How To Create Your Own Succulent Garden

Succulents are an ideal choice for your home garden -- they are the perfect match for California's climate and our current ongoing drought. They require minimal watering and thrive in high temperatures, making them the perfect plant to keep your garden vibrant during this dry spell. Succulents come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Echeveria variety, to Graptopetalum and Dudleya; they add a touch of sophistication and refinement to any outdoor space while requiring very little effort from you... what could be better?

How To Care For Your Succulents:

1/ Water once - twice per week, and make sure to soak the soil each time.

2/ From Spring - Fall, you can add a fertilizer that has been diluted to 1/4 of its strength when watering. 

3/ As outside temperatures cool, increase the amount of time between watering.

4/ If your succulents are receiving too much light, they might become a washed out color. If they are not receiving enough light, they may literally grow int he direction of the nearest light source. Make the transition to more light gradual, though, as they can become scorched if they are suddenly in too much sunlight. 

Which variety is your favorite?

-- Melanie Hane

310. 528. 5164.

mmhane@gmail.com

Sensational Scents for the Holiday Season

Deck your halls with luxurious, cozy fragrances this holiday season. I've rounded up the loveliest, most holiday-worthy candles that are deserving of a spot in your home. They are sure to not only brighten your house with holiday cheer, but make it feel like a lavish escape at the same time!

Let the scent of warm gingerbread welcome your guests…

Delicious Spices Candle

DIPTYQUE

Perhaps the smell of sweet, sweet peppermint is your favorite?

Peppermint Boxed Votive Candle

ARCHIPELAGO

If an edible treat is not quite your taste, opt for this warm scent, reminiscent of a wood-burning fireplace…

Winter Haus Candle 

WINTER HAUS

Let the rich, vibrant scent of delectable berries envelop the room... 

Lafco Berry 

LAFCO

Here are two gift sets of mixed fragrances that simply cannot be beat -- both are sure to make anyone on your list giddy!

NEST Holiday Trio Set 

NEST Fragrances

Jo Malone Set

Jo Malone 

The Best Energy-Saving Appliances

When enhancing your home with any upgrade, big or small, it’s essential to consider how much of your investment you’ll ultimately receive in return. When most homeowners consider upgrades, the first priority that comes to mind is the kitchen, which leads to appliances. Investing in the best quality energy-saving appliances on the market will not only increase the value of your home, but also save you ample money on a monthly basis.

Heating and Cooling Units

By Far, central heating and cooling units use up the most energy in homes – it takes significant amounts of energy to maintain the perfect temperatures you desire. By finding a central air unit that strikes a balance between being an energy saver and being a good price, you can add additional value to your home. Consider systems that also have easy to use interfaces so that setting up the thermostat is a breeze. Coleman’s Echelon HC8B has quite a high 18 SEER value, is quiet, and comes with a touch screen display for programming the temperature. The Dave Lennox XC25 A/C unit has received top remarks for its silent efficient operation, as well. For a comprehensive guide to what an energy-efficient air conditioner is, and how to choose one, click here for IceBlast’s guide.

Refrigerators

Refrigerators are often major focal points when designing or renovating a kitchen. Seeing a current, large fridge sets the tone for evaluating a kitchen’s design. Although most are stainless steel, variations in door types (a French variety, for example) add small hints of unique design palettes. Most refrigerators on the market with modern designs use larger amounts of energy because of the placement of the freezer, but if you’re looking for a comfortable balance between the two, try Fisher-Paykel's Active Smart RF201ADX. It boasts a beautiful French door design, has a generous amount of space, and is a smart buy in terms of energy efficiency. You can also sift through 2015’s best fridges to make choosing the right one for your home an easier task. 

Washing Machines

This third appliance that contributes to your energy bill has a doubling effect on your bills; washing machines use both electricity and water. By updating to a more efficient model, with larger space and more efficient cycles, you can cut down on how long it takes to do your laundry, lower how much water is used over time, as well as minimize how often you wash your clothes. The LG WM4270H is an example of an efficient low-cost upgrade to your washing machine; it even has an intuitive LED display and settings that wash a full cycle of clothes in just under 30 minutes!

If you’re not quite ready for new appliances, consider a smaller change, like installing Energy Star windows, to help lower your energy bills. Be mindful of all options available to you when upgrading – it’s key to making the right choices. Whether your goal is to create a more aesthetically pleasing environment by ridding of anything out of date, or if you are trying to conserve energy and lower your monthly household bills, there are a bevy of energy-saving appliances worth researching —and installing—!

Home Features Worth the Splurge

When choosing to splurge on an expensive home feature, like a new swimming pool or the addition of a guest house or tennis court, consider if you’re motivated by the potential resale value, your own personal enjoyment, or both. Choose to splurge on the little things to make a large overall impact on your home, both for you and for the health of your future list price.

Additional bedrooms are smart additions that add tremendous value to your home if done well, and if you truly have the space to do so. Don’t cut an existing bedroom in half to make two very tiny ones, but if the size of your lot allows you to expand, choose this investment! Don’t forget about the possibilities in your attic or basement, as they could make media rooms or home offices that can be useful to your family right now, and provide more living space for future buyers, should you decide to sell.

Paint and hardware are prime examples of details making a big difference. Fresh paint in every room of your house and on the exteriors truly will transform your property, making it instantly feel current, clean and comfortable. Often overlooked, paint is a terrific investment when looking to spruce up your home, especially if you’re putting it on the market. Also, consider your hardware. Are your handles and cabinet pulls all in keeping with the décor and design aesthetic of your home? Go a step forward and switch out your light switch covers… there’s a myriad of options, from gold to stone to wood that are guaranteed to immediately make your home feel more put together and chic.

Landscaping is something that can be a sporadic expense (or a nonexistent one) that needs to be taken care of. While the inside of your home may matter the most to you, the exterior is how your home is presented. Hire a great landscaper, or, if you have a green thumb, DIY your outdoor space, front and back, to notice a drastic difference in the look of your property. Seasonal flowers, bushes and other foliage will brighten up your property, for either your family to enjoy, or for potential buyers to marvel over. 

If you love your house, but there are areas you’d like to improve, why not make the changes so that you can enjoy your home even more? When and if you list your property, these additions will surely boost its value. It's a win, win!