FALL 2007
YOUR ADDRESS
FALL 2007
Contents
y o u r A dd r e s s f a l l I SSU E 2 0 0 7
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ON THE COVER: Photographed by Paul Bardagjy. Home and landscape design by Dr. Anthony Alofisn, AIA.
YOUR ADDRESS
features 14
East Meets Westlake
24
DIY: Mosaics
26
Everything Zen
57
Destination: Backyard
57
FALL 2007
Contents
y o u r A dd r e s s f a l l I SSU E 2 0 0 7
your home
30
19
That’s Haute! Global Decor
22
We Love Stuff: Alyson Jon
64
Great Garages
68
On the Level with Kirk Minter
69
LEED For Homes: Clean Across the Country
your kitchen
52 62
34
YOUR ADDRESS
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30
A Taste of Malaga
34
Cafe in the Kitchen
36
Stockpile it! Teapots
38
Sweet Tooth
your Family 52
Host This: Around the World Burger Cook-off
62
Get Clear and Get Going
your Show Guide 41
11th Annual Texas Home & Garden Show Guide
FALL 2007
from the Editor
President/Publisher
Irene Allen Editor
Kelly Ayoub Accountant
F
or so many of us, our home is our castle. It’s our escape from the worries of the outside world, embracing us with its comfort and familiarity and providing a haven where our strength is renewed. But there is a great big world out there, beckoning us with its jaw-dropping landscapes, exotic flavors, rich design and seductive rhythms. I encourage you to go find it, remembering, of course, to bring the best of it back home with you.
Anthony Alofsin, local architect and professor of architecture at the University of Texas, did just that, infusing his own home with design inspired by his time in Japan. The result is a seemingly magical retreat that harmoniously blends indoor and outdoor spaces, while perfectly combining Alofsin’s own philosophy of design with elements that are rooted so deeply in Japanese history and culture. Perhaps the most enticing find on our trip around the world is global cuisine. We have compiled our favorite ethnic recipes that are sure to impress the most adventurous palates. From spicy paella, to the perfect cup of espresso, we have provided plenty of ideas that can take
Claire Costin Art & Production
Design Director
Shannon Skinto Creative Director
Frederick Graber Art Director
you on a culinary voyage around the world without stepping outside your front door. Here in Texas, our own backyard has plenty to offer as well, and the 9th Annual Texas Home and Garden Show proudly showcases the best of it. Your Address is your guide, and we are highlighting the cutting-edge products, the gripping speakers and the show-stopping seminars that cannot be missed.
Joe Cuniff Photographers
Paul Bardagjy Gordon Fung Web Design
Brittany Jackson Design Assistants
Stephanie Brieger Megan Klein Rachel Galindo Lizette Romero Staff Writers
We all have good intentions to budget the time and money to take that Mediterranean cruise, African safari, or trek across the Orient…someday. In the meantime, let us be your passport, as we show you how to bring the wonders of exotic destinations into your own home. Bon Voyage!
Christine Cha-Sartori Kathryn Cleland Cara Henis Libby Dean Hoppe Jennifer King Stephanie Matlock Whitney Priddy Sales
Business Development Manager
Lisa Klatt Account Executives
Whitney Fell Ryan Guthrie Donna Jones Jennifer Prause Marketing & Public Relations
Ellen Canas Benjamin Portnoy Marketing Assistants
Abi Agbabiaka Sonia Chaphekar Caitlin Cecic Ben Darling Jensen Smith
Send us your comments, questions, and contributions at www.addressmagazine.com
YOUR ADDRESS
YOUR Address Magazine is published by Celebrate Publications, Inc. Corporate offices are located at 911 W. Anderson Lane, Suite 101, Austin, Texas 78757. For advertising information, please call 512.346.6235. www.addressmagazine.com Copyright and Trademark, 2007, by Celebrate Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of the magazine may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher. Your Address Magazine is published quarterly for distribution to new homeowners in Central Texas and packaged in relocation packets for Austin Newcomers.
FALL 2007
fall event Calendar September 1-2
September 30
November 3-4
Austin Bat Fest
Old Pecan Street Festival
Congress Avenue www.roadwayevents.com
Along 6th Street, from I-35 to Brazos www.pecanstreetfestival.com
15th Annual Art From the Streets Show and Sale
September 1-3
October 6-7
Zilker Botanical Garden Cactus Show and Sale
Austin American Institute of Architects Homes Tour
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. www.zilkergarden.org
September 7-9 11th Annual Texas Home and Garden Show
www.aiaaustin.org
October 11-14 Austin Boat Show www.aiaaustin.org
Austin Convention Center www.texashomeandgarden.com
14th Annual Austin Film Festival www.austinfilmfestival.com
Austin City Limits Music Festival Zilker Park www.aclfest.com
October 17
September 14-16
Educational Seminar “Winter Work” 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. www.tcmastergardener.org
Travis County Master Gardener Association
Austin RV Super Show Dell Diamond www.rvtravel.com
October 20-21 Austin NARI Tour of Remodeled Homes
September 22- November 17
More Than a Game Celebrity Gala and Golf Tournament Benefiting the First Tee of Greater Austin’s Youth Scholarship Fund 512-732-0380 www.firstteeaustin.org
November 4 November 10-11 Zilker Botanical Gardens Porcelain Arts Exhibit and Sale 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.zilkergarden.org
November 17 Austin Area Garden Center Annual Holiday Bazaar 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.zilkergarden.org
12 p.m. - 6 p.m. www.austinnari.org
November 24-25
October 26-27
Saturday: 11 a.m.- 8 p.m., Sunday: 11 a.m.- 7 p.m. www.victorianchristmasfestival.com
Permaculture Design Certificate Course 512-619-5363 www.permie.us
November 4-5
Daylight Savings Ends
October 11-18 September 14-16
www.artfromthestreets.com
Victorian Christmas Festival
Orchid Society Seminar, Show and Sale. www.zilkergarden.org
December 2
Permaculture Basics Weekend
October 28
2007 Zilker Tree Lighting
512-619-5363 www.permie.us
Austin Symphony Children’s Halloween Concert
September 27-30
1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Paramount Theatre www.austinsymphony.org
September 22-23
Ballet Austin Season Premier: A Midsummer Night’s Dream Paramount Theatre www.balletaustin.org
September 29 Travis County Master Gardener Association Educational Seminar “Ready, Set, Fall” www.tcmastergardener.org
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November 2-4, 2007 Simply the Best: Opera’s Greatest Hits Riverbend Centre www.austinlyricopera.org
November 2-4, 2007 The Garden Club of Austin Plant Sale 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. www.zilkergarden.org
Zilker Park 6 p.m. www.zilkergarden.org/about/events/calendar.html
December 9-23 Trail of Lights Zilker Park www.zilkergarden.org
FALL 2007
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ask the Expert I plan to put my house on the market within the next few months and am currently renovating it in preparation for sale. I know my garage needs help, but I don’t know where to start. Any suggestions? Now days, homeowners are looking to their garages as more than just a place to house their vehicles and old junk. Our garages are becoming an extension of our living spaces, and it is important to make them as functional and comfortable as possible. The easiest and most affordable place to start is at the bottom. New flooring quickly brightens up your garage, making it fresh, clean and inviting. I recommend a Hybrid Polymer flooring solution because it is attractive, easy to maintain, enhances lighting and leaves you free from worry about stains or spills. For as little as $1,000, you can floor an entire 2-car garage, adding value to your home for years to come. Ask any new homebuyer what they are looking for, and you’re bound hear the same thing: storage, storage, storage! The more organized your space is, the more attractive it will be to a homebuyer. Custom cabinets that maximize both space and organization are well worth the investment. At Premier Garage, we offer modular styles and sizes, so designing a system tailored exclusively for your needs doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg like typical custom cabinets. Make your space more than “just a garage.” With a little time and a few good choices, you can make this typically overlooked space reflect the same pride of ownership, unique styling and attention to detail as your home itself. Brian Perry
Premier Garage 512.259.9911 2800 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste 120#131 Cedar Park, TX 78613 www.premiergarage.com
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YOUR ADDRESS
Your Dream Study Space Contest
Enter to Win! Your Address Street Team Presented By the:
get to know our Street Team at www.youraddressmagazine.com and www.myspace.com/youraddressmagazine Entry forms and more information also available on our website. Want to get your kids excited about studying and add some pizzazz to their study area? Have them invent their dream study space or redesign the one they already have. Contestants should submit a brief essay describing a makeover plan, a hand-drawn sketch, a “before� picture of current study space and a list of items to be purchased to make their dream a reality. Three prizes will be awarded for three different age categories: a. 5-8 b. 9-13 c. 14-18. Winners will work with the Your Address Street Team to make their study space dream come true! All winners of the Your Dream Study Space Contest will have their very own feature in the Winter 2007 edition of Your Address Magazine, including pre-work interviews and an editorial spread featuring before and after photographs.
| your home
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YOUR ADDRESS
In the style of the classic Roman villas, a great hall connects private and public quarters.
your home |
east meets westlake P h o t o g r ap h y B y : P a u l Ba r d a g j y
As an award-winning architect, author, exhibition curator and professor, Anthony Alofsin has traveled extensively abroad. His work takes him all over the world, and his home, while decidedly Texan, is infused with subtle hints of the exotic. Nestled among the cedars and wildflowers atop Mount Larson in Westlake, his home overlooks spectacular views of Downtown Austin, while maintaining the suggestion of faraway places.
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| your home
The bedrooms and main living areas open up to a central courtyard, a design that encourages airflow throughout the house to keep the home cool during the balmy summer months. Inspired by Japanese roofing tiles, the rafters are handmade to create a wave motif around the Zen courtyard.
conceived around a courtyard
with a koi pond, the house recalls the rich essence of Texas architecture in both its materials and details, while echoing the timeless resonance of a Pompeian villa and Japanese architecture. The relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces, a key part of Alofsin’s design philosophy, was carefully considered as he began to design his home. “I thought the house should be comfortable in the landscape, so I opted for a design that reflected the vernacular architecture and that incorporated basic building materials such as native limestone, wood, metal and concrete block,” said Alofsin. Rock from local quarries and dark mahogany lend themselves beautifully to ethnic structural details. Throughout the courtyard, an Asian wave motif is featured on elaborate wood rafters. “I had found some Japanese tile roofing in the shape of a wave that had a gorgeous green glaze. I fell in love with it but couldn’t afford it. The rafter tails are a profile of that wave; I copied it and cut out the pattern with a band saw.”
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Alofsin went on to say, “I made a trip to Japan before I started designing,” where he was inspired by the simple and serene Japanese style that blends so beautifully with his own aesthetic. “I pursue organic architecture to connect people to nature, a difficult thing YO U R days A D Dwhile R E S Snature is shrinking.” now
Alofsin created this custom designed daybed with his library in mind. It features oversized shelving on either side to accommodate large portfolios and design books. The versatile worktable conceals a
Both form and function are addressed with the industrial grade concrete countertop and range.
your home |
A Japanese soaking tub faces the courtyard, so a steaming hot bath with the shoji screens open creates a magical ambiance.
Nearly every room of his home is connected to the central courtyard that is truly alive with frogs, fish, red dragonflies and water lilies. More than a complete ecological system, the courtyard serves as an audible reminder of the natural balance and harmony that are the basis of Alofsin’s design. This balance is reflected in each proportionally designed room, a nod to classical architecture that creates a sense of unity throughout the home. The home is alive as well, with every room designed for a specific purpose. “The house feels viable and vital because nothing is left in disuse.” Created on a module, each room is easily transitioned to serve changing spatial needs. “I installed sliding shoji screens between rooms and on the glass doors leading outside that can be opened or closed to change the configuration of the spaces. Since they are translucent, even when they are closed, spaces don’t seem confined.” While there is no sense of confinement, there is a true sense of seclusion and privacy. “Privacy and space are the true luxuries,” according to Alofsin, and the natural hills certainly provide them. There is no better place for this seamless union of east and west. After teaching architectural history for twenty years at UT, Alofsin is now concentrating on new commissions. For his current architectural projects, see www.alofsin.com. After teaching architectural history for twenty years at UT, he is now concentrating on new commissions. For his current architectural projects, see www.alofsin.com.
When Buildings Speak Beyond his influential architectural work, Dr. Alofsin has made a substantial impact on academia. He founded the Ph.D. program in architecture at the University of Texas at Austin and has published important works on modern architecture and design. Dr. Alofsin’s most recent book, When Buildings Speak: Architecture as Language in the Habsburg Empire and its Aftermath, 1876-1933, explores the architecture of the late Austro-Hungarian Empire and its successor states, asserting that each of these styles communicates to us in a manner resembling languages. More than a resource for students and scholars, When Buildings Speak is essential reading for any traveler to Europe who wants to better understand the region. FALL 2007
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That’s Haute! Religious icons make beautiful wall art. Local vendor, Things Celtic, imports from Ireland, Scotland, Cornwall and Wales to allow for an amazing selection of foreign art, candles, books and more.
You don’t have to travel to the other side of the world to find that fabulous talking piece for your living room. Bring home the treasures of abroad with these amazing local finds.
Things Celtic 1806 West 35th Street Austin, TX 78703 512.472.2358 www.thingsceltic.com
A rare Burmese Buddha made from papier-mâché, sitting in Mara Vijaya (calling the earth to witness) posture on a base, wearing royal attire with calm expression, coated with dry lacquer, gold leaf and insert glass. It features wonderful decorative elements in raised thayo at the base, featuring what is called chu-pan foliage. Sitting Buddha Circa 19th Century Lotus Asian Art and Antiques 1201-B West Sixth Street 512.474.1700 www.lotusasianart.com
Painted Pottery Sculpture of Ladies Playing Polo from China circa: Tang Dynasty (618 AD to 906 AD). Lotus Asian Art and Antiques 1201-B West Sixth Street 512.474.1700 www.lotusasianart.com
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YOUR ADDRESS
your home |
Amazing imports from Mexico can add color and originality to your dĂŠcor. This wooden, hand-painted peacock adds a brilliant splash of pizzazz to your home. mi casa gallery www.micasagallery.com 1700 S Congress Ave Austin, TX 78704 (512) 416-6929
Tibetan Cabinet Ethnic Loft Retails for $395 www.ethnicloft.net 512.458.4000 1800 West Koenig Lane Austin, Texas 78756
Mexican furniture adds a rustic, durable and age-old look to any furnishing set. This brilliantly carved side chest would make a beautiful addition to any living room as a console table. mi casa gallery www.micasagallery.com 1700 S Congress Ave Austin, TX 78704 (512) 416-6929
Asian Bell Ethnic Loft Retails for $89 www.ethnicloft.net 512.458.4000 1800 West Koenig Lane Austin, Texas 78756
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| your home
We Love Stuff a ly s on Jon
E
thnic influences in home furnishings and dĂŠcor has never been more apparent than it is today as the world becomes a smaller place. Alyson Jon Interiors in the Village at Westlake exemplifies the global marketplace with furniture, rugs and accessories gathered from around the world. Handmade furniture from Italian craftsmen, rugs imported from Turkey, India and China, as well as ironwork from Mexico, and decorative artwork from fine European and Asian painters commingled with contemporary glass and metal work from west coast artistians create an atmosphere of worldly charm and elegance.
A world of influences and difference become apparent in this setting from Alyson Jon Interiors. A pair of Tibetan chairs flank an apothecary chest from China that once held a myriad of spices is now home to Italian glass vase and a decorative fish from India.
Tribal patterns centuries old are reflected in this Topkapi Heriz rug from Turkey. Handwoven from farm raised sheep wool, the vegetable dyes maintain the look of finely aged carpets. Available from Asia Minor carpets and Alyson Jon Interiors in the Village at Westlake.
This globally-inspired lamp incorporates Zen elements with its clean lines and earthy materials.
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FALL 2007
23
SE
D O IT
YOUR LF
DIY:
Mosaics
B y L i bb y D e a n H o p p e
It’s okay to admit it: you’ve fallen out of love. Your Field of Daisies yellow kitchen has withered away to a Dingy Dandelion in the last ten years and now looks more shabby than chic. But your pocketbook is still feeling the pinch from the new flat-screen in the living room. Breaking up with your home isn’t an option, but breaking up the monotony is. Creating a unique, do-it-yourself mosaic is an inexpensive way to bring a little life back into your relationship with your home, giving a whole new meaning to home improvement. Consider the following helpful tips when crafting your mosaic masterpiece:
1
Stake out your space. Homemade mosaics
aren’t just for kitchen backsplashes anymore. While great as a kitchen countertop backdrop, a custom mosaic can be an inexpensive way to liven up any lackluster room. That side wall in the bathroom, blank white space on the stairwell, or outdated ceiling border in the dining room are all great places to create a mosaic update.
2
Be creative. This isn’t your grandmother’s
mosaic…or maybe it is. Don’t limit yourself to store-bought tiles or materials when the damaged china you inherited from Grandma is collecting dust in the attic. Recycle the family heirloom and make it a permanent feature in your home. Other possible materials include glass tiles, mirrored glass, flat stones, glass or stone coasters, or original material of your choice.
3
Be thrifty. If your grandma didn’t give you
plates or teacups, find somebody else’s. Garage sales or thrift stores are great places to
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find cheap ceramics, leftover floor tiles, and old full-length mirrors begging to be reused. Otherwise, expect to pay between $3 and $7 per square foot for tile at your local home improvement store.
of paper or cardboard, making a template of the area. Arrange the mosaic pieces on the template and, once finished, transfer them to the space. It also might be easy to follow a pattern seen in a magazine, book, or online.
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6
Be prepared. It takes more than an
imagination to create a visual masterpiece. It also takes tools. In addition to the mosaic material of your choice, you will need tile adhesive, grout, tile snips or a hammer, a large sponge, a trowel, and a grout float. Other useful supplies most likely lying around the house include a bucket and water, a writing utensil, and paper or cardboard.
5
Make a plan…or don’t. Having creative
control over a mosaic is a dream for some, a nightmare for others. After breaking the tiles, glass, or other ceramics with a hammer or tile snips (using safety precautions when working with sharp materials, of course), spontaneous home designers should feel free to begin gluing in any pattern, trying to keep the pieces between 1/4 and 1/2 inch apart. For more deliberate creators, experts recommend measuring the dimensions of the space and, using a large sheet
Do the work. It’s fun to cut tile and cut
costs, but try not to cut corners during application. After gluing the tiles pieces to the surface, wait 24 hours before grouting. Prepare the grout according to the product’s instructions, mixing well. Use a grout float to spread the grout evenly over the materials, and adjust the amount according to your desired texture. Wait 15 minutes, and remove excess grout with a damp sponge. After the grout hardens, polish the pieces of your stunning success with a dry towel to remove any film left behind.
7
Admire your creation. Stand back and
appreciate all the hard work you’ve put into your project—and stand back just far enough so you can’t see all the little imperfections. Lastly, practice saying “Thank You” in preparation for all the compliments you’re sure to receive on your do-it-yourself mosaic masterpiece.
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| your backyard
Everything By Stephanie Matlo ck
asian-inspired themes lend themselves to the peace and serenity that we can all use in our hectic day-to-day lives. An easy way to incorporate these themes in the home is to make your own backyard into a Zen atmosphere. In order to do this, you must look to the elements: earth, water, fire, wind and void, also known as sky. It is important to achieve a balance between the elements when building your outdoor surroundings, which will help calm you and enhance the natural beauty of your backyard. Rock gardens are popular in Japanese Zen Buddhism due to their importance in meditation, a fundamental practice that is universally recognized in Zen philosophy. Karesansui, or the Japanese style rock garden, is mainly composed of stones, sand and the occasional plant. A karesansui is sparse by nature, which allows potential rock gardeners to build their own Zen sanctuaries at a low cost with relatively little upkeep.
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If you don’t want to build a full-fledged traditional rock garden, try incorporating elements of Zen into your own backyard to envoke serenity without uprooting your lawn. The stones representing earth in Japanese gardens are inexpensive and easy to integrate into any space. Set the stones in odd numbers around the garden to decorate the area and use larger ones as stepping-stones around water or greenery. Look for unique stones with different
shapes and smooth textures. They can also be a great way to create paths around your garden. Adding a water element to your yard is essential to provide a relaxing feel. In Japan, the female water and male fire come together to create the balance of the Yin and Yang. To re-create this harmony in your yard, add lighting next to water-filled areas. There are several ways to bring in the water element – from small waterfalls to aboveground ponds. Although fountains are generally not used in traditional Japanese gardens due to their man-made appearance, they can be an easy and elegant addition to your patio. Lighting can set the atmosphere in your yard, so pick wisely. Avoid any harsh lighting and opt for lanterns to create a Zen environment. Setting
Beautiful Transformations Professional Design and Remodeling Solid Experience Exceptional Workmanship 512-832-8129
R E M O D E L I N G I N C.
BlueDiamondRemodeling.com
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| your backyard focus on balancing all of the basic elements to create a harmonious environment lamps among plants, on the ground or hanging from above – such as rice-paper lamps – gives your yard an intimate feel. Avoid using bright colors; pick neutral colors instead that blend with your natural environment. Flowers should be used sparingly in your new space. Avoid using colorful plants in large quantities, and instead select greenery such as bamboo, ferns, palms and succulents. Apply the same rule when selecting furniture for your patio. Stay away from any color or material that is too dark or too bright. Natural textiles such as silk and linen are preferred, and they are as comfortable as they are chic. Lightcolored wood is best, with bamboo being an optimal choice. Bamboo helps to enhance your Zen environment and makes for clean, sleeklooking furniture, perfect for seats, tables and even canopies. The most important tip to creating a Zen feel in your own backyard is to focus on balancing all of the basic elements to create a harmonious environment that will be pleasing not only to your eyes, but to your soul as well. An Asianinspired garden can be the perfect place to practice meditation or yoga, get in touch with nature, or just take a relaxing breath after a long day.
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How to:
Create your own
karesansui garden
1
2
Choosing the right type of sand is crucial to the overall appearance and authenticity of the garden. Bypass conventional beach sand in favor of medium or fine crushed granite. It is lighter, easier to rake and more pleasing to the eye. Deposit the sand in an even layer over the tarp that measures at least 3” in depth. For better results, increase the depth of the sand.
Choose appropriately sized rocks for your garden. You don’t want them to dwarf the space nor do you want the rocks to be an imperceptible component. Smaller steppingstones are also a good investment that are said to symbolize the journey of life.
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Build an enclosed sand basin using wood and a tarp. The wood serves as a barrier while a tarp placed beneath the sand prevents unwanted plants from taking root through your garden. If you do not have wood or a tarp, large, well-placed perimeter stones and newspaper will also do the trick.
Spruce up your garden with accent touches like wrought iron Japanese lanterns, ponds, bamboo or a bridge. Keep to a neutral color palate so as to not detract from the nature theme.
Groom your garden. A simple rake and a little persistence is all you need to transform what is essentially a sandbox into a Zen masterpiece. The rake grates ripple like patterns into the sand, representing various configurations of land, the stones, and water.
3
Take a few moments to meditate and enjoy your handiwork, perhaps while enjoying a fine cup of green or Oolong tea.
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| your kitchen
A Taste of Malaga by Jennifer King
As the birthplace of Picasso and the soon-to-be European Capital of Culture, Malaga, Spain offers much to see and much to taste. With top-notch restaurants and humble tapas bars, the city remains popular amongst tourists. But you don’t have to travel 4,500 miles to experience the taste of fine Spanish tradition. Bring Malaga into your own kitchen with classic, yet exotic, paella, tapas, and sangria recipes.
Spanish Scallop Ceviche Tapas Serves 8-10
Paella con Mollusks (above) Serves 8-10
ingredients
ingredients:
15 scallops on the half shell 2 fresh red chiles- seeded and chopped 1 tablespoon of olive oil 1 teaspoon of finely grated lime rind 1 cup limejuice 2 garlic cloves- chopped 1 tablespoon fresh parsley- chopped
method: 1. Remove the scallops from their half shell with hands or a knife. Don’t forget to remove the dark vein and the white muscle before washing the shells. 2. Next, mix together the lime rind, garlic, chiles, limejuice, parsley and olive oil in a bowl. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. 3. Place the scallops in the dressing and stir to coat. 4. Cover with a plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for two hours to cook the meat. 5. When cold, serve by sliding the scallops into a half shell and spoon dressing over.
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1 finely chopped onion 2 minced garlic cloves 1 large tomato, peeled and chopped 1/2 cup olive oil 1 1/2 cup Arborio rice 1/8 teaspoons of saffron 8 ounces of clam juice 2 cups of hot water 1 cup of dry white wine 16 large unshelled prawns 16 small clams, un-shucked; can be butter, rock or steamer clams 1 crab, cooked and cracked (or 4 very small lobster tails- cooked and split 10 ounces of petite peas 1 pound asparagus tips- parboiled 2 ounces of sliced pimiento Lemon wedges
method: 1. In a large frying pan, sauté the onion, garlic and tomato in oil until glazed. 2. Add rice, saffron, clam juice, water and wine. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes. 3. Arrange the prawns and clams on top, cover and steam until the clamshells open. Transfer into a large paella pan. 4. Add the crab, peas, asparagus and pimiento. Heat through or keep warm in a low oven until it is time to serve. Garnish with lemon wedges.
Can’t cut IT ...but you love it? If you are not much of a cook, but you still have the urge to whip up some Spanish cuisine, then pay a visit to Austin’s famous tapas bar, Malaga. Learn to create gourmet tapas with Chef Alejandro Duran’s wine and cooking classes while exploring the history of the traditional Spanish meal. Classes are Tuesday evenings at 6:30. For more information about Malaga’s recipes and cooking classes, call (512) 236-8020.
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| your kitchen
Escalivado Tapas Serves 8-10
Pimientos Rojos con Anchoas Serves 8-10
ingredients: 1 medium eggplant 1/2 lb of bacon 1 large zucchini 1 bunch cilantro (optional) olive oil and vinegar to taste 1 long baguette
ingredients: 1 12 oz jar of roasted red peppers 4 garlic cloves 4 tbsp olive oil 1 small can anchovies 1 jar pickled banana peppers, small size 1 long baguette
method: 1. Wrap each of the vegetables in tin foil. If you have more than one of any of them - this is a loose recipe - you can group them together. Put them in a hot oven (200C/375F) for an hour, or until all are soft and cooked through. The eggplants will take the longest, so you may want to remove the others as they finish cooking. 2. While they bake, sauté the bacon until crisp. Drain fat on paper towels and let cool. 3. Cool and unwrap the tin foil packages. Tear or cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and toss them with a bit of olive oil and a splash of red wine vinegar. 4. Toast rounds of bread. If you are using a baguette, cut on a diagonal to get slightly larger pieces; if you are using loaf bread, you may want to cut the slices in half. Artistically arrange a piece or two of eggplant, one of zucchini and one half piece bacon on each slice of bread.
method: 1. Drain the peppers and pat dry with a paper towel. Carefully remove any membranes or seeds that may remain. Cut the peppers into 1/2 inch wide strips. 2. Peel the garlic cloves and slice thinly. 3. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan on low heat. Add the garlic and sauté theuntil golden brown. Then, add the pepper strips. Sauté mixture for about 10 minutes. 4. Remove from heat and place the pepper mixture on a platter. Take 4-5 anchovies from can and pat with a paper towel to remove excess oil and salt. Coil and arrange on platter with red peppers. 6. Serve cold or warm with slices of baguette bread.
notes: Insert toothpick through vegetables and baguette to hold together, if you like. Add cilantro on top for an optional bit of zest.
Also shown:
notes: The peppers should not be stored in vinegar or with any spices. Look for glass jars or cans of whole roasted peppers. If you aren’t able to find them, look for containers with large pieces of pepper. The jar or can should contain approximately the equivalent of 2 red bell peppers. Insert toothpick through all pieces to hold them together.
Prosciutto and Tomato Tapas, Iceberg Chorizo Tapas, Olives and Cream Cheese Tapas For these recipes and more, visit our web site: www.youraddressmagazine.com.
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your kitchen |
Traditional Spanish Sangria Serves 8-10 ingredients:
2 bottles dry red wine 2 ten-ounce bottles bitter lemon soda 1 sliced lemon 1 sliced orange sugar to taste ice cubes mint sprigs
method: 1. Combine the wine, bitter lemon and sliced orange and lemon in a large pitcher. Add the sugar and then chill. Serve over ice cubes and garnish your glasses with elegant mint sprigs.
sherry-time
Spain is not only the origin of some of the world’s most delicious food and breathtaking art, it is also the birthplace of the infamous fortified wine, Vino de Jerez. Around here we call it Sherry, a delicately fermented wine that is later fortified with brandy, creating a dry, pale taste that is natural to all varietes. Sherries are traditionally made from three kinds of grapes: muskrat, palomino and Pedro Ximenez. With such a variety of grapes, original Sherry producers from the Spanish province of Cadiz have created many styles of the wine. Some of the finest include Fino, the driest and palest of the traditional varieties. Amontillado is another popular favorite. It is a variety that is aged under a cap of flour yeast then exposed to oxygen, creating a darker wine. Palo Cortado is a very rare form of Sherry that is richer and crisper than most varieties. Then there is the Jerez Dulce, or the Sweet Sherry. This is any form of Sherry that is sweetened with Pedro Ximenez or Moscatel wine.
Sherry has become en vogue in recent years, and more varieties are becoming increasingly available. So, share a glass with a close friend or relative at your favorite cocktail lounge and warm yourself with the elegance of ancient Spanish tradition. Monarch caterpillar does some acrobatics while chewing away at some milkweed.
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| your kitchen
Café in the Kitchen By K athry n E . Clel and
When we think of Europe, visions of romantic, Parisian cafés, bustling Viennese coffeehouses, or friendly Italian baristas serving up tiny cups of steaming espresso may come to mind. For so many European countries, coffee is an essential element of rich history and culture – and not the freeze-dried, instant coffee popular in the United States, but rich espressos, creamy cappuccinos, and velvety café au laits. Natives and visitors alike take in the pleasure of sidewalk cafés, where they relish dainty cups of Joe while leisurely watching passing pedestrians. Luckily, such caffeinated splendors need not remain an ocean away; the coffees of Europe can easily be brought into your own home. The first step to get brewing is choosing the right espresso maker. These machines push hot water through compressed coffee, extracting an increasingly great amount of flavor from the coffee depending upon the quality of your espresso machine. The prices of top quality machines may be daunting, but well worth the cost for an espresso lover. Brands such as Rancilio Silivia and Gaggia Carezza differ from thriftier choices in that they use a pressurized pump system, producing better espresso than cheaper, steam-driven machines. In any case, once you have an espresso maker, your options are endless.
If you prefer the milder taste of a cappuccino, combine equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and frothed milk to obtain this lighter delight; many espresso makers come with built-in milk steamers for this purpose. First, steam the milk and let it rest a moment until the foam separates, then pour the steamed milk into warmed, ceramic cups. Next, slowly add the espresso, and then spoon the frothed milk on top. Another popular espresso trend is the flavored latte. To achieve this, follow the same steps as for a cappuccino, but combine the milk with two tablespoons of flavored syrup prior to steaming. For a sweet finishing touch, garnish your drinks with powdered cocoa, cinnamon, or a dollop of whipped cream and place a small cookie, biscotti, or rich dark chocolate alongside the cups. Once you have mastered the complexities of your espresso maker, you can adjust the recipes to your personal tastes and those of your guests. While most American coffeehouses serve a variety of espresso drinks, they often lack the relaxed and charming ambience of European coffeehouses. Whether you choose to conclude your dinner parties with or center an afternoon get-together on deliciously robust cups of espresso, your own home offers a more ideal setting for a European coffee experience with all of the luxury and comfort needed to truly savor the moment.
Give some kick to your cup! Swiss Coffee 3 oz. premium, dark roast, medium ground coffee. 1 oz. each of:Kahlua, Amaretto, Tia Maria, Dark Cream de Cacao. Serve, toppped with whipped cream.
Hot Nutty Irishman 3 oz. premium, dark roast, medium ground coffee. 1 oz. each of: Bailey’s-cream, Frangelico Serve, toppped with whipped cream Garnish with cherry.
English Coffee 3 oz. premium, dark roast, medium ground coffee. 1 oz. Kahlua 1 oz. Amaretto 1 oz. Tia Maria 1 oz. Dark Cream de Cacao Brew and serve topped with whipped cream.
Cafe Royal 3 oz. premium, dark roast, medium ground coffee Add 1 Tbsp. of sugar Pour 3 oz. of Bourbon on top.
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| your kitchen
Stockpile it! Nothing nourishes the body and soul like a steaming cup of perfectly steeped tea. An adorable tea pot makes it all the more enjoyable for you and your guests. Find the one that suites you best to make every afternoon tea a special occasion.
Green fish teapot from Indonesia. The Herb Bar 200 W Mary Street Austin, TX 78704 512-444-6251 www.theherbbar.com
This colorful Polish teapot from Polish Pottery Plus would make a bold addition to any collection. Tea Embassy 512-330-9991 www.teaembassy.com 900 Rio Grande Street Austin, TX 78701
This beautiful and delicate teapot from St. Petersburg, Russia is made by renowned Lomonosov Porcelain. Tea Embassy 512-330-9991 www.teaembassy.com 900 Rio Grande Street Austin, TX 78701
Japanese tea infuser. Eastside CafĂŠ Store 2113 Manor Road Austin, TX 78722 512.476.5858 www.eastsidecafeaustin.com
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your kitchen |
This adorable teapot-for-one is a traditional Korean infuser. A piece every collection should have! Tea Embassy 512-330-9991 www.teaembassy.com 900 Rio Grande Street Austin, TX 78701
Japanese Rikyu cast iron (tetsubin) tea kettle for infused teas, comes with wire netting. Bronze tea kettle, $58. Eclectic 700 N Lamar Austin, TX 78703 (512) 477-1816 www.eclecticfurnishings.com
This two-sided teapot made by artist Jonathan Adler features a girl on one side, and a boy on the other. Produced in Peru from brown stoneware that peeks through sheer white glaze. From the Utopia Collection.
Dragonfly tea kettle, $45.
Wildflower Linens & Home www.wildflowerorganics.com 512-320-0449 908 N Lamar Austin, TX 78703
Eclectic 700 N Lamar Austin, TX 78703 (512) 477-1816 www.eclecticfurnishings.com
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| your kitchen
Sweet Tooth
B y B r i t t a n y J a cks o n a n d C a r a He n is
This season, travel to a small sidewalk café in Venice or to the distant jungle-marshland in Thailand to sample the best of what the world has to offer – without leaving your kitchen. Gather your family and prepare to travel the world with your taste buds. These harvest-ripe recipes taken from different locations around the world are flavored with fall favorites like warm cinnamon and spicy pumpkin. So find a fork and escape the autumn chill with these delicious desserts. These easy to follow recipes will allow you and your entire family to escape the drudgery of boring cakes and cookies and try new, exciting treats.
Greece Maple Baklava Makes about 30-36 servings ingredients:
1 lb. chopped mixed nuts 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 (16 oz.) package phyllo dough 1 cup butter, melted 1 cup white sugar 1 cup water ½ cup honey ½ teaspoon vanilla extract ½ teaspoon maple extract 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
method: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees, butter a 9x13 in. baking dish and toss together cinnamon and nuts. Unroll phyllo and cut whole stack in half to fit the dish. Cover phyllo with a damp cloth to keep it from drying out. 2. Place two sheets of phyllo in the bottom of dish and brush generously with butter. Sprinkle 2 to 3 tablespoons of the nut mixture on top and repeat this cycle until all the ingredients are used. Using a sharp knife, cut baklava all the way through into four long rows and then nine times diagonally to make 36 diamond shapes. 3. Bake in preheated oven 50 minutes or until the baklava is golden and crisp. 4. While the baklava is baking bring sugar and water to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in honey, vanilla, maple and lemon zest, reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes. 5. Remove the baklava from the oven and immediately spoon the syrup over it. Let cool completely before serving. Store uncovered. 38
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your soiree |
Brazil
Mexico
Butter Pecan Coconut Kisses: Makes about 25-30 kisses
Cinnamon Aztec Hot Chocolate Makes 1 serving
ingredients:
1 can of sweetened condensed milk 2 eggs, beaten 1 tablespoon butter or margarine 1 lb fresh grated coconut 1 teaspoon of butter pecan extract chocolate sauce
method: 1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. 2. Mix all ingredients together until well blended into a thick batter. 3. Scoop bits of the batter with a spoon and drop the balls onto a greased cookie sheet 4. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the kisses begin to brown. 5. Kid Friendly Step: Drizzle chocolate over the finished, cooling, treat
ingredients:
1 oz. unsweetened baking chocolate 1 teaspoon hazelnut extract 2/3 cup boiling water ground chili pepper to taste
method: 1. Grate unsweetened chocolate into bowl and cover it with a little of the boiling water. 2. Mash the mixture into a paste 3. Add the rest of the water and hazelnut and beat with an electric mixer until frothy 4. Kid Friendly Step: Add ground pepper of chilies to taste to liven up the drink. Enjoy!
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| your soiree
Italy
New Zealand
Thailand
Pumpkin Cannoli Makes about 20 servings
Raspberry Pavlova Makes 1 Pavlova
Sticky rice with Mango Makes about 6 servings
ingredients:
ingredients:
ingredients:
method: 1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Cover a baking sheet with baking paper. 2. Beat egg whites in a large bowl until they are stiff. Add in sugar one teaspoon at a time, beating the mixture until it is thick and smooth. Gently fold in the vanilla extract, lemon juice, and cornstarch. 3. Using a spoon, place the mixture paper. Work from the center, spreading more of the mixture to the outside of the circle. This will create an edge to your Pavlova and make a small depression in the center. 4. Cook for about an hour. Cool the cake on a wire rack. 5. Kid friendly step: Remove the baking paper and place the treat on a plate. Fill the small hole at center of the meringue with the whipped cream. Place your fresh raspberries on top of the whipped cream.
method: 1. Prepare the 2 cups sticky rice as per the instructions on the package. 2. While sticky rice is steaming, mix together 1 1/5 cups coconut milk, 1 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil. 3. Immediately after sticky rice is cooked, and still hot, put it into the coconut sauce and stir together well. Cover for 1 hour and let cool. 4. For the topping sauce, mix 1/2 cup coconut milk with 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon sugar and the tapioca starch. Bring to a boil. 5. Put the sticky rice and mangoes on a serving dish. Pour the topping sauce over the sticky rice and sprinkle with the toasted sesame seeds. Enjoy!
20 small Cannoli shells 4 cups ricotta cheese 1 ½ cup of powdered sugar 2 teaspoons of cinnamon spice 2 teaspoons of pumpkin spice 2 teaspoons Amaretto liquor ¼ cup diced, shredded candied orange peels melted dark chocolate additional powdered sugar to sprinkle on shells toasted almonds
method: 1. Beat cheese until smooth by using an electric mixer on medium speed. 2. Add the sugar, cinnamon, Amaretto and pumpkin. Beat at high speed for several minutes. Then add the candied orange peels and mix well. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. 3. Lightly warm the shells right before serving. 4. Pipe ¼ cup of the filling into each cannoli pastry shell. 5. Kid friendly step: Sprinkle generous amounts of the additional powdered sugar onto the shells. Dip each end of the shells into the melted dark chocolate and almonds.
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4 egg whites 1 ¼ cup white sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon lemon juice 2 teaspoons cornstarch whipped cream fresh raspberries
2 cups sticky rice 2 cups coconut milk 1 cup granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 3 ripe mangoes, sliced 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds 1 tablespoon tapioca starch 1 tablespoon sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt
11th Annual
SHOW
GUIDE
September 7-9 at the Austin Convention Center
Backyard Spas Life Spas of Austin 6415 Burnet Lane, Austin, TX 78757 (512) 459-4772 www.lifespasoftexas.com
With everything for the exterior to the interior of your home, the Texas Home & Garden Show is your one-stop for home and garden shopping.
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Take a Dip: Indulgence in Your Own Backyard From the time we wake up in the morning to the time to go to sleep, our minds are filled with frenzied thoughts: I need to register the kids for the soccer league; it’s my turn to host welcome party for the new neighbors; it’s time schedule the dog’s teeth cleaning; I forgot to pick up the dry cleaning; I wonder what should I plan for dinner next week; I should go to the gym more often; we really need to update the living room; How on earth am I going to make my deadline at the office? With as much as you do for your family, coworkers and community, it’s about time you treat yourself to the relaxing getaway that you deserve…right in your own backyard! By installing a spa or hot tub at home, you can enjoy the calming and rejuvenating effects without leaving the house. The good news is that it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. A great way to spoil yourself and save a few dollars is to find a spa and hot tub dealer that works directly with manufactures. Right here in Austin, LifeSpas of Texas offers top quality spas at up to 60% off retail prices. Because you get more spa for your dollar, features like therapy seats that massage all areas from your neck and lower back to your feet are affordable options. Of course luxury features at affordable prices are wonderful, but how do we know what features are best for our home? For most of us, the differences between the various control systems, pumps, filters, jets, horsepower options, shell materials and maintenance needs are well out of our scope of knowledge. Luckily the team at LifeSpas can make finding the best spa or hot tub for your needs a less confusing project. With the focus on educating the buyer, the folks at LifeSpas clearly and honestly outline the pros and cons of every model they sell, a priceless service when making any large investment. With great resources in Austin to make your backyard your own private retreat, it is silly not to. Stop saying, “Wouldn’t it be nice…” and start building your dream backyard. LifeSpas of Texas has the spa, hot tub, or gazebo that is the perfect fit for your family and your budget. All you have to do is find it. For more information, visit www.llifespasoftexas.com or call 512-459-4772.
Soapstone: The Next Step in Kitchens Whether you are buying, selling or updating your home, countertops are a hot Why Choose topic these days. Keeping in mind that the kitchen is the heart and soul of so many Dorado Soapstone? homes, a countertop has a lot to live up to. Of course it must withstand the wear and tear of daily use, and, perhaps more importantly, it should reflect and enhance • Comfortable in any décor the style your home. The warm matte finish is a
Current kitchen trends are pointing to soapstone to meet the challenge, and savvy, great design element in all rooms of the home sophisticated buyers are turning to this unique material to finish more than just countertops. Martha Stewart is paving the way, installing this unique and exotic • Stain resistant material in her own kitchen. This may be why soapstone is rapidly becoming more and more desirable for homeowners who are looking for material to make a The non porous surface repels anything from read wine to statement in their kitchens grease
Soapstone is offered in a variety of colors and lends itself beautifully to any design motif, from casually rustic to ultra modern. Brilliantly forged by nature, each piece of soapstone is a one-of-a-kind with unique veining and marbling, adding style and character to your home. It is also luxurious to the touch and is a real treat for the senses. Thanks to its style, durability and versatility, artists and designers are creating chic soapstone applications that go well beyond the kitchen. For avant-garde tile, sills, island tops and other accessories and fixtures, top designers are looking to Dorado Soapstone, an importer and wholesaler of authentic, natural Brazilian soapstone. More than an exclusive dealer of high-quality soapstone, Dorado Soapstone is a leader in social responsibility. The company is making a significant in impact in Goias, Brazil, one of the few places that the rare stone is quarried. Working alongside Mosaico of Brazil, Dorado Soapstone provides jobs for the staggering number of unemployed citizens of the region. These workers delicately handcraft soapstone sinks, fountains and even chessboards. The company is also working to encourage and support education in technology fields by helping to sponsor computers in after school programs. For more information, visit the Dorado Soapstone Showroom at 2157 Woodward Drive in Austin, TX, or call 512-444-8600.
• Heat resistant
Hot casseroles from the oven are no match for this naturally inert material
• Easy to maintain/repair
A mild sanding and a touch of mineral oil will easily remove minor scratches
• Durable for generations
Soapstone holds its value for years, so there is no need to worry when it comes time to sell your home
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Meet the Experts
September 7-9 at the Austin Convention Center
Laura Dellutri is today’s hero for busy working families. Armed with true savvy secrets from being a mother of five, running a household, blending a family and operating successful businesses she represents all the tribulations that today’s families deal with. A public speaker, radio and television personality and the author of three books, Laura’s show includes: what NOT to do on reality T.V.; how to trick your mother-in-law into thinking you are the best home keeper in town; how to make your children believe cleaning is fun; and how to get your man to clean with power tools that will knock his socks off! Zita Raymond graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in art in 1983. Since then she has been involved in various aspects of the visual arts. In 1990 Zita design was founded as one of the first decorative painting companies in Austin, Texas. This company provides murals, plaster applications, faux finishes and advanced decorative painting in homes and businesses in Texas and throughout the united states. The work of Zita design has been featured in several regional and national magazines and publications. She returned to her own paintings two years ago and has incorporated the fine art aspect into Zita design.
Opportunity’s knockin’ at the Texas Home & Garden Show. Open the door to new ideas…from windows and doors to ceilings and floors shop for everything for your home at the Texas Home & Garden Show. You’ll find everything but the kitchen sink…Oh Wait! We have that, too! In fact if it belongs in the home, it’s at the Texas Home & Garden Show! Your final chance to finish up your fall decorating, improvement and landscaping projects is just around the corner! The 11th Annual Texas Home & Garden Show, being held September 7-9 at the Austin Convention Center, will feature thousands of products, services and ideas for your home and garden. Best of all, you’ll find hundreds of experts who can do the job for you or teach you how to do it yourself!
About the Show When:
Friday, September 7 2 pm to 8 pm Saturday, September 8 10 am to 8 pm Sunday, September 9 11 am to 6 pm
Where:
Austin Convention Center 500 E Cesar Chavez, Austin, TX 78701
How Much:
Adults, $8 Children 12 and Under, Free $1 off coupons available at and at www.TexasHomeandGarden.com
For many families, a house just isn’t a home without a cherished pet. If yours happens to be “man’s best friend,” make sure to attend a special presentation by Sheri Soltes, from Fox TV’s Café Woof. Sheri, Founder and President of Texas Hearing and Service Dogs, an organization that trains dogs to assists Texans living with hearing or mobility challenges, will teach you helpful discipline techniques to create a better relationship with your precious pooch. Sheri will take to the stage on Sunday at 2 p.m.
Bryon A. K. Parffrey, author of Build Energy-Fffree Healthy Homes, is currently a Talk Show Radio Host and has been for over 14 years now, teaching as many that listen how to build for themselves, become builders or professional inspectors! Bryon has over 24 years of homebuilding experience and is currently a State Certified Teacher. Pick up a copy of his book at booth 233 and ask the expert in homebuilding! For more information, visit TexasHomeandGarden.com or call 713-529-1616. A production of International Exhibitions, Inc. (IEI)
Saturday, Sept. 8 11am — Melissa Rogers, Pathways Unlimted Home Wellness Systems 12pm — Laura Dellutri, Healthy Housekeeper
Seminar Schedule HOME & GARDEN THEATER SEMINARS & DEMONSTRATIONS Friday, Sept. 7 3pm — Bruce Reed, Window World/South Texas Siding Energy Savings with Efficient Replacement Windows & Siding 4pm — Bob Sexton, Cool Water Pools & Spas A Beautiful Pool - Step by Step 5pm — Zita Raymond, Zita Designs The hottest Faux Finishing! 44
YOUR ADDRESS
The Healthy Housekeeper teaches you Swiffer’s 5 Signs of Clean
1pm — Mark Delgado, Texas Home Improvement University How to Make Your Phone Energy Efficient 2pm — Laura Dellutri, Healthy Housekeeper
The Healthy Housekeeper teaches you Swiffer’s 5 Signs of Clean
3pm — Your Address Magazine Diamond in the Rough 4pm — Zita Raymond, Zita Designs
The hottest Faux Finishing! 5pm — Laura Dellutri, Healthy Housekeeper The Healthy Housekeeper teaches you Swiffer’s 5 Signs of Clean
Sunday, Sept. 9 12pm — Cristina Murphy, Keller Williams Realty Home Renovations: Picking what pays off! Which Home Renovations are worth the investment! 1pm — Mark Delgado, Texas Home Improvement University How to Make Your Phone Energy Efficient 2pm — Sheri Soltes, TV’s “Café Woof” 5 Top Training Tips for Your Dog 3pm — Zita Raymond, Zita Designs The hottest Faux Finishing! * All seminar times are subject to change without notice
Everything and the Kitchen Sink With everything for the exterior to the interior of your home, the Texas Home & Garden Show is your one-stop for home and garden shopping. Looking for new home decorating ideas? Then visit featured exhibitors Costco Wholesale, DirectBuy of Austin, Oil Paintings and Frames Warehouse, and Private Quarters. With the help of Heavens Above Starscapes, you could create your very own 3-D cosmic “getaway” in your own home. Using their exclusive 3-D imaging software, your window measurements, flooring type and room color scheme, V2K Window Décor & More can take the guesswork out of creating and designing window treatments. The outside of your home deserves as much care as the inside, that’s why the Texas Home & Garden Show features nearly 2000 sq. ft. of outdoor living, pool and spa ideas and exhibits. Add a beautiful deck to your backyard for outdoor entertaining, or start making plans for a refreshing pool or spa – perfect for relaxing at home after a hard day’s work. Homestead Outdoor Living offers authentic, fine aluminum furnishings for your patio. For the ultimate outdoor oasis, visit with the pros from Thompson Landscaping, who specialize in creating estate environments. You will also find experts in home building, kitchen renovation and remodeling. Enhance your home with a new sunroom from Four Seasons Sunrooms of Texas, or update your kitchen with assistance from New Creations Custom Kitchen. Innovative Surfaces can enhance the beauty of your home with their unique, light-weight, waterproof, durable and elegant concrete surfaces. At the Texas Home & Garden Show, you can also find experts such as AP Financial, Merrill Lynch and Ameriprise Financial who can help you with your personal financial well being. From floor to ceiling, indoor to outdoor, the Texas Home & Garden Show is the place to find everything you need for your home!
The Home & Garden Stage is also the place to discover: • • •
Which home renovations are worth the investment from Cristina Murphy of Keller Williams How to make your phone energy efficient from Mark Delgado of the Texas Home Improvement University How to create a beautiful pool from Bob Sexton of Cool Water Pools & Spas
Made in the Shade: Sunrooms for all Seasons Imagine summer without the heat and humidity - and winter without the chills. Imagine being greeted each morning by the dramatic beauty of a new day; soothed by the serenity of twilight and romanced by the glow of nightfall. Never satisfied with the standard renovation, you demand excellence in all your endeavors and all your possessions...your home is your castle, and you don’t take that investment lightly. For almost three decades, discriminating homeowners have looked to Four Seasons Sunrooms for their sunroom, conservatory, solarium, patio room and greenhouse needs that they just can’t get with ordinary construction. Four Seasons Sunrooms is one of the largest manufacturers of year-round sunrooms and conservatories in the world. Customers can visit an amazing showroom in Austin at 13343 N. Highway 183 and see for themselves what is available in state-of-the-art sunrooms. Four Seasons Sunrooms designs, builds and services sunrooms, solariums, conservatories, Florida rooms, greenhouses and patio enclosures. Customers who purchase a Four Seasons Sunroom work with a company that strives to make the home of every customer more attractive, adding space that is functional, attractive and usable 12 months of the year. Four Seasons philosophy is simple: Make efficient use of high quality materials and production methods to deliver optimal product value. All Four Seasons Sunrooms feature the exclusive ConservaGLASS Plus™. This unique glass is designed to keep sunrooms cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Additionally, ConservaGLASS Plus™ is warranteed for the lifetime of the sunroom and is transferable to future homeowners. This ensures that Four Seasons Sunrooms uphold and enhance the value of any home. All Four Seasons Sunrooms pass rigorous independent testing and are approved by major accreditation agencies – Good Housekeeping, Energy Star, ICC-ES, AAMA, NFRC, FMC, & ULC. The company stands behind their products and services with expert factory-trained sunroom design consultants, top quality sunroom and solarium installation crews, as well as a lifetime limited warranty. FALL 2007
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Home Show Exhibitors Company Name 1st Avenue Mortgage Inc. A P Financial A -Tex Family Fun Center Above It All Storage Advanced Exteriors Allied Powder Coatings Amazing Aluminum Products Ameriprise Financial Ashtech Systems AT&T Austin ATX Floor Coverings & Granite Countertops Austin Air Dynamics Austin Habitat for Humanity Austin American-Statesman Austin Rock Gym Austrends, Inc. Bamboo Arts & Crafts Network Bluegreen Resorts Books are Fun Brinks Home Security Carlson Chiropractic Cellular Sales of South Texas Cody Pools Cook’s Warehouse Cool Water Pools & Spas Coolhouse Systems Costco Wholesale Creations of the Desert Creel’s the Dish TV Place Culligan Water Conditioning Cutco Cutlery Designer Palms of Texas Different Strokes Directbuy of Austin DIRECTV DS Waters / Sparkletts Bottled Water Euroshine USA, Inc. Every Contractor Flying L Guest Ranch Four Seasons Sunrooms of Texas GiGi Enterprises Granite Transformations Great Products Greyhound Pets of America
Featured Home Show Exhibitors Home Decor Costco Wholesale DirectBuy of Austin Heavens Above Starscapes INtegrity Home Systems INTelli-Bed Oil Paintings AND Frames Warehouse Private Quarters Tumbleweeds V2K Window Décor & More Zita Designs The Gardens Thompson LansdcapinG 46
YOUR ADDRESS
325 601 512 807 625 201 524 739 735 108
801, 907
Outdoor Living Above It All Storage Homestead Outdoor Living Illumination Concepts Pool & Spa A-Tex Family Fun Center Cody Pools Cool Water Pools & Spas Lifespas of Texas Morgan Buildings & Spas Softub Home & Personal Financing 1st Avenue Mortgage Ameriprise Financial
433, 434 301 734
501, 401 701 631 109 833, 933 625
832 717
Booth 832 732 501,401 434,433 915 410 930 717 427 811 512 914 545 331 239 Lobby 125 1014 131 710 834 421 701 738 631 1013 325 319 609 824 730 619 611 601 126,128 531 315 425 638 931 920 607 420 225
AP Financial Merrill Lynch Mission Mortgage
732 530 706
Remodeling / Home Building Every Contractor John Carroll Custom Homes New Creations Custom Kitchen Signature Home Improvement Ubuildit, Austin Unique Homes by Harper
435 716 1007 708 910 820
Room Additions / Buildings Four Seasons Sunrooms of Texas Innovative Surfaces Statewide Remodeling
931 639 707
Guttermaxx Heavens Above Starscapes Hill Country of Texas Homeguardian Homestead Outdoor Living Illumination Concepts, Inc Image Tile & Carpet Innovative Surfaces Integrated Lifestyle Solutions Integrity Home Systems Intelli-Bed John Carroll Custom Homes Keller Williams Realty Kimera Shepler & Associates Kitchen Craft KLGO AM Leafguard Austin Lifespas of Texas, Inc. Lone Star Chiropractic Merrill Lynch Mission Mortgage Morgan Buildings & Spas My Garage Has Space New Creations Custom Kitchen Remodeling New Stone Concepts Oil Paintings and Frames Warehouse of Oklahoma Pathways Unlimited Premier Garage of Austin Press A Print Private Quarters Protective Coatings & Remodeling of Texas Raintree Vacation Club Rancho Del Lago Re-Bath of Travis County Rethink Soar-longhorn Solar Royal Prestige Cookware Hill Country Inn Signature Home Improvement Softub, Inc. Solatube: Innovation In Daylighting South Texas Siding / Window World Southern Shutters, Inc. Statewide Remodeling T-C Sun and Window Solutions, Inc. Texas Hearing & Service Dogs The Healthy Gourmet The Healthy Housekeeper Thompson Landscaping Touch of Purple Tumbleweeds Ubuildit Unique Homes by Harper United Specialty Products University of Texas Informal Classes V2K Window Decor & More VDB Enterprises Wellness Solutions Wild Horse Foundation Wing Enterprises, Inc. Worldmark by Wyndham Wyndham Vacation Resorts Xango Young Stone, Inc Your Address Magazine Zita Designs
814 514 414 908 301 734 517 639 431 807 625 716 917 731 1001 324 718 109 715 530 706 833,933 641 1007 740 201 630 924 413 524 815 417 633 635 921 624 1027 708 615 719 511 725 707 816 134 645 108 801,907 830 739 910 820 819 432 735 534 311 130 831 320 714 520 901 207 112 FALL 2007
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The Life Cycle of Real Estate Homebuyers and sellers fall into five general categories: first-time, move-up, luxury, move-down and investors. Typically, a person or a couple in their twenties or early thirties will purchase their first home. As the family grows, the need for more space leads to a move-up. As equity and prosperity increase some will move into the luxury market. As the children grow and move away and as the space requirements diminish, the couple will decide to move-down to a more manageable home. Anywhere along this life cycle of real estate one may choose to be an investor. Each category of the life cycle of real estate has different objectives,
Kenn first started teaching real estate seminars in 1994 when he saw a gap
priorities and challenges. When homebuyers and sellers move from one
in the educational system. “I realized the real estate industry was more
category to another, there is a new learning curve encountered each time.
about selling than educating, especially for the first-time homebuyer. I then
The learning curve often becomes a crash course as buyers and sellers strive
realized that the homes that first-time homebuyers were buying was the
to gather the right knowledge and information and to align with the proper
same type of product that real estate investors were interested in.” Kenn
professionals to accomplish the move. Real estate self-education often
designed a seminar geared towards investors and took it on the road doing
starts on the Internet, which is a great source of information but not a great
presentations on the west coast and Nevada. “Now I am designing seminars
source of wisdom. Are friends and relatives a good source of real estate
to cover the remaining categories of the life cycle of real estate including the
knowledge? Maybe. Are real estate “salespeople” a good source? Sometimes.
move-up, luxury and empty nesters.” The seminars are free and are held at
The question then becomes, “Where can one find a reliable source of
various locations including banks, community centers and colleges and
wisdom and knowledge regarding the real estate process?” This is why
universities. They will also be offered online, so that people can learn from
Kenn Renner of Renner Realty, Inc. has created “The American Dream
home. Kenn then offers personal coaching and real estate guidance
System.” The system is a series of live seminars and soon-to-be published
throughout the process. “I have found that offering valuable education for
audio and print materials that will provide valuable and timely real estate
free allows the client to “interview” me without obligation, and then their
education. The seminars are designed to address the specific concerns of
trust level goes through the roof!” For more information on real estate or
each of the categories of the life cycle of real estate. Strategies for every step
the American Dream System visit: www.BuyAustin.com or contact Kenn
of process are discussed so that homebuyers and sellers know what to
Renner at 512.423.5626.
expect at every step of the way.
| your family
Host This!
Around the World
Cook-Off
BY Jennifer King
our unusual weather the past few months made it difficult to host those backyard barbeques that are popular during the summer, but better late than never! Take advantage of the sunshine and turn up the heat in your own backyard with a neighborhood cook-off. Rather than whipping up the same old hamburgers and franks, get creative and test out some exotic burger recipes that are sure to show off your culinary skills! Part 1: The Challenge Turn this year’s cook-off into an “around the world” cooking contest in which you and your friends compete to see who can create the most delicious burger. If you want to have even more fun with your cook-off, make uniforms for the chefs by decorating their aprons with flags to represent the home country of their burger recipe. Select a panel of judges to rate each burger
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and declare the winner. The chef with the most appealing and most delicious burger will have the honor of hosting next summer’s burger cook-off. Part 2: What you’ll need In order to host a successful backyard cook-off, make sure that you fully outfit each chef with an individual camping grill, charcoal and all necessary cooking utensils. It may also be a
good idea to provide a mini-refrigerator because some recipes may require for items to be chilled. Don’t forget individual kitchen timers to make the contest official. Part 3: Fire up the grills Chefs, start your timers and get cooking! Allow 60 minutes for all of the burgers to be complete. After each chef makes an attempt to master the perfect ethnic burger, it’s time for the judges to decide on the winner of the “Around the World” cook-off. Everyone wins when its time to sample the different burgers and appreciate the diverse tastes from around the globe.
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| your family
>> Try a few of these, or make up your own! For more fantastic burger recipes, visit our web site at: www.youraddressmagazine.com.
Spanish Chorizo Burger
Serves 4 Time 50 minutes
ingredients: 1 lb. ground sirloin 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 pound chorizo sausage 3 medium onions, sliced 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 medium onion, chopped Salt and pepper to taste 1 roasted red pepper, quartered 4 soft egg buns or brioche 1 cup Ranch dressing 1 tablespoon softened butter 1 pinch powdered saffron 4 ounces manchego cheese, grated 1 teaspoon Spanish paprika method: 1. In a large bowl, mix the ground sirloin and chorizo using your hands. 2. Set aside to let the flavors blend. 3. Heat one tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium high heat. 4. Add one chopped onion and sauté until tender. 5. Transfer the onion to the blender and add the Ranch dressing, saffron and paprika. Pulse until smooth and refrigerate until needed. 6. Heat the remaining oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the remaining onions, brown sugar, salt and pepper. 7. Cook and stir for 15 minutes until the onions are golden brown. Set aside. 8. Form the meat into 4 patties while you preheat the grill from high heat. 9. Place the burgers on the grill and cook for 5 minutes per side. 10. Grill the buns briefly. 11. Place the burgers on the buns and top with carmelized onion and the roasted pepper ranch sauce.
Moroccan Lamb Burger
Serves 8 Time 45 minutes
ingredients: 1.5 lbs. lean ground lamb ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper 2 tablespoons chopped green onions 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 teaspoon paprika 2 teaspoons ground cumin 4 tablespoons chopped cilantro 2 teaspoons chopped garlic ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes salt andpepper to taste method: 1. Put the lamb in a mixing bowl and add green onions, paprika, cilantro, red pepper flakes, black pepper, ground cumin and garlic. 2. Mix everything thoroughly using your hands. 3. Shape the mixture into 8 patties. 4. Heat the oil in a non-stick skillet. 5. Cook the patties over medium high heat in the skillet for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. 6. Drain on paper towels and serve! 7. Try serving with the special “harissa” sauce, a Moroccan condiment. 54
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Scandinavian Salmon Burger Serves 8 Time 60 minutes
ingredients: 4 6-ounce salmon fillets 1 teaspoon pepper 2 eggs beaten 1 teaspoon celery weed 1 cup breadcrumbs, dry and divided ¼ teaspoon garlic powder 8 Rye buns ½ cup red wine vinegar ¼ cups catsup ¼ cup Salad oil 1 tablespoon Instant minced onion ½ teaspoon Dill weed 2 teaspoon salt 2 medium Red onions, thinly sliced method: 1. Remove any fat or dark meat from the salmon then cut into 2-inch cubes and chop by hand. 2. In a large bowl, mix salmon meat, catsup, instant minced onions, salt, pepper, celery seed and garlic powder. 3. Shape mixture into 16 thin patties. 4. Mix vinegar, oil and dill weed in another mixing bowl. 5. Place the red onion slices in a shallow glass dishes and pour the vinegar mixture over the onions. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. 6. Heat the rye bread in aluminum foil for 20 minutes, occasionally turning. 7. Remove the onions from the marinade, but keep the marinade to the side. 8. Place the salmon burgers on the grill and cook for five minutes on each side or until done. 9. Brush each side frequently with the marinade while they are cooking. 10. Serve each slice on a piece warm rye bread, topped with onions.
German Burger
Serves 6 Time 30 minutes
ingredients: 1-1/2 lbs. lean ground beef ½ teaspoon pepper ½ cup soft rye or pumpernickel bread crumbs 1 tablespoon mustard 2 tablespoons Beer 6 slices of Muenster or Swiss cheese ½ teaspoon caraway seed 6 pumpernickel sandwich buns ½ teaspoon salt ½ cup drained sauerkraut method: 1. Combine ground beef, bread crumbs, beer, caraway seed, salt, pepper and mustard in a bowl. 2. Mix gently then shape into 6 patties. 3. Grill the patties and cook 10 to 15 minutes until the center is no longer pink. 4. You can grill the sandwich buns while the burgers are cooking. 5. Top each burger with cheese slices and allow them to melt. 6. Top with sauerkraut and serve on the buns.
your family |
: n o i t a n i t Des
d r a y k c Ba The monotonous flow of everyday life can take a toll on anyone, especially when there is no possibility of a vacation on the horizon. Taking a break doesn’t require you to request time off from work or a dramatic decrease in your savings account. A little bit of creativity can go a long way in making your own backyard into a weekend oasis. Whether you’re looking to invigorate your lifestyle with exercise, spend more time with your family or even give yourself a little rest and relaxation, these ideas will allow you to take a vacation from your daily routine without having to leave your home.
Create a mini water park Scatter sprinklers, water slides and children’s water toys around the backyard and pool for the kids and adults to cool off in the summer sun.
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Field Day Put together a picnic full of good eats and gather around for fun and classic games such as a threelegged race, an egg toss or softball.
Personal Productions Set up an outdoor stage and watch as the kids display their creative talents through plays, skits and dance recitals.
Invent your own sport
Movie magic
Bonfire
Movie projectors are a fun, easy way to recreate the classic ‘50s drive-in theater, complete with homemade popcorn and burgers from the grill.
Stay warm by the glow of a fire while cooking up a traditional campfire meal complete with s’mores.
Gather balls, racquets and other sports equipment and tell everyone to make up a sport from the equipment provided. Get friends and neighbors involved in this fun, creative event for all ages.
Line Art
Building Bonds
Dine al fresco
Proudly display artwork from children in the neighborhood on a clothesline and gather the parents for an informal auction of the priceless pieces.
Construct a tree house or fort with your kids to teach them about math and safety precautions while spending quality time together.
Change scenery and eat a meal in the fresh air of your veranda or patio. Be sure to set up bug repellants to ward off unwelcome pests.
Welcome Nature’s Visitors
Hold a Tournament
Camping Camping in your own backyard doesn’t require you to haul around heavy equipment or lose the luxury of indoor plumbing. Enjoy sleeping in your tent while sharing ghost stories with your friends and family.
Get in touch with nature and its creatures by setting up bird feeders and fountains. By building a shelter for them, you can also protect your family from mosquitoes.
Hold an arts & crafts fair Keep your furniture stain free and your children occupied by organizing an outdoor arts and crafts fair. Provide toxic-free art supplies and watch their imaginations go wild.
Bring out your competitive side by challenging neighboring families to a round of board games or a cook-off.
Class in session Share skills between a group of friends by teaching each other new gardening or cooking tips, or invite a professional guest to instruct the group.
Stargaze Doze under the stars and enjoy the clear night skies from your rooftop or a blanket on your lawn. Bring a telescope and an astronomy map to see how many constellations you can identify.
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| your family Nature Symphony Listen to the sounds of nature right outside your home with the melodic buzz of cicadas and crickets audible in the evening.
Exotic Escape Add a foreign flair to your backyard by dressing up your outdoor space with novelties representing your dream destination. Prepare authentic dishes and decorate your table in your country’s traditional style.
World record contests Attempt to make the largest pizza or other popular meals using outdoor cooking methods to share with friends and family. Afterward, hold eating contests and see who has the biggest appetite.
Luau Learn how to make a traditional Hawaiian cooking pit — the tools are easily accessible and the whole family can join in the fun. Add colorful decorations and mix up tropical drinks to complete the night.
Fall Constellations Your own backyard is the perfect place to stargaze with your little ones. However, for a crystal clear view of the night sky, take a short drive to Austin’s backyard, the Texas Hill Country.
Outdoor Oasis Spruce up the pool area by throwing in a few fresh flowers such as lilies or flower petals and floating votive candles to the water.
Backyard Beach Enhance your pool by setting your kids’ sandbox next to the water and making a mock beach. The kids can build sandcastles while you work on your tan.
Lara Eakins from the University of Texas Observatory, located at RLM 13.132, gave some advice on visible, bright fall constellations. These constellations can be clearly visible to the south around 9 pm with a low powered microscope. Pegasus: The Winged Horse Cygnus: The Swan Lyra: A Lyre The University of Texas has two observatories that are open to the public. RLM 13.132 houses a reflector microscope, open on Wednesday evenings while the refractor microscope located at Painter Hall is open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays. You can find out more information about public viewing on the UT campus at http://outreach.as.utexas.edu/.
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Editor’s Note: This is an excerpt from Dr. Daly’s new book, Clarity: How to Accomplish What Matters Most, available online at www.anndaly.com.
Transitions: Get Clear & Get Going! B y A n n D a ly, P h d
We’ve all had the experience. Remember? It was a time when life, or work, seemed to flow effortlessly. You knew what you wanted, and how to make it happen. You enjoyed each step of the way, and you loved the results. No stress, no struggle, no neurotic procrastination. When you’re clear, you can sort things out calmly, even playfully. Decision-making becomes easier. No wheel-spinning, no angsting. Clarity is the catalyst to action, because with clarity comes commitment. When you’re committed, action takes surprisingly little effort. Although we often think of clarity as an outcome, clarity is really a process. It is a habit of mind. What’s more, it is a habit of mind you can learn. What follows is a five-step process that will keep you thinking clearly, acting purposefully, and accomplishing what matters most.
2. Pay attention
Once you’ve mastered 15 minutes of nothing a day, you’re present and primed for active listening. To yourself. What can you observe about your own thinking patterns, emotional themes, and behavioral habits? This personal profiling is essential to the five-step process, because it is the basic material that will either block or enable the flow of clarity. I’m not talking about turning into a narcissist, gazing admiringly at yourself in every passing mirror. I’m just talking about getting curious. As you pay attention to your thoughts, emotions, and actions, it’s important to keep the impulsive rush to judgement in check. Can you remember what it was like as a kid, when feeling wonder was fun enough? Can you watch yourself with that same wonder, at a slight distance, without letting personal baggage cloud your vision? Can you skip the color commentary?
You can use this process to work out a particular issue, and you can use this process to change your whole approach to life. Either way, it will give you a way to get clear and get going!
Can you play the role of anthropologist, eager to study yourself as the most fascinating subject around?
1. Press “pause”
Once you have become present to yourself by pressing pause and paying attention, you will find yourself naturally wondering “How . . . ?” and “What . . ?”
Pressing “pause” is the first step to the habit of clarity. You’ve got to take a direct and deliberate time-out. Every day. For fifteen minutes. If you’re moving too quickly, the passing view is blurry. You’ll never find, let alone maintain, clarity. Doing nothing permits us to relax into ourselves. (It’s like my first pilates teacher used to say, as we were struggling so hard to simply locate those elusive core muscles: “More feeling, less effort.”) We have space to notice what thoughts and emotions rise to the top. Our more risky or resistant feelings have space to make themselves known. Back burner ideas are given a fighting chance to make it to the front burner.
3. Ask questions
That’s when you realize: clarity is an inquiry. Questions drive this self-inquiry. They provide depth, and detail. They connect the dots. They reveal what’s been ignored, lost, or forgotten. They dislodge whatever’s stuck. They cut through the clutter and debris. They dissolve the waxy buildup. Keep asking those questions, and your priorities will become increasingly transparent and powerful. No more feeling confused or conflicted about what matters most.
The goal is to ask probing, informational questions, which are open-ended and nonjudgemental.
4. Ask more questions
Some questions are more difficult to pose than others. The hardest questions are the ones that cut closest to the bone. These are the heavy hitters you’ll need when you meet your most stubborn fear and resistance. At the moment when you feel the most exhausted, when you are venturing beyond your comfort zone, when the path of least resistance beckons, you need to ask the hardest questions. This most treacherous stretch of the course requires you to remain relentlessly rigorous. “I don’t know” is not an option. Neither is fibbing. The price of clarity is brutal honesty.
5. Write it down
Writing is a further way of inquiring into yourself. It can serve two purposes in your quest for clarity. First, you can use writing to access your intuition by journaling and freewriting. Second, you can use writing to commit to your intentions. By writing down what you want to accomplish, you hold yourself accountable, as if you had signed a contract. Once it’s down on the page, a statement to the world, you’ll find more courage to act and less chance to renege. Want to learn more about achieving clarity and accomplishing what matters most? Visit www. anndaly.com. And let me know how the process is working for you! Write to me at: transitions@ anndaly.com. Ann Daly PhD is a clarity coach based in Austin, Texas. She helps women in transition who are reaching for a more expansive life to get clear about what they want and how to get it. Write to Dr. Daly at: transitions@anndaly.com www.anndaly.com/coach
Great Garages:
Cars and Clutter Conquered
what part of your house gets the least attention? As more and more Americans join the home remodeling craze, kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms are shedding years of old paint and fixtures for new, lavish updates. But chances are one space is still getting ignored. Perhaps the most utilized space in the house, the garage continues to be the place where old appliances, toys and trash pile, remaining in the “we’ll get around to it someday” category. Someday can be sooner than you think. In 2005, homeowners spent more than $2.5 billion in garage remodeling, according to the National Association of Homebuilders, up from $2 billion just a year prior, and the number continues to grow. Thousands of homeowners have already discovered that garage renovation retailers and companies are introducing new, innovative products that make it easier than ever before to streamline the most troubled garages, sprucing
up the space while maximizing functionality. A garage no longer has to be the final resting place for castoffs and clutter from the house. It can be an inviting, multi-purpose space that rivals the most luxurious elements inside the home. From the Outside In The increase in two-, three-, and even four-car garages is changing the way people look at their homes, especially the view from the street. Large
garages often take up a significant amount of facade space. Bland, unimpressive doors detract from the overall aesthetic of a home. Today’s design trends incorporate the look of the garage doors with the overall design of the home. Ordering custom doors is an option, but many manufacturers already offer an array of choices to complement different home styles. Classic carriage style doors made from hand-crafted wood in a variety of colors complement Colonial, Victorian, or Cape Cod style homes, while innovative steel, glass or aluminum doors are perfect for contemporary houses or homes with modern flair.
For more great garage advice, please see our “Ask the Expert” column on page 12.
| your garage From the Ground Up A chic garage update has to begin with the flooring. There are a few popular methods to rejuvenate a bleak, concrete floor. A quick and easy approach is applying a new coating such as paint, stain, polyurethane, or epoxy. To give it some character, apply stripes, squares or another design to the floor. Roll-out PVC flooring is another quick and simple option, but doesn’t provide much room for creativity. Perhaps the costliest but most attractive choice is flooring tile made specifically for garages that can be easily cleaned and maintained. A popular choice is snap-together plastic tiles that assemble easily into pleasing patterns. Color and Lighting Say good-bye to boring white walls and fluorescent lighting. It can be just as fun to pick a fresh, funky color for the garage as for the kitchen or bathroom. Be as bold or neutral as you’d like, but shorter ceilings common in garages are best left white to help the space feel larger. Experts recommend an eggshell or semigloss finish because they are more durable, easy to clean, and useful in a high-traffic area like a garage. If your garage is like most, a single lonely
A few fun options to give your garage some character:
“Every garage serves a different purpose. Decide what yours is first and go from there.”
light bulb or fluorescent overhead fixture is probably the primary source of lighting. A sleek alternative is track lighting that comes in a variety of styles and patterns from straight tracks to winding wire tracks. The most elegant update, however, is recessed lighting. The hardware is fairly inexpensive, but calling a trained professional to assist with installation can be helpful. Recessed lighting gives a clean, streamlined look to a room, highlighting the spaces you want to stand out and camouflaging areas unfriendly to the eyes.
Form and Function Every garage serves a different purpose. Decide what yours is first and go from there. Many homes already come equipped with air conditioning and/or heating in the garage, but if yours doesn’t come with these amenities, consider adding them. Regardless of its purpose, there are great new ways to organize and store items in a garage while maintaining a sophisticated look. Classic materials such as wood and diamond-plate aluminum are great choices for dad’s tools and workbench or for storing lawn and yard equipment, but more stylish storage options include sleek stainless
steel, wicker, resin, and durable plastic storage containers in a variety of colors and sizes. Ceiling racks are also a great way to remove unsightly items like tents or lumber from the floor. Stylish room dividers or floor screens can also hide lawn mowers or other outdoor equipment. A final way to update the overall look of the garage is to replace any outdated appliances such as the refrigerator, deep freeze, or washer and dryer with new, more energyefficient ones. Make the Space Your Own The garage doesn’t have to simply be a drive-in closet or a storage room. The garage can be an extension of your home, a place to spend time with friends and family. Countless options exist to make the space personal and one-of-a-kind. Once an inviting and friendly place to be, the garage can become a welcome retreat instead of your home’s dreaded domain.
1. The Neighborhood Hot Spot If you have unused space in your garage, turn it into a space for entertaining by adding a few tables and chairs or a bar for guests (a card table and flat-screen television will surely attract the neighbors). It’s easy to pull out the grill and fire it up in the driveway while enjoying a nice get-together indoors.
2. The Kid-friendly Hangout If you’re sharing a garage with young children, it’s important to remember to store dangerous chemicals, tools, or cleaning supplies out of their reach. Placing funky, colorful storage bins to divide soccer balls, water toys, or sandbox equipment will help kids find what they need—and make it easier to put them away (hopefully). If there’s room, add a kid-friendly rug and a couple of bean bags to the garage and paint a wall or two with chalkboard paint.
3. A Pet Paradise If your garage becomes an animal haven while you’re away at work, make it a comfortable space for your pets. Stock the room with dog beds, cat posts and chew toys and, if possible, build a doggie door that allows easy access to the backyard. 66
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on the LEVEL
Answers, Reviews, and Advice with YA’s Home Building & Remodeling Expert, Kirk Minter
Austin real estate expert Kirk Minter has more than 30 years experience as a high-end custom home builder and remodeler. He has garnered numerous awards for his work, including 2004’s Best Southwest Remodeler of the Year. Being one of the top in his field Kirk received the designation of “Certified Graduate Builder” and “Master Builder” through the National Association of Home Builders. These designations require years of knowledge, dedication to the industry and a commitment to excellence. Kirk has been very involved in the improvement of the industry through his involvement on a local, state and national level. With a seat on the Board of Directors for the Home Builders Association of Greater Dallas, he was able to serve on many committees that helped to change and continually improve the business for both the builder and remodeler as well as protect the homeowner and improve the quality of service they receive. His continued commitment to quality and service is why Your Address has chosen Kirk Minter as our home building and remodeling expert. Every month, Kirk’s “On The Level” column will showcase information centered on the home building and remodeling industry. He will spotlight new products, provide sound advice
and information, as well as throw in a few surprises here and there! In October, Kirk and his team will be headed to Las Vegas to attend the National Remodeling Show where he and some 10,000 other remodeling experts will be getting a look at the latest and greatest in remodeling and home improvement. Are you looking for something you would like us to check out? Then let us know and we will be happy to search it out and report back to you. In the future whenever Kirk and the Your Address team learn about new advances in the home building and remodeling industry, you’ll find them here. If you’re looking for direction on a project then just Ask Kirk, the Your Address expert. Go to www.youraddressmagazine.com and submit your question. Kirk will research it for you and let you know what is best for your situation. “On the Level” will feature What’s That?, a highlight on a mystery household item, in every issue. It may be a tool, building material or a rare household item. Draw on your home and tool IQ, go to www.youraddressmagazine.com and give us your best guess as to its identity and intended purpose. Stay tuned!
If you’re looking for direction on a project, system, or building materials, just ask Kirk.
Kirk’s Take: Bamboo Flooring Bamboo flooring has gained significant popularity in the last few years. Its eco-friendly, green-building nature makes it more easily regrown than hardwoods, which can take nearly 10 times as long to grow as bamboo’s five to six year maturity rate. Most bamboo floors start in Asia and are prized for their resistance to moisture, durability, and attractive price tags. Consumers have also been pulled in by bamboo’s unique appearance. The two most widely-recognized shades are carbonized (reminiscent of oak) and neutral (closer to beech). The carbonization process isn’t a stain; rather the bamboo plant is actually steamed in a gigantic pot until the sugars in the plant become caramelized. This results in a rich brown hue. Both shades are referred to as “solid” bamboo, though they actually bear closer resemblance to plywood. Also growing in popularity are “strand-woven bamboo,” known for its strength and stability; and Fused Fiber Floor (F3) or Gemplex Bamboo, which designers employ for its varied visual effects. Gemplex comes in two types: vertical and horizontal-grain orientation, both of which offer distinctly different appearances. The horizontal grain displays joints that are easily seen, whereas the vertical grain makes the individual joints difficult to pick out. This effect results in more uniform coloration and an even grain. 68
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Ask Kirk
Q.
I am a first time home owner, and I’m looking to do some remodeling on my home and I’m not sure where to begin. Can you help?
A.
The first step is to develop an idea of what you would like to do. Then write a prioritized list of your needs and wants. Look at magazines and Web sites and collect pictures of what you like. This is a very important money saving step. The more clearly you can convey your vision of your project on paper, the better prepared you’ll be in making your decision, and the better your contractor will be able to help realize your dream. Think about traffic patterns, furniture size and placement, colors, lighting and how you expect to use the remodeled space. If your decision to remodel involves creating better access for someone with limited mobility, you may want to consider contacting a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist. This is someone who has completed the education requirements of the National Association of Builders and met other criteria to specialize in such an area of construction. Figure out how much money you have to spend on the remodeling job, furnishings, landscaping or any other cost you might incur. Now you’re ready to start interviewing contractors. Ask for at least ten references on work they have done. Get both work they are doing now and work that was completed 3-5 years ago. Then ask for 3-5 of their suppliers to see if they pay on time. Check all of them! Have a question for Kirk? Submit it online at www.youraddressmagazine.com.
Pictured in “Kirk’s Take: Bamboo Flooring,” (above left), Collage of All 4 Colors, courtesy of Teragren Fine Bamboo Flooring, Panel & Veneer. 800-929-6333 or www.teragren.com.
LEED for Homes: Clean Across the Country By Brandon Hausenfluck
MidCity Homes, Inc. Austin, Tex as Ch a i r , US G B C C e n t r a l T e x a s Ch a p t e r R e s i d e n t i a l G r e e n B u i l d i n g A d v o c a t e C o mm i t t e e
The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) will roll out their highly-anticipated Leaders in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Homes program this fall at the USGBC sponsored Green Build conference in Chicago. Since 2005, USGBC chapters throughout the United States, including the Central Texas – Balcones chapter, used a pilot program to create a system to certify homes as LEED-H. The certification process has been honed over the last several years and the leadership at the national level decided to make it official. And they have some lofty aspirations! By 2010, the USGBC hopes to have 1 million homes certified LEED-H. But dispelling rumors about the cost and complexity of the program will be one of the greatest challenges LEED-H will have to overcome. The USGBC says the net cost of owning a LEED home is comparable to that of owning a conventional home. Additional up-front costs are incurred during construction, but those costs are typically rolled into the budget of the home and are offset in the monthly payments of the home due to the savings in energy resources. Part of the cost of certifying a LEED home goes to a third party “rater” who performs a myriad of testing and analyses of the project from conception until completion. A voluntary program, LEED for Homes is a third-party supported rating system that promotes the design and construction of high performance “green” homes. A LEED home uses less energy, water, and other natural resources. According to USGBC, a LEED Home also creates less waste and is healthier and more comfortable for the occupants. Benefits of a LEED home include lower energy and water bills, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and less exposure to mold, mildew and other indoor toxins. And above and beyond many other green programs, LEED for Homes recognizes and rewards homes that have minimal impact on the land the home will be built on. The LEED Rating System is the nationally recognized standard for green building. LEED certification recognizes and rewards builders for meeting the highest performance standards, and gives homeowners confidence that their home is durable, healthy, and environmentally friendly. USGBC began the pilot test of LEED for Homes in August 2005. As of May 2007, roughly 375 builders representing 6,000 homes across the U.S. are participating in the pilot program, and over 200 homes have been LEED certified. The pilot test will conclude in Fall 2007, and USGBC will launch the LEED for Homes rating system at that time.
What’s That?
Think you know? Go to www.youraddressmagazine.com to find out the purpose and history of our mystery item.
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| your marketplace
your Toolkit Building/ Remodeling
Ramsey Woodworks
512-918-0100 www.aaastoneworks.com find us on page 53
Design
Blue Diamond Construction 303-534-1312 www.bluediamondcon.com find us on page 27
Cell-U-Insul, Inc. 830-625-5378 www.biobased.net find us on page 25
877-TEX-SOAP www.doradosoapstone.com find us on page 48
Galleria Concrete Designs 512-809-6125 galleriadesigns@gmail.com find us on page 53
512-773-0443 find us on page 27
Republic Paint 512-329-8891 find us on page 25
Shorelines Interiors
512-589-8847 www.shorelinesinteriors.com find us on page 32
Mid City Homes
512-373-4600 www.midcityhomes.com find us on page 5
MG Floors
512-238-6190 www.mgfloors.com find us on page 47
Solar Screens by Josh Hobbs 405-235-3393 www.swtile.com find us on page 18
Southwest Marble & Granite Works 512-918-9111 www.southwestmarble.com find us on page 23
Premier Garage
512-259-9911 www.premiergarage.com find us on page 27
Siena Design & Garden 512-266-8333 find us on page 69
The Upholstery Shop 512-443-8133 find us on page 70
Entertaining Johnny Finns
512-266-2811 www.johnnyfinns.com find us on page 63
The Flower Studio by Coby Neal 512-236-0916 www.flowerstudioaustin.com find us on page 9
Tiff’s Treats 866-685-5300 www.granitetransformations.com find us on page 47
512-459-4772 www.lifespasoftexas.com find us on page 49
512-473-2600 www.tiffstreats.com find us on page 59
Exterior Agave Landscape & Nursery 512-301-7007 www.agavecustomdesigns.com find us on back inside cover
Capital Roofing Company 512-385-3857 www.capitalroofingcompany.com find us on page 31
Four Seasons Sunrooms 888-809-0867 www.fourseasonssunrooms.com find us on page 42
Glen Rose Pools
Shoal Creek Nursery 512-458-5909 www.shoalcreeknursery.com find u son page 59
Tejas Outdoor Living 512-535-0549 www.buildyourbackyard.com find us on front inside cover
Family Austin Parks and Pizza 512-670-9600 www.austinspark.com find us on page 61
Austin Boat Show 512-494-1128 www.austinboatshow.com find us on page 18
Boys and Girls Club 800-854-CLUB www.bgca.org find us on page 12
Heartsong Music
512-371-9506 www.heartsongmusictogether.com find us on page 61
Leaps ‘N’ Bounds
800-477-2189 www.leapsandbounds.com find us on page 70
512-626-8111 www.glenrosepool.com find us on page 29
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your Toolkit Lone Star River Boat 512-327-1388 www.lonestarriverboat.com find us on page 29
St. Gabriel’s Catholic School 512-327-7755 www.sgs_austin.org find us on page 59
Pacific Century Homes 800-667-3511 www.pacificcenturyhomes.com find us on page 1
Renner Realty 512-423-5626 www.buyaustin.com find us on page 51
Home Retail Furnishings Direct Buy
Alyson Jon
512-330-9766 www.alysonjon.com find us on page 7
Ethnic Loft
512-458-4000 www.ethnicloft.net find us on page 21
Four Hands Home 512-225-0333 www.fourhandshome.com find us on page 3
Lotus Gallery
512-474-1700 www.lotusasianart.com find us on page 20
Mi Casa Gallery
512-707-9797 www.micasagallery.com find us on page 53
Motif Modern Living 512-268-2211 www.motifmod.com find us on page 20
Texas Mesquite Company 512-355-3710 www.texmes.com find us on page 20
512-835-7800 www.directbuy.com See Insert
Equipment Depot 512-252-2300 www.eqdepot.com find us on page 67
Lights Fantastic
512-452-9511 www.lightsfantastic.com find us on page 11
Whit Hanks Antiques 512-478-2101 www.whithanksantiques.com find us on page 29
Zinger Hardware
512-533-9001 www.zingerhardware.com find us on page 61
Resources Austin Home Builders Association
512-637-8484 www.kirkminter.com find us on page 65
72
YOUR ADDRESS
800-807-0081 www.allmysons.com find us on page 50
Austin Energy
512-494-9400 www.austinenergy.com find us on the back cover
Austin Habitat for Humanity 512-472-1898 www.austinhabitat.org find us on page 63
Best Western Atrium North 512-339-7311 www.bestwestern.com find us on page 63
Farmers Insurance 208-239-8400 www.farmers.com find us on page 70
K&M Steam Cleaning 512-836-8900 www.kandmsteamcleaning.com find us on page 31
The Maids Home Services 512-419-0021 www.themaidsservingaustin.com find us on page 70
The Roemer Agency 512-970-9575 www.theroemeragency.com find us on page 55
Wellness
512-454-5588 www.austinhomebuilders.com find us on page 54
Austin NARI
512-708-0637 www.austinnari.org find us on page 2, 23
Real Estate Services The Minter Group
All My Sons Moving
A+ Apartment Locating 512-231-1400 www.aplusapartments.com find us on page 70
800-432-6348 www.24hourfitness.com find us on page 56
Massage Envy
512-346-3689 www.massageenvy.com find us on page 35