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        <title>Our South Bay Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.southbayresidential.com/blog/</link>
        <description>Read all about current events, community news and the real estate industry in the Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach area of beautiful California</description>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.southbayresidential.com/blog/google-glass-and-the-real-estate-business.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.southbayresidential.com/blog/google-glass-and-the-real-estate-business.html</link>
            <author>greg@southbayresidential.com (Greg Geilman)</author>
            <title>Google Glass And Real Estate</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
As a tech enthusiast, I explore the latest technology and gadgets and evaluate ways to enhance the service to our customers. Google Glass was my latest project and while I think the device is evolutionary (and pretty entertaining) ultimately it's got a long way to go before it becomes part of my every day life in real estate.





The most obvious use for someone in my profession is to use Google Glass to provide a live showing of a property with a busy or out-of-state client which is what I did.


This required a bit of set up. My client had to setup a Google or Gmail account, we had to +1 each other,  and I had to add her as one of my coveted 10 "shared contacts" (currently Glass only allows you to specify up to 10 people who are accessible from the device). Google Glass currently doesn't let you join a Hangout, only initiate one. I did a practice run to ensure everything worked for her and off we went.


During the showing it was nice to be "hands free" to open doors and keep the camera pointed in the right direction, but the live video feed was blurred at times for my client so I had to stop and wait for the streaming feed to adjust. She was able to provide feedback in real time, asking me to go back to certain rooms and take a closer look at certain elements which was helpful.


Overall it wasn't as seamless as I would need it be (mostly due to the setup), so I'll stick to Apple's FaceTime for live videos to show proporties when clients cannot be there in person. However for pre-recorded videos, Glass is a great tool and creates a nice, realistic walkthrough of a home.


I look forward to the next iteration of Google Glass and will continue to provide the latest technology to my clients. If you have any questions (South Bay real estate or Google Glass-related) please feel free to reach out to me (greg@southbayresidential.com).


Google Glass Real Estate Walkthrough


Here is an exerpt from the walkthrough that I did when Google Glass was offline and not streaming live. Pretty nice, huh? Just possibly need some better connectivity or throughput.







 


What I Liked...




Comfortable: the fit is actually quite comfortable and it's easy to wear for several hours 


Intuitive: the user interface is easy to navigate and you get the hang of it very quickly


Accurate: the voice commands and dictation are good as long as you are in a somewhat quiet enivornment




Quality Photos/Video/Audio: the photos and recorded video are very high quality and the audio is pretty clear






What Needs To Be Improved...




Google Hangouts: multi-step setup and poor video quality during the hangout


Battery: Hangouts and using the device for phone calls seems to drain the battery and the device actually gets warm


iPhone: it doesn't work with iOS devices (yet)


 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 13 May 2013 11:49:00 -0700</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.southbayresidential.com/blog/you-deserve-a-relaxing-day-at-trilogy-spa.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.southbayresidential.com/blog/you-deserve-a-relaxing-day-at-trilogy-spa.html</link>
            <author>info@southbayresidential.com (marketing marketing)</author>
            <title>You Deserve a Relaxing Day at Trilogy Spa</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Featured in just about every fashion magazine in the planet, the award-winning Trilogy Spa is one of the top choices for your relaxation. Many top magazines, such as Allure, Food &amp; Wine, In Touch, Cosmopolitan and even Oprah's magazine have featured spreads about Trilogy Spa. The spa offers all types of treatments and gives you the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing day away from the regular world.


Spa Parties


One of the most unique things the Trilogy Spa offers are spa parties. From a couples retreat to a full special party with all your friends, you can hold an actual event at the spa. They take care of bridal showers, birthdays, anniversaries, corporate retreats and so much more. Reserve the entire spa for a private event or just hold a smaller event during regular business hours. Guests can stay in the hotel and receive in-room treatments, as well. Group discounts, catering and many other services are also available for your next party.


Services Offered


The spa offers many different services from a menu full of massages to rainbar treatments. Whether you want to enjoy a relaxing 80-minute massage or you prefer to relax with a couples massage, you have plenty of options. Some of the treatments include:




Trilogy massage


Deep tissue massage


Prenatal massage


Aromatherapy body massage


Peel treatments


Trilogy spa facial


Body wraps


Body scrubs


Rainbar treatments


Massage-your-mate


Hawaiian Stone massage


And more!




Medi-Spa Weightloss


If you're looking for a way to blast away your fat, Trilogy has introduced a new Life Lift program under the supervision of Dr. Bar. With the use of lasers, weight loss supplements and spa treatments, you can reduce cellulite and fat as you reshape your body. The program includes a Detox program, medical grade supplements and many cutting edge treatments to help you drop fat quickly. All packages come with full medical support from the Life Lift Team.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 12 May 2013 20:53:00 -0700</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.southbayresidential.com/blog/featured-manhattan-beach-event-tour-de-pier.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.southbayresidential.com/blog/featured-manhattan-beach-event-tour-de-pier.html</link>
            <author>info@southbayresidential.com (marketing marketing)</author>
            <title>Featured Manhattan Beach Event: Tour de Pier</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
May 19th will feature the Tour de Pier event, which provides a great opportunity for fitness and fun. With 400 stationary bikes set in front of the Manhattan Beach Pier, you can sign up to participate in this four-hour event. Many celebrities and athletes will be on hand, along with cyclists of all different skill levels. Instructors from Fit On Studios and South Bay's Spectrum will help riders make through their 50-minute session.


As you pedal your way through, you can enjoy the amazing view, energetic music and more. Craig B. Hummer will host the event. He's a seven-time winner of the US Ocean Ironman Championship and an Emmy-nominated broadcaster. Tony Cruz, Eric Fonoimoana, Rahsaan Bahati, Heather Petriand and Brent Berry will also attend the event. With all these Olympic athletes and other athletes on hand, you're sure to have a great time.


Of course, this type of event is not just for fun, but also for charity. The fundraiser will benefit two different charities: The Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research and The Friendship Circle of the South Bay. These two charities help children and support research for cancer.


This event provides a great fundraising opportunity, fitness, cycling and more. The intent is also to promote healthy living through the area with a Health &amp; Fitness Expo. You can enjoy plenty of food, drink and product samples, along with the Kids Fun Zone, activities and lots of games.


The event will begin with check-in at 7:30am and will start at 9am. You can secure your bike as a Team Captain for $125 and the entire team registration is $500, which covers four riders. Teams and individual riders can earn prizes throughout the event, as well. Donations will also be accepted if you don't want to actually ride, but you still want to support the charities.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 10 May 2013 14:50:00 -0700</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.southbayresidential.com/blog/get-your-kids-involved-with-advetureplex-at-marine.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.southbayresidential.com/blog/get-your-kids-involved-with-advetureplex-at-marine.html</link>
            <author>info@southbayresidential.com (marketing marketing)</author>
            <title>Get Your Kids Involved with AdveturePlex at Marine</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
AdventurePlex is a great place to bring your kids for fun in a social setting. The goal of the team is to develop healthy habits in children and give families a place to play together. If you're looking for a great place to get silly and have some fun, this is the best indoor playground around.


Children can enjoy challenging themselves through the many tunnels and mazes, along with the indoor gymnasium, rope courses, rock climbing walls and fitness room. AdventurePlex also offers many camps, sports classes, toddler programs, special events and a healthy cafe.


The facility is a total of 16,000 square feet and provides plenty of fun throughout. Free Wi-Fi is available in the cafe and many activities are provides, including:




FitPlex Fitness Center


Rope Course


Play Structure


Rock Wall


Multipurpose Room


The Studio


Meeting Room


Garden


Reading Corner


Sport Court


Courtside Cafe




Many classes are offered for kids of all ages including classes in life skills, dance, sports, fitness, classes for toddlers and even adult fitness classes. There's something for everybody at AdventurePlex and it's the perfect place for a birthday party or other type of event.


Membership and Drop-in Rates


AdventurePlex offers a membership option for those really wanting to take advantage of the facility. The membership includes:




FitPlex Jr. - Ages 8 to 17 for $20/month


FitPlex for Adults - Individual for $30/month, second family member $25/month and each additional for $20/month




Membership includes 50% off admission for the play structure, rock walls and rope course and a free guest pass each month.


Drop-in Rates are as follows:




Play structure - Under 4 for $5, Ages 3 and up $10


Rock Wall &amp; Rope Course - $20 for both for 2 hours of use


FitPlex Fitness Center - $10 per day with a Parent pass for $30 for 10 weeks


Yoga - $14 per day


Sports Court - $5 per day




There are many special rates for events, such as Parents' Night Out, Best Play Date Ever, Wii Fitness Gaming and other regular events. AdventurePlex opens Monday through Friday at 9am and Saturday and Sunday at 10am. It stays open until 7pm every day of the week except on Sundays when the center closes at 6pm.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 10 May 2013 06:58:19 -0700</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.southbayresidential.com/blog/balanchine-festival-red-coming-soon.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.southbayresidential.com/blog/balanchine-festival-red-coming-soon.html</link>
            <author>info@southbayresidential.com (marketing marketing)</author>
            <title>Balanchine Festival RED Coming Soon</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The Los Angeles Ballet will be performing the Balanchine Festival RED, which is part two of this two-part series. Don't worry if you missed the first part of the series, you can still enjoy the second part. This part of the festival will happen in May and June with multiple performances. The featured three works are:




La Valse - This is an energetic waltz with a touch of doom.


Agon - Performed by one dozen dancers in black and white, it's a bit like a contest.


Rubies - This performance is the gem of the show and allows the elegance to be shown off.




Performances will be held throughout the month of May and June at various Performing Arts Center. Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary are the artistic directors for the show. You can catch one of the many performances at any of the following locations and times:




Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center - May 11th at 7:30pm


Carpenter Performing Arts Center - May 18th at 7:30pm


Valley Performing Arts Center - May 25th at 7:30pm


Alex Theatre - May 26th at 2pm


Royce Hall, UCLA - June 9th at 2pm




This is a great event to make a date night with dinner beforehand. All of the performances are happening at locations close to great restaurant choices. You can enjoy one of the many restaurants for dinner, and then take in an amazing performance of ballet, music and entertainment.


Tickets range in price depending on your seat choice and where you see the performance. The most expensive ticket is $95 for all performances and most start at $24. The exception is the May 18th performance at Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach. Tickets for this performance start as low as $18. All other shows start at $24 and range up to $95.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 07 May 2013 14:58:00 -0700</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.southbayresidential.com/blog/craft-beer-in-south-bay.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.southbayresidential.com/blog/craft-beer-in-south-bay.html</link>
            <author>info@southbayresidential.com (marketing marketing)</author>
            <title>Craft Beer in South Bay</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Craft beer is becoming very popular in South Bay. It's more than just a trend and it grows every month. New breweries pop up every year, new pubs serve craft brews more often and South Bay is full of restaurants switching tap handles to local brews. Beer lovers are found throughout the community and it's always a good idea to take a tour of the beers offered throughout the area.


Taking a tour through the beer scene in the area includes restaurants, grocery stores, breweries and pubs. You'll find everything from a light beer with just a few calories to the richest porter you can find. Here are some of the best choices for your beer tour in South Bay. Make sure you add all these places to your list and cross them off as you give each one a visit.


The tour Start with LAX (Lost Angeles International Airport), where Brewster's at Four Points is found. This is a must for anybody and they carry a wide variety of brews. After Brewster's, you can enjoy the rest of the tour, including:




El Segundo Brewing Company


Rock &amp; Brews


760 South at Whole Foods Plaza


Hot's Kitchen


Brew Company


Simzy's


The Brewery at Abigaile


Saint Rocke


Naja's Place


Strands Brewing Company


Monkish Brewing


Hudson House


The Rockefeller


The Dude Brewing Company


Smog City




These breweries, restaurants, bars and pubs are located throughout the area from Manhattan Beach to Torrance. You can sample a flight at a number of places, such as Monkish Brewing. With the way the beer scene works in South Bay, you might need to add a few new places to this list soon. There's always a new restaurant, bar, pub or brewery popping up with new beers on tap or a new batch ready for the public.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 06 May 2013 07:45:14 -0700</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.southbayresidential.com/blog/celebrate-earth-day-all-year.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.southbayresidential.com/blog/celebrate-earth-day-all-year.html</link>
            <author>info@southbayresidential.com (marketing marketing)</author>
            <title>Celebrate Earth Day All Year</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The earth is worth more than just one day and it's important to figure out how you can celebrate the day all year long. Manhattan Beach and South Bay provided plenty of great events for Earth Day and it doesn't have to stop. Whether you helped with cleaning up the beaches, helped plant trees or did something else to celebrate, you can continue to take care of Mother Earth for the other 364 days of the year.


A Few Ways to Continue Earth Day


1.  Local Products


Manhattan Beach is full of great produce and it can be found at one of the farmers' markets throughout the area. Buying local can eliminate over 1,000 miles of travel from the farm to your plate. This means, you will help reduce the use of fuel, which means less emissions.


2. Plant Trees


If you own land that will allow you to plant trees or you are part of an organization with this ability, you can always help by plant a tree. This can be done any day of the year. A new tree can absorb up to 10 pounds of pollutants each year and produce over 250 pouts of oxygen, as well.


3.  Drive Less


Carpooling, bike riding, walking and using public transportation can really help the environment. Even if you just do this a couple days a week, you can cut the greenhouse gas emissions by over 1,000 pounds a year.


4. Reusable Bags or Recycling Bags


By using reusable bags in the grocery store or recycling plastic bags, you can help the environment in many ways. The 100 billing plastic bags produced each year take a toll on our earth and by taking advantage of reusable bags and recycling, you can help with this issue.


Earth Day should be a year-round event. Don't allow the awareness of the one day a year to only last for 24-hours. Do your part by recycling, driving less, planting trees and buying locally.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sat, 04 May 2013 12:02:08 -0700</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.southbayresidential.com/blog/barsha-pairs-tapas-with-wines-perfectly.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.southbayresidential.com/blog/barsha-pairs-tapas-with-wines-perfectly.html</link>
            <author>info@southbayresidential.com (marketing marketing)</author>
            <title>Barsha Pairs Tapas with Wines Perfectly</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Manhattan Beach is home to Barsha, one of the finest wine shops in the area. This shop is run by husband/wife partnership of experienced chefs. When you first arrive, it's like walking into a welcoming home perfectly decorated with fine wines. Adnen, the husband is also a sommelier and brings in some of the highest-quality wines found throughout the state. Lenora, the wife acts as the head chef and creates delicious tapas and salads perfect for the wine. This pair has worked throughout North Africa, Beverly Hills, Las Vegas and Europe before opening the shop.


If you enjoy small batch wines, you will love Barsha Wine and Spirits. They provide over 30 wines for sampling and each Tuesday, you can choose between two different flights of wines suited to a specific theme. These flights feature wines from specific areas, such as the "Down Under" with wines from Australia, Chili and Argentina.


The small plate tapas are paired with each of the wines to give you the best possible dining experience. One of the feature tapas, Marouani's Bread and Butter is perfect for pleasing the palette. This dish is basically homemade tapenades with crusty bread. Many other tapas are available with a Mediterranean and European influence. There's plenty to choose from and the couple will make recommendations for the right wine and tapas combination.


Barsha Wine and Spirits also offers the Barsha Wine Club. This club is perfect for wine lovers and provides a two-bottle monthly selection, tasting room discounts and many other benefits. Visit the tasting room Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 4 to 6pm for the WINE DOWN happy hour. You can enjoy wine flights for only $7 and many other specials. The Tasting Room is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11am to 9pm.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 29 Apr 2013 10:31:00 -0700</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.southbayresidential.com/blog/fourth-annual-casino-night-fundraiser-coming-soon.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.southbayresidential.com/blog/fourth-annual-casino-night-fundraiser-coming-soon.html</link>
            <author>info@southbayresidential.com (marketing marketing)</author>
            <title>Fourth Annual Casino Night Fundraiser Coming Soon</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
On April 27th from 6pm to 10pm, the 4th Annual Casino Night Fundraiser will take place in Hermosa Beach to benefit the Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis. This is a fun-filled event with plenty of casino games, food and drinks. The event will happen at the Studio Restaurant and Lounge, Hermosa Beach and provides the opportunity for sponsorships and product donations.


Enjoy casino style games, such as poker, blackjack, craps and many other games all night long with the opportunity drawing at 10pm. Entering the drawing gives you the chance to win an iPad Mini and there are many other great prizes, as well. Come out for appetizers, drinks, games, socializing and more.


Whether you're looking for a fun night full of games and socializing or you want to donate to the Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis, you can enjoy this unique event. The Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis is trying to raise money to support research for a cure for pulmonary fibrosis. They're also on a mission to educate, advocate and support those with pulmonary fibrosis and their families.


Even if you're unable to attend, you can make a donation online at the event website. However, those attending this event will pay $40 for general admission, which includes a free appetizer, casino cash and one drink ticket. This will get you in the door and allow you to spend time enjoying the events. There are special discounts offered through some organizations and the proceeds will help to support the Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis.


If you want to enjoy this even, come out to the Studio Restaurant and Lounge at 10866 West Washington Boulevard in Culver City on April 27th from 6pm to 10pm. You won't want to miss this fun annual event and it's for a good cause, as well.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 26 Apr 2013 09:19:08 -0700</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.southbayresidential.com/blog/the-best-restaurants-in-south-bay.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.southbayresidential.com/blog/the-best-restaurants-in-south-bay.html</link>
            <author>info@southbayresidential.com (marketing marketing)</author>
            <title>The Best Restaurants in South Bay</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ With so many great restaurants throughout the Manhattan Beach and South Bay areas, it's difficult to narrow down the best choices. Some of the top choices among locals are not as well known to visitors, but the locals usually know best. Here are the best choices throughout the area.1.  Tin Roof BistroLocated in the Manhattan Village Mall, this is a casual bistro offering a generous wine listing from Napa Valley. It's known as a wine country local's hangout and combines great local wine with an amazing atmosphere and Chef inspired cuisine.2.  Four Daughters KitchenStarting as a "hole in the wall", this restaurant developed into one of the best choices in North Manhattan Beach. It's a beach eatery with healthy food, a fully stocked bar and organic coffee.3.  The Green TempleThe idea behind the Green Temple is to create a sustainable menu of vegetarian dishes people will love. Featuring a harmonious atmosphere, this unique restaurant provides many great dishes by using  many organic ingredients. The few non-organic items they use are locally grown and they spend quite a bit of time shopping at farmers' markets for daily fresh ingredients.4.  The SpotA natural food restaurant and one of the oldest found in the area, The Spot is actually located in Hermosa Beach. They feature many non-diary items and use the most organic products they can find.5.  Hot's KitchenKnown for the huge draft beer selection, Hot's Kitchen provides 36 different taps, along with great good. The menu includes fifty different types of tacos and they strive to provider a casual, yet cool atmosphere everybody can enjoy.There are many other great restaurants throughout the South Bay area. These are just a few of the local favorites and they all provide a great meal at an affordable price. ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 22 Apr 2013 09:24:00 -0700</pubDate>
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