Take time to smell the roses,(or lilies)

Found objects, dried masterpieces and fresh blooms, make Montclair Florsit a premier flower boutique. Husband and wife duo, Rosario and Siutta created a charming and calm flower shop that I really enjoy patronizing. Here I order the flowers that I want delivered within Oakland. I have been able to stop by in the morning and arrange for same day afternoon delivery. I tend to like floral arrangements that are simple, no baby's breath, no carnations, so it is great to walk into a shop,(or call) and order a flower arrangements exactly how I invision. You can view Rosario and Siutta's flower sculptures at the Claremont Resort and Spa. Montclair Florist is located at 2079 Mountain Blvd Oakland, CA 94611,(510) 339-9186.

Get Walking! Montclair (Oakland, CA) Walking Trail

It is a new year! Now is the typical time that many people aim to get healthy and fit. Walking is a great way to start moving and reduce stress. Funny enough after living in Oakland for decades, I never explored the walking trail that lies behind Montclair Village. My neighbor Asha, who grew up in Detroit was the one who took me for my premier tour. Here is Asha and her son Jalen enjoying the sunny and crisp winter weather.

To get to the trail from Montclair Village, walk up LaSalle Avenue (above or east of Mountain Blvd). and where the street dead ends you will find stairs that lead up to the trail.

Romantic Mediterranean in Crocker Highlands

Last Monday I feel in love with this romantic, Mediterranean-Art Deco home in the Crocker Highlands District of Oakland on Broker's Tour. This house is currently listed with Dolores Thom and Pacific Union. Offered at $969,000. If you have any questions please email me. DeidreJoyner@gmail.com.

Notice the built in pieces of sculpture.
Throughout this home you will find art embedded into the walls.

Mid-Century Modern in the Oakland Hills

My good friend Leka purchased a tiny mid-century home about a decade ago and completely renovated it to fit her family.  She has promised me a photo shoot so I can feature her home on my blog, but in the meanwhile here is a quick outdoor shot from this evening.

Notice the great floor to ceiling windows and comfortable patio for easy indoor-outdoor living. Inside you see the glow from the original George Nelson lights.

Charismatic Cottages on the Oakland-Emeryville Border

Yesterday I held open two enchanting cottages on Fremont Street off of Powell Street in Oakland, on the Emeryville Border. When walking into the front owners cottage with hardwood floors, tansu chests, and bountiful windows, I felt immediately smoothed from my busy morning. The previous owner incorporated modern amenities such as stainless steel gas range with overhead microwave and updated bathroom with river rock shower to create the ultimate fusion of east meets west, and storybook meets city. Off of this cottage is a beautiful deck with plants and space for lounging.

The back cottage is currently rented and the tenant is paying market rent. The detached garage has been converted with permits to a legal office/workshop studio with bathroom.  Every week I view many properties and this legal duplex is my favorite property from last week.

This listing is currently listed with Red Oak Realty.

Beautifully Delicious

As more and more shops shut their doors, it is important to honor businesses we want to boom. Over the holiday season, I really enjoyed picking up a few choice gifts at Someone's in the Kitchen on LaSalle in Montclair Village. I got fantastic service from Jennifer the proprietor and Christine. I purchased a wonderful couture apron by Kitchen Candy Company of Oakland for my cooking enthusiast friend, and I drooled over a few exquisite dish towels, napkins and pots. I love to pop into this shop see the new wares and grab a fresh baked cookie.

Stop by, drop off your knives for sharpening, soak up some culinary inspiration and tell Jennifer and Christine hello. 6128 La Salle Ave Oakland, CA 94611 (510) 339-3837

In Lieu of Gifts

Claire, Jack, Miles, Nia and Che enjoy pizza at California Pizza Kitchen in Emeryville

This holiday two of my close friends and our children celebrated our second annual toy donation! This is a small but meaningful toy drive. Instead of exchanging gifts, we buy toys for children at Children's Hospital Oakland and celebrate the donation with a dinner out. This way we can bring some cheer to ailing kids, and our children can realize the true meaning of the holiday season.