Are the Shipping Containers the new Mobile Home?

Kitchen/Dining

Exterior

Living Room

Six years ago, some people question the appeal of mobile design and said it was an ego fad that would fad off within a year or two.   Since that time, there are two certain things.  1) it's not a fad and 2) it could be the next design of mobile homes.

OMD by Jennifer Siegal designed and built this amazing 2,330 sqft two story home in Santa Monica, CA.  2,330 sqft!!! That is 4 shipping containers at 16 ft wide to fit a lot size of 25 ft by 100 ft.  

The first floor is the common space which includes an open concept of living room, dining, and kitchen and garage.  The second floor has two bedrooms, two baths and an open office space that could be converted into a third bedroom with a terrace overlooking the backyard.

So what makes this so Ooo and Ahhh?  The price!! these prefab homes cost about 15% less than conventional construction cost, take half the time, and are more sustainable building methods.  In terms of real estate, you can buy a small lot and create a brand new custom preFab home that will meet your design and sustainable needs.

For more information on PreFab Homes by Jennifer Siegal, go to DesignMoblie.com.  

Top 5 Los Angeles Beaches

Dig out the sunscreen, grab your towel, and get in the car! Summer is around the corner and what better way to prepare than to learn about LA's top beaches for this season.  

1. Annenberg Community Beach House: Two mile long Santa Monica terrain, a 22'x110' pool, the historic Marion Davies estate, volleyball courts, beach rentals, cafe and much more. 
2. Point Dume State Beach: Spot wales from December through March or stroll along the beach with your significant other.  
3. Nicholas Canyon County Beach: Located ten minutes north of Zuma.  Great beach to boogie board, lots of towel space, coves to discover and has the cleanest, freshest water around (according to www.dailycandy.com) 
4. The Strand, Manhattan Beach: Great beach to take a walk, run, jog, rollerblade, bike along the miles of paved pathway.  
5. Heavens Beach: Located in Leo Carrillo State Park,  this is a great BYO picnic.  Or try some food from Cafe Habana and Beachy Cream ice cream sandwiches from Pacific Coast Greens.  

Mother's Day in Los Angeles

To make Mom feel special this weekend, try these great active family fun ideas. 

1. Spa Day with Mom

Take Mom out for a relaxing time at the Spa.

2. Bike Along the Beach Path at Santa Monica

Take a bike ride along the beach path with the whole family! Try a covered pedal surreys with bench sets that can hold from two to 6 or 8 people.  

3. Take a Local Wine Tour 

Don't have time to go to Napa?  Try the wine country tour of Malibu vineyards or Temecula Valley. Don't forget the San Antonio Winery in downtown Los Angeles that is the only producing winery in Los Angeles. They also have a restaurant on site. 

4. Horseback Ridging 

Ride through the Hollywood Hills with a view of the Hollywood Sign at Sunset Ranch or ride through the hills of Malibu and visit the Old West Paramount Ranch! 

5. A Day Trip to Catalina Island

Grab a over-water ferry and explore Avalon! Go hiking, take a jeep eco tour, snorkeling or a glass-bottom boat tour. Ferries depart from Marina Del Rey, San Pedro, Long Beach and Newport Beach. 

More on Visiting Santa Catalina Island. 

6. Flowers, hugs, and Kiss!