Coastal Home & Garden Fall/Winter 2010

CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:01 PM Page 1

CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:03 PM Page 2

Publisher & EditorPatrice Edwards

Associate EditorNoel Smith

Production CoordinatorRosa Machuca

Graphic ArtistJosh Knox

Sales RepresentativesSadie WittkinsDon Beaumont Valerie YoungJoyce Marble

Contributing WritersNoel Smith

ARA Content

9601 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003Phone: 831.688.7549

Fax: 831.688.7551

Coastal Home & Garden Resource GuideFall/Winter 2010 is a publication of the TimesPublishing Group Inc. located at 9601 SoquelDr., Aptos, CA 95003. Entire contents © 2010by Patrice Edwards. All rights reserved.Reproduction in any form is prohibitedwithout publisher’s written permission.

DESIGNED ON A MAC AND PRINTEDIN THE USA ON RECYCLED PAPER

To advertise in ourSummer/Spring edition of the

Coastal Home & GardenResource Guide 2011

call (831) 688-7549

Email: [email protected]

www.tpgonlinedaily.com

For information on advertisingin the next edition visit:

www.tpgadservices.com

coastalhomeandgarden.com Coastal Home & Garden Resource Guide 3

CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:04 PM Page 3

going green26 Plant in the Fall Use the Water-Smart Gardening36 Green Roof Improvements Can Save Money & Environment

in the home8 Fast & Economical Fall Fix-Ups

12 Kitchen & Bath Renovations Go Lean & Green14 Bring the Beach Back With You Creating Cottage Style16 Divine Deck Design20 Bathroom Remodeling Less Water & Money Down the Drain32 Create Versatile Living Spaces34 Five Keys in a Slow Housing Market

Tips for Smooth Sales and Bargain Buys38 Today's Laminate Floors a 'Real' Wood Alternative42 Turn a Gourmet Kitchen Into a Chef's Studio

in the kitchen40 Healthy Ways to Help Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer

in the garden6 Fall & Winter Dormant Protection

10 Early Fall Grass Rejuvenation From Summer Wear & Tear18 Growing Your Own Vegetables

As Earth-Friendly as Possible22 Building Nature Landscaping Inspiration & Emulation28 Rhododendrons in the Fall

in your health30 How to Stay Healthy When Traveling

44 in the directory

CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:06 PM Page 4

3155 PORTER STREET, SOQUEL | 462-5586 | MON-FRI 9:00-6:00 • SAT 10:00-3:00

THE REPAINTSPECIALISTS

Interior & ExteriorResidential & Commercial

• All Work Guaranteed• Personal Supervision• Affordable Quality• Crown Molding &

Baseboard Installation• Hundreds of References• Free Estimates• Deck Restoration• Texture Matching

Local ReferencesSenior Discounts

All Work GuaranteedCall today for your FREE Design

Consultation & No Obligation Quote

Bonded & Insured PL & PD • Workman’s Compensation • Liability Insurance • License #681095

CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:06 PM Page 5

During the fall and winter, deciduoustrees and shrubs drop their leaves andsuspend growth as a protectionagainst the cold of winter. During thistime an insecticide and/or fungicide isapplied, a Dormant Spray.

Dormant spraying of fruit and nut trees,roses, deciduous ornamental trees andshrubs is one of the most importantgarden care practices to improve andprolong the life of the plant. The dormantspray mixture consists of a fungicide(e.g., Lime-sulfur or fixed copper) and aninsecticide (e.g., Horticultural Grade Oil,Volck Oil, or Dormant Oil). All of theseproducts are listed by CCOF (CaliforniaCertified Organic Farmers) as approvedfor use on Organic Farms.

The function of the Copper and Sulfurspray mixtures are to kill overwinteringfungal organisms such as Peach LeafCurl, Powdery Mildew, Rust, Black Spot,Brown Rot, & Anthracnose. HorticulturalOil is used in the spray to killoverwintering insets such as Mites,Aphids, Scale, & their eggs. HorticulturalOils also act as an adhesive (spreader/

sticker) for the fungicide, to better adhereit to the plant. Dormant spraying of fruit& nut trees requires three applications toensure good control of pests & diseases.

1. Late November Pruning of fruitand nut trees should be done now. Cleanup any fallen leaves and discard. If thereare any leaves left on the tree these willfall after spraying. Spray.

2. Late December Clean up anyfallen leaves and discard. Spray.

3. Late January This is the final timeto spray and the most critical because it isimportant to time this spraying before theflower or leaf buds show color. Prune andspray roses in late December or earlyJanuary and spray again within 30 days,before leaf bud break.

Fall & Winter Dormant ProtectionFall & Winter Dormant Spraying

Coastal Home & Garden Resource Guide coastalhomeandgarden.com6 in thegarden

CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:07 PM Page 6

Gail Degan831.662.6537

W: www.GailDegan.com

At Coldwell Banker, we view the real estate transaction as something morethan just business. It’s about supporting our community, making friends andenriching lives. You can count on our agents to support you every step of the waywith a wealth of Coldwell Banker resources at their disposal to ensure the purchaseof your home is everything you hope for.

COLDWELL BANKERRESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE & MORTGAGE SERVICES

(831) 688-64617979 Soquel DriveAptos, CA 95003

(831) 462-90002140 41st Avenue

Capitola, CA 95010

(831) 469-8000824 B Mission Street

Santa Cruz, CA 95060

COLDWELL BANKERRESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE & MORTGAGE SERVICES

Mike O’Boy831.662.6567

W: www.MakingSantaCruzHome.com

Lauren Greene831.688.6461

W: wwwcaliforniamoves.com/Lauren.Greene

Kathleen Manning831.662.6507

W: www.californiamoves.com/Kathleen.Manning

Cara DeSimone831.465.7029

W: www.CaraSellsHomes.com

Lauren Spencer831.662.6522

W: MySantaCruzRealEstate.com

CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:08 PM Page 7

Coastal Home & Garden Resource Guide coastalhomeandgarden.com8

The ebbing sun and dropping mercury inthe garden thermometer signal the end ofsummer. The shorter, cooler days alsomean you might be coming back insidefrom the great outdoors to discover yourhome could use a little pizazz. After all,you spent the past few months soakingup the rays while you worked and playedin your yard rather than inside the house.

It takes only a few quick fixes, combinedwith some creativity and elbow grease, totransform the rooms where you spendmost of your time. In a weekend or less,you can make your home go from stale tostriking for the fall season ahead.

As you look around the house, askyourself this, If I could fix only one thingin each room, what would that be? Theseanswers are your quick fixes. Not all

home decorating ideas require a greatdeal of time or money but can transforma tired-looking room into something trulyeye-catching.

"Sometimes all it takes is one or two smallchanges to completely transform a space,You'd be surprised how even the tiniestupdates really make a difference.

Study your foyer, for starters. It's the firstthing guests see when they enter yourhome. What can you do to make it moreinviting? Maybe it needs a little more color.Add a colorful rug to the entry way andmaybe a floral arrangement to the consoleby the front door. Or maybe less clutter? Asmall storage bench can reduce clutter -shoes, school bags and sports equipment -to a minimum and add a clean, invitinglook to this first-impression space.

If your house is like any other, the kitchenlikely is the other main gathering placefor both family and visiting friends.These high-traffic areas usually can usefresh paint more frequently than otherrooms. While high-quality paints mightcost more upfront, you'll get a solidreturn on your investment because usinga high-quality paint extends the timebetween repaints and keeps your roomlooking its best as long as possible.

Paint companies have teamed up withyour favorite local paint dealers to makecolor selection nearly effortless. Mostdealers now offer hundreds of color stripsin sophisticated displays and some evenoffer actual paint samples - 2-ouncecontainers of paint tinted in popularcolors so you can take it home and try it

Fast & EconomicalFall Fix-Ups

in thehome

CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:09 PM Page 8

without the long-term commitment ofbuying a gallon or more.

Next, what about your living room? Is ittoo austere? Does it sit unused? While itmight be out of your budget to change thefurniture, you can warm it up and make ita space where people want to sit and visitby getting rid of those formal, outdatedwindow treatments. Dress windows withlight blinds or sheer curtains that provideprivacy but allow light to filter through.You might also want to rearrange thefurniture into a grouping that's less formaland more inviting.

Chances are, you and your family thinkyour family room is pretty great, but evenyour favorite lounging space always canuse a little upgrading to keep it modern,fun and welcoming. One easy change forthis often-used space is new throwpillows. Add a splash of fresh color to thefamiliar simply by swapping out pillowson couches and chairs or adding a nookof colorful floor pillows for family

members who prefer to sprawl on thefloor to watch TV and play video games.Or, if you feel your sofa looks tired andworn out, maybe you'd rather invest in anew slipcover to bring a fresh look to theroom and transform your old sofa intosomething new and special. New lampsalso can update a room almostinstantaneously.

When you're doing your fall upgrades,don't forget the bathroom. For a smallinvestment, you can transform the spacewith some fresh paint and a new faucet. Ifyou're looking for an even bigger change,you can accessorize it further with amirror in a finish that matches the faucet,as well as coordinating robe hooks andtowel bars.

Putting a fresh spin on any home's decordoesn't always mean you have to thinkbig. Small changes can easily transform aspace from boring to beautiful in less thana weekend, even on the tightest ofbudgets.

ARAcontent

• Staffed to meet your storage needs• Happy to answer all questions• Well lit and completely secure• Locally owned and operated• Refer a friend for a $25 credit on your bill

“Self Storage you can trust with a personal touch”

3 Convenientlocations to serve you

Soquel

425-01233711 Soquel Dr, 95073Just West of 41st. Ave.*Restrictions Apply

Aptos

687-01239687 Soquel Dr, 95003

Between Rio Del Mar & Freedom Blvds.

Watsonville

728-0123445 Herman Ave, 95076

Holm Rd. (Off Airport Blvd.)


CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:10 PM Page 9


With these simple tips, you can ensure aninviting gathering space for next year.

1. Bare and thin spots provide anopportunity for weeds to get a foot-holdon your lawn. To fill in bare patches in asmaller area, apply Scotts EZ Seed, an all-in-one seeding mix, fertilizer and mulch.

2. Be sure to feed your grass. Usecompost, an organic or conventionallawn food - avoid all-purpose fertilizerslabeled for gardening on your grass.Always use fertilizers labeled for grass.

3. In early fall, feeding is a simple step,which can be repeated about a month tosix weeks later. Feeding grass with a lawnfood like Organic Choice Lawn Food willyield great results for minimum effort.

4. Leaves are your lawn's best friend.Use your lawnmower to "mulch" leavesinto dime-sized pieces, then top withwinter lawn food.

5. Keep your mower on the highestsetting to encourage root growth deepinto the soil to lock out weeds. Keepmowing to summer height until grassstops growing.

As summer winds down, heatand drought may have left yourgrass a little tired. Luckily,because of cooler temperaturesand an increase in precipitation,fall is the best time for lawnrescue.

EarlyFall

GrassRejuvenation From

Summer Wear & Tear

in thegarden

CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:10 PM Page 10


CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:11 PM Page 11

Coastal Home & Garden Resource Guide coastalhomeandgarden.com12 in thehome

When it comes to adding value andenjoyment to your home, kitchen andbath remodels still remain tops,remodeling and real estate experts say.But how people remodel is changing.High-end renovations, costing tens ofthousands of dollars, are dwindling,replaced by upgrades that providehomeowners with the most return for theleast investment.

Installing a skylight is one cost-effective,energy-efficient upgrade that's becomingincreasingly popular for kitchens andbaths. Kitchens and baths are logicalcandidates for natural lighting and passiveventilation upgrades. Along with laundryrooms, they tend to have higher moistureand humidity levels than other rooms inthe home, making them among the mostpopular locations for venting skylights.

Another kitchen- and bath-specific issuethat skylights help address is the need forprivacy. Skylights admit light from above,but prevent anyone on the outside seeinginto rooms where you want privacy.

For skylight selection or installationinformation, visit veluxusa.com.

Kitchen& BathRenovationsRemain Tops, But Go Lean & Green

ARA Content

CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 4:41 PM Page 12


CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:13 PM Page 13


Nothing's harder to face than packing upyour belongings after a week at a cozybeach house and heading back home tothe real world. Sure, it's hard to leaveparadise behind, but who says you haveto? Why not just transform your ownliving space to a beach-inspired haventhat lets you get away from it all, even ifyou aren't on vacation? It's easy andinexpensive to do.

With some clever use of all those shells,beach glass and driftwood you've pickedup during your travels, as well as scenicvacation photos and a little paint, you cantransform your home into the ultimatebeach cottage, creating an inviting,relaxing haven away from the real worldoutside your front door.

First, clear out the clutter. Cottage style isclean, bright and fuss-free because, if youthink about it, beaches are simple, wide-open spaces - that's where cottage designgets its inspiration. The beach experienceis stress-free. Clutter equals stress, andyou want to create an atmosphere that'sserene and fresh. A massive purging ofextraneous clutter will give you a blankpalette on which you can apply the trueessence of the seashore.

Paint is one of the easiest, most cost-effective ways to completely change thelook of a living space, helping make yourbeach decor a reality. Just be sure youchoose the right colors, so you can behappy with your revamped rooms foryears to come.

"Cottage style is all about taking cuesfrom nature, so think sand, clear skies,sea glass and sparkling water whenselecting the ultimate beach-inspiredpalette," suggests Mary Ward, Dutch BoyPaints' senior product manager. "To createa cottage-ready scheme use pale blues,aquamarines, periwinkles, sea-tingedgreens, sandy tans and bright whitesreminiscent of ocean foam and fluffy,cottony clouds. All of these colors, in anycombination, can work to create a pictureof rest and relaxation that's reminiscent ofa day at the beach."

Serenity rules in walls painted in softpastels or sandy neutrals with ultra-whitetrim. It's clean. It's clutter free. It's fresh

Bring the Beach Back With YouCreating Cottage Style in Your Home

CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:14 PM Page 14


and airy. It says beach house, even if youare miles away from the one of yourdreams.

You also can easily add a bit of beach chicto your furniture, further creating a feel ofa distant getaway. Slipcovers give anyroom that easy-living feel that is soimportant to cottage style. Coverupholstered pieces in slip-on, easy-to-wash covers made from light canvas,cotton duck or sailcloth. Paint darkfurniture white to add a year-roundsummery glow to the space, or invest in afew inexpensive, fun wicker pieces tolighten up tired rooms.

Don't stop here. Keep digging for ideasand inspiration using the vast array ofdecorating books and websites. One newsite, Dutch Boy's Restore My Decor! offersDIY tips and inspiration fromprofessional designers, such as TV designpersonality Danielle Hirsch, as well ashomeowners, all of whom can help youfind more ways to add cottage appeal toany restored room in your home.

For example, consider incorporating theseother ideas for adding beach-worthyserenity to your living space:

Window treatments Less is more.Think wooden blinds, plantation shuttersor airy sheers.

Floor coverings Natural or paintedwood floors with throw rugs are thehallmarks of cottage style. Think basic.Think organic. Think sisal and textures.Or paint your own canvas throw rug withsea-inspired motifs, such as shells andstarfish.

Lighting Think soothing versus overlybright or dimly lit. Recessed lightingworks like magic in any room. If youwant to go for a more quirky look andmake lighting a focal point, displayinexpensive figural lamps in the shape oflighthouses or anchors. Or perhaps findone made from driftwood or shells.

Souvenirs Make use of those shells,sand, beach glass and driftwood youcollected during your week away inparadise. Fill decorative bowls and jarswith sand andshells. Displaybeach glass in vasesof fresh flowers.Paint driftwood

with beach-inspired images and hang iton the wall as art.

Artwork Make use of those vacationpictures, especially the ones you took ofgorgeous ocean sunsets, lighthouses andsailboats. Use existing snapshots andenlarge some of your favorites, framingall to create a collage that not only saysbeach living, but also reminds you of agreat time your family spent together atthe seashore. Why buy artwork when youcan make use of something that bringsback such great memories?

"It all comes down to thinking light andbreezy in everything you do decor-wise,"Ward says. "Use your imagination tocreate a true feeling of openness thatbeaches offer. Beach-inspired cottagestyle is casual, comfortable and fun - andreminds you of vacation, even if you'remiles away from the nearest beach."

Courtesy of ARAcontent

2851 41st Ave. Soquel (831) 462-22025267 B Scotts Valley Dr., Scotts Valley (831) 438-1772

CONVENIENTLY LOCATED BETWEEN ALASKA & MEXICOCONVENIENTLY LOCATED BETWEEN ALASKA & MEXICOCONVENIENTLY LOCATED BETWEEN ALASKA & MEXICOCONVENIENTLY LOCATED BETWEEN ALASKA & MEXICOCONVENIENTLY LOCATED BETWEEN ALASKA & MEXICOCONVENIENTLY LOCATED BETWEEN ALASKA & MEXICOCONVENIENTLY LOCATED BETWEEN ALASKA & MEXICO

Santa Cruz County’s premier retailers of

PITTSBURGPAINTS

Pure Performance.

Environmentally friendly, premiumquality interior water based paint....and it is Green Seal Approved!

CONVENIENTLY LOCATED BETWEEN ALASKA & MEXICO

in thehome

CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:15 PM Page 15


When it comes to improving outdoorliving spaces, decks are a popular choice.If you're thinking about adding a newdeck, or even replacing or resurfacing anold deck, there are a lot of things toconsider before you get started. Thesetips from the experts at Fiberon will helpyou design the right deck for your needs.

Determine Deck Use. Think through allthe ways you'll be using your deck.

• Will you entertain frequently? If so, howmany people will you need space for?

• What kind of seating will you need -patio furniture or built-in benches?

• Will you need lighting to entertain at night?

Choose Deck Location. For most people,the size and orientation of your houseand property limit possible decklocations to one or two areas. Withinthose areas, think about things like:• Climate - If your area gets hot, humidsummers, putting a deck in a southern orwestern location might make it a hot spot

you'll end up avoiding. Is it windy whereyou live? Then think about putting thedeck where it will get some protectionfrom the house or a screen of trees.

• Privacy - Careful placement of your deckcan eliminate unwanted views, minimizetraffic noise and give you additionalprivacy.

Select Deck Materials. Here are somequestions to consider when choosingdeck materials:

Divine Deck Design

CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:16 PM Page 16


• What's your budget? When calculatingcosts, decide the amenities and featuresyou want such as an arbor, fire pit,multiple deck levels, and type of railing.• How much maintenance are you willingto do? Treated lumber is a commonchoice for decks. While wood has itsadvantages, maintenance can become achore that adds up in terms of time andmoney. Composite decking is a lower

maintenance option that more and morehomeowners are choosing.

When it comes to the design stage of theprocess, a new online tool can make itvery easy. Fiberon, one of the leadingmanufacturers of composite decking,railing and fencing and PVC outdoorflooring, offers a Deck Design tool thatallows you to select the shape and size ofyour deck, including the number oflevels, stairs, railings - even board widths

and footings in addition to choosing fromvarious colors and styles. Once yourdesign is complete, you can print outyour deck plans in full color, including a3-D rendering & a complete materials list.

The addition of a deck is a great way toincrease your outdoor living space andadd value to your home. Asking the rightquestions and using the right tools willhelp you create a deck design that's trulydivine.

in thehome

Deck By Porter Construction

CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:17 PM Page 17

Coastal Home & Garden Resource Guide coastalhomeandgarden.com18 in thegarden

There was a time when people would goout to pull fresh vegetables from theirgardens. Over the years, we moved fromhomegrown vegetables toward processedfoods and microwave dinners. Nowconsumers are becoming aware of thefinancial value of growing their ownvegetables, and how that can bolster thehealth of their families and of the earth.

Vegetable gardening with its newtechnologies combined with good old-fashioned growing techniques, can makeyour garden yield a good crop with lesseffort than you'd imagine.

Here are some tips for a garden that isdoubly green.

Water, water everywhere,but not too much • A fine balance needs to be struck whenit comes to watering your vegetablegarden, especially during droughtconditions. You want your plants to getadequate moisture, but over watering canbe bad for plants and a wasteful use of aprecious natural resource. Careful waterusage is essential to being a truly greengardener.

Installing an irrigation system is agood way to keep water usage atthe ideal levels; plus, you don'thave to plan a schedulearound when you need towater. There are user-friendly,affordable solutions like thenew Drip Irrigation systemsthat connect to your outdoor

spigot. It's a great way to ensure that yourplants get the water they need, withoutwasting or over watering. Wateringtimers can also make the job of wateringeven easier. Keep in mind that it's best towater in the early morning, when the sunis lower in the sky, for 30 to 60 minutes,every other day. For more informationabout watering vegetable gardens, go towww.misterlandscaper.com.

One man's garbage isanother's fertilizer• Ever feel guilty about throwing outvegetable and fruit peelings, rinds orscraps? Your intuition might just be tellingyou that there's a better way to handlethose leftovers. Composting is a great wayto make use of organic matter that might

otherwise just getthrown away.

Growing Your Own VegetablesAs Earth-Friendly as Possible

Building a compost heap is relatively easy,and it will keep on giving back to yourgarden and the environment. The fournecessary ingredients for composting,according to California's "CalRecycle"program, are nitrogen (from sources likegrass clippings or those throwawayveggie scraps), carbon (from sources likesawdust or twigs), water and air. Onceyour compost is at the ideal level ofdecomposition (it will be uniformly darkbrown and crumbly), spread it on yourgarden to give plants a nutrient boost.

Get growing - organically • From the moment you start planning agarden, think organic. The most basic -and fun - choice of all is deciding whichplants you'll grow. Choose organic seedsand starters so that you know you'rebuying into an earth-friendly business

CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:18 PM Page 18


__________________1/2 page Ad

venture. There's the added bonus ofknowing that your plants won't betainted with harmful chemicals.

When it comes to maintaining yourgarden, you'll probably need things otherthan just compost. Look for products thatare recognized as organic by respectedorganizations like the USDA or theOrganic Materials Review Institute(OMRI) - you'll be able to find an ever-growing supply of products like pest repellent or soil amendments.

Growing your ownvegetables at home hasmany benefits: it savesmoney, allows you to controlwhat your food is exposed toand provides a fun and easyactivity that the whole familycan participate in. And whenyou follow these greengardening principles, you'll bedoing something good for theearth, too.

CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:19 PM Page 19


You're ready for a new bathroom,something with style and comfort.You want the room to refresh you inthe mornings, and provide you withthe opportunity to relax and unwind inthe evenings.

CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:20 PM Page 20

coastalhomeandgarden.com Coastal Home & Garden Resource Guide 21in thehome

You want the new bathroom to refreshyou in the mornings, and a place to relaxand unwind in the evenings.

For your bathroom remodel, you putcomfort at the top of your priority list.You want a beautiful shower with superbwater pressure that feels oh-so-good inthe mornings and a sink that allows youto quickly and efficiently wash yourhands and face so you can wake up andget started for the day.

Another item at the top of your list iswater efficiency. The standard forbathroom showers, sinks and toilets ishigh-efficiency. Products with theEnvironmental Protection Agency'sWaterSense label are high performing,

water-efficient and certified by a third,independent party.

Technology is so improved that you canget the same invigorating stream of waterin your morning shower while using lesswater and most green products don't costany more than regular showers, sinks ortoilets. Toilets are the biggest water usersin your home, almost a third of yourfamily's total indoor water consumption.Today’s high-efficiency toilets use only1.28 gallons of water per flush. These EPAWaterSense-labeled toilets create a green,clean flushing system that saves youmoney, water, and time cleaning the toilet.

As you redesign your bath, you get tochoose the style and look. Your taste

might be a large, claw-foot tub thatallows you to immerse yourself in a frothof bath bubbles, or you might go for amore modern design with glass showerwalls and bold tile colors. Either way,make sure you upgrade your faucet andshowerhead.

Conserving water in your newlyredesigned bathroom allows you to begreen, save money, save time, and beconscientious about the environment -without losing the advantage of that greatperformance you have come to expect. Soenjoy the comfort and luxury of yourbath space, and reap the money-savingrewards at the same time.

Bathroom RemodelingToday Means Less Water & Money Down the Drain

CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:21 PM Page 21


When does one realize you are alandscaper? Well, the first step to being alandscaper is to get a license and start abusiness. But like a doctor, at first you arejust practicing. There comes a day when achange occurs in your world view andyou realize you are seeing the worldthrough a landscaper’s eyes.

The California Landscape Contractor’sAssociation of the Central Coast had its25th annual Beautifications Awards thissummer and there are pictures here that

show the very best work of localcontractors. The Central Coast takes inthe tri-county area of Santa Cruz,Monterey and San Bonito Counties, so itcovers a large geographic area. There area lot of practicing landscapers that workthese areas but most of the winners ofawards have something extra. To be alandscape contractor one needs tounderstand and be proficient at everyphase of construction - for every aspect ison display in a garden. There is so muchto learn, from structural requirements for

retaining walls to compaction rates fordriveways and patios, voltage drop inoutdoor lighting, to water requirementsfor all the various plant species, the listgoes on and on. Because there is so muchto learn and one has to make a living,there is a long learning curve and manycorrected mistakes along the way. When alandscaper reaches the point where he iswilling to have his work stand up againstany other’s work he has come a long waydown a very rough road. A landscaper atthis point may actually consider him or

Building NatureLandscaping Inspiration & Emulation

First Place Residential EstateJerry Allison Landscaping, Inc

CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:22 PM Page 22

in thegarden coastalhomeandgarden.com Coastal Home & Garden Resource Guide 23

her self a landscaper but still, what doesthat mean?

This is where we look at inspiration andwhere it comes from. Most landscapes aregreat students of nature and have stoodin awe at nature’s examples. If you’regoing to try and make artificial rocks, youmust study how rocks look, how theystain over time and how rocks form andrelate to one another. If you are building astream and pond, you need to see andunderstand the real thing. So you start

looking – at everything. Nature is the bestteacher and is always there when you areready to learn.

You develop a critical eye for work youwould like to emulate and concurrentlyyou hone skills to create what you see.You find craftsmen who can help yourealize that vision – that feeling you aretrying to invoke in the person who willlive in the garden of your creation. Youwork hard to convince the homeownerthat your vision will make a difference in

the way they will enjoy their lives in theirnew landscape. You work hard to put allof your creativity into a project withoutspending more money than what youhave bid to complete it. And that is noeasy matter; particularly once you getexcited about seeing your vision realized.Then, once the finishing touches are putin place and you have completed theyard, you reflect on what could haveworked better for the next possibleproject. At times like that, when you havecompleted an amazing project, there may

Sweeepstakes Award Best of allcategories Houle Landscapes Inc.

Chris Houle Landscaper

First Place Design BuildChristianson & Associates

CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:23 PM Page 23

come a realization, a revelation even, ofan internal change. You realize you areboth cursed and blessed because younow see everything with the eye toreplicate. Wherever you travel, you seethe plants you use or would like to useand how they grow in their nativeconditions. You see extraordinarycraftsmanship and want to incorporatethose constructions into your repertoire.You talk about what you see witheveryone you know and point out his orher construct. You learn that nature’srandomness is the hardest thing toreplicate. You drive everyone around youcrazy with your passion for the way yousee the world. It is at these times that youknow, forever more, you are a landscaper.

Call a member of CLCA when you areready to change your surroundings into aplace that gives you the feeling you areglad you live there.


First Place Medium Residential InstallationCoastal Evergreen Landscapes

First Place Small ResidentialMaintenance Hill & Dale Landscapes

in thegarden

CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:24 PM Page 24

CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:26 PM Page 25


Take advantage of the rainy, coolfall weather by planting now fora spring bloom!Many new plants take a lot of water to getestablished and well rooted. Sincefreezing temperatures are minimal inSanta Cruz County, plant them in the falland winter to save your tap water byusing the winter rains to get them going.This is especially a good time to reduceyour lawn and reseed with low water usegrasses and plants. If you need some

inspiration for new plants and landscapedesign check out the new gardeningwebsite for Santa Cruz County atwww.watersavingtips.org.

The plant search tool makes it easy tochoose plants that have very low tomedium water needs. The website alsohas inspiring photos of local water-smartgardens to get you excited aboutgardening. Ron Duncan, the WaterConservation manager at Soquel CreekWater District, said of the many eye-

catching photos, “that’s what I want mylandscape to look like”. The gardensinclude small cottage gardens toexpansive estates and everything inbetween. There is something foreveryone.

The gardening tool is broken up into 6main sections with lots of pretty photos.

Garden ToursTake virtual tours of local gardens forinnovative design ideas.

Plant in the FallUse the Water-Smart Gardening Website to Get Inspired

CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:27 PM Page 26


Garden GalleryReview garden spaces (front yards,hillsides) and garden elements (lawnalternatives, permeable surfaces) to helpwith your garden planning.

PlantsSearch a detailed plant database andplant lists for water conserving plantsthat thrive in Santa Cruz County.

My ListSave and print a list of your favoriteplants to take to the nursery and sortthem by hydrozone or by name.

Garden ResourcesBrowse a wide variety of garden relatedtopics such as irrigation systems,mulching and finding California nativeplants.

Watering TipsLearn more about irrigation includinghow long and how often to water yourgarden.

“There is useful information onthis website for the first-timegardener and the gardeningprofessional,” says Aerin Martin,from the City of Santa Cruz WaterDepartment and member of theproject team. The Water-SmartGardening in Santa Cruz Countywebsite can be found at:www.watersavingtips.org.

Water-Smart Gardening in SantaCruz County, produced byGardenSoft, was a collaborativeproject between the WaterConservation Coalition of Santa

Cruz County and local gardeningprofessionals including MasterGardeners, nurserymen, and landscapedesigners.

goinggreen

CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:28 PM Page 27


Fall is the time for fall foliage. There is agroup of rhododendrons, the deciduousazaleas, such as Rhododendron occid-entale, the Western Azalea, which rangesfrom yellow to brown to red to purple inthe fall.

Sonoma Horticultural Nursery(www.sonomahort.com), in Sebastopol, isvery likely the best source forRhododendron occidentale & discoveriesby Britt Smith and Frank Mossman, GeneGerman, and Mike McCullough.

When people think of rhododendrons,one thinks of something that blooms inthe spring. There is a family ofrhododendrons that bloom throughoutthe year, namely the vireyas.

Vireyas, like other rhododendrons, like avery loose well draining planting mixwhich allows the air to get into the soil. Agood planting mix is one-third redwoodor fir compost, one-third redwood or firbark, and one-third lava rock. I have usedthings such as packaging peanuts insteadof lava rock, and have used a mixture ofhalf compost and half bark. I have overthirty vireyas growing in one, five, andfifteen-gallon containers.

Many vireya species are epiphytes, as wellas terrestrial. Where vireyas are found in

the wild, they are one of the firstcolonizers of abandoned farm areas.Vireyas make superb container plants.Vireyas have no set blooming periods,and can be in bloom at various times ofthe year. According to Bill Moynier,whose garden was landscaped withvireyas, Narnia can be in bloom “thirteenmonths out of the year.” Every time Ivisited Bill Moynier, Narnia was in bloom.

For the home garden in the San Franciscoand Monterey Bay Areas, ChristyHartsell, who grows over 400 vireyas athis garden in Palo Alto, recommends thatvireyas are grown in containers, insteadof in the ground, in case we have anotherArctic Express like we had in the Winterof 2007 - 2008.

On the North side of St. John theEvangelist Church, 65 St. Mary’s Avenue,San Francisco, is a vireya garden that wasestablished by Peter Sullivan. Thissurvived the winter of 2007 - 2008 andmay be the oldest vireya garden in theUnited States.

There are two outstanding mail ordernurseries that specialize in vireyas:Bovees Nursery (www.bovees.com) & PacificIsland Nursery (www.pacificisland-nursery.com). The Rhododendron Species

Rhododendrons in the Fall

CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:29 PM Page 28


Foundation (www.rhodygarden.org) hasvireya species. The plant sales at theStrybing Arboretum (www.sfbotanicalgarden.org/-plant_sales/plant_sales.htm) in San Franciscosometimes features vireyas.

If you would like to find out more aboutvireya series rhododendrons, onFebruary 15, 2011, 7:00 PM, at the LiveOak Senior Center, 1777 Capitola Road, inSanta Cruz, for the Monterey Bay

Chapter of the American RhododendronSociety, Christy Hartsell will give aprogram on vireyas.

On Tuesday November 16, 7:00 PM, at theLive Oak Senior Center, Tim Walsh, theDirector of District Five of the AmericanRhododendron Society, and one of thepeople responsible for the HumboldtBotanical Gardens, located south ofEureka, will be talking about theBotanical Garden, and how to growvarious plants, including rhododendrons.http://www.hbgf.orghttp://www.hbgf.org/garden.htm

The Monterey Bay Chapter of theAmerican Rhododendron Society will behaving other meetings and garden tours.

Mike McCullough is a Charter Member ofthe De Anza Chapter, a long timemember of the Monterey Bay Chapter, anofficer of both Chapters, and isknowledgeable about how to growrhododendrons.

By Mike McCullough

in thegarden

CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:30 PM Page 29

Coastal Home & Garden Resource Guide coastalhomeandgarden.com30 Coastal Home & Garden Resource Guide coastalhomeandgarden.com30

The last thing you need when you'retraveling is to get sick while on the road.Fortunately, there are some simple thingsyou can do to reduce your risk of pickingup a bug along with your souvenirs.

Wash Up. Frequent hand washing cansignificantly reduce your risk of gettingill. The Centers for Disease Control andPrevention (CDC) says that keeping yourhands clean is one of the best ways to stayhealthy and avoid spreading germs - athome or on the road. When washing, rub

and scrub your hands for 20 seconds - ittakes that long to dislodge and removegerms. If you can't get to a sink with soap,use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Lookfor gels or wipes that say "sanitizer" andhave at least 70 percent alcohol content.

Wipe Down. Cold and flu viruses cansurvive on surfaces anywhere from a fewhours to a few days. Stomach flu virusescan linger on surfaces for two to fourweeks. On the airplane, wipe down yourtray table, armrests, seat belt buckle and

the air/call buttons. You also should usethe wipes in your hotel room to sanitizefaucets, switches, phones & door knobs.

Drink Safe Water While Traveling. Eachyear, more than 10 million overseastravelers develop a gastro-intestinalillness often caused by unsafe water.Water systems in many countries,especially developing countries in Asia,Latin America and Africa, do notadequately purify drinking water. Waterpipe leaks and contamination are

How to Stay Healthy When Traveling

in your

health

CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:33 PM Page 30


common. Even bottled water can comefrom unknown and unregulated sources.

One way to avoid traveler's diarrhea is touse a handheld water purifier like theSteriPEN Traveler or Traveler Mini. Theywork on any source of fresh water -including overseas tap water, bottledwater from unknown sources, and riveror lake water. The SteriPEN usesultraviolet light, rather than chemicals, todestroy more than 99.9 percent of viruses,bacteria, household germs and protozoa -

including giardia and cryptosporidium -in seconds.

Something as simple as brushing yourteeth or washing your contact lenses inquestionable water could ruin your entiretrip. Use only purified water for thesetasks. To find out more about safedrinking water, whether you're travelingor simply making sure your emergencykit is up-to-date, visit steripen.com.

Be prepared. Put together a travel healthkit that includes an antacid, bandages,

pain relievers such as aspirin, anantihistamine, and your prescriptionmedications.

If you'll be traveling overseas, visit yourdoctor for a checkup and make sure youhave up-to-date immunizations. And besure to check the CDC travel health pageat www.CDC.gov for updates oninfectious diseases endemic in outlyingdestinations.

CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:33 PM Page 31


With the active and bustling lifestylefamilies lead, it is no surprise that theyfrequently change the way they interactwith, and in, their living spaces. Differentstages of life call for different living spaces.Most homes are not equipped to offer thisversatility. Outfitted with traditionalswinging doors that squander space,standard-width doorways offer limitedaccessibility and restrictive living areas.According to a survey on homeowner andhome buyer priorities, the ideal homereadily adapts to a family's changing roomspace requirements. For example, theaddition, growth and departure ofchildren or elderly relatives createsignificant demand for flexible floor plans.To make the most of your home, addingnew door solutions like JohnsonHardware's ingenious Multi-Pass PocketDoor Hardware can help you optimizeexisting square footage.A home that is able to evolve with ever-changing families has functionality at the

forefront of its design. Johnson's Multi-Pass Pocket Door application enables upto three 300-pound doors to glideeffortlessly into the inside of the wall.Since pocket doors do not swing open orclosed, you can reclaim floor spaceconsumed by traditional hinged doors.Make high traffic areas of your home moreaccessible with a large entryway thatwon't inhibit wheelchairs, walkers or foottraffic. Whether it's a play room for thekids or living quarters for an elderlyrelative, a pocket door's bottom track canbe recessed in the floor for easy navigationthrough the entryway.With standard Multi-Pass Pocket DoorHardware, you can create up to 12 foot widedoorways, or wider openings with longercustom tracks. Reveal large open areaswhen the pocket doors slide back inside thewall. Now you have an expansive space forguests to socialize and mingle, an areaperfect for family game night or a safe, openarea for children to play.

Pull the doors shut and the large spacequickly transforms into two cozy andmore private settings. Sliding the doorsclosed allows you to easily create anintimate home theater to watch the latestmovie or a comfy, peaceful nook to catchup on your reading. Multi-Pass PocketDoors give you a level of versatility thatstandard doors and entryways cannotmimic.To ensure safe, jump-proof operation,choose hardware that is manufactured andtested to exceed ANSI standards andbacked with a lifetime guarantee.If your home needs some updates toaccommodate your family's lifestyle, it'seasier than ever to make relatively smallchanges that will have a big impact. Formore information, contact JohnsonHardware at 2100 Sterling Ave., Elkhart,Ind. 46516; call (800) 837-5664 or visitwww.johnsonhardware.com.

Create Versatile Living Spacesfor Today's Ever-Changing Families

CHARMINGSEASCAPE CONDO

Gail DegnanRealtorDirect: (831) 662-6537E-mail: [email protected]: www.gaildegnan.comDRE License Number:00771511

Attractive 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath home has many special upgrades including doublepane windows and a beautifully appointed kitchen/dining area. Deck off kitchenand patio off downstairs mud room provide great outdoor living and entertaining

areas. Reverse floor plan features dramatic highbeamed ceilings and a handsome entry stairway.Separation from second unit by 2 one car garages,provides a quiet, private orientation near beach,shopping and restaurants. $465,000

Hear the sound of ocean waves from thischarming home in a highly desirable beachneighborhood. Just five houses from the sandand a short beach walk to the harbor, this 3 br, 2ba home with office has been completelyrenovated with vintage flair and features newervintage style windows and cabinetry, redwoodvaulted ceilings, and decks off every room. Apathway leads to an art studio/workshop and a

huge prof. landscaped lot with gardens, walnut andfruit trees, and a quaint barnwood potting shed.Property includes a legal income unit with privateentry. Offered at $1,545,000

KATHLEEN MANNINGBroker Associate, Realtor(LIC#: 00885315)CELL: [email protected]://www.californiamoves.com/Kathleen.Manning

TROPICAL BEACH PARADISE

CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:35 PM Page 32


Courtesy of Johnson Hardware

270 QUARTERHORSE LANE

Cara DeSimone, GRI2140 41st Ave, Suite 100, Capitola, CA 95010Direct: (831) 465-7029E-mail: [email protected] tour available at:CaraSellsHomes.com

DRE License Number:01215427

A private gated Spanish style estate located in beautiful Aptos Hills, completewith courtyard entry and fountain, this gracious single-level masterpiece boastsocean views and a sprawling lawn/garden area. "Casa Paloma" also affords a

charming guest house with its own privatedriveway/entrance, as well as a separate areacomprised of 3 Yurts for your creative expression,or just plain fun!! Come see for yourself…

Once Upon a Lifetime Just steps to the surf & sand at Pleasure Point.Large rooms & commanding ocean views fromnearly every room. 3 BR plus a den/office thatcould be a 4th BR. Formal LR w/marble tiledfireplace & new carpets. Formal DR w/fullocean views. Family room/game room withcathedral ceiling, wet bar & marble tiled FP.Gourmet kitchen w/granite counters, work-island & oversized pantry. Stainless appliancesinclude: Sub Zero refrigerator, dualThermador wall ovens & Viking ProfessionalSeries cook top. Master suite w/spa style bath& dressing area. New Milgard windows, newpaint & new carpet. 280 degree ocean viewsand magical sunsets. www.17Rockview.com

Lauren Spencer(831) 662-6522(831) [email protected]: 00925382MySantaCruzRealEstate.com

CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:36 PM Page 33


Standard advice for homebuyers/sellers:Find a good agent, be aware of localhome values, fix up the house you’reselling and research school districts andcrime rates where you’re buying.

Keep these five themes in mind from themoment you start planning your nextmove:

1. Dig deeperIn today’s market, some additionalhomework can pay off. To sell quicklykeep a close eye on what other houses areselling for in your neighborhood and stayahead of the market by pricing yourslower. It’s important to have a heightenedawareness of foreclosures, both whereyou’re selling and buying. Anyforeclosures on your street can put a dentin your home’s market value. And ifforeclosures are going on in theneighborhood you’re moving to, valuescould continue to drop after you buy.

2. Be involvedThe first 10 days on the market are the

most critical to selling a home becausenew listings tend to get the most attentionfrom buyers. Anything a seller can do toget their home ready to sell beforeputting it on the market would behelpful, including de-cluttering, cleaning,painting if needed, and making the homelook spacious and bright.

The Internet and social media haveopened limitless new strategies. TryCraigslist, Facebook, Flickr, YouTube, anddon’t be shy. When you’re selling, postpictures that show your home at its bestand upload a narrated video tour -because that’s what you’d want to see asa buyer. At some real estate agencies, avideo tour is becoming the newrequirement for sellers.

3. Accept a helping handTake advantage of services that couldhelp you streamline the buying andselling process. Some cost, such as home“staging” services that can help whipyour house into selling shape. Others arefree, such as relocation benefits offered by

some employers, or the military’sHomeowners Assistance Program. HomeCircle from USAA provides free homesearch services on the Web and throughan iPhone app that gives you access to thesame listing information real estateagents use, driving directions to homesand organization to help you keep trackof all the homes you’ve seen. You mayqualify for assistance through anemployer, the government, or anassociation you belong to - just ask.

4. Get creativeIf you know that a potential buyer iswavering on whether to make an offer onyour house, try making a “reverse offer,”where you try to win the sale with anattractive price. Sellers might alsosweeten the pot with extra incentivessuch as money toward closing costs orprepaid homeowner’s dues, but why notset yourself apart by offering a freevacation at a beach resort?If you’re the one buying, ask your agentto look up houses that were recentlytaken off the market. You might be able to

Five Keys in a Slow Housing MarketTips for Smooth Sales and Bargain Buys

CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:37 PM Page 34


request a “one-time showing” and get abargain price on a house the ownersthought they couldn’t sell.

5. Remain flexibleBuyers and sellers should keep theirpride in check and be willing to makesome concessions in a tough market.Don’t haggle over minor repairs or refuseto leave the chandelier your potentialbuyer just loves. Factor in the cost ofkeeping your home for several moremonths versus accepting a lower sellingprice today.

Even in the most sluggish real estatemarket, an early start and an open mindare two of the best strategies to makeyour next move go smoothly.

CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:38 PM Page 35


In this economy, you may feel grateful tohave a roof over your head. But howmuch do you really think about yourroof? It's one of the most importantelements of your home, one that helpsprotect all the other parts - not to mentionthe people - under it. And "greening"your roof is a great way to ensure it notonly protects your family, but saves yousome money and helps the environmentat the same time.

Heating, cooling and electricity costsmake up the largest chunk of the averagehousehold's annual utility bill. Here aresome roof upgrades that can helpimprove a home's energy efficiency andreduce utility costs.

New roofA damaged or worn out roof cannotprotect your home efficiently, and itsfailure to do so can cause significantdamage to other parts of the house, anddrive up heating and cooling costs.

EnergyStar.gov is a good place to start ifyou want to learn more about energy-efficient roofs. Energy Star qualifiedproducts reflect more of the sun's rays,lowering the surface temperature of theroof by up to 100 degrees. Energy efficientroofs reduce the amount of heat lostduring the winter, and can reduce theenergy needed to cool your home by 10 to15 percent, according to the Energy Starwebsite.

SkylightsA skylight is another way to green yourroof and trim utility bills. The abundantnatural light a skylight admits into yourhome can help reduce dependency onartificial light sources and the electricitythey consume.

Skylights are also a great way topassively vent moisture, fumes andpotentially harmful volatile organiccompounds (VOCs), improving indoorair quality. Venting skylights let coolbreezes in and can help lower cooling

costs in spring and fall, when indoortemperatures may be too warm forcomfort, but not hot enough to warrantturning on the air conditioning.

And one of the most commonhomeowner concerns about skylights -the potential for leaks - no longerprevents green-minded homeownersfrom installing them. Products like VeluxAmerica's No Leak Skylight deliver allthe beauty and benefits of a skylight witha guarantee that a properly installedskylight will never leak. When properlyinstalled, Velux skylights are no moreprone to leaks than any other properlyinstalled, quality window in your home.Visit www.veluxusa.com to learn more.

InsulationDirectly beneath your roof is one of themost important weapons in your home'senergy efficiency arsenal - attic insulation.Inadequate insulation and air leakage aretop energy wasters in most homes,according to the U.S. Department of

Green Roof ImprovementsThat Can Save Money - and the Environment

CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:41 PM Page 36

37goinggreen

Energy. Poorly insulated attics can allowheat to leak out in winter and fail to repelheat from outside the home in summer -all of which means your heating,ventilation and air conditioning systemrequires more energy to operate.

EnergyStar.gov recommends you addinsulation to your attic if the existinginsulation is just level with or below thefloor joists. If you cannot see the floorjoists because they're covered byinsulation, you probably have enoughinsulation and won't gain any energy-savings benefit by adding more.

Solar panelsSolar energy has been called the only trulyclean power source. Advances in solartechnology make it possible forhomeowners to harness the power of thesun to heat their water and generateelectricity. Low profile rooftop solarpanels and the Energy Star-qualifiedVelux solar water heating system use thesun's energy to heat water and help trimyour water heating bill, while loweringyour family's carbon footprint. Usingsolar thermal power to heat water notonly lowers the cost of heating water, itcan also reduce the high summer nitrogenoxide and carbon monoxide emissionsthat frequent burner startups cause.

coastalhomeandgarden.com Coastal Home & Garden Resource Guide 37goinggreen

CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:44 PM Page 37


You love the look of natural woodflooring but are afraid to installhardwood because you know the floorwill take a beating from the kids, dogsand the heavy day-to-day traffic all toocommon in modern family life.

But you don't have to sacrifice high stylelooks for boring sensibility whenconsidering a new flooring option in yourhome - not if you choose laminate, that is.

Today's best laminates combine therealistic grain and texture of wood withhigh durability & scratch & indentationresistance that "authentic" wood floorsdon't provide, according to Lisa Sabini,director of Floors Etc. located in Soquel, aleading provider of innovative andsustainable flooring. And not only are

today's laminates available at a fraction ofthe cost of real wood floors, but they'reright in sync with the latest designs.

"There's always a new decorating trendaround the corner,"Lisa says. "It'simperative for manufacturers to respondto market demand, keeping up with themost up-to-date trends to ensureconsumers are getting the latest in styleand design, as well as technology."

One such line is Armstrong's laminate, adurable new collection featuring severalof the hottest flooring designs, includingOld World-inspired antique-stainedplanks and soft, hand scraped woodgrains. Colors and styles in this line willcontinually rotate out with newintroductions to give homeowners the

newest, most popular looks in flooring,ultimately providing them with the highstyle of premium wood floors without thefuss.

"That's the beauty of laminate products,"Lisa says. "They're the new normal -great-looking products that deliver greatperformance at a great value.

When shopping for laminate productsconsumers should look for flooring that isengineered with sturdy inner core boardlayers - preferably ones that deliver highimpact resistance (AC3 or better). Thistype of rating helps provide excellentindentation resistance, and whencombined with highly rated top surfaceprotection (AC3 or better) kids and petscan run and play freely on laminate floors

Today's Laminate Floorsa 'Real' Wood Alternative

CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:47 PM Page 38

without making a dent or marring up thesurface's good looks. As a result, laminateflooring is so durable versus real woodproducts that some laminates come withup to a full lifetime warranty.

What's more, creating a laminate flooringtransformation in your home is arelatively simple DIY project. Many oftoday's new laminate floors come in easy-to-install planks that simply snaptogether without the need for messy glueor nails to pound. Laminates can even beused over several types of existingflooring, often eliminating the need forcostly sub-floor preparation.

"Consumers now have the choice ofselecting laminate floor innovations thatprovide excellent performance and value,while also reflecting and accommodatingtheir changing tastes," Lisa says."Laminate flooring solutions keep upwith their day-to-day life. That'ssomething we know will never go out ofstyle." For more information about thelatest trends in laminate flooring, visitfloorsetc.brandsource.biz

in thehome coastalhomeandgarden.com Coastal Home & Garden Resource Guide 39

CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:48 PM Page 39

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and dietmay help reduce your risk of breastcancer; however, committing to changeyour habits is sometimes easier said thandone. Here are a few tips that make it easyfor women to take care of their bodies &may reduce the risk of breast cancer:

1. Don't be shy about breast health. Talkto your doctor and don't be afraid to askquestions.

2. Exercise regularly for at least 30minutes daily to help maintain a healthybody weight.

3. Make sure that you are performingregular self breast examinations at home,as well as getting yearly mammograms ifyou are over the age of 40.

4. Maintain a healthy diet byincorporating the right foods into yourdaily routine.

One food that is extremely important toinclude in a healthy diet is eggs, and eggscan help provide several key nutrientsmost Americans lack in their diet.

"With increased amounts of Vitamin A,B2, B12, D, choline and Omega-3 pluslower saturated fat and cholesterol, eggsare a tasty and convenient nutrientbooster," said registered dietitian JulieUpton, MS, RD, co-author of Energy toBurn: The Ultimate Food and NutritionGuide to Fuel Your Active Life. "As ahealthy breakfast or snack, EB eggsprovide good nutrition and energy tohelp you stay nourished and active allday long."

See below for a healthy recipe to get youstarted on the right track. For additionalinformation and other delicious andhealthy recipes, visit www.EgglandsBest.com.

Autumn FrittataMakes 4 servings

1 1/2 cups zucchini, thinly sliced 1 cup fresh corn kernels (or one 8-

ounce can whole kernel corn,well drained)

1/2 cup sweet red peppers, chopped 1/4 cup onion, chopped 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper 1 tablespoon water 4 large Eggland's Best eggs 1/4 cup non-fat milk 1/4 cup (1 ounce) low-fat shredded

cheddar cheese

In a 10-inch nonstick skillet, combinevegetables, Italian seasoning, crushed redpepper, and water. Cover and cook overmedium heat, stirring occasionally untilcrisp-tender.

Thoroughly blend eggs and milk. Pourover vegetables. Cook over low heat untileggs are almost set. Sprinkle with cheese.Broil about 6 inches from heat untilcheese is melted.

Cut into wedges and serve from pan orslide from pan onto serving platter.

Notes & Suggestions: Can beprepared as a frittata or as an omelet,with a flatter fold-over shape.

HealthyWaysto Help Reduce YourRisk of Breast Cancer

in the

kitchenCoastal Home & Garden Resource Guide40

CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:49 PM Page 40

CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:50 PM Page 41

Does your kitchen feel more like Julie'sthan Julia's? No need to be concerned ... ifJulie could learn to master the art ofcooking in less than a year, you candesign your own chef's studio in afraction of that time. Follow Julie'sfootsteps and take your lead from thosewho know kitchens best - professionalchefs.

While the kitchen is the social center ofthe home, it's also the place that requiresthe most functionality. It's where youprep food, cook, serve, eat and clean.That's a lot of activity for a relativelysmall space.

Keeping things coolAny chef will tell you that one of thesecrets to cooking like a pro is using freshingredients. To keep your produce andmeats crisp and moist even longer,consider investing in a professional-grade refrigerator.

While these may take significantly morefloor space than standard refrigerators,professional-grade options feature theability to store more items in multiplelarge compartments, and set separatetemperatures for the different areas.Some brands offer extreme innovation,with microchip-operated defrost cycles,touch-screen pads and slide-out storage.

LG even offers the added luxury of a 15-inch screen that can handle DVDs.

If you're concerned that a professional-grade refrigerator will put a damper onyour kitchen decor - not to worry. Manymodels, including the GE Monogram All-Refrigerator, can be personalized tomatch the cabinetry in your kitchen andinclude your choice of handles.

Over-the-top ovensProfessional-grade cooktops, such as the48-inch Dacor Epicure Dual-Fuel Range,offer two self-cleaning ovens (both at 21inches deep), an infrared gas broiler andsix gas burners with continuous gratesover the top. In addition to sheer capacity,

Turn a Gourmet KitchenInto a Chef's Studio


CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:51 PM Page 42

professional-grade ranges have burnersthat can handle everything from slowsimmering to high-speed searing, andsmall pots to large woks. Some cooktopseven do the work for you - GE'sMonogram Electric Induction Cooktopfeatures a pan size sensor, whichautomatically adjusts the heating elementto the size of the pan.

Faucets for foodiesThe workhorse behind any professionalkitchen is the faucet - or faucets in manycases. You need a good faucet with arestaurant-style, pulldown or pulloutsprayer for cleaning fruits andvegetables, but it's also important for fastand efficient cleanup.

A second faucet to consider in a chef-inspired kitchen is a pot filler. Thesefaucets, which are installed over a range,not only provide a distinctly industriallook, but they also are extremely efficient.

The new ShowHouse Modern Pot Filleroffers a quick-fill rate of 5.5 gallons perminute, which enables you to fill a largepot with ease and eliminate having tocarry heavy pots of water from sink tostove.

Designed with style, utility and safetyfeatures, the ShowHouse Modern PotFiller folds against the wall when not inuse and conveniently extends 24 inches,via its double-joint extendable arm, todeliver water to pots from above. Forconvenience and safety, the Modern PotFiller features dual shut-offs at the base ofthe filler and at the spout. Water is firstturned on at the base and after the swingarm is positioned over the pot, water canbe turned on and off using the handle atthe spout - so you don't need to reachover a hot pot or open flame to turn offthe pot filler.

Plenty of prep spaceEvery good chef knows that cookingrequires plenty of counter space. In thiscase "less is more" rule applies here, asyou don't want to overcrowd counterswith too many small appliances. Choosethe most-used items, such as acoffeemaker, toaster, mixer and blender,to have out in the open and place otheritems and equipment in a nearby pantryor cabinet. Just be sure to keep themeasily accessible - and within three orfour steps of your primary work station.

It's always good to create a separate areawith a prep sink and faucet between therefrigerator and stove. Here, you canrinse and cut food items in closeproximity to where you will be using theingredients next.

ARAcontent

in thehome coastalhomeandgarden.com Coastal Home & Garden Resource Guide 43

CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:52 PM Page 43

AntiquesGEM ANTIQUE & GIFTS607 Capitola Ave. Capitola 95010 ph 831.464.1446Located in the Upper Village of Capitola,Gem offers a beautiful & ever-changingcollection of decorative antiques perfect forfurnishing our coastal homes &businesses. Our collection includes vintagesurfboards, maritime antiques, beach stylefurniture, and accessories. w FindYourGem.com

BankingBAY FEDERAL CREDIT UNIONph 831.479.6000w bayfed.comBay Federal Credit Union is a full service, notfor profit financial cooperative. We providepersonal and business banking servicesbut, unlike a bank, we're owned by ouraccount-holders and members like you! Ourgoal is to be better than a bank by deliveringoutstanding service, competitive savingsyields, low loan rates, and many low andno-cost services. Our Board of Directors ismade up of unpaid volunteers who spendcountless hours ensuring the safety andstability of your money in the Credit Union.

ConcreteLAS ANIMAS CONCRETEBuilding Materials123 Encinal St., Santa Cruzph 831.425.4084For Concrete146 Encinal St., Santa Cruzph 831.426.7280499 9th St., Marinaph 831.883.3040Locally owned and operated for 45 years,Las Animas Concrete is your go-to forbuilding materials, concrete, & concrete work.Give us a call for all your concrete needs!

Construction & Real EstateJOHN FUCHS PROPERTIESph 831.688.8008From our start in 1983, the hallmark of thecompany has been creative design andplanning, coupling uncompromising qualitywith competitive pricing and personalizedservice to all our clients. We are a small butfull service real estate brokerage. Becauseof our size, we are able to offer our clientsexceptional service. Because we are alsobuilders, we can offer a very uniqueperspective. We have helped a lot ofbuyers and sellers through many difficultmarkets. Let us help you.w JohnFuchs.com

Design/BuildingCENTRAL HOME SUPPLY808 River Street, Santa Cruz ph 831.423.0763fx 831.423.8613w centralhomesupply.comService comes first! Central Home Supplyoffers over 2,500 products; there are over100 types of natural stone alone! But mostimportantly, if we don't have it, we can getit! We'll search our extensive databases tolocate the unique, the hard-to-find, theunusual....and get it for you.

BIG CREEK LUMBER2801 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruzph 831.477.1231Big Creek Lumber Company has been inbusiness since 1946 & remains one of thefew family-owned lumber companies in thearea. The McCrary family has lived &worked on the Central Coast for sixgenerations. We currently operate a sawmill& wholesale sales department, five ProDealer lumber yards, a forestry department,& a logging operation. Big Creek has a longhistory of practicing superior foreststewardship - growing, selectively harvesting& milling California redwood and Douglas fir.California redwood is natural, untreatedsoftwood prized for its versatile beauty. It isvery workable and is valued for its stability,durability and fire resistance.w Big-Creek.com


SERVICE

xxx

CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:53 PM Page 44


PORTER CONSTRUCTION110 Glen Canyon RoadSanta Cruz, CA ph 831.426.1681w jpcsc.comPorter Construction is an establishedcontracting business with 35 years ofexperience specializing in Retaining Walls,Drainage Systems, Remodels, FoundationSolutions, Waterproofing, Woodwork,Fencing, Decking, Driveways, ErosionControl and much more. Call for anestimate.

ExterminatorsTHE PIED PIPER EXTERMINATORS4615 Scotts Valley DriveScotts Valley, CA 95066 ph 831.440.0909w piedpiper.comThe Pied Piper Exterminators have threequarters of a century’s experience incontrolling pests. Our proven formulas andprofessional service can help keep yourhome and business pest free. We alsospecialize in keeping your trees, lawn, andornamentals pest free with seasonalapplications. Call today and ask about ourWinter Dormant Oil Applications.

FlooringFLOORS ETC.3155 Porter Street, Soquelph 831.462.5586w floorsetc.brandsource.bizFor the past 20 years, Floors Etc. has beenyour destination for natural floor products.Wood, bamboo and cork flooring arepopular. Also available is Marmoleummade completely from sustainableproducts including cork and linseed oils.Laminate, hardwood, carpet, vinyl,linoleum, window coverings and sisal rugsare all popular choices. Visit the Floors Etc.large showroom to see their great selectionand experience their discount prices.

GardeningKNOX BOX46-A El Pueblo Road, Scotts Valleyph 831.461.9430w KnoxGardenBox.comKnox Garden Boxes are elevated plantingboxes made from premium untreatedredwood, built in various sizes to eliminatebending & gophers from your garden.

Green ProductsGREENSPACE1122 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruzph 831.423.7200w greenspacecompany.comGreenspace is a unique retail showroomand education center specializing in greenproducts for the home and business.

INTERLITESkylight, Window, & Door420 Kennedy Dr., Capitola, CA 95010ph 831.462.1700fx 831.462.1400w InterliteSkylight.comInterlite is the Central Coast Leader inmanufacture and supply of energy-savingskylight windows and doors products. Ourlicensed crew can install your chosenproducts and help you realize yourdreams. We stand by our products, work,and most importantly, you.

LandscapingCALIFORNIA LANDSCAPECONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION1491 River Park Drive, Ste 100Sacramentoph 916.830.2780w clca.orgThe California Landscape ContractorsAssociation is a non-profit tradeorganization of licensed landscape andlandscape-related contractors. Includedamong its approximately 3,200 membersare landscape suppliers, landscapearchitects, public officials, educators, andstudents. CLCA's mission is to serve andprotect the interests of its members,promote professionalism, and advancepublic awareness of the landscapeindustry.

SERVICE DIRECTORY

in thedirectory

CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:54 PM Page 45

46

InsuranceKING INSURANCE SERVICES7397 Soquel Dr. AptosMatthew Kingph 831.688.1434As your personal agent, I believe in keepingyou informed & aware of Farmersinsurance products. It is my mission to helpyou develop the right plans to meet yourinsurance needs. Through dedication,knowledge & a tireless work ethic, I will bethe agent who my customers want to sendtheir friends and families to. I will strive toprotect my clients' assets. My goal is toexceed all my customers' expectations.

PaintBRENT GARVEY PAINTING“THE REPAINT SPECIALISTS”ph 831.688.6913

831.464.6913Brent Garvey Painting has been providingquality painting services in the Santa Cruzarea for over 19 years. We are The RepaintSpecialists! w BrentGarveyPainting.com

KING’S PAINT AND PAPER2851 41st Avenueph 831.462.22025276-D Scott Valleyph 831.438.1772Conveniently located between Alaska andMexico, King’s Paint & Paper has been theleading independent retailer of decoratingproducts in the area for 28 years.

MATT NOWARK PAINTINGph 831.818.2221We provide painting for all residential,commercial, and new construction. Callfor an estimate. Matt Nowark painting is alicensed, bonded and insured.

RoofingKNOX ROOFING46 El Pueblo Road, Scotts Valleyph 831.461.0634w KnoxRoofing.comKnox Roofing is built on integrity & qualityworkmanship specializing in residential re-roofing of all types in the Santa Cruz andMonterey Bay areas.

StorageSTOREMORE3711 Soquel Drive, Soquelph 831.425.01239687 Soquel Drive, Aptosph 831.687.0123445 Herman Ave, Watsonvilleph 831.728.0123w StoremoreAmerica.comIt is dedication to customer service thathas made STOREMORE Self Storage aleader in the industry. Committed to beingthe most convenient, secure andprofessional storage solution in yourneighborhood.

Swimming Pools & SpasLIFETIME POOLS, INC.ph 831.458.9711e [email protected] Lifetime Pools has been in business since1962 building swimming pools and spas inthe area. We also provide remodeling &updating of existing pools as well as poolrepairs. w LifeTimePools.com

Water ProviderSOQUEL CREEK WATER DISTRICT5180 Soquel Drive, Soquel ph 831.475.8500w SoquelCreekWater.orgThe Soquel Creek Water District is a non-profit, local government agency thatprovides water resource management anda safe, reliable supply of water to mid-county residents and businesses.

in thedirectory

SERVICE DIRECTORY


CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:55 PM Page 46


Interior & Exterior • Residential & Commercial• Senior Discounts• Personal Supervision• Affordable Quality

• Hundreds of References• Crown Molding &

Baseboard Installation

• Free Estimates• Deck Restoration• Texture Matching

ALL WORKGUARANTEED

Senior Discounts

Call me today foryour FREE estimate

Year after year

No Gimmicks, No False promisesJust hard work & excellent

Results

CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:56 PM Page 47

CH&G-2010Fall F 11/5/10 1:57 PM Page 48

Documents

Coastal Home & Garden Fall/Winter 2010