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Page 1: A special advertising publication of Valley Community ... · bathroom fans and pool pumps on and off on a predetermined schedule. Preset versions offer a range of timed intervals

www.valcomnews.comA special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers

Page 2: A special advertising publication of Valley Community ... · bathroom fans and pool pumps on and off on a predetermined schedule. Preset versions offer a range of timed intervals

Home & Garden • May 2010 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-99012

Cover photo: California Poppy photo courtesy Chris Gladis via flickr.com at http://www.flickr.com/people/mshades.

Green living keeps more green in your pocket(NAPSI)-There are many simple steps you can take to promote “green living” in your home and at work while keeping more green in your pockets, too.

A green home is good for you and the environment. It uses less water and energy than the average home, recycles more waste and avoids the use of toxic cleaning agents and lawn and garden chemicals.

According to the experts at Leviton Manufacturing Company, a provider of eco-friendly elec-trical products, there are many ways you can make your home more energy smart:

1. Replace light switches with easy-to-install dimmer switches. These are available in a vari-ety of different models, including rotary, slide, toggle and touch versions, to blend with your decor.

2. Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs. Increase energy savings even more by installing dimmable CFLs and a CFL dimmer switch for problem-free dim-ming.

3. Install motion sensors to control outdoor floodlights and occupancy sensors for indoor lights in hallways, closets and garages. These devices turn lights on and off automatically and use electricity only when needed.

4. Install programmable or preset timers in place of standard switches. Timers turn lights, bathroom fans and pool pumps on and off on a predetermined schedule. Preset versions offer a range of timed intervals.

5. Use Energy Star-qualified appliances and devices. Specialty lampholder products that use CFL bulbs provide safe, energy-efficient lighting for small spaces like closets, basements, work-shops and stairwells in the home.

6. Make sure your HVAC system is up-to-date, in top operating condition and runs on a schedule to maximize energy savings.

7. Plug home electronics, such as TVs and VCRs, into power strips and turn power strips off when equipment is not in use to eliminate “phantom power draw.”

Following these simple measures can help you live energy wise and ecologically smart.

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To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • May 2010 • Home & Garden �

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Home & Garden • May 2010 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-99014

Crabgrass is one of the most common lawn weeds and it causes the most headaches for homeowners.

“Crabgrass can turn a lush, green lawn into a neighborhood eyesore,” says Lance Walheim, Bayer Advanced Lawn Care Expert and co-author of “Lawn Care for Dummies.” “This weed is on a mission to make your lawn look ugly. Just one crabgrass weed can produce more than 150,000 seeds that can spread.”

Full, hot sun makes crabgrass thrive. It chokes out the good grass and forms large depressions in your lawn. When left uncon-trolled, clumps of crabgrass can grow togeth-er into larger clumps that are even harder to control.

“You can’t expect a 100-percent weed-free lawn,” Walheim adds. “But you can have the best lawn in your neighborhood without spending a lot of time or money.”

Money- and time-saving tips to control crabgrass and other weeds:

•Preventive measures: Set your mower’s wheel height based on the type of grass you have. That will encourage a lush, thick lawn that is more resistant to crabgrass. Water deeply (6-8 inches) when your lawn looks thirsty, or based on local water department recommen-dations. Fertilize based on the type of grass you have so that the good turf chokes out the bad weeds.

• Multitask: Save time by keeping an eye out for crabgrass while you mow your yard. If you

find a few, young plants, they’re easily pulled by hand.

• Save money while treating for all weeds: Many weed killers only kill one type of weed – either grassy or broadleaf. Instead of spending money on two products, find a product that handles both weeds and crabgrass. Also, try to find a treatment that features an easy-to-use water-saving applica-tor. Just hook to your garden hose and spray. Al-ways read and follow all label directions.

• Share your knowledge to benefit your neighbor-hood: Weeds can spread from your neighbor’s yard to your lawn. Be sure to share the secrets of your success with your neighbors. If every-one’s lawn looks great, that helps increase the curb appeal of your neighborhood and helps your home value. That helps put even more money in your pocket.

For more lawn-care information and how-to videos, visit BayerAdvanced.com.

Save time and money controlling crabgrass

Photo courtesyCrabgrass chokes out the good grass and forms large depressions in the lawn.

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To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • May 2010 • Home & Garden �

Special to the Home and Garden Guide

Even a bare-bones decorating budget doesn’t mean you can’t give your home a fresh look.

“One of the easiest and least expensive ways to spruce up your home is to subtract what’s in it,” says Ginny Bean, publisher and founder of Ginny’s catalog and Ginnys.com.

Here are a few of Bean’s low-cost, high-im-pact tips for giving your home a lift:

Clear the clutterClear stacks of books and magazines on

coffee tables and throws on couches. Put books on shelves and magazines in a rack or basket. Tuck the throws in the linen closet and pack away knickknacks for a few months.

Rearrange the furnitureTry floating furniture in the room rather

than hugging the walls. It’s a great trick for making the space feel different and less structured. Swap out an item in your liv-ing room for one in your bedroom, or slide something from the kitchen into the dining room.

Spring for some colorA few touches of bright, saturated color can

refresh any room and distract the eye from items that might be a bit dated. There’s no need to break the bank. Think about pillows and placemats to incorporate the colors you want.

AccessorizeYou can change your towels, shower

curtain and bath accessories for under $100. Candles are another way to create an inviting room environment. Seasonal scents such as lavender and lemon leaf add color, freshness and intoxicating fra-grance.

Go sheerReplace heavy draperies with bright, light-

weight curtains or sheers.

Remake your bedPut away that heavy comforter or quilt

in favor of a lighter bedspread. Mix and match solid-colored fitted and top sheets with pillowcases in various patterns. Tuck the top sheet tightly all around and fold the edge at the head of the bed over your cov-erlet or blanket. Fold your bedspread down to rest across the foot of the bed. Add ac-cent pillows to create an inviting, luxuri-ous-looking bed.

Assess your artworkIs your wall decor light and bright or warm

and cozy? Go for light and bright wherever possible.

Plant an ideaPut at least one houseplant in every room.

Fill a low planter or kitchen serving dish with potting soil and some grass seed. For more decorating ideas and products, visit Ginnys.com.

Budget-savvy home: Spruce up on a shoe string

Photo courtesySpruce up your rooms by taking out unnecessary items. You can incorporate color with pillows and placemats.

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Home & Garden • May 2010 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-99016

By RICK REED Special to the Home and Garden Guide

It’s a disaster when you’re not prepared for flooding, fire, earthquakes and other natural calamities that can occur in almost any area of California at any time.

Carmichael native Jeff Cartwright knows from experience that disaster can take many forms. From a house fire that Cartwright ex-perienced as a child to the earthquakes that change the geography in the Golden State it’s not what will happen… but when. Living in California has many advantages and a few less attractive dangers. However, being aware and prepared can make you ‘golden’ in California if you’ve protected yourself and your assets in advance. While Jeff is an experienced insur-ance agent helping residents beat the odds in covering their assets in any disaster per-sonal initiative is critically important. That’s why having a family disaster plan is crucial to a happier ending. Here’s what will help you gain an edge over danger:

Start your disaster protection plan today. You never know when – or in what form – a disaster will strike, so it’s important to have a solid disaster safety plan in place to protect you when the unexpected occurs. Since di-sasters can range from severe winter weather to a wildfire to a pandemic, it’s important for your disaster response plan to be flexible, too. Your preparedness for a natural disaster is the key factor on how you will weather tough times. Having the proper plan and supplies will ensure your family’s safety. Take a mo-ment to determine if you have an effective disaster protection plan by answering these questions:

• If something happened to your home, where would you go? • If something happened during a weekday, where would you meet your family to make sure everyone is safe? • Where would you take your pets? • How would you pay for a week in a hotel if you had to evacuate? • Where do you keep your important papers, such as your insurance card, medical records and phone numbers?

Being prepared for a natural disaster is the best way to protect yourself and your family. Spend some time talking with your family about what to do if a natural disaster struck your area then practice various scenarios so everyone knows what to do. Cartwright says a little family “role playing” to rehearse a disas-ter plan save lives when it’s real and not act-ing. For a list of tips on preparing for disaster, emergency supplies and strategies, visit www.nationwide.com.

For even more tips on how to build an emer-gency survival kit, head to the Federal Emer-gency Management Agency Web site. You’ll find a 200-page brochure covering everything you need to know about disaster prepared-ness.

So, the next time you wake up to a ‘bad hair’ day, take heart you can always wear a hat and following the preceding tips know you are ready for a real disaster by being prepared.

If you have questions or would like to talk about asset protection and disaster prepared-ness, call Jeff Cartwright Nationwide Insur-ance Agency, 916-283-0364, email questions to [email protected], or stop by the office at Town & Country Village next to Trader Joes.

It’s not a disaster when you’re having a ‘bad hair’ day

Please

RECYCLEthis paper

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To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • May 2010 • Home & Garden �

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Home & Garden • May 2010 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901�

(NAPS) – Household lights can dramatically shape the mood and design of your home. According to Thomas O’Brien, interior designer and creator of the Vintage Modern home collection at Target, lighting is a key design element because it is both practical and decorative.

O’Brien recommends that when thinking about lighting, address one space at a time. Additionally, he says there’s no “one size fits all” lighting scheme. Just as each room has a distinct purpose, it will also require a specific mix of light, from overhead to table to task to candle and even natural light. O’Brien likes to use lamps at eye level as well as special, individual ceiling and wall fixtures to make a room visually interesting and keep the light focused where it’s needed. Soft pools of light throughout a room are more attractive than just one main light source.

In the dining room, create ambience with easy-to-install dim-mer switches. Dimmers can tone down a chandelier or sconces with the flick of a switch to produce low, flattering evening light. When choosing an overhead fixture for this space, make sure it’s in scale with the rest of the room, keeping the height of the room and the proportions of the table in mind. Add buffet lamps, torchieres and candles to fill in shadowed parts of the room.

Family and living rooms also benefit from a mix of lighting sources such as floor lamps, sconces and table lamps. A tall floor lamp be-hind a sofa can light one section of the room and also provide light for reading. You can add in smaller reading lamps on side tables for light at different levels. Large, sculptural center lamps on consoles or decorative tables create an easy modern style, while an adjustable-arm task lamp is a functional piece that also adds great style to the room.

Bedrooms require lighting that is functional, flattering and restful. O’Brien recommends flanking the bed with a pair of similarly sized lamps, suitable for reading. The shade of a bedside lamp should be slightly above or at the same height as the reader to avoid glare. You can add atmospheric light with a lamp tucked on top of an armoire. An easy chair can be paired with a stylish floor lamp to create a spot for re-laxing and reading. When selecting lamp shades, choose a semiopaque

material that directs light toward the reader, not out into the room. Paper shades have a clean, translucent, neutral glow and are brighter than fabric shades.

“ There are wonderful lighting options available that mix simple elegance with shape and function,” says O’Brien. “ Lighting is a product that can be genuinely affordable and authentic at the same time. I ’m impressed by Target’s ter-rific range of mix-and-match, budget-friendly lamps and shades.”

For more low-cost lighting options, visit www.target.com.

Bright ideas to light up your life

Photo courtesyTo update your room’s ambience while maximizing your budget, you can simply change a lamp’s shade.

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To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • May 2010 • Home & Garden 9

Green: The hottest color for 2010

(NAPSI) – Color forecasters are saying green just may be the “it” color of 2010, reflecting, they believe, a desire for new beginnings.

For many, it also represents renewal, as well as being the color of spring and new growth. In recent years, it has also become, for many, the emblem of the environment-a shorthand for the global movement that’s dedicated to preserving and conserving our planet.

Green is also the easiest color for the eye to see, and considered the most restful and comfort-ing of all. So says Sonu Mathew, ASID, a Benjamin Moore Paints senior interior designer. She believes that cedar greens, in particular, are a compelling hue.

Said Mathew, “You’ll find it on the yellow end of the spectrum. It’s a color that, on its own, can contribute a vibrant pop to a room, or creates a softer look when paired with neutrals. It is also a perfect foil for bright contrasts, such as deep blues and orangey reds.”

The company’s official declaration of the 2010 trend colors will be available for consumers soon after the first of the year, featured in a free booklet, “Envision Color 2010,” offered by the company’s network of paint and decorating retailers throughout North America.

While cedar greens lead the parade of what’s hot in the coming year, a total of 18 colors orga-nized into three palettes are proposed as palliatives for America’s collective mood, and all the cultural and social influences impacting it.

The publication is illustrated with photography of room settings with inspiring suggestions on color combinations and imaginative wall treatments.

“Of course, one pervasive trend in 2010 is going to be smart spending,” said Mathew. “And when it comes to decorating, paint is among the wisest investments you can make. Give a single wall a new coat of color and it’s one of the simplest, most economical and effective makeovers.”

For more information, contact a local painting professional.

Photo courtesyWhen it comes to decorating, paint can be a wise investment-and many say that in 2010, comforting greens will be among the hottest colors.

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Home & Garden • May 2010 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-990110

Financial tips for home improvements

(NAPSI) – There’s no place like home, especially when it comes to making improve-ments.

According to a survey by Wells Fargo & Company in early 2010, the length of time that U.S. homeowners plan to stay in their house is now up to 16 years. That length of time has been increasing by an additional year every year since 2007, which may explain why “upgrading and remodeling” is now the top priority for homeowners.

Home improvements can enhance the way your home looks and make it more com-fortable, but this year, some improvements to increase energy efficiency may also earn you a tax credit.

For example, you may receive a tax credit for insulation, replacement windows, cer-tain high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment and low-water-usage landscaping.

Here are a few improvements cited by GreenandSave.com that can help you lower energy costs:

• Replacing windows can reduce your energy bill up to 15 percent.• Sealing ducts and adding insulation to prevent heat loss can make a big difference,

since 50 percent of the energy a single-family house consumes goes toward heating and cooling.

• Exchanging an old furnace and thermostat for a high-efficiency one can save as much as $300 a year.

Learn more about green remodeling – and other improvements that can add value to your home – at wellsfargo.com/home improvement.

Using Home EquityMany homeowners use their home equity to pay for large projects and improvements.

Home equity financing typically has lower interest rates than many other forms of unsecured credit and potentially includes benefits such as tax-deductible interest. (Check with your tax adviser.) Keep in mind that with this type of credit, your home serves as security for repayment.

When you’re ready to apply for home equity financing, you can make the process faster and easier by collecting all the necessary information and documentation up front.

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To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • May 2010 • Home & Garden 11

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Home & Garden • May 2010 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-990112

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To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • May 2010 • Home & Garden 1�

Increase your home’s value with flowering shrubs(NAPS) – There’s good news for homeowners whose thumb is only a l ittle green: It may be easier and less expensive than you think to add value to your home.

The secret? Plant more shrubs and bushes in your landscaping.A recent study by Michigan State University found that high-quality land-

scaping often increases a home’s value by 5-to-11 percent. A separate study by Clemson University estimated this increase to be 6 to 7 percent.

According to research by the American Society of Landscape Architects, when sel l ing your home, you can recover from 100 to 200 percent of every dollar you invest in your landscaping.

Improving your landscaping with shrubs can save you money as well . Replac-ing part of your lawn with a mass planting of shrubs can reduce costs for lawn mowing and lawn care, such as the cost of ferti l izer and gas. Plus, landscaping can reduce your air-conditioning costs by as much as 50 percent, according to the American Public Power Association.

Landscaping is also one home improvement that may actually appreciate over time. As the plants grow larger, they should improve their looks, which can then improve the curb appeal of your home.

Shrubs often provide colorful flowers for years, rather than just one season, making them sound long-term investments for your landscape. Many of the newest flowering shrubs available today are hardy, bloom each year without special care or pampering, and sport interesting colors such as pink or purple, which can add even more value to your landscaping.

Consider the new Lo & Behold “ Blue Chip” buddleia , a miniature butterfly bush with loads of bright blue flowers. Lo & Behold “ Blue Chip” bloom con-tinuously, so you won’t need to prune this plant as you do older varieties of buddleia . Like al l butterfly bushes, it also attracts butterfl ies and humming-birds.

Another new shrub, the Invincibelle Spirit Hydrangea, is the very first pink-flowered form of the “Annabelle” hydrangea. Like all “Annabelle” hydrangeas, it ’s superhardy, adaptable and easy to grow. It also blooms on new wood, so it will flower even after an early spring pruning, giving you pink color all season.

A close cousin to the Invincibelle Spirit is the new Incrediball Hydrangea . Some have described this hydrangea as an “ ‘Annabelle’ on steroids.” Its huge, basketball-sized flowers are the biggest ever seen on a hydrangea , creating a burst of white in your landscape or garden.

For repeat color and a wonderful scent, there is the new Bloomerang Purple, a reblooming l i lac. Bloomerang is the most compact, heaviest-blooming dwarf l i lac ever grown. It produces a bumper crop of fragrant lavender flowers in spring and then continues to bloom again from mid-summer until frost.

Common sense says that the brighter and bigger the color of your shrubs and other ornamental woody plants, the better the chance of catching a potential homebuyer ’s attention. And in a diff icult housing market, increased curb ap-peal might be the edge you need to sel l your home.

All these shrubs are available at better garden centers. To find one, v isit www.provenwinners.com/findaretailer.

Photo courtesyLandscaping is one home improvement that may actually appreciate over time. As the plants grow larger, they should improve their looks, which can then improve the curb appeal of your home.

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Home & Garden • May 2010 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-990114

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To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • May 2010 • Home & Garden 1�

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CONSTRUCTION

• New Construction• Remodeling & Room Additions

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Staying small to serve you better.Local references

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“Our cleaning is the most thorough you have ever had, or we will clean it again free. If you are still not pleased, we will refund your money.”

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Home & Garden • May 2010 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-990116

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Heating & Cooling Service/Repairs New Installs & Existing ReplacementsMaintenance Programs/Agreements

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Yes, Sacramento, it’s termite seasonBy JOE McBRIDESpecial to the Home and Garden Guide

Did you know that termites cause more damage to homes each year than fires? These little insects can cause big problems if they’re not dealt with. The most common termite in our area is the subterranean termite.

Subterranean termites actually live underground, hence the name. Overall, they are the most destructive wood-destroying pests in the U.S.

This area of California has the largest concentration of subterranean termites, second only to the southeastern coast of the United States. These are the smallest termites, their swarmers reaching only 3/8 inch long. According to biologists, they have the most sophisticated families of any other creature in the world. Subterranean swarmers can be distinguished by their almost black color. Workers and soldiers are considerably smaller, and resemble white ants.

In the spring and early summer, subterranean termites swarm; they are looking to start a new colony in the ground. The ones that do make it to the ground burrow in and start a colony there. These colonies can reach as many as 200,000 members after 5 years. They need moisture to survive, which a reason they live in the ground. But they also need cellulose material for food. This could be wood on, or in the ground. Or they can build mud tubes to travel from the ground to the food source.

Many times these tubes are hidden, and require careful inspection to locate. They could be on a foundation wall inside or outside, especially where the siding is close to the ground. Many times stucco houses have no exposed foundation, and termites have an easy pathway behind the stucco from the ground. They can also tube through cracks less than 1/16 of an inch wide. This poses a big problem in houses of slab construction. Termites can enter through the joint between the slab and the foundation, or through cracks almost anywhere. They will be hidden under flooring, baseboards, and behind walls until the damage or infestation becomes noticeable.

Colonies underground are large, deep, and sometimes far away from where the infestation is. Occa-sionally a secondary colony can be formed that lives above ground. Usually this happens when leaky conditions create enough moisture above ground to support them. Subterranean termites don’t eat across the wood grain, they only eat the soft layers of wood. This eating pattern, along with soil pres-ent in the wood galleries makes it easy to tell their damage from that of other termites.

Joe McBride is a representative of Hydrex Pest Control in North Highlands and can be reached at 916-334-0142.

Photo courtesySacramento has the largest concentration of subterranean termites, second only to the southeastern coast of the United States. The damage termites can cause, pictured, can be considerable – and expensive.

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