Ideas for Your Home

Posts Tagged ‘California’

CENTRAL, Calif. (PRWEB) February 13, 2012

The new memoir They Call Me Bubbins: Reflections in Time (published by iUniverse), by Bobby ORoark, recalls the childhood of a boy growing up in the Central Valley of California during the 1940s and 1950s. It offers a glimpse into the carefree lifestyle of that time, and juxtaposes it with what ORoark calls the ultra-busy lifestyle of today.

The story is told through the eyes of a boy called Bubbins:

In a few minutes I was able to start breathing again. A miracle, I thought to myself, and how wonderful it is to be able to breathe again. My life has been spared; but my tailbone was really hurting and then the worst part was, I had to deal with the humiliation. I limped past my two heartless sisters who were now holding their hands over their mouths to keep from laughing out loud, knowing they were within inches of sure death. All I could do at this point was to cast them my most venomous, Boy am I going to get you both look.

How come it always takes such a large slice of humble pie to keep one in touch with ones real self?

I think young readers will enjoy, perhaps with a bit of envy, the abandon, the freedom and seemingly carefree life of the boy, ORoark says. Older readers will find pleasure in indentifying with their own similar experiences, revisiting a time often called the good old days.

About the Author

Bobby ORoark grew up in a valley among numerous varieties of fruits, vegetables and agricultural industry, bordered on the east by the mighty Sierras and on the west by the Pacific Ocean. ORoark describes his youth as carefree and filled with interesting adventures.

His great passion now is to be surrounded by his children and grandchildren in front of the fireplace, on a cold winter evening, with big mugs of hot chocolate, sharing those adventures with wide-eyed, inquisitive children.

iUniverse, an Author Solutions, Inc. self-publishing imprint, is the leading book marketing, editorial services, and supported self-publishing provider. iUniverse has a strategic alliance with Indigo Books & Music, Inc. in Canada, and titles accepted into the iUniverse Rising Star program are featured in a special collection on BarnesandNoble.com. iUniverse recognizes excellence in book publishing through the Star, Readers Choice, Rising Star and Editors Choice designationsself-publishings only such awards program. Headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana, iUniverse also operates offices in Indianapolis. For more information or to publish a book, please visit iuniverse.com or call 1-800-AUTHORS. For the latest, follow @iuniversebooks on Twitter.

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Sacramento, CA (PRWEB) February 21, 2012

Few things are more romantic than exchanging wedding vows in an intimate garden surrounded by beautiful blooms or in the glow of a majestic fireplace. As purveyors of romance, most California bed and breakfast inns are ideal destinations for elopements and small weddings. There are more than 100 members of the California Association of Bed and Breakfast Inns that offer wedding services. Many inns also offer elopement packages to save couples the time, money and stress of planning a wedding.

With its upscale, rustic elegance, Black Bear Inn is one of the most romantic places in South Lake Tahoe for an intimate wedding or honeymoon. In the winter, when the grounds are blanketed with snow, couples exchange vows in front of a roaring fire in the main lodge, which features vaulted ceilings, a 34-foot stone fireplace, and a warm, romantic ambiance. In summer, couples can say I do in the wedding gazebo nestled among the pine trees and flowering gardens. Black Bear Inn can accommodate weddings of up to 25 people indoors and 50 outdoors.

The Farmhouse Inn in Sonomas Russian River Valley collaborates with Iron Horse Vineyards to make an elopement the most magical day of a couples life. The inns Tiny Weddings in the Wine Country package includes a 60-minute couples massage, an unforgettably romantic pre- or post-nuptial dinner for two with an optional wine pairing by the inns master sommelier, a tiny wedding cake from the inns pastry chef, a non-denominational minister, a photographer with a disk of up to 150 images, fresh cut flowers or rose bouquet, chilled bubbly and artisan cheeses upon arrival, Farmhouse’s signature “Bride and Groom” basket, and a signed bottle of Iron Horse Wedding Cuvee to take home as a memento. The elopement package may be added to any three-night stay for $ 2500 weekdays and $ 3000 for weekend ceremonies.

Exchange vows against the breathtaking backdrop of the Pacific Ocean at the Elk Cove Inn & Spa on the Mendocino coast. The inn offers an Effortless Elopement Package that takes all of the stress out of planning a wedding. The package includes use of the inns gingerbread-crowned gazebo overlooking the ocean for the ceremony, an officiate, a traditional bouquet of seasonal flowers and matching boutonniere, a wedding photographer and a disc of digital photos, wedding cake for two, silver service champagne tray and two nights accommodations in one of the inns oceanfront luxury suites. The elopement package is $ 2,850.

Say I do amid majestic cedars and pines at the McCaffrey House Bed & Breakfast Inn near Yosemite. The inn specializes in elopements and small weddings, with packages ranging from $ 495 to $ 1,195. Their Just for the Two package includes a wedding consultant, minister, ceremony and a champagne toast. The Wedding and Honeymoon package includes all of the above plus a rose bouquet, boutonni

Sacramento, CA (PRWEB) February 22, 2012

Indulge in a relaxing getaway by combining a day at the spa with an intimate stay at a California bed and breakfast inn. Many members of the California Association of Bed & Breakfast Inns are currently offering deals on spa packages for travelers, some of which are valid through the winter and spring. Packages often include couples massages and an array of romantic extras such as dinner, wine tastings, and even a hot air balloon ride.

Relax and reconnect with Mount View Hotel and Spas Couples Indulgence Package. The package includes a 25-minute hydrotherapy mineral mud bath and a 50-minute couples aromatherapy massage. Through the end of February, the package price is discounted to $ 240 per couple. In addition, the Mount View Hotel offers its Sweetheart Deal year round. The deal includes a 25-minute couples hydrotherapy mineral mud bath, a bouquet of a dozen roses, a bottle of sparkling wine, a box of Napa Valley truffles, a bottle of the inns Signature Massage Oil, and a personal love note. The Sweetheart Deal can be added to any room night for $ 130. Room rates start at $ 149.

The spa package at Country Inn Bed and Breakfast on the Mendocino Coast includes a 60-minute therapeutic massage at Fort Bragg’s premier spa, dinner for two at the Mendo Bistro, two tickets to the Mendocino Botanical Gardens and a wonderful country breakfast served each morning. The package price is $ 347 for a non-fireplace room or $ 432 for a fireplace room.

The Candlelight Inn Bed and Breakfasts Ultimate Wine Country Package combines the very best of Napa Valleys attractions with three nights in a luxurious spa roomfeaturing a Jacuzzi tub for two and gas fireplaceand an in-room couples massage. In addition, the package includes a hot air balloon ride, a customized wine tasting tour with a private driver and guide, gourmet picnic lunch, scenic horseback ride through the vineyards, three gourmet candlelight breakfasts, welcome treats, and souvenir mugs. Package rates start at $ 2,169 plus tax and are subject to availability.

Indulge in a couples’ renewal treatment with the Elk Cove Inn & Spa’s Coastal Indulgence Spa Getaway. The package includes a tandem massage, a private aromatherapy steam shower and sauna and two nights’ deluxe accommodations. The package is valid through April 30, 2012, excluding holidays. The package rate for an ocean view room or small cliff side cottage is $ 695; an ocean view luxury suite or large cottage is $ 825. May not be combined with other specials.

Brannan Cottage Inn has teamed up with select local spas, restaurants, and wineries to offer Calistoga Wine Country Wellness Packages. The Two Days/One Night Package includes one-hour therapeutic massages for two and a couples bath treatment at Lavender Hill Spa. The package also includes a three course dinner at Flat Iron Grill or Barolo Restaurante, customized wine tastings and vineyard tours for two at Lava Vine Winery and Vincent Arroyo Winery, one nights accommodations in the historic main building of the inn and breakfast each morning. The Two Days/One Night Package is $ 469 per couple on weekdays or $ 499 per couple on Fridays and Saturdays through March 31, 2012. Three Day/Two Night packages and customized spa packages are also available. Prices exclude taxes, restaurant beverages and gratuities.

Sneak off with a special someone to the Farmhouse Inn in Sonomas Russian River Valley for a package that combines soothing spa treatments with romantic extras, such as sensual candles glowing in the steam of a delicious milk bath. In addition to the milk bath, the package includes a one-hour couples massage, a bottle of chilled champagne, fresh cut-flowers, chocolates, the innkeepers compilation of favorite singers crooning love songs in the background, a classic chick flick ready to slip into the DVD player, and a memento to take home. The package is $ 345 per couple and can be added to any room reservation.

In the High Sierra near Yosemite, McCaffrey House Bed and Breakfast Inns Grand Romance Package combines a one-hour, in-room couples massage with a chilled bottle of champagne and a $ 40 gift certificate to the popular Villa DOro Restaurant. The package is $ 130 and can be added to any three-night stay. Selected rooms apply. Must mention at time of reservation.

For further information on these spa packages and other bed and breakfast deals, visit http://www.cabbi.com/specials.

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Alameda, CA (PRWEB) March 07, 2012

CompoClay, a Northern California eco-friendly company introduces its new spring 2012 garden and landscape collection, which was featured at the NorCal Spring Trade Show on Feb. 16. The new designs can be considered just a preview, as plenty more products are in the works for the coming year. In addition to unveiling its new planter designs, CompoClay also introduced its newest product lines–Living Wall Planters and outdoor furniture–at the show. All products are available for wholesale and retail.

All of our products are handmade and hand-finished, down to every exquisite detail, and inspected to meet our rigorous quality standards, Shelly Kim, communications manager at CompoClay, said.

The Canyon Living Wall Planter and the Mesa Stools were the most popular items at the trade show. The wall planter is an eco-friendly, vertical gardening system, suitable for indoor and outdoor applications. The modular units can be arranged and customized into countless unique designs. They are easily mounted on any vertical surface with a simple z-cleat system, making it the perfect solution for gardens in compact spaces or transforming any lifeless surface into a beautiful and functional green wall.

The Mesa Stools, available in three different sizes and finishes, weigh about half of what similar products would weigh when made from traditional materials. Sleek and modern in design, these Mesa Stools are just a preview of what is in store for this growing product line.

New planters available at CompoClay include the Ball Planter, Shell Planter, Square Bowl Planter, Bowl Planter, Grecian Urn I and II, Grecian Pot, Rotunda Planter, Tall Urn, Square Tapered Planter, Cube Planter and Wood Plank Planter. All of these can be viewed on CompoClays Flickr at http://www.flickr.com/photos/compoclay.

For more information about any of CompoClays products or services, call 510-769-5170 or view the store on the web at http://www.compoclay-ca.com. CompoClay has two Bay Area showrooms, located at 60 Post St. in San Francisco and 2536 Santa Clara Ave. in Alameda.

About CompoClay

Northern California green company, CompoClay offers stylish, eco-friendly home accents, garden decor and building products, made entirely from CompoClay, a cutting-edge, raw material, mainly made up of minerals, sand and water. CompoClay is a green alternative to hazardous materials, such as resin and polyurethane foam, commonly used in the home decor and building industries. CompoClay has the ability to emulate everything from wood and metal to stone and ceramic, without sacrificing safety and durability.

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) February 23, 2012

Terry Development, a private residential custom home building company since 1985 in the Sacramento Valley, is currently closing out their remaining northern California inventory of quality non-distressed homes. The business is closing out its residential division to focus primarily on commercial construction for future projects.

The private resort homes are located within a gated community that includes two championship 18-hole golf courses, bike trails, and a clubhouse featuring indoor and outdoor dining, a bar, and swimming pool.

The homes are located just 90 minutes from Silicon Valley, California, which is ideal for second home golf retreats, vacation, or retirement homes. Located on large, quiet lots, these custom homes feature upgrades not commonly found in most tract homes including hardwood flooring, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances.

For those who enjoy wine tasting, there is a working commercial vineyard within the community, says owner of Terry Development, Tim Terry. In addition, two of the homes for sale have their own private, established vineyards.

To give an example of the exceptional close-out prices, a custom two-story 4,000 square foot, four bedroom, three bath home with three fireplaces on a one acre parcel with a vineyard was originally priced at 1.1 million, but is now listed at $ 490,000.00. The home, located in a gated, resort community with two 18-hole golf courses, comes with a one-year membership for unlimited golf play and a golf cart.

These homes are ready for occupancy, says Tim. Unlike some unfinished homes, buyers will know exactly what they are going to get.

Terry Development offers a 3% broker co-op, which means the builder will pay a 3% commission to any realtor who brings in a buyer. These close-out prices wont last long.

To see photos of other custom homes available for sale at close out prices, please visit their website, http://www.tddeveloper.com. For more information about this company, visit http://www.buildzoom.com/contractor/terry-development.

About Terry Development

Since 1985, Terry Development has specialized in building custom homes marketed to the public in the Sacramento Valley. Owner, Tim Terry has over 25 years experience in the construction industry. With a focus on craftsmanship, this company concentrates on quality, not quantity. Licensed and bonded, Terry Development is based in Sacramento and serves the entire region including San Jose and Santa Clara.

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Irvine, CA (PRWEB) March 12, 2012

Jamboree Housing Corporation, one of Californias largest affordable housing developers, announced today the grand opening of Courier Place Apartment Homes along with Claremont Mayor Sam Pedroza, County of Los Angeles and Claremont city officials, U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development, U.S. Bank, and Jamboree Housing executives.

Laura Archuleta, Jamboree Housing President, says Courier Place represents a development milestone for the multi-family affordable housing development company. I believe Courier Place initiates a new age of housing that is sustainable, affordable and multigenerational, she says. We salute the City of Claremont and all of our partners for helping to bring Courier Place to reality.

Claremont, California Mayor Sam Pedroza welcomes the addition to the citys housing mix, one that provides a much-needed affordable housing component to Claremonts Village Expansion, a former industrial tract adjacent to the downtown area that has been transformed into a new shopping and entertainment district. I look forward to showcasing Courier Place to other cities as a model of what can be done when working with an involved, thoughtful community and an experienced developer, says Pedroza.

Courier Place is developed on a 3.4-acre infill site that is the former location of the Claremont Courier newspaper, a semi-weekly publication that has served the tight-knit community for more than five decades. While the Courier continues to publish in print and digitally at its new Claremont location under the leadership of Peter Weinberger, Courier Place now serves the Claremont community from the papers historic site in a new way. The new residential apartment community provides residents with high quality housing that is affordable and integrates seamlessly into the heart of the downtown Claremont Village.

A sustainable apartment community, Courier Place is also Jamboree Housings first affordable housing development in the City of Claremont. The three-story, garden-style community offers multigenerational apartments for lease that are designed for both working families and seniors. This affordably priced, transit-oriented development (TOD) is also Jamboree Housings first community designed and built to be LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) for Homes Platinum, the highest LEED rating.

Local leaders are especially pleased that the workforce housing apartments are offered on a priority basis to people who work in Claremont but live elsewhere, thus shortening the length of their commutes and helping the environment by reducing vehicular emissions. Courier Place already houses 21 residents who work in Claremont and some of them can now walk to work.

Claremont City Manager Tony Ramos points out that the City Councils 5-0 approval of Courier Place in July 2009 underscores the value of a strong public/private partnership in the development of affordable housing, especially in an infill site surrounded by existing neighborhoods. Jamboree Housing is an outstanding partner and went the extra mile in reaching out to our residents a very active citizenry listening intently to and aligning with the priorities of city staff and residents, Ramos explains. The company is very responsive. Jamboree Housing came to the city with the right project in the right place, and with a commitment to get the job done. We are very pleased with the result.

Mayor Pedroza agrees. I am proud to be part of a council that took such a bold position to support this multigenerational, affordable housing development, he says. I am also encouraged by the councils effort to utilize creative ways to finance the project through grants, credits and other traditional and non-traditional funding sources in these challenging budgetary times. Now, more than ever, we truly appreciate our financial partners.

Corde D. Carrillo, Director of Economic/Redevelopment for the Community Development Commission of the County of Los Angeles, lauded Courier Place as the type of innovative affordable housing the Commission will use as a case study for years to come. The Community Development Commission is very proud of its participation in the development of this beautiful and forward-thinking development. Its the first multigenerational project for the Commission and our first venture with Jamboree Housing.

Funding for the propertys development consists of HOME/City of Industry Funds from the Commission as well as the City of Claremont, 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) from the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee purchased by WNC & Associates, the equity investor, and U. S. Bank. Jamboree Housing purchased the land from the Claremont Redevelopment Agency and Golden State Water Company.

Located at 111 South College Boulevard in Claremont, California, Courier Place is a transit-oriented residential housing development that is immediately south of the Claremont Transportation Center and less than one-quarter mile from the downtown Claremont Village and the Claremont Colleges. It is also within walking distance of a park, retail, school and community services. Along with the sustainable advantages of its pedestrian-friendly location, Courier Place is designed to be LEED certified, and offers a high level of energy efficiency and a healthy living environment as a result of its green design. This includes enhanced water efficiency, increased wall insulation, highly efficient windows and glass slider doors, energy-efficient lighting and ENERGY STAR appliances in each apartment home, helping to reduce resident utility bills. The property exceeds Title 24 energy-efficiency standards by more than 35% and 17% of the electricity for common areas is provided by solar energy via photovoltaic (solar) panels. Features of exceptional rating include its transit-oriented design and water efficiency. More than 350 bus or Metro Link rides are available daily to residents within

Vista, CA (PRWEB) December 29, 2011

World Buyers Wholesale Gifts & Home Decor is pleased to announce the opening of their new Showroom at the California Market Center (CMC) in Los Angeles California. Located at 110 E 9th Street at Main Street, on the 12 floor in showroom C1201. The addition of this showroom completes four venues in the industrys largest and most popular settings. Debuting with the Cal Mart’s January 2012 Gift & Home Show from the 17th thru the 23rd, World Buyers will be showcasing their new product lines for the 2012 buying season.

New and expanded lines now include more home decor selections in many popular categories. New additions include large wall mirrors and clocks, wall art, jeweled photo frames and ceramics to name a few. Buyers and merchandisers can now select from larger decor pieces like tables, room screens and display shelving. Of course, popular lines like butterfly garlands, paperweights, fashion, candles, lanterns, ethnic items remain with best sellers and new options.

World Buyers Wholesale Gifts has had a presence at the L.A. Mart in Los Angeles California for sixteen years. The showroom houses its complete line of over 50 categories and year after year remains increasingly popular with not only gift and home decor buyers, but also with interior designers, event planners and merchandisers.

Both venues offer convenient parking and are located just blocks from the Staples Center offering dining, shopping, events and popular hotels making a stay during show seasons fun and relaxing. Shuttles drive buyers to and from Cal Mart and LA Mart for ultimate buying convenience.

Serving buyers in the southern and eastern part of the country and including many international buyers, is their showroom in Atlanta Georgia located at 240 Peachtree Street NW, Building 2, Suite 1027C. World Buyers has had a presence at this large complex going on six years. In the heart of downtown Atlanta and also conveniently located among fine restaurants, shopping and hotels.

Yet another showroom is housed at the Anne McGilvray Showrooms in Dallas Texas. Located at the Anne McGilvray Showplace, 2332 Valdina Street in Dallas. The McGilvary Showrooms also provide shuttles to other area venues during seasonal show dates.

World Buyers showrooms continue their popularity among buyers of wholesale gifts due to their eclectic wholesale gifts selections from traditional, kitsch, contemporary and vintage. Additionally fashion accessories like jewelry, scarves, handbags and hats are favorite sellers for retail consumers. “We’re very excited about the addition of the California Market Center Showroom. Especially since the January show will b the first preview of hundreds of new products.”

World Buyers also has several thousand products online at http://www.worldbuyers.com. Eligible wholesale buyers can easily register to gain access to purchase online. Simply follow the instructions on their registration page and approval is ususally within 24 hours.

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Sacramento, CA (PRWEB) November 28, 2011

Nestle into the warmth of the holidays with a stay at a bed and breakfast inn. Members of the California Association of Bed & Breakfast Inns (CABBI) are welcoming travelers with crackling fires, festive decor and an array of holiday specials and events.

Stay at the Bavarian-inspired Hofsas House in Carmel and enjoy discounted rates and family fun with the inns Holidays are Where the Heart Is package. Kids can decorate ginger bread houses while adults sip award-winning local wines. Package rates start at $ 179 per night for a spacious room with two queen beds or $ 239 per night for a two-bedroom, two-bath family suite (excluding taxes). The package includes a gingerbread house making kit, a bottle of Ventana Vineyards wine and a cheese tray upon arrival. Packages must be reserved 72 hours in advance and are subject to availability. Offer valid through December 31, 2011 with a minimum of a one night stay. Use booking code HHHoliday.

For a magical touch of the holidays, join the Country Inn Bed & Breakfast in Fort Bragg for the 23rd Candlelight Inn Tour, December 8-11, 2011. Each evening of the tour, the inns of Mendocino, Fort Bragg, Little River/Albion, and Elk open their doors with spectacular holiday decorations, treats, and carolers to share the splendor of the season. The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens will be joining in the festivities, hosting the Festival of Lights, December 2-11. The Country Inn Bed & Breakfasts Holiday Magic package includes a three night stay at the inn and two tickets for the four-day tour. Rates are $ 255 for non-fireplace rooms and $ 345 for fireplace rooms.

Celebrate holidays with the Mount View Hotel & Spa in Calistoga as the inn celebrates its 100th year. Now through April 30, 2012, guests can stay two nights and receive the third night free. In addition to the third free night, the special includes a Cabernet Passport for complimentary tastings at seven Napa Valley wineries, a Mount View souvenir and breakfast in bed. The free night will be applied to the lowest nightly rate.

Toast the holidays in style with Carmel Country Inns Celebrate the Season special. Book a deluxe king suite or king studio and the inn will treat guests to a complimentary sweet and bubbly inn-dulgence (split of champagne and chocolate truffles) upon arrival to enjoy in front of the fireplace or the whirlpool tub. Excludes November 21-12, 2011, December 21-23, 2011, December 25-29, 2011 January 1, 2012, February 7-11, and February 13- 14, 2012.

Chelsea Garden Inn and Brannan Cottage Inn are both offering Winter in the Wineries Passport specials in association with the Calistoga Chamber of Commerces winery passport program. The passport provides complimentary wine tastings at up to 18 award-winning wineries, discounts at Calistoga restaurants and 10 percent off all room rates at the Chelsea Garden Inn and Brannan Cottage Inn. The passport savings are valid December 2, 2011 February 5, 2012.

Decked out for the holidays, several Napa inns will serve wine, food, and live entertainment for the Napa B&B Holiday Tour December 3, from 3 to 7 p.m. Participating inns include Arbor Guest House, Beazley House, Candlelight Inn, Churchill Manor, Hennessey House, Napa Inn and Old World Inn. Shuttles are available. Tickets are $ 55 and may be purchased at http://www.napaholidaytour.com.

For more information about these and other holiday specials at California bed and breakfast inns, visit http://www.cabbi.com/specials/.

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Alameda, CA (PRWEB) November 18, 2011

Northern California eco-friendly company, CompoClay offers special deals for Thanksgiving Weekend, starting on Black Friday, November 25 and ending on Sunday, November 27. Black Friday also marks CompoClays first birthday and as such will be offering 30 percent off its entire store to celebrate this momentous occasion.

Now is the perfect time for an easy and affordable way for clients to go green this holiday season, says Shelly Kim. We suggest you start your shopping early to get loved ones a gift that is safe, green and looks great. CompoClay is committed to providing safe and well-designed products that make living an environmentally responsible lifestyle easy for everyone.

The Thanksgiving and First Birthday Shopping Special is also available online at http://www.shopcompoclay.com by using online code GOBBLE30 at checkout. Items are eligible for free shipping.

Northern California building products company, CompoClay is a cutting-edge, green material that has the ability to emulate everything from wood and metal to stone and ceramic without sacrificing safety and durability. CompoClay a material mainly made up of minerals, water and sand is an alternative to the common hazardous materials, such as resin and polyurethane foam.

CompoClay products are completely non-toxic, non-combustible and contain zero VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), making CompoClay safe for people and the Earth.

CompoClay products are handmade and hand-finished down to every exquisite detail and inspected to meet CompoClay’s rigorous quality standards.

Northern California CompoClay offers elegant and stylish home accents, garden d