Home & Garden

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Product Description
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Nothing says “summer” quite like a cookout. Kids love them. Adults, too-because they get to feel like kids again. The aroma of cooking food mixed with fresh air makes everyone’s mouth water. And no one has yet explained how everything cooked outdoors somehow tastes better.

Outdoor kitchens are the newest trend in Houston landscaping. These structures create a focus point similar to the kitchen inside the home. It becomes the center of all the action and entertainment. In other words, outdoor kitchens give you a natural gathering place in a natural setting.

Best of all, an outdoor kitchen allows you, as the host, to enjoy the good times, too. You may be the chief cook and bottlewasher, but, with an outdoor kitchen, you get to do all your necessary-and much appreciated-work right in the midst of your family, friends and guests.

An Expert Call to help with your Outdoor Kitchen

Building an outdoor kitchen is not any different than any other remodeling project-except it must withstand extremely high levels of heat from the grill and, if not built properly, it can damage or destroy your property. Therefore, it makes sense to use a professional.

A pro will help you during the landscape design phase to check your deed restrictions concerning rules regulating such items as size, lot coverage percentages, height, and color materials. They will also be familiar with city regulations prior to and during construction. It is also imperative that you have a good layout so that all your appliances fit and are convenient for use.

Another consideration for which a professional will provide advice is tying your outdoor kitchen’s design into the larger space; things like, complementing any existing structures, easy access to the indoor kitchen and the outdoor kitchen’s relationship to a swimming pool and outdoor fountain. There might be important factors concerning the layout; for instance, if the outdoor kitchen is at your beach house, it might be best positioned to catch the prevailing breeze.

Additions and Subtractions

Decisions to make concerning your outdoor kitchen include:

• Do you want your outdoor kitchen covered so that you can cook and entertain even when it rains? If you opt out of a roof, fabric covers keep your grill and other furnishings clean. Plus they’ll last longer with extra protection.

• You will want to consider the overall size needed. For instance, for the chairs at the dining table, you need at least four feet away from any other element, especially the grill or any step-downs.

• Plan for adequate cabinet space. This way you can keep your outdoor kitchen properly supplied, which will help cut down on trips back and forth to the indoor kitchen.

• Counter top options include tile, granite, stone and concrete. Consider a counter top with a minimum of grout so that it reduces your clean-up time.

• Overhead fans.

• Refrigerator: Undercounter units are popular for outdoor kitchens because they are out of sight, protected by the counter and handy for storage. Look for models that include automatic ice makers and frost-free features.

• Sinks: Stainless-steel sinks are preferable for outdoor kitchens because they won’t corrode.

• Other accoutrements to consider: Waterproof TV and sound systems, hot water heaters, warming drawers, and fireplaces.

The Star of the Show: The Outdoor Grill

Grills can be either custom-built or pre-fabricated. Custom-built grills provide a more permanent appearance. They also require a non-combustible surround, usually made of brick or masonry. Prefabricated grills use a steel frame and are available with decorative finishes such as stucco, brick or stone.

Other nice-to-have features for the grill include a smoker, side burners and a rotisserie.

Whether you go with a custom or ready-made grill, your builder will need to check for any necessary permitting. Electricity, water and natural gas lines are usually brought to the outdoor kitchen from the service in the house.

Don’t Forget!

Jeff Halper with Exterior Worlds suggests three elements that often get overlooked when designing an outdoor kitchen:

• Outdoor kitchens need adequate landscape lighting-and lighting that not only provides general and task lighting, but accent lighting as well. “Lights can be attached to the grill or lighting can be mounted in beams in the arbor, in nearby trees or on the house eaves,” says Halper. “Lights create dramatic effects by casting shadows from plantings and trees. They provide an artistic element that can be enjoyed indoors or out.”

• Plenty of electrical outlets should be included in plans for the cooking and dining areas.

• Think about landscaping, an herb garden nearby. “It’s a nice touch and you can easily add the garden-fresh ingredients to your cooking,” says Halper.

www.leisureworldre.com – 3034 Via Vista B, Laguna Woods Village – You must have a look at this prestigious gate 7 bungalow at 3034 Via Vista B in Laguna Woods. This beautiful home features central heating and air conditioning, scraped ceilings and newly remodeled bathrooms. The kitchen is completely new as well with new appliances, granite counter tops, recessed lighting and hi-grade Shuller cabinets with sliding pull outs and soft close drawers. The Master bath is very special too, with brand new cabinets and granite counter tops, designer lighting and a new walk-in shower featuring a high quality glass door. The entry area, kitchen, dining room and bathrooms all feature long-lasting and elegant tile flooring and the bedrooms have sound-deadening dual-pane windows. This great home has a very special location with interesting peek-a-boo views of Saddleback Mountain. Its new owner is sure to enjoy many years of happy hassle-free living!

Below is general discussion of various factors impacting property taxes in San Diego, California. The reader should consult their tax advisor for definitive guidance about property tax issues and not rely soley on the informaton below.

Property tax rates are capped in California due to the passage of Proposition 13 in 1978 (“Prop 13″). Prop 13 was a ballot measure approved by the voters of California to limit property tax increases. The legislation also mandated that any future increases in property tax rates have the support of two-thirds of the Legislature for approval. This provision dramatically limited the ability of the legislature to increase taxes.

The property tax rate in California is 1% of the assessed value of real estate, plus any bonds, fees and special charges. Properties can only be reassessed when there is a change in ownership or when new construction is completed. Unless one of these reassessment conditions exists, Prop 13 allows for annual increases of up to 2% of a property’s value.

The passage of Prop 13 dramatically limited the legislatures ability to increase taxes. Despite this, municipalities desired a mechanism to subsidize the building of infrastructure for new developments, so in 1982, the Capital Facilities Act was passed. The act is better known by its legislative authors, Senator Henry Mello and Assemblyman Mike Roos (i.e. Mell-Roos Assessment).

According to the San Diego County Assessor, “Mello-Roos districts are established by local governments at the request of a developer to finance specific public facilities and services such as schools, roads and libraries. Mello-Roos districts were authorized by state law in 1982. This law allows any public agency to establish a Mello-Roos district, which then can issue the necessary tax-exempt bonds and impose fees to pay off these bonds.” Communities or districts that impose a Mello-Roos fee are distributed throughout the County but are most common is large new subdivisions.

In addition to the 1% tax rate allowed by Prop 13, Mello-Roos fees are a separate charge on the property tax bill. The duration of Mello-Roos fees are linked to the amount of time needed to pay off the bond, which is typically 20-25 years. Mello-Roos fees range from $174 to over $3000 annually, and the average fee for San Diego communities was $1,488 in 2006.

To get a general idea about the amount of property taxes you would owe annually on a property, multiply the purchase price of the property by 1.2%. For example, if you purchased a $400,000 home, your annual tax due would be around $4,800, plus special assessments (if applicable), and Mello-Roos fees (if applicable).

Consumers should be aware that tax rates for a particular area can increase as news bonds are added or decrease if bonds are paid off. In addition, Special Asssessments (if any) for new infrastructure can also impact tax rates.

When considering the purchase of real estate, single-family homes, condominiums or townhomes in San Diego (particularly in newer communities), propspective buyers should find out if the property has Mello-Ross or other Special Assessment fees, how long these fees will continue, and if the fees increase annually.

Over 1 million tax bills are sent out every year in San Diego County by the County Tax Collector. The tax period in San Diego covers the period from July 1st to June 30th. The amount owed is based on the assessed value of the property as of January 1st. The tax bill is mailed out in September or early October, and is due in two equal installments; first payment is due December 10th and the second payment is due April 10th. State law does not allow for extensions to pay the tax bill and late payments are subject to a penalty of 18% APR. For those wishing to pay by credit card, the Discover Card is the only option at this time.

For more information about property tax issues in San Diego or to obtain a definative answer to your property tax questions, contact the San Diego County Assessor or your tax professional.

Color Trends at Home Decoration:

Orange is Hot for 2008 and 2009

The color Orange continues its stellar run as a fixture for home décor color in 2008; and the leader in Color forecasting, Pantone, projects that the Orange color trend will continue on to 2009. It’s no surprise why, Orange is a warm, inviting, dynamic, invigorating and energetic color.

 

Fall Color Infusion – Decorating with Flowers

Want to add a some natural autumn color palettes to your home’s exterior this Fall? Then get ready to have some fun gardening: Replace summer annuals with fall bloomers such as royal purple, lavender and gold pansies to update the look of your garden. You’ll stop traffic with curb appeal that will last for months.One of America’s classic flowers, the chrysanthemum, happens to be a fall bloomer. Take advantage of its magentas, dark reds and shocking pinks and plant them in window boxes or outdoor planters.

 

Home Decorating based on your Color Personality

Confused about selecting color for your home? Why not try choosing decorating colors based on your unique personality? I decided to have a bit of fun and searched out several websites that discuss color personality types.

 

The Pratt and Lambert color quiz was the most comprehensive color personality test of all those I reviewed. Taking into account not only color likes but other factors that make you uniquely you. This test was the only one that returned a color scheme that was very similar to my personal decorating style. I was impressed. According to the Pratt & Lambert site my color personality:

 

Colors in this palette are reminiscent of a sunny seaside. These combinations are refreshing and invigorating. They provide sparkle with lightness while also imbuing a sense of soothing calm. Oceanic hues are ideal for making a bathroom, bedroom or study an oasis. These colors provide a balance for those with a hectic life. The person who decorates with these colors is looking for their home to be their escape.

 

Home and Garden TV has an interesting color wheel that you can spin with your mouse and find the color that sings to your soul. When I spun the color wheel my eyes landed on my favorite color: Pink. Once I selected Pink, I was given five other shades of pink to choose from. I ended up selecting two pinks (Lavender Pink and Hot Pink) I adore. According to the HGTV site these color choices mean:

 

If you like lavender pink, you’re seeking to be more inventive. New possibilities flood your mind. By constantly examining possible practical applications, you create new things, new ideas. Using this purple-pink shade in room design is empowering. You and others will become more determined and self-constructive in a lavender pink office or library. Because it invites warm, exciting conversations, it’s perfect for dining or living rooms. Guests will feel welcomed.

If you like hot pink, you are constantly thinking about exciting things to do. Through your body language and appearance, without even being aware, you are sending out enticing messages. Designing with this magenta shade of pink creates adventurous conversations and situations. It makes you and others less skeptical and more enthusiastic. Use this color to turn dull into exciting. Think party room!

 

Not scared to use strong color, Winters often love reds but avoid soft pinks. Achromatic color schemes employing tonal variations of black, white and grey are commonplace, giving clean lines and sharp contrasts. Assertive purples are considered a safe choice for the main color in a color scheme, a sharp contrast to other seasons who will use purple sparingly as an accent. Blues run the gamut of ice blues through to blue blacks, cool and delineating and reflect onto the green palette giving a range of strong aquas. Neutrals are blacks, whites and greys for dramatic relief against the stronger feature colors. You won’t find warm creams here. Simple color schemes are favored – one color as the canvas and then accents of other strong colors for contrast and drama. Like Winter personalities, the Winter palette is self-assured and intense. Subtle colors are left to the other seasons.

 

Color Psychology

Perhaps many of you are contemplating new decorating and painting projects and perhaps aren’t aware of the impact that color has on our mood. Before you pick up that paint brush or roller, read through our color psychology information. It just might help you set the appropriate mood for your indoor space.

 

First Things First – Choosing a Color Scheme

Red packs a wallop, physiologically speaking, increasing blood pressure, heartbeat and energy in most people. It instills feelings of intimacy and passion. Red also increases the appetite, which explains why it is used so often in restaurants, and why it can be a good choice for a formal dining room.

 

Orange, like red, tends to warm a room, but in a more friendly and welcoming way. As a result, paints in various shades and tints of orange work well in living rooms and family rooms.

 

Yellow is also warm and welcoming, but it is more attention- getting than either red or orange. For this reason, it is a good paint color to use in poorly lit foyers or dark hallways.

Blue, which is part of the cool color palette, makes us feel calm and tranquil, so it is ideal for use in bedrooms. But since blue works as an appetite suppressant (perhaps because there are few blue foods) it is not the best option for a dining room … unless you’re on a diet.

 

Green is another relaxing color that is much more versatile than blue. Light greens are ideal for bedrooms and living rooms; midtones are good for kitchens and dining rooms (many foods are green). Also, because green is calming, it is often used in hospitals, workplaces and schools.

 

Violet is a tricky color, psychologically speaking. Many adults dislike purples, but are fond of the rose family, which can work in many rooms, including dining rooms, bedrooms and libraries. Young children, on the other hand, respond favorably to violet, so this color can be used successfully in children’s bedrooms and play areas.

 

These general guidelines are a good starting point in your search for a paint color. But remember that color choice is a very personal matter. You’re the one who has to live with your new paint color, so choose a hue that suits you, your family and your lifestyle.

And after investing time to select just the right color, make sure it continues to look that way long-term by investing in a top quality paint.

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Swinging on outdoor patio swings is so relaxing and unless you’ve ever experienced it, you just can’t imagine it.  You really can swing your stress away! They are such a great place to relax, unwind and enjoy your surroundings, and will help you make the best use of your outdoor living area.

They are fantastic for a private retreat or simply to expand your home’s entertaining area to the great outdoors. They are often overlooked as pieces of patio furniture but should really be considered.

Picture having your coffee or tea in the morning while swinging gently, enjoying the morning views and sounds of the nature in your yard. Relax after dinner savoring the view of the evening sky. Your patio swing just might become the most romantic place in your home!

Anyone can enjoy the benefits of a relaxing porch swing. Don’t think that they’re just for hanging or setting on front porches. You can use them on patios, porches, decks, or out in the yard. While many people still enjoy the classic porch swing, yard swings are also growing in popularity.

Canopy patio swings are also becoming very popular today as an addition to garden furniture, and there are free standing models available for your deck or garden landscape. A-frame patio swings are self-supporting and a great alternative to porch swings that require hanging.

Glider porch swings are similar except they glide on a platform or tracks and give you the sensation of floating in the air without any pressure under you as you enjoy the view you are taking in. Put them on a porch, by your garden, on a patio, or even in the middle of your yard.

There are so many styles available in outdoor patio swings, from the classic wooden swings to European wrought iron, to a wicker porch swing, that you may have trouble choosing just one. Four-foot swings are the most popular, comfortably seating two people, but you can also get larger ones for more room and comfort.

All you need to hang your porch swing is a solid, strong support in your favorite spot on your porch, patio or deck. If you don’t have a safe place to hang a patio swing, then look at the many styles of free-standing swings available to place on a deck or lawn.

Cedar is a desirable wood for your swing because it is very beautiful, naturally resistant to rot, and is insect proof. Teak is another fine choice because of it’s strength, and ease to maintain. Like cedar it will stay insect free, and look great year round.

You can also find porch swings made from oak, or treated pine. Wicker is also available, although if it is natural wicker, you will want to keep it in the shade to prevent the drying out and cracking of the wicker fibers. Give the swing a good thorough cleaning at least once a year, and also a protective coat of oil when the season is over.

Metal or wrought iron swings come in a variety of finishes and colors and offers elegance and durability in any surrounding. They are often an open mesh design which allows cool air to flow through them.

If you want to indulge in the pleasures of gently swinging your cares away, and at a very reasonable cost, you will find the best selection and prices of wood, wicker, canopy, glider, and wrought iron swings at OutdoorPatioSwings.net.

Herculaneum – www.BAZHE.com Herculaneum Ancient City, Italy Ancient city of Herculaneum is located at the northwestern foot of Vesuvius. Destroyed, together with Pompeii and Stabiae, by the eruption of AD 79. Buried under a mass of tufa preserved many fragile items. Excavation began in the 18th century and uncovered numerous artifacts, including paintings and furniture. Later work uncovered the palaestra (sports ground) and a vast central swimming pool. BKBAZHE is a writer, poet, and artist. He is the author of DAMAGES (creative nonfiction) — Winner in the Writers Digest Awards and IDENTITIES (poetry). He is published and exhibited in Europe and America. More info at www.BAZHE.com Amazon Books & Art by BKBazhe astore.amazon.com YouTube Videos by BK Bazhe: www.youtube.com Google Blog by BK Bazhe: bazhe.blogspot.com