Jellybean plants thrive in S.F. Bay Area

Common name: Jellybean plant (a.k.a. 'pork and beans') Genus/species: Sedum X rubrotinctum Family: Crassulaceae Description: Although originally named as a true species in 1948, the jellybean plant seems to be a hybrid of two Mexican sedums, S. pachyphyllum...
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You've finally decided to do something about the room filled with an assortment of furniture that, while functional, is not much to your liking. You want this transformation to
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Help Us Find the Most Popular Remodeling Project

When it comes to the question of which remodeling project gets the most attention, we’ve found statistics and quoted experts and remodeling magazines. The 2007 Remodeling Cost vs. Value report, for instance, sites master suites and major kitchen remodels as among the most popular last year. Do you agree? Because CalFinder wants the readers’ opinions. We know that if you’re reading this, remodeling is something you’ve tackled or plan to tackle in the near future.
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Shop Local: Beautiful Blooms.

I stopped into one of my favorite florists in the city this weekend, Bloomers. I just love the simple, elegant way they display their blooms, and allow the beauty of the flowers to speak volumes. Bloomers is a specialty florist of impeccable taste and quality, and wonderful customer service. If need you send flowers to someone in the bay area, or should be you planning a special party and event, Bloomers will not disappoint.They've also
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Q&A: What is Baseboard Heating?

Baseboard heaters are essentially room-by-room heaters. They are fairly small units, anywhere from three to ten feet long, but only protrude about three inches from the wall. Baseboard heating works in one of two ways: convection or thermal. Most baseboard heaters work by convection. Hydronic baseboard heaters, in which the heating element is immersed in a heat transfer fluid sealed in a copper tube, are also available. The advantages of baseboard heating are several. They require little
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When putting a roof over your head, try making it more like a forest

Fly over any town or city and you'll see a lot of hard surfaces - paving and roofs - that, cumulatively, create serious environmental problems. Hard surfaces shed rainwater, rushing it to storm sewers and frequently flooding them. In many cities the storm and...
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Had Eric Black stayed in his hometown of Mill Valley, chances are he would be rich by now. A gifted carpenter and meticulous craftsman, Black was building
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How to evaluate fire damage to trees - mostly just wait

Q: On the night before Mother's Day we had a fire on our property. The trees and shrubs and a vine around the shed that burned were damaged. A plum, several Pittosporum, a coast live oak and a eugenia hedge were damaged. How can we tell whether they will live...
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June is Home Safety Month, and we call that to your attention because although 9 in 10
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Easy foods for beginners / Homegrown craze brings bumper crop of fresh veggies, healthy bodies

The stars are aligned for a big-time return to grow-your-own vegetables. Rising food prices, ghastly gas prices and a growing green movement are converging to make the idea of a backyard vegetable garden sound pretty good. For the first spring in years, more...
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Sometimes the smallest things can trip up a person or allow a tragedy to happen. And many times, keeping your family safe is
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The Weekend Wrap-Up.

I'm starting a new weekly post, which I will run each Friday afternoon. It'll be a brief wrap-up of all the week's posts, just in case you weren't able to check in everyday (for heaven sakes, forbid!). This will give you a quick link to the posts that may seem most relevant to you, and you might like to take a look at it, or review again whilst perhaps you sip your weekend coffee. I
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The Wonderment of Ms. Wells.

I am so excited and proud to share with y'all the news that my dear friend, San Francisco-based artist Leigh Wells, will be having her very first solo show! Tomorrow evening, Friday June 6th, stop by Gallery 16 at see Leigh's fabulous new drawings and collage works, have a drink and listen to the Smith Dobson V Quartet. Sounds splendid, no? I hope to see you there!Opening Reception for the artist, Friday, June 6, 6-9PMOn
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Tools & Tips: Wall Mounting Made Easy

How to properly mount something to your wall is an important trick to know. Improperly mounted items lead to broken glass or ceramics, damaged drywall, and can be dangerous. Taking the time to properly hang your picture frames, clocks, artwork, and even heavier objects is not difficult. In fact, it is safe and goes easy on your walls. There are several different kinds of wall mounts, from ornate wall hooks to beefy mounting systems for televisions.
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