May 17, 2013
Weekend fun in the Bay Area is right around the corner. Check out these great local events!
The Big Wow Comic Fest is happening this weekend in San Jose. Check out artist demonstrations, creator interviews, the Superman museum show and live art. Watch your favorite characters come to life and don’t miss the chance to meet Stan Lee, the chairman of Marvel Comics.
This Saturday, May 18, get your color run on. Did you know that this is known as the happiest 5k on the planet? Wear white and get splashed and dusted with bright colors as you make your way through San Jose. Finish the race and you’ll be wearing a rainbow of color!
Want an outdoor adventure? All you need is a stroller and an active spirit. Enjoy the sights of plants and animals in the natural world of Bernal Community Park in Pleasanton. What a fun Saturday in the sun!
Take a tour at the Hidden Gardens of the Valley. Your walk will benefit the Valley Humane Society and you will get to explore beautiful plants in bloom.
Enjoy a day relaxing at the McGrail Vineyards and Winery in Livermore. Come and visit on Saturday for the newest release of Cabernet Sauvignon. With live music and local honey products, this will be a perfect day spent in the beautiful outdoors.
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May 16, 2013
This weekend head outside and enjoy the sunshine. And, if you need something to do, check out these fun local events!
At the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Dessert play at the Robotics Workshop Lab with your kids. Using Legos® and special machines to experiment, your kids will learn to love science here!
The Monte Carlo-themed Fashion Show is happening this Saturday at the Spotlight 29 Casino Showroom. Hosted by “Valley Views” own Pattie Daly Caruso, you’re sure to enjoy the rich luxuries of this event that will raise funds to support scholarships for local students.
Do your little ones love lizards? As a Gecko Explorer at The Living Dessert, your kids get to experience nature with behind-the-scenes adventures. So come out to explore, encounter and discover this Saturday!
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May 10, 2013
Mother’s Day is a special time for you and your family. This is why there’s no better way to honor the mothers in our lives than having your own Mother’s Day celebration at home!
Here are some ideas to inspire your at-home festivities:
A tablecloth can be the start of a beautiful décor. We love a color palette of apricot and sea glass for an afternoon brunch.
Create a stunning centerpiece. The one pictured has white calla lilies, hydrangeas, gloriosa lilies, freesia and hanging amaranths to add texture. Encourage your mom to take the flowers home with her after the brunch.
Mix new and old china to create a vintage and whimsical setting. This combination makes for some great one-of-a-kind place settings.
Menu cards are a detail that’s always appreciated. Place the menu card into the napkin folds for a decorative touch. If you want to share your recipes, this would be the perfect place to do so!
Don’t forget the place cards. This gives everything an elegant and personal touch that everyone will appreciate. This is also a great place to say Happy Mother’s Day.
Place single blooms in unusual containers like teacups or metallic containers found in thrift stores for an extra decorative touch. Also, try adding a bud here and there spread out around the grand centerpiece.
Your mom will love all the thought and love put into this fun event at home.
If you want to see more ideas and tips, click here.
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May 8, 2013
Spring is in full swing and after a long winter, it’s time for you and your home to bask in the radiant sunshine outside. That’s why it’s important to make sure your home is prepped and ready to take on the rays and heat bound to come in the months ahead.
Here are five quick spring maintenance tips for your home:
● From the ground, examine roof shingles to see if any were lost or damaged during winter. The summer sun can really damage roof shingles. Shingles that are cracked, buckled or loose or are missing granules need to be replaced. Flashing around plumbing vents, skylights and chimneys need to be checked and repaired by a qualified roofer.
● Inspect concrete slabs for signs of cracks or movement. All exterior slabs except pool decks should drain away from the home’s foundation. Fill cracks with a concrete crack filler or silicone caulk. Then, when weather permits, power-wash and then seal the concrete.
● Check outside hose faucets for freeze damage. Turn the water on and place your thumb or finger over the opening. If you can stop the flow of water, it is likely the pipe inside the home is damaged and will need to be replaced. While you’re at it, check the garden hose for dry rot.
● Have a qualified heating and cooling contractor clean and service the outside unit of the air conditioning system. Clean coils operate more efficiently, and an annual service call will keep the system working at peak performance levels. Change interior filters on a regular basis.
● Check your gas- and battery-powered lawn equipment to make sure they’re ready for summer use. Clean equipment and sharp cutting blades will make yard work that much easier.
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May 3, 2013
If you don’t want to risk the crowd at your favorite Mexican restaurant this Sunday, throw your own Cinco de Mayo celebration at home.
Having a Cinco de Mayo party involves people, so make sure you invite your friends and family over.
One of the best ways to throw a party quickly and on a budget is to have a potluck. Divvy up who brings what and get this party started.
One of the best ways to throw a party quickly and on a budget is to have a potluck. Divvy up who brings what and get this party started.
Make the space look like you are ready for a party with tied napkins and margarita glasses ready.
A piñata is definitely something you need! Before you take a swing at it, use it as a table centerpiece.
If you are having this party outside, stringed lights add that special touch.
And you really can’t have a Mexican fiesta without some entertainment, so download some mariachi music to set the mood.
Now it’s time to party! Click here for more ideas.
April 25, 2013
California’s largest country music festival, Stagecoach, is happening this weekend! If you haven’t taken part in this event before, now is the time to jump on the bandwagon.
Big names like Lady Antebellum, Dierks Bentley, Toby Keith, Zac Brown Band, Thompson Square and Trace Adkins will all be rocking out on stage.
Come with a group of your friends to soak up the sun and enjoy a lot of county music and dancing.
Don’t forget to bring you cowboy boots! For more information, click here.
To make sure you’re always in the loop and up to date with everything happening in your community, be sure to LIKE the Ponderosa Facebook page.
April 19, 2013
Are you looking for something to do this weekend in the Bay Area? Check out these local events taking place.
It’s Earth Month at Wente Vineyards. Celebrate with an Audubon Tour and Tasting this Saturday and a Garden Tour and Tasting on Sunday. Enjoy a special menu at The Restaurant and, in honor of Earth Day, let the Wente staff show you how to recycle your corks to make a special keepsake to remember this fun time spent with your friends.
The Firehouse Arts Center is showing the most charming musical, She Loves Me. This funny, warm and romantic comedy is an endearing tale of innocence with a touch of classic charm reminiscent of the Golden Days. Come out to laugh and sing along this Saturday night.
Come take a tour of the Alviso Adobe Community Park. See what took place over that last several thousand years as you time travel through the days of the Native Americans, Spanish settlers and into the modern era.
Downtown San Jose is hosting the Thai New Year Festival. Enjoy Thai food, kickboxing, teas and a SINGHA Beer Garden. Don’t forget to stop and take in the sights and sounds of traditional Thai music and dance. This is a perfect event for the entire family.
Head over to Downtown Willow Glen to join hundreds of other winos. Stroll through historic Lincoln Ave and taste wine from more than 30 local vendors. Don’t miss this event because it’s the perfect way to spend some time outdoors.
The 2013 Great American Litter Pickup is an excellent way to help keep your community clean and pristine. This Saturday meet at Seven Trees Community Center to help make the city of San Jose a cleaner and healthier place to live. McDonalds will be on hand to provide a free lunch to all volunteers.
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April 16, 2013
The event we have all been waiting for is finally here! Time to get into the music scene, enjoy the warm weather, awesome 70s-inspired outfits and bonding time with friends.
COACHELLA Weekend Two starts this Friday, April 19!
Music groups and artists, including Beach House, Franz Ferdinand, Grizzly Bear, Janelle Monae, Modest Mouse, Of Monsters and Men, Passion Pit, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Lumineers, The XX and The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, are only 11 of the 178 on the lineup that have been preparing all year to give Coachella-goers the best performance yet.
Don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes, sunscreen and camera. Have fun!
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April 12, 2013
If you’re in Northern California this weekend, here are some local events that you really don’t want to miss!
McGrail Vineyards is celebrating their five-year anniversary all weekend. Enjoy fine tapas and savory wines at the celebration. Did you know that they were voted Best Red Wine for 2012 at the SF Chronicle Wine Competition?
Head into the land of make believe at the San Jose Fantasy Faire. This weekend is filled with enchanting performances, delicious food and fun-filled activities. Characters from folklore and fairy tales will give you a magical spell of a time. Don’t forget your wings or sword!
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April 5, 2013
Springtime is all about color, color and more color. Here are some of the must see trends of the season!
Turquoise and Tomato Red
Bright-colored wallpaper and neutral furniture is classically chic.
Hot Pink and Apple Green
This crisp and fresh look is best when paired with stark white accents.
Energetic Prints
Florals and patterns create interesting mixes of colors that can be pulled from and used to create an accent wall.
Classic Blue and Muted Yellow
This is a classic combo that keeps the room feeling light and airy.
Not Your Normal Neutrals
Neutrals don’t have to be whites and creams, go for a modern look and try adding a color to the mix.
Whatever you do – don’t be afraid to try something new!
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