September 26th, 2014 at 10:31 am
It’s harvest time again in Southern California, and that means apples are ripe for the picking. Before you head to the orchards for some hands-on fruit shopping, follow these common-sense tips and tricks:
September 24th, 2014 at 11:30 am
What’s the one item you use almost every day in your kitchen?
Your butcher block and cutting board.
If it isn’t the most-used item, it’s likely high up on your list. If you have a wood cutting board or butcher block, you likely know how much damage they can sustain. However, when cared for properly, these wooden pieces can last a lifetime or longer. Wood surfaces show dirt and blemishes much quicker than the plastic variety. To keep your wood surfaces intact, start by knowing when to use them. Avoid using your wood block to cut raw meat or poultry. Keep a few plastic cutting boards in your kitchen for these types of projects. Use your wood block for cutting cooked meats, fruit and vegetables.
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September 22nd, 2014 at 10:00 am
© modscape
The scariest house yet, architectural innovation at its finest or a bit of both? The Cliff House is depicted as a direct extension of a seaside overhang and inspired by the barnacles that hang off a ship’s hull. Designed by Australian architectural firm Modscape, the house is still just a concept.
The project was designed specifically for a couple exploring options for a holiday home. Residents would enter through a carport and an elevator would connect each level. The design includes three bedrooms, a living room and kitchen.
Living in this home would offer 180-degree views of the ocean while enjoying a cup of tea in your living room. See the full design layout and learn more about the house at http://modscape.com.au/cliff-house-by-modscape-concept/.
September 19th, 2014 at 2:00 pm
About an hour east of San Diego, at about 4,200 feet in the beautiful Cuyamaca Mountains, is the quaint village of Julian. If you haven’t made a trip this way, now is the time. Julian is a historic gold mining town with the ability to transport you back to the 1870s. Get away from the coast and head to the mountains for a day of apple picking and, of course, apple pie eating. Now through the end of October (or whenever the apples are gone), Julian celebrates the annual fall harvest.
For the full Julian experience, visit during the Julian Apple Days Festival October 4h and 5h. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children under age 12.
For more information about Julian and its apple orchards, visit www.julianca.com/Orchards.html.
September 19th, 2014 at 10:30 am
Post by: Marsha Shepard
When my husband got ready to retire, we checked out several different West Coast spots. We are from Oregon and wanted warm weather. Although we could get a well-priced townhome in Las Vegas or a casita on the golf course in Arizona, we chose to retire in downtown San Diego. It is true that cost per square foot is more, but do you really need as much space? We sold our Oregon home furnished and hit the road. We’ve never looked back. Here are just some of the reasons we’re retiring in downtown San Diego.
10. Walkability
We wanted to be able to ditch the car. If needed, we could live quite well here without a vehicle. There are four grocery stores downtown as well as a multitude of restaurant delivery services. We walk to get our hair cut, teeth cleaned, to the doctor’s office, optometrist, jewelry repair, notary and office-supply store. Downtown San Diego has everything you need within a short walk.
9. Bike-ability
When you’re retired, you’ll find biking an easy-on-the-joints exercise that is sure to please. Downtown San Diego offers some of the most scenic paved, off-road bike trails anywhere. There’s even talk of constructing a hanging bike path under the San Diego-Coronado Bridge.
8. Low energy bills
Because the temperature is constantly in the 70s, we find we seldom need air conditioning and never need heating. Open the windows and feel the breeze.
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