SAN DIEGO
CALIFORNIA | VOL. 7
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RECOMMENDED SERVICE DIRECTORY FEATURED ARTICLES
RETIREMENT • INVESTING • VACATION
TRAVEL • LIVING • HEALTH • DINING
CALIFORNIA | VOL. 7
READ THIS ISSUE ONLINE.
SCAN THE QR CODE
RECOMMENDED SERVICE DIRECTORY FEATURED ARTICLES
RETIREMENT • INVESTING • VACATION
TRAVEL • LIVING • HEALTH • DINING
An annuity is an investment vehicle that can provide a guaranteed income for an individual or their spouse. It is a contract with an insurance company or financial institution where you contribute money upfront and at a specific time receive payments back over the course of your lifetime. There are several advantages to investing in an annuity. First, it is tax deferred which means no taxes until you begin taking the income. Second, you can choose a fixed rate annuity where you will always receive the
same amount regardless of market conditions. Third, you will receive payment even if you receive more than your original investment. Fourth, there are annuities with death benefits for heirs.
There are many different types of annuities, all of which have different features, benefits and costs but they fall into three main categories: fixed, fixed index and variable. There are two types of payout options- deferred and immediate.
A fixed annuity is based on a set interest rate and can increase in value over time. It guarantees income payments over your lifetime with the possibility of death benefits for heirs. There are two ways to purchase - either through a lump sum payment or a series of payments that increase the value of your annuity and therefore the total payout.
A variable annuity’s value will depend on market conditions and will rise and fall with the stock market. This means the possibility of a higher interest rate when the market is strong but in a weak market, the annuity could even lose value.
An indexed annuity is based on the performance of a particular market index and the value of the annuity will be based on that particular index. Interest will be based on the index’s interest rate.
It is a good opportunity to be sure you have the resources to cover your essential monthly expenses such as mortgage or rent, insurance, utilities , travel, etc. The best thing about an annuity is that it does not run out no matter your age or the value of the investment. Start by analyzing your monthly expenses to figure out how much
income you need to cover basic bills. Don’t forget to consider and plan for inflation. When considering an annuity, the most important thing is to be sure to understand what you are investing in. They are complicated investments. Work with a trusted financial adviser to ensure your understanding of the risks and potential returns.
Feng Shui, which literally means wind and water, is an ancient Chinese practice rooted in the theory of Yin and Yang. It is the ancient Chinese practice of using energy forces to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment by organizing furniture, art, plants, and other objects within any given space or room to create peace and harmony.
It has been used for centuries to determine building sites such as the Forbidden City in Beijing, which is built on a north-south axis with the main entrance facing south. It was believed to be the most propitious direction according to the feng shui masters. Additionally, the pyramid addition to the Louvre in Paris, Trump Tower in Manhattan, and the Sydney Opera House in Sydney have all been influenced by feng shui principles.
In interior design, feng shui is a tool to help design a room that makes you feel good and enhances health, prosperity, harmony and balance for a joyful life.
Chinese philosophy is all about opposites - masculine and feminine, dark and light, warm and cold. Additionally, there is a focus on the 5 elements which are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. These symbolize qualities such as stability, wisdom, growth and creativity. Decorating with the five elements is meant to bring joy and balance to your life.
According to Better Homes and Gardens, you can feng shui your home with a few simple tips:
Clear your home of clutter and open up the flow of traffic. This will create an atmosphere of calm by creating a welcoming entryway. Adding feng shui plants and positioning furniture in relation to the door will give a feeling of
control and empowerment, creating balance. And don’t forget to use feng shui with your color selections.
The bedroom is the most important room for applying the principles of feng shui since we all spend so much time there. It is important to have the bed face the door but not straight-on. It is preferable to have a wall behind the bed so that you are aware if anyone is entering your space. This is referred to as command position. Use soft and muted pastel colors or earthen tones that you’d find in nature. Plants are not recommended for the bedroom as they are active and produce energy which is not conducive to the calm environment required in the bedroom. However, they are desirable throughout the rest of the home. Some of the best plants include lucky bamboo, orchids, jade, snake or rubber plants.
Although there is no scientific basis for the use of feng shui in design, it is about making your environment a healthy and happy one for your family, so why not give it a try.
After the thrill of an engagement, all attention moves to the upcoming wedding. It is a happy and exciting time for any couple and one filled with many choices and decisions. It can also be a stressful time if not properly organized. To make it a joyous event, a plan is essential and it starts with making lists of things to accomplish. Technology has made it much easier. There are on-line wedding planning tools for couples to use. Not only do they simplify wedding preparation, they save time and keep everything organized and in one place as opposed to old fashioned methods.
Post-Covid backyard weddings are out and luxury is in. Couples want their venue to be special, whether it is the country club, a spectacular garden, a historic estate, or a clear top tent for dancing under the stars. They want it to reflect who they are and their own personal love story and even their cultural heritage.
Oftentimes, couples are going for smaller, more intimate affairs. This allows more time to spend with people they care about most. It also helps with the budget and allows for spending on special effects or treats. Decor has shifted from traditional white to brighter, bolder colors. Couples can now more easily express their personalities. Food and flowers are often designed to be environmentally friendly using locally sourced products. Champagne towers add a touch of elegance and they have made a big comeback.
Hanging florals are a new and dramatic trend along with decorative ceremony aisles. Special effects lighting is another new trend. For a really unique look, go for a custom dance floor as the dance floor is often the center of the action at the wedding party. A new special effect is called cold sparks. The best explanation is indoor fireworks which add drama and sparkle to any event. They can be used in a variety of ways. Use them to light up the bride and groom’s entrance to the party, for first dances, or for the couple’s departure.
It is all about creating a memorable experience unlike any other. If you don’t have a lot of time to plan and implement all that is required for your wedding, consider hiring a wedding planner or pick a venue that coordinates the details for you. Country Clubs and Hotels are good at that as they often have excellent party planners on staff. Although a private wedding planner will add to the expense, they make sure the entire process runs smoothly from design issues, overseeing the budget, sending invitations, tracking RSVPs, managing vendors, and coordinating the schedule of the wedding. At a minimum, be sure to have someone in charge on the day of the wedding for any last minute issues that arise.
Arnold Palmer Invitational
* Schedule subject to change
MAR 4 - 10
MAR 4 - 10
MAR 11 - 17
MAR 18 - 24
MAR 25 - 31
APRIL 1 - 7
APRIL 8 - 14
APRIL 15 - 21
APRIL 15 - 21
APRIL 22 - 28
APRIL 29 - MAY 5
MAY 6 - 12
MAY 6 - 12
MAY 13 - 19
+ Signature Event
presented by Mastercard +
Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Orlando, Florida
Puerto Rico Open Grand Reserve Golf Club, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico
THE PLAYERS Championship
TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course), Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
Valspar Championship
Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead Course), Palm Harbor, Florida
Texas Children’s Houston Open Memorial Park Golf Course, Houston, Texas
Valero Texas Open
TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course), San Antonio, Texas
Masters Tournament #
Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia
RBC Heritage +
Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Corales Puntacana Championship
NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
GOLF
NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, ESPN+
CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
Puntacana Resort & Club (Corales Golf Course), Punta Cana, Dominican Republic GOLF
Zurich Classic of New Orleans TPC Louisiana, Avondale, Louisiana
AT&T Byron Nelsons
TPC Craig Ranch, McKinney, Texas
Wells Fargo Championship +
Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte, North Carolina
Myrtle Beach Classic
CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
Dunes Golf & Beach Club, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina GOLF
PGA Championship #
Valhalla Golf Club, Louisville, Kentucky
# Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored
^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour
CBS, ESPN+
* Schedule subject to change
DATES TOURNAMENT COVERAGE
MAY 20 - 26
MAY 27 - JUNE 2
JUNE 3 - 9
JUNE 10 - 16
JUNE 17 - 23
JUNE 24 - 30
JULY 1 - 7
JULY 8 - 14
JULY 8 - 14
JULY 15 - 21
JULY 22 - 28
JUNE 29 - AUG 4
AUG 5 - 11
Charles Schwab Challenge
Colonial Country Club, Fort Worth, Texas
RBC Canadian Open
CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
Hamilton Golf & Country Club, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday + Muirfield Village Golf Club, Dublin, Ohio
U.S. Open #
Pinehurst Resort & Country Club (Course No. 2), Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina
Travelers Championship + Highlands, Cromwell, Connecticut
Rocket Mortgage Classic Detroit Golf Club, Detroit, Michigan
John Deere Classic TPC Deere Run, Silvis, Illinois
Genesis Scottish Open ^ The Renaissance Club, North Berwick, Scotland
CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
NBC, USA NETWORK, PEACOCK
CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
TBA Event TBA, TBA GOLF
Barracuda Championship
Tahoe Mountain Club (Old Greenwood), Truckee, California GOLF
3M Open TPC Twin Cities, Blaine, Minnesota
CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
Olympic Men’s Golf Competition # Le Golf National, Paris, France GOLF
Wyndham Championship
Sedgefield Country Club, Greensboro, North Carolina
CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
+ Signature Event
# Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored
^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour
* Schedule subject to change +
AUG 12 - 18
AUG 19 - 25
AUG 26 - SEP 1
FedEx St. Jude Championship
TPC Southwind, Memphis, Tennessee
BMW Championship
Castle Pines Golf Club, Castle Rock, Colorado
TOUR Championship
East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta, Georgia
NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
*
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
MARCH
MARCH 1 - 31 | THEATRE MONTH
San Diego Theatre Month, Formerly Theatre Week, is an exciting program of the San Diego Performing Arts League. The mission of San Diego Theatre Month is to highlight the variety and enhance the awareness of San Diego’s diverse performing arts community. So come on by and enjoy the magic of live theater! For more info visit: sandiegotheatreweek.com
The Japanese Friendship Garden is proud to announce that Cherry Blossom Week returns to welcome the spring season! The celebration will continue to combine both cultural education with family fun and will offer various special daily programs. From kendo demonstrations to week-long vendors, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! For more info visit: niwa.org/cbw
APRIL
APRIL 12 - 21 | CAR CLASSIC
Set along the breathtaking oceanfront cliffs of La Jolla Cove, the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance is exceptional in every sense of the word. Walk amongst 125 world-class automobiles, visit the elegant tasting and champagne gardens, and revel in the beauty of the Pacific Ocean – the ultimate La Jolla experience. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/5atej92h
Bringing together a curated list of San Diego top breweries, coffee roasters, distillers, kombucha and cider makers, this one day EXPO features unique one-off collaborations, educational presentations, demonstrations, and explorations with cheesemakers from across America and some of the best, local liquid talents. For more info visit: liquidcitysd.com
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
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MAY 9 - 12 | GATOR BY THE BAY
Largest, authentic Louisiana-themed festival this side of the bayou. Features 4 days of live music - more than 100 performances on 7 stages, dancing, delicious Southern food - including beignets, gumbo, jambalaya & 10,000 lbs of crawfish. The Most Fun You’ll Find This Side of the Bayou! For more info visit: gatorbythebay.com
MAY 16 - 26 | FRINGE
Theater lovers from all over the West Coast and across the United States are attracted by this great festival, celebrating performing arts in all forms from street performers to cabaret, comedy, circus, and dance. The mission of the San Diego International Fringe Festival is to provide a platform for artists and boost the culture scene. For more info visit: sdfringe.org
The annual San Diego Brew Festival returns to Liberty Station for a fun-filled day with unlimited tastings from more than 70 craft and international breweries, live music, and some of San Diego’s most popular food trucks. For more info visit: sandiegobeerfest.com
The San Diego County Fair offers all of the deep fried-food-on-astick, rides, animals, and games you’ve experienced at other state and county fairs, but is also known for world-class exhibits in fine art, photography, woodworking, jewelry/gems & minerals, and home & hobby, and garden show...not to mention an unsurpassed view of the Pacific Ocean from the ferris wheel! For more info visit: sdfair.com
JULY
JULY 4 | INDEPENDENCE DAY
Can you think of a better 4th of
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
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July celebration than relaxing on a beautiful beach while watching a spectacular firework show? No wonder San Diego is one of the most popular destinations to mark America’s Birthday. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3h7LiWS
At the festival aside from high energy musical performances you will find local food vendors including Taco Stands, local bartenders pouring Craft Beer and Craft Cocktails as well as an assortment of local crafts and vending booths. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/h5s4k4d3
This year’s captivating theme, “Inside Stories,” transforms the festival into a vibrant canvas where emotions, tales, and the profound depths of human experience are painted in the universal language of music. With an exquisite lineup of world-renowned artists, we’ll
be transported into the heart of narratives that span the spectrum of life itself—stories of resilience, heartbreak, love, scandal, and triumph. For more info visit:
https://tinyurl.com/bddzn5sz
Baja Beach Fest is the Reggaeton and Latin Music Festival, located on the beach. The festival will be a 3-day experience, with over 25 Reggaeton & Latin artists performing, featuring experiential installations, sponsored activations, a variety of food options, and a plethora of bars onsite. Baja Beach Fest’s beachside experience has a vibe like no other festival in the world! For more info visit: bajabeachfest.com
SEPTEMBER
SEPT 27 - 29 |
The largest military air show is returning to provide a unique and special flight line experience with immersive experiences, static displays, and daytime shows that
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
feature military demonstration teams, civilian aerobatic teams, aerial solo acts, vintage aircraft and warbirds. For more info visit: miramarairshow.com
SEPT 28 - 29 | ART & WINE FEST
The La Jolla Art & Wine Festival returns with even more prestigious art, international wine, craft beer, and family fun. With over 150 juried artists from around the globe, 3D chalk art displays, interactive art murals, non-stop live music, family art center, roving entertainment, gourmet food court, and a wine, craft beer, and spirits garden featuring local brews, distilleries and global wineries.There is truly something for everyone to enjoy! For more info visit: ljawf.com
OCTOBER
OCT 4 - 6 | OKTOBERFEST
La Mesa Oktoberfest continues to top its traditions and present Bavarian festivities that San Diegans of all ages can partake in! La Mesa Oktoberfest is the perfect
opportunity to create meaningful memories, enjoy the company of friends and family, and come together for an unbeatable FREE weekend in a German paradise in the heart of La Mesa. For more info visit: lamesaoktoberfest.org
OCT 19 - 20 | SPIRITS FESTIVAL
It’s a Cocktail Extravaganza with twelve years of exhilarating entertainment! It’s beginning to look a lot like cocktails at the annual San Diego Spirits Festival. We promise to open your eyes to new and unique cocktails, introduce you to great liquor purveyors and talented mixologists. For more info visit: sandiegospiritsfestival.com
NOVEMBER
NOV 3 - 10 | WINE & FOOD FEST
Welcome to the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival, where sailboats and sandy beaches serve as the backdrop to one of the country’s most talked about weeks in food. Featuring dozens of events, hundreds of domestic and inter-
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
national wineries, the celebration of craft beer and spirits, local culinary legends and nationally acclaimed chefs.For more info visit: sandiegowineclassic.com
DECEMBER
DEC 8 | HOLIDAY FESTIVAL
It is a traditional holiday Parade with bands, floats, equestrians, vintage vehicles, dog units, Marshals representing community leaders, schools, and community service organizations. Enjoy Santa’s Village. It features Santa visits for children, arts-and-crafts, science, and play. For more info visit: ljparade.com
JANUARY
JAN 1 | TANGO FESTIVAL
San Diego Tango Festival will provide a welcoming environment to enjoy social tango dancing in, within the line of dance, respecting the crowded dance floors with the etiquette that we can all believe in. For more info visit: sandiegotangofestival.com
FEBRUARY
FEB TBA | LUNAR NEW YEAR
Celebrate the Year of the Snake at the annual Lunar New Year Tet Festival held at Mira Mesa Community Park. The free, family-friendly event features a cultural village, a beer garden, carnival rides, food, and children’s games and activities. For more info visit: sdtet.com
* Schedule subject to change
* Schedule subject to change
* Schedule subject to change
* Schedule subject to change
Eating healthy and having a holistic approach to wellness focuses on mind, body and soul. Foods that enhance energy, heart health, improve sleep and increase muscle strength are growing in popularity. High protein, low calorie, and low carbohydrate meals are the way to go. The movement towards plant-based items for health and environmental reasons is here to stay.
Sugar intake is a concern for many.
A popular sugar alternative is dates which are very sweet and have been used for thousands of years. They are high in nutrients, antioxidants and fiber. Some say they are good for brain health as well as digestion. Eaten whole or used in baked treats, they provide all the sweetness needed.
To lose weight or simply to eat a little bit healthier, there are several different approaches you can take.
The Whole Food Diet is probably the most recommended diet. It is about avoiding or limiting processed foods, preservatives or artificial ingredients while sticking to lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, fish, shellfish and eggs. Limiting meat is a part of this diet as well. Not only is this diet healthy for you, but it is healthy for the planet as processed foods require more resources such as water and energy, thus creating more pollution.
The PALEO Diet is based on foods eaten in the Paleolithic period of hunter gatherer societies thousands of years ago, before farming.
The KETO Diet is a low carbohydrate, high fat diet that helps burn fat for energy rather than carbs, thus triggering weight loss. According to Healthline, the foods to eat on this diet are: meat, fatty fish,eggs, butter and cream, cheese, nuts and seeds, olive or avocado oil, avocados, and low carb vegetables and condiments.
The Vegetarian Diet is made up of plant-based foods which include fruits and vegetables, grains, legumes and nuts. No meat or dairy products including eggs and other milk products are consumed. There is a trend to eat more fruits and vegetables and new products are continually coming to the market. Non-dairy milk alternatives like oat, soy and almond are popular replacements for milk. New plantbased pasta alternatives like chickpea or zucchini pasta help us eat more vegetables and additional options are continually being introduced.
If you haven’t traveled by train, you might like to try it. There are so many fantastic train trips available across the world. They offer opportunities not available any other way. There’s never the hassle of driving and missing the beautiful and scenic countryside. They are eco-friendly,
comfortable, relaxing and also offer refreshments. Trains start and end their journeys in cities and will transport you through diverse and incredible landscapes.
Here are a few amazing train trip options:
If you are traveling in Scotland, be sure to check out the Jacobite. This journey is often described as the greatest rail journey in the world. It takes you 84 miles in total from Fort Williams in the highlands of Scotland to the most westerly stop in Arisaig. It passes by lakes and rivers including Lake Nevis, the deepest in Europe and through charming villages. There is a stop in Glenfinnan which was made famous as the site of the Harry Potter films. Then it is on to Mallaig which was founded in 1840 and is now a busy fishing port. It is a great spot for a walk or some shopping and dining. Try the fish and chips! Then take the return trip or consider taking the ferry to Skye and the Small Isles.
In Switzerland, be sure to check out the Bernina Express which is a 90 mile journey from Tirano in northern Italy to Chur in southeastern Switzerland. Highlights include unparalleled panoramic views of the steep peaks of the Swiss Alps, charming villages and shimmering lakes. With 55 tunnels through the mountains and numerous bridges and viaducts, the vistas are stunning. Chur is the oldest city in Switzerland and the old town is actually car-free. The train has earned UNESCO World Heritage Designation due to its architectural features and long history.
In Alaska, don’t miss the Bennett Lake Scenic Journey. A trip through history that began with the gold rush of 1898 when men sought routes to the Klondike and the White Pass. It began in Skagway and continued to British Columbia and the Yukon Territory. The train climbs from sea level to 3,00ft - a true marvel of engineering. Travel in a vintage train from Skagway to Carcass in the Yukon Territory. See snow capped peaks, forests, sparkling lakes, and amazing waterfalls. Visit Bennett Station and the White Pass Museum. You can do a walk through an old gold rush town. Then ride through remote sections of the lake that are otherwise only available by hiking the Chilkoot Trail.
In Parrish, Florida, visit the Museum and see the historic trains of the old South. Or take the 6-mile ride on an early 1900s train from Parrish to Willow to see a rail collection and exhibition. Also they host special train events including a train robbery experience.