Our family’s favorite pumpkin patch
By Deborah Miller | October 2, 2008
Days are getting a little colder (it’s 75° now…brrrr), the grass is looking a little greener, the local teens are sporting Uggs - you know what that means. Yes folks, it’s autumn in Calfiornia! Our family loves this time of the year; we’re decorating for Halloween this weekend and will be heading over early next week for our annual pumpkin patch event. Smith Family Farm has been our family tradition for years now and with their hayrides, Miwok village, petting zoo, corn field maze, barn party and country store there is a fun for all ages. If you are in the Bay Area, put Smith Family Farm on the calendar this year! Visit their site for map, photos, event and fee schedules.
Topics: Brentwood Living, Link to Events | No Comments »
I wrote God a letter today…
By Deborah Miller | September 29, 2008
I know this doesn’t have much to do with Brentwood living, but I thought I’d share it anyway! I just found this really cool application that lets you write a letter to God and describe in detail what you would like. If you’ve seen The Secret movie, follow the Chicken Soup for the Soul series by Jack Canfield or The Ultimate Game of Life by Jim Bunch, you will really enjoy this new tool. I’ll let you know what my results are. Visit www.DearGodLetter.com and let me know what you think!
Topics: Brentwood Living | No Comments »
10 More…Curls, Crunches, Kicks
By Deborah Miller | September 24, 2008
Here is a personal success story and a hearty thanks. I’ve lost almost 45 pounds over the last two years, and am currently down from a size 12 to a size 2! Michelle and Randy Verrett, owners of Verrett’s Karate and MMA, have been such a huge inspiration and support for me. 
I attend cardio kickboxing on Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays (they also offer it on Tuesday and Thursday morning but I’m a working gal) and the results I’ve seen are amazing!
To see class photos and learn more about their studio, visit them online at www.VerrettsKarate.com. They also have a line of workout clothing for men, women and kids and are Tapout resellers (they have more of a selection then the Boards n More store on Central).
Thank you Michelle and Randy!
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Living with Brentwood Water
By Deborah Miller | September 24, 2008
I’m an eco-minded person and a big fan of using tap water rather than bottled water for a variety of reasons. However, I will also admit that the taste of our Brentwood water is more than I can take. I’ve read the reports and yes, the water here meets standards for quality. But…YUK! It’s hard, leaves spots on everything, and tastes soapy and metallic. I’ve been researching and hard water (not to mention soapy and metallic) can lead to a score of health related problems such as allergies, stomach issues, asthma and more.
Here are my recommendations for living with our water:
1. Vinegar - if you have hard water spots, vinegar is hands down the best solution. I have a black truck and the hard water spots show up like beacons! I dilute 2 parts vinegar and 1 part Brentwood water in a spray bottle and spray it on the truck, polishing with a soft cloth. Looks like I’ve had it waxed! I use it in the dishwasher and bathroom too.
2. Fruit - sliced fruit in the water tastes great, looks pretty and masks the taste.
3. Water softener and reverse osmosis - okay this one should be a given, but you can install a softener and reverse osmosis system to remove impurities. Frankly, the water still doesn’t taste all that great to me even if it’s been run through the mill.
4. Write to the city - if enough people let the city know the water is gross, maybe they will do something with it!
Update…found a cool new system and tried the water - flipping amazing is all I have to say! I’ve never had water that was actually silky but I swear it is!! Visit them at www.alkalinebuzz.com
Topics: Brentwood Living, Green Living | No Comments »
Balfour and Highway 4 Bypass
By Deborah Miller | September 24, 2008
I’ve been late a couple of times…hopefully sharing this will save you from the same experience! The intersection at Balfour and the 4 Bypass is just an ugly place in the mornings, backed up in all directions and to be avoided if possible. Until the projects are done I highly recommend finding an alternative route!
Topics: Brentwood Living | No Comments »