Home & Garden

Excerpt from A.Allbright’s October Color of the Month Blog:
As September falls silently behind us, without a backward glance we begin to gear up for the holidays (if we haven’t already).  Many people in many places, especially those on the East Coast, are now starting to feel the wind chill and can see the leaves turn before they descend to the ground, with nature’s brush painting them a myriad of rich earthly colors.

It’s the time of year when most of us spruce up the home for the holiday season.  We strive to put our best foot forward and spend so much time decorating the house for the holidays.  We always look for that special something to be the perfect finishing touch on our efforts.  So this year try bundling your window treatments.

Nowadays, several homemakers and builders are shifting their focus towards natural stones.  This building material has gained huge popularity over manmade stones.  It can be used to decorate kitchen counter tops, floors, walls, bathroom vanities and fireplaces.  They lend a royal feel to your indoors and outdoors.

Our elves have been working overtime in our Winter Wonderland to bring you another glorious Christmas display.  Our showcase trees are filled with all styles and colors of ornaments, from glass and crystal, to country lodge, traditional, whimsical garden, dogs and cats, wild animals and more.

Enjoy the Spirit of the Season with the 29th Annual Holiday Home Tour

Good cheer and tidings of the season will abound during Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital’s 29th Annual Holiday Home Tour festivities on December 4 and 5.

Expecting a crowd this holiday season?  If you’re entertaining family and friends over the holidays, there’s no doubt that you’re also cleaning your home from top to bottom.  You may even be doing some home improvements or remodeling.  Sure, the holiday season is just around the corner, but it’s never too early to start thinking about a home improvement project!

Become a Partner in the Green Initiative in the Santa Clarita Valley!
With the mandatory removal of automatic water softeners throughout the Santa Clarita Valley, there are many issues for homeowners to address.

“What type of paint sheen should I use?”  The answer depends on where the paint will be applied and the general purpose of the painted surface.  Here are some very helpful tips to keep in mind to help make the selection easy.
Flat Paints – The most commonly used sheen in homes is called flat or matte finish.  Most flat and matte finishes tend to have no shine at all. 

One of the many traditions on All Hallows Eve is the making of a Haunted House.  Some residents opt to dressing up their home in scary attire, while others create a fortress in the backyard.  Either way, if you want to give the kids (and adults) a truly scary haunted house experience this Halloween, try a few of these tricks and treats (pun intended):

For nearly a century, the American Cancer Society has fought for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community.  We have taken what we’ve learned through research and turned it into the potential for more birthday celebrations.  This year alone, 11 million cancer survivors in America will celebrate a birthday this year.

In an effort to address the challenges and needs of our military personnel and their families, the Santa Clarita Adult Day Health Care Center is proud to announce the expansion of services to veterans.  If you are a veteran or caring for a veteran you will find the center’s day care therapeutic environment is designed to promote socialization and stimulation and maximize individual potential for independence, dignity and quality of life among functionally impaired adults.

Let’s play:  What went wrong?
Date 1 – We met at a two-day training and sat next to each other for 16 hours.  We had a great time, enjoyed each other’s company and shared a lot of laughs.  So, he asked for my phone number.  Gladly, I gave it and waited for the call.  The next day, he asked me out.  “What would you like to do?”  he asked.

While many are choosing to hunker-down, there’s always those fortunate few who seem to make the right choice; they are at the right place at the right time.  They don’t miss windows of opportunity and they reap all the benefits.

Homeowners today realize what a terrific investment they’ve made installing a swimming pool and spa in their backyards.  It adds value to your property, but more importantly, the backyard becomes a focal point and center of activity for all forms of entertaining.
Children who once watched unlimited hours of television or played video games are now outside getting exercise, sun and having fun with friends and family. 

Temperatures may still be in the three-digit range, but Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital’s Home Tour League is busy making preparations for their 2009 Holiday Boutique and is inviting crafters to participate.

Inspired by the success of the “Cash for Clunkers” program in August, the U.S. Department of Energy will launch a “Cash for Appliances” program this fall, providing nearly $300 million in stimulus funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to consumers who purchase new energy-efficient kitchen appliances. In a statement announcing the plan, Energy Secretary Steven Chu said, “These rebates will help families make the transition to more efficient appliances, making purchases that will directly stimulate the economy and create jobs.”

Since 1964 Magic Maintenance, Inc. has been providing exceptional residential, commercial, construction and Homeowner Associations services to the Santa Clarita Valley and the surrounding areas.  Growing with the building industry, Magic Maintenance, Inc. has eight divisions within its organization to better serve your needs.

“The grass is always greener”. . . on the other side of the fence, the street, or in a neighbor’s yard.  But why not in your yard?  If the weeds do so well, why does the lawn do so poorly?