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Archive for November, 2008

Los Gatos’ The Maid’s Quarters for Luxury Gifts and Linens

Sunday, November 30th, 2008

I am perpetually on the hunt for the perfect hostess gift. The Maid’s Quarters is one store that features gifts of all sizes from high end linens, sleep wear and robes to holiday decorations and luxurious lotions. Everything you need to indulge your hostess (and yourself) can be found in Claudia Mann’s twenty-eight year old Los Gatos, CA shop.

I ran across these adorable and inexpensive hand towels. At $10.00 a piece, you can buy a set for your hostess’s bathroom and not break the bank. They are light weight and feature characters from Patience Brewster’s line of Krinkles ornaments.

The store also featured Gianna Rose Atelier‘s triple milled couture soaps. My favorite was the dog shaped soap collection. The Chihuahua Princess rests on a terry bath sponge with the scent of tuberose, violet and lily. The Maltese with a sweet bow in her hair has hints of lavendar and violet. Wrapped in gorgeous gift boxes, these are sure to please the most discriminating dog lover and be a unique trinket that you just can’t find anywhere. (Approx. $22.00 each)

I also found a few gifts for an extended stay at a favorite relative’s or friend’s home – a few additions for the guest bedroom. A classically designed clock that is sure to match almost any decor and a water carafe ($80) that is perfect to place at the bedside for a guest or two. These are sure to show your appreciation for being invited to stay the weekend at someone’s
home without being over the top. They say practical, yet decadent.

The shop features a nice selection of ornaments, gifts of all sizes and the most decadent bed displays ever. Claudia has great suggestions to fit any price range. I am lucky I escaped without buying a thing. I know I will be back, after all, the party season has just begun.

The Maid’s Quarters
36 North Santa Cruz Avenue
Los Gatos, CA
(408) 395-1980
www.themaidsquarters.com

Posted in Bedroom, Decorating, Looki What I Found, Los Gatos, Sheila, Shopping | 4 Comments »

Artist Getaway on Big Sur Coast

Sunday, November 30th, 2008

After a family-filled Thanksgiving, I set off on a drive of scenic solitude along the Big Sur coastline, with the Carmel Pinecone's list of open houses on the passenger seat. Being a Lookiloo, it's still hard to admit that even on the most beautiful stretch of roadway in the world, I'm still looking at the houses peaking through the Monterey Cypress.

My destination was a 1950 house, the ad said, on a "low promontory just feet from the rocky shoreline." Along the way, I'd catch glimpses of grand modern architecture.

But I had a feeling this wouldn't be so grand, and therefore it was more appealing to me. Indeed, as I took a sharp right turn off the highway and down a graceful driveway, I came upon little more than a shack _ maybe 1,000 square feet. The front door takes you into the galley kitchen with linoleum counters, then opens up into the living room with windows straight across. No matter how small, there was no withholding the view.

Looking out the picture windows, I felt as though I were watching a movie on the big screen of waves crashing into giant rocks and reefs. The house appeared to be untouched since the day it was built, only tempest tossed. But realtor John Saar of John Saar Properties told me an artist had lived here with her husband until they died. She had set up her easel in the north-facing bedroom/studio with tall vertical windows, the kind you might see in an old Paris loft. The metal casings were all corroded by the salt.

This place was meant for an artist, or a writer — someone who appreciated the beauty and loneliness of the place. Someone who didn't have to tear it down and put up another modern mansion.

But I don't know any writers or artists who could afford it. They're asking $5.8 million for the views. Someone who has that kind of money wouldn't appreciate this little old place. So it will be torn down. It's a shame really. Because it's perfect.

Posted in Julia, Julia's Mud Room, Open House, The Mud Room, Weekend Voyeur | No Comments »

Paradise Valley

Sunday, November 30th, 2008

Paradise Valley, AZ

Bedrooms: 8
Bathrooms: 5
SqFt: 14,000

List Price: $12,565,000

Located within a tranquil neighborhood in the heart of Paradise Valley, this magnificent 14,000 square foot estate sets a new standard for quality, elegance and unsurpassed style. Stunning views of Camelback and Mummy Mountains create a beautiful setting while the walled and gated 2.2-acre compound offers a true sense of privacy and security. The floor plan strikes the perfect combination of gracious sophistication and family-friendly warmth. Formal spaces are comprised of an elegant great room with fireplace and a large dining room, which are served with a wet bar and wine cellar. A spacious family room, billiards room and home theater make up the casual entertaining spaces. The chef’s kitchen includes an impressive array of premium appliances while the adjacent sun-drenched breakfast area offers incredible views of the lush rear grounds and Camelback Mountain beyond. The master wing includes a romantic bedroom, sitting room with coffee bar, lavish his & her baths, custom fitted his & her closets and a private patio. The children’s wing offers four large bedrooms with private baths and walk-in closets along with a play/study room. This wing also includes a two-bedroom nanny’s quarters with living room, kitchen and one-car garage. A handsomely-appointed study and two laundry rooms complete the main residence. A one-bedroom guest house with a full kitchen and garage provide privacy and comfort to your visitors. The landscape plans call for expansive patios, rolling lawns and a sparking pool with spa. A private gated drive with motorcourt and garage parking for six cars completes this magnificent estate.

The Walt Danley Group Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Phone: (480) 991-2050

Posted in Unreal Estate | No Comments »

Fireplaces of San Jose

Saturday, November 29th, 2008

For centuries, the fireplace has served a central role, used for cooking and heating, whether a castle or a cave. Today, fireplaces are the gathering spot to pass popcorn and share stories with friends and family and add instant ambience and warmth to a room. When the air turns chilly, residents turn to the over 1.4 million Bay Area fireplaces.

(more…)

Posted in Desiree, Inside Stories, Inside Story, Naglee Park, San Jose, Willow Glen | 2 Comments »

Thanksgiving: part 2

Saturday, November 29th, 2008

Whew! Thanksgiving is over and now I get to put my feet up for 5 minutes.

As I promised here is our Thanksgiving preparations. As I posted earlier, I was switching my living room to be my new big enough for an everyone dining room.

We started by emptying all the furniture and moving it to the smaller and real dining room. My dining table went to the garage. And we moved in rental tables and chairs to the former living room.

Confused yet? Well except for the whole day saying things like "take this to the living room …I mean the old dining room" and "take this to Aunt Boofy (nickname my sister hates) she's in the dining room I mean the living room"; we did OK.

Setting up and decorating wasn't too terrible except for the rain (but, we need it so no real complaints there).

We had a few last minute frantic runs (yes multiple) to the store. Early Wednesday morning I was picking up my turkeys (2) and chatting with the clerk. She told me she had seen the same woman in the store yesterday 5 times.

I was so much smarter than that…I sent a different kid every time. I'm thankful for walking distance to the grocery store. Nobody was the wiser…except the kids.

After getting all the teenagers out of bed at the crack of 10:00 am. I got everyone chipping in to help with all that last minute stuff. So, a big thanks goes to my staff (kids and husband) for all their help. I couldn't have done this by myself. So, in no particular order a big thanks goes to Brendan, Connor, Harrison, Kyle and Charlie. Seriously there was some heavy lifting and I needed these guys.

The clock struck 2 and people started arriving. It's been a long time since some of us have seen others so it was really great to have so much time to visit, reminisce and laugh. Everyone was enjoying the company and the food. It really was wonderful to have (almost) everyone together. We missed many others who couldn't be with us, but they know they were in are hearts.

Thanksgiving: part 2 - Everyone Enjoying Thanksgiving Dinner

I look forward to the next holiday…Christmas, mainly because it's not at my house!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends!

Posted in Desiree, Desiree's Mud Room, The Mud Room | 2 Comments »

19200 Bountiful Acres Way – Saratoga – Open House

Saturday, November 29th, 2008

List Price: $3,499,000

Open House:

Sat 11/29 1:00-4:00
Sun 11/30 1:00-4:00

Bedroom: 6+ Bathroom: 4+ Sq. Ft: 6,772

Description: Exquisite workmanship at it’s finest. 8 bedrooms 5.5 bathrooms, square footage includes 1100 sf 3 bed au pair quarters. Remodeled within past 6.5 years .92 acres of beautiful grounds with pool, spa, fountains and gazebo. This home is perfect for entertaining with a billiard room and possible media room.

Agent: The Jenkins Team
Company: Alain Pinel Realtors
Phone: 408-823-3600
Email: Homes@TheJenkinsTeam.com

Address: 19200 Bountiful Acres Way
Saratoga, CA 95070

Posted in Open Homes, Open House, Saratoga | No Comments »

285 Laning Dr. – Woodside – Open House

Saturday, November 29th, 2008

List Price: $2,995,000

Open House:

Sun 11/30 1:30-4:30

Bedroom: 4 Bathroom: 3 Sq. Ft: 2,800

Description: Beautiful western hills view from large picture window. Updated single level ranch style home. Secluded location at the end of a private driveway, yet close to town.

Agent: Lyn Jason Cobb
Company: Coldwell banker-menlo park-el camino
Phone: 650-566-5331
Email: lynjason.cobb@cbnorcal.com

Address: 285 Laning Dr.
Woodside, CA 94062

Posted in Open Homes, Open House, Woodside | No Comments »

14210 Wild Plum Lane – Los Altos – Open House

Saturday, November 29th, 2008

List Price:
$5,490,000

Open House:

Sun 11/30 1:30-4:30

Bedroom: 6+ Bathroom: 4+ Sq. Ft: 5,138

Description: 6 bdrms,5 baths 5,138 liv. sq ft.Formal living room w/fireplace,formal dining room w/a coffered ceiling. Currently an office, bedroom 6 features custom built-in cabinetry & outside access. Expansive gourmet kitchen w/center island. Casual dining area opens to a patio terrace. Level Lot 439,996.Inviting family room w/fireplace & wet bar. Upper-level master suite w/a marble ba,5 car garage, pool/spa

Agent: Alice Nuzzo
Company: Sereno Group
Phone: 650-947-2908
Email: alice@serenogroup.com

Address: 14210 Wild Plum Lane
Los Altos, CA 94022

Posted in Los Altos, Open Homes, Open House | No Comments »

228 1st Street – Pacific Grove – Open House

Saturday, November 29th, 2008

List Price: $3,749,000

Open House:

Sun 11/30 1:00-4:00

Bedroom: 4 Bathroom: 4+ Sq. Ft: 5,500

Description: Historic Craftsman – Walk thru the doors of history as you enter this spectacular period home. Situated on 8 Ocean View legal lots of record totaling approximately 14,400 sqft including lot numbers 19 – 26 per the legal description filed with the County Assessors office with a home that is now in the range of 3,345 – 3,750 sqft. Square footage not verified. 4 Bed, 4 Baths, and much more.

Agent: John Rouse
Company: JR Rouse Real Estate
Phone: 831-277-3464
Email: jr@jrrouse.com

Address: 228 1st Street
Pacific Grove, CA 93950

Posted in Open Homes, Open House | No Comments »

San Jose’s Casa Casa for Inspired Christmas Tree Decor

Friday, November 28th, 2008

If you are looking for some Christmas tree ideas, then you have to check out the beauties at Willow Glen’s Casa Casa store on Lincoln Avenue. “You salivate when you come in here,” said San Jose resident, Lisa Reinshagen, who decorates eight trees each year, one for each room of her house. She was on a field trip looking for ideas and a few new pieces to kick off her decorating this year. Casa Casa was the perfect place to get started.

Owner, Margie Pyler, starts picking out the Christmas tree ornaments from various vendors in January. The ornaments arrive in the summer and that is when the fun begins. They close the store for two days; putting up brown paper to cover the windows from prying eyes. They unveil the more than a dozen decorated trees with a big reception each year to kick off the holiday season.

This year trees include:

“Day at the Beach” – Complete with mermaids, sea shells, ceramic flip flops, paper mache sharks and Santa dressed up as a lifeguard, this tree inspires dreams of warm weather celebrations.

“Celtic Tree” – Mischievous leprechauns, shamrocks, celtic crosses, overflowing ale glasses and St. Nick dressed in green bring a little of the “luck o’ the irish” to your home.

“Parisian Style” – A mix of vintage finds, replicas of the Eiffel tower, stylized signs that say “Paris” and “Dream”, figurines of French sommeliers and champagne bottles highlight the glamour of the holidays.

The store had a “Traditional Tree” complete with angels in gold, a “Western Tree” with spurs, sombreros and cowgirl hats and a tree just for “dog lovers” with glitter laden bones.

My personal favorite? I am torn. One is covered with pairs of red victorian purses, gold beading and shoes. The other is the “Naughty or Nice” tree, decked out in red and green, which coyly asks one to define, “Just how naughty is naughty?”

Casa Casa
1355 Lincoln Ave
San Jose
(408) 298-2272

Update:

This post is featured in the San Jose Mercury News Home and Garden section here.