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2009 is here and I've decided to create my vision board over the next 2-3 days…(it’s going to be a big one!), and I invite all of you to do the same.

You may be asking... What is a vision board?

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Buying a home should be fun, not stressful. As you look for your dream luxury home, keep in mind these tips for making the process as peaceful as possible.

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First of all, IS there? Life outside Corona del Mar Village, I mean? Of COURSE there is! Corona del Mar Village is what I love and where I typically sell, but the Newport Beach area offers so many choices for homebuyers -- all different and distinct. And all good.

I've been working recently with a client who is relocating from Northern California. Her price range gives her limitless options. Taking her around to the beautiful homes in the charming neighborhoods reminded me of all the wonderful places to call home in Newport Beach. You really can't go wrong anywhere, so the hardest part of all is deciding on a community.

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As parents, we are always concerned about our child's well being. We want to make sure that they have all the advantage of a great eduction. For those of us who encounter children with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) or it's relative ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity) we often find that professionals and parents miss the fact that hearing, specifically auditory processing may actually be the issue or be a partner in the over-all problem.

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Did you know that in 2009 the exemtion from estate taxes increases to $3,500,000? This allows a married couple to devise $7,000,000 to their heirs if they pass away in 2009. The bad news is that in 2011 the exemption reduces to $1,000,000 per person and $2,000,000 if a married coup-le have the right kind of trust. With estate tax starting at $.37 (37%) on the first $1 over the exemption and increasing to 45% in a big hurry, a close look at your estate plan is in order. See your tax professional and attorney as soon as possible to make sure you are in a position to protect your heirs form the tax loss.

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Media courtesy of: Dennis A. Colucci

As part of my day job, I am the expert witness for the petroleum industry in the areas of hearing loss and hearing conservation. Occasionally, I travel to San Francisco and have the pleasure of dinning at some of the best spots. Today, I had time to have a late lunch at the Fairmont Hotel atop Nob Hill. Certainly, the holiday experience at the Fairmont is spectacular and inviting and when a tasty lunch is served it makes it even more memorable.

Across from the tea room is a casual lounge called the Laurel Court. I always like to start a special event with a Stoli Martini and an olive. This was served with an assortment of salted nuts. Filberts, pecans, almonds, walnuts, cashews, and others. For lunch, I ordered the combination sliders. Wow! The combination had one Kobe beef slider, another was a crab cake, and finally duck with original sauces and finishes. The fresh coleslaw and french fries topped it off. If you're in San Francisco for the Holidays don't forget to see the tree at the Fairmont. Maybe stay for lunch or afternoon tea. See my next Cooking Colucci Style blog on Celebrity Foods and my recipe for rack of pork loin.

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Thank you for stopping by the Orange County Luxury Real Estate Law Center. I'm Michael W. Johnson, the Managing Partner of Johnson & Johnson, LLP law firm, and recently was selected as the Editor for the Real Estate Law Center

My goal is to deliver current and relevant information on a variety of issues confronting the high-end real estate owner and investor, and give the readers the caution signs to steer clear of the roadblocks ahead of us in this current market and environment.

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Media courtesy of: Lauren Card

I truly can't believe the holidays are here, where did 2008 go?!

Believe me, I know I’m not alone in feeling this way and at this busy time of the season I find it very comforting that I can rely on certain people to help me get things done. Ken Spears at Cal Taste Fine Wine in Laguna Beach and Laguna Niguel is one of those people. Whether it’s finding the perfect host / hostess bottle of wine or determining what wine I should serve with my Southwest Cornish game hens Friday night, Ken’s the one I lean on.

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On Monday November 27th at 3:30PM, a press reception was held to announce the 2009 Culinary Masters event. Held at the Pacific Club in Newport, the press party was just a "taste" of the magnificent event coming on March 22nd 2009.

The concept of Wick Kinnearson and Kristin Martin, the Culinary Masters features 28 of the top chefs in Orange County, who cook tableside for an elite group of guests. Why come? Not just for the most delectable foods, but also to benefit the charities hand picked by the Roosters. For more information, contact Kristin Martin at 714-435-8426.

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On the evening of Friday December 5th, the Daniel Michael Salon hosted a makeover night for a local group of fabulous woman who lost a total of 600lbs!

Each woman came in ready to complete their new image, by changing cuts, color and makeup. They were an open and enthusiastic group, and the highlight of the evening was the feedback of feeling young and beautiful. Before and after picutres were taken and will be emailed to each participant.

We look forward to doing it again!

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We are collecting non-perishible food items and cash donations in the salon, now through December 20th for The Second Harvest Food Bank. For every three items brought in, your name will be entered in a raffle for a gift basket valued at $100.

We are also collecting for Toys For Tots. All toys must be new and unwrapped.

Merry Chiristmas and Happy Holidays to all!

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I love Balboa Island, so every week on realtor preview day I always make sure to visit any homes open on the Island. Today was another preview day and I found a new listing on Little Balboa Island. Many don't even know about Little Balboa. It's on the left of the Main Island if you drive over the bridge on Marine.

Little Island is very quiet, yet it's close to Marine Avenue where all the hussle and bussel is going on! Many prefer to live on the Little Island because of the peaceful surroundings.

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On November 13th at the Cal Taste Fine Wine Store in Laguna Beach, editors for a ocLUX were treated to a night of fun and networking. This was the first in-person networking event for ocLUX and begins a twice-monthly series that will be held at luxury establishments throughout Orange County.

Celebrity Foods of Tustin and Cal Taste Fine Wine provided extremely high-quality food and wine, combined with a the masterful knowledge of Steve Giella of Celebrity Foods and Ken Spears, the proprietor and certified Sommelier for Cal Taste Fine Wine.
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On Sunday November 16th at Tannin's in San Juan Capistrano, we were proud to participate in a charity event benefitting Second Harvest. The event was a great success to say the least.

The highlights of the event were a fashion show featuring fashions from the 1920's to the present, and a silent auction. Media coverage was graciously provided by 944 Magazine and the Orange County Register.

At Daniel Michael's Salon, we have a long-standing committment to charitable causes. We are proud to be a part of the South Orange County community and wish you all a very happy holiday.

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One good reason among many to becoming an editor is to meet other editors at meetings scheduled periodically. Last Thursday the event was sponsored by Ken Spears of Cal Tasts Fine Wines of Laguna Beach. Catered by Celebrity Foods, Inc. (another sponser) whose cruisine was top-notch, the event was both enlightening and fun. Thanks Ken and Celebrity for the wonderful food and wine. It was an enjoyable way to get to know both the newest editors and to sample the great food and wine of the hosts. I am looking forward to more events like this in the future.

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If you are looking for the best in rare and premium wines, your search is over! Cal Taste Fine Wine in Laguna Beach is a "wine lovers mecca". Walk in and you are captivated by the incredible selection of exotic to mainstream wines. Owner Ken Spears has built a large collection of wines from Napa Wines, French Wines, California Wines, Desser Wines, Port Wines, German Wines etc.... Ken is also a chef who is happy to answer any questions or give helpful suggestions on wine pairings with any meal. If you are planning any kind of a dinner party or outting with friends, use Cal Taste Fine Wines as your resource. What a great way to spend an evening, bring some of your friends and schedule a wine tasting!

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The most recent ocLUX event was held last week at the prestigious California Taste Fine Wines in Laguna Beach and in my humble opinion was an overwhelming success.

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Since I became an editor for Home Automation, I have had the pleasure of attending several luxury OClux events. Last week I met Ken Spears at Cal Taste Fine Wine in Lagua Beach. He is the editor for Luxury Wines with OClux.

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Media courtesy of: Rohrer Fine Art

According to Sotheby's on November 3, 2008 at their Evening Sale, 45 works of Impressionist and Modern Art were sold for a total of $223,812,500. Paintings from Edgar Degas and Edvard Munch commanded prices over $30 million each, while Modern Artist Kazimir Malevich’s Suprematist Composition sold for $60,002,500 which set a new record for any Russian work of art ever sold at auction and a historic moment for the artist and modern art.

Bidding at the evening's event was international with a strong American presence. Established collectors who have felt priced out of the market over the past few years have now returned. In November many of the well known art auction houses will be having events like Sotheby’s, all “testing the waters” of the art market in this new environment. If this sale at Sotheby’s is a gauge, the market is clearly alive.

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Corona del Mar. The Village. The Flower Streets. Olde Corona del Mar. All these names refer to a small stretch of luxury real estate at the southern end of Newport Beach fronting the blue Pacific. But no matter what you call it, it's gorgeous!

Corona del Mar Village is a charming and eclectic mix of homes. You can still find the quaint, tiny beach cottages on large, grassy lots. Many times, they're dwarfed by the palatial mansions built toe to toe and jostling for the best views of Newport Harbor.

Who lives in Corona del Mar Village? Well, the residents are as charming and eclectic as the homes in which they live!

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Current Estate Tax Law expires in 2011. What is congress going to do?

With a democratic congree coming the current wisdom is that the estate tax will be continued - but what form and rates will make it through committees and be signed into Law? The return to the $1 million exemption in 2011 will most certainly be changed and the current wisedom is that it will be increased to ~ $3 - 4 million and the gift tax rates will change.

This will affect most estate plans and those with large estates should seek legal advice when that happens. Don't neglect this very important consideration...your legacy to your heirs.

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While I'm the editor for the Dover area, I sell real estate all over Newport Beach and Corona Del Mar.There are so many luxurious communities in Newport Beach it's sometimes difficult to know which one to write about, and sometimes it feels like I change my mind weekly on which community is my favorite.

Luxury is different for everyone. In my case I love simple luxury. I think that's why I love Balboa Island so much! Although Balboa Island has some of the most expensive real estate in Orange County, it's truly a beach town.

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Media courtesy of: Dennis A. Colucci

Traditional manicotti uses a pasta tube filled with a variety cheeses, meats, and vegetables, but this is not necessarily special. I first learned about preparing manicotti from my second mom, Clara. She was a wonderful Italian cook and for more than 40 years was the family’s top chef. The quality of each dish she made was something to remember and during the holidays there was no stopping as one feast after another was prepared and served to perfection. In my family, manicotti was always served as an appetizer or a side dish, but it can certainly be the main course. To make “manicotti delicate” you need to know how to make my home made Italian “crespelle” or crepe. The results are a mouth watering manicotti like you have never had anywhere before, except Italy.

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As this prolific local pelagic season comes to an end, many Southern California anglers head south of the border to continue the fishing tournament season. The Bisbee Black and Blue Tournament was held in Cabo San Lucas and was an overwhelming success having the 2nd largest purse in history at $2,234,035.00. Bisbee Black and Blue

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The primary reason to have a trust is to avoid probate. Probate is a costly, time-consumming and unwieldly method of passing your estate to your heirs.

A trust is an efficient and easily managed way of transfering your wealth to your heirs. There are major tax saving that can be realized by using a trust, especially when a married couple set up a marital deduction trust.

Commonly referred to as a Living Trust the AB trust uses existing tax laws to minimize the loss of assests in the effect of estate taxes on the heirs to your estate. To learn more contact me at 949-365-5658 and mention that you saw this message on ocLUX and receive a no cost consultation to discuss your estate planning needs.

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Last week I replaced the gargantuan, archaic CRT TV in my family room with a stunning 65" High-Definition flat panel display.

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Media courtesy of: Microsoft

Most men think that noise is just part of life. We generally like it, it makes us feel connected to activities, it is a stimulant at times, and most importantly it is associated with many of the things we like to do. The roar of a hotrod, the feel of music from a car stereo, the concerts, the motorcycles, the guns, the sound of a jet, electric guitar playing, banging on the drums, the gigs at the local club, working in the garage, and many more great experiences are enhanced by noise. Let the testosterone fly!

Men, unlike women, are typically exposed to a variety of noises over time and are more likely to have noise induced hearing loss (NIHL). As I look back at all the years I have been seeing patients with this type of loss, I find that almost all of them were men. Noise is so prevalent in our society that …”ten percent of Americans between ages 20 and 69—or 22 million Americans—already may have suffered permanent damage to their hearing from excessive noise exposure” (National Institute on Deafness and Other Communicative Disorders). What is even more remarkable is the fact that almost all hearing loss from noise is preventable with a little bit of knowledge and the correct ear protection.

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What do you know about Fiduciary Duties, Duty of Loyalty,and Self-dealing Rules in Trust Administration? It is something all Trustees and their attorneys need to know especially in this changing world of evolving rules and case law.

I strongly recommend a two hour seminar at Northern Trust on Thursday, November 6, 2008 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Registration is at 9:45 am and a light lunch is included. Call April @ 949-717-5547.

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The Culinary Masters Press Reception top Sponsor is Epic Products. Epic's diverse family of culinary products continues to grow along with the changing trends of the market. Their goal is to be the choice for wine, spirits and party accessories.

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The U.S. government issued a warning to consumers this past Friday after 32 people in 12 states contracted Salmonella poisoning.

Salmonella poisoning routinely affects between 2 and 4 million Americans annually with young children and the elderly at the greatest risk of death. Common symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever within eight to 72 hours.

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First time on the Market! Located on one of the best streets in Newport's most desirable neighborhoods, Dover Shores. This a traditional, single level home, on a 10,680 square foot lot.

Close to Mariners Elementary,17th street shopping, parks, library, and beach!

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The Culinary Masters Press Reception will take place on November 17th 2008 at The Pacific Club Newport Beach from 3:30-5:30. This event is exclusive for table buyers, VIP's, Top Sponsors and Members of the Club. Participating Chefs will provide delicious appetizers for all guests. Chefs will mingle with guests at this festive cocktail hour. Participating Chefs and Restaurants Include: Six-Park Grill, Palm Terrace at the Island Hotel, Restaurant 162' at The Ritz-Carlton, Ambrosia, ANdrei's, Club 33, French 75, hush, Leatherby's Cafe Rouge, McCormick & Schmick's Mr. Stox, Napa Rose, Orange Hill Restaurant, Pinot Provence, Roy's, Salt Creek Grille, Shades, Splashes, Stonehill tavern at the St. Regis, The Californian, The Cannery, The Cellar, The Crow Bar & Kitchen, The Loft at Montage Resort, The Pacific Club, The Resort at Pelican Hill, Tabu Grill, Vine and taleo Grill. Press Reception Sponsors include: Pellegrino, Dining Out Magazine, Donna B.'s, Addington Confections, Madonna Estates, Epic Products, Gioia Luisa America, Bleu Cotton Photography and Kettle One Vodka.

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Corona del Mar Village was born a beach town. It was sprinkled with tiny cottages a shell's throw away from the ocean, or duplexes where the family could live in one house and still have room for extended family to visit -- or rent out the back house to bring in some extra income. As the town grew into what would now be called "a destination resort," real estate ballooned in price.

After the last real estate downtown in the early '90's, many builders and developers started buying up the cottages and duplexes on the R-2 lots, which are zoned for two units rather than one. They condo-converted the land, separated the water and gas lines, built two units in place of the single cottage or duplex, and sold them off separately for quite a large profit.

These are the condos.

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If you are a fan of Italian opera you won't want to miss The South Coast Symphony Opening Gala Night, Friday October 24th at 8:00 pm. Operatic hits from La Scala such as La Boheme, Carmen, Rigoletto, Barber of Seville and Phantom of the Opera will be presented by music director & conductor Barry Silverman, story teller Dennis Tarr and four gifted voices of the evening...

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Rack of Lamb is classical cooking at its finest. The inside is medium rare, the flavors are outstanding, and the heat and texture make this meal scrumptious. To enhance the flavor and make the meat even more tasty, I like to use the barbecue and make my own teriyaki-ginger sauce to dip or drizzle. I sometimes make these as an appetizer, but my family loves them as the entree. When I cook for four or six, the following recipe is a winner!

The key to making this a hit is not to over cook or char the meat and at all costs never burn the rib bones. My son at age 8 called this dish "meat on a stick", so I am very careful not to burn the rib bones or it would be just "meat" and what is so glamorous about that? The other part about cooking a delicate meat like lamb is to prevent the grill from catching on fire because of burning fat that drips onto the flame. When it catches on fire there is smoke and the temperature on the hood thermometer is at 350 degrees of more. At 450-500 degrees just throw it away unless you like it burnt.

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I just sold a home in the Westcliff tract in Newport Beach. Westcliff is in the Dover Shores area. This is very close to the 17th street shopping area, I often talk about.

The location is ideal, not just because it's close to all the shopping, but it's also close to Mariners Elementary, which is one of the reasons this neighborhood attracts young families. It's also in walking distance to the walking trails at the Castaways, and the Newport Beach Aquatic Center.

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This Sunday October 12th, from 1-5 pm I will be having an open house on Balboa Island. The address of the property is 211 Pearl Avenue.

This home is located right in between South and North Bayfront. Just steps to the water! This superb Balboa Island duplex has been renovated and it is filled with plenty of sunshine.

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In Corona del Mar, the closer you are to the ocean, the more valuable your property. If you're not ON Ocean Boulevard, then buying a home in the two or three hundred blocks is the next best thing.

This is living on the Flower Streets....from Carnation down to Poppy. (Avocado, Acacia and Begonia don't go through to Ocean.) The two hundred block is right off Ocean and most of the homes have stunning water views. In the three hundred block, you're still well within walking distance to the beach and can grab an amazing ocean view from a roof top deck. Some people actually prefer living here because you're sheltered from the summer time beach traffic along Ocean Boulevard itself.

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