old selves and express their best wishes for themselves and their families for the future. For more info visit: shorturl.at/boqW2

MARCH

MARCH 3 - 31 | FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL

Calling all Disney Fanatics and Foodies! The Happiest Place on Earth’s California Adventure Food & Wine Festival is poised to make you even happier. Enjoy Disney-inspired tastes and sips, plus unique culinary activities and events lined up for the duration of the festival. For more info visit: shorturl.at/aisLT

MARCH 10 - 12 | CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

The Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates Japanese and Japanese American Culture in Southern California. There will be over 20 performers and musical groups, more than 50 vendors, a Sakura Night Market on Friday and Saturday, contests and dancing, arts and crafts, exhibits, games, and so much more. For more info visit: occbfest.com

MARCH 10 - 31 | BOYSENBERRY FESTIVAL

Visit Knott’s for their annual food-inspired event that celebrates the boysenberry and the early beginnings of the park. Special meals, snacks, drinks, and desserts will be featured at locations throughout the park, plus there will be activities, stage shows, live music, and local crafters.For more info visit: shorturl.at/dmNO0

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU. (.

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE ORANGE COUNTY

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

APRIL

APRIL 14 - 15 | WINE FESTIVAL

Guests are invited to sip on fine wines and taste a variety of delicacies at the beautiful Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa. This is an elegant event for true fine wine lovers, located in one of Orange County’s most beautiful coastal cities! For more info visit: californiawinefestival.com

that benefits selected youth charities and programs. Participants will enjoy food and wine from leading Orange County restaurants and wine from California wineries located in Napa, Sonoma, Paso Robles and the Santa Barbara areas. For more info visit: ocfoodandwine.com

MAY 28 | SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

APRIL 21 - 24 | GARDEN SHOW

Discover over 35 unique plant and garden vendors, as well as 7 inspiring display gardens designed by top Southern California landscape and horticulture organizations in collaboration with South Coast Plaza home boutiques to create one-of-a-kind outdoor living spaces and a dramatic 24-foot floral centerpiece. For more info visit: shorturl.at/ruwF8

MAY

MAY 1 | FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL

The Orange County Food & Wine Festival is an annual fundraiser

This event celebrates the region’s delicious seafood and unique recipes from local chefs to the finest restaurants throughout Orange County. Each food vendor will offer their regular full-size meals and a mini $5 option available for purchase, so you will be able to sample the different food from different vendors throughout the day. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3xv3kb7

JUNE

JUNE 2 - 4 | JAZZ FESTIVAL

The Newport Beach Jazz Festival is a three-day event featuring worldclass Jazz, R&B, and Soul music

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LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE ORANGE COUNTY

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

with Anthony Hamilton, Tower of Power, Sheila E., Damien Escobar, Lalah Hathaway, RnR ft. Rick Braun + Richard Elliot, Mindi Abair, Sheléa and many more throughout the weekend! For more info visit: festivals.hyattconcerts.com

JUNE 4 | CHILI COOK

OFF

The World’s largest single-day chili cook-off features carnival rides and games, a salsa competition, a family plaza, family friendly contests, beer and wine booths, food booths, craft and vendor booths, entertainment, and music.The Street Fair and Chili Cook off is an exciting community event for the whole family! For more info visit: https://bit.ly/37mIh0c

JULY

JULY 5 - 30 | FESTIVAL OF ARTS

The Festival’s prestigious juried art show includes a wide variety of media such as paintings, photography, printmaking, sculpture, jewelry, handcrafted wood and furniture, ceramics, glass and

more. This is the place to find that perfect art treasure for your home or business! For more info visit: https://bit.ly/37mK9WO

AUGUST

AUG 27 - 28 | TURKISH ARTS & CULTURE FESTIVAL

What better way to savor your Sunday than to enjoy a day of food and fun exploring Turkish and Mediterranean culinary cuisines. In addition to sampling new flavors, carnival games will be available for kids to play. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3jbpYgw

SEPTEMBER

SEPT TBA | GREEK FESTIVAL

Enjoy live Greek music and fun Greek dancing too! We have delicious homemade Greek food and pastries! Don’t miss out on this fun for the whole family! For more info visit: sjcgreekfest.org

SEPT TBA | LOBSTER FESTIVAL

The Long Beach Original Lobster

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE ORANGE COUNTY

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

Festival returns providing Fresh Live Maine Lobster, prepared to mouth-watering perfection. For more info visit: originallobsterfestival.com

OCTOBER

OCT 1- 31 | SAWDUST FESTIVAL

The Sawdust Festival features artwork from over 200 local artists including paintings, sculpture, photography, clothing, and more. The family friendly event offers something for art lovers of all interests! For more info visit: sawdustartfestival.org

OCT 12 - 19 | FILM FESTIVAL

NBFF offers films from 50 countries across multiple genres. We carefully curated a collection of short film programs. So grab your popcorn and enjoy the show!

For more info visit: newportbeachfilmfest.com

NOVEMBER

NOV 9 - 11 | SUGAR PLUM FEST

One of the largest family-owned craft shows featuring the talents and imagination of over 175 artists, crafters, bakers, and candymakers. Please be our guest! For more info visit: sugarplumfestivals.com

NOV 10 - 11 | WINE FESTIVAL

Join us for the quintessential California wine tasting experience. Wine lovers will hit the sunsplashed beachside location for a day of sun, wine, food and music. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3LYHNhU

DECEMBER

DEC TBA | WINTER FEST

Celebrate the holiday season at Winter Fest with all the family. Glide around the ice rink, enjoy beautiful views from the Giant Wheel and warm up with coffee drinks including blended favorites and the popular WinterFest hot chocolate. For more info visit: winterfestoc.com

SESSION DATE

2023 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

TIMEFEATURED MATCHES

1Mon,January16,202311:00amMen'sandWomen's1stRound

2Mon,January16,20237:00pmMen'sandWomen's1stRound

3Tue,January17,202311:00amMen’sandWomen’s1stRound

4Tue,January17,20237:00pmMen’sandWomen’s1stRound

5Wed,January18,202311:00amMen’sandWomen’s2ndRound

6Wed,January18,20237:00pmMen’sandWomen’s2ndRound

7Thu,January19,202311:00amMen’sandWomen’s2ndRound

8Thu,January19,20237:00pmMen’sandWomen’s2ndRound

9Fri,January20,202311:00amMen’sandWomen’s3rdRound

10Fri,January20,20237:00pmMen’sandWomen’s3rdRound

11Sat,January21,202311:00amMen’sandWomen’s3rdRound

12Sat,January21,20237:00pmMen’sandWomen’s3rdRound

13Sun,January22,202311:00amMen’sandWomen’s4thRound

14Sun,January22,20237:00pmMen’sandWomen’s4thRound

15Mon,January23,202311:00amMen’sandWomen’s4thRound

16Mon,January23,20237:00pmMen’sandWomen’s4thRound

2023 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

2023 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

2023 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

- TRAVEL TO -

If you haven’t been to Africa and are looking for an amazing experience, consider a safari. The only question is where to start, as there are many African countries with amazing national parks and various wildlife, all of which can provide a once-in-alifetime vacation. The top countries for safaris are Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, Namibia and Botswana.

MASAI MARA

JUNE - OCTOBER

Masai Mara National Reserve is the most famous. It is known for its herds of plains’ game which include Masai lions, African leopards and Tanzanian cheetahs. The park is also home to the annual migration of zebra, gazelle and wildebeest to and from the Serengeti in Tanzania.

Lake Nakuru National Park is known for pink flamingos flocking along the shore of the lake. Also notable are the park’s white rhinos, warthogs, giraffes, zebras, hippos, ostriches and lions.

Amboseli National Park is best known for its view of Mount Kilimanjaro and over 300 species of birds. You will also see zebras, wildebeests, hyenas, lions, cheetahs, buffalo, jackals, giraffes and leopards.

Tsavo National Park, which is made up of two smaller parks, is the largest in Kenya and also the most remote. Famous for elephants playing in the Galana River, you will also find 500 species of birds and also giraffes, gazelles, lions, antelopes, impalas, hyenas and oryx.

Samburu Game Reserve is known for rare species such as Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, and the Beisa Oryx. It is also home to around 900 elephants as well as lions, leopards, cheetahs and over 450 bird species. It is also famous for Kamunyak, the lioness that adopted 6 baby oryx.

Tanzania

There are 22 national parks in Tanzania, making it difficult to decide where to go. Serengeti, which is a UNESCO world heritage site, and Ngorongoro are the largest and most popular destinations and are often toured together along with Lake Manyara National Park. You will spot the big five mammals - buffaloes, elephants, rhinos, leopards and lions as well as giraffes, zebras, hippos and 500 species of birds on your nature walk, game drive, or in a hot air balloon.

NGORONGORO

APRIL - MAY

LAKE MANYARA

JUNE - OCTOBER

Lake Manyara Park was established to protect large herds of elephants and is also famous for tree-climbing lions. With its beautiful setting on the lake, it is perfect for viewing pink flamingos and over 400 species of birds.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Centre (world heritage site) is known for the Crater which was formed when an ancient volcano exploded and collapsed on itself, creating vast plains that attracted wild life. The big five can be viewed here as well as black rhino. The Massai tribe still grazes their livestock here. Also, the Olduval Gorge is found here. This is where the Leakeys, in 1959, discovered evidence of human origins, fossilized bones, and stone tools dating back millions of years.

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TRENDS FOR 2023 Health Food

Rarely do we think about what is trending in the world of food and drink, but there are organizations that study this issue constantly, including Whole Foods, Innova Market Insights and even Martha Stewart herself. The current trend seems to be towards a focus on healthier eating due to an interest in sustainable agriculture, climate change and possibly as a result of correcting those bad habits acquired during Covid lock down.

In the drink space, mocktails, or virgin cocktails, have become more and more popular for health reasons, even spawning a number of new establishments devoted exclusively to alcohol-free night life. This trend expands well beyond Shirley Temples and there is an emphasis on alcohol free cosmopolitans, margaritas, mojitos

and other more original creative drinks. As an example, Whole Foods points to yaupon, a caffeinated plant, to be brewed for tea and also used in new mocktail creations. Also growing in popularity are milk substitutes like oat, soy, almond, and even potato. They are typically lower in fat, sugar and are also cholesterol free.

In the world of foods, there has been significant and growing interest in nutrition and sustainability. We will be interested in more natural less processed foods as well as more traditional ethnic menus. Plant based foods will be a growth area as the number of vegans has increased significantly and most of us have cut down on meat consumption for health and environmental concerns. We will want more locally produced ingredients due to interest in climate change. There is actually a new word for this - glocal. Think global and eat local!

Plant based pasta made from chickpeas, cauliflower and zucchini are already popular but new ones made from hearts of palm and green

bananas are coming. And of course there is spaghetti squash which is the true vegetable pasta. Plant based meats have been available for quite some time but expect to see more plant based chicken and cheese.

Interestingly, mushrooms are of particular interest as they are actually a super-food and contain so many necessary nutrients such as vitamins B and D, potassium, and antioxidants that can reduce signs of aging. With over 400 species, there is always a new one to try and the latest trend is toward oyster and trumpet mushrooms. What makes mushrooms such a versatile substitute is they are naturally chewy, crisp up when cooked, and absorb a variety of sauces. Don’t forget the portobello, which is a great meat replacement or even king oyster mushrooms as a replacement for scallops.

Identity theft is when someone uses your personal or financial information without your permission. They might steal your name and address, credit card or bank account numbers, Social Security number or medical insurance account numbers. The information could then be used to make purchases, get new cards in your name, open a phone, electricity, or gas account, or even steal your tax refund or medical benefits

No one wants to be the subject of identity theft. If it happens to you, there are steps you can take, and the government is there to help at Identitytheft.com.

The important thing is to take all the necessary steps to prevent it.

Keep your financial records, Social Security and Medicare cards and any other documents that have personal information in a secure place. If getting rid of them, be sure to shred them.

Do not give out your Social Security number other than to the IRS, your bank, and your employer without asking why they need it. If they have a valid reason, try offering just the last 4 digits.

If you are logging in to an on-line account, use a strong password.

Do not give your personal information to someone who calls, emails, or texts you. They could be a scammer trying to steal your information.

In addition to taking steps to protect your information, there are things to do to detect identity theft.

Track what bills you owe and when they are due. If you stop getting a bill, that could be a sign someone changed your address or other information.

Review your bills for charges that don’t belong to you.

Check your bank account for withdrawals not made by you.

Get and review your credit reports, as accounts you don’t recognize could be a sign of identity theft.

Many companies sell identity theft protection services that may include credit monitoring, identity monitoring, identity recovery services, and identity theft insurance. These services may be offered by your bank or credit union, credit card provider, employer’s benefits program, or insurance company. Also, there are credit monitoring services like Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion that offer these services as well.

Identity monitoring services may notify you of a change of address request, court or arrest records, orders for new utility, cable or wire services, application for a payday loan, information on websites that sell stolen identity information.

Most will not notify you if someone uses your information to file a tax return and collect your refund, get Medicare benefits, get Medicaid benefits, get welfare benefits, claim Social Security benefits, claim unemployment benefits.

If you discover that someone is misusing your personal information visit:

www.IdentityTheft.gov

Courtesy of Federal Trade Commission