Coastal Home and Garden Fall/Winter 2011 by Times Publishing Group, Inc.

COASTAL HOMES Exclusive Views

FALL/WINTER DECORATING

REVOLUTION

CREATING A

CENTRAL COAST

Year-Round Living Spaces

Your Guide to Coastal Fun

Simple Changes to Remodels

BACKYARD OASIS

AGRICULTURAL Your Local Farmers Market

ADVENTURES

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Publisher & Editor Patrice Edwards Associate Editor Noel Smith Production Coordinator Sandra Gonzalez Art & Design Mike Lyon Sales Representatives Sadie Wittkins Don Beaumont Meredith Feldsted Contributing Writers Noel Smith Dan Berger Deborah Cypert Maggie Caldwell Jerry Allison ARA Content Family Features Cover Photo Noel Smith Coastal Home & Garden Fall/Winter 2011 is a publication of the Times Publishing Group Inc.located at 9601 Soquel Dr., Aptos, CA 95003. Entire contents © 2011 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

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Fall / Winter 2011

“Living on the Edge… of Monterey Bay”.

06 Outdoor Entertaining Create an Outdoor Entertaining Oasis

08 Kitchen Remodeling Top 10 Kitchen Considerations

10 Coastal Homes The Lebherz Home, Living on the Edge

14 Coverings Carpet, Hardwood & Tile Flooring

16 Home Decorating Top Trends for Fall/Winter Decorating

18 Saving Water Tips Impacting Your Water Usage

20 Bathroom Remodeling Top 10 Bathroom Trends

22 Backyard Renovations Year-Round Living in Your Backyard

24 Local Farmers Markets The New Agricultural Revolution

28 Erosion Control Planting Grass in the Fall and Winter

29 Fall Gardening Play it Cool

30 Olives 101 More Than Just Martini Garnish

32 Simple Entertaining Recipes That bring the family Together

34 Coastal Adventures From Zip Lines to Scuba Diving

38 Bloom Ranch Making the Old into New

42 Green is Beautiful Tips for an Eco-Friendlier Lifestyle

reating a space that’s comfortable and stylish makes guests feel welcome for friendly gatherings. “Exterior spaces are just as much in need of decorating as interior spaces,” says Target Style Expert for Home and HGTV Designer, Sabrina Soto. “Before you begin to decorate, think about how you plan to use your outdoor space.” Envision your patio, garden or deck as an extension of your indoor living space and design it based on how you will use it most. Even a small outdoor area can serve dual purposes if you choose multifunctional pieces, such as a bench or chairs that allow for dining as well as a casual conversation area. Start creating your space with a great piece of furniture as the focal point. Once the large furniture pieces are selected, accessories like cushions and toss pillows can add pops of color. Lush green, turquoise and rust add an elegant playful touch to neutral furniture. Create a more sophisticated environment by keeping accessories simple, or mix-and-match bright, patterned pieces to add a whimsical look to your outdoor space. Planters and lighting can be used to complete the look, and will create a more festive setting outdoors. Tall planters filled with green foliage can define your space and add privacy. Hanging lanterns and string lights - especially L.E.D. lighting - are a great way to illuminate an outdoor space and create ambiance for night-time gatherings, without spending a lot. Line the perimeter of your party area with lanterns and create a lit pathway to lead guests out when the party is over. “Simple touches transform outdoor spaces into inviting summer retreats,” says Soto. “Layering in the right outdoor furniture and accessories will make your next outdoor event stylish and welcoming.”

How to create an outdoor

entertaining

oasis

Entertaining outdoors has created new living spaces.

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Built by Porter Construction

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Top 10 Kitchen Remodeling Considerations Remodeling your kitchen can seem like a daunting task at first glance. You want your new space to function well for your needs, accommodate your lifestyle, and reflect your personal design style. But how to get started? Sarah Reep, KraftMaid director of designer relations and education, recommends considering the following before you begin a kitchen remodel. 8

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1.) Determine the remodel scope. Proj-

ects can range from replacing the kitchen countertops to completely reconfiguring the kitchen’s floor plan.

2.) Identify ways your kitchen remodel can complement your lifestyle. Do you

want an open floor plan with room for entertaining? Do you enjoy cooking? To make your kitchen functional, all of these elements should play a part in the layout of a room.

3.) Choose your involvement. Is this a do-it-yourself project or do you need to call in the pros? If you plan on doing it yourself, seek guidance from designers. 4.) Find the remodeler or design firm right for you. When looking for a remod-

eler, seek recommendations from your friends, neighbors and local home builders association. Ask your remodeler for references from previ-

ous customers and a copy of his or her license.

5.) Set your budget. When setting a bud-

get, be flexible and don’t forget to add a buffer for the unexpected. Tools like KraftMaid Cabinetry’s Budget Calculator can help you estimate costs and stay on budget.

6.) Consider your timeline. A kitchen remodel isn’t a weekend project. Don’t forget to take into consideration any events that could interfere with your timeline, such as a family vacation. 7.) Consider your design style. Do you consider yourself a traditional person? Or do you prefer a sleek, modern look? Narrowing down a design style in the beginning will make the process of choosing colors, appliances and finishes easier. Design tools like KraftMaid’s Inspiration Board can help you transfer your ideas to paper. The design tool allows you in the

home

to create collages with images, colors and textures that can be shared with your designer. The KraftMyStyle app from KraftMaid allows iPhone, iPod and iPad users to create and share Inspiration Boards on the go.

8.) Browse showrooms, magazines and websites for ideas. When it comes to decorat-

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ing and remodeling, the options are endless. Page through your favorite magazines and visit a local showroom to gather design ideas. KraftMaid offers a kitchen idea gallery to get the dreaming started.

9.) Choose your appliances. When choosing appliances, consider the size of your household and kitchen. Collect images of the appliances you like from magazines and brochures. Identify what you like about each appliance and consider how the appliance will contribute to the overall look and function of the kitchen.

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10.) Create a kitchen contingency plan. During the re-

modeling process, there will be times you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be able to use your kitchen. Ask your remodeler or designer to help you create a plan to allow you to use your kitchen at least partially during different points in the remodeling process.

Though remodeling can seem stressful at first, the right amount of planning and research will simplify the process and result in the kitchen of your dreams.

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he family had used the property for the past fifty years as their weekend and holiday hideaway. But

as so often happens, after the kids grew up, the home on the edge of Monterey Bay was not used very often by their parents. A revelation then occurred to the once-upon-a-time children who grew up loving their childhood memories, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We can rebuild it for our children and grandchildren to enjoy!â&#x20AC;? Matson-Britton Architects of Santa Cruz was given the task of replacing the aging beach house on the property with a structure that is designed do the site justice as a modern and spacious family getaway. Using the romance of coastal Mediterranean architecture, the house features a connection between the inside and outside architecture. The location of the new home is wondrous. From its 40-foot perch, it overlooks the entire sweeping curve of Monterey Bay from Capitola to Pacific Grove. There were challenges because the property not only is on a cliff, but also slopes down to a creek bed on one side. Making sure that the house would be built to the latest in engineering requirements was just the start, the real magic of design is planning for the needs of three generations from grandchildren, to parents, to grandparents, in one residence. The bay-facing facade is highlighted by the two story stone tower which on the first floor encompasses the dining area and on the second, a mahogany paneled office/den. The great room on the first floor features a full service kitchen with a large island for shared cooking and informal meals. This main living area opens

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Living on the Edgeâ&#x20AC;Ś of Monterey Bay By Noel Smith

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out on to the ocean facing patio which fills the large space with sweeping seating walls and walks of stone and flagstone from the house to the fence that guards the edge of the cliff. Overlooking the bay in this outside gathering area there is a stone fire pit to come together around for those cool evenings on the coast. On the second floor the master bedroom suite, its balcony, and the den all have the same breathtaking view of Monterey bay. Down the long hall is the children’s room with a loft and a second suite which has it’s own loggia overlooking the eucalyptus trees and the sea beyond. The basement houses a wine cellar and tasting room lined in stone with custom mahogany cabinets. The 8’-0” tall arched plank doors to the wine cellar as well as the wainscoting and beams are all made from redwood reclaimed from the original house. The basement also has a wet bar and an entertainment system and is a great place for the grandchildren to play. Designed with niches and deep window ledges, there are many places in the house to display the family’s art as well as some of the original decorative objects from the first house. The custom wrought iron handrails connect all three levels seamlessly. The house also contains stained glass work, a custom fountain, and an outdoor kitchen. And even though it is a relatively small house (3,200 sq ft) for three generations to share, it truly is a palazzo to the Lebherz family. It’s magic to watch pelicans fly by in single file at eye level over the patio, or to look down at the water and see porpoises and otters swimming just off shore; seeing the sunrise over Moss Landing or to feel the fog as it gently covers the coast leaving a gray memory of the bay that was spread before you just minutes ago. Truly this is living on the edge.

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Carpet, Hardwood and Tile Floors And let’s not forget Window Coverings!

Purchasing flooring and window coverings is one of the top three most expensive purchases you will make in a lifetime right behind your home and your car. It is important that you find a retailer that is experienced and knows the benefits, advantages and disadvantages of the many possibilities. It takes time to find the perfect product and you don’t want to rush and make the wrong decision. An experienced flooring and window covering store can work in concert with your contractor and painter in making selections that go well with your style of home. 14

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Let’s start with flooring The important factors to consider when deciding on choosing flooring for your home are Lifestyle, budget, style, comfort, activities and purchasing environmentally friendly products. All these will help determine what product will perform best for you.

Maintenance If you have an active household with a busy family that includes children and pets running through the house, then what you need will be very different if you are a retired couple with occasional visiting grandchildren. Another consideration is maintenance. So if you have a busy life, you should choose low maintenance products such as hardwood, laminate flooring

or porcelain tile to make cleaning easy. With products such as hardwood or laminate you normally only need to dry mop. Porcelain tile is also easy to take care of, but it does require you to seal the grout initially then every year or two re-apply. Carpet is also low maintenance but with busy household you will be vacuuming and spot cleaning regularly and having it professionally cleaned every 12 - 18 months.

Price

Price ranges can be extreme in flooring depending on the product. Let’s face it there are times when we have to make a purchase and only have so much money to do it with. I pride myself on helping people with limited budgets find products that will perform best for their environment. Typically hardwood in the

home

is at the top end of the price range followed by porcelain tile, laminates and carpet. However, some wool carpets are more expensive than oak hardwood floors.

Comfort

If you like lounging on the floor watching television or playing with the kids you may want a softer type of flooring such as cork floors or carpet. Another consideration with comfort is your health including allergies. If you suffer from back, joint or skeletal pain then you too may want to look at cork or carpeting over tile or hardwood.

The Environment

Environmental considerations are important for many people. There are many products out there such as natural linoleum, cork, bamboo, wool carpets and carpets made from corn and recycled plastic bottles. There are many styles and colors to choose from. Natural products may take more maintenance and care so you need to be informed about this before selecting one of these products

Window Coverings

Window coverings can also be confusing and expensive. Start with a professional in making a selection for a product that

will work for your type of window. All window coverings have mounting requirements so consider this before you begin your search. The first question is, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Do you want light control.â&#x20AC;? If you do, there are many beautiful blinds that control light such as wood blinds, shutters, silhouettes, and metal mini blinds. If light control is not an issue then there are many possibilities. To help you decide on which window coverings, here is a selection checklist: Light Control Insulation Mounting requirements for flush mount or inside mount blinds Existing window trim and hardware Opacity sheer or room darkening Style of house

These are some of the issues to consider when selecting floor coverings and window covering for your home. Written by Deborah Cypert, owner of Interior Vision Flooring & Design coastalhomeandgarden.com

What else are there besides burnt umber or orange as autumn decorating accents? Or If you want more than balsam and fir touches to evoke a holiday spirit in your home and If cooler weather and the coming holidays have you looking for new decorating ideas, here are some trends that will be heating up interior design this year.

Economize and simplify

“People are starting to simplify their spaces by paring down their decor to items that show off their interests and personality,” says Nancy Hadley, a former design producer for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Trading Spaces and Kitchen Nightmares. “Entertaining spaces will begin to represent comfortable elegance and less pretense.” Multifunctional rooms, such as kitchens with office, homework and reading areas, will speak to this trend, Hadley predicts.

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‘Mad Men’-style nostalgia

“Mid-century modern has always been popular, but it’s going to get even bigger this season,” says interior designer Jonathan Fong, author of “Walls that WOW” and host of the web TV show “Style with a Smile.” The hit TV show “Mad Men” will provide the design inspiration for the trend, but the desire for comfort through continuing economic challenges will be what draws homeowners and designers to the look, he predicts. “As financial markets plummet and natural disasters proliferate, people are going to look for the (relative) innocence of the ‘60s,” he says. “Look for furniture with clean lines and sleek legs, a muted color palette of grays and creams, and rich wood surfaces on tabletops and even walls.”

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Natural influences, like plant and aviary-inspired tribal patterns, landscapes and natural scenes or textures like bamboo will attract homeowners looking for both beauty and conservation. Products like re-usable SmartStick wall graphics will appeal for both their beauty and practicality. Available with an array of natural scenes and textures, their modern wallpaper material allows homeowners and designers to mount a wall mural on virtually any flat surface. The space-age material is easily removable and can be moved and re-used over and over anywhere in the house. Log on to www. muralsyourway.com to learn more. Homeowners and designers will also embrace energy efficiency in their interior design, Hadley says. “LED lighting will be big this year, and eco-efficient appliances will continue to dominate the market.”

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Anti-season decor and colors

If you’re tired of rustic textures and golden hues for fall, and you’ve had your fill of pumpkins and holly, the anti-season decor trend may be for you. “People are putting their own spin on the holidays that is more modern and sophisticated,” Fong says. “Harvestthemed decor is out, and simpler accessories in cooler, muted shades are in.” Fong predicts favored colors this season will evoke a “New Year’s state of mind” with black, white and silver accents to create a clean look. “Colors will be contrasts of bold and vivid beside neutral grays, browns and warm whites,” Hadley agrees. “Accent walls or brightly colored furniture pieces will play off soothing neutral areas of a room.”

Furniture hacking

“Furniture hacking” - transforming or repurposing old furniture pieces - will grow in popularity, Fong says. “Crafters and DIY enthusiasts are taking the design

world by storm.” Painting or decoupage gives a new life and a new look to used furniture, or you may totally repurpose an item, like a chair, and turn it into something completely new and useful, such as shelves.

“Right now, my obsession is adding graphic images to plain cabinet fronts and table tops,” Fong says. “In the past, I’ve done this with decoupage, but now I’m trying the SmartStick repositionable wallpaper. I cut it into panels and just stick them on the furniture.”

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Bathroom Blunders

Simple

Water-Saving

Tips

Can Have a BIG Impact on Your Wallet The average household spends as much as $500 per year on its water and sewer bill, but by making just a few simple changes to use water more efficiently, you could save approximately $170 per year and help the environment, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. From replacing inefficient appliances, to taking small steps at home to eliminate water waste, you can make a huge dent in your water usage and save some cash. Here are some easy tips to follow: 18

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Did you know toilets are the single largest water-user in a home? A leaky toilet can waste 200 gallons of water per day, and it is estimated that nearly 20 percent of all toilets leak, reports the EPA. Slow leaks can go undetected for years, but there is an easy way to check yours at home. Start by adding a few drops of food coloring to the toilet tank. If you have a leak, you’ll start to see that color come through in the bowl within 15 minutes. Flush immediately after you’re done so you don’t stain the porcelain. If you can’t fix the leak, consider purchasing a high-efficient toilet that carries EPA WaterSense seal of approval. High efficiency toilets use one-third less water than the traditional toilet on the market, and they generally perform better. There is an even a newer toilet out that is EPA WaterSense approved call the “Stealth” that uses one-half the amount of water relative to the typical toilet on the market today and it performs very well.

Kitchen Conundrums Have a leaky faucet in your kitchen? According to the EPA, a drip rate of just one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water per year. So even if it seems like a small leak, it could be costing you big time. Many faucets can be easily tightened and fixed to eliminate leaks - otherwise, consider installing a faucet aerator to reduce your usage, but not its effectiveness.

Dishwashers can be efficient, but remember to only run loads when the dishwasher is full, or invest in a dishwasher with a half-load cycle option, like most of the new Bosch dishwashers. Use this cycle or the express wash when washing small, lightly soiled loads. The auto wash programs use sensors to dramatically reduce energy and water consumption every time.

Lawn Leaks Consider replacing your lawn if it no longer serving a functional purpose (i.e. is needed for the kids). There is now a variety of available water-wise plants that are much more interesting than lawn and they need significantly less water. In the Santa Cruz region, about 25 percent of a single-family home’s water use is for the landscape. Replacing lawn with water-wise plants can reduce your outdoor usage by 75 percent. If you want an efficient home, consider some smart-watering techniques. Start by only watering your lawn or garden during cool morning hours to reduce evaporation. If you use a sprinkler, make sure it’s positioned correctly and not watering the street or driveway. Changing from spray irrigation to drip is another way to save a lot of water. If Soquel Creek Water District provides your water, then call them for a free home or business water survey. Let the professionals give you a personal visit and inform you of all your viable options. Call 831 4758500 and ask for the free survey.

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Top 10 Bathroom Trends As America’s economy strengthens, remodeling and home renovations are on the rise. “Homeowners are looking for ways to update their current homes, rather than buying a new property,” said Sarah Reep, director of designer relations and education at KraftMaid Cabinetry. “From simply adding a new faucet to completely gutting a bathroom, there are many ways to revitalize any home.” For homeowners seeking inspiration for their bathroom renovation, here are the top trends to know: 20

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A Hint of Nature in the

home

Doubled Vanity:

Dual sinks and vanities make cramped morning routines a thing of the past. With separate sinks and vanities, homeowners get the individualized spaces and storage they desire in their bathrooms.

Radiant Heat: Stepping onto a cold tile floor after a hot shower isn’t the best way to start the day. An easy remedy is adding radiant electric heating to floors. Some companies install heating mats controlled by a thermostat under tile, stone, laminate and engineered-wood floors. Seeing Green:

The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) reported that 24 percent of their designers used a green color palette in their clients’ kitchens last year. KraftMaid, a leader in the semi-custom cabinetry industry, offers cabinetry with color finishes-such as Sage-that can add a burst of color to bathroom walls.

Added Storage Space:

“Homeowners are looking for ways to decrease clutter and increase organization in their bathrooms,” said Reep. For the homeowner with dozens of bottles, jars and accessories, KraftMaid’s vanity filler pullout creates storage while saving space with its slim vertical design.

A Hint of Nature:

Wood and stone are in-demand materials for bathroom design. Wooden soaking tubs and stone tiles and bathtubs retain heat well and add a natural feel to any bathroom.

Fine Furniture: The right vanity can transform a mediocre bathroom into a luxurious escape. “Homeowners want their bathroom cabinetry to resemble the elaborate pieces in their living room,” said Reep. “Standard bathroom cabinets are being replaced by cabinetry with rich finishes and detailing.” Quartz Countertops:

According to the NKBA, 54 percent of NKBA designers are now incorporating quartz into their bathroom designs, compared with 48 percent in 2010. The low-maintenance mineral boasts a higher durability against cracks and dents than marble. DeNova sells quartz surfaces in a wide range of custom colors and patterns.

Whether you enjoy following the housing trends or prefer the triedand-true styles, there is a variety of new products to add beauty, value and functionality to any home.

Walk-In Showers:

Homeowners are replacing the conventional tub and shower combinations with walk-in showers. Large glass doors and earth-tone tiles are being combined with luxury showerheads and water jets for a spa-like feel.

Satin Nickel Faucets: From 2009 to the end of 2010, the percent of NKBA designers who specified a satin nickel faucet in the bathroom rose from 45 percent to 57 percent. Brushed nickel faucets in the bathroom fell from 66 percent to 38 percent.

Double Vanity

Recycled Flooring: With the increased focus on sustainable materials, tiles made from recycled ceramic, glass and metal are in. Look for companies that use recycled materials and sustainable manufacturing practices to create their tiles. coastalhomeandgarden.com

Bring the Outside In Create a Year-Round Outdoor Living Space in Your Backyard

When winter approaches, do you stow the grill and cover the patio furniture, wishing

there was some way you could continue to enjoy your outdoor living space all year? If so, you’re not alone. More homeowners are seeking function and efficiency from their outdoor living spaces, according to a recent survey by the American Society of Landscape Architects. Demand is growing to make outdoor spaces unique and usable year-round. Experts say one of the first ways to create this personal year-round oasis, is by bringing the indoors outside. “A great outdoor space serves as an extension of your home,” says Dan Berger, expert landscape designer. “When planned properly, your backyard can provide you extra square footage of living space and serve as an inviting retreat throughout the year.”

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Design hints to help turn your backyard living space into a multi-functional, multiseason oasis:

1. Define your space with a base

You need to define your space based on function. Once outside you need to feel cozy, enclosed within your new space while oriented to other rooms within your house and yard. You can start with an existing porch, deck or patio, or build new ones, to establish boundaries for your space. Consider how you will use it - for living, dining or entertaining - and include features that will make the space easy and efficient for those intended uses.

2. Use natural materials that compliment the outdoors Eco-chic - materials that are environmentally friendly and beautiful - remains a

By Dan Berger

hot outdoor living trend. I always like to use natural materials as they just make me feel more connected to nature and more relaxed. Natural, organic, eco-friendly materials create a warm, inviting feel and are better for the environment. Fortunately, some tried-and-true materials, like Western Red Cedar are spot-on with this trend. This versatile material holds a finish for an extended period of time or weathers beautifully naturally, making it a green choice for everything from decks to flower boxes and furniture. You can learn more about Western Red Cedar and locate a retailer or distributor in your area, by visiting www.wrcla.org.

3. Add dimension

Pergolas, gazebos and trellises add height and dimension to your outdoor environment, and can enhance the feeling of privacy whether in an outdoor kitchen or entertainment space. Consider building in the

home

outdoor walls to help achieve that feeling of privacy, coziness and orientation. Explore walls made of real wood, rock or fabric. For extra detail and shade, drape a thin veil of papyrus or other vine over a pergola to create an intimate lounging area. Consider adding a tall plant in the corner or edge of the deck to balance the space and add height. During the holiday season, wrap tall plants with string lights to brighten the space.

4. Simplify the installation

Choose materials that are easy to install over alternative, composite building products. Durable materials last longer by avoiding the damaging effects of mold and mildew, and can save you money long-term. They are also lighter than man-made products, making it easier to design and create an ideal space. Instead of spending the last days of summer fixing material that splits, breaks or crumbles, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have more time to relax in your outdoor oasis.

5. Update seasonally

As the seasons change, so should the look of your outdoor accessories and furnish-

ings. Berger recommends decorating your outdoor rooms as you would inside. Add holiday decorations in the winter and pictures to your walls in the spring. From summer barbecues to enjoying fall colors or even gathering around the fire pit after the big football game, select accessories and furnishings that will facilitate year-

round use. The most important thing to remember is to have fun. Enjoy turning your plain backyard into the outdoor oasis of your dreams. Take your time and make choices that are right for you and your family, and you will enjoy the space for many years to come.

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THE NEW

Farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Markets provide healthy foodâ&#x20AC;Ś and good conversation The next time you go to your local Farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Market, take the time to appreciate not only the farm products you are buying, but also the effort, the knowledge and the commitment it takes so you can buy that tomato, ear of corn, or fresh basil. Where else can you talk directly to the supplier about the process of planting, the care needed during growing, pests and how to control them, when and how to harvest, and then how to process the result of all that effort to bring it to market. The produce you will find is not the product of factory farms, but is the result

of the hard work and devotion of people who love to see things grow. Their efforts help to bring us all closer to the world of the small farm and to nature. Farmers love to talk not only about how to grow the fruit, vegetable or herb they are there to sell to their customers, but also how to use what they provide. You can find the most delicious recipes and cooking tips on the preparation and use of what they grow at your Farmers Market. One example of grower knowledge and enthusiasm is Pamela Mason of Cole Canyon Farms in Aromas. She raises

By Noel Smith

seedlings for home gardeners. If you already have a space or planter box at home that you have devoted to growing herbs and/or vegetables, or are thinking about starting a home garden; Pam, Steve, or one her crew are the people to talk to. She started growing her own heirloom tomatoes ten years ago and now sells her seedlings all over the Central coast. If you are interested in spicing up your life with home raised parsley, chive, basil (for fresh pesto sauce), dill, peppers, tomatoes, etc. look for Cole Canyon Farms at your next visit to your local Farmers market.

Pamela Mason of Cole Canyon Farms 24

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Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets From Our Markets…to Your Table

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monterey Farmers market

Carmel Farmers market

Cabrillo College 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos Saturdays, 8 am – Noon Open Year Round

Del Monte Shopping Center 1410 Del Monte Center, Monterey Sundays, 8 am – Noon Open May – October

Monterey Peninsula College 930 Fremont Street, Monterey Fridays, 10 am – 2 pm Open Year Round

The Barnyard Shopping Village Hwy 1 and Carmel Valley Rd., Carmel Tuesdays, 9 am – 1 pm Open May – September

For more information about our markets visit us at www.montereybayfarmers.org

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It takes patience and perseverance to be a successful farmer, so take the time to appreciate what a work of love it is for those and let them know how you welcome their commitment to deliver their products to market. The reason Farmers Market days are staggered is that these are truly small businesses that have only so many people available to deliver and sell their harvest. Those that sell the product of orchards and vineyards are also to be appreciated and admired. Planting a vine or a tree is

only the first step in the long process of care and maintenance and the three or four-year period of time before a harvest is ready to be sold at market. Steve and Marguerite Remde of Belle Farms LLC planted five Tuscan varieties of olive trees on 7 1/2 acres near Watsonville. These 1,400 trees wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t reach full production for 10 to 15 years. (Talk about an investment in the future!) Each acre of mature olive trees produces 2 to 4 tons of olives, depending on the year, and each ton of olives produces 35 gallons of oil or

about 373 12 oz bottles of olive oil. Each year is unique and there are no guarantees about the results. The Remdes have also planted 6 acres devoted to grapes on the same property. The next time you go to a local Farmers Market and buy a bottle of locally grown olive oil, tomatoes, apples, seedlings wine, herbs, berries, grapes etc., take the time to find out about the process, the commitment and how to use and appreciate the product of those people who call themselves â&#x20AC;&#x153;Farmers.â&#x20AC;?

Marguerite Remde of Belle Farms 26

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Farmers Markets Along the Central Coast Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets Founded in 1976, the Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets are the oldest and largest farmers markets on the Central Coast. The MBCFM has four markets located in Aptos, two in Monterey and the fourth in Carmel. Each of these markets is unique and reflects its community. Aptos Farmers Market (Voted #1 inCalifornia!) Open year-round, Saturdays, 8 am - 12 pm Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos Farmers and vendors = 80 Monterey Farmers Market Open year-round, Fridays, 10 am – 2 pm Monterey Peninsula College, 930 Fremont Street, Monterey Farmers and vendors = 49 Carmel Farmers Market May through September, Tuesdays, 9 am – 1 pm The Barnyard Shopping Village, Carmel Farmers and vendors = 25 Del Monte Farmers Market May through October, Sundays 8 am - 12 pm The Del Monte Shopping Center, 1410 Del Monte Center, Monterey Farmers and vendors = 25

Santa Cruz Community Farmers Markets There are five markets in the SCCFM family. This includes the Westside, Live Oak, Scotts Valley and Felton Markets with the Downtown Market as the oldest having been born during the recovery from the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. Santa Cruz Downtown Farmers’ Market Wednesdays, Summer hours 1:30 pm-6:30 pm until Thanksgiving week. Winter hours 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm Thanksgiving until daylight savings time begins. Lincoln and Cedar Streets Live Oak Sundays, 9am - 1 pm. Open year-round. East Cliff Village Shopping Center on East Cliff Drive Westside Saturday 9 am – 1 pm. Open year-round. 2801 Mission St. Scotts Valley Saturday 9 am – 1 pm. Open year-round. Scotts Valley Community Center located at the end of Kings Village Drive off Mount Hermon Road in Scotts Valley. 360 Kings Village Dr. Felton Farmers’ Market Tuesdays 2:30 - 6:30 pm through October 120 Russell Ave. & Hwy 9 parking lot of the St. Johns Catholic Church.

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Planting Grass in Fall and Winter Erosion Control Management and Going Native great attraction to living in California is the predictability of the weather and the reliably nice climate we have learned to rely on. The oddest thing about the landscape industry and peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s understanding of landscaping is that everything is geared to spring. Most people think that springtime is the best time to get planting and prepared for a summer outside.

The truth about landscaping in California is that fall and early winter are actually the best time to plant. This is most particularly true for California native plants, which can acclimate and establish through the winter, requiring less water once the reliably dry summer months come back.

Erosion Control with Native Grasses

Innovative sod companies in the central valley recently started growing native grass sods for different climates and situations. This has revolutionized the erosion control business. Instead of a multi-step process of trying to establish plugs through erosion control fabric on steep banks and infilling with seed, we now have new tools in our arsenal. Once we prepare the steep, eroded landslides we only need to roll the appropriate type of sod down the bank and nail it down to the slope. It sounds simple but it still entails a lot of work and knowhow to do the work properly but the success rate is much improved. The beauty of using native grasses is that you are planting perennials - plants that recharge and go somewhat dormant only to return revitalized every year.

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California native grasses are very deeply rooted, owing to the fact that they are trying to establish for the coming summer drought. Native grasses wake up when the soil and the climate start to cool and fall rains start to fall. Dormant native grass seed also respond to the cooler and moister soils and start to grow in October and November in preparation for the winter rains. So if you have a steep, bare bank in need of protection, think about native grass sod as a solution that is both beautiful and long lasting. However it is usually necessary to supplement with water during the first summer after planting to help get the roots deep enough for the plant to become permanent. Native grass plants have been known to grow for 150 years once established. Once the native grass sod is planted you can also add flowers such as Blue-Eyed Grass Evergreen Iris, Poppies or Artemisia. There are countless possibilities to solve problems while at the same time creating a beautiful hillside for years to come. While thinking about the ways to plant and prepare your garden for winter it is always a good idea to look to nature for inspiration. Think about the places you have visited, parks, gardens or natural areas where you felt amazed at the beauty. Professional landscapers understand what combinations of form and focal point evoke the sense of wonder that is so appealing in nature. Re-create your favorite natural landscape in your own yard - it can be done. Call a CLCA member landscaper; youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be glad you did. in the

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Play it Cool in your fall garden

f you think the end of summer means your vegetable gardening days are done, you’ll need to reconsider. The weeks when summer fades into fall are

actually an opportune time to plant cool-weather crops. Fall is a great time of year for planting vegetables. Some of nature’s most nutritious greens and veggies thrive in cooler temperatures. Planting them now, at summer’s end, can ensure a bountiful fall harvest. Plus you’ll save a bundle by avoiding the produce aisle in your grocery store for a few more months. The sunny, cooler weather of autumn is perfect for many vegetables. With increased rainfall and temperatures ranging between 60 and 80 degrees in the day and higher than 40 at night, your plants suffer less, increasing your likelihood of good harvest. You can even cope with frost; some hardy vegetables can thrive without frost protection, and covering less resistant plants when frost threatens can keep them thriving. The secrets of successful fall planting don’t differ much from the techniques you’ve used during high season. Cool crops will need at least six hours of sun daily, ample water and a steady supply of much-needed nutrients. You can get a jump-start by planting transplants. Seed germination of cool crops during late summer requires much attention to detail. Transplants coastalhomeandgarden.com

are a quicker, easier route to ensure success. Bonnie Plants, the largest producer of vegetables and herbs in North America, offers some quick tips for picking the right plants for your fall garden: * Choose fast-growing, leafy cool crops like broccoli, Swiss chard, lettuce, kale, spinach, collards and arugula. Leafy vegetables are actually harder to grow in the summer, when the heat can cause them to “bolt,” forming flowers and seeds. Bolting leaves edible portions tasting bitter. You could choose to plant two rounds of these vegetables, in spring and again in late summer. * Don’t delay. The ideal time to plant your fall crops is before the end of August, although if you missed that window, it doesn’t mean you can’t still have a successful fall harvest. It just might take more time and ingenuity. * Pick a place. Your existing garden is the perfect place to plant cool weather crops. Remember, frost flows downhill like water, so spots at the top of a slope or in south-facing locations will remain warmest. * You can also plant your fall crops in raised beds, which are easy to cover when frost threatens, or in pots that can be brought inside when temperatures dip too low. * Know how they grow. Pay close attention to “days to maturity” information listed on plant tags. You’ll want to give plants enough time to produce before killing frost arrives.

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* Good gardening practices will get your fall garden growing. Loosen soil before you plant and mix in some allnatural fertilizer.

Consider these popular plants, Broccoli - This hardy vegetable

develops best during the cool season. It matures in 45 to 55 days and has large, bright green, mildly flavored domed heads. Plant transplants 18 inches apart in rows 30 inches apart. Top Bunch Collards - This hybrid is heavy yielding, early maturing and more uniform than traditional varieties. The leaves are upright, broad, and a beautiful, waxy, deep green. These collards grow best in full sun, but will tolerate partial shade. Like all collards, they are rich in vitamins and sweetened by frost. Space transplants 36 inches apart in rows 36 inches apart. Spinach - A cool-weather vegetable related to beets and Swiss chard, Spinach is a fast-growing plant. It yields many leaves in a short time in fall. Although it prefers full sun, spinach is one of the few vegetables that produce a respectable harvest in partial shade. With some advanced planning, active attention and the right choice of plants, you can continue to enjoy your garden and fresh, flavorful produce, long after the dog days of summer are done. To learn more about cool season varieties and helpful hints on getting your garden growing, visit www.bonnieplants. com.

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True Olive Connection Vinaigrette ½ cup Balsamic Vinegar ½ cup True Olive Connection Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard ¼ teaspoon Sea Salt ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper 1 teaspoon dried herbs Put all ingredients into a Mason jar, seal and shake well. Vinaigrette will keep in refrigerator for 1 week. Toss ¼ cup with a bag of organic mixed baby greens with fruit or vegetable in season and chopped nuts or olives. Hint: Smoke point of Extra Virgin Olive Oil is 350 degrees so, cook on low-medium heat. Tip: Substitute Vegetable Oil with Blood Orange Olive Oil in your favorite Brownie mix or baked goods for a whole new level of flavor. Tip: Substituting for 1 cup Butter use ¾ cup True Olive Connection Extra Virgin Olive Oils. Try replacing butter for pancakes with Blood Orange or Lemon Olive Oil & real maple syrup. By Chef Lauren Hoover-West, Author of No Wheat No Dairy No Problem Cookbook and blog site.

Olives 101 More than just martini garnish and pizza toppers

Many Americans have limited familiarity with olives - either thinking of them as the green pimiento-stuffed garnishes for 007’s favorite cocktail or the black slices used to top pizza. In Europe, however, olives are an everyday snack, as popular as chips are in the U.S. These Mediterranean gems are available in dozens of varieties with diverse flavors, sizes, colors and textures, with something to please everyone - even those who may not have ever considered themselves an olive fan.

are a terrific addition to south-of-the-border dishes or as a snack while you watch the big game. * Super Colossal Spanish Queen Olives - The classic favorite from Spain is firm and meaty with a hint of saltiness and a touch of bitterness. Best served on the side of a sandwich or on an antipasto platter. -Family Features

Knowing your way around the wide array of olives and how to choose the right type for each occasion - from picnics and barbecues to a light snack or for use in a favorite recipe - might seem tricky, though. Here’s a quick overview from the Olive Connection, producer of specialty olives. These are some of the most popular olives beyond martini and basic black, along with some of the newer varieties to consider: * Pitted Kalamata Olives - Known for their distinctive almond shape and deep purple color, pitted kalamatas from Greece are ideally suited as an ingredient in salads, on paninis or in a tapenade. * Castelvetrano Olives - Called the “must have olive of the year” by Cheese Connoisseur Magazine, these beauties are naturally bright green and imported from Sicily. The taste is mild, buttery and nutty. These are great for snacking right of the jar and beautiful enough for putting out at a party. * Bleu Cheese Stuffed Olives - Superior jumbo green olives are hand filled. The savory, creamy filling has the zing of blue cheese, which perfectly complements the subtle saltiness and meaty texture of the olive. These are fantastic to accompany a Bloody Mary or as a satisfying snack. * JalapeÒo Stuffed Olives - Colossal-sized olives are hand stuffed with fresh jalapeÒo strips, adding heat and crunch, which pairs perfectly with the slightly salty flavor of the olive. These olives in the

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Movie night bites bring family and friends together

Simple Entertaining SET THE STAGE FOR

Piadina with Fontina and Prosciutto “Bella Sera Pinot Grigio is light-bodied, refreshing and has a hint of citrus — it’s the perfect complement to lighter recipes on a warm summer day.”— Celebrity Chef Giada De Laurentiis Yield: 4 to 6 servings 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting 1/2 teaspoon baking soda Fine sea salt 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces, at room temperature 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 15-ounce container (2 cups) whole milk ricotta cheese 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest (from 1 to 2 lemons) Freshly ground black pepper 3 cups (6 ounces) grated Fontina cheese 4 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced 1 cup chopped fresh basil leaves Combine flour, baking soda and 1 teaspoon salt in bowl of an upright mixer fitted with dough hook attachment. Add butter and mix on low speed until incorporated, about 2 minutes. With machine running, slowly add up to 2/3 cup water, until mixture forms a dough around hook. Transfer dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead 5 minutes, or until smooth. Cut dough into 4 equal pieces. Form into disk shapes and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Place grill pan over medium-high heat or preheat gas or charcoal grill. On lightly floured work surface, roll out each piece of dough into an 8- to 10-inch circle, about 1/8 inch thick. Brush each circle with olive oil. Grill for 4 minutes on each side. Remove piadini from the grill and let cool slightly. Combine ricotta cheese and lemon zest in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Spread each piadina with 1/2 cup of the ricotta mixture. Sprinkle with Fontina cheese evenly over ricotta cheese. Arrange prosciutto slices on top of cheeses. Cut each piadina into 8 wedges and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped basil. Reprinted from “Giada At Home” by Giada De Laurentiis. Copyright © 2010. Published by Clarkson Potter/Random House, Inc.

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ong summer evenings present a perfect opportunity to celebrate good wine, good food and the good company of family and friends. What better way to create a beautiful evening than to host a fun gathering with easy-to-share fare, delicious wine pairings and a great movie? When it comes to movie night entertaining, Emmy awardwinning chef and cookbook author Giada De Laurentiis recommends serving sharable nibbles and setting the scene with inspired wine pairings. Planning a get-together soon? Try one of these entertainingready recipes, complete with Bella Sera wine pairings, for further inspiration. For more movie night recipe ideas from Giada, and wine pairing tips, visit www.bellaserawine.com. -Family Features ®

Skewered Greek Salad Pair with Bella Sera Pinot Grigio Yield: 4 to 6 servings Skewers: 24 grape or small cherry tomatoes 3 ounces firm feta cheese (see Cook’s Note), cut into 12 (1/2-inch) cubes 12 pitted kalamata olives 1/2 small red onion, cut into 12 (1/2-inch) pieces Vinaigrette: 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar 4 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano leaves 2 tablespoons olive oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper Special Equipment: 12 6-inch bamboo or wooden skewers For skewers: Thread skewers starting with a tomato, then a cube of feta cheese, an olive, a piece of onion and finally, another tomato. Repeat with remaining ingredients and skewers. For vinaigrette: In small bowl, mix together lemon juice, red wine vinegar and half of the oregano. Whisk in olive oil until mixture thickens. Season with salt and pepper. Arrange skewers on a serving platter. Spoon vinaigrette over skewers and sprinkle with remaining oregano. Have a favorite movie night Cook’s Note: Buy feta packed recipe? Enter to win! in water; it is moist and Share your own movie night easier to skewer and it won’t inspiration. Simply submit an crumble. original recipe, along with a creative movie recommendation and Bella Reprinted from “Giada Sera wine pairing for a chance to At Home” by Giada De win. Visit www.bellaserawine.com to Laurentiis. Copyright © enter and to view official rules and 2010. Published by Clarkson prize package details. Potter/Random House, Inc.

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Apple Zeppole with Cinnamon Whipped Cream “I love Bella Sera’s Moscato — it’s slightly sweet and has a hint of peach. It’s great as is or with dessert.” — Celebrity Chef Giada De Laurentiis Yield: 4 servings 1 large apple, peeled and grated (about 1 1/2 cups) 1/4 cup sugar 1 stick butter 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup water 1 cup flour 4 eggs 1 cup whipping cream 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar, plus more for dusting 1 teaspoon cinnamon Olive oil for frying

In a medium saucepan, combine butter, salt, sugar and water over medium heat. Bring to a boil. Take pan off heat and stir in flour. Return pan to medium heat and stir continuously until floour mixture forms a ball, about 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl. Using an electric mixer on low speed, add eggs, one at a time, mixing in each egg before the next. Beat until smooth. Add grated apple and stir to combine. If not frying immediately, cover with plastic wrap and reserve in refrigerator. Combine whipping cream, 2 table spoons confectioners’ sugar and cinnamon in medium bowl. Whip until medium soft peaks form. Transfer whipping cream to serving dish. Meanwhile, pour enough oil into a large frying pan to reach a depth of 2 inches. Heat oil over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 325°F. Using a small ice-cream scooper or 2 small spoons, carefully drop about a rounded tablespoon of dough into hot olive oil. Turn zeppole once or twice, and cook until golden and puffed up, about 4 minutes. Fry zeppole in batches so as not to overcrowd pan. Drain on paper towels. Transfer zeppole to a serving dish and sprinkle with powdered sugar using a small sieve. Serve with cinnamon whipped cream alongside for dipping. Recipe courtesy of Giada De Laurentiis As seen on “Everyday Italian” in episode “Apres Ski.”

Apple Zeppole with Cinnamon Whipped Cream

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Central Coast Adventures The Central Coast offers many opportunities for “Living On The Edge… of the Bay!”

To help you appreciate the beauty and the variety of experiences available on the Central Coast, here is a list of possible adventures that are unique to this region. Imagine yourself floating on the water while whale watching, or diving and coming face to face with a seal or otter, or zipping high above between enormous redwood trees, or floating from a parachute toward a beach, or stopping along a mountain trail to admire the wonders of creation, it’s all here for you. Here are just some of the possibilities:

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Surfing Learn to surf where it all started when three young Hawaiian princes brought their love for surfing to Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz in 1885. Santa Cruz is one the best places to learn to surf with its consistent waves and its wide variety of surf breaks. Water temperatures range from the low 50s to low 60s, depending on the season. Wetsuits for most people are required. Learning how to surf will teach you balance, and patience before that rush when you feel the power of the ocean beneath your board as you ride the waves. www. surfingsantacruz.com

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Zip Line Redwood Canopy Tours Redwood Canopy Tours at Mount Hermon offers visitors an exciting ecoadventure into redwood canopy of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Enjoy the coastal redwood forest from the unique perspective only a zip-line canopy tour can offer. The two hour guided tour includes six zip-lines and two sky bridges at heights of up to 150 feet. The Redwood Canopy Tours are the only facility of its kind in the region. www.mounthermon.org/redwood-canopy-tours

Climbing & Hiking There are more than 20 recognized hiking trails in Santa Cruz County that traverse the coastline, beaches, mountains and the redwood forests of this unique corner of the Central Coast. From Big Basin Redwoods State Park there is the famous Skyline to the Sea Trail and someday you will even be able to walk along the coastline from Monterey to Santa Cruz along the planned Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail. And to add climbing to your activities, there is the Pacific Edge climbing Gym in Santa Cruz and Castle Rock State Park located in the Santa Cruz Mountains is a premiere location for bouldering and sport climbing. Hiking: www.explorer1.com/santacruz/ hiking.htm, Climbing: www. pacificedgeclimbinggym.com

Hang Gliding Northern California is world famous for its spectacular coastline, and there is no better way to appreciate this breathtaking beauty than by hang gliding high above it. There is a launching site high on the dunes over Marina Beach. The beach is the premier hang gliding spot in Central California because of its steady winds, great launching area, and the wonderful views from above. Marina: www.coastalcondors.org

Boating Northern Gateway to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Santa Cruz Harbor hosts thousands of visitors each year. Other anchorages are Capitola Wharf (May 1 to Sept. 30), with boat moorings; easy to find Moss Landing Marina with its twin towering PG&E smoke stacks; Monterey has two Marinas, Monterey Municipal and Breakwater Cove all within walking distance of excellent restaurants, old Monterey, historic Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Stillwater Cove is right off shore of the famous Pebble Beach Golf Course - but get permission from Pacific Yachting. Santa Cruz: www.santacruzharbor.org, Capitola: capitolaboatandbait.com, Moss Landing www.www. montereyboating.org, Stillwater Cove: www.pacificsail.com

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Central Coast Adventures Scuba Diving What Santa Cruz is to Surfing, so is Monterey to Scuba Diving. The shoreline fronts not only Monterey Bay, but the Pacific Ocean as well. Some of the famous dive sites you’ll find are San Carlos Beach (the jetty), which has been dubbed the most-dived beach in California; McAbee Beach located on Historic Cannery Row, Lovers Point & Otter Cove with its thick kelp forest, and Point Lobos Wildlife Preserve for advanced divers. Santa Cruz: www. asudoit.com, Monterey: www.mbdcscuba.com

Mountain Biking Mountain biking along the bay and in the mountains of Santa Cruz is an enjoyable, and environmentally sustainable activity. There are many well-designed multi-use trails to enjoy the forests and redwoods of Santa Cruz County including Wilder Ranch, Big Basin, and Forest of Nisene Marks State Parks. Mountain biking is a great activity for families and kids thatpromotes a healthy lifestyle and an appreciation for nature. www.mbosc.org

Kayaking Kayaking tours of Elkhorn Slough will take you into one of 17 estuarine reserves in the United States. Elkhorn Slough is home to saltwater, freshwater and marshland wildlife where you will see seals, otters, loons, egrets, pelicans and even small sharks. Along Monterey Bay there are open coast paddling tours, overnight sea kayaking trips and the thrill of surf kayaking. www.elkhornslough.org/ kayaking/index.htm

Wind Surfing Santa Cruz has several popular windsurfing sites starting from the Santa Cruz Wharf on north. Cowell beach next to the wharf is for those just learning to surf. IT’s beach is right next to the surfing museum and just around the point from Steamer Lane west of Lighthouse Point. Natural Bridges State Park is at the far end of West Cliff Drive. It has more wind and less beach break than IT’s. Davenport Landing 12 miles North of Santa Cruz on Highway 1. Professionals rate this as a top wave location. www.windfreak. com/scruz

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Whale Watching There is year-round whale watching in Monterey Bay with Humpback and Blue Whales from April to December and Gray Whales from December to April, with Killer Whales and Porpoises showing up anytime they feel like it. There are also Sea Otters, Seals, Sea Lions and seabirds. Whale watching cruises start from Santa Cruz, Moss Landing and Monterey. Santa Cruz: santacruzwhalewatching. com, Moss Landing: www.sanctuarycruises.com, Monterey: www.montereywhalewatching.com

Skydiving If you want to jump out of a perfectly good airplane to see a marvelous view of beautiful Monterey Bay and its spectacular surroundings, there are several companies with the expertise to take you up there and see that you safely return to earth. Those who want the once in a lifetime experience choose the tandem jump to take care of the details like steering and safely landing. Try it, you’ll like… and scream a lot. www.santacruz-skydiving.com, www. santacruz-skydiving.net

Fishing From April to December sport fishing on the bay is in full swing. The fishing seasons includes Albacore, Halibut, King Salmon, Lingcod, Rock cod and White Sea Bass. Fishing charters and/or boats are available from Santa Cruz: www.stagnaros. com, Capitola: capitolaboatandbait.com, Moss Landing: www. kahunasportfishing.com and Monterey: www.randysfishingtrips. com

Monterey Bay Aquarium Come face to face with amazing animals like sharks, jellies, penguins and octopuses. With nearly 200 exhibits, the Monterey Bay Aquarium provides a showcase for one of the world’s richest marine regions. Highlights include the three-story Kelp Forest, the stunning Open Sea exhibit and the sea otter exhibit, where you’ll enjoy the antics of these playful mammals. Families can explore the ocean together in the Splash Zone exhibit. Dive into a kelp forest, visit a coral reef kingdom, explore a rocky shore. To plan your next undersea adventure visit www.montereybayaquarium.org on the

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Park Avenue n u m i s m a t i c s Yo u r S o u r c e fo r R a r e C o i n s and Precious Metals

Did you know you can put Gold & Silver into your IRA Portfolio? Use your IRA portfolio to get the proper asset allocation by having balance and diversiﬁcation. This strategy can help you hedge your portfolio during these turbulent economic times. Diversiﬁcation has never been more important when it comes to your retirement investments. With a self-directed IRA, you can not only achieve this objective, but also own the hard asset as well for added security! If you invested $10,000 in gold bullion in 2007, your investment would have grown to $36,000 by 08/08/2011 – This would equate to a 261% percent increase. The same $10,000 investment in Standard and Poor’s (S&P Index) would have lost $1,400. That’s a 14% loss. Comparisons do not include sales charges or commissions.

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Learn how to invest in them NOW!

CALL 888-486-0841 Dept: PMSIRA-2011

Past performance is not an indicator of future performance

Information provided herein is for educational purposes, and not intended to be investment advice nor an offering. May lose value. Park Avenue Numismatics has been serving Collectors and Investors since 1988

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Mid-Century Modern Meets “The Jetsons” in New Rio Del Mar Kitchen By: Maggie Caldwell - Photo Credits: Paticia Bean

he cabinets are stunning: solid walnut, with a strong dark horizontal grain that moves gently across the space, reminiscent of the nearby ocean. The eye drops to the backsplash: trapezoidal sea green glass tiles that fit together perfectly, creating additional waves against the wall. The vast island topped with white stone counter invites you to sit and admire. Welcome to Beth and Eric Bloom’s new kitchen. It wasn’t always like this. The décor was dark, with appliances awkwardly situated, resulting in only a couple tiny areas of prep space. The island seemed large, but because of the cook top placement could only sit 3, with deep unusable cabinets underneath. To make matters worse, the kitchen was walled off from the dining room and accessible only by a pocket door. So when the couple began mapping out their dream kitchen about two years ago they were clear on what they needed, beginning with opening up that dividing wall. Beth and Eric were clearly set on a “mid-century modern meets ‘The Jetsons’ aesthetic; as Eric laughs, “Anything from either 1950 or 2050 is fine, just nothing in between.” While interviewing potential contractors for the job, they appreciated the Talmadge Construction team’s respect for their vision. “Danielle (Grenier

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-company architect) picked right up on our style and the functionality of where things should go. She came up with the idea of the hidden drawers to give the space a cleaner look,” said Eric. They were also impressed with her grasp of the importance of details. “It was Danielle’s idea to install a plug strip underneath the cabinets. We have this beautiful tile, and plugs would have broken up the look.” Budget was a concern, but they discovered that keeping things local was both cost and schedule effective. They had researched the price of cabinets from big-box outlets and were surprised that, as Eric explains, “Custom cabinets were right in line with our budget, and actually much less than we expected.” Beth also appreciated the quick response time. “If one piece was wrong they’d be back the next day with the correct one,” she explains. “If you have to send away to Oregon or somewhere it throws off the whole schedule.” The new kitchen keeps the same footprint as the original but results in a tremendous increase in both counter and cabinet space. The reconfigured island comfortably seats four while leaving plenty of room for food prep. “And we actually have some decent usable cabinetry now,” Beth says, demonstrating the wide, shallow utensil drawers cleverly hidden within the deeper spaces suitable for large pots and pans. A small seasoning pantry is cleverly situated to the right of the cook top. The trash and recycle bins are now hidden in a roll-out cabinet of their own, leaving smaller under-sink space free for sundries. And nonperishables now have their own pantry, deep shelves next to the right of the built-in refrigerator that slide out for easier access. “We didn’t have any space in the kitchen for food before; we had to keep it all in the garage!” says Beth. Rooms adjacent to the kitchen also got a face-lift. A gas insert rendered the family room fireplace hearth unnecessary so it

198 Shoreview Drive. I have just SOLD this Custom Ocean View Estate featuring 4 bed/3.5 baths, With approx. 4000 sq. ft of living space. If you would like to buy or sell a home, whether it is 400 sq. ft or 4000 sq. ft just give me a call at 831-465-7029 or email me direct. Now is the time!!!

Cara DeSimone, GRI

2140 41st Ave, Suite 100, Capitola, CA 95010 Direct: (831) 465-7029 E-mail: Cara@CaraSellsHomes.com Visual tour available at: CaraSellsHomes.com DRE License Number: 01215427

If you’re searching for a primary or vacation home, selling your current house, or you’re simply curious to see what Santa Cruz County’s beach community has to offer, contact me today!

For additional information, please visit my website at

MySantaCruzRealEstate.com LAUREN SPENCER office: 831 662-6522 toll free: 800 226-4717 fax: 831 688-5839 DRE# 00925382 Lauren@Laurenspencer.com coastalhomeandgarden.com

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910 Pelton Ave, Santa Cruz

I represented the buyer in this Sale Let Me Help You Buy or Sell Your Home! The clients of this home were very pleased with my management of their transaction. If you have a friend or family member interested in buying or selling a home, please have them call me. I am happy to help them every step of the way! Short Sales and Foreclosures? I can answer those questions too!

Betty Danner

Cell: (831) 334-9701 E-mail: Betty.Danner@camoves.com DRE License Number: 01860009

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was removed, increasing available floor space. Then the floor-to-ceiling brick mantel was replaced with much lighter and brighter grey-green pastel quartz. The same quartz was also added to an entryway wall, replacing an awkwardly placed closet and adding a lovely point of interest. Finally, hardwood flooring finishes the dining room- kitchen -family room area, wide blond oak planks that nicely match their aesthetic. “We’re very happy with how it came out,” says Beth. “They were on time, on schedule, and cleaned up after themselves. It couldn’t have gone more smoothly.” The Blooms happily remained functional during the two and a half month remodel process. “(Talmadge) built us a mini kitchen on the deck! It had a hot water heater, a sink, and microwave. With our old fridge out there we were still able to cook.” The Blooms were tremendously impressed with the work ethic of the Talmadge team. “Their attitude was, it wasn’t about them. It was about me and Eric and our life together. They wanted to make the project good for us. They were really concerned with giving us exactly what we wanted and making sure it was done right.”

Rio Del Mar Kitchen Before

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Green is Beautiful:

Tips for an eco-friendlier lifestyle As the negative effects of human impact on the environment become more evident, a strong push toward global conservation continues to grow and gather steam. Scores of corporations have committed to becoming more “green” in recent years and countless environment-focused initiatives and organizations have popped up around the world. But even on an individual level, some small changes to your lifestyle.

Recycle.

Though the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been encouraging Americans to recycle for decades, a recent study found that less than 34 percent of the nation’s waste was recovered or recycled in 2010, while 12 percent was burned at combustion facilities and the remaining 54 percent went to landfills. Recycling and composting saved 82 million tons of material from being dumped or burned in 2010, preserving the country’s air and land. To find out more about recycling, composting and how you can help to preserve the environment, visit www.epa.gov/epawaste.

Fume-free.

With vehicles constantly emitting harmful chemicals into the atmo-

sphere, it is important to avoid products emiting hazardous components whenever possible. In some situations, this is a matter of choosing an environmentally responsible brand. For instance, when painting your home, use a formula with little or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Pratt & Lambert RedSeal Zero eco-friendly paint is available in Pratt & Lambert’s full color line, so you can please both your inner designer and environmentalist.

Boycott bottles.

Although plastic bottles are recyclable, more than 80 percent are thrown out, creating more than 1.5 million tons of waste each year. Add this to the fact that tap water costs an estimated .002 cents per gallon while many Americans pay more than $1 per bottle, and bottled water is taking a huge toll on the U.S. landfills and wallets. Purchase a water filter for your home and fill a reusable water bottle from the filtered tap; you’ll be saving the environment as well as your bank account, and your taste buds won’t know the difference.

Unplug.

People may think they’re conserving electricity by turning off appliances when not in use, but televisions, stereos, microwaves and other home electronics are using electricity as long as they are plugged in, even if the switch is off. There are ways to avoid this standby power effect. Use “smart” power strips to block energy loss when appliances are off, or determine which devices use the most standby power and unplug those when they’re not being used. (Televisions, video and DVD players and stereos are often at the top of the list.)

By making small adjustments to your lifestyle, you can make a lasting impact on the environment and keep the world safe and beautiful for generations to come. 42

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Construction PORTER CONSTRUCTION 110 Glen Canyon Road Santa Cruz, CA ph 831.426.1681 w jpcsc.com

Building Supplies BIG CREEK LUMBER 2 locations: Santa Cruz and Watsonville ph Santa Cruz: 477-1231 Watsonville: 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.

Concrete AC BENTLEY CONSTRUCTION Custom Concrete & Masonry Design &Construction ph 831.419.0368 w acbentleyconcrete.com

Whether it’s a decorative walkway, driveway, patio, swimming pool deck, hearth, or barbecue, A.C. Bentley Concrete can custom design and construct just what you want. A.C. Bentley Concrete can make your concrete construction special through the use of: Stamping, Color, Engraving, Staining, Aggregate and Rock Salt finishes and even sawing and grooving. Call Adam at A.C. Bentley today.

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Porter Construction is an established contracting 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.

Flooring CARPET KING 6000 Soquel Dr., Aptos Ca 95003 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.

Farmers Markets APTOS FARMERS MARKET

The Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College, recently voted “Favorite Farmers Market” in California, is the premier farmers market on the Central Coast. Locals, chefs and tourists love to shop at the Aptos Farmers Market for its unmatched selection of farm fresh produce, artisan products, cut flowers and plants.

Floor Covering & Window Coverings INTERIOR VISION FLOORING & DESIGN 2800 Daubenbiss Avenue, Soquel CA 95073 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

Gardening KNOX BOX 46-A El Pueblo Road, Scotts Valley, CA 95066 ph 831.461.9430 w KnoxGardenBox.com Knox Garden Boxes are elevated planting boxes made from premium untreated redwood, built in various sizes to eliminate bending & gophers from your garden.

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