Home and garden fall 2013

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home garden fall 2013

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO

COAST NEWS GROUP Sept. 20, 2013

• Home Additions

• Garden Centers

• Interior Decorating

• Solar Energy

• Landscaping • Hauling

• Outdoor Fountains

• Flooring • Tile & Stone

• Heating/Air Conditioning

• Furnishings

• Real Estate

• Bed & Bath

• Home Automation

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The key to a memorable party: always plan ahead (BPT) — There’s nothing more chic than entertaining with ease and seamlessly bringing family and friends together over a great meal at a fashionable table. If you want to be known as an unforgettable host, follow these tips for entertaining in style to impress guests at your next event: • Select a theme: No matter the occasion, select a theme and color palette to set the tone and inspire everything from the tablescape to the menu.

• Make your menu: Create a simple and delicious menu using fresh ingredients. Try Chef Nate Appleman’s crowdpleasing frittata with roasted garlic, dill, Parmagiano Reggiano and salami created for Fashion Kitchen (serves 4 to 6).

1. First, roast garlic by placing one head of garlic in the 7.7 ounce CorningWare mini baking dish and drizzle with olive oil. Cover with lid and bake for 30 minutes at 375 degrees. When cool, squeeze the garlic from the skin, discard and reserve the garlic.

2. In a bowl, add four large eggs, 2 tablespoons heavy cream, roasted garlic, 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill and salt.

Mix with a fork until well incorporated.

3. Pour mixture into 18.6 ounce CorningWare baking dish and place in the oven for about 15 minutes until egg is

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set.

4. Cut into 1-by-1-inch pieces,top with a piece of folded, thinly sliced salami on a toothpick and serve.

• Set the table: To save time,design and set your table the night before. The key to creating fresh new tablescapes is versatile, white dinnerware paired with interchangeable, bold linens.

Boutique by Corelle dinnerware delivers statement-making, subtle sophistication with its embossed design and durable Vitrelle glass. Add silverware, glassware and candles to finish the table.

• Prep and pop: Prep dishes in advance and store them in the fridge before baking and serving. When it’s time to bake, pop them in the oven.

CorningWare French White bakeware can go from the fridge to the oven, oven to table, table to fridge or freezer - no need to change dishes for baking, serving and storing.

This time-saver will allow you to greet guests as they arrive and avoid last-minute meal prep. The recently refreshed design delivers contemporary style with its iconic fluting, perfect for every table.

• All in the details: Just before guests arrive add vibrant floral arrangements and light candles to set the mood. Enjoy the company of your guests while demonstrating how to entertain fashionably and effortlessly. For more recipe ideas and entertaining tips, visit worldkitchen.com.

MOVE OUT Tips for making moving day easier (BPT) — Planning out a big move across town requires a bit of organization. Enlisting the help of friends and family, packing all of the belongings carefully into containers and once moved, finding homes for everything — the to—do list can go on and on.

Using your truck will make the move much easier, as you shuttle belongings — both large and small — from your old home into your new abode. Be sure your truck is equipped to handle the big move by scheduling a tune—up the week before

and checking that all accessories like elastic cords are handy for use. Also consider purchasing a truck bed cover to help make your move easier by securing and protecting your belongings while they are in transit to your new home.

Made of heavy-duty, double coated vinyl, the ACCESS truck bed cover installs quickly and easily with a clamp—on installation and is designed specifically to fit your truck.

Put the following tips to good use in organizing your move, and be sure to reward

your helpers for all the hard work they do when the day is done with a fun dinner out or a gift certificate for a favorite store.

• Secure parking — If your new home is on a busy city street or part of a large condominium complex, you will want to reserve parking for your truck ahead of time. Contact the association or the city and register for a parking permit to block off space in front of your new home for your moving day.

• Divide and conquer — Give your helpers tasks they can do unassisted.

Have one helper monitor the loading of your truck with boxes, making sure each is marked with its correlating final room destination. Another helper can be based at the new home, making certain all belongings end up in the proper rooms.

If you have additional help, assign them the tasks of unpacking boxes — like kitchen dishes. Put sticky notes on the cupboards where you want dishes to be located to make this task easier. Having your helpers assigned to specific jobs allows you to handle any last—minute packing, or other jobs only you can handle.

• Keep your belongings secure en route — Whether you’re stopping overnight and leaving your truck parked in a hotel lot, or pausing for gas, leaving items open to view in the bed is an invitation for theft.

A locking truck cover, like the ACCESS truck bed

cover, allows you to shield the bed contents from the elements and the eyes of thieves.

• Provide nourishment — Keep plenty of food and water available at both homes to provide fuel and nourishment for all workers.

Also encourage short breaks to help keep energy levels going strong throughout the entire day.

• Encourage communications — Provide your helpers with cellphone numbers or two—way radios for a quick way to communicate during the day. Keeping communications open allows for a quicker moving process, and also helps to prevent any confusion on where belongings will go once they arrive at the new house.

• Keep children and pets occupied — Having pets or small children around can distract your helpers, and potentially make it dangerous for everyone involved in the moving process.

Consider hiring a babysitter or pet—sitter for the day, or ask a family member to watch over them during the moving process in lieu of helping you out with the move. Most importantly, keep calm during the chaos of moving day. Your calm demeanor will influence your helpers to stay relaxed, which encourages everyone to move more efficiently and safely.

And just know, at the end of the day, while you may still have belongings in boxes, you’re in your new home and ready for future adventures to begin.

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FALL HOME & GARDEN GUIDE

Avoiding a nanny nightmare

Spruce-ups can make home lively

Following tips can help to trust the person who cares for your children (BPT) — Movie nannies might work for a spoonful of sugar, and hugs and kisses, but in the real world nannies — no matter how loving and attentive they are — need to get paid a salary. When you’re ready to hire a nanny, you can go through the most rigorous background checks, confirm references, interview extensively and hire the caregiver of your dreams — and still find yourself in the middle of a nanny nightmare if you run afoul of tax laws.

“Like most parents, my first thoughts when hiring a nanny were the safety of my children and whether or not the nanny would be a good fit for my family and those things are certainly critical,” says Lori Bolas, SurePayroll director of communications.

“Unfortunately, many parents either don’t know about or can get overwhelmed by the regulations that apply to ensure that their nanny’s payroll gets handled correctly, on time and in compliance with state and federal laws.”

Fortunately, online payroll services can help take the confusion out of paying your nanny, and ensure he or she gets paid on time and according to the law.Although nanny-hiring goes on year round, many more families may undertake the task as the school year gets started. SurePayroll offers some tips for hiring and paying a nanny: • Make a list of nanny must-haves,

such as schedule availability, disciplinary practices, experience with multiple kids, etc. Next, create a list of preferences that are negotiable. Setting your priorities before you begin looking for a nanny will help you make the right decision.

• Involve others, including people whose referrals you trust, such as family members, friends, teachers and coworkers. Ask them for help in finding candidates, and don’t forget to involve your kids. Give them a few minutes to meet each nanny candidate during the interview; after all, they’ll be the ones most affected by your choice.

• Remember, you’re entering a business relationship — albeit one of the most important ones in your life.

Keep things professional during the interview and be sure to ask all the tough questions about topics that are important to your family.

• Don’t overlook online resources and professional organizations.

Selection services like SitterCity can help you identify and screen appropriate candidates, and the International Nanny Association provides information, advice and a directory on its website. Be sure to use background checks, which can easily be done online, check multiple references and personally interview every candidate at least once before making a final decision.

• Discuss wages and base your offer on the nanny’s level of experience and

what other nannies in your area are getting. Federal law requires nannies must get at least minimum wage, and they may be entitled to overtime.

• Prepare paperwork to ensure you can avoid tax penalties. You’ll need a 1040-ES, a signature-ready Schedule H, the annual 1040 and a W-2. If you pay a seasonal nanny more than $1,000 per quarter or $1,800 per year, you’ll probably need to pay the “Nanny Tax,” which includes Social Security, Medicare and federal unemployment tax (FUTA).

• Set up payroll for your nanny, and plan to pay him or her by either direct deposit or check. You’ll need to make provisions to pay Social Security, Medicare, FUTA and other payroll

taxes, including any state or local taxes that may apply. Track tax deductions, medical benefits and other insurance.

Remember, mistakes can cost you: failing to pay the IRS nanny taxes can lead to back taxes, penalties, interest and fines of up to $25,000.

An online payroll provider like SurePayroll can help you stay on the right side of the law by managing the pay, tax and filing tasks for your nanny.

Log on to surepayroll.com to learn more.

“Your nanny will be one of the most important people in your family’s lives,” Bolas notes. “It’s important to start off on the right foot with good communication and ensuring payroll tasks go smoothly.”

(BPT) — Whether you are buying, selling or simply remodeling, you are looking to invest in updates that will increase the value and appeal of your home. It’s natural to want it all, but before you over-personalize or break the bank, there are many simple, budget-friendly changes that can increase the value of your home without the risk.

Cassandra LaValle, interior designer and editor of the acclaimed lifestyle and design site, Coco+Kelley, offers these tried and true tips for upping your home value without overdoing it.

• Refresh with paint: You may not be able to replace large appliances or countertops, but in the kitchen adding a fresh coat of neutral paint to outdated cabinets and swapping out hardware can go a long way in making the space feel refreshed.

• Little luxuries in the bathroom: Replace your current showerhead with a rain shower, like the Waterpik RainFall+.

Completely budget-friendly and easy to install — it takes less than five minutes - this showerhead can make TURN TO SPRUCE UPS ON B17

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Weeknight meals made easy with simple tips (BPT) — What’s for dinner? It’s a question most of us ask every day.

With evening routines packed full of extracurricular activities, chores and preparation for the following day, we don’t always have as much time as we’d like to make dinner.

Fortunately, a quick, delicious and healthy meal can still be an option for your family, even when you’re short on time. All it takes is a little planning, some common ingredients and one trip to the grocery store.

Here are five dinners to take you through an A view from inside Discount Hydroponics of San Marcos. Discount Hydroponics, a well-known online outlet, aims to bolster customer service with a new North County store. Courtesy photo

Discount Hydroponics is branching out with new brick-and-mortar store SAN MARCOS — In a bit of a twist, a major online retailer is branching out with another physical location, this time with a new store in San Marcos.

Discount Hydroponics, one of the largest Internet hydroponics retailers, is known for the ease of ordering items in cyberspace and its selection, said Michael Hess, general manager of the company.

“We have the largest instock-inventory of any hydroponics dealer, so it’s rare we’re out of any item,” Hess said.

But while the online store, which was established in 1999, remains successful, Hess said there’s a demand in North County for a brickand-mortar hydroponics shop, paving the way for Discount Hydroponics of San Marcos.

“People want one-onone care,” Hess said. “They want great customer service. They want advice on how to grow. All of our staff are active hydroponic growers so that we can give you the best possible information.”

Currently, Discounts Hydroponics’ other location is in Riverside, and they have several more stores opening in the next few months.

“Many industries are moving online, but we’re expanding to another actual store so customers have the best experience possible,” Hess added.

He noted that customers have the option of ordering products online and picking them up on the same day at the San Marcos location — an example of how a retail location and cyberspace can complement each other.

San Marcos, when compared with other cities, has a strong concentration of

people growing fruits and vegetables, he said. And there’s a growing interest in starting cultivating for many in the area.

Hydroponics, a planting technique that doesn’t require soil, is increasingly popular across the nation among commercial growers and hobbyists. From homes to greenhouses, hydroponic crops don’t require as much water, and when fed nutrients, the plants often grow faster than those exposed to the elements, Hess noted.

Also, the method, used by many organic growers, makes it easier to keep out unwanted food sources.

Hess said the most popular products range from lighting systems, which allow people to grow indoors, and equipment for controlling the environment. Nutrients and soils consistently rank among the top sellers as well.

Visit discounthydro.com for a list of products and current specials.

Discount Hydroponics offers their products at a competitive price without the need to wait for a coupon to get better pricing. In addition to giving away prizes as part of monthly giveaways on Facebook, which has more than 21,000 followers, they are active in the community with their annual fundraisers for local charities.

Located at 330 Rancheros Dr. in San Marcos, for those who would like to see hydroponics products firsthand, Discount Hydroponics of San Marcos’ hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

“We look forward to helping you find what you need, whether you’re inexperienced or an expert,” Hess said.

entire work week:

Monday Start the week by putting your slow cooker to work for you. Slice off the tops of four to six bell peppers, but don’t throw them out. Remove the seeds and stuff each pepper with a combination of lean ground turkey or chicken sausage, grated cauliflower, carrots, onion and garlic, plus fresh herbs, salt and pepper. Put the pepper tops back on, arrange the peppers TURN TO WEEKDAY MEALS ON B23

Homemade soup can be surprisingly tasty, as well as quick and just as healthy as you could hope for it to be. Courtesy photo

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Agents aim to help you feel like a pro COAST CITIES — The real estate market is getting hot.Where do you start to find the best agent to see you through it all?

Famous for its hands-on, individualized service, Robert Hamzey, Broker, and the agents of Distinctive Properties can do it all.

With offices centrally located at at 1237 Camino Del Mar, Suite C, Del Mar, and at 16236 San Dieguito Road, Suite 1-18, Rancho Santa Fe, we have agents to cover real estate throughout San Diego County.

Distinctive Properties is ready to provide caring expertise for absolutely every facet of home buying and

home selling, including help with relocation, bank-owned property, a dream-home finder, market analysis, credit reports and more.

No one wants to contract a case of buyer’s remorse — that feeling that you’ve either paid too much or received too little.

Generally, the reason is simply that buyers moved ahead without enough knowledge and information.

Distinctive Properties will make certain you are prepared and informed before you take that big step.

The purchase of a home is a tremendous investment, both monetarily and emotionally, but with Distinctive

Properties your agent is always just a phone call or email away.

They have incredible features like online Property Watch, to keep you a step ahead of other buyers. Once you have found some homes you like, you can save those searches and watch for new listings to be e-mailed to you.

And if you are considering selling your home, or simply want to stay put and do some remodeling, you need the best advice before spending thousands on home improvement projects.

— Just Want To Do It: You want some new features in a home to improve your family’s quality of life, and you don’t

want to leave your current home.

— Really Need To Do It: You want to make your home more marketable to maximize return (or minimize loss) and speed up the sale process.

Whether it is to accommodate a growing family, add that dream barbecue, a pool or refinish an out-dated kitchen, it’s worth knowing the cost and impacts at the front end.

Have an expert at your elbow every step of the way.

Get in touch with Distinctive Properties at (858) 481-7600 or (858) 756-6514.

As Robert says,“You give us your desires, and we will make it a reality!”

Paint sprayers can get the job done more quickly and often with better results than old-fashioned paint brushes. Courtesy photo

4 simple steps to help DIYers get pro-level painting results (BPT) — When it comes to simple, low-cost home improvements that can add value and completely change the look of a room, you just can’t beat painting. From giving a room a whole new look to protecting the walls and boosting the value of your home, painting delivers many benefits — all at a fraction of the cost of other improvements.

Tackle the job yourself, rather than hiring a professional painter, and you can save even more money.

“Any do-it-yourselfer can achieve professionallooking painting results when they follow the right steps and use the right painting tools,” says Arti Lyde, a product director with Wagner, manufacturer of painting products. “Painting can dramatically improve the look and style of your home.”

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Follow these four guidelines and you can achieve professional-looking results with your own hands:

Prepping is paramount Professionals know that properly preparing their work space is a key factor in achieving a good end result.

Before you crack open that paint can, take these preparatory steps: * Gather all the tools you will need in one place. * Protect surfaces such as baseboards, woodwork and windows by taping off with a good quality painter’s tape. * Completely cover carpets with a good quality drop cloth that will resist punctures and rips. * Some jobs require a primer before putting the TURN TO RESULTS ON B14

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No gimmick - get one year free Syscor Alarm Inc. is celebrating its 30th anniversary serving San Diego residents and business owners with all of their security needs.

To celebrate their anniversary, Syscor Alarm Inc. is offering two great specials for businesses and homeowners: CONVERSION SPECIAL: Convert the security or fire monitoring from a competitor on your home or business and receive.

ONE YEAR FREE MONITORING* 30 percent OFF YOUR CURRENT RATE NO INCREASES FLEXIBLE CONTRACT TERMS

*minimum 36-month con- period.

Syscor Alarm Inc. was formed in 1983.

BUILDING OWNERS AND The local San Diego comPROPERTY MANAGERS pany specializes in integrated SPECIAL: security and fire systems for business and homes.

Syscor’s projects range Convert your Fire Alarm from large commercial buildSystem and receive. ings such as the Balboa Naval ONE YEAR FREE MONITOR- Hospital, to smaller businesses and homes.

ING Syscor is best known as 30 percent OFF YOUR San Diego’s first low price security company selling over 5,000 MONTHLY MONITORING systems through then-Price ELIMINATE PHONE LINE Club (now Costco).

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Your safety is their busiRadio you eliminate all phone ness. line charges.

For a free consultation call This can result in a savings of over $800 per year. Save as (800) 844-7375, or go online to much as $4,800 over a 60-month syscoalram.com.

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Energize your home with vibrant colors (BPT) — Chances are you’ve thought about adding a splash of color to the exterior of your home, and you’re not the only one.

Many people have the same idea, but they don’t act because they’re worried they will choose poorly.

Selecting the wrong color for your home’s exterior isn’t only costly, it’s embarrassing as well.

“Many homeowners are afraid to add color to their home’s exterior because they don’t want to make a mistake,” says Sensational Color’s Kate Smith, Color

Adding bright colors to your home can be a bright idea. Courtesy photo

Marketing Group (CMG), a look at the style of their career color trend forecaster. “Especially when people TURN TO COLORS ON B7

Donna Petersen, right, showroom manager at Encinitas Tile consults with clients Paul and Kate Marble on plans for their new Rancho Santa Fe home.

New management signals change at Encinitas Tile ENCINITAS — Upon entering the newly expanded and remodeled Encinitas Tile you enter more than just an impressive tile and natural stone showroom, you enter a world of possibilities.

Colors, shapes and textures of every variety are displayed beautifully like fine pieces of artwork, waiting to bring real value, pride and style to your home.

Expanding the selection of tiles, tools and rough materials while providing customers with expert, friendly, knowledgeable advice, was the primary goal for taking over this local, independ-

ent tile company.

The father and son duo, Albert and Grant Goodman, took over this well-known local retailer in June, and are passionate about bringing a family-oriented quality to their showrooms.

With the family owning, and successfully operating, tileliving.com and San Diego Marble & Tile in the county, they’ve worked hard to strengthen the relationships they’ve built with their existing and new customers, contractors and interior designers.

Working hand in hand with contractors and homeowners, the well-trained

staff of designers at Encinitas Tile will help to see your project all the way through the design and building phase.

For contractors and homeowners looking for the highest quality of materials obtained from around the world, and a well-stocked warehouse complete with all of the necessary tools to complete your building or renovation project, you will do no better than to visit Encinitas Tile.

Visit the brand new showroom at 597 Westlake St. to find the inspiration for your next building adventure.

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Saltwater Fall into great tabletop decorating ideas pools a growing trend (BPT) — Pools are great fun for kids and adults and when it is hot in the summer time or you’re on vacation, there is no better way to cool off.

Most pools do require a lot of work to keep clean however and there is always that chlorine smell and the burning sensation that affects the eyes and skin.

For many people it is the memory of the chlorine that is inescapably associated with all pools.

But for kids today this memory is quickly becoming a non-event thanks to the increasing popularity of saltwater pools.

Saltwater pools work by converting salt to chlorine using an electrolytic converter.

This produces the same type of bacteria-killing chlorine found in a traditional pool, but in a radically different fashion.

Since the salt generator is adding chlorine to the water at a constant rate, it is capable of displacing the bad smell and burning irritation we normally associate with chlorine and maintaining the right amount at all times.

As the water exits the converter and enters the pool, the sanitizing chlorine eventually reverts back to salt, and the process repeats itself, conserving salt and keeping sanitizer levels balanced.

However new salt does need to be added occasionally as salt levels can drop due to splash-out, rain and filter back-washing.

Pool owners still should test weekly for pH and chlorine and monthly for other water balance factors.

Saltwater pools require far less maintenance than traditional pools and are much less expensive to maintain as pool salt is far cheaper than traditional chlorine.

This is a big reason why so many hotels and water parks in the United State have already made the switch.

Plus when it comes to initial construction and installation, the additional cost of an electrolytic converter is very small and easily made up in maintenance savings.

Some may be concerned about the effect of salt on pool equipment, construction materials, decks and surrounding structures.

However the actual amount of salt used is very low, less than .01 as salty as sea water.

You may be able to taste the salt in the pool, but much less so than you can taste and feel the chlorine in a standard pool.

To learn more about salt water pools visit saltinstitute.org.

Create autumn accents with seasonal fruits and vegetables.

She says you can find vegetables you can use on your table or anywhere in more decorating ideas at YouTube your home to create a bril- Replacements’ channel and Facebook page. liant splash of color.

Transition your table design by mixing in fall colors and patterns.

(BPT) — Saying goodbye to summer doesn’t have to be a sentimental ending when you consider it’s also a beginning — the kick off to autumn and the holiday season.

The promise of fall is in the air. It’s a great time to dress up your home for fall entertaining; whether that means friends gathered around the television rooting for your favorite team or the ultimate traditional Thanksgiving feast.

“Decorating trends for this fall are really fun and functional,” says visual merchandiser John Griffith.

“Colors that evoke a sense of nostalgia and family are a really big part of the visual design message for autumn 2013. Reds, golds and oranges are trending this fall. These hues are not only warm and comforting; they’re reflective of the season.”

Griffith and teammate Julie Robbins add their own unique spin on the latest trends to create seasonal design vignettes for Replacements, Ltd., the world’s largest retailer of old and new china, crystal, silver and collectibles. Whether you are planning a casual family gathering or an elegant dinner party, Robbins suggests

easy ways to mix in great fall colors. This can be as simple as adding a charger plate or colorful serving pieces.

“Using colored glass is fantastic way of infusing autumn colors to create a seasonal feel,” says Robbins.

“Amber colored glass is really popular this fall because the rich, warm color goes with so many patterns and designs.

I’m big on the pressed vintage patterns; depression glass, coin glass and sandwich glass are all very lovely and nostalgic.We’re actually mixing and matching patterns from historic American glassmakers including Federal, Indiana Glass and Fostoria on our tables. It looks great to mix designs which share the same colors or combine an array of colors within a place setting.”

Metal serveware is another popular trend this fall.

“We’re incorporating metal serveware into many of our displays because you can do so much with it from a design standpoint,” says Griffith. “These are great accent pieces you can dress up or down, plus it is familyand football-season friendly.

Metal serveware is also very functional. Once heated, the alloy retains warmth to keep

food warmer longer or cooler if you chill these pieces. Plus it is easy to clean and doesn’t have to be polished. We’re using a lot of fun shapes, like leaf-shaped pieces and turkey platters.”

Fall’s bountiful harvest translates into the home this season. Robbins is using natural elements in her table designs that evoke a sense of the first Thanksgiving.

“I suggest filling vases, glasses or serving bowls with dried beans, acorns or even kernels of dried deer corn.

Not only does this look pretty, you can also mix in candles or flowers and use these natural elements to hold those items in place.”

Robbins adds apples, gourds, pumpkins and green pears are among fruits and

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How to create a ‘Blissful’ outdoor living space for San Diego’s endless summer Helen, owner of Bliss 101 and expert in home décor and design, suggests tips on how to create the perfect outdoor living space. Extend your indoors living and entertaining, outdoors and add little more bliss to your life!

1.

Twinkle Lights: String lights can make a world of difference to any patio. They are an affordable way to provide subtle lighting and make the space inviting for all guests. Looking for an ecofriendly solution? Bliss 101 has solar powered lights that will light up your table

and provide ambiance. No electricity needed!

2. Bright Pillows: Bright pillows can add the perfect pop of color to any outdoor space and are the easiest way to personalize your outdoor living space and tie it in to your “signature” interior look.

3. Artwork: Bring the inside outside for an afternoon party with some of your favorite pieces of art.

Bliss 101 supports local artists and many pieces are printed with eco-solvent outdoor/archival inks or UV protection, which can make them a good candidate for

some outdoor spaces.

4. DIY: Centerpiece: Create your own beautiful sustainable centerpiece with branches or driftwood found on the beach and decorate with seashells and candles.

5. Privacy: Create privacy with a unique floor screen or potted plants that create a “green wall” which allows you to enjoy your outdoor space more intimately. Bliss 101 proudly features locally made artistic concrete planter boxes that can be custom designed for your outdoor space.

Solar Alliance of America shines as growing local business SAN DIEGO — With its dedication to affordable, high quality residential solar systems,Solar Alliance of America has become one of the fastest growing companies in San Diego County.

Inc. magazine recently named Solar Alliance of America 2013’s fastest growing company with over $17 million in revenues in San Diego because of the company’s 5,337 percent growth over the past three years.

The company was founded in 2009 by Artie Rose and Cindy Purcell, and since then has completed thousands of installations of solar panels on homes throughout San Diego, Riverside, and Orange Counties.

“Most people would like to go solar and get free energy from the sun, but they can’t afford it,” said Rose, now the company’s president and CEO. But with Solar Alliance of America’s new Southern California Solar Program, financing is no longer an issue for homeowners seeking a costsaving, environmentally friendly power source.

The program has over $5 million in available funds for qualifying homeowners to provide financial solutions for solar energy.

Solar Alliance of America’s consultants help secure all available state rebates as well as credit approval for financing for customers.

The company also offers an exclusive 1.99 percent interest rate for all customers.

“We allow homeowners to install a solar system without any out-of-pocket expense,” said Rose.

Simply obtaining a no obligation, free estimate for solar system installation even qualifies customers for free San Diego Chargers tickets or a $50 Visa gift card.

Not only does Solar Alliance of America make residential solar systems affordable, the company also ensures that the entire process is hasslefree by handling every aspect of the installation from financing to installation to final inspection.

Their professional solar consultants begin by meeting with homeowners to evaluate their utility usage and provide an estimate for a custom designed solar system to meet the customer’s specific energy needs.

Leaving no hidden costs, consultants next discuss all costs of the system and installation and find the best payment program to meet each homeowner’s financial situation.

Consultants ensure that payments for the solar system are lower than the homeowner’s electric bill.

“It’s not a one-size fits all,” explained Rose. “We actually design a system that will offset a homeowner’s average utility costs.”

Highly trained technicians conduct a thorough site inspection of the home and experienced engineers design the plans for the ideal solar system to fit each home’s unique attributes.

After gaining the homeowner’s approval, Solar Alliance of America’s team submits the plans for necessary building permits from the city or county and notifies the homeowner’s utility company.

The homeowner’s specifi-

cally designed solar system is then installed over one to two days on the outside of the home without any interruption to the residents’ lives.

“We don’t tear their homes apart,” Rose explained.

“It’s not like remodeling your kitchen.”

Their team also understands the importance of maintaining the visual appeal of all homes. Solar Alliance of America ensures that only the highest quality solar panels are used, sourcing only from trusted manufacturers Bosch and LG. The installation is completed with an in-depth final inspection and the receipt of a “Permission to Operate” letter from the homeowner’s utility company.

With Solar Alliance of America managing every step of the solar system design, financing, permitting, and installation process, achieving energy independence is not just possible, but easy for all homeowners.

Furthermore, by obtaining electricity directly from the sun, homeowners help reduce the carbon released into the atmosphere created by other means of electricity production, including gas and nuclear power production.

As if providing affordable, environmentally beneficial solar systems were not enough, the growing local company is also committed to giving back to the community.

With every solar system the company installs, Solar Alliance of America also makes a contribution to the Solar Alliance Foundation, which gives free solar electric systems to disabled veterans in San Diego.

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FALL HOME & GARDEN GUIDE

SEPT. 20, 2013

Pardee Homes introduces Alta Del Mar community SAN DIEGO — The first hint of Alta Del Mar is the stone bridge that welcomes you to an elevated, sequestered plateau.

The gated enclave of both estate homes and custom home sites reveals itself, and you are above it all, on a meandering promontory surrounded by expansive topography and lush vistas in all directions.

In just five months since Alta Del Mar’s quiet opening, hundreds have “oohed” and “ahhed” over the exquisite model homes that show off heritage architecture of coastal California — classic facades, timeless materials and hand-wrought details.

And for those with a oneof-a-kind vision, Pardee Homes has also made available a limited number of custom homesites, averaging nearly a half-acre, with sweeping view corridors facing expanses of coastal sage to the south or The Grand Del Mar and Carmel Valley to the northwest.

Most recently, Alta Del Mar was honored with six prestigious Gold Nugget Awards recognizing exceptional planning and design across the western United States.

The Gold Nugget award program is considered one of the housing industry’s most esteemed design competitions.

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Estate and custom home sites await in the Alta Del Mar neighborhood.

Courtesy photo

The Prestige Collection of Alta Del Mar is gated enclave of 4,151 to 6,235squre foot Estate Homes on lots averaging a half-acre, and Custom Home sites up to one acre on Del Mar Mesa.

Pricing is from $1.85 million to $2.4 million.

“Sales in our first phase releases have been phenomenal and we are extremely encouraged about the success of this unique neighborhood,” said Matt Sauls, regional marketing director for Pardee Homes. “We are committed to developing this spectacular plateau in a way that preserves the natural topography and sweeping view corridors, as we provide our homebuyers with a one-of-a-kind address.The elevated site and picturesque setting are

coastal North County’s last, best opportunity for an exceptional lifestyle, above and apart from all else.”

Designed by the awardwinning architectural firm of Bassenian/Lagoni of Newport Beach, Alta Del Mar embraces California’s rich architectural heritage by incorporating elements of Spanish and Monterey design such as exterior gated porticos, charming interior courtyards, grand entries, outdoor rooms and classic brick and wood detailing; authentic wrought iron detail, stone facades, vestibules and formal hallways evoke French Country and Tuscan architectural styling.

“Each of the four floor

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FALL HOME & GARDEN GUIDE

SEPT. 20, 2013

FALL HOME & GARDEN GUIDE

SEPT. 20, 2013

Modern styling, technology help homeowners refresh their nests (BPT) — Flipping through the television channels, it’s hard not to find a home improvement show about remodeling and do-ityourself (DIY) projects. From “Property Brothers” to “Design Star,” these popular programs give homeowners ideas on how to modernize their spaces. If you’re planning your own DIY projects, here are three areas of the home that will give you the most bang for your buck when it comes to a makeover.

First stop: the bathroom Bathroom remodels are the most popular remodeling projects because they have a

high return on investment, according to the National Association of Home Builders. When you’re ready to sell your house, renovating the bathroom typically has a return of 62 percent. A lowcost way to modernize the bathroom is installing new faucets. With signature styling featuring cylindrical, geometric shapes and distinct 90-degree angles, the new Moen Arris collection is an ideal choice for an iconic, modern update. Sleek, contemporary pieces like the new Arris faucet can add instant luxury.

Another idea for mod-

ernizing the bathroom is to add additional light sources.

Bringing in more light will open up the space and make your bathroom come to life.

The bathroom is often a place to unwind, and adding the right lighting can set the tone for a spa-like atmosphere.

One way to do this, without breaking your budget, is by simply replacing the light fixtures. Add a modern touch to your bath with dramatic choices like chandeliers and sconces.

Second stop: the living room TURN TO STYLING ON B20

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FALL HOME & GARDEN GUIDE

Upgrade your home by making it a ‘smart house’ Bringing your home into the 21st century — it’s not as hard as you might think, even if your home isn’t brand new.

With technology being evermore integrated into our daily lives, it’s no wonder that homeowners are looking to use that technology to make their homes “smarter.” From anywhere in the world you can control your home to become not only more energy efficient, but also add an extra sense of security — and even a coolness factor.

Imagine turning your home’s lights on while still at work, all through the control of your Apple® iPad®, iPhone®, iPod Touch® or other smart device.

Imagine adjusting your

home’s thermostat so that it’s comfortable when you get home from a long day’s work.

That’s what Southwest Audio Visual can do for you and your home.

The Solana Beach-based company, which opened more than six years ago, has been bringing clients the newest in cutting edge technology, not only for home automation, but home theater installations.

Bill Kauzlarich and Jim Diez began Southwest Audio Visual with the idea that they could provide customers with the best possible service — something they noticed was lacking from other audiovisual installers.

“We know what we’re doing, and we’re pretty good at

what we do, and we just need somebody that cares at the end of the day to make sure everybody’s stuff works and the customer service is there so that these people don’t have problems like they do from everybody else,” Kauzlarich said.

Kauzlarich is a CEDIA (Custom Electronic Design Installation Association) certified installation technician from Chicago, Ill. He has been in the custom integration business since 2001 after graduating from Purdue University with a Business Management degree.

And Diez is a graduate of the University of Southern lished himself in record pro- have fostered audio attentiveCalifornia’s Music duction and recording studio ness while working as a cusDepartment and has estab- design. These experiences tom integrator since 2006.

Between Kauzlarich and Diez, assessing their clients’ needs is all about listening to the customers.

Hearing what it is that their client wants, and designing a system based on producing the desired effect, is at the base of the service.

They aren’t about tossing name brands out there and pieces of equipment that might not be necessary to accomplish their clients’ goals.

The small, independent company also prides itself on using in-house, knowledgeable staff to complete a project from the ground up. And by fulfilling their customer service philosophy, Southwest Audio Visual only takes on a limited amount of projects, ensuring that their clients receive the fullest amount of attention.

There is so much choice out their technology-wise.

With the years of experience and knowing what equipment works better than others, Kauzlarich and Diez are able

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and they can be used inside the house or outside on decks, fences, sheds or any other surface you need to paint quickly and easily.

Because both sprayers feature nozzles that allow you to precisely adjust the flow of paint, overspray is minimal — meaning that since you’ve already prepped by taping and draping, you can use the sprayer indoors with confidence that you won’t get overspray on areas where you don’t want paint. Another bonus that makes these sprayers great for indoor use — they’re quieter than traditional sprayers, making about as much noise as a hair dryer.

Finally, unlike other sprayers, the Flexio models don’t require you to thin the paint with water; thinning can hinder the performance of even the best quality paint. To learn more, log on to www.wagnerspraytech.com.

The quality of the paint you choose will directly affect how good the job looks when you’re done. For a good quality finish it is important to select quality paint, which adheres better, gives a uniform finish and will last longer. Also, look at the latest color trends and select a color that will meet your style.

Before you buy, research the brands available at your local home improvement store. Check out consumer review websites, giving particular attention to those that feature reviews from homeowners who’ve actually used the products.These independent, real-life reviewers can offer valuable insight into how well a paint might work. Pay attention to the

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to provide the client with quality advice, and the pre-planning so that once the systems are completed and installed there won’t be any occasions for troubleshooting to arise.

But Kauzlarich is quick to point out that every home and every system is different, so that it again comes back to listening to the client and finding the right solutions for their home theatre or home automation.

“We design a system so that’s it’s almost ‘bulletproof,’ so that at the end of the day we don’t get service calls, and we don’t get calls because their things don’t work,” Kauzlarich said.

Southwest Audio Visual invites you to schedule an appointment to visit their showroom so they can show you how what was once complex and confusing technology is now simple and easy.

Southwest Audio Visual is at 253 S. Coast Highway 101, Suite C in Solana Beach.

If you’d like to schedule an appointment call (858) 3241704, or for more information, visit swavconsulting.com..

Many professionals use paint sprayers to achieve smooth, fast results. Now homeowners can achieve professional results.Two new sprayers,the Flexio 570 and Flexio 590 from Wagner, are designed to help DIYers achieve the same speed and good looks as the professionals do. The sprayers allow you to cover an 8-by-10-foot surface in just two to six minutes,

details

Details such as painting baseboards, woodwork and ceilings are the crowning touch on any paint job.

Professionals know it’s these finishing touches that pull together the look of a room.

With the right tools and professional approach, you can save money by doing your own painting — and enjoy the pride and satisfaction of a job well done.

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FALL HOME & GARDEN GUIDE

SEPT. 20, 2013

A visit to Anderson’s La Costa is anything but ordinary Anderson’s La Costa is not your ordinary nursery visit — it is a truly unique garden center experience. This local family owned business has been operating at the same location two blocks west of Interstate 5 on La Costa Avenue for over 50 years.

Owners Dave and Una Tyler invite you to come in and browse the huge selection including annuals, perennials, fruits and vegetables, trees, shrubs,orchids,cactus and succulents, houseplants, water plants and so much more. A full line of pottery, garden accessories, tools, dry goods and organic fertilizer and soil amendments are also available.

What sets Anderson’s apart is the varied selection, plant quality and especially the knowledgeable and friendly staff of trained nursery professionals.

Highlights of visiting Anderson’s must include a visit to their 2,500 square foot greenhouse with its vast selec-

tion. Be sure to allow some time to visit the expanded “edibles” area where you can select the herbs and veggies from local growers to create your own organic additions for the dinner table. Also expanded this year is the fruit tree section where you will find citrus, figs, apples, peaches just to name a few.

Many of the offerings at Anderson’s are from local North County growers — a theme that the folks at Anderson’s stress when stocking the nursery.And don’t miss out on the lovely Secret Garden, reminiscent of a darling fairy garden with its enticing playhouse and English country garden plants that captivates the youngsters’ imaginations. Should you find more than fits into your car, no problem — they deliver!

Enjoy the mood created by one of the largest selections of operating fountains in the area and stroll leisurely while enjoying the great selection of pottery and garden décor all

uniquely displayed within the perfect settings so you can immediately envision what you could do in your own garden or patio.

Fall planting is featured at this time of year and Anderson’s doesn’t disappoint.

New cool season veggies are arriving now with a wide selection of favorites like beets, broccoli, cauliflower, peas, spinach, brussels sprouts and lettuce and always introducing the latest varieties. Don’t hesitate to ask for your favorites while visiting — Anderson’s staff is more than happy to special order.

If you are looking for a garden center with a casual yet beautiful atmosphere and a staff of friendly, knowledgeable nursery professionals, check out Anderson’s La Costa.

The staff provides excellent in-store customer service and satisfaction, and can also provide expert on-site garden design services at your home or business.

Raising the bar on bath safety (BPT) — The bathroom is your daily sanctuary to retreat to and enjoy a few moments alone. For that reason, it should be serene, stylish and of course, safe. Think that words “safety” and “style” can never go together? Think again.

Fortunately, it’s easy to incorporate essential bath safety elements that will leave your room feeling more like a resort instead of rehab.

A twist on towel bars When entering or exiting the bath, many homeowners reach for a towel located on a towel bar just outside the bathtub or shower.

While this is a convenient location, unfortunately bathers instinctively grab onto the towel bar to ease in and out of the shower or tub.

This can be a serious fall risk, since towel bars are not designed to support a person’s weight.

Fortunately, Moen has combined the functionality and beauty of a decorative towel bar with the safety benefits of a grab bar with the Moen Home Care Grab Bar with Towel Bar. Available in the most popular finishes to seamlessly integrate with the style of your bath, this unique product is easy to install to ensure a safe — and stylish — addition to the bath.

Look for shelves that combine the functionality and style of a shelf with the safety of a grab bar. Some are featured in both corner and straight designs and will help solve your storage woes, while providing extra stability in the shower or bath.

“Grab bars are an important safety element for all ages — in fact, we could all use a little extra assistance in the shower,” says Adam Ference, Moen Home Care brand manager. “By incorporating grab bars into common bathroom accessories, we hope to encourage homeowners to make every bath a safe — and stylish — bath.”

Serenity with showerheads When you think of resorts, you may recall the spectacular spa showers. You can dramatically enhance your daily shower experience by simply updating your current showerhead.

There are many types, but a combination showerhead, such as the Moen Caldwell Brushed Nickel Slide Bar showerhead, can offer a relaxing retreat while also adding safety features.

Combination showerheads feature both a standard showerhead and a handheld showerhead attached to a slide bar, providing users multiple spray options. And, with the added benefit of a handheld shower, users who choose to bathe Safety with shelves in a seated position can also From shampoo to shav- easily and safely enjoy the ing cream, razors to rubber sensational experience. duckies, the bathtub or shower is an area where we Luxurious illumination store a multitude of items.

For the final step to With this in mind, homeown- your safety-upgraded bathers are always looking for room, increase the amount of ways to conquer the clutter. lighting. Add higher-wattage Shelves are an excellent bulbs in your current lights, answer — especially when nightlights or additional you can combine them with lamps to the room for safety and peace of mind. improved illumination.

Another option is adding skylights. Not only will it help reduce bumps and falls, but a well-lit bathroom will also make the space feel more open and spa-like.

Increasing your safety does not mean decreasing the style in your bath. In fact, with these easy, inexpensive and attractive updates, you can quickly raise your level of bath safety, while creating a more enjoyable and stylish bathroom retreat.

For more information on Moen products, visit moen.com.

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FALL HOME & GARDEN GUIDE

Mold an ever-present risk for unwary homeowners (BPT) — Few phrases can strike fear into a homeowner’s heart as powerfully as the words “you have a mold problem.” Mold troubles in your home can cause health troubles for your family, and both issues can be notoriously difficult to resolve. It occurs everywhere in nature, but when mold begins growing indoors, it can damage any surface it grows on and cause respiratory problems for those living in the affected house.

The Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention say that mold can cause reactions that range from mild (stuffy nose, itchy eyes or skin irritation) to severe (fever, shortness of breath and chronic lung ailments). In extreme cases, the mold can even infect a person’s lungs.

Studies have also suggested a link between mold exposure and the development of asthma in young children, the CDC notes.

Mold and moisture So what causes mold to

take root in your home? In a word: moisture.

Mold spores are everywhere, and when they land on a wet or damp surface they can begin to grow. That means mold tends to grow in areas of your home that are more humid, such as in the bathroom, a belowgrade room, the kitchen or garage. Mold can also grow in hidden places, such as between walls where a water leak has occurred and gone undetected for TURN TO MOLD ON B20

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FALL HOME & GARDEN GUIDE

SEPT. 20, 2013

Where the beautiful ideas begin The Faucet Factory is “Where Beautiful Ideas Begin.”

Now in its new location at 523 Encinitas Blvd., Suite 110, The Faucet Factory’s expanded showroom offers the latest in contemporary and traditional high-end decorative plumbing, hardware, and accessories.

Look no further than The Faucet Factory for inspiration and ideas to beautify your home, just off Interstate 5 in the heart of North County.

The Faucet Factory’s knowledgeable staff is experienced in working with architects, builders, contractors, designers, developers, plumbers, and the individual homeowner.

Family-owned and operat-

ed since 1985, The Faucet Factory has kept its commitment to great personalized service while maintaining factory-direct pricing.

The brand new, expanded showroom offers even more selection than ever before!

“We relocated two months ago and now have the place for you to find just the right faucets, fixtures, and hardware to create that beautiful kitchen, bath, or bar you have always dreamed of creating,” said owner Curt Shafer.

Come to The Faucet Factory to create the kitchen of your dreams for cooking, entertaining, or just hanging out. As for the bathroom, design the home spa you have always

wanted with luxury items like Jason’s MicroSilk Hydrotherapy systems for the bathtub.

A MicroSilk bath moisturizes and soothes dry, irritated skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

It’s like having a facial for your entire body in the comfort of your own home!

Showroom hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and closed Sundays. Call (760) 436-0088, visit thefaucetfactory.com or email us at info@thefaucetfactory.com.

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a huge difference in an everyday routine — giving a spa-like experience with multiple high-performance spray settings.

The same goes for lighting — brightening up this space in particular can be a big selling point.

• Don’t forget about the outside: Every home needs curb appeal. If you can’t afford major landscaping, focus on the entrance to the home.

Again, updating with paint and hardware on

the front door will be a welcoming touch, while a couple of really great potted plants at the entryway add to that focal point.

• It’s in the details: Consider adding small details to rooms that will elevate the style.

Framing out windows, or adding baseboards, molding or wainscoting to a space will leave it feeling a bit more polished.

No matter how big or small your projects, remember it doesn’t take a lot of money to make a big impact to any space.

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FALL HOME & GARDEN GUIDE

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Six Gold Nugget Awards.

We’re pleased to announce that Alta Del Mar has been honored with six prestigious Gold Nugget Awards recognizing exceptional planning and design across the western United States. The Gold Nugget award program is considered one of the housing industry’s most esteemed design competitions.

Alta Del Mar is an enclave of 4,151 to 6,235-square-foot Estate Homes on lots averaging a half acre, and Custom Homesites up to one acre on Del Mar Mesa overlooking Carmel Valley. The homes boast private courtyards, elegant entry porticos, handcrafted details, exquisite appointments and expansive homesites.

It’s an incomparable collection of residences in the last, best coastal North County location. From $1.85 to $2.4 million.

New Estate Homes and Custom Homesites now available. Visit AltaDelMar.com to learn more or call 858-461-0109.

All square footage is approximate; pricing subject to change. Information is accurate as of the date of the publication. CA Contractor’s License #251810.

SEPT. 20, 2013

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FALL HOME & GARDEN GUIDE

SEPT. 20, 2013

Local landscape artist has know-how to transform your yard ENCINITAS — C&H Gardens founder Kent Horner brings something extra to the task of landscaping. He has a natural sense for garden feng shui and combines an artist’s eye with his knowledge of the earth to produce a landscape in complete harmony with its surroundings.

“My dad grew up on a farm and taught biology, so I grew up with a strong understanding of plants and the land,” Horner said. “I combine this with my artistic sense to create a series of gardens on a property that work with the microclimate of each exposure on all sides of the home. Each one has different needs and can require different plants to thrive.”

Horner’s versatile skills can provide the perfect California garden, whether you want an English Victorian garden, a tropical palm paradise or a desert oasis complete with succulents and cactus.

C&H Gardens has provided residential and commercial property landscape and arboricultural services

to San Diego County since 1979. Preferring a job that kept him outdoors, Horner began putting himself through college doing treetrimming. From there, he worked under a top landscaper installing and maintaining the enormous date palms and landscape at The Mirage in Las Vegas, gaining a broad knowledge of desert flora.

“I grew up in San Bernardino, but my folks had a beach place in Leucadia where I spent a lot of time,” Horner said. “I love to surf and love this area.”

After Horner got his contractor’s license and settled here, he met and married his wife Kim who works the business with him as they raise two boys, ages 16 and 13.

Horner has done landscape work on the homes of hair-mogul Paul Mitchell (Malibu), writer Anne Rice (La Jolla) and the Cleveland Indians’ Charles Nagy (Rancho Santa Fe), among many others.

“My longtime exposure to California landscape has

Kent Horner, owner of C & H Artistic Landscape & Tree Service. For more information, call (858) 481-4500 or visit plantch.com. Courtesy photo

given me a huge understanding of what does well in this climate,” Horner said. “Many of my plants come from South Africa

Refacing makes old cabinets new (BPT) — In this instantgratification era, instant makeovers — from week-long juice diets to weekend home renovations — are a top 2013 trend.

And according to Yahoo!

Homes, so are instant kitchen updates achieved by refacing cabinets.

It’s no wonder. Women spend a third of their household activity time in the kitchen, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which means there is plenty of time to daydream about a new kitchen while making and sharing meals.

With so much time spent in the kitchen though, who has the luxury of going kitchen-less for weeks on end as they wait through an entire gut and remodel?

The Home Depot surveyed customers who had recently renovated their kitchens and found that almost all customers were motivated by the desire for a new, more modern aesthetic.

Several remodeling options deliver a new look in no time, by simply updating the existing cabinets.

Current kitchen cabinet doors and drawer fronts can be refinished through a sanding process or the wood can be renewed through a restorative process that brings out the original brilliance and luster.

Refacing is a more bold option, if you are happy with the layout of your current kitchen but are tired of a dated look with worn cabinets, doors and drawers.

Doors, hardware and shelves are all replaced and the cabinet shells are completely refinished through the refacing process to create an entirely new look.

“Refacing kitchen cabinets gives a homeowner the opportunity to add organizational enhancements and

revamp additional surfaces, such as counters and backsplashes, for a space that is more contemporary and personalized to match a homeowner’s unique kitchen habits,” explains Douglas Spiron of Home Depot Interiors.

Mapping a dream kitchen Start your kitchen cabinet refacing project by creating a wish list of material attributes. For example, if your household includes children and pets, consider Rigid Thermofoil doors to safeguard against denting and for an easy-to-clean surface. To ensure that your space will remain visually cohesive in years to come, it is important to take into account your future plans for new appliances, fixtures, paint colors, counters and backsplashes.

Taming cabinet clutter To get the most out of the refacing process, consider optimizing your kitchen space. Handy zones for the most frequently used utensils should be established.

Items should be grouped together based on purpose and in close proximity to stationary items.

Add order to every area with drawer dividers, roll-out shelves and customized organizational elements.

Expressing your style

Once you have identified areas for improvement, it is time to turn your dreams into design plans. A new vision for this hardworking room should take into account both your home’s style and your personal style. The adjacent room’s color palette, the amount of natural light in the space and what is seen first when entering the kitchen are important factors, in addition to stylistic preferences.

This is the time to gather inspiration from favorite bloggers, friends and current trends.

Sarah Fishburne, director of trend and design for The Home Depot, shares the most popular cabinet trend right now. “Recessed doors continue to dominate the kitchen market, because the design is universal and fits in any home style — from Classic or Cottage to Arts and Craft and Modern homes.

Homeowners feel more comfortable installing a universal style that will have longevity.”

The National Kitchen and Bath Association also points out that darker wood finishes have grown more popular over the past two years.

To begin the kitchen transformation process, visit homedepot.com; get inspired by the possibilities at The Apron blog.

which has an identical climate to ours but so many exotic species and succulents that do really well here.”

The company specializes in water-wise softscape of plants, trees and tropicals; erosion control; hardscape including ponds, fountains, Jacuzzis, patios, barbecues and outdoor structures; retaining walls, fencing, decking, decorative paths, pavers, cement, flagstone, slate, gates, railings, stairs and driveways; and also proper drainage, irrigation and lighting.

“My favorite part of the job is working with people, getting to know them and their property,” he said. “I am able to really understand what they envision and create a space for peace and tranquility that is colorful and beautiful but still low maintenance.”

Horner is a master at working with the many Southern Californians who are starting to replace their lawns, putting in a drip-irrigation system with wood chips and plant groupings.

It takes half the water half and makes a visually beautiful area.

“I have learned the most by ripping out other people’s mistakes,” Horner

said. “Once we are finished, with a flick of the switch, all the different plants and locations are happy and thriving, which is easy when you have them in the right place.”

C&H Gardens specializes in a full range of arboriculture vegetation management services including yearly maintenance, tree trimming, pruning, lacing, shaping, removal, stump grinding, cabling, bracing, hauling, tractor work, tree installation, transplanting, eco restoring and waterwise conservation.

C&H Gardens’ Tree Division can meet the specific needs of your residential and commercial tree care and maintenance. The team will survey your property and provide a free estimate.

This is all done with a solid knowledge of meeting city code requirements and safety issues.

Visit C&H Gardens Artistic Landscape and Tree Service, Inc. at plantch.com or call (760) 846-2200 to schedule a free consultation.

‘Grace-ful’ Living home furnishings a rebirth of style In 1993, Metropolis Furniture opened on University Avenue, bringing to San Diego a new level of quality and sophistication in home furnishings.

Their unique mix of traditional, soft contemporary and one-of-a-kind furnishings brought a fresh look to the local market.

The economic downturn caused Metropolis to close its Hillcrest and Encinitas locations by the end of 2008.

Owner Mark Matheson has now reopened in Encinitas with his new store, Grace-ful Living, named for his daughter Grace.

“I named the store for what she brings into my life,” Matheson said. “I came back into retail furnishings because I looked at what was going on in the

local furniture market and saw a niche — a high-end look, a stylized store, at a mid-price point.”

The store, 1044 N. El Camino Real, Suite B, (between Cerro Street and Calle Ryan) is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call (619) 399-3460 or visit them on Facebook at facebook.com/HomeFurnit ureSanDiego.

Grace-ful Living Home Furnishings offers a fresh, new aesthetic where you will find an eclectic mix of traditional, transitional, soft contemporary, quality furniture.

Peppered with antiques, unusual one-of-akind pieces, graphic industrial and architectural design blended with organic shapes, environmentally-

friendly furniture creating a warmer modernism.

Grace-ful Living’s motto, “Style you can afford” is realized with a stylized, high-end looking store that is refreshingly affordable. Step in to search for unusual or hard to find things along with items for the entire home, paired with affordability and unsurpassed service.

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Motorized shades an affordable luxury As technologies advance, two things generally happen: the products become more user friendly and the costs become more affordable.

Motorized window treatments are no exception to this rule.

Until recently, installing motorized shades in your home was a major undertaking involving contractors, electricians, home automation systems and integrators to program the shades.

This type of hard-wired system is appropriate where new construction, or a complete remodel, allows access for necessary wiring to all window openings. This infrastructure makes it possible to integrate the shades with lighting,

audio/video, heating/cooling or security — all controlled by a home automation system.

Pacific Installers are Hunter Douglas and Somfy Certified Motorization Specialists, experienced in the design and installation of these advanced systems.

These types of projects are exciting and we welcome the challenge.

We at Pacific Installers exceed our customers’ expectations when installing their motorized window coverings. However, we are also aware that the costs are outside most budgets and impractical for finished, existing homes.

The newest products from Hunter Douglas have given consumers a budget friendly alternative to hard-

wired systems. Power Rise® 2.1 and Power Glide® 2.1 technologies make it possible to have motorized window coverings without the need for contractors, wiring or home automation systems.

One of the most common installations we perform is the Duette® top down, bottom up shades in the windows that surround a bath tub. A Platinum™ wireless wall switch, with individual or group control, will avoid having to climb into the tub to operate the shades. Another application for Power Rise® are those impossible to reach, upper level openings that heat the house up in the hot summer months, fade art work, furnishings and flooring. These also can be easily operated

by a wireless wall switch or hand held remote.

Introduced in the fall of 2012, the new, easy-to-use Platinum™ App allows you to operate your motorized window coverings using an iPad®, iPhone® or iPod® touch.

For the first time, you can precisely control your Hunter Douglas window coverings by scene, by room, or time of day.

You will appreciate the simplicity of the Platinum™ App and Pacific Installers will set up and personalize this application to fit your unique needs. We invite you to visit our beautiful, automated showroom in Carlsbad to see our full line of motorized and manual window coverings, shutters and custom draperies.

MOLD

there’s some mold in the shower or elsewhere in the bathroom that seems to reappear, increasing ventilation (running a fan or opening a window) and cleaning more frequently will usually prevent mold from recurring, or at least keep the mold to a minimum.”

For more effective, economical passive ventilation, a fresh-air skylight can help reduce humidity and stale air.

When open, Energy Star-qualified, no leak solar-powered fresh-air skylights, like those made by Velux America, can allow excess moisture and unhealthy fumes to escape your home.

When closed, the bright sunlight that skylights admit into your home can help dry out damp areas. Skylights are a great option in damp rooms, such as bathrooms, where privacy concerns mean an open window is impractical, or in

rooms where adding a window or venting fan may not be plausible, such as a garage.

Add remote controlled solar powered blinds to solar powered fresh air skylights to your home and the products, as well as installation costs, are eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit.

To learn more about no leak skylights and how they can help improve indoor air quality, visit veluxusa.com.

If you discover mold in your home, it’s important to remove it quickly - even if it just seems like a harmless amount growing in a corner of the shower. Mold can spread quickly.

You can probably handle a minor problem yourself, using commercially available cleansers to remove the mold from affected surfaces. More severe infestations that affect

drywall, wood or other parts of the home’s structure, will likely need to be handled by a professional.

If mold has damaged parts of your home, remove and replace those parts.

Monitor humidity levels in your home and make sure all rooms — especially those where a problem has occurred — have adequate ventilation.

The CDC recommends homeowners take steps to prevent future mold growth, such as using an air conditioner and dehumidifier during humid months, and adding mold inhibitors to paint before repainting rooms.

Mold will never be anyone’s idea of a welcome house guest, but with preventive steps such as improving ventilation to control moisture, you can ensure you never again have to fear those three little words: “you have mold.”

you’re looking for an edgy feel, try patterned or brightcolored ones.

Adding new hardware to cabinets is also an inexpensive way to improve the look of your kitchen.

Since faucets are the most-used item in the kitchen, a new model can

make a big impression. Swap out your old one for the new Align suite from Moen. Align faucets feature high-arc spouts and a geometric handle, emphasizing the simplicity and elegance of the design.

To complement your new faucet, look to update your counters as well. Granite remains a popular choice because of its high style and durability.

Integrating technology into home design It’s not just about making your life easier, technology can also aesthetically enhance your living space with modern touches. Mirror technology allows homeowners to disguise the TV when it isn’t in use. Available for all TV models, it will look like a mirror is in the room until the unit is turned on. The iCon Bed from Hollandia features a headboard equipped with speakers, an amplifier and docking stations for two iPads.

The NestLearning Thermostat shares the same designer as the iPod, and automatically creates a temperature-control schedule personalized around your lifestyle; while also saving energy.

For more information about Moen products, visit moen.com or call 800-BUYMOEN (800-289-6636).

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some time.

“The key to mold control is moisture control,” the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says on its website.

The EPA says you should clean up mold right away and eliminate the source of moisture that allowed the mold to grow.

Managing moisture Managing excess moisture in your home can help prevent the growth of mold.

In addition to monitoring your home regularly to catch plumbing or roof leaks quickly, improving ventilation can help control moisture and improve overall indoor air quality.

“Places that are often or always damp can be hard to maintain completely free of mold,” the EPA notes. “If

Removing mold

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Modern design doesn’t have to mean uncomfortable.

Homeowners love modern interiors for the sleek and streamlined look, which leads to less clutter and visual stress.

Expand the modern theme throughout the home by updating furniture with unfussy and relaxed pieces.

You don’t need to buy everything new.

Fabric covers, in an array of prints and colors, can instantly bring new life to old furniture. For pieces that need to be replaced, consider purchasing solid and neutral furniture. As trends change, you can switch out pillows and blankets to stay up-todate.

Keep neutrals in mind when selecting paint colors, as well. White, black, brown and gray will go with just about anything.

For a pop of color, paint an accent wall with a bold color, or add extra personality with drapery or area rugs.

Use lamps, paintings and accessories to give a personal touch throughout the rest of your living space.

Final stop: the kitchen Opening up shelving is a way to put a fresh, modern spin on your existing kitchen

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FALL HOME & GARDEN GUIDE

layout.You can order new cabinets with glass panels or simply remove the doors from your existing ones.

Just make sure the exposed areas are not cluttered. Open shelving is a perfect place to display dishes.

For a crisp look, try stacks of white plates and bowls. If

Add a fresh new look to your dining room Autumn is just around the corner and Le Dimora’s designers are busy decorating their fall dining room collections in preparation for the upcoming Holiday Season!

Planning must get started early, and this is the perfect time to add a fresh new look to your dining room for hosting family gatherings and Holiday entertaining.

Le Dimora has an abundant selection of dining room furnishings on display — from warm and traditional — to transitional — with a lighter and more casual feel.

Choose from round, rectangular and square designs in endless choices of woods and fabrics to reflect your own personal style. Compliment your look with many comfy chair styles, sideboards and bountiful buffets.

The beautiful Rancho Santa Fe showroom creates an atmosphere of style and comfort, combined with timeless beauty — sure to satisfy all your senses. The award winning Interior Design Team provides personal in home service and handles every detail imaginable to enhance your home environment.

With the finest — of the moment — design

resources to choose from, Le Dimora designers consult with clients to identify and create their own signature style. From custom designed furnishings, luxurious bedding ensembles and window treatments, elegant lighting, exquisite hand knotted area rugs and eclectic accessories, no detail is overlooked in bringing your home’s vision to fruition.

Le Dimora’s newly opened 3,000 square foot Alfresco showroom embraces sunny San Diego’s outdoor living way of life.

Alfresco offers everything one needs to decorate and enjoy our beautiful outdoor living spaces. Boasting the best collections of outdoor furniture, area carpets, artwork, drapery panels, dishware, lighting and accents — in new durable, weather resistant materials.

Visit Le Dimora’s newly expanded 15,000 square foot showroom in the Del Rayo Village Shopping Center, featuring a unique collection of fine home furnishings and delightful accessories with award winning Interior design Services available. Le Dimora’s is at 16089 San Dieguito Road in Rancho Santa Fe. Call (858) 7592709 or log on to Ledimora.com.

Kitchen remodeling 101: Making the space your own (BPT) — There is a lot to think about when remodeling your kitchen. You want to design a kitchen that reflects your taste and style, which you’ll love for years to come. Whether you’re designing for yourself or for resale, the key to success is to embrace timelessness. That doesn’t mean sacrificing personality for a neutral palette, though.

Quite the opposite.

Here are five creative, thrifty and helpful tips from Summer Baltzer, interior designer and former host of HGTV’s Design on a Dime, to send you well on your way to a kitchen design that not only looks great in the long term, but also reflects you.

Tip one: Know your style.

Design your kitchen around colors and objects that make you feel great.

This is the room you probably spend most of your time in whether you’re cooking, entertaining or just doing homework with the kids.

Loving the look is important. Make your design meaningful and something you’ll want to see every day.

Look for inspiration from a pottery collection, a piece of artwork, or even the food you love.

Tip two: Get creative on a budget.

A great way to save

money is to repurpose found items for your accents where you can.

Frame pictures from favorite recipes, use inexpensive flower pots or mason jars to store utensils and cutlery, repurpose an old console table as a center island. You might even want to spray-paint the old dining table and give it a new life. Look for salvaged floors, pallets or pottery to create new furniture pieces or accents. This approach not only saves you money, but also makes your kitchen enviably unique.

Tip three: Develop your vision.

Keep your ideas on track by collecting loose drawings; they can become your own personal design board. They don’t have to be professional or even exactly like the finished product — just enough to make your point and start to envision what the finished product will look like. Seeing your ideas come together before taking a sledgehammer to your old tile not only gets you excited about your project, but can also save you from making design decisions that don’t fit your vision.

If you’re hiring a professional, plans for the kitchen should be included in the cost. Make sure that TURN TO REMODELING ON B21

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Soft skills will help you land that next job (BPT) — You’ve polished your resume, updated your references and picked up your best outfit from the dry cleaners. You’re ready for that big interview. But while your experience and qualifications may match the position perfectly, have you given any thought to your soft skills?

Soft skills include a person’s attitude, workplace behavior, values and ethics. Increasingly, employers are looking at soft skills as the deciding factor when choosing between two applicants.

Harry Weimann, director of education at WyoTech Blairsville and a business owner since 1986, says he wishes he would have learned to look for the appropriate skills long ago.

“As a business owner for many years, I’ve hired several employees,”Weimann says.“Some were talented workers, but I never could pinpoint why I rarely got the person I was looking

REMODELING

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they fit your vision and that you’re getting everything you need from your new space before demo and installation begin.

Tip four: Create timeless beauty.

When focusing on your large installed items, don’t just concentrate on what’s popular now.

Instead, take a look at the items that have been relevant for more than a decade. If you’re designing a kitchen for a home you plan on living in for the next 20 years, by all means, go crazy and embrace colors and patterns that make you happy.

But if you don’t plan on staying there forever, give yourself room to grow.

Look to classic color

for. Working for WyoTech opened my eyes to what I was missing - soft skills.”

Weimann says employers view an employee who shows up on time, performs the job correctly and respects others as being more valuable in many cases than an employee who is technically competent but shows up late, is sloppily dressed and has a poor attitude. Because of this, employers are looking harder at soft skills when hiring in the current market.

“For some reason, organizations seem to expect people to know how to behave on the job or have the right soft skills,”says Weimann.“The assumption is that everyone knows the importance of being on time, being accountable, having integrity and being a team player, but is that fair to expect without communicating that during the interview process?” When you head to that big interview, you should expect to face some soft skill questions.

combinations like white, black or gray cabinets; stone countertops with white or walnut cabinets; or butcher block with just about any cabinet color you can imagine.

Wilsonart’s Calcutta Marble and new Old Mill Oak and Truss Maple are affordable laminate options that look real but are made from recycled wood fibers.

They have finishes that withstand daily wear and tear, and are a fraction of the cost of traditional stone countertops.

Look to lasting styles and materials, rather than what’s simply trendy at the moment, to create a timelessly beautiful kitchen. Learn more at wilsonart.com.

installed, more permanent items clean and simple.

To add style and versatility, get creative with your accents.

For instance, try going Shaker with your cabinets.

Traditional cup pull handles will move them in a more classic and traditional direction and linear pull handles will take you down a modern road.

By keeping your appliances and more permanent items simple, and using your accents to create a sense of style, you’ll open up tons of design doors for yourself, creating a kitchen that transitions easily, keeps up with your style and has staying power.

With this timeless knowhow and creative inspiration, Tip five: Start with you’re ready to create a kitchen you’ll love both now simplicity.

Keep the lines of your and a decade down the road.

Expires 10-31-13 TCN

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ALTA DEL MAR CONTINUED FROM B11

plans offers a haven for indoor and outdoor living,” added Sauls. “Large side and interior courtyards, expansive family rooms, and club rooms are suitable for a large art or exercise studio, game room or home theater, and are among the many exciting floor plan features. Sun drenched kitchens with morning rooms or nooks feature state-of-the art design and appliances.

When you purchase a home at Alta Del Mar, you can select the exceptional design elements and features that reflect your lifestyle.”

From Wolf gourmet appliance packages to SubZero built-in refrigerators and dual Bosch dishwashers, the choices for the kitchen are extensive, as are those for luxurious bathrooms and master bedroom suites. Each home occupies a generous homesite that provides ample opportunity for private interior and side courtyards as well as generous backyards suitable for pools, gardens and entertaining.

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Alta Del Mar is served by schools in the Del Mar Union School District for elementary grades and older children are anticipated to attend Carmel Valley Middle School, Torrey Pines High School or Canyon Crest Academy in the San Dieguito Union High School District.

Backed by the passion and expertise of Pardee Homes, Alta Del Mar is the highest expression of all the company has learned and stood for since 1921. With a passion for design, a commended purchase experience, nationally recognized customer service and the desire to incorporate the latest technologies to provide eco-efficient living, Pardee Homes has crafted homes in some of the most prestigious settings in Southern California — including Rancho Pacifica and Derby Hill in coastal San Diego — that have reaffirmed the company’s reputation as a builder of the finest luxury residences in premier locations.

For more information visit altadelmar.com or call (858) 461-0109.

Saute the vegetables with cooked, cubed chicken and a mix of soy and teriyaki sauces. Serve over rice and offer a spicy chili sauce for those who like it hot.

securely in a slow cooker, pour a large can of lowsodium chopped tomatoes over them and cook on low for eight hours. Dinner will be ready when you Friday You’ve made it walk in the door. through the week. Why not treat your family to pizza?

Tuesday Soup can be a quick Top a ready-made, wholeway to have dinner on the wheat pizza crust with table in minutes - and it your leftover pesto sauce, allows you to use up veg- cheese and any toppings etables that may be near you’d like. Add peppers, the end of their shelf life. mushrooms and vegetaTry a Broccoli Cheese bles you chopped for the Soup (recipe follows), a soup and stir-fry to create classic favorite that the a veggie delight. Follow whole family will enjoy. the cooking instructions There’s minimal pre-cook- on the pizza crust packing required - simply age, and you’ll be ready to steam the broccoli, meas- kick off your weekend in ure the remaining ingredi- no time.

With a bit of planents, put them in your Vitamix Professional ning, you can shop once Series 500 blender and and have your dinners set start the Hot Soup pro- for the week. Buy canned gram. When the program or frozen fruits and vegcompletes, pour into bowls etables in bulk and try to and garnish with extra prepare at least two meals steamed broccoli florets using the same ingrediand bit of grated cheese. ents. Even with hectic For a heartier meal, chop schedules, families can and add grilled chicken prepare and sit down to a chunks. Serve with crusty satisfying meal every bread and a salad for a night of the week. complete dinner.

Wednesday Whole-wheat pasta with basil walnut pesto is a crowd pleaser. Take fresh basil, Parmesan cheese and walnuts and puree with garlic, olive oil and lemon juice in your Vitamix for a quick and easy sauce. If there are stuffed pepper leftovers, chop and heat for a tasty pasta topping. Make a large batch of pesto and you can use the leftover portion later in the week.

Thursday Throw together a chicken stir-fry for another quick weeknight meal.

Chop up your favorite vegetables, including extra cauliflower, onions and carrots from Monday’s stuffed peppers and broccoli from Tuesday’s soup.

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Broccoli cheese soup

Yields two cups.

Ingredients: 1 cup (240 ml) milk, skim or low fat 3 cups (40 g) shredded, low fat cheddar cheese| 1 cup (100 g) chopped fresh or frozen broccoli or cauliflower florets, steamed 1 teaspoon diced onion 1 teaspoon cornstarch 4 teaspoons chicken or vegetable bouillon or soup base Directions: Place all ingredients into the Vitamix container in the order listed and secure lid.

Select Hot Soup program. Press Start. Allow machine to complete programmed cycle.

Family flooring company hits the mark of excellence ENCINITAS — For John and Terri Antman, the husband and wife team who have owned and operated the business since 1979, Superior Floors is more than just a showroom filled with quality flooring choices — it’s a family affair.

Superior Floors has built an exemplary reputation as a leader in professional customer service. Thus, 80 percent of the business generated comes from repeat customers and their referrals.

John believes this is primarily due to the overarching policy — “To treat others as you would like to be treated yourself.”

The success of his business can also be attributed to the fantastic selection of

products and the exceptional customer service Superior Floors provides. Properly guiding clients in choosing the products that will best serve their needs while enhancing the enjoyment of their home has always been the business’ main objective.

But more than just clients, the Antman’s consider thousands of people who have walked through their doors over the last 25 years as friends. “I have thoroughly enjoyed developing relationships with them,” he said.

“We are a family business and it seems like we know everyone in the area and they know us well,” John said.

Employees are treated like family, too. John said he feels privileged to have

assembled the most outstanding group of dedicated, conscientious and knowledgeable staff in the industry.

“Our teams of installers are amazing craftsmen in their own right,” Terri said, adding that she feels the pride they take in their work is continuously reflected in all of the business’ projects.

They understand that your home is an intimate expression of your personality, creativity and good taste.

The choices you make for your home reflect your individuality and lifestyle. At Superior Floors they use their knowledge, skill and extensive selection to assist you in creating your own world of aesthetic beauty and balance.

John said that based on their reputation for excellence, clients have come to expect the best from Superior Floors.“We have built our reputation based on our exceptional service, our craftsmanship and our uncompromising integrity in all aspects of our business,” John said.

At Superior Floors only the highest standards are used to determine the product line and customer service.

Superior Floors is located at 579 Westlake?in Encinitas. They are open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and closed on Sunday.

For more information, call (760) 436-0900 or visit superiorfloors.com.

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Why you want barn owl buddies around your property And buying a box is a one-time investment, as they cost nothing to maintain and the owls are very good at keeping their nest boxes clean.

If you have more to spend, the Hoo’s Hoo box with installed camera is one of their best sellers.

Just connect the camera to your TV or computer and enjoy the best reality show you’ll ever watch.

In fact, Tom installed “Molly’s Box” in a yard in San Marcos and it’s livestreamed footage became an Internet phenomenon.

Tom’s lifelong passion for birds of prey began in 1962 while doing research for a wild animal report in second grade.

This led to much climbing of trees to better observe birds, which led to a career as a tree trimmer (and later a certified arborist.) While bidding a job, he noticed an improperly hung owl box in a potential client’s yard.

He offered to install it at the proper height and angle needed to attract owls, and three days later the lady was thrilled to report that a

Making Mother Nature proud In our own backyards lies a land overflowing with natural beauty, relaxation, and amazement.

The San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas is a local wonderland of 37 acres featuring the largest bamboo collection in the nation, a tropical rainforest complete with waterfall, an herb garden and subtropical fruit garden, and the fascinating interactive Hamilton Children’s Garden which includes a tree house probably bigger than any of us have had.

Follow the four miles of garden trails as you travel around the world finding plants native to specific regions of the world such as: the Mediterranean Garden, South Africa, and New Zealand Garden.

Take a break in the Walled Garden in the midst of historic trees, ferns, and cycads where thousands of wedding ceremonies have taken place.

The San Diego Botanic Garden holds events all year round. Right around the corner is the International Orchid Fair, which will be held on Oct. 5 and Oct. 6.

The Orchid Fair brings thousands of countless varieties of orchids from around the world.

Some of the most amazing orchids will be on display and judged by the American Orchid Society.

Orchid related products such as artistic pottery, paintings, and books will also be available.

Be sure to visit this fall during the annual plant sale on Oct. 19 and Oct. 20; the sale is held in October

because this is the best time to begin planting in your Southern California garden so the plants get established by the blooming season.

The sale features the absolute best selection of plants at amazing prices.

The Fall Plant Sale is one of the Garden’s biggest fundraisers, organized by over 150 volunteers, offering plants from over 100 generous local growers and nurseries in San Diego County in addition to the many that are propagated right at the San Diego Botanic Garden.

The following week Palomar Cactus and Succulent Society will be having its Cactus and Succulent Show and Sale on Oct. 26 and Oct. 27.

Vendors of plants and pottery will be selling on both days and judging will take place on Saturday from noon to 3 p.m.

The Grand Finale for 2013 — Garden of Lights held from Dec. 7 through Dec. 23 and Dec. 26 to Dec. 30, from 5 to 9 p.m.

After the sun goes down, the Garden is transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland with over 100,000 sparkling lights illuminating the Garden for a magical holiday experience.

Numerous activities include horse-drawn wagon rides, holiday crafts, marshmallow roasting, visits with Santa, live music, hot mulled wine, refreshments, and SNOW! The San Diego Botanic Garden is at 230 Quail Gardens Drive in Encinitas.

Call (760) 436-3036 ext. 204 or visit SDBGarden.org for more information.

pair of barn owls had begun nesting in it.

“This was the first owl nest box I installed.” said Tom. “Now, nearly 25 years later I have over 36,000 under my belt. I’m so grateful that my passionate hobby has led me to such a fulfilling career.

“I spend my days sharing my enthusiasm and knowledge of nature and its inhabitants with people around the world. This is my definition of success.”

Learn more at BarnOwlBoxes.com or call (760) 445-2023.

Be sure to check out Tom Stephan’s brand new book on Amazon.com called “Beneficial Barn Owls.” Courtesy photo

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Tired of voles gnawing on your fruit trees, gophers snatching your vegetation from below, or rats scuttling up your downspouts?

Invite a couple of barn owls over and they’ll gobble up the vermin at a rate of 2,000 a year.

The universal party invite they all recognize is a nest box. “Barn owls are incredibly widespread in America, so when you put up your nest box, you’ll start seeing barn owls take roost in them in short order, and then they’ll start going to work for you,” said Tom Stephan, master falconer, raptor expert, and owner of Barn Owl Boxes in Ramona.

“Using natural predators is more effective than conventional trapping or poisons, it’s economical, eco-friendly, and protects local wildlife,” he added.

Tom and his team of craftsmen hand make every owl box out of Mahogany plywood panels made from recycled materials.

For as little as $350 installed, you can get the party started with a basic owl box.

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Season for change is coming When it comes to yards, summer seems to get all the glory.

But here in San Diego, the end of summer doesn’t mean the end of spending your free time in your yard, so it shouldn’t mean the end of maintaining it.

As fall weather takes hold, you need to change your gardening practices to get your landscape ready for the season ahead. Here are a few tips for getting your property ready for the fall and winter months: • Fertilize your lawn to help it produce a stunning green lawn when spring arrives.

• Water allows the grass to absorb the fall fertilizer and to grow strong roots.

• A broad leaf weed killer

needs to be applied.

• Raking Leaves allows for proper sunlight for grass.

• Mulch some of the leaves into the turf for extra nutrients.

• Aerate to offer roots a chance to breathe and spread, and allow water and nutrients to reach the root system.

• Reseed to help fill in any holes that might look patchy to have a clean, uniform look.

• Declutter outdoor furniture from grassy areas to avoid brown spots in your lawn.

A change in seasons also marks a good time to change landscape providers to a company that is dedicated to exceptional and reliable service — The Grounds Guys® of Encinitas.

Growing up in New

England, The Grounds Guys owner, Rich Occhionero began making gardens beautiful, working for his grandfather.

From early on, he loved the relationships he developed doing this work in the community. “For me, Landscaping is about communication.” Rich says.“I love the way a beautiful yard speaks to the neighborhood and I love getting to know people and finding out what they want to say with their gardens.”

In order to enhance this communication, Rich has technology that is unique to his business.

Have you ever wondered when your gardener is on your property? The Grounds Guys sends you a text alert when

they arrive and leave your property. How about wondering what work was performed that day?

As a The Grounds Guys customer, you receive an edoorhanger that outlines exactly what work was completed and any recommendations they have to improve your experience.

Rich believes this combination of good old-fashioned customer service and quality work combined with today’s technology is just what this industry is severely lacking, especially in the residential sector.

For information and estimates call (760) 889-6368 or go t o Encinitas.GroundsGuys.com.

Finding all you need inside and out at Greathouse This September, One|Stop Furniture & Patio, a local San Diego indoor and outdoor home furnishings retailer, will be changing its name to Greathouse.

One|Stop Furniture & Patio has been a San Diego staple in the home furnishings industry for the past 11 years.

“Change is a constant in life and something we embrace” says Paul Rees, coowner of Greathouse, “and Greathouse is a name that reflects the changes in our stores and is a name with which we can grow.”

Located in San Diego’s Miramar Design District, as well as in La Costa, Greathouse will continue to offer many of the same looks for the home while also introducing a few more inspiring brands to their collection.

The need for opening their second location in North County earlier this year stemmed the area being under serviced for a quality store that offered the products that they do.

“We just felt that North County, Carlsbad, La Costa — this corridor was just very under serviced with the quality store that had fairly priced merchandise that was unique,” said co-owner Art Sanfratello.

Greathouse offers home furnishings for every room of the house including outdoor patio furniture, indoor furnishings, lighting, rugs, accessories and gifts. Greathouse features re-imagined classic designs, customizable modern pieces, and architectural finds

interpreting the lifestyles of our diverse clientele.

Apart from the wide variety of styles and pieces, what separates Greathouse from your average patio furniture store is its staff.

“Most of the people that work here are interior designers, so the customers get a benefit of essentially an interior design consultation at the retail level,” Sanfratello said.

That means when a customer comes in to buy a sofa or other piece, their staff has the ability to order any style, any color and material all in with a very quick turnaround.

Greathouse carries a wide selection of brands such as Drexel Heritage, Cisco Brothers, Jonathan Alder, Stanley, Teodora Imports, Lloyd Flanders, Mallin, and Patio Republic. Each collection incorporates design, innovation, quality craftsmanship, superior value and the opportunity to make it uniquely yours.

From start to finish, the customer experience at Greathouse is incredibly professional and friendly.

“It’s one of the few stores that you can shop in at this level of quality and experience, that you can literally fill your entire house,whether it’s outdoor or indoor, whether it’s a vase to a rug, to a table to a couch, from top to bottom in just one of our stores,” Sanfratello added.

Their La Costa store is at 7720 El Camino Real #N, with hours Monday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call (760) 454-0013 for more information.

SCHOOL RECIPES

school year get the better of your family’s health. Planning meals ahead of time can help nourish your little Einstein’s mind and keep your family happy and healthy.

Find recipe ideas for the school year, including this Eggland’s Best Brainy Burrito, at egglandsbest.com or pinterest.com/egglandsbest.

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strawberries are bursting with powerful antioxidants that can protect the brain and may enhance memory.

When your student is eating nutrient-rich foods, be sure they are properly hydrating as well.

Mild dehydration affects concentration and may cause headaches. Younger children need about 57 ounces of fluid daily, while pre-teens and teens need between 71 and 81 ounces.

Although water is the preferred fluid source, low-fat milk and 100 percent juice count toward daily liquid needs, too.

Don’t let the hustle and bustle of the impending

. st Hwy N. Coa 101

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La Costa Ave

Eggland’s Best Brainy Burrito Makes one burrito Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 5 minutes Ingredients: 1 large Eggland’s Best egg 1 low-fat whole wheat tortilla 1 tablespoon low-fat refried beans 1/4 cup low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded 2 tablespoons salsa 1/2 avocado, sliced Preparation: • Spray nonstick skillet with cooking spray.

• Beat egg; pour into skillet and cook, stirring continually, until slightly set, about two minutes.

• Add cheese.

• Spread refried beans on tortilla.

• Cover with a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds.

• Spread egg and cheese filling down the center of the tortilla. Add salsa and sliced avocado.

• Fold one side of the tortilla over filling. Fold up bottom. Roll securely.

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SEPT. 20, 2013