Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Planning Your Front-Yard Landscape

The front yard is the place most people fix first -- and for good reason. Often, it's what others see, and that the family sees most often.

Plan a Walkway that Flows

  • Follow natural access patterns when laying out walks. If you don't, children or dogs will carve their own paths right through your prize petunias. A straight path, though less charming, is the shortest and least expensive, and sometimes the most sensible.
  • Use curves, jogs, or steps only where there is a reason, not just to meander. Combine practicality with visual appeal by making walks at least 36 inches wide. If scale permits, 42 to 54 inches is better so two people can walk together. For an illusion of greater or lesser distance, widen one end. Extra width at curves is pleasant.
  • Make walls, fences, or hedges near walks less than 2 feet so people can swing their arms or carry packages without feeling crowded. Between the walk and taller verticals, a buffer zone of ground cover, lawn, flowers, or mulch at least 2 feet wide gives more room for movement.

  • To add interest to walks, choose brick patterns or exposed-aggregate textures. If you have plain concrete walks, cover them with brick pavers, slate, or tile. Loose materials like tanbark or wood chips are fine for natural garden paths farther away from the house, but they result in too much tracking in if used for the front yard.

Assess Your House from the Outside

 
Standard plantings fora one-story house often lack design. Here the small shrubs make the house look drab and out of place.
  

The builder's bit of lawn, two trees, and few foundation shrubs fall far short of the existing possibilities. Street-scaping is an excellent investment in both present enjoyment and future value. A pleasant view from the street gives a sense of individual pride and accomplishment. And it adds greatly to your property's value by setting the yard apart and making it beautiful.

The first thing to do when planning a new front yard is to recognize your bias. The satisfaction of returning home and that you see your front yard from inside the house can skew your feelings about how your yard looks to the public. For a more honest assessment, walk down the street, then turn back. Do the same from the other direction. Also, get in your car and approach your house slowly from each direction.
 
Shorter shrubs, a planter, and better-placed trees frame the facade, soften its lines, and wed the house to the site.


Does your house blend with those nearby? Is it appealing? Distinctive? Does it sit well on the site or look out of place? Does it need stronger horizontal or vertical lines? Does it nestle among the trees? List all its virtues and shortcomings.

When you go to other houses, take note of the convenience of their entryways. Can you easily see where to turn into the drive? Is the drive wide enough for you to open your car door and get out without stepping on plants or grass? Can you easily tell which door to approach? Are walks and steps easily negotiated?

Take what you learn during these studies and carefully weigh your front yard's planting needs -- street trees, trees and shrub for framing and accent, flowers, lawn, and ground covers -- and its structural needs -- walks, steps, drive, stoop, edgings, and fences.

Plants and Structures

  • The architectural features of your yard will be the most expensive and permanent. You may want to plan them in stages: the driveway first, good steps and walks next, porch or fence the next year. Select materials that will add to your landscape, not ruin its harmony.
  • Plantings are easier to install and change, but you'll want to be sure to put them in the right places so they can quickly play a role.
  • Trees, shrubs, and ground covers are permanent purchases that increase in size and value and take little maintenance. You can even use many edible plants in place of or along with ornamental plants. They present little extra work except for harvesting.
  • Flowers take care and often require replanting, but they can fill in the gaps until your woody plants gain enough size to stand alone. Annuals -- like kochia, four-o'clock, strawflower, impatiens, datura, and angel's-trumpet -- and perennials -- like peony, bee balm, and hosta -- can substitute for shrubs the first year or two.
  • Lawns take the most resources, work, and equipment of any aspect of landscaping. To conserve both fossil and human energy, consider alternatives to lawn, especially in regions where rainfall is inadequate.
  • If your front yard is too large for constant mowing and watering, use mulch or ground covers for islands around trees and shrubs. Fence or mark off an area for turf and use the rest for meadow, pasture, or woodland. Don't let your front yard make you a slave to more work than you enjoy.

 Plan a Functional Entryway

Pay particular attention when planning your front yard to making your home's entrance clear and inviting. Use plants and structures to lead people where you can greet them most gracefully. Dramatize the front door with a lamppost, an accent shrub, a trellis to block the rain or wind, or pots of geraniums.

Be sure knockers and bells are evident, at a convenient height, and not hidden behind a locked screen door. The best stoops are large enough for two people to stand on with some cover from the elements and for doors to swing open. A bench here is a great help.

Driveways, too, should be readily visible. A simple, low planting can mark the turn. If trees or shrubs obstruct the view, remove them for safety's sake. Where curves or slopes are involved, the placement of the driveway on one side of the yard or another can make a marked increase in visibility.

For night arrivals, lighting should mark the turn from the road to the drive, from the drive to the walk, any curves or steps, and the front door.

Steps

Make steps as wide as the walks they connect. Steps should be emphatic and noticeable. A plant accent can help. So can a change of texture. Never use just one step. If the slope is that slight, use a ramp. Three steps are the ideal minimum, though two are acceptable.

Check regularly that your steps are safe and not slick in snow or rain. Try to create at least one step-less entrance into your house for wheelchair visitors or possible future or emergency use. Or make conditional plans for a ramp, avoiding any plantings that would interfere.

Edgings and Borders

 
Lily-of-the-valley works great for edging walkways.

Edgings give an important and neat outline to your yard, as well as dramatic contrasts of form, texture, and color. For permanent neatness, build in small concrete curbs; set bricks on edge, on end, or diagonally; lay landscape timbers; stand flagstones or tiles on edge; or install one of the ready-made edgings available in garden centers. Metal or rubber strips are less lovely, but they are inexpensive and serviceable.

Borders of flowers, bulbs, or ground covers can be used with, or instead of, other edgings. Use the plants with the proper ultimate spread and good year-round appearance. Don't set the plants so close to the walk that they overgrow it.

Creating an Attractive Front

Every house facade and site have visual assets and liabilities. The well-done front yard highlights the pleasing points and masks the poor ones.

All the elements of good design come into play as you arrange your component parts for the ideal front yard. But don't be put off by the aesthetic terms -- balance, scale, unity, and the like -- used by designers. All are largely a matter of common sense. If a scene pleases your eye, then it's probably well designed.

If your house needs or will adapt to your desire for a special theme garden like colonial, cottage, Oriental, or Spanish, the look must begin in the front yard. Themes are successful only if you unify all the garden aspects carefully.

You'll also need to determine if your preference is for, and your site demands, a formal or informal landscape. Formal settings include strong geometric lines and architectural features, clipped hedges, and uniformly shaped plants and beds. Informal designs are marked by free-flowing, natural-looking elements. Generally, informal home styles and sloping land require less rigid landscapes. Formal houses and flat land can be treated either way.

To achieve balance in a landscape, try to position elements so they give equal weight -- through size, color, texture, or other aspects -- to each side of a scene. How formal this weighting should be again is dictated by style of house and personal preference. Symmetrical houses often look best when each feature and plant is duplicated on the opposite side of a front walk (as long as the walk isn't too long or too narrow). Most houses, though, are asymmetrical, since they have only one garage or drive. In this case, balance is more subtle. Perhaps a tall tree belongs on the side opposite the driveway.
Achieving pleasant scale -- or, keeping elements in proportion to each other -- is also subtle, since plants must grow before you can be sure. Choose plants that will complement your home's size at maturity, as well as some plants that will grow fast enough to quickly make a mark. Don't let anything dwarf your house.

The design principles of unity and simplicity often go together. Several plants of the same color and kind have more effect and give greater pleasure in a landscape than one each of several types. Use only enough variety for sustaining bloom and adding visual interest.

If you want more types of plants, say for continual harvests of many kinds of fruit, try combining plants with similar or at least compatible shapes, textures, and foliage or bloom colors.

Trees for Impact

 
Here, the tree in front frames rather than interrupts the scene, is in better scale, and makes the house seem farther from the street.

 
Trees (and larger shrubs) are the first components to consider in front-yard design. Because a framed view often is much more attractive than a completely revealed view, give serious thought to planting taller trees on either side of your house and at least one behind it. Trees here give the yard and house a look of permanence, and soften the second story or roofline against the sky. If you can afford only one or two more-mature trees, than plant them here.

Besides providing framing, trees and larger shrubs, along with the buildings, make up the masses in the landscape. Choose and place them for interest of outline, texture, and color in all seasons and for shade and energy control. Harmonize the shapes of the plants -- round, pyramidal, weeping -- with each other and the structures. Give visual relief by judiciously varying leaf size and shape and the textures of structural materials.

Trees and shrubs also are good for marking boundaries and separating functional areas.

Accent Trees

 

To add beauty and perhaps additional shade to a front yard, carefully situate very choice -- or accent -- trees between the street and the house. Accent trees make such a lasting impression, you may well identify certain houses by the dogwood or Japanese maple in the front yard. When selecting accent -- also called specimen or ornamental -- trees, use reliable native types with good habits and few pest problems.

In the past, plants were set where house meets ground to hide foundations and first-floor basements. Today, these so-called foundation plantings are often inappropriate and widely abused. Builders put in plants with enough size but little character, and they can soon outgrow their usefulness. Many houses come with a surrounding cloud or a border of stiffly spotted evergreens that destroy a house's style.
Plants near the house are essential only to soften its angles and help it blend in with its surroundings. Concentrate on the complete setting, not just the foundation line. Your plantings here should be simple and dignified. They should be in careful scale so they enhance rather than hide the house. You won't see these plants from inside except for perhaps a little by the windowsill, so don't waste your beauties here.

Raised Planting Beds

 
  
Raised planting beds are often used instead of or together with foundation plantings. Build them deep enough to provide ample soil for root growth and bottomless so the bedding soil mixes with the soil below.

Because soil in raised beds dries out more quickly than in the ground (and because few plants can withstand full sun plus the heat reflected from house walls), place beds in spots that receive shade for part of the day.


Plants here have star billing. Be sure they are hardy, are of appropriate ultimate size, and have neat, season-long appearance. Choose dwarf evergreens, flowering shrubs, fruit trees, perennials, or bulbs. For the most profusion and longest season of bloom, rely on annuals. Cascading petunia, vinca, and asparagus fern look lovely hanging over a bed's edges. Leave some edges clear, though, for sit-down gardening or just sitting down.


The old rule that the front yard is for the public and the backyard is for fun and family is sometimes better broken. Is your front yard the sunniest in a cool climate? The coolest in summer? On the south side where tender plants and fruit can best survive the cold? The largest part of your yard? Then reclaim some or all of it for private family use. A wall, fence, or sometimes only a small screen can give you the privacy you need.

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

How to Inspect Your Home for Termites

Termites are unwanted visitors that can cause extreme damage to homes and other structures. If you live in an area where termites are common, beware that the insects could raid your home. Attracted by moisture, wood and the steady temperature of a house, termites need only the tiniest cracks to begin infesting the home. If you suspect or fear that you have termites in your home, check for tell-tale signs or call a professional termite inspector.

Signs of Termite Infestation

Some of the following is taken from the NPCA Field Guide to Structural Pests, available through the NPCA (National Pest Control Association) Resource Center.

How termites enter home
Termite wood damage

The following list indicates common signs of a subterranean termite infestation. It is recommended that you have your house thoroughly inspected by a pest control professional trained to detect the sometimes subtle signs of termites at least once a year.
  • The presence of mud-like material that lines the galleries in an irregular pattern. 
  • Termites may excavate the wood so that only a very thin layer of wood is left on the surface of the cavity and the outside. Then this layer is broken; they will cover the holes with mud like material, used to make the tubes. This is a mixture of soil, feces, and saliva. 
  • Swarmers: The appearance of a swarm of what you would call "flying ants",especially near light sources This indicates a nest may be near. A "swarm" is a group of adult male and female reproductive termitess that leave their nest to establish a new colony. Swarming occurs when a colony reaches a certain size. Swarming is most common in the spring (March, April, May, and June) and occasionally autumn (September and October). 
  • Most swarmers emerge during the day, most frequently on warm days after rain. Swarmers found outdoors near tree stumps, railroad ties, etc., are not an indication that your house is infested but are present on the outside only. On the other hand, finding swarmers indoors often means that you have a termite infestation within your house. At first glance, swarmers and ants look similar, but can be distinguished by certain physical features. At Differences between ants and termites, there is a picture and list of differences. 
  • Mud Tunnels: Subterranean termites maintain their headquarters in the ground and build "mud tubes", pencil-size, that connect the nest (moisture) to the food source (wood).The tunnels may contain broken mud particles with fecal materials. Mud tubes or shelter tubes are proof of termite infestation, but their absence does not necessarily mean that a structure is free of termites. The insects may reach sills and other wood members through cracks or voids in the foundation wall, under the outside stucco, or from earth-filled porches, steps, terraces, or patios. You can break open tubes to determine if termites are still active inside. Termites often rebuild damaged tubes, another indication of continued activity. Old tubes are dry and will crumble easily. 
  • Subterranean termites construct four types of tubes or tunnels. Working tubes (left) are constructed from nests in the soil to wooden structures; they may travel up concrete or stone foundations. Exploratory and migratory tubes (center) arise from the soil but do not connect to wood structures. Drop tubes (right) extend from wooden structures back to the soil.

  • Piles of wings: The shed wings of swarmers indicate termites have entered their next phase of development.

  • Live termites: Reproductive kings and queens are 1/2" long, winged and black or brown in color. Workers are sterile and usually hidden within infested wood. They are 1/4" long, wingless and white. However, the absence of finding live termites does not mean that they are not present in the structure. 
  • Buckling paint or tiny holes on the wood. 
  • Damaged wood: Wood may appear crushed at structural bearing points. Termite damaged wood resonates with a dull thud (hollow sound)when tapped with a hammer. Pick and probe the surface of an infested piece of wood with a pen knife and you will find tunnels running parallel to the wood's grain. 
  • Finding termites in a structure does not mean you have an immediate emergency because the rate at which damage occurs is relatively slow.

How to Inspect for Termite Activity

You will need a good flashlight, screwdriver or pocketknife and coveralls. Look at possible trouble spots closely. Often this means crawling in crawl spaces. The presence of swarmers or their shed wings almost always indicates termite activity. A complete termite inspection would mean locating exposed shelter tubes and damaged wood.

Generally speaking, Subterranean termites are found at or near ground level. However, in warmer areas of the country they occasionally occur above the first floor level.

Termite damage may be located by probing wood with a screwdriver, ice pick or knife. Inspection should be concerned with the exterior and interior surfaces of the foundation, particularly construction where wood is on or near the soil.

Start inspection in the basement and use a bright flashlight. Look for mud tubes and the activity of swarmers.

You should inspect in the following areas as well:
  • Any wood construction in basement and crawl space (if present).
  • All sills, sub floors, joists, support posts, supporting piers, basement window frames, wood under porches.
  • Pay close attention to places where concrete: steps, porches, or slabs join the wooden structure.
  • All the hollow blocks, cracks in cement or brick construction and expansion joints.
  • Any scrap wood on the exterior, old tree stumps, fence posts and exterior frames of basement windows.

Note:

  • If any of your findings are inconclusive, but you still worry that you may have termites, call a professional. Their training helps them know what to look for, and they can put your mind at ease.
  • The first time you see a termite-like insect in your home, look at it thoroughly. Termites are often confused with ants.
  • Before you jump into any treatment plan, it is a good idea to get a second opinion and thoroughly research companies you are considering hiring. Termites work slowly, and your house won't be eaten to shreds if you take a couple days to figure out the best course of action.

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Explore Pasadena


         metro gold line, gold line, train, pasadena, light rail, public transportation, los angeles, san gabriel valley, lax, extension, foothill gold line, best public transportation cities, dtla to pasadena, pasadena to dtla, east la, arts district, northeast los angeles, nela, northeast la, highland park, museums, memorial park, rose bowl stadium, rose bowl, car free la, car free los angeles

Metro Gold Line Extends Beyond Pasadena

LA Metro recently added six new stations to the Gold Line. The addition spans from Pasadena to Azusa, adding 11 new miles to the line, and is great for venturing into (or from) the San Gabriel Valley. Before, you had no choice but to sit in traffic; now whiz past cars on the 210 freeway while being treated to breathtaking views of the San Gabriel Mountains.

Why Should I Visit Pasadena?

Pasadena is known for its prolific arts and culture scene, eye-catching architecture, and eclectic dining options. Most of the attractions are located within walking distance of the six Gold Line stations in the city.

DTLA to Pasadena by Train

It takes between 15 and 25 minutes to travel from Downtown Los Angeles to Pasadena, depending on where you detrain. In this article we will list the stations in order from south to northeast.

pasadena, gold line, metro, los angeles, foothill, extension, geologica 42, public art, metro art

First stop, Fillmore Station

As soon as you exit the train you’ll come upon Geologica 42, a 40-foot public art sculpture made of steel and bronze (pictured above).

Walk one block west towards Raymond Avenue, once you get to Raymond, walk north (towards the right) to Jones Coffee Roasters. Jones is a local favorite that uses beans sustainably sourced from the owner’s Guatemalan coffee farm, the coffee shop often features live music and open mic nights.
Pie Life Pizza is next door to Jones Coffee Roasters. It’s a nondescript, take-away window serving some of the best pizza in town. Daily pizza-by-the-slice selections like pesto and heirloom tomatoes change based on what’s in season.

Walk south on Raymond Avenue to ArtCenter College of Design's South Campus. ArtCenter is a prestigious art school that is open to the public. Housed in re-purposed, modern buildings, the school serves as a cultural resource for the community and supports progressive art. Once here set your gaze towards the metallic architectural skyline and spot a hidden Green Roof covered by native plants. Make your way up the stairs and keep your eyes open for outdoor installations by Kenny Scharf. There is a massive exterior wall covered in graffiti art; and a student art gallery (Wind Tunnel Gallery) that was formerly a supersonic jet-testing facility — they also present lectures there.

Walk back towards Fillmore Station, heading north on Raymond Avenue, make a right at Fillmore Street, then left at Arroyo parkway. Arrive at Lucky Boy, located at 640 S. Arroyo Parkway, Pasadena, CA 91105. They make an amazing breakfast burrito stuffed with cheese, potatoes, and a generous portion of bacon.

Alternatives include Pitfire Pizza; or if you’re feeling fancy there are two Pasadena institutions nearby, Parkway Grill featuring classic French dishes, and Arroyo Chop House which is a modern steakhouse.

Get back on the train and continue traveling north to the next stop, Del Mar Station.

del mar station, vintage photograph, amtrak, santa fe, train depot, pasadena, atsf, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway

Del Mar Station

Del Mar Station is a Spanish Revival style train depot built circa 1911; it served as a Santa Fe train depot that welcomed the arrival of celebrity legends like Will Rogers and Clark Gable as they made their way into Hollywood by way of Pasadena to avoid the hustle and bustle of Union Station. Today, the station has been re-purposed to house restaurants and bars including The Luggage Room Pizzeria (which occupies the station’s original luggage room), La Grande Orange Cafe, Sushi Kimagure, Otis Bar and Stone Company Store.

From Del Mar Station walk west to Raymond Avenue and you will immediately come upon Central Park, where twice a year (spring and fall) The Jackalope Art and Craft Fair sets up shop.

Continue walking north on Raymond Avenue and you’ll find yourself in the southern end of Old Pasadena. Arrive at the intersection of Green Street and Raymond Avenue, and take a coffee break at Cope Vida, it’s one of many great artisan coffee shops in town. Copa Vida offers brunch and lunch.

Across the street, cater-corner from Copa Vida, you’ll notice Castle Green, a meticulously restored historical monument. One of the oldest landmarks in L.A. County, Castle Green was an annex to Hotel Green, a lavish resort for Tinsletown’s elite that was demolished in the 1930s. Castle Green and the adjacent Wooster Block Building are the only standing remnants of the hotel. Today Castle Green is used frequently in films like The Sting. While Castle Green is currently a private residence and a special event venue, the stunning Moorish, Spanish and Victorian architecture can be toured once per year during the holidays.

Continue heading east on Green Street and you will stumble upon the Pasadena Convention Center; it is a campus style center that houses the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, Pasadena Convention Center, Pasadena Ice Skating Center, and Pasadena Visitors Center.

Directly across the street from the convention center, at Paseo Colorado, a dinner theater venue called The Rose presents intimate musical performances. Talent here ranges from nostalgic acts like The Motels, Wilson Phillips, and Smokey Robinson, to tribute bands and rock bands. The Rose is one of few dinner theater venues in Los Angeles. That style of entertainment is uncommon in this area.
For alternatives at Del Mar Station, try Flour + Tea or the Congregation Ale House. Flour + Tea was featured on the Food Network’s “Best Thing I Ever Ate,” and specializes in cakes, boba and poke. Congregation Ale House is directly across from Del Mar station on Raymond Avenue. Go there for craft beer and local brews. They also offer signature cocktails like Grapefruit Gimlet and Planters Punch.

Head back to Del Mar Station and take the train to the next top, Memorial Park Station.

memorial park station, public art, The First Artists in Southern California, A Short Story, pasadena, los angeles

Memorial Park Station

This is the most popular station; many of the city’s attractions are concentrated here. As you emerge onto street level, look towards your left (east) and you’ll see Pasadena City Hall in the distance. If you’ve seen the TV show, Parks and Recreation, you may recognize the building as “Pawnee City Hall.” The exteriors were filmed for the show. City Hall encompasses Mediterranean Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival architectural styles, the structure features a six-story dome and cupola.

Visiting the legendary Rose Bowl Stadium is most convenient from Memorial Park Station. During most events a shuttle pick-up area is established two blocks away, at Parsons Corporation.

Some of the best shopping in town is just outside of this station. One block west (to the right), several independent boutiques line this stretch of Holly Street. Venture into Lula Mae, Homage, Therapy, Elisa B., and Maude Woods for souvenirs and keepsakes you will only find in Pasadena. One Colorado is another block in the same direction; it is an outdoor shopping district where you’ll find a well-curated collection of retailers, restaurants, a luxury movie theater experience; and a gorgeous courtyard where seasonal concerts and family events take place.

If you’re a fan of the Coastal California style, sophisticated boutiques like Mohawk General Store, Joie and Vince are within walking distance.

Each Sunday, the Old Pasadena Farmers Market pops up on Holly Street. During this event vehicle traffic is rerouted and visitors can walk along the street tasting organic produce grown in California, and can shop for artisanal products.

The station is named after Memorial Park which sits above the station. The park features a band shell in the center of the park, called Levitt Pavilion. Throughout the summer, visitors are treated to a series of 50 free concerts and everyone is encouraged to picnic.

Wine lovers take note. Across the street from Levitt Pavilion you will find Everson Royce, a wine and spirits shop that puts on weekly wine tastings. Everson Royce invites winemakers to personally present their wines at these tastings, and their knowledgeable staff is on hand to help you find great, small batch wines from all over the world.

Architecture enthusiasts can get an insider’s perspective on the history of Old Pasadena by taking the Old Pasadena Walking Tour. These tours are produced by Pasadena Heritage, a non-profit conservancy group dedicated to preserving and protecting Pasadena’s rich and storied past. On the tour, visit reclaimed alleyways, spot ghost signs, and learn about one of the nation’s most successful revitalizations. An expert docent leads the way; reservation and tickets are required.

There are so many restaurants in this neighborhood that it can be overwhelming for some people. There is literally something for every palate in Old Pasadena. If you are in the mood for a memorable dinner and great wine, make a reservation at Union Restaurant, it consistently ranks well on “Best Restaurants in LA” roundups. While the menu changes frequently, based on what’s in season, their culinary approach is consistent — a Californian interpretation on Northern Italian dishes. A couple dishes that are often on the menu are steelhead trout with orzo, sunchokes and maitake mushrooms; and Niman Ranch beef short ribs with salt pork, barley risotto and gremola.

Aficionados of the arts are also well represented here, Armory Center for the Arts, Norton Science Museum, The Gamble House, Pasadena Museum of History, Pasadena Museum of California Art, the Pasadena Central Library, and the USC Pacific Asia Museum are all easily accessible from this stop.

Head back to Memorial Park Station and get on the train continuing your trip in the northeast direction. There are two platforms at this station, use the platform on the right. Signs mounted on the trains will read Pasadena / Sierra Madre Villa or Asuza / Citrus.

lake station, metro, gold line, pasadena, los angeles, clock tower, freeway train station, 210 freeway, pasadena freeway, foothill, extension

Lake Station

At this point in the route, the train merges in between the 210 freeway and follows it to the end of the line. Lake Avenue Station is a short, five-block walk to the South Lake Avenue District and the Playhouse District.

South Lake Avenue is a shopper’s paradise. Those who enjoy retail therapy and pampering will spend a lot of time here. This charming, European-style boulevard is lined with beautiful trees and features several promenades for visitors to walk and shop. The shopping district is anchored by Macy’s and discount shopping chains Ross and TJ Maxx. Locals favor gems like Olive and June, a lovely neighborhood nail salon; Drybar, a blow-dry-only salon; SoulCycle, a spin studio with a cult following; and Sugarfish, offering high quality sushi.

Burlington Arcade, is modeled after London’s Burlington Arcade. Its whimsical indoor-outdoor setting and the creative retailers will leave you feeling inspired. Wander into Float, a unique sweets shop complete with a craft soda-based make-your-own float menu; Kimono No Kobe, a traditional Japanese Beauty Store; and Contessa Chocolate Collection, a gourmet chocolate and espresso bar.
South Lake Avenue offers dining options on the healthier side, like Real Food Daily, Lemonade, Abricott, Bengees Ice Cream Crafters (dairy-free). Fine dining options abound here too, like Celestino, SECO, Del Frisco's Grill, and Smitty's Grill.

Caltech, one of the world’s greatest research universities is located just blocks away, adding a collegiate flair to the neighborhood. Take a look at their public events calendar for performances like the Caltech Players’ Star Trek musical parody.

The Playhouse District is a commercial and residential neighborhood that surrounds its namesake, the Pasadena Playhouse — it is the city’s performing arts hub. The Pasadena Playhouse is the official state theater of California, and for good reason. The theater’s programming is quite incredible. They feature culturally diverse and innovative productions like Casa Valentina, A Night with Janice Joplin, Fly, and Real Women Have Curves. Complimentary behind-the-scene tours of the theater are available by appointment.

The Playhouse District is also home to Boston Court Performing Arts Center, Ice House Comedy Club, and Laemmle’s Playhouse 7.

Southern California’s oldest and largest independent bookstore, Vroman’s Bookstore is a 7,000 square-foot treasure trove of handpicked literature and unique gifts. Special programming includes children’s story time, free summer jazz concerts, and public book signings by well-known authors.
The vibrant neighborhood is sprinkled with coffee bars like Urth Caffe, Le Muse Coffee & Wine, Next Chapter, and Zona Rosa; and a jazz bar called Red, White and Bluezz.

Return to Lake Station and travel to Allen Station.

rider's dream, riders dream, public art, metro, pasadena, los angeles, freeway, 210, foothill, metro gold line, gold line, light rail, train, old right of way

Allen Station

This portion of the guide is great for the more curious traveler who likes to “do as the Romans do.” While this area is mostly residential, there are some real gems that most visitors will never come across.

Before we get started at Allen Station, if you need another coffee, Jameson Brown Coffee Roasters is popular with the locals, try their Vienna Latte with Hemp Milk.

Next, make your way to East Washington Village, an eclectic neighborhood in the northeastern end of Pasadena, home to a longstanding Armenian community. Board the Pasadena Transit Bus 687/686 (northbound) and travel for seven minutes to Washington Boulevard where you will get off the bus.
Pulitzer Prize winner and L.A. Times food critic, Jonathan Gold is partial to Garni Meat Market, a butcher shop where you can find for spicy chicken wings, pork kabobs and marinated quail — all grilled to order and served with house made dips; Armenian sandwich shop Torino serves crusty French bread stuffed with Lebanese sausage; and Aladdin Nuts is a quaint shop that offers a smorgasbord of flavored pistachios, almonds and hazelnuts.

Continue west on Washington Boulevard to Burrito Express, a Mexican restaurant that has been catering to locals since 1978; Connal’s is a family-owned burger joint; or my personal favorite, a sandwich deli called Lavender & Honey, which also happens to be one of the most Instagramed cafes in town.

When you’re ready for dessert, walk east for about a mile to Carmela. They serve artisan ice cream flavors like salted caramel, brown sugar vanilla bean and brown butter sage.

sierra madre villa, station, metro, pasadena, gold line, foothill, elevated train station, scenic,

Sierra Madre Villa Station

This is the final stop on the Pasadena tour. Nature lovers will enjoy the urban hiking trails of Eaton Canyon, a 190-acre nature preserve featuring equestrian trails, seasonal streams and a cascading waterfall. Stop by the Eaton Canyon Nature Center and grab maps of the hiking trails. On Saturdays at 9 AM, folks meet at the nature center for a guided family hike that’s suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

If hiking is not your thing, around the corner from Sierra Madre Villa Station you will find A Noise Within, a repertory theater housed in a beautiful mid-century modern venue where a rotating company performs classic theatrical productions like Romeo and Juliet and All My Sons. Across the street from A Noise Within, you will find a chain Mexican restaurant called El Torito which is credited for popularizing the margarita and enchiladas in the United States.

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

10 Inexpensive Fixes To Increase The Value Of Your Home

Looking for ways to spruce up your home without breaking the bank? Whether you're getting ready to sell your home or want to update it inexpensively for your own enjoyment, we've got 10 good strategies for you to consider.


1. Make your kitchen really cook

The kitchen is still considered the heart of the home. Potential home buyers make a beeline for this room when they first view a home for sale, so make sure your kitchen looks clean and reasonably updated.

For a few hundred dollars, you can replace the kitchen faucet set, add new cabinet door handles and update old lighting fixtures with brighter, more energy-efficient ones.

If you've got a slightly larger budget, you can give the cabinets themselves a makeover. Many companies can remove cabinet doors and drawers, refinish the cabinet boxes, then add brand-new doors and drawers. With a fresh coat of paint over the whole set, your cabinets will look like new.
If you're handy, you can even order your own replacement cabinet doors and door fronts from retailers like Lowe's Home Improvement or The Home Depot and install them yourself.

2. Give appliances a facelift

One of the simplest upgrades that can be performed is the installation of new hardware such as towel racks, cabinet handles, and other wall-mounted hardware. If your kitchen appliances don't match, order new doors or face panels for them. Fun fact, many dishwasher panels are white on one side and black on the other. All you have to do is unscrew two screws, slide out the panel and flip it around. A more cohesive-looking kitchen makes a big difference in the buyer's mind -- and in the home's resale price.


3. Buff up the bath

Next to the kitchen, bathrooms are often the most important rooms to update. They, too, can be improved without a lot of cash. Even simple things like a new toilet seat and a pedestal sink are pretty easy for homeowners to install, and they make a big difference in the look of the bath.

Replacing an old, discolored bathroom floor with easy-to-apply vinyl tiles or a small piece of sheet vinyl is another great idea. You may not even need to take up the old floor. You can install the new floor right over the old one.

If your tub and shower are looking dingy, consider re-grouting the tile and replacing any chipped tiles. A more complete cover-up is a prefabricated tub and shower surround. These one-piece units may require professional installation but can still be cheaper than paying to re-tile walls and refinish a worn tub.

4. Step up your storage
 
Old houses, particularly, are notorious for their lack of closet space. If you have cramped storage areas, add do-it-yourself wire and laminate closet systems to bedrooms, pantries and entry closets.Firms like ClosetMaid allow you to measure and redesign your closets online. You can also get design details and parts for these systems at many large home-improvement stores. Most closets can be updated in a weekend or less.

In the end, your closets will be more functional while you're living in the house and will make your home look more customized to potential buyers when you're ready to sell.

5. Add a room in a week or less

If you have a three-bedroom house with a den, the only reason the den can't be considered a bedroom may be because it doesn't have a closet. If you add a closet to that room, you've now got a four-bedroom house. That adds a lot of value.

It's usually possible to add a custom closet system and drywall it in for less than $1,500.

6. Mind the mechanics

Spending a few bucks on nitty-gritty stuff. It's often very worthwhile to hire an electrician and plumber for a couple of hours to look over your electrical services, wrap or fix loose wires, fix any faulty outlets, and check for and fix any water leaks. Those details tell a buyer that someone has really taken care of the home and can really influence its price.


7. Look underfoot

Carpeting is another detail that can quickly update a home and make it look cleaner. A professional carpet cleaning is an inexpensive investment, especially if your rugs are in good shape and are neutral colors.

If your carpet is showing serious wear, cover it with inexpensive, strategically placed area rugs. Unless it is truly hideous, replacing wall-to-wall carpeting right before you sell your house is not usually recommended. The new homeowners may want to choose their own carpeting after they move in.


8. Let there be light

If you have boring recessed lights in your dining and living rooms, consider replacing one of the room's lights with an eye-catching chandelier. Home stores offer a wide range of inexpensive, but nice-looking, ceiling fixtures these days. If you have a ceiling fan and light, you can also buy replacement fan blades (leaving the fan body in place) to update the fixture's look.

9. Reframe your entry

Do you have a flimsy little knob on your main entry door? If so, spring for a substantial-looking handle-and-lock set. A nice, big piece of hardware on the front door signals to newcomers that this is a solid home.

Also, if you're stuck with a basic steel front door, paint or faux-finish it for more eye appeal. It's becoming a trend in some regions to add wood-grain doors to a home's entry or garage. The good news, though, is that you can easily paint existing metal doors with stain and paint.


10. Consider curb appeal

Although it sounds obvious, a nicely mowed lawn, a few well-placed shrubs and a swept walkway makes a great first impression. What buyers see when they first drive by your home is tremendously important.

If you don't have a green thumb, consider hiring a landscaper to install some new sod, plant a few evergreen shrubs and give your front yard a good cleanup. These kinds of changes can instantly change people's perception of your home and, therefore, increase its value. And hey, your neighbors will love you for it, too.

While the actual cost and payback for each project can vary, depending on both your home's condition and the overall real estate market values in your region, these simple upgrades can easily add thousands of dollars to your home's value. For more information on what you can and should upgrade around your home, contact your local handyman or your favorites realtors!