Woodranch Bistro in Simi Valley

moorpark bistro

Food, drink, fun and clownin’

By: Misty Smoke

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Master chef and owner Mark Cammarono is whipping up some new recipes at his Simi Valley Woodranch Bistro. Recently transformed into a culinary experience using only the finest ingredients, the Bistro also hosts a sports bar open with a DJ on Thursday’s and live band on Friday’s and Saturday’s.

The sports themed bar now offers a wine list and array of larger varieties of hard alcohol – if drinking is your passion you will certainly find the bistro agreeable. And don’t forget to try one of their specialty desserts which are home made by Cammarono’s mother Ginny. Rumor has it the cappuccino cheese cake is her specialty. Cheers!

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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Nothing Bundt Cakes in Thousand Oaks


The hunt for the perfect Bundt

nothing bundt cake

By: Misty Smoke

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For nearly 9 months I’ve been in hot pursuit of what some would call the perfect Bundt. However arduous the lengthy process may seem, I must assure you that it has been nothing but pure joy. Although once bashful of attempting to uncover the most prime, flawless Bundt, I have since fully embraced the enticing call.

I was acquainted to the store by way of fluke, that is, I merely stumbled upon the fine establishment on a miserably dreary day last December. My first exposure could be considered somewhat of a tease in that I hadn’t entirely decided what this shop would mean to me. It was not long, however, before I became considerably friendly toward the owners, Tom and Terre Downey. Through snappy rhetoric and my first purchase, my blooming relationship with the store would soon surely reveal the nebulous concept of the premier Bundt.

The first bite was not a fairy tale story of a prince and princess, nor was it entirely repugnant. Instead, as I pulled away from the first bite my eyebrows twitched, raising gently as if to consider the rarity just encountered. Recalling the richness of the chocolate only led me to consider its fluffiness; just as the buttery frosting only led me to ponder its crispness. I was indeed torn. Where to begin? How to approach? How to proceed? The options were immense, yet so simple. Take another bite. The next was a bit larger, again, more interesting, and of course the process continued in scale. Before long the cake was gone and still the desire for the perfect Bundt loomed – now even larger than before. What was a girl to do?

Over a period of 8 months I continued to tease my buds with the most complex of flavors. From dark chocolate to light, from raspberry to carrot and lemon, I knew I had not achieved perfection. I tried pecan swirl and ‘flavors of the month’ to no avail. Then, when the pursuit was ripe, the air began to change. The humidity increased uniformly with the temperature, the trees stopped swaying and the wildlife seemed to disappear. Never mind that it was summer, I was on the verge of discovering the perfect Bundt! I could feel it.

I strolled in to Nothing Bundt Cakes with my usual flaming desire but a bit more casually this time, as if to show my confidence. I struck up a quick conversation and promptly had the one cake that had not yet been consumed. It was the perfect alliance of sugar and eggs, the holy matrimony of vanilla and chocolate – a sensational marble cake. But, alas, after consumption I was fooled! I couldn’t help but think of the famous author Goethe who once said:

“Distance is like the future. A vast twilt entity lies before us, our perception is lost in it and becomes as blurred as our eye site, and we yearn – we yearn to surrender all of ourselves and let ourselves be filled with a single, tremendous, magnificent emotion but alas … when we hurry to the spot, when there becomes here, everything is as it was and we are left standing in our poverty and constraint, our souls longing for the balm that has eluded us.”

I still have yet to find the perfect Bundt, but it’s there. I will keep searching.

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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Lemmo's Grill in Moorpark

Your neighborhood hang-outlemmo's grill in moorpark

By: Misty Smoke and Regina Cordell

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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.

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A Walk on the Wild Side: Wild Gardens

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

By: Sher Hann

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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.

Needed Bone Marrow Donors

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

By:  Misty Smoke and Regina Cordell

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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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Do You Have Unclaimed Property?

Since taking office on 2007…

By: Sher Hannunclaimed property

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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.

Open Your Doors to an Energy Tax Credit

This energy tax credit could be just what you need

By: Sher Hann

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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.

Bridal Bazaar at Wood Ranch CC

Open House and Bridal Bazaar February 24thWoodRanchGC1

By: Regina Cordell and Misty Smoke

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The Wood Ranch Country Club in Simi Valley will host a Bridal Bazaar and Open House on February 24th from 5pm – 8pm.  This complimentary event  is a special opportunity for those planning a wedding in the near future. Visitors will have the chance to sample the clubs special cuisine and even enjoy a ride to the ceremony in a horse drawn carriage. If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, click here to download the invitation.

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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Stay Informed on Your Loan Modification

By: Misty Smoke and Regina Cordell

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We have a friend who had been working with Wells Fargo on a loan modification (so she thought). Feeling confident that the process was being properly handled by the bank, she took no further action.

One day a stranger knocked on her door claiming ownership of her home which would theoretically require her to vacate the property. Stunned, she immediately contacted the bank to find out that the loan modification was not approved due to missing paperwork.  The bank, in their haste or apathy, failed to notify the homeowner of her auction date. Due to lack of communication, her home foreclosed and was sold at a public auction.

The banks are so overwhelmed with people facing mortgage challenges and attempting to modify their loans that it’s very easy to have the auction date over looked. Needless to say she tearfully moved out 2 weeks later and currently faces the repercussions of a foreclosure on her credit.

Similar situations are happening on an unthinkable scale. After watching our friend go through this first hand, we’ve vowed to help those home owners stay informed and remain in their homes. Let us help you if we can. You have OPTIONS…

1. Postpone your Auction date
2. Discuss the benefits of a Short Sale VS Foreclosure
3. Help get funds to help you move

If you are currently working on a loan modification contact your lender and watch the auction date.

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