Author: Natalie

Ronald Reagan was born in the small Illinois town of Tampico, and rose to fame as a leading actor during the golden age of Hollywood. But fame and fortune on the silver screen was only his first act. He went on to become the 40th president of the United States, and has left a legacy long after his eight years in office.

On March 30, 1981, a delusional man attempted to kill the new president. But due to luck, quick thinking by the Secret Service, and some heroic citizens, the president was hit but not killed.

In honor of the last time a president has been attacked, let’s take a look at Ronald Reagan’s life.

Birthplace, Tampico, Illinois

Ronald Wilson Reagan was born on February 6, 1911 in an apartment above a tavern in the small town of Tampico. His parents were poor, but must have been inspirational to their two boys, because Ronald became a famous actor, governor and president, and Neil became a successful advertising executive.

The building, now called the Graham Building, is a national historical site, and you can visit, if you happen to find yourself in the tiny town of less than 1,000 people.

Childhood Home, Dixon, Illinois

When he was young, the family moved to Dixon, Illinois for better job prospects. They lived here for about three years; not a long time, but with such a transient family, it felt like a long time to the young boy. President Reagan has reflected on the home and the time spent there as some of the best of his childhood. The boys had plenty of adventures, including raising rabbits.

The home is open for visitors from April to October each year.

Rancho del Cielo, Santa Barbara, California

Nicknamed the “Western White House” while he was president, Ronald and Nancy bought the property in 1974 for about $2.6 million in today’s dollars. They bought the home as Ronald’s term as Governor of California was wrapping up, and turned it into a wonderful vacation home for the close-knit family.

They enjoyed spending time at the ranch, with its 1,500 square foot home, horse stables, and a lake. As president, he hosted foreign leaders and dignitaries, as well as signed legislation into law.

Regan developed Alzheimer’s after his second term as president, and he stopped visiting after 1995. Later, it was sold to the Young America Foundation, and they allow students and guests to visit, but it is closed to the public.

Last Home, Bel Air, California

After serving two terms as president, Ronald and Nancy retired back to California. They bought the house from friends for about $2.5 million, and it was the perfect place to retire.

On June 5, 2004, Ronald Reagan passed away after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s. The home sold in 2016 for $15 million dollars to a former Hollywood agent and Reagan supporter. The home was demolished in 2020.

Site of Attempted Assassination, Washington, D.C.

Shortly after taking office, President Reagan went to the Washington Hilton for a speaking engagement. As he was leaving, deranged John Hinckley, Jr. shot at the president. Hinckley thought he was proving his love for Jodie Foster by shooting the president.

Immediately, Press Secretary Brady was hit and severely wounded. A Secret Service agent and DC police officer were also wounded. Another agent forced Reagan down and into the waiting limo. At the same time, bystanders near Hinckley realized he was the shooter and tackled him, limiting his ability to continue shooting. Hinckley was eventually convicted of the shooting, and placed in a hospital until 2016. He now lives with his mother under supervision.

George Washington University Hospital, Washington, D.C.

In spite of security’s best efforts, Reagan was shot as a bullet ricocheted off the car and into his torso. The limo rushed him to George Washington University Hospital, where he was quickly treated for shock and the bullet wound.

If it hadn’t been for the quick thinking by the people assigned to protect the president, as well as bystanders, the president’s term, and life, would likely have been cut tragically short.

Presidential Library, Simi Valley, California

As with all recent presidents, Ronald Reagan established a presidential library to house his official papers and other presidential records, as well as honor and promote his legacy.

The library opened in 1991, and serves as a wonderful educational experience for those wishing to learn more about the 40th’s president’s life, as well as his administration.

Presidential Library Oval Office

The library has several displays highlighting the president’s term, including a full-scale reproduction of the Oval Office.

Reagan and Gorbachev Statue

The library focuses on highlights from the administration, including the monumental meeting between Reagan and Gorbachev of the Soviet Union.

Grave Site, Simi Valley, California

After a seven-day long funeral service which included laying in state in the U.S. Capitol and a funeral service at the National Cathedral, Ronald Reagan was interred at his presidential library in Simi Valley. Visitors are able to pay tribute to the groundbreaking president at the site.

These are just a few places that are important to the life and legacy of Ronald Reagan. If he had not survived the shot that fateful day, who knows if the Soviet Union would have fallen when it did and the Communist regimes of Eastern Europe changed to democratic countries. From his career in Hollywood, to his service as governor in California, to his two terms as president, he did it all, and left a powerful reputation that lasts to this day.

Ninety one years ago today, on March 22, 1931, William Shatner was born in Montreal, Canada.

In honor of the captain who boldly went where no man has gone before, let’s take a look at Shatner’s career in Hollywood, and some of the people he’s worked with along the way.

Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park, Southern California

Shatner came to Hollywood in the late 1950s, and started appearing in television and movies, though without a big break for more than a decade. In 1966, he was cast as Captain James Kirk in the original Star Trek series. Filming the intergalactic series led to the crew working in some fun and funky locations, including Vasquez Rocks just north of Los Angeles.

These rocks were once a favorite place for bandits and outlaws to hide, but have in more recent years become a popular place to film television and movie scenes, including several Star Trek episodes.

Longtime Home, Los Angeles

While Shatner starred in Star Trek for three seasons, the show cancelled and Shatner struggled to find work for years. In fact, at one point he lost his house and had to live out of a trailer. It wasn’t until fans got into the show during reruns and Shatner starred in Star Trek movies that he started to earn more money.

But eventually the money did come. Now, Shatner is worth about $100 million! In 1975, he bought a 4,000 square foot home in Studio City, which has four bedrooms and four bathrooms, and a pool, too.

Property Next Door

Shatner also bought the property next door, which is a 1,600 square foot home. Shatner and his ex-wife loved to entertain and host fun parties, so perhaps it was a place for staff to live, or to let friends stay the night if they needed a place to crash.

Blue Origins Hangar, West Texas

With a reputation of “going where no one has gone before” it made sense that Shatner would want to travel to space as soon as the chance came. And in October 2021, he was able to fly as a guest on Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origins spacecraft.

While it’s reported Shatner flew for free, others have paid as much as $28 million for a seat on the rocket that launches 100 kilometers into space, giving passengers about three minutes of weightlessness in space before returning to earth. For an 11 minute trip, that’s $2.5 million per minute, or $42,000 per second!

Leonard Nimoy’s Home, Los Angeles, California

Shatner wasn’t the only Star Trek actor to experience belated success. Leonard Nimoy, who played the serious and stoic Spock in the series and subsequent films, was a great actor who never forgot his Boston roots.

He owned property in Florida, Tahoe, and southern California, but towards the end of his life, he downsized to his private home in Los Angeles. The actor, worth $45 million when he passed away in 2015, maintained an active role in the Star Trek world, like Shatner, and also like Shatner, he enjoyed the belated financial reward from his hard work.

Patrick Stewart’s Park Slope Home, New York, New York

While William Shatner was the OG captain in the original Star Trek series, Patrick Stewart reinvented the role of captain of the U.S.S. Enterprise for Star Trek: The Next Generation and subsequent film and franchise roles. He was originally a famous stage actor, and had a great reputation in theater before being labeled as an “unknown British actor” when he got the role as Captain Picard.

He and his wife own several properties in England, but they love their Park Slope town house which they bought in 2012 for about $2.5 million. The converted carriage house has three bedrooms, and a 1,200 square foot patio with fire pit, a real luxury in New York. But with $70 million to his name, he can afford all the amenities.

Over the last 91 years, William Shatner’s career and success have carried him far–even to outer space! While it’s probably going to be hard to find a gift for the man who has left earth’s orbit, a thoughtful “Happy Birthday” will suffice. So, Happy Birthday!

 

March is Women’s History Month. So, thank your mom, grandma, and all the other women in your life who have made you who you are. There are women all around us who have blazed new trails, in science, politics, and more. But who is more of a trailblazer than a rock star?

So, in honor of women’s history month, let’s take a look at some women who have been inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Aretha Franklin

The Queen of Soul was the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, in 1987. While it was long overdue, it was a well-deserved honor to the extremely talented artist. More than 100 of her singles reached Billboard 100 lists, she is one of the best-selling artists of all time, and certainly one of the most influential.

Her family moved to Detroit when she was a child, where here father was a Baptist minister. Her career took off at the time that Motown was all the rage.

She remained in Detroit for the rest of her life, owning several homes in and around the city. This Bloomfield Hills home  was one of her most beloved, and includes many personal touches including rose-etched glass and rose embroidered carpeting. The 4,100 square foot home has been on and off the market for $800,000-$1.2 million since her death in 2018, but hasn’t secured a buyer, in spite of renovations and upgrades.

For now, it serves as a legacy to Lady Soul.

Whitney Houston

Aretha’s honorary niece, Whitney Houston, had a voice that could outsing almost anyone. Her life was cut short, when she passed away at 48 in 2012. “The Voice” still holds several records, including for best-selling gospel album, best-selling soundtrack, and most consecutive number one Billboard songs.

Whitney’s famous circular mansion in New Jersey was on the market for five years before it sold in 2014 for $1.5 million. The 12,500 square foot home sits on two parcels of land combined for five acres, has five bedrooms, six bathrooms, recording studio, and more. It was a bargain deal considering Whitney paid $2.7 million for it in 1987.

Whitney was inducted into the Rock and Roll Music Hall of Fame in 202, and she is still considered one of the 100 greatest artists of all time.

Madonna

Madonna is the cultural icon of an entire generation, one of the first artists to fully take advantage of television to advance her career. She set new records, and pushed more boundaries than perhaps any other female musician, and even in her 60s, she’s still redefining her career.

In March 2008, the Queen of Pop was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame, the first year she was eligible.

While married to Guy Ritchie, Madonna moved to London, and fell in love with the city. She has since lived there off and on, along with Lisbon, LA, and New York. The ten-bedroom Georgian structure has six floors, and is worth about $18 million. Because she’s Madonna, she also owns the pad next door-for staff!

In 2021, Madonna bought the Weeknd’s massive LA estate for $19.3 million! He sold the four-year old mansion, which has 12,500 square feet, nine bedrooms (enough for her six kids!), a gorgeous pool, and guest house.

Tina Turner

Tina Turner first rose to fame as part of Ike and Tina Turner, a husband and wife duo that captured everyone with their intense passion and singing, and personality. She is a two-time inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, first with Ike in 1991, and then for her solo body of work in 2021. She has sold more than 100 million records, and is one of the best-selling artists ever!

First performing with Ike and then on her own for 60 years, Tina is an American legacy, but the Queen of Rock and Roll hasn’t actually lived in the United States in decades.

She and her second husband lived in Switzerland in the Chateau Algonquin for many years. In early 2022, the couple bought a $76 million estate outside Zurich. They had to obtain Swiss citizenship in order to purchase the five-acre  estate. It’s unclear whether they still rent the Chateau, or if they only need one castle at a time.

These are just a few of the many amazing and talented female musicians who have influenced lives and given us amazing music, entertainment, and inspiration. This month, we can say to women everywhere: Rock on!

On February 18, 2001, living legend Dale Earnhardt Sr. was in the final lap of the famous Daytona 500 race, when he was involved in a three-car collision. He hit another car, and then hit the wall at about 150 miles per hour. He was pronounced dead that afternoon, and racing fans will never forget Black Sunday, or the racing hero that is Dale Earnhardt.

Let’s take a look back at Dale’s life, career, and family.

Former Residence, Mooresville, NC

Dale Earnhardt, Sr. was born into a family who loved racing. His dad was one of the best short-track racers, and when Dale was 12, he secretly used his dad’s car to compete in a race, and nearly won! His talent was readily apparent from an early age, and Dale dropped out of school to pursue his dream career.

His hard work and undeniable talent worked in his favor, and he quickly began winning races. He was so successful that he earned more than $70 million, much of it coming from endorsements and advertising deals.

He had some nice luxuries, including a helicopter and two airplanes, a yacht, and a gorgeous mansion in Moorseville, North Carolina. Before his death, he lived here with his wife Teresa and his four kids.

On his death, his properties transferred to Teresa.

Grave Site, Moorseville, NC

Dale was only 49 when he passed away on February 18. The early and untimely death shook the racing world, and it also shocked his family. The world mourned the loss of “The Man in Black” and paid tribute through gatherings and memorials at important racing places.

However, he was a family man, and private in many ways. His family decided to hold a private service and inter his body on his estate. This way, his final resting place would not become a shrine to racing or the legend, but a private and peaceful place for his family to remember Dale.

Daytona International Speedway, Daytona, FL

Since 1959, Daytona International Speedway has been home to the most prestigious NASCAR race, as well as several other types of racing events. The track is 2.5 miles, and drivers navigate the turns for about 3.5 hours during the Daytona 500.

On that fateful February day, Dale was racing with his son, Dale Jr., on the same team. Junior was in second place, and Senior was in third. However, exiting the fourth turn on the final lap, Dale Sr. clipped a car, was hit by another, and crashed into the wall. While it wasn’t immediately confirmed that he was dead, Dale Earnhardt Sr. passed away at the scene of the accident from multiple serious injuries.

Right after the crash, Dale Earnhardt Jr. came in second at the Daytona 500, a moment the new driver should have been able to enjoy, but was forever tarnished with the death of his father.

Dale Earnhardt, Inc. and the “Garage Mahal”, Mooresville, NC

Dale was an entrepreneur as well as a racer, and he founded his own racing company, called Dale Earnhardt, Inc. in Mooresville. The large glass and granite building is still headquarters for the businesses he founded, as well as home to a Dale Earnhardt museum.

The museum has a 6,000 square foot showroom that includes several of his racing cars, trophies, and other cool memorabilia about the racing legend. Even when Dale was alive it was nicknamed the Garage Mahal for its impressive size.

While the museum is closed these days, it’s a great place to put on the list for when it opens again!

Dale Earnhardt Jr’s Home, Mooresville, NC

Dale had four children, and they are all involved in racing one way or another. But his son, Dale Earnhardt Jr. certainly carries the mantle of the Earnhardt name and has moved his dad’s legacy forward.

Dale was on the track when his dad died, which has clearly stuck with him as a driver. But it hasn’t held him back. In fact, Daytona seems to hold a special place for Number 8, having won the race twice. He is one of NASCAR’s most popular racers, and still draws fans and support in his fifth year of “semi” retirement.

Jr. has amassed a fortune well north of $400 million from racing and endorsements! But he still maintains his primary residence near where he grew up, and close to family.

Called “Dirty Mo Acres” the property includes 200 acres, has a replica of the town where his dad grew up, a go kart track, and a huge working garage for his race cars.

Dale Earnhardt Plaza, Kannapolis, NC

Dale has no doubt left a major impact on racing. He was the fourth driver to die within a short time, but after his shocking, televised, death, racing was forced to address driver safety aggressively. Several changes were made that have saved many lives, and people take safety more seriously.

Additionally, his persona, and family legacy, are still remembered with fondness. Even people who aren’t diehard NASCAR fans know about The Intimidator.

He was born and lived in the heart of NASCAR: North Carolina. His hometown of Kannapolis has embraced his legacy, even naming locations such as the Dale Earnhardt Plaza after the town’s most famous hero.

On this day, let’s raise three fingers high for Dale, and think about good old Number 3, a man who will never be forgotten.

 

 

 

 

It’s Valentine’s Day, filled with roses, romance, and reflection on those we love.  In honor of the day of love and optimism, let’s take a look back on some of the celebrities who found love, got engaged, or tied the knot in 2021.

Who knows, maybe some of their happiness will rub off on the rest of us!

Tarek El Moussa and Heather Rae Young

Tarek El Moussa and Heather Rae Young got married in October in California after a whirlwind romance and eventful wedding planning. The Flip or Flop and Flipping 101 with Tarek El Moussa star and Selling Sunset realtor met through friends and were engaged in 2020.

The couple have done well with their reality star fame. Tarek is worth about $10 million and Heather about $3 million. Heather also has a lucrative Instagram business that increases her salary.

The couple bought a home in Newport Beach, California. And since the couple are reality and real estate stars, they allowed the big reveal to be filmed. They paid a little over $3 million, and invested significant time and money to renovate the home.

The happy couple moved in around the time they got married last fall, and have room for Tarek’s two kids from a previous marriage. A wedding, a home, and a happy family–what a year!

Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton

Blake and Gwen have been all over the news in 2021. They seem to be the “It Couple” of Hollywood romance. The two musical powerhouses met on the television set of The Voice and quickly fell in love.

In 2020, Blake proposed to Gwen on his Oklahoma ranch, where the couple had been spending much of their time during Covid lockdowns. Blake built a new, larger house on the property, when things became serious with Gwen, and her boys.

Ten Points Ranch is also where the couple were married on July 3, 2021. The couple were married in a chapel Blake built special for the occasion, and they celebrated with friends and family in beautiful tents set up for the occasion.

The couple spend much of their time at the ranch, with Gwen’s three growing boys. They own homes and real estate all across the US, which makes sense for a couple with a combined net worth north of $250 million. But you only have to see pictures of this couple to know–it’s love not money that makes them smile!

Boris Johnson and Carrie Symonds

Boris Johnson, the unconventional Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, married his third wife, Carrie Symonds, on May 29, 2021. The couple had a baby in December, the second for the couple and the seventh for Boris.

Boris and the family live at 10 Downing Street, the official residence and office of the Prime Minister. The house is about 300 years old and has 100 rooms! The third floor has a special suite for the Prime Minister and their family, but the rest of the building is the official working space for the country’s leader.

Boris also has a townhouse in Camberwell, in London. They started renting out the $1.6 million residence for about $3,000 per month, as they find the official residence at 10 Downing Street perfect for their family.

Anna Faris and Michael Barrett

Anna Faris has been making people laugh for a long time now, and was married to good looking funny guy Chris Pratt, but the two divorced in 2018. She met cinematographer Michael Barrett around the same time, and have been an item ever since.

After four years of dating, the two married in a private ceremony in 2021, which the actress casually mentioned on her podcast after the event. The couple were committed long before they tied the knot, having bought a wonderful, eco-friendly house in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles.

The LEED-certified house has solar panels, advanced water filtration, and a built-in Tesla charger. It’s 4,200 square feet of gorgeous, modern, sleek design perfect for the private, sweet and funny actress and her new husband! The house set the couple back about $5 million, which is NBD because Anna is worth about $30 million.

Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena

Aubrey Plaza rose to fame alongside Anna Faris on Parks and Recreation and has since starred in both film and television shows. She married longtime partner Jeff Baena, a Hollywood director, in 2021 after dating for more than 10 years. Just like other aspects of their relationship, their wedding was private, and only announced a few months after they were married.

The couple are low-key and private, and have lived in the same LA area home for nearly a decade. The home in Los Feliz is a great place for them and their dogs to enjoy the gorgeous views of LA and perfect year-round weather of southern California. After a decade, it’s clear the couple just get each other and are perfect for each other!

These couples give us inspiration that love is always just around the corner. First love, second chances, long-time love or quick and heavy romance, it’s all out there and you never know when Cupid is going to strike! Happy Valentine’s Day!