Blog – Page 2

INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2020

January 3, 2020 by Danielle Negroni Leave a Comment

With the start of a new year and a new decade, you might be thinking of renovating or redecorating your home. While you might want to stick to tried-and-true classic styles for larger projects, it can be fun to incorporate some newer design trends into the mix. Check out this list of hot interior design trends for 2020 to help inspire your home projects for the year ahead!

Tip 1: Add Meaningful Pieces.

Add some personal flair to your home by mixing old and new pieces. Display a piece of art that’s been in your family for generations or throw a vintage quilt over a modern chair. 2020 is all about getting that personal touch by including meaningful pieces in your home.

Tip 2: Dark Doors

There’s nothing so statement making like an interior door painted in a rich color. By painting a door a bold dark color, the door itself becomes a statement piece. This trend is especially great for smaller rooms.

Tip 3: Dramatic Prints

Prints are in, and nothing is more exciting than a dramatic print from floor to ceiling. Find a bold patterned wallpaper to add some drama to your home in 2020.

Tip 4: Fun Bathrooms

Gone are the days of sterile bathrooms. Bathrooms are becoming a place of fun designs. Experiment with color, materials, or wallpaper to take your bathroom to the next level. If you’re not sure about this trend, try it first in a powder or guest bath!

Tip 5: Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops have been trending for a while, but they’ll keep going strong in 2020. These countertops are durable, easy to maintain, and beautiful. Quartz is a great choice for active families or those with small children. It resists stains better than granite and doesn’t chip or crack easily.

Tip 6: Growing Plants

Faux plants are out, and real plants are in! To start the new decade, put that green thumb to use and add some life to a space by growing your own indoor plants in the kitchen or living room. With so many hardy plants to choose from like succulents, cacti, or air plants, even the least gifted gardeners can get in on this trend!

Tip 7: Natural Materials and Shapes

A hot trend for the past few years, in 2020 we’ll continue to see natural materials and shapes taking center stage in homes. Reclaimed wood, natural stone, and natural woven textiles add easy warmth and earthiness to any space.

Tip 8: Use Some Classic Blue

Pantone has named its color of the year for 2020, and it’s classic blue. This color is rich, but easy to work with! Use a classic blue vase or throw to spruce up your home for the new decade!

What design trends are you most excited about? Let me know in the comments below!

LOCAL CHARITIES AND ORGANIZATIONS TO GIVE BACK TO THIS SEASON

December 10, 2019 by Danielle Negroni Leave a Comment

‘Tis the season of giving! Every year, I consider the holiday season as a time to give back. Many local charities and organizations need volunteers or extra assistance. If you’re looking for a new charity to support this year, here are some of my favorites causes and organizations:

Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank

As the largest independent hunger-relief organization in San Diego County, this organization provides food to 370,000 people every month through both nonprofit partners and direct distributions. This organization is lean and efficient, meaning that 93 cents out of every dollar donated goes directly to programs and services! Volunteer in their warehouse, at food distribution sites, or at Food Bank events!

Learn More Here

Rancho Coastal Humane Society

Founded in 1960, this charity is dedicated to the rescue and shelter of abandoned companion animals. Their programs include dog, cat, and rabbit adoptions, intake of animals from over capacity shelters, fostering animals, and more! The Rancho Coastal Humane Society has a Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. If you love animals, the Rancho Coastal Human Society is a great organization to volunteer with!

Learn More Here

ACCION San Diego

ACCION is a nonprofit mission-based lender focused on connecting entrepreneurs with financing and resources to create and grow healthy businesses. This non-profit is a great way to support local businesses as they are starting up. They focus on providing economic opportunity for low-to-moderate business owners who lack access to traditional sources of credit. In 2018, they issued over 4.5 million dollars in loans and created and maintained over 700 jobs! Over 90% of the charity’s total expenses are spent on their programs, so your donation goes directly to a good cause.

Learn More Here

YMCA of San Diego County

The YMCA supports youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility through children programs and family services. As the second-largest YMCA association in the nation, it serves nearly 400,000 San Diego County residents! Volunteering at the YMCA is a great way to help build community through their many activities. With many different services, you can choose to volunteer in an administrative capacity, in social services, in childcare, or more!

Learn More Here

Semper Fi Fund

Located at Camp Pendleton, the Semper Fi Fund provides immediate financial assistance and lifetime support to our veterans. They support combat-wounded, critically-ill, and catastrophically-injured members of all branches of the US Armed Forces and their families, so they can recover and transition back to their communities. Get involved and host an event this holiday season to raise money for veterans!

Learn More Here

Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego

Make-A-Wish is a national organization, but each branch works independently. The San Diego branch of the Make-A-Wish Foundation works with children with critical illnesses to grant them a wish. Donate or volunteer to help children’s wishes come true! You can donate airline miles to help children fly, or volunteer in an office, as a translator, or with special events.

Learn More Here

The Honor Foundation

My husband, Dan, is very active with The Honor Foundation in San Diego. The mission of this non-profit is to help returning Navy SEALs and members of U.S. Special Operations transition from deployment to employment. The Honor Foundation helps them find new jobs and careers that suit their individual skills. Your donations go directly to help supporting the expansion of their current programs to help even more men and women.

Learn More Here

Next Step Service Dogs

Next Step Service Dogs is another non-profit that is near and dear to our family. My daughter, Allie, trained a puppy named Quinn to ultimately become a service dog for an active duty service member, veteran, or first responder with PTSD and/or a TBI. The mission of Next Step Service Dogs is to help these courageous individuals take the “next step” in their lives through the assistance and support of their new service dog.

Learn More Here

These are just a few local charities and organizations you can support this holiday season. Which charities or organizations do you volunteer with? Let me know in the comments below!

2019 HOLIDAY EVENTS IN SAN DIEGO

December 2, 2019 by Danielle Negroni Leave a Comment

The holidays are here! Looking for something fun to do? Check out some of these great holiday events happening throughout San Diego County!

Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

When: Nov 10th – Dec 29th

Where: The Old Globe

1363 Old Globe Way

San Diego, CA 92101-1696

About: Catch a holiday show at the Old Globe Theatre! This whimsical musical is based on the classic Dr. Seuss book. This is the 22^nd year it’s being performed, and in addition to a wonderful performance, the Old Globe Theatre is also being decorated to be transformed into snow-covered Whoville!

Click here to Buy Tickets

Holidays at One Paseo

When: November 30^th– December 22^nd

Where: One Paseo

3725 Paseo Place

San Diego, CA 92130

About: Enjoy live music performances, visits from Santa, and festive photo opportunities while snow cascades from the rooftops at One Paseo! Salt & Straw is even providing complimentary s’mores by the Firepit every Saturday!

Click Here to Learn More

Hullaballoo for The Holidays

When: Dec 5^th, 12^th, and 19^th

Where: Del Mar Highlands Town Center

12925 El Camino Real Suite J-28

San Diego, CA 92130

About: This is a great event to get your kids into the Holiday spirit! This free event includes a fun sing-along and special visits from Santa too! Be sure to check Santa’s scheduled appearances.

Click Here to Learn More

December Nights at Balboa Park

When: Dec 6th – 7th

Where: Balboa Park

House of Hospitality

San Diego, CA 92101

About: Start the holiday season with December Nights at Balboa Park! This free holiday festival is in its 42nd year and still going strong! Come with friends and family to enjoy the festive lighting, delicious cuisine, and holiday cheer. Additionally, all Balboa Park museums are free from 5-9 PM!

Click Here to Learn More

Little Italy’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

When: Dec 7th 4:00 PM – 8:00 PMitt

Where: Little Italy

India St & W Fir St

San Diego, CA 92101

About: Head downtown for the 21^st Annual Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village! Check out the unique Christmas tree made of over 1000 Poinsettias and meet Sant Claus at Santa’s Living Room on India Street. Additionally, there will be vendors selling holiday goodies and stocking stuffers!

Click Here to Learn More

Encinitas Holiday Parade

When: December 7^th 5:00 PM- 7:30 PM

Where: Downtown Encinitas

Coast Hwy 101

About: Head to downtown Encinitas on December 7^th for the Annual Encinitas Holiday Parade! This family-friendly event will host thousands of people on floats rolling down Coast Highway 101. Come cheer them on and celebrate the season!

Click Here to Learn More

Santa by the Sea

When: December 8^th 3:00 PM- 5:00 PM

Where: Del Mar Village

NW Corner of Camino Del Mar & 15^th Street

About: Come say “Hi” to Santa at the Del Mar Village! Holiday treats, refreshments, and crafts for the kids will be available all afternoon. Plus, stick around for the annual Tree Lighting ceremony at 5:00 PM.

Click Here to Learn More

56th Annual North Park Toyland Parade & Festival

When: Dec 8, 2019 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Where: University Avenue

San Diego, CA 92104

About: Get into the holiday spirit at the Annual North Park Toyland Parade! With vintage cars, marching bands, dance groups, beauty queens, city officials, and—of course—Santa Claus, this parade has something for everybody! Come by at 11AM to enjoy the parade in all of its glory.

Click Here to Learn More

Port of San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

When: December 8th & 15th, 2019 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Where: Port of San Diego

3165 Pacific Highway

San Diego, CA 92101

About: Check out the 47^th annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. The parade proceeds from Shelter Island past Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Pier at Cesar Chavez Park, and the Ferry Landing in Coronado. This year’s theme is Comic-Con on the Bay, which is sure to delight kids and parents alike!

Click Here to Learn More

Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights

When: Dec 14th 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Where: Oceanside Harbor

Oceanside, CA 92054

About: Check out this annual Oceanside parade! Fishing boats, sail boats, yachts, kayaks, and dinghies will all be dressed up in holiday swag for the parade of lights. There will even be boats featuring people dressed as Santa! Tip: hang out near the fishing dock and police station for a chance to see the parade twice!

Click Here to Learn More

Nutcracker Holiday Tea

When: December 22^ndand 23^rd

Where: Fairmont Grand Del Mar

5300 Grand Del Mar Ct., San Diego, CA 92130

About: Enjoy a Nutcracker Holiday Tea this season! The Scripps Performing Arts Academy will perform Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar. Your ticket also comes with scrumptious tea sandwiches and French pastries to enjoy!

Buy Your Tickets Here

Hanukkah Menorah Lighting 2019

When: December 29^th 4:00 PM- 7:00 PM

Where: Flowerhill Promenade Del Mar

2720 Via De La Valle, Del Mar, CA 92014

About: Come celebrate Hanukkah at Flowerhill Promenade! Sing along while Rabbi Earne lights a beautiful ten foot tall Menorah. The menorah lighting will take place at 5:30 PM.

Click Here to Learn More

What holiday activities are you looking forward to? Let me know in the comments below!

SAN DIEGO THANKSGIVING DAY ACTIVITIES TO STAY ACTIVE

November 22, 2019 by Danielle Negroni Leave a Comment

Before all that turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie, head outside and get some exercise this Thanksgiving! Luckily, there are lots of Thanksgiving Day activities across San Diego County to enjoy with your family and friends before your big dinner. Keep reading for some of my favorite ACTIVE-ities to do on Thanksgiving Day!

San Diego Run for the Hungry 5K & 10K

When: Nov 28, 2019; 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Where: Westfield Horton Plaza Mall

324 Horton Plaza San Diego, CA 92101

About: Head out for a 5K or 10K run/walk through downtown San Diego on Thanksgiving morning! The route runs through Downtown San Diego and the historic Gaslamp Quarter. You can even bring your dog—each registered dog receives a bandana and dog treats along the course! Not only that, but all proceeds go to the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank. This is a great family activity—just choose the difficulty you’re comfortable with.

Father Joe’s Villages Annual Thanksgiving Day 5K

When: Nov 28, 2019; 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM

Where: Balboa Park, Spreckels Organ Pavilion

1549 El Prado San Diego, CA 92101

About: Head over to Balboa Park for a morning of fun. For morning birds, head over at 6:30 for an optional pancake breakfast and Roman Catholic Mass. Then, join the race at 7:30 and run or walk through a beautiful 5K course! Afterwards, enjoy a post-race festival with live music and a beer garden (for adults). This 5K includes both timed and untimed races, so you can challenge yourself or not! This turkey trot raises funds for the meal program at Father Joe’s Villages, which provides more than one million meals each year to people in need.

O’side Turkey Trot

When: Nov 28, 2019; 6 AM – 10:30 AM

Where: Oceanside Civic Center Parking Structure

500 Civic Center Dr. Oceanside, CA 92054

About: With races for everyone, this is a great event for the whole family. This event includes 5 mile runs and walks, 5K runs and walks, as well as a 1 mile and 1/5 mile turkey trot for young children. Come dressed up and participate in the costume contest! This event raises money for Oceanside non-profits.

Running of the Turkeys 10K Trail Run

When: Nov 28, 2019; 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM

Where: Torrey Hills Neighborhood Park

4300 Calle Mejillones

San Diego, CA 92130

About: This beautiful 10K Trail Run is a no-frills run great for active runners. With a mixture of rolling hills on wide dirt trails, as well as a water crossing, you’ll be sure to work up an appetite for Thanksgiving dinner! This event has no official entry fee, just a recommended $20 donation for Operation Rebound, a branch of the Challenged Athletes Foundation. Head out and get your blood pumping!

Coronado 5K Turkey Trot

When: Nov 28, 2019; 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Where: Tidelands Park

2000 Mullinex Dr. Coronado, CA 92118

About: This popular Turkey Trot sells out every year! Runner, strollers, and walkers are welcome at this family-friendly 5K. Bring your loved ones out to Coronado for a good cause! The Coronado 5K Turkey Trot benefits the Rady Children’s Hospital.

Annual Thank You Run 5K/10K and Kids Run

When: Nov 28, 2019; 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Where: 4S Ranch Community Park

16118 4S Ranch Pkwy San Diego, CA 92127

About: Run on a combination road/trail course! This 5K or 10K run benefits Helen’s Closet and San Diegans suffering with ALS. Kids can run on a 1K fun run, so bring your whole family for a morning of fun! After your run, relax in 4S Ranch Community Park and grab a beer at the beer garden.

No matter where you are in San Diego, there’s sure to be a Turkey Trot nearby! What do you do to stay active during Thanksgiving? Let me know in the comments below!

6 Tips to cozy up your home this holiday season

November 12, 2019 by Danielle Negroni Leave a Comment

This sunny San Diego weather is no reason to overlook making your home cozy for the holidays! While it may be too warm to light a fire in the fireplace, there are plenty of ways you can decorate your home to make it comfortable and inviting.

Tip 1: Add Faux Fur Throws and Chunky Blankets

Nothing says cozy like a thick plush blanket. Try a faux fur throw for a luxurious look, or pick up a knit blanket made of wool for something a little more rustic. Whatever your style, a warm blanket thrown invitingly over a chair or the back of a couch invites family and friends to stay and snuggle up!

Tip 2: Light Some Candles

Candles instantly add a warm ambiance to any room. Try a festive candle in scents that evoke the holidays like pine, pumpkin, spiced cider, cedar, or wood smoke!

Tip 3: Add Reclaimed Wood

Wooden furniture and decorations can help recreate the feeling of being at a ski lodge. The warm color and texture instantly adds interest to a room! Look for items that include reclaimed wood, like a footstool, bench, or side table. If buying new furniture isn’t in your budget, try a basket of chopped logs or a piece of reclaimed wood art.

Tip 4: Add New Artwork

Artwork serves the dual purpose of covering up any blank walls while adding some visual interest. Street fairs are a great opportunity to pick up a piece or two from local artists. But for new artwork on a budget, look for pieces at flea markets or thrift stores. Family photos can also add a cozy lived-in look, especially when paired with wooden frames.

Tip 5: Layer with Rugs

A great rug can instantly warm a room and add some texture and color. If you already have an area rug, try layering in smaller rugs made out of faux fur or wool to get that cozy, holiday vibe.

Tip 6: Swap Your Pillows

To update your space without going overboard on the holiday decorations, swap out the pillow covers of any decorative or floor pillows you already own. Look for holiday colors, patterns, or textures like cable knit or faux fur.

How do you make your home cozy for the holidays? Let me know in the comments below!

INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS FROM 2019

October 30, 2019 by Danielle Negroni Leave a Comment

Interior design trends are constantly changing; it can be hard to keep up with what’s popular! If you’re preparing to stage your home to sell, or just want some ideas to refresh your home, here are some of my favorite current trends from the last year:

Natural Materials and Patterns

From light pendants made with woven branches to tables made of petrified wood, people are turning to natural materials and patterns for inspiration. Medium-tone woods are more popular than dark or light woods. For a warm and cozy kitchen, try using a mix of different woods instead of the go-to tile or stone.

Artisanal and Handmade Details

Want to make your home stand out from every other home on the block? Search selections of handmade goods to add unique pieces of decor that no one else will have! From personalized wall art to hand-woven rugs to custom drawer pulls, adding artisanal details is an easy way to personalize your home.

Color

Color is making a comeback. While in the past, interior design trends have tended to the minimalistic and clean, people have started to reject the all-white trend in favor of a little color. Just be careful that if you’re planning to list your home soon, you don’t overdo it! While homeowners are craving more color in their homes, buyers still need to be able to imagine themselves living in your space.

Bold Wallpaper

It might seem old fashioned, but wallpaper is making a comeback in homes across the country. Though today’s wallpaper is modern, colorful, and on-trend! Gone are the tiny flowers and damask. In their place are stripes, palm leaves, animals, abstract designs, and almost any print you can think of! Whether it’s used on an accent wall or just to add some interest in a small bathroom, wallpaper can really pull a space together.

A Touch of Blush Pink

If there’s one color that seems to be here to stay, it’s blush pink. Benjamin Moore even chose First Light, a pale rosy pink, for its 2020 Color of the Year. Pale pink is considered to exert a calming and relaxing effect, making it the perfect choice for most spaces in the home. Use it in upholstery, drapery, or rugs for a pretty burst of color in a room.

Mix and Match Metals

A kitchen trend that’s been making a splash in recent years is the use of different metals throughout a room. Mixing and matching hardware, light fixtures, and drawer pulls can add some visual interest to a kitchen or a bathroom. And if you get bored of this trend or want to achieve a uniform look before listing your home, it’s relatively easy and inexpensive to change these items again in the future.

Performance Fabrics Everywhere

Durability is on the rise. Gone are the days where performance fabrics were scratchy and uncomfortable. Now, performance fabrics are softer and more comfortable than ever which means they’re showing up in indoor AND outdoor furniture. Stain-resistant and easy to clean, performance fabrics are the ideal choice for active families with kids and pets. Click here to learn more.

What were some of your favorite interior design trends from 2019? And what trends are you hoping fade away in the new decade? Let me know in the comments below!

THE 2019 GUIDE TO NORTH COUNTY SAN DIEGO PUMPKIN PATCHES

October 8, 2019 by Danielle Negroni Leave a Comment

What better way to get into the fall spirit than to visit a pumpkin patch? San Diego weather might not be very fall-like at the moment, but a PSL and a visit to one of North County San Diego’s many pumpkin patches will definitely give you that fall vibe! Check out some of my favorite pumpkin patches below.

Bates Nut Farm

Where: 15953 Woods Valley Road Valley Center, CA 92082

When: September 21nd to October 31^st

Hours: Mon to Fri 9 am–5 pm | Sat & Sun 8:30 am–6 pm

With over fifty years of fall traditions and memories, this historic farm is a must-visit pumpkin patch. Besides the pumpkin patch, there is a straw maze, pony rides, petting zoo, local food vendors, and more. Visit on the weekend for live entertainment or check out their late nights on the farm on October 11th and 18th from 3pm to 8pm.

Lavender Hill Pumpkins

Where: 1509 E Mission Rd Fallbrook, CA 92028

When: September 27^th to October 31^st

Hours: Fri 2 pm–5pm | Sat & Sun 10 am–5 pm

With over 10,000 organically grown pumpkins in three dozen varieties, The Lavender Hill Pumpkin Patch has any pumpkin you could want. This family-owned pumpkin farm even names some of their pumpkins! They’re open Friday–Sunday throughout the month of October, as well as October 29^th– 31st for some last minute pumpkin shopping. Check out this farm and grab a variety of pumpkins!

Cannon Stand Carlsbad Strawberry Fields Pumpkin Patch

Where: 1050 Cannon Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92008

When: September 27^th to November 2^nd

Hours: Daily 9 am– 7 pm

If you’ve never been to the Carlsbad Strawberry Fields, make this year your first (and definitely not your last) trip! Every fall, the Carlsbad Strawberry Company holds a U-Pick Pumpkin Patch for all of your pumpkin needs. Take a visit to pick up a pumpkin or swing by on the weekend for games and food.

Del Mar Pumpkin Station

Where: 1555 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Del Mar, CA 92014

When: September 27^th to October 31^st

Hours: Sun to Thurs 9 am–7 pm | Fri & Sat 9 am–9 pm

The Pumpkin Station has locations all around San Diego. More than just a pumpkin patch, the Pumpkin Station at Del Mar includes two giant slides, train rides, an antique carousel, and more! Take the whole family for a whole day of fun.

Rancho Bernardo Pumpkin Station

Where: 13421 Highland Valley Rd. Escondido, CA 92128

When: October 1^st – October 31^st

Hours: Daily 9 am–6 pm

In addition to the Del Mar location, The Pumpkin Station also has a Rancho Bernardo location. With a petting zoo and an 8’ fall corn maze, this location is a great choice for a fun weekend outing with the family.

The Farm Stand West

Where: 2115 Miller Ave., Escondido, CA 92025 & 1980 Summit Dr., Escondido, CA 92027

When: October 1^st – October 31^st

Hours: Daily 10 am–6 pm

The Farm Stand is hosting a you-pick Pumpkin Patch at both of their farm locations: Farm Stand West and Fran’s Original Farm Stand. The Fall Festival at Farm Stand West has been going on since 1979, with hay rides and more.

Mr. Jack ‘O Lantern’s Pumpkins

Where: 6710 La Jolla Blvd. San Diego, CA 92037

When: Open October 5^th

Hours: Mon to Thurs 11 am– 8 pm | Fri 11 am– 9 pm | Sat & Sun 10 am– 9 pm

With plenty of family friendly activities such as a haunted maze, corn hole, and pumpkin bowling, Mr. Jack ‘O Lantern’s Pumpkin Patch is fun for the whole family. Check out this family-owned pumpkin patch for a day of fun!

Client Appreciation Party & Fall Festival

Where: 13030 Ashley Falls Dr. San Diego, CA 92130

When: Saturday, October 19^th

Hours: 1 pm– 4 pm

Last but not least! It might not be a pumpkin patch, but this party has pumpkins galore! Join me at my client appreciation party on October 19^th in Carmel Valley. In addition to food and drinks, games, and a bounce house for kids, there will also be pumpkins to take home! You can RSVP via the evite link here.

These are some of my favorite pumpkin patches. Do you have a favorite pumpkin patch in San Diego? Let me know in the comments below!

Fall Home Maintenance Tasks

September 27, 2019 by Danielle Negroni Leave a Comment

Summer is coming to a close. Even in a place without drastic seasonal changes like San Diego, there’s still plenty of maintenance tasks to do, and the change of seasons marks a good time to get them done! Here are some home maintenance tasks to do as the season changes.

Clean Gutters

Clogged gutters during rain can cause water to pool and damage your roof or sliding. To prevent damage, clean out gutters in the fall, before rain comes. If you’re worried about falling, consider hiring somebody to help. Be sure to check your gutters again after leaves have fallen to make sure that they haven’t become clogged.

Service Furnace and Chimney

Make sure your furnace and chimney are cleaned, maintained, and working properly before you need to turn on the heat! Schedule an appointment for an inspection and replace any dirty filters. Additionally, check to make sure you have a chimney cap to prevent small animals from crawling into the fireplace. As you start to use your furnace and chimney, it’s important to make sure that they are working properly.

Seal Gaps

Sealing gaps serve a double purpose. First, sealing any small gaps prevents drafts from making the house too cold. Additionally, as cold weather comes, small animals might sneak into a warmer house to make a home. Seal small gaps with caulk and weather stripping to prevent drafts and small animals from coming in. Cover any larger gaps with heavy-duty hardware cloth. When doing so, take the time to measure your insulation and audit energy waste to see if you need to make any changes to improve your home’s energy efficiency.

Exterior Repairs

In the same vein, take the time to do any exterior repairs that need to be done. Take the time to perform any roof repairs before winter rains come. Make sure that any crumbling mortar is replaced before the weather gets too cold. Taking the time to finish exterior repairs in the fall will keep your home safe and warm when winter comes.

Wrap up Seasonal Lawn Care

There’s plenty to do in the yard as fall comes. Trim dead growth from the trees and rake the leaves. Dead growth can lead to mold growth and breed pests. So, take the time to clean up the yard. Additionally, pull weeds and put down weed preventative on your lawn to ensure a green lawn next year.

Clear Deck and Patio

Clean the deck and patio after a summer of use. Clean and store away any furniture that you no longer plan on using to keep them from getting damaged by the weather. Then, after cleaning the deck, consider performing a deck safety inspection to get the deck ready for the next summer. Look for missing or rusted bolts, as well as boards that need to be replaced. Getting the deck inspected in the fall, when deck companies aren’t as busy, will save time for next year.

Take Stock of Garage

The season change is a great time to do some checking and organizing. Take the time to inspect your garage door: adjust springs and cables, lubricate moving parts, tighten hardware, track, and hinges, and inspect safety sensors and opening gears. Also take the time to organize your garage so summer items are put away properly and any winter items can be found on short notice.

Protect Plumbing

Fall is a good time to clean your water lines. Check your plumbing for clogs and clear them out. Take the time to shake out any hoses that you might have used in the summer. Finally, take the time to drain your water heater to prevent sediment buildup.

Safety Check

Take the change in seasons to check your safety devices. Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries if needed. Check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher and replace it if needed. By performing seasonal maintenance, you can keep your house safe!C

These are some fall maintenance tasks that I always check off as the seasons change. What tasks do you do? Let me know in the comments!

Fall Events in North County San Diego

September 16, 2019 by Danielle Negroni Leave a Comment

San Diego sunshine means that outdoor activities continue well into the fall! From music festivals to beer gardens, there’s always plenty to do in San Diego. And, with such great year-round weather, there’s no better way to enjoy a fall weekend than to visit one of the many events being hosted around the city. Here are some of my favorite events in North County.

Birch Aquarium’s Green Flash Concert Series

When: Sept 18th

Where: Birch Aquarium, La Jolla

About: Held at the Tide Pool Plaza at the Birch Aquarium, this concert lets you enjoy live music with ocean views. Only in San Diego! Learn more here.

MCAS Miramar Air Show

When: Sept 27th- 29th

Where: Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Miramar

About: The Miramar Air Show is a must attend, whether you’re a fan of planes or not! With performances by the US Navy Blue Angles and US Army Golden Knights, this Air Show is a breathless feat of precision and accuracy. Buy tickets on their website here.

Encinitas Oktoberfest

When: Sept 29th

Where: Mountain Vista Drive and El Camino Real, Encinitas

About: Their 24^th year running, the Encinitas Oktoberfest is a great way to kick off the fall. With a traditional German band and dancers demonstrating authentic dances from the German/Alpine ethnic area, there’s plenty to do and enjoy even if you don’t like beer. Learn more here.

Carlsbad Oktoberfest

When: Oct 5th

Where: Holiday Park, Carlsbad

About: The longest-running Oktoberfest in North County, Carlsbad Oktoberfest has been around since 1982. Register early to get free admission when you purchase your meal in advance. You can check out more information about the event here or buy tickets directly on Eventbrite.

Carmel Valley 5K Trail, 10K and 15K

When: Oct 12th

Where: Torrey Highlands Park, San Diego

About: Strap on your running shoes for San Diego’s popular fall trail race! No matter which distance you choose, you’ll get to run through Gonzales Canyon Open Space and Torrey Highlands Community Park. Register online here.

La Jolla Art & Wine Fest

When: Oct 12th & 13th

Where: Girard Avenue, La Jolla

About: With art, wine and music, what better way to spend a weekend than at the La Jolla Art & Wine Fest? Just don’t forget your ID! You can check out the attractions and buy your tasting ticket online here.

Client Appreciation Party & Fall Festival

When: Oct 19th

Where: Ashley Falls Park in Carmel Valley

Please join us as we appreciate our clients and our community on Saturday, October 19th from 1- 4 pm at Ashley Falls Park in Carmel Valley. We will have food and drinks, games, a bounce house for the kids, and pumpkins to take home! Please let me know if you can make it!

Fall Plant Sale

When: Oct 19th, 20th, 21st

Where: San Diego Botanic Garden, Encinitas

About: Start your garden with some native Californian plants! The San Diego Botanic Garden has a Fall Plant sale every year. Entrance to the sale is included with paid admission to the botanic garden or membership to the SDBG. Bring a wagon to haul your plants home! Learn more here.

Salt Dog Classic Beach Classic

When: Oct 20th

Where: Encinitas Community Park, Encinitas

About: With a line-up of musicians, artists, and local businesses, the Salt Dog Classic is a great way to relax and enjoy the autumn. Interested in a day of fun for a good cause? All proceeds go to Rancho Coastal Humane Society! Buy tickets here.

San Diego Beer Week

When: Nov 1st- 10th

Where: All Over San Diego

About: San Diego is known for its craft beers, and there’s no better way to enjoy them than during San Diego Beer Week. Held on the first week of November, check out the participating breweries to enjoy some of the best beers SD has to offer. If you just want to make a day of it, try the SD Beer Guild Fest in at Embarcadero Marina Park North on November 2^nd or the Beer Garden at the Arroyo Terrace of the Lodge at Torrey Pines on the 10^th.

These are some of my favorite events to attend in the fall in San Diego! What events are you looking forward to? Let me know in the comments down below!

The Best Coffee Shops in Carmel Valley and Del Mar San Diego

September 4, 2019 by Danielle Negroni Leave a Comment

I love coffee. There’s nothing like a cup to start your day, or a cup in the afternoon for a quick pick-me-up. And in San Diego, more and more great coffee shops have been opening! Here’s a list of some of the best places to grab a cup of joe in Carmel Valley and Del Mar.

Philz Coffee in Carmel Valley

Philz Coffee is located in the Del Mar Highlands Town Center, between the Tilly’s and Mendocino Farms. When you go in, you’re greeted with a counter of baristas, each making custom order pour-over coffees. Just line up at the bar and place your order, before heading to the cash register to pay. Try their Tesora, a medium roast, if you’re looking for something hot. Or, their mint mojito will turn anybody into an iced coffee fan.

Joe & the Juice in Carmel Valley

Located at the One Paseo shopping center right off the 5, Joe & The Juice is a juice bar and coffee shop! With large tables both inside and outside, it’s a great place to grab a drink and relax while enjoying the San Diego weather. They also have some great sandwiches, making this place is a go-to for brunch.

Blue Bottle Coffee in Carmel Valley

Blue Bottle Coffee sells some of the freshest coffee. Also located at One Paseo, Blue Bottle Coffee is a bright and airy store perfect for getting coffee to go or sitting down and getting some work done. At Blue Bottle, less is more. Try their cold brew, or for something hot, their espresso made with Hayes Valley beans is one of the smoothest I’ve ever had.

Birdrock Coffee in Del Mar

Is there anything more quintessential San Diego than sunny weather and an ocean view? Birdrock Coffee by the Torrey Pines Beach lets you enjoy some fresh coffee with an ocean breeze from its prime location. Named one of the Best Coffee Roasters in America by Forbes in 2018, Birdrock always offers a high-quality cup. I recommend their lattes; the macadamia nut latte is a favorite! Click here to get directions.

Swell Coffee in Del Mar

The ambiance at Swell can’t be beat, and since they roast their own coffee, neither can the coffee. Swell is a great place to sit down, order a drink “for here,” and just relax. For something different, try their matcha lattes. Their cold brews are also a great way to beat the sunny heat. Click here to get directions. Swell Coffee is also located next to my favorite yoga studio, CorePower Yoga.

These are just some of the best coffee shops I’ve tried locally, but San Diego has so many more wonderful spots. What are your favorite places to grab a cup of coffee? Let me know down in the comments!