The Living Desert
This weekend has a lot of cool things in store for Palm Springs residents, tourists and those in town to look at homes for sale in La Quinta, Rancho Mirage or one of the other desert cities.
On Saturday, July 19 from 10 am to 5 pm, the Palm Desert High School will host the Nine Cities Challenge Blood Drive. The desert community will be out in full force to show support and donate blood in this second annual event, during which the nine desert cities will compete to see which community can obtain the most donations. Donors receive refreshments and a t-shirt recognizing their participation. The event takes place in the gymnasium at the Palm Desert High School, which is located at 74910 Aztec Road, off Cook Street in Palm Desert. For more information, please call Desert Blood Services at 760.777.8844 ext. 263.
On Saturday night from 7:45 to 9:15 pm, the National Monument Visitor Center will host a very unique event: Night Adventures in the National Monument. Participants will be led though the dark by the National Monument’s biologists to see some of the desert’s amazing creatures of the night, such as bats, owls, lizards, geckos, scorpions, spiders tarantulas and jackrabbits, using black lights and bat detecting equipment. Those who attend will learn interesting facts about bat facts and other local species. This family event is limited to 25 participants. RSVP by calling 760.862.9984.
On Sunday, July 20, bring the whole family to cool down at National Ice Cream Day at The Living Desert. This unique desert zoo and botanical garden is a must-see for anyone considering homes for sale in La Quinta or the other desert cities—and what better to enjoy it than with ice cream from Ben & Jerry’s in celebration of National Ice Cream Day. The event takes place from 8 am to 1:30 pm.
On Sunday from 2 to 4 pm, the Arthur Newman Theatre will feature European singer and actress Maria Elena Infantino in From Piaf To Mambo Italiano. Joel Baker is the Music Director of this incredible one-woman show.
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School’s out, the snowbirds are gone and there are lots of fun ways to enjoy the rest of your week here in the Coachella Valley. If you’re in town on vacation, live here year round or are looking at homes for sale in Indio, Rancho Mirage, La Quinta or one of the other picturesque desert cities, you have a diverse array of options when it comes to entertainment this weekend.
On Wednesday, June 25 from 6 to 8:30 pm, Mario’s Italian Café will host Paint, Sip & Inspire, a fun way to learn how to paint and create your own beautiful masterpiece. Paint, Sip & Inspire brings painting supplies and instruction to locations all around town, and will even come to your home or corporate event. It’s a great way to have fun with friends and family while creating something special. Mario’s Italian Café is located at 73-155 Highway 111 in Palm Desert.
The Coachella Valley Repertory will present a dynamic, cabaret-style performance this weekend called Laughter, Love & Lunacy. The innovative concert will feature “songs you can or can’t take seriously. The performance takes place at The Attrium in Rancho Mirage, located at 69930 Highway 111 in Suite 116. Show times are Friday, June 27 and Saturday, June 28 from 7 to 9 pm, Sunday, June 29 from 2 to 4 pm.
On Saturday, June 28 from noon to 2 pm and 3 to 5 pm, the Annenberg Theater presents an exciting event for all ages to enjoy: The Super Scientific Circus. An array of fun effects including ultraviolet light, sonic booms, aerodynamics, boomerangs, bull whips, beach balls and bubbles will show just how fun science can be. Located at 101 North Museum Drive in Palm Springs, the Annenberg Theater is a must-see for anyone contemplating homes for sale in Indio, La Quinta or any of the other desert cities.
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If you’ve been looking at equestrian properties in the Coachella Valley, you’ve probably been focused on finding enough acreage for your horse, a barn and stables. Yet there are many other factors to consider that are often overlooked until too late—appropriate access for vehicles and horses is one of the most crucial.
Access roads for the property surrounding equestrian homes should be wide enough to accommodate your vehicles and trailers, as well as those for larger trailers—you never know when you may need a visit from a veterinarian who specializes in large animals. Plus, down the line you may purchase another horse or two, and would need to accept delivery from a much larger trailer than the one you own. Or you may sell a horse, which again, may require another trailer to access your stables.
Whether you’re searching for La Quinta real estate or are thinking about other areas of the valley, another important factor to consider is if the road provides enough room for the trailers to turn around safely and comfortably. Also, will there be enough parking for one or more trailers, while also leaving space for turning around? You don’t want a traffic jam to occur on your own property.
You’ll also want to consider the road’s actual surface. If you’re looking at graveled roads, keep in mind that maintenance will include filling in potholes and replenishing the gravel that diminishes over time. While those searching for La Quinta real estate properties will enjoy the warmer desert climate overall, there will be some times that area experiences a little bit of rain—in that case, keep in mind that gravel roads can produce a messy brand of mud when wet. If that’s an issue for you, you may want to consider resurfacing the road.
There’s a lot of thought that goes into purchasing equestrian properties in the Coachella Valley —the road into them requires thoughtful consideration. Once that you’ve found the perfect match, the experience is beyond rewarding!
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The Let’s Go Science Show
Summer is around the corner—and there is plenty to do to celebrate this weekend. If you’re looking for homes for sale in La Quinta, Rancho Mirage or Indian Wells, you’ll have plenty of options for enjoying your downtime. Keep in mind, every week there are great things for the whole family to enjoy throughout the Coachella Valley, no matter what the season.
On Saturday, from noon to 2 pm and again from 3 to 5 pm, the Annenberg Theater will host the unique and entertaining Let’s Go Science Show. Featuring two legends of the circus, Professor Smart and Ms. Knowitall, this production provides a wacky and fun-filled education of how things work. Audience interaction, awesome scenery and innovative illusions make this the ultimate in science and physics lessons. The Annenberg Theater is a local favorite and a must-see for those in town to find homes for sale in La Quinta, Rancho Mirage or Indian Wells.
On Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7, Kathy Griffin will perform her live comedy act at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino. On Sunday, June 8 from 2 to 4 pm, the legendary folk rock band America will perform at the Spotlight 29 Casino.
On Sunday, from 2 to 4 pm, Francesca Amari & Gilmore Rizzo in: “A Couple of Swells” will perform hits by famous duos at the Arthur Newman Theater. You will hear tribute performances of music from renowned duos such as Sonny & Cher, Donny & Marie, Lucy & Desi, Kermitt & Miss Piggy, and George & Gracie, among others.
On Sunday, the Annenberg Theater will host a performance of Dance with Miss Lindsay presents: Broadway Bound from 3 to 5 pm and again from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. This exciting show features The Palm Springs Dance Group, which includes dancers ranging from age three to adult, performing a bevy of classic favorites, such as “The Wiz,” “Singin’ In The Rain,” “Chicago,” “Broadway Baby,” “On Your Toes,” Who Cares,” “42nd Street,” and “Beauty and the Beast,” among many others.
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Homeowner’s Insurance
Once you’ve found your own slice of heaven in the form of Palm Desert, Indian Wells or La Quinta real estate, there are other essential items to take care of—one of the most important is to obtain your homeowner’s insurance policy. The majority of the time, lenders require their clients to buy one, but if they don’t, it’s still something we highly recommend purchasing so that you can protect one of the most important investments you’ll make in your lifetime.
Whether you invest in La Quinta real estate or property in another part of the country, it makes perfect sense to protect something as important as the home you own. Once you’ve already complete a transaction as complex as buying a new home, obtaining a homeowner’s policy is easy. It’s very similar to other types of insurance—you will need to meet the company’s policy requirements and pay regular premiums. Once you do this, the company you sign up with guarantees to reimburse losses from any damage that falls under their policy.
Basic policies typically protect against damage to your property that is caused by weather or a home disaster, such as a fire, wind, lighting and hail storms, in addition to vandalism and robbery. Most policies include reimbursement for any costs associated with your family having to leave the premises due to the damage and repair time, such as meals out and the cost of a hotel. Most companies do not include earthquake and flood damage in a basic policy, though many offer it as a separate policy, especially in California. Most policies also protect homeowners against lawsuits filed against homeowners by parties claiming they suffered injury on the owner’s property.
Even if you buy your home outright or your lender doesn’t require it, homeowner’s insurance is one of the best ways to protect your real estate investment.
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If you’re in town this weekend to scope out La Quinta real estate or homes in another part of the Palm Springs Valley, you’re in store for some exciting entertainment, especially if you’re a music lover. Check out the weekend lineup in the desert cities for just a sampling of what the entire season has to offer.
On Saturday March 29 from 10 to 4 pm, The Coachella Valley History Museum Presents: Heritage Festival will be in full swing. Located at the Coachella Valley History Museum, the event celebrates the diverse heritage of the early settlers of the Coachella Valley. There will be multicultural food, unique works by local artisans, children’s activities and entertainment for the entire family to enjoy. On Saturday from 5:15 to 7 pm, The Gardens on El Paseo will host Concerts in the Gardens: Will Donato – Jazz Saxophonist. The evening begins with a wine and cheese reception before an unforgettable concert in the beautiful outdoors.
On Sunday, March 30 from 11 am to 1 pm, the Music in the Gardens on Sunday will take place at the Sunnylands Center and Gardens. Being picnics and enjoy the beautiful weather during this amazing experience. Also on Sunday, the Shadow Mountain Resort & Club hosts Desert Concorso from 9 am to 4 pm. Presented by Concorso Italiano, this new lifestyle event celebrates European fashion, automobiles, music, food and style—it’s a great way for those in town to view La Quinta real estate can get a taste of the lifestyle and culture that is so prevalent in Palm Springs.
Also on Sunday, the Indian Wells Theater at CSUSB in Palm Desert will feature Remembering Buddy Rich. Performed by one of the desert’s most renowned entertainers, Frank DiSalvo, this concert pays homage to the man known as “the king of drummers,” Buddy Rich.
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Did you recently find your dream piece of La Quinta real estate and are moving in soon? Or did you sell your Indio real estate or home in another part of the Coachella Valley and have to move out? No matter if you’re moving in or moving out, packing and preparing is an arduous task. Read on for some tips and guidelines for the best way to get your clothes from your old closet to the new one.
Hopefully, you’ve outgrown your college days where best practices consisted of stuffing all of your belongings into garbage bags and transporting it all in the back of a truck. If you have grown up and are about to move into your new La Quinta real estate, it’s better to be organized about transporting your things, especially your clothing.
When it comes to your dresser, it makes the most sense to use regular boxes and clearly label them for each drawer, so that you can easily put everything back inside when you get to your new digs. If all the items inside are lightweight, you may be able to move the dresser as is.
For all the clothing hanging in your closet, if you fold and label the contents of your closet systematically into boxes, you can avoid wrinkling all your clothes and having the hassle of taking them off and putting them back on hangers. If you choose this route, make sure to layer tissue or packing paper in between and around your clothes to keep them as clean and organized as possible. Another good option is to pack some of your clothes into your luggage—this is an excellent way to multitask as you move, since both the luggage and clothes need to go to your new residence.
However, the most ideal way to move your clothes is transport them in wardrobe boxes, which are long cardboard boxes stocked with a metal bar to hang your clothes on. You can simply transfer your clothes into the box while they are still on hangers, which will make life so much easier when you get to your gorgeous new piece of Indio real estate and are ready to set up your dream closet.
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The award-winning La Quinta Arts Festival (LQAF) is here! Recognized by art patrons and artists from all over the country as one of the best art festivals in the country, LQAF starts this Thursday, March 6 and runs through Sunday, March 9, from 10 am to 5 pm on both days. It’s the perfect time to visit the beautiful, bucolic town, especially if you’re interested in La Quinta real estate or Palm Springs homes for sale in any other of the desert cities.
The 32nd Annual LQAF takes place at the stunning setting of La Quinta’s Civic Center Campus, located at 78495 Calle Tampico. Every year, artists from all over the country, as well as visitors and owners of La Quinta real estate and the surrounding areas, flock to the town’s signature event to enjoy the cultural enrichment and opportunities that make this festival so renowned. The festival was recently ranked #1 in the Nation 2014, as well as the #1 Fine Art Festival and # 1 Fine Craft Festival in the Nation by Art Fair SourceBook, the definitive guide for art and craft fairs in the United States. LQAF is the first arts show to receive this dual distinction.
The LQAF has become one of the Palm Springs Valley’s premier attractions, with people coming from all over the state to attend this vibrant cultural event. In addition to the myriad of unforgettable art, there is something for people of all ages to enjoy, including live entertainment, food, wine and beer.
The LQAF is produced by the La Quinta Arts Foundation, in partnership with the City of La Quinta. The acclaimed event raises funds for the Foundation’s non-profit mission—promoting and cultivating the arts. It’s an excellent time for those who are interested in Palm Springs homes for sale to get a taste of the thriving arts community in the Coachella Valley.
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Spring is right around the corner, which means it’s the perfect time to start your spring cleaning efforts, especially if you’re planning to list your Rancho Mirage or La Quinta real estate. Performing a deep cleaning and getting started with de-cluttering will help you prepare for the process of depersonalizing and staging your home.
Schedule cleaning time. First assess your home and determine what needs to be done. Then estimate how much time you think it will take and then schedule some time to get it done. The goods news is, this is your project and you can do it at your own pace. Set aside two full days or a couple of hours each day—do whatever works best for you. The important thing is to set a deadline and stick to the schedule so that when you do decide to list your La Quinta real estate, you’ll already be moving down the path towards staging.
Go room by room. Many find that the most effective way to tackle anything from doing a basic spring cleaning to preparing Palm Springs homes for sale is to go room by room. Start with the most important rooms, such as the living room, and focus on it at first. Next is probably going to be the dining room, then the kitchen, and so on.
Stockpile your essentials. Before you tackle the clutter, make sure you have all the supplies you need. Start with cleaning supplies and tools, such as rags, sponges and wipes, a mop, broom, dustpan, vacuum and duster. You’ll also want deep cleansers for all the surfaces in the house, as well as stain remover and floor waxes for hardwood floors. Get boxes for storing items that you don’t need in eyesight and a large supply of garbage bags for getting rid of all the clutter.
Start cleaning. Wipe all your surfaces and start deep cleaning all the cabinets, pantry and refrigerator. Throw away the items in the pantry that are old and you don’t need. The hit the bathrooms, clean the floors throughout the house and so on. It’s a process that we all should do, from happy new homeowners to those listings Palm Springs homes for sale.
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This week is kicking off strong with a wide range of performances that will enthrall music lovers who are in town to visit friends and loved ones or who are here to look at La Quinta homes for sale. The gamut of sounds will be represented over the next few days.
On Monday, February 24 from 8 to 10 pm, the McCallum Theatre will host the “Tribute to Glenn Miller and the Vocal Groups Featuring the Tex Beneke Orchestra,” in honor of the country’s greatest bandleader, the one and only Glenn Miller. The performance features special guests The Four Aces and Mary Lou Metzger. The McCallum Theatre is a favorite of everyone who owns Palm Desert real estate and lives in the area—and this is an event you won’t want to miss.
On Tuesday, February 25 from 7 to 9 pm, the St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church will host Canadian pianist and organist duo, Duo Majoya, in a concert to remember. Presented by Desert Friends of Music, husband and wife duo, Marnie Giesbrecht and Joachim Segger, will perform an eclectic and innovative in a broad range of original, commissioned and arranged works. There will be a champagne reception directly afterwards. Admission is $20 at the door.
Also on Tuesday, the McCallum Theatre will feature a screening of the classic film, The Graduate. It’s the perfect way to take a break from your work week or to relax after looking at Palm Desert real estate in the area. The screening takes place from 8 to 10 pm.
On Wednesday, February 26, the Indio Performing Arts Center (IPAC) kicks off its run of Country Queens. This will be Bethany’s second season, back by popular demand, of her memorable country music and comedy themed voice impressions that pay tribute to all the classic greats, from Dolly Parton and Minnie Pearl to Kitty Wells, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire and Gretchen Wilson.
Click here to view listings of La Quinta homes for sale.
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