Local Project Runway all-star Michael Costello
Between spa day Spa Day at the Gardens at El Paseo and Fashion Week, there has been plenty of pampering and fun for the ladies of Palm Springs. Whether you’re a fashionista or just appreciate shopping, if you’ve been considering moving to Palm Springs or taking a look at Palm Desert real estate, this week’s incredible activities have probably cemented those thoughts.
This week, visitors and owners of homes in Rancho Mirage and the surrounding areas can enjoy the final slate of Fashion Week El Paseo activities. If you missed out on the exciting last few days, such as your chance to watch Michael Costello debut his spring 2013 collection alongside 11 other Project Runway designers, there are still plenty of exciting events to catch.
On Thursday, March 21, from 11 am to 3 pm, there will be a trunk show of collections by Michael Costello and other Project Runway designers, who will be on hand for personal consultations regarding their collections that are available for purchase. As Michael’s hometown is Palm Springs, he’s a consummate favorite of all the residents and owners of Palm Desert real estate and the surrounding cities.
In the evening, Sue Wong will evoke the allure and glamour of eras such as 1930s Shanghai, Precode Hollywood, and Manhattan’s gilded Jazz Age in a showcase of her latest collection. The event will begin at 7 pm with a cocktail reception, followed by the show at 8 pm. Sue Wong’s trunk show will take place Friday, March 22 from 11 am to 2 pm, with Sue on hand for consultations.
On Friday, March 22, Houghton Head Designer Katharine Polk will showcase the Houghton Spring 2013 collection for independent women seeking effortlessly chic looks inspired by style icons such as Bianca Jagger and Katharine Hepburn. The event will commence with a cocktail reception at 7, followed by the show at 8 pm, and an after party for attendees at the Marriot Desert Springs. The Houghton Spring Trunk Show will follow on Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm.
On Saturday, March 23, Dior-trained Beverly Hills couturier and Designer of the Week Gilbert Chagoury of Chagoury Couture will debut his spring 2013 collection of stunning designs worthy of any red carpet. The cocktail reception will start at 7 pm, with the show starting directly afterwards at 8 pm, followed by after party in the tent, complete with a taco bar courtesy of Jensen’s.
If these great events have motivated you to make the dream of moving to Palm Springs come true, click here to view listings of homes in Rancho Mirage and properties throughout the desert cities.
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One of the things we do best in Palm Springs is relax and enjoy life. It’s a lifestyle that is coveted all around the world—and a reason why so many migrate to the Coachella Valley and buy properties in Palm Desert, Indian Wells or La Quinta. This week is a perfect example of the ideal lifestyle that is so accessible in the desert communities.
Wednesday, March 20 is Spa Day at the Gardens at El Paseo. What better way to get through hump day than with some much-deserved pampering? This celebration of health and beauty takes place from 10 am – 2 pm on the center lawn in front of Saks Fifth Avenue, and will includes some of the valley’s finest spas and El Paseo’s best stores. Sneak out from work, hire a sitter to watch the kids, take a break from viewing Rancho Mirage real estate or simply schedule some me-time. For more information, click here.
On Thursday, March 2 from 6 to 8 pm, the Palm Desert Public Art Documentary Film Series will showcase another installment of its free screenings of public art-themed documentary films, followed by a guest speaker. The screening will be of the Academy Award-nominated film, Waste Land, which follows artist Vic Muniz from Brooklyn to Brazil, where he photographs and collaborates with an eclectic band of “catadores,” pickers of recyclable materials, at the world’s largest garbage dump in Rio de Janeiro. The screenings are held at UCR Palm Desert, 75-080 Frank Sinatra Drive in Palm Desert and are presented by the City of Palm Desert Public Art Department and the University of California, Riverside Palm Desert Graduate Center. It’s a perfect way to absorb some culture and fascinating knowledge after work or viewing properties in Palm Desert, as well as a cool way to spend time with the family. For more information, call 760.837.1664.
Music lovers can enjoy a live performance by Barbara Cook on Thursday, March 21 at the McCallum Theatre. Originally scheduled for February 14, the performance was reschedule to this week due to illness. One of Broadway’s most celebrated singers, Barabara Cook is acclaimed for her sublime vocals and performance style. The show will run from 8 to 10 pm.
If the spectacular Palm Springs lifestyle appeals to you, then click here to view some of our listings of La Quinta, Indian Wells and Rancho Mirage real estate.
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Irish or not—there are plenty of options to make this St. Patrick’s Day an incredible weekend in the Palm Springs Valley. Whether you plan to celebrate the patron saint of Ireland, simply take a break from work or want to mix up a day of browsing Palm Springs homes for sale, you’ll be able to find your own perfect way to make the most of this weekend.
Whether you plan to frolic in an Irish pub, check out Fashion Week El Paseo or attend one of the many area concerts, if you’re considering a move to the Coachella Valley and are interested in Palm Springs homes for sale, this is a great weekend to get a feel for the community and its offerings.
On both Saturday, March 16 and Sunday, March 17, St. Patrick’s Day festivities will be in full effect at BB Ingle and BB’s Events’ 30th Annual two day block party in the parking lot of the Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery! A favorite among residents and owners of homes in Palm Desert, The Tilted Kilt is located at 72191 Highway 111. Dickie O’ Neal’s Irish Pub Palm Springs, one of the most authentic Irish Pubs in all of California, will also celebrate the holiday with live music, karaoke and St. Patrick’s Day specials. Dickie O’Neal’s is located at 2155 North Palm Canyon Drive.
This weekend marks the start of Bingo, The Winning New Musical at the Arthur Newman Theatre. This musical theater production ups the stakes of Bingo in an outrageous comedy that all ages will enjoy. The show will run through March 24, 2013. Tickets may be purchased from the Joslyn Center, on their website or by calling 760.636.9682. Also starting this weekend at the McCallum Theatre, the Wynton Marsalis and The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra will performs a jazz repertoire that transcends the spectrum of the genre, from its New Orleans roots to bebop and modern jazz.
On Saturday, from 10 am to 1 pm, the Out of the Darkness Walk will take place at the Palm Desert Civic Center Park. The event, which benefits the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, is an incredible way to kick off the weekend. If you’re thinking about moving to the Coachella Valley, why not do the walk before checking out some of the gorgeous homes in Palm Desert?
Also on Saturday, legendary singer and songwriter Paul Anka will perform at the Fantasy Springs Casino at 8 pm. Grammy Award-winning vocalist Steve Tyrell will perform at the McCallum Theatre, and renowned actor and comedian Bob Newhart will share his standup comedy at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino.
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It’s a week that so many residents and owners of Palm Desert real estate look forward to—Fashion Week El Paseo! In its eighth year, this incredible event is happening from March 15 through 23 in the heart of Palm Desert’s famous shopping district: El Paseo. Produced by Palm Springs Life, this uber popular event showcases collections of both top and emerging designers, all under the Big White Tent on Larkspur Lane between Shadow Mountain and El Paseo. Make sure to schedule some time off from work, school, family and viewing property in Indian Wells and other area of Palm Springs to spend time at this chic shopping event.
Fashion Week El Paseo is packed with cocktail receptions, couture fashion shows, trunk shows and beauty extravaganzas that everyone who owns Palm Desert real estate or lives in the surrounding areas clamors to attend. Here are a few that this weekend has to offer:
On Friday, March 15, The Best of Saks Fifth Avenue kicks off the week of runway shows with the finest spring 2013 collections of designer fashions for both men and women. The event, which benefits The Living Desert, kicks off with a cocktail reception at 7 pm (hors d’oeuvres courtesy of La Quinta Baking Company), followed by the fashion show directly afterwards at 8 pm. An after party will take place at the Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert, with wine served courtesy of Foris and La Merika.
On Saturday, March 16, no matter if you’re working, playing, or viewing property in Indian Wells, dog owners must take the afternoon off to attend the second annual Le Chien Couture Fashion Show featuring dog couture designer Linda Higgins. Dogs of all sizes and pedigrees will walk the runway in the latest spring fashions in this wonderful show that benefits the Humane Society of the Desert. A cocktail reception with a silent auction and live music takes place at 5, followed by the show at 6. Cookies served at the cocktail party are compliments of Bakery Underground.
On Sunday, March 17, more than 30 hair and makeup professionals will wield their blow dryers and makeup brushes at An Extreme Hair and Makeup Showcase during the Style and Beauty Bash to raise money for local charities. The showcase will run throughout the event, from 9 am to 3 pm, with an exclusive fashion show takes place at 1 pm. All salon services are only $30—don’t miss this chance for some awesome pampering.
To finish off the first weekend of Fashion Week El Paseo, on Sunday night, San Francisco artist and couture designer Victor Tung will show his women’s collection of one-of-a-kind “wearable art,” created from his own fabrics. This innovative show begins with a one-hour cocktail reception at 7 pm, followed by the show at 8 pm.
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Palm Springs isn’t just about tennis and golf—the thriving arts community offers a ton of exciting events that will round out your cultural life when you make the move to the desert. If you’re considering Palm Desert real estate or buying property in Indian Wells, La Quinta or Rancho Mirage, you can look forward to many ways to satisfy your craving for cultural activities.
Tonight, from 6 top 9 pm, the Coachella Valley Symphony performs at its 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner and Concert at Sun City Palm Desert in the Sierra ballroom. Celebrating 20 years of changing lives through music, this special fundraising event features the Buddy Rogers Youth Symphony, vocalist Dr. Lisa Lindley and principal dancers from the Desert Youth Ballet in addition to the renowned Coachella Valley Symphony. Local meteorologist Patrick Evans will be the Master of Ceremonies; also the host of “Eye on the Desert,” Evans is a huge favorite of residents and owners of Palm Desert real estate.
Also taking place tonight from 8 to 10 pm is the Roots & Boots Tour at the McCallum Theatre. Country starts Aaron Tippin, Joe Diffie and Sammy Kershaw will perform acoustic versions of more than 40 Top Ten Hits that will bring everyone in the audience back to the roots of country music.
From March 14 through 17, a live musical theatrical production When in Rome will be featured at the Sun City Shadow Hills Montecito Clubhouse in Indio. This comedy production will be performed by the Sun City Shadow Hills Performing Arts Club and is a unique, fun way to spend an evening. The show will be performed March 14-16 at 7 pm and on March 17 at 2 pm. All seats are reserved and can be purchased for $15. For more information and to reserve tickets, call 760.289.6196.
These type of events are sure to further inspire your search for homes in Palm Springs Valley. Click here to browse listings of property in Indian Wells, Rancho Mirage or La Quinta.
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Since we’re expecting a weekend of phenomenal desert weather this weekend, it’s the perfect time to explore some of the awesome festivals taking place. It’s an ideal opportunity to spend time with the family, explore on a solo mission, or take a break from looking at La Quinta or Indian Wells real estate.
On Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm, The Coachella Valley Wildflower Festival is happening at the National Monument Visitor Center, a local gem that residents and those who own properties in Palm Desert are very proud of. This unique event, which supports the National Monument and Friends of the Desert Mountains, is a great way to spend the day. Join guided hikes and nature walks in search of beautiful desert wildflowers, browse over 40 vendor and exhibitor booths, and attend one of the seven specialty workshops involving wildflower identification and landscaping, photography and more. There will be plenty of kid-friendly activities as well, including face painting and arts & crafts, as well as beer, wine and other refreshments for the adults attending.
The Desert Arts Festival takes place on Saturday, March 2 and Sunday, March 3, starting at 10 am on both days. The event is part of a series of fine art festivals that is celebrating its 30th year! The Desert Arts Festival benefits local non-profit organizations and is held at Frances Stevens Park in Palm Springs, 538 N. Palm Canyon Drive at Alejo Road.
Another cool event that will satisfy outdoor lovers, which are many among those who own properties in Palm Desert, is the Hike for Hope in Indian Canyons this Sunday, March 3. In its 15th year of raising funds for women’s cancer research, this fundraiser features a non-competitive hiking event open to all ages and hiking levels. It’s a great way to get some exercise, help a good cause, and take a break from viewing Indian Wells real estate.
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One of the gems of the desert is the Palm Springs Art Museum, which hosts many incredible events for the community all year long. Owners of Palm Desert real estate are proud to live in the same town where this renowned museum is located and be a part of its community events.
One such event is taking place today—The Art of Shopping. Produced by the Museum Associates Council, The Art of Shopping is one of the most popular, highly anticipated fundraisers for the museum. The Art of Shopping brings 36 studio craft artists in from all over the country to display their work in the form of jewelry, accessories, and home décor, which lucky shoppers can purchase directly from them at this one-of-a-kind shopping extravaganza. If you’ve spent the morning looking at homes for sale in Palm Springs, this is the perfect way to take a break, discover some art and perhaps some killer finds for your new home.
This year is the first time that the event spans two days. Today is day two, and lasts from 10 am to 4 pm, which means you still have plenty of time to take advantage of the many shopping opportunities. The event is located in a tent adjacent to the Palm Springs Art Museum, which means attendees will also have the opportunity to check out the new exhibition at The Galen building, Beg Borrow and Steal, and stroll around the Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden.
Tickets are sold at the door. Admission is $10, though residents and owners of Palm Desert real estate receive complimentary entry. Cuistot is offering an amazing discounted lunch for today’s attendees. For those of you who are new to the area or are in the process of looking for homes for sale in Palm Springs, the museum is located at 72567 Hwy 111 in Palm Desert.
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Stan Watkins Red Dixie Band
The weekend starts now in Palm Springs! Once again, the valley shows its wide range of options for everyone, from those who already own Palm Desert luxury homes or Indian Wells real estate to visitors looking for the perfect weekend break.
From 6 to 8 pm tonight, the Palm Desert Public Art Documentary Film Series offers a free screening of Downside Up, which tells the story of united blue collar locals in Massachusetts as they transform economic failure into a thriving center for contemporary art. Tonight at 8 pm, performers Bebe Neuwirth and Brian Stokes Mitchell will take the stage at the McCallum Theatre and give an extraordinary performance in Stepping Out For COD, an event that supports the College of the Desert.
Also tonight, the Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Desert will host New Orleans jazz musician Stan Watkins and the Red Dixie Band as part of their unique Music & Dining Under the Stars series. Wind up a day of viewing Palm Desert luxury homes with these one-of-a-kind, spectacular nights out.
The Cabaret Theatre West begins a run of its All About Love show at the Indian Wells Theater at CSUSB in Palm Desert on Friday. It’s an exciting tribute to love gone right, love gone wrong, young love and mature love with more than 40 musical numbers, a live band and hundreds of awesome visual effects. Show dates are: February 22, 23 and 28; March 2, 8 and 9.
From February 22-24, the McCormick’s Classic Car Auction will take place at the Spa Resort Casino, and today through Saturday, the world famous Frank Sinatra Celebrity Invitational is in full effect, packing three fun-filled days of golf, parties and exciting entertainment. If you’re planning to view Indian Wells real estate, make an entire weekend of it and come check out this amazing, amateur-celebrity tournament.
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If you’re looking for an extraordinary golf event mixed with world class entertainment and other exciting activities, then you’ll want to attend one of the most fan-friendly celebrity golf tournaments in the country: The Frank Sinatra Celebrity Invitational. If you’ve been planning a special trip to Palm Springs to look at Palm Desert real estate or equestrian properties in Rancho Mirage, this is the perfect week to do so and enjoy yourself while you’re at it!
From February 21-23, the Eagle Falls Golf Course will host this incredible celebrity-amateur tournament. In addition to the stellar opportunity to watch some great golf, The Frank Sinatra Celebrity Invitational includes a luncheon, an elegant fashion show featuring Fe Zandi’s couture designs, a charity auction and three nights of parties, with the incredible Frankie Valli headlining the renowned Black Tie Gala. In the past, the event was attended and supported by a wide range of entertainers and professional athletes including Tommy Lasorda, Robert Wagner, Dick Van Dyke, Shirley MacLaine, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. As you can see, there’s good reason the event is nicknamed “Frank’s Little Party in the Desert.”
Dedicated to the memory of Frank Sinatra, the tournament was founded in 1988 to raise funds for Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center at Eisenhower Medical Center. The mission of the center, which opened in 1986, is to provide counseling for young victims of abuse and to focus on prevention, community education and breaking the generational cycle of abuse. What’s so wonderful about this organization is that no child is ever turned away due to their family’s inability to pay.
The tournament is presented by Starkey Hearing Technologies and hosted by the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio. One of golf’s most famous legends and one of Frank Sinatra’s best friends, Ken Venturi, is co-hosting the event with Barbara Sinatra. If you’re in the mood to spend the weekend in Palm Springs or want to take a break from searching for Palm Desert real estate or equestrian properties in the area, then this is the perfect event for you.
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Do you think you’ve found your dream house in Palm Desert? If so, we hope you’ve followed the tips for buying homes in parts one and two of this blog series, and are ready for the next few tips we have to share. Whether you’re seeking luxury properties in La Quinta, Indian Wells real estate or a vacation home in another area of the Coachella Valley, you’ll definitely benefit from preparing yourself as much as possible.
1. Set up a home inspection. If you really think you’ve found that dream house in Palm Desert, then schedule an inspection as soon as you can—it is by far one of the best ways to protect yourself. A proper inspector or engineer will examine the premises thoroughly and be able to identify issues that you may not be able with an untrained eye. Typically, an inspector will evaluate the interior plumbing, electrical systems, insulation, air conditioning, heating systems, and all aspects of the visible structure.
2. Make adjustments. If problems are found during the inspection, don’t freak out. This is a great opportunity to make adjustments in the price based on the potential costs of future repairs
3. Make a fair offer. Once you’ve incorporated the home inspection findings into your budget, have your agent or short sale realtor help you establish the price you’re willing to pay for the house. In addition to the home inspection findings, factor in the prices of similar houses recently sold in the neighborhood. For example, if you’ve been scouting luxury properties in La Quinta and found one you want to make an offer on, have your real estate professional investigate the sales of equivalent properties in the last six months.
4. Investigate homeowners insurance. If you’re ready to make an offer, start getting quotes immediately for homeowner’s insurance so that you can determine a real budget. This is different than renter’s insurance, as you want to insure the structure, not just the possessions and contents of the home. Be sure to take into account weather and climate related issues relevant to the particular area, such as flooding, earthquakes, tornados and hurricanes.
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