Easter is just days away, and there are lots of fun things to do in North San Diego for the entire family! Here are a few of the highlights:

Carlsbad EGGstravaganza: On Saturday, April 7, this annual celebration will be held at Poinsettia Park from 10:00-1:00. There will be a fun zone with lots of games, food, music and activities, a summer day camp expo, and of course, an egg hunt. It’s great fun for the whole family. For more information click the city website, or call 760-434-2843. Tickets and Fun Zone wristbands are available at Calavera Hills, Harding and Stagecoach Community Centers.

GIA Egg-stravaganza: The Gemological Institute of America in Carlsbad is hosting an Egg-stravaganza of a different, shiny sort. Stop by on Thursday, April 5th all day to see their rare collection of eggs, made from minerals and gems, a collection that has never been on display and has been in collection for 40 years. The exhibit runs through the end of the year. For more information and for directions click  here.

San Diego Botanic Garden Spring Party. Come on over on Saturday, April 7 from 10:00-11:30, or 11:30-1:00 and enjoy the Spring garden party at our amazing Botanic Garden. There is a limit of 50 children per party, and tickets are $12-15 per child, so make sure to check the website to see if there is still room for your child.

Birch Aquarium Eggs-travaganza: Stop by the beautiful Birch Aquarium in La Jolla April 4-7 from 11:00-3:00 to see ocean creatures at this special time of year when they are hatched/born. There are lots of hands-on activities for participants. Visit the website  for more information.

Encinitas Easter Egg Hunt: Come join in the fun in this other favorite egg hunt, which takes place Saturday, April 5th from 10:00-1:00 at Ecke Sports Park. For more information and directions call 760-633-2740.

More Egg Hunts Across North County on Saturday, April 7:

Del Mar

Oceanside

San Marcos & San Elijo Hills

Cardiff by the Sea: Call 760-633-2740 for information

Solana Beach Call 858-720-2453

Carmel Valley: Call 858-552-1616

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It is not about presents, or stressing about how you are going to pay for them. It is not about getting to the store before it is really morning time, fighting for a space in a parking lot, or pushing past people to get the best deal first. It is about being with the ones you love, and being thankful for just that.

Food is always a part of family get togethers, and one of the reasons I love Thanksgiving is because of the food. Everyone in my family makes their special part of the meal. My mother makes the stuffing, and she is famous for her stuffing. I make the vegetables and sometimes desserts. It is a night filled with food, fun and laughter.

Although many of us think about it often, Thanksgiving makes each of us think of what we have to be thankful for. I have so much to be thankful for, and you likely have similar things to smile about…so this year make sure you show your appreciation for everything that makes your life bountiful.

Family. There is nothing more important than family. Growing up I think we have some sense of this, but not until we have families of our own do we truly realize the importance of family. Every parent knows that children grow so quickly – I think I have passed along to my own children how important family is. They look forward to this holiday too.

Friends. Friends help get us through the tough times and the good ones. They are our rocks. As we grow older we learn who truly matters and who does not. The friends you have surrounding you today say so much about you. Often you don’t have to thank your friends, because they understand the value of the relationship….but do it regardless.

Health. We all need to be thankful for our health, because without it where would we be? We need to realize that there are some things we cannot control, but we can control the decisions we make when it comes to our health. We can eat healthy the majority of the time, get plenty of exercise and rest, eliminate stress, take breaks from work. If you love yourself you will take care of yourself…if you haven’t been, Thanksgiving is a great time to make that pledge (please note that I am by no means implying that you shouldn’t enjoy your holiday dinner…I intend to do so).

Home. I am so thankful for my home. It is not very large and we often complain that we need more space, but it is ours. We have made so many memories there, raised our family. So many people do not have homes, and we have to keep in mind that we are so lucky that we do.

This time of year is the best time to donate to homeless programs in your area, and to other charities that provide shelter, food and clothing to the needy. I get the whole famly involved packing up items we do not use, as well as shopping for and donating food to local food banks. I know that although I cannot provide a home for many people who are struggling, I can at least make them feel a little bit closer to home.

Most importantly, Thanksgiving is a time for reflection – for not only thinking of that for which we are thankful, but for sharing our thanks with others. Don’t forget to tell those you love and care about just how much they mean to you.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Heading into the holidays can be a stressful time for most people, especially when you have a home to sell in the midst of all the celebrations. Many sellers take their homes off the market before the holidays to avoid the added stress, but this time of year can actually be a blessing for the home seller. There are some good reasons to keep marketing your home over the holidays.

1.  Less competition. Since so many sellers take their homes off the market you will have less competition. If your home shows well (holiday decor is ok and is expected at this time of year) and is priced well this could be a big benefit to you. There are buyers out there who need to find places to live over the holidays. If you are worried about showings when you are celebrating or have guests, simply have your agent ask for more notice in the MLS for showing times.

2.  Serious buyers. Buyers who are looking for homes over the holidays tend to be serious buyers, given the fact that they are looking for homes during the holiday season. With less inventory out there this makes it an ideal time for sellers.

3.  Highlight the warmth of your home. The holidays are a great time to really highlight the warmth of your home. As long as you don’t go overboard with decorations, gift clutter or holiday smells (like holiday candles), a little festivity can give your home a welcoming feel. Make sure not to block any ares where natural light comes into the home.

While selling your home over the holidays can prove to be a little bit of a hassle, if you designate showing times and keep your home in tip top showing shape, there is no reason you have to let it interfere with holiday enjoyment.

The holidays are a wonderful time of year, but they can also be stressful when it comes to gift-giving, especially when the budget is tight. There are a few different types of gift-givers, but no matter which one is more like you there are solutions to keep you stress-free and finish the year with money in the piggy bank.

The Over-Gifter: This person loves the holidays and loves to give gifts. Her list usually includes everyone she can think of, and this can cause her to get into trouble with spending. To combat this problem, it is imperative to set a budget and prioritze, then stick to it. A great option is creative gifting. Focus on ideas that can be packaged beautifully but will leave a big impression–bake cookies or make homemade candies, ornaments or frames, then wrap them up with beautiful bows or in colorful containers. People love creative gifts and they allow you to include everyone in your gifting without breaking the piggy bank.

The Procrastinator: This person doesn’t like the hustle and bustle, the traffic, the come-hither ads that lure people into stores, thus he tends to be a procrastinator. The problem with procrastination at this time of year is that you may end up spending more than you would have had you shopped early. An easy solution is to make a list and set a budget, then either shop online or purchase gift cards. It’s painless and simple.

The Self Gifter: Self gifters get caught up in all the great sales and end up purchasing gifts for themselves. The obvious problem is that your budget is blown and come January your are in debt. The key here, like above, is to set a budget and stick to it. It’s ok to give yourself a personal spending allowance when you are out shopping, but you have to be vigilant in not going over the limit.

No matter how many gifts you have on your list it is not difficult to get through the holidays and end up with money in the bank. It just requires making lists, setting a budget and sticking to it. There are so many great gift ideas out there that don’t involve spending a lot of money, so get creative, shop wisely and remember to have fun.

During this crazy time of year I always like to remember that many people are not as fortunate as my family. It gives me the most pleasure to donate food to the needy and toys to children who might otherwise not have any. Here is a list of locations in San Diego county where you can drop off these items. Even if you only have a few dollars to spend it could make a big difference. I tried to make this list as inclusive as possible, but there are likely many drop off centers I missed. If you know of others please post in the comments. Many of these drop off centers only take drop offs through December 19 so act quickly! Have a wonderful holiday season!

Union Tribune Holiday Food Drive

Help raise over 1 million pounds of food for the San Diego food bank!!
Drop off any non-perishable food items at all VONS and STATER BROTHERS markets (they even have pre-packaged bags of food you can pay for, at various prices)
Visit http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/holiday-food-drive/ for more information. As of this posting 550,000 pounds of food had already been collected!

YMCA Toy Drop off locations:

• The Art Institute of California – San Diego
  7650 Mission Valley Road
  San Diego, CA 92108
  Drop at North Main Building
• Dos Gringos – A Flower Company
  3260 Corporate View Drive
  Vista, CA 92081
• Hewlett Packard
  16399 West Bernardo Drive
  San Diego, CA 92127
• Hoehn Motors ‚ Mercedes Store
  5475 Car Country Drive
  Carlsbad, CA 92008
• Massage Envy Carmel Valley
  11130 East Ocean Air Drive, Suites C104 & 105
  San Diego, CA 92130
  (858) 259-3689
• Massage Envy Solana Beach
  665 San Rodolfo Drive, Suite 125
  Solana Beach, CA 92075
  (858) 259-5585
• SKLZ
  5823 Newton Drive, Suite 130
  Carlsbad, CA 92008
• San Diego Daily Transcript
  2131 Third Avenue
  San Diego, CA 92101

YMCA Branch Locations:

• Border View YMCA
• Cameron Family YMCA
• Camp Surf
• Copley Family YMCA
• Downtown YMCA
• Jackie Robinson Family YMCA
• Joe and Mary Mottino Family YMCA
• John A. Davis Family YMCA
• La Jolla YMCA
• Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA
• McGrath Family YMCA
• Mission Valley YMCA
• Toby Wells YMCA
• Palomar Family YMCA
• Peninsula Family YMCA
• Rancho Family YMCA
• South Bay Family YMCA
• YMCA Child Care Resource Service – Mission Valley

East County Toy Drive Through December 19:

ANGEL TREE
Volunteers will accept donated toys at our
angel tree in the Parkway Plaza mall

AJ’s Kids Crane Donations:

GRACIE SAN DIEGO
7976 Engineer Rd
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 505-9917 or

IKEA San Diego
2149 Fenton Parkway
San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 563-4532

Ultra Star La Costa Cinema
6941 El Camino Real
Carlsbad, CA 92009-4108
(760) 599-8221

Marine Toys for Tots Donations:

Go to online website to make a toy or monetary donation:
http://www.toysfortots.org/default.asp

The Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina (drop off center)
1441 Quivira Road.

The Belly Up Tavern
143 S. Cedros Avenue, Solana Beach 92075

Coffee Donations for Troops Overseas:

Purchase at any area Starbucks

Can you believe it’s the beginning of December and the start of the holiday season already? Is it just me or did this year fly by very quickly? I hope you and your loved ones have a wonderful holiday season, and a new year filled with joy, good health and lots of laughter. Here are the December happenings…

Throughout December, Holiday of Lights ‚ Del Mar Fairgrounds Drive around the Del Mar Racetrack and view more than 400 spectacular lighted scenes, from the comfort of your car. Displays are organized into themes including Candy Cane Lane, Toyland, Twelve Days of Christmas, and more. Open every night including holidays. Time: Sun ‚ Thurs 5:30 pm ‚ 10:00 pm / Fri & Sat 5:30 pm ‚ 10:30 pm Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar For more information visit www.holidayoflights.com

Throughout December, Temecula Winterfest The entire city will be decked out for the season. During Winterfest there will be a variety of events for children and adults including visits with Santa and horse drawn carriage rides. The city’s holiday lights are on display and carolers roam downtown. Local shops and restaurants will be featuring Winterfest specials, and ‚Äúsnow‚Äù will arrive at the Children’s Museum during the fest. Time: Refer to website Location: Old Town Temecula For more information visit www.temeculacalifornia.com

December 1 ‚ 22, Annual Art of the Holiday Do your holiday shopping from an abundance of goods created by the regional artists and artisans. Choose from a wide selection of jewelry, perfumes, vases, cookware, wood bowls, leather goods, mosaic boxes, painted silk scarves and clothing, fiber art wall hangings, and so much more. FREE. Time: Mon-Sat 10:00 am ‚ 4:00 pm / Sun Noon ‚ 3:00 pm Location: Art Center at Fallbrook, 103 S. Main at Alvarado, Fallbrook For more information visit www.fallbrookartcenter.org

December 3, Coronado Christmas Parade ‚ Open House ‚ Snow Mountain The holiday season in Coronado starts when Santa arrives by ferry at the Coronado Ferry Landing. A festive parade along Orange Avenue follows, while merchants keep their doors open late for shopping. Santa lights the 75-foot star pine Christmas tree located in the center of town as the community band plays holiday music. Snow Mountain is open from 3:00to 8:00 pm. The evening finishes with 2 concerts at 2 different locations. Time: Refer to website for schedule Location: Ferry Landing Marketplace ‚ Coronado For more information visit www.coronadovisitorcenter.com

December 3 & 4, Balboa Park December Nights Free community festival. Balboa Park holiday extravaganza featuring two days of light displays, nativity, Santa, musical & dance presentations, plus shopping, and holiday food & spirits. More than 80 museums & cultural organizations will be open for this event. Participating museums will be free to the public from 5:00 to 9:00 each evening. Time: Fri 5:00 pm ‚ 10:00 pm / Sat Noon ‚ 10:00 pm Location: Balboa Park For more information visit www.sdhpr.org

December 12, Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade A pet parade where pets and people can dress up in costume and march in a parade through the Gaslamp Quarter with the hope to win a prize. The event isn’t just for dogs; any pet will do. A fun parade to watch or participate in. This event includes a Pet Expo. Time: 1:20 pm ‚ 4:00 pm / Pet Expo 2:00 pm ‚ 5:00 pm Parade Route: Starts from the Hilton Hotel parking lot at 5th & L Street. Admission $10.00 per pet & owner for the parade & costume contest. For more information visit www.gaslamp.org

December 12, Annual Pacific Beach Holiday Parade A community holiday parade that features floats, marching bands, color guards, community groups, children marching groups, clowns, Santa Claus, and more. Time: 1:00 pm ‚ 4:00 pm Parade Route: Garnet Ave/Haines St, Garnet Ave., Bayard St/Garnet Ave. For more information visit www.pacificbeachfest.com

December 12 & 19, San Diego Bay Boat Parade of Lights Spectacular event–free to view! The Annual Port of San Diego Boat Parade of Lights features a large fleet of private craft decorated and illuminated for the holidays. The boat parade will travel a 7-mile route from Shelter Island to Coronado. Time: 5:30 pm ‚ 9:00 pm Parade Route: Begins at the southwest end of Shelter Island, past Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, past the Convention Center, the Coronado Island Marriott Hotel, the Coronado Ferry Landing Marketplace and ends at the Navy carrier turning basin. For more information visit www.sdparadeoflights.org

December 18, Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights A decorated and lighted boat procession will parade in single file on Mission Bay, some broadcasting holiday music. This popular lighted boat parade begins at Quivira Basin, and along Crown Point, Vacation Island, Fiesta Island, & Sea World. Best viewing areas for this event is from Crown Point, or the west side of Fiesta Island,or the east side of Vacation Island. Time: 7:00 pm ‚ 9:00 pm Location: Mission Bay For more information visit www.missionbayparadeoflights.org

December 23, 6th Annual San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl The game pits a team from the Mountain West Conference against a bowl-eligible Pac-10 team or an at-large opponent. Time: 5:00 pm Location: Qualcomm Stadium, 9449 Friars Rd. For more information visit www.poinsettiabowl.net

December 26-30, Garden of Light ‚ San Diego Botanic Garden Annual holiday celebration at the San Diego Botanic Garden (formerly Quail Botanical Gardens) in Encinitas. Over 100,000 lights will illuminate the Gardens. Festivities include horse-drawn-wagon rides, holiday crafts, marshmallow roasting, visits with Santa, live music, and refreshments. Special holiday tales and tunes for children ages two to six will be offered several nights in December. Time: 5:00 pm ‚ 9:00 pm Location: San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas For more information visit www.sdbgarden.org

December 30, Port of San Diego Big Bay Balloon Parade America’s Largest Balloon Parade! Massive inflatables, numbering more than any other parade in the nation, colorful floats, unique drill teams,and marching bands, the Budweiser Clydesdale horses, and‚Ķthe Wienermobile!!! Time: 9:00 am ‚ 11:30 am / Parade: 10:00 am Parade Route: Begins at the County Admin Bldg parking lot, down North Harbor Drive and follows the waterfront, ending at West Harbor Dr. For more information visit www.holidaybowl.com

December 30, Amtrak Big Bay Family Festival If you’re coming down to watch the Big Bay Balloon Parade, be sure to stop by this festival for some family fun. You can test your skills on a rock wall, carnival games, video games, or a field goal kick. Need more to do? Then shop for merchandise, listen to the Battle of the University Bands, and definitely get an airbrush tattoo! Free admission. Time: 11:00 am ‚ 2:00 pm Location: Downtown San Diego ‚ Broadway Pier at the end of Broadway & North Harbor Dr. For more information call 619-283-5808

December 31, Big Night San Diego New Year’s Eve Gala Big Night San Diego is the perfect, ALL-INCLUSIVE night. Leave your wallet at home (just remember to bring your ID), because your ticket includes everything - all drinks included all night – with NO LONG LINES, Plus, a buffet and entertainment throughout the TWELVE different party zones Time: Refer to website Location: The Hilton San Diego Bayfront, One Park Boulevard For tickets/information visit http://www.bignightsandiego.com/

December 31, Kids’ New Year’s Eve at Legoland A one-of-a-kind Kids’ New Year’s Eve Party. The party kicks off at 3:00 pm with fun entertainment in Miniland as we countdown to the new year. Mini revelers will receive party favors including glow necklaces, fireworks viewing glasses and noisemakers. Enjoy a fireworks extravaganza at 6:00 pm. It’s a New Year’s the kids will never forget. See website for ticket prices. Time: 3:00 pm ‚ 7:00 pm Location: Legoland, One Legoland Dr., Carlsbad For more information visit http://california.legoland.com/

The holiday time is not typically known as the best time to list a home for sale, but it actually can be advantageous. Buyers out looking for homes during the holiday times tend to be very serious buyers; add to that the fact that inventory is typically at it’s lowest during the holidays, which means less competition and more bargaining power. So if you are serious about selling the holidays can be a great time to attract buyers, although you should follow a few simple steps to make sure your home looks the best it can be.

1. Simplify decorations. During the holidays many of us tend to have fun with holiday decor. The key to making your home look great for buyers, while at the same time allowing you to celebrate the holidays, is simplicity. Go ahead and put your tree in the home, hang the stockings…but remember that you don’t want to over-do it. Buyers need to be able to imagine their own holiday celebrations in the house.

The same rule applies for outside decorations as well. The key is to be festive, without being the home on the block that people come to see from towns far away! Avoid big inflatable decor that takes up yard space.

2. Avoid gift clutter. I don’t know about you, but during this time of year I not only have presents laying around for my kids, but I also have a stash of gifts (some wrapped, some awaiting wrapping) laying around for family, friends and colleagues. Usually there are a few rolls of wrapping paper and ribbon nearby too. It is important to make sure these gifts are stashed away during showings and open houses. Keep in mind that gifts under the Christmas tree take up floor space and give an air of a cluttered room.

3. Minimize odors. Many people like the abundance of holiday smells–pine, baked goods, holiday candles. Keep in mind that although they may smell good to you a potential buyer may not like them. It also may make buyers think you are trying to mask odors if there are too many strong smells in the home. Granted, holiday time brings some natural smells like the scent of pine from the tree, but don’t go overboard with a myriad of other scents.

4. Forgo Music. Although it is tempting to pipe holiday music throughout your home at this time of year, it is wise to refrain from doing so for open houses and showings. Letting buyers experience the quiet in your home is a better bet, especially given the fact that everywhere we go during this time of the year there is holiday music playing. Let them feel that your home is a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of the season.

Although there are times of the year that are considered better times to sell your home, the holidays can be as advantageous a time if you stage and market accordingly. Talk to your Realtor about other great ideas you can implement to make your home attract those serious buyers. Happy Holidays!

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year…spending time with my family, great food, relaxation, no gifts or pressure. The four day weekend is pretty nice too! If you are looking for things to do this Thanksgiving holiday in San Diego county you are in luck.

Thanksgiving Day Family Buffet Cruise: Enjoy a traditional holiday meal San Diego style–out on the bay with Hornblower Cruises. The menu looks scrumptious and you’ll enjoy a 2 and a half hour cruise. Boarding time 3:00, cruise is from 3:00-6:00 p.m. Discount tickets are available for seniors and children. For tickets and more information visit https://www.hornblower.com/hce/home/sd.

Thanksgiving Buffet by the Sea in Carlsbad: The Hilton Garden Inn is hosting a traditional Thanksgiving Day dinner from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Seating is limited so call 760-476-0800.

Town and Country Resort Thanksgiving Dinner: Another wonderful traditional buffet dinner for those who prefer to be on land. 3:00-6:00p.m. For more information and reservations visit www.towncountry.com.

Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines Resort Thanksgiving Dinner: For those with a refined palate, this dinner menu sounds delicious. 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Torreyana Grille. http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/SANTPHH-Hilton-La-Jolla-Torrey-Pines-California/index.do.

Holiday of Lights at the Del Mar Fairgrounds: If you have never been this is a treat, especially for the children. A beautiful light show viewed from the comfort of your car–pile up the family and enjoy the show. Opens Thanksgiving day through January 4. http://www.sdfair.com/holidayoflights/

First Annual San Diego Holiday Arts Festival: Come on over to the Del Mar Fairgrounds on Friday, November 26-Sunday, November 28, for an incredible display of holiday arts and crafts, musicians, circus acts, performances and more. 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10:00-5:00 Sunday. http://thingstodo.signonsandiego.com/del-mar-ca/events/show/152815825-1st-annual-san-diego-holiday-arts-festival

Father Joe’s Villages Thanksgiving Day 5K Run: Thanksgiving Day at 8:00 a.m. in Balboa Park. Proceeds go to feed the homeless. http://thingstodo.signonsandiego.com/san-diego-ca/events/show/110370425-father-joes-villages-thanksgiving-day-5k

Run for the Hungry, by Jewish Family Service and San Diego Food Bank. 7-10:00 a.m. at Petco Park. Join this 9th annual 10k/5k run/walk. http://www.kathyloperevents.com/hungry/

These are just some of the events going on throughout San Diego this Thanksgiving holiday, so get out there and enjoy!