CH&G by Times Publishing Group, Inc.

Coastal Home Spring/Summer 2012

BERRY GOOD

ADVICE Eating Healthy Made Easy SUMMER/SPRING

Your Dream

DECORATING

Backyard

YOUR CARBON

GROWING

Clean Energy For Your Home

In a Container Garden

Simple Changes to Remodels

FOOTPRINT

A New Outdoor Living Space

EASY VEGGIES

Publisher & Editor Patrice Edwards

Art & Design Mike Lyon

Associate Editor Noel Smith

Production Coordinator Sandra Gonzalez

Sales Representatives Sadie Wittkins Don Beaumont Meredith Feldsted

Contributing Writers Noel Smith Craig Norleen Deborah Cypert Denise Vivar ARA Content Family Features

Cover Photo

Barnes Photographics

Coastal Home & Garden Spring/Summer 2012

is a publication of the Times Publishing Group Inc.located at 9601 Soquel Dr., Aptos, CA 95003. Entire contents © 2012 by Patrice Edwards. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without publisher’s written permission. 9601 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003 Phone: 831.688.7549 Fax: 831.688.7551

DESIGNED ON A MAC AND PRINTED IN THE USA ON RECYCLED PAPER To advertise in our Fall/Winter edition of

Coastal Home & Garden 2012 Call (831) 688-7549 Email: sales@cyber-times.com www.coastalhomeandgarden.com www.tpgonlinedaily.com For information on advertising in the next edition visit: www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Coastal Home Spring/Summer 2012

06 Front-Porch Entertaining Add Curb Appeal to Your Front Entry

Spring / Summer 2012

#16

08 Bathroom Upgrades Awesome Ideas for Less Than $200

10 Your Carbon Footprint Choose Clean Energy for Your Home

12 ‘Enlightened’ Roof Save Money...and Decorate too!

15 Allergy Proofing Your Home Environmental Illness Got You Down?

16 Adding / Upgrading a Deck Transform Your Backyard into an Oasis

18 Your Dream Backyard Prepare Your Outdoor Living Space

20 Clutter-free Environments Applying Feng Shui Principles

22 Start Fresh This Spring Renew Your Home Decor

24 Gardening & Saving Water Conserving Can Be Fun & Therapeutic

26 Home Gardening Be “Self Sufficient” in a Small Area

28 Growing Easy Veggies A Guide to Growing in a Container Garden

29 Get Kids Growing Veggies Vegetable Gardening gets them outside

30 You Are What You Eat 10 Foods to Put in Your Shopping Cart

32 Berries, the Super Food Nutritional Value, Plus a Tart Recipe

34 Coastal Golfing Your Guide to the Premier Courses

38 Cover Story Dare to Be Different on the Central Coast

42 Time to Remodel? Three Questions for Peace of Mind

r e os l c e r a s d n ! a k l n s i I h t u The o y n a th

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Front-Porch Entertaining Retaining Walls and Pavers Add Curb Appeal to Your Front Entry

ront-porch entertaining is making a comeback in America’s neighborhoods, thanks to homeowners’ renewed interest in beautifying the front entries of their homes. The days of uninspired concrete front stoops have passed, giving way to elegant combinations of freestanding walls, columns and matching pavers to create welcoming entrances that also serve as gathering places. Front-entry makeovers that are both eyecatching and functional are one of the hottest trends in landscape design these days. “Decades ago, neighbors would often retire to their front porches in the evening and gather together for conversation with neighbors up and down the street. That practice is returning as families spend more time entertaining at home and getting to know their neighbors. A

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creatively designed front entryway can help facilitate that. It doesn’t have to be extravagant either. Doing something as nominal as adding a paver walkway and freestanding wall along with a new take on plants to accent certain areas - can do a lot to freshen up your curb appeal on a modest budget

New concept, old look Many homeowners face the challenge of updating a home that looks a bit stuck in the past, but a front entry facelift can be an easy solution. You can transform a rambler’s small and mundane concreteslab front stoop into a sweeping paver patio and pergola-covered entryway defined by retaining walls and columns. The stunning result changed the entire look of the home.

The original house had a 4-foot-wide step to access the front door. The owner wanted to provide more useable space for traffic flow through the front door while creating a sense of an old-fashioned front porch. In addition, he wanted to use materials that would complement the existing home and also be low-maintenance.” Rock retaining walls in a charcoalblend color were used for seat-height freestanding walls and columns to create the new porch space. Paving stones in a matching color were used for the patio and walkway surface. The formerly boring square front stoop was transformed into an attractive rounded step that protrudes from the patio, flanked by two columns and faced with a veneer made from slicing off the back of a retaining wall block. The curved lines of the step are repeated in the walkway and in a round raised-bed garden. in the

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The pergola extends from the front of the house, supported by white pillars mounted inside freestanding columns. What began as a cold and somewhat clumsy entrance to the house is now a bright and inviting gathering place that adds a contemporary look to what could have been a dated home.

Front-yard entertaining Gave another family’s home a facelift with a handsome hardscaped front-entry courtyard graced with fresh plantings. A plain concrete sidewalk was replaced with matching pavers to create a fresh look for the home with a new, more neighborly entertaining space. “The entry had overgrown plants in some areas, bare spots in others. While it’s a beautiful house, it had lost its curb appeal and was in dire need of attention. Besides sprucing up the look of the home, the clients also wanted to have a spot out front to sit and chat with the neighbors as they passed by. The solution was a raised patio that extends from the existing front step to the middle

of the yard. The patio is buttressed on the outer sides by freestanding Versa-Lok retaining walls accented at two corners with stylish matching columns. The patio and sidewalk are paved with Willow Creek paving stones in a cobblestone pattern and color scheme that complements the walls and the home’s

existing brick exterior. A variety of new plantings around the wall and patio soften the hardscaping. We come out here in the evening and it’s not 10 minutes before someone sees us and stops over, one of the homeowners beamed. “We just love it.”

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Bathroom Upgrades Awesome Ideas for Less Than $200

beautiful bathroom can be uplifting on many levels: it improves your home’s resale value and provides you with a welcoming environment in one of the most-used rooms of your house. If your bathroom has become the room in the house you least want to visit, it may be time to consider some cost-effective upgrades. Paint is still the cheapest, easiest way to freshen a room’s look and that’s true even in the bathroom. While painting a bath can be a bit more complicated than

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other rooms because of obstructions like mirrors, showers, tubs and the commode, it’s still a project well within the abilities of most do-it-yourselfers. Good paint can be had for as little as $25, and most bathrooms will only need a gallon or two.

adhesive allows you to easily place the material on nearly any surface - walls, windows, that architectural niche above your bathtub - pull it down, reposition it, and even move the moisture resistant mural to a different wall

Once you’ve repainted, consider adding a wallpaper mural. You’ve probably always thought adding wallpaper in a bath was risky, given the room’s usual humidity. But modern wallpaper options, like SmartStick by MuralsYourWay.com can easily hold up to bathroom conditions. A patented

You can even customize your wall photo by using your own original photography. Submit your photo through the website and the company creates a custom mural using your artwork.

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Reducing Your Home’s Carbon Footprint

t may be your dream to make a big impression on the world, but as far as the environment is concerned, you’ll do everyone a favor by reducing your impact. In addition to recycling and composting, you can do your part for the planet by learning your carbon footprint and taking steps to improve it. A carbon footprint measures your contribution to global climate change, taking into consideration factors like the size of your house, the type of transportation you use, and the source of energy you use at home and work. You can calculate your carbon footprint online by visiting www.comfortableresponsible.org and clicking on “Carbon Calculator.” If you’re surprised by what you learn, don’t worry. You can make minor changes to your lifestyle that will reduce your carbon footprint (and save you money!). Here are some ideas to green your daily life:

Turn It Off There’s no reason to keep your electronics and appliances running when you’re not

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using them. You may find you prefer living in a house without the din of a constantly droning television set. Better yet, unplug your electronics. Some products consume energy even if they are just plugged into the wall, including chargers for your phone and camera. According to ENERGY STAR, the average U.S. household spends $100 per year to power devices that are off or in standby mode.

Commute Green Walk or bike to your job or school if you live close enough. You’ll do the planet a favor, as well as your health. If that’s not possible, consider taking public transportation or starting a carpool. You may find it convenient to share rides with neighbors who work close to you. At the very least, consider cars with greater fuel efficiency and avoid commute times that keep you idling in traffic.

Choose Clean Energy Building the infrastructure to make renewable energy sources like wind and solar a reality will take years. But you can make a responsible energy choice in your home now by using natural gas, the

cleanest burning fossil fuel. When it comes to water heating, home heating, cooking, generators, and laundry, consider opting for natural gas. According to the Department of Energy, 90 percent of the natural gas delivered to your home is useful, as opposed to electricity, which loses more than twothirds of its usable energy in its generation and transmission from the producer to your home. And the carbon footprint for a home using natural gas appliances, instead of electric appliances, is up to 46 percent smaller.

Go Veg A United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization report found that the meat in our diets produces more greenhouse gases than transportation or industry. If you can’t forgo burgers for life, consider a day without meat here or there. Reducing your carbon footprint doesn’t need to be painful. Little changes can go a long way. PHOTO SOURCE: (c) Diego Cervo - Fotolia.com in the

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Save Money with an ‘Enlightened’ Roof...and Decorate too E

nlightenment isn’t just a state of mind - it can also be an important energy-saving state of being for your home’s roof. By “enlightening” your roof, you can use less energy, save money, and dress up the interior of your home at the same time. All roofs protect us, and the interiors of our homes, but they can do so much more. They can be the collection and distribution point for an inexhaustible supply of free natural light and energy.

Venting electric skylights admit natural light and fresh air while bringing decorating drama to a space.

A roof that uses Energy Star qualified venting skylights, for instance, admits healthful natural light while providing passive ventilation through the natural “chimney effect” of rising air. This is not an insignificant consideration especially in kitchens and baths that have higher moisture and humidity levels than other areas of the home. Another kitchen- and bath-specific issue that skylights help address is the need for privacy. Many modern homes are built on small lots, in very close proximity to neighboring houses. Light from windows is rarely enough, especially in places where lot sizes are small. Areas of the home where traditional skylights with blinds might not work - such as hallways, closets and small, interior baths - can still admit natural light through less expensive Sun Tunnel tubular skylights. And optional light kits turn these units into 24-hour sources of light. Low-profile flat glass models that blend unobtrusively with the roof, and domed models, all offer a fast, easy, less expensive way to transform a home with natural light.

A skylight with a colorful blind adds flair to the bedroom while providing natural light, ventilation, and privacy. 12

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In addition to light and ventilation from above, if you add an Energy Starqualified solar water heating system your roof will work even harder for you. And, in addition to monthly power bill savings, these solar thermal systems qualify for tax credits and other savings that significantly reduce in the

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the payback time it takes to recover the initial cost. Solar power attic fans are also a cost-effective roof addition that helps to reduce mechanical cooling costs while removing damaging moisture from the home. In addition to the functional qualities these and other roof improvements offer, there are also aesthetic considerations. Skylights offer room-changing drama and decorating flair while adding natural light from above. And skylight blinds are now available in colors and pattern choices to mix and match with room decor giving homeowners another interior design tool. Blinds not only dress up a room but also provide light control while increasing the energy efficiency and usefulness of skylights. According to skylight manufacturer, Velux America, the addition of blinds can increase the overall energy efficiency of the units by 37 percent. They recommend closing the blinds on high heat/sun days in the summer to reduce potential solar heat gain and, on cold winter nights, closing them

to provide an extra layer of thermal insulation to keep warm air indoors. Skylight blinds, as well as the units themselves, can be controlled manually or with a remote. Modern, low profile skylights are unobtrusive and as dependable as vertical windows. Information about units with a 10-year no-leak installation warranty, plus an installer locator, is available at veluxusa. com. There’s also a free mobile phone app there to help homeowners see how skylights and blinds would look in rooms in their own homes. The Velux Skylight Planner App is available for iPhones, iPods, iPads and Android phones.

For government information on window and skylight energy efficiency visit energystar.gov, and for independent agency information visit nfrc.org or efficientwindows.org. For remodeling information visit nahb.org/remodel or greenhomeguide.org.

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Allergies and Environmental Illness Got You Down?

n this day and age there are many of us that suffer from allergies and environmental sensitivity issues. We really can’t do much about the pollen in the air or about the walls of Acacia Trees lining our roads this time of year but we can do something about the environment inside our homes. First, my recommendation would be to visit your health care professional to determine what your allergies may be. This will make your job of allergy proofing your home much easier. If you are an allergy sufferer then I would recommend getting rid of all the carpet in your home and replace it with some sort of hard surface such as hardwood, laminate, linoleum or porcelain tile. Carpet is the number one area of concern when trying to clean up your home environment. Even though you may vacuum and steam clean on a regular basis there could be dust mites and molds in your existing carpet, padding or the backing of your carpet. If your budget does not allow to have all carpeted areas replaced with a hard surface then I would recommend at least getting the carpet out of your sleeping areas. If you want to replace your carpet with environmentally

friendly products or “green” products as we now call them, I would suggest going with bamboo, cork or natural linoleum. All three come in many colors and price points. I am certain that you will be able to find one to suite your home décor and budget. Lastly, go through your home room by room and look for other culprits as well. Make sure your bed and bedding are encased in dust mite proof covers and wash in water heated to at least 130F on a regular basis. Replace draperies with washable shades. Make sure that you keep all areas in bathrooms and around windows clean and free of mold and condensation. Make sure to change your furnace and air conditioning filters regularly. Hire a professional to clean out all ducting for your furnace. Choose easy to clean furniture made out of wood, metal or plastic, avoiding upholstery. Remove clutter that collects dust. Even though we love our pets, keep them out of the bedroom and make sure to bathe them on a regular basis to reduce the dander they shed. I hope these steps will give some relief from the sneezes and sniffles of spring!! -Deborah Cypert coastalhomeandgarden.com

Adding or Upgrading a Deck A

can transform your backyard into an oasis

home is a place of comfort and relaxation. Many homeowners are now taking to the outdoors and making this space an extension of the dream home they’ve always wanted. One way to transform a house into a dream home is by utilizing the outdoor space with the addition of a new deck or improvements to an existing deck. A deck creates the perfect backyard oasis to escape the stresses of a busy lifestyle, to enjoy the outdoors, grill out, have a party or simply relax. With a deck, a couple can celebrate with friends, children can play outside and parents can retire in comfort.

Many alternative decking choices are available for homeowners seeking high-quality materials with low-maintenance features. Choosing to go with alternative decking materials helps homeowners save money and have more time to spend outdoors enjoying time together. While composite products will need occasional cleaning, they don’t need the sanding, staining, sealing or painting that wood decks require. There are many choices for deck designs, materials and colors that can make choosing a dream deck a little overwhelming. But deck design tools like those found at TimberTech can help ease the deck design process without having to leave the house. Railing systems provide additional safety and style while lighting options help homeowners illuminate their space for extended time on the deck once the sun has set. The beauty of composite decking - in addition to the multitude of color and material options - is that it’s fully customizable to whatever style or look is wanted for the deck. Homeowners can opt for a deck and railing design all in one color to perfectly blend in with the house, or can go the contrasting route to make the deck a unique design feature to beautify the backyard. Decks can be both practical and stylish, which is why many homeowners looking to enhance the look and the value of their home and increase their living space consider replanking an existing wooden deck or adding a new deck.

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Prepare Now for a Dream Summer Outdoor Living Space Beat the winter blues by taking the first steps to create a summer backyard oasis. By preparing now, you’ll be ready to install and enjoy - a dream deck once warmer weather arrives. The outdoor living experts at Trex recommend checking these outdoor projects off your “to-do” list early in the year. 18

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reate a distinctive design - Start thinking about the style, shape and color scheme of your outdoor space. Are your tastes country cottage or mostly modern? Do you desire a basic deck or one that spans multiple levels and wraps around your home? Now is the ideal time to order product samples and seek online tools that allow you to virtually experiment with different products, finishes and layouts.

steel substructure, such as new Trex Elevations, will increase the value of your deck, while improving overall appearance. This ultra-durable deck-framing system manufactured of dual-coated, galvanized steel will not warp, twist, split or decay - unlike traditional wood substructures - and its stability creates a remarkably flat deck surface. Trex Elevations’ 25-year limited warranty offers additional peace of mind.

Plan a secure and stable substructure - Long before any deck boards are installed, it’s crucial to create a strong base for your outdoor living space. A

“Homeowners often don’t realize that much of a deck’s performance and aesthetics depend on what’s underneath,” says Adam Zambanini, vice president of in the

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marketing for Trex, the world’s largest manufacturer of wood-alternative decking and railing. “A high-quality substructure offers a strong return on investment and adds years to the life of a deck. Just remember to build this additional - and essential - step into your project timeline.” Research local contractors - One of the most important parts of planning an outdoor living space is selecting the right contractor. Look for a professional who’s been specially trained to install the type of products you’ve chosen. Inquire about business licenses, liability insurance and length of experience. Request references and make sure to call them.

Upgrade outdoor furniture - Take a look at the outdoor furniture currently stored in your garage for the winter. Before warm temperatures hit, consider replacing old, worn-out tables and chairs with stylish and durable wood-alternative pieces that won’t rot, crack or splinter and never need to be sanded, stained or painted. If you’re not ready to invest in all new furniture, update upholstery and cushions with colorful, weather-resistant fabrics.

For more outdoor living tips, project ideas and design resources, visit www.trex.com.

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Beautiful Clutter-free Environments I

magine if everything you owned were beautiful, useful, bringing you joy, fully aligned with your path and moving you forward in your life. This may seem like a pipe dream but it is certainly within your reach and if this doesn’t represent your current reality, then the results of moving in this direction with your environment will certainly be life-changing.

As we turn our thoughts to spring cleaning, clutter clearing not only paves the way literally to a more effective cleaning campaign, it has the power for incredible rejuvenation of the body and mind. Clutter has a way of keeping us from moving forward with our dreams and opening to opportunities in our careers and relationships, among other things.

Feng shui principles assert that energy must be free-flowing in our environments lest it become stagnant and drain us of vitality and good health; and one of the most profound ways to encourage good flow of energy is in clearing our clutter.

While some of our clutter may be quite conspicuous, not all of it is obvious and literally tripping us. We stuff things under beds, in the back of closets, out of sight in storage units and the garage. We may think of it as ‘away,’ but our subconscious is quite aware of it. The most

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surprising facet of all, however, is that we may actually have a very tidy, small amount of things and plenty of space for all of our stuff - and still have clutter. The afore-mentioned ‘pipe dream’ criteria for the belongings in your life is a compelling guideline to help you discern clutter from life-enhancing objects in your environment. As you appraise each article you own, consider what doesn’t fit in this model. Some of it may effortlessly make its way to the recycle, charity or re-gifting piles, and some of it may linger still. Enjoy your success in clearing and keep moving through it. in the

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Take note of any resistance to letting go of an object which doesn’t fully support your path. We hold on to objects for a myriad of reasons, often times unconsciously. This may represent clinging to an old relationship or distant success, fear of moving forward or lack of trust in your ability to provide for your future needs. As you gently remove the things that no longer serve you in your life, you leave a space for opportunity - and it does get easier.

Photos courtesy of SC41 Furniture

In a very short time you become aware of how things that have been hidden ‘away’ have weighed you down and that is when it gets exciting. Allowing your possessions to move on to another purpose will be very life-affirming for you and you will begin to feel increasingly motivated. Meanwhile, your old objects may well serve a much higher purpose in someone else’s hands. Surrounding yourself with consciously created, purposeful beauty will be just the inspiration you need.

Denise Vivar is a certified feng shui consultant and love coach. Contact her at PowerOfRadiance@gmail.com

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Start

Fresh

This Spring Renew Your Home Decor

s the seasons change, many people start fresh making positive changes. As you consider changes in your life, consider where you spend most of your time. Your surroundings influence your mood and a refreshed interior can help you step forward into a new, improved lifestyle. Enjoying life more in 2012 could start with just a few simple updates to your home.

Color One of the most obvious signs of a changed style is color. An easy, costeffective way to modernize your home is to change your wall’s color. There are a broad range of colors available to fit any style or taste to create a cohesive, modern atmosphere. Painting is a weekend project that can completely transform your home. When purchasing paint, a quality product will ensure the result. Inexpensive paint often requires several coats - resulting in more time and money spent. Using a premium line of paint guarantees excellent hide and durability. Remember that a quality product will achieve the best result and save you time and money in the long run.

Accents Whether your taste is classic, natural, rustic, or modern, accessories have a huge impact on the feel of any room. Mirrors, wall hangings, table art, pillows and floral arrangements are some examples of accents that change the look and feel of a space. Don’t be afraid to combine materials and styles. An ornate brass mirror can work well to complement the clean lines of a modern end table or the intricate fabric of an antique footstool. Avoid clutter by using baskets, chests and other storage pieces to conceal magaCONVENIENTLY CONVENIENTLY LOCATED LOCATED BETWEEN BETWEEN ALASKA ALASKA & & & MEXICO MEXICO MEXICO CONVENIENTLY LOCATED BETWEEN ALASKA & MEXICO CONVENIENTLY CONVENIENTLY LOCATED LOCATED BETWEEN BETWEEN ALASKA ALASKA & MEXICO zines, books and other common items. Santa Cruz County’s premier retailers of

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Rearrange Don’t underestimate the effect rearranging your furniture can have on your space. Changing the layout of a room costs nothing and can have a dramatic impact on the functionality and atmosphere of your home. Try placing larger furniture pieces against the wall to open up floor space and avoid blocking walking paths. Or you might arrange your sofa or elongated pieces of furniture at an angle in the corner of the room to give the illusion of a longer wall and creating hidden storage opportunities. Don’t be afraid to try something new. You might try rearranging every few months to keep things fresh.

Lighting Consider changing the lighting. Whether it’s a large hanging fixture, wall sconces, standing lamps or recessed can lights, adjusting your lighting will affect the ambience of any room. For most spaces, a mixture of light sources works best, and a visit to a lighting store will confirm the options are endless. While some lights serve functional purposes, others may serve as pure decoration or to highlight an aspect of the room, such as a piece of artwork. And remember that adjusting the locations of table and floor lamps can have a dramatic impact your room’s feel. Bring your home into 2012, in style and update your color, accents, layout and lighting to start fresh. By focusing on a few key areas, you can enjoy an improved living space easily and affordably.

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How Does Your Garden Grow? G

ardening at home is fun, healthy and therapeutic whether you tend a small patch of vegetables or create beautiful landscaping around your home. However, outdoor irrigation can nearly double your household water use, particularly during the summer months. Conserving water, like recycling and composting, is increasingly part of our daily lives. New technologies and rebates make it easy and affordable to instigate small changes that add up to big water savings, without sacrificing your tomatoes and flowers:

Outdoor Landscaping: Think Beyond the Lawn:

California native plants, succulents and other plants that naturally thrive in our Mediterranean climate require far less water and maintenance than the traditional lawn. Your creativity is the only limit to the beautiful landscapes you can create with drought-tolerant trees, flowers, shrubs and grasses available at most local nurseries. For more information and free plant selection tools, visit Water-Smart Gardening in Santa Cruz County at www. santacruz.watersavingplants.com

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Laundry to Landscape:

Recent changes to the California Plumbing Code make it possible to capture â&#x20AC;&#x153;graywaterâ&#x20AC;? from residential clothes washing machines and use it to irrigate landscapes instead of sending it down the drain. While no permit is required, there are safety requirements to meet. To learn more visit Central Coast Graywater Alliance at www.ecoact.org/Programs/Pollution_ Prevention/Graywater

Weather Wise Irrigation:

Weather-based irrigation controllers automatically adjust your irrigation according to the weather. Some controllers receive weather information via satellite or an internet connection, and others use an on-site sensor to gauge weather conditions. Weather-based irrigation controllers are proven to reduce landscape water use on average by eight percent or more.

Vegetable Gardening: Rain Catchment:

When it rains, collect the water draining off your roof and use it to irrigate your

garden. Rain catchment systems range in size from simple 40-gallon barrels attached to a downspout, to cisterns that hold thousands of gallons. It is a great way to involve children and help them develop a strong environmental ethic.

Drip Irrigation:

Drip irrigation is the most efficient method of irrigating landscapes and gardens. Water is delivered slowly and directly to the roots of the plants reducing overwatering, runoff, and plant disease. The equipment and plants needed to implement these ideas are readily available at local shops and nurseries, and can be installed by handy homeowners or licensed landscape and plumbing professionals. Contact your local water agency or visit the Water Conservation Coalition of Santa at Cruz County at www.watersavingtips.org for more information including rebates, links, and the interactive Water-Smart Gardening tool.

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Lawn & Garden Center Organic vegetable planting mix Topsoil & Compost • Stepping Stones Custom Mixes • Decorative Rock & Bark Sawdust • Fertilizers Retaining Walls • Soil Amendments Boulders

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Home Gardening The phrase “self sufficient,” makes us think of farms or someone with acres of land. For those living in the city on a small plot of land or even with just enough room for a few planter boxes and considering a self-sufficient lifestyle, the first step could be the garden.

vegetable/herb garden can produce good meals but before you decide to buy any packets of seeds, look at what’s in your refrigerator and what vegetables and herbs you normally eat. Jot down a list of those items and how often you actually serve them. This list will what vegetables you’ll want to grow to get the most out of your garden. Select the top two-three items from your list then find out the space required for growing. Plant two to three of each of these plants. Starting out small will help develop the necessary skills you need for gardening.

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Vegetables require three things: Sun, Soil, and Water. Find space by your home that gets the most sunshine and has access to water. Soil processing can now start. You can grow at ground level or use raised beds. Raised beds make it easier to plant, water, weed, and control pests. Use stakes and some cord to outline your garden. Use a tiller or shovel and turn the garden soil over to loosen it. Spread compost or processed manure over your soil using a rake and mix it in. When ready, you should be able to pick it up and sprinkle it without clumps. Eventually you may want to use seeds but it’s possible to get many veggie varieties as garden plants from your local garden center. Plant your seeds or transplants as instructed on the package. The larger plants should be planted on the north side of your garden so they won’t shade the rest of the garden. Water them generously, and now you’ve got a vegetable garden! Visit your garden everyday to pull weeds, check for garden pests and keep a journal of what goes on in your garden. Use mulch. It will help reduce weeds and help to retain water. Pull weeds as soon as you notice them. Check for pests and look for illnesses. Water on a regular basis to ensure your plants remain strong. Replace mulch as needed. This daily care is one of the best parts of vegetable gardening. You’ll start finding flowers that develop into buds. Those buds become your veggies. Allow them to become similar to those in your grocery.

Don’t allow a veggie to rot on the vine. Toss them in your garden compost bin. Then will come that day when you begin to harvest the results of all your hard work. Now you’ve become self sufficient… even if it’s just for a few weeks of the year. You can even learn the art of canning if you want to stretch out your self-sufficiency. Now that you are a gardener, think about a bigger garden and more varieties. You will be amazed at what you can grow in your garden and how much pleasure there is in growing your own fresh, delicious veggies.

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Growing Easy Veggies A Guide to the Easiest Vegetables to Grow in a Container Garden

ardening is work, but container gardening is less work. Each year that you plant a container garden, you will find ways to cut the work even more. You can even make your container garden an organic one with just a few techniques. Almost any vegetable you can think of can be planted in containers, some better than others. However, there are plants ideally suited for containers, especially if you want an organic container garden. The three things you need to provide a good crop are water, nutrients, and physical support for the plant. Good drainage also goes along with watering the plants. Remember, too much water is just as harmful and too little water. Before going over types of vegetables to plant, what type of soil do you need? Synthetic soils are best to use in the container garden. Synthetic or soil-less mixes are good because they are free from weed seed, disease and the containers will not be as heavy if you need to move them.

Easy Veggies Lettuce You will love having your own lettuce to make fresh salads every single day. Lettuce can be grown in a small pot but the downside is that once it’s gone, no more reappears like on the tomato plant. You can have lettuce all the time by planting lots of pots and planting them a couple of weeks apart so they will be ready to eat at different times. Tomatoes and Peppers Plants like tomatoes and peppers will have a high yield of food and are easy to grow. Some of these plants grow over two feet tall and will need a large container so they won’t be top heavy. You can also surround them in chicken wire if you don’t want them growing out of the pot, however, tomatoes will grow hanging down and will bloom over and over with a fresh supply of vegetables. Green Onions and Radishes These vegetables grow in the ground so you see only the stems and leaves. They grow fast and don’t need a very large container either. Great Tasting Herbs Herbs take up little room and make beautiful plants for decorating the kitchen or patio. They are convenient to take what you need for cooking! Other vegetables to try are eggplant, garlic, chives, squash, beets, and spinach. But, the vegetables listed are great for getting started and making a great salad. Try planting a container or organic garden as soon as possible to see how easy it is to do and how good these fresh veggies will taste.

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Getting Kids to Grow… Veggies! M

ost children spend too much time indoors watching television or browsing the Internet. Experts say such a stationary lifestyle has caused the number of overweight children and teens to nearly triple, from 6 to 16 percent, in twenty years. If your children need to get up and get outside, vegetable gardening may be the answer. In order to help your children get into a more vegetable-oriented diet, try vegetable gardening. Growing their own greens will encourage your kids to eat more vegetables. Vegetable gardening will contribute to both the physical and nutritional growth of your kids. Plus, it can become a family activity. Here are some tips to help you begin your vegetable garden.

Find a sunny space that the family can see each day in your yard for the vegetable plot. Cultivate the soil together with your child by digging it up, loosening the soil and adding mulch. This activity requires cooperation from all involved. Help your kids choose the variety of vegetables you’ll grow. Then let them plant the seeds or set the plants. Identify the garden as the kids’ to further encourage them in vegetable gardening. You can make a sign with a name for the whole garden that includes your child’s name (John and Susan’s Farm), and mark each plant with the grower’s nametag. Find some vegetable gardening tips for beginners as reading and keep garden journals to keep the kids interested. They can draw pictures of the plants and vegetables, keep track of the plants’ growth, and

write about gardening. If your kids are under 6 years old, let them play with dirt and water while you’re doing different gardening tasks. Have them help prepare the soil and give them kid-sized tools to do the actual work. As plants need to be watered daily, give your kids a small watering can so they can water the plants on their own. Garden maintenance is also included in gardening tips for beginners. Help your children learn how to care of the vegetable garden. Be patient, let them enjoy and take pride in it. For more gardening information go to www.bloomIQ.com.

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Ten Foods to Put in Your Shopping Cart In the fast-pace of our modern lives, many American families use quick, pre-packaged foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Are most of the foods you eat found in boxes, cans, or some other packaging? Are they full of ingredients that you can barely pronounce? If so, you and your family might not be getting the vitamins and nutrients you need to stay healthy. Here are ten foods you should include on your eating clean shopping list. These foods inexpensive, and they contain the most potent phytochemicals, vitamins, and minerals that your body needs. #1 - Sweet potatoes.

Sweet potatoes are number one in nutrition loaded with fiber, protein, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, potassium, magnesium, zinc, carotenoids, iron, and calcium. Sweet potatoes have more than twice the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of vitamin A, more than 40 percent of the RDA of vitamin C, four times the RDA for beta-carotene, and each sweet potato has only about 130 calories!

#2 - Salmon.

Salmon contains high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, protein, and vitamin D. It’s also a great source of niacin, selenium, and vitamins B12 and B6. Eating salmon also helps prevent heart disease and scientists have recently found that omega-3 fatty acids can help slow the degenerative effects of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Fatty acids can also help lower the risk of depression and aggressive behavior.

#3 - Olive oil.

Use olive oil when sautéing, in almost any baking or cooking recipe, in salad dressings, and when frying foods. Most of the fatty acids in olive oil are

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omega-9 fatty acids, which are healthy monounsaturated fats that can help lower total blood cholesterol levels. Extra-virgin olive oil is high in vitamin E and phenols, both of which are powerful antioxidants. Use ordinary (not extra-virgin) olive oil, for frying and long-sautéed recipes. Save the extra-virgin olive oil for salad dressings and baking!

#4 - Cruciferous vegetables.

These include broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, Kohl-rabi, cabbage, kale, and bok choy. The phytochemicals in these foods help the enzymes in your body that destroy carcinogens and are high in antioxidants helping to prevent oxidation and damage from free radicals. Steam them lightly or eat them raw to keep their phytochemicals and flavor.

#5 - Nuts.

A nut is a seed and contains the nutrients needed to support the sprouting and growth of a new plant or tree and their many nutrients provide benefits to you. The healthiest nuts include walnuts, almonds, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts, and

pecans. Peanuts are legumes like peas and beans. Nuts lose their nutrients to oxidation when roasted, so eat nuts raw whenever possible.”

#6 - Avocados.

Avocados are very good for you as they are high in vitamins E, C, and K, potassium, oleic acid, folate, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. The fat in avocados is monounsaturated, which lowers blood cholesterol levels and contain beta-sitosterol, which reduces cholesterol. Use avocados as a sandwich spread in place of mayonnaise or butter, include avocados in your green salads and eat them as a snack.

#7 - Leafy greens. To get the most nutrients for the fewest calories, put foods like kale, collard greens, romaine l e t t u c e , spinach, Swiss chard, and escrole in your shopping cart. Greens are rich in vitamins and minerals and can help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease, prevent diabetes and osteoporosis, and reduce the risk of developing in the

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cancer. Eat the greens raw or cook them in soups and stews use them in stir-fry recipes, and add leafy greens to lunch and dinner meals.”

#8 - Curry powder.

Curry powder is a blend of several different spices, but the most important spice in curry powder is turmeric, which provides a yellow color and subtle rich flavor. Turmeric contains curcumin, which is a powerful phytochemical which seems to encourage lower cancer rates, lower rates of Alzheimer’s disease, less inflammation, and improved memory.

#9 - Berries

(especially blueberries). Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C and blueberries have the highest antioxidant content of all fresh fruit. Berries are also high in fiber and dried berries have just as many nutrients as fresh, but are higher in calories. Also, frozen berries are harvested ripe, are often processed right in the field, and often have more nutrients than fresh berries. Add them to green salads, fruit salads, use them to top your morning cereal.

#10 - Garlic and onions.

These root vegetables are a source of allyl sulfides, which can help reduce the risk of cancer and calm inflammation in the body and are high in polyphenols and flavonoids, which prevent oxidation and stop free radical damage. “Remember, eating clean is not a diet,” says Dr. Wright. “It’s a lifestyle. It does not include a complicated regimen that restricts entire categories of food. With fewer chemicals to deal with, your body becomes better able to concentrate on keeping you healthy.”

### Dr. Jonathan Wright, MD, is the author of several books, publishes the monthly newsletter Nutrition and Healing and hosts the radio show Green Medicine. Linda Larsen is a nutritionist, recipe creator, and the author of 29 books.

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Berries, The Super Food Cal Giant a local berry grower on the Central Coast is sharing one of their favorite recipes with Coastal Home & Garden, they always look forward to the many recipes they receive back from their loyal customers so feel free to submit one at www.calgiant.com/win or email. Here are a couple of great ways to incorporate berries into your daily menu. Drop fresh blueberries into your morning cold or hot cereal for a boost of flavor and nutrition. They make great happy faces on pancakes too. Slice fresh strawberries or blackberries into your green salad at dinner. They provide great color and their flavor blends well with the savory taste of oil and vinegar dressing. Berries are a great snack for the whole family and have such wonderful nutritional attributes. BLUEBERRIES Add a power-packed punch of blue to your diet with Blueberries! Bursting with flavor and nutrition, these little Super Foods are far from one-dimensional. Decadent enough to tame any sweet tooth and a perfect topper of lunchtime salads, blueberries can be the star of all your meals and snacks! Storage & Serving Success: Blueberries can last for up to two weeks if refrigerated and kept dry. Don’t wash until ready to serve. The best part, Blueberries don’t require any prep work – just rinse and enjoy! STRAWBERRIES It’s no wonder that Strawberries are always at the top of Favorite Fruit Lists! Our business was built on these ruby-red jewels that not only take your mouth to its “happy place”, but also make memories and inspire kitchen creativity! Nutritious, sweet, versatile and safe… the list of benefits goes on and on! Storage & Serving Success: Refrigerated strawberries last longer! Try placing berries in a Tupperware type sealed container lined with a paper towel to help preserve freshness while refrigerated Don’t wash your strawberries until just before use. Remove strawberries from the refrigerator an hour before eating them – this allows them to warm to room temperature so their naturally sweet flavor can really be enjoyed! Rinse the strawberries with the caps still attached under gentle cool water and use a paper towel to pat dry. You can use a sharp paring knife to remove the caps or you can just give them a twist! RASPBERRIES are the most delicate of the berry family and we couldn’t agree more – these bright-colored babies are certainly delicacies in our book! With a perfect balance of tangy and sweet, the unique flavor of our raspberries will complement a wide array of delicious dishes. Want to add vibrance, taste and health to your diet? Check, check, check!

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Storage & Serving Success : Keep raspberries refrigerated and dry. For best results, eat your raspberries within 1 or 2 days of purchase. Handle gently and rinse before serving BLACKBERRIES (which are actually deep purple, but DEEP

PURPLEBERRIES is a mouthful) are traditionally known as the main attraction in cobblers and pies but are capable of so much more! Perfect for a stand-alone snack and just as ideal in salads, marinades, breakfasts and desserts, these sweet-tart treats always deliver smiles.

Storage & Serving Success: Refrigerate blackberries for 1 to 3 days in your refrigerator. Make sure to keep them dry and eat them as soon as possible after purchase. Rinse under cool gentle water immediately prior to serving. Convenience rules!Â No cutting or peeling required.

Mixed Berry Fruit Tart Ingredients: 1 1/3 cup Graham cracker crumbs 1/3 cup Sugar 8 T melted butter 1 pint whipping cream 4 ounces cream cheese 1/4 tsp vanilla 1/4 cup powder sugar 2 cups California Giant berries (any combination of strawberries, blueberries, blackberries) In a food processor, combine the crackers, and sugar into a fine crumb. Melt the butter and add to the crackers and sugar Place the cracker, sugar and butter mixture into a tart pan and press in the form of the pan. Bake at 350 until golden brown Whip the cream, vanilla and the powder sugar until soft peaks, adding the cream cheese a tablespoon at a time Once the tart crust has cooled, add the whipped cream mixture on top Add berries on top of the whipped cream

75 Sakata Lane Watsonville, CA 95076 Post Office Box 1359 Watsonville, CA 95077-1359 Sales (831) 728-1773 Fax (831) 728-0613

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Golfing Along the Central Coast The Central Coast is a premier location for golf enthusiasts. Offering beautiful ocean views, an ideal climate, and a relaxing atmosphere, the courses showcased are both pristine and challenging, Coastal Home and Garden encourages our readers to take part in a healthy life-style by getting outdoors and being active while enjoying these amazing golf courses.

Boulder Creek Golf Country Club 16901 Big Basin Hwy, Boulder Creek 831.338.2121 www.bouldercreekgolf.com Boulder Creek Golf Country Club offers beautiful, breath taking views of the redwoods and the Santa Cruz Mountains. Enjoy the pure mountain air and the feeling of peace and seclusion. The golf shop offers souvenir items as well as brand-name merchandise with discounts for club members. The course offers an executive 18-hole course, a full service restaurant and bar, as well as. One, two, or three bedroom Villas are available for overnight guests with comfortable furnishings, TVs and access to swimming pools and tennis courts. Ask about lodging specials for your next visit.

De Laveaga Golf Course 401 Upper Park Rd., Santa Cruz 831.423.7212 www.delaveagagolf.com One of Californiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top ranked community golf courses, De Laveaga is in the hills above the city of Santa Cruz. Surrounded by trees and canyons, this course offers you a challenge as well as a beautiful location to relax and enjoy playing golf. De Laveaga also has a golf shop, a two-story lighted driving range, and an award-winning restaurant. Discounts on memberships are available. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner offering views of the golf course and forests beyond. The restaurant offers accommodations for business gatherings, banquets, family events and weddings.

Pajaro Valley Golf Club 967 Salinas Rd., Royal Oaks 831.724.3851 | http://www.pajarovalleygolf.com The Pajaro Valley Golf Club lies between Monterey and Santa Cruz counties. This 6,218-yard course dips into the natural habitat of birds and animals in Elkhorn Slough. As you golf, you will have the opportunity to observe the scenic views of the Pajaro Valley. This 18-hole regulation length course offers food and beverage, rental GPS, as well as individual golf lessons.

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Pasatiempo Golf Club 18 Clubhouse Rd., Santa Cruz 831.459.9155 | www.pasatiempo.com World-renowned Alister MacKenzie designed Pasatiempo Golf Club, and Pasatiempo was always his favorite. When you visit this course, you will quickly see why. It offers fantastic views of the Monterey Bay. Pasatiempo’s tricky slopes have challenged many famous golfers like Bobby Jones, Tiger Woods, and Ken Venturi. This semi-private course is open to the public at specific tee-times. The driving range and practice facility is available to public and to special guests, with a shuttle from the range to the first hole. Pasatiempo also boasts fine dining and drinks at the Hollin’s House, The Tap Room, and Mackenzie’s Bar and Grille.

Seascape Golf Club 610 Clubhouse Dr., Aptos Contact: 831.688.3213 | www.seascapegc.com Located on top of the Coastal Highlands of the Monterey Bay Peninsula, Seascape Golf Club is lined with Pine, Cypress and Eucalyptus Trees. It has a pro shop with the latest in golf technology, designer merchandise. The club has golf lessons and a practice driving range for its guests. Seascape’s Golf Club has a newly renovated clubhouse, and banquet halls for up to 300 people. Making it ideal for weddings and other special events, the club has a beautiful ceremony site surrounded by fairways and gardens. Seascape Golf Club also offers catering services.

Spring Hills Golf Course 501 Spring Hills Dr., Watsonville 831.724.1404 | www.springhillsgolf.com Located off of highway 1, Spring Hills Golf Course is a family owned and operated since 1965. This course features perfect golf weather, an enjoyable and difficult course layout, a finishing hole with an enormous waterfall, and a ranch style clubhouse built in 1911. Get a discount on the course by coming to one of many exciting annual events. This course is completely open to the public.

Valley Garden Golf Course 263 Mount Hermon Rd., Scotts Valley 831.438.3058 | www.valleygardengolf.com Considered one of Scotts Valley’s “Hidden Gems” Valley Garden offers a challenge to local and visiting golfers in a peaceful, secluded setting. A large lake just behind the tree line surrounds this course, so golfers beware! The course also provides golf lessons, event hosting, as well as golf merchandise and monthly specials that offer excellent discounts.

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EXQUISITE GATED COUNTRY ESTATE • 500 BEAR VALLEY RD, APTOS This elegant light filled home perfectly integrates the formal and informal lifestyle. Featuring 5 Bedrooms, 3 Baths and includes a spacious master suite with fireplace and walk-in dressing room. The master bath with heated lime stone floors and European soaking tub are examples of the high-end custom finishes of this home. Among the special features is a dream chef’s kitchen including Viking Professional range and double oven, SubZero refrigerator, refrigerated vegetable drawers, and wine refrigerator. The private and serene setting of this home is created through its rarely available park-like grounds. Located on 19 plus acres allows for the ultimate in privacy. Three acres of deer-fenced gardens are surrounded by a perimeter of redwood groves and mature trees. Gracious outdoor living and entertaining at its finest on the grounds of this home’s Cell: (831) 334-9701 breathtaking gardens, walking paths, decks, grape arbor, pool, spa, barbecue Betty.Danner@cbnorcal.com terrace with fire pit and Boules Court. This home is a must experience and DRE 01860009 only minutes to Aptos Village.

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Dare to be Different on the Central Coast Nature’s Vistas and Brilliant Colors Come Together By Noel Smith

igh above Beach Drive in Rio Del Mar overlooking Monterey Bay, is a home filled with color; the colors of the brightest crayons imaginable. As you enter the brilliant red entry doors, you find yourself at one end of the 60 loot long corridor lined with color and a floor tile mosaic of primary colors and geometric shapes designed by Interior Designer Kay Heizman of Aptos. The corridor leads past a burnished metal and glass stairway leading to the home’s outdoor terrace. Covering this dramatic entrance hallway 28 feet above is a ridge skylight illuminating the brilliantly colored tiles, the radiant art, and the whimsical sculptures around you. This 7,000 sq ft twostory structure has seven bathrooms, four bedrooms, a three-car garage and never to be forgotten views of the California coastline and Monterey Bay from all its rooms. This is truly a residence designed to be lived both inside and outside. The 3,000 sq ft terrace provides plenty of

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room for family activities and entertaining. Bright colors throughout the house in its floor tiles and its furnishings are the theme creating a feeling of sunshine and laughter even on a foggy or stormy day on Monterey Bay. Wherever you go, color follows you whether it’s the kitchen, the dining room, the living room or just walking through the home. The residence and its setting are a marvelous combination of nature’s grandeur as you gaze over the beaches, Monterey Bay and the California coastline and then take in the delight of bright colors and the spaciousness of this marvelous dwelling. Truly a dream home on the Central Coast. The architect of this marvelously fun home was Ryk Lesser of Studio Nine Design Services of Santa Cruz. The civil engineering for this perched-on-a-bluff residence was done by Civil Consultants Group, Inc. of Scotts Valley, with the construction of this one-of-a kind project accomplished by John Fuchs Properties and Construction of Aptos. in the

home

Realtor As a Certiﬁed Distressed Property Expert® (CDPE), I have the tools and resources to help facilitate your short sale and understand the complexities involved with handling these types of transactions. I have the knowledge and experience to assist homeowners like you who may be struggling now or in the future with making mortgage payments. I would welcome the opportunity to be of assistance to you or anyone you know that may be experiencing a hardship and explain how my resources may beneﬁt you as they have for the many other people I have helped. To prevent yourself from losing your home to foreclosure, call me today. I would be happy to set up a private meeting and discuss your options. Professionally yours,

Cara DeSimone, CDPE Certiﬁed Distressed Property Expert® Previews Property Specialist

831-465-7029 www.CARASELLSHOMES.COM CARA@CARASELLSHOMES.COM

DRE # 01215427 IMPORTANT NOTICE: Coldwell Banker is not associated with the government, and our service is not approved by the government or your lender. Even if you accept this offer and use our service, your lender may not agree to change your loan. If you stop paying your mortgage, you could lose your home and damage your credit.

KATHLEEN MANNING As a nearly lifelong resident of Santa Cruz County and a licensed real estate broker with more than 20 years of experience, Kathleen is one of the most knowledgeable and experienced professionals in the area. She is a Previews Property Specialist representing clients looking to buy or sell property from the Country to the Coast.

Coldwell Banker Broker Associate 831.566.3127 Cell kathleen.manning@cbnorcal.com camoves.com/kathleen.manning DRE #00885315 Kathleen earned her bachelors degree in marketing from SDSU and has extensive background experience in interior design.

Kathleen offers the necessary skills and experience required to successfully buy or sell a home in today’s complex market: Skilled negotiation, utilization of new technology, creative marketing, careful listening and great communication, organization, extensive knowledge of the area and a team of professionals to insure a smooth transaction. Combine this with an optimistic attitude, enthusiasm and a genuine desire for client satisfaction and you have a recipe for success. Working with Kathleen you can count on getting the help you need from an experienced REALTOR who truly cares about her clients. Let your next Real Estate transaction be an experience allowing peace of mind and a smooth journey from start to finish.

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in the

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Lorraine Donner Realtor®, GRI, SRES, CHS

Sales Manager Bailey Properties

Dawn Will Help You Discover Your Dream...

4788 Scotts Valley Drive Scotts Valley, CA 95066 831-600-4340 fax

www.lorrainedonner.com

831-566-6616 cell

ldonner@baileyproperties.com

I enjoy what I do! As a Realtor I become involved in the lives of so many people. Whether it is that ﬁrst home purchase, a retirement home, moving up in the housing market, delving into rental ownership – no matter how many times I do it, it is always unique because every person and situation is unique. The current market environment expands those services to including guiding homeowners through short sales and the associated activities required to successfully close those sales, or to taking advantage of those corporate owned properties that are available now. My work ethic and commitment supports this enthusiasm as I strive to ﬁt all the pieces of the puzzle together for my clients. I am grateful to the wonderful clients that I work with and to their referrals that have grown my business to greater than 90% referral.

I ♥ Santa Cruz, it’s my home. Let me help make it yours!

Dawn Roach Cell: 831.588.3445 droach@baileyproperties.com

DRE# 00921180

Discover The Difference Discover Tony Aprile

17 Panorama Lane Pasatiempo

On Top of the Market in Touch With Your Needs

831.588.7800

www.TonyAprile.com CA DRE # 01167773

Artful and warmly sophisticated! This home’s colorful interior boldly embraces life! One of the largest built in private Pasatiempo golf community offers perfect entertainment opportunities from its fabulous cheerful floor plan to amazing gardens and poolside patio. It’s like walking on Sunshine. A well designed kitchen is in the center of this home. This large space with sweeping views will accommodate a sit down dinner for ten. Accented with a large living room, dining room, and study on one side and sunken family room on the other. Add five bedrooms and four bathrooms, home office and second family room you’ll have the perfect combination of elegant yet casual creative living! Offered at $1.895,000

Jo Ellen Smith 831.247.9600

joellensmith4homes.com coastalhomeandgarden.com

emodeling a home can become an overwhelming, emotional and stressful ordeal. It can leave you feeling both emotionally and financially bankrupt! Fortunately it does not have to be like that. You can create a peaceful remodeling project, here’s how to begin. Picking out the tile you want, cabinet design, paint colors and that special soaking bath tub are important. But before you start the nuts and bolts process of remodeling ask yourself the three following questions to start what I call the “Remodeling Peace of Mind” process.

Three questions to ask for Remodeling Peace of Mind: First Question: Do I really have enough time to commit to my remodel project? Remodeling a home require a big time commitment from a homeowner. Today, we are all very busy with our jobs and family. How much time will I need? For a simple remodeling project you can plan on committing a minimum of two hours a day during the first few weeks including weekends. The more complex

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your remodel the more time you will need to invest. You may hire professionals like an architect, interior designer and building contractor to help you. However, they will each have a lot of questions for you to answer which requires your time. If this sounds like a lot of time, it is! If you don’t have the time to spare, then do not take on the project! Having enough time equals remodeling peace of mind.

Second Question: What is our shared remodel vision? Remodeling can bring out interesting things you never knew about your partner. Like, they really like pink and green 1920’s retro tile for the master bathroom? Where as you prefer a modern looking Navajo White! Your remodel will run smoother when you identify, negotiate and agree to a common vision prior to construction. It‘s to late when the tile setter is standing in your master bathroom

Photos by: Crocker Homes

asking where to install the tile you don’t like! When that happens expect emotional turmoil, delay and additional cost. Shared vision equals remodeling peace of mind.

The Third Question: How long can I (we) live with a disrupted home? There is no denying it. Remodeling the home you are living in will be a disruptive and messy undertaking. Living in a house that is periodically covered in dust, with construction noise and without a kitchen

in the

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or main bathroom is inconvenient and uncomfortable. In order to prepare yourself and family ask your builder how many days or weeks your project will take to complete from start to finish. Multiply the days or weeks by 1.5. This is because unintended delays will extend your schedule. Delays include building field clarifications, back order for fixtures, shipping, off site custom fabrications and changes to the work. Knowing that you can live with the temporary disruption equals remodeling peace of mind.

Craig Norleen is a building professional who offers workshops on how to avoid remodeling pitfalls. He blogs about remodeling at: passionbuilt.blogspot.com

Listed by MariLyn

If you are thinking about selling your home, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s meet and discuss how to do it quickly in this market. Take advantage of the low inventory of homes, low interest rates, and high buyer demand. The buyers are ready for the spring home sale season, are you? Call Marilyn for an appointment today.

JU S T S o lD

Carbonera Estates Beauty - Listed to closed in 16 days with multiple offers.

marilyn koll (831) 588-5189

mkoll@serenogroup.com www.MarilynKoll.com DRE #01430517

This information was supplied by reliable sources. Sales Associate believes this information to be correct but has not verified this information and assumes no legal responsibility for its accuracy. Buyers should investigate these issues to their own satisfaction.

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locate the unique, the hard-to-find, the unusual....and get it for you. Service come first!

Construction PORTER CONSTRUCTION 110 Glen Canyon Road Santa Cruz ph 831.426.1681 w jpcsc.com Porter Construction is an established con-

tracting business with 35 years of experience specializing in Retaining Walls, Drainage Systems, Remodels, Foundation Solutions, Waterproofing, Woodwork, Fencing, Decking, Driveways, Erosion Control & much more. Call for an estimate.

Antiques, Fabrics, Giftware & Indoor Furniture MODERN LIFE HOME & GARDEN 925 41st Avenue, Santa Cruz ph 831.475.6802 fx 831.475.6592 w shopmodern.com e modlife@cruzio.com

Modern Life weaves together home and garden furnishings from around the world into a contemporary, eclectic style. Come explore our exotic and unique collections designed to enrich & enhance your home.

Building Supplies BIG CREEK LUMBER 2 locations: Santa Cruz & Watsonville ph Santa Cruz: 831.477.1231 Watsonville: 831.722.7137 w Big-Creek.com

Big Creek Lumber Company has been in business since 1946 & remains one of the few family-owned lumber companies in the area. The McCrary family has lived & worked on the Central Coast for six generations. We currently operate a sawmill & wholesale sales department, five Pro Dealer lumberyards, a forestry department and a logging operation. Big Creek has a long history of practicing superior forest stewardship - growing, selectively harvesting & milling California redwood and Douglas fir. California redwood is natural, untreated softwood prized for its versatile beauty. It is very workable and is valued for its stability, durability and fire resistance.

CENTRAL HOME SUPPLY 808 River Street, Santa Cruz & 180 El Pueblo Rd, Scotts Valley ph 831.423.0763 (sc) 831.440.0763 (sv) fx 831.423.8613 w CentralHomeSupply.com e services@centralhomesupply.com

Service comes first! Central Home Supply offers over 2,500 products; there are over 100 types of natural stone alone! But most importantly, if we don’t have it, we can get it! We’ll search our extensive databases to

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TALMADGE CONSTRUCTION 8070 Soquel Drive, Aptos ph 831.689.9133 fx 831.689.9422 w talmadgeconstruction.com e inbox@talmadgeconstruction.com

Talmadge Construction, Inc. is a Design/Build General Contractor specializing in Residential Design and Remodeling. Over the past 25 years, we have attracted a professional and dynamic team of designers, craftsmen and support staff, whose absolute number one priority is client satisfaction. Whether you are interested in a Kitchen or Bath Renovation, Second Story Addition, a Home Theater, Outdoor Kitchen or New Construction, we deliver satisfaction from project conception to completion.

Fence & Deck PACIFIC FENCE P.O. 192 Aptos ph 831.684.0957 fx 831.684.0957 w pacific-fence.net e srfnride@sbcglobal.net

INTERIOR VISION FLOORING & DESIGN 2800 Daubenbiss Avenue, Soquel ph 831.476.8780 w interiorvision.biz e dcypert@aol.com

ONE STOP SHOP: Hardwood, Laminates, Cork, Linoleum, Porcelain Tile, Vinyl, Carpet, Area Rugs, Blinds, Shades & Shutters. We make it easy! Install for you or do it yourself. Instock products and supplies. FREE ESTIMATES

SANTA CRUZ BLINDS 317 Potrero St. Suite B, Santa Cruz ph 831.475.3800 w SantaCruzBlinds.net e Info@SantaCruzBlinds.net

At Santa Cruz Blinds, we pride ourselves in being the right choice for your window covering needs! We constantly push ourselves to provide you with the best service and options possible. We believe in our community, and everyone within. Don’t be blinded by the competition! Call today!

Gallery/Giftware ISLAND HOME AND GARDEN 844 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz ph 831.476.6460 fx 831.477.0767 w islandhomegarden.com e islandhomeandgarden@gmail.com

Tropical Flowers from Hawaii, Fresh Leis, Local Artisans, Clothing, Island-inspired gifts, Local Flower Delivery, Aloha!!

We’ll install your fence with skill, quality materials, and conscientious focus for a professional experience. Serving Santa Cruz for over 25 years, we stay on schedule and leave your yard clean. We also do decks, retaining walls, and arbors. Give us a call, we like what we do.

Floor Covering & Window Coverings CARPET KING 6000 Soquel Dr., Aptos ph 831.476.4849 e carpetking@sbcglobal.net

Locally owned and operated over 26 years in Santa Cruz County. Customer service is our #1 goal. Let us help make your home beautiful. Come visit our showroom for a wide selection of handmade area rugs, wall-to-wall carpet or to schedule your carpet cleaning.

Gardening CABRILLO COLLEGE PLANT SALE 6500 Soquel Dr, Aptos May 11, 12 & 13

Show mom you care with a plant that continues to give life. It’s that time of year again. Come out to the Annual Plant Sale at Cabrillo College. Celebrating it’s 34th Annual Mother’s day weekend plant sale at the “Top of Campus” at Cabrillo College. Hosted by the horticulture department.

KNOX BOX 46-A El Pueblo Road, Scotts Valley ph 831.461.9430 in the