reflections any say that we as human beings live in the past or the future. Most of us are never truly present. Lao Tzu professed, “If you are depressed you are living in the past. If you are anxious you are living in the future. If you are at peace you are living in the present.” While I agree that we can’t stay in the past or the future for very long, I do believe there are things worth holding onto from our past that are good to share with future generations—family recipes being one of them. When my daughters were in their 20s, I created a small family cookbook, called From Momma’s Kitchen, as a Christmas gift. This helped me field the barrage of phone calls from my daughters with pleas of “How do I make…”? Not that I disliked them calling. What Mom doesn’t want to hear from their kids? But it was important to me that my girls knew where the recipes I made originated from. I wanted them to connect with all the women in their lineage, and to help them realize they were carrying on a tradition whenever they made a certain dish, such as homemade chicken soup with egg dumplings, for their families. It was my hope that as they fashioned these recipes, they would know that their great-grandmother Amy taught their momma how to make them, and that they were carrying on the custom that was passed on from her momma and her momma’s momma. Last August I inherited some of my Grandma Amy’s recipes that were in her handwriting. I also received some of her clothing that was to be sent to charity. My daughter Chelle and I began brainstorming what we could do with the fabric from Grandma Amy’s clothes. Initially, we thought of making memory bears for cousins, aunts, an uncle, a sister, and a niece and nephew. But this plan fell into the realm of How hard can it be? Since then, I have decided to take on a less ambitious project. Instead, I will be creating kitchen towels with the handwritten popcorn ball recipe he present defines the future. The that Grandma always made at Christmas time. Each towel will be trimmed in some future builds on the foundation of the fashion with a piece of her clothing. An example of the concept is on the right, which past. -Lailah Gifty Akita I found—where else—but on Pinterest. I plan on looking for photos of Grandma wearing the piece of clothing that is sewn onto each towel. Then I’ll adhere the photo with a ribbon to the gift. Note: This last little bit of photo hunting may fall into the realm of How hard can it be? It is my hope that when the recipient receives this towel, it will not only bring back memories of eating Grandma’s popcorn balls, but will also bring up wonderful memories of times spent with her.
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For generations Americans have passed on their family recipes, through church, family, and school cookbooks. I believe, Barbara Grizzuiti Harrison stated it best. “I refuse to believe that trading recipes is silly. Tunafish casserole is at least as real as corporate stock.” I, for one, would have to agree with her. If you would like to create your own piece of family history, recipe kitchen towel, the link to the Pinterest instructions is in this issue’s upcycle column.
FROM THE FRONT PORCH JOURNAL october/november/december contributors:
Front Cover Photography
Scott Carmella
Copyright © 2015 From The Front Porch Journal
Reflections: Rosemary Joles A Note from Rosemary: Rosemary Joles Mortgage Memo: Carolyn Plummer On Our Porch: Rosemary Joles Feels Like Home: Lisa Vasey The Nibblers Digest: Marco Sawrey & Karin Zonis Sawrey The Cork Connoisseur: Beth Fraitag Travel The World: Beth Taylor Travel San Diego: Rosemary Joles Bravo and Mia Bites: Todd Joles Podsibilities: Rosemary Joles Technaholics: Todd Joles Ingenious: Rosemary Joles Nitty Gritty: Susanne Romo Project DIY: Rosemary Joles Centerfold Photo: Jay Beiler Photo credits if not noted: dreamstime.com & Rosemary Joles
contents
OCTOBER·NOVEMBER·DECEMBER
2015
departments 2 4/5
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reflections the real estate brief a note from rosemary the mortgage memo 6/7 home on our porch -rancho guajome feels like home -house guests 8/9 bon vivant the nibbler digest the cork connoisseur 10/11 travel travel the world travel san diego 12 time-out birch aquarium 13 et cetera where’s rosemary delish -chicken taco soup 14/15 san diego views 16
minutia useless knowledge bravo and mia bites rosebud’s garden -sedum 17 upcycle trash to treasure -recipe tea towels 18/19 nitty gritty insurance 411 -condo insurance project diy -saving money
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27 From the Front Porch Journal Published by and compliments of:
Rosemary Joles Realtor, Cal BRE # 01095314 619·405·7673 Homes@LivinInSD.com www.LivinInSD.com 8277 La Mesa Boulevard La Mesa, CA 91942
Follow our blog at: LivinInSD.com Like us on Facebook at: Facebook.com/LivinInSD Follow us on Pinterest Pinterest.com/rosemaryjoles/
bits and pieces ponderings podsibilities technaholics ingenious 21 sd outdoors sd sports park exploration -brengel park sd word find -autumn words 22/23 lifestyle sd theatre sd adventures sd concerts 24/25 domiciles from east county to the coast 26 our advertisers 27 remember when -old encinitas train station
the real estate brief a note from rosemary “Be wise today, so you don’t cry tomorrow.” E.A. Bucchianeri haven’t always been wise with the decisions I’ve made in my life, especially those that were made in my late teen years and twenties. I don’t think I’m rare in that department. Many young people make choices that they later regret. The good thing is that those poor decisions came with consequences that provided valuable life lessons. Some of the decisions we make are minor, such as what am I going to wear today? Some decisions can be turning points in our life, such as should I change careers? Many of the choices we make daily will affect us. The small choice of not getting out of bed to exercise in the morning, because it feels so good between the covers, will eventually have the consequence of poor health in one way, shape, or form.
One important decision is choosing the right real estate agent to sell your home. Making a wrong choice may not only be detrimental to your sanity, but to your pocketbook as well. And, it could make the entire process unpleasant. The sale of a home ranks as one of the most stressful experiences people go through. It’s right up there with getting married or experiencing the death of a loved one. Choosing a friend’s son who is newly licensed and has no experience, or the part -time agent who is employed elsewhere will, more than likely, not provide a great outcome for the seller. When looking for a realtor, the first thing a seller should do is find out how long the agent has been selling real estate. Ask how many homes the agent has actually sold. Second, look at the agent’s marketing plan. Showing up with only a one- or two-page report, stating what your home will sell for is not a marketing plan. Many agents only do online advertising because that is where the majority of buyers look. However, it’s important that an agent do both online and offline advertising. Believe it or not, not all buyers are online. Some still read the newspaper or magazines. On a recent listing I had in La Costa, the buyers had been working with an agent, but had not considered the neighborhood where the home was located. It wasn’t until our monthly @Home insert came out in the San Diego Union Tribune that the buyers learned of my listing. They called their agent asking why he hadn’t shown them the home that was on the cover. They ended up purchasing it at a price that the seller was extremely pleased with.
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rint advertising is as important as online advertising. This cover ad distributed in the San Diego Union Tribune sold this La Costa home. Another thing to consider is photography and video. I strongly suggest not hiring an agent who uses a point-and-shoot camera. Rarely have I seen an agent’s photos look as good as a professional photographer’s. No longer is the first “drive-by” a physical one. The drive-by now happens online. With all of the seller’s preparation and expense they’ve incurred getting the home ready for the market, having it show well in print and online is essential. Along with professional photography, there should also be a professional video, not a virtual tour, but a real video. A home’s video should not only promote the home’s attributes, but the neighborhood and community where it’s located. Today’s buyer is not only looking for the right home, but the right neighborhood and lifestyle. While you can achieve this with photos, a video will take the buyer’s experience to a whole new level. Carefully look over how the agent has presented other homes he/she has sold. I always bring samples of my past print marketing for the homeowner to look over. Here are some things to look for: Does the agent’s print material look professional, is it unique, is it in color, are there typos, are the descriptions compelling? I can’t tell you how many times while showing homes to buyers the only take-away was a generic, multiple-listing printout. How can that possibly be a memorable encounter for the buyer? You’ll want to make sure the online advertising looks great, too. Is the agent target marketing on Facebook? Is he/she using Pinterest, Realtor.com, YouTube, Trulia, and Zillow? Are there plenty of photos? Sophocles said, “Success is dependent on effort.” Taking extra effort when choosing the agent who represents you will go far in making the home-selling experience successful, positive, and profitable. In the next issue I’ll continue to talk about other things to look for when choosing your agent. If you are considering selling this year or next, please feel free to call me for a current market value on your home. I can be reached at 619.405.7673 or at homes@livininsd.com.
carolyn’s mortgage memo 5 things you need to know when financing a condo purchase condominium is a popular property type in San Diego County. A condo purchase can be a great option for a first time home buyer or an investment buyer since the sales price is usually significantly less than a single family residence in the same neighborhood. However, there are financing guidelines you need to understand BEFORE you shop for a condo: 1. Occupancy Ratio: The number of owner occupied units in the complex vs. the number of investment (rental) units in the complex makes up the occupancy ratio. FHA and USDA and require a 51% owner occupied ratio. Fannie Mae does not require a certain percentage of owner occupied units if the new purchase is also going to be owner occupied. If the purchase is going to be an investment property, Fannie Mae also requires 51% of the complex be owner occupied. 2. Delinquency: Fannie Mae requires 15% or less of the complex units be delinquent in HOA dues. There is an exception to this guideline if the purchase is going to be owner occupied and the down payment is 20% or more. 3. Litigation: FHA, USDA, VA and Fannie Mae do NOT allow financing on a complex with active litigation. An exception can be requested if the litigation does not involve the subject unit or the building of the unit. An exception approval will be determine once the litigation documents have been received and reviewed.
1-4 units. One entity or person can't own more than 1 unit 5-20 units. One entity or person can't own more than 2 units 21 or more units. One entity or person can't own more than 10% of the complex
Photo Credit: Scott Carmella
4. One entity or person owning multiple units: Fannie Mae has the following guidelines:
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5. Complex Approval: FHA, USDA and VA require the condo complex be he percentage of owner occupied units in the condo complex may on their approval list prior to the affect the financing options available to potential buyers. The appraisal being completed. USDA uses higher the owner occupancy the better. More buyers interested in FHA's approval list. So if it on FHA's the complex may lead to higher property values. As a homeowner, approval list, it is USDA approved. Both FHA's and VA's approval protect your investment and get involved with the homeowners process require the HOA to submit Association. financial and insurance documents. These documents include, but are not limited to, the budget, master insurance policy, bi-laws and a reserve study. Putting together these documents and submitting them to FHA and VA for an Carolyn lives in Rancho San Diego with her husband, teenage daughter and 2 dogs. She approval can be costly and time consuming and some HOAs don't has lived in East County for the past 22 years and loves the sunshine and sense of bother obtaining this approval for the complex. community. Carolyn can be contacted at cplummer@amerifirst.us or at 619.813.8934.
Equal Housing Lender. I am a licensed mortgage originator, NMLS# 256447, and am licensed to originate mortgage loans in the State of California.
AmeriFirst Financial, Inc., 1550 E. McKellips Road, Suite 117, Mesa, AZ 85203 (NMLS # 145368). 1-877-276-1974. Copyright 2013. All Rights Reserved. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates, and programs are subject to change without prior notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Not all products are available in all states or for all loan amounts. Other restrictions and limitations apply. CA: Licensed by The Department of Business Oversight under the CA Residential Mortgage Lending Act
It is important to be working with a lender and real estate agent team who understands these guideline requirements. Rosemary Joles and I work together to vet out the condo complex BEFORE you put in an offer or open escrow. This helps you to avoid frustration and unnecessary costs. Please contact me today for more information.
esides its great weather, one of the things I love about San Diego County is its proximity to a myriad of things to do and the historic gems it possesses. One hidden jewel is Rancho Guajome Adobe, located in Vista. It is known as one of California’s finest examples of Anglo-Hispanic domestic architecture. Step onto its dusty grounds, and you will be transported back to California’s 1853 cultural history. Here are some interesting tidbits I found on a recent visit:
Abel Sterns purchased the rancho for the bargain price of $550! Abel gave the rancho to his sister-in-law Ysidora Bandini and her husband, Colonel Cave Johnson Couts, as a wedding gift. When Cave Couts died, he owned more than 20,000 acres of land in the area, including Rancho Guajome, Rancho San Marcos, Rancho La Jolla, and Rancho Buena Vista. Guajome is an Indian name, meaning “frog pond or place of frogs.” Author Helen Hunt Jackson was a frequent guest at Rancho Guajome. It is believed the hacienda in her novel, Ramona, is based on the adobe.
on our porch Details Rancho Guajome Adobe Year Built: 1853 Architectural Style: Anglo-Hispanic Domestic Adobe Square Feet: 7000 Sq. ft. Rooms: 28 Acres: 536, originally 2,219 Address: 2210 N. Santa Fe Ave., Vista Historic Owners: Ysidora Bandini (sister of Old Town’s Juan Bandini )and her husband Col. Cave Johnson Couts.
home
Be still my heart. The adobe boasts not just one porch but two! The porch off the interior courtyard is enclosed. The second is open, but has a screened section.
The restored Piano Box Doctor’s Buggy, found in the blacksmith shop, is the original one used by Ysidora Bandini Couts. The shop still features the blacksmith forge utilized by the Cout’s family.
The interior courtyard boasts a beautiful Victorian garden. In the garden you will find an original bougainvillea and Cherokee Rose planted in 1880.
This California Pepper Tree was planted by the Couts family, in the “Outside or Carriage Courtyard” sometime during the 1860’s. It is believed to have begun as a seed or cutting from the original tree brought to the State of California by a merchant sailor from Peru in 1825 and given to a priest at the Mission San Luis Rey. The original tree still stands at Mission San Luis Rey.
The pie safe and table found in the “old” kitchen are originals and belonged to the Cout family. Pie safes were in use from the 1700-1800’s to protect food items from vermin and insects.
feels like home don’t know about you, but this time of year means even more house guests than usual. The San Diego area is such a great place to visit all year ‘round, but between Comic-Con and summer vacations, we sometimes have a steady stream of visitors throughout from the summer months through the holidays. I’m not complaining – we love to entertain – and we’re lucky to have a dedicated guest room to welcome friends and family. So if you’re expecting guests, here are some tips on making them feel welcome and at home. There’s nothing like having a space to call your own when traveling, and a clean, comfy bed after a long day of sightseeing is a beautiful thing. If it’s possible to reserve a room just for guests, it can be lots of fun to create a pleasant, cheerful space. Who wouldn’t want to stay in a lovely room that rivals a hotel? Here are some quick tips.
If you don’t have a spare room, don’t worry - there are plenty of ways to make guests feel pampered, beyond clean sheets and towels, and a place to lay their weary heads. If you’re expecting multiple guests (a couple or a family) bathroom time will benefit from assigning [giving?] each person a slightly different colored towel set – especially in a shared bath. I find this small thing eliminates a lot of confusion in an unfamiliar bathroom. And if your linens have seen better days, now would be a great time to stock up on new, fluffy towels – you can find some great buys at Home Goods or Target. A pretty blanket or quilt and some comfy pillows (of varying
Photo Credit: hgtv.com
I always provide blinds or shades to block out unwanted light – even if travelers don’t come from different time zones, it’s nice to be able to sleep in if they want to.
densities) will provide a restful place to sleep.
Photo Credit: kristyseibert.com
Something my guests always appreciate is a basket of toiletries they can help themselves to in the bathroom. I save the extra toothbrushes I get from the dentist just for guests. And all of those luxury small size toiletries from my own travels? Yup – shampoo, conditioner, lotion - all go in the basket. I fill it out with sample size items of sunscreen, cotton swabs, toothpaste, etc. to provide everything they may need or forgot. And if you have a pool, don’t forget to stock up on plenty of pool towels!
I prefer to stay in apartments when I travel, and took a cue from places that provide a “cheat sheet” on important information, creating one for my home. I include the Wi-Fi password, important telephone and cell numbers, the alarm code assigned to guests, and instructions on how to keep their belongings safe from my nosey pups. I find that writing everything down helps in the bustle of arrival, and to introduce folks to our house’s quirks. I also provide an area map, and info and schedule for the Trolley – kids of all ages love to take it at least once while visiting! Including a couple of local magazines can help give guests ideas of fun things to do in the area. Lisa Vasey, lives in La Mesa with her husband and two pugs. When not staging or redesigning, Lisa likes to try new restaurants and recipes, travel, read, and enjoy live music. You can find Lisa on the web at stagedtodaysoldtomorrow.com. Reach out to Lisa at 619.335.8550 or email her at lisa@stagedtodaysoldtomorrow.com for help with your redesign or staging project.
But most all – have fun! Each visit is an opportunity to create memories that last a lifetime. Happy autumn to all!
bon vivant Marco Sawrey & Karin Zonis-Sawrey
Cowboy Star 640 10th Avenue, San Diego, 92101 619.450.5880 cowboystarsd.com
his oft-praised gem in the heart of downtown lives up to the hype and, yet, maintains a very down-to-earth sensibility. Everything about the space is warm and inviting. The service is consistently attentive, available but not intrusive and the staff is knowledgeable and caring. Every effort to make your experience a pleasant one is the goal. Whether you are in for a quick bite or in it for a long evening of feasting, you are catered to appropriately. While the menu offers some steadfast favorites, I have also tried several of the specials and seasonal offerings, which have left me drooling more often than not. On a recent visit, my wife and I started with the Hen of the Woods (mushrooms) that came with a cherry wood smoked cream sauce and lemon curd with so much umami (a savory taste, is one of the five basic tastes (together with sweet, sour, bitter and salty) that it made me cry out “ooh mommy!”… Utterly delicious. We also tried the seasonal carrot dish which was truly inspired. Yellow and orange lightly cooked carrots with ribbons of raw carrot accompanied by pickled cucumber, cilantro chimichurri, burrata ice cream and topped with extra crispy chicken skin. Inventive and fun!
Hen of the Woods
What would Cowboy Star be without the star? More than once, we have gravitated towards the Porterhouse for 2. While the Filet mignon, Bison, and Ribeye are all excellent, the Porterhouse holds a special place in our hearts, mouths and bellies. Perfectly cooked to order and served in a skillet alongside mashed potatoes I would happily be buried next to.
Seasonal Carrots Additionally, the restaurant sources its meat from its very own butcher shop next door. You can take home your favorite cuts from the shop if you feel inspired to replicate or pay homage to the meal you have experienced here. So, giddy-up and bring that ten gallon hat for leftovers because Cowboy Star will have you clicking your spurs together! All photos courtesy of : Marco & Karin
Porterhouse for 2!!!!
hen I was a kid I hated the fall season. Hated it! Back then, it meant to me all things negative: the end of summer, cold weather and ugh-school! Then in my early 20’s I spent a couple of years traveling and backpacking my way around Europe. I ended up working and living in southern Germany. Garmisch-Partenkirchen was like living in a picture postcard with snow capped mountains, cow filled pastures and a German bakery on every corner. The Bavarian Alps gave me a much deserved slap of reality as to what a beautiful, vibrant and romantic season autumn is! The list of it’s enchanting qualities are too many to list but at the top of my favorite things are hiking trails (void of spring rains and winter’s snow melt), the stunning beauty of nature’s brilliant colors, and sweaters! Love sweaters...and boots...and brisk air...and the smell of wood burning fires...and scarves...and soup...see I told you the list was long! Autumn is also when winemaking grapes are ripe and ready for their ultimate glory in life—the journey to great wine. If you ever get the chance to spend an afternoon picking grapes, (preferably in a region like Burgundy or Tuscany…) do it! There is so much that goes into making great wine that most of us never realize just how specialized this fermented juice really is. To make a truly great wine, you must start off with the best fruit. This is where the magic begins. And although Mother Nature does a darn god job on her own, farmers are pretty special too. They can see things that the rest of us don’t. They have the ability to see where perfection lies on the vine and tap into nature’s divine nectar.
All Photos courtesy of : Beth Fraitag
The next time you are cuddling with a delicious glass of wine, think back to where you were and what you were doing when those grapes went into the bottle. Think about the love, the nurturing and the thought process that went in to the making of that wine. It can be a real awakening of the soul to think about the journey this wine has made to come to your glass. Enjoy! And savor the moment while you think about the past.
Beth Fraitag is a lead wine consultant with Quigley Fine Wines. Wine is her passion and she works one on one with individuals who also enjoy popping the cork from time to time. Her specialty is small production wines from around the globe where sustainable farming practices have been the norm for generations. Her belief in biodynamic methods to bring mother nature's bounty into our lives is the basis for the wines she represents. She can be reached at 619.742.0245 or beth@quigleyfinewines.com. Check out the QFW website at quigleyfinewines.com for additional information.
family travel to hawaii
There is no shortage of possibilities on Hawaii. There is beach time and golf, pools and beaches, biking, swimming, fishing, sailing, surfing, hula, dude ranches, museums, whale watching, volcanoes, and kayaking. Hawaii invites the visitor out-of-doors. Grandparents, parents and children alike will all have their own ways of enjoying the natural beauty and outdoor life of the Islands. In addition, Hawaii encourages encounters with the very people who give the land its human character. Family is an important concept on Hawaii where elders are respected and it’s not at all unusual to find multi-generational families under the same roof. For this reason and more, families find a warm welcome from the natives and the Island reflects back a family culture.
Photo Credit: takeourpowerbacknow.com
awaii is one of those places that seems to be on everyone’s bucket list…and with good reason! There may be no more diverse destination on the planet than Hawaii. Not only is the terrain amazingly varied with deserts, beaches, rain forests, mountains, oceans, deep valleys and soaring volcanoes but also the climate there ranges from sub-arctic to tropical. There’s truly something for everyone which makes it one of the world’s greatest family destinations.
Photo Credit: mytay.mobi
Most of the resorts on the Islands offer family programs. Some organized activities will involve the entire family while others will be offered to younger children. The resorts can offer most activities right from their concierge desks, but the smart traveler will arrange key activities prior to arrival to ensure availability. Your travel agent is knowledgeable in finding the perfect activities for you and arranging for them ahead of time so there will be no surprises, or disappointment, when you get there!
Of course the Islands are surrounded by water and Hawaii’s beaches have no equal. The water culture encompasses not only surfing, but scuba, snorkeling and even gentle exploration of amazing tide pools, a favorite activity of visitors of every age. For the truly adventurous, windsurfing and zip lines are very popular. Of course, where else can you get up close and personal with a volcano? Hawaii’s active volcanoes provide an excellent family activity whether it’s hiking nearby or taking a helicopter ride and soaring overhead!
Hawaii offers an experience so distinct from any other that many speak of the Islands as having changed their entire perspective on life. That is the stuff that memories are made of, and memories are the stuff that gives meaning to family travel. If there is a better place for families, I don’t know where it might be. Aloha!
Beth Taylor is a local travel consultant who has been in the travel industry for over 30 years. She specializes in group and family travel. Her experience has taken her to places around the world. She’d love to help you plan your own unique vacation or simply “talk travel” with you! She can be reached at TMTravel@cox.net or 619-303-8771. Visit her website at BethTaylorMadeTravel.com for more tips about travel and some of the latest travel specials
destination-bite san diego
rosemary joles re you a foodie? Do you like trying out new places to dine? Do you love a nice leisurely walk through America’s finest city? How about hearing interesting historic factoids about the neighborhood you are walking through? Do I even have to ask if you enjoy saving money, because who doesn’t? Well look no further, let me introduce you to Bite San Diego. We found Bite San Diego through our wanderlust, adventurous daughter, Rebecca. This was one of the things on her escapade wish list when she visited us in March. Unfortunately, we were unable to get into a tour, as they were all booked on the weekend she was here. Let me just say that we are hooked. So far, we’ve been on the Downtown/Little Italy and the North Park tours. Eventually, we plan on doing all of the tours, and are hoping Bite San Diego expands throughout the county. We’ve done one tour as a couple (North Park), and on the Downtown/Little Italy quest we took friends of ours from out of town. Each experience was delightful, and we took away favorite foods and locations on each. We met interesting people, and our tour guides were fantastic. Wonderful storytellers, they painted vibrant pictures of each neighborhood’s past. As a real estate agent, I appreciated the history. The only thing I would have done differently was record every word they said, so I could pass on their wonderful knowledge. Well, we’ll just have to go again. Some of the restaurants we sampled fares at were: Berkeley Pizza, Crazee Burger, Splash, Venissimo, and Subterranean Coffee Boutique on the North Park tour, and Davanti Enoteca, Napizza, Royal India, and Zymology 21 on the Downtown/Little Italy tour. Each of these eateries had something positive about them. Davanti Enoteca served a ricotta with honeycomb that was soooo good! I loved Zymology 21’s décor. Its science-based themed bar and restaurant, with famous scientists gracing its walls, their food, and drinks being served in beakers was just plain fun! The macaroni and cheese, bread pudding, and creative beverage I had was delish! We enjoyed Chicago-Style deep-dish pizza at Berkeley Pizza. Yumo! The cheese samples at Venissimo were tiny; however, we did use their cheese shop for a twilight open house recently. We loved how they paired their cheese platter with the wine we selected. They did an amazing job, and the platter was gorgeous! Bite San Diego does seven different tours. In addition to the North Park and Downtown/Little Italy tours, they have tours in La Jolla, Pacific Beach, Encinitas, NTC Liberty Station, and Coronado. Tours are generally held on Saturdays and/or Sundays. Cost is $45 each, unless you get a Groupon. We were able to purchase a walking tour for two for $49, and for greater savings we paid $90 for a tour for four people. So for the price of dining at one place, we were able to try out five. Even though they served only samples at each location, by the end of the tour we were full. You will walk anywhere from 1.5 to 3 miles, depending upon the location. Comfortable shoes are a must. This is no time to be vain and wear heels, ladies. Tours book fast, so don’t expect to buy your ticket and go the same day, as we discovered in March. The tours are limited to 15 people, and it can take several weeks to get in. Once you sign up on their website for a tour, the company emails you if there is availability for the times you want to go. When you are confirmed for a date and time, Bite San Diego sends info on where to park and meet your tour guide, as well as the tour guide’s contact information. Tours are rain or shine. On our first tour, we needed our umbrellas, but we still had a great time. So when are you scheduling your next Bite San Diego adventure? Bite San Diego | bitesandiego.com
Zymology 21’s take on bread pudding.
Splash’s sample carousel.
Davanti Enoteca’s ricotta with honeycomb.
time-out family-friendly places to go with kids in and around san diego
Why Kid Friendly? Sea Horses & Sharks & Moon Jellies oh my‌. Living Tide Pools Children's Educational Play Area Location 2300 Expedition Way La Jolla, CA 92037 Contact aquarium.ucsd.edu 858.534.3474
Birch Aquarium
where’s rosemary?
In every issue of From the Front Porch you’ll find a photo of different places that I’ve been in San Diego County. Your goal is to figure out where I took the photo. Be specific and submit your guess as fast as you can (You have competition!!!) The first correct answer will win movie tickets for two! You can email, call or Facebook us at: 619-405-7673, Homes@LivinInSD.com or facebook.com/LivinInECSD.
Easy Comfort Food
where was rosemary? Olivenhain Meeting Hall 423 Rancho Santa Fe Rd. Olivenhain, CA 92024 619.235.5935 |olivenhain.org Winner Jeff Brust Lakeside, CA Guessed, but didn’t win? Keep trying….
delish
Ingredients
4 chicken breasts, frozen 1 1 oz. envelope ranch dressing mix 1 1 oz. envelope taco seasoning mix 1 medium onion, diced 1 14 1/2 oz. can Rotel tomatoes 1 14 1/2 oz. can black beans 1 14 1/2 oz. can cannellini beans 1 14 1/2 oz. can kidney beans 1 14 1/2 oz. can Bush’s vegetarian baked beans Preparation Instructions
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Put everything in crockpot in order listed. Do NOT rinse or drain beans. Do NOT stir. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Take chicken out and shred with two forks. Put chicken back in, stir, and eat.
pinterest.com/rosemaryjoles/home-cookin-wee-humble-cottage-approved/
photo credit : lakecountrynow.com, recipe credit:: Susanne Romo
et cetera
Crock Pot Chicken Taco Soup
Recommended garnishes, try any or all of these: sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, avocado, lime, tortilla chips, onion. Whatever you decide, enjoy!
Thanks be to God, I have arrived at this port of San Diego. It is beautiful to behold and does not belie it’s reputation.� -Father Junipero Serra, founder of 23 missions in the state of CA, 1769
minutia With only 16 minutes of screen time and due in part to not blinking that entire 16 minutes he was on screen, Anthony Hopkins won The Academy Award for playing Hannibal Lecter in the movie Silence of the Lambs. Todd Joles is now known as Mr. Useless Knowledge, is a business associate of his wife Rosemary, a passionate luthier by night, mandolin/bluegrass aficionado by choice, chief cook and bottle washer because he loves his wife and a purveyor of this useless knowledge. You can find more useless knowledge at: Facebook.com/LivinInECSD
Properly trained, a man can be dog’s best friend. – Cory Ford Photo compliments of: Rebecca Johnson Bravo and Mia are the fur-children of Rebecca Johnson. They are the grand puppies of Rosemary and Todd Joles.
You can find more Off The Leash humor at : facebook.com/OffTheLeashDailyDogCartoons
botanical name: Sedum telephium common name: Sedum Likes: Full sun Hates: Overwatering Blooms: Pink Note: Attractive to bees, butterflies, & birds
“Gardeners, I think, dream bigger than emperors.” -Mary Cantwell To see more SD plants go to: LivinInSD.com
Rosemary Joles is passionate about low-water gardening in San Diego. She loves creating gardens that look like lush water thirsty gardens, yet need very little moisture to maintain them. Her other passions include real estate, lattes, spending time with family and friends, reading, music and laughter!
upcycle
H
andwritten Recipe Tea Towel
What You’ll Need
For more upcycle ideas go to pinterest.com/rosemaryjoles/livininsd-upcycle/
Recipe Printer Transfer Sheet Flour Sack Towels Fabric From an Old Shirt & Trim Iron Sewing Machine Directions: 2beesinapod.com/2015/04/23/diy-handwritten-recipe-tea-towel/
nitty gritty insurance 411 do I really need condominium /townhouse coverage? Why do you need a condominium policy; doesn’t the HOA takes care of insurance? Yes, and no. The HOA master policy covers the building and common areas. This coverage stops the moment you walk through your front door. As the homeowner you are responsible for interior walls, flooring, cabinets, countertops and fixtures. The HOA is not responsible for anything within your unit. Water is the most common claim. If your upstairs neighbor’s clothes washer’s water line breaks and it is deemed to be an accident, not negligence, you will need to file a claim against your own insurance policy to repair the walls. If there is a fire in the entire building, you will need to file a claim to replace the interior of your unit. These are critical coverages you need to consider when purchasing condominium insurance: 1) Building coverage. This coverage pays to repair/replace interior walls and flooring. The minimum you need is $60 per square foot. Thus a 1000 square foot condominium needs $60,000 of building coverage at a minimum. If you have upgraded cabinets and flooring you need to consider a higher amount.
2) Loss Assessment. This can be used to pay for claims involving the building itself or the common areas. Perhaps someone is injured in a common area, and the HOA’s policy is not sufficient to cover their costs. The HOA will then assess each condo owner their portion of the liability that the HOA master policy does not cover. Another way Loss Assessment coverage comes into play is if shared building property has been damaged. For example, a fire damages the lobby or inner walls of the building. Since you jointly own the property, everyone shares in the repair costs.
W
ater damage is the most common claim for a homeowner. If your upstairs neighbor’s clothes washer’s water line breaks and it is deemed to be an accident, not negligence, you need to file a claim against your own insurance policy to repair the walls.
3) Loss of Use. You need to decide how much additional living expenses you may need (hotel room and meals) or the fair rental value to cover lost rents in the case of a covered loss. 4) Dogs. Do you have a dog breed that is excluded by your homeowner insurance policy? You may need to get a separate stand-alone liability policy. Talk to your agent about a policy review.
Susanne Romo, LUTCF has been working in insurance since 1986. Her passion is showing her clients that there can be a vast difference between just ‘having’ insurance… and being properly insured. She can be reached at: 858 751 0956 or at sromo@farmersagent.com
project diy
top 3 ways to save on your home projects tarting a home project, whether it is a major home renovation like a room addition or perhaps something smaller like installing a new kitchen flooring, can not only be overwhelming and scary but could turn out to be a very expensive proposition if you don’t plan well. Sometimes having a professional do the job may be the best way to save, however if you are a steadfast do it yourself kind of person, here are three ways to save on your next home project.
1) Save money on the materials by doing your homework Know what you have and what you want. Know the square footage, overall dimensions, and method of construction of everything you are wanting to change or add. Research styles and designs you like. Most construction materials are priced by piece or foot. Research the cost and lead times of those materials. Most building materials will be cheaper if you buy them in stock. Be sure to look at shipping costs, even if you are picking up the materials from a showroom you may still incur a fee. Consider design ideas that accommodate your budget. Unique or custom patterns will cost you more money in materials and labor to install. 2) Save money on labor by doing it yourself (DIY) DIY is where you have the potential to save the most money. If you don’t mind doing the hard work yourself you can save a bundle. You can find plenty of resources, how-to videos and tutorials on the internet to help you with your project. Caution when using on-line help, there is no is no one-size fits all with home projects. The many variables to consider are; year the home was built, type of foundation, materials of construction, climate, building codes, etc. We suggest a professional consultation before you start your project. It will cost you a minimal amount but has the potential to save you a ton of money and mistakes. 3) Save money by using a licensed General Contractor (GC) If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional wait till you hire an amateur and have to have pay for their mistakes to be fixed. The Contractor’s State Licensing Board (CSLB) requires licensed contractors to be bonded/insured, have a minimum of four years of experience, pass an exam and renew annually. These are all designed to protect you as the consumer. If someone works on your home who is unlicensed and they get hurt you can be held liable. For an experienced contractor it is not difficult nor cost prohibitive to become licensed. If your contractor tells you they can’t afford to get be licensed that should be a red flag in itself. Bonus tip: If you are using a GC – save money by being flexible on your project dates and timelines. Most contractors are juggling multiple jobs at one time. It is the nature of the business because there are delays in materials or sub-contractors and they can’t afford to have unpaid gaps of time. November through February are typically slow for contractors so you should get the most bang for your buck during this time! Christy Heiskala is the co-founder of DIY with Pro Help®. She and her husband, Drew. who is a licensed general contractor, help homeowners complete their home projects from teaching them how to do it themselves to full service. Christy studied interior design at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. She has also participated in many Women's Builds for Habitat for Humanity. When Christy and Drew are not working on their own projects, they enjoy helping others, traveling, spending with the kids and walking their dogs. You can find this dynamic duo on the web at diywithprohelp.com or contact them at 619.928.9DIY.
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podsibilities
One
of the delights of being a real estate agent is meeting new people on a day-to-day basis. You never know who might walk into your life.
Although I was never able to meet Leo O’Connor in person, I felt like I had when I met his lifelong friend, Tom, who listed the home Leo and his wife, DeDe, had lived in since 1988 in Vista. So who was this man I’ve become so interested in?
photos credit: sdapa.org
Leo “Lee” O’ Connor got his start in the music world, at the tender age of 16, with noted jazz musician Red Norvo during the big-band era. The big-band era took place roughly between the 1920s through the 1950s. Most popular between 1935-1946, the big-band era is characterized by jazz or swing bands, consisting of ten or more musicians playing anything from trombone to the upright bass. Lee was a quiet, soft spoken, enormously talented, unassuming man who happened to play some of the best trombone for many of the big band-era greats. He played with the Harry James Orchestra, Bob Crosby’s (Bing’s younger brother) Merry Men of the Marines in the South Pacific during World War II, he backed Bing Crosby on many of his hits, was one of the members of Ina Ray Hutton’s all-male orchestra, played with Benny Goodman’s Swing Band, toured with Jimmy Durante, and performed at the White House for President Truman, with the Dick Jurgens Orchestra.
Lee O’ Conner on Trombone Harry James on Trumpet
I’ve always loved big band music, but “meeting” Lee through his friend, Tom, gave me a renewed interest. It wasn’t long before I downloaded the music of all of the artists I mention above. I even have a special playlist for Lee in iTunes. If you haven’t heard or listened to any of these artists, I encourage you to check them out. You won’t be disappointed. Take a listen to this Harry James favorite: youtu.be/Lijbg5PCh9o
technaholics
I’ve
showcased chargers before but this one really does it! The Thing Charger can charge all your devices by using interchangeable connectors and it is virtually invisible and stackable for use with multiple devices at once. When not in use, just tuck the un-used connectors in the convenient place provided in the back of the unit. It’s available for a $39 each or $119 for 4 or $199.50 for 7. Watch the video here: thingcharger.com/video/
In what way are you your own worst enemy?
bits and pieces ingenious
from marcandangel.com
Do
you need to save space in your kitchen pantry? Place a magazine rack on it’s side and use it to store your spaghetti boxes/packages. Another use is using it to store canned goods, foil, plastic wrap & storage bags.
ponderings
Photo credit: littlevintagecottage.blogspot.com
spaghetti storage
SD Sports 2015-2016 Schedule October-November Date
Oct. 12 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 9 Nov. 22 Nov. 29
Opponent
STEELERS Packers RAIDERS Ravens BEARS CHIEFS Jaguars
sd outdoors
Time
5:30 pm 1:25 pm 1:05 pm 5:30 pm 5:30 pm 5:30 pm 10:00 am
2015-2016 Schedule December-January Date
Network
ESPN CBS CBS CBS ESPN NBC CBS
Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 24 Jan. 3
Opponent
BRONCOS Chiefs DOLPHINS Raiders Broncos
Time
1:05 pm 10:00 am 1:25 pm 5:25 pm 1:25 pm
Network
CBS CBS CBS NFLN CBS
ARI 1:10
Home games shown in BOLD
word search –things that say autumn
photos credit: scott carmella
park exploration
Football Fall Color Fireplace Pumpkins Boot Season Sweaters
Comfort Food Hayrides Caramel Apples Crisp Air Pumpkin Spice Latte Halloween
Thanksgiving Soup Scarves Hats Hot Chocolate Daylight Savings
Find the answers at www.LivinInSD.com/ws
lifestyle Lamb’s Players Theater lambsplayers.org
The Old Globe theoldglobe.org
Thoroughly Modern Millie September 11-October 18
In Your Arms September 16-October 25
Oz October 10-November 22
Full Gallop September 26-October 25
Mixtape October 7-November 22
Dr.. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! November 7-December 26
Festival of Christmas December 2-December 27 An American Christmas December 17-December 26
Broadway San Diego broadwaysd.org
San Diego Rep sdrep.org
The Phantom of the Opera October 7-October 18 Annie November 3-November 8
My Manana Comes Oct. 1-October 25 The Oldest Boy November 12-December 6
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast November 24-November 29
San Diego Adventures october/november/december Taste of North Park October 17 tastenorthpark.com
Escondido Tamale Festival November 14, 2015 visitescondido.com
Fall Plant Sale October 17-18 sdbgarden.org
San Diego Jazz Fest November 25-29 sdjazzfest.org
San Diego Kids Expo & Fair October 17-18 sandiegokidsexpo.com
Halloween Events Various dates livininsd.com San Diego Asian Film Festival November 5-14 festival.sdaff.org San Diego Beer Week November 6-15 sdbw.org
Photo Credit: checkinsandiego.com
Photo Credit: sandiegowhalewatching.com
Escondido Grand Avenue Festival October 18 kennedyfaires.com/Escondido
December Lights & Events Various dates livininsd.com Whale & Dolphin Watching December 13-on-going hornblower.com The New Children’s Museum Winter Camps December 21-31 thinkplaycreate.org/camps
sd concerts
Zoltran Maga
Irish Christmas in America
Melissa Etheridge
10/17 Chris Hillman & Herb Pedersen Location: Sweetwater Union High School Info: amsdconcerts.com
11/15 Jerry Jeff Walker Location: Sweetwater Union High School Info: amsdconcerts.com
12/5 The Milk Carton Kids Location: Balboa Theatre Info: sandieotheatres.org
10/17 Leading Faith Location: Escondido Info: artcenter.org
11/19 Ten Strings and A Goat Skin Location: Sweetwater Union High School Info: amsdconcerts.com
12/6 Six String Society Location: Solana Beach Info: bellyup.com
10/17 Zoltan Maga Location: Balboa Theatre Info: sandieotheatres.org
11/20 Dance Rhythms: Music of Mexico, Argentina, Spain Location: Copley Symphony Hall Info: sandiegosymphony.org
12/8/15 Karen Gomyo, Violin Location: The Auditorium at TSRI Info: sandiegosymphony.org
10/18 Bollywood Masala Orchestra Location: Copley Symphony Hall Info: sandiegosymphony.org 10/19 Ehnes Quartet Location: The Auditorium at TSRI Info: sandiegosymphony.org 10/25 Brass Roots Trio Location: Escondido Info: artcenter.org 11/1 Sergio Mendes & Brasil 2015 Location: Solana Beach Info: bellyup.com 11/1 A Walk Through Balboa Park Location: Copley Symphony Hall Info: sandiegosymphony.org 11/6 Melissa Etheridge Location: Escondido Info: artcenter.org 11/8 Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt Location: Escondido Info: artcenter.org 11/8 The Steel Wheels Location: Sweetwater Union High School Info: amsdconcerts.com
11/20 Danielle Nicole Band Location: Sweetwater Union High School Info: amsdconcerts.com 11/21 Living Jazz Legends Location: Copley Symphony Hall Info: sandiegosymphony.org 11/21 Steve Poltz with Cody Lovaas Location: Poway Info: powaycenter.com 11/22 Neave Trio Location: Escondido Info: artcenter.org 11/25 Victor Manuelle Location: Balboa Theatre Info: sandieotheatres.org 12/2 First Wednesdays: The Choice Entertainers Location: Escondido Info: artcenter.org 12/2 Gloriana Location: El Cajon Info: Sycuan.com
11/12 Israel Philharmonic Orchestra Location: Balboa Theatre Info: sandieotheatres.org
12/3 The Ten Tenors Home For The Holidays Location: Escondido Info: artcenter.org
11/14 Patricia Racette: Diva on Detour Location: Balboa Theatre Info: sandieotheatres.org
12/4 Leftover Cuties Location: Sweetwater Union High School Info: amsdconcerts.com
11/15 An Intimate Evening w/Matisyahu Location: Balboa Theatre Info: sandieotheatres.org
12/5 The Temptations Christmas Location: Poway Info: powaycenter.com
12/10 Morris Day & The Time Location: El Cajon Info: Sycuan.com 12/12 Will Downing Location: El Cajon Info: Sycuan.com 12/16 Christ Tomlin Location: Balboa Theatre Info: sandieotheatres.org 12/18 Irish Christmas In America Location: Sweetwater Union High School Info: amsdconcerts.com 12/26 Cash’d Out Christmas Location: Solana Beach Info: bellyup.com 12/31 Los Lobos Location: Solana Beach Info: bellyup.com
front porch pickin san diego music from classical to bluegrass
domiciles
North Park · $379,900 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673
Granite Hills · $415,000-$430,000 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673
San Carlos · $547,900 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673
Escondido · $720,000 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673
San Raphael-Torrey Hills · $949,500 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673
Belmont-Carmel Valley · $1,450,000-$1,495,000 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673
from east county to the coast
Historic Escondido · $445,000-$475,000 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673
La Mesa · $529,900 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673
Singing Hills Vistas -El Cajon · $729,000 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673
Poway · $849,000 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673
Santa Fe Summit · $1,749,000 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673
Meadows Del Mar · $2,996,000 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673
Millicent
and Company Salons
MEGAN MCGHEN Hair Stylist
619·464·3166
4695 Palm Avenue · La Mesa · CA · 91942
8356 Allison Ave. La Mesa, CA 91942 619-741-6230 Miguel@LaTorta.com www.LaTorta.com
Out of the Mouths…. I sat down with my 3-year old daughter who was playing at her dollhouse. I asked her which doll I could be and she replied, “The one that does the dishes.”
Visit us at LaTorta.com and click on coupon for the latest value meals and coupons.
Front Porch Wisdom See your business advertised here. Interested in advertising in From The Front Porch Journal? Contact Rosemary Joles at homes @livininsd.com or at 619-303-9500 x335 for a current price sheet. Our current reach is over 10,000 San Diego County families and we are growing.
Don’t let your happiness depend on something you may lose. C.S. Lewis
1910
Remember When Old Encinitas Station
Photos: ericandallyringer.com & thegilmans.com
Architectural Style: Victorian | Built: 1887 510 N. Highway 101 |Encinitas, CA 92024|ph. 760.436.5824|web: pannikincoffeeandtea.com
2012
E
very home is a masterpiece
For Lease · $1400 · 2/2 livinsancarlos.com
SOLD · $217,000 · 2/2 livininsd.com
SOLD · $285,000 · 3/2 livininsd.com · Emerald Heights
SOLD · $312,000 · 2/2 livininpointloma.info · Midway District
SOLD · $439,000 · 3/2.5 livininsd.com · San Carlos
SOLD · $581K · 3/2.5 livininsd.com · Mission Valley Civita
SOLD · $640,000 · 4+/3 livininvista.info · Vista
SOLD · $1,159,000 · 4 BD/2BA livininsandalwood.info · La Costa
SOLD · $1,250,000 · 4/4.5 livininlacosta.info · La Costa
Whether you are looking to sell, buy, or lease a home we have the skills to get the job done right. Find out what our clients have said about us at: livininsd.com/san-diego-county-realtor-rosemary-joles/rosemary/
Rosemary Joles
2014 | 2015 Five Star Real Estate Agent Residential Sales · Leasing · Luxe Director 619· 405· 7673 Homes@LivinInSD.com LivinInSD.com