Amazing Restaurants to visit in the Bay Area right now   After coming back from two weeks in Japan I was missing having Ramen every day. After showing property in Albany, I decided to pop into BopShop Korean Kitchen. It's easy to find both Japanese and Korean style ramen in the Bay Area. Bopshop is comfort food, small plates and a quick bite to eat. When you're looking for more of a family restaurant or a place to take a large group, Bowld BBQ Korean rice bar also on Solano Ave has a larger menu specializing in hot and cold rice bowls and vegan options exist. I just love living in the Bay Area. Imagine owning a house here and being able to walk to restaurants like these!   The bay area continues to be a popular place to call home.If you are ready to search for your next property, or are... 05/24/2019

EASY LANDSCAPING DIY PROJECTS  Ever get the itch to do a DIY project? Whenever we do, our favorites involve getting outdoors and mixing up our landscaping features. Whether it's as simple as installing some lighting or a little more time-consuming like re-plotting plants, a fresh look for the lawn always gives your home a fresh look as well. Here are our top five easy landscaping projects!  Create a pathway.To guide you and visitors throughout your yard and link different areas together, install a pathway. You can use materials from a variety of materials, including reclaimed pallet wood, flagstones, gravel, and more to add texture and color. Add a wall or border.Installing a flagstone, rock, or brick wall around flower beds or trees adds a sleek, clean look to your landscaping and help... 05/23/2019

Jack London Square Presents: Heinold's First and Last Chance Saloon  Video Courtesy of: Bacchus Tales & Co.Heinold’s First and Last Chance is a waterfront saloon opened by John (Johnny) M. Heinold in 1883. The name “First and Last Chance” refers to the time in which for many sailors, the pub was the first and last chance to drink alcohol heavily before or after a long voyage and is the historic watering hole where the famous author, Jack London, practiced his writing. HOURS: Mon 3:00 pm - 11:00 pmTue - Thur. 12:00 pm - 11:00 pmFri - Sat 12:00 pm - 1:00 amSun 11:00 am - 11:00 pmPHONE: (510) 839-6761WEBSITE: Heinhold’s First and Last Chance Saloon SiteADDRESS:  48 Webster Street Oakland, CA 94607 Enjoy one of the coolest place in Oakland by the water. Enjoy an afternoon beer with your fri... 05/22/2019

Bedroom Staging IdeasHere are some Bedroom design ideas compiled by Realtor Magazine. These ideas will definitely make an impact to your potential buyers. 1. Calm and PeacefulThe moment that your potential buyers step into the room, everyone will immediately feel a sense of calmness and solitude. Use a calming color scheme that's simple, add some luxury touches, and crisp white linens.  2. Go NeutralNeutral grays and whites along with pillow accents and floor coverings. It is a simple, yet elegant with a touch of zen.  3. Go for the luxurious whiteMost high end hotels simply use white which screams luxury. Pristine white linens reflect cleanliness.  4. Monochromatic Color PaletteIf you go for simplicity, stick to shades with one color family. Grays can be paired with white, silver or sa... 05/21/2019

2019 Home Design Trends Here are some note-worthy design trends of 2019, according to HGTV that you should try now:  1. Design a Wow-Worthy Focal Wall Have your headboards upholstered, mix and match the dresser and bedside tables (use different colors, mix rustic, contemporary, or mid century design furnitures to add more drama), decorate the wall with a striking wall paper design, or a black-stained flat wood decorated with wall art. 2. Be Playful With Eccentric ArtWhether it be contemporary gothic, classic, modern or midcentury, art work designs add more drama to a room.  3. Have Fun With the DetailsCreate a warm and inviting play room/family room. Have a dedicated space for your collectibles.  4. Pick a Bold PatternThis seaweed green colored tiles creates a striking focal wall on you... 05/18/2019

Jack London Square Presents: Plank   This is definitely something to try once you've moved, or planning to move in Oakland. Even if you are just visiting, this is definitely something you would not want to miss!  Jack London Square features a new restaurant with a hip new concept: PLANK - a restaurant, beer garden, and entertainment area for all ages.  Plank guests have a number of options, from a sun-filled outdoor experience on our huge patio, featuring our beer garden with over 50 handcrafted local beers or a game of bocce ball to an energy-filled inside experience with 18 lanes of state-of-the-art bowling, catching a sporting event on one of our 75 HDTVs or flexing your competitive muscle playing interactive video games. The Boardroom is our special place for adult VIPs, equipped wi... 05/17/2019

5 Tips in Organizing Your Home Do you often struggle with organizing 'junk' inside the drawers? Here's the solution:  Setup an in-box for all of your papers - mail, receipts, kids notes, etc. and manage atleast once a week.  You can use a cardboard box and convert it into a gorgeous new storage box that can fit into your drawers.   2. Organize your pantry just like how a grocery store does.  It's best to put a label on containers for dry goods, or better to use transparent containers.  Place the newest cans, items behind older ones.   3. Organize your Fridge and Freezer perfectlyUse clear, stackable storage containers. Separate them according to type. From snacks, to drinks, to vegetables, or customize them according to your style. Credits: Pop Sugar Pinterest 4. Have a dedicated, usefu... 05/16/2019

Why Oakland is one of the best places to visit in May? Lake Merritt  Lake Merritt is probably one of the most famous and iconic landmarks in Oakland. It has been listed as a National Historic Landmark since 1963. There are a lot of activities to choose from, there's a walking and jogging path along its perimeter, a boating center, a fairy tale themed amusement park called Children's Fairyland and so much more.  These are some of the activities happening in Lake Merritt for the month of May: May 15th - Jr Center Art & Science, 10am – 3pmWhere: Junior Center Of Art & Science, 558 Bellevue Ave, Oakland, CA 94610At JCAS, we encourage active wonder and creativity through artistic and scientific exploration…Visit our animal discovery room, reading library, play space and sunny decks. May 18th... 05/14/2019

Monthly Market Activity for Single Family Homes in Oakland(includes Piedmont and Emeryville) The Median Sale Price for homes in Oakland during April was $853,500 with thehighest number of units sold in the $1m - $1.49m  price range. The Bay Area continues to be a popular place to call home. If you are ready to search for your next property, or are looking for your home value, visit: www.searchalleastbayhomes.com  You can also call me on my cell at 510-919-5741 for a more personal conversation.I would love the opportunity to earn your business.  05/09/2019

Top 3 Reasons to Get Moving. Not homes! I mean Your Body.Thank You re: Action Pilates! Everyone is working so hard these days, and regardless if you are behind a computer screen or in a car, in today’s world, it’s not uncommon to sit for hours. I made a lifestyle choice to get moving, and this time I don’t mean homes, I mean my body. How do you move yours? Is it slow and painful? Or smooth and with ease? Top 3 Reasons to Get Moving 1.       BALANCE: Moving your body helps your body balance better. Welcome to re: Action Pilateson Telegraph ave in Oakland. Re: Action Pilates is the best!  Besides the convenient parking lot, the class hours range from 6 am until 5:30 p.m. classes mid week and they are open on the weekend. For a Realtor, or even a busy mom, it makes finding time to exercise... 05/04/2019

Things to do in Oakland - May 10, 12, 17, 24, 31Oakland Symphony presents West Side Story Love theater shows? This one will definitely be a night to remember. Stunning songs like Maria and Somewhere fill the Paramount alongside the snaps and jibes of the Sharks and Jets in this concert performance.Event InfoDates: May 10, 2019Location: Paramount Theatre Address: 2025 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612Time: 8:00 PMPrice: $25 - $90  Mother's Day Brunch Buffet with Crab, Seafood Steamer Pots, Prime Rib at Eve's WaterfrontTreat your loving moms this Mother's Day to a Brunch Buffet with Crab, Seafood Steamer Pots, Prime Rib at Eve's WaterfrontEve’s Waterfront has ample free parking, panoramic waterfront views, and is located on the corner of Oak and Embarcadero West in Oakland. Eve’s offers private... 05/03/2019

The Importance of Home Insurance  Today I had lunch and learned so much about the world of home insurance. Homeowner Insurance is one of the steps taken before a client succesfully closes on the sale of their new home. Shopping for homeowners insurance is important. Make sure to do your homework, listen to the advise given, and decide how much protection you need to secure your most important investment.    The bay area continues to be a popular place to call home.If you are ready to search for your next property, or are looking for your home value, visit:www.searchalleastbayhomes.comClick here for the monthly market reports! 05/02/2019

Things to do in Oakland - May 5, 12, 19, 24 Bay Bridge Half MarathonThis is going to be the first ever Oakland Bay Bridge Half Marathon from the famed Middle Harbor Park. This exclusive event will feature a limited field, amazing merch, food, beer and more.Stay tuned for more from the folks that bring you the Oaktown Half, Oakland Turkey Trot and everything else by Oakland, for Oakland.Event InfoDates: May 5, 2019Location: Middle Harbor Shoreline Park Address: Middle Harbor Road, Oakland, CA 94607Time: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM Mesmerica 360 Oakland: A Visual Music JourneyExperience this magical musical journey in the Chabot Space and Science Center Planetarium.Mesmerica is a visual music journey that brings the mesmerizing music of Grammy-nominated composer and percussionist, James Hood toge... 05/02/2019

Things to do in Oakland May 3, 4, 10, 11 Art Route OaklandBe able to explore art venues throughout Oakland and win fabolous prizes! Prizes are from $250 to $1,500 good toward original artwork, to a hotel get-away, fine dining and more. You get to meet other art lovers too!Art Route Oakland is a FREE, fun activity for all ages held during Oakland Art Month. Pick up your official Art Route Oakland Map  at any of more than 30 participating venues  to get started! Contest begins May 3, 2019, and ends at 5:00pm on May 11, 2019. Event InfoPresented By: Galleries throughout OaklandDates: 5/3/2019, 5/4/2019, 5/10/2019, 5/11/2019Phone: (773) 771-8342Time: 6-9PM on Fridays, 12-5PM on SaturdaysPrice: FREE Oakland has always been a wonderful city to discover art. Art enthusiasts refer to Oakland as... 05/01/2019

Maximize your Small Garden - Ideas Here are some tips and tricks into maximizing your small garden and making it stand out.  1. Flower-Filled Planters It's always nice to add color to your  backyard!    2. Wall PlantersIt's strikingly beautiful to see wall planters on your garden. Show off your gardening and design skills! Check out some nice designs at Home Depot   3. Mid Century Plant StandsI have always been a fan of Mid Century designs. From furnitures, to accent pieces, architecture. Having this in your garden will truly stand out! Check out some cool pieces at Wayfair. Mauro Tabletop Plant Stand$62.99Wayfair.com  4. Window BoxesTreat yourself to a view of blooming flowers every morning! Check out these plants which is according to Good Housekeeping are some of the best flowers to ... 04/30/2019

Top three spots to visit when in Oakland Oakland has always been one of the most iconic and popular cities in the Bay Area. If you happen to visit or planning to move in Oakland, here is my list on some of the best spots to visit when you are in Oakland.  1. Chabot Space & Science CenterThis is definitely one of the places that the kids and parents will enjoy. Explore hands-on interactive exhibits, and entertaining planetarium shows. Please visit their site and plan your visit soon!  Read more about my previous blog on Chabot Space & Science Center here 2. Oakland ZooOakland Zoo is truly one of Oakland's Gem. A lot of local families with small children visit the zoo and is a great way to pass the day. Let them learn about wildlife conservation and see a lot of amazing animals! Read more... 04/29/2019

When do you plan a trip from North America to Hawaii? Aloha! I think this is really good news. Southwest is now flying to Hawaii! According to an article from Travel Zoo:Well, not only does Southwest's generous baggage allowance make it a great value, but the "Southwest Effect" typically drives down the average cost of one-way flights on routes where Southwest flies. The other carriers have to compete or they will lose market share. So even if you don't want to fly Southwest, it's a good bet that fares will drop across the board in the next few days as airlines start to match fares -- which are starting at $49 one way (!) This is why I love living in the Bay Area. Flying out of the Oakland Airport is so easy. It's a 5-hr long flight to Hawaii from Oakland and the direct flight made it e... 04/27/2019

Travel back in time with Dino Days On March 22, step into the East Garden—and 66 million years into the past. An eye-popping array of moving, roaring, exquisitely detailed life-size dinosaurs have invaded the Academy! The California Academy of Sciences recently opened a new exhibit for kids and kids-at-heart. Dino Days invites you to travel back in time to the Late Cretaceous period and come face-to-face with the largest reptiles that ever stalked the Earth. Walk among life-size animatronic dinosaurs that move and roar. Brush up on your paleontology in two fossil excavation pits. Join a dino dance-off or create your own dino-inspired crafts.  The exhibit opened March 22nd and runs until May 5! Get your tickets now!  GOLDEN GATE PARK55 MUSIC CONCOURSE DRIVESAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118(415) 37... 04/26/2019

East Bay Views Thinking of moving to the East Bay? Imagine waking up to these amazing views everyday! Let me give you a tour of the East Bay Area and see how amazing it is to visit or live here.  Old and New Bay Bridge Bike around Lake Merritt Rowing the peaceful waters of Lake Merritt View of the Bay from Upper Rockridge in Oakland CA An office with spectacular views Penthouse living in Oakland A bathroom with a view! Jack London Square  Lake Merritt, Oakland CA New construction with a view! Living in Oakland has always been a long time dream for most Americans, besides the mild weather, the central location is perfect. You'll have easy access to San Francisco, and is way more affordable than San Francisco (in terms of housing), offers a lot of job opportunities. It's also an art heave... 04/24/2019

Lovely Flowers in the East Bay Here's my collection to some of the beautiful plants and flowers / landscaping ideas for homeowners.  Wall Art using flowers  Low Maintenance California   Love the drought resistant plants  Garden art while walking around Rockridge..  Striking colors can be found in nature  Incorporating garden art in the backyard  Here is a great idea on what todo with a breezeway.  I love the combination of succulants   Front Yard newly landscaped Source: Pinterest  If you need help with your landscaping needs, please check out Thumbtack to find local professionals near you!  The bay area continues to be a popular place to call home.If you are ready to search for your next property, or are looking for your home value, visit: www.searchalleastbayhomes.comClick here for th... 04/22/2019