A master planned community situated along the rolling hills of Southern California and facing the coastal shores of the Pacific Ocean, Carmel Valley in San Diego, CA embodies the epitome of a dream residential community. Meticulously designed to preserve natural landscapes and embrace the picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean, Carmel Valley offers a range of exceptional offerings that make it highly sought-after.

Nestled along the pristine coast of the Pacific Ocean, Del Mar is a quintessential Southern California beach town where the only thing you won't find is a dull moment. In whichever way you like to have a good time–whether that's lounging on the beach, hiking through scenic trails, or discovering new restaurants, it holds plenty of promise for everyone. Here are some of the best things to do in and around Del Mar, CA.

Are you planning to buy a home in a luxury golf community? If you’re partial to California, the town of Rancho Santa Fe is one of the best spots worth checking, particularly The Bridges Club at Rancho Santa Fe.

San Diego County is known for its laid-back culture which largely revolves around beachfront living. But there’s more to the area beyond surfing and soaking in the sun with breathtaking views of the ocean. 

The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe checks all the boxes of the ideal golf community and playground. Nestled in the foothills of Southern California’s coastal canyons, just a little over 30 minutes from Downtown San Diego, this exclusive neighborhood was built around the prestigious The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe Golf Course, considered one of the best golf courses not only in North San Diego but also in the entire United States.

At 2,649, California takes the crown for the state with the most spas. If you're planning on visiting a spa in Southern California soon, you don't want to spend a lot of time weeding out spas that don't offer the quality services you're looking for. That's why we're here to provide you with a spa guide that details exactly what you should look for. So kick back, relax, and read on to discover the best spas in Southern California.

What Is a Spa?

We might conjure different images when we think about visiting a spa since it's a pretty broad term. There are also different types of spas. Simply put, a spa is a place that offers manicures, pedicures, facials, massages, and more. Some spas include saunas or jacuzzis or other specialized amenities.

Karma Relaxation Spa

If you live in or plan on visiting San Diego, give Karma Relaxation Spa a try. Located in both Hillcrest and Carlsbad, this spa is sure to have the massage style that suits your aches and pains the best. Not only are there twelve options, but you can choose from multiple time limits. If the idea of a massage makes you a little uncomfortable, their quick "Chair/Body" massage lets you stay clothed.

Southern Coast Winery Resort and Spa

A spa that doubles as a winery? Sign us up! Southern Coast Winery in Temecula offers an impressive amount of amenities, including facials, massages, and body polishes. Visiting a spa like this is perfect for a bridal party if you want to do a little pampering before the big day. Or, if you're already married, enjoy one of their couple's massages in a private suite. Not only that, but it's one of the best spas in Southern California because it offers a maternity massage for expecting mothers.

Glen Ivy Spa

Who says spas need to be neat and tidy? The best spa you'll visit is Glen Ivy Spa in Corona because they have what's called "Mud Club." Here, you can indulge yourself in a bath of red clay. This slippery substance is what helps cleanse your skin from impurities and smooth it out. Plus, it's just plain fun.

Burke Williams Day Spa

Burke Williams doesn't have just one spa in Souther California; rather, they offer multiple locations so you can let loose anywhere in Orange County. This is the best spa because they take comfort to the next level. Other than the slippers and robes they provide, enjoy the jacuzzi right inside the locker room area. They're available to you any time you want during your visit.

Spas in Southern California

Spas in Southern California are plentiful, but that doesn't mean they all offer the same range of quality services. Being in close proximity to the best spa is a must-have for anyone looking for their dream home in California. One of the many spas in Southern California is sure to pamper you whenever you need it! Don't wait on getting your search started. If you're ready to find a California home, contact the team today.

Spring has finally arrived! There's nothing more fun and relaxing than watching wildflowers bloom. The key is knowing where to look for the most beautiful wildflowers in the area. Here we take a look at the best places to find Southern California wildflowers so that you can enjoy nature at its finest. Keep reading to learn more.

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch

Located right here in San Diego, The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch are a quick and easy flower adventure. The typical blooming season is March 1 – May 8.

Point Dume

Point Dume is located on the Pacific Coast Highway about 18 miles west of Santa Monica. This is a gorgeous stretch of beach that offers an amazing view of Santa Monica Bay and the distant Catalina Island. The key to seeing wildflowers in bloom at Point Dume is the hike along the top of the Malibu cliff. This is an area where you discover giant coreopsis turning dusty green to yellow in spring, which is truly a wonder to behold.

Malibu Creek State Park

Malibu Creek State Park is another area with plenty of beautiful wildflowers. It is especially beautiful when winter rains have kept the terrain in the perfect conditions for California flowers to bloom. Devastating fires have altered the surrounding landscape of Malibu Creek State Park, but the beauty remains. The hiking trails will lead you through the hills, where the colors of spring are especially vivid in the morning and late afternoon.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Located outside of San Diego, this 600,000-acre state park provides a wonderland of colorful wildflowers throughout the year, but especially during the spring and summer months. Hiking through Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, you'll enjoy a wide variety of wildflowers, including Desert Chicory, Popcorn Flower, Desert Dandelion, Phacelia, Fiddlenecks, and Pygmy Stonecrop. There's even a wildflower hotline you can call to make sure the wildflowers in the park are currently in bloom. The hotline number is (760) 767-4684.

Laguna Mountain Recreation Area

Laguna Mountain Recreation Area is located in San Diego County and provides terrain that transitions from an arid desert to a mountainous conifer forest environment and features California meadows that almost glow with gorgeous wildflowers. Visitors who come for the Southern California flowers will have the best experience in April and May, when the wildflowers are most abundant. Be sure to hike the Big Laguna Trail, which will take you past Big Laguna Lake. This is a nature-lovers paradise in the San Diego area that will take your breath away.

Finding Southern California Wildflowers

If you're like most people, you never tire of the beauty of nature. That's what makes spring and summer such an amazing time of year. Fortunately, this guide to the best places to find Southern California wildflowers will help make 2022 the best year ever for exploring the great outdoors. Please contact us today to learn how we can help you find the home of your dreams in gorgeous Southern California.

Ever watch a slick bartender mix, shake, and pour drinks in front of a crowd of bedazzled onlookers? Ever wish that could be you behind the counter? It's not as hard as it looks. And with a little practice - and a few good ingredients - you can be the center of attention at your next home gathering. A few signature cocktails are all you need to be the next Tom Cruise in Cocktail. This spring, consider staying at home, enjoying your residence, and mixing up your own drinks. Keep reading to learn the classics everybody should master.

Classic Signature Cocktails

Kicking off our list of feisty spring cocktails are some of the greats. These are strong, signature cocktail recipes that pack a fair punch - so remember to never drink and drive.

Cosmopolitan

The poster child of Sex and the City, the Cosmopolitan is a delightful mix of vodka, Cointreau, cranberry juice, and lime. It's a sweet and simple combination that's always a winner - yes, even for the men. To make a Cosmo, mix two parts vodka to one part Cointreau and lime, and add around the same amount of cranberry juice again. Shake hard over ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Margarita

If tequila is more up your street, you can't go wrong with the classic tequila cocktail. The drink combines the zest of lemon with the earthy tequila flavor and the surprising tang of salt. Shake one part Cointreau to two parts tequila and one part lemon juice or sour mix. It's best to use mid or top-shelf tequila. You'll really notice the difference. Before pouring, take a slice of lemon and swirl it around the mouth of a martini glass. Then flip the glass over and twist it over a small mound of salt to rim it. Garnish with lemon peel if you're feeling adventurous.

Manhattan

For the whisky drinkers, a manhattan is a drink that you can make with minimal cocktail supplies. The flavor is as strong and dark as the whisky you choose. Typically, a Manhattan is made with bourbon, though opt for an Irish whisky if you'd prefer something milder. And yes, this one is stirred and not shaken. Combine two parts whisky with one part sweet (red) vermouth. Stir over ice until cold and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with maraschino cherries if you're feeling classically inclined, or orange peel if you're in a more modern mood.

Hemingway

For something out of left field you can enjoy in your backyard, try a Hemingway. It's a combination of rum with prosecco - or champagne - that makes for a surprisingly sweet, head rush-inducing combination. Shake two parts of brown rum with one part lemon juice and one part Cointreau. Strain into a white wine glass and add a finger's worth of sparkling wine. Garnish with a slice of orange and a maraschino cherry. And remember: Don't shake with carbonates (here, your sparkling wine), or your shaker will explode and you'll shower yourself in your own drink.

Sex on the Beach

For a juicy alternative to the recipes above, go for a Sex on the Beach while you're eyeing Solana Beach. Shake one part peach schnapps to two parts vodka, one part lemon, and a mix of orange and cranberry juice. The more juice you add, the sweeter and taller - and less hangover-inducing - the drink will be. Don't strain this one; serve it with ice to keep it chilled for longer. Garnish with a slice of orange.

Break Out the Boston Shaker

With these signature cocktails, you've got enough to keep yourself busy throughout the spring. And once you've mastered these drinks you'll have a stocked cabinet and a well-practiced shake that's the envy of any professional bartender out there. Contact us for professional consultation about real estate opportunities in the Santa Fe area.

Are you looking for a small residential neighborhood? Are you interested in spending more time playing golf in an exclusive community? Then you need to start looking closely at The Bridges in Rancho Santa Fe. It's a community that's about 30 minutes away from San Diego. Wealthy families searching for a resort-style home find everything on their list there. The average property value is $2 million. The exclusive neighborhood isn't easy to get into. Find out why so many homebuyers are vying for real estate at The Bridges.

The Landscape

Southern California is full of stunning landscapes. The Bridges occupy 550 acres of natural terrain. Vineyards and canyons make up some of the signature features. During droughts, this gated community utilizes the little water it has to preserve the beauty of the countryside. You will always see lush vegetation that includes citrus and olive trees.

The Golf Community

Most residents love spending their time on the golf course. It's an award-winning course with 18 holes and some of the longest tees. The course is much tougher than the average with pars up to 71. Golf legends such as Tiger Woods, Phil Michelson, and more have played at this lavish country club.

Specialty Dining

Some of the best luxury services offered are upscale dining options. In and around The Bridges residents have access to decadent meals with exceptional service. The resort achieves high-quality service by focusing on employee retention and member feedback. Each employee must complete a rigorous training program before they interact with residents. Eligible staff members receive financial rewards and other incentives. This motivates them to best serve club members.

The Schools

Almost half of the residents in Rancho Santa Fe are families who understand the importance of education. The elementary and middle schools are both highly ranked. They boast top scores from the Academic Performance Index (API). In addition to core subjects, there are choices of various extracurriculars. Students can attend the public high school in Del Mar. While there, high-achieving students can participate in advanced programs. Some parents enroll their children in nearby private schools, all of which are rated highly.

Events

One of the perks of living in The Bridges is the numerous events. There are golf tournaments, picnics, and wine tastings all year round. During the holiday season, there are festivities. For Easter, there's an egg hunt that starts with the Easter Bunny arriving by helicopter. There is an abundance of summertime activities in San Diego that your family will love. All these events create a community of life-long friends that will continue to grow.

Look For Real Estate At The Bridges In Rancho Santa Fe

The homes in The Bridges are the peak of luxury resort-style living. There's everything a family could need within the gates of this beautiful community. Breathtaking landscapes merge perfectly with specialty shopping and dining. Golf enthusiasts will have access to an exclusive resort and your children will attend the finest schools. For more real estate guidance related to The Bridges in Rancho Santa Fe, contact us! We'd love to help you find your dream home.

Is your home feeling a little tired? With the new year comes new goals, so why not include your home in this? Your home is your sanctuary, but it also has to play many other roles from home office to leisure spaces. But when it's lacking some of those functions, it can make spending time there less enjoyable. It doesn't have to be like that though! Keep reading for these 5 home upgrades to make in the new year so your space works for you.

1. Add a Home Office

A top home improvement for 2022 is a home office. Not everyone has a spare room they can convert though, but you could build a shed in your yard. It doesn't have to be a cold, wooden box before you worry. Insulate it well, connect it to the power lines and decorate it with your unique flare. Away from the home, you'll get peace and quiet to concentrate. This will give you a relaxing work sanctuary that you can still step away from at the end of the day. It's not inside your home, so it gives the right balance between work and home life.

2. Outside Upgrades

Home renovations aren't confined to inside your property, you shouldn't neglect the exterior. To start, consider giving your home a fresh lick of paint or adding a decked seating area out back. It helps to know what you want to do out in your yard and how you want to use that space. Do you like entertaining guests? Do the kids want a play space? Upgrading your yard to a functional living space is a worthwhile investment. It could boost your home value as buyers like to blend the inside of their homes with the nature outside.

3. Upgrade the Kitchen

Another of the best home upgrades is renovating your kitchen. Whether it's a small home repair or a full new kitchen with all the bells and whistles it's worth it. You will get a more functional space you'll want to use, and if you need to sell, it'll attract buyers. Buy new appliances and change from electric to gas. If you have the room, consider adding a kitchen island to provide a hub for your kitchen space. Use a triangle design for your major functions, to make sure you get from fridge to cooker to sink with ease.

4. Upgrades For the Future

With more emphasis on sustainability, consider future-proofing your home. You can add keyless entries for better security, upgrade to energy-efficient windows. You could even go solar! These upgrades help save you money on your energy bills and also make you feel more secure in your home. But they're also attractive to buyers should you sell your home. Solar panels are especially attractive features and can add $6,000 per kilowatt of panels.

5. Renew the Bathroom

Not much beats a relaxing bath at the end of a busy day. Or maybe your family has grown, and it's time for the second bathroom you talked about for years. If you have the space, why not add a sauna or a hot tub. Whether it's a luxury bathroom upgrade or a functional one, it'll make living in your home so much more enjoyable.

Home Upgrades to Start the New Year With a Bang

So, there you have it! Now you know these top home upgrades to make in the new year, get planning now! Whether you're planning on selling or you want to enjoy your home more, it all starts with function. Once a space functions for your needs, you can start adding in the extra luxuries that make your home unique. For more home improvements tips both you and buyers will love, check out our blog today. We've got tips and tricks for all your home improvement needs.

The average American spends a little over $60 on holiday decorations every year. With your house strewn with beautiful decor, it's impossible not to get in the holiday spirit! Holiday decorations go a long way to creating a cozy home atmosphere. Just imagine the scene: a log fire burning, holly and ivy decorating your lounge, the scent of mulled wine wafting in... If you're wondering how you can create the perfect holiday ambiance this year, you're in the right place. Keep reading as we share our top tips for getting your home ready for the holidays!

Pick a Theme

When decorating your home for the holidays, you should aim to make an impact while maintaining an overall theme. Many people choose to limit their holiday decorations to a general color scheme. Red and gold, or a metallic theme are both popular and stylish options. Alternatively, you might want to choose a playful theme like candy canes, the North Pole, snowy mountains, or even lumberjack! If you're feeling adventurous, why not pick one theme per room to give each space a unique feel.

Focus On the Most Visible Spaces

Getting your home decor ready for the holidays might seem overwhelming, and you may not have the budget to go all-out. We'd recommend starting with the most visible areas of the house that will make the biggest impact. For example, a wreath on your front door, a tree in your living room, and some ivy on your staircase might be good areas to start with.

Make Time Now to Declutter

One of the best ways to create an inviting home is to clean up excessive clutter. We all know the holiday season is hectic, so try to find the time now to get ahead of this busy time of the year. Decluttering is also an important stage of preparing for house viewings if you want to sell your home. If you're hoping to buy a new house in the new year, check out our top factors to consider.

Add the Little Touches

Finally, don't forget the little details that help create a cute home for the holidays. Light some candles with your favorite seasonal smells, such as cinnamon, apple cider, and peppermint. Stockings are a must-have for your mantle, and you can swap out everyday household items for their holiday equivalents. Think cookie tins, cushions, and coffee mugs!

That's How You Can Create a Warm and Cozy Home

Once your cozy home is all decked out, you can snuggle up with your family and appreciate what the holiday period is all about: spending time with loved ones. Thanks to the tips we've shared here, your guests and neighbors will also find your home to be inviting and warm. If you're considering buying or selling your home during the holiday period or in the new year, The Jackson Team is here to help.  Reach out to us with any questions you have and we'll be thrilled to share our expertise with you.

Did you know that out of all generations, Gen Xers make up the largest percentage of both home sellers and buyers? No matter your age, selling a home is a stressful process. The real estate market is more competitive than ever, and even the smoothest of sales require hours of preparation. However, one of the best ways to sell your home quickly is by using home staging services. But what exactly are the benefits of home staging? And is it really worth it? We're here to fill you in. Keep reading below to learn five ways home staging can support you when selling your home.

1. Make It Easy for the Buyer

When a home is cluttered with a seller's personal decor, it can be difficult for potential buyers to envision themselves living there. Home stagers often use neutral-colored pieces to allow buyers to more easily visualize themselves in a home. While this applies to in-home tours, it's also true for online photos. A home stager will arrange a room to get the best possible photos to post for your listing. Since that's the first thing many buyers see when searching for homes, it's important that they get a more objective view of the space.

2. Relieve Some of Your Stress

Let's face it—not all of us are cut out for interior design. Since home stagers are experienced designers, you won't have to worry about driving away buyers with any eclectic decor taste. Home staging removes the burden of designing appealing room setups. Plus, many real estate agents work with home stagers and can offer you the best recommendations. With this weight lifted off your shoulders, you'll have more time to focus on other tasks like packing or working with contractors.

3. Sell Your Home More Quickly and for a Better Price

Did you know that homes that are staged sell 72% more quickly than those that aren't? If you want to move ASAP, it's important to stage your home and draw in buyers. Even if you're in no rush to move, a staged home can get you a better-priced offer. After all, the longer your house sits on the market, the more likely it is that you'll have to drop the price.

4. Highlight Your Strong Points

Among a sea of other homes for sale, it's important to stand out. It's critical to emphasize what makes your home unique. Home stagers use furniture and decor to highlight the best features of a home. For example, you wouldn't want to use towering furniture in a room with a chandelier. In this case, a home stager would use short and stout furniture to keep the buyer's eye on the star of the show: the chandelier.

Discover the Benefits of Home Staging

Sellers don't hesitate to pay for repairs and refurbishment. However, home staging is an equally worthwhile investment. With the guide above, you'll begin to learn how home staging can take your home to the next level and get you a buyer quickly. Need help selling your home? The Jackson Team works with you every step of the way to find the right buyer. We're committed to making your home-selling journey as smooth as possible, so contact our team today to get started!