Mountain View Cemetery

Mountain View Cemetery is an architectural gem in Oakland. Frederick Law Olmsted, the same guy that designed Central Park, Stanford University and much of UC Berkley's campus, designed this beautiful cemetery. The famous landscape architect drew upon the sloping foothills in Piedmont and Oakland to express the harmony between man and the natural setting.  It is common to see people remembering their loved ones and folks jogging during a week day lunch hour.

The Mountain View Cemetery Association is a nonsectarian, community nonprofit corporation which maintains the cemetery through an endowment fund. Docent-led tours occur two Saturdays a month. Check out this true Oakland natural beauty. More information about the cemetery, including tour information can be found here: http://www.mountainviewcemetery.org/

More Than Flowers

Why had I not visited Arjan Flowers before?  I have passed this Piedmont Avenue boutique many times over the last 11 months it has been open for business.  Somehow I missed it!  Better late than never.  Proprietor, Mina is gracious, knowledgeable and is the perfect hostess.  She answered tons of questions, potted a staghorn fern that I purchased, and after an enjoyable visit she left me wanting more.  Expect arrangements with branches, fruit and unusual findings.  In fact during my visit a customer presented Mina with blackberries on the vine from her garden for Mina to incorporate into her arrangements. Marvel at the photos below.

walnuts on the branch

walnuts

There is a nut in there

flowers!

love this view!

This view comes FREE with the purchase of 1 Kelton Court #5B. I love 1 Kelton Court! 1 Kelton Court is on a cul de sac a few blocks away from Piedmont Avenue in Oakland.  This is the perfect building for folks who want to be close to everything and yet live in a quiet building. (One of my clients purchased a unit in this building last year.) 1 Kelton Court #5B is currently listed with of Linda Elkin of Red Oak Realty.

Dopo For Dinner

Last week I took my friend Karlya out for a belated birthday dinner; we made plans for dinner at 6 at Odesso on the corner of Piedmont Ave. and Pleasant Valley.  Odesso just received a great review in the Chronicle so we were both excited to sample the famed house-cured meats and Italian flavors.  Odesso was too loud for a conversation, so we strolled the two blocks down to Dopo.  (Dopo and Odesso are sister restaurants.)   I have patronized Dopo several times for lunch and I have a weakness for the beef and arugula sandwich with garlic aioli. As soon as we walked up to Dopo's doorway, we were warmly greeted by Graham, (a family friend of the owners) and were escorted to a small wooden table perfect for an evening of chit chat and catch up.  We decided to try a multitude of small plates, a roasted beet and fennel salad, a crudo of swordfish with fresh pesto on a fried slice of lemon, a ragu of sausage with toasted walnut crostini and a seared scallop.  Every bite was delicious and I was overjoyed by the service that night.  From Graham who graced our table to check in, to the bus-person with the huge grin, we felt well taken care of.  This type of old fashion service is what many businesses lack.  When dining out is a luxury, satisfying service and food is a must.  I am happy to plug Dopo as a place to go for dinner in Oakland.

Shop Oakland on a Budget - Issues Magazine Shop

Here is a snapshot that I took of the cool paintings by Olivia Allums on the wall of Issues last December.

Okay, I know I am urging you to get out and support your local businesses of Oakland and Berkeley and here is one more shop to put on your to-do list. Issues Magazine Shop at 20 Glen Avenue, off of Piedmont Avenue, in Oakland is an ultra cool magazine-media shop featuring magazines from all over the globe. Contact Issues at 510-652-5700

So if you need a pick me up without spending the entire contents of your wallet, stop by Issues for a French Vogue or Atomic Ranch Magazine.

Every time I stop by, proprietor Noella always has a smile on her face. Last December Issues had a special art exhibit featuring Olivia Allums. Issues commissioned Olivia to paint historic signs of Oakland businesses. I arrived at the gala about 45 minutes after it started and found that most of the 30 collection were already sold. Olivia has been requested to make a second edition of these works. I already have put my name on the waiting list for painting of Giant Burgers. (Back in the day, this burger joint had a cult following.)

On the Sixth Day of Christmas...

Cracker Jacks is a fabulous resale and new clothing store for kids. Owner Elizabeth Helm has created a hip store full of carefully selected new and gently used toys, clothes and shoes for children. For the baby or toddler pick one of Crackerjack's cool tee shirts. Mention Oakland Realtor, Deidre Joyner and receive 10% off! Visit Elizabeth at 14 Glen Street off of Piedmont Avenue and tell her Deidre said hello. CrackerJacksKids.com

On the Fifth Day of Christmas....

Here is a great Christmas tip! Philippa Roberts on Piedmont Avenue is a wonderful newly added boutique. Here you can buy jewelry by several artists (including Philippa), candles, home accessories and more. Mention me, (Oakland Realtor, Deidre Joyner) and receive 10% off your purchase! Go out and support our local businesses in Oakland while buying great gifts! The earrings pictured above are a Philippa Roberts design! Visit Philippa's website, www.philipparoberts.com