Why had I not visited Arjan Flowers before?  I have passed this Piedmont Avenue boutique many times over the last 11 months it has been open for business.  Somehow I missed it!  Better late than never.  Proprietor, Mina is gracious, knowledgeable and is the perfect hostess.  She answered tons of questions, potted a staghorn fern [...]

This view comes FREE with the purchase of 1 Kelton Court #5B.  I love 1 Kelton Court! 1 Kelton Court is on a cul de sac a few blocks away from Piedmont Avenue in Oakland.  This is the perfect building for folks who want to be close to everything and yet live in a quiet [...]

Last week I took my friend Karlya out for a belated birthday dinner; we made plans for dinner at 6 at Odesso on the corner of Piedmont Ave. and Pleasant Valley.  Odesso just received a great review in the Chronicle so we were both excited to sample the famed house-cured meats and Italian flavors.  Odesso [...]

Proprietor Noella
Here is a snapshot that I took of the cool paintings by Olivia Allums on the wall of Issues last December.

Okay, I know I am urging you to get out and support your local businesses of Oakland and Berkeley and here is one more shop to put on your to-do list. Issues [...]

Cracker Jacks is a fabulous resale and new clothing store for kids. Owner Elizabeth Helm has created a hip store full of carefully selected new and gently used toys, clothes and shoes for children. For the baby or toddler pick one of Crackerjack’s cool tee shirts. Mention Oakland Realtor, Deidre Joyner and receive [...]

Here is a great Christmas tip! Philippa Roberts on Piedmont Avenue is a wonderful newly added boutique. Here you can buy jewelry by several artists (including Philippa), candles, home accessories and more. Mention me, (Oakland Realtor, Deidre Joyner) and receive 10% off your purchase! Go out and support our local businesses in [...]