My Blog

What an amazing trip!  India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Singapore and Hong Kong.  Part cruise - part land, from takeoff to touchdown back at LAX, a incredible mix. The Journey I have always loved the journey as much as the destination. At 40,000 feet, any food tastes marvelous, any seat feels temporary, and time loosens its grip. Departure itself is the luxury. This trip began in Dubai — all glass, scale, and precision — before dropping me into Mumbai, where beauty and [...]

Since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law, many are concerned about the impact this tax reform plan will have on them. To help explain some of the major provisions affecting housing in California, C.A.R. (California Association of Realtors) has created various one-sheet handouts detailing the impact that this tax reform plan may have on first-time buyers, home sellers, homeowners, and REALTORS®. There also are sheets that provide examples of how a first-time buyer's taxes may [...]

I am in 2 book clubs (one monthly 1 quarterly) and for the most part enjoy ALL the books I am called upon to read.  Here are a few of them that stand out and that I really enjoyed. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig - I found this book an enchanting read and thought provoking Somewhere out beyond the edge of the universe there is a library that contains an infinite number of books, each one the story of [...]

What a year 2024 was! While some people were busy racking up steps on their fitness trackers, I was busy racking up miles—air miles, cruise miles, and countless unforgettable experiences. Let’s dive into my whirlwind journey across the globe! What’s especially helpful in keeping track of my travels is The Cruise Globe website and app. ✈️ Flying High: 31,180 Miles Above the Earth Nine flights, one ultra-long haul marathon, and enough air miles to make a frequent flyer jealous! Some [...]

People often ask what are the best home upgrades in to increase value and maximize return on investment.  Let’s take a look at these suggestions for 2025: The Best Home Upgrades in 2025 to Increase Value and Maximize Return on Investment If you're looking to boost your home's value in 2025 and maximize the return on investment (ROI) when selling, focusing on strategic upgrades is key. The real estate market is ever-changing, but some home improvements consistently offer strong [...]

I often take a red eye from LAX to board a cruise ship the next day in Fort Lauderdale. This April I spent 2 nights there in a charming mid-century hotel (Kimpton Shorebreak) in a equally charming mid-century beach enclave and enjoyed Yoga on the beach one morning. I visited Bonnet house, a historic artists' estate unpretentiously unique from the early 20th century, beautifully preserved amongst condos and resort hotels. Celebrity Ascent is an impressive ship, my ride across [...]

Renovating your home doesn't have to break the bank, especially with the possibility of a recession in 2025. Homeowners and renters alike can undertake various budget-friendly upgrades to refresh their living spaces without significant expenses. Here are some ideas to enhance your home: Refresh with Paint A fresh coat of paint can dramatically transform a room's appearance. Consider painting accent walls or updating trim and doors. For renters, peel-and-stick paints are available, allowing you to personalize your space without [...]

Hinted at in my December 2024 quarterly newsletter, this amazing adventure to the South Pacific with could-not-be-easier step on/step off at my home port - Los Angeles.  The trip was 33 days (laptop always with me to remote work!) and took in Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji, & Tahiti. The following is a "diary” of text posts to my family which they actually requested! Hope you enjoy the highlights with accompanying pictures... November 3rd, Day 4 of 33 …. at sea en [...]

Every winter, the world’s design authorities share their color choices for the upcoming year. One of the top firms in this space, Pantone, just announced that its 2025 Color of the Year is Mocha Mousse (17-1230) and described it this way: “A warming, brown hue imbued with richness. It nurtures us with its suggestion of the delectable qualities of chocolate and coffee, answering our desire for comfort.” And who couldn’t use some comfort this season? Is this a color you’d embrace for [...]