Happy New Year!

We hope everyone has a safe and happy New Year...

Read more »

Merry Christmas

We hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday...

Read more »

101 Easy Holiday Decorations

Do you need some ideas on how to decorate your apartment for the Holidays? Here are 101 tips for easy, simple, and creative ways to put holiday themes around your home this season.1. Create a charming display of teddy bears dressed for the season. Gather together three or more teddy bears and arrange them on a table or on the floor in a corner. Dress the bears with touques, scarves and mittens. Place candy canes in their hands or tie bows around their necks. You can even wrap up some small, empty boxes with Christmas wrapping paper to place in the bears’ hands. 2. Display a collection of nativity scenes from different cultures. 3. Make...

Read more »

Great "Geek" Gifts For Your Loved Ones

Do you have anyone in your group of family and friends that love technology and superheros?  Here are the top 6 "geek gifts" for your loved ones.  Harry Potter to Big Bang Theory there are gifts for all ages! 1. Dr. Who pocket watch Want to give your geeky boyfriend a nice gift that doesn't scream, "I'm cheap"? Check out the Dr. Who pocket watch on ThinkGeek.com. The high quality die cast metal watch is an exact replica from the Dr. Who television series. The retail price is $39.99 2. Superheros are your friends It's never too late to start accessorizing before the next Marvel or DC superhero movie hits the big screen in 2013....

Read more »

Experience Snow Without Travel This Season

In this part of the country it is warm throughout the year.  Experiencing snow is very unlikely.  However, you can create a winter wonderland right in your home.  Keep reading to learn how to create snow right in your own home. With my husband's office Christmas party just around the corner, I have already begun decorating. It takes a while to get all of our Christmas items up and set in stone. Last year, the main focus of our house for the party was the Florida Room, which I turned into a Santa's Toyland. This year, the focus is once again on that room but this time, I'm turning it into a snow land. Turning any room...

Read more »

Ways to Get the Presents They Have Always Wanted

 Is there a person on your list that is really hard to shop for?  Here are some great tips on how to find out what they want without even having to talk to them!  Social Media and retailer wish lists can make finding the perfect gift that much easier for you. Shopping for the guy or gal who seems to already have everything? Or perhaps you're a little clueless and not sure what to give someone you don't yet know well. Use the internet to your advantage. People are leaving online trails everywhere with their wants and wishes, making it easier than ever to gift others exactly what they've always wanted... Search for wish lists...

Read more »

Happy Thanksgiving!

We hope everyone Has A safe and Happy Thanksgiving! Spend some time with your friends and family and remember everything in life that you are thankful for. ...

Read more »

Get Rid of the Junk!

 Do you need to get organized and unclutter your life?  Here are three great sources that will help you get rid of your junk.  Have you ever used any of the sources below?   Junk: It comes in the mail. It balloons to fill every inch of space in your garage. It multiplies like Gremlins in your inbox.  It's estimated that each American household receives some 800 pieces of junk mail annually. Then, of course, there's also the spam, the newsletters you never signed up for, and the stuff crammed into your closet (that you do remember buying, but wish you could forget). Junk-busting start ups and online communities...

Read more »

Make a Tart This November

Now that the Election is over, it is time for everyone to relax.  Here is a great delicious recipe for an apple tart that everyone should try.  Ingredients For the pastry: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1 tablespoon sugar 12 tablespoons (11/2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, diced 1/2 cup ice water For the apples: 4 Granny Smith apples 1/2 cup sugar 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, small diced 1/2 cup apricot jelly or warm sieved apricot jam 2 tablespoons Calvados, rum, or water Directions For the pastry, place the flour, salt, and sugar in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel...

Read more »

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween to all of our residents!  Have a safe Trick or Treat, and enjoy the time with your family! ...

Read more »

DIY Fall Crafts

Fall is a great season to craft and decorate your house.  Here are five great do it yourself craft ideas to make your apartment ready for the fall and winter seasons.  Try them out this weekend to decorate for your Halloween party. While it's hard to deny the appeal of this season — the swirls of colorful leaves drifting down to the ground, crisp air outside and cozy fires inside, warm, spicy baking smells and the return of my beloved Pumpkin Spice latte — I am and always will be a beach kid from the golden coast and as such, you will always have to drag me kicking and screaming away from my beloved summer. In an effort to...

Read more »

28 Angels

This elementary school has many students, staff, and parents all looking out for cancer survivors.  They donated their hair to locks of love.  Keep reading to learn about this heart warming story. Andrea Revell calls them her pink angels:  the 28 students, staff and parents at La Costa Meadows (LCM) Elementary who decided to donate their hair to Locks of Love.  The non-profit organization makes wigs for children battling cancer  Hair was cut during a school assembly on October 12. “It’s just awesome that they are doing this,” said Revell, a kindergarten teacher at LCM who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009....

Read more »

Free Admission for Kids

This month your children can visit the many San Diego Museums for free with an Adult Paid Admission.  Keep reading to find out more details! Kids are invited to explore San Diego’s diverse museums — for FREE! From October 1 – 31, children ages 12 and under receive FREE admission with a paid adult (limit 2) at any of our three-dozen participating museums. Just download the coupon above and present it upon arrival.   Explore the hidden treasures of the ocean or the far reaches of outer space. Delve into local history, visual arts, botanical gardens, architectural treasures — and more! Note: This offer does not include special...

Read more »

Domino's Pizza Grand Opening

 Today, from 3-8pm there will be a grand opening celebration at the new Dominos Pizza in Carlsbad.  The store is the companies 9,999th store and features a brand new design.  There is also a contest to see what guests can win the year's worth of pizza that is hidden in one of the 999 boxes in the store. The newest Dominos Pizza to hit Carlsbad is also a milestone for the global company.  The new store located at 1854 Marron Drive, #102 is the company's 9,999th store and features the “Pizza Theater” design. According to Dominos, the new look includes, "a comfortable lobby, open area for viewing the pizza-making...

Read more »

Haunted Hotels to Fast Cars

Food, beer, and haunted attractions are just some of the things to do this weekend in San Diego. Check out these events and festivals happening throughout the area.  From fast cars to the festival of beer, there is something for every member of your family this week. 1. San Diego Restaurant Week Get ready to grub! San Diego Restaurant Week ends September 21 and you do not want to miss out on the delicious meals and fabulous deals being served up by over 180 local restaurants. Sample the signature cuisine and sophisticated style that makes San Diego’s dining scene one of the region’s top attractions. 2. Annual Pacific...

Read more »

Frugal Ways to Welcome in Fall

 It is only the beginning of September, but fall will soon be here.  No matter where you live there is some sort of change with the seasons and these tips will get your house ready too.  Read below to learn how to get yours house ready for fall on a budget. 1. Switch out bed linens. As soon as the nighttime temperatures cooperate, ditch the summery coverlet for a heavier comforter or duvet. It's also a good time to turn your mattress, wash or replace any pillows that need it, and get your bed ready for snuggling down in colder weather. To save a few bucks, pick some cozy fall-hued fabrics, and make your own duvet! See our...

Read more »

Are You Prepared for an Emergency?

No one ever wants an emergency to happen near their home, but it is better to be prepared just in case something would happen.  Carlsbad is offering free emergency guides for residents at the city libraries during September.  These handbooks will have everything you need to know about emergency preparation in the City of Carlsbad. In honor of National Preparedness Month the City of Carlsbad is making free emergency preparedness guides available to residents here and at city libraries during the month of September while supplies last.   National Preparedness Month is held each September to encourage Americans to make sure...

Read more »

Green Back to School Tips

 It is back to school time in Carslbad.  This involves buying clothes, getting school supplies, and organizing everything for your kids in the morning.  Here are some great tips for back to school that will also help your family be a little more green. Making a list for the back-to-school shopping? Consider focusing on what's good for the environment. Waste Management of San Diego offers four Mother Nature-friendly habits worth adopting this school year. Pack a lunch with reusable gear: Buy a reusable lunch box or recycle those brown paper bags. Doing this will also help families save money on food.   Purchase products...

Read more »

School Safety Tips for Drivers

 It is back to school time in Carlsbad, which means kids will be crossing the street and playing outside.  This means it is time for parents, drivers, and citizens to be extra careful when driving around town.   The Carlsbad Police are offering some important safety tips to keep ourselves and children safe during the school year.  With kids throughout Carlsbad heading back to school, the City of Carlsbad Police Department offers these important safety tips: Serve as a role model with safe driving habits Slow to 25 miles per hour and be especially alert while driving near a school Take extra time to look for kids at intersections,...

Read more »

The Circus is Coming to Town!

The circus is coming to town August 23-26th. Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey present Dragons! This circus is a once in a lifetime event honoring the year of the dragon. Along with the circus there are great activities for all ages 90 minutes before showtime, so make sure to get there early  Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents DRAGONS is a once-in-a-millennium event that honors The Year of the Dragon!  Circus performers from the farthest reaches of the earth have assembled for Ringling Bros. presents DRAGONS to showcase their astounding acts of bravery and astonishing athleticism. Ringling Bros. Ringmaster ...

Read more »

Boys and Club are Going to Make Many More Kids Happy

The Boys and Girls of Carlsbad will hopefully be letting the 150 children on the wait list into their building soon.  A surprise fundraiser was held to help complete the extension they are building in what they call “the barn”  The fundraiser raised 1 million dollars in an hour with some of the top companies in the area.  Nearly 150 children wait patiently on a list to be able to go to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad. "We hope to wipe out the waiting list of 148 children early in 2013," said Club CEO Brad Holland. Currently, the Clubhouse is partially open and serves 100 children daily. While construction...

Read more »

Back to School Lunches

It is time for back to school, which means it is time for the argument between parents and child about what to bring for lunch.  Most kids want to buy school lunches, which are not always healthy and can be expensive for families.  However, there is a way to save your family money and also to keep your children happy. Sending the kids back to school often means re-establishing structure in my life as well as the kids’ lives. We are going to bed earlier, getting up earlier, watching less TV and packing lunches. When the schedule gets out of hand, the packed school lunch is usually the first thing to go in our house. But not...

Read more »

National Night Out Being Celebrated in Carlsbad

Getting together for a block party is always fun, and when you can combine that with a good cause it will defiantly be a good time. Register you group for your block party on August 7th and be part of National Night Out to celebrate crime prevention efforts.  On August 7, the City of Carlsbad will again participate in “National Night Out” which encourages neighborhoods to gather for a block parties or potlucks in celebration of crime prevention efforts.  National Night Out is designed to enhance prevention awareness, generate support for prevention programs, highlight neighborhood collaboration and spirit, and strengthen community...

Read more »

Del Mar Races Come to San Diego

It is racing season which means the big hats will come out and big bets will be made.  The races start today at 2pm, and there are some great new horses that are creating buzz around the racing world.  Read below to learn everything you need to know about the Del Mar Races. This day comes just once a year. It is an opportunity for ladies to don fashionable hats of all shapes and sizes, men to wear bold fashion accessories, and of course, an opportunity for all attendees to win some cash betting on the ponies. Opening Day at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club is Wednesday! Patch has the 411 on Opening Day and the entire racing season...

Read more »

Carlsbad Giving Back

Five Programs will receive generous grants from the Carlsbad Charitable Foundation.  This foundation is an affiliate of the San Diego Foundation.  Read more about the grant recipients below. Carlsbad Community Theatre Showcase Company - $18,613 The goal of the year-round program is to create, establish and develop a house company to provide continued performing arts education and performance opportunities for Carlsbad youth ages six to 18.  Carlsbad Music Festival - $15,080 Grant money will create a dedicated “Community Stage” for this year’s Festival at a location within the Village providing a stage for local performers...

Read more »

4 Fun Things to Do With Your Family This Weekend

Need something to do with your family this weekend?  Here are four great activities that will be fun for all ages. friday  |  July 6   Superhero Jam at The New Children's Museum. Get into the Comic-Con spirit with exciting activities that include a special appearance by Batman and the Batmobile, a pop-up comic book workshop, face painting and live performances. 10 am-4 pm. Free with museum admission. Visit Superhero Jam for details.   saturday  |  July 7  GrossOlympics. Prepare to be grossed out at this event that celebrates Reuben H. Fleet Science Center's new exhibit, "Grossology: The...

Read more »

Happy Fourth of July!

Here is a great list of all the firework displays in the San Diego Area!  We hope that you and your family enjoy the celebration and have a great Independence Day! July 4th San Diego Fireworks Schedule 2012 What a wonderful way to celebrate our Independence Day. San Diego offers many professional fireworks displays, offered by some of the local southern California theme parks and local communities. Here are some of the good bets. Note: Please be sure to verify with the organizer prior to attending the event. Some organizations may cancel fireworks shows if funds are insufficient. Theme Parks Fireworks Show 2012 ...

Read more »