Summer's coming and with it brings months of abundant sunshine and warm weather (we hope soon!)... to Marin. Even if you live in San Francisco, you can come up north to have a real summer, and relax at one our community pools. Below is a list of towns with pools that are open to the public:

Kentfield

• College of Marin: Kentfield Campus Pool
  Physical Education Facility
  835 College Avenue, Kentfield
  (415) 457-8811

Opens: June 20 - August 14 : Monday-Friday 1:30-5:30 pm, Saturday-Sunday noon-5 pm
Extended Fall Public Swim (August 20-September 25) Saturdays and Sundays only 1-6 pm
Drop-in Fees: Adults $5, children ages 13 & seniors $3 per day

Mill Valley

• Homestead Valley Community Association Pool
  315…

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My father is a contractor and I have always lived in the midst of renovations.  The process of seeing dilapidated houses turn into beautiful craftsman homes was always exciting to me. Now, as a Realtor spending time with clients who are looking for "fixer uppers", I can provide some additional firsthand insight from my father who is an experienced professional.

How many homes have you bought and what were the conditions?

We bought 4 houses. 3 were "handyman" specials and 1 was brand new.  The first house we bought had dropped ceilings in the kitchen that I tore out. There was a rickety porch that I had to completely redo. There was a dry rotted deck that was failing apart. I tore it off and scrapped…

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As an east coast transplant, I love meeting new people and hearing why they love living in Marin County. I was able to catch up with a few more Marin residents, here's what they had to say:

I chose to live in Larkspur because of the convenience to the freeway. The town itself is filled with natural beauty and great trails for hiking. Larkspur is centrally located and has the best downtown area for shopping and eating at great restaurants. The weather is absolutely amazing and I can get to the East Bay to visit my family very easily. - Jocelyn, Larkspur

I love living in San Rafael, specifically the Dominican neighborhood because of the location to the college. It's a beautiful setting; I have Redwood trees in my backyard. I'm a 5 minute walk into…

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I am delighted to announce my client's successful purchase of 15 Mt. Tenaya Drive in the Upper Lucas Valley region of San Rafael.

This 5 bed/2 bath Eichler home built in 1964 features a very desirable double-A frame layout, walls of glass to create an indoor/outdoor feel and a lush backyard with a beautiful waterfall.

Originally listed at $920,000, I was able to assist my client in purchasing the home for $850,000.

If you are buying or selling a home in Marin, I would love the opportunity to represent you.

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When deciding to move to Marin County from New York City a few years ago, my husband and I knew we wanted to live in a place that was beautiful and temperate all year round. Frankly, we were tired of the cold winters and knowing our family would be growing we wanted to be somewhere very kid friendly. A few years later, we are settled into San Rafael and couldn't imagine our lives anywhere else. The ease of life whether it's going to the park in the middle of winter, being close to shopping or going out to a great dinner; it's all within our reach.

I joined a Mothers Club in Marin when my daughter was born and was fortunate to meet many families who live in Marin for similar reasons. As a Realtor, I felt it was important to blog why residents…

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I have always loved the month of December; it's the start of the holiday season. There's no better way to celebrate than with a trip to see the Nutcracker. Now in its 23rd year, the Stapleton Ballet production features the story of Clara and her wild adventures with the Nutcracker. With new choreography and costumes, the stage will ignite with vibrance and excitement. Over 150 dancers from the Stapleton School of the Performing Arts will engage audience members young and old. It's sure to be an amazing way to spend the weekend.

Event info: 4 performances. 1pm and 5pm on Saturday and Sunday December 3 and 4, 2011
  Event Location: Marin Civic Center - 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael, CA 94903

How to get tickets: Click here for details

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With the fall season upon us, they're only a few more weeks to soak up the sun at the Coppola winery pool in Geyserville.  If you haven't heard of this amazing new spot, I highly recommend a visit (or two).  

Overlooking the Alexander Valley vineyards, Coppola's vision was simple; to create a place where families could get together and enjoy all the wonderful things in life.  Mission accomplished!

The resort style pool is open to the public seven days a week and only costs $15 per adult, including the use of a towel. Children under 3 are free. Once in the pool area, you want to make sure to find a comfy chaise lounge chair or you can reserve ahead of time and book a cabine.  There are 28 European style cabines (cabanas) located on…

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Embrace Yoga will be celebrating its opening weekend September 17th and 18th 2011 from 2pm-6pm with free mini-classes and promotions. The studio, designed by 38 Spatial, was created with modern in mind.

With some of the best Marin yoga instructors, led by founder Amanda Mount, Embrace Yoga will offer Vinyasa, Anusara, Iyengar, levels 1-3, as well as prenatal and mom + baby, restorative and workshops.

Located near Scotty's Market in the Terra Linda neighborhood in San Rafael, the studio is surrounded by mid-century modern Eichler homes and lots of rolling hills, so it won't be hard to let go and find your Zen.

Specials:
$3 off per class
Introductory 6-class series: $78

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photo courtesy of Sausalito Film Festival

The Sausalito Film Festival is back for its third year showcasing 13 feature and documentary films as well as live interactive discussions and panels with filmmakers and industry leaders.  

Sausalito, known for its diverse community of artists, boat-makers, film celebrities, athletes and writers makes it an extraordinary place for a film festival. Created in 2009 by event producers and film lovers Antonio Capretta and Allison Faust, the festival showcases films with diverse themes and relevant world topics. Attendees can expect a weekend of thought provoking, powerful discussions including human rights, climate change, military…

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