Home & Garden

When it comes to Halloween parties, it is all fun.  One of the most well liked events of Halloween is pumpkin carving.  Before you buy or pick your Halloween pumpkin from the local pumpkin shop, you first need to plan the pumpkin design.  Here are some tips for picking out and carving the best Halloween pumpkin.

With the cool nights approaching, as we get closer to fall, it is time to turn off those air conditioners and let in the fresh cool air.  Living in Southern California we are spoiled with the perfect cool fall nights, why not take advantage of the weather and let the fresh air into your home.  The perfect way to do that is with Wizard Retractable Screens.  They provide the best way of opening up your house doors and windows without letting the unwanted bugs in.  Ventilate your home while saving on energy costs.  The average energy savings when the screens are used to their potential are instantaneous, they pay for themselves.  Not only will you be saving on energy costs, but you will also be part of green living.  With the recent rush of going green, you too can help out by turning off those air conditioners and using the natural cool air to provide comfort in your home.

It was another beautiful sunny day in the Santa Clarita Valley and despite the warmer weather, the community came together to celebrate and enjoy an afternoon of art: the unveiling of three historic wall murals in Old Town Newhall.  The wall mural project is part of the City’s enhancement program of the arts and theater.  “The City of Santa Clarita is thrilled to showcase these magnificent canvases of art depicting the beauty and historic points of interest of Newhall.  The murals will serve to visually simulate the environment of the Newhall Arts and Theatre District while developing new attractions that are representative of Newhall’s history and character,” commented Mayor Marsha McLean.  The paintings are a beautiful addition, adding more culture and history to the already historic Old Town district.

The Valley Industrial Association hosts the second annual Regional Executive Summit offering executives a forum for developing solutions to critical issues facing Southern California-based industries. C-suite executives from the tri-county area of Los Angeles, Ventura and Kern counties will convene on Wednesday, October 24 at the Hyatt Valencia to discuss issues and address concerns common to businesses operating in the three county area.

Think you’ve got an inspiring picture in your photo album or in jpg-format on your computer desktop?  Is it so amazingly cool that you’d like to see it published for all of the Santa Clarita Valley to admire and adore?  Is it award-winning?  Let the editors of The Magazine of Santa Clarita be the judge.  Each month we will accept entries.  All you need to do is send them by computer only to editorial@santaclaritamagazine.com with:

When asked why they moved to the Santa Clarita Valley, many local residents cite the quality of education, safe schools and high test results.  Students in the Hart School District have done very well compared to students in Los Angeles County and the state of California, according to results of last spring’s testing cycle reported by the California Department of Education.

Art comforts when the world gets turned upside down.  So, what art is comforting and how can art calm and soothe you?  The answers vary with the beholder.  Art has always offered succor.  Yet, comfort is a two-sided coin and an issue that some artists feel ambivalent about.

There are still a lot of homes in the Santa Clarita valley which have water softeners creating a waste called chloride.  Chloride is discharged into our sewer system from these softeners.  This waste cannot be treated by our wastewater plants and thus is released into the Santa Clara River, causing harm to the ground water, crops, and the river. 

Dear Designer,
My name is Jeff and I live in Valencia.  I have a condo that I bought a few years ago and it’s time for a remodel.  The building itself was built in the mid-’80s and my unit was really never touched since then, well, it was painted when I bought it and I changed the carpeting.  It needs new fixtures, hardware, doors and the kitchen and bathrooms need a major update.  Once the remodel/facelift is done, I also would like to get new furniture.
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The artwork of Infinity Arts Studio provides striking focal points for your home, office courtyard or garden – a necessity in any landscape design. Not only are many of our pieces functional, including our full line of rock and metal furniture, gates, fountains and sconces, but they are also beautiful, artistic and completely compatible with the natural environment.

If you want to beautify your home or workplace, ceramic tiles are one of the best options.  In other words, it is suitable for all types of applications, ranging from residential to commercial purposes.  Ceramic tiles are perhaps the most durable flooring option now available on the market.  A ceramic tile is simply a mixture of natural clays that have been molded and fired at high temperatures.  Sometimes, it is made out of such recycled materials as auto windshields, old florescent bulbs, and ground glass.

Fall is here and vacations are a distant memory.  Now is the time to fix all those nicks and knacks that you have been putting off all summer long.  Now that you have decided to make your current home into your fantasy home, it is time to find that perfect business that suits all of your needs.

Traditional pool pumps have offered a limited number of single-speed or two-speed designs.  Their motor speeds are set and unchangeable.  These set speeds are almost always higher than required, thereby overpowering the jobs they are assigned to do and wasting energy.  What’s more, other pumps rely on induction motor technology, which is far less efficient. 

Are you looking to purchase a quality product at a great price?  Do some homework before you purchase a sofa or have one reupholstered.  Make sure you have a complete disclosure on warranties on sofa frames, springs, cushions and workmanship. 

The key to a green, healthy lawn may lie underground, ground that is often hard and dry.  One major obstacle that homeowners must deal with in Santa Clarita is compacted soil.  During the construction phase of home building, the soil is compacted by heavy machinery.  This is done intentionally, much to the chagrin of those who work in the garden.  Certain building codes require the soil to be compacted to a specified depth.

Whether it is a dusty, windy day, or an afternoon drizzle, the weather in Santa Clarita can take a toll on the look of your patio furniture.  To keep your outdoor living space looking its best, cover your furniture when you are not using it. 

A new kitchen countertop can transform the appearance of any kitchen.  First and foremost, we truly understand how important your kitchen is to you.  Kitchens have become the focal point of daily home life.  Our goal is to help make your kitchen remodel beautiful, stylish and affordable. 

Want to spice up the living room, change the paint color or add a new coffee table?  Or does the backyard need a new look or new flowers?  Homeowners with a pool shouldn’t feel trapped with the current pool design they have.  Today’s pool companies like California Pools and Spas are able to re-create the new backyard of your dreams.