SANDIEGOLIVING SANDIEGOLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
VOL XXXIX • NO. 4 • ODD
JULY/AUGUST 2018
Contents
14 - 15 H OME FASHION
20
H OME T HEATER /A UTOMATION
28
16
22
K ITCHEN & B ATH
29 - 31 E XTERIORS & L ANDSCAPING
A RT
18 - 19 H OME I NTERIORS
24 - 27 H OME P RODUCTS & S ERVICES
32
H OME R EMODELING
H EALTH , B EAUTY & F ITNESS
ON THE COVER Featured on this month’s cover is a stunning example of an indoor/outdoor living area that has been designed with smart technology. With just one touch, you can control your entertaining area from your lights to music to TVs. You can also control your A/C and heating when away to keep your energy bills down. This is a smart home, welcome home. For more information, you can call 1 Touch Living at 858-798-9130 or visit them at www.1touchliving.com. See their article on page 20.
SANDIEGOLIVING PUBLISHER WALLY HICKS III
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER DAVE BAKER PUBLISHER’S REPRESENTATIVES MARKET LINK SAN DIEGO OFFICE DAVE BAKER 619/296-9305 1081 CAMINO DEL RIO SO. STE. 224 SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92108 ADVERTISING MAILING ADDRESS: Affluent Target Marketing, Inc. P.O. Box 18507 Anaheim Hills, California 92817-8507 (714) 446-6280 FAX (714) 446-6294 (888) 612-7400
www.sandiegolivingmagazine.com For comments to the publisher: ocpub@affliving.com The opinions expressed in the editorials are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of San Diego Living. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, we cannot supervise the way in which information found in San Diego Living is used. San Diego Living is produced bi-monthly by Affluent Target Marketing, Inc., P.O. Box 18507, Anaheim Hills, California 92817-8507. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. All submitted materials, including images, logos, and text, for advertising and editorial are assumed to be the property of the provider, and Affluent Target Marketing, Inc. can take no responsibility for unintentional copyright infringement. Affluent Target Marketing, Inc. has the right to refuse advertising. CIRCULATION VERIFIED BY U.S. POSTAL RECEIPTS
homefashion
Your Mattress May Be
MAKING YOU UNHEALTHY
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o you have back pain when you wake up? Do you have neck pain? Do you have stiffness or soreness? Does it take you more than 30 minutes to fall asleep? Do you experience restless sleep? Do you toss and turn at night? If you answered “yes” to two or more questions, this may be one of the most important articles you read all year. While you sleep, your immune system recovers and prepares for the day ahead. It replenishes every cell in your body. Low-quality, uncomfortable mattresses have been linked to discomfort and pain, which can prevent
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quality sleep. People who struggle with sleep deprivation may suffer from irritability, depression, over-eating—and even face a higher risk for Alzheimer’s. If your mattress is filled with chemical toxins, airborne allergens, or worse, your body is doing battle with those things rather than repairing itself, you’re losing valuable energy each night instead of healing your body and revitalizing your mind. All of that combined can wreak havoc on your health and well-being. What’s Inside Your Mattress? The following information may be disturbing to some. That’s because the Environmental Protection Agency has identified at least four possibly dangerous chemicals commonly found in some synthetic mattresses—benzene, propane, naphthalene and styrene - especially bedding materials made in China and overseas, where such governing agencies do not exist. It is important to understand the facts. Typical mattresses made from artificial materials are known to emit potentially harmful gases in your bedroom—a phenomenon known as off-gassing. Laboratory researchers in the U.S. and Europe have identified up to 61 potentially harmful chemicals that off- gas from typical synthetic mattresses. Exposure to these 61 chemicals has been associated with irritation of the skin, eyes and digestive systems. Additionally, the chemicals off-gassed by synthetic mattresses have also been associated with headache, fatigue, depression and even hearing loss. Your skin, the most porous entry point into your body, has contact with a mattress for 8 hours every night, on average. Children, who breathe faster than adults, are especially vulnerable to chemical exposure. Every night, people lie down with minimal clothing for a seemingly good night’s sleep. But in reality, while lying on a conventional mattress, they are breathing in and absorbing through their skin a range of chemicals from synthetic materials—chemicals that can disrupt their sleep cycles and negatively impact their health. The vast majority of mattresses emit gases from a toxic brew of components used to create them. From the polyurethane foam used in the padding to fire retardants and other additives, conventional mattresses continue to release chemicals in gaseous forms long after they roll out of the factory. ONLINE AT SANDIEGOLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
homefashion
Even after the mattresses have finished off-gassing, the chemically-based construction of a conventional mattress provides an ideal environment for dust and dust mites, whose excrement is the #1 trigger for asthma attacks. Even more, those familiar white labels on a mattress that say, “Do Not Remove”? Incredibly, the law actually allows manufacturers to include potentially hazardous chemicals in your mattress without disclosing the fact on any label. But if a true list of ingredients were available for conventional mattresses, it would likely include TDI (a common component), a known carcinogen, which can cause respiratory ailments such as bronchitis and asthma. In addition, liver damage and breathing problems have been linked to vinyl chloride monomers, another common mattress material. The list
not off-gas. Conventional mattresses are made mostly of artificial petroleum based materials from non-renewable sources, such as plastic and other petrochemicals. Natural latex mattresses also are much more durable than conventional mattresses. Natural latex last at least 2-3 times longer on average than a traditional mattress made with foam. When researching natural, organic mattresses, look at these criteria: 1.) Visit a store that carries mattresses made with either 100% all-natural latex or certified organic latex. A lot of mattress companies market their mattresses as being all-natural but in reality either use a blended latex made with synthetics or just a little layer of latex combined with polyurethane foam. 2.) Try out a new mattress for at least 15 minutes. Lie down in various positions, to simulate a night of sleep. Look for a store that offers a clean pillow to test out. It’s important to dress for the
goes on. Unfortunately, it is highly unlikely that you would be given information about any of these chemicals from a manufacturer of conventional, synthetic mattresses. One of the most significant actions you can take to reduce your exposure to toxins and improve your overall health is to make changes to the one household item that is in direct contact with your body for one third of your life—your mattresses. A solution to this problem is an all-natural, organic mattress - free of potentially harmful chemicals. Instead, natural materials like natural rubber/latex are used. Natural latex is naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites, making it ideal for allergy sufferers. Natural latex is antimicrobial, inhibiting the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew, which can cause asthma and respiratory distress. No synthetic materials are added to provide these benefits. So what is the difference between an organic mattress and a conventional one? Organic mattresses are crafted from natural materials that do
occasion. When mattress shopping it’s best to wear loose fitting clothes or something similar you would wear to bed to get a good idea of how the mattress responds in your sleepwear. 3.) Protect yourself by insisting on a strong guarantee. If you’re not sleeping well or you’re worried about toxic chemicals in your bedroom, consider this: The two things in life you spend the most time on are work and sleep. How much of your remaining hours on earth do you want to waste losing sleep on an uncomfortable, chemical-laden mattress? That’s a question that many are asking. For more information on selecting a mattress for your individual needs, you can visit Mattress Makers at 7919 Silverton Ave., Suite 412 in Miramar or 8366 La Mesa Blvd., in La Mesa. Building mattresses since 1968, they use 100% natural and organic latex with a 20 year limited warranty. You can call them at 858-566-4408 or 619-303-9505 or contact them at one of the following: info@mattressmakers.com or www.mattressmakers.com
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JULY/AUGUST 2018 • SAN DIEGO LIVING
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homefashion
FOREST TO FINISH
New Forest Fire Reclaimed End Grain Flooring is Gaining Popularity!
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ike the southeast knows hurricanes on a first name basis, the southwest intimately knows forest fires. Most recently with the Thomas fire which made history in December of 2017, ten years and two months after the Harris forest fire also set records in destruction. Forest fire timber is being brought back to life with a creative idea. Crafted from the smaller timber that is often left behind, end grain block flooring is horizontally cut from forest fire remains. Internationally, architects and designers are falling in love, writing specs up for cafes, museums and homes all around the world. It fits well into beautiful spaces with high amounts of foot traffic. Because most residents here in San Diego have some sort of relationship with forest fires, to craft its devastation into an elegant, grounding piece for your home makes it not only special, but practical. The horizontal cut gives end grain block flooring durability superior to its more common vertically-cut couterpart, along with stability in the presence of moisture and climate change (a needed performance in coastal installations). Old Wood is one of the nations leading manufacturers of this unique yet classic design. They work closely with Green Life Floors to create customizable stain options. With coinciding missions of eco-friendly interior design, these
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companies use natural products such as apple cider vinegar and steel to tailor the flooring color. It can be tailored to complement or match your home’s existing cabinetry and furniture and can also be resanded and stained to last a lifetime. It’s the little decisions that make a big impact on earth, and now your home can be part of the transformation. For more information about Old Wood Forest Fire Reclaimed End Grain Flooring and other flooring choices, you can call Green Life Floors, specializing in eco-friendly and custom flooring solutions at 619-323-2050 or visit their showroom at 8868 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite G in San Diego. You can also visit their website at www.greenlifefloors.com .
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homefashion
GIVE YOUR HOME INTERIOR A UNIQUE LOOK With Artistic Moss Walls
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re the walls in your home looking a bit boring? Do you need to fill a space but can’t seem to find the right piece of wall art or décor to make it work? For those looking for something a little more unique that will surely be the focal point of any room, a decorative moss wall can add that extra element of taste to any style décor. Preserved moss and plants, having undergone a conservation and stabilization process, have been designed as live walls to provide interior lush environments without the upkeep of live plants. They do not require water, specific light, trimming or pruning, and because there is no soil, there is no need to worry about infestations. These moss walls will last a long time, giving you maintenance-free nature in your home. Because each piece is unique, a homeowner can really bring nature indoors, creating a fresh, green environment. There are a variety of types of preserved moss to choose from, in a range of different colors, textures and densities. These walls can change the look of any space by either
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adding accent pieces or filling in the entire wall. Design options are limitless from organic to abstract and your moss walls can be designed with or without a frame. For information on preserved moss walls and design ideas for your home, you can contact Vertical Garden Solutions, Inc. at 877-847-7887 or visit their website at www.true-vert.com
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art
Quartz Crystal + Water =
Art to Inspire All Your Senses
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here is something about the sound of water that brings a natural tranquility and peace to the mind, spirit and body. Whether it is a rippling sound such as a stream or a constant flow such as a river or a wave, the sound of water naturally soothes the mind and ears, creating a zen-like ambiance. The element(s) in which water flows upon can make for a very powerful and positive energy. One such element is quartz crystal. For many, quartz crystal may seem like just a pretty stone, but in reality, this element encompasses rejuvenation, healing and well-being. In the busy and hectic world in which people live today, the home should be a haven where harmony and relaxation take place. Although everyday family schedules, events and unexpected incidents may occur, de-stressing your lifestyle can be as simple as implementing a quartz crystal fountain to the interior and/or exterior of your home, office or business. Artist Edward Alton creates fountains that invite all your senses and have many different textures to make the pieces come to life. By absorbing the negative energy in your environment, they then recharge it, creating a more positive atmosphere. In addition to the beneficial effects it has on the mind and body, these fountains are one-of-a-kind pieces of art and are sure to be a focal point and conversation starter at any gathering in your home or office. The crystals come from all over the world and are hand-picked by Edward Alton from the site in which they were mined. These natural quartz crystal formations are thousands of years old and are composed perfectly, complementing the minimal, modern bowl design. Because they are custom-made, these fountains
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can be created to fit right with your home’s décor and style. Whether you are relaxing in a soothing bath or enjoying conversations on the patio outside, these fountains will capture the ambiance anywhere in your home. For those that live around moderately noisy areas, the soothing water flow of these fountains can create a great atmosphere for meditation, which can allow you to tune out all background noise. For more information on crystal water fountains for your home or business, you can contact Edward Alton Designs at 805-431-7347. Edward Alton has been a featured artist in 5 states and runner-up as “Artist of the Year” in Houston. You can also visit his website at www.edwardaltondesigns.com
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JULY/AUGUST 2018 • SAN DIEGO LIVING
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homeinteriors
WHY RUGS LEAVE THE HOME TO BE CLEANED By: Lisa Wagner (NIRC Certified Rug Specialist and author of www.RugChick.com)
Gabbeh wool rug BEFORE proper washing
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any things cause damage to rugs: floods, fires, pets, and moths. But nothing ruins more rugs annually than wall-to-wall carpet cleaning companies. The chemistry, temperature, and techniques for steam cleaning installed synthetic wall-to-wall carpet are the polar opposite of how natural fiber rugs are supposed to be handled. Synthetic carpet is steam cleaned; natural fiber rugs are cold water washed. Most rugs are made of wool and cotton fibers, and should be treated more as fabric than as carpeting. They are to be washed and soaked to gently and thoroughly remove the contaminants, and someone who is skilled with rug fibers, rug dyes, and weaving types from around the world must do this. Here are the biggest reasons why rugs are never to be cleaned in the home. 1.) Dusting Can’t Be Done. Rugs can hold pounds of soil in them before they begin to look dirty. Most wool rugs release between two-and-ten pounds of embedded soil in the dusting process before the wash begins. This absolutely cannot be done in the home, so cleaners who steam clean rugs create an impacted layer of mud in the foundation of these rugs, which leads to a permanent graying of the wool and eventually dry rot in the foundation fibers. 2.) Heat Damages Natural Fibers and Dyes.
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Gabbeh wool rug AFTER proper washing
High heat on natural fibers makes the dyes bleed and breaks wool fibers. You would never wash your wool clothing in hot water and dry it in high heat unless you wanted to ruin it. 3.) Tool Scarring. The metal tools that are safe to use on synthetic plastic fibers are not safe on wool, silk, and cotton rugs. Edges on vacuum tools, and rakes and brushes, can cause permanent pile damage and scarring on rugs. 4.) Heavy Chemical Residue. Fearful of getting the floor under the rug wet, those who clean rugs in the home are not able to rinse out all of the chemicals they put in, and the sticky residue left behind causes damage to the fibers and the dyes. 5.) Mildew and Odors. You cannot run dehumidifiers and high velocity fans in a home. Therefore, most rugs stay damp for too much time, which can lead to musty odors and mildew. 6.) Dirty Fringe. Fringe cannot be cleaned in the home, and usually it’s the fringe that looks the filthiest to begin with. These tassels need to be soaked to get the grime to release. Woven rugs will last several lifetimes if properly cared for. Protect your textile investments by sending them out for a proper wash. Lisa Wagner is a NIRC Certified Rug Specialist and international rug care trainer. Her family company, Blatchford’s Rug Cleaning & Repair, is located at 7848-G Silverton Ave., San Diego 92126. If you have rug questions, you can call 858-223-0222 or visit www.blatchfords.com.
Rugs often have POUNDS of embedded soil that must be dusted out
Dyes ruined by a steam carpet cleaning company
Pile scarring and damage from a steam carpet cleaning company. ONLINE AT SANDIEGOLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
homeinteriors
Stairs Keeping You Down?
Discover the Convenience of a Custom Home Elevator, Wheelchair Lift or Stairclimber
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our home should be a comfortable environment tailored to your needs, and when your needs change, so should your home. Many disabled and elderly people find that every year getting up those stairs becomes more and more challenging. Some homeowners might even have to relocate their living quarters to the first floor, because they are physically unable to climb the stairs. This is no way to enjoy your home, and thankfully there are ways to remedy this situation. A custom home elevator, wheelchair lift or stairclimber could be the perfect solution, allowing everyone in your family to navigate your home with ease. When you decide that it is the right time to start your home elevator remodeling project, professional contractors will come to your
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home and evaluate your living space. They will discuss all possible locations for your elevator, and options such as size, materials and appearance. Every aspect of your elevator will be completely customized to ensure that your unique wants and needs are accommodated. Not only will the elevator contractors go over every detail of the plans with you, they will also obtain all necessary permits, and make sure every modification done to your home meets applicable building codes and zoning laws. Putting an elevator, wheelchair lift or stairclimber in your home is all about making life easier, and the right contractor
will make sure that the process of installing your elevator is easy as possible too. For more information on custom home elevators, wheelchair lifts, stairclimbers or dumbwaiters, you can contact the RIFE CO., a reliable contractor with over 15 years experience, at 619-300-9645. You can also visit them online at www.therifeco.com
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hometheater/automation
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HOW SMART IS YOUR HOME?
s technology continues to advance with the use of smart phones, devices, cars, and even workplaces, it only makes sense that your dwelling environment changes with the technology. With the ever-changing, busy lifestyles most people have, smart technology has given people the freedom to make their lives easier and even safer, thus saving time and money. So what exactly is a smart home? A smart home eliminates the need to walk from room to room to adjust shades, lights, temperature, security and audio/video components by granting you the ability to control your home with your smart phone, tablet or the touchpad/ keypad installed with the system. Making your life simpler, more productive and secure all come with having a smart home. Whether you are at home entertaining friends and family, at work or even on a seven day vacation, having accessibility to a smart home system can change the way you live your life. A professional company specializing in all aspects of smart home products and services can incorporate this smart technology into any room of your home using high-quality luxury brands. You can control all the systems in your home seamlessly while the technology behind them remains completely hidden from the naked eye. But it’s not just the inside of the home that can benefit from a smart home system. Outdoor features such as pool and spa control, irrigation control and outdoor heaters and fire pits can all be automated for timed on/off control, voice command, or easily controlled with a few buttons. You even have the option to start in one area or a few areas of your home and expand to additional areas later. Here are just a few other features you can integrate into your smart home system:
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Lighting Control. Custom-tailored lighting control allows you to change the mood of any area of your home. Create the atmosphere you desire, whether watching TV, dining or entertaining. You can even set a “pathway” to light the way downstairs at night if needed. Smart lighting control also contributes to a safe environment by linking with your security system to turn all lights on when uninvited activity is detected. Motorized Window Treatments. Easily adjust the amount of daylight in your home to increase comfort, save energy and protect expensive furnishings and artwork. Your window treatments can also be programmed to adjust at pre-set times to reduce glare and change from daytime to nighttime for restful sleep. Home Theater. How about a private cinema in which the environment is precisely designed and engineered to provide maximum movie and music enjoyment? A home theater room is isolated from outside noise with special acoustic treatments and audio is optimized with measured speaker placement. High-quality choices of home theaters and audio system brands are Steinway/Lyngdorf and McIntosh, which allow for perfect sound and clarity in your theater or listening room. Lighting is also controlled so when you press a single button, the lights dim and the show begins! For more information on these smart home features and more, you can contact the professionals at 1 Touch Living at 858-798-9130. In business for over 20 years, this lifestyle-based solutions company specializes in every aspect of smart home products and services. You can visit their showroom at 15932 Bernardo Center Dr. or visit their website at www.1touchliving.com . ONLINE AT SANDIEGOLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
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JULY/AUGUST 2018 • SAN DIEGO LIVING
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Quality Cabinet Painting and Refinishing Is the Perfect Solution for You!
Looking For a Fast and Affordable
Kitchen Makeover?
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ost homeowners will agree that the most eye-catching part of your kitchen is its cabinetry. So it would make sense that in order to spruce things up and give your kitchen an updated feel all you need to do is alter the exterior facade of your current cabinets. Most kitchen remodels such as designing and installing brand new cabinets or refacing have proven to be rather expensive and time consuming. Why not skip all of the hassles and make the smart decision to have your cabinetry custom painted? This way you’ll be able to give your kitchen a beautiful new look for much less than you ever imagined. Custom cabinet painting and refinishing allows you to not only incorporate fresh colors and modern trends into your kitchen, but it can also renew
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the sparkling factory-finished look your classic, well-made cabinetry once had. Your cabinets will be thoroughly prepped, cleaned, and painted or stripped, stained, and finished to perfection. Select from a variety of antique glazes or clean white colors to achieve the classic or contemporary look you desire. Once your cabinets are refurbished you can further complement your new kitchen by simply adding a few fashionable hardware accents. You will save thousands of dollars while increasing the value of your home with this effortless but stunning remodel. For further information on custom cabinet painting and refinishing, you can call Palmer Painting at 619-460-3985. You can also visit their website at www.palmerpainting.com. Palmer Painting also offers faux finishes for garage doors, as well as entry door refinishing. ONLINE AT SANDIEGOLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
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JULY/AUGUST 2018 • SAN DIEGO LIVING
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homeproducts/services
Stop Breathing Dirty, Contaminated Air Today
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ne of the most important systems in your home is your HVAC system. It allows you to stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter and provides air circulation and ventilation throughout your home. While this system is largely out of sight and out of mind, it is essential to hire a company to complete air duct cleaning on an annual basis. A properly functioning unit can provide homeowners with the following top benefits to their overall health and comfort of their home: Cleaner Living Environment. Having your air ducts professionally cleaned reduces the BEFORE dust that would otherwise circulate throughout your living space, landing on your furniture, bedding, flooring‌etc. A thorough air duct cleaning reduces the amount of interior cleaning and dusting necessary to maintain a hygienic home. Reduces Allergens and Irritants. Air ducts frequently contain harmful contaminants and micro-organisms. These include pet dander, bacteria, pollen, mildew, mold spores and similar toxins. People who suffer from allergies, asthma and other respiratory problems may be particularly sensitive to these airborne particles.
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Periodic duct cleaning promotes healthier living eliminating the same dirty air to re-circulate in your home. Helps Everyone Breath Better. Cleaner air makes it easier for everyone to breath. Dust and pollutants entering the nose and lungs can trigger sneezing and coughing, as well as sinus and bronchial congestion. Air duct cleaning promotes well-being and a more comfortable environment. Removes Unpleasant Smells and Odors. Pets, household cleaning agents, paint fumes, mold, tobacco use and even food preparation all contribute to stale smells in the air ducts. Every time the furnace or air is running, these odors will repeatedly flow through the house. A detailed cleaning removes all odor trapping particles. Improves Air Flow Efficiency. When a system AFTER is clean and free from dust, debris and build-up, the airflow is going to be more consistent. This will help heat and cool your home quickly, which means a decrease in energy required to keep the temperature just right. Routine air duct cleaning removes all these contaminants, and also removes related odors. This leaves your home smelling clean and fresh while promoting energy efficiency and good respiratory health. For more information, you can call Nick's Dryer Vent Cleaning at 760-394-6552 or visit www.oceansideairductcleaning.com to schedule a cleaning.
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homeproducts/services
Concrete Resurfacing: An Easy and Affordable Way to Give Your Driveway, Patio, or Pool Deck a Fresh New Look
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re you tired of ugly, discolored concrete marring your driveway, patio, and pool deck? Damaged concrete can heavily distract from the overall beauty of your home, however Before replacing it can be a lengthy and expensive process. The inconvenience and expense of having concrete replaced is simply too much for most homeowners. Thankfully, there are other options! Concrete resurfacing is a cost-effective alternative to replacing your damaged concrete. Resurfacing allows you to keep your concrete foundation and still achieve a brand-new look. Whether you have cracks and stains in your driveway or crave a bold new look for your patio, this is an excellent option for all homeowners to consider. Patio with stamped, stained overlay The overlay process is fairly simple when performed by a concrete resurfacing specialist. First, the concrete is prepared for bonding by chasing out and widening existing cracks, and acid etching the entire surface. After the prep work is complete, a nearly bulletproof slurry overlay is applied and usually given a broom finish to protect against slipping. Lastly, the surface is sealed, keeping it safe against stains and making it easier to clean. The concrete can also be colored before being poured to complement your home’s exterior color scheme or provide a stunning contrast that your friends and family will love. Stamped overlay is also an option for homeowners who crave a bold new look. Before Replacing concrete can cost as much as three times more than concrete resurfacing and take days longer to complete. Resurfacing is truly the best value for your money. For more information on concrete resurfacing, you can contact Quality Sealants at 760-854-4608. They have over 15 years of experience in concrete resurfacing and can give you a free estimate on your driveway, patio, or pool deck. You can also visit them online at Driveway resurfaced with color www.qualitysealants.com
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JULY/AUGUST 2018 • SAN DIEGO LIVING
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homeproducts/services DRYER FIRES ARE THE #1 HOUSEHOLD DISASTER
Learn How to Prevent Dryer Fires, Save Time and Reduce Your Utility Bill
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ost homeowners are completely unaware that if unmaintained, a clothes dryer can pose a serious threat to their home and family. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, these seemingly harmless appliances cause an estimated 15,500 fires, 10 deaths and $100,000,000 in damages every year. When you learn how dryer fires happen you will understand how crucial regular dryer maintenance is to your safety. The reason most dryer fires happen is lint. Contrary to popular belief, your lint trap doesn’t catch everything, and this highly combustible material builds up inside your dryer with every load. A tiny spark is the only catalyst this hazard needs to become a full on disaster. The good news is that disaster is easily avoidable. Professional appliance technicians recommend having the inside of your dryer cleaned every three years. Most homeowners are shocked to see the amount of lint that is vacuumed out of their appliance and can instantly recognize the value of this service. A properly functioning dryer should only take 30 to 45 minutes to dry a load of clothes. If your appliance is running slower, this is a telltale sign of dirty dryer vent.
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Clogged vents prevent heat from escaping the machine, and keep moisture trapped inside your dryer. This means that an unmaintained dryer is not just dangerous; it is also wasting your time and raising your utility bill! Once cleaned, you will notice an instant improvement in drying time and begin saving money right away. If you are past due for a dryer vent cleaning there is no reason to procrastinate any longer, especially with the numerous benefits this service offers. To schedule your dryer vent cleaning, you can call Nick's Dryer Vent Cleaning and Air Duct Cleaning at (760) 394-6552. Homeowners can be confident in this company’s service because they offer a six-month lint free service guarantee pledge with every cleaning. You can learn about their pledge and services online at www.oceansideairductcleaning.com. Helping families dry their clothes in one cycle.
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homeproducts/services
COOL YOUR HOME NATURALLY While Lowering Your Energy Bill!
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ne of the many advantages of living in San Diego is the beautiful climate and ocean breezes. While many homeowners choose to run their A/C during the warm months of the year, the energy costs of running the A/C are deterring many from being able to cool their home. An affordable and natural way to cool your home is with a Casper retractable screen. These screens can be installed on virtually any style door; single doors, double/French doors, sliding patio doors, front-entry doors, or garage side doors. You can bring the outdoor breeze in allowing the cross ventilation to keep your home cool naturally and reducing the need to run the A/C. Casper retractable screen doors are a vast improvement from the old, standard swing-out or sliding screen doors. You do not have to worry about chipped/broken wheels or squeaky swing screens that are unsightly and take away from the front of the home. Unlike many other retractable screens on the market, Casper screens have a unique recessed mount design that ensures a seamless look upon installation for your existing doorway, which is less obtrusive than some of the other retractable screens on the market. Your home does not have to sacrifice beauty since the aluminum frames come in a multiple colors to choose from to match your home and door color and the powder-coating on the frames will help to resist fading, chipping and flaking. In addition, the PhiferŠ
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nylon-coated fiberglass screen mesh will ensure a 100% guarantee that no bugs will come through so you can enjoy the outdoor breeze without the worry of pesky bugs invading your home. For more information on these retractable screens, you can contact Casper Disappearing Screen Systems, Inc. at 858-375-5114 or visit their showroom at 13514 Pomerado Road, Suite O in Poway. You can also visit their website at www.casperscreens.com
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homeremodeling
DO YOU AND YOUR BATHROOM Have a Love/Hate Relationship?
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hile many homeowners have to spend a certain amount of time each day in the bathroom, whether getting ready for work or getting the kids ready for bed at night, many are unhappy with the way their bathroom is designed, too small or outdated, making it difficult to utilize their bathroom for their needs. While the thought of a bathroom remodel might sound overwhelming and expensive, by working with a professional bathroom contractor, they can not only meet your needs and wants, but also work with you to assure your plan stays within your budget and time schedule. In addition, a bathroom remodel can add value to your home. One of the most important steps with a bathroom remodel is the initial consultation. Whether you are planning a few simple updates such as new fixtures or replacing old cabinets or planning a complete remodel with a vanity, spa tub, separate shower stall, his and her sinks or heated tile floors, consulting with a professional will ensure you understand the scope of the project and end up with the bathroom you always wanted.
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Turning a cramped, outdated bathroom into a bright, airy sanctuary can make your home seem larger than it really is. But beyond the aesthetics, a professional contractor can also identify and address any hidden issues affecting the proper function of your bathroom including water pressure or temperature fluctuation, ventilation issues or old plumbing and wiring, saving you money down the line. For more information, or a consultation regarding remodeling or updating your bathroom, you can contact the professionals at Forever Builders at 833-243-5624. With over 20 years of experience, their project managers have had excellent reviews and will oversee the project from concept to completion. You can also visit their website at www.myforeverbuilders.com or email info@myforeverbuilders.com
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exteriorslandscaping
Make Your Yard Smart by Saving Water and Money!
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ater is life, we must all do what is required to protect it. The average American family of four uses approximately 300 gallons of water per day. Nationwide, landscape irrigation is estimated to account for almost one-third of all residential water use, totaling more than 7 billion gallons per day according to EPA Water Sense. In southern California, outdoor water use is up to 50% of total usage. In addition, some experts estimate that more than 50 percent of commercial and residential irrigation water is wasted due to evaporation, runoff, or over-watering. Many people water their lawns too often and for too long, over-saturating plants-or have an inefficient irrigation system. Homeowners in San Diego are faced with a unique challenge. San Diego County imports approximately 80% of its water due to the dry climate. The National Weather Service ranked 2017 as the driest year on record for San Diego. The only factors that are staving off disaster are consistent conservation efforts put in place during previous droughts. One of these conservation techniques is using smart technology. By 2020, 75 percent of homeowners will have smart home technology. People are using smart phones, smart TV’s, smart appliances, smart cars, Alexa, etc. to save time, money and energy. Combining irrigation expertise with new technology has resulted in a relevant smart home product the smart irrigation controller. This irrigation management system is designed to ensure water is not wasted in the landscape. These
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systems help to use water resources wisely, saving homeowners time and money! A healthy, beautiful garden needs just the right amount of water to thrive. Good smart irrigation controllers automatically adjust watering based on highly accurate, internet-sourced local weather data. The system uses the weather data to ensure that just the right amount of irrigation is applied. For example, during hot and dry periods, systems will water more. After a heavy rain, the system will withhold water until needed again. Another feature to save water is remote access. Remote access allows you to view, manage and monitor your irrigation controller from your phone, tablet or computer at your convenience. The graphic interface makes programming without WiFi connectivity simple. With these types of system you can see how much water you have saved. You can also receive and create automatic alerts. For example, if the watering amount is 10% above the previous cycle it could indicate a broken spray head, or if the watering amount is 90% less than the previous cycle it may indicate that the system is blocked or wiring is faulty. Utilizing this type of system has great advantages and allows the smart home to be truly complete. For more information on how to make your yard as smart as it can be and how to save water, time, and money, you can contact the experts at 1800 SAVEWATER (800-728-3928). You can also visit www.1800savewater.com for more information.
New Technology JULY/AUGUST 2018 • SAN DIEGO LIVING
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exteriorslandscaping
WHY SYNTHETIC GRASS
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vs Natural Grass?
he average yard in California uses over 60,000 gallons of water every year. In addition, the average homeowner spends more than $1000 a year just to maintain their yard. Wouldn’t you rather spend your time and money on better things? Having the perfect lawn year round in drought stricken cities can be a challenge especially with water costs on the rise, which is why many homes are left with dirt filled lawns. Not only does this bring your property value down, but is an eyesore for your neighbors. Many homeowners are now enjoying a beautiful lawn all year round with the installation of synthetic grass. Not only is it an eco-friendly solution because it requires no water or maintenance, but saves you time and money. Aside from the zero maintenance and money savings, synthetic grass is pet-friendly. While dog urine often damages natural grass which leads to foul odors, artificial turf does not stain and features an odor eliminating infill. In addition, when the weather gets rainy, you don’t have to worry about tracking mud or dirt from your yard into the house, ruining your carpet and wood flooring which you may have invested in. If pests have been an issue in the past, galvanized wire mesh installed under the base will completely stop gophers from invading your yard. Also,
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during the summertime, it will cut down on seasonal pests such as flies and mosquitoes that are usually attracted to natural grass and need mud or standing water to breed. There are hundreds of choices when it comes to choosing the right synthetic grass for your yard, depending on what your main priorities are. One of these technologies is a cool grass. Unlike most artificial grass, unique cool yarn grasses are engineered so that they remain cooler than other varieties of artificial grass. They are designed to divert UV radiation from the shorter curled fibers where heat can be trapped. Cool yarn grasses are capable of producing temperature improvements of 10-20%. This is perfect for making a kid-friendly and pet-friendly yard. For more information on synthetic grass for your yard, you can contact Qualiturf at 619-417-0952. You can also visit their website at www.qualiturfsd.com for additional information.
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exteriorslandscaping
CONNECT WITH NATURE
In A Creative, Artistic Way
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aintaining a connection with nature is more important than ever. It has been proven that surrounding yourself with nature not only boosts happiness levels, but is vital to mental well-being. An innovative and creative way to integrate nature into the interior or exterior of your home is with a living wall composed of annual plants for colorful patterns. Choose from waves of flowers, succulents, herbs and vegetables - the design versatility is enormous. Having a living wall in your home, whether outdoor in your garden or indoor in your living room, kitchen or bathroom, can elevate the overall design of your home. They can provide the perfect backdrop to any area, enhancing framing pools or patios, hiding wood fences or simply to transform any dull room into an attractive and relaxing ambiance, combining health, beauty and freshness. It will become a centerpiece that your friends and family will talk about, praise and envy at the same time. Residential living walls are generally made up of modular panels, allowing for customizable size and shape and easy replacement of individual plants. Each panel contains a small irrigation tank at the top, and a tray at the bottom designed to hold water and retain nutrients and collect water for maximum neatness. Various systems minimize owner maintenance involvement with timed irrigation and controlled water storage, which decrease wasteful watering. The living wall planters are UV resistant
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containers and their inserts make pre-growing and planting very simple for interior or exterior applications. For more information on residential living walls and design ideas for your home, you can contact Vertical Garden Solutions, Inc. at 877-847-7887 or visit their website at www.true-vert.com
JULY/AUGUST 2018 • SAN DIEGO LIVING
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healthbeautyfitness
What Can Permanent Makeup DO FOR YOU?
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othing is more frustrating than standing in front of the mirror desperately trying to pencil in your eyebrows, make your lips look fuller, get your eyeliner exactly right, and taking care of the other daily beauty rituals that can become so time-consuming. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could just wake up every day already feeling put-together, rejuvenated and beautiful? Shelley Todd has been a certified micropigmentation technician since 1992, and a licensed cosmetologist since 1983. With a passion for natural beauty, Shelley Todd pledges to help both women and men achieve a flawless balance for their desired makeup look. Genuine care and comfort are the highest priority with natural results for your new look with the micropigmentation process. Along with permanent cosmetics, Shelley also specializes in corrective permanent makeup, needling, camouflage, tattoo removal, and beauty marks. You can call Shelley at 760-809-3881 for a complimentary consultation. You can also visit her website at www.ShelleyTodd.net. Residential office by appointment BEFORE EYELINER AND BROWS only. 1079 Lau Hala Canyon Road, Vista, CA 92081.
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AFTER EYELINER AND BROWS
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