San Diego Real Estate

San Diego's real estate market will most likely have another down-turn in the year 2010, and there are many reasons why. Remember, many of the adjustable home loans were designed with five and seven year interest adjustments. Many home loans are set to re-set next year since the San Diego real estate market boomed in the summer of 2005. The saving grace is that interest rates are near all-time lows and interest rate shock will not be a major factor. The downbeat with these mortgage adjustments will be the 'reality check' factor. How many homeowners will suddenly wake up to the fact that their home is now worth tens of thousands of dollars less than their mortgage balance? Only the naive will believe that their San Diego home's value will snap back soon.

The Northwestern University of Chicago has found that as many as one in four defaults may have been strategic. Driving this phenomenon is the rising number of households that are deeply "under water," owing much more than the current value of their homes. First American CoreLogic, a real-estate information company, estimates that 5.3 million U.S. households have mortgage balances at least 20% higher than their homes' value, and 2.2 million of those households are at least 50% under water. The problem is worst in Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan and Nevada.

So, whether or not you think the San Diego real estate market has bottomed, the reality is, it will take numerous years to recoup equity losses many have endured. 2010 may go down as the year of the strategic mortgage default because of this homeowner awakening.

Hair Restoration in San Diego

If you live in the San Diego area, and you've been losing your hair, then you know it's time to do something about it. One thing about San Diego is that there are a lot of good-looking people out and about, enjoying the sunshine, and having a great time. San Diego boasts its attention to fashion and good looks in some of its most popular local publications, like the popular 944 (nine-four-four) Magazine which features local scene and people information -- including lots of pictures of local residents looking great and feeling free with a beautiful head of hair in this beachside community.

Looking great in this social community might mean considering a hair restoration option. Let's say you want to enjoy a nice trip with an itinerary that includes going to the world famous San Diego Zoo, exploring around at LEGOLAND, and even browsing some of the great shopping in the La Jolla area. Who wants to be bothered with feelings of negativity because you don't feel your best because your hair line is receding and your once full head of hair is now thinning at an alarming late?

There has been a jump in the percentage of people under forty who have been moving to San Diego. Since the Center for Demographics completed its most recent 2008 study, this youthful part of San Diego's population is on the rise! Some financial experts consider the city to be among the most rapidly growing cities in terms of wealth and industry. You probably want to be one of these successful people. Who wants to hide inside or wear a hat because they're suffering from hair loss? What you need to do is find a place that you can trust where you can get San Diego hair restoration surgery for a price that is right for you.

Hot Massage Spots San Diego

Kona Kai Resort Spa and Marina (Formerly the Shelter Pointe Hotel) Address: 1551 Shelter Island Drive SD, California 92106

Relax by way of sports and fitness activities. Pools, volleyball courts, tennis, bicycle rentals, and jogging paths are some of the sports-related amenities that can be found here. Spa services, on the other hand, include massages, facials, and body treatments.

Paradise Point Resort and Spa Address: 1404 Vacation Road SD, California 92109

Conveniently located across the Sea World Adventure Park, this resort and spa prides itself for being included among the top family resorts in the world (Forbes.com). Avail of the Beauty and the Bay Spa Package which will include accommodations, breakfast, 50-minute Swedish massage, and manicure and pedicure.

Catamaran Resort and Spa Address: 3999 Mission Boulevard SD, California 92109

This resort and spa is surrounded with great attractions such as the Mission Bay (the largest aquatic park in the world), Pacific Ocean, and gardens rich with a wide array of plants, flowers, palm trees, hibiscus, and exotic birds. Amenities include pools, sauna, fitness center. Avail of the Catamaran Spa Package which includes an overnight accommodation and 50-minute spa treatment.

San Diego Spas

A breath of fresh air, a view of the clear skies and the blue waves spell nothing but calmness and relaxation. And that's exactly what you get while visiting San Diego. Endowed with beautiful beaches and scenic landscapes, the city is a truly a perfect getaway to distress and rejuvenate. It is no wonder then that the city offers the best spa experiences, which brings together nature and spa services unlike any other. Here's a quick rundown of San Diego's spa havens.

L'Auberge Del Mar Resort and Spa Address:140 Camino Del mar Del Mar, California 92014

The ocean front, walking trails, sports and fitness area, shopping plaza, and restaurants, all of these can be found here. In addition, you can avail of the Seaside Spa Escape package which includes accommodations and 50-minute massage (ranges from $460-490). The said spa treatment is inspired by European methods and combines the therapeutic powers of the ocean and the gardens.

Manchester Grand Hyatt Address: One Market Place SD, California 92101

Avail of services of The Regency Spa and Salon such as skin and hair care, massages, facials, and body treatments while overlooking the the city's Bay and Coronado Island. Other amenities include pools, fitness centers, and restaurants.

3 Tips for a Good Auto Mechanic in San Diego

I've put together a list of 6 tips that will help you find someone that you can trust to keep your automobile in good running order.

1. Look For auto repair shops that display the ASE Certified logo. ASE stands for Automotive Service Excellence. Having an ASE designation is just about important as having the letters "MD." after your doctor's name. Now don't get me wrong, there are decent mechanics who aren't ASE certified, but generally it's too risky unless they have been referred by someone you trust. Another important industry designation to look for is NAPA Auto Care.

2. Ask Your Friends or Co-Workers Where They Take Their Vehicle. Word of mouth recommendations are worth their weight in gold.

3. Shop for features and benefits of a San Diego auto shop. Just because a facility may charge a little more than others, might mean that they offer a longer warranty period, free emergency towing, courtesy shuttle service, or extended hours for convenience. Price is not always the best method of decision making.

Choose a Good Auto Mechanic in San Diego

Having your automobile break down is not an exciting experience but being unsure of where to take your automobile to get it fixed can be worse. Most folks have a regular doctor, dentist, vet, accountant, etc. and usually we have researched and picked them in advance just in case we get sick or need advice...so why don't most folks have a reliable auto repair shop to go to? Automobiles are complicated systems, just like the human body... so it is vital to take your car in to an auto repair facility that you can rely on for regular maintenance.

I'm an eternal optimist and generally assume that auto repair facilities are honest and that most mechanics generally try to help you by recommending services that will keep your vehicle running smoothly and ultimately saving you time and stress by avoiding some major repairs. Again, just like the human body, the better you take care of your vehicle, the better it will perform in the long run.

Where to Have a Wedding Reception in San Diego

As for couples with less money to indulge themselves in, there is plenty of variety that San Diego can offer. If you are looking for a wedding reception in a private and tranquil paradise, than Los Willows will be a suitable choice. With a French pavilion area for wedding receptions, this area will be breezy in warm months and heated during the winter time. Elegant white tables and chairs are used with high quality and elegant chinaware to add to the sophistication. A heavenly wedding cake is included in the package and a champagne toast for everyone prepared.

There are also plenty of hotel and resort venues in San Diego which make excellent reception venues. For example, the Paradise Point resort and spa offers wedding packages that include accommodation amidst a 44 acre island located in Mission Bay. That's not all as you can opt to have your reception held indoors possibly in the Paradise Ballroom, or in the outdoor lawn or on the beautiful sandy beach.

Finally, for couples who would prefer a San Diego wedding reception held nearer to the city, they can opt to hold it at the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel, with everything completely set up by the hotel. This would include the flowers, the cakes, food and even arranged transportation. In fact, if you are in the dark on your wedding planning, they can even recommend a list of photographers and entertainers to turn your wedding reception into one that you will never forget.

Wedding Venues in San Diego

A Wedding Reception in San Diego will provide fun and elegance due to the wide range of choices that are available to wedding couples. This is probably due to the fact that San Diego is a seaside city, a physical factor that allows for more options and arrangements for receptions. A San Diego reception also has its Creole influences, which works to offer variety in wedding themes as well as adding cultural color to the occasion.

Of course, when planning a Wedding Reception in San Diego, the first area of concern is the amount that has been allocated for the occasion. Other important considerations include the proximity of the location to the cities center, the facilities provided by the venue management and also the suitability of the menu selection.

The uniqueness of a Wedding Reception in San Diego is the popularity of holding one on board a luxury yacht. Remarkably exclusive and prestigious, organizing a reception on board a yacht is by no means cheap. Just a 4 hour brunch or evening event will cost the host between $70 and $200 per head, depending on the type of package chosen. Of course, nothing can compare to the ambience on board of a yacht, with an accompanying DJ, food servers, champagne and the wedding cake.

Mexican Food Joints to Visit!

So, where can you go to get the best Mexican food in San Diego on your trip? While it is obviously a subjective issue, few would argue with La Especial Norte in Leucadia. Leucadia is located on the coast in what is known as the north county of San Diego. It is between Carlsbad and Encinitas, about five minutes north of Del Mar.

Regardless, La Especial is very authentic. The food is tremendous, but the specialty of the house is the soup. Many a San Diegan has driven for 30 minutes or more to get the Chicken Soup when faced with the flu. It is a guaranteed cure. The Tortilla Soup with melted cheese is also a swooner. Overall, there are 16 different soups on the menu at La Especial. You really can't go wrong with any of them.

A quick note for those in a hurry. La Especial is very authentic and the pace of things in the restaurant is slow. It may be half an hour before you see the waiter after ordering. If you are in a rush, this is not the place for you. If you have time, it is!

Eat Good Mexican Food Here!

San Diego is a big tourist destination to say the least. While there are more than a few restaurants designed to cater to the tourist, the locals eat at the best places and so can you.

San Diego is, obviously, located close to the border with Mexico. While illegal immigration is a hot political issue, there is no doubt that most San Diegans thoroughly enjoy the authentic Mexican food on can get in San Diego.

There are tons of drive and walk up joints along the street that server deep fried food. They usually end in "bertos". The first was a place called Robertos. It was a legend and a favorite of many during the late hours after the entertainment for the evening had died down.

Robertos, however, was quickly hit with competition. If you can add "bertos" to a name, it exists as a Mexican walk up eatery in San Diego. To name only a few, there are Aldebertos, Albertos, Mobertos and...well, you get the idea. While they are great for deep friend food that would make your doctor faint, they really don't offer the quality most are looking for.

San Diego Restaurants

Southern California is a hot spot for Southwestern dining fare; hey, because it's in the Southwest! The Mexican food in San Diego is comparable to any you'll find in the San Diego area; so don't be afraid of disappointment, if you're used to the more expensive alternatives. San Diego offers numerous Mexican restaurants, however, we've collected a few of the most unique, not only in hopes that they'll get more patrons, but of course, be flattered by our attention, and give us a few coupons. On a more serious note however, don't be afraid to venture out into San Diego, especially if you're on vacation. San Diego hotels might have great room service, but they can't give you the fabulous Mexican dining options we've listed below.


Los Arcos Mexican Food - It's also not to be confused with the other Mexican dining spot, El Pollo Loco. These are two different restaurants, so if you see Pollo Loco, keep going, and try the quaint Mexican Los Arcos instead. It's a small restaurant, mostly favored by those in the local neighborhood. The best kept secret of Rancho Vista citizens no doubt. It's received nothing short of shining reviews from customers, as well. When visiting San Diego, if you'd rather have the quiet atmosphere of a small Mexican restaurant, try Los Arcos.

San Diego Summer Camps

Mission Bay Aquatic Center - Camp programs include wakeboarding, surfing, sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, marine science and other activities. This is a year round program but there are many children's camps during the summer season - something for everyone! Mission Bay Aquatic Center is considered the world's largest instructional facility. (858) 488-1000

San Diego Surf School - A week for all levels of surfing skills starting June 7th - September 3rd. Founded in 2000, the surf school offers year round surfing lessons for all ages and abilities. Including private surf lessons, kids and teen surf camps, adult weekend surf clinics, standup paddle board lessons, women's surf clinic and professional surf photography lessons. Located at 4850 Cass Street in North Pacific Beach. (858) 205-7683

La Jolla Surf Camp - Surf camp for boys and girls ages 5 to 10 years old. Located at 2160 Avenida de la Playa, La Jolla, CA (858) 454-8273

Gym Ventures Camp - Gymnastics, obstacle courses, dance, cheer for boys & girls. Located at 5066 Santa Fe Street, San Diego, CA 92109 (858) 272-2266

San Diego Natural History Museum - Dinosaurs to Dragonflies - Explore nature this summer by taking nature walks, investigating nature specimens and exploring museum exhibits. Half-day, week-long programs for preschool to 5th graders. (619) 255-0203

Birch Aquarium Adventure Camps - Explore the ocean from top to bottom! Birch Aquarium at Scripps. (858) 534-7336

YMCA Summer Programs - Camps at Raintree Ranch, Camp Marston & Camp Surf feature overnight camps for children ages 7 to 17. (760) 765-0642