Do You BOGOPOD™?

By: Sher Hann

In this age of tweeting, texting and chatting, there is a new verb in town: BOGOPOD. In a nutshell, BOGOPOD is a free service for consumers in Ventura County, the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles that provides bi-weekly alerts via e-mail and social media channels – Twitter, MySpace and Facebook – on deals and promotions from area merchants.

At BOGOPOD.com you can find hundreds of tempting offers from more than 125 local merchants. For example, at Bruegger’s Bagels in Agoura Hills you can receive three free bagels. “BOGOPODING” at Cosmos Grill in Calabasas will give you 50% off an entrée.

For local merchants and service providers, BOGOPOD provides feedback on the effectiveness of their promotions.  BOGOPOD’s patent-pending technology tracks how many customers have viewed, clicked, printed and redeemed merchants’ coupon offers, as well as where those customers are coming from. The cost to the merchants and service provides, according to Bay, is  around $150 to $200 a month.

BOGOPOD offers one additional benefit to merchants and consumers alike: It’s a “green” form of promotion.

The brainchild of longtime Oak Park resident David Bay and his business partner, Adam Leff, of Newbury Park, “Buy One Get One Plus Other Discounts” is primarily local. But the concept is transportable. “Our plans are to expand regionally and then nationally,” Bay says.  “Right now our hands are full with Ventura County, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles and Portland. We will be entering Seattle in the next month.”

So the next time you step out the door, step up to your computer first and print out your BOGOPOD coupons to help stretch your dollar and your shopping experience.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Sher Hann

Sher Hann, Estate Agent with Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty, Conejo Valley Office, has been a resident of the Conejo Valley for more than 20 years.

Alive, Well and Growing

By: Sher Hann

Nestled behind the Westlake Inn, with 10 courts and a minuscule pro shop, Pacific Tennis Club  caters to young, old and “tweeners.”  Despite the current challenging economy, the club’s membership has actually increased about 3% over the past two years, according to club owner Bowie Hahn. This growth is all the more amazing given the fact the local population is – let’s be honest – aging.

What the club lacks in physical amenities (a club house and a private restroom would be nice), it makes up for in programming. I have seen kids so young they can’t tell their left from their right, as well as players we all refer to as “they must have been really good at one time” run, shuffle or hobble onto the courts.  In fact, there’s something for every age: ladies leagues, men’s leagues, clinics for all skill levels, programming for children and youth (it is just a few blocks from both Oaks Christian and Westlake High School), and social events.

Just recently PTC contracted with the City of Agoura Hills to run their tennis programs, with the primary site being Agoura High School.  A community-based club, allowing both members and non-members to participate in activities (non-members pay extra), PTC is also the lowest-priced tennis club in the area, according to Hahn – and perhaps the only club that is growing.

So don’t let the local aging trend stop you – or your skill level for that matter.  Come check out a racquet (for a small fee) if you don’t already have one, check out the pros (usually worthwhile), and enjoy your time on the courts.  If you have a business, service or just an interesting concept that you think your Conejo Valley neighbors might find of interest, e-mail me your idea (idea@SherHann.com).   It may see the light of electronic media here at www.EwingSIR.com.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Sher Hann

Sher Hann, Estate Agent with Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty, Conejo Valley Office, has been a resident of the Conejo Valley for more than 20 years.

My son is now 20, and I have followed a low-carb diet since his 16th birthday…

By: Sher Hann

About a year ago, I just had to lighten up – or perhaps I should say, load up. I walked into Barnes & Noble for my bone-dry low-fat cappuccino and spotted a cinnamon scone.  “Do you want it warm?” asked the attendant. I couldn’t resist.  However, at $1.95 a triangle, I thought I could do better.  How hard could it be to make scones?

As it turns out, finding a good recipe was very difficult. I tried recipes from the Internet and recipes from my lifetime accumulation of cookbooks. Nothing was as good as that cinnamon scone from B & N/Starbuck’s.

And then I found Rebecca Griffin.  A fellow REALTOR®, she was having a broker “lunch” at a her new listing in my old neighborhood. “I came for the scones!” I announced unabashedly as I walked in the front door. And scones they were! Cherry and lemon zest, light and flaky, delicately proportioned, served on ethereal Caspari napkins with unsalted butter! The Golden Triangle found!

I have Rebecca to thank for the recipe that follows.  Her scones – and now my scones – are better than those at the Four Seasons Sunday tea, better than those served at an obscure river plantation in Georgetown, SC (where we stopped on a recent vacation) and, yes, even better than Barnes & Noble/Starbuck’s cinnamon scones.

In deference to my husband, I have suggested my gluten-free alteration in parentheses below. Here goes:

·         2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free bake mix with 2-3 teaspoons of xanthan gum added for elasticity)
·         2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
·         1 tablespoon baking powder
·         2 tablespoons sugar
·         ½ teaspoon salt
·         ¼ cup butter
·         2 eggs
·         About 1/3 cup milk mixed with cream

Preheat oven to 425°. Grease a baking sheet.
In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. With a pastry blender or 2 knives, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
In a small bowl, beat eggs and 1/3 cup milk mixed with cream until blended. Stir egg mixture into flour mixture with a fork to make a soft, nonsticky dough, adding more milk or half and half if necessary. Add your choice of dried fruit (raisins, dried cherries, dried blue berries or my favorite – dried orange-flavored cranberries from Trader Joe’s) or lemon zest at this time.
On a lightly floured surface, knead dough 6 to 8 strokes. Form dough into a flat circle about 1 in high and 11 inches in circumference. Brush with milk and sprinkle with course sugar. With a sharp knife dipped in flour, cut 8 (I make 10, in deference to my low-carb diet) pie-shaped wedges. Carefully transfer the wedges to the baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.  Do not over-bake!
Remove from baking sheet; serve warm with butter (or clotted cream) and enjoy the perfect scone!

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Sher Hann

Sher Hann, Estate Agent with Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty, Conejo Valley Office, has been a resident of the Conejo Valley for more than 20 years.

Swine shows up in cat

By: Sher Hann

In November a cat in Iowa tested positive for the swine flu virus, aka 2009 H1N1 influenza.  According to Iowa officials, this is the first time a cat has been diagnosed with swine flu, although it has been found in pigs, birds and ferrets, but not dogs.  Fortunately, the cat is recovering.

It is surmised that the cat contracted the virus from an infected human in the household.  The cat apparently has not transmitted the disease to either humans or other animals.

If you or someone in your household has flu-like symptoms the week before your pet begins coughing, sneezing and/or running a fever, veterinarians recommend  – no surprise here- contacting your veterinarian. Currently, the only available treatment for pets with swine flu is supportive care. And as with human swine flu, pet owners should take preventive measures, including washing hands often, using alcohol-based hand-sanitizers and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze. One other caution:  maintain your distance from your pet when you suffer from flu symptoms.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Sher Hann

Sher Hann, Estate Agent with Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty, Conejo Valley Office, has been a resident of the Conejo Valley for more than 20 years.

Looking for a high end dental experience?

By: Sherry Radis

A prestigious Dental Institute in Calabasas founded by a Dentist known for his knowledge of high-end, advanced technology is paving a new path in this exclusive community.  The Calabasas Dental Institute™ located in the center of Calabasas is the only full service dental practice and clinical research facility of its kind in Southern California.

“The technology we offer is more advanced than you can imagine,” said Calabasas Dental Institute founder Dr. Greg Rubin DDS. “Thanks to digital technology combined with new applications and inventions, we are equipped to solve even the most difficult treatment cases quickly, completely and more effectively than ever before in the history of Dentistry.”

The Institute’s Department of Clinical Research regularly studies dental advances, news and announcements of dental research and issues commentary, opinion pieces and feedback about the research and posts all of our insight on the website www.CalabasasDentalInstitute.com

Please call the Institute at (818) 224-2420 for an appointment today and for a limited time receive a complimentary consultation and a 2nd opinion on difficult treatment cases performed by in-house doctors and specialists.

The Calabasas Dental Institute 4764 Park Granada suite 107 Calabasas California 91302 818.224.2420

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Sher Hann

Sher Hann, Estate Agent with Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty, Conejo Valley Office, has been a resident of the Conejo Valley for more than 20 years.

Fresh Produce at the Oak Park Farmers Market

Just a Reminder…

By: Sher Hann

Every Saturday from 9am – 1pm Oak Park hosts a local farmers market at 706 Lindero Canyon.  If you’re looking for fresh produce to cook up, visit the Oak Park Farmers’ Market.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Sher Hann

Sher Hann, Estate Agent with Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty, Conejo Valley Office, has been a resident of the Conejo Valley for more than 20 years.

James Garnett founds Uriel Solar

Solar Panel

By: Sher Hann

The trend these days is being “Green.”  For quite a while we’ve talked and dreamt about how solar could revolutionize our society.  Now, the hypothesizing is leading to action.  Uriel Solar is a perfect example.  With a goal to revolutionize commercial solar energy, Uriel Solar specializes in minimal cost, thin-film-based  solar panels.

Currently, they’ve initiated prototype development in Westlake Village.  Their team of scientists is developing a solar cell deposition approach and a new patented device structure based on cadmium telluride (CdTe). The optical properties of these thin semiconductor layers are such that >90% of the sunlight will be absorbed and used for generating electricity. These layers are about 1/100 the thickness of a human hair!

Thin-film solar cell substrates can be made of glass, which is very cheap

CDTE Cell

(cheaper than silicon) and the combination of thin layers and cheap glass substrates provide a very price competitive base for the production of solar cells and panels.

Uriel Solar was incorporated in August 2008 and has since then filed important patents, hired experienced materials scientists and established a development facility in Westlake Village, CA. With the arrival of our thin-film deposition system in late June, Uriel Solar has initiated prototype development. Our team of scientists is developing a novel thin-film solar cell deposition approach and a new patented device structure based on cadmium telluride (CdTe), which is a semiconductor alloy with exceptional sunlight-absorbing properties. We are very excited about this new manufacturing approach and our unique device structure, since they are so dramatically different from every other CdTe thin-film technology on the market. The first prototype solar cells should be available the first quarter of 2010.

For more information go to:http://urielsolar.net/default.html

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy. Sher Han Real Estate Ewing and Sotheby’s.

Sher Hann

Sher Hann, Estate Agent with Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty, Conejo Valley Office, has been a resident of the Conejo Valley for more than 20 years.

If green is the new black, then wild is the “au courant” look in gardens.

By: Sher Hann

So goes the ecological wisdom.

In fact, the concept of “wild gardens” is not new, dating back to the 1860’s when it was pioneered in England by William Robinson. It has evolved to what we commonly call today the English Cottage Garden. Robinson, taking his cue from the Arts and Crafts movement, strove for the practical, more natural, less formal garden that harmonized with the surrounding landscape. Wild gardens were to contain a large variety of plants, including edibles and natives all mixed together in a free design.

In eco-conscious Southern California, wild gardens showcase those plants that thrive in our dry environment. Some wild gardens also seek to attract wildlife. In the wild garden in the photo, surrounding a home in Wood Ranch, owner Agnes Faughnan says, “We focused on the abundance of birds in the area, putting in not only plants but also a water feature that would attract them. Definitely, this has been a success story.”

To maintain the pastoral environment, Faughnan’s garden uses natural stone for the patio, walkways and small retaining walls. The resulting setting, says Faughnan, is eco-friendly, with low-water-using plants irrigated by micro irrigation sprinklers. It offers variety, with an abundance of native plants, perennials, annuals, shrubs and trees, including lemon, lime, tangerines, blood orange, pear, Asian pears, persimmons, pomegranate, fig and black walnut, as well as many herbs and, of course, lavender.

“Our wild garden is also practical,” says Faughnan, “because of its low requirements for both water and maintenance. Like nature,” she says, “our garden is a work in progress.”

For more images of this tranquil paradise, see Starbright Gardens.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Sher Hann

Sher Hann, Estate Agent with Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty, Conejo Valley Office, has been a resident of the Conejo Valley for more than 20 years.

Since taking office on 2007…

By: Sher Hann

State Controller John Chiang has made returning property to rightful owners has been one of his top priorities, according to his web site. In fact, the State of California is currently holding more than $5.7 billion in unclaimed property belonging to some 11.6 million individuals and organizations.

California acquires unclaimed property through California’s Unclaimed Property Law, which requires “holders” such as corporations, business associations, financial institutions, and insurance companies to annually report and deliver property to the Controller’s Office after there has been no customer contact for three years. Often the owner forgets that the account exists, or moves and does not leave a forwarding address or the forwarding order expires. In some cases, the owner dies and the heirs have no knowledge of the property.

To check if you might have an unexpected windfall, go to http://scoweb.sco.ca.gov/UCP/Default.aspx.

My thanks to Courtney Kittner for this profitable tidbit.

And this just in: A colleague went to this site today and found $500!

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Sher Hann

Sher Hann, Estate Agent with Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty, Conejo Valley Office, has been a resident of the Conejo Valley for more than 20 years.

This energy tax credit could be just what you need

By: Sher Hann

So it rained and rained and rained. And my Cal Classic French door, installed after the 1994 earthquake, leaked and leaked and leaked. We hadn’t planned on replacing it soon, but Mother Nature intervened. Within a few weeks we will be the proud owners of two new Energy Star French doors.

Yes, two doors, because the Cal Classic in the kitchen is dog-ravaged. The only silver lining here, other than having nice new doors, is that a federal tax credit is available on our purchase (not installation and finishing though).

With the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009, homeowners  who purchase “qualifying products” are eligible for a tax credit equal to 30 percent of the product cost. Installation is not included. For windows, doors and skylights, homeowners must obtain a manufacturer certification statement to be for the tax credit; the maximum tax credit for the current year for all improvements combined is $1,500  (including roofing, insulation, HVAC, and water heaters).

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTJTPk0u-ws[/youtube]

Remember: A tax credit is generally more valuable than a tax deduction or tax allowance of the same amount because a tax credit reduces tax directly, whereas a deduction or allowance only reduces taxable income.

For more information, visit  www.Energarstar.gov,  the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder, www.MyEnergyTax.com or a recent blog by my colleague, Rob Jordan – “Tax Credits for Replacing Heating and Cooling Systems.”

By the time our days are sunny and warm, with nary a cloud in the sky, our new doors should arrive. Meanwhile, let the old doors leak away and be scratching post for our dogs. And since the  tax credit on the two new doors doesn’t quite add up to $1,500, let’s see what else we could fix ….

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Sher Hann

Sher Hann, Estate Agent with Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty, Conejo Valley Office, has been a resident of the Conejo Valley for more than 20 years.