The Coast News Fall 2012 Home and Garden Guide

&

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE COAST NEWS & RANCHO SANTA FE NEWS

FALL 2012

home

garden A SUPPLEMENT TO THE COAST NEWS GROUP • SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

Home Additions • Remodeling • Windows & Coverings • Landscaping • Fences • Garden Centers • Roofing • Do-It-Yourself Projects • Outdoor Fountains Swimming Pools • Heating/Air Conditioning • Kitchen & Bath • Solar • Fine Art Real Estate Development • Construction • Painting • Furtniture

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FALL HOME & GARDEN SPECIAL SECTION

Historic Storewide Furniture Sale Going On Now Celebrating 75 Years in San Diego

FINAL WEEK In honor of our 75th Anniversary, we’re offering Historic Savings throughout the store. PLUS, Additional Factory Authorized Discounts on our best collections.*

NHFA 2012 National “Retailer of The Year” Beautiful contemporary furniture for your home, office and outdoor.

San Diego: (619) 291-1911 633 University Avenue San Diego, CA 92103 LAWRANCE.COM

CONTEMPORARY FURNITURE

Encinitas (760) 942-2244 117 N. El Camino Real Encinitas, CA 92024 LAWRANCE.COM

*Limited time offer. May not be combined with any other offer. Excludes clearance and some nationally price regulated merchandise. Please see a sales associate for complete details.

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FALL HOME & GARDEN SPECIAL SECTION

SEPT. 21, 2012

Keep your lawn green without going nuts

might less water could be the best thing you can easily do for the planet, starting as small as your sink. Courtesy photo

In making your home earth-friendly, the tap is a good place to start (ARA) — In today’s environmentally conscious times, it seems we’re surrounded by the need to shop, act and live “green.”

Some of our choices are easy and small, while others can be big and costly. But one thing is for sure — each choice can make a significant difference.

Some of the most important green choices we can make are right within our own home, according to Kevin McJoynt at Danze, Inc. “Installing items like Energy Star appliances and energy-efficient windows is a great step in moving your home to be more green,” says McJoynt. “But changing your in-home water usage

can have the most impact.”

According to McJoynt, water shortages, energy demands and the cost of transporting water continue to rise. “Finding ways to simply reduce our usage without dramatically altering our lifestyle could save billions of gallons of water each year in the United States.”

McJoynt offers up these tips on how you can immediately start conserving water (and save money) in your home: • Replace older toilets (1992 or earlier) with newer, high efficiency toilets (HETs). They operate at 1.28 gallons per flush and could save 11 gallons of water per TURN TO TAP ON B27

(ARA) — Does maintaining a lush, healthy and green lawn to enjoy with friends and family seem daunting? It’s often a task that is easier said than done for homeowners. But take heart, a simple watering routine can help grass thrive.

Natural grass has been cultivated to endure a wide variety of conditions and has the added benefit of being capable of self-repair.

Remember, there’s no need to create a complex system to maintain your lawn. In fact, it only takes a little planning and monitoring to not only keep your lawn in tip-top shape, but reduce your water use and save money.

Are you ready to get your lawn in perfect condition? Grass Seed USA, a coalition of American grass seed farmers, has developed a set of six tips to help homeowners conquer watering fears and get the most out of their yards. Follow these simple watering tips: 1. Water only when necessary. Many homeowners over water their lawns, which does more harm than good, especially in a drought-prone area like ours.

A simple trick to determine whether your lawn needs watering is to insert a screwdriver into the grass. If it enters the soil easily, your lawn has plenty of water already. If you have trouble getting the screwdriver into the ground, it is time to give

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Watering your lawn too often or when it’s hot can hurt your lawn. Following a few simple tips will help you save money and have a green yard that’s the envy of the neighborhood. Courtesy photo

it a drink.

2. Mow grass to a height of 2 to 2.5 inches. Keeping grass slightly taller in hot and dry conditions provides shade to the roots and soil surface, reducing the water lost due to evaporation.

3. Water throughout the season. Grass needs a consistent watering schedule, and starting and stopping a watering pattern can stunt your lawn’s growth. This is especially true right after fertilizing. Once you start a routine, stick with it.

4. Allow the soil to dry. A thorough watering once or

twice a week is preferable to lightly misting every day.

Allowing the soil to dry before watering again encourages the roots to grow deeper into the soil and can help the lawn become drought-tolerant in the future.

5. Make sure you water your lawn, not the air. Adjust your sprinkler settings to produce larger drops closer to the ground rather than misting in the air. Air currents can easily catch light sprays and keep the water from reaching your grass.

6. Water during cooler

hours. Early morning and early evening are the ideal times to water. Cooler air and less wind mean water is absorbed directly into the grass with less moisture lost to evaporation. Watering during the heat of the day can actually scald and burn your grass.

For more information on how to keep your lawn healthy year-round, visit weseedamerica.com. With a little planning, you’ll be enjoying the aesthetic and environmental perks of a cool, lush green lawn in no time.

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SEPT. 21, 2012

FALL HOME & GARDEN SPECIAL SECTION

A few tricks can make your roof renovation successful (ARA) — As the years go on and people grow older, so does your home. The changing of seasons and the weather that comes along with it can take a toll on your home, leaving its appearance less than desirable.

Your roof is one of the first things that visitors, neighbors and people passing by will see. If your roof has taken a beating and is in need of repair, don’t ignore the problem. Aside from adding beauty and curb appeal, the roof protects your home. It faces both everyday weather as well as the extreme climates. Keeping it up to date and maintained can save you from dealing with other problems inside

your home later on.

As you begin your roof renovation, take the time to think about some of the decisions that come with putting new shingles on your roof, such as the method of installation and type of shingle.

Your new roof should be appealing and durable for many years to come.

When making decisions on installing your new shingles, don’t just think about who you would like to do the job; think about how. Will you choose to install the new shingles over the old, known as overlaying, or strip all the old shingles off the roof before laying down new ones? Whichever you decide, Make sure you know what you’re doing before yoiu start renovating your roof and you can ensure that your make certain the shingle house’s new look is a smashing success. Courtesy photo manufacturer’s application instructions are followed to ensure you have a properly installed roof.

If your roof is beyond repair and is in need of a total makeover, then consider removing your old shingles. Make sure you have made any necessary repairs to the roof deck underneath the old shingles and underlayment before the new roofing materials are installed.

Maybe you are just looking for a quick roof fix to add some new color to your house or repair some minor problems. If so, overlaying may be the best option. Overlaying takes away the time of ripping off the existing shingles, the hassle of finding a place to put them after they have been removed, and will save some money along the way as well. Leaving the existing shingles also creates a double layer of protection for TURN TO ROOF ON B25

Oriental Heritage collects, shares antiques from Asia You’ve just cleared out your parents’ or grandparents’ home and find that their lovely collection of Chinese antiques and collectibles just doesn’t fit with your French Country style.

Now is the time to know about Oriental Heritage Inc. Backed by the expertise of top experts in Chinese antique appraisal and based in San Diego, Oriental Heritage Inc. is always looking to invest in high-quality Chinese arts and antiques.

“In China’s not-so-distant past, families sold antiques, art and keepsakes simply to survive,” Oriental Heritage President Hua Zhang explained.

Now many emerging successful Chinese have turned their attention to arts and antiques collection, bringing the treasures back. As a result, the value of Chinese antiques continues to climb and Oriental Heritage can help you get the best value from your Chinese antiques.

They buy a wide variety of items including porcelain, jade, carved wood, cloisonné, cinnabar, bronze and art.

There is a particular interest in porcelain from the Ming (1364-1644), Qing (1644 – 1911) and Republic (19111949) periods. For painting and calligraphy, they have interest in both ancient and contemporary. Another item to consider are snuff bottles of jade, jadeite, coral, amber from early 20th century or older.

Another niche market is scholar’s items such as ink stone, seal box or scholar’s rocks. In addition, there is interest in certain textiles, silver, coral, amber and Peking glass.

Oriental Heritage has a clientele of ready buyers with branches in some of the wealthiest parts of China, such as Beijing, Shanghai and Zhejiang.The group is backed by major investment groups in China and has immediate access to the necessary capital. When items are brought to Oriental Heritage Inc., and are found to be a piece being sought, staff can make an immediate offer and swiftly pay in cash or any other payment method a customer prefers. The staff is selected from highly trained and experienced scholars and dealers of Chinese arts and antiquities. This is backed with an advisory board of leading experts in Chinese antiques authentication and appraising.

In addition, appointments can be made for their experts to come to your home.

Oriental Heritage Inc. travels the world looking for quality antiques to buy, but since the headquarters are at 11405 Bernardo Court, Suite 214, they are always available to San Diegans. Call toll free at (800) 575-5583 for a free verbal appraisal or email pictures to info@orientalheritageinc.com.

Visit the web site at orientalheritageinc.com.

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SEPT. 21, 2012

Tips to maintain your garden during vacation (ARA) — Looking forward to a nice, relaxing vacation? Don’t forget about that garden while you’re sipping umbrella drinks on a beach or snapping photos of the Grand Canyon. Make sure you have a plan for keeping the garden green and the grass under control while you’re gone.

The best solution, of course, is a reliable friend or neighbor who will give your garden the loving attention that you would. Simply offering to trade some fresh produce or a bunch of flowers for watering can often work in your favor and act as a motivator to the reluctant helper. However, not everyone is lucky enough to have a reliable person they can count on for garden care.

This doesn’t mean all is lost.

Whether you have a competent garden-sitter or not, a few quick steps can help to ensure continued health of your garden while you’re away.

Make the most of mulch Mulches that are derived from wood, such as Scotts Nature Scapes Advanced Mulch products, can act as an excellent layer of protection for retaining moisture and can help keep weeds at bay by blocking access to sunlight, especially while you are out of town.

Soak soil thoroughly and add a fresh layer of mulch to the

Get a drip Head to the local homeimprovement store to stock up on drip-irrigation materials before leaving for a vacation and make your life easier all growing season. It’s so

Keeping your lawn health while you’re away isn’t hard with just a little bit of forethought. Courtesy photo

garden, around trees and shrubs and even on the tops of containers.

To calculate how much mulch is needed in your garden visit scotts.com to find a mulch calculator under useful tools at the bottom of the site.

Timing is everything Invest in a timer or two to connect to the outdoor faucet. Hook these up to sprinklers or drip hoses and set timers to come on in the early morning hours to reduce evaporation.

There’s no need for a garden-sitter to remember when to water. All your sitter needs to do is over-ride the timer for you in case of rain.

Add artistic style to your remodeling with custom glass solutions One of the most versatile, functional, and beautiful materials to build with, homeowners are continuing to discover the true potential of glass when it comes to decorating the home. Artistic custom glass will give your environment the finishing touch of elegance you’ve been looking for.

What many people don’t realize is that decorative glass extends beyond the basics. A custom glass company can work wonders with your remodeling project. Special coatings can be applied to shower doors to ease cleaning, broken window glass can be easily replaced, vinyl replacement windows and doors look gorgeous and decrease noise and energy costs, and these are just a few examples.

Frameless shower doors are a growing trend. A custom frameless heavy glass shower door will increase the value of your home, last up to four times longer than a framed shower door, and will eliminate almost all of the unsightly metal framing. Throw your old shower curtains away and brighten up your bathroom with the clean, modern look of frameless.

Another incredible way to incorporate glass into your home is with custom-coated colored glass kitchen and

bathroom backsplashes.

Backsplashes are a wonderful way to add style and a splash color to your living space.

Sometimes a kitchen’s décor can become lost behind the sea of cabinets and appliances — however, stunning colored backsplashes will enhance the color and ambiance of your kitchen and complement its entire décor.

Professionals can even create gorgeous custom glass countertops and shelving for your kitchen or bath.

Family owned and operated since 1991, Comprehensive Glass Works has served both the residential and commercial area of San Diego County.

Established in 1986 and initially operating as Unik Custom Glass and Mirror, they have expanded to new premises at 6950 El Cajon Blvd., and changed their name to reflect their status as San Diego’s prime glass and glazing dealer.

From exquisite attention to detail, timely estimates and installations, quality products, competitive pricing, and a wide array of products, Comprehensive Glass Works will work with you to make your ideas and concepts a reality. For a free consultation or more information, you can call them at (619) 589-8858 or visit comprehensiveglassworks.com.

easy to use drip irrigation in vegetable gardens and flower beds that you’ll kick yourself for not doing it sooner. Weave lengths of drip TURN TO VACATION ON B23

SEPT. 21, 2012

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FALL HOME & GARDEN SPECIAL SECTION

3D Design • Construction • Renovation Repair • Demolition • Energy Efficient Systems • BBQs • Hardscape • Pavers

Fall

HOME/GARDEN SHOW Sept. 14, 15 & 16, 2012 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds

Please stop by and visit us at Booth 667 and sign up for a FREE Pool Energy-Usage Evaluation

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V a n i s h i n g e d g e s . L a s t i n g b e a u t y.

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SEPT. 21, 2012

FALL HOME & GARDEN SPECIAL SECTION

Celebrating 75 years in the best way possible Earlier this year, Lawrance Furniture celebrated its 75th year of business one of the best ways possible — by receiving the 2012 Retailer of the Year from the NHFA (National Home Furnishings Association.)

This prestigious distinction for San Diego’s leader in modern and contemporary furnishings came as a humbling honor to Lawrance Furniture President Howard Haimsohn.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime award and we’re honored,” said Howard, “They really scrutinize you to see if you’re deserving.”

To better explain the significance of the award: The 8,500 members of 93-year-old NFHA believed that Lawrance Furniture’s outstanding contributions to the industry, exemplary service to its community and personal business achievements were in need of recognition for the third generation family-run business.

While the entire staff of Lawrance Furniture is proudly deserving of the designation, much of the credit deserves to go to Howard’s grandfather and the furniture store’s

founder, Herman Haimsohn.

Herman Haimsohn opened Lawrance under the name Modern Furniture Company. The store was located in downtown San Diego, and even from the very beginning, offered contemporary furniture and appliances.

Since 1937, Lawrance Furniture has watched hometown San Diego grow tremendously. Where many stumbled to keep up with the pace, Lawrance prevailed at maintaining high quality, unique furniture designs and the very best in customer service.

It is that tradition of excellence that has turned a small family business into a legacy.

As the store continued to thrive, Herman turned Modern Furniture Company into a family business by introducing his son Herbert to the company. During the next few years Herbert maintained the same high quality and excellent customer service, which made the business so well respected.

Herbert would eventually turn the business over to his younger brother Ed. The venture came as a shock to Ed, as

Lawrance Furniture Owner and President Howard Haimsohn with his wife Julie celebrates the 75th anniversary of their three-generation-old, family-run store and the earning of the 2012 Retailer of the Year award.

Courtesy photo

not long after taking over the responsibilities, their father passed away.

“I was young and there was still so much to learn,” Ed

said.“With my father gone and my brother involved in other things, I had to run the store with no real support. But I loved the business.As I became

more comfortable in the industry, I realized that we weren’t a significant store. We couldn’t be everything to everyone. We had to find our niche.”

Already offering some contemporary designs, Ed’s first landmark decision was to hone the focus of the store.

By redefining the inventory, Lawrance had truly found its place.It was at that juncture that Ed began his criteria for furniture buying.The first: The most important aspect is the aesthetic quality of the design.

The second criterion for furniture buying is comfort, and corresponding with the second criteria, the third point for every piece offered at Lawrance is comfort of price and budget.

“Maintaining high quality while still within a reasonable budget may be the most difficult, but also the most rewarding aspect of the business,” Ed said.

All that was left was to keep the family business intact. Ed would bring his son Howard in, and together, they decided it was time to expand the business, opening a second store in Encinitas.

“We opened the Encinitas

store and with that, we changed the name of the company to Lawrance Furniture,” said Howard.

The additional store proved to be an asset to the company and is still operating out of the same location 31 years later.

Howard began integrating new technology into the company, launching their own website at Lawrance.com, which more than 15 years ago was unheard of.

Today, the site utilizes some of the most advanced technology, including allowing users to quickly redesign a room online with their “Room Planner” tool.

Staying true to customer service Howard embraces technology to offer more choices of communication between customers and the Lawrance staff, which creates a closer relationship and a happier customer in the end.

With every new innovation Howard Haimsohn and the Lawrance Furniture family maintain their commitment to preserving the excellence of the store. After 75 years, it’s apparent this small business still maintains its big heart.

Taylor Morrison offers plenty of choices for San Diego homebuyers With amenities that rival the best resorts, access to award-winning schools and homes that offer designs from

Taylor Morrison’s three an award-winning architect, Taylor Morrison has plenty of area communities offer somechoices for discerning San thing for everyone, with plenty of surrounding amenities to Diego homebuyers. enhance the living experience.

Two communities offer California living in Carlsbad — Viridian (part of the luxurious La Costa Greens) and the newly minted Vista del Mar, which offers Robert Hidey Architects-designed homes with distant views of the Pacific Ocean. Nearby, the gated community of North River Village in Oceanside counts quick access to the ocean and plenty of nearby trails as part of its allure.

Since its debut in May,

Vista del Mar in Carlsbad has been the focal point of Taylor Morrison’s San Diego offerings, with 37 single-level homes thoughtfully planned to maximize ocean views and the surrounding topography.

The artful mastery of award-winning architect Robert Hidey is displayed in all four floor plans offered at the Carlsbad community. With homes that stretch from 1,893 to 2,982 square feet, the homes at Vista del Mar are designed with California sun-splashed living in mind.

Nearby is a wealth of entertainment for the whole family including the Carlsbad

Community Theater, Children’s Discovery Museum, the historic Mission San Luis Rey and the world famous Legoland Resort.

“Living in San Diego means enjoying all of the culture, outdoor experiences and family fun opportunities that the area has to offer,” said Phil Bodem, president of Taylor Morrison’s southern California division. “The culture is as diverse as the homes we offer at Vista del Mar.” At Viridian, homebuyers can choose from homes that range in size from 2,204 to 4,635 generous square feet and up to six bedrooms and 4.5 baths. Viridian homeowners has access to La Costa Greens amenities, including the Presidio,a private club that features all of the appointments of a private clubhouse including a fully-equipped fitness facility,

tennis courts, competitionsized pool, gourmet kitchen and gathering room.

Further north from Carlsbad is North RiverVillage, a gated community that sits in the hills of Oceanside along the San Luis Rey River. Spanish and Mediterranean architecture accent town homes that start in the $220,000s and offer homebuyers up to three bedrooms and bathrooms, two-car garages and quick access to the sandy beaches and Pacific Ocean nearby.

“No matter which community you choose, Taylor Morrison has something to suit every lifestyle,” Bodem said.

“You’re proud to call San Diego home and so are we.”

For more information about Taylor Morrison and its communities, please visit taylormorrison.com.

Tips for a thorough fall house cleaning (ARA) — With the changing of the season right around the corner, most Americans are beginning to clean up the exterior of their homes by raking leaves and cleaning out the gutters, but what about the interior? Fall can be the perfect time to revisit that spring cleaning list that you never completed and give the interior of your home a deep clean in preparation for the holiday season.

While most people rely on their own cleaning know-how to tackle germs and dirt, they depend on their eyes to show what they think is a clean house. In fact, more than two out of three people believe that vision is the most important sense in determining the cleanliness of a home, according to a recent national consumer survey conducted by Stanley Steemer.

But it’s often the dirt that you don’t see that requires help

from the pros. Traditional athome cleaning methods such as vacuuming and dusting only remove a relatively small portion of dirt, dust and particles that lurk in your floors and furniture. Without a deep cleaning, you’ll be trapping dirt inside your home for the entire winter, which can impact the visual appearance of your home, while also elevating the risk of allergens in the home.

With more than 60 years as the dirt authority, the cleaning experts at Stanley Steemer are certified to remove more than 98 percent of dry soil from floors — a rate significantly higher than self-cleaning methods. In fact, in fall of 2011, Stanley Steemer technicians removed more than 56 tons of dirt from American Homes.

To help you see through the dirt that lurks in your TURN TO CLEANING ON B25

Local one-stop shop for home improvement Your home is your castle, which is why home improvement can be such a fun and fulfilling experience when done the right way.

Every aspect of your home can be customized to your liking — from your floors, to your walls and windows. The endless options can be overwhelming, and working with several different companies to plan, develop, design, finance and build your new home improvements can be a daunting task. Thankfully there are one-stop-shops that can help you with every aspect of your remodel, giving you exciting options and simplifying the entire process from start to completion.

Before starting your next remodel project, visit the experts at BSIIG and benefit from their years of experience and insider knowledge.

They can explain the pros and cons of various design options and present you with handpicked selections to suit your style.

Imagine the ease of working with knowledgeable interior designers, seasoned construction experts, and master installers, all under a roof where you can touch and feel the products you will be placing in your home. The experience of remodeling this way is unparalleled to any improvement you have done before.

If you are a wine enthusiast, take a moment to imagine the enjoyment you would derive from having your very own custom built wine storage and display room. Whether you have two-dozen bottles, or 2,000 bottles, an expert team can come to your home, evaluate your space and help you design your new favorite room.

Your wine “cellar” can be built to fit in any sized space, from a hall closet to a full size room. Built to your exact specifications and desires, this wine cellar can keep your bottles at the proper temperature, with high quality cooling systems and insulation.

With this fabulous home improvement you can protect your investments and simultaneously enhance your lifestyle by adding a little bit of luxury to your home.

For more information on wine cellars, please contact the BSIIG/Options Online showroom at (858) 530-0500.

BSIIG is your one stop shop for all your remodel construction and interior design needs.A visit to their beautiful showroom can streamline the process of selecting, designing, purchasing, and installing your new home improvement into a fluid and pleasurable experience you are sure to love. Their showroom is located at 8920 Kenamar Dr. in San Diego.

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SEPT. 21, 2012

‘Invisible Fence’ keeps pets safe indoors and out For nearly 40 years, Invisible Fence® Brand pet containment systems have been keeping dogs and cats safe at home by providing

pet owners with trusted technology, proven training procedures and total peace of mind. Pet consultants customize indoor and outdoor

solutions, which include professional installation and training. More than two million pets have the freedom to run, jump and play because

For nearly 40 years, Invisible Fence® Brand pet containment systems have been keeping dogs and cats safe at home by providing pet owners with trusted technology, proven training procedures and total peace of mind.

Courtesy photo

of Invisible Fence® Brand.

Invisible Fence® Brand Outdoor Solutions are designed to fit any home and any terrain. A boundary goes practically anywhere — through hilly, rocky soil, wooded areas, even under water to keep your pet safely contained in your yard.

Unlike traditional fencing, Invisible Fence® Brand solutions can section off an open gate, play set, pool, garden or other landscaping while maintaining the beauty and integrity of your property. Keeping your dog out of the garden doesn’t just keep your blooms intact; it can keep your pet safe and healthy. More than 700

plants have been identified as toxic in sufficient amounts to cause harmful effects in animals.

The solutions aren’t limited to the outdoors. Indoor Shields® are small wireless discs that can create an off limits area for pets.

Popular uses are to keep pets off furniture, out of a certain rooms, out of the garbage, away from the dining room or off the kitchen counters.

Invisible Fence® Brand is the brand vets recommend most for dog safety and freedom and has a 98 percent customer satisfaction rating and a 99.5 percent success rating.

Stone & Supply Co.

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SEPT. 21, 2012

FALL HOME & GARDEN SPECIAL SECTION

Make time for family dinner: good for your body, soul (ARA) — We all yearn for moments like the Norman Rockwell illustration of a family sitting around the dining table, enjoying their meals, laughing and spending time together. Sometimes those moments seem like fairy tales in hectic lives filled with endless activities and deadlines. Yet researchers are learning more and more about the importance of family meals relating to good nutrition and better health.

Family meals aren’t just good for your body; they’re good for the soul.

Researchers at Rutgers recently evaluated results from 68 previously published scientific reports that ana-

lyzed the association between children’s health and family mealtime. They looked at how the atmosphere or frequency of family meals correlated with the consumption of healthy foods versus unhealthy foods.

Their review showed numerous benefits to children associated with having frequent family meals, including increased intake of fruits, vegetables, fiber, calciumrich foods and vitamins. In addition, the more a family ate together, the less children consumed dietary components thought to be harmful to health.

Additional studies showed that: • Supper can be a stress

Eating dinner together can help families stay healthy, save money and feel less stressed out. Courtesy photo

reliever for working moms. A 2008 Brigham Young University study of IBM workers found that sitting down to a family meal helped working moms reduce the tension and strain from long

hours at the office.

• The family dinner table is a great setting for getting kids to try new foods.

A 2003 study in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that more

exposure to new foods will teach kids to like different foods. Frequent family dinners provide the perfect opportunity to introduce a variety of healthy foods.

• It’s more budget-

friendly to gather around the dinner table for a meal. The average cost for a meal in your kitchen is approximately $4.50 per person versus $8 per person outside the home.

Do the math — eating in is better for your budget.

Making family meals happen in real time Today’s over-scheduled lives may make it more difficult to get a meal on the table for family dinners, but there are many shortcuts you can take to reduce the stress and enjoy your time together. Many people are turning to companies like Kansas City Steak Company that provide ready-to-cook meals right to your door. From scrumptious ribs to succulent roasts, steaks, ground beef, poultry and seafood, family meal time is as easy as bake and serve.

“We find that more customers are seeking Bake and Serve Gourmet products so they can enjoy more time with family and friends and less time in the kitchen,” says Ed Scavuzzo, president of Kansas City Steak Company.

“It’s never been easier to get a meal on the table without the fuss.”

But family meals can be as simple as ground beef patties, a salad and some fresh TURN TO DINNER ON B25

Unique approach runs deep in longtime painting co Since 1959, Advanced Exteriors has painted more than 15,000 homes and businesses in San Diego. President Martin Montoya said there’s a reason his company has remained relevant to customers for so long: the plain, uncoated truth.

“We’ve seen a lot of businesses in our field come and go in San Diego, especially in the last four years,” Montoya

said. “Unlike our competitors, we can back up our claims with facts, not opinion.”

For instance, in Advanced Exterior’s more than 50 years of service, it has earned a perfect record with the Contractors State License Board, a rarity in the painting business.

“Advanced Exteriors was one of the first painting companies to become licensed in

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the state,” Montoya said.

“We’re a member of the Better Business Bureau and have always earned an A+ rating. Our customer service surveys have been unanimously positive. So it’s a great source of pride that our record is spotless.”

A sample testimonial, for example, said: “There are bad companies, there are good companies, and there are great companies. You are one of the great companies! You did more than promised or we ever expected.”

The Advanced Exteriors’ approach to coating is decidedly old school. For one, they have a trained staff of painters, and with that comes an emphasis on prep work and quality, not speed, Montoya said. It’s what he calls “a throwback to craftsmanship and how it was done in the past.” Along similar lines, many painting companies advertise that they don’t use subcontractors, often a dubious claim. But Advanced Exteriors guarantees it in writing.

“Subcontractors cut corners, whereas our employees are detailed and meticulous,” Montoya said.

While Advanced Exterior

has deep roots in the past, Montoya believes his company offers materials of the future. Most notably, Advance Exteriors is the exclusive dealer in San Diego County of the Rhino Shield coating system with 3M Ceramics that comes with a 25-year warranty, so customers don’t have to ever paint again, he said.

Essentially, the coating system combines the appearance of fresh paint with the longevity of vinyl or fiber cement siding. In addition to lasting longer and beautifying stucco and wood homes, the coating system is insulating, waterproof, helps soundproof walls and gives an elegant look.

As Montoya points out, the benefits touted by the Rhino Shield coating system with 3M ceramics are supported by independent studies done by BASF, the world’s leading chemical company.

“Now that’s proof,” Montoya said. “We’re all about the facts here, and that’s just more reason that we think we’ll continue to be successful and the leader in the industry.”

Find out more at advancedexteriors.org or call 619-741-6615.

SEPT. 21, 2012

FALL HOME & GARDEN SPECIAL SECTION

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SEPT. 21, 2012

FALL HOME & GARDEN SPECIAL SECTION

Solar panels ‘more affordable than ever,’ company says Most people know that solar panels are good for the environment and could help relieve political tensions.

But Leo Bautista, owner of Smart Energy USA, said there’s an even better, less talked about reason to use solar panels — they save money. “The cost of solar has plunged in the last year,�

Bautista said. “We’re at the point where your bill will be cheaper if you use solar.�

Solar Panels traditionally required a high initial investment. However today, Smart Energy USA offers solar panels with no upfront cost or initial investment. Homeowners are taking advantage of this affordable option to go solar and are seeing energy saving results from day one. With utilities increasing as much as six percent a year, solar panels are financially

Most people know that solar panels are good for the environment and could help relieve political tensions. But Leo Bautista, owner of Smart Energy USA, said there’s an even better, less talked about reason to use solar panels — they save money. Courtesy photo

sound, Bautista said.

Also, because San Diego receives year-round sunshine, it’s an ideal place for solar panels, Bautista said.

Smart Energy USA,

which has an “A+� grade with the Better Business Bureau, has installed and serviced solar panels at more than 5,000 homes.

Bautista said his business offers free cost estimates to

those who are interested in solar. “Our trained solar consultants will tell you the price and size of the equipment your home will need,�

Bautista said.

Smart Energy USA exclusively uses a solar panel made by SunPower that currently holds the record for efficiency in the Guinness Book of World Records. Compared with

competing solar panels, SunPower panels produce 30 to 50 percent more power. “Solar is taking off,�

Bautista said. “And we’re committed to bringing it to more homes.�

Pools can transform ordinary home into a ‘palace’ There is no luxury like having a beautiful backyard to make the most of Southern California’s outdoor living, and Bart Jacobs of La Jolla Pools knows how to deliver that from the first spadeful of dirt to a complete remodel and update.

The San Diego native took over La Jolla Pools in 2005, bringing a struggling company back to health.

His secret was learning the business from the

ground up, working in every aspect, which has given him a real understanding of how to pair a quality product with ongoing, reliable service. “I have the same phone number I had 18 years ago, so former clients can call me and discuss any problems they might be having or questions they might have,� Jacobs said. “I think the success of La Jolla Pools is based on how much time

we put in to make sure things are done right and people are taken care of.�

Jacobs began his education working in a pool retail store where customers asked every possible question.

Next he worked at a wholesale warehouse, where tradesmen shared their knowledge, and then a pool service route taught him the hands-on side of water chemistry and pool

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There is no luxury like having a beautiful backyard to make the most of Southern California’s outdoor living, and Bart Jacobs of La Jolla Pools knows how to deliver that from the first spadeful of dirt to a complete remodel and update. Courtesy photo

equipment.

From there, he tackled remodeling and replastering, rounding out his skills.

He and his team work to find the pool design that fits a client’s budget and still makes their pool dreams work.

In addition to new pools, Jacobs is seeing a trend in remodeling older pools, taking them right down to their original shell and giving them new, energy-efficient plumbing, equipment, stone, tile and special features, like a shallow shelf for the children. “One of our top goals is to make pools so much more energy efficient,� Jacobs said. “With today’s technology, clients can save between 50 to 90 percent on their previous pool power bill.�

We specialize in making sure the plumbing is larger which makes it more energy efficient, coupled with today’s more efficient pumps.

The advent of ozone systems also add to that

package.

Any increased cost in installation and equipment is paid for within the first year in lowered energy costs.

Joined with solar panels for water heating, owners extend their swimming season and “we feel like we are making the most of energy technology and being kind to the planet.�

Jacobs makes sure he is personally involved in every project, keeping the volume of jobs at a level that delivers real quality. “We make sure to form a partnership with every client. It is never us-versusthem. We offer the longest warranties of anyone around, because we are confident in our work and do things right. Our clients are able to have the original person deal with any followup.�

Another point of pride is that almost all the work is handled in-house, with almost nothing subcontracted out. “When we do subcontract any task, we know

our craftsmen and keep a close eye on the work.�

La Jolla Pools also offer a staff designer, Jim Bellamy, who is a master of three-dimensional computer design.

His goal is to make the entire backyard design mesh with the style of the home so the outdoors easily flow from the indoors.

Another current trend is toward the vanishingedge pools that turn an ordinary backyard pool into an artistic water feature. “We have the technology now to have pools that disappear off all sides, creating a reflecting pool that adds a visually stunning element to any yard,�

Jacobs pointed out. “I tell our customers that once we have their system installed and working properly, I will drink the water from their pool before I would drink it from the tap.�

Contact Jacobs and La Jolla Pools at (858) 4834500 or email bart@lajollapools.com.

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FALL HOME & GARDEN SPECIAL SECTION

SEPT. 21, 2012

Beautiful rooms are meant to be lived in (ARA) — Fall is the time of year when thoughts turn back toward the home. With kids back in school and the holidays approaching, many homeowners look for ways to make their rooms more stylish, but struggle to find the balance between beautiful and livable.

“Of course your home should be stylish. But if you can’t enjoy living in it, what’s the point?” says Erinn Valencich, a Los Angelesbased interior designer and blogger for HGTV’s Design Happens. “I believe in creating beautiful spaces that are fun, elegant and livable.”

Redecorating a space with a few key elements can completely transform the look and feel of the room without breaking the budget.

“When starting the room refresh process, keep the livability of the design elements in mind to make sure you have a balance that works within your lifestyle, but still gives the room personality and a special flair for style,” notes Valencich.

One of the easiest ways to breathe new life into a room is by refreshing the floors. A dull or scuffed floor can make a room look tired.

Selecting the right flooring will create the perfect canvas to help tie all a room’s design elements together. Flooring is one of the key design elements that will bring both personality and livability together.

Adding personality “Great rooms have a personality ... a mix of vision, style and inspirations from everyday life, all while being comfortable and easy to live in,” says Valencich, who shares her tips at quickstepstyle.com/videos.

Blending a variety of influences will add distinction to a room. Start off by having a clearly defined color palette. One option Valencich suggests is selecting a richtoned floor to serve as a warm background for furniture. “I like the Burnished Walnut planks from Quick-Step’s Veresque collection to really help ground a room,” says Valencich. “These floors feature exclusive GenuEdge Technology, which provides a realistic hardwood edge visual.The floors stand up to busy lives, and stay looking great.”

To add contrast to a warm floor, add a subtle color to the walls. Then, incorporating a collection and variety of prints and frames will help break up the wall color and add visual interest. Once all these elements are brought together, Valencich recommends adding a few pieces and accessories that will add dimension, such as a chandelier or colorful accent pillows to tie the entire room’s personality together.

Livability within design Authentic style that works in real life is key to achieving a beautiful and comfortable room.Valencich’s

One of the easiest ways to breathe new life into a room is by refreshing the floors. Courtesy photo

recommendations include: * Keep both comfort and style in mind when selecting furniture pieces. * Develop a list of how the room will be used by your family and guests. Keep it top-of-mind when determining the layout and flow of the room. * Select flooring and furniture that is durable. Be sure

to review all the warranty information before making a purchase. * Consider how much maintenance will be required to keep the pieces in your room looking fresh. * Don’t let the room get too cluttered so that it becomes uncomfortable for guests to relax. * If you are going the

DIY renovation route, seek products that are easy to install.

“Keep all these different pieces in mind while going through the design-planning process. Then, mix in your sense of style and personality for a room that will fit all your needs,” says Valencich.

Getting started If you are considering

purchasing a new floor, quickstep.com offers a floor configurator that allows you to choose both wall color and floor styles to see how they work together. To make floor selection even easier, Valencich has curated her own collection of Quick-Step “Designer’s Choice” floors, which can be viewed at quickstepstyle.com.

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SEPT. 21, 2012

FALL HOME & GARDEN SPECIAL SECTION

How to think outside the box with trellises KENT HORNER Local Roots

A new client of mine just purchased a brand new home in Encinitas and asked me to put together a new design and plan for the landscaping around his home. I was happy to oblige and will usually put together a plan for my clients

with the caveat that I will get the work if the costs are accepted. If not, I am paid for my design time.

Like most homes, this property was fairly rectangular in nature with north,south,east and west exposures. On the

south side of his property, he had a fairly large space open to the hard-hitting sun with very little shade to be found.

This, I thought, would be a perfect place to create some respite from the sun, a small patio area for enjoyment and

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also a place to help cool the structure of the house and the breezes that moved into the house from the windows located there.

At first I thought about using a typical trellis,which can have many uses other than shade production. Sometimes when a home is located on a small lot, the monolithic homes next door become very imposing and reduce privacy down to living life in a fish bowl.

I have found that a wellplaced trellis can often times break up the visual lines of sight between houses and especially screen the second story windows that often look directly down upon the next door neighbors living spaces.

In this case though, I wanted to think outside the box and come up with a creative and innovative solution to the problems that typically come with outdoor patio covers.

Most trellis structures are usually supported by posts.

Sometimes you can cheat a little bit when creating an Lshaped patio cover and hang one of the beams off an intersecting beam where the corner of the L meets, thereby eliminating the center post. But for the most part, posts can interrupt the living space in these outdoor “rooms� and dictate where furniture and pots are placed.

With this in mind, I decided to design an arcing trellis that curved almost 90 degrees from east to north while facing due south. The new trellis would arc around the planter

area that lay directly behind it and soften the jag of the home in this area.

Now here came the creative aspect. Instead of using two sets of beams and posts as in typical construction, my design incorporated one set of posts with arching metal supports that would be cantilevered outward toward the south and west as the trellis itself arched from east to north.

Using Trex or Azek for the slats or shade producing elements attached above the arcing metal supports, this design allowed for fantastic freedom of movement under the trellis.

It also made the space so much more inviting with uninterrupted views of the garden from underneath it while sitting in the coolness of the shade it produced.

The posts on this trellis design were curvilinear as they rose from the ground using round stock muffler pipe that could curve gracefully out over at the top of the trellis to span 12 to 14 feet quite easily. By using two pipes for each post, additional attractive metal scrollwork would be installed between them, stiffening the supports and adding beauty to the design.

One of the most common problems with outdoor patio covers made from wood is that with the advent of regular moisture from the beach you get fungal infestation or dry rot between the trellis slats or on the beams themselves. Once TURN TO LOCAL ROOTS ON B27

SEPT. 21, 2012

FALL HOME & GARDEN SPECIAL SECTION

Homes for Families Who Love Home.

If you love beautiful homes, you’ll be happy to know that Davidson neighborhoods are now available in two very desirable parts of town – Maricel in Torrey Highlands and Arista at The Crosby in Rancho Santa Fe. Both feature floorplans for modern living blended with timeless craftsmanship and style. Come see. They’re even more inviting in person.

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From the high $800,000s.

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Call 858-356-2476.

Sales Office Hours: Tuesday–Sunday 10 am to 6 pm, Monday 1 pm to 6 pm. Please call us to schedule an appointment to view.

WWW.DAVIDSONCOMMUNITIES.COM

Davidson Communities LLC. California Department of Real Estate, License No. 01272295. Brokers must register their clients on first visit.

Prices effective date of publication and subject to change without notice. All square footages and specifications are approximate.

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SEPT. 21, 2012

FALL HOME & GARDEN SPECIAL SECTION

Arizona Leather has hand-crafted furniture in over 100 styles and 400 leather colors. Courtesy photo

Easy to see Arizona Leather is right choice for furniture Shopping for new furniture can be daunting.

What style to choose?

What fabric? Where to begin?

But when it’s to be done, it’s to be done right.

And if it’s to be done right, it’s to be done at Arizona Leather Company.

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Taylor Morrison Services, Inc., DRE # 00968975. © September, 2012, Taylor Morrison of California, LLC.

Arizona Leather’s new San Marcos location, it’s easy to see why this is the place for your new leather furniture.

Regardless of your tastes, regardless of your special needs, Arizona Leather can deliver exactly what you want — including custom sectionals.

Arizona Leather has over 100 styles and 400 leather colors to offer and all of it, whether you’re looking for sofas, sectionals, sleepers, chairs or recliners, is handcrafted in the U.S. The choice in style and material it’s made of is up to you.

The most important step in shopping for leather furniture is often the most ignored — the knowledge about leather.

You need to be educated about leather. After all, what do you really know about upholstery leather?

At Arizona Leather they’ll take the time to teach you about leather so that you will be able to make an informed decision on which type of leather best fits your needs. You’re then given a look inside the furniture and shown what to look for in construction, such as corner-blocked hardwood frames with tempered steel springs. From how thick the wood should be to the spacing on the springs, they will show you what to look for in quality construction.

One of the most asked questions is why, when shopping for furniture, TURN TO LEATHER ON B26

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FALL HOME & GARDEN SPECIAL SECTION

SEPT. 21, 2012

Paseo La Jolla model home now open in heart of village Paseo La Jolla — a stunning new enclave situated in the heart of La Jolla — has opened a new model designed to capture the charm and beauty of the surrounding neighborhood and its pristine coastal backdrop.

Outfitted with handsome California Coastal style architecture with craftsman, stucco and stone accents, the new 24-unit luxury townhome community is one of the first new home developments to open in the village in years.

The new model is chic yet understated.

The two-bedroom plus den, 2.5 bath home is characterized by a light and airy feel, the vibe is beachy with a contemporary bent, punctuated by a calming color palette of sand, ocean blue and cream hues.

Inspiration was derived from La Jolla’s beachfront location.

Situated at the corners of Pearl and Herschel, Paseo La Jolla is just a few blocks away from the bustling shopping district.

Paseo La Jolla is in close proximity to the very best of La Jolla, including elementary and high schools, the beach, shops, restaurants, galleries and more.

Priced from the low $700,000s to just over $1 mil-

soaring nine-foot-high ceilings in the living and dining rooms and master suites; gourmet kitchens with granite counter tops and top-of-the-line appliances and an attached side-byside two-car garage.

Paseo La Jolla and the Sales Center are located at 1056 Pearl Street #1, La Jolla, CA 92037. The Sales Center is open daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.paseolajolla.com or call 858-333-1884.

Partners is a San Diegobased real estate development and investment company committed to building high quality attached and detached homes and condominiums.

For more information, visit www.zephyrpartnersre.com. Also new from Zephyr Partners are Panorama Ridge II in Oceanside from the low $ 5 0 0 , 0 0 0 s (panoramaridge2.com) and Mesa del Sol in La Mesa also About Zephyr Partners from the low $500,000s Founded in 2008, Zephyr (lamesadelsol.com).

Paseo La Jolla — a stunning new enclave situated in the heart of La Jolla — has opened a new model designed to capture the charm and beauty of the surrounding neighborhood and its pristine coastal backdrop.

Courtesy photo

lion, the homes span from 1,000- to over 1,600-square feet with one, two and three bedroom floor plans.

Homeowners will appreciate the elegance and simplicity of the floor plans, as well as a wide range of design options.

“Homebuyers are encouraged to personalize

their residence – selecting either a traditional or contemporary motif – or for a more eclectic look, elements of both,” said Brad Termini, co-CEO of Zephyr Partners, a real estate development and investment company with a focus on residential assets.

A broad election of cabinets, flooring, fixtures and

other fine touches are offered, and homeowners can work with designers, to personalize their homes.

The majority of the homes sport expansive private rooftop terraces, which offer views of La Jolla and the Pacific.

Each home is beautifully appointed with a fireplace,

Paint gives rooms simple transformations (ARA) — For today’s homeowners who are seeking easy ways to update their homes on a do-it-yourself budget, nothing transforms the look and feel of a room as quickly and affordably as a fresh coat of colorful paint.

“Every home has the potential to look amazing — inside and out,” says HGTV star and interior designer David Bromstad. “If your space needs an update, adding color is the easiest way to transform it while reflecting your personality and taste.”

Bromstad offers these tips for sprucing up a space with a splash of color: *Highlight unexpected areas.

Paint can go beyond walls. You can put it on unexpected surfaces, such as ceilings and accessories. Try a bright hue on the interior of a bookshelf or stair risers for a fun twist.

*Use white on trim to make your color pop.

White trim is classic and elegant, so you never get sick of it, and it’s a fantastic way to highlight color on your walls. *Paint furniture.

If you need or prefer to keep your walls neutral, a great way to add color is by painting a side table, chair or armoire. This spices up the space and makes it easy to change your room’s look anytime you want. *Coordinate your color transitions.

For high-impact transitions, combine bolder shades with their more neutral counterparts and for a more tranquil transition, stick to softer or lighter shades that are from the same color family.

When it comes to paint selection, Bromstad recommends using HGTV(R) HOME by Sherwin-Williams, which features unique

designer-inspired color collections for interiors and exteriors. Each collection highlights 20 perfectly coordinated colors and design tips for homeowners to create harmonious room-toroom color transitions.

“This is a great design tool,” Bromstad says. “It takes the guesswork out of coordinating colors and gives

you the confidence to show off your personal style. You can focus on the look you want to achieve, and HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams will guide you for the best color choices.”

For more color inspiration, visit your local SherwinWilliams store or sherwinwilliams.com.

Simply Beautiful 619-428-6919 Not valid on previously placed orders or with any other offer or discount. Expires 10/15/12

B18

SEPT. 21, 2012

FALL HOME & GARDEN SPECIAL SECTION

Mix in mini pumpkins for fall table accents. Courtesy photo

Autumn entertaining made easy with fabulous fall decor ideas (ARA) — The golden days of autumn are upon us, signaling a new direction in home decor and entertaining.

What are your plans for updating your house? These easy tips will bring the feeling of fall into your home without a lot of money or extra effort.

“Fall marks a time for entertaining as friends and families come back together,” says Visual Merchandiser John Griffith. “The brilliant bursts of reds, oranges, and yellows mark the last vestiges of color until spring, and peo-

ple are looking to grab onto those, especially those who appreciate nature as a decorating tool.”

Griffith and his team create seasonal decorating vignettes for the retail store at Replacements, Ltd. The company is known as the world’s largest retailer of old and new china, crystal, silver and collectibles. Griffith’s merchandising team has seen fall decorating become an increasingly popular trend.

Shoppers are requesting recommendations for autumn decor, as opposed to waiting

for the traditional winter holidays to start seasonal decorating.

Industry insiders say manufacturers are answering the trend in autumn decorating by offering more seasonal ornaments and dinnerware patterns, especially for Halloween and Thanksgiving.

“People want a change, but with higher gas prices and the economic uncertainty, they’re worried about spending money,” Griffith says. “Many of us TURN TO DECOR ON B23

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FALL HOME & GARDEN SPECIAL SECTION

SEPT. 21, 2012

Creating a safe bathroom without sacrificing choice, even style (ARA) — For today’s generation of aging adults, individuality and independence are values they’ve lived out for decades.

As the years go by,lifestyle changes become a necessity, due to limited mobility and health concerns, but it doesn’t necessarily mean giving up personality.

Aging in place, in the comfort of your home, is a priority for countless people.

That often means making adjustments to your home, but some alterations can contribute to making your space feel more institutional and less “you.”

A balance between style and safety is the key — and finding it is easier than you might think.

One of the most hazardous rooms in the home is the bathroom.

Its slippery surfaces and tendency to be crowded with products and objects makes it a hazard for slipping, tripping and other mishaps.

As you consider making alterations to your home that enhance security and safety,it’s the logical place to start. * Clear away clutter.

Bottles and jars and grooming tools frequently crowd counters, closets and the corners of

tubs and showers. Make use of hangers, shelves and wallmounted baskets to keep things neatly tucked away, providing a cleaner environment that’s also better looking and less likely to cause trips or spills. * Bathe in safety.With limited mobility,moving in and out of the tub can be difficult,if not downright dangerous.

One renovation solution to that problem is installing a walk-in tub.

Premier Care in Bathing, the leader in walk-in bathtubs, offers a variety of tubs that homeowners can simply walk into, close the water-tight door,

and fill for a comfortable, relaxing bathing experience.

The company’s Walk-in baths and EasyAccess showers configure to your existing space and allow you to maintain the look of your bathroom while enjoying greater ease. * Choose rugs carefully.

Bath mats and rugs are both functional and decorative.

They can add a splash of color while also effectively collecting water that might otherwise pool on the floor and lead to slipping.

However, rugs that don’t stay in place can present a problem of their own and lead you to trip. Opt for mats and

rugs that have non-skid backing, but which still look harmonious with the rest of your bathroom decor. * Bring things up to the right height.

Your bathroom routine can be an active one, which can present problems if your health limits your ability to move or bend easily.Having a commode and a sink at a higher level that prevents you from overexertion during your daily routine will add to the comfort and safety of your bathroom.

And with options like Premier Care in Bathing’s easyaccess sink, you can integrate these new fixtures into your

room while maintaining your existing decorative theme.

One of the most important parts of maintaining independence throughout aging is being able to uphold your sense of self.

Taking a holistic approach to creating a home environment that meets your needs but still expresses who you are enables you to live life as you choose for a long time to come.

For a free brochure including more information about Walk-in bathtubs and other solutions for making living at home more convenient, visit premiercarebathing.com/saferbathing or call (888) 378-7953.

Luxury windows and doors sprout up thanks to local company It’s safe to say Window Visions, a local company, has left its mark on San Diego.

For nearly a decade, the business has provided high-end windows and doors throughout the region, even in one pad that received “home of the year,” from Ranch & Coast Magazine. With a rising profile and experience on its side, Window Visions shows no signs of slowing down, especially given the increasing popularity of luxury windows and doors.

“More than ever, people understand the value of upper-scale windows and doors, the way they bring out the personality and add beauty to a home,” said Wayne Tennant, a Carlsbad resident who has been in the business for more than 30 years.

“Luxury is in high demand,

and our products are like the Porsche or BMW of windows and doors.”

Customers can check out the benefits of luxury windows and doors firsthand in Window Visions’ showroom in Solana Beach. At the showroom, there are a variety of lines, including Loewen windows offered in various styles, ranging from a wood exterior or clad in multiple colors with a Kynar finish.

“Loewen is our best-selling, flagship line,” Tennant said. “For good reason, they’re sturdy, energy efficient and gorgeous.”

Loewen also offers windows and doors that lift, slide and fold, giving homeowners more living space and maximizing views.

Carlsbad resident and CEO of Window Visions Wayne Tennant, has “The trend right now is been in the full service window and door business for more than 30 foldable frames that allow years. Courtesy photo

large openings to be created, bringing the outside in,” Tennant said.

As well as Loewen, Tennant said other lines are gaining traction.

“High-end steel doors and windows are a great alternative because they have a thinner profile that appeals to both architects and homeowners,” Tennant said. “European windows and doors also offer a unique tilt and turn option.”

For those who are unsure about what kind of windows or doors they might want, Tennant encouraged them to pay Window Visions’ showroom a visit.

“There are a variety of choices,”Tennant. “We’ll help customers find what suits their preferences.”

In contrast to other win-

dow and door businesses, Tennant said Window Visions is a full-service company.

Window Visions buys straight from the manufacturer and its trained service technicians service all of its products.

If customers have a problem, Window Visions will send a technician, often on the same day, to help them.

“We can modify our plans at the drop of a hat to help our customers,” Tennant said. “That’s something homeowners and contractors working on the home appreciate.”

Tennant’s partners, Jeff Corcoran and Mike Biele, also bring many years of experience to the business.

Window Visions has locations in Solana Beach, Laguna Niguel and Palm Desert.

26-year stair maker is a step above in San Diego “Great.” “Professional.”

“Outstanding.” These are only a few words that residents from around North County have used to describe the work done by Kleinsmith Stair & Trim, Inc. Founder and President Dave Kleinsmith has 26 years’ experience in the business.

Having a staircase updated or newly installed provides some of the biggest impact for a return on investment, if the homeowner is looking to sell.

A staircase is the first thing people see when entering a house — it’s the “curbappeal” for the inside of a home, not to mention that an average staircase remodel will cost about 80 percent less than remodeling your kitchen, making it an affordable choice with a big impact on the look of your home.

A bit of art goes into the design and creation of a staircase.

Whether it’s a grand spiral staircase, or steps of a modern contemporary glass rising to another level, to steel and cable rail systems Kleinsmith Stair & Trim, Inc. has the experience and ability to see the project through to completion.

What’s more, you can be the artist when it comes to designing a staircase.

Not only does Kleinsmith Stair & Trim, Inc. have the personnel to guide you, but also offers the

opportunity to design your own staircase using their custom stair software.

Clients can print out their finished designs for a free estimate.

If you’ve been thinking of having new stairs designed or installed, Kleinsmith Stair & Trim, Inc. can offer you excellent results with competitive pricing.

Whether you own a custom, remodeled or tract home, our BBB-accredited business can provide you with superior craftsmanship and service.

Safety is their first con-

cern when starting a new project. Kleinsmith Stair & Trim, Inc. doesn’t cut corners and will never send subcontractors out to your project.

Their fully insured status should provide you with peace of mind. When you hire Kleinsmith, we make the entire process as stress free as possible.

Their work knows no bounds. Being based out of Santee, Calif. Kleinsmith Stair & Trim, Inc. has the manpower necessary to take on projects throughout north San Diego County and to ensure the work is completed

on budget and to the homeowners’ specifications.

“You cannot go wrong with Dave Kleinsmith Stair and Trim,” said Ramin, a client who lives in Del Mar, Calif. “They made a spiral hardwood stairs for us that is truly unique and beautiful.

Their price was absolutely reasonable and unbeatable…we couldn’t be happier with the work that they have done.”

To receive your free estimate, call toll-free at (877) 8319777 or (619) 562-3839. When contacting by email, or using the contact form online at

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B20

SEPT. 21, 2012

FALL HOME & GARDEN SPECIAL SECTION

Davidson Communities now selling 4 luxury homes at Vista Bella On the heels of robust sales of new homes in Rancho Santa Fe and Torrey Highlands, Davidson Communities has released four new luxury residences at Vista Bella on Old El Camino Real near Del Mar. Four multi-level floor plans at Vista Bella range from 4,165 to 5,200 square feet with four to five bedrooms, 3.5 to 4.5 baths, and hydraulic vehicle lifts to accommodate three cars.

Built on home sites from 7,875 to 13,000 square feet, Vista Bella features highly upgraded amenities including custom stone & tile throughout, interior passen- Four luxury homes are on sale at Terra Bella.

Courtesy photo

ger elevators, luxury kitchen appliance packages, customized built-ins, outdoor barbecue cooking stations and professionally designed landscaping.

Three homes include a custom designed vanishingedge pool with integrated spa.

Prices range from $1.4 million to $1.9 million.

“The Vista Bella homes were originally started by another homebuilder,” said Petra Eigl, Vista Bella sales manager.

“Davidson Communities was invited by the lender to step in and has been working for months to bring these homes to the

market through Davidson Realty.”

Vista Bella overlooks the San Dieguito River Valley and is located at 13684 Old El Camino Real near Del Mar. Children residing here will attend schools within the San Dieguito Union School District. For further details or to schedule a viewing, please call (858) 735- 6426 or e m a i l VistaBella@DavidsonRealty. net.

In addition to marketing this new home neighborhood near Del Mar, Davidson is building an enclave of 43 luxury residences at Arista at The Crosby in Rancho Santa

Fe and 41 large family residences at Maricel at Torrey Highlands. Strong sales at both communities have initiated accelerated construction schedules to meet demand.

Headquartered in Del Mar, California, Davidson has been building high-quality homes of architectural distinction for California consumers since 1978. In October 2011, Bill Davidson was inducted into national Builder Magazine’s Hall of Fame for Design Excellence.

Information on Davidson Communities is available online at davidsoncommunities.com.

What to do about pesky squeaks and creaks in your floor (ARA) — Do you ever feel like you’re trying to avoid tripping off an alarm as you’re carefully tiptoe through your living room?

Except instead of an alarm, you’re hoping not to trigger that familiar creak or groan of the floorboards. It’s happened to everybody, and at times it wakes up the newborn (or anyone else who is asleep), interrupts homeoffice calls, and lets everyone in the house know about your midnight snack run to the fridge.

Sound familiar? If so, you probably assumed a squeaky floor was something you’d have to live with. Contrary to popular belief, however, a squeak in the floor is relatively easy to repair. One product that makes this home improvement so simple is Squeeeeek No More, a squeaky floor elimination kit that works on carpeted, vinyl and hardwood floors,

and is available at Home Depot.

It used to be that home improvement experts advised only going underneath a floor to fix a creaky floorboard. However, second floors cannot be repaired this way, due to the first floor ceiling. Your grandparents probably advised using talcum powder, liquid wax or powdered soap between the floorboards of that hardwood floor to stop it from squeaking.

With new products, all of these old-fashioned remedies can be forgotten.

There is no need to lift up any carpet or floorboards and the task can be performed on top of the flooring. All it takes is a power drill and the provided hardware from the kit.

Squeaks occur when shrinks and gaps develop Homeowners plagued by constant creaks can crack down and often around different flooring fix their squeaks without having to tear up their floor or their hair. elements. For example, in Courtesy photo

most creaky floors, a nail that was used to fasten the floor has become loose and a squeak happens as a result of the nail rubbing on the sub floor. It’s also possible that wooden planks have loosened from the joist below them and are rubbing against one another.

For homeowners with carpeted floors, Squeeeeek No More uses a tool that will find the location of the floor joists from above the floor. After locating the joists, an alignment and depth-control fixture allows you to drill through the carpet with one of the provided screws into the joist where the squeak exists.

The screw will tighten the floor planks back onto the joist without ruining the floor or having to go underneath it. The alignment fixture has a screw gripper on one side that will snap off the screw head so there are

no dangerous nails or screws sticking out of the carpet.

Doing away with creaky floors can be a big aid when it comes time to sell a home. There is nothing more unattractive to prospective homebuyers than noisy squeaks and creaks coming from the floor.

By eliminating squeaks, you’ll be able to keep potential buyers’ attention focused on the beauty of your home.

Parents with babies or small children will also appreciate giving their little ones a good night’s rest, free from loud creaks. More importantly, hungry members of the household will finally be able to reach the refrigerator at midnight without waking up the entire household.

For more information about Squeeeeek No More, call (800) 459-8428 or visit www.stopfloorsqueaks.com.

‘Wall beds’ create home space out of nothing Are you in search of the space to add a guest room or office in your home? If you’re like Liz Roller and wish your house had the space for either, you are the perfect candidate for a wall bed.

Roller started Wallbeds ’n’ More eight years ago when she realized that this simple piece of furniture she first came to know at her father’s furniture store provided the perfect solution to the problem of limited space.

When her father decided to retire, she opened Wallbeds ’n’ More, and has turned it into a successful franchise with showrooms in Arizona, Texas and 15 different locations throughout California.

One of their newest showrooms has opened in San Marcos, and is operated

by Mark Andreasen.

Their showrooms display the latest designs, including units that are beautiful desks by day and beds by night.

The wall bed’s stow-away simplicity allows you to have both the office you need and the guest room you want. Best of all, your workstation and everything on it tucks perfectly away when the bed is in use, with no straightening up required!

Wall beds come in a variety of styles and finishes, with designs that can feature a table, entertainment center, bookcases, shelving and

other storage spaces. Most of the units sold at Wallbeds ’n’ More are manufactured in California and can be ordered with beds that fold out in either a horizontal or vertical orientation. Wall beds can accommodate any standard mattress up to 11inches deep.

You don’t have to be a weight lifter to work a wall bed, either.They are attached to the wall in three different places, taking up less than two feet in depth, and their mechanism, which comes with a lifetime warranty, is finger light, making them easy to open and close.

Wall beds are not a permanent fixture and can be

dismantled to move with you.

If you prefer a mobile unit, Wallbeds ’n’ More carries a moveable guest bed that can be wheeled from room to room. By day, it doubles as a lovely cabinet with storage drawers.

If you have out of town guests visiting for the holidays, now is the perfect time to shop for a wall bed.

Delivery of your new wall bed may take six to eight weeks once ordered. Shop Wallbeds ’n’ More at 711 Center Drive, Suite 105, San Marcos, Calif.

Call Mark for an appointment at (760) 6888580. For more information, visit wallbedsnmore.com.

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FALL HOME & GARDEN SPECIAL SECTION

SEPT. 21, 2012

Terra Bella Landscape Development, creating ‘at-home museums’ The communities of Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar and La Jolla are well known for their artful residents and stylish museums.

But driving throughout those communities, there’s a different kind a museum that is cropping up in those neighborhoods — what some are calling “at-home museums.”

“Some people are looking for contemporary; some like the Mediterranean; some like the tropical look,” said Jason Jarvis of Terra Bella Landscape Development. “It’s all a personal expression,” he added.

A former fashion school student, Jason has been bringing high-fashion elements to the gardens by combining plants, flowers and trees into patterns of colors and textures that go beyond the basic lawn landscaping, and add a whole new feeling to a client’s home.

Jason said he has seen a movement towards a cleaner style of landscaping — whatever the genre may be.

“Simple is back,” he said, adding that people are looking for landscapes that aren’t filled with a lot of clutter.

“It’s the individual expression of what people want,” he said. “They really

works of living art, the landscapes Jason creates do need touching up from time to time.

And like any responsible artist, Jason and Terra Bella provide an award winning maintenance service.

That maintenance service, which 85 percent of his clients retain, also helps to forge strong and lasting relationships between him and his clients.

“When you care about what you do, it comes through in your product,” he said.

Terra Bella has been

Jason Jarvis and Terra Bella Landscape Development help transform residences into what they’re calling “Athome museums,” throughout the communities of Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar and La Jolla. Courtesy photo

want to make their surrounding landscapes be a reflection of themselves and something that fits their lifestyle.”

Jason’s “paints,” if you will, are the variety of materials: plants, bricks, stones and more that he uses to complete any myriad of projects. He uses his keen sense of style to help interpret his client’s personal style and bring their plans to life.

Jason’s business partner, David Neault, brings 28 years’ experience in the land development industry and a master’s from Harvard University Graduate School of Design.

Their partnership is one of symbiosis — David meets with the clients, artfully designs what they are looking for and Jason in turn, transforms their concept into a living, breathing and

constantly changing gallery of a landscape.

The soils in and around the coastal communities he works in are some of the best canvases for his landscape creations.

One of Jason’s favorite varieties of plants to use is a succulent, which he calls “living art.” “They’re interesting, beautiful, drought tolerant and hearty.”

But as with all great

Six kitchen tools that will help you save time (ARA) — Our lives are busier today than ever before. Trying to balance the demands of work and home life is no easy feat. At home, day-to-day chores like cooking and cleaning easily chip away at precious time that could be better spent on a little rest and relaxation. If you’re looking to take back some of your time at home, the kitchen is a great place to start.With a few simple tools, you can dramatically reduce your workload, making more time for the things that real- A smarter faucet might be just want you need to get your ktichen work done more quickly. ly matter. the fridge was the ice maker.

1. Hands-free helper Although still a useful item, Imagine the conven- some manufacturers have far ience of having a kitchen surpassed this technology faucet that can sense what with today’s more high-tech you’re trying to accomplish, models. The Samsung 30 and with a simple wave of cubic foot Side by Side LCD the hand, immediately Refrigerator with apps fearesponds to your needs. The tures a WiFi-enabled 8-inch new Moen Arbor pulldown LCD touch screen, giving kitchen faucet with access to popular apps like MotionSense utilizes Pandora, Epicurious, Google advanced sensors to detect a Calendar and the brand new user’s movement in two sens- Grocery Manager app, which ing zones, immediately set- tracks expiration dates on ting water flow in motion. perishables. Whether you’re Simply place an object — looking for a recipe, updatlike a cup or your hand — ing your calendar or listennear the base of the faucet or ing to music, you can do it all wave your hand above the from your refrigerator door. faucet to turn the water on and off automatically. You 3. Pressure reliever It’s 5 p.m., your family is can also adjust the faucet’s temperature and flow the hungry and you have no idea traditional way, using its con- what you’re going to feed venient side handle. With them. An electric pressure MotionSense, tasks like cooker can help ease the washing dishes, filling a glass pressure of a “what-do-I-doof water and preparing the for-dinner” situation, and evening meal can become requires less monitoring than quicker and more efficient. a stovetop pressure cooker.

It’s like having a second set These miracle machines use of hands in the kitchen — a moist, high-temperature perfect for when your hands environment to cook food are too full or too dirty to three times faster than conventional methods. Plus, turn on the faucet. many models have the added 2. Futuristic fridge bonus of electronic features, Until recently, the most TURN TO TOOLS ON B26 unique tool for the outside of

Courtesy photo

enjoying a steady stream of commissions from clients eager to have their yards transformed from the norm to the dynamic. Terra Bella can create an environment both artful and functional by installing a vegetable garden for a personal farm-to-table approach or even by the planting a small grove of citrus trees.

For more information or to set up an appointment call (858) 335-8151 or visit tblandscaping.com and dnassociates.com for more inspiration.

B22

FALL HOME & GARDEN SPECIAL SECTION

SEPT. 21, 2012

With fall coming, the foliage isn’t the only thing that changes (ARA) — As the season changes, many of us will get the itch to tackle any number of home improvement projects before winter.

For some, a complete remodel is in the works. For others, just a few quick fixes are needed to make the home a more enjoyable space during the long winter months or in preparation for holiday entertaining.

With the kitchen at the heart of the home, it’s an obvious place to take time for a few updates this season.

Here are a few ideas to help give your kitchen a fresh look without spoiling the budget.

Overhaul cabinetry without breaking the bank Although replacing kitchen cabinetry can be a very costly home improvement project, it usually makes the biggest impact.

With unlimited options to choose from and varying price points, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and discouraged.

Even if your budget is

small, don’t give up on the idea of updating your kitchen cabinetry because there are plenty of affordable solutions. For example, QualityCabinets offers its Woodstar series, a line of affordable and stylish cabinets including its newest door styles — Kittery and Brookport — that are ontrend and available in popular finishes ranging from a classic and airy natural stain to dark and rich tones.

Add some personality and shine Hardware and faucets are touched every day, and wear and tear are inevitable. Just switching out these pieces can make a dramatic difference by adding a fresh shine, some personality and even greater functionality to the space. If your cabinetry hardware seems a bit dated, opt for one of many modern options for an instant, lowcost update. Replace the kitchen faucet with a sleek, better-functioning style to elevate the kitchen design, As the season changes, many of us will get the itch to tackle any number of home improvement projects before winter. For some, a complete remodel is in the works. For others, just a few quick fixes are needed to make the home a more enjoyable space during the long winter months or but also introduce a newer water-saving solution. in preparation for holiday entertaining. Courtesy photo

Don’t underestimate the power of paint With color trends constantly changing, and the focus on color in the home becoming more prominent, a fresh coat of paint can change the look and feel of a space almost instantly. With the changing season, opt for colors that add warmth and comfort or choose a bright color to combat the gray of winter. Paint can also help cover up unsightly wall marks and stains and provide the backdrop for new decor and furnishings for a whole new look. To ensure your new look has staying power, make sure to purchase a quality paint specially formulated for the kitchen.

Lighten up in the kitchen Kitchen lighting is easy to overlook. If there are outdated lighting fixtures in your kitchen, or simply not enough light, consider adding new whimsical pendant lights or splurge on a stunning chandelier to create a focal point. Simply adding lighting under the wall cabinets and dimmer switches can introduce a new ambiance to the space.

A visit to your local home center or lighting showroom will give you plenty of ideas.

B23

FALL HOME & GARDEN SPECIAL SECTION

SEPT. 21, 2012

Refrigerator makeover: Keeping your most-used appliance tidy It’s often easy to neglect your fridge, letting it get overloaded with expired products or splattered with food stains, but with a few simple steps refrigerator makeovers are

within reach.

Cleaning, organization and maintenance are equally important to keeping your kitchen in order, says Mike Wisner, head home economist

and executive chef for LG Electronics USA, who has a few tips on making over your refrigerator routine:

(ARA) — The new school year is upon us and with it comes hectic schedules and harried mornings that make weekdays a mad dash. With school lunches to make,

snacks to prepare and evening meals to plan, getting out the door on time can be a challenge. Having the house in order and a few things made ahead of time can be a

huge convenience that means a world of difference in those time-crunched minutes.

A simple way to prepare for the morning craze is a neat and orderly refrigerator.

DECOR

don’t realize we can give our homes a refreshing seasonal style with what we already own. This starts with rethinking how you use your tableware. Fall is a great time to forgo form for function and use your dinnerware in creative ways that aren’t only pretty, but a great conversation starter for fall entertaining.”

While most people think about using their dinnerware for its intended purpose, finding new uses for those pieces opens up fun ideas to style your table. For example, Griffith suggests turning a balloon wine glass upside down over your favorite fall foliage, small gourds, or seasonal ornaments, and then placing a votive on the inverted base. This creates a pretty

accent on the dinner table or anywhere in the home.

Look out in your yard for pine cones, nuts, seasonal berries or magnolia pods to arrange on silver serving trays, compotes or various sized serving bowls. You can even create unique centerpieces by mixing various natural elements and candles on single cake stands.

Griffith suggests filling wine glasses with small seasonal-colored ornaments to use at each place setting, or in various rooms around your home to capture a burst of color.

If you are looking to expand your dinnerware collection for fall entertaining, experts say there is no shortage of options.

“You’ll find fall and Thanksgiving dinnerware in traditional browns and yellows, as well as this season’s

trend color, pumpkin shine. She says you can find site, along with information ideas on Replacements’ channel and orange,” says Replacements’ replacement pieces and care on restoration services. You YouTube Product Marketing Vice tips on the company’s web- can also find more decorating Facebook page.

President Robin Long. “You can easily capture the spirit of the season simply by adding accent plates to the patterns you already own.

Another great option is to add a decorated turkey platter or other serving pieces featuring colors and designs of the season to your table.”

You can set off each course, such as hors d’oeuvres or dessert, with seasonal accent plates. Favorite Thanksgiving patterns include His Majesty, Autumn Monarch and Wild Turkeys.

As an additional note, Long suggests pulling out your dinnerware and flatware in preparation for fall entertaining. You may notice chips or cracks, or recall a broken piece needs replacing. Silver may have lost its

VACATION

than two weeks, you may want or a mowing service to cut to hire the neighborhood kid your grass while you’re away.

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CONTINUED FROM B5

tape or “leaky pipe” through the plants and cover the beds — irrigation and all — with a thick layer of mulch.

Another option is to make your own simple drip irrigation system by using 2 liter soda bottles from the recycling bin. Just rinse out bottles and poke a few small holes in the bottom. Then fill 1/3 full with sand. Next, bury the bottle next to the plant and fill with water. Water will slowly filter through the sand and holes and gradually provide moisture to the plants’ root zone.With a bit of ingenuity you can enjoy your vacation knowing that the plants are happily taking care of themselves.

We cook. We clean.

We care. You chill.

You’ve earned it. And we’re here to make sure you get it. The chance to truly relax and be doted on. The time to do whatever you want to do. The opportunity to just be.

Container care Container gardens require a bit more attention and planning to ensure you come home to the same beautiful plants. If you’re going away for a just a few days, all you really need is to give the plants a thorough soaking before you leave. For longer trips, first add a layer of mulch, then group pots together to retain humidity and position them in a shady location or in a baby pool filled a few inches deep with water.

Ask about our

Grassy goodness The good news is that when you’re going away for a week during the warm season, your lawn won’t miss you.

Grass grows more slowly in the heat of summer or California fall, so simple preparations will do just fine.

Just mow your grass at the regular height the day before you go. If you water your lawn, be sure to water it deeply the day before you leave.

If you plan to be away longer, grass may go dormant but, no need to worry. Going dormant is a healthy coping mechanism for grass in periods of dry summer heat. You can water it deeply when you get back.

If you’ll be gone for more

TURN TO REFRIGERATOR ON B24

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B24

SEPT. 21, 2012

FALL HOME & GARDEN SPECIAL SECTION

REFRIGERATOR CONTINUED FROM B23

• Edit the contents. If it’s expired or unidentifiable, it shouldn’t be in the refrigerator.

“People often don’t realize everything they have in their fridge,” Wisner says.

“Old condiments and jam jars — even produce or leftovers — are pushed to the back where they aren’t seen.”

In fact, according to a new national survey conducted for LG, 68 percent of American households have had foods go bad because they get “lost” in their fridge — an estimated annual loss of more than $832 dollars.

If it’s past its prime, or if you find items you’re unlikely to use again, just throw them out, Wisner advises.

That special snack your kids had to have but went uneaten or the numerous containers your husband rifles through and leaves empty? Time to go.

• Give it a thorough cleaning. At least once a year, it’s a good idea to remove shelves and bins and clean them in the sink.

Wisner recommends a simple solution of dishwashing soap and warm water.

“If there are stubborn stains, let them soak first, and use a scrub brush if necessary,” Wisner suggests.

Ensure you wipe down the interior of the fridge, as well as the doors — and even sticky jars or bottles.

While you’re at it, make

sure your fridge and freezer are set to safe temperatures — 40 F or below for the refrigerator and 0 F for the freezer.

• Evaluate whether your fridge meets your needs. Maybe you’re among the 40 percent of American consumers who reach for their favorite foods three to five times per week (according to an LG poll).

If so, easy access to meals and snacks is important for your lifestyle and you might want to consider some of the newer offerings on the market that cater to your needs.

A new super-capacity French Door refrigerator from LG, for example, has a feature called “Door-inDoor.”

It’s a compartment within the fridge door that keeps the most popular snacks, drinks and treats within easy reach — and clear sight. “The family can access the small compartment — and grab their favorites — without having to open their entire door,” Wisner says.

And if you’re like the one-third of Americans opening their fridge 20 to 50 times per day, lots of cold air escapes into the room, wasting energy.

The door-in-door feature gives your kids a clear path to their “go-to” snacks and drinks and retains cold air, while the contents of the fridge remain safely chilled.

• Prepare for tomorrow.

Have lunches to make? Set aside baggies of carrot sticks, celery or cold salads

to pack the next day.

Same goes if you’re planning for snack time.

Kids love fun containers and creative touches, too — so whether it’s silly colored ice packs or apples in starshaped slices with peanut butter, make eating healthy fun for them, too.

Often when it comes to families’ refrigerators, Wisner says, bigger really is better, and you don’t have to sacrifice size for energy efficiency, he adds, urging consumers to look for the popular Energy Star label when shopping for a new fridge.

Whether you’ve got teens that eat their way through the contents in an afternoon, or want to pre-prep for dinners for the week, having extra space means you’re able to plan ahead.

• Start organizing — and don’t stop. Invest in some good storage containers — and use them.

Food can go bad prematurely if stored improperly, so forgo the wrinkled tin foil in favor of airtight lids, and choose sealed jars instead of punctured cling wrap.

If it makes sense for your family, group things in a logical way, such as putting dairy items together, leftovers in a certain area, tomorrow’s lunches in the door and so on.

Let everyone in the family know what goes where, and encourage them to help keep it tidy.

Staying on top of organizing will make it easier to find what you want, when you want it.

Neutral flooring allows for versatility (ARA) — Do you pin your favorite bathroom makeover ideas on Pinterest, look for inspirational kitchen designs or dream about new decorating styles for your home? If so, you’re not alone.

Many homeowners are opting to makeover their homes this year instead of upgrading to a new one.

According to a recent survey by Better Homes & Gardens magazine, consumers rank “style upgrades” as the most important component of their upcoming home improvement plans, followed by storage. For future projects, consumers said their top style upgrades include flooring, countertops, faucets and fixtures.

Laminate flooring experts from Quick-Step suggest beginning a style upgrade project by installing neutral-colored flooring.

Neutral floors create the perfect canvas to help tie all of a room’s design elements together.

What is a fresh, new and widely-popular neutral color within interior design circles? That would be grey.

Some of the hottest hardwood flooring designs for 2012 offer traditionally American brown tones that are delicately infused with a

grey influence.

Quick-Step offers a variety of styles and options with grey undertones - from rustic oak plank designs and floors with wire-brushed detailing to the same visuals and charm of a hardwood floor constructed from reclaimed, vintage wood. Quick-Step’s Reclaime Heathered Oak flooring complements a wide range of decorating styles.

Grey-toned floors provide the ideal backdrop to let your style and favorite colors shine through, and they also transition well as interior design styles and trends change.

DINNER

and enjoy for a great, healthy family meal.

• Stock staples in your cupboard and freezer. Frozen meats and vegetables are easy to thaw and use at your convenience. Rice and pasta take just a few minutes and round out any meal.

• Fresh fruit and yogurt make healthy, flavorful desserts in just a few easy steps. Be sure to tuck away a sweet dessert or two for those special occasions.

The next time you reach for your car keys or the phone to order take-out, reach into your freezer and cupboard for meals that are good for your family and your soul.

For more information about the flavorful options from Kansas City Steak Company, go to: kansascitysteaks.com.

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fruit. “It’s all about time spent sharing stories, sharing events of the day or just quiet time together,” says Scavuzzo.

“The meals bring everyone to the table, but it’s family time that brings them back.”

Making family meals a priority It’s easy to plan ahead for more family meals together. You can keep meals simple by sticking to nutritional basics and following a few tips: • Purchase ready-made sauces, seasonings or marinades and add chicken, beef or seafood for a great main course.

• Cook on weekends and double the recipes. Roasts, soups and casseroles are great options to freeze, thaw

ROOF

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your roof. Just remember that proper installation, according to the shingle manufacturer’s application instructions, is very important.

After deciding which method of installation is best for you, it is now time to decide the kind of shingle you will choose. Asphalt shingles are the most common form of roofing shingle used today in the United States.

Unlike wood shake, slate, metal and tile shingles; asphalt shingles are a practical choice for most residential uses and relatively inexpensive.

Heritage Woodgate asphalt shingles from TAMKO Building Products feature double layers of durable fiberglass mat for strength. Each layer is coated on both sides with weather-

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FALL HOME & GARDEN SPECIAL SECTION

SEPT. 21, 2012

ing.

Just look to large furniture retailers to see how their offerings now highlight grey-based tones. The bleached-out, weathered Scandinavian look is very popular right now, Valencich says. It’s perfect to pair with a new grey floor.

Colors that complement

Don’t be afraid of color when designing a room with a grey-based floor, Valencich says. She suggests one of these color palettes to make a room shine: * 50 shades of blue Grey looks beautiful with Grey is the new brown any shade of blue, from soft Grey is no longer viewed powder blue to vibrant as a trend color in design circles, but is now viewed by professional designers as the new neutral.

“Grey is the new brown,” says Erinn Valencich, L.A.-based interior designer and blogger for HGTV’s Design Happens. “I used a grey-based floor in my new design studio because it goes well under a myriad of other wood tones. You don’t have to use grey-based furniture on top of it - grey looks great with all wood tones.”

Another benefit to greybased flooring, Valencich adds, is that it’s very forgiv-

ing-grade asphalt and topped with ceramic minerals for excellent roofing protection, and a self-sealing strip of asphalt helps provide added wind resistance.

These durable shingles are made in six unique color blends that complement the expansive look and allow for more dramatic color distribution across the shingle.

Heritage Woodgate shingles also feature an enhanced shadow line to further intensify the rustic shake-like beauty. For more information on Heritage Woodgate shingles, visit www.tamko.com.

Replacing your old roof is an excellent way to improve the condition and appearance of your home.

Don’t be the house on the block that needs some work, improve your home with a new roof and be the center of attention at the next block party.

turquoise to charming daisy blue. * Bananas Foster - A favorite color trio of Valencich’s is yellow, chocolate and cream on top of a grey-based floor. The subtle flooring highlights the rich colors for a bold, decadent look. * Lovely with lavender Lavender is one of this year’s hottest colors and a longtime partner for grey.

Valencich suggests adding any color of purple to a grey floor for standout results.

“Consider creating a focal point around a muted lavender wall and add some deep, rich, regal purple accents to TURN TO FLOORING ON B26

traffic areas in the home by vacuuming them two to three CONTINUED FROM B8 times a week and the rest of home, the experts in the field your carpets at least once a from Stanley Steemer offer week. these fall tips for maintaining a Outside work effects cleaner, healthier home:

CLEANING

With fall comes the foliage Reduce the amount of dirt and leaves that may get tracked into your home by using indoor and outdoor entrance mats.

A quick pickup

inside comfort Keep your windows closed and turn on the air conditioner when raking leaves and doing other fall cleanup work outside. These activities kick unwanted dirt, dust and pollen up into the air, which can settle into upholstered furniture and carpet.

Remember to act quickly to clean up any spills or stains; consider keeping a professional spot remover handy at all Who should you call?

Even the most diligent time or use items commonly found around the home such as person can’t do alone. Get white vinegar and baking soda. help from the pros. Schedule a professional deep cleaning Dirt never quits ... it’s every six months to help maintain the value and like tooth decay Keep up with the high health of your home.

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Courtesy photo

makeover project, the first step is choosing a clear color palette.

Wall color is a great place to begin, Valencich says, but any object — a rug, chair or artwork — can serve as your inspiration.

Next, think of the design process in layers — the trick is to coordinate and contrast.

“If your paint, accessories, furniture and flooring are all the same color, the room will feel flat,” Valencich advises.

“So create drama by using a pop of color or by layering varying shades of the same color for a refined tone-on-tone look.”

A well-executed color palette can transform any space with great results.

For more flooring ideas and style tips, visit quickstepstyle.com.

er, but new models take cleaning to the next level.

These handy kitchen cleaning tools are becoming more efficient and quieter than ever before.

Today’s machines can hold enough liquid dishwasher detergent for several months of cycles and automatically dispense the right amount each time, based on water hardness 5. Reliable robot 6. Reduce refills and soil levels. Since you Of all the possible Dishwashers have can also program your dishkitchen floor cleaning tools, already made our lives easi- washer to start on its own,

the only thing you have to worry about when it comes to the dishes is whose turn it is to put them away.

Although you may not be able to add more hours to your day, you can easily add more time-saving tools to your life. When you spend less time in the kitchen, who knows what kinds of feats you can accomplish throughout the rest of your house — and the rest of your life.

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bring it all together.”

Need help choosing your colors? Try out Quick-Step’s “Design A Room” online tool that allows you to select different flooring options and see how they look with hundreds of different Valspar paint colors.

Or search “The Idea Gallery” on Valspar.com for ideas to spark your room makeover,likeValspar’s “organic elements” color trend.

Inspired by the calming energy of nature, this palette of chalky hues, earthy browns and mineral greys creates balance and stability.Then add a bright honeysuckle beige for an unexpected pop.

Getting started When beginning a room Neutral floors like thhis gray woodallow a wide array of possibilities for the rest of the room’s decor.

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such as a programmable timer and the ability to brown, simmer or saute.

4. Programmed for success Make meals more easily with the Frigidaire Professional 30-inch Slide-In Induction Hybrid Range.

This smart stove features a delay start option, so you can

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FALL HOME & GARDEN SPECIAL SECTION

set your oven to begin cooking on your schedule. For easy prep the day before, the range can be programmed from one to 24 hours in advance. Other innovative features include one-touch settings, allowing you to cook family favorites like chicken nuggets and pizza with the touch of a button.

robotic floor cleaners are truly the best time savers.

Mops and brooms require some time and muscle on your part to do their job, but today’s robotic floor cleaners simply require a minute to program. These clever little robots do it all — from vacuuming to scrubbing — or even sanitizing.

LEATHER

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leather is the way to go?

Arizona Leather’s knowledgeable staff will tell you that leather is the longest lasting and most durable upholstery material you can get. It’s perfect for any room of your home or office. It is the strongest upholstery material known to man and will withstand the rigors of daily life, including children and pets.

Although the initial investment of quality leather may be more than fabric upholstery, leather is actually your best value in the long run as it outlasts fabric four to one.

Not only is leather more durable, because it’s a natural product, no two hides are alike.

If you’re seeking true originality in your home or office, Arizona Leather experts can walk you through the different looks, feels and finishes.

Once you’ve selected your new furniture, Arizona Leather, working in conjunction with Wells Fargo, can offer you their local customer “PreApproved Financing.” As an added convenience you can fill out the application online from your home or office, bring your pre-approval number into the showroom, hand it to your salesperson and select your new Arizona Leather furniture.

By purchasing your new leather furniture, you’re investing in your future. With proper care it’s expected that it will last an average person’s lifetime. That’s more than what can be said for fabric-upholstered furniture.

After meeting with Arizona Leather Company’s sales staff, and seeing the quality of its furniture in any of its showrooms it’s easy to see that shopping for your new leather furniture at Arizona Leather is the right choice.

Nobody does what they do with leather.

Nobody creates quality leather furniture designed specifically for you, your family and your home.

Their experts have years, even decades of experience. One of them can help you select the exact piece you’re looking for.

Whether it be Retro, C o n t e m p o ra ry, Traditional or Casual, the results will be unique and the designs you put together will bring to life not a designer’s vision but your own. Then you will realize they’re not called the leather experts for nothing. They’re called the leather experts for everything.

To get started in your quest for new leather furniture you can call (760) 761-0770 or visit their new location in San Marcos at 176 Knoll Road and talk to one of their experts.

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Anderson’s La Costa more than just a Garden Center Anderson’s La Costa is not your ordinary nursery visit — it is a truly unique garden experience.

They’ve been in business at the same location, two blocks west of Interstate 5 on La Costa Avenue, in Encinitas for over 50 years. Come in and browse more than 3,000 kinds of plants including annuals, perennials, fruits and vegetables, trees, shrubs,

orchids, cactus and succulents, houseplants, water plants and one of the largest selections of drought tolerant/California native plants to be found.

Owners Dave and Una Tyler are proud to feature a vast selection of unique and unusual plants all presented in small garden vignette areas that serve well to stimulate your imagination and

provide design ideas for your gardens.

If you are looking for a garden center with a casual yet beautiful atmosphere and a staff of friendly, knowledgeable nursery professionals check out Anderson’s La Costa — they are one of Southern California’s most diverse nurseries. The staff is made up of award winning garden designers who pro-

vide excellent in-store customer service and satisfaction and can also provide expert on-site garden design services at your home or business.

Highlights of visiting Anderson’s include a visit to their 2,500 square foot greenhouse with its vast selection of orchids, bromeliads, ferns, specimen indoor plants and unique and rare selections.

Browse through the color areas and enjoy the fragrance and vibrant colors on display.

Don’t miss out on the lovely Secret Garden, a landscaped area reminiscent of a darling fairy garden with its enticing playhouse that captivates the youngster’s imagination plus an amazing selection of organic herbs, vegetables and seeds. Don’t miss a stop in the exquisite gift shop for

unique garden treasures Enjoy the mood created by one of the largest selections of operating fountains in Southern California and stroll leisurely while enjoying the great selection of pottery and garden décor all uniquely displayed within perfect settings that you could immediately envision what you could have in your own garden or patio.

TAP

faucet run for five minutes uses about as much energy as letting a 60-watt light bulb run for 14 hours.

• Make sure to wash only full loads of laundry. Using a high-efficiency washing machine is ideal, as they use about 28 gallons of water per load, versus an average machine that uses 41 gallons.

• Take a shower rather than a bath. A full bath tub requires up to 70 gallons of water, while taking a fiveminute shower uses 10 to 25 gallons. Want to be even more efficient? Switch your showerhead to a water-saving option.

“We realize showers are a tricky one when it comes to saving water. Homeowners want to make sure they have a well-performing shower experience,” says McJoynt. “However, the EPA WaterSense program recently published standards

for showerheads that consider both conservation and performance to build support of these water-saving units. Be sure to look for the WaterSense certification mark.”

• Fix those leaks. Most leaky faucets can waste more

than 3,000 gallons of water each year.

“Better design and engineering of many new bathroom products actually gives the user improved performance as well as efficiency,” adds McJoynt.

“Faucets, toilets and shower-

heads are great examples.

They’re just like other appliances that use less energy, but still work very well.”

If all the water-saving green choices still have you overwhelmed, select one tip at a time and incorporate it into

your home. Looking for other tips? Visit the EPA’s WaterSense website.

For more information about the performance and efficiency of Danze faucets, showerheads and toilets, visit danze.com.

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toilet per day. Danze has several new HETs that outperform and are more stylish than many toilets found in current homes.

• Be sure to turn off the tap when brushing your teeth — it could save nearly 3,000 gallons of water per year.

• Update your bathrooms with newer WaterSense certified lavatory faucets.According to the Environmental Protection Agency WaterSense program, if every household in the U.S. installed these watersaving lavatory faucets, more than $350 million in water utility bills and more than 60 billion gallons of water annually would be saved, plus $600 million in energy costs for heating the water.

• Always turn the water off between tasks. Letting your

LOCAL ROOTS

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this happens, the affected wood must be removed completely.

By using composite wood like Trex or Azek, there is little to no maintenance and the material will stay looking good for years without the need for painting. Being a low-maintenance kind of guy, I love this application.

You might wonder about the steel being used for sup-

port.Won’t it rust? I have found from using steel railings around my own home a mile from the beach that the trick is simply to metalize after fabrication.

A zinc coating applied after sandblasting will not rust and loves a coat of paint.

Kent Horner is a local landscape contractor and designer with 30 years of experience in all aspects of your garden. For information concerning your project or questions involving your surroundings, email him at Kent@plantch.com.

WITH COUPON

. st Hwy N. Coa

20% OFF your next visit to

101

X

La Costa Ave

Anderson's La Costa Nursery not to be combined with other offers or on sale items Expires 10/31/12

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