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 Orange County 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:
ORANGECOUNTYLIVING PUBLISHER WALLY HICKS III
PRODUCTION MANAGERS DAVID MARCHAND
(888) 612-7400 MARKETING MANAGER DEBBIE TARNOFF
HOME FURNISHINGS DIRECTOR DEBORAH MESNA
MARKETING SPECIALISTS GLENDA BAYLY, JENNIFER BURKE
PUBLISHER’S REPRESENTATIVES JENNIFER DAVEY, MARKET LINK
ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR SARAH CARLISLE
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.orangecountylivingmagazine.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 Orange County Living. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, we cannot supervise the way in which information found in Orange County Living is used. Orange County Living is produced bi-monthly by Af flu ent Target Marketing, Inc., P.O. Box 18507, Anaheim Hills, California 928178507. Re pro duction 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.
ORANGECOUNTYLIVING SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY • VOL XXXVII • NO.2 • EVEN
APRIL/MAY 2016
ORANGECOUNTYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
34
44
14 - 30 HOME FASHION
38 - 42 HOME PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Transitioning Your Home For Spring
Open Up Your View With ClearView Retractable Screen
More Than Just A Sofa Bed
Doors
Is Your Fireplace Giving Away The Age Of Your Home?
You Deserve Beautiful Woodwork This Shelf Knows How To Keep A Secret
Make Your Home New Again
44 - 48 EXTERIORS & LANDSCAPING
Bring The Breezy Simplicity Of Shore Life Into Your Water Elements
Home What Is Sleeping Well Worth To You? Rediscovering Beauty...In Your Bathroom
10 Things That Can Enhance The Look And Feel Of Your Backyard
Getting Organized
54 TRAVEL
The Old World Look And Feel Of Venetian Plaster
‘Mike’ The Alaskan RV Butler
60 FOR YOUR INFORMATION
34 - 35 HOME REMODELING LifeRoom®– Technology That Brings Together Indoor And Outdoor Living
Making The World A Better Place – Sharing One Story At A Time
62 - 65 HEALTH, BEAUTY & FITNESS 36 KITCHEN & BATH What To Know Before Remodeling
A New, Simple Solution To The Sleep Apnea Epidemic Reshape Your Body In 20 Minutes!
ON THE COVER A renovation project should ultimately enhance your lifestyle, be beautiful to look at, and increase your property value. No matter what year your home was built, professionals can use their creative abilities, meticulous design skills, quality materials, and sophisticated craftsmanship to completely redefine your living space and bring it up to date. William Frey Construction has the team of professionals in place to deliver your ultimate home, from needs analysis, to design and construction, to satisfaction. You can call William Frey Construction at 888-546-3304, or visit their website at www.WilliamFreyConstruction.com. See their ad on page 13 and article on page 20. Lic. #930130.
homefashion
Transitioning Your Home For Spring
N
ow that it’s spring, this is the time to take the opportunity to think about a fresh new look for your home. Spring clean…its time!! So how do you update your home without breaking the bank? Here are a few tips: For smaller changes, start thinking about getting rid of old clutter. Do away with small tabletop accents and collections. Instead, use larger and simpler accessories. Less is more and larger is better! Throw out dusty old plants. Ficus trees are out! Instead, go for a fishtail palm or the more modern fig tree. Get rid of tired florals and faded greenery. Instead replace it with textures like branches, warm colored rocks and other natural elements to your space. Update old greenery to the more interesting succulents, but add an earthy element like polished stones or geodes/crystals to them for texture. Pillows can be swapped out. If you have a strong presence of gold in your home, pair it with gray to blend to the more current coastal neutral tones. As an extra accent, add a blanket throw across the back of your sofa. Lamps are tall again! Go for lamps that are 30” or more- especially if you have tall ceilings. Try a drum shade instead of a traditional style lamp shade. For bigger changes – select new paint colors. Get rid of faux finishes. Instead, go for taupe or warm gray colors that will freshen up the room and coordinate with many accent colors.
14
ORANGE COUNTY LIVING • APRIL/MAY 2016
Consider a wallcovering on an accent wall, dining room or powder room. If you haven’t checked out the many choices of new wallcoverings lately, you are missing out! The variety is enormous, with papers that are textured and beautiful. A little bit of updating with accessories and colors can go a long way to giving your home a fresh look for spring! If you would like additional tips or are interested in updating your home or business, you can contact the interior designers at Obvious Flair Interior Design at 949-291-0412 or view their website at www.obviousflair.com or find them on houzz.com. The designers at Obvious Flair love kitchen and bath remodels, and don’t forget to mention this article and ask about their spring specials.
ORANGECOUNTYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
More Than Just a Sofa Bed—
The ComforT Sleeper™ IS A mArvel of modern engIneerIng hen you think about a sofa bed, you most likely conjure up an image of an average looking fold out couch that doesn’t offer much in the comfort department. Yet, when the time comes for friends and family to stay over, there is nothing better than having that convenient sleeper in the house—even if it’s tucked away in your home office. Now, you can say goodbye to that lackluster image of a traditional sofa bed forever, and meet the ultimate innovation that is literally redefining every notion you ever had about a traditional sleeper. American Leather’s Comfort Sleeper™ takes things to an entirely new level of luxury. When your guests come over, you won’t just be offering them a space to sleep— you will be providing them with first-rate bed accommodations, in an instant. With The Comfort Sleeper, American Leather has managed to capture the consumers’ imagination, not only in quality, but also size and design. Quality. Made in the U.S.A., each Comfort Sleeper is crafted from the highest quality materials and fully customizable. Available with three different mattress options, you can choose from a world-renowned Tempur-Pedic®, a luxuriously soft gel mattress, or a slightly firmer Premier
W
16
ORANGE COUNTY LIVING • APRIL/MAY 2016
mattress. The Comfort Sleeper is also protected by a cloth under-shield. When guests arrive, your Comfort Sleeper mattress will fold out without any dust bunnies clinging to the mechanism. There are no bars, no springs, and no sagging—they will never experience a cleaner sleep. Size. More sleep space requires less floor space. All Comfort Sleeper mattresses offer a full 80-inches of sleeping surface, yet they take up less total floor area than conventional sleepers (whose mattresses tend to only be 70–75-inches in length). This is because the patented Comfort Sleeper system extends from within the back of the sofa. Also, staying true to size, when you purchase a queen Comfort Sleeper, you actually receive a 60 x 80 queen size. Many sleepers include a mattress that measures 54 x 72, and claim it’s queen-sized. When the bed is extended, the overall projection into the room is only 85-inches. This is a small footprint relative to over sleepers, which tend to project over 90-inches, along with a smaller overall sleeping surface. Design. Small spaces and narrow hallways are not a problem with The Comfort Sleeper. They have been crafted
to fit the smallest condo to the most spacious home. Experienced delivery crews can easily disassemble your sleeper to get it through tight entries. Perfect for converting any room into a guest room, queen-sized Comfort Sleepers come as small as 69-inches wide. The unique design also fits through narrow doorways. You can choose from leather or many performance fabrics for your unique Comfort Sleeper—you’ll never have to compromise on style with a variety of coverings to choose from. The versatility of The Comfort Sleeper allows it to become a staple in your home décor. For more information about The Comfort Sleeper by American Leather, and many other products and manufacturers, you can contact Robert Westley. They are located in Costa Mesa at 3323 Hyland, Suite D, 714546-7100. You can also visit their website at www.RobertWestleyDesigns.com
ORANGECOUNTYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
IS YOUR FIREPLACE GIVING AWAY The Age of Your Home? omeowners usually have a checklist of projects they’d like to do to update the look of their home. Usually this checklist includes projects that will also improve the functionality. The avocado green 1970’s kitchen Formica countertops are now being replaced with granite or other natural stone. The oak 80’s style furniture is now being replaced with more neutral and versatile pieces. But no matter how many new projects you do to update your home, if left alone, your fireplace will always be a dead give away to the true age of your house. The fireplace is often the focal point of a room. An outdated fireplace can hold back the more modern look you may be trying to achieve, leaving you stuck with a design that was the builders rendition of what was popular at the time house was built; reflecting the style of the builder, rather than your own. There are many choices you have when it comes to an outdated fireplace: Reface, replace, renew, revamp or do something different. So how do smart homeowners make smart informed decisions when it comes to changing a fireplace? With so many visuals: DIY TV shows, magazine advertisements, newspaper articles; how can anyone possibly know what is safe and what is not? It is important to do a little footwork to find and hire a reputable specialist when renovating a fireplace. Working with a professional that has the knowledge, experience and capability of building fireplaces is essential. You want to remodel or rebuild it in a way that is mechanically correct so it works, and is done to correct building and safety codes. It may be tempting to go with someone that offers a lower bid or “someone you know that does tile”, but the problem is they may not be experts in building fireplaces. They may tear off the existing facings and break the fireplace, then when done, the fireplace doesn’t vent, pushing smoke back into
18
ORANGE COUNTY LIVING • APRIL/MAY 2016
the room or something structurally changed making it hazardous. This can be a dangerous situation. Having a properly working fireplace that complements your home’s décor will not only add ambience to your home, it will increase the bottom line of your investment. As the South Coast Air Quality Management District continues to add restrictions on wood burning fireplaces; maintaining an existing wood burner is a smart move. If your current house doesn’t have a fireplace, the right professional can make that addition for you, worry free. The prefabricated direct vent fireplaces that are built today are much smarter, more efficient and ever increasingly popular. Direct vent fireplaces have the technology to produce an abundance of heat, and in many circumstances, can replace the furnace and reduce your heating bill at the same time. If you are looking to update your fireplace, or add one, you can call OakLand Custom Fireplaces, Inc at 714-632-9080. They have been in the industry for over 35 years and can guarantee a final product that is safe and beautiful. You can visit their showroom at 1205 N. Lance Lane in Anaheim or visit their website at www.oaklandfireplaces.com
ORANGECOUNTYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
ORANGECOUNTYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
APRIL/MAY 2016 • ORANGE COUNTY LIVING
19
homefashion you want to use it, not how someone else built it. Or, try opening up interior spaces for greater volume and to bring the beauty of outside into your indoor area. Personalize. Have some fun with your project and make a personal statement. Try some unique detail for your ceiling or a paneled wall. You could even design a display wall for your own personal pictures or artwork. When you use a company that specializes in home renewal, they have mastered the art of utilizing a systemized process in order to make your life easier. Not only will they reduce your stress, the entire process will be nothing but pleasant. First, you will get a comprehensive and cohesive style throughout your home so that everything blends together using the latest materials and techniques. Your schedule will also never be disrupted—an efficient team of
Photo by California Real Estate Photography Actual William Frey Construction project
Make Your
New Again ust about every homeowner reaches a point where it feels as though their once loved living space can no longer meet their needs. The fact of the matter is, after about 10 years, a home starts to look dated, and after about 20 years, a home becomes functionally obsolete. Additionally, all lifestyles experience change at some point. Whether your last child has recently moved out, or a new guest has recently moved in, such as an aging parent, you may be faced with new challenges. If you feel as though a change of scenery is in the cards, you are most certainly not alone. However, how can you take an old home and make it completely new again?
20
ORANGE COUNTY LIVING • APRIL/MAY 2016
After Home renewal is a systemized process that not only makes your home look updated and beautiful, but it also restores your quality of life because everything will be fully functional once again. Essentially, there are five steps in the home renewal process: Home Core. This involves getting deep into your home to improve its internal functions, such as plumbing. Before investing in a brand new hardwood floor, you want to re-pipe your home’s plumbing so that new flooring doesn’t become damaged with mishaps such as pinhole leaks. Home Beauty. Just as it sounds, this is where professionals make your house look new and beautiful. This might entail projects such as retexturing walls, updating moldings and doors, updating electric fixtures, and a new paint scheme. Energy Efficiency. Get your home up-to-date and efficient, such as an LED lighting installation. Lifestyle Enhancement. Make your life run smoother with custom alterations. For example, reconfigure your master bathroom around how
Before tradespeople understands how to work in a successful manner so you receive a consistent level of quality on your project, and comfort for your family. Finally, when you have a single point of contact, all parts of the project will run smoothly, from the design and material selection to installation. The professionals at William Frey Construction are experts in home renewal. They are constantly searching for cutting edge products and design to make your home look and feel stylish and new. With their simplified Home Renewal Program, you are one step away from a drastically improved living space. You can call them at 888-546-3304 to schedule an appointment, or visit www.WilliamFreyConstruction.com. ORANGECOUNTYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
homefashion
T
he coast is more than just a location—it’s a way of life. Even though everyone eventually grows up, you might be the kind of person that still longs for that relaxed, nostalgic feeling of the beach. If this sounds familiar, you’ll be glad to learn that Coastal Living magazine and Stanley Furniture have come together to create a home collection inspired by their favorite beach cottages. Casual, fresh, and offering a multitude of different seaside colors, Coastal Living™ by Stanley Furniture allows coastal dwellers and dreamers to create a look that’s distinctly their own. Weathered driftwood, burnished boat fittings, louvered shutters, coral and sea grass serve as inspiration for the collection. Clean lines combined with heavy distressing and muted, grain-baring finishes and paint colors add to the collection’s natural contemporary look. Whether it’s painted in one of six nature-inspired colors, stained in light or dark tones, or finished in Weathered Pier or sandy linen, Coastal Living is all about the wood. Richly grained white oak veneers and hardwood solids show through, lending a casual, authentically natural feel. Heavy physical distressing completes its well-worn, laid-back look. Designed to work well in open floor plans of all sizes, Coastal Living marries old and new, blending the gently weathered style of coastal antiques with the functionality of high-tech modern furniture, integrating features like hidden power strips as well as sliding panels and cutouts for personal and home electronics. And since storage is always top of mind, Coastal Living features innovative storage solutions.
22
ORANGE COUNTY LIVING • APRIL/MAY 2016
Coastal Living features tarnished steel pulls and knobs, inspired from nautical designs like ship’s cleat and cabinet pulls. Naturally textured chenille, Solana sand, is used on the upholstered chairs. Reef, a complementary coral-patterned matelassé that subtly reinforces the collection’s elegant coastal feel, is used on some items. You can contact Ambiance Home in Irvine at 949-825-5020, located at 16862 Red Hill Ave., or you can call them in Mission Viejo at 949-455-0501, located at 23811 Via Fabricante. You can also visit their website at www.ambiancehome.com.
ORANGECOUNTYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
ORANGECOUNTYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
APRIL/MAY 2016 • ORANGE COUNTY LIVING
23
homefashion
What is Sleeping Well
WORTH TO YOU?
W
e all know the feeling of suffering through a very long day and wanting nothing more than to sink into that cozy bed waiting for you at home. However, more often than not, things don’t seem to go quite according to plan, and you wake up without the refreshed feeling that your body so desperately needed. People spend one-third of their lives sleeping. The quality of sleep that we get every single night influences how we feel; how alert we are, how much energy we have, and how productive we are throughout the day. Because of this, it’s crucial to be educated in regards to the quality of your mattress, and how it affects your sleep, comfort, and health. There is more to a great mattress set then one might think. Elaborate covers, exotic materials, and initial comfort tend to be the only focal points for the majority of salespeople. Yet, quality of materials, construction, and support are critical to a good night’s sleep and are often aspects that go overlooked while mattress shopping. The time has come for you to finally get the good night’s sleep that you have been waiting for—every single night. Newport Bedding Company has been locally family owned and operated since 1957, locally since 1978, combining old world craftsmanship with advanced manufacturing and sleep system technology to offer customers the highest quality handcrafted mattresses at competitive prices. Each mattress is created with care by master craftsmen, and not mass-produced on assembly lines. Their mattresses are two-sided for better performance, and offer a much longer lifespan than that of a traditional one-sided mattress that is designed to go bad in just a few years. All of Newport Bedding’s mid, high, and ultra-premium mattresses are hand button tufted to maintain their feel and to hold their shape, year after year. They also rest on true box springs that increase support and comfort level, versus a foundation, which is common today. Newport Bedding uses multiple layers of 100% natural, hypoallergenic cotton batting as the filling material on all mid, high, and ultra-pre-
24
ORANGE COUNTY LIVING • APRIL/MAY 2016
mium mattress sets. Cotton is a material that breathes, aiding in the dissipation of body heat during sleep so you have a comfortable rest. Creating a flawless bed is an “arte.” Newport Bedding understands that a successful mattress is fit to the person, rather than forcing the person to fit to a mattress. Because all people have different needs, customization and quality truly are everything. Tom Sceberras has been in the mattress industry his entire life, representing the fourthgeneration of Sceberras master mattress crafters. While people tend to shy away from custom products because they anticipate a substantially higher price, nothing could be further than the truth at Newport Bedding Company. By eliminating the middle man and buying factory direct, customers will find prices often lower than those of luxury mass-produced bedding products. For more information, you can visit the Newport Bedding Factory Showroom at 1526 Newport Blvd. in Costa Mesa, seven days a week. You can also call them at 949646-3991. www.newportbedding.com. Ask them to show you how a good mattress is made. Newport Bedding will show you what the brand name mattress manufacturers don’t want you to know or see. ORANGECOUNTYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
ORANGECOUNTYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
APRIL/MAY 2016 • ORANGE COUNTY LIVING
25
homefashion
Rediscovering Beauty… In Your Bathroom athroom remodels often times evolve from a major issue that needs to be addressed, but not always. More and more people are discovering the beauty and style their bathrooms can contain. In terms of square footage, it is the most important room in the house. Not only can it affect the overall look of your home to visitors, but it can also influence the resale value for potential buyers. Whether you are getting ready to sell your home or you just want to update it, chances are you have a lot of ideas about what needs to come first. It is tempting to rush out to a store and start buying things, but that approach can lead to remodel headaches and spending over your budget. By considering an interior designer, you can turn your bathroom redesign into a quicker, less costly experience with a more pleasing result! The client featured in this article did just that when it came time to update her bathrooms. After receiving a glowing recommendation, she called local interior designer Vickie Daeley to help transform her builder-grade bathrooms into spaces that would better reflect her style, while maintaining the storage and function she needed. Using a warm neutral color palatte and sleek fixtures, Vickie created a classic yet modern look. To make the bathroom feel larger, she used long faux wood tile pieces and carried it onto the shower floor while tiling all the way to the shower ceiling to highlight the distinctive architectural lines. Incorporating different tile sizes and shapes also added texture and a unique touch. Finishing the enlarged vanity in a complimentary paint helped to create a clean and cohesive design, while lighting and a custom framed mirror added a soft elegance to the space. Combining these elements into a well designed bathroom encompasses both comfort and luxury into a relatively small space. Vickie Daeley and her design team at Interior Affairs have over 25 years experience helping clients like you transform their outdated bathrooms into beautiful, functional spaces.
B
26
ORANGE COUNTY LIVING • APRIL/MAY 2016
Taking careful consideration of your needs and wants, they work to provide the best layout and use of space while using timeless and elegant elements to complete the overall look. Hiring an interior designer can be key in getting the best result for your remodel. Don’t hesitate—you can call 714-970-8000 or 949-640-5000 to schedule a consultation or an appointment, and follow Interior Affairs on social media for videos and much more. For more information on how they can help you with all of your “Interior Affairs,” you can check out their website at www.interioraffairs.com.
ORANGECOUNTYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
homefashion
Getting Organized
By Kathryn LaBarbera
s space in the family home continues to be a problem, more people are searching for alternatives. The solution is to get organized. Take an inventory of everything you want to store in the space. Determine what you want to keep and get rid of the rest. Once you know what you are going to keep in the space, determine where everything will go. Group similar things together (all shoes or all shirts), and sketch the space to draw a plan. Use all of the available space. Since storage space is hard to come by, it is important to store things neatly and efficiently. Smaller shelves, cubbies, or baskets can make good use of the space where clothes are not hanging in the closet. The last decision you need to make is how you want your organized space to look. Whether you decorate with an art deco flair or are more traditional, it is important to create a space in the look that reflects your style. The hard thing is getting started. Look at your calendar and make a date. If you are having a difficult time or just don’t know where to start, call an expert. There are professional organizers and custom closet companies that help people every day. The key is to take the first step. For more information or to schedule a free design consultation, you can call Closet Factory at 800-692-5673 (please mention code 63). Or, you can visit them online at www.closetfactory.com
28
ORANGE COUNTY LIVING • APRIL/MAY 2016
ORANGECOUNTYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
ORANGECOUNTYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
APRIL/MAY 2016 • ORANGE COUNTY LIVING
29
homefashion The Old World Look and Feel
Of Venetian Plaster
V
enetian plaster can be difficult to describe in just a few short words. In one way, it's a combination of lime and marble that is pigmented with natural earth elements, applied with a trowel to the surface of walls. Yet, real Venetian plaster is a far contrast from just paint out of a can. Along with color, it provides feelings of warmth, depth, and an overall euphoric feeling of well being. With an application of the world's best plaster and the use of old world techniques to hard burnish the plaster into the wall as it cures to create sort of a pearl like finish, you too can experience quality interior and exterior Venetian plaster. The combination of quality plaster, natural earth based pigments, and specially formulated carnauba wax creates a multi-dimensional depth of field in which areas fluctuate in color, depth, and intensity as the source of light changes from natural sunlight to light bulbs.
30
ORANGE COUNTY LIVING • APRIL/MAY 2016
In bathrooms, Venetian plaster offers an extra level of protection from hot shower water vapor and steam, and will not rot the underlying drywall material. In bedrooms, it offers a smooth relaxing feeling just before you go to bed. Areas in the kitchen around the stove and oven will not discolor from heat, and is well protected against accidental staining when cooking your favorite pasta red sauce. And in the office, you will experience a feeling of well being when working long days and nights. Artisan-Plaster specializes in residential and commercial Venetian Plaster systems for both interior and exterior applications. Artist Michael B. Smith served a five-year apprenticeship with one of the industry’s Venetian plaster masters, has over 40 years experience with concrete products, and 17 years experience with Venetian plasters. Artisan-Plaster uses only premium plaster formulas, which can be colored to your specifications. For more information, you can call 714-931-1417 or visit www.artisan-plaster.com.
ORANGECOUNTYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
32
ORANGE COUNTY LIVING • APRIL/MAY 2016
ORANGECOUNTYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
ORANGECOUNTYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
APRIL/MAY 2016 • ORANGE COUNTY LIVING
33
liferoom®–Technology that Brings Together Indoor and Outdoor Living From the sun shining down on a picturesque landscape to a star-studded nighttime sky, having the opportunity to bring Mother Nature and all of her beauty into your living space is a truly enjoyable thing. However, most people prefer to experience the benefits of nature without having to worry about any unpredictable weather, pesky bugs, and the other burdens that can come with outdoor exposure. It’s time to enter a realm of comfort and relaxation that you’ve never imagined before. Feel all of your senses come alive in a total mindbody experience while you lounge in a serene space where you are in total control of your environment. Welcome to LifeRoom®—your new outdoor escape. LifeRoom lets you enjoy your backyard again for any activity that you choose, from exercising, dining, entertaining, or even relaxing, alone or with family and friends. Within LifeRoom, you can appreciate everything you love about being outdoors, with all of the comforts of being indoors. LifeRoom’s unique Smooth Glide motorized screens can be raised for a seemingly endless view, or lowered for seclusion or protection. With the screens up, LifeRoom is a wide-open sanctuary. If you are looking for a little bit of privacy, all you have to do is lower the side screens. When the bugs out come, lower all of the screens and enjoy your view without the threat of pests or unwanted weather conditions. Not only can all of the screens be controlled with the simple touch of a button, but LifeRoom also boasts a sophisticated LED lighting system that can turn your backyard into a private party with both ambiance and it’s own V.I.P. room. LifeRoom’s screens have been uniquely designed to also
34
ORANGE COUNTY LIVING • APRIL/MAY 2016
ORANGECOUNTYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
homeremodeling serve as amazing projection screens for any home theater. Round up the kids and your neighbors because LifeRoom provides you with screens that challenge the local movie theater. Imagine watching theater-quality movies, television shows, and sporting events right in your very own yard! Living in California, enjoying the sun without the heat can be a real struggle. LifeRoom lets you take “cool” to a whole new level with its innovative, unique, Cool Mist climate system and Soft Breeze technology. Now, you can enjoy your LifeRoom even on the hottest days. With this innovative technology, a cool mist sprays in the air around you that is so incredibly fine, it actually disappears as it cools you off. In fact, you can experience a temperature reduction of up to 40-degrees. Plus, LifeRoom’s protective screens also can block up to an amazing 95% of the sun’s harmful UV rays. This means that you and your loved ones can enjoy a healthy, safe way to relax and play outdoors. Not to mention, this cool environment is ideal for getting some peaceful exercising in without the blazing heat from the sun. You can comfortably do yoga while gazing at the blue sky. Other unparalleled features of LifeRoom include glazed skylights that let the light in but keep the harmful UV rays out. A pollen/allergy protection system that includes screens designed to filter out pollen, dust, and other airborne allergens for the extra sensitive people in your life. A quick release screen that easily lets you exit the room in the event of a power outage. Radiant heaters that are 90% efficient, so they can warm things up during the day and easily take the chill out of the night air.
ORANGECOUNTYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
And finally, a concealed gutter system that easily handles rain run-off so there’s never any annoying dripping, splashing, or streams of water to disrupt your tranquility. The only thing better than having a LifeRoom is having a LifeRoom with all of the options. Your LifeRoom can be custom designed by professionals to be as unique as you are. Weather-resistant aluminum comes in two finishes—cedar or deep driftwood. Your dull, ordinary backyard can be transformed in to a haven that directly reflects your personal taste. This is not only an incredible way to extend your living space and increase the value of your home, but also to upgrade both you and your family’s quality of life. For more information about the LifeRoom, All-Pro Remodeling is an authorized LifeRoom® product dealer. All-Pro Remodeling is a home improvement and remodeling contractor based in Orange County. They also specialize in patio covers, Pro Louver opening patio room systems, garden rooms/sunrooms, windows and doors, decks, and room additions. You can visit the 5,000 square foot showroom of All-Pro Remodeling at 706 North Tustin Street in Orange, call them at (714) 288-1314, or you can visit their website at www.AllProRemodeling.com. APRIL/MAY 2016 • ORANGE COUNTY LIVING
35
kitchen&bath
What to Know BEFORE REMODELING enovating your kitchen and upgrading your bathroom gives your home a fresh new look, often increasing functionality, while adding to the value of your home. However, the process of choosing a remodeling company can be tiresome and stressful. With so many options available, where do you start and whom should you call? Selecting the right company can make a huge difference in the projects’ success. You want a company that will leave you with a peace of mind throughout the entire process, not to mention an end result that you are completely happy with. Here are some things to consider before tackling that kitchen or bathroom remodeling project. Local stability.: A showroom and local manufacturing plant where you can view examples of their work and get the latest trends and products that are available on the market. Experienced designers: Make sure to ask questions such as, does the company have flexibility in the products they offer, and how is the project managed throughout the remodel. Licensing: Is the company licensed with the right classification for your scope of work? How long has the company been in business? Cabinet Finish: Catalyzed conversion varnish is the most durable finish available today. Finishing should never be done in the customer’s home, or in the person’s garage, so ask to see the finishing equipment and test the durability of the finish in the manufacturer’s showroom. Removing and replacing the cabinets with newly designed and manufactured custom cabinets does have its advantages, like allowing you to redesign
R
36
ORANGE COUNTY LIVING • APRIL/MAY 2016
the layout or create new interiors with adjustable shelving. Refacing existing cabinets, which means replacing the doors and drawer fronts, replacing the hinges and the molding, and covering the existing frames, is often a viable and cost efficient option. The process could include adding new drawers, slides and pullouts in the lower cabinets, and often being able to adjust some cabinets to accommodate new appliances. A combination of Refacing and Replacing offers savings while dramatically improving the look and feel of the room. The right approach to bathroom remodeling can turn a worn-out old room into a bright, spacious retreat. Custom-made bathroom vanities, cabinet replacing or refacing, granite countertops, and new tubs, showers, toilets and sinks are just some of the ways to reinvent this area of your home. Experienced designers will listen to your needs, know what questions to ask to help clarify your thoughts, and be familiar with the latest products available. They should also be comfortable working with older products that the homeowner might want to bring into the remodel. Always remember—the designer must keep in mind that everyone is different and that kitchens satisfy various needs and uses. The designer must be versatile and innovative in planning in order to accommodate your lifestyles and your budget. Reborn Cabinets has met all of the above criteria for more than 30 years. Founded in 1983, Reborn Cabinets won the prestige Remodeler of the Year award by Professional Remodeler. Located at 2981 East La Palma Ave. in Anaheim, the company features a 40,000-square- foot, well-equipped manufacturing and showroom/design center with numerous displays and examples to enjoy—you can even take a tour or ask about their informative seminars given approximately every 6 weeks. Their South Orange County showroom is located at 23626 El Toro Rd. Suite B in Lake Forest (between Jamba Juice & Yogartland). Experienced designers are available seven days a week. You can visit and browse their showrooms, or you can call Reborn Cabinets for more information at (888) 273-2676. www.reborncabinets.com. ORANGECOUNTYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
ORANGECOUNTYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
APRIL/MAY 2016 • ORANGE COUNTY LIVING
37
homeproducts/services
Open Up Your View With
ClearView Retractable Screen Doors
E
njoy the beauty of your home without diminishing your décor or the striking views outside of your windows. ClearView retractable screen doors are the perfect solution for in-swing or out-swinging single doors, double doors, sliding glass doors and bi-fold doors. Use them when you need them and keep them hidden when you don’t. ClearView retractable screen doors come in 12 standard colors, hundreds of customs colors as well as custom wood grain finishes. All of the doors include a unique patented speed SCREEN IN USE reducer allowing the screen to retract at a slow and safe pace. There are two steps to purchasing a ClearView retractable screen door. First, is taking the exact measurements of your doorway. Second, is the installation, which usually takes about 30 minutes per door and typically can be installed within one week. Quality Tinting and Screens takes the purchasing and installation to the next level offering a NO TRIP hazard installation that insures the bottom track will remain even or underneath your existing threshold. Also, on all double door applications, they include two options that are exclusive standard features. A patented magnetic system installed within the pull bar and an internal lock system. The internal lock system allows one door to lock in place making this convenient while using your double screen doors. For more detailed information about their products, you can call Quality Tinting and Screens at 714-630-0111, or visit their showroom at 2990 E. La Palma Ave. Suite B, Anaheim DOOR CLOSED CA or visit www.QualityGTS.com
38
ORANGE COUNTY LIVING • APRIL/MAY 2016
ORANGECOUNTYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
homeproducts/services
Beautiful Woodwork here’s an alternative to replacing your wood cabinets or floors. People often put off refinishing their cabinets or wood floors because of the inconvenience, dust, noxious odor, consumed time, and budget. Over time, dirt build up, wear and tear, scratches and age-discolored finishes can make wood look flat and lifeless. Replacing cabinets or refacing (putting on new doors) requires new wood to make their products. Traditionally, once wood floors, cabinets or other woodwork in the home reached the point where it looked terrible, the options were limited. The good news is that with the products and methods available today, restoring the beauty of wood has never been simpler or more cost effective. By improving the look of your existing cabinets, you will save time and money. Technicians experienced with this process and methods of renewing wood finishes can produce like-new luster to your wood cabinets, floors and trim without the waste, mess and harsh odors from chemicals or expense of traditional sanding and refinishing. This can be done in only days not weeks. Here’s how it works: A thorough cleaning is critical for great results, so the first step is to clean the wood surface of any dirt, grease and grime out of the pores. Any repairs needed are also made at this time including gaps, holes, splintered wood, etc. Once the wood surface has been cleaned and repaired, it is sealed and the new water-based finish is then applied. The newer water-based finishes available today have been proven to be as strong and long-lasting as traditional oil-based finishes, but do not have the harsh chemical fumes or yellowing tendencies. It’s non-toxic and odorless. Additionally, pigments and dyes can be added to the new finish so that the technician can achieve virtually any color desired. Say you have maple cabinets and would like a slightly darker stained wood, the new finish can be custom dyed to your color preference and then professionally applied. Do you want a color change for your cabinets? The same cleaning and repair process is used and a stain or opaque finish is applied with a sprayer for a seamless, streak-free finish. The change can be as subdued or dramatic as you wish. Don’t replace your wood cabinets or floors—all you have to do is “N-Hance” them. N-Hance also does banisters, doors, fireplace mantels, windowsills, bamboo, cork, engineered veneer, hand-scraped and distressed wood floors, and much more.
40
ORANGE COUNTY LIVING • APRIL/MAY 2016
Cabinet Color Change
Before
After
Basic Floor Renewal
Before
After
For more information about having your cabinets, floors or other woodwork in your home refinished, you can call N-Hance Wood Renewal at (714) 907-1917. You can also visit www.nhance.com. ORANGECOUNTYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
ORANGECOUNTYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
APRIL/MAY 2016 • ORANGE COUNTY LIVING
41
homeproducts/services
This Shelf Knows How to
KEEP A SECRET
A
s homeowners, we have the need to keep certain valuables locked up and tucked safely away from both family members and intruders. However, what about the items that need to be locked up for protection, but still kept somewhat readily accessible in case a situation of urgency arises? LedgeLocker is an innovative product that solves these exact issues. Created out of a desire to offer the public something simple, utilitarian, and high quality, LedgeLocker is a stylish shelf that blends in with its surrounding décor, yet is so much more than what just meets the eye. This incredible product is an attractive shelving system that can hide your valuables, conceal firearms, and secretly tuck away important documents—all in plain sight. Featuring a super strong yet easy-to-access locking system, both the lock and shelf has been patent protected for its ultra-smooth opening features, stationary top shelf, hinged storage space access, and unique design. The LedgeLocker comes in four sizes, two styles, and eight finish colors. Perfect for any home or office, the LedgeLocker concealment shelf is backed by a five-year warranty, is made in America, and custom designed with high-grade, heirloom-quality materials. Each LedgeLocker is delivered to your door in a
42
ORANGE COUNTY LIVING • APRIL/MAY 2016
durable carton and ready to install. Not to mention, it’s a piece of furniture that you can take with you, anywhere you go. Since 2011, Brian White and Artech Design have been proudly manufacturing LedgeLocker Concealment Shelves at their headquarters in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information about this stylish and secretive part-shelf/part-locking safe, you can visit www.LedgeLocker.com, or you can call 702-400-7841.
ORANGECOUNTYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
ORANGECOUNTYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
APRIL/MAY 2016 • ORANGE COUNTY LIVING
43
Water Elements n
o discussion of quality landscape would be complete without investigating the various uses of water in the garden, as well as how to construct them with quality and longevity in mind. There are a few important considerations to ensure a quality job that will add value to your home. First, start with a quality design where the water element is custom designed to integrate into the landscape. Beware of the pool builders who use standard templates to create their design. When dealing with permanent items such as pools, spas, water features, and hardscape, it’s worth investing in a quality design. A quality designed project will add more value and help you sell your home faster and for more money when the time comes, not to mention the many years of enjoyment you will have using your yard. Water elements can include pools, spas, Koi ponds, streams, waterfalls, fountains, and reflecting pools. You should carefully consider your needs, the desired effect you want to achieve, as well as the level of investment you wish to make in the project. Water can be used as a visual stimulus or to cover unwanted sounds, such as traffic. It can also be used for therapeutic reasons by providing
44
ORANGE COUNTY LIVING • APRIL/MAY 2016
exercise or massage as in the case of a spa. Or it can be used for pure recreation and family fun. Start a file of photographs cut from magazines or copied from books to help convey your ideas to the designer or landscape architect. The more information you can provide, the better the chance of achieving an exciting finished product. The next important consideration is to use quality materials, equipment, and methods in constructing your water element. The amount of money saved by using less expensive filtration equipment is not worth it over the lifetime of the project. It is wise to use top of the line, matched equipment. By matching the equipment, the warranty can be increased from the normal one year to three years. Using the 400,000 BTU Pentair Master Temp Heater for pools and spas reduces heating time, therefore allowing you to enjoy the spa sooner. In addition, the use of the VS3050 Variable Speed Pump by Pentair and 60 sq. ft. DE filter will create a high quality equipment package. Also, to prevent damage from the shifting, highly expansive soil in Orange County, it makes sense to over engineer the steel and gunite to achieve higher strength in the pool shell. Ultimately, this amounts to cheap insurance against future structural problems. Possibly the most important factor to consider when including a water element in your landscape is to choose a reputable, detail oriented, and properly licensed contractor. When building a pool or spa, a C-53 pool contractor license is required. Pool contractors are required to have a $10,000 license bond and must adhere to strict rules in regard to payment schedules, etc. Koi ponds, streams, waterfalls, fountains, and other water features can also be constructed by a C-27 Landscape Contractor. A General Contractor or Engineering Contractor may also construct them under certain limited circumstances. Make sure you get and check potential contractor’s references. Evaluate the contractor’s attention to detail, as well as his followup services. Anyone can construct a stream or waterfall that looks like a pile of rocks, but it takes artistry to make those elements look natural, as though the house was built on a site with an existing waterfall or stream. A reputable landscape architect or design and build firm will be able to help you achieve your objectives and end up with a beautiful project. One such firm that specializes in producing award-winning projects since 1983 is Richard Cohen Landscape & Construction, Inc. You can call (949) 768-0599, or visit their website at www.richardcohenlandscape.com for further information.
ORANGECOUNTYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
Experience Elegant Landscape Lighting Serenescape offers a wide range of landscape lighting options in Orange County. Our landscape lighting solutions will greatly improve the appearance of the gardens and outdoor areas around your home. Landscape lighting design is the perfect way to highlight the beautiful features of your landscaping, including brick and stonework, fountains, plants, outdoor décor, and pool areas. We specialize in outdoor lighting, garden lighting, solar deck lighting, pool lighting, and landscape lighting.
business that is perfectly suited to the unique landscape design of
EST SINCE 1982
your outdoor area. Our employees are certified in all Orange County
For info or to schedule a design consultation please call 714-241-0241 or go to www.landscapersorangecounty.com LIC #765293
46
We’ll create a custom garden lighting solution for your home or
If you can Dream it, we can Build it! Lighting & Landscaping
ORANGE COUNTY LIVING • APRIL/MAY 2016
electrical codes and standards and are ready to handle any outdoor lighting project regardless of the size or scope. Please call to schedule a design consultation.
ORANGECOUNTYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
ORANGECOUNTYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
APRIL/MAY 2016 • ORANGE COUNTY LIVING
47
exteriorslandscaping
10 Things That Can Enhance the Look and Feel of Your Backyard
A
dding features to your backyard is a great way to add to your livable square footage and increase your home’s value. Try one or more of these ideas for transforming your backyard into an outdoor oasis. 1. Resurface or remodel your pool. Resurfacing the pool, upgrading the tile and replacing coping are simple ways to make a big difference in the overall appearance of your yard. 2. Add a spa. Adding a spa is a huge upgrade to any backyard and one from which you’ll reap lots of enjoyment. 3. Upgrade decking. Besides the pool, the decking is one of the most prominent backyard features. If yours is aging, cracked or worn out, upgrading to a new deck can completely change the look and feel of your backyard. 4. Add an outdoor kitchen and BBQ island. Outdoor kitchens and BBQ islands are huge draws and can convert any backyard into a more functional space with a touch of luxury. 5. Have a water feature installed. Water features can add aesthetic appeal as well as ambiance to any backyard. An elegant water feature (such as a flowing ribbon of water cascading out of a wall behind a pool) is a simple way to make a backyard look more luxurious. 6. Add a fire pit. Nothing pulls together an awesome hangout spot like a fire pit. Fire pits add warmth (literal and figural), functionality, and atmosphere to any outdoor space. 7. Consider a Baja step. Today’s pools can include elements such as seats and Baja steps. A Baja step gives you a place to put an umbrella and a couple of chaise lounges, and relax in the water with your favorite drink or good book.
48
ORANGE COUNTY LIVING • APRIL/MAY 2016
8. Covered patio. Create an indoor/outdoor living space by adding a patio cover.. Patio covers add shade, protection from the elements and a cozy touch. 9. Install LED lighting. LED lighting is an easy way to enhance the look of your backyard. Colored lighting in a swimming pool adds a magical element at a night that you can’t get any other way. 10. Update your swimming equipment. Swimming equipment may not change the overall look of your yard, but it can certainly enhance the experience. A variable speed pump can enhance filtration, reduce noise and save you thousands in energy costs. You can also control your pool with your smartphone or tablet. Sunbrite Pools specializes in swimming pools and backyard remodels in the coastal beach area of Orange County. You can contact them at (949) 371-5472 or visit their website at www.sunbritepools.com
ORANGECOUNTYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
ORANGECOUNTYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
APRIL/MAY 2016 • ORANGE COUNTY LIVING
49
50
ORANGE COUNTY LIVING • APRIL/MAY 2016
ORANGECOUNTYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
ORANGECOUNTYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
APRIL/MAY 2016 • ORANGE COUNTY LIVING
51
52
ORANGE COUNTY LIVING • APRIL/MAY 2016
ORANGECOUNTYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
travel
‘Mike’ The Alaskan RV Butler
N
ow you are probably asking yourself, “What is an RV butler?” I know I did. Well, he is a combination of chauffeur, chef, concierge and sightseeing guide. Let’s just say that you want to go to Alaska but you don’t know what to do or where to go. That’s when you put yourself in the hands of the RV Butler and let him take you around in a comfortable RV. From start to finish, he is there to help you plan the ideal Alaskan vacation. “Mike will chauffer you all the way, prepare all of your meals and help arrange all of the side tours that interest you. Mike has the expertise to arrange for you to go fishing, hiking, biking, rafting, wildlife observing, sightseeing, glacier touring, on float plane adventures, golfing, adventure tours, shopping and more. Mike has spent more than 11 years touring Alaska and has amassed a network of vendors that cover every aspect of a great Alaskan vacation. He works with families, small groups, caravan groups and corporate incentive travel groups. Mike’s specialty is the Kenai Peninsula, Anchorage and Denali, but he will explore any part of Alaska that you want to see. He offers two meal plans, first, a simple, family-style menu, and second, a gourmet menu that includes: filet
54
ORANGE COUNTY LIVING • APRIL/MAY 2016
mignon, baby back ribs, pork loin roast, tri-tip, lobster, king crab (Alaskan of course), giant scallops and shrimp, halibut chowder, chicken soups and all the vegetable, fruit and drink accompaniments. Even if you know Alaska, traveling with the Alaskan RV Butler will save time and money. He will pre-shop for food and supplies and pick you up at the airport. He can obtain discounts on airfare for groups of 10 or more, and more discounts on fishing, outdoor gear, tours and even RV rentals. It doesn’t cost much more to have Mike cater to all your Alaskan dreams. He does all of the work so you can have more fun! For more information, you can visit TheAlaskanRVButler.com or call 714-292-5777 Article reprinted courtesy of Bart Hall of Fred Hall Shows.
ORANGECOUNTYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
ORANGECOUNTYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
APRIL/MAY 2016 • ORANGE COUNTY LIVING
55
56
ORANGE COUNTY LIVING • APRIL/MAY 2016
ORANGECOUNTYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
58
ORANGE COUNTY LIVING • APRIL/MAY 2016
ORANGECOUNTYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
ORANGECOUNTYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
APRIL/MAY 2016 • ORANGE COUNTY LIVING
59
foryourinformation Making the World a Better Place—
Sharing One Story at a Time t’s a brand new year, and with this time comes a fresh start filled with positive resolutions and personal goals. One great way to start out a new year is by helping other people. Connect2fy is a unique story telling website that features real life stories from real people with the belief that the world can be made a better place by sharing one story at a time. Because everyone has experienced struggles and successes in their lifetimes, now you have the opportunity to share these stories and make a difference in other people’s lives. There is power in sharing and a freedom in expressing yourself—not to mention the therapeutic benefits of discussing your life story. Here are some topics that readers are currently interested in hearing about: I am 66 years old and thinking about retirement, but don’t really know what to do. What are some ways to live a more fulfilling life? I have a teenager who is sending inappropriate text messages— what are some recommendations about how to handle this situation? I am a 52-year-old woman that just started going through menopause, and I am looking for some advice.
60
ORANGE COUNTY LIVING • APRIL/MAY 2016
Connect2fy has made it easy for you to share your story. You can write your story in a Word document or in the body of an email and send it to story@connect2fy.com. You can record your story on a smartphone or tablet and text or email the recording to 714-299-8027 or story@connect2fy.com. Or, you can call 714-446-6280 ext. 305 to schedule a 10-minute phone interview that will be recorded and then uploaded to the website. For more information, you can visit www.Connect2fy.com or you can call 714446-6280 ext. 305. Be sure to check back for more interesting topics throughout the year!
ORANGECOUNTYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
homefashion
ORANGECOUNTYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
APRIL/MAY 2016 • ORANGE COUNTY LIVING
61
healthbeautyfitness
Simple Solution to the
A
s many as 44 million Americans suffer from a real killer: obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA. “Obstructive sleep apnea triggers heart attacks, strokes and other serious events,” explains Dr. Jack Ringer, an Accredited Member and Past President of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. “Sleep apnea is also linked to ongoing weight gain and retention, which begins to explain a lot.” During the course of normal sleep our metabolism naturally resets itself, allowing us to burn calories efficiently. When sleep apnea is present, this automatic reset process doesn’t occur and weight is retained. Those extra pounds lead to increased cortisol and further weight gains, and increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease and other serious problems. “It’s a vicious cycle—extra weight leads to exacerbated sleep apnea,” Dr. Ringer says, “which all too often leads to ‘passing away peacefully during sleep.’ There’s no good reason for that to happen, really, other than an event triggered by obstructive sleep apnea.” Traditionally, patients who report common sleep apnea symptoms to their physicians such as morning headaches, daytime sleepiness and loud snoring are sent to an overnight sleep study center, where their sleep is monitored. They are often then prescribed a CPAP, or a continuous positive airway pressure machine, which works by forcing air through the nose and/or mouth, similar to increasing the water pressure on a kinked water hose in order to un-kink a blockage. While a CPAP can work quite well, studies find that it has not been as effective as physicians believe it should be, because patients simply cannot tolerate it. Dr. Ringer explains that
62
ORANGE COUNTY LIVING • APRIL/MAY 2016
due to the discomfort of use, resupply bills, ongoing cleaning and high-energy usage, up to 90% of patients stop using their CPAP within one year. Thankfully, an effective dental appliance is now available: a mandibular advancement device, or MAD. “After researching the available MADs on the market, I chose the best option for my patients and have delivered it for the past few years with incredible success,” Dr. Ringer reports. At Dr. Ringer’s office, after a sleep study has been prescribed and completed, diagnosed sleep apnea patients can choose to be fitted with a customized, comfortable dental appliance that simply and painlessly opens the airway, rather than endure the discomfort of the traditional CPAP. Patients report using their appliances nightly with no issues and with no ongoing maintenance or supply and energy bills. Plus, MADs travel easily so patients are no longer tethered to an electrical cord. Even better—most health insurance companies often cover the dental appliance. “We have treated over 300 patients so far,” says Dr. Ringer. “On a weekly basis, patients stop by to tell us about headaches gone, or extra weight just melting away. We love that, of course, but what we really care about is helping to save lives.” Dr. Jack Ringer has been practicing in Orange County for over 30 years. For more information on dental sleep apnea appliances, you can contact Advanced Smile Design, the dental practice of Dr. Jack Ringer, at 714-974-0313, or go to DentalCosmetics.com. Join us on May 17th from 6-7 pm to learn about New Sleep Apnea Solutions that really work, often with little to no cost to you! Attendance to this free event is limited, so call now to reserve your space at 714-974-0313. ORANGECOUNTYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
healthbeautyfitness
Reshape Your Body in 20 Minutes! By John Colman
When Diane Rand reached age 50, she got concerned that her weight was slowly creeping higher and her clothes were feeling too tight. As a practicing physician in San Diego, she knew the diagnosis. “Your muscles atrophy as you age, and this slows down the metabolism,” says Rand. “I knew it would keep getting worse if I didn’t correct it.” The antidote? Effective weight training. But, she’d never lifted weights before. Plus, her fulltime job as a physician as well as her family life left little time in her schedule for exercise. Fortunately, Diane read an article about “slow-motion” strength training, a revolutionary new exercise method promising a firmer, stronger, more shapely body from just two 20-minute training sessions per week. Even though the time efficiency and results sounded almost too good to be true, she decided to enroll with a personal trainer at The Perfect Workout, a local company with dozens of private fitness studios specializing in this unique approach. Right away she noticed immediate increases in her muscle tone and energy. After several months she’d also dropped one to two clothing sizes and was fitting into clothes which used to be too small. “My trainer pushes me in a safe way, and I walk away feeling great after each session,” says Diane. “This is the wave of the future.”
Lean Muscles—The Key To Reshaping Your Body The Perfect Workout’s trainers encourage clients to build lean muscle tissue, which increases the body’s metabolism, burning extra calories even while you’re sleeping. Many people—especially women—have a fear of “bulking up” like a
64
ORANGE COUNTY LIVING • APRIL/MAY 2016
Physician Diane Rand tones her arms as part of her 20-minute training session in San Diego.
bodybuilder if they were to start strength training. In reality, if you’re older than 25, it’s much more likely that too little muscle is the problem rather than too much muscle. In their book Biomarkers: The 10 Keys to Prolonging Vitality , William Evans, Ph.D., and Irwin Rosenberg, M.D., show the research demonstrating that adults who don’t strength train lose an average of a half pound of lean muscle tissue each year starting at age 25. As an example, a typical 55-year-old woman will have 15 pounds less lean muscle (and significantly more fat) than what she had at age 25. Muscle takes up less space than fat, so this typical
55-year-old woman has arms and thighs that are softer and less firm, wears a larger clothing size, and has a slower metabolism that burns fewer calories each day. Effective strength training changes all of this. It increases your body’s metabolism, causing you to burn more fat and calories all day long. Strength training reshapes and tones your legs and arms. And since muscle takes up 20% less space than fat, adding muscle and losing fat will make your body firmer, smaller, and more shapely. A fit 140-pound person can wear clothes several sizes smaller than an out of shape 140-pound person. ORANGECOUNTYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
healthbeautyfitness How Can Slow-Motion Strength Training Work So Quickly? Slow-motion strength training involves brief and demanding workouts to get great results. The basic concept? Lift relatively heavy weights excruciatingly slowly (10 seconds to lift, another 10 seconds to lower) for as many repetitions as you can until you’re unable to move the weights anymore. And when you learn to challenge your muscles as deeply as a skilled trainer can teach, it’s impossible to workout much longer than 20 minutes, even if you try. Dr. Philip Alexander, physician and faculty member at Texas A&M University’s College of Medicine, explains that it’s the intensity of exercise that stimulates greatest changes. “A slower repetition loads the muscles more effectively and efficiently. It’s harder!” exclaims Alexander. “That’s why it stimulates such a great total response from the body.” Dr. Alexander has tracked hundreds of subjects using slow-motion strength training, noting significant improvements in muscular strength, HDL cholesterol profiles, bone density, and glucose tolerance. Other research adds more supporting data. Two separate studies by Wayne Westcott, Ph.D., and one study by Ellington Darden, Ph.D., demonstrate that slow-motion strength training produces 50% to 59% faster improvements than regular weight training. And because the repetitions are harder, each training session must be limited to 20 minutes—making this exercise method quite time efficient.
In 3 months Justin Brunette dropped 4 inches from his waist and lowered his body fat percentage by 6.4% with effective nutrition and weekly 20-minute training sessions at The Perfect Workout.
Joyce Reclaims Her Youthful Figure 54-year-old Joyce Magnuson had always been slim and slender when she was younger. But in her mid 40s, life’s stresses caught up with her and she began gaining weight. “During the next few years, I kept getting heavier, until I was thoroughly broken and disgusted with myself,” says Joyce. Fortunately, she happened to read an article about slow-motion strength training and how it would reshape her body with just two 20-minute training sessions per week. The effectiveness of the method made sense to Joyce, and she decided to enroll with a personal trainer at The Perfect Workout. ORANGECOUNTYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
In 3 months Laura Retana Shelp lost 23.4 pounds and 10½ inches off her waist with improved nutrition and two 20-minute training sessions a week at The Perfect Workout. After five months of combining an effective nutrition plan with two 20minute training sessions each week, not only had she gotten stronger, she’d lost 43 pounds and dropped from a size 16 to a size 10. She was also able to get completely off the blood pressure medications that she’d previously needed to take. She adds, “The perk is looking good in the current styles. Even Macy’s keeps me motivated to stay fit!”
The Perfect Workout has dozens of private studios throughout the United States that specialize in one-on-one personal training with the slow-motion strength training method, including these Orange County locations: Newport Beach (949) 2004067, Huntington Beach (714) 460-5207, Laguna Niguel (949) 485-6000, Mission Viejo (949) 424-1021, Anaheim Hills (714) 400-9319, and Tustin (714) 599-9051. www.ThePerfectWorkout.com APRIL/MAY 2016 • ORANGE COUNTY LIVING
65