Having a New Year’s Party to ring in 2016? Or enjoying a quiet night at home watching the ball drop on tv? Either way, browse our inspiration to make your home look festive for the occasion! These ideas would look great on a fireplace mantel or table.
All images via our Pinterest
What you need:
6 to 8 medium all-purpose potatoes
1 5-pound roasting chicken
1 lemon
4 fresh rosemary sprigs
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup fine olive oil
Directions:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees (don’t be scared!)
Peel potatoes and cut them into quarters. Place into cold, salted water to cover and set aside
Wash the chicken and pat dry
Cut the lemon in half and generously squeeze the juice into the cavity and on the skin, rubbing with the cut side as you squeeze.
Place 2 rosemary sprigs in the cavity along with the squeezed lemon halves. Using butchers twine, tie the legs of the chicken to the body.
Pull the leaves from the remaining rosemary sprigs and sprinkle them over the chicken, tucking some into any skin openings.
Put the chicken on a rack in a roasting pan, sprinkle with salt and pepper
Drain the potatoes and pat them dry. Toss with olive oil and salt to taste. Scatter them around the chicken in roasting pan.
Place the chicken in preheated oven and roast, turning potatoes occasionally for about 1 1/2 hours or until chicken is golden brown and juices run clear when meat is pierced with a knife and when potatoes are crisp and nicely browned.
Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before carving
Serve and enjoy!
2016’s Pantone Color of the Year is not one, but two beautiful colors! A blend of Rose Quartz and Serenity (Pale pink and pale blue) are the choice for the New Year!
What Pantone has to say about their choice:
“As consumers seek mindfulness and well-being as an antidote to modern day stresses, welcoming colors that psychologically fulfill our yearning for reassurance and security are becoming more prominent. Joined together, Rose Quartz and Serenity demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace.
The prevalent combination of Rose Quartz and Serenity also challenges traditional perceptions of color association.
In many parts of the world we are experiencing a gender blur as it relates to fashion, which has in turn impacted color trends throughout all other areas of design. This more unilateral approach to color is coinciding with societal movements toward gender equality and fluidity, the consumer’s increased comfort with using color as a form of expression, a generation that has less concern about being typecast or judged and an open exchange of digital information that has opened our eyes to different approaches to color usage.”
As always, Pantone’s color choice influences what hues and shades we see in everything from fashion to home decor. Want to incorporate these colors in your home without feeling like you’re decorating a baby’s room? Try using it in small touches: an accent color on the wall, throw blanket, lamp shade, linens, draperies, pillows, or one smaller piece of furniture.
Images via our Pinterest
Get in the holiday spirit with some DIY crafts that are easy enough for the kids as well! Click the links for more information and Happy Holidays!
All images via our Pinterest
What you need:
5 ounces semisweet chocolate
3 ounces unsweetened chocolate
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/3 cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/3 cup chopped pecans
1/3 cup chopped walnuts
Directions:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees
Line several cookie sheets with parchment paper or grease them lightly with butter or vegetable oil.
Melt the 8 ounces of semisweet and unsweetened chocolate and the butter in the top of a double boiler placed over simmering water. Allow it to cool slightly.
Sift the flour, baking powder and salt together into a small bowl and set aside
Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the eggs, vanilla, and espresso powder in a medium sized mixing bowl until they are mixed together, about 10 seconds.
Add the sugar to the egg mixture and blend it all until thick, about 1 minute. Scrape the bowl.
Add the melted chocolate and blend 1 minute more. Scrape the bowl.
Add the flour mixture on low speed and mix until blended, 10 seconds.
Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts by hand or with the mixer on low speed.
Drop the dough by generously rounded tablespoonfuls about 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets, about 20 cookies.
Bake the cookies until they rise slightly and form a thin crust, about 13 minutes.
Immediately remove the cookies from the cookie sheets and place them on a rack to cool.
Whether you’re a local resident or visitor, here are five things you might not know about Carlsbad, CA.
Insider Tip #1: Carlsbad Flower Fields
The Carlsbad Flower Fields have been around for sixty years. They stretch over 50 acres in North County San Diego. The flowers are only in bloom from April-May and are a popular site to visit in Carlsbad. Due to the short amount of time the flowers are in bloom, the Flower Fields become a popular spot for weddings and social gatherings.
Insider Tip #2: Legoland
Legoland is a great place to take the kids. Obviously known for their Legos, Legoland theme park in Carlsbad is an interactive, hands-on experience for everyone. This theme park offers everything from rides and shows to a waterpark and hotel. Inside the park, they have a mini replica of the USA, built entirely out of Legos! Kids can see famous landmarks up close and personal. The hotel also offers many fun activities for families and has a great Lego-themed bedrooms.
Insider Tip #3: Batiquitos Lagoon Trail
The Batiquitos Lagoon Trail is a pleasant, 3-mile walk around the lagoon. This trail is a flat and wide with beautiful views of the lagoon and even the ocean. This trail is definitely dog and kid friendly due to the length and openness of the trail. It’s an easy trail for all hikers and isn’t strenuous at all.
Insider Tip #4: Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park
Named after the famous Hollywood actor Leo Carillo, the land was purchased by Carrillo in 1937 where he raised cattle, grew crops, entertained, and lived out the California dream.
One can visit the ranch today and be guided on tours through the old adobe and hacienda buildings. This ranch first opened to the public in 2003, after being named a California State Park.
Insider Tip #5: Carlsbad Village
Carlsbad Village is a fun place to walk around and enjoy local shops and restaurants as well as take in the ocean views. Some of the restaurants include Don’s Country Kitchen, which has tasty breakfast food as well as The Land and Water Company which feature high class seafood and meats.
Every Wednesday afternoon the Carlsbad Village has a farmers market that features local produce, crafts, and entertainment. Carlsbad Village also happens to be located close to the beaches of Carlsbad!
We encourage you to share any insider tips about Carlsbad you may have with us in the comments!
Thank you for all your support, here are some of the properties Coastal Premier Properties has helped clients buy or sell throughout the county this month. If we can help you or someone you know, please contact us!
Tern Place
(Carlsbad)
SOLD
Rare elegant single story in Aviara beautifully maintained and move in ready! Award winning Pavona neighborhood built by Davidson one of the top builders in San Diego! Private cul de sac location with low maintenance yard and no neighbor behind. Large open kitchen features newer stainless steel appliances, built in refrigerator and large center prep island. Beautiful travertine floors and neutral decor, 3 fireplaces and large 3 car garage complete this incredible home. Close to shopping, beaches, schools! SOLD for $979,000.
Avenida Maravillas
(Rancho Santa Fe)
SOLD
*Represented Buyer
Location, location, location. This exceptional West side Covenant property is where you will find a charming single level ranch style home with Azaleas, succulent gardens and fruit trees. The home has a bridge entrance and a circular driveway that is flanked by gorgeous Palm trees, Eucalyptus, Hibiscus, Bamboo and Azaleas. Constructed in 1966, the timeless home features vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, new carpet, paneled library and den, built in book shelves, three fireplaces, French doors, and much more! SOLD for $1,450,000.
Rabbit Ridge
(Carmel Valley)
SOLD
Highly upgraded Bordeaux with tons of features thru-out in excellent quiet location! 4 bedrooms w/ bedrm/bath downstairs plus loft upstairs with built in desk and storage. Stone, granite, built-ins galore, custom closets, plantation shutters, new carpet downstairs, designer paint, air conditioning, sec system, and solar too which is owned! Beautiful landscaping front and back with built in BBQ! Close to shopping and schools plus access to the beautiful Pacific Highlands community club with gym and pool! SOLD for $1,098,000.
Coleridge Court
(Carlsbad)
SOLD
*Represented Buyer
PANORAMIC VIEWS (Ocean, City Lights, Back Country & Snow Capped Mountains from the Private end of deep CUL DE SAC at top of coveted Spyglass Hills . Enjoy the view from BACKYARD OASIS complete w/ Outdoor Kitchen, Spa, Fire Pit, Outdoor Speakers, Water features & Putting Green! Tasteful UPGRADES to FINISHES (Cabinets, Ceasarstone Counters, Stainless Steel Appliances & Hand scraped Distressed Wood Floors) & STRUCTURE (Deck, 5th BR & 4th Bath instead of loft). Enjoy the SUNRISE in front and SUNSET out back! SOLD for $1,045,000.
Nahama Lane
(Carmel Valley)
SOLD
*Represented Buyer
Gorgeous Carriage Run Home in the desirable Torrey Hills neighborhood of Carmel Valley! This highly upgraded home features 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths with upgrades throughout this family friendly home. Open floor plan with beautiful hardwood floors throughout the first floor. Fully upgraded kitchen with large granite island, full granite backsplash, and stainless steel appliances. Living room and family room include custom built-in craftsman entertainment unit and bookshelves. SOLD for $940,000.
Paseo Cerro
(Carlsbad)
SOLD
*Represented Buyer
Rare opportunity in coveted Rancho Carrillo! This stunning view home is located on a gorgeous street of meticulously maintained homes & features a very desirable floor plan that lives like a large single story. Featuring a massive ground floor master suite with private backyard access, gourmet kitchen w/built-in refrigerator & double ovens, granite counters on top of custom maple cabinetry, upstairs features a 1 bedroom guest suite which overlooks the large backyard. Fabulous view of canyon & city lights! SOLD for $835,000.
Dondero Trail
(Carmel Valley)
SOLD
*Represented Buyer
Beautiful Brand New Home Ready for Move In! This Canterra New Home is completed now with upgraded flooring, front yard landscaping, large kitchen with granite counter tops with full back splash, stainless steel appliances including a GE Profile Side by Side Refrigerator, Front Loader Washer and a dryer, Flat screen TV Conduit and much much more! Located close to The Village of Pacific Highlands Ranch Shopping Center, Great Schools, Freeways and Beach! $796,800.
Sand Crest
(San Marcos)
SOLD
Stunning Ocean, Canyon, & City Light Views from the Rancho Dorado Home. Located in a gated community on the border of San Marcos & Carlsbad, this 5 bed/3 bath home offers sparkling pool/spa w/ water feature, bed/full bath downstairs, family r00m w/ built-in media center & fireplace, kitchen w/ center island & walk-in pantry, & 2-car garage w/ built-in storage. Master bedroom with view balcony & huge walk-in closet. Features include: crown molding, neutral tile, & new custom paint! SOLD for $739,000.
Camino Bailen
(Escondido)
SOLD
Charm exudes from this lovely home in the highly desirable gated community of Montclair just west of I-15. Stunning wood floors, updated kitchen with slab granite, lots of windows looking out to a park-like setting, spacious master suite along with 3 additional bedrooms all on 2nd floor, 3 car garage & much more. Outside enjoy amazing yard with lush tranquil landscaping, in-ground spa, BBQ Island, and quiet setting. All this situated in the pristine community of Montclair. SOLD for $695,000.
Sawtooth Road
(Rancho Penasquitos)
SOLD
*Represented Buyer
Gorgeously remodeled home in Rancho Penasquitos. Modern, re-designed kitchen with island, quartz counter top, new microwave, range/oven and hood, new cabinets and fixtures. High ceiling with lots of natural lights. Re-finished wood floor on first floor. New carpet on stairs and bedrooms. Two fireplaces – in family room and living room. Laundry closet fits full size washer/dryer. Half bath downstairs and 2 full bath upstairs are both remodeled with new vanity, cabinets, and fixtures. SOLD for $691,000.
Vladic Lane
(Escondido)
SOLD
Beautiful Escondido estate in park like setting on 1/2 acre with wonderful views and beautiful wood deck overlooking sparkling pool. Single level living on first floor. Beautiful kitchen w/ Granite, Hardwood floors. Spacious LR, DR and Den area all open and bright. 3 BRs on first level including spacious MB suite. Bottom level has huge living area with additional spacious MB, full kitchen and separate entrance that can be used as family or guest apartment. House has over 4000′ of living space. SOLD for $640,000.
High Park Lane
(Rancho Penasquitos)
SOLD
Inviting & spacious home nestled in foothills of RP. Walk into breathtaking vaulted ceilings, high windows & gorgeous floors. Gourmet kitchen: stone tile floor, granite & stainless steel appliances. Master bedroom has romantic stone fireplace, large deck & travertine tile bathroom. Enjoy the backyard: built-in spa, covered patio & large hill behind. 2-car garage w/built-in shelving & laundry nook. Prime Feather Ridge location offers easy access to 56, shopping & top schools. Walk to dog park & library! SOLD for $572,500.
Roma Drive
(Vista)
SOLD
*Represented Buyer
Beautiful two story home in the desirable community of Mallorca!! Recently remodeled with new windows and new cabinetry showing true pride of ownership. This home features custom tile flooring, quartz counters, stainless steel appliances, ceiling fans, 2 fireplaces, plantation shutters, recessed lighting, and an attached 2 car garage. Huge loft upstairs that would make a great office or playroom for the kids with balcony access. Great location which is close to freeway access, shopping, and schools! SOLD for $530,000.
Calle Del Campo
(Rancho Penasquitos)
SOLD
Gorgeous townhome with private, tree-lined backyard in picture-perfect Torrey Highlands. Condo features open floor plan, hardwood floors, high ceilings & windows for natural light. Spacious gourmet kitchen & breakfast nook. Master BR offers views of backyard & beyond. Walk-in California Closet, his/her sinks & beautiful cabinetry. Entertain guests on the patio in the private, lush backyard. Split 2car garage-no bumping car doors! Easy access to 56, shopping, trails, top PUSD schools & soon-to-be City Park! SOLD for $525,000.
Elisa Lane
(Sabre Springs)
SOLD
*Represented Buyer
Beautiful fully upgraded condo located in the Beautiful Complex of Savannah Terrace. Move In Ready! Laminate wood flooring and crown molding. Beautiful kitchen cabinets with granite counters and stainless steel appliances. . Bathrooms have beautiful vanities with granite counters. Master bath has customer stone/tile shower. Huge walk in closet in master bedroom. Unit has its own full laundry room. Two car Garage has Epoxy paint and custom cabinets. SOLD for $430,000.
Stalmer Street
(Linda Vista)
SOLD
Adorable 2 bedroom end unit Townhome with a LOFT and vaulted ceiling and 2 full bath, beautiful travertine entry and kitchen floor, upgraded kitchen, large patio, laundry closet upstairs, skylight and natural light through out, new roof and new exterior paint. 2 close assigned parking spaces, water included in HOA. No mello roos. Community pool, spa, and sauna. Centrally located to fwys, schools, shopping and restaurants. SOLD for $295,000.
These ideas will make your non-working fireplace as cozy as the real thing! Fill it with real or faux wood, candles, lanterns, or whatever you can think of. Brick it up, turn it into a chalkboard, or build additional storage. Create a cubby for the dog or a cute tableau that pulls the room together. The possibilities are endless!
All images via our Pinterest
It’s the most wonderful time of the year in San Diego! Check this month’s full list of exciting holiday events from light parades to holiday fun to ice skating and more!
Skating By The Sea
Nov. 26- Dec. 7
Coronado
Skating by the Sea returns to Hotel del Coronado for the 11th year from Thanksgiving day, November 26, through January 7. This spectacular ice rink is located seaside on Windsor Lawn and features stunning views of the Pacific and Coronado beach. More Info.
Holiday Wonderland
Dec. 4-23
Petco Park
Holiday Wonderland is back at Petco Park for the second year and it’s bigger and better than ever. Be transported through a spectacular holiday wonderland full of fun for the entire family for 12 nights in December. There’s no better way to get in the holiday spirit than to walk through magical lighting displays themed around some of the holiday’s most iconic scenes, ride the polar express, take a picture with Santa or gather around a 40′ tree. Check out their website for more info!
Winter Nights at Legoland
Dec. 5th-3oth
Legoland
Every day is a snow day at Legoland from November 21st to January 3rd! On select dates however, they will also offer live holiday entertainment and fireworks for their Winter Nights! With activities such as tree lighting, fireworks, and much more. For more information about this great event click here!
Jungle Bells
Dec. 12 – Jan. 3
San Diego Zoo
Twinkling lights, festive foods, and merry performances transform the Zoo into a wild, glowing wonderland. Ride the Twinkle Lights Trolley to tour an array of animal light sculptures, enjoy jingly, jazzy carols, acrobatic trampoline elves, and more. Jungle Bells holds holiday cheer for all! More info here.
Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights
Dec. 12
Mission Bay and Beaches
This free, distinctly California celebration features boats decorated for the annual holiday season that will sail around Mission Bay. A highly anticipated event in the San Diego community, dozens of vessels take to the water for the parade.
The boat parade begins at 6:00 PM from Quivira Basin. Best viewing is from Crown Point, the east side of Vacation Island or the west side of Fiesta Island. More info here.
Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights
Dec. 12
Oceanside Harbor
Fishing boats, sail boats, yachts, kayaks and dingys dressed up in holiday decor and circle the Oceanside Harbor to enchant onlookers at the harbor, restaurants and beach.Many of the boats feature people dressed up like Santa waving to the crowd. One of the best viewing spots is along the side of the Oceanside Harbor near the fishing dock and police station. From this vantage point, you can see the parade twice. The concrete walkway that surrounds much of the harbor is also good for spectating the event. More details here.
Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade
Dec. 13
401 K Street, Downtown
Deck those paws with bells so jolly and jingle all the way through the Gaslamp Quarter for the Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade presented by Downtown Ace Hardware and VCA Market Street. Pet owners and their furry, feathered, and scaled companions are invited to don their favorite costumes for this jolly promenade and pet expo. More details here.
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Dec. 13 – 20
Downtown (Coronado, Point Loma, Harbor, Shelter Island)
The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is an annual time-honored holiday tradition brought to San Diego by the boating community.The parade takes place on San Diego Bay with more than 80 boats lavishly decorated to a new theme each year. Held on two consecutive Sundays in December, the parade proceeds from Shelter Island past Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, and the Ferry Landing in Coronado. Whether you’re a participant or spectator, the Parade of Lights is a festive and delightful experience for all! More information here!
Parade of Lights Viewing at the Maritime Museum
Dec. 13
San Diego Bay
One of the best places to see the annual Parade of Lights on San Diego Bay is from the historic ferryboat Berkeley at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. The parade judges are stationed aboard the steam yacht Medea and the brightly decorated boats pull out all the stops when they pass by. Enjoy a delicious holiday buffet and a no-host bar from 5:00 to 9:00 PM on Sunday evening, December 13 or 20. Tickets can be purchased online through the museum’s website at www.sdmaritime.org or by calling 619-234-9153 ext 101. Guests who only want to watch the parade can do so for $10 by purchasing museum admission after 6:00 PM. The Toys for Tots program is also hosted at this event. More details here.
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl
Dec. 23
Qualcomm Stadium
The 2015 San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl is set to kick-off Wednesday, December 23rd at 1:30pm! This year’s game will feature a top team from the Mountain West against the Army Black Knights (assuming bowl-eligibility). More information here.
Hanukkah crafts to do with your kids, or by yourself! Click the link for instructions! Happy crafting and Happy Hanukkah!
All images via our Pinterest
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