It’s going to be a weekend to sing about in the Bay Area! Check out some of the many things to do this Saturday and Sunday.

Have an ogre of a time this weekend in Livermore! Shrek the Musical is hitting the stage at the Bankhead Theater, where laughter and songs await you on Saturday at 8PM. Reserve your seats here. 

It’s all about winemaking this weekend in Livermore! From Vine to Glass: Through the Eyes of the Winemaker is happening this Sunday at McGrail Vineyards and Winery. Sip on award-winning wine and learn how fine wines are created from 11AM to 1PM. Order your tickets here.

Come experience the classics of composer Stephen Sondheim this weekend in Pleasanton! Sing along to tunes from West Side Story, Sweeney Todd and Into the Woods this Sunday at 2PM at Firehouse Arts Center. Purchase tickets here.

Everyone loves a good picnic, so head over to San Jose this weekend and have one with your family! Presented by New Leaf Community Markets, Picnic-in-the-Lot: BBQ Chicken and Beer Tasting is happening this Saturday at 1PM. Get more info here.

 To make sure you’re always in the loop and up to date with everything happening in your community, be sure to LIKE the Ponderosa Facebook page. 

To make sure you’re always in the loop and up to date with everything happening in your community, be sure to LIKE the Ponderosa Facebook page. 

We know you love model homes – so why not live in one? The Residence 1- Flex model home sales release is happening on Saturday, July 26 at 11AM, and it’s a flex model home lottery!

Visit the sales office early to get more information on the sales release. To be eligible for the lottery, potential buyers must be registered and pre-qualified (with a pre-approval letter) by 4PM on Friday, July 25.

Register by contacting us at the ‘Register’ field in the right-hand column or at (925) 460-8900

Here’s what the next place you’ll call home has to offer your growing family:

• 3 Bedrooms – 2.5 Baths + Den
• Approx. 2,370 Sq. Ft.
• Fully Landscaped Model Home
• Washer/Dryer Included
• Built-In Refrigerator
• Extended, Staggered Tile Flooring
• Crown Molding in Den and Living Room
• From the low $1 millions

To make sure you’re always in the loop and up to date with everything happening in your community, be sure to LIKE the Ponderosa Facebook page. 

While temperatures are high in Northern California, there are some great ways to beat the heat this summer. Here are five simple tips to help you keep cool and enjoy the rest of this warm season.

• Get fit! Exercise in the early morning or early evening to prevent heat-related illnesses.
• Be cool as a cucumber. Stick a hot-water bottle in the freezer to create an ice pack that will keep you from overheating while sleeping.
• Ease up on the hot water. Take showers with cool or tepid water temperature.
• Turn down the lights in your home. Not only will dimming your lights help to save on your electric bill, it will also keep indoor temps cooler.
• Stay refreshed! Keep a spray bottle in the refrigerator to mist your face after spending time outdoors.

We hope you are enjoying your summer and find these cooling tips to be useful!

To make sure you’re always in the loop and up to date with everything happening in your community, be sure to LIKE the Ponderosa Facebook page. 

Get out and about for a great time this weekend in the Bay Area! Don’t miss out on these fun events happening near you.

Enjoy an evening of award-winning wine and culture this weekend in Livermore! Head over to Concannon Vineyard on Saturday at 7:30PM as the Livermore Shakes present Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Get more info here. 

Get ready to tap your feet and groove to the music this weekend in Livermore! “Times 4” is playing their unique blend of urban jazz at the Livermore Public Library on Sunday at 2PM. Learn more here. 

Summer is the perfect time for backpacking in Northern California! Come learn the backpacking basics including preparation of gear and how to select proper clothing at REI in Dublin on Saturday at 9AM. Register here. 

Pack a picnic and watch a Shakespearean masterpiece under the stars this weekend in Pleasanton! Shakespeare in the Park presents The Taming of the Shrew on Saturday at 7:30PM. Get the details here.

A well-beloved Broadway comedy is hitting the stage this weekend in San Jose! A Thousand Clowns by Herb Gardner is coming to the Montgomery Theater on Saturday at 8PM. Purchase your tickets here. 

To make sure you’re always in the loop and up to date with everything happening in your community, be sure to LIKE the Ponderosa Facebook page. 

There’s nothing better than a tasty and mouthwatering side dish to go along with your Independence Day meal! Here’s an easy recipe to make that you should definitely add to your menu.

Grilled Corn with Mango-Habanero Butter

Ingredients

1 mango, peeled and coarsely chopped

¼ cup mango nectar

1 tablespoon honey

½ habanero chile, seeded

1 ½ sticks unsalted butter, softened

2 tablespoons packed cilantro leaves, chopped

½ teaspoon kosher salt

8 ears of corn

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, combine the chopped mango with the mango nectar, honey and habanero chile. Bring to a simmer and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the mango is very soft, about 10 minutes.

2. Transfer the mixture from the saucepan to a food processor and puree until smooth. Strain the mango puree into a small bowl and let cool, about 30 minutes.

3. Wipe out the food processor. Add the cooled mango puree along with the butter, cilantro leaves and salt and puree until smooth. Scrape the mango butter into a small bowl, cover and refrigerate until chilled, about 30 minutes.

4. Light a grill or preheat a grill pan. Pull the corn husks down to the base of the stalks, leaving the husks attached. Discard the corn silk. Using butcher string, tie back the husks.

5. Fill a large bowl with cold, salted water and submerge the corn for 10 minutes.

6. Drain the corn but don’t pat dry. Grill the corn over moderate heat, turning occasionally, until tender and browned in spots, about 8 minutes. Transfer the corn to plates, spread with the mango-habanero butter and serve.

Happy Fourth of July!!

To make sure you’re always in the loop and up to date with everything happening in your community, be sure to LIKE the Ponderosa Facebook page.