A S U P P L E M E N T T O T H E C O A S T N E W S G R O U P • M A R C H 2 0 1 1

Featuring great ideas for interiordesign, remodeling & gardening

THE COASTNEWS

RANCHOSANTA FE

NEWS

garden&home

SPRING

COAST NEWS GROUP — SPRING HOME & GARDEN GUIDEB2 MAR. 11, 2011

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COAST NEWS GROUP — SPRING HOME & GARDEN GUIDEMARCH 11, 2011 B3

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ENCINITAS — Back bypopular demand isTomatomania, part of theworld’s largest tomatoseedling sale, with lectures onculture and care and plenty oftomato seedlings.The event iscoming to San Diego BotanicGarden on March 19 andMarch 20.

Susan Belsinger is thehonored guest at this year’sHerb Festival. Belsinger is a

culinary herbalist, educator,food writer, and photographerwhose articles and photo-graphs have been widely pub-lished. She has co-authoredseveral best-selling, award-winning cookbooks.

Belsinger will give a pro-gram each day at 1 p.m. OnSaturday, she will discussGetting to Know the

Herb Festival, Spring PlantSale and Tomatomaniacoming to Botanic Garden

TURN TO TOMATOMANIA ON B27

(ARA) — Handy toolbelt, equipped with all theessentials? Check. A visionof what the end result willlook like? Check. A sense ofadventure and determina-tion? Check. Sounds likeyou’re ready to tackle yourdo-it-yourself project.Or areyou? There’s one more toolyou need to have a handleon before you begin — yourcredit.

Whether your DIYproject is constructing a kitcar, building a shed orreplacing your kitchencounters, you should checkyour credit score before youget started, since it’s likelyyou’ll use credit or even acredit card to pay for yourproject materials and sup-plies. Every time you usecredit, it can affect yourcredit score — which in turninfluences your ability toget more credit.

Consider these five rea-sons why your credit is thefirst tool you’ll need to getyour DIY project started:

1. When financing ahome improvement project,credit makes sense for sev-eral reasons. First, becauseyou’re using the credit topay for something that will,in theory, increase yourhome’s value and yourenjoyment of it; it’s aninvestment with foresee-able returns. Second, thecost of home improvementmaterials may be more thanyou are willing or able topay out at one time. Creditallows you to manage thecost over a period of timethat’s comfortable for you.

2. If you’ll be buying alot of high-cost materials,the store you purchase frommight offer you a store cardwith a seemingly enticingdiscount or reward for open-ing the account. If you knowyour credit score before youbuy, you’ll be better able toassess if the store card’sinterest rate and incentiveis really competitive withthe credit terms you alreadyhave on existing cards orcould get from a financialinstitution.

3. A good credit scorecan help you qualify for bet-ter interest rates and lowermonthly payments on loans.But your credit score canchange and if you don’tcheck your credit report ormonitor your credit, youmight not know aboutchanges right away. Beforeyou commit to what kind ofcredit you’ll use for yourDIY project, check yourcredit score. Websites likefreecreditscore.com allowyou to access your creditscore when you enroll incredit monitoring.Monitoring your creditallows you to see howchanges in your creditreport can affect your score.You’ll also receive creditscore alerts whenever yourscore changes.

4. Your credit couldinfluence the scope of yourproject. When you checkyour score and find it higher

The DIYer’sbest tool:good credit

What you should know before buying a 3-D TV

TURN TO CREDIT ON B27

(ARA) — Everyone, itseems, is eager for 3-D. It’s afad that’s had its heydaymore than once in pop cul-ture, but this time all signspoint to 3-D finding stayingpower in American theatersand homes.

If you have any doubtthat 3-D is hot, consider thefact that more than 100movies — from children’s ani-mated films to big-budgetsci-fi offerings — werereleased in 3-D in theatersand on DVD in 2009 and2010. And weigh the fact thatnearly every major TV-makerhas at least one 3-D set onthe market.

In fact, manufacturersare banking that Americanswill embrace 3-D in theirhome viewing experiencejust as they did flat screens,high definition and Internetaccess. A 3-D TV may well bethe high-tech investmentyour family opts for in 2011,but before you buy, here area few things you should know— and consider — about 3-Dtelevision:

Cost considerationsAs with any new technol-

ogy, 3-D TVs appeared on themarket at higher prices thanwhat you would pay for acomparable quality 2-D highdefinition set. While youcould easily find large flat-screens for $1,000 or less in2010, most 3-D units sold forupward of $2,000. Prices arecoming down, however, andindustry watchers predict

they’ll drop lower this year asthe technology improves andmanufacturers try to stimu-late consumer interest.

Many manufacturershave announced lower prices

on their 3-D sets for 2011.“Prices for 3-D TVs will defi-nitely go down this year asour production costs havebeen dropping withimproved technology,” says

Skott Ahn, LG’s chief tech-nology officer, who also pre-dicts that 3-D technology willbecome mainstream in a fewyears.

What this means for you,

the consumer, is that thisyear you can probably pickup a quality 3-D TV for aboutwhat you would expect to

LOOK OUT New 3-D televisions are getting a lot of buzz as an exciting experience, but there are caveats as well. Courtesy photo

TURN TO 3-D TV ON B27

SAN ELIJO HILLS —San Elijo Hills is hosting“Sidewalk Sunday” on March

13 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.to showcase the community’svibrant towncenter and thebusinesses that surround thecharming San Elijo HillsTown Square.

The free event will fea-ture an array of deep dis-counts and specials by localmerchants, approximately 40booths highlighting profes-sional services and lots ofactivities for children, includ-ing jumpies, face paintingand balloon artists.

“Sidewalk Sundaylaunches a campaign by localbusinesses and the nonprofitSan Elijo Hills Foundation toshowcase the wealth of busi-ness activity in the communi-ty and to encourage residentsto shop locally,” said HaléRichardson, director of mar-keting for San Elijo Hills.

“This is also a greatopportunity for prospectivehome buyers to experiencethe vibrant lifestyle offered atSan Elijo Hills. In addition toshops and businesses, the San

COAST NEWS GROUP — SPRING HOME & GARDEN GUIDEB4 MARCH 11, 2011

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(ARA) — A skillet hid-den away in a cabinet, orsome other small piece ofcookware — that’s about allthe cast iron you’ll find inmost modern homes. In theearly 1900s, iron was a materi-al of choice not just for cook-ware, but for many otheressential items throughoutthe house: A skillet on thestovetop, sinks and bathtubs,and fences that decoratedand defined the front yard.Even some buildings weremade of iron. But as lighter,rust-resistant materialsbecame available, iron fell bythe wayside as a material inhomes.

Fast forward to today,and a new generation ofdesign-savvy homeowners isrediscovering the beauty,durability and usefulness ofcast iron in kitchens and bath-rooms.A handful of enterpris-ing manufacturers are rein-venting the look, design andappeal of cast iron.

If the concept of cast ironin kitchen and bath fixtures isnew to you, consider thematerial’s advantages:• Durable. Enameled castiron is especially durable,combining the longevity anddent-resistance of cast ironwith the rust-proof beauty ofenamel.

• Customizable. Cast-ironsinks and bathtubs addinstant elegance to a space.And with more than 20 colorsto choose from, it’s easy to cre-ate a customized look toreflect personal style.• Eco-friendly. Some cast-iron products, like those madeby bath design pioneerKohler, have a “green” side.Kohler manufactures its castiron from 83 percent recycledmaterials.

These three cast-iron fix-tures have regained populari-ty — and reclaimed cast iron’sreputation as a material of

Cast-iron comeback: Time-honoredfixture material gets modern design

SIDEWALK SUNDAY San Elijo Hills is hosting a free SidewalkSunday celebration in the community’s beautiful Towncenter on March13 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Local merchants and businesses will beoffering specials and there will be lots of activities for families. The SanElijo Hills Towncenter is located surrounding the intersection of San Elijoand Elfin Forest roads in San Marcos. Courtesy photo

San Elijo Hills celebratessmall town living with‘Sidewalk Sunday’ event

TURN TO SAN ELIJO HILLS ON B26

TURN TO CAST-IRON ON B26

(ARA) — With moreand more people staying putin their homes, homeownershave realized the impor-tance of creating a spacethat is meaningful to themand their families.

Heirlooms and vacationtchotchkes are no longerhidden in closets and cup-boards, but rather displayedto tell a story.

Paired with the onset ofdo-it-yourself programsaimed at instilling designconfidence in all, this newzeal is leading everyone tostop asking, “How does thislook to you?” and start ask-ing “What does this sayabout me?”

Adding personality to aspace shouldn’t be a diffi-cult task. Look in your clos-et, jewelry box or to your

favorite home accessories toget a sense of which stylesand colors attract you themost. If you’re gettingmixed signals because youlove your sleek black suit asmuch as your vintage watch,don’t worry.There is nothingwrong with mixing andmatching styles. Just ensureyou tie your design togetherwith one cohesive element,such as a common color.

Here are a few ideas forinfusing your identity intoyour home’s decor:

Color your worldColor is a great way to

add personality to a room.Neutral hues can actuallymake a room appear quitedramatic when carried

Telling your storythrough home decor

COAST CITIES — Theyare the some of the largest liv-ing things on the planet andthey’re always changing. Theyalso make up 15 percent ofyour property value. What arethey? Trees.

The above facts are cour-tesy of Brian Bishop, owner ofBishop’s Tree Service. Bishopsays his business was borne outof a lifelong love of trees, andthe quality of service he offerscan attest to that.

“When I was a little kid, Ithought Paul Bunyon and his oxwas the coolest thing ever,” hesaid. “I wanted to cut trees.When I was 16 I just startedcutting trees on my own.Around 1994 I became a certi-fied arborist.”The rest is histo-ry.

Today, Bishop’s has a staffof nine, who offer a variety oftree services. Crown cleaning,crown reduction,crown restora-tion, lifting and raising, thin-ning, tree removal, stumpgrinding, line clearance andbrush clearance are all offered.

Bishop and his team takepride in what they do. Theirbottom line is about saving youmoney and saving your trees.It’s not about up-selling. “I willtell someone, ‘You don’t needme.The tree’s fine. Come backto me in two years,’” he said.“I’m a tree guy, not a salesman.It’s what I do because I want todo it. The more I can educatepeople, the more I can do qual-ity tree work.Raising the indus-try standard.”

As consumers we are used

to hearing the phrase,“The cus-tomer is always right.” Bishopdoesn’t necessarily subscribe tothat theory. “When we do esti-mates, I ask questions.The cus-tomer isn’t always right. I givethe most inexpensive alterna-tive for long-term manage-ment.”

Bishop’s pride in his workand his knowledge come fromhis years of experience and alsohis role as president of theProfessional Tree CareAssociation of San Diego, orPTCA.“The mission of PTCA iseducation,” he said. “Basicallythe reason I agreed to be presi-dent is because I believe in edu-cation.”

Bishop also believes in giv-ing back. “We donate work toSan Diego Botanic Garden on a

regular basis.I believe in givingsomething back to the commu-nity where we can.”

In a community thatprides itself on its trees,Bishop’s Tree Service standsout. “The difference betweenme and a lot of people out thereis that out of our nine employ-ees, five are certified arborists.You won’t find that ratio any-where.” What this means forcustomers is that you get a cer-tified arborist in your tree. “Ittakes about 20 minutes toscrew up a tree forever.”Bishopstresses the importance of get-ting the job done right and get-ting it done right the first time.

For more information onBishop’s Tree Service, call(760) 720-9649 or visitwww.bishopstreeservice.net.

COAST NEWS GROUP — SPRING HOME & GARDEN GUIDEMARCH 11, 2011 B5

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Homes listed are subject to prior sale or withdrawal from market, and price of homes are subject to change. Square footage is approximate. Community association

fees required. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required or if void by law. Photographs are not intended to

represent the featured home being offered, and may also contain features or designs not available on all homes. Models do not reflect racial preference. Contact a sales

associate for details. Pulte Home Corporation is a licensed California real estate broker (lic. #00876003) ©2011 Pulte Home Corporation. All rights reserved. 3/1/2011

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WHAT’S YOUR STYLE? The way a room is decorated can say alot about a person — so making the right choices is important.Courtesy photo

TURN TO DECOR ON B26

ENCINITAS — With allthe talk in recent years aboutliving green, how many of usactually do? Local coupleWilliam “Bill” Allen and LynAllen made the commitment totruly walk the walk with thehouse they built on HymettusAvenue in Leucadia in 2000.

A slew of improvements tothe house inside and out trans-formed it into a water- andenergy-saving paradise in oneof the most desired areas inNorth County, proving thatgoing green doesn’t need tomean sacrificing style. In fact,the 4,000-square-foot house isso desirable that when it waslisted recently with Tyson Lundof The Lund Team, it was inescrow in record time due tothe great interest for the green

improvements.It is a craftsman-style

home, built in the vintage styleof the 1920s and 1930s.

The grass is always greenat this house. The Allensinstalled a high-quality syn-thetic grass in both the frontand rear yard that is both aes-thetically pleasing andreduces monthly maintenanceand water usage. Almost theentire yard is synthetic grassrequiring virtually no waterconsumption.

Also of note outside arethe solar panels, which comewith an inverter that will takeexcess power and sell it backto SDG&E. The Allensreceived money back fromSDG&E in 2010.They are actu-ally making money on their

energy bill.According to Lund, a high

number of interested partiessaw these systems as a bonus.Several of the buyers weredownsizing from Olivenhain,where having one to two acresof property can have water andmaintenance expenses of sev-eral thousand dollars monthly.

With little to no electricitybills, low water bills and nomello roos, other than propertytaxes, monthly expenses on theproperty are minimal.

Other green features inthe home include a 70-gallongrey water system, which takeswater from the showers andbathroom sinks to reuse for irri-gation. There is also a hot

COAST NEWS GROUP — FALL HOME & GARDEN GUIDEB6 MARCH 11, 2011

HERB FESTIVAL, SPRING PLANT SALE, ANDSan Diego Botanic GardenMarch 19-20, 10 am - 4 pm

Tomatomania®, the world's largest tomato seedling sale, &lectures on culture and care. Presentation each day at 1 pm bySusan Belsinger, culinary herbalist, food writer, photographer

& co-author of best-selling, award-winning cookbooks. On-going speakers on herb-related topics, guided Herb

Garden tours, Herb Market & Spring Plant Sale.

FREEwith admission or membership.

$2 off coupon at www.SDBGarden.org

Kids crafts & help create a community sculpture with recycled

materials. Both days 11 am - 2 pm.

230 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas760-436-3036 • www.SDBGarden.org

GONE GREEN A green home with a blue view. Both the front and backyard have synthetic grass whichsaves money on monthly maintenance and water usage. Courtesy photo

Green house next to greenhouses

TURN TO GREEN HOUSE ON B23

CARLSBAD — FlooringAmerica by Picketfence Designis pleased to announce thegrand opening of their newCarlsbad showroom.

The new location offersoutstanding values on the lat-

est styles of carpet, luxuryvinyl, laminate, hardwood,tile and stone; and not limitedto flooring but also includingshowers, countertops and win-dow treatments.

If you are looking for

something unique or hard tofind this is the place to go.The friendly staff offers com-plimentary design services toall their clients and the storehosts monthly design clinicsto the community.

Picketfence Design, Inc.services San Diego County forboth residential and commer-cial flooring. It is a 27-year-old, family business, ownedby local Carlsbad residentsDan and Amy Taylor.

The Taylor’s have threesons who go to school locallyin Carlsbad. You may recog-nize Dan and Amy from thesidelines of one of the local

COAST NEWS GROUP — SPRING HOME & GARDEN GUIDEMARCH 11, 2011 B7

858.382.5964 by Jim&DECKS PATIOSCSLB #921904

Beautiful Outdoor Living(ARA) — Knowing fact

from fiction can make thedifference between miseryand relief for millions ofspring allergy sufferers.

“People often sneezeand wheeze through spring ifthey use misinformation tomanage their condition,”says allergist Dr. Myron Zitt,past president of theAmerican College of Allergy,Asthma and Immunology(ACAAI). “But no one shouldsuffer from spring allergies.Knowing the facts, getting aproper diagnosis and theright treatment allows aller-gy patients to feel good allseason long.”

The ACAAI — whose

allergist members specializein treating allergies and asth-ma — dispels several com-mon spring allergy myths.

Myth:Over-the-counter (OTC,

or nonprescription) oral anti-histamines are just as effec-tive as prescription medi-cines in controlling a stuffynose.

Fact:OTC antihistamines can

help control some allergysymptoms, but they have lit-tle effect on relieving astuffy nose or the inflamma-tion that often occurs withallergies.They also can cause

Allergy sufferers alsobeset with bad info

Carlsbad flooring company committed to community

TURN TO COMMITTED ON B23

TURN TO ALLERGY ON B20

ENCINITAS — Marchis the beginning of spring atWeidner’s Gardens. Thisyear Weidner’s celebratesspring with special eventsand learning opportunities.Come learn at FairyGardening classes, aSucculent Wreath work-shop, Moss Baskets and theBasket and Pot Rehab work-shop and more.

On April 16 and April17, the Big Parade of SpringBaskets and Pots, thelargest show anywhere ofblooming and succulentcombinations, will be held.Browse, get ideas, buy orlearn to make your own atthis free flower show. Don’tmiss Weidner’s springparade of color. For the com-plete schedule of all work-shops and garden tour information, visit www.weidners.com and click onClasses and Events.

Weidner’s Gardens islocated at 695 NormandyRoad in Encinitas. Theyare open daily from 9 a.m.to 5 p.m. except Tuesdayswhen they are closed. Call(760) 436-2194 or visitwww.weidners.com fordetails.

Spring eventsplanned atWeidner’s

COAST CITIES —Realtor Marla Zanelliknows a thing or two aboutreal estate. With more than22 years in the business,andcoming from a family ofcontractors, it’s no wonderZanelli is considered a localexpert.

In previous years,Zanelli has focused primari-ly on serving coastal NorthCounty andspecialized inselling sec-ond homes tothose in thet h o r o u g h -bred racingbusiness forracing seasonin Del Mar.She also helps locals rentout their homes and condosfor the season to clientsfrom all over the country.

A more recent develop-ment for Zanelli is a ven-ture into managing remod-els with Zanelli Designs.Using her expertise, Zanelliwill help clients withremodels and repairs andhelp them get their homemarket-ready.

Sometimes it’s the littlethings that can make thebiggest difference.“Everything from restain-ing kitchen cabinets tochoosing flooring andchanging out hardware andlights can make a world ofdifference,” Zanelli said.

“I have a client who is

Get yourpropertyready formarket

MARLAZANELLI

TURN TO READY ON B26

(ARA) — Great as a giftor home decor, indoor plantsare making a comeback as thecoolest new trend in garden-ing. Cultivate, collect andeven clean interior air with

them.Six smart ways to feature

indoor plants for fabulouseffects:

1. Great gifts: Give thegift of green with an indoor

plant.With spring holidays

right around the corner, thisyear skip a short-lived, pur-chased bouquet and give agift that will continue to blos-

som well beyond the specialoccasion. It is easy to findbeautiful indoor plants witheye-catching blooms likeanthurium, bromeliads,amaryllis and hibiscus. For an

inspired idea, give a livingtopiary shaped like a heart, ora beautiful living orchid —which can bloom for severalmonths — instead of a mun-dane marketplace arrange-ment. Plants also make greathostess gifts, housewarmingpresents and get-well tokens.Give the gift of green andshare a live plant with some-one this holiday.

2. Terrariums: Createyour own miniature garden.

Invented in VictorianEngland and popularized in

the 1970s for their “kitschy”appeal, terrariums are funmicro-climates that can beboth decorative and enter-taining for kids and adults.Terrariums are generallyenclosed in glass and can beplanted inside anything, frombrandy snifters and fishbowls, to large, upscalestained glass containers.With terrariums regaining popularity, experienced gar-deners and novices alike are

COAST NEWS GROUP — SPRING HOME & GARDEN GUIDEB8 MARCH 11, 2011

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Houseplants growing as a hip new niche

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TURN TO HOUSEPLANTS ON B22

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(ARA) — If you’re look-ing to purchase or remodel ahome, you likely are buildinga long list of “must-haves,”“must-dos” and “must-includes” for your new space.There’s no question the hous-ing market is in a differentplace than it was as recentlyas five years ago. Of course, atough economy has been theprevailing factor, but otherthings — an aging populationand a tough job market — areinfluencing how people areliving today and possibly intothe future. If you’re like mosthome seekers and remodel-ers, you may find that yourrequirements fall in line withthese five growing trends.

Bigger isn’t always bet-ter: As interest grows in livingmore efficiently, people arebuilding smaller homes. Infact, new homes are now 7percent smaller than theywere the previous year,according to the U.S. CensusBureau.

Just my style:Homeowners are aiming tomake their home fit their per-sonal visions of the bestinvestment on the dollar, and20 percent of new homes arecurrently custom-built,according to the AmericanInstitute of Architects. Thistrend to customize is in partmade possible by the paralleltrend to build a smaller home.Smaller spaces free up dollarsto put toward the productsthat fill it. Color, decor andproducts that help make ahome feel one-of-a-kind ver-

sus one-of-many are becom-ing king.

Mul t igenerat iona l :Homeowners also are seekingspaces that accommodate res-idents of all ages. One-third ofbaby boomers report theyhave adult children still livingat home or likely moving backhome at some point, and 8percent of Americans report

their parents already live withthem or will in the future,according to the U.S. CensusBureau.With more people liv-ing under one roof — somepossibly in diminishinghealth — you may be amongthe homeowners seekingproducts that will help ensurea healthier, cleaner environ-ment. This may range from a

programmable thermostat tohelp you bring comfortabletemps to all ages, to an air fil-ter to help keep germs andairborne particles at bay.

In for the long haul: Aslife expectancy increases,Americans are buildinghomes that will allow them to“age in place.” Smart technol-ogy and system installationsthat will address future sight,hearing and dexterity-relatedlimitations are becomingincreasingly popular as aresult.

Energy-efficient: Ashomeowner concerns aboutenergy costs continue tomount, so too does theirattention to home design andproducts that will help lowertheir energy bills anddecrease their carbon foot-print. As a result, homeown-ers are showing increasedattention to factors such asinsulation and window quali-ty.

In the end, there aremany products and serviceson the market to help meetthese homeowner needs, butthere’s one you may have notconsidered, tucked away inyour basement. It’s your homeheating, ventilation and cool-ing (HVAC) system, and itactually plays a role in meet-ing each of these growinghomeowner trends.

• If it’s a smaller homeyou seek, HVAC manufactur-ers such as Trane continue torollout product solutions that

5 trends to make your home truly yours

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE These days, it’s more importantthan ever to make homes accessible for all generations. Courtesy photo

TURN TO YOURS ON B23

VISTA — An achehere, needed strengththere, various joint prob-lems and the importance ofstretching are common toboth the amateur athleteand the now-aging babyboomers. But too often, thehigh-impact training orrequired exercise can actu-ally compound the prob-lem. Aquatic FitnessConcepts, with their show-room in Vista, has the solu-tion with their innovativeswim spas called AquaticFitness Systems. Doctors,in fact, have begun pre-scribing their lap-poolstyle spas for their patientswho need to exercise butare struggling with tradi-tional land based pro-grams.

Californians are espe-cially tuned in to healthy,successful aging. Aquaticworkouts are well-known tobe highly effective yet farless stressful on your bodythan any other type ofexercise.And who wouldn’tprefer a low-impact work-out in warm water whereyou can choose to swim, docircuit-training exercise,jog, stretch or row? AquaticFitness Systems aredesigned to perform likean underwater gym, andcan be easily custom-tunedto emphasize trouble spotsor give a full-body aquaticworkout.

The true luxury is thatthis can all be available inthe convenience of yourown backyard. Besides thetime required traveling touse a public pool for laps orexercise, too often they arecold, crowded, loaded withchlorine and have limitedschedules for use.

With your ownAquatic Fitness System,you can use it anytime youwant and can control exact-ly what temperature youwant it to be. And becauseit has its own built in waterpurifier, very little chlorineis needed. Aquatic FitnessConcepts will help in find-ing the best program foryour personal needs. Thecompany goes the extramile, offering customerstrained aquatic fitnessinstructors who will recom-mend a complete trainingprogram for your AquaticFitness System.

There are several dif-ferent models available, allfeaturing swim lanes,hydro chairs and soothingjets. They range from 16-feet to 19 feet long. The7.5–foot-wide and 52- to 62-inch-deep ovals can beinstalled both indoors orout, in or above-ground.

Aquatic FitnessConcepts has the onlyshowroom in Southern

Swim spas bring safetyand comfort to fitness

TURN TO SWIM ON B24

COAST NEWS GROUP — SPRING HOME & GARDEN GUIDEB10 MARCH 11, 2011

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CALL CORKY For more than 44 years, Corky has satisfied thousandsof residential, commercial, and mobile home customers. For more infor-mation, contact Corky’s Pest Control at (800) 901-1102 or visitwww.corkyspestcontrol.com. Courtesy photo

Pioneering the pestcontrol industry

COAST CITIES —When you see the trail ofants or find spider webs glis-tening everywhere on yourway to the morning paper, it’stime to call Corky’s PestControl.There is no reason tolet ants, spiders, rodents, ter-mites or any of the hundredsof potentially damagingpests wreak havoc on yourbeautiful home. Corky’s cansolve your problem, and saveyou money and aggravation.

Success in the pest con-trol business, like most busi-nesses, is a combination ofexperience, knowledge anddedication.

Four decades of expert-ise and knowledge of our cli-mate, our particular pestproblems, and an expert’sknowledge of the productswill best provide solutionsfor every customer.

Owner Corky Mizer hasover time added more servic-es, products and diversity tohis company in order to pro-vide his customers with thegreatest value. Besides the

basic high-quality pest con-trol service that forms thecore of his company, he hasadded the best people ineach discipline to make newbusiness divisions withinCorky’s Pest Control.Included is his termiteinspection and fumigationdivision.

Corky’s is the first com-pany to include a picture ter-mite inspection process thatallows the inspector to sendpictures of the home whilehe is there and receive back astate-recognized termiteinspection e-mailed to thecustomer in an absolutelyminimum amount of time.Corky can also eradicate thetermites in several ways,repair any structural damagethat is found, and offer ongo-ing termite inspection, pre-vention and removal.Included in the termite erad-ication process is a four-yearguarantee, knowing that ifthe job is done right it will

TURN TO PEST ON B20

(ARA) — When you starta home business, you willprobably set aside one roomor area of your house to beyour office.

This is the place whereyou’ll handle general busi-ness, customer relations, ship-ping and delivery of productsand services, payroll andmany other details that per-tain to your company.

Of course, this room isalso in your house, so youwant to make sure it looksgood in case you have cus-tomers stop by, or if friends orrelatives stay over.

Setting up your office sothat it is functional and looksnice is important, but becauseyou’ll be spending a lot oftime in there, you shouldmake it comfortable as well.

Here are some tips on how tomake your home office func-tional, yet fun and stylish.

• If you have young chil-dren at home, designatingyour office separate from therest of your house with aclosed door, or a standing par-tition, can help your childrenlearn that you are “at work”and not to be disturbedunless they have an emer-gency. If you plan to use youroffice space for family busi-ness as well after work hoursare over, consider making asign indicating you are busyworking to hang on the dooror partition.

• Your desk probably willbe where you spend themajority of time in your homeoffice, which means you needit to match your style perfect-

ly. Your office chair needs tobe comfortable, but you alsowant it to match the decor aswell. You can choose a HONVolt or HON Ignition chair,picking from over 30 differentfabrics and colors, allowingyou to match your decoratingscheme and comfort levels.Visit officedepot.com/customdesign to see how a HONchair can enhance your homeoffice space.

• Decorate your office incolors and materials that willhelp keep you operating effi-ciently, but also allow you toenjoy the time you spendworking. For example, yellowis considered to be a stimulat-ing color, orange encouragescreativity and green provides

Your home office can becomfortable and functional

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS A clean, well-organized office with the right furniture can be more thanjust a place to do business — it can be downright enjoyable. Courtesy photoTURN TO OFFICE ON B24

COAST CITIES — Forthe last decade 1 STOPFurniture & Patio has beenSan Diego’s leader in intro-ducing the latest and great-est trends for both indoorand outdoor living. They areproud to introduce to the res-idents of North County ele-gant high-end furnishingsand stylish outdoor patio col-lections of exceptional quali-ty and value.

Their dedicated salesteam is comprised of profes-sional designers with a pen-chant for helping discerningclients assess their needs andselect furnishings that areinnovative, stylish, comfort-able and functional. As aleader in the industry, theystrive to provide you withoutstanding craftsmanshipand the highest level of cus-tomer service that will satis-fy even the most arduousclients. They offer no pres-sure sales and a huge selec-tion of home furnishings tosave you time and moneyfrom driving all over town.

They are most famousfor featuring the largestselection of custom sofas andsectionals and also regardedfor showcasing an extensivevariety of sophisticated out-door patio furniture all yeararound. The popularity oftheir unique designs andexcellent service has allowedthem to expand into their

new 20,000-square-footdesigner showroom whereyou will find top designerbrands at amazing prices.

Stop by their showroomto schedule a personal in-home design consultationand see name brand patiofurniture, custom sofas andsectionals, dining rooms, bed-rooms, mattresses, homeoffice, pool tables, coffeetables, kids furniture andmore.

1 STOP FurnitureWarehouse & Patio is SanDiego’s only furniture storewhere you can furnish everyroom in your entire home inone easy stop. They featurenationally recognized brandslike Stanley Furniture,Tommy Bahama, Aico-Michael Amini, Brownstone,American Drew, Lea Kids,Broyhill, Lane, Hanamint,Mallin, Summer Classics,Telescope, Serta and manymore.

Founded in 2000, theyare committed to serving thecommunity and its military.They have successfullyraised thousands of dollarsfor local San Diego charities.

1 STOP FurnitureWarehouse & Patio offers themost relaxed shopping expe-rience the industry has everseen! Visit their massive

COAST NEWS GROUP — SPRING HOME & GARDEN GUIDEMARCH 11, 2011 B11

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Furnishing your home — made easy

ONE STOP SHOPPING 1 STOP Furniture Warehouse & Patio is located at 9050 Kenamar Drive (offMiramar Road just two blocks north of the Pyramid). Hours are Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.,and Friday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call (858) 271-9400, ext. 2 or visitwww.furniturestoresandiego.com. Courtesy photo

TURN TO FURNISHING ON B24

(ARA) — Do-it-your-selfers range from expertsto novices, ambitious reno-vators to weekendhandypersons, but onething they all share is thedrive to find products andtools that can make theirhome improvement proj-ects easy, successful andfast.

“Do- i t -yourselfersappreciate home improve-ment products that are newand innovative,” says PattiPrice, senior vice presidentof merchandising forLowe’s.

“They’re looking forproducts and tools thatmake projects easier,improve the functionalityand efficiency of theirhomes, solve an old problemin a new way, and areunique and original.”

Lowe’s polled a panelof DIYers recently to findout what products they con-sidered to be the most inno-vative — and useful — forthe start of 2011. The topproducts will be updatedquarterly, but for the begin-ning of the year, here aretheir top 10 picks:

1. Recessed lightconversion kit

If you’re looking for aquick, do-it-yourself lightingupgrade, with professionalresults, replace a recessedlight with a pendant.This conversion kit makesthe process quick and easy,and the end results provideupdated style. Panelistshighly rated the product’sinnovative features,improved functionality andeasy installation.

2. Side-by-siderefrigerator

With an array of high-tech features and an ENER-GY STAR, the Whirlpool

Top 10productsfor DIYers

TURN TO DIYERS ON A20

COAST NEWS GROUP — SPRING HOME & GARDEN GUIDEB12 MARCH 11, 2011

(ARA) — The masterbedroom has evolved into farmore than a place where youhit the pillow and grab a fewhours of sleep each night.Today, it’s almost a misnomerto call these modern, multi-functional rooms bedrooms.If you’re looking to renovate,expand or build a new mas-ter bedroom, think “mastersuite” instead. Don’t just cre-ate a cozy room meant forsleeping, because in recentyears it really has turned intoso much more.

The growing trend ofmaking the master suite oneof your immediate family’schoice gathering spots stemsfrom a flagging economy andthe fact that more people arechoosing to enjoy leisuretime at home instead of outon the town.And believe it ornot, many are choosing tospend it in the master bed-room.

“The master bedroomhas increasingly become arestful retreat within yourlarger home — a place whereyou can spend the day, if youwish, with all the comforts ofa traditional family room,”says Donna Schroeder, colormarketing and design man-ager for Dutch Boy Paints.“The trend is to combinecomfort with convenientamenities in an atmospherethat is peaceful and relax-ing.”

One of the easiest waysto accomplish this is to look

to sumptuous hotel suites foryour design inspiration.Plush, comfortable and fullof luxuries — big and small— hotel suites offer plenty ofideas you can mimic.You sayyou like coffee first thing inthe morning? Why go downto the kitchen? Install a cof-fee bar, complete with anespresso maker, coffeegrinder and a mini refrigera-tor to store milk for thoseextra-foam lattes.

Don’t expect to loungeon the bed with your cappuc-cino in hand. Reserve spacein your design for an amplesitting area where you canput a sofa, comfortable read-ing chairs and even a state-of-the-art entertainment sys-tem for movie nights and lazySundays.

Add a built-in cus-tomized entertainment cen-ter to house the latest andgreatest gadgets for every-one in the house. You’ll wantto have room not only for theflat screen HDTV and Blu-Ray player but also the kids’gaming system, DVR receiv-er and a nook for Dad’ssound system.You might alsowant to include shelves forMom’s prized collection ofromantic old movies so shecan watch them in the com-fort of her bedroom haven.

You can picture italready, can’t you? First, how-ever, you must set the stage

The master suite: a haven within your home

(ARA) — Spring is a timeof renewal with flowers andtrees blooming, grass green-ing and warmer temperaturesbringing us back to the out-doors. But before you canbegin to truly enjoy the freshair — there are many updatesneeded to help your patioareas recover from the harsheffects of old man winter.

Luckily,with a few springspruce-up projects, you canachieve a patio revival in onlya weekend that’s simple, yetlooks sensational.

Wash away winterWhen we think spring —

we think cleaning. No matterwhat type of patio you mayhave, pressure washing is asimple way to make it shine. Itoffers instant gratification aslayers of dirt, dust and grimeare quickly blasted away.Don’t have a pressure wash-er? No need to run out andbuy one; most rental compa-nies or home improvementcenters offer reasonablypriced daily rentals. Or it’s anopportunity to visit the neigh-bors you haven’t seen duringthe cold months to borrowtheirs.

Bring new life to old furniture

Once your patio area isclean, it’s time to bring out theseating. But have your tableand chairs seen better days?The outdoor elements canwreak havoc on patio furniture.Fortunately,you can easily turnsomething ready for the trashinto a new treasure by updatingit with a coat of spray paint.

To start, lightly sand andclean the entire surface. Next,spray the entire piece of furni-ture with a new, updated paintcolor.For metal,wood or wickersurfaces, try Krylon’s OutdoorSpaces spray, or for plastic sur-faces, try Krylon’s Fusion forPlastic spray paint. Both prod-ucts are available in a wideselection of popular colors andfinishes and offer superior pro-tection to keep your patio furni-ture looking beautiful for yearsto come.

Petals and pots with pizzazz

Finally, it’s time to liven upyour patio area with beautifuland aromatic flowers. But justas important as choosing thepretty petals, is planting them

in the perfect pot. Terra cottapots are ideal since they comein a variety of sizes and areinexpensive. For added pizzazz,you can update these planterswith a splash of color. You canchoose one color for all of yourpots or mix it up.This is a greatproject that allows you toexperiment with all of the col-ors that you love but were hesi-

tant to commit to inside yourhome.If you change your mind,all you need is a new can ofspray paint.

To start, turn each potupside down on newspaper andspray the pot with your favoriteshade of Krylon OutdoorSpaces spray paint. Once dry,you may choose to spray yourvibrant pot with a clear,

pearlescent or glitter spray toachieve the dazzling finish youdesire.

With just these few simpleprojects, your patio will be fes-tive and fashionable in just aweekend’s worth of work.

For more information onother products or productsfrom Krylon, visitwww.projectsinacan.com.

Perfecting your patio isn’t the work of a lifetime

(ARA) — Put on yourgarden gloves and join in thefun because “gardening witha purpose” is taking root.

The purpose may be togrow your own food or createurban sanctuaries, but plant-ing for a greener good ischanging neighborhoods andcommunities — one garden ata time.

According to the

Association of ProfessionalLandscape Designers, home-owners are growing more oftheir own food — more herbs,vegetables and fruit trees —both in dedicated vegetablegardens and mixed in the gar-den among flowers andshrubs.

But it’s not just food pro-duction that’s driving today’sgardener.As backyard conser-

vationists, gardeners aretransforming yards, gardens,rooftops and even urbanalleys into green and produc-tive spaces.

Here’s a glimpse of whatSusan McCoy, garden trendspotter, sees for 2011.

Garden with purposeNine out of 10 house-

holds want to manage their

lawns and gardens in anenvironmentally friendlyway, according to theNational GardeningAssociation.

“Gardens continue toreflect awareness of how ourlandscapes enhance andimprove the environmentaround us,” Patricia St. John,president of the Associationof Professional Landscape

Designers, says of this trend.Since healthy plants

start with healthy soil, peo-ple are looking for sustain-able and organic soils likeOMRI-listed, compost-based,premium-blend potting soilfrom Organic Mechanics SoilCompany. This all-purposepremier blend is good for all

New trend of ‘gardening with purpose’ takes root

SUITE LIFE With people spending a lot more time in their master bedrooms, it makes more sense than everto make it great. Courtesy photo

TURN TO MASTER ON B26

SPRING CLEANING Even patios that didn’t see much use — or cleaning — over the winter can berestored to beauty without a lot of fuss using a few simple tricks. Courtesy photo

TURN TO PURPOSE ON B19

SOLANA BEACH — Whodoesn’t love digging in the dirt,breathing fresh air while har-vesting ripe vegetables andfruit? Gardening, though, canbe a bit of hassle when it comesto proper planning and execu-tion.

That’s where CaliforniaHydroponics & Organics comesin, a brand new garden centerlocated in Solana Beach.Family owned and operated bynative San Diegan James Hilland his cousin Scott Stark, thiscompany puts an emphasis oncustomer service, a vast prod-uct offering and a knowledge-able staff.

Hill’s father is a dentist inRamona, whose own version ofcustomer service has won himnumerous “best business”awards.

“I learned a lot about cus-tomer service from my dad,”Hill said. “Customer service isunderemphasized these days.My company is working to fixthat.”

How so? For starters,California Hydroponics &Organics offers free one-on-oneadvice with their qualifiedemployees. In fact,one of theiremployees has a degree in agri-culture.

“You need an expert toanswer your gardening ques-tions,” Hill said. “There are alot of variables involved.”

What sets CaliforniaHydroponics & Organics apartfrom every other gardeningcenter in town is their commit-ment to being a part of thecommunity.

“We treat people like peo-ple, not customers,” Hill said.“People who garden aroundhere are all so friendly. We’vealready had people stop byshowing us pictures of gardensthat we helped them getgoing.”

For those readers who areunsure of what hydroponics is,Hill notes that it is simply thegrowing of plants with nutrient-rich water instead of soil.

Whether your gardeningis done hydroponically or tradi-tionally in soil, CaliforniaHydroponics & Organics iscommitted to making self-sus-taining gardening a practicalpart of every home by provid-ing innovative, environmental-ly friendly and easy to use gar-dening products.

The store caters to alltypes of gardeners and carriesthe world’s most advanced linesof premium organics and bio-organic plant nutrients andgrow media for today’s avid gar-dener.

They offer a huge invento-ry of name brands, a low-priceguarantee and fast order pro-cessing. The store is also cur-rently offering a 20 percent dis-count for first time customers.

California Hydroponics &Organics is located at 564Stevens Ave. in the StevensDesign Center. They are openseven days a week, Mondaythrough Friday from 10 a.m. to7 p.m.,Saturday from 11 a.m.to6 p.m., and Sunday from noonto 5 p.m.

Call CaliforniaHydroponics & Organics at (858) 436-7775 or visitwww.californiahydroponic.comfor all of your growing needs.

No greenthumb? Noproblem

COAST NEWS GROUP — SPRING HOME & GARDEN GUIDEMAR. 11, 2011 B13

(ARA) — With theadvent of summer still sever-al months away, the comfortof a hot bath or invigoratingshower continues to be some-thing to look forward toevery day.

However, in many ways,the bathroom can be a frigidplace on a cold late-winter orearly-spring San Diego day.In fact, it often may feel likethe coldest room in the housethanks to all of that imper-sonal chrome, porcelain andtile.

But, it doesn’t have tobe. It’s possible to warm upeven the chilliest bathroom,even on the tightest of redec-orating budgets.

As you plan your bath-room revamp, start by look-ing right under your feet.Many bathroom floors aremade from ceramic tile ornatural stone, such as mar-

ble. Sure, these hard-surfaceelements look nice, but theyalso can feel downright icyon your bare feet, not to men-tion hard and slippery whenwet. With 207 designs in dis-tinctive colors and textures,including authentic-lookingtile and stone, TarkettFiberFloor provides thebeauty of natural flooringwith enhanced durability.

“Today’s fiber-backedresilient sheet flooring prod-ucts aren’t your grandmoth-er’s vinyl,” says Gary Finseth,director of marketing forTarkett Residential. “The lat-est options, like FiberFloor, aConsumers Digest Best Buy,offer style and durability at aprice that doesn’t break thebudget. These floors arewarm and soft underfoot,and they resist scuffs,scratches, indentations andwater. The result is they areperfect for any bath.”

Warmth, however, goesbeyond flooring. Fluffy tow-

els, plush bathmats and asumptuous velvet showercurtain will add a sense ofrich warmth to the space.Wall color also plays a role.Light and airy colors, whilebeautiful, definitely do notconvey a sense of comfort.Instead, paint your walls anunexpectedly rich color tocreate a welcoming, cozyatmosphere.

Bear in mind that warmcolors can make a bathroomlook smaller, so be sure to usea soft white as an accent tobalance out whatever deeptone you select.

For instance, DutchBoy’s Treaded Grapes offers asplash of color and welcom-ing personality in a deep,classic purple tone. Paintyour bathroom walls withthis leading 2011 color trendand offset the statementwith Narrative Cream-col-ored molding and accessories

COAST CITIES — A fire-place is an absolute essentialaccording to homebuilder sta-tistics. Even here in sunnyCalifornia, a fireplace is thekey component of almost

every living room. A sure wayto impress people is to have ahome with a fireplace in anunconventional place like thebedroom, the kitchen or thesunroom.

The fire spaces availableto today’s homeowners aremuch more versatile, and infi-nitely safer than those of thepast. High-tech innovationsallow for fuel efficiency and

installations in locations thatwere once prohibitive. AtFireplaces Plus, they are pre-pared to help you maximizethe fireplace in your home sothat it provides you with thekey components of warmth,efficiency, ease and beauty.

When you come to thestore, you will be able tospeak with trained sales tech-nician. They will ask you spe-cific questions which will helplead you to the products thatwill satisfy your individualhearth needs. In order to helpmake your visit to their storemore productive, come pre-pared to answer the followingquestions.

1. What type of fuel areyou going to burn? The fuelchoices that they offer arewood, gas, electric, pellet andethanol alcohol.

2. Is your fireplace facto-ry built or a full masonry fire-place? If it is a prefabricatedfireplace, go to every lengthto determine the manufactur-er and the model number.Themanufacturers’ name andmodel number are generallyon a steel plate that is rivetedto the metal box. If you do nothave a factory built fireplacethen look closely at themasonry unit that you have.Does it have a masonry baseand metal flue or is there atile lined masonry chimney?If you have a gas line intoyour fireplace, what type ofgas do you have piped in?Natural or propane?

3. Does the chimney havea one or two story height?

4.Approximately how oldis the fireplace? What fuelshave been used in the past,

and when was the chimneylast cleaned and swept?

5. Are the brick panels orthe firebrick that line theinside of the box in good con-dition?

6. What are the measure-ments of the fireplace? Youcan download a measuresheet atwww.fireplacesplus.com.

Fireplaces Plus has beenin business for 38 years. Theyhave four certified installa-tion technicians on staff andfour trained and four knowl-edgeable salesmen.

Their showroom hasmore than 50 burning dis-plays and a huge inventory ofaccessories.

Visit them at 1833Diamond Street in San Marcos, or online atwww.fireplacesplus.com.

All of your fireplace questions can be answeredCOAST NEWS GROUP — SPRING HOME & GARDEN GUIDEB14 MARCH 11, 2011

20692

The Drapery Shop, Inc.2253 S Santa Fe Ave Ste A Vista, CA 92083M-F: 8:00am-4:00pm Saturday by appointment 760-727-1617thedraperyshop.hdwfg.comCL# 767581

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Warm up to an affordably luxuriousbathroom no matter the temperature

TURN TO BATHROOM ON B21

COAST NEWS GROUP — SPRING HOME & GARDEN GUIDEMAR. 11, 2011 B15

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OR A MEAL.

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Flow in fresh from New Zealand.Orange roughy is a mild white fish

packed with flavor.

OrangeRoughy Fillets

Fresh

Jet fresh halibut from the artic watersoff Alaska.

FRESH DAILY DELIVERIES.

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Always the freshest at Village Market.Also enjoy our marinated chickenbreast, choose from lemon, garlic,teriyaki or souix wow.

Orchids aren’t the delicate, hard to grow plants some people think theyare.They are the largest group of plants in the world, contrary to the notionof them as exotic imports. Correct light is important for proper plant growth.Yo can usually judge how much light an orchid needs by watching the leaves.You want the leaves to be a light grass green. Water often enough to keep contin-uous moisture just below the surface of the medium, but be cautious of over-watering.watering once a week is normally sufficient to keep your plant healthy and happy. Most in-home temperatures will be acceptable for growing orchids. They are comfortable when youare. Between 55º and 80º is best.Come take a look at our selection of orchids.Whiteand purple phalaenopsis are available.

Beautiful Phalaenopsis Orchids

HOMEMADE

5lb. bag$4.99

$2.49 lb.

New croup, large size BraeburnApples. Very firm with sweet and slight-

ly tart flavor. Popular as a snack orserved in salads and desserts. Appleseason is in full swing and they are

tasting great!

$1.99 lb.

$3.99each

Organic BabyLettuce

Braeburn Apples

Locally grown in Fallbrook. Alwaysfresh, and the highest quality. Wholeheads, simply pop off bottoms, rinseand enjoy. Very popular item.

A favorite of winter squashes. Rich fullflavor. Easy to bake, or also works wellcut up in microwave.

Butternut Squash .99 lb.

BartlettPears

Fresh Eggplant$1.99 ea.

Fresh and firm. Eggplant is delicioushot or cold and can be enjoyed mari-nated, stuffed, roasted, grilled, fried,in a casserole, in stews, or on bro-

chettes. Choose heavy firm, unblem-ished skin.

Stock up for Saint Patrick’s Day!

ST. PATTY’S DAY DINNER MENU

from the Service Deli

Available Wed. & Thurs. March 16 & 17

(ARA) — A lawn is anextension of our living space,a place where we can enjoyoutdoor activities with fami-ly and friends. When pestsinvade our yards and threat-en our comfort and safety, it’simportant to take action tocontrol insects and weeds bychoosing and using lawn andgarden products carefully.

Protective care ofteninvolves the use of pesticidesto rid lawns of harmful pestslike grubs, mosquitoes, ticks,fire ants, poison ivy and rag-weed. With careful research

and responsible use, home-owners can benefit from theeffectiveness of these prod-ucts.

“Having the right toolsand a plan of action giveshomeowners peace of mindwhen it comes to protectingtheir living space both insideand out,” says Aaron Hobbs,president of RISE(Responsible Industry for aSound Environment), anational organization repre-senting the manufacturers,formulators and distributorsof pesticide and fertilizer

products used in home andlawn care. “Nothing is morerewarding than enjoyingactivities on a healthy lawnor a pest-free outdoor areawith family, friends andpets.”

Follow these simpleinstructions for a PEST(plan, execute, stay awareand treat products with care)plan of action:

Plan — Before takingaction on any lawn care proj-ect, research potential prob-lems carefully. Every lawndiffers depending on climateand location, so find out whatmost often affects lawns inyour area. Make an actionplan with specific steps todeal with problem pests,including when to tackleimportant projects and whatmethods prove most effec-tive. Different pests requiredifferent pesticides, so know-ing specifically what needsto be done allows for properpesticide selection and pestelimination. Local lawn carespecialists and extensionagents can help answer yourquestions about makingeffective pest eliminationplans.

Execute — Once a planis in place, proper action canbe taken. Remember, howev-er, that lawn care productsare not effective unless theyare used properly. Carefullyread and follow all directionson how to mix, apply andstore pesticides. Also, useonly the label-recommendedamount of product for thesize and makeup of yourlawn area.

Stay aware — After theapplication of pesticides andother pest-managementtools, keep track of lawn con-ditions. Lawns require carebeyond the use of pesticides,so it remains important thatgrass is kept trimmed and

COAST NEWS GROUP — SPRING HOME & GARDEN GUIDE16 MARCH 11, 2011

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(ARA) — Transformingthe look of the home does notneed to be a costly, complicat-ed process. And with anincreasing focus on sustain-ability, homeowners are moreconcerned with using durableproducts that will keep theirbeauty and functionality foryears to come. Revampingyour home with ceramic tile isa great way to establish a con-temporary look that will last.

The technical specifica-tions and aesthetic applica-tions that ceramic offers areaffordable and do not neces-sarily involve major work.Ceramic tile is easy to cleanand maintain, durable andresistant to most commonforms of wear. The other

notable feature is that tilecomes in a multiplicity ofshapes, colors, textures, finish-es and weights. This range ofoptions in ceramic floor andwall tile makes them the per-fect ally for turning originaldesign ideas into personalizedspaces.

The tile experts at Tile ofSpain offer these tips to con-sider when working withceramic tile:

• When using ceramictile to tackle a renovationproject, make the material’sversatility work as much aspossible for you. Plan thekind of ambiance you wantto create in any given room

Revamp your homewith ceramic tile

AFFORDABLE TRANSFORMATION Ceramic tile is a very cost-effective way to make bathrooms looks more attractive. Courtesyphoto

COAST CITIES —Contract Carpet remains anicon in North County flooringas it celebrates its 25thanniversary.

The Dixon family and itsstaff at Contract Carpet con-tinue to offer that pricelessalternative to the dauntingworld of giant impersonal boxstores. It offers that rare, fam-ily-business approach to find-ing just the right flooring for

your home.The Dixons have been in

business in North Countysince 1985 and have seencountless competitors comeand go while they continue toprovide excellent service totheir loyal customers.

As Marty and Susie’s fourchildren have grown up andcompleted their college years,Josh and Nick have joined thebusiness taking part in the

everyday operations. Josh iscurrently managing the SanDiego location while hisyounger brother Nick worksout of both locations. Theywelcome you to visit either oftheir two showrooms to bor-row samples and explore dec-orating ideas. Their twodaughters have decided toventure into other fields,

IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR After 25 years, a third generation joins the family business at Contract Carpet.Courtesy photo

Contract Carpet celebrates 25years of furnishing flooring

(ARA) — When springfinally rolls around this year,families everywhere will beready to embrace the seasonand all it has to offer: sunnydays, higher temperatures andfinally getting back outside.

But a long winter meansyour home has some seriousspring cleaning needs, whichcan cause serious stress whenone person — Mom — has tohandle it by herself.

Sixty-two percent ofmothers handle all householdchores, according to a recentRoper study. And on average,

moms spend more than 14hours per week cleaning andmaintaining the home.

“Family cooperation iskey,” says Alison Gutterman,mother of two and president ofJelmar, maker of CLR clean-ing products. “If you share theresponsibility for chores,they’ll not only get done faster,but there will be less stress forthe whole family.”

Spring cleaning is theperfect opportunity to create achore-sharing plan before yourflock flies the coop. Create arotating schedule of chore

assignments so no one getsstuck cleaning the toilet eachtime. But most of all, keepthese simple spring cleaningtips in mind so doing “thechores” doesn’t have to be achore.

• Organize: Group roomsthat need sprucing up into“sectors” that use similarproducts and methods to helpbreak up your to-do list andtackle projects quickly.

• Prioritize: If cleaning the garage has been

Reduce spring cleaning stresswith these chore-sharing tips

TURN TO FLOORING ON B20

TURN TO CERAMIC ON B20

(ARA) — It’s probablysafe to say that no potentialbuyer ever passed on ahouse because the bath-room was just too lovelyand luxurious. And few ofus would prefer to comehome at the end of the dayto decompress in an outdat-ed bathroom with a shabbyshower and cabinets thathave seen better days.

A beautiful bathroomcan help potential buyersoverlook other flaws in ahome. And the bath is oneroom where homeownerscan be confident their ren-ovation dollars will yieldnot only improved homevalue, but enhanced enjoy-ment as well.

Fortunately, you don’thave to spend lavishly toelevate the luxury quotientof your home’s bathroom.Here are five “luxury”upgrades that can be doneon a moderate — or evenmodest — budget:

1. Lighten up with askylight

When it comes to cre-ating a comfortable, ener-gy-efficient ambiance in aroom, it’s hard to beatMother Nature. Naturallight helps reduce depend-ency on artificial lightsources and the electricitythey consume, and canhave a positive effect onmood and overall health.You may hesitate to add alarge, clear window to abathroom, but skylights area great way to add the lux-uriousness of natural lightwithout compromising onprivacy. Choose a ventingstyle which can also be acost-effective way to helpvent humidity, steam andodors from a bathroom.New models, like VeluxAmerica’s No LeakSkylight, eliminate leakworries; when properlyinstalled, Velux skylightsare no more prone to leaksthan any other quality win-dow. Visitwww.veluxusa.com to learnmore.

2. Shower yourselfwith luxury

Ripping out that oldceramic tile and replacingit with the trendiest stonemay not be in your budget,or your shower’s future, butswapping out a standardshowerhead with some-thing more luxurious prob-ably is. It’s easy to find avariety of showerheads —from rainfall and massag-ing, to hand-held or dual-head and multi-jet — thatwill elevate your dailywashing routine to a spa-quality experience. What’smore, a new showerhead isone of the easiest bath-room renovations to doyourself, even if you haveno previous DIY experi-ence.

3. Accessorize, acces-sorize

Who doesn’t lovewarm, plush bath towels?Or foot-soothing rugs that

Five ‘luxury’bathroomupgrades onthe cheap

TURN TO LUXURY ON B19

TURN TO CHORE ON B20

(ARA) — Nothing beatsrelaxing in the shade orentertaining a group ofguests on your own privatedeck. When you take thetime to plan your deck forthe way you live, the resultcan be a versatile livingspace and a value-boostingaddition to your home.

Trent Boozer, publisherof Extreme How-To maga-zine, notes his readers havemade it clear that decks areone of the top projects theylove to design and build. TheInternet is full of deck plansand planning tools — and

with the range of deckingproducts and accessories onthe market, every deck cantake on a personality of itsown, he says.

Personalization is whatmakes the deck an extensionof the home, says Rick Prebleof Deckorators, the leadingdeck accessory brand thatembraces the concept ofdeck personalization.

“The idea of an outdoorliving room has really materi-alized as people have reat-tached to their existinghomes,” Preble says. “A cost-effective way to add square

footage and upgrade yourlifestyle without moving iswith a deck.With all the deckproducts and accessoriesavailable today, homeownerscan customize their outdoorrooms.”

Deckorators has madethe process of mixing andmatching different deckaccessories and buildingmaterials easy with a new,easy-to-use online designprogram: the Deckorators’Deck Visualizer. The onlinetool is free and provides

COAST NEWS GROUP — SPRING HOME & GARDEN GUIDEB18 MARCH 11, 2011

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TURN TO DECK ON B19

(ARA) — Nearly everylawn or garden has one — abare, ugly spot where nothingseems to grow well. Maybe thespot gets too much sun, or toomuch shade. Perhaps the soil istoo sandy, rocky or full of clayfor most plants to survive in it.Maybe it’s on a hill or slopewhere exposure to wind andwater runoff make it uninhabit-able for average plant life.

Whichever one (or more)of these challenges is thesource of your problem spot,chances are the cure is prettyuniversal: cover it up ... quickly,inexpensively and permanent-ly with flowering or lush, greenground cover.

Hardy, easy to grow andaesthetically appealing groundcover fills vacant spaces, solveslandscaping trouble spots andminimizes garden mainte-nance. Ground cover can trans-form a dull, sparse space into arich tapestry of textures,shapes and continual color.These plants can spruce upchallenging spots under trees,accent transitional areas alongpaths and foundations, and

intensify interest in openspaces. Plus, they deliver astunning seasonal show of flow-ers and colors.

Ground cover is a cost-effective, fast way to deal withdifficult trouble spots. It per-forms the job of mulch at a frac-tion of the cost, blocking weedgrowth, insulating soil, protect-ing more fragile plants andadding visual appeal. Someground covers even bolsternutrients for companion plantswith more demanding nutri-tional needs.

Spring is the best time toplant ground covers, givingroots a chance to become estab-lished before conditions turnharsh.But before you decide onwhich varieties of these land-scaping miracle-makers you’llplant, here are some groundcover guidelines:

• Don’t just plant the firstground cover that catches youreye. First, take stock of yourproblem area so you can selecta ground cover that is appropri-ate for the spot. Some ground

Groundcover

The creeping cure forugly bare spots andlandscaping challenges

TURN TO COVER ON B19

COAST NEWS GROUP — SPRING HOME & GARDEN GUIDEMARCH 11, 2011 B19

protect tootsies from coldfloors? It makes sense not toskimp when it comes tochoosing towels, area rugsand other accessories foryour bath. Even top-qualityaccessories cost less thanmajor renovations, and theycan go a long way towardmaking your bathroom feelpolished, put-together andposh. From good bath linensto a towel-warmer that canmake them feel extra cozy,accessories are an economi-cal,effective way to add luxu-rious touches to your bath-room.

LUXURYCONTINUED FROM B17

covers need sun, while othersthrive only in shade. Someprefer dry locations. Othersrequire moist soil.

• Assess the soil at thesite. Is it sandy and dry? Alovely loam? Or wet, soggyclay? There’s a ground coverfor every soil condition, butyou’ll also need to test theacidity level of the soil. Youmay need to amend your soilto raise or lower its pH con-tent,or add organic matter tomodify its texture.

• Hardy as they are,ground covers still requireproper fertilizing, wateringand weed control to maintaintheir attractiveness — justlike any other plant. Newlyplanted areas will need spe-cial attention until they’rewell established.

• Seed is the least expen-sive way to start groundcover. And planting groundcover seeds is some of theeasiest sowing you’ll ever doin your yard or garden.Ground cover seeds are typi-cally much smaller andlighter than other plantseeds; often you’ll get asmany as 175,000 seeds in just1 ounce. One way to makesowing even easier is to use apre-mix of seeds and lime,like those offered byOutsidepride.com. The mixcomes in a shaker bottle andyou simply sprinkle the seedson the planting site.The limein the mix improves the pH ofacidic soils, adds valuablemicronutrients and helpsbreak down organic matter.The lime is also white, so it’seasy to tell where you’vespread the seed.

You can find a groundcover for virtually every soilsituation — and to suit everylandscaping preference.Outsidepride.com offersmore than 50 different typesof ground cover seed, fromthe luminous lavender andred of Magic Carpet creepingthyme and the baby blue ofForget-Me-Not to the gor-geous greens of Irish Mossand Kenilworth Ivy.

Best-sellers like creep-ing thyme offer homeownersa vibrant, versatile way tosolve problems and accenttheir landscaping. Creepingthyme is a favorite for its tol-erance of dry soil,low mainte-nance needs and ability toself-seed season after season.

To get ground coversstarted off on the right foot,plant them in spring so theyhave a chance to root well.Before long, your barren,weedy trouble spots will begone, covered by wondrouswaves of flowers and foliage.

GROUND COVERCONTINUED FROM B18

your plants and good for theearth.

Eco-scapingThe move to de-lawn

large tracks of turf and trans-form lawns into sustainablelandscapes is achievable withthe right plants that use lesswater and pesticides.

Beautiful native plantslike Solidago “SolarCascade,” exclusively avail-able from North CreekNurseries, part of TheAmerican Beauties NativePlant collection, are low-maintenance plants thatattract wildlife and benefi-cial pollinators like butter-flies, bees and birds.Proceeds benefit theNational WildlifeFederation’s CertifiedWildlife Habitat Program.

Sustainable containersFor small space gardens,

growing food in containersmakes sense. Blended con-tainers with herbs and veg-gies provide a one-two combofor freshness and conven-ience. And, containersblooming with natives, re-bloomers and ornamental

grasses beautify spaces andbenefit the environment.

SucculentsDry gardening using less

water is bubbling across thenation. Attractive and low-maintenance succulents haveshowy flowers and thick,fleshy foliage that storeswater like a camel’s hump.

Drought-tolerant andable to thrive in a variety ofconditions, succulents lookgreat in small gardens andlarge landscapes. Get ideasfrom Costa Farms on varietiesthat you can mix with peren-nials, containers and stand-alone or in roof gardens.

Indoor gardeningFrom “steampunk”

Victorian hipster decor rock-ing among young urbanites toupscale suburban homes, dec-orating with houseplants likeorchids, ferns and palms ishot.

Chic and easy to grow,orchids add a lavish touch toany room. Plus these hard-working beauties cleanindoor air of volatile organiccompounds and provide oxy-gen.

Phalaenopsis (moth)orchids as well as other vari-eties are perfect choices for

affordable, colorful plantsthat look as comfortable in21st century homes as theydid in Victorian days.To learnmore about the health bene-fits of indoor houseplants,check out www.O2forYou.org.

Growing up with ver-tical gardening

“Vertical gardens arebecoming increasingly popu-lar and will grow far beyondanything we can envision,”says Joe Zazzera, with PlantSolutions, Inc. and GreenPlants for Green Buildings(GPGB.org). “Businesses areseeing the productivity, envi-ronmental quality and returnon investment that indoorplantings and vertical livingwalls are bringing to theirprojects.”

From containers withclimbing vines, flowers andveggies to vertical wallsblooming with edibles, plantsare growing up.

Urban farming andCSAs

In step with the move toreinvigorate communities,urban farming andCommunity SupportedAgriculture farms (CSAs) arespringing up nationwide.Urban farming “micro-farms”

are converting small spaces inblighted areas into thrivingfarms that grow fresh producefor inner city communities.

CSAs offer fresh produceand provide the chance tolearn about varieties, main-taining plants and sharingexperiences.

New UrbanismSustainable urban com-

munities that offer spots toenjoy an outdoor lifestyle areon the rise.

Planting water-wiseplants, collecting rainwater,building walkable streets, andfostering diversity of shops,homes and apartments withless turf and more plantsencourages better steward-ship of the earth, and recon-nects everyone as fellow stew-ards of resources and commu-nities.

“We had trouble wrap-ping our heads around savingthe rain forests,” says McCoy,“But we clearly can wrap ourarms around saving our ownbackyards. Digging and plant-ing gardens brings awarenessthat we’re all earth’s caretak-ers.”

For a complete look atthe Garden Media Group2011 Garden Trends visitwww.gardenmediagroup.com.

PURPOSECONTINUED FROM B12

(ARA) — For many home-owners, the return of warmweather signals that time ofyear to launch the long-awaitedhome remodeling or backyardpatio project.

With the typical majorkitchen remodel topping$58,000 and the cost of a newroof topping $21,000,accordingto the National Association ofRealtors 2009 Cost vs. ValueReport, taking on even a minorremodel calls for careful atten-tion to detail.

It’s even more important ifyou’re not a do-it-yourselferand want to hire a contractor toperform some or all of thework, says FindLaw.com, theworld’s leading online legalresource. Doing your home-work upfront and being crystalclear in your dealings with ahome remodeling or landscap-ing contractor will reduce mis-communication, frustrationand expensive errors.

If you’re ready to take theplunge, here are some time-tested tips from FindLaw.comfor a better remodeling or land-scaping project:

1. Ask yourself: Does itmake sense? Before you movetoo quickly, it’s critical to deter-mine if it makes sense toremodel.The first place to lookis your neighborhood. Areother neighbors improvingtheir homes and enhancing theexteriors of their homes,as wellas their yards? Is your city ortown properly maintainingstreets and public areas? Areyou committed to staying inyour home at least five years?Remodeling and landscapingcan be expensive and, in manycases, you will not fully recoupyour investment. While it’simportant to do it for yourself,be careful not to over investeither.

2. Do your homework.Before you call a contractor, doyour homework to get a goodidea of what you want fromyour remodeling or landscap-ing project. Visit showrooms,talk to friends and neighbors

who have recently remodeled,read home and landscapingmagazines,and visit open hous-es and showcase homes to seewhat’s hot in home remodelingand landscaping projects. Starta notebook to collect yourideas, product information andproduct samples.

3. Build a budget. As youdo your homework, start piec-ing together a budget of whatvarious products and materialsmay cost. Keep in mind, espe-cially when remodeling anolder home,there may be unex-pected surprises (such asplumbing or electrical) thatcould drive up the costs of yourremodeling project. To be onthe safe side,always add 20 per-cent to the generally recom-mended costs of a remodelingproject.

4.Listen to word-of-mouth.If you hire a contractor, makesure that any contractor thatyou consider is licensed, bond-ed and insured. Word-of-mouthis the most reliable method tofinding a contractor. Ask yourfriends, neighbors or familymembers for the names of con-tractors or landscapers withwhom they’ve worked.

5. Get multiple bids.Always get at least three pro-posals when selecting a con-tractor to handle your remodel-

ing or landscaping project.Always meet the contractor inperson and never agree to hirea contractor after your firstmeeting. Obtain all estimatesin writing and carefully com-pare the details that each con-tractor has spelled out in his orher proposal.

6. Check your permits. Bewary of the contractor who saysyou don’t need to pull a permitfrom city hall for your remodel-ing or landscaping project. Apermit typically represents theminimum construction stan-dard set by a local community.In other words,a permit actual-ly protects you as the home-owner from shoddy construc-tion or landscaping practices. Ifyou live in a historic neighbor-hood, there may be morerestrictive guidelines that youmust follow that have been setby a neighborhood council.

7. Get references. Beforeyou say “yes” to a contractor’sproposal, get at least three tofive references from a contrac-tor. Call the contractor’s refer-ences and ask about the experi-ence of working with him orher — did the contractor com-plete the project on time andon budget? Was the contractorresponsive to making changesthroughout the project and thecompletion of the punch list

(all of the final details to wrapup a project)? Contact yourlocal Better Business Bureau tosee if any complaints havebeen filed about the contractor.And,contact building suppliersand subcontractors (electri-cians, plumbers, etc.) to see ifyour contractor pays his or herbills on time.

8. Get it in writing. Never,ever agree to hire a contractor,even if it’s your brother-in-law,on a handshake. Always insiston a contract, saysFindLaw.com. Be precise aboutexactly what services will beperformed and by when.Specify exactly what productsand materials will be used.Spell out when payments willbe made to the contractor andclarify what recourse you haveif the work is not completed toyour satisfaction. If need be,contact an attorney specializ-ing in contracts to review thedocument before signing.

9. Do a gut check. Youneed to feel good about havingsomeone come into your homeevery day for weeks or possiblyseveral months.Working with acontractor should be fun, butmore importantly, you need acontractor who listens andresponds to you. Check yourgut reaction. If in any way youfeel uncomfortable with a con-tractor, don’t sign the contract.And if you have to,move quick-ly to cancel it. Many statesallow a consumer to cancel acontract within three businessdays after signing it.

10. Be completely satis-fied. Never pay for the entireremodeling project or land-scaping project up front,beforeconstruction begins. In mostcases, you’ll put down 25 per-cent of the total projectamount to get the work started.After that, you’ll pay portionsat certain milestones up untilthe completion of the project.Don’t make the final paymentuntil you are completely satis-fied. It’s one of your last defens-es for ensuring that work iscompleted to your satisfaction.

homeowners a way to visual-ly discover the differentdesign options they like bestfor personalizing a deck.

The Deck Visualizerallows the user to set thevirtual deck environmentto a lake or backyard viewand then change the deckaccessories for limitlesscombinations. Users canselect the color or grain ofcomposite or wood deck-ing, select the style ofmetal or even glass balus-ters, add baluster infill cen-terpieces, change railingcolors, and add post caps,lighting options and evenstone.

“This deck design pro-gram is fun for homeown-ers to use and is a great toolfor deck planning,” saysPreble. “We work with hun-dreds of deck builders, andthey appreciate having thiswhen working with clients.It allows both consumersand deck builders to visual-ize different options andchoose deck products priorto constructing a deck.”

The North AmericanDeck and RailingAssociation website(nadra.org) is another goodplace for consumers tostart when gathering infor-mation for a deck build.The organization has alarge gallery of photo-graphs of decks that havereceived national awardsfor design or construction.

Michael Beaudry, exec-utive vice president ofNADRA, says consumersare definitely hungry fordeck design ideas andinformation on new prod-ucts. NADRA offersresources to help con-sumers with deck and raildesign and deck safety.Theorganization’s website alsoprovides access to morethan 1,750 different build-ing products companies.

Homeowners whowant to build or who arerenovating an existing deckwill find new trends for2011. One material makingits move onto decks isstone.

Deckorators cast stonePostcovers, which installover rail posts, are one newproduct in high demand.The postcovers provide thesame look and feel as natu-ral stone columns, but aredesigned to install overbasic wood posts.Postcovers are hand-paint-ed to look like cobblestone,fieldstone or stacked stone.The simulated productcosts far less than realmasonry work and makes itpossible for do-it-your-selfers or contractors toadd simulated stonecolumns to a deck.

“Stone or simulatedstone on a deck hasbecome possible with newproducts, and it’s anotherexample of interior designtrends and the mixing ofvarious elements makingtheir way to outdoor livingareas,” Preble says.

Experts agree thatputting the time into plan-ning your deck up frontand knowing what yourproduct options are is thebest way to ensure you endup with a space your familywill embrace as a true out-door living room.

DECKCONTINUED FROM B18 Tips for better remodeling or landscaping

TIME-TESTED TIPS With careful planning and a critical eye, remod-eling can be extremely satisfying for homeowners. Courtesy photo

Stacey is a professional pho-tographer and Kelli is anEMT working toward a fire-fighting career.

While growing the busi-ness and raising their familyhere, the Dixons andContract Carpet have provid-ed the community with morethan just fine floor coverings.

They have also support-ed and sponsored schoolevents and youth sportteams. The staff at ContractCarpet continues to volun-

teer in their area with organ-izations like the CommunityResource Center, puttingtogether holiday gift bas-kets, as well as lending ahand with local animal shel-ters.

At both Contract Carpetlocations — 191 N. ElCamino Real, Suite 112,Encinitas, and 11658 CarmelMountain Road, Suite 130,San Diego — the Dixons andtheir team know that noother single furnishing inyour home sets the tone likethe flooring.

All of their installers are

not only experts but long-time employees, offering areliability that will meet thehighest expectations of qual-ity and workmanship.

Contract Carpet offersflooring shoppers free esti-mates and guarantees alllabor.

Whether it’s the warmthof wall-to-wall carpet, thebright accent of area rugs,the finish tone of elegantwood floors, the practicalityof a porcelain tile or the con-venience of vinyl flooring,flooring is what gives anyroom its basic personality.

When furnishing a newhome or bringing old floorsup to date, Contract Carpetis the place to find it all,including custom windowtreatments that will matchor compliment your flooringchoice. And to the busyhomeowners’ delight, shop-pers don’t have to wandermiles to some distant ware-house district to find theright price and selection.

Visit them in the heartof Encinitas or in CarmelMountain Ranch or callthem at (760) 436-9030 or(858) 451-9717.

COAST NEWS GROUP — SPRING HOME & GARDEN GUIDEB20 MARCH 11, 2011

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drowsiness. Allergists can pre-scribe more effective anti-inflammatory medications aswell as find the source of suf-fering, rather than just treatthe symptoms.

Myth:OTC decongestant nasal

sprays are addictive.Fact:OTC decongestant nasal

sprays are not technicallyaddictive. However, peoplewho overuse them may thinkthey are because they needmore and more to get relieffrom the congestion. To com-

bat this, OTC decongestantnasal sprays shouldn’t be usedmore than three days in a row.Also, an allergist can prescribea nasal spray containing asteroid, which may be moreeffective and is not addictive.

Myth:Allergy shots require too

much time and are moreexpensive than taking medi-cine to relieve symptoms.

Fact:Depending on how both-

ersome the allergies are,immunotherapy (allergyshots) may actually savemoney and improve quality oflife. In fact, a recent studyshowed that immunotherapy

reduced total health care costsin children with allergic rhini-tis (hay fever) by one-third,and prescription costs by 16percent. The shots are similarto a vaccine, exposing therecipient to a tiny bit of aller-gen at a time, to build up a tol-erance to it. As toleranceincreases, allergy symptomswill be significantly lessenedand may even go away. Thatcan save sick days and moneyspent at the drug store.

Myth:A blood test is the best

way to diagnose allergies.Fact:Actually, skin tests are

more sensitive than blood

tests. In skin allergy testing,the skin on the inside of thearms or the back is prickedwith a tiny bit of an allergen. Ifthe person is allergic, the sitewill become red and swollenwithin 20 minutes and usuallyclear in an hour or two. Skintesting is very safe when per-formed by an allergist, even ininfants and young children.But no single test alone pro-vides the entire picture.Sufferers should see an aller-gist, who is trained in diagnos-ing and treating allergies.

To learn more about aller-gies and asthma, take a relieftest or find an allergist, visitAllergyAndAsthmaRelief.org.

ALLERGYCONTINUED FROM B7

last longer than that. By com-parison, most other compa-nies only offer a two-yearguarantee.

Corky has an amazingpassion for his business, andsurrounds himself with thebest of the best to make surehis company offers “state ofthe art” pest control. Amonghis knowledgeable staff is afull-time plant pathologist sothey can find lasting andeffective solutions to every

problem.Many of his staff mem-

bers include Bachelor ofScience, doctorate and spe-cial certifications amongtheir degrees. And every day,his technicians are undergo-ing continued training to staycurrent with the evolvingproducts their customersneed and the changing pestproblems that come to SanDiego.

Part of what is specialabout Corky’s Pest Control isthat their service can be cus-tomized to fit individual

needs and budgets. Theirservice technicians can cometo your house, evaluate theproblems and provide qualitysolutions for each situation.

If you live a greenlifestyle, you’d be surprised toknow most products used byCorky’s are botanicals, natu-ral products that control peststhat are environmentallyfriendly. You can request allbotanicals if that is your pref-erence. For properties thatare fully landscaped and thecustomer does most of theirown landscape work, Corky’s

can provide periodic profes-sional help to keep insectsand pests under control andout of your life. Even with reg-ular maintenance, when sum-mer comes and brings out thepests in force, Corky’s canadjust their service scheduleto meet those increasedneeds.

Many of our most com-mon pests are attracted toaphids and whiteflys whospend their time on roses,hibiscus, citrus, and otherfruit trees. The honeydewthese insects secrete is what

attracts the ants, spiders, andother crawling insects, soongoing treatments to dis-courage and eliminate thesetempting treats for ourunwanted pests are what cre-ate an insect- and pest-freeyard so you can enjoy the bestof the Southern Californiaweather.

For more than 44 years,Corky has satisfied thousandsof residential, commercial,and mobile home customers.

Comments like the fol-lowing are ongoing: “I want tothank you for the excellent

service your company has pro-vided over the past twentyyears … and Steve has been awonderful employee servic-ing our home.” This is whyCorky’s sprays more residen-tial homes and landscapes inSan Diego. Corky’s has contin-ued to provide interior andexterior pest control, termitecontrol, fumigation andrepair, home repair serviceand much, much more.

For more information,contact Corky’s Pest Controlat (800) 901-1102 or visitwww.corkyspestcontrol.com.

PESTCONTINUED FROM B10

side-by-side refrigerator wonhigh marks for its innovative-ness and improved function-ality. It helps contain spillseasier and it also has morestorage space.

3. Re-keyable locksets

Schlage SecureKeyLocksets allow homeownersto rekey the deadbolt lockusing a special key. The lockcannot be rekeyed usinggeneric tools so it provides anew solution to an old prob-lem and improves functional-ity over other similar prod-ucts.

4. Two-burner patiogrill

Although the Lowe’s pollwas conducted in winter, pan-elists were already thinkingabout warm weather andgrilling season when theychose the Char-BroilQuantum 2-Burner PatioGrill. The grill uses theQuantum Infrared cookingsystem to lock in naturaljuices for moist, flavorful

grilling and offers tempera-tures that range from intensesearing to low barbecuing.What makes it even moreunique though, is its conven-ient side shelves that fold foreasy storage, perfectly sizedfor small patios.

5. Lock and foldhardwood flooring

Installing traditionalhardwood flooring can belabor-intensive, so it’s no sur-prise the Bruce Lock & FoldHardwood Flooring wasimpressive because of itsease of use and how it utilizesnew innovation to solve anold problem. The flooring,which comes in a variety offinishes, installs without glue,nail or staples by simply lock-ing into place.

6. Self-adhesive tilemat

Ease of use is a hallmarkof the products panelistschose, and the Bondera TileMatSet certainly meets thatcriterion. It is a double-sided,peel-and-stick adhesive per-fect for counter and wall tile.Just peel and stick, then addtile and grout, with no more

waiting for mortar or adhe-sive to dry.

7. Double oven rangeWhen it comes to elec-

tric ranges, panelists theWhirlpool Double OvenRange is twice as nice. Usersenjoyed the flexibility of hav-ing two ovens, allowing themto cook two different dishes— like a pizza and a casserole— at the same time in onerange.

8. Dual fuel gas grillAmong serious grilling

enthusiasts debate has longranged over gas versus char-coal. Lowe’s customers likedhaving the best of bothworlds with the Char-GrillerDuo Gas & Charcoal Grill.The grill puts a charcoal-fueled unit side-by-side witha gas grill. Users highly ratedthe grill’s innovation withboth gas and charcoal beingavailable in the same grilland ease of assembly anduse.

9. Stylish ceiling fanCeiling fans have long

been a point of contention forhomeowners who love their

practicality and designerswho loathe the utilitarianlook of some styles, especial-ly those with attached lightfixtures. Panelists give theallen + roth 23-inch LeafLight Aged Bronze CeilingFan high marks for combin-ing innovation and function-ality. The product concealsthe fan blades within a styl-ish light fixture adorned withbronze leaf accents.

10. Pull-down touchfaucet

Anyone who’s ever strug-gled to turn on a faucet withmessy hands can appreciatethe utility of touch technolo-gy. The Pilar Pulldown withTouch 2O Technology earnedthe approval, because ofthestylish and gracefullycurved faucet features a pull-down spout and can be touchactivated with a gentle nudgeanywhere on the spout orhandle.

You can find out moreabout the products and theirfeatures atwww.lowes.com/innovation.Keep an eye out for more toprated products throughoutthis year.

DIYERSCONTINUED FROM B11

watered. If any unwantedresults occur or new pestspop up, consult a lawn-carespecialist or extension agent

to help fix the problem.Treat products with care

— Store all pesticides accord-ing to label directions, awayfrom children and pets.Handling pesticide productsresponsibly protects both

lawn and homeowner.Ridding lawns of weeds

and insects makes outdoorliving spaces healthy andwelcoming for activitiesenjoyed with family andfriends.Through a PEST plan

of action, your lawn will besomething to share.

For more information onproperly choosing and usingpesticides and fertilizers,visit debugthemyths.com orwww.pestfacts.org.

LAWNCONTINUED FROM B16

FLOORINGCONTINUED FROM B17

neglected for years, chancesare it’s not a priority. Savethose tough jobs until you getthrough the rooms you knowhave to get done.

• Quick refresh: Haveguests coming today? If youdon’t have time for a deepclean, quickly freshen upeach room by spraying fabricsoftener on drapes and cur-tains, and toss the pillows andcouch covers in the dryer witha dryer sheet.

• Use cleaning multi-taskers: Maintaining thathuge supply of specializedcleaners under the sink is a

waste of time and space —look for products that cantackle three or four jobsinstead of just one. For exam-ple, CLR Bath & KitchenCleaner cleans caked-ongrime from ceramic tile,shower doors, toilet bowls,kitchen counter tops andmore with just a spray andswipe.

• Create a finish line:Cleaning can go on forever ifyou let it. By establishingsome cleaning goals beforeyou start, you can manageyour time and know when tosay “enough’s enough.” Onceyou’re done, get back toenjoying the season and yourfamily.

CHORECONTINUED FROM B17

and select colors and finishesthat will help achieve it.Brightcolors help enhance the light.Earthy and ochre colors trans-mit serenity. Blues, greens andbrowns can be used to createnatural spaces while the con-trast of black and white addssimplicity and elegance. Thepossibilities are as boundlessas the user’s imagination.

• The broad spectrum ofthis material’s design versatili-ty has helped it become a pop-ular decorative element. Theold-fashioned view of ceramicas a simple, functional productto be used only in very specificrooms such as the kitchen andthe bathroom, has lost groundover the years as the materialhas become more versatile.When working with tile, beopen to the various proposi-tions — metallic finishes, fin-ishes that mimic the look offabric and wood, relief work,new sizes and formats. Choosethose that enhance the person-ality of the targeted designspace.

• Combinations of finish-es and textures help break upthe linear nature of a roomand make it more dynamic.Relief and “volume” finishes,as well as large format tiles,enable you to change the

apparent dimensions of aroom and play with the light.Imitations of wood and leathergive a greater sense of comfortand create references to natu-ral elements.

Because tile now providessuch versatility and beauty,there is a growing quest toapply the qualities of ceramicto other spaces such as patios,porches and terraces,and evento other objects or furniturepieces, such as headboards,tables, benches, shelves, book-cases and inside closets.Thesenew applications mean thathomes are developing a morepersonal and original feel andare becoming more practical.

Equally, screen-printingand digital printing tech-niques have opened the doorsof the imagination when deco-rating tiles. The developmentof these production processesenables the final look to behighly personalized, creatingspaces that are unique andcustom-made. Bearing in mindthe durability of ceramic, easeof maintenance and easyinstallation methods thatenable spaces to be alteredcleanly,simply and cheaply, it’sbecoming clear that usingceramic tile is an efficient wayto revamp your home creative-ly and affordably. For moretips on decorating with tile,visit www.spaintiles.info.

CERAMICCONTINUED FROM B17

COAST NEWS GROUP — SPRING HOME & GARDEN GUIDEMARCH 11, 2011 B21

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SAN DIEGO — To cele-brate the opening of twoparks and three new residen-tial neighborhoods, Del Suris welcoming everyone to afree, fun-filled Day in theParks event from noon to 4p.m. Saturday, March 19, atthe master-planned commu-nity off Camino Del Sur justnorth of state Route 56.

“The Del Sur lifestyleboasts an abundance of out-door activities, so our Day inthe Parks celebration willreflect that,” said BillOstrem, president and CEOof Black Mountain Ranch,developers of Del Sur(www.delsurliving.com).“There will be food and funfor home shoppers at threedifferent parks and in everynew home neighborhood atDel Sur.”

Three new residentialneighborhoods opening tothe public for the first timeMarch 19 at Del Sur areCarleton and Presidio byStandard Pacific Homes andValencia by California WestCommunities.

All three neighborhoodsoffer larger homes on largelots, and each showcases thenew “Del Sur Room”designed to extend andexpand indoor/outdoor livingspace. Prices are expectedto start from the low

$600,000s.In addition to model

home tours, prospectivehomebuyers will find familyfun activities and refresh-ments at three Del Sur parksduring the March 19 event.

Kristen Glen Park activi-ties will include kite decorat-ing, kite flying and remote-control sailboats.

Old Stonefield Park willhave doggy yoga classes as

well as an obstacle course forcanines. Dogs are welcome atOld Stonefield Park.

Spreckels Park activitieswill include hamster ballraces, a climbing wall andtraditional park games suchas bocce ball, croquet andping pong.

In addition to new DelSur neighborhoods Carleton,Presidio and Valencia, newphases of homes are being

built at Del Sur’s Sentinelsby Davidson, and at Madeiraand Mandolin by SheaHomes. Construction alsocontinues and homes are alsoselling at Standard Pacific’sBridgewalk and Pasado byWilliam Lyon Homes.

For more informationregarding the Del Sur grandopening March 19, visitwww.DelSurLiving.com/opening or call (858) 481-4200.

DAY IN THE PARKS For more information regarding the Del Sur grand opening event March 19, Day inthe Parks, visit www.DelSurLiving.com/opening or call 858-481-4200. Courtesy photo

Del Sur celebrates grand openingto create a warm yet openspace.

And of course, a qualityshower can easily warm upyour body as well as yourmood. But don’t settle forjust any showerhead.Updateyour shower with a newmulti-setting showerhead,such as the Moen Nurtureeco-performance model.ThisEPA WaterSense-labeledproduct offers superior full-body coverage and three dif-ferent spray settings for anexhilarating experience —all while protecting naturalresources.

Heated towel racks —once luxury items — noware available at affordableprices for any bathroom,offering floor-mounted, wall-

mounted, hard-wired andplugged-in options. Imaginethe luxury of wrapping your-self in a thick, toasty towelthe moment you step out ofthe shower. This can easilybecome reality.

Another warming luxu-ry, the overhead heat light,has come a long way overthe years. Now you have theoption of getting thatinfrared warmth from astandard-sized bulb insteadof the oversized versions ofthe past. They provideinstantaneous heating. Talkwith your electrician to seewhat options would bestwork in your bathroom.

With so many options towarm up your bathroom’sdecor to fit a wide range ofbudgets, there is no reason todeny yourself the luxury of acozy, spa-like escape at home.

BATHROOMCONTINUED FROM B14

experimenting with new ideas,plants and vessels. To create aminiature garden under glass,simply start with a few small-scale plants (mosses, liverwortor carnivorous plants like theVenus flytrap). Plant inside amason jar and add rocks, sticks

or tiny figures to set the scene.3. Succulent gardens: No

longer gift shop novelties.Succulent gardens are

rapidly becoming the cool, low-maintenance way to bringplants inside. Nurseries andretailers nationwide are offer-ing unique combinations ofthese interesting plants inassorted dishes and planters.

Or, try creating your own suc-culent dish garden in a well-drained bowl, dish or pot bychoosing a variety of speciesthat have the same growingrequirements. Fill the planterwith a specialized potting mixlike Miracle-Gro Cactus Palm& Citrus Soil, formulated forslow-growing plants thatrequire fast-draining soil.

Obtain great results with verylittle watering or care. For amore decorative interpreta-tion, plant a living picture byincorporating different vari-eties of succulents together inone box that,once root systemsare established, the containercan work as decor in yourhome. These gardens are notonly beautiful, but also a cre-

ative way to fill empty wallspace, while reaping the bene-fits of an indoor plant. Feedyour living picture withMiracle-Gro Liquid CactusFood for all jade, aloe, cactiand succulents.

4. Hanging plantsHave little floor space,

shelf space, or window ledgesto spare? No problem.You canstill reap the benefits of indoorplants by hanging plants fromhooks on walls or ceilings.Takecare to firmly anchor into ceil-ing joists or wall studs. Manypots, planters and baskets aremade just for hanging and willallow the opportunity to hangnew greenery anywhere. Takecaution not to hang plantsdirectly over a heat vent or tooclose to drafty windows ordoors. Choose from a selectionof spider plants that do well ina hanging pot like English ivy,or Boston ferns.

5. Mounted plants: Themystery revealed

What are “mounted”plants? Plants requiring littleor no soil for nutrients andgrowth are simply mountedonto bark, wood, cork, or arehung up by wire. Air plants,also known as Tillandsia andstaghorn ferns are interestingand unique plants that can bemounted and hung on walls,from ceilings or nearly any-where that would protect theirroots from getting wet. Theseunusual plants don’t requiresoil because they take in nour-ishment and water throughtheir leaves. In their naturaltropical settings, these plantscan be found attached high upin trees. These plants are sureto draw attention and makegreat conversation starters.

Some varieties of orchids dowell mounted and make abeautiful, unique addition toany home.

6.Forcing bulbs: Boost theblooms

A layer of snow may becovering the flower beds out-side, but you don’t need to justwait for the colors of spring.Simply begin forcing bulbsindoors to fill your home withbeautiful spring blooms allwinter long. Daffodils, tulips,crocus and hyacinth are themost popular bulbs to forceindoors and will add a nicesplash of bright cheery color toyour late winter doldrums. Toget started, choose a broad,shallow pot that is clean andcontains drainage holes in thebottom.Next, fill loosely with apotting medium like Miracle-Gro Organic Choice PottingMix and add bulbs — ensuringthe “noses”stick slightly out ofthe soil directly under the rimof the pot. Then, water andforce bulbs into an “artificialwinter” by placing in a coolplace such as a basement,garage or crawl space with atemperature of around 35 to 50degrees. Continue wateringconsistently until this periodhas ended (length depends onthe variety of bulb). Finally,keep bulbs in temperaturesnear 60 degrees with sunlight.Soon you will be enjoying theblooms of spring right inside.

Whatever your reason forincorporating plants indoors,make the experience enjoy-able. Take advantage of boththe air purification features ofindoor plants as well as theirexquisite beauty. Experimentwith different ways to growplants.

COAST NEWS GROUP — SPRING HOME & GARDEN GUIDEB22 MARCH 11, 2011

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COAST NEWS GROUP — SPRING HOME & GARDEN GUIDEMARCH 11, 2011 B23

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water recirculating systemthat keeps the owner fromusing excess water to get hotwater.

Double-glazed E-ratedwindows throughout helpwith insulation, cuttingdown on utility costs. E-ratedwindows mitigate sun dam-age and help preserve interi-or improvements.

The Lund Team is theperfect firm to list thishouse, being LEED-certifiedand designated green bro-kers themselves. Practicingwhat they preach, the officeis naturally lit and uses 11Solatubes.

For more information,contact Tyson Lund, brokerassociate, at (760) 494-9918or visit www.lundteam.com.

ON THE INSIDE An interior shot of the green home on Hymettus Avenue in Encinitas. Double-glazed E-rated windows throughout help with insulation, cutting down on utility costs. E-rated windows mitigate sundamage and help preserve interior improvements. Courtesy photo

GREEN HOUSECONTINUED FROM B6

youth lacrosse games or PopWarner Football.

In addition to a beauti-ful new store that’s easy toshop in and easy on the eyes,customers will find the stafffriendly, knowledgeable anddevoted to finding the rightproduct to meet their needs.

But according to storemanager Stephani Rizo, whatreally sets them apart is theirinvolvement in the commu-nity and making a differencein the lives of others.

“The owners of our com-pany are very passionateabout our youth and arestrong supporters of numer-ous North County youthorganizations including localschools and the San DiegoCenter for Children,” Rizosaid. “I also have a huge lovefor animals and those inneed, and I am currentlyspeaking with different non-profit organizations to dis-

cuss ways to make a positiveimpact in our community. Ifeel so blessed to work for acompany that encouragesthis.”

“We are thrilled todeliver a better shoppingexperience to our customerssimilar to what they wouldfind at a high-style, high-quality retailer likeRestoration Hardware,Pottery Barn or Crate &Barrel,” she added.“Shoppers want bright, openspaces that are attractiveand convenient for findingthe products they’re lookingfor. Our new store accom-plishes all these goals.”

FlooringAmerica byPicketfence Design is locatedat 2718 Gateway Road inCarlsbad. Store hours areMonday through Friday 9 a.m.to 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.5 p.m. They are also openafter hours by appointment.For more info, call or visitwww.FlooringAmericabypfd.com.

COMMITTEDCONTINUED FROM B7

offer you the size you need tofit your space.

• Heating and coolingalone accounts for half of theenergy used in a home,according the Alliance to SaveEnergy, so it’s important toinstall a HVAC system thatwill deliver optimal perform-ance. A product such as theTrane XC95m furnace isamong the most energy effi-cient on the market, and isequipped with technologythat allows it to communicatewith all other components of aheating and cooling system.

• If smart technology anda customized home experi-ence are what you need, con-sider remote home energymanagement systems. With asolution like Schlage LiNK, aremote access solution thatprovides home control from acell phone or any computer

with Internet access, you canadjust your home’s thermo-stat, even when you are notthere.

• Your heating and cool-ing system can also help keepyour home a clean and healthyenvironment for all ages.Many manufacturers offerwhole-house air filtration sys-tems, and some of these sys-tems can filter up to 99.98 per-cent of particles and allergensfrom your home’s air.

If any of these hometrends apply to the “musthave” list for your new orremodeled home, your heat-ing and cooling system mightbe a good place to begin inyour planning. Visit www.trane.com to get started. Withthe right HVAC system, you’llbe on your way to creatingyour picture-perfect homeenvironment, however small,unique, diverse, long-lastingor energy-efficient you need itto be.

YOURSCONTINUED FROM B9

a calming influence.Depending on the energy levelyou would like to have in youroffice, consider using file fold-ers, binders, pictures and wallpaint to bring colors into youroffice that would enhance yourprofessional emotions and

behaviors.• Keeping your home

office picked up is key,especial-ly if you pace while talking onthe phone or while brainstorm-ing a business idea. Make sureall your electronic cords arebundled and tucked awayunder your desk so you aren’ttripping over them while chat-ting with a client on the phone.

• Get organized with acubby hole or filing drawer sys-tem, which will help keep thepaperwork off your homeoffice desk area and also helpyou find filed informationquickly and easily if you were

to have a customer catch you bysurprise on the phone. Theseitems are available at officesupplies store such as OfficeDepot.

As you get your companyup and running in your homeoffice, don’t forget to add littlepersonal touches to make itfeel even more comfortable.After all, you might be spend-ing a lot of time in your office,so there’s nothing wrong withhaving inspirational photos or adesk plant or two to provideyou with the pleasant atmos-phere you need to get yourwork done.

COAST NEWS GROUP — SPRING HOME & GARDEN GUIDEB24 MARCH 11, 2011

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California with a full displayof swim spas available forclients to see and actuallytry. They are also open byappointment only to ensureyour privacy while swim-ming. The product is manu-

factured locally byDimension One Spas, whohas been building swim spasand hot tubs since 1977.

John Trzcinka, presidentof Aquatic Fitness Concepts,invites you to “wet test” theirswim spas by calling (888)598-8922 to schedule anappointment.

SWIMCONTINUED FROM B9

OFFICECONTINUED FROM B10

showroom for your bestvariety of modern, tradi-tional and contemporarylooks. The friendly stafflooks forward to meeting

you and having the oppor-tunity to earn your busi-ness.

1 STOP FurnitureWarehouse & Patio is locat-ed at 9050 Kenamar Drive(off Miramar Road just twoblocks north of the

Pyramid). Hours areMonday through Thursday10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Fridaythrough Sunday 10 a.m. to 5p.m. For more information,call (858) 271-9400 ext. 2 orvisit www.furniturestoresandiego.com.

FURNISHINGCONTINUED FROM B11

COAST NEWS GROUP — SPRING HOME & GARDEN GUIDEMAR. 11, 2011 B25

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choice — in American homes:

1. Kitchen sinksThe kitchen sink plays

host to a handful of hardwork-ing activities in the heart of

the home — whether it’scleaning up from holidayfeasts or serving as a babybathing spot.

Today’s Kohler’sLawnfield and Wheatlandcast iron kitchen sinksemphasize design with anideal balance between form

and function at an attractiveprice. Single-basin sinksreflect historical design, anddouble basin cast iron sinksoffer a modern convenience.You’ll find a variety of colorchoices, as well as under-counter and self-rimmingoptions.

2. Bathroom sinksWhether it’s the focal

point in a petite powderroom or coupled in a mastersuite’s double vanity, bath-room sinks have a tall bill tofill — homeowners requiregood looks and durability,which today’s enameled cast-iron bathroom sinks can pro-vide.

Enameling technologymakes it possible to have acast-iron sink in an array ofvibrant new colors beyondyour grandparents’ classicwhite claw-foot tub. Kohler’sTides bathroom sink comesin over 20 colors, and its self-rimming design makes it

easy to install. With a costwell below $200, it’s price-competitive with sinks con-structed from acrylic orfiberglass.

3. BathtubsThe first cast-iron baths

were free-standing models —a design so ubiquitous thatmany Americans still associ-ate it with cast iron. WhenKohler introduced the built-inbathtub in the early 1900s,the style quickly became thedesign of choice for Americanhomeowners and remains themost popular style today.

Now, you can find castiron bathtubs that offer theconvenience and functionali-

ty of the built-in style, alongwith the elegance and dura-bility of enameled cast iron.For those who crave designvariety, drop in/undermountand freestanding styles arealso available in cast iron.Youcan even find styles that offermassaging water jets andbubbles.

You may fondly recallyour grandparents’ cast iron,but modern design and avibrant array of colors havetoday’s homeowners falling inlove with cast iron’s durabilityand convenience all overagain and enjoying it foryears to come — just as otherhomeowners have beforethem.

COAST NEWS GROUP — SPRING HOME & GARDEN GUIDEB26 MARCH 11, 2011

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Elijo Hills towncenter fea-tures an exceptionallyappointed 19-acre park andcommunity center, an ele-mentary and middle school,and urban-style townhomes.”

Visitors are also invitedto explore the beautiful newhomes available at San ElijoHills. Lennar is offering SanElijo Hills’ first all-solar com-munity at Terraza. Beautifullydesigned models showcasethree two-story floor plansranging from 2,182 to 2,721square feet. Terraza featuresan extensive package of ener-gy-saving amenities, includ-ing a SunPower® solar sys-tem. Homes are priced fromthe mid $500,000s.

Terraza’s exterior archi-tecture reflects SpanishColonial, French Country,Craftsman and Prairie stylesand blends with San ElijoHills’ distinctive 1920s coastalCalifornia character.

Terraza’s standardPowerSmartSM packageincludes a tankless waterheater, enhanced insulation,double-paned windows withnew generation low-E glass,water-conserving toilets,faucets and showerheads,energy-efficient lighting,

insulated air ducts and otherconstruction innovations.

Several homes are avail-able at MarketWalk, a mixed-use townhome neighborhoodin the San Elijo HillsTowncenter featuring 12 con-dos upstairs and 11,000square feet of retail space onstreet level. Floorplans rangefrom approximately 1,647 to2,746 square feet with threeto four bedrooms and 2.5 to3.5 baths. The remaininghomes are priced from thelow $400,000s. MarketWalk,developed by HomeFedCorporation, was recentlyhonored as the “BestDesigned Mixed-Use Project”in the county by the BuildingIndustry Association of SanDiego.

Information on Altaire, anew single-family home com-munity by D.R. Horton, isavailable at the San ElijoHills Visitor Center.Scheduled to open in April,Altaire is planned to featurehomes ranging from 2,627 to3,469 square feet with threeto five bedrooms and up tofour baths. The homes havebeen designed with SpanishColonial, Craftsman and OldWorld architecture and three-car garages. Prices are antici-pated to start in the low$600,000s.

San Elijo Hills is anaward-winning master-planned community knownfor its panoramic ocean views,18 miles of hiking trails, a 250-acre regional park, 1,100acres of open space and activelifestyle. The community hasbeen honored with the GoldAward in the “Master-Planned Community of theYear” category at TheNationals, an annual competi-tion that recognizes thenation’s best new communi-ties and marketing efforts. Italso received a Gold NuggetGrand Award in the“Community/Town Plan” cat-egory at the Pacific CoastBuilders Conference.

When complete, the1,920-acre community of SanElijo Hills is planned for3,400 attached and detachedhomes in 31 neighborhoods.San Elijo Hills encompassesthe highest point in coastalNorth County and offerspanoramic ocean views frommany vantage points.

The San Elijo HillsVisitor Center, which is opendaily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., islocated at 1215 San ElijoRoad, San Marcos. For moreinformation on San Elijo Hills,visit www.sanelijohills.com orcall toll-free (888) SAN-ELIJO(726-3545).

SAN ELIJO HILLSCONTINUED FROM B4

CAST-IRONCONTINUED FROM B4

throughout in various tex-tures, such as accent pillows,rugs and upholstery. You cango bold with vibrant, saturatedhues as well, in anything fromartwork to furniture to wallcolor.

“Switching up a room’scolor with a quick coat of paintcan really change the look,feeland personality of it,” saysJackie Jordan, director ofcolor marketing for Sherwin-Williams. “If you want yourroom to ooze with energy, youmight choose reds andoranges, while those lookingfor serenity might like coolerblues or creamy neutrals.”

For color inspiration andpaint tips, visit Sherwin-williams.com or your neigh-borhood Sherwin-Williamsstore.

Customize your spaceCompanies have taken

the demand for personaliza-tion to heart and are increas-ingly offering homeownersunique ways to tailor theirspaces. For example, DecorCabinets recently introduceda color-matching system thatallows you to customize anopaque finish of your cabi-netry. Now your kitchen islandcan perfectly match the

robin’s-egg blue of your grand-mother’s tea set.

“We want the imagina-tion to run wild with our newcustom color-matching sys-tem,” says Emily Small, brandmanager for Decor Cabinets.“Maybe you love the hue of aSpanish tile you found in a sal-vage yard — we can matchthat color to create a one-of-a-kind look for your home.”

To promote its new color-matching system, DecorCabinets is hosting a sweep-stakes on its Facebook page.Three lucky winners willreceive $500 for submitting animage featuring the colorsthat inspire them. Visit face-book.com/decoracabinets formore details and to enter.

Find your inspirationFor those looking for a lit-

tle inspiration, try these funideas to personalize yourspace: Frame your grandpar-ents’ old love letters and hangthem in a bathroom. Use ashadow box to display a collec-tion of concert tickets. Look toyour heritage — if you’reScottish, investigate your“clan tartan” and make athrow pillow out of the plaidpattern. If you like the ideas,but don’t have the history —fake it. Begin your own storyand make your home truly oneof a kind.

DECORCONTINUED FROM B5

out of state and I am havingtheir home painted andrecarpeted for them,” shesaid. “It’s a light facelift. Ienjoy doing the creativework and I am happy to helpmy clients.”

With a father who is acontractor and an uncle whois a painting contractor,Zanelli has learned plentyabout how to get things doneright and how to get themdone cost-effectively.

“The market is startingto improve,” she said. “It’s agood time to put propertieson the market if you want tosell.”

The two biggest piecesof advice Zanelli offers thoseready to put their home onthe market are to have itshow like a model home andto be priced properly.

Some common mistakespeople make when readyingto list their home are not put-ting any money into gettingit ready and not being realis-tic about property values.

Nothing says moreabout Zanelli and her servic-es than the words of herclients themselves. “You puta lot of energy into theendeavor which was infec-tious. I was impressed withyour skills in putting togeth-er a great advertising andmarketing program … Yourfollowing with the track peo-ple and intimate knowledgeof the Beach Colony in DelMar all contributed to oursuccess,” said client EdLeutheuser.

Another satisfied client

said, “After waiting a wholeyear with another realtorwith no results, you camealong and did it in threeweeks with your enthusiasmand fantastic advertise-ment.”

If you would like toenlist Zanelli’s help manag-ing your remodel or repairs,or if you would like to sellyour home or list your homefor rent for Racing Season, orfor a consultation, contacther at (858) 922-1341 or e-mail her at realestate@DelMarla.com.

READYCONTINUED FROM B7

for this oasis, using a serenepalette of color and texturesto accent the space and cre-ate a true sense of retreat.The first consideration?Paint and the color it pro-vides. Your choice of paintwill create the canvas thatcomplements and highlightsall of the room’s other designfeatures.

“This year’s color trendsare inspired by everyday life,making them versatile in anysetting, including a mastersuite,” Schroeder says. “Onecollection that works espe-cially well is one that reflectsa practical way of life — a

true functionality.”In this palette, texture is

key and colors are soft andfaded. Windswept andwashed effects, as well asmonochromatic layering, setoff this modern collection.Inspired colors from DutchBoy’s innovative ColorSimplicity System includeBoardwalk Blue, ComposedBloom, Spruce Hollow andRange Brown.

Another palette workingits way into the contemporarymaster suite is one thatrevolves around technology —which also reflects the mod-ern amenities that are incor-porated into these livingspaces. In Dutch Boy’s“Abyss” trend for 2011, soft

neutrals and grays comple-ment the true serenity of amaster suite and the reflec-tive alone time you appreci-ate when you’re away fromtoday’s sometimes over-whelming abundance of tech-nology and instant communi-cation. Consider such hues asDutch Boy’s Gargoyle Shadow,Fresh Linen, Pursuit ofHappiness and Piccolo.

Nothing ties a roomtogether better than luxuri-ous design elements like cus-tom-made fabric headboardsand coordinating bedding insilks, Egyptian cottons andother natural fibers. Thinkmix-and-match when it comesto furniture — eclecticismrules in 2011. The pervasive

influence of steampunk — aquirky mix of old and new —makes it perfectly fine toblend a contemporary plat-form bed with an ornate,Victorian dresser. The style isflea market meets high-end,and it looks great.

“Life moves at a rapid-fire pace these days, and amaster suite is one placewhere you can get away fromthe hustling pace and justtake a deep breath,”Schroeder says. “When creat-ing your sanctuary withinyour home, take time to con-sider all the design options soyou can have a space whereyou can escape from responsi-bilities, deadlines and outsidenoise and simply just relax.”

MASTERCONTINUED FROM B12

COAST NEWS GROUP — SPRING HOME & GARDEN GUIDEMARCH 11, 2011 B27

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than you expected, you maydiscover you can afford toexpand the size of your project.Or, if you find some unpleasantsurprises, you may decide toscale back on your project —

and refocus your efforts onimproving your credit.

5. Hopefully, this will notbe your last DIY project. Buthow you use credit to financeyour current project couldinfluence your ability to fundfuture projects. Before youcommit, look into a credit score

estimator, which is availablewhen you enroll in credit moni-toring through freecred-itscore.com. The estimatorhelps you understand howmajor financial decisions, likeapplying for loans or maxingout credit cards, may impactyour credit score.

Do-it-yourself projects canenhance your home’s value andyour enjoyment of it. By under-standing one of your mostimportant DIY tools — yourcredit — you’ll be betterequipped to ensure your proj-ect delivers value, and not justcost, for years to come.

CREDITCONTINUED FROM B3

Mediterranean Herbs.She takes you on a hike

across a hillside in Syros,Greece, which helps “her-bies” and gardeners see howthese native herbs grow inhot arid climates, tenacious-ly hanging on rocky cliffs.She will discuss how to keepthe grey and greenMediterranean herbs happyin our own gardens.

On Sunday, Belsingerpresents a cooking demon-stration featuring thesehardy, flavorful herbs alongwith seasonal ingredients ofthis sun-drenched cuisine. Tofind out more aboutBelsinger, visit www.susanbelsinger.com.

There will also be ongo-ing speakers on garden andherb-related topics, guidedtours of the Herb Garden,Herb Festival Market-place,the A-Z or Herbs informa-tion booth, and the SDBGSpring Plant Sale with a mul-titude of vendors.

If horse racing is thesport of kings, is horseradishthe herb of emperors?

Kids can learn about theHerb of the Year for 2011,the noble horseradish. Makepotpourri “saddle bags” withherbs from the garden.Construct a “horse,” natural-ly, and help make a commu-nity sculpture using recycledmaterials Saturday andSunday from 11 a.m. to 2p.m.

The event is free withadmission or membership.For a $2 off coupon and formore information, visitwww.SDBGarden.org.

TOMATOMANIACONTINUED FROM B3

pay for a good 2-D set.

3-D GlassesCurrent 3-D TV technol-

ogy requires viewers to weara pair of 3-D glasses to enjoythe technology. Most 3-D TVsuse active 3-D glasses whichcontain a power source with-in the glasses. Expect to payaround $100 to $200 per pairof active 3-D glasses. Some 3-D TV manufacturers arebeginning to offer a passive3-D technology. Passive 3-Dglasses do not require apower source to view 3-D con-tent, so they are lighter andcheaper.

Despite some reportsthat “glasses-free” 3-D TV isset to come soon, most con-sumer electronic expertsagree that the technology isseveral years away frombeing available to con-sumers.

Viewing angle caveatsIf you’ve ever tried to

watch a big game or movie ona 2-D LCD or LED TV with alarge group of people, you’veprobably experienced theissue of limited viewingangle options. Because of thetechnology used to put theimage on the screen, LCDand LED TVs don’t alwaysoffer a good image fromevery viewing angle. Theissue is even more relevantfor 3-D TVs, according toBest-3DTVs.com.

That’s because 3-D TVsshare the same viewing angleissues as some 2-D flat

screens, but with the addedchallenge that 3-D glassescan also block light from thescreen, lowering brightnessand contrast. If you’re alsoviewing the screen from anangle, all these factors canlead to a “very underwhelm-ing 3-D viewing experience,”the website points out.

“Most industry expertsargue that 3-D technologyactually increases the view-ing angle problem,” says JimWohlford, vice president ofSanus, makers of TV mountsand accessories. “Early 3-Dreviews indicate a ghostingeffect around objects on thescreen when viewed from anangle.”

Fortunately, wall-mount-ing on a full-motion mount,which can resolve viewingangle issues for 2-D flatscreens, is a good option for3-D TVs as well. Products likethe VisionMount VLF311Super Slim Full-MotionMount allow you to maintainthe sleek, low profile look ofa flat-screen while still hav-ing the ability to move theset to whatever position orangle is best for your viewingneeds.

“By placing a TV on afull-motion mount, you canbe sure you can alwaysachieve the optimal viewingangle from any seat in theroom,” Wohlford says. “Full-motion mounts are availableto accommodate all sizes ofTVs, are easy to install andsimple to use. They apply alow-tech, time-honored solu-tion to one of the most com-mon problems of our favoritehigh-tech toys.”

3D TVCONTINUED FROM B3

COAST NEWS GROUP — SPRING HOME & GARDEN GUIDEB28 MAR. 11, 2011