Wish of a Lifetime: Fulfilling a Wish in San Diego

Coastal Premier Properties Helps Wish of a Lifetime Recipient, Phyllis Turner

Phyllis, Tom, Connie, and Susan

Wish of a Lifetime is an organizing fulfilling the wishes of deserving seniors. Coastal Premier Properties recently had the opportunity to help one woman’s Wish of a Lifetime become a reality.

“Phyllis Turner, 86, is a current resident at the Freedom Village in Holland, MI. Music has always been a significant part of her life. Phyllis began playing the Cello when she was in the 8th grade, and ever since she has had a true appreciation for string instruments. Her son took on her appreciation of music and currently plays the Viola for the San Diego Symphony. Phyllis’ wish of a lifetime is to be able to travel to San Diego, CA to watch her son’s performance under the well-known conductor Jahja Ling. When Phyllis graduated High School she dreamed of being able to play her Cello in New York City- but this was unfortunately not an option due to the income. She decided that the next best thing would be to teach music to others. Phyllis taught the 4th grade through 12th grade for many years, but retired when she had to care for her family. Phyllis’ son began playing when he was 4 years old- she knew that he was destined for music. It has been many years since she has been able to listen to him play and with a recent move to San Diego to play in their Symphony; this has sparked a desire for her to travel there to support him.”

On Friday May 24th, Susan Meyers-Pyke of Coastal Premier Properties and her family took Phyllis and her friend, Connie, to see her son, Tom Turner, play the viola in the San Diego Symphony. Her son, Tom Turner, is the first chair violist for the symphony, under the direction of conductor Jahja Ling. His personal viola is over four hundred years old and as he explained to Susan, “My viola is my retirement someday since it is worth well over one million dollars.” On this particular evening, world-renowned violinist Joshua Bell played with the symphony, seated right next to Tom Turner.

Phyllis was so happy to meet her son at the airport. The group then went to dinner before heading backstage at the symphony, where they were part of the symphony’s end of the season toast with Joshua Bell.

Phyllis Turner’s wish was the first wish granted in San Diego by Wish of a Lifetime. Not only does Wish of a Lifetime help seniors fulfill their bucket lists, it also provides a great way for citizens to give back to their community. Wishes like Phyllis’s are made possible through the help of many different volunteers. To find out about wishes being granted in your area or to help Wish of a Lifetime, visit them online.

Phyllis and her son, Tom Turner

The Pinteresting Five: Best Ideas for Small Spaces

Whether you live in a small space or a big space with a lot of small spaces you want to fill, here are some of our best ideas for utilizing every scrap of space in a unique, fun, and aesthetically-pleasing way:

Restaurant of the Moment: Mosaic Winebar

3422 30th St.

San Diego, CA 92104

619-906-4747

www.mosaicwinebar.com

Best known for their wine, pizzas, and flatbreads, Mosaic Winebar is a beautiful little jewel tucked along 30th Street. Daily happy hour from 4-7pm and daily specials that change with the week.

Mosaic is a casual, yet romantic retreat for couples, an intimate setting for those looking to catch up, or a fun place for larger groups. Upscale decor and atmosphere combine for the right balance of casual cool—everything you’d expect from a North Park locale.

The venue is small, though usually not too busy, even on weekend nights.

The sangria is a good bet, along with the Ocean’s Eleven flatbread and Spiced Ground Kobe Beef flatbread. They are also known for their baked brie. On weekends, they offer a Sunday brunch with bottomless drinks.

If you’re in the area, make sure to stop in at Mosaic.

Design Trends: Shabby Chic Vintage

While not really a new trend, vintage or “shabby chic” decorating is a trend with staying power. If you’ve ever been inside an Anthropologie, you’ve gotten a first-hand look at how this trend translates into living spaces. A few months ago we featured Lighting By Lucia, which definitely epitomizes this shabby chic vintage trend. Whether you incorporate actual vintage artifacts (typewriters, dress forms, skeleton keys, bell jars, apothecary jars, spyglasses, pocket watches, grandfather clocks, signs, and other things accrued from antique or thrift stores) or simply love the look of lighter, muted colors, weather wood, and things that merely look old, this is an easy trend to work into most homes. And best of all, you don’t need to spend a lot of money to get the look, though it does require a certain eye for this type of design. Scour your local thrift and antique stores, visit swamp meets and garage sales to pick up items with tons of character and charm. Of course, if you want the look for more convenience and less effort, most stores like Target, Bed, Bath, and Beyond, Michaels, and the like have started selling a certain amount of items with that shabby chic look.

Restaurant of the Moment: Cody’s La Jolla

Cody’s La Jolla

8030 Girard Ave

La Jolla, CA 92037

858-459-0400

www.codyslj.com

La Jolla is full of amazing little breakfast spots. Harry’s, Pannikin, The Cottage, Mission Coffee Cup. Cody’s is right up there with the best of them. A little more southern, a little more downhome, Cody’s manages to be equally delicious, ooze tremendous charm, and make good use of its prime spot near the beach.

Fried chicken, biscuits, and gravy

Some diners Cody’s favorites:

-the chilequiles

-french toast

-lobster roll

-fish and chips

-benedicts

We went for breakfast and tried the bacon and cheddar omelette and fried chicken, biscuits, and gravy. The omelette was good and a great portion size. The chicken, biscuits, and gravy dish was outstanding. Delicious creamy, peppery gravy, succulent and moist chunks of golden-fried chicken, thick, fluffy biscuits…delicious. We also gave the pomegranate mimosas a try…highly recommended.

We can’t wait to go back and try out some of the lunch menus.

Be prepared with some sunblock. The seating is half inside and outside and it gets pretty sunny outside. Though it’s worth it to glimpse the ocean from your table. Very dog-friendly, so bring your fluffy friends. Service is quick, friendly, and efficient.

Even on a Sunday morning around 9:30am, we had no wait for a table for two. Even as the morning got on, the wait was nowhere near the insanity that descends upon The Cottage, Coffee Cup, or Harry’s. Definitely put this place on your list to check out for weekend breakfast or brunch.

We loved the rustic touches to the decor…take a look at the menu design below. Just gorgeous.

 

Event in Focus: 2013 San Diego County Fair

2013 San Diego County Fair

2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd.
Del Mar, CA 92014
858-755-1161

June 8th-July 4th (closed mondays)

www.sdfair.com

Whether you’re new to San Diego or have lived here for years, one event you can’t help, but take part in is the San Diego County Fair. 24 days of food, fun, and festivities for all ages.

Bring the family out to get up close and personal with farm animals and farm equipment. You can even watch some of these animals compete for prizes. Get your picture taken with a giant pig or pet a goat.

If animals aren’t your thing, there’s plenty of shopping throughout the fair. You’ll get great discounts on all kinds of items and can even enter to win great prizes and coupons at some of the vendor booths. Get tips on how to care for your houseplants and stock up on handmade goods before the holiday rush.

Play games, win prizes, and ride on classic fair attractions such as the ferris wheel, meery go round, and more.

It wouldn’t be the fair without fair food. Grab a funnel cake, try some fried bacon, snack on popcorn, fries, and chicken strips, or check out some of the healthier options on hand. The wine and beer festivals and tastings are always a big hit during the fair. This year, there’s even a bacon festival for all you meat-lovers.

Stay late and enjoy musical performances from artists like REO Speedwagon, Train, Switchfoot, Colbie Caillat, and Martina McBride, among others.

This year’s theme is “Game On”, the celebration of games past and present. Are you game?

Tickets can be purchase online or at a discount from participating Albertsons

Recently Sold: April 2013

This is a selection of some of the great properties we’ve sold and/or helped our clients buy!!

Foxhollow:

(Carmel Valley)

From the MLS

“First time on the market in over 16 years, this upgraded home has hand-scraped wood floors, upgraded kitchen and bar area with granite and stainless steel appliances including wine cooler and double oven, and plantation shutters throughout. Step outside to an upgraded pool and spa with solar heat, built-in BBQ, fireplace, trellis, fountains, porch swing, built-in sound system, and WESTERN VIEWS! Downstairs guest suite with own full bath. No homes across the street, tropical landscaping. Sold for $1,251,000.”

Seachase:

(Carmel Valley)

From the MLS

“Beautifully upgraded Huntington Heights Plan 2 with 5 bedrooms, office and bonus room. Gorgeous entertaining backyard with outdoor room, pool/spa, water slide, gas fireplace, built-in BBQ and fire pit. Remodeled kitchen with quartz, designer back splash and restaurant grade stainless appliances. Wood flooring throughout the home, upgraded fireplaces, designer closets are just a few of the wonderful amenities you will find in this home. All this plus walk to Ashley Falls School and neighborhood park! Pending for 1,399,999-1,445,999”.

Front St.:

(Downtown)

From the MLS

“Stunning southwest facing bay and ocean views from this wonderful Meridian home.  Meridian is downtown San Diego’s premier residential building.  This property has been updated with a modern yet eclectic decor, which is warm and sophisticated.  Upgrades include wood floors throughout, custom window coverings, stainless steel appliances, slab granite counters and much more.  Enjoy panoramic views of the Coronado Bridge, the Hotel Del Coronado, the San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Pending for $749,000”

Pathos:

(Rancho Penasquitos)

From the MLS

“Great family home on cul-de-sac.  Large, useable 14,500+ sq. ft. lot!  Home boasts remodeled kitchen “Dacor” cooktop/oven.  1 bedroom downstairs, gracious dine & living room/ sunny views to expansive rear yard / walk way , seating & garden.  Also a “bonus” room/fplc downstairs – makes for a great addition to home & has  access to rear yard.  Master has large dressing area, closet space galore.  5th bedroom upstairs converted to storage.  Easy access to schools,shops, major roads. Pending for $735000-765000″

Chandon:

(Carmel Valley)

From the MLS

“Wonderful opportunity to own in the highly desirable Ashley Falls neighborhood of Carmel Valley.  Features include 5brms with one on the main level, 4 full baths, lots of natural light, lovely living room with vaulted ceilings, open kitchen/family room for family gatherings. Outside enjoy roomy backyard with plenty of room to play, fantastic cul-de-sac location with an open space park leading to neighborhood trails. All this plus top rated schools, close to parks, Pacific Athletic Club & so much more! Pending for $899,000”

Pinteresting Five: Easiest Home DIYs

Changing up your home doesn’t have to cost you a lot of money. A few art supplies and you can transform your space for little cost, time, and effort. Here are five of our favorite ideas from the past two weeks:

Canvas + paper scraps + modge podge = art

Paint your knife block a fun and bold color

Wallpaper the back panel of a cabinet or bookshelf

Spray paint curtain rods a fun and vibrant color

Coat some old/cheap candlesticks in loose glitter

 

Design Trends: Brass

Another popular 2013 trend is the use of brass in the home. From light and sink fixtures, to lamp stands, to shelving and bed frames, to picture frames and knick-knacks, brass is the perfect compromise between gold and silver. Like bronze, it’s much more of a middle-of-the-road metal. Take a look below for ideas how to incorporate brass into your home. Don’t worry if everything doesn’t match: the mixed metals trend is still going strong!

Restaurant of the Moment: Fig Tree Cafe

Fig Tree Cafe

Pacific Beach:

5119 Cass Street

San Diego, CA 92109

858.274.2233

www.figtreecafepb.com

Hillcrest:

416 University Avenue

San Diego, CA 92103

619.298.2010

www.figtreecafehillcrest.com

Cute and casual for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Whatever meal you’re feeling, there’s sure to be something to delight at Fig Tree Cafe. Visit the Pacific Beach location for an outdoor dining experience reminiscent of La Jolla’s The Cottage restaurant, amongst living planets, sunlight, and ocean breezes. Hillcrest offers mostly indoor seating, with some outside. However, living fig trees inside the restaurant continue to give this Fig Tree location its special brand of earthy goodness, mixing living trees and plants with industrial brick and lighting details.

Breakfast recommendations: eggwich, coffee cake, california omelets, fruit pancakes, and mimosas. Insider tip: when you order a carafe of mimosas, order half orange juice and half cranberry juice for a unique breakfast experience!

Lunch/Dinner recommendations: grilled turkey panini, foccacia bread, gnocci, and specials!

Seating is fairly easy to find at both restaurants, no reservations really needed. Even on weekends and holidays, it’s easy to find a table for a large party without a reservation. Service is fast and friendly, with a good price point.