AskTheLuxuryPro | You've got questions. We've got answers.

Q: Why is the size of Luxury Home Magazine larger than most other magazines?

asktheluxurypro — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 20:59:01 +0000

A: Luxury Home Magazine was changed to an oversized format in 2003 with our Portland, Oregon edition to primarily differentiate itself from other magazines not just locally but nationally. Today Luxury Home Magazine is represented throughout the country and has been branded as the “coffee table magazine” due to its oversize format featuring beautiful photography of exceptional homes with easy to read layouts. The size has also allowed LHM to retain a minimum shelf life of 60 days unlike other magazines and become the leader in publishing a market specific luxury real estate magazine throughout the country. Chances are that a copy of Luxury Home Magazine is on your “coffee table” or displayed somewhere in a home in the Greater Sacramento area if not nationally throughout the country. Currently there are over one million magazines direct mailed annually to homes throughout North America all with the website LuxuryHomeMagazine.com on each and every cover giving the homes showcased local, national and international interactive digital exposure on multiple web platforms.

El Dorado Hills Family, Senior and Children Photographer, Lynn Greene captures the true personality of everyone she photographs. We asked Lynn what inspires and motives her to capture Award Winning images.

asktheluxurypro — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 02:58:40 +0000

_{LHM– What is your inspiration when you photograph a family?}

_{LG– The family. Every family has their own dynamics and their own personal relationships. I watch for small subtle things when I first meet a family. I look for who has a more intimate relationship with each child or which child is going through a struggle with a parent at that moment in time. Because I’m a Mom, I understand these dynamics and I capture the moments that I know each parent wants to treasure and remember when their children are grown.}

_{LHM– We see a lot of people owning high end cameras, like yours, who try to take pictures of their}_{children and get frustrated because they can’t capture what you do. Why?}

_{LG– There is a saying among Photographers, “I can capture moments of your children, but not my own.”}_{This is so true. I can’t get my own children to take holiday portraits unless I pay them! It’s like getting your child to behave at the dinner table at the end of a very long week– they won’t do it for you, but if they were at a friends’ house, they would be the perfect child!}

_{LHM– Talking about great cameras, what do we need to look for when buying a new camera?}

_{LG– You are not just looking for the camera, you are looking for a lense. You can buy the a Rebel XTI, but make sure you are buying a great quality lense. Spend your money wisely such as a 28-200 lense, this will give you close up images and enable you take photographs of your children playing soccer. But don’t stop there, make sure to research! Go to photography websites and blogs and read photographer’s reviews on certain lenses and equipment before you buy. Just because your friend has a camera and lense, does not mean that same camera and lense will work for you and your goals. Most importantly be careful when buying on-line! You may spot a great deal from a manufacture in China but many of these “deals” do not come with USA Warranties, which means you will never get your camera fixed. But keep one thing in mind, you can spend all the money you want on equipment, but spending time to actually learn how to use that equipment is key! Read your manual and practice and when you think you have it mastered, go back and do it again. Professional Photographers spend thousands and thousands of dollars on training every year and sometimes weeks on just one piece of equipment to learn how to master it.}

_{LHM– We’ve heard as a new photographer to always photograph in the shade, is that true?}

_{LG– Light is key and how you use light is what makes an image average versus extraordinary. Photographing in shade is “safe” and depending on the sun direction, adding a little flash is safer. But I can’t answer this question in one paragraph or article. I have spent years in classes with Master Photographers to learn light and while I have a pretty good handle on it, its an art that I will never stop learning.}

_{LHM– If you love to take pictures, is there anything else you can do outside of photographing your family and friends?}

_{LG– YES! The love of photography is a gift you were given and should be shared. We share our gift by working through an organization called Moment By Moment. As a photographer, we provide portraits of children with life-limiting illnesses. Sometimes these children have months, sometimes days. But we give the families memories to hold onto forever. I have learned more from these children and families then I have ever learned from any single life experience. These children and their families are my inspiration everyday to be grateful for the little time we have and to make the most of it.}

Lynn Greene
Lynn Greene Photography
916.933.6557
www.LynnGreenePhotography.com

2,000 Uses For WD-40 and The History Behind The Company

asktheluxurypro — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 16:01:07 +0000

WD-40 -” Water Displacement #40″. The product began from a search for a rust preventative solvent and degreaser to protect missile parts. WD-40 was created in 1953 by three technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company. Its name comes from the project that was to find a ‘water displacement’ compound. They were successful with the fortieth formulation, thus WD-40. The Convair Company bought it in bulk to protect their atlas missile parts. Ken East (one of the original founders) says there is nothing in WD-40 that would hurt you. When you read the ‘shower door’ part below, try it.. It’s the first thing that has ever cleaned that spotty shower door… It’s a miracle! Then try it on your stove top… It’s now shinier than it’s ever been! The most interesting piece of WD-40′s history is the uses for the product, now numbering in the thousands.

A Few Uses For WD-40: Check out the Video | Click Here For Over 2,000 Uses

Protects silver from tarnishing.
Removes road tar and grime from cars.
Cleans and lubricates guitar strings.
Gives floors that ‘just-waxed’ sheen without making them slippery.
Restores and cleans chalkboards.
Removes lipstick stains.
Loosens stubborn zippers.
Untangles jewelry chains.
Removes stains from stainless steel sinks.
Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill
Keeps ceramic/terra cotta garden pots from oxidizing.
Removes tomato stains from clothing.
Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots.
Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors.
Keeps scissors working smoothly.
Lubricates noisy door hinges on vehicles and doors in homes.
It removes black scuff marks from the kitchen floor!
Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging.
Use it for fire ant bites.

To View The Complete History Of WD-40: Click Here | Professional Tips Q & A

Q: I’M SHOPPING FOR CARPET. I HAVE PICKED A STYLE, NOW WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR?

asktheluxurypro — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 04:27:35 +0000

A: Number one would be to ask about durability. Durability depends upon three important factors. The type of fiber, the yarn twist, and the pile density. Choosing a carpet based on any one of those factors can be misleading. It’s important to select a balance of all three. First choose a strong resiliant fiber such as nylon. This is the strongest most resiliant fiber used today. Second, carpet with a tight yarn twist will resist changes in apperance and texture. And third the density of the pile is important for good resiliancy and apperance. Find a quality retailer who is most interested in your needs and lifestyle and he or she should be able to guide you through the selection process for the floor that suites your personal style and taste and helps turn your house into a home. No matter what, there are numorous styles textures colors and prices to suite everyone.

Dave Roberts
El Dorado Floor & Design
98 Clarksville Road
Folsom, CA
916-984-6683
www.eldoradofloor.com

Q: WHY SHOULD I CONVERT MY FRONT DOOR WITH AN INSERT INSTEAD OF BUYING A WHOLE NEW DOOR?

asktheluxurypro — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 02:43:32 +0000

A: Our exciting designs install into your existing door in about one and a half hours without the more costly and invasive tearout and removal of the old door and door jambs. Our finished products will look like they have always been a part of your door as opposed to something that appears to have been retrofitted. Compared with like quality replacement doors, our door inserts can cost as little as half as much.

Jeff & Lori Lindgren
DOOR CONVERSIONS, INC
4465 Granite Drive #520
Rocklin, CA 95677
(916) 624-5914
www.doorconversion.com

LOOKING FOR A PREMIER EQUESTRIAN FACILITY IN AUBURN, CA

asktheluxurypro — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 20:42:18 +0000

PREMIER EQUESTRIAN FACILITY Auburn, CA $1,090,000: Everything and more you could ask for in a Training/Boarding/Breeding Facility. Lighted Covered 80×160 Arena w/viewing area. 30 Stalls. Breeding area includes Phantom, palpation chute and lab area. Large Office w/shower. Tack Room. Grooming area. Fenced and Cross Fenced w/ Run In Shelters. Hay & Shavings Storage. Main Barn has shower and kitchen facilities. Electronic gated entrance. High Visibility Location. Underground Irrigation. Perfect Entertaining Home.

Robert Floodman
Coldwell Banker Previews
916-204-7309
www.sierraluxuryhomes.com

CAN YOU SUGGEST A CUSTOM HOMEBUILDER WHO ALSO DOES FULL REMODELS?

asktheluxurypro — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 19:58:35 +0000

Wichert Homes | Craig Wichert
For three generations, Wichert Homes has been synonymous with quality, craftsmanship and customer service. Craig Wichert, owner of Wichert Homes, has been infusing unique, custom crafted homes into the Sacramento area for the past seventeen years. El Dorado Hills, Fair Oaks, Cameron Park and Orangevale are just a few of the local communities that have benefitted from a Wichert Home project. Since graduating from the University of San Diego in 1989, Craig Wichert has been the authority on custom homebuilding in the Sacramento area. Whether it’s a small remodel project or multi-million dollar custom-built home, Craig Wichert has been training for your project since he was a child, growing up immersed in the industry. Clients of Wichert Homes have come to expect a level of customer service that is unmatched and design expertise that is the envy of the area.

CUSTOM HOMES & FULL REMODELS
FULL SERVICE…BUILDING CONFIDENCE FROM DESIGN TO COMPLETION.

Craig Wichert, President
3 Generations of Builders
916.933.7676
www.wicherthomes.com

CALL FOR A NO OBLIGATION DESIGN CONSULTATION
CUSTOM CONTRACTOR | Lic# 583318

NARI
NAHB Certified Green Building Professional

HOW DO I FIND AN EXPERT IN ORIENTAL RUGS IN THE GREATER SACRAMENTO AREA?

asktheluxurypro — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 19:26:22 +0000

Mansour Oriental Rug Gallery
Mansour Yaghoubian is a third-generation rare rug expert, having learned his craft from his great uncle in Persia. Educated as an engineer at CSU Sacramento, he returned to his original passion and opened his first rug gallery in 1979.

Today, Mansour’s is considered one of the country’s foremost authorities on fine Oriental carpets. “I love my job,” he says. “Being surrounded by my beautiful rugs calms my spirit. I’m a very lucky man.” He and his staff also take great pleasure in sharing their knowledge with his clients. Mansour’s believes in offering an extensive collection of heirloom-quality carpets at reasonable prices along with first-class customer service. That business philosophy has served him well. His fine Oriental rugs have added grace and style to thousands of elegant homes in the West.

Mansour Yaghoubian is an active member of the Sacramento community and a proud supporter of the Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra, Mondavi Center, Sacramento Opera Association, Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento Ballet, KVIE, Capital Public Radio, SPCA and other educational, health-related and civic organizations.

Mansour’s Oriental Rug Gallery contains over 4,000 rugs including antiques and new creations. Each rug in the showroom has been hand knotted by an individual weaver, allowing the artisan to interpret the design. Use our Rug Selection/Search to view a few of these amazing designs.

Sacramento Location
2550 Fair Oaks Blvd.(between Fulton & Munroe)
Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 486-1221
800-540-4707
Monday – Satruday 10 AM – 6 PM
Sunday 11 AM – 5 PM

Roseville Location
1113 Galleria Blvd. (in front of Nordstrom)
Roseville, CA 95678
(916) 780-1080
888-277-1113
Monday – Satruday 10 AM – 6 PM
Sunday 11 AM – 6 PM

www.mansoursruggallery.com

WHERE CAN I FIND A COUNTRY ESTATE IN GRANITE BAY?

asktheluxurypro — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 21:13:17 +0000

One of Granite Bay’s Most Distinctive Properties – $2,995,000

• Exquisite Country Estate on 2.4 acres with 7880 square feet,
• All Bedrooms Are En-Suite,
• Gorgeous Pool & Spa with Arching Waterfalls,
• Spacious Family and Media/Theater Room,
• Special Game Room and Large Home Office,
• Separate Caterer’s Kitchen Building,
• Sprawling Lawns and Natural Landscaped Areas,
• Entirely Built on a Single Level

Fran Dixon
Ellington Properties
916-791-6398
www.ellingtonproperties.com

LOOKING FOR AN AMAZING VIEW OF FOLSOM LAKE WITH AN ITALLIAN VILLA LOOK?

asktheluxurypro — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 20:40:18 +0000

Unparalleled Italian Villa Estate $2,495,000
• Over 300 degree Views from almost every room – virtually hovering over Folsom Lake & the American River, from the top of Iron Mountain in prestigious Southpointe.
• Stunning Old World Architecture with precast stone columns & window accents. Travertine stone flooring throughout.
• Flowing floorplan & soaring ceilings enhance the elegance of the spacious living room, dining room, gourmet kitchen, stunning Master Bedroom & bath, Powder & laundry room all located on main floor.
• Wood Paneled Elevator extends easy access to entertainment areas, guest bedrooms, office/5th bedroom, pool
• Impressive Home Theater, 110” projection screen, reclining luxury seating, & Tavern style bar equipped with microwave, dishwasher, beverage center & built-in kegerator.
• Over 1800 sf of covered verandas & loggia with fireplace. Outdoor kitchen & BBQ
• Solar Vanishing edge pool & spa, appears to flow into the lake.
• Private 1.1 acre lot, fully fenced with custom wrought iron electric gate.

Corinne Ramirez
La Sierra Real Estate
916-939-7990
http//tinyurl.com/27bay6f