SANDIEGOLIVING SANDIEGOLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
VOL XXXVIII • NO. 1 • EVEN
Contents
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017
12 - 16 H OME FASHION
18 - 20 H OME I NTERIORS
The 3 Most Common Mattress Shopping Mistakes And How To Avoid Them Marchella Carsona Collection Don’t Replace Your Windows...
Why Rugs Leave The Home To Be Cleaned Stairs Keeping You Down?
22 - 29 H OME P RODUCTS & S ERVICES A Simple Solution To A Sound Problem
No More Waiting! Avoid Indoor Air Quality Problems Improving The World You Live In Do You Know Of The Dangers Dryer Fires Are The #1 Household Disaster
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K ITCHEN & B ATH
Lookings For A Fast And Affordable Kitchen Makeover?
32 - 34 H OME R EMODELING No Funds For A Home Remodel? Adding A Granny Flat To Your Home
36 - 39 E XTERIORS & L ANDSCAPING Cleaning And Restoring Your Outdoor Grill Beautify Your Yard With The Endless Possobilities Of Pavers Decorative Lighting For Your Home...
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H EALTH , B EAUTY & F ITNESS
What Can Permanent Makeup Do For You?
ON THE COVER Featured on this month’s cover is natural stone that has become dull, scratched, chipped, stained or etched. It can be returned to like new for a fraction of the cost of replacement with a professional stone restoration company. For more information you can call Set In Stone Restoration at 619-246-0240 or visit them at www.setinstonerestoration.com. You can also see their ad on page 2.
SANDIEGOLIVING
Reach Your Best Buyers
Do you want to use your advertising dollars where they will be most beneficial? Getting your company’s message out to homeowners that are interested in upgrading their home and lifestyle can increase your sales at a very economical price per household. PUBLISHER WALLY HICKS III ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER DAVE BAKER PRODUCTION MANAGER DAVID MARCHAND MARKETING MANAGER DEBBIE TARNOFF HOME FURNISHINGS DIRECTOR DEBORAH MESNA MARKETING SPECIALISTS GLENDA BAYLY, JENNIFER BURKE PUBLISHER’S REPRESENTATIVES MARKET LINK ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR SARAH CARLISLE CONTRIBUTING WRITER CATHY BAKER PHOTOGRAPHY ALLEN CARRASCO, MARVIN SLOBEN
SAN DIEGO OFFICE DAVE BAKER 619/296-9305 1081 CAMINO DEL RIO SO. STE. 224 SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92108 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.sandiegolivingmagazine.com
For comments to the publisher: ocpub@affliving.com The opinions expressed in the editorials are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of San Diego Living. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, we cannot supervise the way in which information found in San Diego Living is used. San Diego Living is produced bi-monthly by Affluent Target Marketing, Inc., P.O. Box 18507, Anaheim 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
Advertisers can utilize the attractive format of San Diego Living to reach qualified buyers that are interested in the products and services they sell. For more information on how we can help you grow your business, you can call:
Dave Baker (619) 296-9305
homefashion
THE 3 MOST COMMON MATTRESS SHOPPING MISTAKES And How To Avoid Them
attress shopping isn’t the most fun and easy thing to do. It also doesn’t help when you have mattress companies capitalizing on consumer’s lack of knowledge when it comes to mattress shopping. To help with the shopping process, there are 3 common mattress shopping mistakes and how to avoid them. 1. Buying a Mattress that is Too Firm. One of the biggest mistakes people make when purchasing a new mattress is believing the myth that firmer is better. People convince themselves in getting a firm mattress because they think it’s better for them, when in reality they should have trusted what their body was telling them and go with one that felt better, even though it was a little softer. Getting a mattress that is too firm can cause painful pressure points on the hips and shoulders causing you to toss and turn to get comfortable or even cutting off your circulation. Another problem with buying a mattress that is too firm is that it is not conforming to your curves properly. If a mattress does not contour to your body, then the muscles around your spine will be forced to overcompensate for the lack of support thus you may end up with back pain. 2. Buying Based On Name Brand. Unfortunately in the mattress industry you don’t get what you pay for and purchasing a big name brand is the epitome of this being true. About 60%70% of the market is owned by two very large companies. Not mentioning names, but for example, “big S” companies (with one T).
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These companies really drive the direction of the industry and over the years the quality of their products slowly decline. The mattresses may feel very comfortable and look very nice but it’s what’s on the inside that counts. Also keep in mind with the brand name comes insane markups because of high overhead cost. Instead of focusing on brand, focus on craftsmanship and the materials that go into making the mattress. 3. Buying Without Testing. Did you know people spend about a third of their life in their beds? That is a lot of use their mattress gets. With a product that is used every day and is very important to your health, it should not be purchased blindly. A mattress is the most important piece of furniture in the home and time should be invested trying out different mattresses. You want to find the one that fits your needs. There is no “one size fits all” mattress. To avoid this mistake spend at least 10-15 minutes on the two you like the most and compare them. Spending 10-15 minutes testing a mattress gives you a good amount of time for your body to adjust to the surface. If you have time to lay longer then go for it- the more time, the better. For more information on selecting a mattress for your individual needs, you can visit Mattress Makers at 7919 Silverton Ave., suite 412, Miramar. Building Mattresses since 1968, they use 100% natural and organic latex with a 20 year limited warranty. You can call them at (858) 566-4408 or contact them at one of the following info@mattressmakers.com or www.mattressmakers.com ONLINE AT SANDIEGOLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
homefashion
Featured is a 72� round contemporary dining room table with onyx lazy susan. Stunning dining chairs with two-toned fabric. Mirrored buffet with onyx top and outstanding curio cabinet. All are part of the new Marchella Carsona Collection
Marchella Carsona Collection:
HIGH-END TRADITIONAL LOOK AT AFFORDABLE PRICING
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iscover elegance in a whole new way with the Marchella Carsona furniture collection. The lush texture and movement that embodies each piece makes Marchella Carsona a collection that is suitable for a king or a queen. Beautiful and baroque in style, Marchella Carsona can add sophistication to your interior. Crafted with exquisite attention to detail, each piece is rich and has the potential to drastically transform a room with its bold presence. Intricate and elaborate decorations and patterns are balanced with curvaceous legs and frames, and a royal mix of deep dark woods with gold hardware and artistic accents makes this robust collection a one-of-a-kind addition to your home. Marchella Carsona offers furniture for the dining room, living room, and bedroom. Your home will feel more like a palace once you have incorporated this tasteful and romantic collection into your living space. To see more from this collection, and other fine furniture manufacturers, you can call or visit Furniture Royal at 2000 S. Rainbow Blvd. in Las Vegas. 702-253-0600. You can also see their ad on page 9 of this issue.
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homefashion
DON’T REPLACE YOUR WINDOWS…. THINSULATE THEM! aving energy and money is on the minds of many homeowners each month when they receive their electric bill. Since southern California is primarily warm and sunny most of the year, staying cool without using too much energy is a challenge. The same goes for the winter months when the weather is chilly and you are trying to keep the house warm. 30% of all energy used to heat and cool homes goes out the window. It’s a fact that a single pane window loses 20 times as much heat as the same area in an adjacent wellinsulated wall. If your home does not have exceptionally insulated windows, it can be very expensive to replace the windows just to save energy. Now there is a solution to keeping your home cool during the summer months and warm during the winter months without having to spend a fortune on replacing your windows. 3M™ Thinsulate™ is a unique low-e (low emissivity) window film which helps reflect radiant heat, rather than allowing the glass to absorb it. By doing so, it retains warmth in the winter and cool air in the summer increasing your window’s insulation value. Your single-pane windows will
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perform close to a double-pane window and a double-pane performs close to a triple-pane, thus making it an efficient, cost-effective way to meet your window insulation needs without having to replace your windows. It will keep windows out of landfills, therefore, it is a greener solution. Virtually invisible, Thinsulate window film will improve the performance of your existing windows without changing the look, inside or out, so it will not alter or obstruct your view. Yet it still helps protect your furniture, floors, upholstery and artwork from 99.9% of UV rays, one of the major causes of fading. If your current window film is old, bubbly or aesthetically unpleasing, the professionals at NU-VUE have the correct tools to remove old film without damaging the glass or frames and use non-toxic solutions to improve the clarity and appearance of your windows. Call 760-670-3676 for more information on 3M Thinsulate, film removal or any other window film options. In business since 2008, they offer free consultations and lifetime residential warranties. You can email them at info@nuvuewindowfilms.com or visit their website at www.nuvuewindowfilms.com. ONLINE AT SANDIEGOLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
homeinteriors
WHY RUGS LEAVE THE HOME TO BE CLEANED By: Lisa Wagner (NIRC Certified Rug Specialist and author of www.RugChick.com)
Gabbeh wool rug BEFORE proper washing
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any things cause damage to rugs: floods, fires, pets, and moths. But nothing ruins more rugs annually than wall-to-wall carpet cleaning companies. The chemistry, temperature, and techniques for steam cleaning installed synthetic wall-to-wall carpet are the polar opposite of how natural fiber rugs are supposed to be handled. Synthetic carpet is steam cleaned; natural fiber rugs are cold water washed. Most rugs are made of wool and cotton fibers, and should be treated more as fabric than as carpeting. They are to be washed and soaked to gently and thoroughly remove the contaminants, and someone who is skilled with rug fibers, rug dyes, and weaving types from around the world must do this. Here are the biggest reasons why rugs are never to be cleaned in the home. 1.) Dusting Can’t Be Done. Rugs can hold pounds of soil in them before they begin to look dirty. Most wool rugs release between two-and-ten pounds of embedded soil in the dusting process before the wash begins. This absolutely cannot be done in the home, so cleaners who steam clean rugs create an impacted layer of mud in the foundation of these rugs, which leads to a permanent graying of the wool and eventually dry rot in the foundation fibers. 2.) Heat Damages Natural Fibers and Dyes.
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Gabbeh wool rug AFTER proper washing
High heat on natural fibers makes the dyes bleed and breaks wool fibers. You would never wash your wool clothing in hot water and dry it in high heat unless you wanted to ruin it. 3.) Tool Scarring. The metal tools that are safe to use on synthetic plastic fibers are not safe on wool, silk, and cotton rugs. Edges on vacuum tools, and rakes and brushes, can cause permanent pile damage and scarring on rugs. 4.) Heavy Chemical Residue. Fearful of getting the floor under the rug wet, those who clean rugs in the home are not able to rinse out all of the chemicals they put in, and the sticky residue left behind causes damage to the fibers and the dyes. 5.) Mildew and Odors. You cannot run dehumidifiers and high velocity fans in a home. Therefore, most rugs stay damp for too much time, which can lead to musty odors and mildew. 6.) Dirty Fringe. Fringe cannot be cleaned in the home, and usually it’s the fringe that looks the filthiest to begin with. These tassels need to be soaked to get the grime to release. Woven rugs will last several lifetimes if properly cared for. Protect your textile investments by sending them out for a proper wash. Lisa Wagner is a NIRC Certified Rug Specialist and international rug care trainer. Her family company, Blatchford’s Rug Cleaning & Repair, is located at 7848-G Silverton Ave., San Diego 92126. If you have rug questions, you can call 858-223-0222 or visit www.blatchfords.com.
Rugs often have POUNDS of embedded soil that must be dusted out
Dyes ruined by a steam carpet cleaning company
Pile scarring and damage from a steam carpet cleaning company. ONLINE AT SANDIEGOLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
homeinteriors
Stairs Keeping You Down?
Discover the Convenience of a Custom Home Elevator, Wheelchair Lift or Stairclimber
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our home should be a comfortable environment tailored to your needs, and when your needs change, so should your home. Many disabled and elderly people find that every year getting up those stairs becomes more and more challenging. Some homeowners might even have to relocate their living quarters to the first floor, because they are physically unable to climb the stairs. This is no way to enjoy your home, and thankfully there are ways to remedy this situation. A custom home elevator, wheelchair lift or stairclimber could be the perfect solution, allowing everyone in your family to navigate your home with ease. When you decide that it is the right time to start your home elevator remodeling project, professional contractors will come to your
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home and evaluate your living space. They will discuss all possible locations for your elevator, and options such as size, materials and appearance. Every aspect of your elevator will be completely customized to ensure that your unique wants and needs are accommodated. Not only will the elevator contractors go over every detail of the plans with you, they will also obtain all necessary permits, and make sure every modification done to your home meets applicable building codes and zoning laws. Putting an elevator, wheelchair lift or stairclimber in your home is all about making life easier, and the right contractor
will make sure that the process of installing your elevator is easy as possible too. For more information on custom home elevators, wheelchair lifts, stairclimbers or dumbwaiters, you can contact the RIFE CO., a reliable contractor with over 15 years experience, at 619-300-9645. You can also visit them online at www.therifeco.com
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 • SAN DIEGO LIVING
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homeproducts/services
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DOOR SWEEPS
ound passes through doors in two ways. The door itself is a solid barrier, blocking some sound waves while allowing others through. High density, solid doors offer very good sound reduction characteristics. Typically, the problem is the air gaps around the door and frame. The first step to soundproofing is to seal the air gaps preventing the noise from coming through. If that isn't enough, modifying or replacing the door is the next option. Soundproofing a door is much like weatherizing one. Any cracks or crevices that allow air to pass will allow sound to do the same. The hardware gaskets and perimeter sealing ultimately determine the sound rating that a door achieves. Make sure the door is well fitted to the frame, no gaps or crevices for sound to migrate through. If there are gaps use closed cell PVC tapes specifically designed for acoustical use. A door gasket will seal the area around most of the door but it will not fill in the gap between the door and the floor. For this you need a rubber loop door sweep. The sweep should barely touch the floor since the since the door will be difficult to open and close if the rubber sweep is too tight against the floor. A seal is essential to properly soundproof a door. A soundproofing seal is a rubber loop, carefully cut to your door width size, modified with sealed ends for added performance in creating a dead air space within the loop. The Super Soundproofing Company is located at 455 East Carmel St., San Marcos, CA 92078 (888) 942-7723 Open 8 to 5 Monday through Friday and until noon on Saturday. www.soundproofing.org
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 • SAN DIEGO LIVING
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homeproducts/services
NO MORE WAITING!
INSTANT AND ENDLESS HOT WATER!
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hen you are enjoying the feeling of that nice hot shower, is your water going cold midway through? Are you jumping back when you find out the water isn’t hot yet even after running for a minute or more? When filling up that bathtub, is your hot water supply completely exhausted? In the morning, is there a mad competition in your household over who gets to take a shower first? If you answered yes to any of the previous questions, there is no reason to suffer any more. Navien® tankless water heaters can give you instant hot water to eliminate wasted time and money by letting your water run to finally get to the desired temperature. Unlike non-condensing tankless water heaters or conventional tanks, Navien condensing water heaters have up .96% energy factor, which is highest in the industry giving you the shortest payback. The heat exchangers on this unit are made of stainless steel, which makes them 20 times more resistant to corrosion than copper heat exchangers in most other tankless water heating systems. That means only needing maintenance once every five years as opposed to once a year. Because there is no limit to your hot water, a Navien tankless water heater makes for serious luxury. Now your household can take continuous
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showers - one right after another, as well as run the laundry and dishwasher at the same time, without running out of hot water. For more information on the Navien tankless water heater, you may contact CVB Plumbing at 866-282-7422 or email cvbplumbing90@gmail.com. In business since 1990, they offer a fifteen year warranty on the heat exchanger, six year warranty on parts and a one year warranty on labor. CVB Plumbing is a NSS Specialist and will double the labor warranty from one year to two. For more information, you can also visit their website at www.cvbplumbing.com
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 • SAN DIEGO LIVING
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homeproducts/services Avoid Indoor Air Quality Problems
Clean Your Air Ducts
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ne of the most important systems in your home is your HVAC system. It allows you to stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter and provides air circulation and ventilation throughout your home. While this system is largely out of sight and out of mind, it is essential to hire a company to complete air duct cleaning on an annual basis. There are several air duct cleaning benefits that you may not have stopped to consider. However, once your HVAC duct system stops working efficiently, you will very quickly begin to realize just how essential this component is to your comfort, health, and even your safety. Allergies, Asthma and Respiratory Problems. When homeowners don’t routinely complete air duct cleaning through a professional service, individuals in the home with any type of respiratory health issues often pay a very
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big price. This can include more frequent and severe asthma attacks, increased allergic reactions for those that are sensitive to dust, mold and mildew, and increased illness. By cleaning your ductwork annually dust, mold spores, allergens and contaminants that collect in the ducts are efficiently and effectively removed. Energy Efficiency Boost. When a system is clean and free from dust, debris, and build-up, the airflow is going to be more consistent. This will help heat and cool your home quickly, which means a decrease in energy required to keep the temperature just right. Removing Odors. Even in a very clean and well-maintained home, the inside of your ducts collect dirt, contaminants from the air, spores and pollen and even mildew, mold and bacteria. Over time this can also create odors as the organic material collects in your system. Routine air duct cleaning removes all these contaminants, and also removes related odors. This leaves your home smelling clean and fresh while promoting energy efficiency and good respiratory health. For more information, you can call Nick's Dryer Vent Cleaning at 760-533-0783 or visit www.oceansideairductcleaning.com to schedule a cleaning.
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homeproducts/services
IMPROVING THE WORLD YOU LIVE IN One Window at a Time!
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an Diego is a beautiful city where the sun shines most of the time. However, while the sunshine and warm weather is to be appreciated, it also creates dirt and dust that can get all over the windows, patios and other exterior surfaces on homeowner’s properties! In addition, San Diego is built on red clay, and the sediment that it leaves behind tends to leave stains. You may think the rain will wash it away and clean it all up, but there just isn’t enough rain water to effectively wash it away! The very little rain that San Diego does get gathers all the sediment together. In its wake, the sun just bakes the red clay dust on everything from the roofs, windows and gutters all the way down to the flower beds. If you are observing a constant haze of dust on your windows, you do not have to live with a restricted view. Having your windows, as well as your screens professionally cleaned with commercial-grade, eco-friendly cleaning products will not only remove that hazy residue, but give you an improved view of your outdoor environment that homeowners in San Diego enjoy. In addition to window cleaning, your other exterior surfaces can be cleaned too. Do you notice that nasty ring around the house, or the algae on your roof? Pressure washing can rid the sediment from those, including decks, fences hardscapes and wood surfaces, as well as gutter and solar panel cleaning to improve your surroundings.
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Spotfree Window Washing isn’t just a window cleaning company, they specialize in exterior beautification as well as general house cleaning and screen repair. For more information, you can contact them at 619-253-8150 or visit their website at www.spotfreewindowwashing.com
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homeproducts/services
DO YOU KNOW OF THE DANGERS THAT CAN BE UNDER YOUR HOUSE?
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ecause it is built directly underneath your home, your crawl space plays a key role in your home’s structural integrity. Crawl spaces bear this weight through the foundation walls and crawl space support columns. However, any crawl space can be damp, moldy and foul-smelling, which homeowners avoid at all costs. Some ways you can detect a crawl space problem is drywall cracks in the interior of your home, uneven floors, foul odors in the home, and heightened allergies or asthma symptoms. Many crawl spaces flood and are often filled with debris left over from when the house was constructed. In more extreme cases, they can be rotting structures with rodents, animals and other pests living within. Airborne mold spores and dust mites from these moist places are among the most common indoor air pollutants and allergens. Crawl spaces are designed with a support system that is either inadequate, rotting, or has soils underneath the support posts that cannot endure the weight of your home, resulting in structural damage. In many cases, a failing crawl space structure can be resolved by installing crawl space supports. This is a fast job (typically two days) that can provide permanent results. In addition to support, moisture control and insulation are just as important. A number of comfort and energy problems are caused by insufficient or incorrect crawl space insulation. A recommendation to this problem is a CleanSpace® crawl space encapsulation system. This heavy-duty vapor barrier is used to transform the crawl space into a dry, clean, energy-efficient part of the house by preventing mold and moisture problems to keep your home comfortable
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Before
After year-round. In addition, it will also allow you to gain storage space. For more information on crawl spaces services for your home, you can contact the professionals at Saber Geotechnical Construction Solutions at 619-436-4585. In business for 30 years, you can also visit their website for additional information at www.saberfoundations.com
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homeproducts/services DRYER FIRES ARE THE #1 HOUSEHOLD DISASTER
Learn How to Prevent Dryer Fires, Save Time and Reduce Your Utility Bill
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ost homeowners are completely unaware that if unmaintained, a clothes dryer can pose a serious threat to their home and family. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, these seemingly harmless appliances cause an estimated 15,500 fires, 10 deaths and $100,000,000 in damages every year. When you learn how dryer fires happen you will understand how crucial regular dryer maintenance is to your safety. The reason most dryer fires happen is lint. Contrary to popular belief, your lint trap doesn’t catch everything, and this highly combustible material builds up inside your dryer with every load. A tiny spark is the only catalyst this hazard needs to become a full on disaster. The good news is that disaster is easily avoidable. Professional appliance technicians recommend having the inside of your dryer cleaned every three years. Most homeowners are shocked to see the amount of lint that is vacuumed out of their appliance and can instantly recognize the value of this service. A properly functioning dryer should only take 30 to 45 minutes to dry a load of clothes. If your appliance is running slower, this is a telltale sign of dirty dryer vent.
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Clogged vents prevent heat from escaping the machine, and keep moisture trapped inside your dryer. This means that an unmaintained dryer is not just dangerous; it is also wasting your time and raising your utility bill! Once cleaned, you will notice an instant improvement in drying time and begin saving money right away. If you are past due for a dryer vent cleaning there is no reason to procrastinate any longer, especially with the numerous benefits this service offers. To schedule your dryer vent cleaning, you can call Nick's Dryer Vent Cleaning and Air Duct Cleaning at (760) 533-0783. Homeowners can be confident in this company’s service because they offer a six-month lint free service guarantee pledge with every cleaning. You can learn about their pledge and services online at www.oceansideairductcleaning.com. Helping families dry their clothes in one cycle.
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Quality Cabinet Painting and Refinishing Is the Perfect Solution for You!
Looking For a Fast and Affordable
Kitchen Makeover?
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ost homeowners will agree that the most eye-catching part of your kitchen is its cabinetry. So it would make sense that in order to spruce things up and give your kitchen an updated feel all you need to do is alter the exterior facade of your current cabinets. Most kitchen remodels such as designing and installing brand new cabinets or refacing have proven to be rather expensive and time consuming. Why not skip all of the hassles and make the smart decision to have your cabinetry custom painted? This way you’ll be able to give your kitchen a beautiful new look for much less than you ever imagined. Custom cabinet painting and refinishing allows you to not only incorporate fresh colors and modern trends into your kitchen, but it can also renew
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the sparkling factory-finished look your classic, well-made cabinetry once had. Your cabinets will be thoroughly prepped, cleaned, and painted or stripped, stained, and finished to perfection. Select from a variety of antique glazes or clean white colors to achieve the classic or contemporary look you desire. Once your cabinets are refurbished you can further complement your new kitchen by simply adding a few fashionable hardware accents. You will save thousands of dollars while increasing the value of your home with this effortless but stunning remodel. For further information on custom cabinet painting and refinishing, you can call Palmer Painting at 619-460-3985 or 858-452-4314. You can also visit their website at www.palmerpainting.com. Palmer Painting also offers faux finishes for garage doors, as well as entry door refinishing. ONLINE AT SANDIEGOLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 • SAN DIEGO LIVING
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homeremodeling
NO FUNDS FOR A HOME REMODEL?
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The Answer May Be Inside Your Garage!
f you are like many homeowners, having a newly remodeled spacious kitchen or extra room addition for your growing family, or a deck built outside to give your family that extra outdoor space to entertain guests, may be on your wish list. But for many homeowners, that wish is far from reality because of lack of funds to complete a home remodeling project. A solution to this dilemma could be right in your garage. Do you have a vintage, classic or exotic car just sitting in your garage collecting dust? Working with a company that can offer construction services in exchange for that car can help cover all or part of the work estimated. You can now have the home improvements and makeovers you’ve been longing for. This is a more practical way to get those projects done without having to take out a loan or take away from your savings. Plus this will add value to your home if and when you decide to sell your home. In addition to being able to consider trade for home construction services, it is important that you choose a
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general contracting company that can work with you to fulfill any of your building needs to accommodate your current lifestyle. Working with a company that can handle everything from city permits, building plans and design consultations to make sure you understand each step of the building process, will make for a comfortable experience, allowing you to relax and enjoy your new project instead of worrying about any upcoming surprises. If you have any valuables that you would like to discuss as trade for construction work to your home, you can contact AOC Construction at 619-226-0772 or info@aocconstruction.com. In business for over 40 years, they can handle any project from design to completion. You can also visit their website www.aocconstruction.com
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homeremodeling ADDING A GRANNY FLAT TO YOUR HOME Has Never Been Easier!
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f you have ever considered adding extra space to your home or considered a guesthouse on your property? Or perhaps have you been looking to generate some rental income? A granny flat is a great way to utilize your space. And, because of a new bill that has been passed, many of the barriers in the past will now make it easier for homeowners and construction companies to build. A granny flat is a self-contained dwelling which may or may not attach to the main home. They can be constructed as a loft in your existing home if you are looking to move a family member in or it can be built as a secondary dwelling on your property that can be used as a guest house or rental property. It will contain everything necessary to live comfortable, including all electrical work, plumbing for kitchen and bath, painting, lighting, cabinetry, flooring, windows and more. State Senator Bob Wieckowski’s (D-Freemont) bill SB 1069 to reduce the barriers California homeowners face when seeking to build an accessory dwelling unit (granny flat) on
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their property is now in effect as of January 2017 after Governor Jerry Brown signed the bill in September 2016. Removing these obstacles creates a powerful tool for addressing California’s housing crisis that have discouraged homeowners from adding affordable second units in the past. This will now help to increase the supply of affordable housing in California and allow more people to remain in the communities they call home. AOC Construction is up to date on all the latest rules and regulations regarding the creation of granny flats. For more information, you can contact them at 619-226-0772 or info@aocconstruction.com. In business for over 40 years, they can handle any project from design to completion. You can also visit their website www.aocconstruction.com
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 • SAN DIEGO LIVING
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exteriorslandscaping
Restoring MAKES YOUR BARBEQUE SAFER, AND YOUR FOOD TASTE BETTER ust about everyone loves a good outdoor cookout, especially living in Southern California where the weather usually allows for year-round barbeques with friends and family. However, when it comes to cleaning the barbeque, that’s another story. It’s probably safe to say that most grills out there could use a good scrub down. Deep cleaning your barbeque will not only make it sparkle and shine, this procedure also will improve the taste of your food! This procedure removes fat, carbon deposits, and harmful carcinogens that can be transferred to your food. The deep cleaning also removes grease, which will make your outdoor cooking much safer by greatly reducing the chance of grease fires. On top of all of this, barbeque cleaning also prevent future corrosion, protecting your investment and extending the life of your grill. Now that it’s been established that cleaning your barbeque is a great idea, some homeowners might be asking, “Why not do this myself?” A thorough cleaning can be a messy job, and takes around two-and-a-half to three hours to properly execute. Therefore, a mobile barbeque company that can come to your home and utilize their proprietary cleaning system is a wise choice for any homeowner. Skilled technicians are friendly and knowledgeable about all aspects of your grill. They will arrive on time, secure the area around the grill with tarps and towels to protect your property, and then disassemble the grill from top to bottom in order to do a full inspection. They remove all the internal parts, including the cooking grates, heat plates, burners, basting pans, warming rack and hood. Internal parts are taken out to the truck to soak in our dip tank. Professionals will then degrease and sanitize the interior and exterior of the firebox from top to bottom, taking great care to get the finer details. After the body of the grill has been thoroughly cleaned, the hood is also cleaned inside and out, using caution to maintain the integrity of the grain on the stainless steel. During the third stage of this proprietary service, a combination of clean water, degreaser and special power tools are used to refurbish the parts. After the parts have been refurbished, everything is rinsed with water, and the burners are drilled out to make sure gas flow is consistent during cooking. The grill is then reassembled, tested again, and completely polished. For more information on mobile barbeque cleaning, you can contact San Diego BBQ at (858) 605-5777. They operate under the motto “Old grills, new grills, and everything in between,” and their friendly and well-trained staff is there to serve you. San Diego BBQ also sells parts and provides repairs for almost all brands. Common repairs include ignition system overhauls, valve replacement and parts installation. You can see a complete list of their services and prices online at www.sdbbqgrills.com.
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SAN DIEGO LIVING • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 • SAN DIEGO LIVING
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exteriorslandscaping
BEAUTIFY YOUR YARD
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with the Endless Possibilities of Pavers
here are many things you can do to add enhancements to your yard such as beautiful landscaping or a pool, but if your yard suffers from cracked or discolored concrete, it can distract and take away from the overall appearance that you have worked hard to achieve. But there is a way to take your yard from appealing to “Wow” by utilizing paver stones. Many homeowners today are learning about the variety of ways that pavers can enhance both the back and front yards of their home. Whether you are looking to add some Old World charm to your patio or contemporary flare to your walkway, there are many choices in pavers, including concrete pavers, travertine and stone. When deciding on the many possibilities that pavers can add to your outdoor environment, there are certain topics that should be addressed. First, make sure to work with an experienced company specializing in pavers who can help you determine answers to questions such as: How much space do you have to work with? How do you intend to use it? What’s the exterior color of your home? Answers to questions like this will create strong and productive outdoor living designs specialized for you. Are you building a pool? Will you be hosting large parties? Or maybe the space is meant for cooking outside on a warm evening? While the sky’s the limit, it’s important to narrow your outdoor living plans to one or two key areas and focus your design on those.
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Once you have determined your needs, by either adding a new walkway or driveway to your front yard or beautifying your backyard with a new pool deck, outdoor kitchen or retaining wall, a recommended source of pavers is Belgard®. Natural, Classic and Transitional paver styles from Belgard can give you the freedom to realize your vision in a variety of ways. A professional paver company can recommend a number of styles, shapes and tones, to help you select the right pavers to add the right personality and charm to any area of your yard. And because they are premade, you will know exactly what the color looks like before and during the installation, unlike with concrete. But don’t let style and beauty fool you, brick pavers are strong, durable and environmentally-friendly ensuring your pavers will stand the test of time. Working with a contractor that provides quality pavers that are crack resistant and can withstand harsh weather conditions will be less maintenance and will save you money. To learn more about the possibilities of enhancing your yard with pavers, you can contact the professionals at Pavers 4 Less at (619) 223-7283. In business since 2009 in California, they have worked with many homeowners beautifying their outdoor environments with pavers. You can visit their website at www.pavers4less.com ONLINE AT SANDIEGOLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
exteriorslandscaping
DECORATIVE LIGHTING FOR YOUR HOME ANY TIME OF YEAR!
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hile most enjoy the look of their home with festive lights, many homeowners dread the exhausting chore of getting their lights from storage and having to get up and down a ladder, or on the roof to install them, not to mention having to take them all down. However, there is a unique solution that is new and available locally to California homeowners- RGB (Red, Green, Blue) Color Changing LED Lights. The three colors, when varied in intensity, have the ability to produce over 16 million different color combinations. This permanent track lighting system for the exterior of your home is custom color matched to your home’s gutter or trim so it is virtually invisible during the daytime.
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These LED lights can be controlled by either a remote control or an Android tablet, both of which are included in the system. Both the remote control and the app will give you the ability to change the color, speed, and pattern of your lights with the press of a button! Unlike traditional Christmas lighting, with which you are stuck with one color for years, or until you purchase new bulbs, you now have any color combination you could imagine. Choose any selection of colors to represent any holiday of the year, show off your favorite team colors while watching the game, or celebrate your child’s birthday with their favorite colors - your choices are endless. As an added bonus, they are low-voltage and use 2/3 less energy as conventional Christmas lights. For more information on RGB Color Changing LED Lights, you can contact Silver Moon Lighting. They are an outdoor specialty lighting contractor that has been in business for 13 years. You may call them at 858-613-3600 or email at lights@silvermoonlighting.com. You can also visit their website at www.silvermoonlighting.com
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healthbeautyfitness
What Can Permanent Makeup DO FOR YOU?
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othing is more frustrating than standing in front of the mirror desperately trying to pencil in your eyebrows, make your lips look fuller, get your eyeliner exactly right, and taking care of the other daily beauty rituals that can become so time-consuming. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could just wake up every day already feeling put-together, rejuvenated and beautiful?
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Modern advancements have changed the world of permanent cosmetics forever, allowing you to enhance your beauty with soft, natural and beyond stunning options. Professionals take an
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artistic approach to permanent cosmetics, also known as the micropigmentation process, with an emphasis on natural beauty, artistic design, color, and application. Your important features can be enhanced for a more youthful or prominent look, while other features that may have been taken away due to aging or misfortunes can be given back.
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Eyebrows are one of the most common choices for women looking to reduce their morning routine and find the perfect look for their face. Carefully sculpted permanent eyebrows can open up your face and make you look years younger. Utilizing a unique hair stroke method, your brows will look unbelievably natural once the process is finished. The end result is gorgeous maintenancefree eyebrows that will never smudge off or perspire away. Another popular permanent makeup choice is eyeliner. Imagine having eyeliner that is perfectly even, every single day. Permanent eyeliner applied by professionals can be soft and natural in appearance, or it can be more bold and artistic, for a dramatic look. You can work out, sleep, and shower, and it will never run or start to turn blue or gray. Lips are another great facial aspect where permanent makeup professionals can work their magic. You can choose from lip liner, a naturally blended lip liner, or even full lip color—all you’ll need is some tinted lip-gloss, and not one person will suspect that you
weren’t born with those beautiful lips. Aside from giving your lips some permanent style and color, permanent lip makeup can also give your lips a fuller look without the need for Botox® or other lip injections. Along with the factors of saving time in the morning and money on cosmetics, permanent makeup is also an ideal option for people that constantly battle allergies from traditional cosmetics. Shelley Todd has been a certified micropigmentation technician since 1992, and a licensed cosmetologist since 1983. With a passion for natural beauty, Shelley Todd pledges to help both women and men achieve a flawless balance for their desired makeup look. Genuine care and comfort are the highest priority with natural results for your new look with the micropigmentation process. Along with permanent cosmetics, Shelley also specializes in corrective permanent makeup, needling, camouflage, tattoo removal, and beauty marks. You can call Shelley at 760809-3881 for a complimentary consultation. You can also visit her website at www.ShelleyTodd.net. Shelley is located in the New-U Rejuvenation Center, a unique fitness, relaxation, detoxification, and therapy center located at 1315 Hot Springs Way Suite 101 in Vista. ONLINE AT SANDIEGOLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM