Home & Garden

Get ready for summer and spruce up your outdoors with new cushions, new umbrellas and new Sunbrella Fabrics.  These fabrics come in patterns, such as striped or floral, and are available in every color under the sun to choose from.  Maybe all your existing cushions need are new slipcovers?  Add some outdoor draperies for added comfort and you’re set for summer.

With summer approaching it’s time to be concerned with the watering schedule you have your lawns on.  Most homes here in Santa Clarita have automatic sprinklers, meaning there is a controlling time clock telling the system when and how much to water.  Summer heat seems to come all at once, and usually catches us off guard. 

As the citizens of Santa Clarita Valley embark on another journey through the intense heat of summer, parents and children seek a cool remedy from the harsh sunrays. Bathing suits are dusted off, the patio furniture and umbrellas are brought out, and the murky pond in the backyard is transformed back into a gleaming crystal pool.  But before your kids run for the water, consider these common safety suggestions to ensure maximum wellbeing for your youngsters.

For the 2009 Western States Police and Fire Games Community Invited to Enjoy Free Olympic-Style Competition June 13 to 20, 2009

The 2010 Winter Olympics is more than a year away, but in just a few weeks Southern California residents can enjoy one of the area’s most exciting multi-sport events when the 2009 Western State Police & Fire Games (WSPFG) come to Los Angeles June 13 to June 20, 2009. 

The end of June is just a few days away and I am sure many of us are still not sure what to do about the automatic water softener issue.  Some are disgruntled and upset that this is being taken from us while others believe there is no other solution to our water treatment needs in the SCV area.   And then there are the rest of us who reluctantly accept that we are going to go along with the program but wait until the eleventh hour to do something.

In one of her first positions in community colleges, an enterprising young faculty member created a model program for Santa Ana College in the Rancho Santiago Community College District — a program that would help other women enter the workforce by giving them access to the training and support services they needed to succeed.  Within five years, the program became a state model and was funded at more than 50 other colleges across California.

The visual art world is all around us everyday!  Generally, people think they have to go to an art museum to look at visual art.  We live in a visual world and most of what we see has been created by people.  Our homes, cars, streets, stores, buildings, clothes, and churches all have to be designed and made for us to use.

Chris and Amy Boswell of Oasis Garden & Patio would like to thank Santa Clarita for a second fabulous year in the SCV.  As their Ventura store celebrated a 10-year anniversary this year, they are equally thrilled about the continued success at the Santa Clarita store. 

Santa Clarita Valley Family of Water Suppliers Calls on Residents to Reduce Water Use Immediately Voluntary Reduction a Must to Ensure Water for the Region

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s declaration of a drought state of emergency this February came with a major call to action for Californians to do their part in tackling the water crisis.

There are many questions being asked of Los Angeles County District regarding their intended increase in sewer assessment rates.  Wow, from $14.92 per month to $47, based on a 250 gallon per day average.

It’s “Garage Sale” season!  Time to reclaim your garage, closets and bedrooms from the clutter that invaded while making some much-needed cash!

Does your home need a makeover?  Are you looking for a more spacious living area?  Is your bathroom or kitchen causing you nightmares?  Ok – it’s time to think outside the box for a while.  You’ll be amazed at how many inexpensive home remodel ideas you can find to give new spice to the inside or outside of your house.  First think about what it is you most hope to accomplish from the remodel.

As much as half of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling.  So making smart decisions about your home’s heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can have a big effect on your utility bills — and your comfort.  Take these steps to increase the efficiency of your heating and cooling system.

An analysis conducted by Burrtec Waste Management found that the City’s Earth Day Festival and 20th Annual Arbor Day Celebration produced zero waste.  All waste materials disposed of at the event were either recycled or composted and approximately 692 pounds of mixed recycling and 134 pounds of organic material was collected and taken to a recycling center.

America’s favorite flower is also the insect world’s favorite flower.  The first rose buds of spring are usually covered with the first aphids of spring!

Flowers have been used for centuries to decorate and perfume houses. Bringing fresh cut flowers into your home adds color and scent, but the flowers add an extra dimension that cannot be created with soft furnishings and accessories.  They bring with them a sense of life and growth, making a room come alive.

We now make our own paint fresh everyday.  Every product (all water-based) made with our system is below the most stringent air quality standards in the country.  Because we make the paint fresh everyday, it doesn’t sit on a shelf.  It is smoother and more consistent than anything we’ve used in the past.  The Allbright Paint is low odor, low VOC, LEED Certified and is of the highest quality.

In general, good quality seeds can be procured from any reliable and good seed house. But, even despite all carefulness, one can never be too sure about seeds. Seeds that look great from outside may not be vital or good enough to yield a sturdy plant.