Taste of Newport 2008 - Newport Beach, California The Taste of Newport is an annual event which is held in the streets at Fashion Island in Newport Beach is going to be held on  Friday, September 19th, from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Saturday, September 20th from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm, and Sunday, September 21st from Noon to 8:00 pm. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about many of the Newport Beach restaurants. There will be approximately thirty of Newport Beach finest establishments and fifteen wineries. Come and visit the Taste of Newport, bring your family and friends. Enjoy the cooler summer evenings and you visit each of the restaurants that will be presenting food, and have just a taste - so you can learn more about the food that restaurant presents. In addition to spectacular food... 09/09/2008

If you are thinking of relocating to Newport Beach California, I must say you are a bright . Living in Newport Beach is pretty much like being on vacation every day. The upscale homes, the beaches, trendy shopping, outrageous restaurants, and happening bars are just some of the perks! The healthy life style of living here is another benefit. In Newport Beach you will find many outdoor activities to participate in. One of the most common is walking or jogging along the many beautiful beaches we have. This was a beautiful day in Newport down by the Balboa Pier. At this spot not only do you have the boardwalk and the ocean view, but also a large grassy spot where many play soccer, have picnics, or bring dogs to play. Relocating to Newport Beach will be a great investment for you. Real Esta... 09/06/2008

Once again it's time for the Taste of Newport. This is one of my favorite events in Newport Beach. It is held at Newport Center Drive in Fashion Island.There is free parking and valet will also be available. Local restaurants attend this event and sample some of their best recipes to goers. There is a fee for admission and you can purchase scrip cards to buy your dinner or lunch samples. This year Third Eye Blind will be performing on Sept. 19th, Styx on Saturday the 20th, and ub40 on Sunday 21st. For more information call 949-729-4400 Hours: Friday 6-11pm Saturday 4-11pm Sunday 12-8pm For Newport Beach Information Visit my website. 09/05/2008

Coming next weekend is the 30th Annual Lido Yacht Expo at the Lido Marina Village. This event is free of charge. It is an in the water Big Boat Show. See luxurious yachts 26-100 feet long. These are true Luxury Boats with price tags in the multi-million dollar range. For more information call 949-757-5959. For information on Lido Isle click here. 09/05/2008

Cameo Shores, Corona del Mar, California Open House I am hosting an open house today in Cameo Shores in Corona del Mar. Cameo Shores is a beautiful community of approximately 170 homes, and the development is terraced so that all the homes have spectacular ocean and Catalina views. Many of the homes have a courtyard style entrance, so that the homes have unobstructed views. Information on the Open House is as follows: 4639 Fairfield Drive Corona del Mar, California Open today - 9.5.2008 from 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm Priced at: $3,450,000 For more information about Cameo Shores, Corona del Mar luxury homes, and Newport Beach luxury homes, please view my website at www.sharonintheoc.com. Phone or text: 949.280.0681 Email: Spaxson@roadrunner.com 09/05/2008

 Avalon, Catalina Santa Catalina is a rocky island located off the Southern California coast which is approximately 22 miles long, and 8 miles wide. William Wrigley, Junior was instrumental in the development of Catalina Island. Wrigley originally bought the island in 1919 and it was improved with a hotel, services, and the Casino building which still stands today. In 1921, Wrigley sold lots in the city of Avalon. This is the same Wrigley who developed Wrigley chewing gum, and Wrigley also owned the Chicago Cubs. The Chicago ballpark which was originally named Cubs Park, changed it's name to Wrigley Field in 1926 in honor of William Wrigley, Junior. In Avalon, the Casino is now utilized as a motion picture theater, and the upstairs can be utilized for private events.  The Casino was bu... 09/03/2008

2008 Lido Yacht Expo Newport Beach, California The 2008 Lido Yacht Expo is going to be held at the Lido Marina Village located in Newport Beach, California. the Lido Yacht Expo is going to be held from September 11-14, 2008. Admission for adults is $12.00 No Charge for Children 12 and under The Lido Yacht Expo will feature large yachts which may be 80' and above, and also mid range yachts which are typically  35' to 70' in length. This is a great opportunity to view the yachts in the ocean as opposed to a convention center. They will be located in the Lido Marina Village tied up at the docks. You can view these yachts and learn about the different classification of yachts as well. Additionally, there are other exhibitors including yacht sales, insurance, accessories, inflatable shore b... 09/02/2008

The famous "I have a dream" speech was delivered on August 28th, 1963 on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Martin Luther King Jr. made his dream real for everyone who was listening. He shared his vision, was willing to be held accountable, and in the end, prompted the 1964 Civil Rights Act. As a result of making his dream, his inspiration, and his intention public, he was also awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. While the prize was not his dream -equality was- his mission to get the world to notice was accomplished. We all have dreams and visions of what we want our futures to be like. Some of us have vision boards that remind us of our wants and desires, share our dreams with others by writing them down, or even translate them into goals and business plans. Everyone should have a plan. Wit... 08/28/2008

Another benefit of living in Newport Beach is the abundance of activities. There are several harbors nearby where people own private yachts and fishing boats to enjoy sport fishing. Or you can arrange a charter or take a day fishing boat through www.Newportlanding.com. The main harbor in Newport Beach is Newport Harbor. The summer months (typically July and August) are opportune months to fish for Marlin because the water is warmer (approximately 71 to 73 degrees). Last weekend, I was fortunate enough to spend a weekend on a Sport Fisher out of Huntington Harbor and motored to Avalon, Catalina. Huntington Harbor is located approximately 10 miles north of Newport Beach. Four reels were put out (two on outriggers) and utilized fishing lures which were put on the end of the reels to resem... 08/26/2008

Christi and I enjoyed our nice Friday evening meal at The Old Spaghetti Factory, 2110 Old Newport Blvd, Newport Beach, CA. For many years, people have been going to The Old Spaghetti Factory, Newport Beach, to enjoy good food, casual atmosphere and friendly service.  Some people visit with friends around antique tables, while enjoyed the cooked pasta and spaghetti sauce, and fresh made meals. Located about 300 feet from surf and sand at Newport Beach, CA The place is large, noisy and fun.  We had fun with the wine trivia quiz printed on the menu. The food is reasonably priced and not unusual for this kind of dining.  I enjoyed the manager's favorite, Mizithra cheese, browned butter, and meat sauce combination.  The bread was so hot to the touch out of the oven that I had to be careful c... 08/22/2008

Success Summit 2008 - Tom Ferry and Tony Robbins Last week I attended the Success Summit in Palm Desert for three and a half days. Tom Ferry did an incredible job covering many topics, asking the participants to set goals, and much more. He is funny, entertaining, and very motivational! He shares concrete ideas to apply in business. Tom asked us to define our vision. What is your vision? Is it as simple to be successful in real estate, or is there more? I know there were many who were trying to identify their vision with specificity, and Tom kept on reminding us to define our vision. The second area Tom covered was niche. Are you a buyer's agent, seller's agent, are you too general? Do you sell everything or do you specialize? For me what was most beneficial was actually reflecting on ... 08/21/2008

Balboa Island Luxury Homes Newport Beach, California Balboa Island is divided into three islands. There is the main island which has over 1100 homes, the Little Island which is located across the Grand Canal has over 200 homes. And Collins Island which is located of the main Island has 8 homes. The streets of Balboa Island  are named after Semi-precious stones including Jade, Onyx, Sapphire, and Coral which creates more charm in the area. A great way to visit the island is to take the Balboa Island ferry. There are three 64 foot ferries, that have the capacity to carry three automobiles. Also bicyclists and pedestrians can ride for a fee as well. The ferry drivers are very skilled, especially during the summer months when Newport Harbor can be incredibly busy with the Newport Harbor boa... 08/20/2008

I was recently asked, "What's the average days a house is on the market in Newport Beach?"   As of August 19, 2008, the average days on market is 102.6 with 298 homes sold so far this year.   Homes sold between the beginning of the year and the end of July 2008 had an average sales price of $1,661,336.   Please click Newport Beach home values if you are interested in learning the current value of your home or contact me at 949-673-8674. 08/20/2008

Homes for Sale in Corona del Mar - Harbor View Hills South (HAV1,HAV2, Original, Robertson & Broadmoor) Harbor View Hills South Corona del Mar, California Harbor View Hills South is a highly desirable neighborhood located within Corona del Mar in the City of Newport Beach.  Harbor View Hills South is known for having larger homes than you find in the Village of Corona del Mar and this community lends itself to quieter living w/pool size lots and some spectacular ocean view homes.   Homes that are currently available were built between 1960 and 2007 and have between 3 and 6 bedrooms.  The smallest home you will find in the neighborhood is a 3bd/2ba home w/approximately 1,900 square feet of living space.  The largest property that is currently available has approximately 4,100 square fee... 08/15/2008

Homes for Sale in Corona del Mar - Jasmine Creek Jasmine Creek A Guard-Gated Community in Corona del Mar, CA Homes For Sale 3 Seafaring Drive - A highly sought-after Plan 1 that has been remodeled w/dark hardwood flooring, granite countertops, skylights, stainless steel appliances, travertine & newer windows & doors.  Enjoy outdoor livings spaces in the front and back yards.  $1,289,000 18 Atoll Drive- Single level home on the gorgeous greenbelt w/ocean views!     $1,329,000 28 Skysail Drive - A Split-level Plan 5 w/full ocean views.  Enjoy a view deck spanning the entire length of the home.  The master suite is complete w/sunroom!       $1,395,000 19 Jasmine Creek Drive - A touch of Newport Coast Elegance in Corona del Mar, enjoy dramatic high volume ceilings, granite & travertine upg... 08/10/2008

Market Activity - Cameo Highlands Homes for Sale & Market Activity - Cameo Highlands - Corona del Mar Homes for Sale Cameo Highlands Homes for Sale in Cameo Highlands 4507 Dorchester Road - Single Level Ocean View Property.  Being SOLD for lot value.  Private Access to Beach. 4600 Wayne Road - 4 bedrooms, each with their own bath.  Remodeled & expanded, single level home. 512 Rockford Place - Cul-de-sac home w/Ocean, Catalina & Sunset Views!  Private courtyard w/pool, plus backyard with more room to expand.  Separate guest quarters.   4607 Dorchester Road - Remodeled single level ocean view home!  Gourmet kitchen w/SubZero, Viking, granite countertops & more...  Outdoor entertaining area w/views from Catalina to Palos Verdes. Recent Closed Sales in Cameo Highlands 4500 Dorchester Road ... 08/09/2008

Jasmine Creek is a neighborhood in Corona Del Mar, which is part of Newport Beach. It's location is ideal. It is close to the ocean, the Corona Del Mar Village, where you will find the most trendy shops, restaurants and bars. Close by is the Oasis senior center with plenty of activites going on, and let's not forget the Saturday morning farmers market. Jasmine Creek is not a senior community, but it does attract many empty nesters. There are 6 tennis courts, 3 swimming pools and spas, and a club house that is very active. While I was at broker preview yesterday I saw one of the most beautiful floor plans in Jasmine Creek. This home was taken down to the studs, it is an open floor plan, light and bright, with a gorgeous kitchen and bathrooms to die for. It has 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, ... 08/08/2008

 Music on the IslandFashion Island, Newport Beach, CA Come out and enjoy the summer and beach weather for the Summer Concert Series at Fashion Island. On Wednesdays, beginning at 7:30 pm are summer concerts located in the Bloomingdale's courtyard. The concerts are complimentary, and seating is on a first come, first serve basis. However, preferred seating is available for $20 per person. Enjoy a day of shopping, dining at one of the many fine restaurants at Fashion Island, and listening to music under the stars with your friends and family. Tonight is Melissa Manchester and one of her most popular songs include "Through The Eyes of Love". The Music on the Island Schedule is as follows: Melissa Manchester - August 6, 2008 Ricci Martin, An Evening of Dean Martin Music - August 13, 2008 M... 08/06/2008

When my sister and I were kids, we used to have a lemonade stand at our grandmother's house on the Boardwalk in Newport Beach.  There were always lots of customers walking, riding and skating down the beach front, willing to take a break from the summer heat and enjoy a refreshing glass of lemonade. One day when we were about 7 and 8, we excitedly ran in to inform Grandma that we had made $38, a lot of money to a 7 and 8 year old, especially in 1978.   Imagine our surprise when Grandma took $8 from us and informed us it was for overhead.  Neither of us had ever heard the word, and we were not pleased.  Grandma told us that overhead was the cost of doing business - the cost of the cups, the napkins, the sugar, the water, the lemons, even the cost of the signs and flyers.  Confronted with... 08/04/2008

On Saturday, August 2, 2008, Newport Beach will be doing an E-Waste Collection. So, come recycle your old electronics.  The collection site will be the Newport Coast Community Center.  The community center is located at 6401 San Joaquin Hills Rd., Newport Coast, California. The event will last from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. For more information about the event, call 949-644-3055.   Click Newport Beach for more information about the City or Newport Beach Homes to search for homes for sale or Newport Beach Home Values for a value on your home.     07/31/2008