Yummy organic, gluten free, lavender cake mix perfect for a spring party! Perfect for adults!

I discovered a yummy box cake mix that is appropriate for spring parties!  My son didn't like it, but the adults at the party loved it!

Wholesome Chow
www.wholesomechow.com
Organic, Gluten Free, Lavender cake Baking Mix

Memorial Day Fun - Civil War Reenactment at Roaring Camp Railroad in Felton, CA

Over the Memorial Day weekend, Roaring Camp Railroad in Felton (a small town in the Santa Cruz Mountains; Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is literally next door) hosts a U.S. Civil War reenactment.  Several hundred men and women dress up in period clothes and camp out on the railroad grounds for the weekend.  Participants reenact a skirmish several times daily, firing Civil War period rifles, cannon, and large guns.  The event is a lot of fun - particularly if you have any interest in history (or want the kids to have an interest).

The railroad is PACKED due to the large number of visitors for the event so get tickets in advance.  We recommend you bring earplugs or get some at the train depot - the cannon and large guns are VERY loud.

The Tiny house movement and simple living

It seems everyone I talk to in California wants to simplify and move to a tiny house!  I saw a short movie on tube, called "Land of the Tiny House People" on tube that documented types of tiny houses and where they are.  The author has a website, fair companies.com that has ideas, books, movies, etc.  It is a wealth of information for those looking to have a tiny house!

Resource:

faircompanies.com
movie, "Land of the Tiny House People" on tube

Suburban Haiku: Poetic Dispatches From Behind the Picket Fence by Peyton Price

Mother's Day has passed, and this morning as I had my coffee I think about the book I gave to a family member, Suburban Haiku:  Poetic Dispatches From Behind the Picket Fence by Peyton Price.   I thought this book was hilarious, but was worried how it would be received as a gift.  Yet, everyone in the room loved it, laughed, and could relate to the perfectly expressed words about modern life in suburbia and even living in a city bungalow!

Resource:

Suburban Haiku:  Poetic Dispatches From Behind the Picket Fence
by Peyton Price

Wish List- I want to go on the Rockridge Food Tour!

The Rockridge Food Tour is something I want to do before the end of the year!  Last time I looked it was $49.00 and that includes the food and tour.

Resource:

Rockridge Food Tour
$49.00
http://www.rockridgefoodtour.com

A visit to Bubba Gump's at Pier 39 in San Francisco, CA

Happy Mother's Day- Visiting the sea lions at Pier 39!

Refinancing while interest rates are still low! I-mortgage was recommended to me!

A friend, who owns a gorgeous home, plus rental properties, recommends i-mortgage for re-financing.

There are several branches in cities such as Roseville, San Ramon, etc.

Happy Mother's Day!

Berkeley Marina

Adventure Playground in Berkeley

Adventure Playground in Berkeley is a unique place for kids to play outdoors, work and build with tools including saws and hammers, climb, and use a zip-line.  Admission is free; they accept donations of wood and other building materials; parents sign a waiver before heading into the playground.

The zip-line:

Spring festival is today on Park Street in Alameda, CA

Today there is a spring festival in Alameda, CA!  There are all the usual spring festival suspects such as junk food, crafts, kids activities, etc.

Bestie Row: Lifelong friends build row of houses in middle of nowhere! Love this idea!

I was sent a post about Bestie Row, where a group of friends created their own compound of little houses in the middle of nowhere!  I love this idea!

http://lightersideofrealestate.com/real-estate-life/cool-stuff/tiny-house-bestie-row

My favorite jumbo laundry bag

I have tried all kinds of laundry bags, most of them fall apart and get snagged.  I found the jumbo laundry bags made by Room Essentials at Target in Walnut Creek,CA.  Finally, I can gather laundry, toys, etc. and put it in one place.  This laundry bag is huge, at 40 inches length and 30 inches width!  Plus, it is 100% polyester so it can be washed.

I am going to get one and keep it in the car for beach or park days when I want to throw picnic stuff or wet swimsuits into it!

Jumbo laundry bag

room essentials

Target

Outdoor bamboo curtain creates privacy

When we look out from our kitchen we see our neighbors deck.  I've been working on the perfect privacy screen for years.  I found a natural bamboo curtain that works pretty well.

Bamboo Roll Up Blind
by Natural Element
72 x 72
This blind can be used indoor or outdoor
Ontrend Int'l LLC
sales@ontrendgroup.com

Lavender drying bags by Trader Joe's

I love the Trader Joe's lavender drying bags for the dryer!  They can be placed in the dryer for 5 to 10 cycles, and they are a natural moth repellent!  After several dryer cycles, I sprinkle the lavender on carpets and then vacuum them up!

Lavender Drying Bags
Trader Joe's

Car Show at Jack London Square

We had a great time walking around the car show at Jack London Square.  Here are some pictures of a few of the classic cars at the event:

Bocanova

We had a great brunch at Bocanova at Jack London Square.  Great food.  Excellent atmosphere on the outdoor patio overlooking the water and the inside of the restaurant is beautiful.

Scallops:

Fried chicken sandwich: