Marin County

Repurpose, Reuse, Recycle...That Ol' Piano!

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Not long ago my younger sister was trying to lighten her load for moving.  She had a lovely, but very old upright piano that barely worked.  For almost a month, we tried donating it to every organization we could think of, also to piano refurbishers, to music stores, put it on Craigslist under "Free," on Freecycle and on and on.  We couldn't get anyone to even come look at it.  They all said they already had more than they needed or they weren't interested.
 
She finally had to pay a guy to have it hauled away.  So sad for sure!
 
Fast forward a few months and I happen to find a Pinterest board dedicated to repurposing old pianos.  Such a great idea that I just wanted to share!
 
So,...

Using Color In Your Home ..Spring 2016!

Spring is just around the corner and people are feeling adventurous, bright, happy and ready to get moving again!  Many home designers are translating that by using bold colors balanced by softer tones that translate into vibrant yet calming rooms in homes!

You have and you love your white walls?  That's ok, just use some bold colors and patterns to give it a very lively personality.  Pick just a few colors and by adding it into some pillows and/or chair cushions, maybe some artwork, candles and fresh flowers that match, you will make everyone who walks into the room smile!  Here's some examples of using some bold colors against the white walls:

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Congratulations Novato and San Rafael!!!

AARP, formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons, just came out with its annual list for the most livable, friendly and healthy American cities and neighborhoods for people over 50 and guess which town came up as the best small city for staying healthy - Novato, CA. San Francisco came in at number one for large cities - not bad company.

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The reasons cited...

Marin County's Farmers Markets!

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It's that time again....the time when many come out to any of the many Farmer's Markets in Marin County.  Although some run year-round, others are seasonal.

The markets offer local and nearby grown fresh produce, flowers, bakery goods, local food trucks, music, as well as arts& crafts and kid zones...not to mention the great and eclectic mix of shoppers!  It's a fun place to run into old friends and make new friends while strolling the markets, munching on free samples and just being outside!

Since you can find a market every day of the week, I've assembled the list below for ease in finding ones you'd like.  I invite to try them all throughout...

Gas Fireplace Inserts: Marin County

Gas Fireplace inserts: Marin County

Do love the warmth and ambiance of a cozy fire but are frustrated by the limitations of your current fireplace, no burn days and the cost and storage of wood? A gas fireplace insert may be a great option for you.

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I've always loved a natural wood fire; the ritual of preparing the fire, the smell and the crackle.  However, I live in an Eichler and my fireplace, like most Eichler's, has a wide opening and a short chimney above...

Be Prepared in Marin!

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Marin County is 521 square miles in size.  Eighty percent (80%) of the county is comprised of wooded lands, parks, water and watershed.  There are 11 cities and 270,000 people living in Marin. We've had a tough couple of drought years and we've all pitched in and done our part to conserve water.   Well, the rains are back.  Thank goodness the rains are back....right?

The first storms of this winter caused some flooding, slick roads and a few mudslides. As the winter rains continue, it is a good reminder to make sure we are all prepared for the unpredictable! If you have taken steps to be prepared already---great!  If not, this is a good time to give yourself and your loved ones a gift---the...

Sold - 145 Harvard, Larkspur in the lovely Hillview Neighborhood

It was my pleasure to assist the sellers of this beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-bath Larkspur turnkey home in the sale. Elegant and comfortable, this home with amazing views of Mt. Tam is centrally located in a very desirable neighborhood.    

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Congratulations to the buyers!

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Truly the Happiest Place on Earth

 

TRULY THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH

The Novato Library is one of Novato's jewels. As a traditional library it has such a fine array of books but it is so much more. Your library card is a magic passport to so many adventures and services and it is FREE.

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There are a wide variety of story times, book clubs plus many ever-changing events for all ages. You can also find LARGE-type books, books on CD, DVDs, magazines and newspapers and some music CDs.

One of my favorite sections is the shelf on the left once you...

Terra Linda...The Northern Area of San Rafael

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In 1874, San Rafael began as a sleepy city of 160 acres and 600 residents.  By 1880, the population had reached 2,276.  It became the county's government seat and grew to a population of 8,570 by 1940.  The north end of San Rafael, the area now known as Terra Linda, was largely ranch and dairy land.   Most of this area was owned by the Manuel T. Freitas family, a Portugese family who owned and operated a large dairy.

The Terra Linda area came into being in 1954.  A gentleman, Cal Wheeler, began building what was called The Terra Linda Master Plan, a planned community which included a shopping center (The Terra Linda Shopping Center), homes, community sites and local school sites.  After World War II, in the 1950's and 1960s, young veterans were able to use their G.I. loans to...