5 Ways to Save More Water in San Mateo

January 18th, 2016

Water is one of our most precious resources. While water covers 70% of the Earth, only 3% is suited for human consumption. Even people who live in areas with ample rainfall need to practice water conservation as using water consumes energy in pumping, heating and re-processing it. Luckily, there are ways and tips for saving water for everyone in our society. Here are a few tips in which you can save water easily:

• Saving water from taps – Turning off the tap when brushing teeth, shaving, doing dishes and washing hands as well as when showering saves everyone a lot of money. Use the cold water coming out of the faucet or shower while waiting for the hot water. This water can be used to water plants or pour into the toilet reservoir post flushing.
• Installing low flow shower heads – These low flow devices are cheap and screw simply into place with current units maintaining pressure and feel of the flow while using nearly half as much water as regular shower heads. Have showers instead of baths as this uses nearly one third of the amount of water used in a bath.
• Create dual flush toilet – These are toilets flushing smaller amounts of water for the activity you carry out at the toilet. This helps save a lot of water. The half flush button comes in handy here.
• Replace washing machine with a high-efficiency washer – Old style top loading machines consume 45 gallons each load with an average family of four running 300 loads each year. The newer high-efficiency washer consume just 15 to 30 gallons each load. You end up saving almost 34000 liters a year.
• Wash full dish loads – Select the economy mode when washing clothes. Load your dishwasher full but not too full. Check energy and water usage levels of the dishwasher prior to purchasing one.

Especially in a Californian city like San Mateo, water conservation is in its peak time of importance. Although we run the risk of facing severe drought conditions frequently in this part of the country, we should always be creating habits to save water for the sake of our environment.

Best Bicycle Stores in San Mateo, CA

January 6th, 2016

San Mateo is a hot bed for commerce and business with tons of companies and jobs being created daily. Individuals from across the globe and the nation are moving to San Mateo for the opportunities, and these people look to bicycles for their key mode of transportation. Besides being an economical option, a bicycle is good for the environment and a good form of fitness. The best bicycle providers will have something for every type of rider, every member of the family and a range of products matching any budget so that all can cycle both for work and for leisure. Below is a list of  some of the best bicycle providers in the San Mateo region of California:

• Talbot’s Toyland – in business since 1953, Talbot’s Toyland is one of the most reliable names when it comes to hiring bicycles. Over the years Talbot’s has evolved from the neighborhood toy store to a specialized bicycle store selling hobby, bicycle and general toy needs of the San Mateo and surrounding region. Specializing mostly in BMX bikes, Talbot’s has the gear required for the fun and fast paced experience including FMF Aluminum race frames, dirt jumpers from Redline and GT Mach One bicycles.
• Summit Bicycles – location of the Bay Area’s largest bike rental stores, Summit Bicycles ensures the buyer walking through their door are met with the highest levels of customer service, the right bike and a quality machine with each store offering the best in on-site repairs and the best selection of bicycles in the San Mateo region.
• CyclePath – touted as San Mateo and the Bay Area’s most comprehensive provider of bicycle services and equipment. CyclePath eats, breathes and sleeps bicycles. Whether it be a customer’s first road bike or choosing to own one’s first racing bicycle, Cyclepath will assist the customer leveraging over 3 decades of racing and repairing bicycle experience.

Most Reliable Internet Providers in San Mateo

December 22nd, 2015

If you live in the San Mateo region in California and are reliant on internet connectivity at home or at the office, you will need to know who the reliable internet providers in the region are. San Mateo is one of the most tech-savvy places in the country with headquarters like Google, Apple and Facebook with homes nearby. In industries such as these, as well as many other modern industries in today’s professional world, it’s important to know where to look for reliable wireless internet services.

Whether it be for VoIP services, YouTube video streaming or uploading of big files for your website, the right internet provider will deliver you high speed broadband access at a price that fits your budget. Read on to know more about the reliable internet providers in the San Mateo region:

• AT&T High Speed Internet – AT&T supports all services from large downloads to gaming to streaming video. With speeds being found up to 75 Mbps, the options are endless to match your budget. Users also gain access to the full National AT&T Wifi Hot Spot network for zero additional payments. AT&T also delivers on the customer service front for just $15 a month. Both chat and phone support are available to assist with computer performance, malware, viruses and wireless home networking options.
• Time Warner Cable – One of the country’s most reliable internet service providers, Time Warner Cable built their loyal customer base by offering free internet security software, multiple user support, money back guarantee and free parental controls while also providing users with free access to thousands of national WiFi Hotspots. With packages starting at $34.99 and capping at $64.99, users have a choice of paying according to the internet download speed they desire. All plans arrive with email accounts, online storage and internet security.
• Comcast – Recognizing the need for varying internet download speed, XFINITY Internet from Comcast has stand-alone internet and the fastest in-home WiFi for every room in the house. Ranging from 25 to 50 and 125 Mbps packages, users also receive access to free Constant Guard online protection packages and free access to over 500,000 WiFi hotspots across the nation.

Whether you’re a new resident to the San Mateo area who’s relocating for work, or a long-time local to the Bay Area looking for more options, start your internet provider search with these three options. Between the three of them, there are so many alternate options to meet a variety of lifestyles and purposes.

Going Green: Eco-Friendly Grocery Shopping

November 22nd, 2015

As years pass, we’re constantly growing and evolving in ways to perfect out grocery shopping efforts. Just when we thought we had it all figured out, a new way to save money has blossomed or a healthier option has been created. While it could feel like a chore, grocery shopping is one of the easiest ways to have a positive and eco-friendly impact.

Nowadays, rising concern over the health of the planet continues to impact the human race in many different ways. One thing we know for sure is that by taking small steps in the right direction, we can bring positive growth to our planet’s current state. Below are few of the steps you can take the next time you head out to go grocery shopping.

Buying in Bulk

It could feel easier to purchase individually wrapped beverages and snacks; however, the convenience is added to over 60 million tons of plastic, paper and glass in packaging. These rising numbers is what gets thrown away just in America each year. Search and purchase products that have the least amount of packaging. Items such as soap, juice and pasta could be purchased in bulk and repackaged later using reusable containers in the freezer or a lunch box.

Stay Away from Pesticide Residue

Nearly every piece of factory farmed produce will contain chemical residue these days. Similarly, foods are the worst offenders in comparison to others. The existing pesticide-heavy vegetables and fruits are leafy greens, peaches and berries. Ensure these fruits and vegetables are organically bought in order to leave the chemicals at the door.

Select Reusable Containers 

Each year, Americans carry home in excess of 100 billion single-use plastic bags. These end up in landfills and even the ocean. Ensure plastic is kept out of the waste stream through the use of reusable bags at the store. Refrain from using plastic produce bags by choosing to use reusable mesh bags instead.

Support Local Farmers

You can show support for local farmers while grocery shopping by supporting small farms and reducing the energy required to transport food to the table through buying local goods. Through selection of a farmer’s market in the area or shopping at grocery stores that carry and support locally-sourced meat and produce goes a long way in ensuring the environment is eco-friendly.

Consider the ways in which you can make a difference by adapting some new habits in your everyday life. Grocery shopping is a great place to start!

Vintage Furniture Boutiques In San Mateo, CA

October 5th, 2015

Sometimes, there’s nothing that lights up a room and accents an interior design plan quite like a vintage classic. As easy as it is to love contemporary, modern furniture pieces, master-crafted, vintage furniture has a special quality that you can’t find nowadays. As a resident of San Mateo, if you’re looking for the best places to score a classic piece for your interior, we’ve made a list of the must-visit places below.

Thrift City Furniture

Shopping for something unique to dress up the home is not easy. If rustic, old world charm is the look that does it for you, stick to something precise. Thrift City Furniture in San Mateo is an ideal place because of the heady mix of traditional, modern mid century, antique and vintage pieces on display. Anything from the shop will make you happy because the prices are comfortable and the store is large with well-displayed products. The place is a treasure and the owner is extremely helpful while knowing his stuff.

Global Den 

Global Den has an eclectic mix of amazing pieces with excellent textures. If you want to buy a restored piece with high quality, you are in the right place. The furniture on display is beautiful, and Ellen knows her work for sure. Who would have thought that mirrors can change a room or handmade rugs can set the tone? If you think that’s good, you haven’t seen anything yet! The wide range of chairs, tables, chandeliers have the piece de resistance feel to it and more. If you have a certain idea in mind, she will find you the piece you want.

Pierson Twentieth Century Design

Pierson 20^th Century Design has a wide range of mid century furniture. If you want something that no one else has, you are in the right place because there are rare finds out here. When shopping around for something unique, it is essential to visit boutiques and meet with someone who knows her or his matter. If you want antique doors or mantels find a certain style that resonates well with the interiors. Most manufacturers today confuse the style of antique and vintage, and oversell the aged furniture with a splash of this and that.

When looking out for new furniture to add to your space, you need to ask yourself what really makes a home look good. If you want an item that speaks of class, shop vintage.

Best Day Trips & Road Trips Near San Mateo, CA

September 24th, 2015

Planning a holiday to get away from the humdrum of daily life is a game changer. It allows you to get a change of scenery, without the hassle of dealing with airports, flight delays and excess time. You can hop in the car with family and friends and find a new adventure in a couple of hours. Here are a couple of choices for road trips near San Mateo to look into for your next escapade!

Coyote Point Recreation Area 

Located on Highway 101 and relatively close to San Francisco, this place is peaceful with greenery that is extremely pleasing to the eyes. Coyote Point Recreation Area is located right in the center of a hill, a beach on one side and the harbor located on the other. If you love biking and/or walking, there’s a scenic trail that takes you right to the beach. This place is ideal for an outdoor party, preferably in a season that does not have extreme weather patterns like rain or low temperatures. If you enjoy watching planes take off, and like being surrounded by all that San Mateo has to offer, you are in the right place.

Seal Point Park

If you want to hang around in a place that offers amazing views, you have to check out Seal Point Park. Ideal for a picnic, this site is also suitable to bike, walk, stroll or take your furry friend out for an outdoor adventure. If you want to fishing, you have the open opportunity to do so at the Bay and with plenty of parking to keep your car away from the action. You get to feel the fresh air on your face and feel the wonders of nature. This area is ideal for a weekend getaway, with an amazing view of the San Francisco Bridge! Carry your binoculars with you to get a great view from wherever you are.

View from the Top

Northern California has so much to offer like the Mendocino Coast with such amazing views! Venture up the coast, and plan a stay here to enjoy some time away from it all. Fort Bragg has breathtaking coastlines, boutiques and Redwood forests. Motels in the vicinity provide tourists with stunning ocean views that encompass the romance in the sunsets, the lushness of botanical gardens and sandy beaches. Whether you desire a romantic time away from it all back home, or just need a break, you will find serenity and beauty here.

The Best Coffee Shops In San Mateo, California

September 3rd, 2015

San Mateo has plenty of coffee shops to cater to the ardent lovers of the beverage and the craft. In a city that operates a large portion of the world’s tech portals like Google and Apple, coffee is necessary to say the least. Here are some of the best coffee shops in San Mateo, California.

The Three Bees Coffee House 

Situated in downtown San Mateo, this coffee shop is the ideal place to visit. You get a variety of your favorite beverages with a very relaxed atmosphere. The reason they coined the name ‘Three Bees’ is because they are situated at Third and B Street. If you want to have something with a treat thrown in with your latte or espresso, you need not look any further because they have something for everyone. A Panini, wrap, pastries or even a dainty foam picture! What a nice way to kick start the day. If you want to hang out a little longer, free Wi-Fi connectivity gets the creative juices going. Not only do they serve the best coffee in town, the croissants and muffins are to die for. Check them out for a cozy feel without the fuss.

Philz Coffee 

A game changer among coffee shops, Philz serves whatever your taste buds desire. The place is pretty much the ideal choice if you are not looking for a big chain or franchise thing, but you like a little twang of authenticity thrown in, sans the hype. Situated at 113 S B Street San Mateo, CA you get to order from a menu with a wide variety of unique options. If you are looking for the dark roasted variety, you have to try out Tantalizing Turkish, which is a unique blend or the Code 33 ideal for the CA cops. Should a light blend strike your fancy, look no further than Canopy of Heaven or the Greater Alarm.

Kingston Café 

Out on Kingston Street, you can wash down amazing goodies with a café au lait, cappuccino, espresso, decaf or a classic cup of coffee. If you are not one for coffee, the chai latte or the green tea latte will boost your caffeinated needs.

California is the place to be because you get to experience the thrill of what life has to offer in total. If you haven’t already, visit one of these popular coffee joints in San Mateo and try out some of their specialties. It’s the perfect stop to start your day with a bang!