April 2016 Latitude 45

April 2016

THE

MONTANA HOPE PROJECT

AN EXQUISITE

TASTE OF

EUROPE

YOUR NEW HOME

FROM FIGHTING TO PHILANTHROPY 1

2

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CONTENTS April 2016

45

Latitude N O RT H W E S T L I V I N G

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Washington Sales and Marketing Director | Julie Reed 253.273.8524 | julie@livinglocal360.com

EDITORIAL

Managing Editor | Patty Hutchens patty@livinglocal360.com Editor | Jani Gonzalez jani@livinglocal360.com

DESIGN

Creative Director | Whitney Lebsock Senior Designer | Jessica Herbig

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Media Intern | Maddie Russo maddie@livinglocal360.com

CONTRIBUTORS Dan Aznoff • Megan Olson

Latitude 45 is published and mailed to targeted neighborhoods in the Pacific Northwest. We’re not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine.

Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher and no part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the permission of the publisher.

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Feature Story

The Montana Hope Project

6 16 19 06 Travel & Leisure

An Exquisite Taste of Europe

16 Arts &

Entertainment Earth Day Celebration

19 Home & Garden Backyard Makeovers and Interior Design

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AN EXQUISITE TASTE OF EUROPE ...and it’s just across the border TRAVEL & LEISURE

By Dan Aznoff

T

he Canadian city of Vancouver has always held a special place in my heart. First of all, it’s the only municipality that requires a last name (B.C.). More importantly, it was the place where I spent the first three days of married life with my bride 36 years ago. That’s why we try to cross the border every summer to celebrate.

There are literally thousands of ways to enjoy the urban setting and worldclass offerings of this truly international city. Here are a few of the attractions that make our visits to Vancouver memorable every year.

Coincidently, our anniversary coincides with the month-long Celebration of Light international fireworks competition over Vancouver Harbour. Competing countries take turns turning the summer night skies into a rainbow of colors and heart-pounding thunder. We typically get to see the show produced by the pyromaniacs from Spain during the first weekend of August.

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The fireworks spectacular runs every weekend in July and concludes the first week of August. The celebration attracts crowds of up to 400,000 along the shores of the inner bay.

Lodging Galore Vancouver offers a variety of options for lodging, from modest motels on the outskirts of downtown to one of the two dozen bed and breakfasts nestled in residential neighborhoods. If budget is not an issue, there’s always the iconic Hotel Vancouver with its afternoon tea.

Our home away from home for jaunts across the 49th parallel is the Executive Hotel Le Soleil on Hornby Street discreetly tucked in the heart of the financial district between office towers, mega banks and government buildings.

The four-star boutique hotel offers the definition of casual elegance. The rooms are well appointed, the staff is considerate, but not overly zealous. And the beds are simply amazing. My wife and I were so enamored with the sheets and comforter one year that we asked the concierge for the brand so we could

PHOTO COURTESY OF VANCOUVER AQUARIUM MARINE SCIENCE CENTRE

Sleep Better | Feel Better | Think Better | Perform Better

Feeling Good is Good to Feel

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There are too many restaurants, too many PHOTO COURTESY OF EXECUTIVE HOTEL LE SOLEIL.

tasty samples and not enough holes left in my belt to make a dent in the choices of edible options. continue to pamper ourselves at home.

Check out their website at hotellesoleil. com/vancouver.

The central location of our hotel provides easy access to some of the city’s best restaurants and top attractions. The downtown core in summer is always vibrant with street vendors and festivities.

Just down the street and around the corner from Le Soleil is the Vancouver Art Gallery with its distinctive exhibits by local artists. The gallery’s European collection includes paintings by Dutch masters that date back to the 17th century.

The former courthouse on West Georgia Street is 41,400 square feet of galleries and exhibits that houses more than 10,000 permanent artifacts as well as plays host to traveling collections from galleries in Europe, Asia and America.

A stroll through the wooded park takes visitors past lush gardens, a forest of totem poles, monuments and sculptures that trace the history of the city of Vancouver and the province of British Columbia.

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The museum’s crown jewel is a permanent exhibit of works and writings

by Canadian artist Emily Carr inspired by the indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast. vanartgallery.bc.ca Top Attraction According to TripAdvisor.com, the number one attraction in Vancouver is Stanley Park. I will not disagree.

The 1,001-acre public park adjacent to downtown is almost entirely surrounded by the waters of Vancouver Harbour and English Bay. A stroll through the wooded park takes visitors past lush gardens, a forest of totem poles, monuments and sculptures that trace the history of the city of Vancouver and the province of British Columbia. There are boggy wetlands and century-old Western red cedar, big

leaf maple and Douglas fir trees.

For those not interested in exploring by foot, there is a classic steam locomotive that takes visitors on a scenic tour around the perimeter of the park. vancouver.ca/ parks-recreation-culture/stanley-park. aspx The highlight of the park for us is the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre. The Aquarium currently houses around 300 species of fish, almost 30,000 invertebrates and 56 species of amphibians and reptiles, as well as 60 mammals and dozens of birds. We were lucky enough to be at the aquarium when the beluga whale Aurora give birth to her calf Nala and witnessed the baby take its first nourishment. vanaqua.org For the more adventurous spirits, there is the Capilano Suspension Bridge located just 10 minutes north of the city.

The bridge is 460 feet long and 130 feet above the river. The suspension bridge, which has an admission fee, is part of a private facility that draws more than 800,000 visitors a year. capbridge.com In addition to the bridge, the park offers miles of easy to moderate trails that offer close-up experiences with nature and some breath-taking views back toward the city and west to the Pacific Ocean.

Artists’ Colony For those who prefer to shop, make sure to save a few hours to walk through the Granville Island Public Market.

The island in the middle of the city is a colorful artists’ community that offers a living, breathing urban oasis filled with fine waterfront restaurants, theaters, galleries, studios, unique shops, cafes and the second most spectacular fresh food market you’ve ever seen.

PHOTO COURTESY OF VANCOUVER AQUARIUM MARINE SCIENCE CENTRE

There are too many restaurants, too many tasty samples and not enough holes left in my belt to make a dent in the choices of edible options. Our dilemma is always whether to go back to a triedand-true favorite or explore other culinary opportunities.

dramatic. Many of the best steakhouses in town have added sushi, sashimi and other Asian delicacies to the menu.

Personally, I am drawn to the Granville Sports Center where they have an impressive collection of Jackie Robinson memorabilia. granvilleisland.com/discover-island/ visitors-guide

Instead of recommending one restaurant over another, for the purpose of this article, I will direct readers to the Yaletown District bordered by False Creek, Robson and Homer Streets. The area that was dominated by heavy industry and railroad tracks was given a facelift in 1986 for the World Expo and is now one of the most densely populated areas of the city. Yaletown is home to trendy sidewalk cafes, breweries and popular eateries. Most of the establishments require advanced reservations, even on weeknights during the off season.

International Flare Of course, no reflection of a city is worth its salt unless it includes a review of its top dining establishments. The restaurant scene in Vancouver is bursting with an outstanding collection of seafood restaurants. Because the city was a popular destination for people who fled Hong Kong before the island reverted to Chinese control, the Asian influence is

Traditional diners will enjoy the charm of the Gastown. The area was designated as a historic district in 2009.

But I would be selfish if I did not

mention the ONLY restaurant we’ve gone back to on multiple occasions, the Blue Water Café on Hamilton Street (about a mile walk from Le Soleil.) According to a review written by a tourist from San Diego, the Blue Water Café has “mind-blowing sushi.” We normally stick to some of the chef’s exclusive presentations of shell fish, his cioppino or a simple piece of grilled halibut. Why fool with perfection? One thing is certain. Do not ask for an extra fork if you order the chocolate cake because you will not want to share it.

Don’t forget your passport or enhanced driver’s license and bring a large dose of patience for the time you’ll spend waiting to cross back into Washington at the border.

PHOTO COURTESY OF VANCOUVER ART GALLERY

The city offers something for virtually every taste and every budget. Don’t forget your passport or enhanced driver’s license and bring a large dose of patience for the time you’ll spend waiting to cross back into Washington at the border.

For those with limited amounts of patience, I recommend AmTrak.

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THE MONTANA HOPE PROJECT OFFICERS ARE SAVING AND CHANGING LIVES OF THE MOST VULNERABLE

FEATURE STORY

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By Megan Olson

What if you just had one wish? What would it be? Where would you go?

• In 1935, Montana led the nation in highway fatalities necessitating the need for the establishment of a highway patrol. The Montana Highway Patrol was created that year to protect the lives, property and constitutional rights of people in Montana.

• The Montana Highway Patrol has nearly 300 troopers that cover eight districts. They drive more than 5.5 million miles, respond to over 70,000 calls, and issue nearly 200,000 tickets to safeguard the lives and property of Montana motorists.

• Nowhere conjures the image of a hero like Montana. With the utterance of its name, we dream of cowboys riding on horses across a mountainous backdrop. It’s the code of the West; the cowboy way is that of strong moral and noble character. The Montana Highway Patrol upholds that same reputation of goodness and valor by their efforts as officers and as grantors of wishes.

• Few professions, such as law enforcement, necessitate a noble willingness to lay down one’s life to serve humanity but there remains to be an untold story of hope. The Montana Hope Project was established by the Association of Montana Troopers to serve quite possible the most vulnerable; the critically ill children of Montana.

“I’m in love with Montana. For other states I have admiration, respect, recognition, even some affection.

But with Montana it is love. And it’s difficult to analyze love when you’re in it.” —John Steinbeck With the dawn of each day and new breath of life, hope begins. But the world has this quirky and unwelcomed way of seeping through the cracks to taint what was once lovely.

Things break down. Babies get sick. People die. Hearts are broken. Sometimes it seems that the hardships are incessant; reprieve appears as a glimpse of sun melding into an unattainable horizon. We’re left standing amidst a suffering world where it feels impossible to know where to turn. There seems to be no way to fully avert the gaze of despair as it casts its ominous shadow into each life.

Despite the adversities of the world, hope is restored because heroes still exist. State troopers from the Montana Hope Project serve as confirmation that no matter how insurmountable the mountain, goodness will prevail.

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Nowhere conjures the image of a hero like the state of Montana. With the utterance of its name, we dream of cowboys riding on horses across a mountainous backdrop. It’s the code of the West; the cowboy way is that of strong moral and noble character.

The Montana Highway Patrol upholds that same reputation of goodness and valor by their efforts as officers and as grantors of wishes.

The peacekeepers of our country face imminent danger and serve tirelessly to protect their fellow citizens. Few professions, such as law enforcement, necessitate a noble willingness to lay down one’s life to serve humanity, but there remains to be an untold story of hope.

There are multiple accounts of how law enforcement officials go above and beyond the requirements of the job to serve those that are the most vulnerable. The Montana Hope Project was established by the Association of Montana Troopers to serve quite possible the most vulnerable; the critically ill children of Montana.

In 1984, a small group of Montana Highway Patrol officers formed the Montana Hope Project as a way to bring cheerfulness to children with serious medical issues.

Officers were able to bestow three wishes that year and have been able to grant an average of 20 annual wishes thereafter.

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For the last 32 years, this compassionate organization has given nearly 500 children their one special wish. Of those wishes, the leading contender has undoubtedly been an expense paid trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla. Over half of the recipients choose Disney World, but they are not limited to this destination as their only option.

The Montana Hope Project has been able to grant wishes as obscure as a hot tub, a pop-up camper, a restored truck, a trip to the pro bowl, Italy, Hawaii, and one recipient was even able to meet country music star Toby Keith. The former president of the Hope Project writes “the word ‘no’ had always been an unacceptable answer for me.” A culture of granting every wish, no matter how seemingly outlandish, has been established within the Montana Hope Project. No matter the expense or the obstacle, these Montana heroes bring the dream to reality.

With every true hero, there is always humility. The focus of the Montana Hope Project is undoubtedly on the children.

One does not fully realize the impact of these great deeds until the accounts are offered firsthand from a family. I had the great pleasure of interviewing a family from Belgrade whose daughter Charley was a 2015 wish recipient. As writers, we love to

tell a great story; we thrive on painting an image with our words so that we may bring the reader into the emotion of the moment.

Never before had I experienced a quivering jaw in effort to “keep it together” to conduct an interview. I felt so deeply moved to hear the great accounts of this organization and what they really do for families. The extent of their good deeds far surpasses the realm of what one could ever imagine.

As I typed and listened to the story, Kim gave her depictions of her daughter Charley’s journey with cancer. It’s difficult for the heart not to break as one hears the encounters of someone that has braved a storm. Maybe it’s because I’m a mom of a little girl that the story brought such a lump to rise in my throat and the tears to well up in my eyes. The thought of a sick child certainly hovers near the top of a parent’s greatest fears. When your child is born, your existence will never be the same. All hopes and dreams rest in the breath of this new life. They grow, they learn, they laugh and cry and their parents do so with them.

One never imagines that they will one day have to face such a battle.

After talking with this mom for a few moments, I had a sense that this family is quite incredible. There were no complaints about the mountains of life, just a narrative of strength and bravery. Kim gave her

description of traveling to Denver and later to Billings to see specialists for Charley’s illness. It was Charley’s oncologist that brought the Montana Hope Project to light for the Gregg family.

With collaboration between the oncologist and Charley’s parents, Charley’s one special wish was submitted to the Montana Hope Project. Her dream was to go to none other than the “Happiest Place on Earth” – Disney World. When a child has been selected by the Montana Hope Project to receive a wish, state troopers share the news by coming to the home and visiting with the parents. It’s not an informal call or a letter, but a genuine and personalized visit where officers take time from their day to meet with families.

There was a slight sense of urgency for the Gregg family to be able to go to Disney World sooner than later due to the arrival of a new baby in the spring. It would be just about one year after Charley’s cancer diagnosis that the Montana Hope Project would make her biggest dream come true.

Prior to departure, the Hope Project hosts a “send-off” party for each family where state troopers visit again. For Charley, they delivered their signature “hope” bear as well as additional funding to cover any potential extra expenses for the family.

In November of 2015, little Charley was able to celebrate her fifth birthday with her family on a week long, all-expense paid trip to Disney World provided by the Montana Hope Project. As I spoke to her mother on the phone for the interview, I could hear

the inflections of Charley’s tiny voice in the background uttering words of pure delight. As Kim spoke of Charley having her birthday breakfast in a castle just for a princess, Charley wanted to make sure I knew that she had eaten pancakes in the shape of Mickey Mouse.

It’s unquestionable that the Montana Hope Project makes every attempt to give these kids and their families the world. If the send-off party and an all-expense paid trip aren’t enough, the families are given a rental car and a pass to almost every venue imaginable for that area. In Orlando, wish recipients and their families stay at a nonprofit, 79-acre resort that is appropriately called “Give Kids’ the World.”

The 144-villa resort serves ice cream for breakfast and a cookie truck drives through the village in the afternoon.

any grants or government funding. All fundraising is generated through the Association of Montana Troopers, and the Hope Project is not associated with any other national wish organization. The troopers raise money for the requests

For the last 32 years, this compassionate organization has given nearly 500 children their one special wish.

In the last year, the Hope Project has undergone some major administrative transformations. Not only did they say goodbye to the Project’s president due to retirement, but to a variety of integral coordinators as well. Despite the alterations of key players, the Hope Project was still able to grant 28 wishes in 2015. When the average cost of each wish is $7,500, the combined annual fundraising total is well over $200,000.

The Montana Hope Project is a nonprofit organization and does not receive

through fundraising, corporate sponsors and individual donations.

Opportunities to donate to the Montana Hope Project are abundant. Individuals can buy from their online store as well as participate in an event. The Hope Project currently hosts and relies on nearly a dozen annual benefits of varying categories.

Businesses throughout the state offer creative fundraising opportunities to support the Montana state troopers with this massive financial endeavor. “Wear jeans to work day” at American Bank, wing eating at Buffalo Wild Wings, a golf tournament, and a fly fishing benefit only represent the surface of the effort to bring a child’s wish to reality.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GREGG FAMILY

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The Ride for Hope is the Project’s greatest fundraiser for the year. The ride consists of, but is not exclusive to, motorcycles. It starts in six different locations throughout

celebration banquet. For this year, riders will meet in Polson at the KwaTaqNuk Resort at Flathead Lake. The 27th Annual Ride for Hope will be on July 9, 2016.

Interested participants and volunteers are asked to contact Dave Evans at devans@ montanahope.org or call 406.949.7433.

There is truth in that a positive sense of hope can change every facet of life. We hold on to the anticipation that tomorrow will be better.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GREGG FAMILY

the state of Montana where participants meet in a predetermined city for a

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Once a child has been selected for a wish, they are considered to be forever a part of the Montana Hope Project family. The Hope Project offers two annual, all-expense paid reunions for families. It’s an opportunity for wish recipients to connect and an opportunity to meet the new families.

In winter, families gather at Fairmont Hot Springs for a themed event. Last year, over 400 people came for the Polar Express event which

even included a visit from Santa Claus.

Each summer, families gather near Glacier National Park where children are treated to helicopter rides, boat tours and ice cream.

The Project and their sponsors give every ounce of what they have to bring hope and goodness to these children.

Charley’s story has a happy ending. Her mother was pleased to report that the cancer is in remission. There is truth in that a positive sense of hope can change every facet of life. We hold on to the anticipation that tomorrow will be better.

Life certainly poses its challenges for each of us. Everyone struggles with hardship at some point, but isn’t it better with someone by your side? Officers of the Montana Highway Patrol are heroes that bring hope to hurting hearts. They deserve respect and acknowledgement for their kind deeds. If you would like to be involved by donating or sponsoring an event, please visit: montanahope.org.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS APR

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Whirligig Carnival for Kids - 1-17 Get ready for nonstop fun! The Seattle Center Armory is hosting a carnival great for children. Enjoy face painting, caricatures, balloon artists, inflatable rides and a colorful hub of entertainment. $8 for an all day pass and Thursdays are free! 11 to 6pm. www.seattlecenter.com/whirligig

New 520

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APR

Bridge Celebration Celebrate the completion of the world’s longest floating bridge with a 7:30am run/walk and 10:30am ribbon cutting.

There will be food trucks, fun activities and engineering and science exhibits.

The bridge will be closed to cars, shuttles available from Bellevue and University of Washington. Visit www.520golong.com.

Star Search Auditions

APR

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April 2, 9, 14. Gig Harbor Kiwanis is searching for local talent! Come showcase your talent to the Kiwanis board and earn your chance to win $500. The top 10 finalists will perform at the Gig Harbor Yacht Club on April 30. Call Jeni Mallory at 253.691.7085 to schedule your audition.

Must be 16 or older.

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Gig Harbor Paddlers Cup April 2nd-3rd. This is the premiere event for Pacific Northwest canoe, kayak, paddleboard, dragonboat and outrigger athletes and enthusiasts alike!

Join the competitive 5k, 10k or relay boat races inside the harbor at Skansie Brothers Park. For beginners to experts!

Register or receive more information at gigharborpaddlerscup.com

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72-Hour Premiere Film Competition It’s time for the premiere showing of the 72-Hour Film Competition! Directors had 72 hours to write, film, edit and score a short 5-minute film. Come enjoy the viewing of these films created by locals at the Galaxy Theater in Gig Harbor. There will be awards presented!

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April 14-17. Shake off the winter blues at Washington’s Spring Fair! Enjoy your favorite rides, food booths and adorable baby animals.There will be tons of free entertainment from leaping DockDogs to the new TimberWorks Lumberjack Show, garden workshops, the action-packed Motorsport Mayhem shows.

Come to Puyallup! www.thefair.com

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Tulip Festival Street Fair

Saturday Night Fever

April 15-17. Skagit Tulip Fields will be in full bloom! Come and enjoy the spectacular views of row after row of colorful tulips. The Street Fair runs Friday through Sunday, attracting vendors, artists, crafts people and visitors far and wide. This event is part of the month long Tulip Festival in Downtown Mount Vernon. www.tulipfestival.org

One of the most beloved dance stories of all time arrives in a spectacular new production at the Pantages Theater.

Starting at 3pm, enjoy this coming of age story of young Tony Manero who learns the value of life in 1970's Brooklyn. This iconic musical is back in town, get your tickets now! www.broadwaycenter.org

New Castle Earth Day

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Homespun Spring Bazaar

Apple Blossom Festival

Star Search Fundraiser

April 23-24. Get ready kids for a fun weekend! Come celebrate the Spring Weekend Carnival being hosted inside the Gary D. Weikel Event Center. This is a great event for families and features kids’ activities, farmer of the day, Evergreen Speedway Race Simulator and a root beer garden! It’ll be tons of fun from 10am to 4pm. Free admission.

April 28-May 8. The Washington State Apple Blossom Festival in sunny Wenatchee is one of the oldest festivals in Washington!

Make it a weekend and enjoy their apple pie, arts and crafts, golf, car show, carnival, parade and run! The fun starts at 8:30am!

Visit www.appleblossom.org for more information and the layout of events.

Gig Harbor Kiwanis is hosting the 7th Annual Star Search Fundraiser! Local talent has auditioned and it is down to the top 10 finalists. Come to the Gig Harbor Yacht Club to watch locals perform for a chance to win $500 and raise money for a great cause! For more information visit www.gigharborkiwanis.org.

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Washington State Spring Fair

GIG HARBOR BEER FESTIVAL

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ARMED FORCES DAY CELEBRATION

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Come celebrate the environment in Newcastle! At 10:30am take part in planting a tree and even take one home too! This free event will have live music, food trucks and activities for the entire family. Volunteer for this event and receive a cool event T-shirt. This event lasts until 3pm at Lake Boren Park.

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GIG HARBOR SCAVENGER HUNT

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MEMORIAL DAY CELEBRATION

[OUTDOOR ASPIRATIONS]

E L B A D R AFFO D R A Y K C BA

NORTHWEST BACKYARDS

With spring in the air, get inspired to glam out your own backyard with these COOL IDEAS that anyone can do without breaking the budget.

BY PATTY HUTCHENS

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[AMBIENCE]

FIREPITS The outdoor season is something we try to extend as long as possible. But chilly nights don’t mean they have to end. You can cozy up around an outdoor fire pit. There are many affordable and portable types available, including ones with an open flame or those covered with mesh to keep the sparks from flying and keep the kids safe. There are also gas powered or wood burning ones depending upon what you desire. So grab some marshmallows, a warm blanket and start the season early and extend it as long as possible!

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[SETTING THE MOOD]

LIGHTING It can make a world of difference in your outdoor living space. Whether it is deck lighting to add ambiance or lighting along a path to make it safer, lighting can add much to your outdoor living space. Low-voltage LED light fixtures run on 12-volt current that’s much safer than regular 120-volt household current, making installation DIY-friendly. You can also use string lights, which offer both versatility and style. They can be found in many styles and sizes, and you can even change up the colors with the season! It’s a great way to add some festivity to your outdoor lighting!

There are several factors to consider when choosing your outdoor patio furniture. You will want to be sure to choose weather resistant furniture. If you have a small area, you may want to think about incorporating benches on your deck to provide more seating space. If you are one who likes to change things up for different occasions, consider choosing a monochromatic theme so you can accessorize and change things up with different pillows and other accessories.

[REPURPOSING]

PATIO FURNITURE 21

[RELAXATION]

HOT TUBBIN’ IT What better way to relax after a long day than in your own backyard hot tub? There are many options available when it comes to hot tubs and, depending on your needs, you will want to plan before making a quick decision. The first thing to decide is how many people you would like your hot tub to seat. Will you use it for entertaining guests or just for you and your family? Secondly, when deciding where to place your spa, get a perspective of the space, accessibility for the users and proximity to the electrical source. You will also want to consider the privacy and view desired.

22

Preparing your home

? t e k r a for M

Call The Jones Team for a free Market Analysis.

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[GRILLING]

OUTDOOR DINING

[WATER FEATURE]

FOUNTAINS The sound of water can be very soothing. Outdoor fountains are becoming increasingly popular and not just to add a sense of peace and serenity to your outdoor living, but to also block out the noise of neighbors, traffic and more. There are many options available for all budgets ranging from plug-in units to custom designs that become the focal point of your outdoor experience. You will want to keep in mind that the further the flowing water travels, the louder the sound becomes. The good news is that all fountains have a recirculating pump, so be sure to get an adjustable one so you can find the level that is right for you!

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Dining alfresco. It’s a time of gathering together family and friends and escaping from your daily routine. There are some things to consider when setting up your outdoor dining area.

Will you need shelter from the late afternoon and early evening sun? There are ways to achieve this without spending a lot of money. Take a piece of fabric to create your own canopy, changing it up as the seasons change. To provide ambiance to your outdoor dining experience, utilize tabletop tabletop lanterns and even provide some fresh cut flowers from the garden.

[LANDSCAPING]

CREATE A PATH While many may think of a garden path as a functional piece of a landscape design, the truth is they can completely transform the aesthetic value of your garden or outdoor passage.

Be creative in your design and have fun with it! There are a multitude of materials from which to choose including giant rocks, bricks and wood planks. If your path winds its way through your garden, consider complementing the colors of the flower arrangements in those gardens. There are many DIY options out there so research what will best fit your budget and taste!

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COLORS

PICK YOUR PALETTE Experts advise that to make a space look good without much risk, it is wise to use darker colors for the floor, medium colors for the walls and lighter ones for the ceiling – basically replicating the outdoor environment.

When choosing colors from a color wheel, those next to one another on the color wheel such as blue and green, are more casual and relaxing and work best in private spaces, such as your bedroom. Another word of advice is to divide the colors in your interior space into components of 60/30/10. The wall color representing the dominant color, the furniture upholstery the 30 percent and the accessories the 10 percent.

THEME

CHOOSE YOUR THEME Choosing Your Interior Theme – You want your home to be a reflection of who you are. Are you traditional? Do you like the “cottage” look of distressed finishes and vintage accessories?

Or are you more modern and drawn to sleek lines and cool colors? If you are decorating a beach house or a lake front cabin, you may choose to decorate in a nautical theme. After choosing your “style,” decide if you would like to incorporate certain influences from around the world. French country? Tuscan? There are many possibilities. Finally choose your favorite colors. And remember, it is your living space and it should reflect you.

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FURNITURE

REUSE & REPURPOSE

Don’t throw it away! Find a way to put that older furniture to use! If you have old benches that are taking up space in the garage, sand them down, paint them and stack them on top of one another to make a fun and unique bookcase. Take that old chest that used to hold your blankets and turn it into a filing cabinet for your home office. That old door you were ready to take to the dump, paint it and turn it sideways for a unique headboard. Wondering what to do with those old window shutters? Hang them on the wall for the perfect organizer! The possibilities are endless. Before you throw out those things that you think are no longer useful, search the Internet for ideas on how to repurpose your old belongings into treasures!

WA L L A RT CLORS

HANG IT UP

That which you choose to hang on your walls, is an expression of who you are and allows you to be surrounded by your favorite pieces.

According to interior designers, the following tips will help you achieve this while making sure the piece fits the space. When choosing art to hang, mirror the size of the wall. A long horizontal wall should have a piece that is long and horizontal as well. And don’t be afraid to fill the wall either. Vary the texture of your pieces, whether it’s a photograph or canvas art, variety is good! Frames should also reflect the architecture of the room and complement the furniture. Lastly, consider lighting and glare when hanging that favorite piece of art.

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