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.

Pikeys in Agoura

There is a new bar in town…

By: Misty Smoke and Regina Cordell

This new restaurant and pub is all things Irish, right in our own backyard.  Stop by for a pint of Guinness and new experience at Pikeys.

This is Agoura Hills‘ first and only Irish pub and restaurant. Come be part of the community and relax, play a game of darts or watch your favorite teams on one of the 15 HD flat-screen TV’s. PIkey’s serves fabulous food and drinks to give you an Irish pub experience.

Pikeys Pub in Agoura Pikeys Pub
30315 Canwood Street
Agoura Hills, CA 91301
info@pikeyspub.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.

Misty Smoke

Misty Smoke, estate agent at Ewing and Sotheby's International Realty, offers the highest level of services with the essential integrity, dedication and knowledge necessary to achieve her client's lifestyle and goals.With over 10 years of sales experience, Misty's success is a direct result of her dedication to individualized service for her clients.

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A bone marrow drive is being held in Simi Valley next weekend for a Newbury Park girl battling a rare disease.

It’s been a year and a half since Mia Stoutenborough, a water polo, tennis and swimming athlete at Newbury Park High School, began having seizures. Last January, Mia was diagnosed with a rare type of bone marrow failure that prevents bone marrow from producing enough red and white blood cells and platelets called Aplastic Anemia.

Since her diagnosis, she undergoes weekly blood cell and platelet transfusions to stay alive. Mia is not seeing results and must receive a bone marrow transplant.

In light of her medical needs, the bone marrow drive will be from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sat., April 24 at the pre-race packet pickup event for the fourth annual Gator Run at Simi Valley Town Center.

The Simi Sunset Rotary Club’s Gator Run is at 7:30 a.m. Sun., April 25 at Rancho Santa Susana Community Park.

For more information, visit www.gatorrun.org.

For more about Mia, visit www.caringbridge.org/visit/mias.

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.

Misty Smoke

Misty Smoke, estate agent at Ewing and Sotheby's International Realty, offers the highest level of services with the essential integrity, dedication and knowledge necessary to achieve her client's lifestyle and goals.With over 10 years of sales experience, Misty's success is a direct result of her dedication to individualized service for her clients.

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Your neighborhood hang-out

By: Misty Smoke and Regina Cordell

Serving fine American Food in a quaint, family owned setting is the unique Lemmo’s Grill in Moorpark. Mike and Dayna Lemmo, owners of the Grill on Terra Rejada Rd, have created a new eatery geared toward offering a healthy happy hour and fresh fish options. With tons of pasta’s, burgers, steaks and salads. Grab the grilled Pacific sea bass or lobster ravioli after enjoy a few early evening $2 brews from 3pm – 6pm.

The Lemmo’s are a charming couple with a knack for the service industry. Step into Lemmo’s next time you’re in Moorpark to catch the game a grab a drink.

4227-A Tierra Rejada • Moorpark, California 93021 • 805.530.1555

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.

Misty Smoke

Misty Smoke, estate agent at Ewing and Sotheby's International Realty, offers the highest level of services with the essential integrity, dedication and knowledge necessary to achieve her client's lifestyle and goals.With over 10 years of sales experience, Misty's success is a direct result of her dedication to individualized service for her clients.

Website - More Posts