Insurance Nickel Knowledge for 2023

I am certainly not an insurance expert in any way but I have recently learned about many new insurance issues from our agents Melissa Hodak and Lisa Blackwell of Brown and Brown insurance that I thought worth sharing. As the saying goes, “things aren’t like they use to be”. Think … Read the full article “Insurance Nickel Knowledge for 2023”
Design House Event to Benefit The Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara

The Santa Barbara Design House event was the brainchild of its lead sponsor, Ferguson Bath, Kitchen and Lighting Gallery. Its architectural collaborators, Blackbird Architects and The Carey Group Inc., hosted exclusive tours on March 17th and 18th, welcoming more than 400 visitors, along with members of the … Read the full article “Design House Event to Benefit The Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara”
Want better coffee or tea at home?

As we all know, Hope Ranch has very hard water. Recently I interviewed Jay Hellenbrand, the owner of Advanced Water Solutions on the best approach to treating hard water. I was recommended to them by my good friend Gordon Hardy, co-owner of Jeannine’s Bakery. They and Renaud’s Bakery are long-term … Read the full article “Want better coffee or tea at home?”
Supply Chain Issues

If you have an appliance on its last leg, you may want to order a new one in advance due to supply chain problems. You will be surprised when you can’t walk into a showroom and buy a dryer of the brand you want.
Today due to the Covid-19 pandemic, … Read the full article “Supply Chain Issues”
Trends that are on their way out in 2023!

COWHIDE PRINTS
Cowhide prints use to be very popular and now they are considered to be one of the worst interior design trends of all time. Typically, used as a statement piece in the entry, den, kitchen or hung on the wall as artwork – cowhide is no longer the … Read the full article “Trends that are on their way out in 2023!”
Want to add a little panache to your home?

Custom Cast Stone – pool copings, family crests, windowsills, balustrades, venetian palace, statue of your dog?
“Cast Stone” is made from crushed limestone and white cement, the closest product to real honed limestone (beware of imitators, who just acid wash regular precast to imitate cast stone). Custom molds are designed … Read the full article “Want to add a little panache to your home?”
Carpet is Making a Comeback!

As we all know, hardwood and stone floors are gorgeous but do not overlook the benefits and beauty of carpet
Believe it or not, carpet can be the statement piece in any given room. The carpet industry has evolved in recent years and customizing capabilities are endless. Some recent trends … Read the full article “Carpet is Making a Comeback!”
Thinking of getting a firepit this summer?

After extensive research and checking in once again with Tim Laber of our local Aqua-Flo Supply (they sell fire pits too)…here is what I learned.
The outdoor family room is in more than ever
From firepits to ping pong tables and outdoor TVs, outdoor living is in. Creating a feeling … Read the full article “Thinking of getting a firepit this summer?”
Drop by Drop…

As the drought worsens and water is in short supply, I called our own Tim Laber of Aqua-Flo Supply, our leading regional distributor of landscape and irrigation supplies (fire pits and fountains too!) to ask for suggestions on how to better conserve landscape water. It was a great call and … Read the full article “Drop by Drop…”
To gate or not to gate, that is the question!

Gates not only add security to your property, but they can also offer safety, aesthetics, and prestige. If you have a driveway that people tend to use as a turnaround, think about adding gates. Gates are also effective in keeping pets and young children from getting out into the … Read the full article “To gate or not to gate, that is the question!”