May 7th, 2015 at 11:00 am
Has granite lost its luster as the kitchen countertop of choice? Despite advancements in countertop materials, and to paraphrase Mark Twain, reports of granite’s death appear to be greatly exaggerated.
A kitchen favorite for decades, the natural stone isn’t always the first choice for younger homeowners, who might associate it with older generations’ kitchens. Many are opting for other surfaces, which in recent years have come a long way in matching granite’s strength and durability.
With more countertop choices available, some homeowners are using more than one type in their kitchen design. A food-prep area, where cleanup and bacteria resistance are concerns, might call for quartz. And granite might be best in a space used for serving because it is the most heat-resistant. So it isn’t unusual to surface an island in one material and the perimeter in another.
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May 7th, 2015 at 9:00 am
Author: Nate Chapnick
Information provided by: Riviera San Diego
Image courtesy of sippakorn / Shutterstock.com
Exotic Beauty: 2015 Aston Martin Vanquish
Aston Martin’s flagship supercar, the Vanquish, is a whole new animal for 2015. A revised 6.0-liter V12 engine puts out 568 horsepower, making this the most powerful GT production engine in Aston Martin’s history. A state-of-the-art Touchtronic III automatic transmission provides gearshifts that are faster and smoother than ever before, launching the Vanquish from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds on its way to an incredible 201 mph top speed. Inside, the hand-built Vanquish offers the finest in bespoke British luxury with over 100,000 potential interior specifications, while also showcasing the latest technology such as glass capacitive touch buttons. Exotic ingredients abound, from a crystal key fob to carbon fiber body panels and carbon ceramic brakes, making this Aston Martin one irresistible treat. Released just in time for the spring and summer driving seasons, the $284,995 2015 Vanquish can be found at your local Aston Martin dealer now.
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May 6th, 2015 at 1:00 pm
A brand-new event is heading to Santa Barbara this spring. Presented by Downtown Santa Barbara, Blues Cruise BBQ packs fun for the whole family. The May 16 fundraiser kicks off at 5 p.m. with a delicious BBQ dinner. After everyone has eaten their fill, the classic and antique cars arrive. The event closes with live blues entertainment from Lookin’ for Trouble at Casa De La Guerra.
Where:
Downtown Santa Barbara
De La Guerra Place
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
When:
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May 5th, 2015 at 1:00 pm
Stay up all night with your favorite zoo animals as you sip on wine and stroll through the Santa Barbara Zoo. More than 20 local wineries and tasty eats from food trucks will be at the first annual Roar and Pour Wine Festival, along with Rincon Catering, music, and more. All proceeds from this new and exciting event will benefit the animals at the zoo.
Where:
Santa Barbara Zoo
500 Ninos Drive
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
When:
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May 4th, 2015 at 1:00 pm
May is Public Gardens Month in Santa Barbara, and what better way to celebrate it and get inspired than by exploring that vast amount of open public spaces dedicated to nature’s bounty spread throughout the county? Santa Barbara has some of the most beautiful climate and topography in the world, which makes gardens like Casa del Herreo, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, and Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden truly wonders to behold. In case you get truly inspired, there will be plant sales throughout the event so you can start a garden at home, plus workshops and tours where you can learn about native bird life and their relationship to the environment.
Where:
Santa Barbara Parks
When:
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