Long Beach

December 29, 2014  by

Resolutions to Make (and Keep) in Your Long Beach Home

Let Pamela and Ric with The Boutique Real Estate Group help you buy or sell a Long Beach home. Keep your resolutions in 2015 and explore Long Beach.

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New Years Day is the time to make resolutions. Our good intentions have mostly petered out by February. Make this the year you keep your resolutions by taking a different approach. You live in a beautiful Long Beach home, but how often do you explore your city? Let this be the year you find some of the quirky shops and fun eateries the city is known for. Get acquainted with the arts scene. Or maybe this is the year you’re really going to make your home a sanctuary. We have a few suggestions to get you going.

Attending the 2nd Saturday Art Walk in Downtown Long Beach can help you start to know your city better. The East Village Art District is full of galleries, shops, and restaurants. For the Art Walk, they all stay open later than usual. There are many local artists exhibiting their work. You may find the perfect piece for your Long Beach home.

Head down to 4th Street, also known as Retro Row, for incredible vintage finds. Several shops specialize in vintage furniture. Deja Vu focuses on Mid-century Modern and Danish Modern. They will also help you design a home bar with custom upholstery. Inrestrospect was named Best Vintage Store in the OC Weekly’s Best of 2014 issue. Check out the collection of clothing, LPs, furniture, and decorations. Your house should reflect you. Unusual vintage items set your house apart and really make it your space.

New Years resolutions usually include something about losing weight or exercising more. Instead of going to the gym, how about visiting the El Dorado Nature Center. Studies are showing how important it is for people to be in nature. Stress levels decrease and a feeling of well being increases. The El Dorado Nature Center is a lovely place to go for a walk or a jog. There are also classes that focus on gardening with native California plants, yoga, birdwatching, and more. Become a Friend of El Dorado Nature Center to support its work and for access to fascinating members-only events.

We hope this gives you a good start for a 2015 that will be fulfilling and fun!

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November 13, 2014  by

Top 10 Luxury Gifts For Long Beach Residents

Written by: Pamela and Ric Dizon

See Pamela and Ric from The Boutique Real Estate Group for great luxury gifts to give to the Long Beach residents on your list.

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Thanksgiving is just a few days away, and that means that holiday gift giving is about to begin. For Long Beach residents who need some especially nice gifts, we’ve assembled our favorite luxury gifts this season.

1. A fine watch. A classic watch from Rolex, Bulova, Omega or other fine watchmakers makes a great gift, as it can be used for years. Fine watches are also often heirlooms that are cherished for generations. Try one of Long Beach’s local jewelers, such as McCarty’s, for great selection and knowledgable staff.

2. Local craft beer or wine. Long Beach residents are fortunate to have several great wine and beer shops close by. Friendly staff who love sharing tips on the best wines and beers will be happy to help you find the perfect bottle.Try Public Beer and Wine Shop for advice.

3. Speaking of beverages for adults, why not find a bottle of aged Scotch? Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Whisky is one of Scotland’s oldest brands, carefully hand-crafted since the 1840s.

4. Of course, Long Beach is best known for its gorgeous beaches. Try Diane’s Beachwear for luxurious beach towels, great hats and sunglasses, and other fine accessories.

5. Create a luxury picnic set with a sturdy picnic basket, fun dishes, a pretty table cloth, and bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne. Round out the gift with tasty crackers and some nice cheeses or a gift certificate to Olives Gourmet Grocer in Belmont Heights.

6. Some people really don’t want extra things in their home but would love a membership for a museum or other institution. The Long Beach Museum of Art has an extensive permanent collection and many fascinating special exhibitions throughout the year. Click here for information on memberships.

7. The Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden at Cal State Long Beach is one of Long Beach’s beautiful outdoor spaces. A membership to the garden is a wonderful gift. The recipient can take an hour or two and relax in the tranquility created by the Zen principles followed in the landscape design. Visit the Japanese Garden’s website here.

8. For theatre lovers on your list, purchase a subscription for the 2015 season of the International City Theatre. Subscribers can attend 5 shows and receive discounts at fine local restaurants. Visit ictlongbeach.org for more information.

9. The Queen Mary is one of Long Beach’s most famous landmarks. The gift of a night in one of the original state rooms makes a great gift. There are several overnight packages, which include special tours of the ship. Visit queenmary.com to choose the right vacation.

10. The Long Beach Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 80th anniversary with a Classical Series performing classic literature with world-class musicians and soloists. A gift of tickets to a classical or a pops concert makes a wonderful gift. Visit lbso.org to see the season schedule.

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