SANDIEGOLIVING SANDIEGOLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM VOL XXXV • NO. 4 • ODD
JULY/AUGUST 2014
Contents 12 - 13 K ITCHEN & B ATH Looking For A Fast And Affordable Kitchen Makeover? Are You Tired Of Waiting For Hot Water?
14 - 16 H OME FASHION
What’s Your Decorating “Personality”? Architectural Ornamentation–The Difference Is In The Details
18 - 19 H OME I NTERIORS Do You Know What’s Lurking Inside Of Your Vents? Stairs Keeping You Down? Discover The Convenience Of A Custom Home Elevator, Wheelchair Lift Or Stairclimber
20 - 35 E XTERIORS & L ANDSCAPING Creating A Better First Impression The Ultimate Backyard Entertainment Center Increase Your Curb Appeal With Concrete Coatings Create The Beautiful And Efficient Pool Of Your Dreams Evict Termites Without Leaving Your Home
20 - 35 E XTERIORS & L ANDSCAPING Professional Barbeque Cleaning Protects Your Investment And Makes Food Taste Better Finally Outdoor Furniture That Is Elegant, Customizable and Affordable! A Beautiful And Functional Concrete Building Solution Finding The Best Organic Produce Has Never Been Easier! Now You Can Have Your Very Own Treehouse Complete With Its Own Tree Concrete Resurfacing: An Easy And Affordable Way To Give Your Driveway, Patio, Or Pool Deck A Fresh New Look 36 - 40 H EALTH , B EAUTY & F ITNESS Diabetic Eye Disease Can Cause Severe Eye Loss Or Even Blindness Thermography... Early Detection Saves Lives! Reshape Your Body In 20 Minutes! Wake Up With Make Up: Look And Feel Younger With Effortless Eyebrows
ON THE COVER Magical, experiential, and tranquil: San Diego’s celebrated La Casa Del Zorro Resort is open, and ready for you to enjoy. The resort features 42 acres of manicured desert landscape, offering luxurious poolside rooms, many one-to-four bedroom private casitas, 26 pools, six night-lit tennis courts and a plethora of family oriented outdoor games. A full service balance spa is also available. To experience La Casa Del Zorro and learn more about the resort as well as the Butterfield Room restaurant, Fox Den bar, and venues for corporate, social and wedding events, you can visit www.lacasadelzorro.com or call (760) 767-0100. For more information, you can see their ad on page 7.
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JULY/AUGUST 2014 • SAN DIEGO LIVING
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SANDIEGOLIVING PUBLISHER WALLY HICKS III ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER DAVE BAKER PRODUCTION MANAGERS DAWN DOWLATSHAHI, DAVID MARCHAND WRITER/COPY EDITOR CAITLIN FEENER MARKETING MANAGER DEBBIE TARNOFF HOME FURNISHINGS DIRECTOR DEBORAH MESNA MARKETING SPECIALISTS GLENDA BAYLY, JENNIFER BURKE PUBLISHER’S REPRESENTATIVES MARKET LINK ACCOUNTING MAI HUONG THI LE 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.affluenttargetmarketing.com
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. 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
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 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 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
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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
kitchen&bath
Are You Tired of Waiting for Hot Water?
veryone has played the “hot-water waiting game” before. In fact, most people have to do it every single time they turn on the faucet! It takes “forever” for the water to finally warm up in your sink, bathtub or shower— wasting water, money and time. Whether you are driven by comfort, convenience or conservation, there are relatively inexpensive, easy to install solutions that quickly deliver hot water to the sinks without wasting water down the drain. Systems that use the Faucet Activated Smart Technology (F.A.S.T.) are triggered by turning on any hot water faucet in your home and delivers hot water in about 30 seconds without wasting more than a cup of water.
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Some important things to look at when deciding on what system to buy include: • Where the pump will be installed—under a sink or by the water heater? • How is the system started—pushing a button or turning on a faucet? • Ease of installation—can you do it yourself or do you need a plumber? • Timer—never buy a pump that is operated on a timer (it saves water but wastes a lot of energy). • Can it work with your water heater—all systems work with traditional tank style water heaters but may void the warranty on the new tankless water heaters. All of us should be aware of the water shortage faced in California and around the world. With this awareness, we each share a responsibility to conserve our natural resources. Hot water circulation systems will prevent the loss of thousands of gallons of water in every household where they are installed. If you have just moved into a new place or have lived in your home for many years, there is a solution that will meet your needs and your budget. For more information, you can call (619) 665-2077, go to www.FasterHotWater.com or email info@FasterHotWater.com.
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homefashion
What’s Your Decorating “Personality”?
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e all have different decorating personalities. Some people change their furnishings frequently and equate home décor to fashion trends. Others buy the highest quality traditional furniture, keep it forever, and plan to pass it down to their children. And then there are those of us in between who aren’t sure when we should replace that sofa that’s just not quite right for the space. There is much to consider when planning your decorating and furniture purchases. If you’re feeling a bit lost about home decor decisions, here are some tips to help get you started. 1. Determine the real use of each room. Which rooms need to be highly functional, and which can be decorative or for special occasions? What is your family’s lifestyle? How much wear and tear will each room get
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from kids, pets, or frequent entertaining? 2. Take stock of your current furniture. Do you have family heirlooms, antiques, or very high-quality furnishings? If so, you may be keeping these pieces a long time, and you have the option of reupholstering or refinishing them to freshen their appearance and function. If you’re living with furniture that you’re not fond of, doesn’t quite fit the space, or is past its prime and not worth repairing, start planning for buying some new pieces or whole sets. You can always sell your old pieces or donate them to a charitable organization. 3. Give some serious thought to your own personal style. Look all around you for inspiration and narrow down your favorite colors and interior motifs. Magazines, books, online sources, home shows, stores, and professional decorators can all give you insight into the types of décor that best suit your style and make you feel at home. Start a photo collection of styles that you love – pictures of entire rooms, particular pieces of furniture or fabrics, or even travel photos of a Morrocan palace, an Italian villa, or an English cottage. All these images will be useful for inspiration whether you are redecorating yourself or hiring a designer. Ask yourself these questions: Do you love formal settings or comfy/casual? What kind
of mood do you want to create in your room... calm and relaxing, or dynamic and energetic? Do you love color palettes with warm tones or cool tones? Do you lean toward traditional or contemporary? Which styles will complement your home’s architectural character? All these clues will help you pinpoint the unique decor that best suits your personality. 4. Identify and work around a focal point in each room. This can be a fireplace, a conversational seating arrangement, a piece of art, a window with a view, or many other features. 5. Keep in mind natural traffic patterns through and between rooms and arrange your furniture accordingly for ease of movement 6. A common decorating challenge is to define spaces in open floorplans. You can achieve this with furniture arrangement, area rugs, folding screens, a “wall” of tall houseplants (consider bamboo), or sometimes even a fountain or sculpture. 7. Choose your paint colors LAST! Take samples of your fabrics, wood tones, and flooring if possible when choosing paint chips, and then bring the chips home to view them in the room at different times during the day. There are many other considerations for putting together your décor, whether in one room or an entire house. If you decide to hire a designer, make sure to check their references, look through their portfolio, establish a clear budget and time-frame, and pull out that photo collection of the looks you love. If you enjoyed reading this article and would like to see more general topic articles please email your topic recommendations to debbie@keyaccess.com ONLINE AT SANDIEGOLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
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homefashion
ARCHITECTURAL ORNAMENTATION The Difference is in the Details
hen it comes to creating a rich and elegant environment, whether indoors or out, the most significant aspects can be found in the details. When you are ready for a new look, you might not need to completely remodel an entire space from top to bottom. In fact, architectural ornamentation is one of the most convenient and successful ways to reinvent a room, cabinet, ceiling, wall or more. Architectural ornamentation can transform any ordinary bathroom into a lavish lair fit for a Greek Goddess. You can give an out dated kitchen the luxury of old world class, dramatically improving the ambiance of the heart of your home. Or, add a touch of class to your ceilings and extend some artistic beauty to all areas of the room. Exclusive modular systems allow you to pick and choose parts to create your own custom masterpiece; which simplifies the design process. Offering a rich look of wood without the high price, resin ornamentation is a superior product in many ways. Resin is flexible and can be used on radius curves, opening up design options that cannot be duplicated using traditional methods. Resin is non-porous which makes it the material of choice for external use. Resin can also be painted or stained just like wood, so you can have the exact look you desire.
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For more information about upgrading your environment with architectural ornamentation, Pearlworks can help! Offering over 2,500 production parts and in-house inventory since 1999, Pearlworks manufactures all products at their factory/showroom in Tustin and most orders can be will-called, or ship immediately. For more information, you can call Pearlworks at 714-573-1700 or visit their website at www.pearlworksinc.com.
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homeinteriors DO YOU KNOW WHAT’S LURKING INSIDE OF YOUR VENTS? Improve Both the Safety and Air Quality of Your Home
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ccording to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, a seemingly harmless clothes dryer can actually 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. A properly functioning dryer should only take 30 to 45 minutes to dry a load of clothes. Lint traps do not 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. Professional appliance technicians recommend having your dryer vent cleaned every year and inside of your dryer every three years to prevent a dryer fire. Dryers aren’t the only area of the home that poses a threat to your wellbeing. The Environmental Protection Agency claims that indoor air has been found to be up to 70-times more polluted than outdoor air. Considering that people spend
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between 60% to 90% of their time indoors, this fact can be quite alarming. Have you lived at your home for more than two years, but never cleaned your air ducts? Your heating and cooling system’s air ducts can get clogged with excessive amounts of dust and debris. Certain things can increase pollution, such as interior home construction. Painting, or installing wood floors, new kitchen installations, remodeling and more creates extra dust inside the home, which eventually finds its way to the air ducts. Dogs and cats increase animal dander and other irritants. Common air pollutants such as dust mites, mold spores, mildew circulate through our homes on a regular basis. Removing these harmful airborne pathogens with a thorough air duct cleaning is a key component to increased indoor air quality. Professionals will take care of everything so you can breathe peacefully once again. Be sure to ask about filter and duct yearly maintenance plans to keep your ducts clean and fresh. Imagine how you and your family will feel when everyone can breathe clean air and dry clothes in just one cycle. To schedule your own dryer or air duct cleaning, you can call Nick’s Dryer Vent & Air Duct Cleaning at 760-533-0783. You can learn more about their services online at www.oceansideairductcleaning.com, or you can call them for a free estimate.
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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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Before
After
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Creating a Better
ith the slowdown in home sales, Terry and Anita Farmer knew this was not a good time to sell their dated 1970s ranch home. “If we had to stay here, we were going to turn it into a jewel,” says Anita. They renovated the kitchen with granite countertops and glass-fronted cabinets, updated the bathrooms, and replaced the carpeting with hardwood. Ultimately, the interior was a showcase, but the exterior looked no different than all the other tract homes in their area. “It just wasn’t a thrill to drive in the driveway,” according to Terry, “which is what we really wanted.” Then they saw a photo of an incredible door in a home renovation magazine. “A light bulb went on,” Anita says. “We were trying to create an updated look and realized that a more contemporary-style door would really help us to redefine the exterior of our house. “We were delighted with the result and even more pleased when we realized that we had succeeded in transforming the look of the interior as well.” A custom door remodel is not only one of the easiest and most cost-effective means to make your property uniquely distinctive, it also raises the perceived value of your home. When beginning a door remodeling project, there are a few considerations that prove helpful to ensuring your satisfaction. Do you want to invite natural
First Impression 20
SAN DIEGO LIVING • JULY/AUGUST 2014
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light into your entryway, or do you prefer a solid remodel was much design that can be as equally decorative? What easier than anticidesign and stain grade best complements the pated. Consider taking architecture of your home? Also, give some thought about your door’s a photograph of exposure to the elements. An increasing number your current entryof door buyers are selecting the new breed of way with you when fiberglass doors that truly look and feel like gen- visiting a custom uine wood while withstanding the environmental door showroom and test of time. The latest fiberglass technology now measure the size of offers products that are termite-resistant and your existing doors. remain durable against sunlight, ocean air, and This allows the sales specialist to help you more efficiently. They moisture. When undertaking a door remodeling pro- can effectively guide you in selecting those ject the savvy consumer chooses to work with designs and materials that will result in the durability a custom door Custom doors are designed and look specialty comto your exact measurements, you want to pany. They environmental requirements, achieve. soon discover and the precise look you want. As with that instead of any remodfeeling overwhelmed, the experienced professional walks eling project, think about the personalized them through the process from start to finish statement you’d like to convey. Some homes and they most often comment that their are best suited for the traditional beautifully stained wood door that can be enhanced with dazzling art and beveled glass. For these more conventional homes, welcoming a touch of artistic illumination into an otherwise dim entryway breathes new life into the entire dwelling.
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After
Before
Custom doors are designed to your exact measurements, environmental requirements, and the precise look you want to achieve. Built to order, the manufacturer can take up to eight weeks, but the installation, performed by an experienced professional door installer, will be done in a day. A new door transforms the entire look of your house, delivering a rejuvenated charm and distinguishing personal touch to your home. For more information about how to remodel your home using a custom door approach, you can visit Grand Entrances at 8228 Miramar Rd. in San Diego and online at www.GrandEntrances.com, or call 888-693-9809. The showroom features over 300 quality custom doors. Their experienced staff will help you decide which door best complements the architectural design of your home, select hardware, and arrange convenient installation. JULY/AUGUST 2014 • SAN DIEGO LIVING
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exteriorslandscaping
ools and spas offer so many benefits, it’s no wonder you often play around with the idea of finally investing in this addition to your outdoor living spaces. However, there are many possible concerns that can hold you back from starting that construction project. Perhaps you don’t have much space in your yard. Or, you might be worried about the time and money a pool will require when it comes to operation and maintenance. If you often struggle with the commitment required with a pool and spa, the time has come to discover a new versatile solution that is a perfect fit for every family, budget and environment—the Lagoon Rock Spa. The Lagoon Rock Spa is multiuse. This extremely innovative, natural-looking water feature will satisfy all of your entertainment needs, as well as your practical requirements. When the weather is warm, you can enjoy the Lagoon Rock Spa like a pool, complete with amenities such as swim steps, barstools, and even umbrella holders. When the weather gets cold or you simply want to relax in the evening after a long day, you can turn up the heat and unwind in your warm and cozy spa while you listen to the peaceful sound of waterfalls. Ideal for small spaces, you don’t have to utilize your entire yard—the Lagoon Rock Spa takes up a fraction of the space while offering you maximum enjoyment. It can be crafted into any shape you desire, offering a seamless fit into your existing environment. Also, while smaller in size, the Lagoon Rock Spa is big enough to hold 10 (or more) people. One of the greatest benefits of the Lagoon Rock Spa is it heats fast and is efficient. While an average pool is approximately 20,000 gallons of water, the Lagoon Rock Spa only requires around 1,500–2,500 gallons. Not only will you conserve water with this
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alternative, but you will also save money on your energy bills because heating and cooling takes less time. Additionally, Lagoon Rock Spas use energy-efficient variable speed pumps that cost significantly less money than a standard single speed pump. For example, a 20,000-gallon pool with a single speed pump running for eight hours a day might cost around $1,930 a year. However that same size pool with a variable speed pump will cost around $470 per year. Your Lagoon Rock Spa can have a salt system or a chlorinated system, based on your preference. A smaller body of water simply functions easier because you need less chemicals and less cleaning, and there is no need for any pool service. Save time by controlling your Lagoon Rock Spa with your iPhone, iPad or Android. The wireless screen logic setup allows you to heat up your spa from your phone or tablet before you arrive home so you don’t have to sit around waiting. You can control your water features, heat, spa light and landscape lighting with the touch of a button. For more information, Zember Construction Inc. can provide you with any questions you have about Lagoon Rock Spas. Along with the spa, they also offer complete landscape packages, including landscape lighting, barbecue islands, fire pits, patio covers and more. Prices start at $24,900, and you can call Zember Construction at 760-723-3684 or email them at lz@zemberconstruction.com.
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exteriorslandscaping
Increase Your Curb Appeal with Concrete Coatings
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ear-round beautiful weather is only one of the reasons San Diego homeowners are among the luckiest in the world. Southern California’s coastal climate is ideal for exotic landscaping, and without the threat of snow, the options to expand and enhance your outdoor living space are virtually endless. Imagine your backyard as the ultimate paradise— primed for entertaining guests year-round. One of the best high-impact improvements you can invest in is decorative concrete. The classic beauty of concrete coatings can transform your ugly concrete into a work of art in just a few days. This timeless and elegant addition can enhance any décor, and significantly increase your home value. Homeowners can enjoy the look of tile, brick, pavers or stone without any tear out, and for a fraction of the cost. The coating is applied on top of your existing concrete, with a pigmented sealer to ensure long-lasting beauty and durability. The versatility of concrete coatings is truly remarkable. Whether you are going for the rustic charm of cobblestone, an elegant look like slate, or natural feel such as flagstone, concrete coatings can help
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create the perfect look for you. These extremely resilient coatings can stand up to vehicular traffic and are ideal for your driveway, patio, or walkways. There are also skid-resistant coatings available for your pool deck! You can even use concrete coatings for indoor application, and give your concrete floors a glamorous new look. With the right contractor your remodeling experience can be extremely painless. A knowledgeable estimator can come to your home and give you insight on the best options for your lifestyle, décor and budget. The estimator can show you different color palettes, make recommendations and guide you through the planning process. The actual application takes between two and four days for most jobs, and your backyard will have a whole new look before you know it. For more information on concrete coatings, please contact Allied Coatings at (888) 635-7186. With over 25 years experience, this family owned company is fully licensed and insured and can help you transform your backyard into your own personal paradise. For more information please visit their website at www.alliedcoatings.com ONLINE AT SANDIEGOLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
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exteriorslandscaping
an Diego has the ultimate climate for outdoor living and entertaining. When planned correctly, beautifully designed custom swimming pools can add such uniqueness and character to your backyard setting. People often invest a lot of time and money into transforming their homes, so why would your pool and backyard be any different? By venturing outside of the norm and pairing up with an experienced professional, together you can create the ideal custom pool environment, a perfect setting to proudly entertain your friends and family. Along with design, one of the most important aspects to keep in mind when creating or remodeling your pool is efficiency. This applies to multiple stages of the pool planning process—you want energy efficiency, a system that you can efficiently control, plus efficient construction and maintenance. Energy efficient pool pumps run approximately one-third the cost of traditional pumps, plus current lighting technology also saves energy—over time, utilizing newer technology can save you a lot of money. Energy efficient pool pumps run more quietly, and combined with current lighting installation, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the sounds and sights of your tranquil retreat. With current systems, you no longer have to wait until getting home from a long day at the office to start warming up your spa! By utilizing any smart phone, tablet, or wireless device, syncing
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the entire yard can be done at the touch of a button—operating your system has never been more efficient and convenient. Turn on your landscape lighting, heat up the spa and get the fire pit going before you get home! Your oasis can be ready for entertaining the second you step outside. Finally, you want a professional company that is not only trustworthy, but has the skills and expertise in creating the most cost effective quality design for your budget. Hiring a company that keeps most, if not all, of the work in-house with their own experienced team of employees is most efficient. Professional builders should also be able to help with design advice, current trends and innovation. Whether you’re looking for brand new pool construction or a pool renovation, Presidio Pools is your local company that does it all, efficiently. Raised in San Diego, Rick Duffett, owner of Presidio Pools has over 30 years industry experience. He is a hands-on custom pool builder who prides himself in being involved every step of the way—a service that is rare to find. Specializing in custom pools, Presidio offers 3-D designs, water features, fire features, barbeques, swim-up bars, beach entries, vanishing edges, KOI ponds, fountains, and more. For additional information, visit their website at www.PresidioPools.com. Click on the “contact” tab to fill out your information or submit any questions. Lic. #960986 B-1, C53. BBB accredited. ONLINE AT SANDIEGOLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
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exteriorslandscaping
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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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 SANDIEGOLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
exteriorslandscaping
Professional Barbeque Cleaning Protects your Investment and Makes Food Taste Better
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n sunny San Diego, grilling up a hearty meal on the barbeque is a beloved pastime for most homeowners. Everyone loves a good cookout, but not many enjoy cleaning the barbeque—so it is 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 about two and a half hours to properly execute. A mobile barbeque company can bring their patented trailer to your home, and give each part of your
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barbeque a thorough yet gentle cleaning with environmentally friendly cleaning process. They will clean and degrease every part, inspect your burners, pressure regulator, igniters and tubes and even polish your barbeque when they are done. Sometimes it is just better to call in the professionals. For more information on mobile barbeque cleaning, you can contact San Diego BBQ Cleaners at (858) 605-5777. They operate under the motto “Quality Service at an Honest Price,” and their friendly and well-trained staff is there to serve you. You can see a complete list of their services and prices online at www.sdbbqcleaners.com
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exteriorslandscaping
Finally Outdoor That Is Elegant, Furniture Customizable
And Affordable!
s it time to update your patio furniture? It seems that in San Diego, summer is with us all year round. Therefore, why should we be concerned about the quality of our patio furniture? With the heat of East County and the unpredictable marine layer at the coast, more care needs to be taken when buying furniture for your outdoor living space than you think. All weather handcrafted polyethylene wicker is the premier solution to withstand the varied microclimates of Southern California. It offers functionality, durability and style that is practically maintenance free— just hose down with water once a month! The frame is an important component for support and longevity of your furniture; make sure that it constructed of powder-coated aluminum. Firmer, high-density foam, and removable cushions are a must to help keep mold and mildew at bay. Finally, you can buy from a company that you can trust. Eurolux Patio’s reputation grew through word of mouth and stellar online reviews from satisfied customers. Gone are the days of having to choose
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between quality and price, luxury patio furniture is now affordable! Eurolux Patio’s designs offer warmth and elegance. Customize your own set with their practical and stylish modular pieces. They were founded in 2011 on the basis of offering high quality, stylish and affordable wicker patio furniture coupled with superior customer experience. Their range includes sofas, sectionals, day beds, lounge chairs, dining and bar sets, and patio accessories—all offered in a range of cushion color options and Sunbrella fabric which will last long after your tan has faded. You can visit their showroom at 7515 Convoy Court in San Diego, or call 858-480-7632. www.EuroluxPatio.com.
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JULY/AUGUST 2014 • SAN DIEGO LIVING
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exteriorslandscaping
That Doesn’t Require Any Commitment
H
ave you been thinking about adding a block wall, fire pit, column, custom mailbox, planter, or another type of attractive structure to your outdoor living spaces? If so, you are probably aware of the many different options available. However, you might not be completely sure about what you want, and as a result, might be somewhat hesitant to invest in something. If you are the type of homeowner that likes to save both time and money by tackling projects yourself, or one who simply needs something very quickly, then there is an innovative new block system on the market that will provide you with the ultimate construction solution. More importantly, you get flexibility because these blocks can be un-installed, reconfigured, and re-installed almost instantly so you can change your mind as quickly as you need to. Need to relocate that planter? No problem. Tie-Cast® block products are simple to install and offer the look of real stone to enhance your outdoor décor and landscaping.
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Concrete blocks simply bolt together; there is no mortaring, grouting, or high skill needed for installation—in fact, the only tool you’ll need is a drill/driver. Blocks can be fully installed in less than one minute. Yet, this block system still offers the benefits of a solid, grouted, steel reinforced wall or structure. The durability of concrete and the strength of steel reinforcing provide structurally functional uses for the product such as retaining walls, load bearing walls, durable water features, fire features and planters. Whether you want a wood burning, propane, or natural gas fire pit, or other fire feature, their system can accommodate all of these options. Kits facilitate both the do-it-yourselfer or those who simply want professionals to put it in place. Tie-Cast Systems, Inc. has created a block system that is different from any other product on the market. Products are available in many textures and colors. You can contact them today to learn more about this incredible, flexible building solution. For more information, you can call them at 858-774-9860 or visit www.tiecastsystems.com. You can also email sales@tiecastsystems.com.
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exteriorslandscaping
Finding the Best Organic Produce Has Never Been Easier!
W
e all know what it feels like to purchase fresh organic produce at the store, only to feel overwhelmed over the next few days trying to eat all of your vegetables before they go bad. There’s nothing worse than feeling as though you wasted both good food and money, not to mention the extra time that it took to find truly organic produce. Luckily, there is a solution to this quite frustrating issue that offers a variety of incredible benefits for your family. When you have a garden full of your favorite produce right in your very own yard, not only do you gain instant access to the veggies you want when you need them, you also gain a fun and educational experience that everyone can enjoy. Living in beautiful California, our conducive climate allows you to grow just about anything you’d like—popular summer veggies include zucchini, tomatoes, green beans, peppers, and corn, while common winter harvests might consist of broccoli, cauliflower, snow peas, lettuce and spinach. Depending on your specific needs and outdoor space, professionals will work with you to establish which produce you want to grow and what size garden boxes need to be installed. Full service gardening that is tailored to your needs
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provides you with options such as drip irrigation, garden maintenance and harvesting. If you have any special requests, such as the need for animal-proof fencing, these concerns can also be addressed. Additionally, you can be as involved in your garden maintenance as you want. Tasks such as weeding, watering, fertilizing, harvesting and general care can be customized to fit your schedule and preferences. If you have children that want to learn about gardening and help plant and harvest, professionals can teach you and your family how to maintain your garden. Or, if you’d simply like to sit back and watch the professionals work their magic, that’s an option too. The choice is up to you! If you are ready to feel good about contributing to a healthy planet and a healthier you, then Teca’s Edible Gardens can help. For more information about getting started on your own organic garden, you can call them at 619-995-9005 or email tecasediblegardens@yahoo.com
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exteriorslandscaping
Now, You Can Have Your Very Own Treehouse Complete with its own tree.
i
magine having your very own treehouse ready to be enjoyed by your entire family. This unique clubhouse is authentic to the core... the log a real, old fallen tree, actually hollowed out using a chainsaw. And the charming house that jauntily crowns it is made from old, recycled barn wood. Armed with the acceptable password, simply enter the door in the hollow log, climb up the ladder in its center, and pull yourself through the trap door in the clubhouse floor. Just as no two trees are exactly alike, each house is a unique creation. The recycled barn wood varies as well, with colors that range from old barn-red to a natural, weathered look. Although each differ, they’re all extraordinary... and extraordinarily fun! The standard reaches about 14’ tall, with logs about 5’ in diameter and 6’ tall. It’s a snug fit, but a large adult can easily climb inside and stand straight up in the middle with room to spare. Standard options include a front porch, fireman’s escape pole, flip down loft bed, rope swing extending from the side of the log, a roof dormer on one or both sides, and a slide coming out of the back of the clubhouse. Nothing is more exciting than the challenge of a custom order, though! So clear out the cobwebs and stir your imagination. If
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you can describe it, they can build it! The treehouse can be shipped anywhere in the country and comes in two units: the clubhouse, and the log. Installation services are available and lead time runs between 6-8 weeks. For more information on The Ultimate Treehouse, you can call (888) 612-7400 x 321, visit www.affluentproducts.com, or email products@keyaccess.com. A child’s dream, it’s sure to put a smile on everyone’s face.
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exteriorslandscaping
Concrete Resurfacing: An Easy and Affordable Way to Give Your Driveway, Patio, or Pool Deck a Fresh New Look
a
re you tired of ugly, discolored concrete marring your driveway, patio, and pool deck? Damaged concrete can heavily distract from the overall beauty of your home, however Before replacing it can be a lengthy and expensive process. The inconvenience and expense of having concrete replaced is simply too much for most homeowners. Thankfully, there are other options! Concrete resurfacing is a cost-effective alternative to replacing your damaged concrete. Resurfacing allows you to keep your concrete foundation and still achieve a brand-new look. Whether you have cracks and stains in your driveway or crave a bold new look for your patio, this is an excellent option for all homeowners to consider. Patio with stamped, stained overlay The overlay process is fairly simple when performed by a concrete resurfacing specialist. First, the concrete is prepared for bonding by chasing out and widening existing cracks, and acid etching the entire surface. After the prep work is complete, a nearly bulletproof slurry overlay is applied and usually given a broom finish to protect against slipping. Lastly, the surface is sealed, keeping it safe against stains and making it easier to clean. The concrete can also be colored before being poured to complement your home’s exterior color scheme or provide a stunning contrast that your friends and family will love. Stamped overlay is also an option for homeowners who crave a bold new look. Before Replacing concrete can cost as much as three times more than concrete resurfacing and take days longer to complete. Resurfacing is truly the best value for your money. For more information on concrete resurfacing, you can contact Quality Sealants at 760-854-4608. They have over 15 years of experience in concrete resurfacing and can give you a free estimate on your driveway, patio, or pool deck. You can also visit them online at Driveway resurfaced with color www.qualitysealants.com
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JULY/AUGUST 2014 • SAN DIEGO LIVING
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healthbeautyfitness
Diabetic Eye Disease
Can Cause Severe Eye Loss or Even Blindness
D
iabetes is the leading cause of blindness among adults in the United States. Additionally, diabetes is growing at epidemic proportions in this country. Eating real food and having an active lifestyle are important in preventing diabetes. An annual eye examination is also valuable. During an eye examination your doctor takes a good look at the retina, which is similar to the film in a camera. Various diseases, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration, can damage the retina. Also, it is the only place in the body that blood vessels can be directly viewed. Therefore, diseases such as diabetes can be detected by evaluating the retina. Whether you have diabetes or not, you should have your retina evaluated. If you are diabetic it is essential to have a dilated evaluation of the retina every year. The most complete evaluation of the retina will include retinal photography and in some instances, ocular coherence tomography, which can detect subtle swelling of the macula. Unfortunately, there are not any symptoms for patients with early diabetic changes. Invision Eye Care Optometry Dr. Michael Kling 3945 First Ave San Diego, CA 92103 619.295.4194 www.invisioncare.com Encinitas Optometry Dr. James Owen 681 Encinitas Blvd #302 Encinitas, CA92024 760.436.1877 www.encinitaseyecare.com Gordon-Weiss-Schanzlin Vision Institute Dr. David Geffen 8910 University Ctr Ln #800 San Diego, CA 92122 858.455.9950 www.gwsvision.com
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Carmel Mountain Vision Care Dr. Kevin Reeder Dr. Earl Sandler Dr. Joel Cook Dr. Barbara Bytomski 9320 Carmel Mtn Rd Ste E San Diego, CA92129 858.484.1500 www.carmelmountainvision care.com Total Vision Care Advanced Optometry Dr. Steve Klein Dr. Greg Hayes 11717 Bernardo Plaza Ct. San Diego, CA92128 858.487.5555 www.tvceyes.com
SAN DIEGO LIVING • JULY/AUGUST 2014
The longer a patient has diabetes, the greater the risk for diabetic retinopathy. Also, the higher a person’s blood sugar is over time, the greater the risk. Therefore, it is important to maintain an HbA1C level below 7.0 and ideally below 6.0. To reduce the complications from diabetes everyone should have their retina evaluated on an annual basis. For more information, locate your nearest eye care professional below, who are also members of the Vision Source Network of independent, private practice optometrists. Werner Optometry Dr. Aaron Werner Dr. Rex Werner Dr. Courtney Kness 2650 Jamacha Rd #155 El Cajon, CA92019 619.670.6296 www.wernerod.com Pacific View Eyecare Center Dr. R. Anthony Huchinson 681 Encinitas Blvd #302 Encinitas, CA92024 760.753.6336 www.pacificvieweyecare.com Eye Gallery Optometry Dr. Ioana Swikard 124 Lomas Santa Fe Dr #203A Solana Beach, CA92075 858.793.1550 www.myeyegallery.com
Daniel & Davis Optometry Inc Dr. Susan Daniel Dr. Christopher Davis Dr. Karen Love Dr. Camilla Dukes 3144 El Camino Real #202 Carlsbad, CA 92008 760.434.3314 www.visionsourcedrsdanielanddavis optometry.com Fallbrook Eyecare Center Dr. Eric J. Ramos 645 E Elder St Ste D Fallbrook, CA92028 760.728.9440 www.visionsource-fallbrook eyecare.com
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healthbeautyfitness
Thermography… Early Detection Saves Lives! hermography, or graphing temperatures, has been observed medically in papyrus documents—not as high-tech as infrared imaging that is used now, of course! However, history shows that there is clearly a benefit here. Thermography uses a photographic process, like one sees in news reports of world heat patterns, or soldiers’ locations. With that image, specific temperatures can be compared to determine abnormalities. Appropriate medical use of thermography is powerful and beneficial in diagnosis. Be aware that infrared imaging “sees” skin temperatures, not internal temperatures. Any temperature abnormality must penetrate to skin level to be observed with thermography. Thermography excels at monitoring breasts, for both men and women, at any age, and in observing neuromusculoskeletal issues that penetrate to skin level, non-invasively. Breasts are skin organs with vascular branching that show temperatures; they are external to the body cavity, there are two of them for comparison (with exception), and they are responsive to the environment, demanding the use of an immediate double-study exam that observes “function.” This comparison
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takes minutes, not months. The vessels that provide mammary functions are visible at the skin level. High-level expertise is required to evaluate all the indicators; and there must be a specific quantifiable scoring system. Risk factors leading to pathology can be identified only with this protocol, giving the patient choices for therapies that can reduce those risks. Neuromusculoskeletal issues also show patterns of heat. When your knee hurts, it feels hot to your touch; temperatures and heat patterns can determine the source of injury. A compromise in the peripheral vascular system will result in colder temperatures in the extremities, showing where a specific problem exists. A misaligned spine or bone fracture will show heat patterns. A problematic liver or kidney is not likely to show up with thermography. Be aware that some providers apparently do not know the limitations of thermography; do your research before agreeing to any thermographic diagnosis. For further information about including thermography in your health care, you can visit www.ClinicalThermography.com, and you can call Clinical Thermography Associates at 619-269-8360.
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healthbeautyfitness
RESHAPE YOUR BODY
20 MINUTES
IN
By John Colman
57-YEAR-OLD SAN DIEGO RESIDENT KATHLEEN NEWCOMB WAS FRUSTRATED THAT AS HER HORMONES BEGAN CHANGING WITH AGE, SHE’D GAINED 50 POUNDS OF UNWANTED FAT AROUND HER WAIST, HIPS, AND THIGHS. “I’D ALWAYS BEEN THIN WHEN I WAS YOUNGER,” SAYS KATHLEEN. “I KNEW THAT THE EXTRA WEIGHT WASN’T REALLY ‘ME.’” Kathleen was fortunate to see a TV news segment profiling a unique workout routine used by television anchorwomen Barbara Walters and Diane Sawyer called “slow-motion strength training.” This revolutionary new exercise method promises a firmer, stronger, more shapely body from just two 20-minute training sessions per week. Even though she’d never lifted weights before, Kathleen 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 her body shape changing. After 4 months of combining sound nutrition with two 20-minute training sessions each week, she’d lost 4 and a half inches from her waist as well as 5 and a half inches around her hips. A year into the program she’d lost 45 pounds, felt stronger and more toned than she had in her 30’s, and was back fitting into a size 4. “People compliment my new shape, and I feel like ‘me’ again,” she smiles. 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. Not only does the extra muscle help burn fat and calories, muscle takes up 20% less space than fat. So a fit 140-pound person can wear clothes several sizes smaller than an out of shape 140-pound person. Adding muscle and losing fat will make your body firmer, smaller, and more shapely.
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SAN DIEGO LIVING • JULY/AUGUST 2014
Arlene Esgate tones her arms during a 20-minute training session at The Perfect Workout.
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. So you’ll not only save time, you’re going to get great results too. The Perfect Workout has 14 private studios in Southern California that specialize in one-on-one personal training with the slow-motion strength training method, including these San Diego County locations: Carlsbad (760) 444-2195, Del Mar (858) 345-3051, La Jolla (858) 210-6200, Rancho Bernardo (858) 434-0300, and Mission Valley (619) 757-1001. www.ThePerfectWorkout.com ONLINE AT SANDIEGOLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
healthbeautyfitness
WAKE UP MAKE UP with
After
Look and Feel Younger with Effortless Eyebrows
O
ur lives are often hectic. With balancing family and work obligations, it can be a real challenge to find time to pencil in and shape your eyebrows daily. If you have faint eyebrows, no eyebrows, or partial eyebrows, permanent makeup at MPi Clinic can help! Imagine waking up every morning, or just worked out, and your eyebrows are already set in place. Eliminate the time and frustration of staring into the mirror multiple times a day to reapply.
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While in the hands of professional cosmetic artist Shelby McIntosh, she will take your measurements and hand-draw a custom eyebrow pattern designed to enhance and flatter your face. She uses her technique and style to resemble fine hair-like strokes that give the illusion of having natural looking eyebrows. Shelby provides a three-step topical numbing technique to ensure a comfortable
Before
experience. Trust your face like so many have with MPi Clinic, one of the most reliable names in permanent makeup since 1989! For a complimentary consultation or more information about permanent cosmetics offered at MPi Clinic, located at 9320 Fuerte Dr. Suite 104 in La Mesa, you can call (619) 741-2908 or visit them online at www.mpiclinic.com.
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