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features EastMeetsWestlake

DIY:Mosaics

6 EverythingZen

57 Destination:Backyard

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ON THE COVER:Photographed by Paul Bardagjy. Home and landscape design by Dr. Anthony Alofisn, AIA. 57

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Contents Y our A D D r E s s fA l l I s s u E 2 0 0 7

your home9 ThatsHaute!GlobalDecor

Welovestuff:AlysonJon

6 GreatGarages

68 onthelevelwithKirkMinter

69 lEEDforHomes:CleanAcrosstheCountry

your kitchen0 ATasteofMalaga

CafeintheKitchen

6 stockpileit!Teapots

8 sweetTooth

your Family5 HostThis:AroundtheWorldBurgerCook-off

6 GetClearandGetGoing

your Show Guide 11thAnnualTexasHome&GardenshowGuide

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President/PublisherIreneAllen

editorKellyAyoub

AccountAntClaireCostin

A r t & P r o d u c t i o n

design directorshannonskinto

creAtive directorfrederickGraber

Art directorJoeCuniff

PhotogrAPhersPaulBardagjyGordonfung

Web designBrittanyJackson

design AssistAntsstephanieBrieger

MeganKleinrachelGalindolizetteromero

stAff WritersChristineCha-sartoriKathrynClelandCaraHenis

libbyDeanHoppeJenniferKing

stephanieMatlockWhitneyPriddy

S A l e S

business develoPment mAnAger

lisaKlatt

Account executivesWhitneyfellryanGuthrieDonnaJones

JenniferPrause

mArketing & Public relAtionsEllenCanas

BenjaminPortnoy

mArketing AssistAntsAbiAgbabiaka

soniaChaphekarCaitlinCecicBenDarlingJensensmith

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from the editor

F or so many of us, our home is our castle. Its our escape from the worries of the outside world, embracing us with its comfort and familiarity and providing a haven where our strength is renewed. But there is a great big world out there, beckoning us with its jaw-dropping landscapes, exotic flavors, rich design and seductive rhythms. I encourage you to go find it, remembering, of course, to bring the best of it back home with you.

Anthony Alofsin, local architect and professor of architecture at the University of Texas, did just that, infusing his own home with design inspired by his time in Japan. The result is a seemingly magical retreat that harmoniously blends indoor and outdoor spaces, while perfectly combining Alofsins own philosophy of design with elements that are rooted so deeply in Japanese history and culture.

Perhaps the most enticing find on our trip around the world is global cuisine. We have compiled our favorite ethnic recipes that are sure to impress the most adventurous palates. From spicy paella, to the perfect cup of espresso, we have provided plenty of ideas that can take

you on a culinary voyage around the world without stepping outside your front door.

Here in Texas, our own backyard has plenty to offer as well, and the 9th Annual Texas Home and Garden Show proudly showcases the best of it. Your Address is your guide, and we are highlighting the cutting-edge products, the gripping speakers and the show-stopping seminars that cannot be missed.

We all have good intentions to budget the time and money to take that Mediterranean cruise, African safari, or trek across the Orientsomeday. In the meantime, let us be your passport, as we show you how to bring the wonders of exotic destinations into your own home.

Bon Voyage!

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fall event calendarseptember -Austin bat festCongress Avenuewww.roadwayevents.com

september -Zilker botanical garden cactus show and sale 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.www.zilkergarden.org

september 7-9th Annual texas home and garden showAustin Convention Center

www.texashomeandgarden.com

september -6Austin city limits music festivalZilker Parkwww.aclfest.com

september -6Austin rv super show Dell Diamondwww.rvtravel.com

september - november 7Permaculture design certificate course512-619-5363www.permie.us

september -Permaculture basics Weekend512-619-5363www.permie.us

september 7-0ballet Austin season Premier: A midsummer nights dreamParamount Theatrewww.balletaustin.org

september 9travis county master gardener Association educational seminar Ready, Set, Fall www.tcmastergardener.org

september 0old Pecan street festivalAlong 6th Street, from I-35 to Brazoswww.pecanstreetfestival.com

october 6-7Austin American institute of Architects homes tourwww.aiaaustin.org

october -Austin boat showwww.aiaaustin.org

october -8th Annual Austin film festivalwww.austinfilmfestival.com

october 7travis county master gardener Association Educational Seminar Winter Work 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.www.tcmastergardener.org

october 0-Austin nAri tour of remodeled homes12 p.m. - 6 p.m.www.austinnari.org

october 6-7orchid society seminar, show and sale. www.zilkergarden.org

october 8Austin symphony childrens halloween concert 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.Paramount Theatre www.austinsymphony.org

november -, 007simply the best: operas greatest hits Riverbend Centre www.austinlyricopera.org

november -, 007the garden club of Austin Plant sale 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.www.zilkergarden.org

november -5th Annual Art from the streets show and salewww.artfromthestreets.com

november -5more than a game celebrity gala and golf tournamentBenefiting the First Tee of Greater Austins Youth Scholarship Fund512-732-0380www.firstteeaustin.org

november daylight savings ends

november 0-Zilker botanical gardens Porcelain Arts exhibit and sale 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.www.zilkergarden.org

november 7Austin Area garden center Annual holiday bazaar 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.www.zilkergarden.org

november -5victorian christmas festivalSaturday: 11 a.m.- 8 p.m., Sunday: 11 a.m.- 7 p.m. www.victorianchristmasfestival.com

december 007 Zilker tree lightingZilker Park6 p.m.www.zilkergarden.org/about/events/calendar.html

december 9-trail of lights Zilker Parkwww.zilkergarden.org

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Y O U R A D D R E S S

ask theexPert I plan to put my house on the market within the next few months and am currently renovating it in preparation for sale. I know my garage needs help, but I dont know where to start. Any suggestions?

Now days, homeowners are looking to their garages as more than just a place to house their vehicles and old junk. Our garages are becoming an extension of our living spaces, and it is important to make them as functional and comfortable as possible.

The easiest and most affordable place to start is at the bottom. New flooring quickly brightens up your garage, making it fresh, clean and inviting. I recommend a Hybrid Polymer flooring solution because it is attractive, easy to maintain, enhances lighting and leaves you free from worry about stains or spills. For as little as $1,000, you can floor an entire 2-car garage, adding value to your home for years to come.

Ask any new homebuyer what they are looking for, and youre bound hear the same thing: storage, storage, storage! The more organized your space is, the more attractive it will be to a homebuyer. Custom cabinets that maximize both space and organization are well worth the investment. At Premier Garage, we offer modular styles and sizes, so designing a system tailored exclusively for your needs doesnt have to cost an arm and a leg like typical custom cabinets.

Make your space more than just a garage. With a little time and a few good choices, you can make this typically overlooked space reflect the same pride of ownership, unique styling and attention to detail as your home itself.

Brian PerryPremier Garage512.259.99112800 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste 120#131Cedar Park, TX 78613www.premiergarage.com

Get to know our Street Team atwww.youraddressmagazine.com and www.myspace.com/youraddressmagazineEntry forms and more information also available on our website.

Want to get your kids excited about studying and add some pizzazz to their study area? Have them invent their dream study space or redesign the one they already have. Contestants should submit a brief essay describing a makeover plan, a hand-drawn sketch, a before picture of current study space and a list of items to be purchased to make their dream a reality. Three prizes will be awarded for three different age categories: a. 5-8 b. 9-13 c. 14-18. Winners will work with the Your Address Street Team to make their study space dream come true! All winners of the Your Dream Study Space Contest will have their very own feature in the Winter 2007 edition of Your Address Magazine, including pre-work interviews and an editorial spread featuring before and after photographs.

Your Address Street Team

Your Dream Study Space Contest

Enter to Win!

PreSeNTed By THe:

| your home

Y O U R A D D R E S S

east meets westlake

In the style of the classic Roman villas, a great hall connects private and public quarters.

your home |

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As an award-winning architect, author, exhibition curator and professor, Anthony Alofsin has traveled extensively abroad. His work takes him all over the world, and his home, while decidedly Texan, is infused with subtle hints of the exotic. Nestled among the cedars and wildflowers atop Mount Larson in Westlake, his home overlooks spectacular views of downtown Austin, while maintaining the suggestion of faraway places.

east meets westlake

P h o t o g r A P h y b y : P A u l b A r d A g j y

| your home

Y O U R A D D R E S S 6

conceived around a courtyard with a koi pond, the house recalls the rich essence of Texas architecture in both its materials and details, while echoing the timeless resonance of a Pompeian villa and Japanese architecture. The relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces, a key part of Alofsins design philosophy, was carefully considered as he began to design his home.

I thought the house should be comfortable in the landscape, so I opted for a design that reflected the vernacular architecture and that incorporated basic building materials such as native limestone, wood, metal and concrete block, said Alofsin. rock from local quarries and dark mahogany lend themselves beautifully to ethnic structural details.

Throughout the courtyard, an Asian wave motif is featured on elaborate wood rafters. I had found some Japanese tile roofing in the shape of a wave that had a gorgeous green glaze. I fell in love with it but couldnt afford it. The rafter tails are a profile of that wave; I copied it and cut out the pattern with a band saw.

Alofsin went on to say, I made a trip to Japan before I started designing, where he was inspired by the simple and serene Japanese style that blends so beautifully with his own aesthetic. I pursue organic architecture to connect people to nature, a difficult thing now days while nature is shrinking.

Alofsin created this custom designed daybed with his library in mind. It features oversized shelving on either side to accommodate large portfolios and design books. The versatile worktable conceals a

The bedrooms and main living areas open up to a central courtyard, a design that encourages airflow throughout the house to keep the home cool during the balmy summer months.Inspired by Japanese roofing tiles, the rafters are handmade to create a wave motif around the Zen courtyard.

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Nearly every room of his home is connected to the central courtyard that is truly alive with frogs, fish, red dragonflies and water lilies. More than a complete ecological system, the courtyard serves as an audible reminder of the natural balance and harmony that are the basis of Alofsins design. This balance is reflected in each proportionally designed room, a nod to classical architecture that creates a sense of unity throughout the home.

The home is alive as well, with every room designed for a specific purpose. The house feels viable and vital because nothing is left in disuse. Created on a module, each room is easily transitioned to serve changing spatial needs. I installed sliding shoji screens between rooms and on the glass doors leading outside that can be opened or closed to change the configuration of the spaces. Since they are translucent, even when they are closed, spaces dont seem confined.

While there is no sense of confinement, there is a true sense of seclusion and privacy. Privacy and space are the true luxuries, according to Alofsin, and the natural hills certainly provide them. There is no better place for this seamless union of east and west.

After teaching architectural history for twenty years at UT, Alofsin is now concentrating on new commissions. For his current architectural projects, see www.alofsin.com.

After teaching architectural history for twenty years at UT, he is now concentrating on new commissions. For his current architectural projects, see www.alofsin.com.

your home |

A Japanese soaking tub faces the courtyard, so a steaming hot bath with the shoji screens open creates a magical ambiance.

Both form and function are addressed with the industrial grade concrete countertop and range.

When Buildings Speak

Beyond his influential architectural work, Dr. Alofsin has made a substantial impact on academia. He founded the Ph.D. program in architecture at the University of Texas at Austin and has published important works on modern architecture and design.

Dr. Alofsins most recent book, When Buildings Speak: Architecture as Language in the Habsburg Empire and its Aftermath, 1876-1933, explores the architecture of the late Austro-Hungarian Empire and its successor states, asserting that each of these styles communicates to us in a manner resembling languages. More than a resource for students and scholars, When Buildings Speak is essential reading for any traveler to Europe who wants to better understand the region.

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Thats Haute!

your home |

Religious icons make beautiful wall art. Local vendor, Things Celtic, imports from Ireland, Scotland, Cornwall and Wales to allow for an amazing selection of foreign art, candles, books and more.

THingS CelTiC1806 West 35th StreetAustin, TX 78703512.472.2358www.thingsceltic.com

You dont have to travel to the other side of the world to find that fabulous talking piece for your living room. Bring home the treasures of abroad with these amazing local finds.

A rare Burmese Buddha made from papier-mch, sitting in Mara Vijaya (calling the earth to witness) posture on a base, wearing royal attire with calm expression, coated with dry lacquer, gold leaf and insert glass. It features wonderful decorative elements in raised thayo at the base, featuring what is called chu-pan foliage.

SiTTing BuddHaCirca 19th CenturyLotus Asian Art and Antiques1201-B West Sixth Street512.474.1700www.lotusasianart.com

Painted Pottery Sculpture of Ladies Playing Polo from China circa: Tang Dynasty (618 AD to 906 AD).

loTuS aSian arT and anTiqueS1201-B West Sixth Street512.474.1700www.lotusasianart.com

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your home |

Mexican furniture adds a rustic, durable and age-old look to any furnishing set. This brilliantly carved side chest would make a beautiful addition to any living room as a console table.

mi CaSa gallery

www.micasagallery.com1700 S Congress AveAustin, TX 78704(512) 416-6929

Amazing imports from Mexico can add color and originality to your dcor. This wooden, hand-painted peacock adds a brilliant splash of pizzazz to your home.

mi CaSa gallery

www.micasagallery.com1700 S Congress AveAustin, TX 78704(512) 416-6929

Tibetan CabineteTHniC lofTRetails for $395www.ethnicloft.net512.458.40001800 West Koenig LaneAustin, Texas 78756

Asian BelleTHniC lofTRetails for $89www.ethnicloft.net512.458.40001800 West Koenig LaneAustin, Texas 78756

Y O U R A D D R E S S 2 2

A world of influences and difference become apparent in this setting from

Alyson Jon Interiors. A pair of Tibetan chairs flank an apothecary chest from

China that once held a myriad of spices is now home to Italian glass vase and

a decorative fish from India.

a ly son Jon

Tribal patterns centuries old are reflected in this Topkapi Heriz rug from Turkey.Handwoven from farm raised sheep

wool, the vegetable dyes maintain the

look of finely aged carpets. Available

from Asia Minor carpets and Alyson Jon

Interiors in the Village at Westlake.

Ethnic influences in home furnishings and dcor has never been more apparent than it is today as the world becomes a smaller place. Alyson Jon Interiors in the Village at Westlake exemplifies the global marketplace with furniture, rugs and accessories gathered from around the world. Handmade furniture from Italian craftsmen, rugs imported from Turkey, India and China, as well as ironwork from Mexico, and decorative artwork from fine European and Asian painters commingled with contemporary glass and metal work from west coast artistians create an atmosphere of worldly charm and elegance.

We Love Stuff

| your home

This globally-inspired lamp incorporates

Zen elements with its clean lines and

earthy materials.

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Y O U R A D D R E S S 2 4

Consider the following helpful tips when

crafting your mosaic masterpiece:

1 Stake out your space. Homemade mosaics arent just for kitchen backsplashes anymore. While great as a kitchen countertop backdrop, a custom mosaic can be an inexpensive way to liven up any lackluster room. That side wall in the bathroom, blank white space on the stairwell, or outdated ceiling border in the dining room are all great places to create a mosaic update.

2Be creative. This isnt your grandmothers mosaicor maybe it is. Dont limit yourself to store-bought tiles or materials when the damaged china you inherited from Grandma is collecting dust in the attic. Recycle the family heirloom and make it a permanent feature in your home. Other possible materials include glass tiles, mirrored glass, flat stones, glass or stone coasters, or original material of your choice.

3Be thrifty. If your grandma didnt give you plates or teacups, find somebody elses. Garage sales or thrift stores are great places to

find cheap ceramics, leftover floor tiles, and old full-length mirrors begging to be reused. Otherwise, expect to pay between $3 and $7 per square foot for tile at your local home improvement store.

4 Be prepared. It takes more than an imagination to create a visual masterpiece. It also takes tools. In addition to the mosaic material of your choice, you will need tile adhesive, grout, tile snips or a hammer, a large sponge, a trowel, and a grout float. Other useful supplies most likely lying around the house include a bucket and water, a writing utensil, and paper or cardboard.

5Make a planor dont. Having creative control over a mosaic is a dream for some, a nightmare for others. After breaking the tiles, glass, or other ceramics with a hammer or tile snips (using safety precautions when working with sharp materials, of course), spontaneous home designers should feel free to begin gluing in any pattern, trying to keep the pieces between 1/4 and 1/2 inch apart. For more deliberate creators, experts recommend measuring the dimensions of the space and, using a large sheet

of paper or cardboard, making a template of the area. Arrange the mosaic pieces on the template and, once finished, transfer them to the space. It also might be easy to follow a pattern seen in a magazine, book, or online.

6Do the work. Its fun to cut tile and cut costs, but try not to cut corners during application. After gluing the tiles pieces to the surface, wait 24 hours before grouting. Prepare the grout according to the products instructions, mixing well. Use a grout float to spread the grout evenly over the materials, and adjust the amount according to your desired texture. Wait 15 minutes, and remove excess grout with a damp sponge. After the grout hardens, polish the pieces of your stunning success with a dry towel to remove any film left behind.

7Admire your creation. Stand back and appreciate all the hard work youve put into your projectand stand back just far enough so you cant see all the little imperfections. Lastly, practice saying Thank You in preparation for all the compliments youre sure to receive on your do-it-yourself mosaic masterpiece.

Mosaics

Its okay to admit it: youve fallen out of love. Your Field of Daisies yellow kitchen has withered away to a Dingy Dandelion in the last ten years and now looks more shabby than chic. But your pocketbook is still feeling the pinch from the new flat-screen in the living room. Breaking up with your home isnt an option, but breaking up the monotony is. Creating a unique, do-it-yourself mosaic is an inexpensive way to bring a little life back into your relationship with your home, giving a whole new meaning to home improvement.

DO

IT

Y O U RSE

LF DIY:

B y l i B B y d e a n H o p p e

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Y O U R A D D R E S S 2 6

Rock gardens are popular in Japanese Zen Buddhism due to their importance in meditation, a fundamental practice that is universally recognized in Zen philosophy. Karesansui, or the Japanese style rock garden, is mainly composed of stones, sand and the occasional plant. A karesansui is sparse by nature, which allows potential rock gardeners to build their own Zen sanctuaries at a low cost with relatively little upkeep.

If you dont want to build a full-fledged traditional rock garden, try incorporating elements of Zen into your own backyard to envoke serenity without uprooting your lawn. The stones representing earth in Japanese gardens are inexpensive and easy to integrate into any space. Set the stones in odd numbers around the garden to decorate the area and use larger ones as stepping-stones around water or greenery. Look for unique stones with different

shapes and smooth textures. They can also be a great way to create paths around your garden.

Adding a water element to your yard is essential to provide a relaxing feel. In Japan, the female water and male fire come together to create the balance of the Yin and Yang. To re-create this harmony in your yard, add lighting next to water-filled areas. There are several ways to bring in the water element from small waterfalls to aboveground ponds. Although fountains are generally not used in traditional Japanese gardens due to their man-made appearance, they can be an easy and elegant addition to your patio.

Lighting can set the atmosphere in your yard, so pick wisely. Avoid any harsh lighting and opt for lanterns to create a Zen environment. Setting

asian-inspired themes lend themselves to the peace and serenity that we can all use in our hectic day-to-day lives. An easy way to incorporate these themes in the home is to make your own backyard into a Zen atmosphere. In order to do this, you must look to the elements: earth, water, fire, wind and void, also known as sky. It is important to achieve a balance between the elements when building your outdoor surroundings, which will help calm you and enhance the natural beauty of your backyard.

B y S T e p H a n i e m a T l o C k

| your backyard

Everything

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BeautifulTransformationsBeautifulTransformations

Professional

Design

and Remodeling

Solid Experience

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Workmanship

512-832-8129

BlueDiamondRemodeling.com

R E M O D E L I N G I N C.

| your backyard

Y O U R A D D R E S S 2 8

lamps among plants, on the ground or hanging from above such as rice-paper lamps gives your yard an intimate feel.

Avoid using bright colors; pick neutral colors instead that blend with your natural environment. Flowers should be used sparingly in your new space. Avoid using colorful plants in large quantities, and instead select greenery such as bamboo, ferns, palms and succulents.

Apply the same rule when selecting furniture for your patio. Stay away from any color or material that is too dark or too bright. Natural textiles such as silk and linen are preferred, and they are as comfortable as they are chic. Light-colored wood is best, with bamboo being an optimal choice. Bamboo helps to enhance your Zen environment and makes for clean, sleek-looking furniture, perfect for seats, tables and even canopies.

The most important tip to creating a Zen feel in your own backyard is to focus on balancing all of the basic elements to create a harmonious environment that will be pleasing not only to your eyes, but to your soul as well. An Asian-inspired garden can be the perfect place to practice meditation or yoga, get in touch with nature, or just take a relaxing breath after a long day.

CREATE YOUR OWn KARESAnSUI gARDEn

1Build an enclosed sand basin using wood and a tarp. The wood serves as a

barrier while a tarp placed

beneath the sand prevents

unwanted plants from taking

root through your garden. If

you do not have wood or a tarp,

large, well-placed perimeter

stones and newspaper will also

do the trick.

2Choosing the right type of sand is crucial to the overall appearance and

authenticity of the garden.

Bypass conventional beach

sand in favor of medium or fine

crushed granite. It is lighter,

easier to rake and more

pleasing to the eye. Deposit

the sand in an even layer over

the tarp that measures at least

3 in depth. For better results,

increase the depth of the sand.

3Choose appropriately sized rocks for your garden. You dont want them to dwarf the

space nor do you want the

rocks to be an imperceptible

component. Smaller stepping-

stones are also a good

investment that are said to

symbolize the journey of life.

HoW To:

4Spruce up your garden with accent touches like wrought iron Japanese

lanterns, ponds, bamboo or a

bridge. Keep to a neutral color

palate so as to not detract from

the nature theme.

5groom your garden. A simple rake and a little persistence is all you need to

transform what is essentially a

sandbox into a Zen masterpiece.

The rake grates ripple like

patterns into the sand,

representing various

configurations of land, the

stones, and water.

6Take a few moments to meditate and enjoy your handiwork, perhaps while

enjoying a fine cup of green or

Oolong tea.

focus on balancing all of the basic elements to create a harmonious environment

2 9F A L L 2 0 0 7

| your kitchen

Y O U R A D D R E S S 3 0

A Taste of MalagaB y J e n n i f e r k i n g

As the birthplace of Picasso and the soon-to-be European Capital of Culture, Malaga, Spain offers much to see and much to taste. With top-notch restaurants and humble tapas bars, the city remains popular amongst tourists. But you dont have to travel 4,500 miles to experience the taste of fine Spanish tradition. Bring Malaga into your own kitchen with classic, yet exotic, paella, tapas, and sangria recipes.

Paella con Mollusks (above) Serves 8-10

ingredients:1 finely chopped onion2 minced garlic cloves1 large tomato, peeled and chopped1/2 cup olive oil1 1/2 cup Arborio rice1/8 teaspoons of saffron8 ounces of clam juice2 cups of hot water1 cup of dry white wine16 large unshelled prawns16 small clams, un-shucked; can be butter, rock or steamer clams1 crab, cooked and cracked (or 4 very small lobster tails- cooked and split10 ounces of petite peas1 pound asparagus tips- parboiled2 ounces of sliced pimientoLemon wedges

method: 1. In a large frying pan, saut the onion, garlic and tomato in oil until glazed. 2. Add rice, saffron, clam juice, water and wine. Cover and simmer for 20

minutes. 3. Arrange the prawns and clams on top, cover and steam until the clamshells

open. Transfer into a large paella pan. 4. Add the crab, peas, asparagus and pimiento. Heat through or keep warm in a

low oven until it is time to serve. Garnish with lemon wedges.

Cant Cut It ...but you love It?

If you are not much of a cook, but you still have the urge to whip up some Spanish cuisine, then pay a

visit to Austins famous tapas bar, Malaga. Learn to create gourmet tapas with Chef Alejandro Durans

wine and cooking classes while exploring the history of the traditional Spanish meal. Classes are Tuesday

evenings at 6:30. for more information about malagas recipes and cooking classes, call (512) 236-8020.

Spanish Scallop Ceviche TapasServes 8-10

ingredients15 scallops on the half shell2 fresh red chiles- seeded and chopped1 tablespoon of olive oil1 teaspoon of finely grated lime rind1 cup limejuice2 garlic cloves- chopped1 tablespoon fresh parsley- chopped

method:1. Remove the scallops from their half shell with hands or a knife. Dont

forget to remove the dark vein and the white muscle before washing the shells.

2. Next, mix together the lime rind, garlic, chiles, limejuice, parsley and olive oil in a bowl. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

3. Place the scallops in the dressing and stir to coat. 4. Cover with a plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for two

hours to cook the meat. 5. When cold, serve by sliding the scallops into a half shell and spoon

dressing over.

?

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| your kitchen

Y O U R A D D R E S S 3 2

Escalivado TapasServes 8-10

ingredients:1 medium eggplant1/2 lb of bacon1 large zucchini1 bunch cilantro (optional)olive oil and vinegar to taste1 long baguette

method:1. Wrap each of the vegetables in tin foil. If you have

more than one of any of them - this is a loose recipe - you can group them together. Put them in a hot oven (200C/375F) for an hour, or until all are soft and cooked through. The eggplants will take the longest, so you may want to remove the others as they finish cooking.

2. While they bake, saut the bacon until crisp. Drain fat on paper towels and let cool.

3. Cool and unwrap the tin foil packages. Tear or cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and toss them with a bit of olive oil and a splash of red wine vinegar.

4. Toast rounds of bread. If you are using a baguette, cut on a diagonal to get slightly larger pieces; if you are using loaf bread, you may want to cut the slices in half. Artistically arrange a piece or two of eggplant, one of zucchini and one half piece bacon on each slice of bread.

notes: Insert toothpick through vegetables and baguette to hold together, if you like. Add cilantro on top for an optional bit of zest.

Pimientos Rojos con AnchoasServes 8-10

ingredients:1 12 oz jar of roasted red peppers4 garlic cloves4 tbsp olive oil1 small can anchovies1 jar pickled banana peppers, small size1 long baguette

method:1. Drain the peppers and pat dry with a paper towel.

Carefully remove any membranes or seeds that may remain. Cut the peppers into 1/2 inch wide strips.

2. Peel the garlic cloves and slice thinly.3. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan on low heat.

Add the garlic and saut theuntil golden brown. Then, add the pepper strips. Saut mixture for about 10 minutes.

4. Remove from heat and place the pepper mixture on a platter. Take 4-5 anchovies from can and pat with a paper towel to remove excess oil and salt. Coil and arrange on platter with red peppers.

6. Serve cold or warm with slices of baguette bread.

notes: The peppers should not be stored in vinegar or with any spices. Look for glass jars or cans of whole roasted pep-pers. If you arent able to find them, look for containers with large pieces of pepper.

The jar or can should contain approximately the equivalent of 2 red bell peppers.

Insert toothpick through all pieces to hold them together.

Also shown: Prosciutto and Tomato Tapas, Iceberg Chorizo Tapas, Olives and Cream Cheese TapasFor these recipes and more, visit our web site:www.youraddressmagazine.com.

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Monarch caterpillar does some acrobatics while chewing away at some milkweed.

Spain is not only the origin of some of the worlds most delicious food and breathtaking art, it is also the birthplace of the infamous fortified wine, Vino de Jerez. Around here we call it Sherry, a delicately fermented wine that is later fortified with brandy, creating a dry, pale taste that is natural to all varietes. Sherries are traditionally made from three kinds of grapes: muskrat, palomino and Pedro Ximenez. With such a variety of grapes, original Sherry producers from the Spanish province of Cadiz have created many styles of the wine. Some of the finest include Fino, the driest and palest of the traditional varieties. Amontillado is another popular favorite. It is a variety that is aged under a cap of flour yeast then exposed to oxygen, creating a darker wine. Palo Cortado is a very rare form of Sherry that is richer and crisper than most varieties. Then there is the Jerez Dulce, or the Sweet Sherry. This is any form of Sherry that is sweetened with Pedro Ximenez or Moscatel wine.

Sherry has become en vogue in recent years, and more varieties are becoming increasingly available. So, share a glass with a close friend or relative at your favorite cocktail lounge and warm yourself with the elegance of ancient Spanish tradition.

sherry-time

Traditional Spanish SangriaServes 8-10

ingredients:2 bottles dry red wine2 ten-ounce bottles bitter lemon soda1 sliced lemon1 sliced orangesugar to tasteice cubes mint sprigs

method:1. Combine the wine, bitter lemon and sliced orange and lemon

in a large pitcher. Add the sugar and then chill. Serve over ice cubes and garnish your glasses with elegant mint sprigs.

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When we think of Europe, visions of romantic, Parisian cafs, bustling Viennese coffeehouses, or friendly Italian baristas serving up tiny cups of steaming espresso may come to mind.

For so many European countries, coffee is an essential element of rich history and culture and not the freeze-dried, instant coffee popular in the United States, but rich espressos, creamy cappuccinos, and velvety caf au laits. Natives and visitors alike take in the pleasure of sidewalk cafs, where they relish dainty cups of Joe while leisurely watching passing pedestrians. Luckily, such caffeinated splendors need not remain an ocean away; the coffees of Europe can easily be brought into your own home.

The first step to get brewing is choosing the right espresso maker. These machines push hot water through compressed coffee, extracting an increasingly great amount of flavor from the coffee depending upon the quality of your espresso machine. The prices of top quality machines may be daunting, but well worth the cost for an espresso lover. Brands such as Rancilio Silivia and Gaggia Carezza differ from thriftier choices in that they use a pressurized pump system, producing better espresso than cheaper, steam-driven machines. In any case, once you have an espresso maker, your options are endless.

If you prefer the milder taste of a cappuccino, combine equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and frothed milk to obtain this lighter delight; many espresso makers come with built-in milk steamers for this purpose. First, steam the milk and let it rest a moment until the foam separates, then pour the steamed milk into warmed, ceramic cups. Next, slowly add the espresso, and then spoon the frothed milk on top. Another popular espresso trend is the flavored latte. To achieve this, follow the same steps as for a cappuccino, but combine the milk with two tablespoons of flavored syrup prior to steaming. For a sweet finishing touch, garnish your drinks with powdered cocoa, cinnamon, or a dollop of whipped cream and place a small cookie, biscotti, or rich dark chocolate alongside the cups. Once you have mastered the complexities of your espresso maker, you can adjust the recipes to your personal tastes and those of your guests.

While most American coffeehouses serve a variety of espresso drinks, they often lack the relaxed and charming ambience of European coffeehouses. Whether you choose to conclude your dinner parties with or center an afternoon get-together on deliciously robust cups of espresso, your own home offers a more ideal setting for a European coffee experience with all of the luxury and comfort needed to truly savor the moment.

B y K a t h r y n E . C l E l a n d

Caf in the Kitchen

Swiss Coffee 3 oz. premium, dark roast, medium ground coffee. 1 oz. each of:Kahlua, Amaretto, Tia Maria, Dark Cream de Cacao. Serve, toppped with whipped cream.

hot nutty Irishman 3 oz. premium, dark roast, medium ground coffee. 1 oz. each of: Baileys-cream, Frangelico Serve, toppped with whipped cream Garnish with cherry.

English Coffee 3 oz. premium, dark roast, medium ground coffee. 1 oz. Kahlua 1 oz. Amaretto 1 oz. Tia Maria 1 oz. Dark Cream de Cacao Brew and serve topped with whipped cream.

Cafe royal 3 oz. premium, dark roast, medium ground coffee Add 1 Tbsp. of sugar Pour 3 oz. of Bourbon on top.

Give some kick to your cup!

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Y O U R A D D R E S S 3 6

Nothing nourishes the body and soul like a steaming cup of perfectly steeped tea. An adorable tea pot makes it all the more enjoyable for you and your guests. Find the one that suites you best to make every afternoon tea a special occasion.

Stockpile it!

Green fish teapot from Indonesia.

thE hErB Bar200 W Mary StreetAustin, TX 78704512-444-6251www.theherbbar.com

This beautiful and delicate teapot from St. Petersburg, Russia is made

by renowned Lomonosov Porcelain.

tEa EmBaSSy512-330-9991www.teaembassy.com900 Rio Grande StreetAustin, TX 78701

This colorful Polish teapot from Polish Pottery Plus would make a bold addition to any collection.

tEa EmBaSSy512-330-9991www.teaembassy.com900 Rio Grande StreetAustin, TX 78701

Japanese tea infuser.

EaStSIdE Caf StorE2113 Manor RoadAustin, TX 78722512.476.5858www.eastsidecafeaustin.com

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This adorable teapot-for-one is a traditional Korean infuser. A piece every collection should have!

tEa EmBaSSy512-330-9991www.teaembassy.com900 Rio Grande Street

Austin, TX 78701

Green fish teapot from Indonesia.

thE hErB Bar200 W Mary StreetAustin, TX 78704512-444-6251www.theherbbar.com

Japanese Rikyu cast iron (tetsubin) tea kettle for infused teas, comes with wire netting.

Bronze tea kettle, $58.

EClECtIC 700 N LamarAustin, TX 78703(512) 477-1816www.eclecticfurnishings.com

This two-sided teapot made by artist Jonathan Adler features a girl on one side, and a boy on the other. Produced in Peru from brown stoneware that peeks through sheer white glaze. From the Utopia Collection.

WIldfloWEr lInEnS & homEwww.wildflowerorganics.com512-320-0449908 N LamarAustin, TX 78703

EClECtIC 700 N LamarAustin, TX 78703(512) 477-1816www.eclecticfurnishings.com

Dragonfly tea kettle, $45.

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B y B r I t t a n y J a C K S o n

a n d C a r a h E n I S

Gather your family and prepare to travel the world with your taste buds. These harvest-ripe recipes taken from different locations around the world are flavored with fall favorites like warm cinnamon and spicy pumpkin. So find a fork and escape the autumn chill with these delicious desserts. These easy to follow recipes will allow you and your entire family to escape the drudgery of boring cakes and cookies and try new, exciting treats.

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GreeceMaple BaklavaMakes about 30-36 servings

ingredients:1 lb. chopped mixed nuts1 teaspoon ground cinnamon1 (16 oz.) package phyllo dough1 cup butter, melted1 cup white sugar1 cup water cup honey teaspoon vanilla extract teaspoon maple extract1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

method:1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees, butter a 9x13 in. baking dish and toss

together cinnamon and nuts. Unroll phyllo and cut whole stack in half to fit the dish. Cover phyllo with a damp cloth to keep it from drying out.

2. Place two sheets of phyllo in the bottom of dish and brush generously with butter. Sprinkle 2 to 3 tablespoons of the nut mixture on top and repeat this cycle until all the ingredients are used. Using a sharp knife, cut baklava all the way through into four long rows and then nine times diagonally to make 36 diamond shapes.

3. Bake in preheated oven 50 minutes or until the baklava is golden and crisp.

4. While the baklava is baking bring sugar and water to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in honey, vanilla, maple and lemon zest, reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes.

5. Remove the baklava from the oven and immediately spoon the syrup over it. Let cool completely before serving. Store uncovered.

Sweet Tooth

This season, travel to a small sidewalk caf in Venice or to the distant jungle-marshland in Thailand to sample the best of what the world has to offer without leaving your kitchen.

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BrazilButter Pecan Coconut Kisses:Makes about 25-30 kisses

ingredients:1 can of sweetened condensed milk 2 eggs, beaten1 tablespoon butter or margarine 1 lb fresh grated coconut 1 teaspoon of butter pecan extractchocolate sauce

method: 1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.2. Mix all ingredients together until well blended into a

thick batter.3. Scoop bits of the batter with a spoon and drop the

balls onto a greased cookie sheet4. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the kisses begin to

brown.5. Kid Friendly Step: Drizzle chocolate over the finished,

cooling, treat

MexicoCinnamon Aztec Hot Chocolate Makes 1 serving

ingredients:1 oz. unsweetened baking chocolate1 teaspoon hazelnut extract2/3 cup boiling water ground chili pepper to taste

method:1. Grate unsweetened chocolate into bowl and cover it

with a little of the boiling water. 2. Mash the mixture into a paste3. Add the rest of the water and hazelnut and beat with

an electric mixer until frothy4. Kid Friendly Step: Add ground pepper of chilies to

taste to liven up the drink. Enjoy!

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New Zealand Raspberry Pavlova Makes 1 Pavlova

ingredients:4 egg whites1 cup white sugar1 teaspoon vanilla extract1 teaspoon lemon juice2 teaspoons cornstarchwhipped creamfresh raspberries

method:1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Cover a baking sheet

with baking paper.2. Beat egg whites in a large bowl until they are stiff.

Add in sugar one teaspoon at a time, beating the mixture until it is thick and smooth. Gently fold in the vanilla extract, lemon juice, and cornstarch.

3. Using a spoon, place the mixture paper. Work from the center, spreading more of the mixture to the outside of the circle. This will create an edge to your Pavlova and make a small depression in the center.

4. Cook for about an hour. Cool the cake on a wire rack.

5. Kid friendly step: Remove the baking paper and place the treat on a plate. Fill the small hole at center of the meringue with the whipped cream. Place your fresh raspberries on top of the whipped cream.

ItalyPumpkin CannoliMakes about 20 servings

ingredients:20 small Cannoli shells 4 cups ricotta cheese1 cup of powdered sugar 2 teaspoons of cinnamon spice2 teaspoons of pumpkin spice 2 teaspoons Amaretto liquor cup diced, shredded candied orange peels melted dark chocolate additional powdered sugar to sprinkle on shells toasted almonds

method:1. Beat cheese until smooth by using an electric

mixer on medium speed.2. Add the sugar, cinnamon, Amaretto and

pumpkin. Beat at high speed for several minutes. Then add the candied orange peels and mix well. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

3. Lightly warm the shells right before serving. 4. Pipe cup of the filling into each cannoli

pastry shell.5. Kid friendly step: Sprinkle generous amounts

of the additional powdered sugar onto the shells. Dip each end of the shells into the melted dark chocolate and almonds.

Sticky rice with MangoMakes about 6 servings

ingredients:2 cups sticky rice2 cups coconut milk1 cup granulated sugar1/2 teaspoon salt3 ripe mangoes, sliced1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds 1 tablespoon tapioca starch1 tablespoon sugar1/4 teaspoon salt

method:1. Prepare the 2 cups sticky rice as per the

instructions on the package.2. While sticky rice is steaming, mix together 1 1/5

cups coconut milk, 1 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil.

3. Immediately after sticky rice is cooked, and still hot, put it into the coconut sauce and stir together well. Cover for 1 hour and let cool.

4. For the topping sauce, mix 1/2 cup coconut milk with 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon sugar and the tapioca starch. Bring to a boil.

5. Put the sticky rice and mangoes on a serving dish. Pour the topping sauce over the sticky rice and sprinkle with the toasted sesame seeds. Enjoy!

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Thailand

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September 7-9 at the Austin Convention Center

S H O W G U I D E 11th Annual

Backyard Spas WItH EvErytHInG fOr tHE ExtErIOr tO tHE IntErIOr Of yOUr HOmE,

tHE tExAS HOmE & GArDEn SHOW IS yOUr OnE-StOp fOr HOmE AnD GArDEn SHOppInG.

Life Spas of Austin6415 Burnet Lane, Austin, TX 78757

(512) 459-4772 www.lifespasoftexas.com

Y O U R A D D R E S S 4 2

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From the time we wake up in the morning to the time to go to sleep, our minds are filled with frenzied thoughts: I need to register the kids for the soccer league; its my turn to host welcome party for the new neighbors; its time schedule the dogs teeth cleaning; I forgot to pick up the dry cleaning; I wonder what should I plan for dinner next week; I should go to the gym more often; we really need to update the living room; How on earth am I going to make my deadline at the office? With as much as you do for your family, coworkers and community, its about time you treat yourself to the relaxing getaway that you deserveright in your own backyard! By installing a spa or hot tub at home, you can enjoy the calming and rejuvenating effects without leaving the house.

The good news is that it doesnt have to cost a fortune. A great way to spoil yourself and save a few dollars is to find a spa and hot tub dealer that works directly with manufactures. Right here in Austin, LifeSpas of Texas offers top quality spas at up to 60% off retail prices. Because you get more spa for your dollar, features like therapy seats that massage all areas from your neck and lower back to your feet are affordable options.

Of course luxury features at affordable prices are wonderful, but how do we know what features are best for our home? For most of us, the differences between the various control systems, pumps, filters, jets, horsepower options, shell materials and maintenance needs are well out of our scope of knowledge. Luckily the team at LifeSpas can make finding the best spa or hot tub for your needs a less confusing project. With the focus on educating the buyer, the folks at LifeSpas clearly and honestly outline the pros and cons of every model they sell, a priceless service when making any large investment.

With great resources in Austin to make your backyard your own private retreat, it is silly not to. Stop saying, Wouldnt it be nice and start building your dream backyard. LifeSpas of Texas has the spa, hot tub, or gazebo that is the perfect fit for your family and your budget. All you have to do is find it. For more information, visit www.llifespasoftexas.com or call 512-459-4772.

Whether you are buying, selling or updating your home, countertops are a hot topic these days. Keeping in mind that the kitchen is the heart and soul of so many homes, a countertop has a lot to live up to. Of course it must withstand the wear and tear of daily use, and, perhaps more importantly, it should reflect and enhance the style your home.

Current kitchen trends are pointing to soapstone to meet the challenge, and savvy, sophisticated buyers are turning to this unique material to finish more than just countertops. Martha Stewart is paving the way, installing this unique and exotic material in her own kitchen. This may be why soapstone is rapidly becoming more and more desirable for homeowners who are looking for material to make a statement in their kitchens

Soapstone is offered in a variety of colors and lends itself beautifully to any design motif, from casually rustic to ultra modern. Brilliantly forged by nature, each piece of soapstone is a one-of-a-kind with unique veining and marbling, adding style and character to your home. It is also luxurious to the touch and is a real treat for the senses.

Thanks to its style, durability and versatility, artists and designers are creating chic soapstone applications that go well beyond the kitchen. For avant-garde tile, sills, island tops and other accessories and fixtures, top designers are looking to Dorado Soapstone, an importer and wholesaler of authentic, natural Brazilian soapstone.

More than an exclusive dealer of high-quality soapstone, Dorado Soapstone is a leader in social responsibility. The company is making a significant in impact in Goias, Brazil, one of the few places that the rare stone is quarried. Working alongside Mosaico of Brazil, Dorado Soapstone provides jobs for the staggering number of unemployed citizens of the region. These workers delicately handcraft soapstone sinks, fountains and even chessboards. The company is also working to encourage and support education in technology fields by helping to sponsor computers in after school programs.

For more information, visit the Dorado Soapstone Showroom at 2157 Woodward Drive in Austin, TX, or call 512-444-8600.

Why Choose Dorado Soapstone?

Comfortable in any dcor The warm matte finish is a great design element in all rooms of the home

Stain resistant The non porous surface repels anything from read wine to grease

Heat resistant Hot casseroles from the oven are no match for this naturally inert material

Easy to maintain/repair A mild sanding and a touch of mineral oil will easily remove minor scratches

Durable for generations Soapstone holds its value for years, so there is no need to worry when it comes time to sell your home

Soapstone: The Next Step in Kitchens

Take a Dip: Indulgence in Your Own Backyard

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Seminar Schedule

HOmE & GArDEn tHEAtEr SEmInArS & DEmOnStrAtIOnS

friday, Sept. 73pm Bruce Reed, Window World/South Texas Siding Energy Savings with Efficient Replacement Windows & Siding4pm Bob Sexton, Cool Water Pools & Spas A Beautiful Pool - Step by Step5pm Zita raymond, Zita Designs the hottest faux finishing!

Saturday, Sept. 811am Melissa Rogers, Pathways Unlimted Home Wellness Systems12pm Laura Dellutri, Healthy Housekeeper the Healthy Housekeeper teaches you Swiffers 5 Signs of Clean 1pm Mark Delgado, Texas Home Improvement University How to Make Your Phone Energy Efficient2pm Laura Dellutri, Healthy Housekeeper the Healthy Housekeeper teaches you Swiffers 5 Signs of Clean3pm Your Address Magazine Diamond in the Rough4pm Zita raymond, Zita Designs the hottest faux finishing!5pm Laura Dellutri, Healthy Housekeeper the Healthy Housekeeper teaches you Swiffers 5 Signs of Clean

Sunday, Sept. 912pm Cristina Murphy, Keller Williams Realty Home Renovations: Picking what pays off! Which Home Renovations are worth the investment!1pm Mark Delgado, Texas Home Improvement University How to Make Your Phone Energy Efficient2pm Sheri Soltes, TVs Caf Woof 5 Top Training Tips for Your Dog3pm Zita raymond, Zita Designs the hottest faux finishing!

* All seminar times are subject to change without notice

Opportunitys knockin at the Texas Home & Garden Show. Open the door to new ideasfrom windows and doors to ceilings and floors shop for everything for your home at the Texas Home & Garden Show. Youll find everything but the kitchen sinkOh Wait! We have that, too! In fact if it belongs in the home, its at the Texas Home & Garden Show!

Your final chance to finish up your fall decorating, improvement and landscaping projects is just around the corner! The 11th Annual Texas Home & Garden Show, being held September 7-9 at the Austin Convention Center, will feature thousands of products, services and ideas for your home and garden. Best of all, youll find hundreds of experts who can do the job for you or teach you how to do it yourself!

September 7-9 at the Austin Convention Center

for more information, visit texasHomeandGarden.com or call 713-529-1616. A production of International Exhibitions, Inc. (IEI)

When: Friday, September 7 2 pm to 8 pm Saturday, September 8 10 am to 8 pm Sunday, September 9 11 am to 6 pm

Where: Austin Convention Center 500 E Cesar Chavez, Austin, TX 78701 How much:

About the Show

Adults, $8 Children 12 and Under, Free$1 off coupons available atand at www.TexasHomeandGarden.com

For many families, a house just isnt a home without a cherished pet. If yours happens to be mans best friend, make sure to attend a special presentation by Sheri Soltes, from Fox TVs Caf Woof. Sheri, Founder and President of Texas Hearing and Service Dogs, an organization that trains dogs to assists Texans living with hearing or mobility challenges, will teach you helpful discipline techniques to create a better relationship with your precious pooch. Sheri will take to the stage on Sunday at 2 p.m.

Laura Dellutri is todays hero for busy working families. Armed with true savvy secrets from being a mother of five, running a household, blending a family

and operating successful businesses she represents all the tribulations that todays families deal with. A public speaker, radio and television personality and the author of three books, Lauras show includes: what NOT to do on reality T.V.; how to trick your mother-in-law into thinking you are the best home keeper in town; how to make your children believe cleaning is fun; and how to get your man to clean with power tools that will knock his socks off! Zita raymond graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in art in 1983. Since then she has been involved in various aspects of the visual arts. In 1990 Zita design was founded as one of the first decorative painting companies in Austin, Texas. This company provides murals, plaster applications, faux finishes and advanced decorative painting in homes and businesses in Texas and throughout the united states. The work of Zita design has been featured in several regional and national magazines and publications. She returned to her own paintings two years ago and has incorporated the fine art aspect into Zita design.

Bryon A. K. parffrey, author of Build Energy-Fffree Healthy Homes, is currently a Talk Show Radio Host and has been for over 14 years now, teaching as many that listen how to build for themselves, become builders or professional inspectors! Bryon has over 24 years of homebuilding experience and is currently a State Certified Teacher. Pick up a copy of his book at booth 233 and ask the expert in homebuilding!

meet the Experts

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for more information, visit texasHomeandGarden.com or call 713-529-1616. A production of International Exhibitions, Inc. (IEI)

Imagine summer without the heat and humidity - and winter without the chills. Imagine being greeted each morning by the dramatic beauty of a new day; soothed by the serenity of twilight and romanced by the glow of nightfall. Never satisfied with the standard renovation, you demand excellence in all your endeavors and all your possessions...your home is your castle, and you dont take that investment lightly.

For almost three decades, discriminating homeowners have looked to Four Seasons Sunrooms for their sunroom, conservatory, solarium, patio room and greenhouse needs that they just cant get with ordinary construction. Four Seasons Sunrooms is one of the largest manufacturers of year-round sunrooms and conservatories in the world.

Customers can visit an amazing showroom in Austin at 13343 N. Highway 183 and see for themselves what is available in state-of-the-art sunrooms. Four Seasons Sunrooms designs, builds and services sunrooms, solariums, conservatories, Florida rooms, greenhouses and patio enclosures. Customers who purchase a Four Seasons Sunroom work with a company that strives to make the home of every customer more attractive, adding space that is functional, attractive and usable 12 months of the year.

Four Seasons philosophy is simple: Make efficient use of high quality materials and production methods to deliver optimal product value. All Four Seasons Sunrooms feature the exclusive

ConservaGLASS Plus. This unique glass is designed to keep sunrooms cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Additionally, ConservaGLASS Plus is warranteed for the lifetime of the sunroom and is transferable to future homeowners. This ensures that Four Seasons Sunrooms uphold and enhance the value of any home.

All Four Seasons Sunrooms pass rigorous independent testing and are approved by major accreditation agencies Good Housekeeping, Energy Star, ICC-ES, AAMA, NFRC, FMC, & ULC. The company stands behind their products and services with expert factory-trained sunroom design consultants, top quality sunroom and solarium installation crews, as well as a lifetime limited warranty.

Made in the Shade: Sunrooms for all Seasons

Everything and the Kitchen Sink

With everything for the exterior to the interior of your home, the Texas Home & Garden Show is your one-stop for home and garden shopping. Looking for new home decorating ideas? Then visit featured exhibitors Costco Wholesale, DirectBuy of Austin, Oil Paintings and Frames Warehouse, and Private Quarters. With the help of Heavens Above Starscapes, you could create your very own 3-D cosmic getaway in your own home. Using their exclusive 3-D imaging software, your window measurements, flooring type and room color scheme, V2K Window Dcor & More can take the guesswork out of creating and designing window treatments.

The outside of your home deserves as much care as the inside, thats why the Texas Home & Garden Show features nearly 2000 sq. ft. of outdoor living, pool and spa ideas and exhibits. Add a beautiful deck to your backyard for outdoor entertaining, or start making plans for a refreshing pool or spa perfect for relaxing at home after a hard days work. Homestead Outdoor Living offers authentic, fine aluminum furnishings for your patio. For the ultimate outdoor oasis, visit with the pros from Thompson Landscaping, who specialize in creating estate environments.

You will also find experts in home building, kitchen renovation and remodeling. Enhance your home with a new sunroom from Four Seasons Sunrooms of Texas, or update your kitchen with assistance from New Creations Custom Kitchen. Innovative Surfaces can enhance the beauty of your home with their unique, light-weight, waterproof, durable and elegant concrete surfaces.

At the Texas Home & Garden Show, you can also find experts such as AP Financial, Merrill Lynch and Ameriprise Financial who can help you with your personal financial well being.

From floor to ceiling, indoor to outdoor, the Texas Home & Garden Show is the place to find everything you need for your home!

the Home & Garden Stage is also the place to discover: Which home renovations are worth the investment from Cristina Murphy of Keller Williams How to make your phone energy efficient from Mark Delgado of the Texas Home Improvement University How to create a beautiful pool from Bob Sexton of Cool Water Pools & Spas

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fEAtUrED Home Show Exhibitors

HOmE DECOrCOSTCO WHOLESALE 325DIRECTBUY OF AUSTIN 601HEAVENS ABOVE STARSCAPES 512INTEGRITY HOME SYSTEMS 807INTELLI-BED 625OIL PAINTINGS 201AND FRAMES WAREHOUSEPRIVATE QUARTERS 524TUMBLEWEEDS 739V2K WINDOW DCOR & MORE 735ZITA DESIGNS 108

tHE GArDEnSTHOMPSON LANSDCAPING 801, 907

OUtDOOr LIvInGABOVE IT ALL STORAGE 433, 434HOMESTEAD OUTDOOR LIVING 301ILLUMINATION CONCEPTS 734

pOOL & SpAA-TEX FAMILY FUN CENTER 501, 401CODY POOLS 701COOL WATER POOLS & SPAS 631LIFESPAS OF TEXAS 109MORGAN BUILDINGS & SPAS 833, 933SOFTUB 625

HOmE & pErSOnAL fInAnCInG1ST AVENUE MORTGAGE 832AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL 717

AP FINANCIAL 732MERRILL LYNCH 530MISSION MORTGAGE 706

rEmODELInG / HOmE BUILDInGEVERY CONTRACTOR 435JOHN CARROLL CUSTOM HOMES 716NEW CREATIONS CUSTOM KITCHEN 1007SIGNATURE HOME IMPROVEMENT 708UBUILDIT, AUSTIN 910UNIQUE HOMES BY HARPER 820

rOOm ADDItIOnS / BUILDInGSFOUR SEASONS 931 SUNROOMS OF TEXAS INNOVATIVE SURFACES 639STATEWIDE REMODELING 707

Home Show ExhibitorsCOmpAny nAmE BOOtH1ST AVENUE MORTGAGE INC. 832A P FINANCIAL 732A -TEX FAMILY FUN CENTER 501,401ABOVE IT ALL STORAGE 434,433ADVANCED EXTERIORS 915ALLIED POWDER COATINGS 410AMAZING ALUMINUM PRODUCTS 930AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL 717ASHTECH SYSTEMS 427AT&T AUSTIN 811ATX FLOOR COVERINGS & GRANITE 512COUNTERTOPSAUSTIN AIR DYNAMICS 914AUSTIN HABITAT FOR HUMANITY 545AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN 331AUSTIN ROCK GYM 239AUSTRENDS, INC. LOBBYBAMBOO ARTS & CRAFTS NETWORK 125BLUEGREEN RESORTS 1014BOOKS ARE FUN 131BRINKS HOME SECURITY 710CARLSON CHIROPRACTIC 834CELLULAR SALES OF SOUTH TEXAS 421CODY POOLS 701COOKS WAREHOUSE 738COOL WATER POOLS & SPAS 631COOLHOUSE SYSTEMS 1013COSTCO WHOLESALE 325CREATIONS OF THE DESERT 319CREELS THE DISH TV PLACE 609CULLIGAN WATER CONDITIONING 824CUTCO CUTLERY 730DESIGNER PALMS OF TEXAS 619DIFFERENT STROKES 611DIRECTBUY OF AUSTIN 601DIRECTV 126,128DS WATERS / SPARKLETTS 531BOTTLED WATEREUROSHINE USA, INC. 315EVERY CONTRACTOR 425FLYING L GUEST RANCH 638FOUR SEASONS SUNROOMS OF TEXAS 931GIGI ENTERPRISES 920GRANITE TRANSFORMATIONS 607GREAT PRODUCTS 420GREYHOUND PETS OF AMERICA 225

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GUTTERMAXX 814HEAVENS ABOVE STARSCAPES 514HILL COUNTRY OF TEXAS 414HOMEGUARDIAN 908HOMESTEAD OUTDOOR LIVING 301ILLUMINATION CONCEPTS, INC 734IMAGE TILE & CARPET 517INNOVATIVE SURFACES 639INTEGRATED LIFESTYLE SOLUTIONS 431INTEGRITY HOME SYSTEMS 807INTELLI-BED 625JOHN CARROLL CUSTOM HOMES 716KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY 917KIMERA SHEPLER & ASSOCIATES 731KITCHEN CRAFT 1001KLGO AM 324LEAFGUARD AUSTIN 718LIFESPAS OF TEXAS, INC. 109LONE STAR CHIROPRACTIC 715MERRILL LYNCH 530MISSION MORTGAGE 706MORGAN BUILDINGS & SPAS 833,933MY GARAGE HAS SPACE 641NEW CREATIONS CUSTOM 1007KITCHEN REMODELINGNEW STONE CONCEPTS 740OIL PAINTINGS AND FRAMES 201WAREHOUSE OF OKLAHOMAPATHWAYS UNLIMITED 630PREMIER GARAGE OF AUSTIN 924PRESS A PRINT 413PRIVATE QUARTERS 524PROTECTIVE COATINGS 815& REMODELING OF TEXASRAINTREE VACATION CLUB 417RANCHO DEL LAGO 633RE-BATH OF TRAVIS COUNTY 635RETHINK SOAR-LONGHORN SOLAR 921ROYAL PRESTIGE COOKWARE 624HILL COUNTRY INN 1027SIGNATURE HOME IMPROVEMENT 708SOFTUB, INC. 615SOLATUBE: INNOVATION IN DAYLIGHTING 719SOUTH TEXAS SIDING / WINDOW WORLD 511SOUTHERN SHUTTERS, INC. 725STATEWIDE REMODELING 707T-C SUN AND WINDOW SOLUTIONS, INC. 816TEXAS HEARING & SERVICE DOGS 134THE HEALTHY GOURMET 645THE HEALTHY HOUSEKEEPER 108THOMPSON LANDSCAPING 801,907TOUCH OF PURPLE 830TUMBLEWEEDS 739UBUILDIT 910UNIQUE HOMES BY HARPER 820UNITED SPECIALTY PRODUCTS 819UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS INFORMAL CLASSES 432V2K WINDOW DECOR & MORE 735VDB ENTERPRISES 534WELLNESS SOLUTIONS 311WILD HORSE FOUNDATION 130WING ENTERPRISES, INC. 831WORLDMARK BY WYNDHAM 320WYNDHAM VACATION RESORTS 714XANGO 520YOUNG STONE, INC 901YOUR ADDRESS MAGAZINE 207ZITA DESIGNS 112

Y O U R A D D R E S S 4 8

Each category of the life cycle of real estate has different objectives, priorities and challenges. When homebuyers and sellers move from one category to another, there is a new learning curve encountered each time. The learning curve often becomes a crash course as buyers and sellers strive to gather the right knowledge and information and to align with the proper professionals to accomplish the move. Real estate self-education often starts on the Internet, which is a great source of information but not a great source of wisdom. Are friends and relatives a good source of real estate knowledge? Maybe. Are real estate salespeople a good source? Sometimes. The question then becomes, Where can one find a reliable source of wisdom and knowledge regarding the real estate process? This is why Kenn Renner of Renner Realty, Inc. has created The American Dream System. The system is a series of live seminars and soon-to-be published audio and print materials that will provide valuable and timely real estate education. The seminars are designed to address the specific concerns of each of the categories of the life cycle of real estate. Strategies for every step of process are discussed so that homebuyers and sellers know what to expect at every step of the way.

Kenn first started teaching real estate seminars in 1994 when he saw a gap in the educational system. I realized the real estate industry was more about selling than educating, especially for the first-time homebuyer. I then realized that the homes that first-time homebuyers were buying was the same type of product that real estate investors were interested in. Kenn designed a seminar geared towards investors and took it on the road doing presentations on the west coast and Nevada. Now I am designing seminars to cover the remaining categories of the life cycle of real estate including the move-up, luxury and empty nesters. The seminars are free and are held at various locations including banks, community centers and colleges and universities. They will also be offered online, so that people can learn from home. Kenn then offers personal coaching and real estate guidance throughout the process. I have found that offering valuable education for free allows the client to interview me without obligation, and then their trust level goes through the roof! For more information on real estate or the American Dream System visit: www.BuyAustin.com or contact Kenn Renner at 512.423.5626.

The Life Cycle of Real EstateHomebuyers and sellers fall into five general categories: first-time, move-up, luxury, move-down and investors. Typically, a person or a couple in their twenties or early thirties will purchase their first home. As the family grows, the need for more space leads to a move-up. As equity and prosperity increase some will move into the luxury market. As the children grow and move away and as the space requirements diminish, the couple will decide to move-down to a more manageable home. Anywhere along this life cycle of real estate one may choose to be an investor.

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Y O U R A D D R E S S 5 2

Around the World CooK-oFFB Y J e n n i f e r K i n gPart 1: The Challenge Turn this years cook-off into an around the world cooking contest in which you and your friends compete to see who can create the most delicious burger. If you want to have even more fun with your cook-off, make uniforms for the chefs by decorating their aprons with flags to represent the home country of their burger recipe. Select a panel of judges to rate each burger

and declare the winner. The chef with the most appealing and most delicious burger will have the honor of hosting next summers burger cook-off.

Part 2: What youll need In order to host a successful backyard cook-off, make sure that you fully outfit each chef with an individual camping grill, charcoal and all necessary cooking utensils. It may also be a

good idea to provide a mini-refrigerator because some recipes may require for items to be chilled. Dont forget individual kitchen timers to make the contest official.

Part 3: Fire up the grills Chefs, start your timers and get cooking! Allow 60 minutes for all of the burgers to be complete. After each chef makes an attempt to master the perfect ethnic burger, its time for the judges to decide on the winner of the Around the World cook-off. Everyone wins when its time to sample the different burgers and appreciate the diverse tastes from around the globe.

Host This!

our unusual weather the past few months made it difficult to host those backyard barbeques that are popular during the summer, but better late than never! Take advantage of the sunshine and turn up the heat in your own backyard with a neighborhood cook-off. Rather than whipping up the same old hamburgers and franks, get creative and test out some exotic burger recipes that are sure to show off your culinary skills!

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>>

B Y J e n n i f e r K i n g

>>

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Scandinavian Salmon BurgerServes 8Time 60 minutes

ingredients:4 6-ounce salmon fillets1 teaspoon pepper2 eggs beaten 1 teaspoon celery weed1 cup breadcrumbs, dry and divided teaspoon garlic powder8 Rye buns cup red wine vinegar cups catsup cup Salad oil1 tablespoon Instant minced onion teaspoon Dill weed2 teaspoon salt 2 medium Red onions, thinly sliced

method:1. Remove any fat or dark meat from the

salmon then cut into 2-inch cubes and chop by hand.

2. In a large bowl, mix salmon meat, catsup, instant minced onions, salt, pepper, celery seed and garlic powder.

3. Shape mixture into 16 thin patties.4. Mix vinegar, oil and dill weed in another

mixing bowl.5. Place the red onion slices in a shallow

glass dishes and pour the vinegar mixture over the onions. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

6. Heat the rye bread in aluminum foil for 20 minutes, occasionally turning.

7. Remove the onions from the marinade, but keep the marinade to the side.

8. Place the salmon burgers on the grill and cook for five minutes on each side or until done.

9. Brush each side frequently with the marinade while they are cooking.

10. Serve each slice on a piece warm rye bread, topped with onions.

German BurgerServes 6Time 30 minutes

ingredients:1-1/2 lbs. lean ground beef teaspoon pepper cup soft rye or pumpernickel bread crumbs 1 tablespoon mustard2 tablespoons Beer 6 slices of Muenster or Swiss cheese teaspoon caraway seed 6 pumpernickel sandwich buns teaspoon salt cup drained sauerkraut

method:1. Combine ground beef, bread crumbs, beer,

caraway seed, salt, pepper and mustard in a bowl. 2. Mix gently then shape into 6 patties.3. Grill the patties and cook 10 to 15 minutes until

the center is no longer pink. 4. You can grill the sandwich buns while the burgers

are cooking. 5. Top each burger with cheese slices and allow them

to melt. 6. Top with sauerkraut and serve on the buns.

Moroccan Lamb BurgerServes 8Time 45 minutes

ingredients:1.5 lbs. lean ground lamb teaspoon ground black pepper2 tablespoons chopped green onions 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 teaspoon paprika 2 teaspoons ground cumin4 tablespoons chopped cilantro 2 teaspoons chopped garlic teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes salt andpepper to taste

method:1. Put the lamb in a mixing bowl and add green onions,

paprika, cilantro, red pepper flakes, black pepper, ground cumin and garlic.

2. Mix everything thoroughly using your hands.3. Shape the mixture into 8 patties.4. Heat the oil in a non-stick skillet.5. Cook the patties over medium high heat in the skillet

for 3 to 4 minutes on each side.6. Drain on paper towels and serve!7. Try serving with the special harissa sauce, a

Moroccan condiment.

Spanish Chorizo BurgerServes 4 Time 50 minutes

ingredients: 1 lb. ground sirloin 1 tablespoon vegetable oil1 pound chorizo sausage 3 medium onions, sliced1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon brown sugar1 medium onion, chopped Salt and pepper to taste1 roasted red pepper, quartered 4 soft egg buns or brioche1 cup Ranch dressing 1 tablespoon softened butter1 pinch powdered saffron 4 ounces manchego cheese, grated1 teaspoon Spanish paprika

method:1. In a large bowl, mix the ground sirloin and chorizo

using your hands.2. Set aside to let the flavors blend.3. Heat one tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium

high heat.4. Add one chopped onion and saut until tender. 5. Transfer the onion to the blender and add the Ranch

dressing, saffron and paprika. Pulse until smooth and refrigerate until needed.

6. Heat the remaining oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the remaining onions, brown sugar, salt and pepper.

7. Cook and stir for 15 minutes until the onions are golden brown. Set aside.

8. Form the meat into 4 patties while you preheat the grill from high heat.

9. Place the burgers on the grill and cook for 5 minutes per side.

10. Grill the buns briefly.11. Place the burgers on the buns and top with

carmelized onion and the roasted pepper ranch sauce.

>> Try a few of these, or make up your own!

Y O U R A D D R E S S 5 4

For more fantastic burger recipes, visit our web site at: www.youraddressmagazine.com.

(continued from page 52)

>> Try a few of these, or make up your own!For more fantastic burger recipes, visit our web site at: www.youraddressmagazine.com.

5 7F A L L 2 0 0 7

The monotonous flow of everyday life can take a toll on

anyone, especially when there is no possibility of a vacation

on the horizon. Taking a break doesnt require you to request

time off from work or a dramatic decrease in your savings

account. A little bit of creativity can go a long way in making

your own backyard into a weekend oasis. Whether youre

looking to invigorate your lifestyle with exercise, spend more

time with your family or even give yourself a little rest and

relaxation, these ideas will allow you to take a vacation from

your daily routine without having to leave your home.

Create a mini water park Scatter sprinklers, water slides and childrens water toys around the backyard and pool for the kids and adults to cool off in the summer sun.

BackyardDestination:

your family |

Movie magic Movie projectors are a fun, easy way to recreate the classic 50s drive-in theater, complete with homemade popcorn and burgers from the grill.

Line Art Proudly display artwork from children in the neighborhood on a clothesline and gather the parents for an informal auction of the priceless pieces.

Camping Camping in your own backyard doesnt require you to haul around heavy equipment or lose the luxury of indoor plumbing. Enjoy sleeping in your tent while sharing ghost stories with your friends and family.

Bonfire Stay warm by the glow of a fire while cooking up a traditional campfire meal complete with smores.

Building Bonds Construct a tree house or fort with your kids to teach them about math and safety precautions while spending quality time together.

Welcome Natures Visitors Get in touch with nature and its creatures by setting up bird feeders and fountains. By building a shelter for them, you can also protect your family from mosquitoes.

Personal Productions Set up an outdoor stage and watch as the kids display their creative talents through plays, skits and dance recitals.

Invent your own sport Gather balls, racquets and other sports equipment and tell everyone to make up a sport from the equipment provided. Get friends and neighbors involved in this fun, creative event for all ages.

Dine al fresco Change scenery and eat a meal in the fresh air of your veranda or patio. Be sure to set up bug repellants to ward off unwelcome pests.

Hold a Tournament Bring out your competitive side by challenging neighboring families to a round of board games or a cook-off.

Class in session Share skills between a group of friends by teaching each other new gardening or cooking tips, or invite a professional guest to instruct the group.

Stargaze Doze under the stars and enjoy the clear night skies from your rooftop or a blanket on your lawn. Bring a telescope and an astronomy map to see how many constellations you can identify.

Hold an arts & crafts fair Keep your furniture stain free and your children occupied by organizing an outdoor arts and crafts fair. Provide toxic-free art supplies and watch their imaginations go wild.

Field Day Put together a picnic full of good eats and gather around for fun and classic games such as a three-legged race, an egg toss or softball.

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5 9F A L L 2 0 0 7

| your family

Nature Symphony Listen to the sounds of nature right outside your home with the melodic buzz of cicadas and crickets audible in the evening.

Exotic Escape Add a foreign flair to your backyard by dressing up your outdoor space with novelties representing your dream destination. Prepare authentic dishes and decorate your table in your countrys traditional style.

World record contests Attempt to make the largest pizza or other popular meals using outdoor cooking methods to share with friends and family. Afterward, hold eating contests and see who has the biggest appetite.

Luau Learn how to make a traditional Hawaiian cooking pit the tools are easily accessible and the whole family can join in the fun. Add colorful decorations and mix up tropical drinks to complete the night.

Outdoor Oasis Spruce up the pool area by throwing in a few fresh flowers such as lilies or flower petals and floating votive candles to the water.

Backyard Beach Enhance your pool by setting your

kids sandbox next to the water and making a mock beach. The

kids can build sandcastles while you work on your tan.

Lara Eakins from the University of Texas Observatory, located at RLM 13.132, gave some advice on visible, bright fall constellations. These constellations can be clearly visible to the south around 9 pm with a low powered microscope.

Pegasus: The Winged Horse

Cygnus: The Swan

Lyra: A Lyre

The University of Texas has two observatories that are open to the public. RLM 13.132 houses a reflector microscope, open on Wednesday evenings while the refractor microscope located at Painter Hall is open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays. You can find out more information about public viewing on the UT campus at http://outreach.as.utexas.edu/.

Fall ConstellationsYour own backyard is the perfect place to stargaze with your little ones. However, for a crystal clear view of the night sky, take a short drive to Austins backyard, the Texas Hill Country.

Y O U R A D D R E S S 6 0

Weve all had the experience. Remember? It was a time when life, or work, seemed to flow effortlessly. You knew what you wanted, and how to make it happen. You enjoyed each step of the way, and you loved the results. No stress, no struggle, no neurotic procrastination.

When youre clear, you can sort things out calmly, even playfully. Decision-making becomes easier. No wheel-spinning, no angsting.

Clarity is the catalyst to action, because with clarity comes commitment. When youre committed, action takes surprisingly little effort.

Although we often think of clarity as an outcome, clarity is really a process. It is a habit of mind. Whats more, it is a habit of mind you can learn.

What follows is a five-step process that will keep you thinking clearly, acting purposefully, and accomplishing what matters most.

You can use this process to work out a particular issue, and you can use this process to change your whole approach to life. Either way, it will give you a way to get clear and get going!

1. Press pause Pressing pause is the first step to the habit of clarity. Youve got to take a direct and deliberate time-out. Every day. For fifteen minutes.

If youre moving too quickly, the passing view is blurry. Youll never find, let alone maintain, clarity.

Doing nothing permits us to relax into ourselves. (Its like my first pilates teacher used to say, as we were struggling so hard to simply locate those elusive core muscles: More feeling, less effort.) We have space to notice what thoughts and emotions rise to the top. our more risky or resistant feelings have space to make themselves known. Back burner ideas are given a fighting chance to make it to the front burner.

2. Pay attention Once youve mastered 15 minutes of nothing a day, youre present and primed for active listening. To yourself. What can you observe about your own thinking patterns, emotional themes, and behavioral habits? This personal profiling is essential to the five-step process, because it is the basic material that will either block or enable the flow of clarity.

Im not talking about turning into a narcissist, gazing admiringly at yourself in every passing mirror. Im just talking about getting curious.

As you pay attention to your thoughts, emotions, and actions, its important to keep the impulsive rush to judgement in check. Can you remember what it was like as a kid, when feeling wonder was fun enough? Can you watch yourself with that same wonder, at a slight distance, without letting personal baggage cloud your vision? Can you skip the color commentary?

Can you play the role of anthropologist, eager to study yourself as the most fascinating subject around?

3. Ask questions Once you have become present to yourself by pressing pause and paying attention, you will find yourself naturally wondering How . . . ? and What . . ?

Thats when you realize: clarity is an inquiry.

Questions drive this self-inquiry. They provide depth, and detail. They connect the dots. They reveal whats been ignored, lost, or forgotten. They dislodge whatevers stuck. They cut through the clutter and debris. They dissolve the waxy buildup.

Keep asking those questions, and your priorities will become increasingly transparent and powerful. No more feeling confused or conflicted about what matters most.

The goal is to ask probing, informational questions, which are open-ended and non-judgemental.

4. Ask more questions Some questions are more difficult to pose than others. The hardest questions are the ones that cut closest to the bone. These are the heavy hitters youll need when you meet your most stubborn fear and resistance.

At the moment when you feel the most exhausted, when you are venturing beyond your comfort zone, when the path of least resistance beckons, you need to ask the hardest questions. This most treacherous stretch of the course requires you to remain relentlessly rigorous. I dont know is not an option. Neither is fibbing.

The price of clarity is brutal honesty.

5. Write it down Writing is a further way of inquiring into yourself. It can serve two purposes in your quest for clarity. First, you can use writing to access your intuition by journaling and freewriting. Second, you can use writing to commit to your intentions.

By writing down what you want to accomplish, you hold yourself accountable, as if you had signed a contract. once its down on the page, a statement to the world, youll find more courage to act and less chance to renege.

Want to learn more about achieving clarity and accomplishing what matters most? Visit www.anndaly.com. And let me know how the process is working for you! Write to me at: transitions@anndaly.com.

Transitions: Get Clear & Get Going! By Ann DA ly, PhD

Ann Daly PhD is a clarity coach based

in Austin, Texas. She helps women in

transition who are reaching for a more

expansive life to get clear about what

they want and how to get it. Write to

Dr. Daly at: transitions@anndaly.com

www.anndaly.com/coach

Editors Note: This is an excerpt from Dr. Dalys new book, Clarity: How to Accomplish What Matters Most, available online at www.anndaly.com.

Someday can be sooner than you think. In 2005, homeowners spent more than $2.5 billion in garage remodeling, according to the National Association of Homebuilders, up from $2 billion just a year prior, and the number continues to grow. Thousands of homeowners have already discovered that garage renovation retailers and companies are introducing new, innovative products that make it easier than ever before to streamline the most troubled garages, sprucing

up the space while maximizing functionality. A garage no longer has to be the final resting place for castoffs and clutter from the house. It can be an inviting, multi-purpose space that rivals the most luxurious elements inside the home.

From the Outside In The increase in two-, three-, and even four-car garages is changing the way people look at their homes, especially the view from the street. Large

garages often take up a significant amount of facade space. Bland, unimpressive doors detract from the overall aesthetic of a home. Todays design trends incorporate the look of the garage doors with the overall design of the home. ordering custom doors is an option, but many manufacturers already offer an array of choices to complement different home styles. Classic carriage style doors made from hand-crafted wood in a variety of colors complement Colonial, Victorian, or Cape Cod style homes, while innovative steel, glass or aluminum doors are perfect for contemporary houses or homes with modern flair.

what part of your house gets the least attention? As more and more Americans join the home remodeling craze, kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms are shedding years of old paint and fixtures for new, lavish updates. But chances are one space is still getting ignored. Perhaps the most utilized space in the house, the garage continues to be the place where old appliances, toys and trash pile, remaining in the well get around to it someday category.

Great Garages: Cars and Clutter Conquered

For more great garage advice, please see our Ask the Expert column on page 12.

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From the Ground Up A chic garage