Kelly Bonanno

Real Estate Agent

California

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Spice-Topia ~ A Foodie’s Dream #Review & #Giveaway

10371970_731333570262411_677551667233179294_nIf you happen to be visiting Southern California make a stop on quaint Main Street in Ventura and be sure to pop into Spice-Topia. No plans to be near the pacific coast? Check out their website and order something to enhance your cuisine. 

One of my lucky readers will win a basket of some of their most popular items!

They have everything from spices to teas, mouth watering marinades, BBQ sauce, balsamic reductions, olive oils, one-of-a-kind products for kitchens and cooks and so10402633_729116407150794_3869392181915982580_n much more. Everything is from organic and fair trade certified suppliers, including products from some of Ventura’s favorite local vendors! Great prices too.

Owner Ashley Pope is sweet and helpful, she’ll help you pick out just the right items for your needs. It’s no wonder they were 2013 Juni Award recipients of  Merchant Of The Year and Best Customer Service. Ashley was recently named winner of the 2015 Young Entrepreneur Issue of the American Latino Magazine Cover contest!

They offer cooking classes with professional chefs so if you’re in the area sign up! 

559781_454379741291130_1608753697_nIf you follow this blog you know I’m not a fan of cooking, I’d rather be collaging, crafting or on the tennis court than in the kitchen. That’s why I love the wonderful things they carry, it’s an easy way to make food taste like you’ve slaved in the kitchen while also allowing true cooks to create special dishes.

The delicious spicy red pepper and garlic flavor of the Grumpy Grandpa honey from Henry’s Humdingers made my stir fry taste like a true gourmet chef had been in my kitchen. The fabulous Blueberry Balsamic from enFuso is terrific on salads and makes a yummy marinade and the spices we tried made the flavor of our meals come alive!

Enter for your chance to win a basket of yummy foodie goodies & be sure to follow Spice-Topia on Facebook & Instagram @spicetopia

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I Am Proud Of My State, Bravo California! The First To Ban Plastic Bags

The Golden State makes environmental history!  

I am one very proud Californian today! On Tuesday, California Governor Jerry Brown Signed legislation SB270 that will prohibit all pharmacies and grocery stores from offering single-use plastic bags beginning in July, 2015.

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With this law in place, we’ll see less of this. A very good thing

A year later, in July 2016, liquor and convenience stores will have to follow suit. The law does not apply to department stores. California is the first state to do this! It truly is a victory. Plastic bags are just one of the many items harming wildlife and polluting beaches, parks, streams and oceans.

“Once again, California is leading the nation in environmental protection,” said Assemblymember Marc Levine. “This bill will protect our streams, waterways, and wildlife. I thank Governor Brown, Senate President pro Tempore Elect De León, and Senators Padilla and Lara for their leadership on this historic legislation.”

According to Mark Murray, executive director of Californians Against Waste California spends between $34 and $107 million dollars on plastic bag cleanup every year. SB270 also cuts costs for stores since they won’t be purchasing them anymore.

Plastic manufacturers are, of course, looking to have this overturned. Let’s not let that happen. Those who oppose this claim jobs will be lost but Murray says, “we’re seeing job growth in California at facilities that produce better alternatives.”

Stores will be required to offer recyclable paper bags. They’ll be able to charge 10 cents a bag so keep some reusables in your car, I’ve been doing this for years. There are many issues that need improvement here in California but this is a positive step in the right direction regarding our environment.