LOS ANGELES LIVING
VOL XXXVI • NO. 6 • ODD DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 LOSANGELESLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
Contents 12 - 20 HOME FASHION 21 HOME PRODUCTS 22 KITCHEN & BATH 24 EXTERIORS & LANDSCAPING 25 GO GREEN 26 - 30 HOME SERVICES 32 - 33 HEALTH, BEAUTY & FITNESS ON THE COVER Like the gorgeous home featured on the cover, iron doors and windows add instant luxury and security to any property. Not only can you choose from a wide array of superior quality iron doors and windows that have been handcrafted by master artisans, if you can’t find what you are looking for, a custom door can be created to perfectly suit your taste. With over 40 years of industry experience, Pinky’s Iron Doors specializes in original iron doors, windows, and accessories. You can visit the Pinky’s website for more information at www.PinkysIronDoors.com or call them toll-free at 1-888-794-0491. Items that are in stock are available for immediate purchase and fast delivery. You can also see their article on page 21 and ad on page 12.
LOSANGELESLIVING PUBLISHER
WALLY HICKS III
MARKETING SPECIALISTS PHILLIP ALVIDREZ, GLENDA BAYLY, DEBORAH MESNA, DEBBIE TARNOFF 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: ocpub@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 Target Marketing, Inc. can take no responsibility for unintentional copyright infringement. Affluent Target Marketing, Inc. has the right to refuse advertising. CIRCULATION VERIFIED BY U.S. POSTAL RECEIPTS.
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DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 • LOS ANGELES LIVING
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homefashion
Beach Home motorized coverings by Window Collections
Elegant motorized coverings by Window Collections
T I he
deal
MOTORIZED WINDOW COVERING EXPERIENCE
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otorized window coverings are today’s standard. Automated window treatments allow function to meet form by offering full enjoyment of that million-dollar view, and controlling the exterior and interior lighting to create an elegant atmosphere. There are two things that are crucial to achieving the best experience when you are looking to incorporate automated window treatments into your own home. First, you want to find a company you can trust that has the top reputation in your local area. Experienced professionals will be able to help you find the perfect window treatment match for your home, and can answer any questions you may have so you can feel confident with your purchase. The second aspect to consider is product quality. You want a company that carries top-of-the-line products that offer the most innovative technologies on the market. Timers, applications, and other incredible options can allow the sun to wake you naturally, shield your view from the sun’s harsh glare, protect furnishings throughout the day, and know that your privacy is maintained at night. Customizable settings allow you to enhance your lifestyle, however you’d like. Lutron® keypad technology is one of the most cutting edge options available to homeowners. Featuring intuitive functionality, one control enables you to access several pages for simple control of your window shades, and even other aspects such as lighting, temperature, and more.
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LOS ANGELES LIVING • DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016
Cutting Edge Lutron® Keypad Technology
On-screen button labels are personalized for your home, making operation extremely easy to navigate. Professionals will work with your audio/video technician and lighting designer to ensure seamless integration and control of window treatments with internal lighting and other electronics. Also, automation isn’t just for roller shades anymore. You can experience cutting-edge control with the Lutron Sivoia QS™ line of controllable shading products. The silent QS motor accommodates SunScreen or 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 are 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 shutters add upscale elegance and value to your home. For over 25 years Window Collections has designed, engineered, manufactured, project-managed, installed, and programmed window treatments, and are proud to be the top provider in Southern California for motorized window coverings. With an A+ ranking with the Better Business Bureau, Window Collections has also been praised by Robb Report, Gensler, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, LA Design Magazine, and many more. They combine expert products with design knowledge about window coverings, such as roller shades, Roman shades, draperies, natural shades, and plantation shutters, to provide homeowners with a smooth and worry-free transition into using the latest in automation technology. For more information, you can call them at 310-773-9792 or visit www.windowcollections.com. You can also visit their showroom, featuring over 50 automated window coverings, at 11704 Wilshire Blvd. Ste D-212 in Los Angeles. ONLINE AT LOSANGELESLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
homefashion
This Shelf Knows How to
KEEP A SECRET
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s homeowners, we have the need to keep certain valuables locked up and tucked safely away from both family members and intruders. However, what about the items that need to be locked up for protection, but still kept somewhat readily accessible in case a situation of urgency arises? LedgeLocker is an innovative product that solves these exact issues. Created out of a desire to offer the public something simple, utilitarian, and high quality, LedgeLocker is a stylish shelf that blends in with its surrounding décor, yet is so much more than what just meets the eye. This incredible product is an attractive shelving system that can hide your valuables, conceal firearms, and secretly tuck away important documents—all in plain sight. Featuring a super strong yet easy-to-access locking system, both the lock and shelf has been patent protected for its ultra-smooth opening features, stationary top shelf, hinged storage space access, and unique design. The LedgeLocker comes in four sizes, two styles, and eight finish colors. Perfect for any home or office, the LedgeLocker concealment shelf is backed by a five-year warranty, is made in America, and custom designed with high-grade, heirloom-quality materials. Each LedgeLocker is delivered to your door in a
durable carton and ready to install. Not to mention, it’s a piece of furniture that you can take with you, anywhere you go. Since 2011, Brian White and Artech Design have been proudly manufacturing LedgeLocker Concealment Shelves at their headquarters in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information about this stylish and secretive part-shelf/part-locking safe, you can visit www.LedgeLocker.com, or you can call 1-888-699-5660.
Experience the Magic of
Crystal Clear Illumination
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ynonymous with elegance, Swarovski invokes a feeling of glamour, sophistication, and old-world charm that has captivated the public for over a hundred years. Swarovski Lighting combines pure light sources with the fascinating, light-filled qualities of crystal to create a line of contemporary lighting solutions in extraordinary designs to suit every décor. With lighting systems ranging from crystal chandeliers to wall-mounted or pendant luminaires, homeowners can be sure to find an appropriate style for any application, whether it be illuminating the front entry, above a bar or dining table, lining the main hall, or providing atmosphere in the master suite. Swarovski’s lighting collections include
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circular, height-adjustable styles ideally suited for high ceilings, linear designs with symmetrical facets, tubular surrounds, and more to create a multi-facetted, multi-layered lighting experience. Different sized and shaped crystals are paired with high-voltage halogens and LEDs respectively to achieve outstanding interior lighting effects as well as provide long-lasting, low-maintenance, and energy-efficient illumination. These sparkling lighting systems provide unique inspiration for architects, interior designers, and homeowners around the globe. Visit your local lighting specialists to explore the broad array of lighting options available
LOS ANGELES LIVING • DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016
to suit your home and personal style. For more information on Swarovski lighting systems, you can call Lighting Zone, Inc., located at 17354 Hawthorne Blvd. in Torrance, at 310-921-9495, e-mail lightingzoneinc@aol.com, or visit them online at www.DreamOnLighting.com. In addition to an extensive collection of high-quality light fixtures, Lighting Zone also carries mirrors, accessories, and fine art objects to complement and enhance your lighting choices. ONLINE AT LOSANGELESLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
homefashion Fresh Approach to Home Furnishings & Interior Design a
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hen it comes time for a new look, an interior designer can offer you the expertise to take it to the next level and truly make your house a home. Furnishings, color, textures, and light—these details can transform a room dramatically, making you feel like a new person whenever you’re in it. Is your style transitional or rustic? Modern or glam? Maybe you aren’t even sure about the style that speaks to you. No matter what your situation is, Jason Scott is a local interior designer and store owner who can guide you through the design process and help you
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pull together a space, or spaces that will convey just what you were looking for. Offering a retail store with access to over 400 manufacturers, browse through the eclectic array of home furnishings. If you don’t see what you want in the store, Jason Scott possesses the unique ability to search for and provide you with multiple options to choose from. Along with retail and interior design services, Jason Scott also offers model home staging, in-home design consultations, installation and custom designed furniture, bedding, drapery and artwork. Once you’ve made your decisions, just sit back and relax while the professionals put everything together to create a design that is amazing, functional, and truly yours. Jason Scott is a passionate designer that takes pride in delivering that passion into every project he touches while offering outstanding customer service. After receiving his degree in Interior Design from FIDM in 1996, Jason Scott has been planning and designing interior settings for over 500 model homes and private residences, which have led to many successful, award-winning projects. Jason’s objective is to incorporate a fresh approach to interior design by providing exciting, quality living spaces that respond to each client’s individual needs, creating a sense of warmth and serenity within each space. The store, J. Michael Scott Interiors, opened in 2013. Come visit the store to browse a variety of home furnishings at 509 N. La Cienega Blvd. in West Hollywood. To set up an in-home design consultation you can call 323-509-4979, or visit their website at www.jmichaelscott.com.
LOS ANGELES LIVING • DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016
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homefashion
S
mart Hunter Douglas motorization systems have just gotten smarter. A new Platinum™ App makes precise control of Hunter Douglas motorized window fashions throughout the home astoundingly simple. Also new, the first combined Screen Shades and Skyline® Panels offering with 28 new fabrics and enhancements to Hunter Douglas Patio Shades. The Alustra® Collection also introduces two new screen fabrics available exclusively through Hunter Douglas Gallery® and Showcase Priority Dealers®. The Platinum™ App, Another Hunter Douglas Exclusive that is Several Shades Smarter This smart technology allows for precise control of Hunter Douglas motorized window fashions anywhere and everywhere in the home. The Platinum ™ App lets users operate their window coverings by scene (“Movie Night,” “Sunday Football,” etc.), by room and by time of day for on-demand control over incoming light, privacy, security and energy efficiency. The Platinum App works with interface componentry from Hunter Douglas to allow users to control their motorized treatments over their home wireless network using a mobile device. Screen Shades plus Skyline® Panels Join Forces to Bring Beauty into View Now it’s easier than ever to control visibility, privacy, glare and have enhanced UV protection. Hunter Douglas Designer Screen Shades and
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Skyline® Gliding Window Panels have introduced a shared collection of 52 screen fabric styles—with 28 of them new—for a total of 232 SKUs. In other news, Hunter Douglas Patio Shades™ for outdoor covered areas are now offered in a larger fabric assortment. The Alustra® Collection: INSPIRED BY DESIGN™ The Alustra® Collection is built on a foundation of exclusivity and design with signature elements such as exclusive fabrics, hardware finishes and systems. This year there are two exciting new Alustra® Screen Shades fabrics available as Alustra Roller Shades and Skyline ® Gliding Window Panels. Inspired by rhythmic heritage, Samba features an exquisite, light-filtering textured weave. Bolero reflects a subtle damask design that softly filters light for a unique style at the window. Both redefine traditional solar screens to create a whole new style. Hunter Douglas, Inc. is the leading manufacturer of custom window fashions in North America. To see a variety of different Hunter Douglas products, you can visit Sylvan’s & Phillip’s Drapes & Blinds, an authorized Hunter Douglas Showcase Priority Dealer showroom located at 12623 W. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles. You can also call 310-391-0414 for more information, as well as get news about the new iPad application. www.sylvansdrapesandblinds.com. ONLINE AT LOSANGELESLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
homefashion
ago, Heat & Glo started manufacturing direct vent gas 20 years technology, which made it possible to safely install a gas fireplace ®
in virtually any room. Since that time, Heat & Glo has continually created innovative new products and technologies to meet the changing needs and desires of homeowners. Ultimate convenience is provided through effective remote control options, while best-in-class designs offer powerful heating and unparalleled style, creating comfort beyond compare with a Heat & Glo gas fireplace. There are three styles of direct venting fireplace styles to choose from: traditional, contemporary, and fusion. In the traditional style, fireplaces such as the True Series have textured brick interior panels, high definition gas logs, large viewing areas and illuminated embers with LED accent lighting. There are multiple front options available for the three models: True 36, True 42, and True 50. The Primo Fireplace Collection is one of the leading luxurious fireplaces with contemporary style—where intricate modern styling meets innovative heating technology. The patented SafeSurface Glass leaves no exposed seams, mesh, or metal trim. These fireplaces maintain a cool temperature, allowing you to place TV or artwork directly above the fireplace and you can enjoy the ambiance of your fire all year long without the heat, allowing you to redirect the heat inside or outside your home with the flip of a switch.
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LOS ANGELES LIVING • DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016
The fusion style favors the Mezzo See-Through Gas Fireplace. This clean, discreet, luxurious double-sided gas fireplace comes in 36-, 48-, 60-, and 72-inch sizes. Flames spread across a bed of crushed glass, which is illuminated by LED under lighting. Various glass color options are available, multiple front door options and can be controlled by a wireless remote. The finishing touch of the termination cap is both functional and beautifully designed. In addition to indoor fireplaces, Heat & Glo also offers a wide variety of gas logs, outdoor gas fireplaces, traditional cast iron gas stoves, and electric fireplaces. The professionals at Armand’s Discount Fireplace & BBQ Company can help you find the right style, size, heat output, and venting for your home’s needs. For more information and to see these products, you can call Armand’s Discount Fireplace & BBQ Company at 310-839-5555, or visit them at 400 Venice Blvd in Culver City. www.armandsdiscount.com.
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homeproducts
Iron Doors and Windows That Welcome Your Guests In Style
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hen it comes to making a unique home stand out above the rest, the solution lies in the details. Iron doors and windows add instant luxury and security to any property. However, many homeowners tend to overlook this versatile option for their home due to common misconceptions about ironwork. Many have heard the myths that iron doors and windows can be incredibly expensive and limited in design options. Whether you are looking for extremely decorative and ornate doors to simply and sleek contemporary designs, there is an affordable option for every budget. Not only can you choose from a wide array of superior quality iron doors and windows that have been handcrafted by master artisans, if you can’t find what you are looking for, a custom door can be created to perfectly suit your taste. Different collections make it even more convenient to find a specific
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style of door that fits the vision you have for your home. For example, the Air Collection contains designs that are the epitome of modern simplicity. A fusion of old artisan craftsmanship combined with modern design and technology, this collection speaks to the need for a sleek and contemporary aesthetic that is paired with timeless, handcrafted durability that accrues value with time. With over 40 years of industry experience, Pinky’s Iron Doors specializes in original iron doors, windows, and accessories. Pinky’s has merged quality and convenience by providing homeowners across the nation with a seamless, trustworthy, and convenient way to order luxury wrought iron pieces. Items that are in stock are available for immediate purchase and fast delivery. If you are ready to protect your home and improve the curb appeal of your property at an affordable price, you can visit the Pinky’s website at www.PinkysIronDoors.com or call them toll-free at 1-888-794-0491. DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 • LOS ANGELES LIVING
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kitchen&bath
From Design to Completion Create the Kitchen and Bath of Your Dreams
T
My Daddy fixes bumpers! At Your Home or Office
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 • DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016
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
The Continental Patio Awning Deployed
Take Back Your Backyard With Motorized Exterior Awnings
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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!
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LOS ANGELES LIVING • DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016
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.alphaproductions.com. 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.
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gogreen Save Energy and Increase Comfort with
Home Upgrade
H
ome Upgrade is a “whole house” approach to home energy efficiency. Rather than focusing on individual energy efficiency upgrades, the program addresses your home’s energy needs as a complete system. For example, your air conditioner can keep your house cool and use less energy if you seal the air ducts to eliminate drafts. Home Upgrade helps you maximize your energy efficiency, lower your energy bills, and increase your home’s comfort. So how does the program work? Allowing you to bundle several energy efficiency improvements for maximum savings, Home Upgrade connects you with home energy professionals including participating contractors who have been trained in the whole-house approach to efficiency. These professionals can help you determine which improvements are best for your home, fill out any paperwork (including rebate/incentive forms), and conduct safety compliance checks. Before getting your Home Upgrade, you want to make sure to find a company that can take care of everything. It’s crucial to work with a contractor that is capable of handling your entire project with experience and proper management. Heating and air solutions include a wide variety of services, such as air duct inspection, HVAC repair and maintenance, thermostats, and much more. Energy
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solutions include tankless water heaters, insulation, cool roofing systems, high efficiency windows, and solar systems. For more information about Home Upgrade and other ways to increase your home’s value quickly and affordably, SolAir & Energy is your one-stop shop for all of your energy needs. Their trained professionals offer free estimates, repairs, service, maintenance, and complex installations, and all products are both energy efficient and environmentally friendly. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, you can call SolAir & Energy for a free consultation or more information at 1-855-7-SOLAIR (776-5247) or visit www.SolAirAndEnergy.com.
DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 • LOS ANGELES LIVING
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homeservices
Evict Termites Without Leaving Your Home
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ermites are among the most destructive pests in the United States, causing property damage to 600,000 homeowners each year. Although you have no choice when the termites move into your home, you have many different choices once you discover them. Twenty years ago homeowners didn’t have many choices, and tent fumigation was the standard extermination method for termites. This outdated method entails moving out of your home for three and a half days while a dangerous amount of toxic gas is pumped into your home. Homeowners who choose tent fumigation are forced to pay for three days worth of lodging, dining and pet boarding, as well as pack or discard all the food and medicine in their home. Not only is tent fumigation incredibly inconvenient, it also leaves a huge footprint on the environment. The chemicals used for fumigation have been identified by the California Air Resources Board as Toxic Air Contaminants, and have a harmful and long-lasting impact on the ozone layer. Fortunately there is an affordable, eco-friendly and effective alternative that won’t displace you from your home. XT-2000 Orange Oil® Plus is a revolutionary, scientifically proven product used by IPM companies to control termites. This innovative formula is 95% pure orange oil, a natural termite pesticide made from pressed and distilled orange rinds. With orange oil, you get rid of your termites with the same guaranteed results as fumigation while still enjoying the comforts of home. Trained technicians come to your home and perform a thorough inspection to detect the termite colonies. Using a high-tech optical scope, the technician can determine the extent to the infestation and inject orange oil directly into the infested wood members, killing the termites on contact. The fumes also act as a neurotoxin to the termites, creating a pleasant orange fragrance that humans smell without any effect. A remarkable property of orange oil is its ability to wick
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LOS ANGELES LIVING • DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016
through wood, traveling through the porous cells in all directions. Therefore, orange oil not only treats the areas into which it was injected, but will soak into surrounding areas providing a superior termite protection. For more information on XT-2000 Orange Oil® Plus, or to find a certified Pest Control operator, you can call (866) 870-8485. XT-2000 has been in business since 2004, and they have treated over half a million structures, including homes, apartments, schools, commercial buildings, and more. Orange Oil Plus is 95% pure orange oil— beware of imposter products that contain only trace amounts of orange oil but also contain hazardous petroleum distillates. XT-2000 Orange OIl professionals are certified XT-2000 Orange Oil experts. They go through a required vigorous training program and have annual training updates. Very few pest control products are as vigorously controlled, so when looking for a pest control professional be sure they are a Certified XT-2000 affiliate by visiting their website at www.xt2000.com ONLINE AT LOSANGELESLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
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DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 • LOS ANGELES LIVING
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homeservices
Are Your Drains Ready for the Rain?
D
rains are often overlooked aspects of the home that can cause serious problems when neglected. It isn’t uncommon for households to have the original plumbing that came with the property. This means that piping in a residence must be preserved to avoid problematic issues. When a drain is backed up, invasive floods can happen in unwanted places of your home, not to mention very expensive sewer damage. This year, Southern California is going to get hit hard with El Niño—which means a lot of rain will fall in an area that hasn’t seen a drastic change in weather for many years. As a result, the rain is bound to cause some damage, so it’s best to be as prepared as possible. One way to do this is to make sure your drains have been properly cleaned out to avoid major damage that leads to expensive plumbing issues down the road. Blockages in sewer lines and drain pipes can occur for a number of other reasons, including hair, grease, paper products, lime scale buildup, or even trees roots that have broken into your system looking for an available water supply. Kitchen drains are a major problem area, accumulating
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large amounts of grease, sludge, and food, while laundry drains experience both clothing lint and detergent built up. If drain cleaning is not performed properly before the rain arrives, you could be facing some serious consequences. It’s crucial that those drains don’t get a simple clearing out. Some traditional methods of drain clearing, such as snaking, are typically effective against only freeing up partial clogs, and may potentially lead to cracks in your pipes that will require the need for additional repairs later on. Hydrojetting is a superior professional service for ridding your pipes of serious clogs, blockages, and the buildup of harmful mineral deposits as well as any other damaging materials. Hydrojetting uses an intense stream of pressurized water from a pressure washer that has 4,000-PSI capabilities, removing virtually any clog within your system without causing damage to the pipes. A pure method of pipe cleaning, you will experience an optimally functioning system for many years to come. Hydrojetting is especially designed for tackling the most stubborn blockages within your piping system. Whether you have slow drainage or continuous clogs that keep reappearing, this professional service is often the ideal solution.
LOS ANGELES LIVING • DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016
Hydrojetting removes any risks that come with cleaning an aging piping system because there is less stress added to the pipes. Additionally, invasive tree roots can only be eliminated by attacking the problem at the deepest level, which hydrojetting can successfully do. Once the sludge, grease, and odorous particles have been flushed out with hydrojetting, your drains will continue to function properly and you will be completely prepared for the upcoming rainy season. Additionally, hydrojetting minimizes the risk of future clogs, reduces the chances of cracks in your pipes, as well as reduces the chance of leaks. The professionals at Drain Help know how inconvenient it can be to deal with a clogged drain. Offering proper care, preventative maintenance, and professional services, Drain Help can respond to any issues without delay and offer the most effective services in order to ensure your satisfaction. For more information, you can call them at 844-372-4643 or visit www.DrainHelp.com.
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homeservices
WHY IS MY FOUNDATION FAILING? It’s All in the Soil
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he old adage, “a house must be built on a solid foundation if it is to last,” rings all too true when you begin to understand the signs of foundation problems. Cracks in the walls, windows, and doors begin to stick, or won’t even open at all, and floors begin to settle and become uneven. Finally you think your foundation is slowly sinking into the ground. It may seem as though your home is falling apart at the seams. The truth is, it may very well be due to a failing foundation.
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LOS ANGELES LIVING • DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016
But what causes your foundation to fail? The number one reason is settlement due to expansive soils that your home was built upon. Shrinkage and swelling from dry conditions and rainy or wet conditions cause soil to pull away from your foundation. Settlement due to this moisture imbalance will cause cracks to appear throughout the structure, including interior-exterior walls and floors. Settlement eventually causes your foundation to crack and separate, causing even more damage. Expansive soils are present throughout the world and are known in every US state. Every year, they cause billions of dollars in damage. The American Society of Civil Engineers estimates that ¼ of all homes in the United States have some damage caused by expansive soils. In a typical year in the United States, they cause a greater financial loss to property owners than earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes combined. Along with the shrinking and expanding of soils, some other causes of foundation failure include: • Wash-outs or over-wetting due to pipes leaking • Poor compaction or fill techniques • Tree roots or other growth causing damage • Hillside slippage due to erosion or seismic • Poor construction techniques • Material failure due to age or infestation Foundation Technology is an expert company in determining the causes of foundation failure, and designing a cost-effective permanent repair solution that is guaranteed to bring your house back to health. Their alternative repair solutions are backed by structural engineering, and also come with a limited lifetime warranty. The best part is, the cost to inspect is free and the cost to repair is far less than you might expect. To reach Foundation Technology, you can call 855-650-2211 or visit www.foundationtechnology.com.
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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 fulltime 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 dozens of private fitness studios 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 which 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 women—have a fear of “bulking up” like a
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Physician Diane Rand tones her arms as part of her 20-minute training session in San Diego.
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 space than fat, so this typical
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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.
In 3 months Justin Brunette dropped 4 inches from his waist and lowered his body fat percentage by 6.4% with effective nutrition and weekly 20-minute training sessions at The Perfect Workout.
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 the method made sense to Joyce, and she decided to enroll with a personal trainer at The Perfect Workout. ONLINE AT LOSANGELESLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
In 3 months Laura Retana Shelp lost 23.4 pounds and 10½ inches off her waist with improved nutrition and two 20-minute training sessions a week at The Perfect Workout. After five months of combining an effective nutrition plan with two 20minute 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 dozens of private studios throughout the United States 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, Thousand Oaks (805) 413-4880, Long Beach (562) 606-0677, Pasadena (626) 658-2142, and West L A (310) 500-2005. www.ThePerfectWorkout.com
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