American Heart Month: Luxurious Heart-Healthy Recipes

Posted on February 17, 2012 by swilliams

American Heart Month Heart HealthyThis is the perfect time to try new heart-healthy recipes because February is American Heart Month. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. In fact, heart disease or stroke will cause one in every three deaths that occur this year. This is a devastating figure! Take your health into your own hands this month by trying out some luxurious heart-healthy recipes and learning tips for living a healthy lifestyle in San Diego to prevent you from becoming a victim of heart disease.

Heart-Healthy Recipes

Stuffed French Toast is a perfect way to start the day with less fat! Using fat-free cream cheese, egg whites instead of whole eggs and skim milk cuts out a ton of fat and calories without losing any flavor in this amazing breakfast dish. Two slices of toast equates to 270 calories, 1.5 grams of fat, and no saturated fat or cholesterol!

White Chicken Chili serves as a heart-healthy lunch or dinner. It’s quick to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and filled with fiber. Low-sodium chicken broth keeps the salt content down and reduced-fat cheese decreases the fat content. With plenty of spices—garlic, oregano, cumin, ground red pepper, and green chilies—this dish is bursting with flavor! One serving has 330 calories, 5 grams of fat, 2 grams of saturated fat, and 55 mg of cholesterol.

Heart healthy recipesPeach Crumble is a heart-healthy dessert with fresh peaches, whole-wheat flour, and oats. A few spices add just the right sweetness to the dessert, which has 140 calories, 3 grams of fat, only a trace of saturated fat, and 0 grams of cholesterol per serving.

Live a Healthy Lifestyle

Eating healthy isn’t enough to have a healthy heart. You should also live a healthy lifestyle in San Diego. Manage your weight with physical activity on a consistent basis, coupled with proper nutrition. Quit smoking to prevent the onset of cancer or disease.

Then, become familiar with your health numbers. Visit your doctor so you can keep track of your blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and cholesterol. Combining these figures with your height and weight can motivate you to take the necessary steps to safeguard yourself against heart disease, diabetes, and other harmful conditions.

At the end of the day, you will enjoy luxury living in San Diego much more if you take care of yourself by enjoying heart-healthy recipes and living a healthier lifestyle. Start today in honor of American Heart Month! Visit www.sapphiretower.net for more information about luxury living in San Diego and learn more on Facebook and Twitter.

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Sapphire Tower Scores First 2012 National Gold Award

Posted on February 16, 2012 by swilliams

National Gold Award Urban GentlemanDowntown San Diego’s boutique high-rise Sapphire Tower was the recipient this week of the prestigious 2012 National Gold Award, presented by the National Association of Home Builders. This marks the first gold award for the 32-story project, celebrated for its spacious and sophisticated furnishings, and breathtaking views of the San Diego waterfront.

The award was presented for “Best Interior Merchandising of a Model Priced Sized 1,500 Square Feet.” San Diego-based interior design firm Design Squared was the creative force behind the designer-appointed, move-in ready home, which sold in less than one month from the date of installation.

Called “Urban Gentleman,” the model was designed for the needs of today’s modern bachelor. The residence blends contemporary sophistication with a touch of natural elegance, creating a space that is chic and eco-friendly. Dark, monochromatic colors and clean, straight lines are complimented by the rustic and raw qualities of natural woods.

“Our goal in this model was to differentiate our client’s product from the typical ‘urban model home,’” said Kira Heramb, vice president of Design Squared. “Through the use of custom furniture pieces, unique built-ins and beautiful fabrics, we were able to accomplish just that.”

Started in 1982, The Nationals recognize excellence in new home sales and marketing achievements, product and community design and advertising. Sapphire Tower has been honored in previous years with a Silver National Sales & Marketing award for the Best Model Home Over $1 Million and an Icon Award for Best Interior Design for an Attached Product from the Building Industry Association.

“We are thrilled that Sapphire Tower is a part of The Nationals, this is the third year in a row that we have received a Silver or Gold Award for the project”. Said Chuck Sigmon of Centurion Partners.

A development of Centurion Partners, Sapphire Tower is located on the southwest corner of Kettner Boulevard and A Street in downtown San Diego. The project includes 97 luxury homes in studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and penthouse designs. The building’s features include a large pool, hot tub and sundeck, fully equipped fitness center/spa, spacious balconies and water views. For more information, visit Sapphire Tower at 1262 Kettner Blvd. #1401, San Diego, CA 92101, or call (619) 325-0689, or visit www.sapphiretower.net.

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Valentine’s Day San Diego Style

Posted on February 7, 2012 by swilliams

Valentine's Day in San DiegoThere isn’t a more romantic day of the year than February 14, and if you’re spending Valentine’s Day in San Diego, you have the opportunity to make it unforgettable. Surprise your sweetheart with some of the following ideas to help keep the flame of your love alive.

San Diego Ballet

Your date will be swept off her feet by the San Diego Ballet, which is presenting “Romance” February 10-12 at the Lyceum Theatre in Horton Plaza. Attending the ballet on one of these nights keeps Valentine’s Day itself open for further dining and pampering opportunities.

Hotel Packages

On Valentine’s Day, treat your loved one to something out of the ordinary by staying in a hotel that offers dining, drinking, and spa packages. Each of you could use some pampering, and with numerous hotels around your downtown San Diego high rise offering specials for the holiday, there is no shortage of options. Check out the Hard Rock Hotel, the Grand Del Mar, Andaz San Diego Hotel, and Paradise Point for their packages offered this Valentine’s Day in San Diego.

Restaurants

Sometimes enjoying wine and a great meal together where neither of you has to clean up afterward is the best way to spend the evening on Valentine’s Day. The most romantic restaurants in San Diego are Alchemy, Bo-Beau Kitchen & Bar, Cucina Urbana, Bleu Boheme, Candelas, the Prado, Mille Fleurs, and Anthology. Check out these and other restaurants in the area to find the perfect cuisine for a romantic evening.

Spas

Nothing beats a couple’s massage on Valentine’s Day! Enjoy luxuries like side-by-side massages, a private bath with champagne, complete with chocolate-covered strawberries. Schedule you appointment with Sè Spa, Rock Spa, Blue Marble Spa, Victoria Rose Spa, Aviara Spa, or others in the area for an unforgettable afternoon of pampering with your loved one.

For additional information about enjoying luxury living in San Diego at its finest, visit our website at SapphireTower.net. You can also learn more about this downtown San Diego high rise on Facebook and by following us for news and updates on Twitter.

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Visiting the Top Luxury Travel Destinations

Posted on February 2, 2012 by swilliams

top luxury vacation destinationsIt’s been a month since you set your New Year’s resolutions, one of which may have been to enjoy more luxury travel destinations in 2012. This luxurious goal is an exciting one to achieve, but it certainly merits some consideration. Have you decided where you might like to visit? We, here at Sapphire Tower, a luxury high-rise condo, have put our collective thoughts together and came up with six ideas for venturing out of your downtown San Diego high rise and seeing the world!

Tasmania

This island off the southern coast of Australia is about as far away from home as you can get. It’s the perfect travel destination for anyone with an enthusiasm for outdoor adventures. The unspoiled environment and pristine waters make this one of the most remarkable getaway locations in the world.

Southeast Asia

Exotic, luxury travel destinations await you in Thailand and Laos. Get a taste of everything, from mountainous regions to lively market towns to large cities like Bangkok. Go boating, visit temples, and enjoy a whole new culture in Southeast Asia.

 

Ireland

If you’ve always wanted to travel to Europe, Ireland may be the ideal English-speaking destination. Enjoy a bit of the old world by touring crumbling castles in the rolling green countryside and bask in the conveniences of the new world by enjoying world-class golfing and resorts.

The Republic of Congo

This French-speaking republic is located in West Africa. Heavily forested regions blanket the country, making it the perfect haven for wild gorillas. Take part in a safari and enjoy exotic nature like never before.

Brazil

The largest country in South America offers a wide array of luxury vacation activities. Visit the Amazon jungle, go samba dancing, enjoy sunny beaches, and experience nightlife and a culinary scene like never before.

Jordan & Israel

Jordan is a small country about the size of Indiana, yet it offers some of the widest geographical variety you will ever find in such a small area. Enjoy everything from rolling hills to vast deserts to dramatic mountain ranges. A quick jaunt over to Israel gives you access to the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea as well. Visit well-known locations, such as the Dead Sea, the ancient city of Aqaba, and the holy city of Jerusalem during your luxurious travels.

For additional information about enjoying luxury living in San Diego at its finest, visit our website at SapphireTower.net. You can also learn more about our luxury high-rise condo community on Facebook and follow us for news and updates on Twitter.

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Downsizing and Upscaling in Downtown San Diego

Posted on January 23, 2012 by swilliams

Downsizing and UpscalingYoung couples raising a family aren’t yet thinking about downsizing and upscaling. They still need room to grow and often prefer life in the suburbs where things are quieter. Now that you’re an empty nester, though, your children are all grown up and paid for. You long for the chance to experience downtown San Diego firsthand now that your little ones aren’t so little anymore. The center of the city was once neglected, but today, downtown San Diego has transformed into a vibrant, incredibly livable area where a downsizing and upscaling trend is gaining momentum.

The home you raised your children in is larger than you and your spouse need now, and the maintenance is wearing you down. Enjoy a more manageable living space in a downtown San Diego high rise that offers stunning views and the perfect amount of luxury living space for two.

Of course, there are plenty of things to consider before you make your big change. Keep the comparative cost of living, distance from work, and chance to build new friendships in mind before you move. Also, keep in mind that you will no longer have a yard to take care of, which may be a huge benefit or a drawback if you love gardening. What is certain is that luxury living in San Diego will give you the chance to enjoy an abundant amount of entertainment and restaurants close to home.

If you have an empty nest, it’s time to reevaluate what you want from your life. You may want to continue the upkeep of your too-large and empty home, or you could be ready for what a downtown San Diego high-rise has to offer—flowing floor plans, floor-to-ceiling windows, custom fixtures, a gym, pool, spa, and sauna, not to mention close proximity to entertainment and downtown events that take place year-round.

Jump on this downsizing and upscaling trend and see what luxury living in San Diego has to offer! Visit www.sapphiretower.net for more information and find out more on Facebook and Twitter.

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Home Decorating Trends for 2012

Posted on January 18, 2012 by swilliams

San Diego Home Decorating TrendsThe top home decorating trends this year are driven by comfortable design and luxurious materials in bright, exhilarating colors and textures. If you’re thinking about redecorating your downtown San Diego high rise for the new year, consider these 2012 decorating trends.

Materials
Modern interior design demands comfortable materials and luxurious finishes. The leading fabrics of choice include leather, wool, and silk, while finishes to consider this year include marble, wood, glass, high-quality plastic, natural stone, and crystals.

Colors
While a neutral color scheme is a safe, classic choice, 2012 decorating trends suggest you should go bold. Magnificent colors like emerald green, ruby red, tangerine orange, amethyst purple, and of course sapphire blue are making a stand in 2012. To prevent your room from becoming overwhelmed by these powerful colors, use them as accents with gentle colors like ivory, silver, dark brown and warm white.

Form
Scandinavian design is simple, straightforward, and elegant. Geometric shapes combined with organic shapes are sure to be popular home decorating trends in 2012, so look for a sofa with squared arm rests to couple with an organically inspired coffee table. Choose a square nightstand with a rounded headboard. Contrast is everything in 2012 decorating trends.

Wall Coverings
Wall paper is making a comeback, especially in larger living spaces such as the bedroom and living room. Patterned wall paper in these rooms makes them more interesting with visually broken-up space. Geometric patterns are particularly popular this year.

Vintage
Something fascinating about modern design is that vintage furniture and lighting is often considered current. Break out your old treasures and give them a fresh coat of paint to revitalize them and give your downtown San Diego high rise a new look for 2012.


Instead of decorating your wall or table with several small items, make a bold statement with a wall-length mirror, a huge piece of art, or an oversized light fixture. These elements add a breathtaking ingredient to an otherwise low-key room.

For more information about luxury living in San Diego, please visit www.sapphiretower.net. Then, find out more on Facebook and Twitter.

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San Diego Restaurant Week – January 15-20, 2012

Posted on January 9, 2012 by swilliams

San Diego Restaurant WeekSan Diego Restaurant Week is a culinary tradition that involves more than 180 local restaurants. The bi-annual event is most easily available to those enjoying luxury living in San Diego, as many restaurants are walking distance from Sapphire Tower, the luxury high rise condo located in downtown San Diego. This year’s Restaurant Week is takes place during the week of January 15-20.

San Diego Restaurant Week is a great chance to eat out at your favorite restaurants, while also trying out new eateries. The Educational Committee of the California Restaurant Association (CRA) San Diego County Chapter is the host of the event. Contributions made during Restaurant Week will go toward the CRA Educational Foundation. Thousands of children and young adults in the community can benefit from the funds raised during Restaurant Week.

For every American Express transaction made at participating restaurants during San Diego Restaurant Week, 5 cents (up to $5,000) will be donated to the CRA Educational Foundation. Examples of programs that will be funded by these proceeds include planting organic gardens, planning field trip transportation, and providing scholarships to help students further their education.

In addition to this worthy cause, you also have the chance to win a free meal every weekend for a full year simply by signing up for the San Diego Restaurant Week newsletter. The winner of the drawing receives 52 gift certificates to some of the most notable San Diego restaurants and can eat out every weekend free for an entire year!

During the week of January 15-20, you can eat out at participating restaurants, enjoy an exquisite dining experience, and know that your money is going toward a good cause. The closest restaurants to the downtown San Diego high rise Sapphire Tower are the Indigo Grill, Ruths Chris Steak House, Anthony’s Fish Grotto, Athens Market Taverna, and the Currant Restaurant. There are dozens more in the downtown area, particularly along 5th Avenue.

Living luxuriously in a downtown San Diego high rise is an opportunity that not too many people choose to pass up. You can live downtown near the center of it all when you consider a Sapphire Tower luxury high rise condo for your new home. For more information about luxury living in San Diego, visit www.sapphiretower.net. Find out more on Facebook and Twitter.

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San Diego Art and Design District

Posted on January 2, 2012 by swilliams

San Diego Art and Design DistrictRight around the corner from the San Diego luxury high-rise Sapphire Tower is the San Diego Art and Design District. Two notable areas are Little Italy, a historic downtown San Diego neighborhood, and Kettner Nights, an art walk.

Little Italy is the go-to spot for gallery hoppers, food connoisseurs, and treasure hunters who want to add luxury and excitement to their lives. Kettner Nights is located in northern Little Italy with the purpose of highlighting the San Diego Art and Design District developing there. This trendy area is situated between Kettner Boulevard, India Street, Grape and Laurel. The event was created five years ago and takes place on the second Friday of every other month from 6 to 9 pm.

Kettner Boulevard, which was designed after the Chelsea and SoHo New York Districts, is lined with art galleries, studios, eateries, and coffee shops and features an architectural beauty all its own.

There are many fine art galleries in the San Diego Art and Design District, including several that fall into the “must-see” category.Josh Herman Ceramics flaunts unique pieces that range in size and purpose from petite tea bowls to immense sculptures. JDC Fine Art is the best resource in the city for contemporary photography. Noel-Baza Fine Art and India Street Gallery showcases original artwork from some of the most notable names in the drawing and printmaking world. Pecoff Gallery has vibrant cityscapes, coastal paintings, and more on display, all of which are uniquely created by Grant Pecoff.

The San Diego Art and Design District’s Little Italy is only a block away from the luxurious Sapphire Tower. Those residing in these luxury condominiums are walking distance from the art galleries, studios, cafes, shops, cultural events, and festivals that make the District so desirable to visit.

For additional information about enjoying San Diego luxury living at its finest, visit our website at SapphireTower.net. You can also learn more about our upscale community on Facebook and follow us for news and updates on Twitter.

 

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Luxurious New Year’s Resolutions

Posted on December 26, 2011 by swilliams

Luxurious New Years ResolutionsThe New Year is a great time to set goals and make a vow to accomplish something worthwhile in the coming year. Here are some luxurious New Year’s resolutions that you may choose to strive for in 2012.

Visit a Foreign Country

It can be hard to set aside the time for a unique trip abroad, but you can make it one of your luxurious New Year’s resolutions to visit a foreign country you’ve never been to before. Step out of your comfort zone and visit somewhere foreign-speaking. Go alone, with a spouse, or take a close friend on this adventure with you.

Learn About an Ancient Culture

You can complete this luxurious New Year’s resolution without even leaving San Diego! The San Diego Museum of Man is a unique anthropology museum located in Balboa Park. This is a great place to start your research on a civilization of your choice, since it features collections that interpret the evidence of mankind through the ages.

Redecorate

It’s easy to get comfortable with your surroundings, but one of your luxurious New Year’s resolutions could be to refurnish your luxury high-rise condo! Perhaps on your trip overseas accomplishing another New Year’s resolution, you collected artifacts and furniture from another culture. This could be the basis of your new décor.

Enjoy Fine Wine

Again, all you need is right here in San Diego. Baccus Wine Market & Tasting Room offers a wide array of top-shelf wines from global vineyards. Options abound for you to expand your knowledge of wine, including joining a wine club, enrolling in wine classes and attending private events.

Invest in Something Custom-Made

Local fashion and jewelry designers are inspired by the San Diego location to create some amazing pieces. Instead of making your clothing and necklace purchases from large retail chains, one of your luxurious New Year’s resolutions could be to invest in custom-made pieces from neighborhood artists to help support the local economy.

Attend More Charity Events in San Diego

Charity events are amazing for both the guests and the beneficiaries of the event. Enjoy a concert, wine dinner, fashion show or auction while putting your money toward a charitable cause. Becoming more involved in events like this is certainly a worthy New Year’s resolution.

Make Donations of Your Time and Money

Aside from charity events, you can also make it a goal to donate more money to worthy causes, such as hospitals, museums, colleges and other establishments in the community that function primarily on the donations of patrons.

If you are interested in learning more about luxury living in San Diego, please visit www.sapphiretower.net. Read more on Facebook and Twitter.

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A San Diego Holiday

Posted on December 19, 2011 by swilliams

A San Diego HolidayChristmas and New Year’s are two of the most widely celebrated holidays in the United States. If you want to enjoy your San Diego holiday this year, you should become familiar with the top most anticipated Christmas and New Year’s events in the city.

The New Year’s Eve Block Party

If you enjoy dancing, this party could be the ideal way for you to spend your San Diego holiday. It takes place at the House of Blues on Fifth Avenue starting at 9:00 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, which is Saturday, December 31. Guests of all ages are welcome to attend; the cost is $10 per person.

Bottoms Up New Year’s Eve

For the best all-inclusive New Year’s Eve party, visit the San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter on New Year’s Eve starting at 8:00 p.m. “Party from the street to the sky” until 2:00 a.m., and enjoy unlimited drinks and champagne, excellent dining options, and a view of downtown from 22 stories high. Guests age 21 and older are welcome to attend at the price of $150 each.

Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour

The Balboa Theatre is featuring Dave Koz & Friends (Rick Braun, Jonathan Butler and Candy Dulfer) on Friday, December 23 at 8:00 p.m. Come for a night of smooth jazz live from the stage as you sit back and forget about your long to-do list. All guests are welcome at a price that varies between $65 and $85 per ticket.

Ice Skating

While it’s not a specifically scheduled event, how can you pass up ice skating at an outdoor rink in the heart of downtown San Diego? By supporting the Outdoor Rink at Horton Square between now and January 8, 2012, you will be contributing to a cause that benefits the Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Rady Children’s Hospital. Adults skate for $14, children age 11 and younger skate for $12. Anyone can enjoy unlimited skating with a season pass for $35.

If you are interested in learning more about luxury living in San Diego, please visit www.sapphiretower.net. Read more on Facebook and Twitter.

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