Home & Garden

Talavera is the term used to describe faithful reproductions of the china and pottery that is made in the Spanish village of Talavera de la Reina, whose craftsmen have made tremendous contributions to the world’s knowledge of fine ceramics down through the centuries.

There seems to be a lot of confusion regarding water treatment in the Santa Clarita Valley these days.  What used to be simple and straight-forward has become confusing and often misleading. 

Babies born into the Santa Clarita Valley!!

Santa Clarita Artists’ Association Art (SCAA) is gearing up to host its 19th annual fundraiser, the Art Classic on Nov 9, 2008.  Artist Jane Mick was the big winner in last year’s Classic.  For over 18 years she has been a professional sign painter at “A Sign of Quality” in Newhall.  She can be seen producing and installing signage around town at locations such as: Steve’s Florist, Auto Spa Car Wash, Custom Floors, Frontier Toyota and Valencia BMW.

Weekend projects with a minimal budget, limited skills and simple updates.

The year 2008 has been one of fewer trips out of town, fewer long drives to the outlet malls, and cutting back on the non-essential items at the local market.  With teacher cutbacks, gas prices over $4 per gallon and no end in sight to the current economic situation, an increasing number of homeowners have elected to also cut back on any home improvements.

As the City of Santa Clarita and the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts continue their voluntary automatic water softener removal program and prepare to require mandatory removal of automatic water softeners throughout the Santa Clarita Valley, there are few options left to homeowners who recognize the need for softened water.

Many homeowners understand the inherent environmental risks of a home makeover.  Paint products emit gases known as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and materials used by contractors can lead to excess buildup in local landfills.

Recent developments, however, have allowed consumers and painting contractors increased opportunities to be more environmentally conscious when remodeling a home.  In order to be socially responsible, a painting company must adjust its business practices and help customers understand the importance of remodeling in the most environmentally friendly way possible.

In March of 2003 installations of self-regenerating water softeners were banned in the Santa Clarita Valley for homes connected to the sewer, to reduce chloride levels in the Santa Clara River as required by the State of California.  To minimize future rate increases for the residents of...

Are you in need of a new roof?  Graziano Roofing Inc. has been providing high quality roofing services since 1984 and has operated under the same contractor’s license since.  The staff at Graziano roofing is dedicated to providing superior workmanship and excellent customer service.  With over one hundred man-years of combined experience in the roofing industry, you’re guaranteed high standards and craftsmanship and gold standard customer service.  Owner, Joe Graziano states, “Most of our work comes from referrals, which is a testament to our performance and commitment to quality and customer service.”

New Product Offers Industry Exclusive Technology to Capture and Kill Airborne Germs and Allergens
Continuing its dedication to offering healthy home solutions with advanced indoor air quality products, Carrier Corporation, introduces the most advanced indoor air quality product to ever hit the market – the new Infinity Air Purifier.  Unlike other products that merely capture particles from the air, the Infinity Air Purifier both captures and kills airborne allergens, bacteria, molds and viruses. 

On Saturday, August 30, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will host the Fun In the Sun Chili Cook-Off, which will take place at the Jack Bones Equestrian Center in Castaic.  The event, which is scheduled from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., is expected to draw thousands of area residents.  Proceeds will go to a great cause and will benefit the Special Olympics- Santa Clarita, as well as the Heads-Up Therapy on Horseback for disabled children.

Most folks who make this their home know it very well--we live the “good life” here in the Santa Clarita Valley!  The family atmosphere, the availability of wholesome fun—it’s a place where it’s easy to cultivate the things that really make life sweet…things like family, friends, faith and fun.  Everyday there are countless people and groups who, in their own way, contribute their own creative expressions of gratitude to the community for being just such a place.  One place this gratitude is quintessentially on display is on the faces of the participants in the annual SCV Fourth of July Parade.

A few years back, I faced the daunting task of finding high quality green products.  A client, who was light years ahead of the rest of us, decided on using only the most luxurious, eco-friendly fabrics in my designs.  This was a great idea at the time, but the implementation proved quite difficult in a world where green was not yet the “scene.”

It is estimated that over 300,000 home fires occur annually.  Although a fire alarm plays a key role in fire survival, it would still be more beneficial to prevent a fire from ever starting.  Home fires can be prevented, provided that precautionary measures in your common household practices are followed.

Hidden along the ridges of the Tehachapi Mountains north of the Santa Clarita Valley, a winding narrow road still exists that played an essential role in the transportation history of Southern California. On Saturday, September 6 at 2:00 pm, Harrison Scott, Executive Director of the Ridge Route Preservation Organization and author of the recently published book “ Lost Hotels on California’s Historic Ridge Route “, will deliver a talk to the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society on the history of the famous Ridge Route, the first road to serve as a direct connection between Los Angeles and the San Joaquin Valley and points north. The lecture will take place at the historic Saugus Train Station at Heritage Junction within William S. Hart Park on 24101 San Fernando Road in Newhall.

If you’re preparing to move, whether long or short distances, big or small, doing it right can only mean one thing, preparation.  Moving can be very stressful and as a moving company we have refined our processes for easing a customer’s stress levels.  We’ve compiled our top six tips for this article.

Are your clothes closets stuffed?  Purses, shoes, clothes, umbrellas, extra hangers, even linens, magazines and books that have strayed?  Can you even see your floor?  Here are a few tips to cope with closet clutter:

Chlorination has been the traditional method of pool sanitation for decades—almost by default, since there were no alternatives for this crucial aspect of owning a swimming pool. However, for many pool owners, chlorination is an old and outdated pool sanitation method they’ve discarded in favor of maintaining a salt water pool.