LOS ANGELESLIVING VOL XXXIV • NO. 4 • ODD AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
LOSANGELESLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
Contents 12 - 16 HOME FASHION
Taking Elegance One Step Further With Automated Window Coverings Enhance Your Home With LED Lighting Conceal Your Speakers Reveal Your Style Getting Organized Step Into The Future–Today
18 - 21
HOME REMODELING
Create The Life You’ve Always Wanted The Advantages Of Remodeling In Today’s Market! Protect Your Flooring, Furnishings And Artwork From The Sun Without Changing The View Out
22
KITCHEN & BATH
From Design To Completion: Create The Kitchen And Bath Of Your Dreams
23
KID SAFETY
A Pool Fence That Doesn’t Require Any Deck Holes
24
GO SOLAR
Solar–Good For The Environment And Your Pocketbook
25 - 28
EXTERIORS & LANDSCAPING
Fences, Decks & Turf – Functional Beauty For Your Home Take Back Your Backyard With Motorized Exterior Awnings Go Vinyl With Your Fencing And Patio Cover And Leave The Wood Behind
30
CHARITY
Hollywood Coming Together For At Risk Youth
32 - 33
HEALTH, BEAUTY & FITNESS
Reshape Your Body In 20 Minutes!
ON THE COVER When it comes to creating a home that you love, the key to success is finding innovative architectural solutions that are characterized by precise detail and direct response to your unique goals. Ferrugio Design + Associates strives to create original conceptual spaces that revolve around technology and functionality. Proceeds from Ferrugio Design services support Design by Donation, a charity that aims to renew hope through aesthetic collaboration. For more information, you can call Ferrugio Design + Associates at 310-4245464. You can also see their ad on the inside front cover and article on page 30.
LOSANGELESLIVING PUBLISHER WALLY HICKS III
PUBLISHER’S REPRESENTATIVES MARKET LINK
Advertising MAiling Address Affluent Target Marketing, Inc. P.O. Box 18507 Anaheim Hills, California 92817-8507 (714) 446-6280 FAX (714) 446-6294 (888) 612-7400
www.losangeleslivingmagazine.com
For comments to the publisher: wally@keyaccess.com The opinions expressed in the editorials are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Los Angeles Living. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, we cannot supervise the way in which information found in Los Angeles Living is used. Los Angeles Living is produced bi-monthly by Affluent Target Marketing, Inc., P.O. Box 18507, An a heim Hills, California 92817-8507. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. All submitted materials, including images, logos, and text, for advertising and editorial are assumed to be the property of the provider, and Affluent Living Publications can take no responsibility for unintentional copyright infringement. Affluent Target Marketing, Inc. has the right to refuse advertising. CIRCULATION VERIFIED BY U.S. POSTAL RECEIPTS.
10
LOS ANGELES LIVING • AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
ONLINE AT LOSANGELESLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
ONLINE AT LOSANGELESLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013 • LOS ANGELES LIVING
11
homefashion
Taking Elegance One Step Further with
Automated Window Coverings And the Newest Technology utomated shades allow function to meet form by offering homeowners full enjoyment of that million-dollar view and creating beautiful atmosphere by controlling the light that surrounds you. With timers, iDevice applications and other types of innovative home automation technology, you can allow the sun to wake you naturally, protect your view from the sun’s harsh glare and know that your privacy is protected at night. Astronomical time clocks can automatically raise your window coverings 30 minutes before sunrise, lower them 30 minutes after sunset, and even adjust to protect furnishings throughout the day. Experienced automation specialists offer complete project management for automating all types of window coverings. They combine expert product and design knowledge about window treatments such as solar sunscreen shades; Roman shades; draperies and natural shades to provide homeowners with a smooth and beautiful transition into using the latest in automation technology. Automation isn’t just for roller shades anymore. Lutron® shading solutions offers homeowners cutting-edge control with the Sivoia QS™ line of controllable shading products. The silent QS motor accommodates sunscreens, blackout roller shades, custom fabric Roman shades, natural grass shades, wood blinds and track systems for draperies and sheers. Drapery tracks are custom-built to fit your window and available in both straight and curved configurations up to 90 degrees. Drapery systems can also be dual mounted over windows and sliding glass doors for two layers of fabric. For homeowners looking for the most dramatic window presentation, motorized plantation
A
12
LOS ANGELES LIVING • AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
shutters add upscale elegance and value to your home. Easy programming and operation using electronic keypads with backlit buttons and custom engraving provide homeowners with immediate control of natural light with a touch of a button. Remote control capability is also available for complete control at your fingertips anywhere in the home. Automation specialists will customize all keypads and remote transmitters to suit your needs and specifications by programming individual and group controls for all window coverings. Automated shades are even capable of integrating with your current home automation system and iPad and/or iPhone. The green choice for the modern-day homeowner, solar powered roller shades are a fashionable and functional solution. With their fully self-sufficient off the grid application, solar powered roller shades take an average window into an energy efficient treatment with no external control. The system harnesses the power of the sun to deliver a green window solution that is forever powered by the planet’s most natural light source, all with a touch of a button! Licensed and insured craftsmen provide the finest quality, factory-trained installation working together with the audio/video technician and lighting designer to ensure seamless integration and control of window treatments with lighting and other electronics. For more information and an in-home consultation from automation experts, you can call Window Collections at 310-477-1522, or visit their showroom and design center located at 11704 Wilshire Blvd., Suite D-212 in Los Angeles. You can also visit them online at www.windowcollections.com. ONLINE AT LOSANGELESLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
homefashion
Enhance Your Home
...........
...........
W
ONLINE AT LOSANGELESLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
...
hile décor, color, and furniture are all crucial elements when it comes to accenting your living ... environment, the ambiance of a home is defined by lighting. Decorating is not complete without stylish lighting to ............. illuminate the areas that you have thoughtfully created. Technology continues to evolve, and more and more homeowners are discovering significant savings—on average, hundreds of dollars per bulb—over that the greatest trends in lighting can be incorporated into their very their extra-long lifespan. own homes. One such trend is sweeping the nation and revolutionizing LEDs use less wattage to generate light more efficiently. That’s interior lighting at an incredibly fast pace—LED lighting. good for your budget and for the environment. And, because LEDs are Why are Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) now set to become a standard source non-toxic and made from recyclable plastic or aluminum, they are of illumination for the 21st century? LED lighting offers homeowners amazing safer for the environment than incandescent or fluorescent lighting. benefits that conventional lighting does not. And finally, the greatest asset of LED lighting is its design flexibility. LEDs consume far less energy than standard light bulbs, which leads to Innovative designers are using LED lighting to create unique and beautiful greatly reduced energy costs. You can reduce your electric bills while structures for the home. Lighting comes in a rainbow of colors, shapes, simultaneously enhancing your living environment. A typical filament in and novel applications. From candelabra-shaped bulbs to elegant a light bulb can be easily broken. An LED is encased in a high-strength chandelier pieces, the versatility offered by LED technology will please optical grade resin, without any fragile glass or filament. Low-heat and even the most discerning homeowner. low-voltage also makes LED lighting an overall safer source of light. For more information on LED lighting and more, you can call Electric lighting comprises nearly 25% of most household energy budLighting Zone, Inc., located at 17354 Hawthorne Blvd. in Torrance, at gets, making an investment in LED lighting an important consideration for 310-921-9495, e-mail lightingzoneinc@aol.com, or visit them online homeowners. More expensive than incandescent or CFL bulbs, LEDs provide at www.DreamOnLighting.com.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013 • LOS ANGELES LIVING
13
homefashion
Conceal Your Speakers
REVEAL YOUR STYLE
Y
ou want the incredible sound of a full home audio system, yet you just can’t live with those large and unsightly speakers. This is a common battle that homeowners often face when upgrading their sound system. Bulky equipment is never a good addition to a carefully planned home décor, and there has never been a way around this unfortunate situation—until now. Now, you can have the best of both worlds. Wall Art Sound is a truly concealed flat panel art speaker system that allows you to enjoy spacious sound while beautifully showcasing your favorite art. The perfect décor solution to an audio problem, you will be free to decorate around your creativity—not around your speakers. The flat panel speaker is genuinely unique from all other forms of electrical audio sound reproduction, utilizing the prin-
14
ciple of distributed mode vibrations in an engineered lightweight rigid body. No grates or grills for covers, Wall Art Sound blends invisibly into your space. Fill an entire room with warm, smooth, full-bodied harmony in an aesthetically pleasing way. You can even provide your own picture to display. Dedicated Sound Audio (DSA) provides you with the perfect intersection between sound and art. DSA experts are happy to help set-up any installations and consultations, offer design advice or answer any of your questions. You can call them at 949-273-8320, or visit their website at www.dsausa.com to see a step-by-step process for custom frame design and more.
LOS ANGELES LIVING • AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
ONLINE AT LOSANGELESLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
homefashion
Getting Organized
By Kathryn LaBarbera
s space in the family home continues to be a problem, more people are searching for alternatives. The solution is to get organized. Take an inventory of everything you want to store in the space. Determine what you want to keep and get rid of the rest. Once you know what you are going to keep in the space, determine where everything will go. Group similar things together (all shoes or all shirts), and sketch the space to draw a plan. Use all of the available space. Since storage space is hard to come by, it is important to store things neatly and efficiently. Smaller shelves, cubbies, or baskets can make good use of the space where clothes are not hanging in the closet. The last decision you need to make is how you want your organized space to look. Whether you decorate with an art deco flair or are more traditional, it is important to create a space in the look that reflects your style. The hard thing is getting started. Look at your calendar and make a date. If you are having a difficult
ONLINE AT LOSANGELESLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
time or just don’t know where to start, call an expert. There are professional organizers and custom closet companies that help people every day. The key is to take the first step. For more information or to schedule a free design consultation, you can call Closet Factory at 800-692-5673 (please mention code 62). Or, you can visit them online at www.closetfactory.com
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013 • LOS ANGELES LIVING
15
homefashion
n 1957 the Disneyland attraction, Monsanto House of the Future, displayed conveniences such as picture phones and television remote controls. It also introduced many people to their first microwave oven. What Walt Disney envisioned in his automated home of the future has become today's affordable reality. We now have the ability to control our lighting, temperature and even music with the touch of a finger—from a handheld central control. Not only that, we can even monitor the security of our home, and the occupants within, through cameras which can be assessed through your computer and handheld devices. Traditional television has been replaced by 3D interactive monitors, which allow you to access the Internet, as well as converse with family members across the country and world, from the comfort of your own living room. Home theaters can be custom designed to fit your needs. From speakers and screens to luxurious seating that far surpasses the comfort of those in your local theater, the choices are completely up to you. Movie settings can automatically dim the lights in your great room, lower the shades, raise the screen and more, creating the perfect movie-watching atmosphere to entertain in style. Never has it been easier to integrate your family's safety, efficiency and convenience. Through custom designed alarm systems, home theaters, surround sound, automated lighting and security cameras you can step into the future—today. For more information, you can call Safe & Sound Technology for your free quote at 310-951-1234. You can also visit their website at www.SafeAndSoundTechnology-LA.com
16
LOS ANGELES LIVING • AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
ONLINE AT LOSANGELESLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
ONLINE AT LOSANGELESLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013 • LOS ANGELES LIVING
17
CREATE THE LIFE YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED hen you dream of your ideal home, what comes to mind? Most homeowners know exactly what they wish their home looked like, but are simply too hesitant to act on their desires. There can be many reasons why you settle with what you have instead of taking steps to make a change. You might be worried about the headaches and horror stories that you have heard other people talk about. Perhaps you simply don’t know where to start, or feel uninspired when it comes to design and direction. All of these are common feelings, however the good news is: you don’t have to let these fears define your situation. There is a solution that will provide you with nothing more than a comfortable and enjoyable home rejuvenation experience. Whether you want to build something brand new, give your home a remodel, or perhaps just need some interior design assistance, there is no better route to take than choosing one company that can plan, manage and execute your entire project. When professionals view your project as a complete collaboration, the process becomes more than just a job. Instead, it’s an opportunity to develop a long-term relationship with
18
you, the client. This results in a process that is not just focused and streamlined, but also detailed, meticulous and very effective. You don’t have to worry about inconvenient surprises, miscommunications between different companies, or any of those terrifying remodeling issues that you have heard about.
Instead, you can focus on what is really important—the home that you have always envisioned unfolding into your reality. Kitchens and bathrooms are two very wise areas of the home to update, offering not only an upgraded lifestyle for you and your family, but also a fantastic return on investment later on down the road. A successful kitchen has a convenient layout, sufficient storage space and practical appliances. Additionally, a bathroom can quickly become one of your favorite most relaxing areas of the home with stylish
LOS ANGELES LIVING • AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
elements such as tile, marble, granite, vanities, showers, tubs and even Jacuzzi ® hot tubs. Experienced project managers will offer any advice and information you may need to help you make decisions about your kitchen or bathroom transformation. So sit back, and let your professional project managers guide you through the decision process. They can harmonize all of the different trades involved, such the organization of carpenters, electricians, plumbers, painters and more, so that you experience the absolute minimum inconvenience. Never hesitate to ask questions because this is your project, and the focus is always on your satisfaction. Eco Friendly Construction is your ultimate local solution for home remodeling, room additions, interior design and much more. For over 30 years, they have guaranteed superior craftsmanship, detailed finishes and most importantly, their clients’ contentment in knowing that choosing Eco Friendly Construction was the best decision for their remodeling or construction needs. They can help with just about any of your home needs, both indoors and out. You can see their extensive list of available services at www.myecofriendly.com, or you can call them for a free estimate at 855-705-5345. LIC. #366984. ONLINE AT LOSANGELESLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
homeremodeling THE ADVANTAGES OF
REMODELING IN TODAY’S MARKET!
i
f you’ve had thoughts about remodeling an area of your home, now could be the best time. You may think you can’t afford a remodel now, but actually, a slump in the economy may work in your favor when it comes to remodeling. Here’s why: Prices for construction and materials have come down, and you can be in a better position to get a remodeling project for a better price. If you invest in remodeling your home now, the reduction in prices will give you a better return when the market turns around. You can live in style now and save money in the long run. An addition, bathroom, or kitchen remodel can transform an ordinary area in your home into a luxurious place. Close your eyes and imagine coming home after a stressful day to the comfort and luxury of a wonderful space where you can relax and pamper yourself. A remodeled bathroom can be a place to soothe and rejuvenate your body and mind. You can unwind when you immerse yourself in a multi-jet Jacuzzi® tub or start your day with an invigorating shower massage. Perhaps a remodeled kitchen can be your place to express your cooking creativity in dramatic style with state-of-the-art appliances and maximum space functionality. If you need more room in your home, imagine adding extra space to accommodate your family’s needs. Additional space in a living environment can reduce stress and improve your family’s quality of life. Transform your home at a time when you can get the most for your money. You’ll want to choose a contractor who can work within your budget yet will provide high-quality craftsmanship and design expertise. If you have a remodeling project in mind or just need ideas, you can call KRB Construction at 310-766-5555 for an appointment. With over 25 years of experience
20
LOS ANGELES LIVING • AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
in residential and commercial remodeling, KRB’s team of professionals will ensure that your remodel stays on time and on budget while performing a quality remodel at a reduced price. Act now to enjoy years of pleasure and value in your home.
ONLINE AT LOSANGELESLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
homeremodeling
Protect Your Flooring, Furnishings and Artwork from the Sun WITHOUT CHANGING THE VIEW OUT
T
he sun’s UV light can ruin your home’s interior in no time, causing fading of your fine furnishings, flooring and artwork. Now there is a way to enjoy the sun while not only maintaining, but actually improving your view outside. Prestige window film by 3M is a superior way to protect your finest assets without changing the look of the glass. Innovative Prestige window film provides you with a crystal clear solution to fading by blocking out 99.9% of the damaging UV rays. The benefits don’t end with fade protection. Prestige film also blocks 97% of the sun’s infrared heat, significantly cooling your home and reducing the demand on air-conditioning. This can reduce cooling costs up to 20% by maximizing energy efficiency. This is no ordinary window film. Prestige outperforms other types of window film including ceramic, metalized and dyed films. Prestige is virtually invisible on the glass, keeping the room light and airy and it has no added reflectivity, so you never have that dark mirror appearance associated with standard window tinting films.
ONLINE AT LOSANGELESLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
Some of the best aspects of Prestige: • Works as soon as it is installed • Requires no maintenance and no upkeep • Pays for itself in preservation of your interior and in energy savings • Guaranteed to last a lifetime Campbell Window Film is the authorized 3M installing dealership for Los Angeles, Riverside and Orange Counties. They offer free estimates and consultations along with lifetime warranties. They can provide you with samples of the Prestige window film and explain the installation process, which is clean and quiet, and can be completed usually within one day. Campbell Window Film can assist you with finding your perfect window solution. For more information, you can call them at 800-580-9997 or visit www.campbellfilm.com
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013 • LOS ANGELES LIVING
21
kitchen&bath
My Daddy fixes bumpers and dents! SAVE $$$ WHY GO TO A BODY SHOP ? A Mercedes client was quoted $2,200 to replace his bumper. Executive Paintworks repaired BEFORE
AFTER
it for only $400!!!
Since 1988
Call now for a free quote Executive Paintworks 888-472-4333
22
LOS ANGELES LIVING • AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
From Design to Completion Create the Kitchen and Bath of Your Dreams
T
he design of your living spaces is fundamental to creating a fresh and exciting feel in your home. If your kitchen and bathroom are lacking the style and personality you desire, then it’s time to discover a unique and avantgarde solution that challenges traditional design conceptions. Indulge in the latest styles and features from both European and local manufacturers. By visiting just one showroom, you can have the exclusive opportunity to experience numerous designs and layouts of cabinets, countertops, flooring, lighting and many accessories. Italian designers bring the art of sensuality back into your kitchen while making the space more functional and efficient. If your taste is not towards the contemporary, there are traditional offerings available as well. A full design team will listen and work with you in order to achieve the look and feel that you are seeking. From initial design to completion, professionals will make the process easy with careful planning, scheduling, installation and assistance. Designer Kitchens is an ideal choice for all of your kitchen and bathroom remodeling needs. Offering Italian cabinets from Astra Cucine, UltraCraft euro-style cabinetry that come with an incredible 100-year warranty, Kraftmaid® cabinetry, Caesarstone® quartz countertops, and much more, they have been serving Los Angeles County for over 10 years. Designer Kitchens is fully certified, licensed, bonded and insured General Contractors. For more information and a free consultation, you can call them at 310-474-5120. You can also visit their website at www.designerkitchensla.com or see their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/designerkitchensla ONLINE AT LOSANGELESLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
A Pool Fence
THAT DOESN’T REQUIRE ANY DECK HOLES id you know that in the state of California, drowning is a leading cause of injury-related deaths among children under the age of five years old? If that fact isn’t scary enough, about 65% of these drowning and near-drowning incidents occur in the family’s very own backyard. If your home has a pool or spa, you want to make sure that your family is completely protected from any accidents. When the time comes to purchase a safety product for your pool, it’s crucial that your selection is not only incredibly safe,
ONLINE AT LOSANGELESLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
but also functional, attractive and non-invasive. There is a brand new product on the market that is paving a new path for pool safety products. The innovative no holes pool fence is unlike anything else because it requires absolutely no installation into a deck or surface, and you don’t need to drill any holes on your property. Here’s how it works. The fence sits in a base that has been specifically designed by professional engineers. Each base is three-feet wide and when filled with water, weighs 65 lbs. A standard pool fence is 12-feet long, which would require four bases that are connected to each other. Therefore, the four connected bases weigh a total of 260 lbs. You can enclose an entire swimming pool and a child cannot get into the area, not to mention you won’t have to put any holes on your property. If your pool area requires more than just four bases, you can add on as many as you need.
Guardian Pool Fence Systems has been working on this unique pool safety concept since 1997. After years of planning, the no holes pool fence is now available for purchase. For more information about this fascinating new product, you can call Guardian Pool Fence Systems at 800-366-7233 or visit www.guardianpoolfence.com.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013 • LOS ANGELES LIVING
23
gosolar
Solar — Good for
the Environment And Your
Pocketbook
oing solar means largely reducing or completely eliminating your power expense, all while personally contributing to making your home, your community and the nation itself more green, sustainable, and self-sufficient. Imagine opening that familiar utility bill next month and seeing it nearly zeroed out. But not only for your next month; for your next year, for your next decade, and for the next 25 years—the amount of time modern solar panels are guaranteed and warrantied to capture clean energy from the sun to light up your home and provide you and your family
24
with all the electricity you need. Solar has come a long way over the last few decades. Today, the United States is committed to catching up to and surpassing the other countries of the world that have already enthusiastically and successfully established solar power as the most viable, green and reliable source of energy available and making solar installations more affordable than ever before. Thanks to a generous 30% tax credit and as much as a 35% cash rebate from your local utility company, the net cost of the system is often only a fraction of the overall cost. Most systems will pay for themselves in
LOS ANGELES LIVING • AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
two-to-four years worth of utility bill savings, and from there it is simply 20-plus years of money you no longer have to spend each month. For most, that is between $100,000–300,000 in your bank instead of a utility company's coffers. Moore Solar & Green Construction is committed to helping you actualize this opportunity with confidence and competence. In an industry where online quickie quotes, cookie-cutter systems and impersonal service abound, they specialize in one-on-one consultations, free on-site inspections and designing a system tailored very specifically to your home. With decades of hands-on experience and time-tested know-how, they will make it easy, affordable and enjoyable for you to go green and start saving money right now. For more information, you can visit them online at www.mooresolar.com or call 323-221-1260 to schedule a free site inspection!
ONLINE AT LOSANGELESLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
Fences, Decks & Turf – Functional Beauty For Your Home
o you find yourself pondering over the fact that your exterior décor is lacking in expression and style? Have you been craving a stronger sense of protection for your home? No matter what your reason may be, there is no better way to give your home an upgrade that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing than with a gorgeous new fence or deck. Fences can do so much for your environment—they enhance your property value, beautify acreage, define boundaries, create barriers, accent landscaping, and offer you and your family some privacy and increased security. Here are just some of the options you can choose from when selecting the perfect fence: Redwood. When it comes to redwood, always start with the best quality you can buy. Different wood fence styles include board on board (with or without lattice), custom designs, solid board fencing, and dog-ear fencing. Vinyl. This choice of fence is economical, adds value, is easy to maintain, and offers incredible design appeal. Vinyl can be customized in almost any way imaginable. EcoStone. Create a fence that looks like real stone, yet can withstand forceful impacts, resist graffiti and is super easy to maintain. EcoStone is also an excellent sound barrier. Aluminum. Available in a number of different styles and color options, and constructed without the use of screws, aluminum fences are designed to impress and built to last. Ornamental Iron. Wrought iron is ideal when you are concerned about security but want to preserve your view. Many fence and gate options are available.
D
ONLINE AT LOSANGELESLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
A well-designed deck can add living and entertaining space to an existing home, making a backyard seem more like an exclusive resort. A smart return on investment, decks can be basic or customized into free-flowing shapes. Some different types include: Redwood. Offered in a variety of appearances that allow you to create an ideal deck that meets both your taste and budget, rich and classic redwood is often chosen for its timeless natural beauty and outstanding performance. Composite. Made of a mixture of plastic and wood fibers, this type of decking was originally designed to provide homeowners with a low-maintenance option. PVC. Setting a new standard in the decking industry, PVC decking boards are extremely scratch-resistant and it will not absorb juices, wine or certain greases. This is a great option if you have patio furniture or animals. Railing. Accent your deck with railing, available in redwood, aluminum, composite, cable, glass panels, iron and vinyl. Each option is unique and can be paired with your deck choice. If you are ready for a picture perfect lawn without the time commitment, artificial turf is a perfect solution. It has a very similar look and feel to natural grass, but it does not require mowing, watering, weeding and feeding. Borg Fence, Decks & Turf has over 27 years of experience specializing in fences, decks, gazebos, gates, artificial turf, trellises, arbors and retaining walls. A green company that uses renewable resources, and as a standard practice removes and disposes your old fence, recycling each component. For more information, you can call them at 888-887-8015 or visit www.borgfenceanddecks.com. You can also see their ad on page 9. AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013 • LOS ANGELES LIVING
25
The Continental Patio Awning Deployed
Take Back Your Backyard With Motorized Exterior Awnings
w
hen you invest in a home, you are buying more than just an interior. Think about it—if you didn’t like spending time outside enjoying the view and your beautiful surroundings, then you could have just bought a condominium. There’s a reason why you bought your beautiful home. The real question is: are you using it to its full potential? One of the main issues that might be keeping you and your family from completely utilizing your backyard is the weather. While basking in the sun for a few minutes can be nice, there quickly comes a point when it simply becomes overwhelming. What if you had the luxury to spend time outside whenever you want, whether it’s day or night, and always feel comfortable? Retractable shading systems allow you to finally take control of your backyard. Enhance your outdoor living experience by creating the functional space you have always wanted. One of the best features of innovative motorized awnings is that they don’t change the look of your home. Instead, they can enhance your backyard by adding color, more versatility and creating a new usable space. When an awning is retractable, you can have shade when you need it and sun when you want it. Therefore, depending on the weather and your needs, the control is totally in your hands!
Skylight Pergola/Lattice With Awning Deployed
26
LOS ANGELES LIVING • AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
The Continental Patio Awning Retracted
An awning can be either deployed or retracted. While deployed, you can sit back, relax and enjoy your outdoor surroundings in comfort while being protected from the sun and other natural elements based on the system you choose. Watch the kids play in the pool and enjoy your backyard in the shade without worrying about getting too much sun. Relax by your outdoor fire pit at night and soak in the ambiance of your stunning landscape in the moonlight. When an awning is retracted, it disappears from sight and doesn’t change the look of your exterior décor. Essentially, a retractable shade system helps protect both you and your home at all times. When retracted, you can help protect your investment. Invest in your outdoor living spaces, reclaim your space and start appreciating every aspect that your backyard has to offer. For more information about high-quality awnings and other systems, you can contact Alpha Productions, Inc. at 800-223-0883 or visit them at www.keyaccess.com/alphaproductions. Alpha Productions has been manufacturing their Suntamer® products in the U.S.A. since 1978. They design, manufacture and install all of their own systems. With the majority of their business coming from client referrals, Alpha Productions always strives to provide the best possible customer service experience.
Skylight Pergola/Lattice With Awning Retracted ONLINE AT LOSANGELESLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
ONLINE AT LOSANGELESLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013 • LOS ANGELES LIVING
27
exteriorslandscaping
t is obvious that vinyl fencing possesses many positive qualities that will thrive in the California atmosphere. Long-lasting, quality vinyl is high in titanium dioxide, a powerful UV-protectant that can stand up to the hot sun and maintain vinyl’s appearance and strength for many years. It is non-porous, so dust and dirt rinse away easily with water. Vinyl is also fire-resistant and has been known to actually stop fires from reaching homes. When compared to wood, vinyl is an extremely low-maintenance product. Where wood fencing is subject to termites, warping, and water rot from irrigation systems, vinyl is impervious to all three. Unlike wood or metal, it never needs to be repainted. It is strong enough to stand up to 110 mile-per-hour winds. It can
28
LOS ANGELES LIVING • AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
be made to mimic wrought iron so well that it’s nearly impossible to spot the difference. Vinyl is ideal for use in structures such as gazebos and patio covers not only because of its strength, but also because of its unique ability to safely accommodate accessories like lighting, sound systems, overhead misters, and more. When searching for a company to install vinyl fencing, patio covers, railing, gates and more, it is important to find one that can provide you with quality vinyl products that will meet your needs and budget. The Vinyl Fence Company is the largest fence and patio cover fabricator and installer in Southern California. With four locations in Southern California, nearly 10,000 satisfied customers, and an unmatched reputation, it’s easy to see why they are the popular choice for homeowners. If you want to get rid of that wood and discover the long-lasting and virtually maintenance-free world of vinyl, then The Vinyl Fence Company can help you. They place great value in commitment, integrity, and overall excellent business qualities. For more information, you can call 888-681-2944, visit their website at www.VinylFenceCo.com, or see their showroom located at 2407 Artesia Boulevard, in Redondo Beach.
ONLINE AT LOSANGELESLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
$
30 off
All tubular skylights Velux, Solatube, Natural Light
Sunsational Skylights 888-783-7774 Must present coupon for all offers. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Not valid on works in progress.
VELUX® SUN TUNNELS
$
30 off
Solar attic fans Sunsational Skylights 888-783-7774 Must present coupon for all offers. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Not valid on works in progress.
$ Sunsational Skylights
40 off
A VELUX 5 STAR DEALER AFFORDABLE FROM
Quiet cool whole house fans
®
WOW! FROM $289 TO $451 INSTALLED
• Professionally installed in 2 hours • 10-year warranty & leakpoof • All skylights repaired and serviced • Whole house & solar attic fans
Call 888-783-7774 SKYLIGHT & TUBULAR SKYLIGHT SPECIALIST
Full Showroom
www.123skylights.com 23 Years State-Licensed 10”, 14" & 21" For Any Room
ONLINE AT LOSANGELESLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
Sunsational Skylights 888-783-7774 Must present coupon for all offers. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Not valid on works in progress.
% 10 off Traditional skylights Installation, repairs, & replacement
Sunsational Skylights 888-783-7774 Must present coupon for all offers. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Not valid on works in progress.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013 • LOS ANGELES LIVING
29
charity HOLLYWOOD COMING TOGETHER FOR AT RISK YOUTH Designing for Child Survivors of Human Trafficking in Los Angeles
C
ontributing to the very community that we live and thrive in is a top priority for many people. However, the sprawling metropolis of Los Angeles is so vast and diverse that you want to feel confident that your donations are being used effectively and honestly. Thankfully, an organization called Design By Donation is now making it convenient for you to help through its community driven design program. Design By Donation’s current focus is to design comfortable and secure facilities that inspire, empower and encourage the human trafficking child survivors of Los Angeles. One of the greatest violations of human rights, human trafficking continues to affect over 27 million people worldwide. It is a violence that robs individuals of their dignity and erodes the health of both victims and communities physically, mentally and socially. Most people feel this atrocity happens in other countries, and don’t realize that these children walk the same streets that we do—they share the same community that we call home.
30
LOS ANGELES LIVING • AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
The current focus of Design By Donation is to collaborate with Saving Innocence to restore hope and renew the innocence of young women in need of protection and shelter. The mission is to provide a safe place for these unfortunate children to be inspired, empowered as well as protect the innocence of their youth. Currently, Saving Innocence is operating in collaboration with LAPD and is in need of support so they can develop an empowerment center that focuses on the success of these young women. Design By Donation requests any items that can be used to help transform space to create a more welcoming environment, such as paint supplies, office supplies, wall coverings, fabric, furniture, lighting fixtures, flooring, and hardware, to name a few. The girls can also benefit from day planners, school supplies, gift cards to McDonald’s®, as most of these girls are coming off the street, hungry and penniless. Financial and time donations are also welcomed with gratitude. Organizers are planning an upcoming event where contributors will receive both recognition and documentation of their donations. For more information about how you can help or to make a contribution, please visit www.designbydonation.org or you can pledge your support by phone at 888-INSPIRE (1-888-467-7473). To stay updated on all future events and upcoming “Pop Up Thrift Store”, like them on facebook.com/designbydonation and follow them on Twitter @designxdonation
ONLINE AT LOSANGELESLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
ONLINE AT LOSANGELESLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013 • LOS ANGELES LIVING
31
healthbeautyfitness
Reshape Your Body in 20 Minutes! By John Colman
When Diane Rand reached age 50, she got concerned that her weight was slowly creeping higher and her clothes were feeling too tight. As a practicing physician in San Diego, she knew the diagnosis. “Your muscles atrophy as you age, and this slows down the metabolism,” says Rand. “I knew it would keep getting worse if I didn’t correct it.” The antidote? Effective weight training. But, she’d never lifted weights before. Plus, her full-time job as a physician as well as her family life left little time in her schedule for exercise. Fortunately, Diane read an article about “slow-motion” strength training, a revolutionary new exercise method promising a firmer, stronger, more shapely body from just two 20-minute training sessions per week. Even though the time efficiency and results sounded almost too good to be true, she decided to enroll with a personal trainer at The Perfect Workout, a local company with 14 private fitness studios in Southern California specializing in this unique approach. Right away she noticed immediate increases in her muscle tone and energy. After several months she’d also dropped one to two clothing sizes and was fitting into clothes that used to be too small. “My trainer pushes me in a safe way, and I walk away feeling great after each session,” says Diane. “This is the wave of the future.”
Lean Muscles—The Key to Reshaping Your Body The Perfect Workout’s trainers encourage clients to build lean muscle tissue which increases the body’s metabolism, burning extra calories even while you’re sleeping. Many people—especially
32
Physician Diane Rand firms her body during a 20-minute training session at The Perfect Workout.
women—have a fear of “bulking up” like a bodybuilder if they were to start strength training. In reality, if you’re older than 25, it’s much more likely that too little muscle is the problem rather than too much muscle. In their book Biomarkers: The 10 Keys to Prolonging Vitality, William Evans, Ph.D., and Irwin Rosenberg, M.D., show the research demonstrating that adults who don’t strength train lose an average of a half pound of lean muscle tissue each year starting at age 25. As an example, a typical 55-year-old woman will have 15 pounds less lean muscle (and significantly more fat) than what she had at age 25. Muscle takes up less
LOS ANGELES LIVING • AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
space than fat, so this typical 55-year-old woman has arms and thighs that are softer and less firm, wears a larger clothing size, and has a slower metabolism that burns fewer calories each day. Effective strength training changes all of this. It increases your body’s metabolism, causing you to burn more fat and calories all day long. Strength training reshapes and tones your legs and arms. And since muscle takes up 20% less space than fat, adding muscle and losing fat will make your body firmer, smaller, and more shapely. A fit 140-pound person can wear clothes several sizes smaller than an out of shape 140-pound person. ONLINE AT LOSANGELESLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
healthbeautyfitness How Can Slow-Motion Strength Training Work So Quickly? Slow-motion strength training involves brief and demanding workouts to get great results. The basic concept? Lift relatively heavy weights excruciatingly slowly (10 seconds to lift, another 10 seconds to lower) for as many repetitions as you can until you’re unable to move the weights anymore. And when you learn to challenge your muscles as deeply as a skilled trainer can teach, it’s impossible to workout much longer than 20 minutes, even if you try. Dr. Philip Alexander, physician and faculty member at Texas A&M University’s College of Medicine, explains that it’s the intensity of exercise that stimulates greatest changes. “A slower repetition loads the muscles more effectively and efficiently. It’s harder!” exclaims Alexander. “That’s why it stimulates such a great total response from the body.” Dr. Alexander has tracked hundreds of subjects using slow-motion strength training, noting significant improvements in muscular strength, HDL cholesterol profiles, bone density, and glucose tolerance. Other research adds more supporting data. Two separate studies by Wayne Westcott, Ph.D., and one study by Ellington Darden, Ph.D., demonstrate that slow-motion strength training produces 50% to 59% faster improvements than regular weight training. And because the repetitions are harder, each training session must be limited to 20 minutes—making this exercise method quite time efficient.
Arlene Esgate tones her arms as part of her 20-minute training session in San Diego.
Joyce Reclaims Her Youthful Figure 54-year-old Joyce Magnuson had always been slim and slender when she was younger. But in her mid 40s, life’s stresses caught up with her and she began gaining weight. “During the next few years, I kept getting heavier, until I was thoroughly broken and disgusted with myself,” says Joyce. Fortunately, she happened to read an article about slow-motion strength training and how it would reshape her body with just two 20-minute training sessions per week. The effectiveness of ONLINE AT LOSANGELESLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
the method made sense to Joyce, and she decided to enroll with a personal trainer at The Perfect Workout. After five months of combining an effective nutrition plan with two 20 minute training sessions each week, not only had she gotten stronger, she’d lost 43 pounds and dropped from a size 16 to a size 10. She was also able to get completely off the blood pressure medications that she’d previously needed to take. She adds, “The perk is
looking good in the current styles. Even Macy’s keeps me motivated to stay fit!” The Perfect Workout has 20 private studios throughout California that specialize in one-on-one personal training with the slow-motion strength training method, including these Los Angeles area locations: Redondo Beach (310) 697-1238, West LA (310) 500-2005, and Thousand Oaks (805) 413-4880. www.ThePerfectWorkout.com
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013 • LOS ANGELES LIVING
33