My Thoughts on Blogging

As you know from reading my blog here, I write quite a bit. And as I have mentioned in the past, I write on several other blogs as well.

My Relocation A to Z blog focuses on relocation issues for buyers and sellers, especially those moving here to Carlsbad and the San Diego area.

My First Time Buyer Central blog is for buyers, new and experienced. Those interested in Carlsbad homes (and other areas) will find lots of useful information about the process and issues to be aware of in our housing market.

I also write on the ActiveRain network, which is for professionals in the business as well as consumers (community articles for buyers and sellers are found on Localism).

I see a tremendous value in blogs for consumers who are buying and selling. It's a way for me to share information about the buying and selling process. It is also a great vehicle for sharing community information, for those who live in the area as well as those who are considering a move here. And consumers can get to know me through my blogs.

Now and then I like to poke fun at various things, and recently wrote a tongue-in-cheek article about why I don't like blogging. There is a tad bit of sarcasm there, of course, since I really do enjoy it (or I would NOT have written over 1000 posts in the last year on my 4 blogs).

So for a bit of humor and perhaps a laugh or two, read about why I don't like blogging.

Guess Who?

Recently I had a new picture taken. I hate being photographed, but I needed it for blogs and other sorts of Internet stuff.

As A REALTOR(R) I had my "formal" agent picture taken a few years ago, under duress. It's on my business card and other places where a more formal look is probably important. I don't especially like it and it seems too formal and conservative (guess that is the New England in me). I used it on my blogs but it seemed kinda stuffy. Maybe not.

I have had a lot of comments on my photo, especially after people meet me in person, so that, in part, prompted me to take a more relaxed picture. Here is it (no, I am NOT a surfer, at least not yet). I call it my "more relaxed summer look." It works for now, until I decide it's time for another business photo.

Jeff

Carlsbad Business Expo in September

The Chamber of Commerce in Carlsbad will be hosting the 17th annual

Carlsbad Business Expo

September 19 from Noon to 6 PM

at the Westfield Plaza Camino Real (just off the 78).

This is the largest business expo (over 100 vendors) in San Diego County and a terrific place for consumers and other business owners to learn more about technology, health, home and other products and services. You might also strike up some new business relationships while chatting with one of the vendors.

There will be a Technology Pavilion that will have high-tech equipment, services and information from local experts. Also featured is a Home Pavilion (products and services for improve and care for your home) and a Health and Wellness Pavilion.

A neat service also to be featured is the E-Recycling Truck by E-WorldRecyclers. They will be collecting e-waste such as computers, TVs, monitors, laptops, LCD screens and more. Anyone bringing in e-waste to recycle will be given FREE ADMISSION to the expo. Otherwise admission is a very reasonable $5.00

Don't miss this great opportunity to expand your business and learn more about today's new products and services.

Call Lisa Manemann for more information and to learn how to become an exhibitor at (760) 931-8400 or visit the Carlsbad website.

Indigo Grill in San Diego's Little Italy

The Indigo Grill in the Little Italy section of San Diego is a real find, in my opinion. I have eaten there a number of times and just had dinner again this past Friday. I decided it was time to write a bit more about this terrific restaurant.

Indigo Grill features the creative cuisine of one of San Diego's better known chefs, Deborah Scott (the restaurant is part of the Cohn group of restaurants that also includes favorites like Island Prime and Kemo Sabe). With a vibrant, eclectic, upscale atmosphere and indoor and outdoor dining, this is a terrific place to gather after work or on the weekend after touring around Little Italy.

This place is NOT for the faint of appetite, as the servings are VERY GENEROUS. I mean it. Unless you have a huge appetite I expect you will find that having both an appetizer and an entree will do you in (or you will have a snack to take home for the next day). And if you like fairly straightforward, uncreative dishes this may be an overload for you.

Don't let that keep you away, as the creative, flavorful, exotic food with tastes "from the artic region to the South of Mexico" (quote from their website) is a winner. I would say Deborah Scott is a master of combining foods, seasonings and presentation on beautiful dishes to provide you with an all-around delicious and visually-appealing dining experience.

We (a party of 4) enjoyed the Pipian Crusted Brie with jalopeno jelly, scallion flatbread, mole negro, honey-roasted garlic and grilled nopales. The trout dish a friend had was outstanding, as was the salmon. I had the wild mushroom ravioli for my entree and it was excellent.

Sitting outdoors, especially when the weather is warm, is nice. But keep in mind you are on a city street corner so there is some noise. But quite frankly I can't say it bothers me much.

So check it out - I'd be curious to hear what you think.

Follow-up on Cannon Art Gallery Show August 2007

Well I didn't get to the golf course to check it out on opening day, but I did stop by the artist reception at the Cannon Art Gallery.

Here are some photos. Enjoy!

Jeff

Spas, Pools and More in San Diego

Pools, spas and water features are a very popular aspect of the outdoor landscape in many Southern California homes.

I don’t have the statistics, but between fountains, spas, hot tubs, koi ponds, and pools it seems a huge percentage of San Diego homes are equipped with at least one of these features, and some pretty elaborate ones, too.

I have had personal experience with Hallmark Pools and Spas and recommend them highly. We hired them to design and build our in-ground spa (see photo - BTW the ducks did not come with the spa, they just showed up the day we filled it) here in Carlsbad, complete with a water feature, 8 jets at varying heights, and approximately 10 X 14 feet in size. They did a great job with the design and execution and we have recommended them a number of times.

Contact Ron Dedrick through the main office at (858) 391-3434 if you are interested in getting an estimate and discussing design options.

There are a number of other companies around that provide a range of design and building services for spas, pools and more. I can’t comment on these since I have no experience, but thought the list of a few other vendors may be useful. A Google search will yield even more.

San Diego Pools
Anthony Sylvan Pools
Premier Pools

I recommend getting a recommendation from someone who has used the vendor. You should also check references. And checking them out with the Better Business Bureau doesn't hurt either.