Arana Family photo

Reading the Stars and Charting 2019

by with No Comment Blog

Ernesto, the kids, and I spent the first week of the year in Sea Ranch, California, letting go of 2018 and committing to new and better selves in 2019.

Like any good captain and crew who look to the sea and stars before they set sail, in our family, and in our business, we take time in January to look ahead and catalogue the coming year’s trends and dominant energies. This helps us set our course for the new year.

Our mapping tools include: industry forecasts, current events, and academic sources. We also consult with a Feng Shui Master who puts together several charts based on Chinese Astrology, the first one being the Empowerment chart. This chart is a time map that describes the dominant animal and elemental characteristics of the year, and then breaks them down further by month, with a description of the corresponding energies of “Good,” “Cautious,” or “Inauspicious.” Advice is laid out for how to proceed in ways that will maximize benefit and minimize trouble.

So, what’s the scoop on 2019? A few general tips: February 4th kicks off the Lunar New Year in the Orient, and on this date, the planet enters the Year of the Golden Pig. Considered to be one of the luckiest signs in the Zodiac, the Pig represents the completion of a 12-year cycle and promises ease and peace in relationships. Conservation of resources is encouraged this year, as the beginning of a new cycle in 2020 will command much and will challenge any areas of depletion from 2019. Enjoy the ease that the Pig year brings but watch your health and budget closely!

Interestingly, this prediction that 2020 will be a year of change and challenge appears to be matching up with mainstream economic forecasts.

For anyone born in the Year of the Pig as I was, we are encouraged to broaden our horizons, deepen our wisdom, and give generously as doing all three will build up a healthy store of “Heaven Luck” which comes in handy when “Earth Luck” has been overdrawn.

In the Orient, luck is created through thought, word and deed, which can ultimately change one’s course of Fate to a course of Destiny. We are also encouraged in a Pig year to not be wasteful and to “keep up with life in a tidy way¹.”

Overall 2019 is predicted to be a good one for most and it “will be remembered fondly when it concludes on February 24, 2020¹.” From our Family to Yours, Happy 2019 and may you enjoy all of the promises of this Golden Pig year!

¹ Mandala Feng Shui, Michele Duffy, 2019 Empowerment Chart. Visit www.mandalafengshui.com for more information.

Home Mortgage Advice for 2019

By Dianne Crosby, VP of Mortgage Lending at Guaranteed Rate

Home is not just where the heart is. Residential real estate is considered an important source of wealth. Even through economic cycles, homes in California appreciate – literally “while we sleep.” If we maintain, update, and even upgrade our home, the value will accelerate. The Bay Area is a market with more buyers than sellers, and simple projects such as re-painting can raise value.

Right now, rates are lower than they were in early 2018. If you bought a home in the second quarter of 2018, you may be able to lower your interest rate, saving money each month and over the life of the loan. For those who have owned their home for a few years, the appreciation in value means it may be possible to use that equity for debt consolidation, college expenses, a home remodel, or an “Accessory Dwelling Unit” (or ADU) for extra space or rental income.

The first quarter of 2019 is a great time to review your mortgage to determine whether it is still meeting your needs. Call Dianne for more information!

Dianne Crosby
Guaranteed Rate
Berkeley, CA – 510-541-1662

Simple Squash Fajitas with Sweet Peppers

By Sun Basket, a San Francisco-based meal delivery company – www.sunbasket.com

Ingredients:
1 delicata squash
1 red onion
3 oz mini sweet peppers
6 oz cherry or grape tomatoes
1 lime
4 or 5 sprigs fresh cilantro
1 avocado
3 oz queso fresco
6 tortillas

Prep and Cook Vegetables: Trim the ends from the delicata squash. Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon, then cut each half crosswise into ¼-inch-thick half-moons. Peel the onion and cut in half lengthwise, then crosswise into ¼-inch-thick slices. Remove the stems and seeds from the mini sweet peppers; cut the peppers lengthwise into ¼-inch-wide strips.

In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, warm 1 to 2 tablespoons oil until hot but not smoking. Add the squash and cook, stirring occasionally, until starting to soften, 4 to 6 minutes. Add the onion, peppers, and ¼ cup water, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are just tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Wipe out the pan if using to heat the tortillas.

Prep Tomato Salsa, Garnishes: Cut the tomatoes in half. Juice half the lime; cut half into wedges for garnish. Coarsely chop the cilantro; set aside half for garnish. Cut the avocado in half lengthwise. Remove the pit, scoop out the flesh, and cut the flesh into ¼-inch-thick slices. Crumble the queso fresco.

In a medium bowl, stir together the tomatoes, lime juice, half the cilantro, and 1 to 2 teaspoons oil.

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Warm the tortillas: On the stovetop directly over a flame, or in the same pan used for the vegetables over medium heat, warm the tortillas, turning once, until just pliable and warmed through, about 30 seconds per side. Transfer to a clean kitchen towel, cover, and keep warm.

Serve: Set out the tortillas, vegetables, tomato salsa, lime wedges, avocado, queso fresco, and remaining cilantro.

Kids Can Help:

Scoop out the squash seeds
Juice the lime
Scoop out the avocado
Crumble the queso fresco
Stir the tomato salsa

Exterior house painting in oakland

Tips For Hiring An Exterior House Painting Expert

by with No Comment Blog

You may be looking at your home and thinking about just how dull your once vibrant exterior has become. Don’t beat yourself up over it, it is actually a very common occurrence amongst homeowners. Years and even decades pass with very little, if any thought given to a home’s exterior paint.

You might also be staring at your home’s exterior, wondering what can be done to restore it. Of course there’s the do-it-yourself approach though this tends to be both expensive and produce results that range from lackluster to mediocre. Going it alone or even with help from friends and family is also incredibly time consuming and more so when you lack experience. The best option in this scenario is to hire a professional house painter. Before you balk at the cost of doing so consider all the time and money you’ll spend trying to do the job yourself. Once you have decided to hire one you’ll have a process in front of you and you’ll want to take great care in selecting the right painter.

Do Your Homework First
Long before you actually hire a painter to address the exterior needs of your home you will want to spend some time in front a computer researching candidates. It behooves you to look at reviews both on a painters website and those found on independent sites. This will begin to give you an idea of what a painters reputation is and what type of work they produce. In addition to reputation, you should consider speaking with others online who have used a specific painters service.

Interviewing Candidate Painters
Once you have a good idea of how a particular painter operates you can begin contacting prospective firms. Initiating contact via email works while speaking with them over the telephone is even better. Of course nothing beats meeting such persons/firms in person for some face time. No matter the manner of meeting, have your queries and project details ready. The more information you can give a painter the more they will be able to give back. Be sure to discuss budget and be open about ideas and desires you have. Lastly, at some point during your discussions you should ask for licensing and bonding information. Firms that operate without the aforementioned should be immediately disqualified.

Project Details
While scouting painters it is incredibly important to discuss the scope of your project as well as the reason for wanting to paint the exterior of your home. Moreover, find out who is responsible for clean up once the project is finished as not all painters address that themselves. Offer up your own ideas with regards to colors, patters, and placement. The greater the exchange of information, the better your home will look in the end and the more satisfied you will be.

Discussing Budget
While having your home painted can be an exciting venture, don’t let your imagination be bigger than your budget. By being open about what you have to spend a professional painter can formulate a plan that works. Alternatives to more expensive options are always present but usually aren’t the first ones explored by pros. Save time and hassle by being open and honest about what you can dedicate to your project.

Ask For References
Again…more homework. When speaking with a prospective painter do not hesitate to ask for references. Any professional worth their salt will not only be able to provide you with several but will be happy to do so as well. Any painter that beats around the bush or produces questionable references should be crossed of your list. When you do contact these references have a list of questions ready for them. Ask about cost, customer service, quality of work, speed of work, and ask about any problems they might have encountered etc.

Look For A Guarantee
Not all painters offer guarantees but those that do have confidence in the work they produce. Such painters should sit atop your short list of candidate hires. When speaking with firms or individuals dig deep for the details of their guarantees. Keep an eye out for those that include annual inspections and a “no cost” repair policy. These protect your investment and ensure that you get a painter that places an emphasis on quality and satisfaction.

For A Free Quote On Exterior House Painting in Oakland and Surrounding Areas Call 510-567-9559

Rosh Hashana, Jewish New Year Holiday, Honey, apple, pomegranate, hala on a wooden table

L’Shanah Tova! Happy New Year!

by with No Comment Blog

Yes, this September is the new year for our Jewish clients. Every year this time we are requested to finish work before the start of Rosh Hashanah or are at least told that a 2-day hiatus will be taken from all activity. I have always loved a tradition that stops the regular week and honors the sacred. The High Holidays as they are referred to, have agrarian roots. Fall ceremonies celebrate abundance and a gathering together of the fruits of our labor.

Yom Kippur, the “Day of Atonement” follows Rosh Hashanah and the days between, (the “Days of Awe”) are an invitation to reflect on the year that has just ended, what went right, or wrong, and an opportunity to make amends. Fasting and praying, apologizing to family and friends for mistakes, and promising to improve, are all part of these rituals of reflection and renewal. In college I worked for Rabbi Fred Krinsky and his wife Lyn in their home and so I connected deeply with the Judaic traditions. I grew to love the way that Judaism honored and celebrated our humanity and provided pathways for recommitting and bettering oneself and one’s connection to community and family.

Our Jewish clients remind us how important it is to take time out of our rush-rush lives for connection and I appreciate the reminder. Rabbi Krinsky was diabetic and a double amputee. Despite those physical challenges, he was a true champion for his community. He was instrumental in the Reform Jewish movement in Southern California, founding several temples and was head of the Political Science department at Pomona College. Lyn was the temple choir director, and I played flute for her choir on High Holidays. We joked that I was Jewish by association.

I loved the community that their temple brought together, how people connected with and took care of each other. I was raised Catholic. My family’s Catholicism (Roman/Latin Mass) was the kind that was canceled out by Vatican II. We were never part of a local diocese because my mother felt they didn’t mirror our values. So, I missed out on a church community growing up.

I most appreciated the way the Reform Jewish culture regarded children. In my upbringing, children were seen and not heard. During Passover Seders and other events, the way that history and stories gave meaning and defined culture, and the fact that kids had an active role in all of the discussions, left a strong impression on me

At this time of year, I am reminded that no matter what our faith, we can take time out to honor the sacred. We can invite our children to express their views. And we can reap the harvest of our participation in community, which is as nourishing for the heart as food is for the body.

THE SELF-CARE – COMMUNITY CARE CONNECTION

By Allison T. Brill, MPH via https://blog.mass.gov

Self-care – the act of valuing and maintaining our emotional and physical health – is crucial to our well-being. In order to be healthy and at our best, we need to take care of ourselves. We can only be at our best, however, with the support and love of our community. Self-care and community care are deeply connected, and we need both for healthy and resilient communities. Who are we if not in relation to one another? If one of us is unwell or struggling, we can’t be strong as a community.

Taking care of others takes our mind off of our troubles and also makes us feel good – a main benefit of self-care – because we are supporting someone else. By taking care of each and every person in the community, with the knowledge and understanding that we all experience times of vulnerability, a shared sense of responsibility is created. This responsibility creates a safer environment with less judgment and more acceptance, which in turn promotes individual and community healing and resilience.

Below are some examples of community care in action:

  • Investing in relationships.
  • Greeting people on the street.
  • Reaching out to friends and community members who are struggling.
  • Hosting a regular gathering like a potluck or game night so people can meet face to face, build relationships, and strengthen community.
  • Lending a hand to someone in need (e.g., giving someone a ride to the store or doctor, watching someone’s kids when they are in a bind, cooking a meal for someone who just got out of the hospital or had a baby).
  • Getting to know your neighbors. You live right next to them and share a street, neighborhood, and possibly a building after all.
  • Helping connect people who are out of work to jobs. Jobs strengthen individuals, families and communities.
  • Donating or organizing donations for community members who have experienced a crisis.
  • Getting involved by volunteering.
  • Sharing what you have. When we act from a place of abundance rather than scarcity, we create a culture of caring and one in which everyone’s needs can be met.
  • In today’s self-focused society, community care is a radical act. Remember that it takes a village to raise,
  • build, and strengthen individuals and a community. Let’s commit to taking care of ourselves and each other.

SEPTEMBER 28 IS “NATIONAL GOOD NEIGHBOR DAY”

source: www.holidayinsights.com

Good-neighbor relationships are one way that people engage in and celebrate community. The history of the holiday: In the early 1970s, Becky Mattson from Lakeside, Montana recognized the importance of good neighbors, and launched the effort to create a National day. With the help of her congressman Mike Mansfield, she succeeded in getting three presidents (Nixon, Ford, and Carter) to issue proclamations, along with numerous governors. In 2003, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution, sponsored by Montana Senator Max Baucus, making September 28th, National Good Neighbor Day.

Ideas of how to celebrate:

  • Smile and say “Hello” to your neighbors
  • Offer to help your neighbor in some way
  • Invite your neighbor over for a cup of tea or a meal
  • Organize a block party

PAINTER SPOTLIGHT

ALL IN THE FAMILY

​We are realizing our Vision of building our Company from within and with Family. Julio Jr (R) is now apprenticing with his Dad and Julio Sr (L) was recently promoted to Crew Leader​

Oakland bathroom painting experts

What You Need To Know When Hiring An Interior Painter

by with No Comment Blog

There are a great many things to consider once you’ve decided to repaint the interior of your home. All of these considerations and ultimately, you choices, will factor into the “final product” so to speak. Because painting a home is considered an investment and meant to breathe new life into your home, you’ll want to make the most informed and sound choices possible.

The first and perhaps most important consideration you will face when moving forward with an interior paint job is the hiring of professional painter. There are normally many professionals operating in a given location and the internet makes it easier than ever to find and contact these firms. It has often been stated that too few choices isn’t necessarily a bad thing, especially when you’re facing too many. While the validity and weight of that statement may be up for debate, there is no arguing that having so many professional painters vying for your business can make it difficult to determine which ones are best. The following tips come directly from professionals in the painting industry and will help you navigate the seemingly endless sea of experts. They will also help the process move along smoothly and complete in a timely fashion.

Checking For Lead – Homes built before 1978 often contain lead paint, or at least traces of it. While a home that old will likely have been repainted at least a few times, it’s a good bet that some of its original lead based remains. In such scenarios, you will need to hire a professional interior painter that knows how to deal with lead paint. Lead paints are extremely hazardous so this step of the process (if applicable) should never be overlooked.

Preparing For New Paint – The repainting of your home’s interior is likely part of a greater renovation project. As such you will want all repairs, upgrades, and cleaning projects completed before the professional you’ve hired arrives. Ensuring the completion of other projects and that the areas to be repainted are clean allows professional painters to do their best work. Be extra vigilant in areas such as bathrooms and kitchens as grease and soap deposits are problematic for new paint.

Reviews And Interviews – In order to ascertain which professional painters are reputable and to weed out those that are less than such, it behooves you to spend some time doing a bit of homework in the early going. Using the internet, read reviews, be thorough when visiting a painters website, and whenever possible…try speaking with others who have worked with a painter or painting firm that strikes your fancy. Word of mouth is often the best type of review as it comes from actual real world experience and isn’t born of an online damage control campaign.

When you do finally contact a professional painter, have a list of questions and concerns at your side. Begin by asking for a company’s licensing and insurance information. Include questions pertaining to the types/brands of paints they use, how big a team they utilize, how long the job might take, and even if they are adept at working with other interior design contractors. The more questions and concerns addressed at this time, the better your experience and results will be.

Additional Costs – There are many instances where a professional painter will be forced to include surcharges in their final bill. If you have heavy furniture that you are unable to move for example, the painters you hire may do it for you albeit at an additional cost. When speaking with a painter be sure to ask about additional fees and where they may be applicable so that there are no surprises down the line. Even better, look for painters that include these charges in their quote.

Picking Colors – Choosing a color that satisfies you and does right by your home isn’t always an easy task. More often than not the sheer amount of colors available lead to confusion and frustration when you go it alone. This is why nearly all professional painters will work closely with you in the early stages of a project. Both you and the painter you’ve hired will sit down and not only bounce around ideas but will look at color charts, discuss placement options, and then apply test samples of your choices so that you can see what they look like in real life. Make certain that the painter you are thinking of working with will repeat this process until you are satisfied and at no additional cost.

Doing It Right The First Time
As is the case with everything related to home improvement projects, doing it right the first time is always the most sound way to move towards a conclusion. Hiring a less than reputable painter simply to save a few nickels and dimes rarely ends well and can double and triple costs when you are forced to hire a second team to fix the problems such individuals create. When hiring a professional painter to refresh the interior of your home don’t be hasty, don’t become parsimonious, and don’t settle for anything but the best.

kitchen painting in Oakland

The Best Colors For Your Kitchen

by with No Comment Blog

Next to your living room, your home’s kitchen gets the most use. It’s also an area visitors tend to visit frequently and immediately upon entering your home. Being such an important part of your home, your kitchen should not only be spacious and well organized but should look great too. Part of making and keeping a kitchen looking good is its paint. Over time, a kitchen’s paint can dull and become stained by smoke. It can also hold onto the hundreds of different smells that have originated from your stove, oven, fridge, and even food and drink left out on the counter.

In order to remedy all of the aforementioned new paint is needed. Some homeowners elect to have their kitchens painted as part of a larger redesign project while others use only paint in order to revitalize their kitchens. No matter why a homeowner chooses to repaint their kitchen, they face a number of different options and hard choices. Everything from choosing the right shade, pattern, and brand will determine just how happy a homeowner is at the conclusion of their project.

Help From Professionals
Making choices that carry the biggest benefits to a kitchen is no easy task and the sheer number of wildly different options can be confusing and maddening. When a homeowner hires a professional painting firm however a talented staff of artisans will take what a homeowner has envisioned and bring it to life. When first consulting with a professional, a homeowner will be presented with color charts, color placement counseling, and will work with test samples so that they can see their choices come to life. Moreover, professional painters will listen to and seriously consider the needs and demands of a homeowner when devising a plan of action.

Colors Galore
There is virtually no color of paint that can not be created. While this may initially sound wonderful, having too many choices often breeds indecision and regret. While a homeowner can most certainly use any color they like when repainting their kitchen, many colors simply don’t work or fit in a kitchen environment. Conversely, there are a number of colors that work exceedingly well in kitchens; making them not only stand out but fit in as part of a home.

Harbor Gray Ac-25 – A great deal of homeowners love using white or some type of off-white in their kitchen. While this is certainly understandable, white shows everything as it becomes dirty and stained. To avoid the discoloring of white paint in a kitchen, this paint is often presented by professional painters to homeowners whom want to go as white as possible. This gray is considered a neutral that pairs tremendously with brass, marble, and many other colors.

Galápagos Green 475 – This green is a deliciously deep and rich shade of green. Kitchens with a large number of pantries and cupboards look fantastic with this green surrounding them. The savory look of this green can create a dramatic look in a kitchen and will look fantastic for long periods of time.

Moore Ice Blue 2052-70 – Ice blue paint makes a kitchen look and feel as crisp as a pre-sunrise September morning. The pale blue of this shade exudes warmth and freshness while it creates a soothing kitchen atmosphere. Those homeowners whom love a white kitchen but want a bit of added color will find that Moore Ice Blue satiates quite nicely.

Farrow & Ball Pegnoir No. 286 – Homeowners looking to add a bit of fun to their kitchen will adore this color. Its delicate lavender and slight gray mix makes kitchens look modern and warm. This color can be used on ceilings and matches well with cupboards and pantries no matter their finish.

Farrow & Ball All White No. 2005 – This shade of white is perfect for homeowners whom want to go all white but don’t want a glaring white that comes off as too bright. Professional painters can use this shade of slightly muted white to create both modern and retro kitchen vibes. This white is a wonderful companion to marble counter tops too.

Benjamin Moore Raccoon Fur 2126-20 – Kitchens with elevated ceilings and plentiful wood will benefit greatly from this color. This color doesn’t scratch or bite as its name might suggest but it will bring kitchens to life with its rustic, homey outdoorsy, and slightly chalky look.

Farrow & Ball Mizzle No. 266 – This dusty grey green color is extremely versatile and can be used to create a multitude of different atmospheres within a kitchen. Being a “flexible” color means it sits well with different types of wood finishes and counter tops. Homeowners that desire a timeless look can use this color all throughout their kitchen to satisfy that need.

Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter Hc-172 – Homeowners that have kitchens full of brass and marble will find this shade of pewter to be exactly what their kitchen needs to be reinvigorated. Being a popular alternative to plain white paint, this pewter is a muted albeit bright color that manages to make kitchens feel fresh.

Benjamin Moore Lucerne Af-530 – When white paint or some variant of it isn’t enough for a homeowner, they’ll want something with much more color. Blue is always a comforting color and one that can really bring a kitchen to life. It is also a stark and joyfully jarring change to kitchens that where previously white. This blue pairs exceptionally well with black and brass accents as well.

Farrow & Ball Breakfast Room Green No. 81 – In order to liven up and make a kitchen vivacious, homeowners will want to add some real color to the walls of their galley. This particular shade of green is colorful enough to add vibrancy to any kitchen without being so overwhelming that it detracts from counter tops, cupboards, and the like. Additionally, this green works in tandem with various browns to create something truly special.

Endless Colors And Choices
The aforementioned are but a few of the choices homeowners have when they set out to redecorate, repaint, and/or re-imagine their kitchens. Depending on the kitchen, a homeowner’s personal likes/dislikes, the needs of their home, their budgets, and a whole host of other variables, professional painters might recommend reds, browns, purples, pinks, and other colors that aren’t traditionally associated with kitchens. Professionals can also create custom colors for homeowners allowing them to concoct a customer’s favorite color or something that they can only see in their mind but can’t verbally describe. The choices are virtually endless when it comes to repainting a kitchen so it behooves homeowners to take their time and work closely with the professionals they have hired in order to create the perfect color for their kitchen.

Arana Craftsman Philosophy

Loving care of your home is your first and most economical line of defense for your family’s biggest investment.

Our mission is to serve homeowners by preserving the structure that provides warmth and sustenance for their families.

We believe that Bay Area families deserve the finest work at a fair price. We work with you to protect and extend the life of your home. Your satisfaction is guaranteed.

The difference is clear when choosing Arana as your professional house painting experts in Oakland.

AR-crop

Riding For A Cause

by with No Comment Blog

Not only do we appreciate our Clients for their business, but for their personal endeavors in contributing to our community in a positive and enriching way.

We had the pleasure of donating to Andrew’s recent AIDS/LifeCycle bike ride and getting to know him on a more personal level. Thank you, Andrew and Julie, for all that you do to help those in need of loving, compassionate care!

Read more about Andrew’s story below.
~ Araceli, Service Manager

“When I was 25 years old I could have done this 545-mile ride without thinking too much about it. Well, let’s just say that I am not 25 years old anymore….

It’s one thing to do a century ride. It’s a whole different ballgame to wake up and do a century ride for 6 days in a row.

I am participating in this 545-mile ride because A) it gives me a chance to get back in shape. B) this is a cause that is near & dear to my wife, Julie. She has spent 20+ years involved with pediatric HIV/AIDS and started a summer camp for kids who were positive in the Bay Area. We have a lot of pictures in our house of the children she worked with over the years who did not survive. I will ride with their pictures on my helmet to honor and remember them. C) I get to spend a week with my dear friend and riding partner, Sarah Garrett. She did the ride last year and basically told me to quit being lazy and ride with her this year. (Did I mention that I hate her now?)

Thank you to all my friends who will make this ride possible. More info about the ride can be found below:

June 3rd – June 9th, over 3,000 Cyclists, Roadies and Virtual Cyclists will be participating in AIDS/LifeCycle, a 545-mile bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles to raise funds for the life-saving services offered by San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles LGBT Center. This year, I’ll be one of them!

The services provided as a result of this event mean the world to those who receive them, and your support means the world to me.”
~ Andrew Hybl

Learn more and participate and/or donate: https://www.aidslifecycle.org/

Thermory Deck Project in Berkeley Hills

By Truitt & White

Check Out This Month’s Decking Project!

One of the best things about our beautiful East Bay, besides the great views, is the talented folks who we get to work with. This incredible deck project, featuring Thermory Decking Products, is a prime example of that talent. In fact, this decking project is so perfect, that we can’t decide what’s better: the craftsmanship or the views!

This roughly 500 square foot deck, located high in the Berkeley Hills, was assembled using products from Truitt and White. There was some custom Steel Work from local Berkeley Fabricator Larry Brown. The decking surfaces are all Thermory, and the handrail system is clear vertical grain cedar.

Albany based designer Amy Guiang did the deck design, and Arana Craftsman Painters completed the finishes. The craftsmen at McDunn Construction lead the project from conception through punchout to the 5 star satisfaction of the client.

McDunn Construction is a Berkeley based general contractor who specializes in accessory dwelling units, decks and outdoor projects. Principal, Dan McDunn, has been operating as a licensed GC since 2000 in multiple markets, and since 2010 in Berkeley, CA. You can find contact information and project photos at mcdunnconstruction.com.

Source: https://www.truittandwhite.com/project-of-the-month/thermory-deck-project-berkeley-hills

5 creative ways to practice self-care

By Lively Staff

  1. Buy a new Body Lotion

    A good body lotion or moisturizer can do wonders for your skin. As a bonus, fragrance can dramatically impact our mood, which means that a pleasant-smelling body lotion can lift your mood. Springing on a new body lotion (we personally love all-natural beauty brands) and using it to moisturize your limbs is a fantastic small way to treat yourself.
  2. Do a Digital Detox
    These days, most of us are connected 24/7. Work seems to permeate our weekends these days through intermittent emails, while our tendency to compare ourselves to others no longer knows no limits, thanks to Facebook and Instagram. Even if you don’t feel like you have issues with social media or off-hours work demands, the simple strain of constantly seeing new media and information can take a major toll. Taking just one weekend to detox from digital media can give you a refreshing mental break.
  3. Meal Prep on Sundays
    Meal prepping as self-care? Absolutely! By prepping meals ahead of time — whether they’re lunches or dinners — you set yourself up to nourish your body with healthy food all weekend long. And like we said, self-care isn’t just about relaxation. It’s about truly taking care of your health and wellness.
  4. Go for a Solo Walk
    Going for a walk is one of the simplest things you can do for yourself. It only requires ten to fifteen minutes, and it’s great for both the body and the mind. Exercise releases endorphins, which makes us happier. Meanwhile, taking in the scenery of the outdoors can help boost the mood and clear your mind.
  5. Take a Class or Lesson
    Whether it’s a one-time session or a month-long weekly class, learning a new skill is great for the brain. It also gives you something exciting and interesting to look forward to that helps cultivate new hobbies and boosts your sense of self.

    Adapted from: http://www.stay-lively.com/?s=creative+ways

Exterior house painting in oakland

Don’t Go Against These 10 Rules When Repainting Your House

by with No Comment Blog

Don’t you just love it when after a long day of work, just as you pull up the corner, you see your house gleaming in the sun for all to see? It’s the bright spot of the neighborhood and actually one reason why the area you live in is highly sought after. Over the years though, you’ve been busy at work and raising a family. The elements have been right there with you getting busy as well.

As an effect of the elements doing what they do best, your house has lost some its sheen and developed issues here and there, whether with the roofing, siding or water leakages. It’s time to get your house back to its former glory, but where to start?

With an exquisite paint job, of course. A properly done paint job is sure to rejuvenate the house, as well save you some serious amounts of cash. Hiring a professional painter will cost anywhere between $1,000 to $5,000. If you want an exquisite job, it is generally recommended to get an expert.

However, you can save on that cash and do the painting yourself. However, this will require serious effort from you and your collaborators, and the job can take anywhere from one to two weeks. And this could actually work to your advantage; a paint job usually lasts several years before a new coat is required.

With that in mind, what rules should you follow when repainting your house?

  1. Be real.

    It may be tempting to pick up the tools and do the job yourself and save yourself some serious dough. Have you considered this though, do you have the skills, the time and the patience to deliver the quality job you are looking for?

    Painting a house by yourself, or even in the company of friends or family, is a very tedious job that requires copious amounts of time. If you neither have the skills nor the time, consider hiring a professional.
  2. Quality matters… a lot!

    You literally get what you pay for. That paint you were thinking about was a lot for very little money but ask yourself this, how long will it last until you need to repaint the house? A quality product will push you several years before you even think about painting again.

    These quality paints and primers will usually cost anywhere from $35 to $70, but the quality and years of service you get will be unparalleled in comparison to some of the cheaper paints.
  3. Be sure to check the type of paints you want to use.

    Although it was the norm several decades ago due to their durability, lead paints have been found to be a health hazard to both children and adults. As the paint gets older, the flakes and dust from the paints could cause various degrees of lead poisoning.

    If the house you currently reside in has paint residue from before 1978, it is recommended that you contact lead paint removal experts before embarking on a fresh painting session.
  4. Temperate weather is the best.

    Well, the elements have a say in how well your paint will age, how long it will last before wear and tear make you get a new coat. They also have a say in what time of year you should paint if you want to get good results. Yes, really. Here’s how…

    The paint you are using is essentially a combination of chemical elements. Every element is affected in one way or another by temperature. When the temperatures are too high, or you’re painting in direct sunlight, the paint will dry too quickly. Painting when it’s too cold will cause the paint to not adhere to surfaces properly.

    The best times to repaint the house are when the temperatures are between 50 to 90 degrees. And this should also be done when there’s no precipitation forecasted. Painting over a damp or dewy surface will cause the coat to develop bubbles.
  5. Lay the groundwork.

    Before going out to paint, ensure the surface you want to paint has been prepared for the new coat. This will mean removing the old coat of paint. You can start by using a scraper to remove old, flaky paint. The next step will be to wash the surface with soapy water and scrub with a brush. Wherever possible, use a pressure washer to blast the surfaces clean.

    If you’re facing tougher paint, you can use power sander to get a smooth surface. The idea is not to remove all the paint, just to get a smooth surface which the new coat can adhere to.
  6. Protect what’s not to be painted.

    Before getting down to business, if you have furniture, plants or other fixtures around the surface you want to paint, you will either need to move them or cover them. As you go around the surface you are painting, there will always be sprays and splatters that land on surfaces you never intended to paint.
  7. Tools make work easier.

    The right tools anyway. Consider the surface you are painting on and the effort and quality you want. That’s the first step to determining which tools you will use. You may need to use a roller, or a high-quality brush, or an airless sprayer.
  8. No shortcuts please.

    If you want your house to look as amazing as it once was, or as you imagine it in your head, there is no room for shortcuts. This means applying all the necessary coats of paint to get the finish that you want. If you’re painting over a bare metal or wooden surface, you will need to use a high-quality primer to prepare the surface for what’s to come.
  9. Do your homework.

    Even though it may look like a mundane activity, painting is nothing like that. It actually requires various specialized techniques that a proper painting novice will have no idea they exist. Before embarking on the task, do your homework on painting techniques and how to mix paints to get the effect you want.
  10. Do some more homework.

    That’s if you do decide to hire a professional. The gig economy has grown in leaps and bounds with the proliferation of the internet. Any Tom, Dick and Harry who fancies themselves a good painter will make themselves available, and you may just land on the most incompetent of them.

    When choosing an Oakland painting company, ask for detailed bids and most importantly, the contacts of at least two satisfied customers. Call them up and if possible, arrange a visit to the premises that were painted and inspect the work for yourself.

For A Free Oakland House Painting Estimate Call 510-567-9559

Altar

Turning and Returning

by with No Comment Blog

I love October. Not only is it the month of crispy leaves and long shadows, it is also when we get to celebrate Día De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Similarly known as All Souls Day in the Catholic tradition, this holiday is dedicated specifically to reaching out to those close to us who have crossed over.

Bay Area Reclaiming holds a public ritual to celebrate Samhain, an older Pagan celebration that marks the “thinning of the veil” between the living and those who have passed. All of these traditions mirror more ancient ones that focus on ensuring that our ancestors are well in spirit so that they do not wreak havoc in the world of the Living. The essence is that In the re-membering and celebrating — we put the pieces and parts of who we are back together and we can live more enriched and fulfilling lives.

This year our family is building our biggest altar de ofrendas ever, to celebrate. This picture, above, shows only a section of the larger installation we have been constructing in our Living Room. We gather family members to make paper flowers, and other multi-colored pinwheel flowers and decorations for the altar. The official dates are October 31 through November 2, but the altar takes weeks to prepare!

If you’ve seen the movie Coco or been to local Bay Area Día De Los Muertos ofrenda displays, like the one at the Oakland Art Museum’s Annual Day of the Dead Celebration, you are likely familiar with the traditional Mexican color scheme, featuring the golden-orange color of the marigolds (sometimes called Flor de Muerto in Mexico).

In Guatemala, where Ernesto is from, the colors for the altars are white, pink and blue, and cemeteries are decorated from top to bottom in elaborate displays. In 1996, on my first visit to Guatemala, my plane landed in Guatemala City on Halloween. I took a bus to the northern Department called Petén. All along the way, we passed the already-colorful cemeteries come alive with people, food, and decorations. It was clear to me that this culture’s relationship with death is very different from mine.

Ernesto’s parents are buried nearby in Colma, and while the American cemeteries don’t paint their mausoleums blue, pink, and purple you can still find large turnouts for Day of the Dead as families gather to visit their people, eat, drink and adorn the gravestones with offerings of flowers and food.

Growing up our family observed the “holy”-day of All Souls Day. Every November 2nd, we would go to the cemetery and visit the graves of our relatives, and place flowers, and we would also bring flowers to a random grave — because these folks need to be remembered and honored, too!

Fall Is a Great Time to Organize!

By Rose Ipsen of GoLightly Organizing in Oakland

‘Tis the Season

Autumn is traditionally a busy time for harvesting and preparing for the winter, a time of well-earned rest and reflection. And with the fall equinox officially behind us, many of us are transitioning from a flurry of summer activity to settling into rigorous fall routines. Getting organized can help bring even more rest into your life.

When people think of decluttering and getting organized, they often think of New Year’s Resolutions or Spring Cleaning. But fall is the season of letting go, and like the trees dropping their leaves to conserve energy, we can flow with the energy of the season and shed what is no longer serving us so that new fresh life has space to bud and flourish.

What’s in the Way Is the Way
Asking for help with organizing can be vulnerable and bring up uncomfortable feelings. What if I regret saying goodbye to my old favorite mug? What would my mother think if I let go of that sweater she gave me ten years ago? How did I let things get this out of hand? My clients regularly have to face overwhelm and shift deeply rooted habits. And unfortunately, maintaining an organized space in not effortless. But getting and staying organized can also be one of the most liberating practices of your life.

Are You Ready?
If you experience your home or office as messy and stressful, I encourage you to take a deep breath and really consider: what is it costing you to continue living in disorganization? If you don’t consciously carve out time, keep that time sacred, and follow through, your clutter may follow you through many more seasons. Like many things, hiring a professional can take a huge load of weight off of the process that is usually already difficult. An organizer will be your cheerleader, sounding board, and problem-solving guide through the sea of bags, boxes, closets, and more. They will know where to buy the right furniture and baskets and where to bring the things you no longer need, so that you don’t have to spend your precious time on yet another “to-do.”

If you’re not ready to hire someone or can’t, another great option is to ask a trusted friend to do a “trade.” You set agreements and expectations, and each spend four hours systematically supporting each other through each category and room in your home. However, you get there, let this fall be the season of your life where you get organized for good.

Charities-alt-selection-RMH-

A Few Of Our Favorite Organizations

by with No Comment Blog

Growing up Catholic, we were asked to tithe a portion of our earnings to the church. Today, in the Bay Area and Northern California, there are many organizations that do the kind of good works that churches can’t do. December is the season to offer dollars and support to those that strengthen our local community. Of course, there are also benefits like tax deductions — and maybe your company will match your donation!

CAMP FIRE RELIEF FOUNDATION
Directed by the North Valley Community Foundation, this is a fund that grants money directly to individuals and families affected by the recent Camp Fire, as well as funneling financial support to local and regional organizations, agencies, and service providers that provide direct assistance to fire victims.
Visit Camp Fire Relief Foundation website >

THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
Our beloved client and colleague, Dianne Crosby, sits on the board of this charity which aggregates donations from individuals and distributes grants to local organizations in Berkeley and Oakland serving the needs of seniors, children, and the homeless here in the East Bay.
Visit The Community Foundation website >

MISSSEY
Arana Craftsman Painters regularly contributes to Misssey, whose work supports and advocates for young women and girls who have been victims of child-sex trafficking through providing services and education.
Visit Missy.org website >

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT STANFORD
Longtime clients may remember (and new ones are welcome to look at the photos on our website!) back in 2016, when Arana donated expertise, labor, and materials to the creation of family suites for the new RMH at Stanford. Ronald McDonald Houses provides the family of a child who is receiving critical care at a hospital a comfortable and caring place to stay nearby.
Visit Ronald McDonald House at Stanford website >

What are your favorite charities? We love to promote the causes dear to our clients’ hearts! Email me at [email protected].

Staying Well in Winter Using Ancient Medicine Techniques

By Catherine Baldi

Our Bay Area winter with its damp chill, blustery winds and reduced hours of sunlight brings constitutional challenges that can make us more susceptible to those persistent cold and flu viruses. In my experience, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture provide the most effective methods for treating colds and flus throughout this time of year.

Acupuncture is only one of five main branches of “Traditional Chinese Medicine.” In Acupuncture, the body’s illnesses are resolved by unblocking and directing energy through the rivers (meridians) that flow through the body — by stimulating points along these tributaries with fine-pointed needles. Acupuncture is the most well-known branch, but the other four equally-important branches, “Right Thinking,” balanced nutrition, herbal medicine, and massage all together create the TCM map to wholeness and health. In the United States, Traditional Chinese Medicine can be said to have been divorced from this map and its mystical and esoteric roots.

An even less-well-known fact: While Traditional Chinese Medicine is 2,500 years old and the most familiar to us of the non-Western medical modalities researchers have found that the same theories of the body, illness, and methods of treatment were also developing simultaneously in the ancient Mayan Civilization of southern Mexico and Northern Guatemala.

When our kids were babies, my in-laws, Ernesto’s family members, were always saying, “Cover their heads! Don’t let the wind get in their ears!” Ernesto is from Guatemala so when I read the book, Wind in the Blood: Mayan Healing and Chinese Medicine, I really understood why they would say these things!

Wind in the Blood details Mayan Healing practices using the lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine to gain a greater understanding of these Mayan practices. The Berkeley-based Hesperian Foundation translated and published this book in 1999. What started out as a Spanish-language field manual, written by two Mexican physicians for western health care practitioners working in the Mayan community, evolved into an extensive documentation of traditional Mayan Healing techniques. This book details the depth and breadth of Mayan cosmology and how it shares surprising parallels with Chinese medicine.

For example, in this excerpt from the book, the authors describe Mayan medical thought on root causes of illness:

Heat and Cold Imbalance

With respect to the entirety of causes, one relation is outstanding and seems to be integral to the entire body of Mayan medical thought: the concept of hot and cold. It seems that a great part of the causes of illness — dietary disorders, emotional imbalance, excess of work, weakness, etcetera — can be seen as representing qualities either hot or cold. Conditions, objects, food — all are classified as hot or cold and under certain conditions arise as the potential cause of illness. Both natural and supernatural winds are also considered to fit within this concept. (Wind in the Blood, page 42)

For anyone who is remotely familiar with Chinese medicine, cold and wind are considered highly impactful on our health in that modality. It is so interesting to see the same principles identified in historical Mayan culture.

I have asked Oakland-based Acupuncturist Aimee Ruiz, L.Ac., to give us specific tips from Traditional Chinese Medicine for staying warm and well in the winter, plus a recipe for a healing beverage, which we have presented on the adjoining page. Please enjoy these health-enhancing recommendations!

Winter Wellness Tips + Immunity Boosting Recipe
By Aimee Ruiz, L.Ac., East Bay Acupuncture, www.eastbayacupuncture.com

In Chinese medicine, we always advocate for staying warm and that recommendation goes far wider than you might think.

Sure, you want to wear a coat when it’s cold outside, but do you know what else would help you stay well?

Here are a few tips to boost your immunity:

  • Wear a scarf! Did you know that most pathogens (colds and flus) can enter your body through the back of your neck? Keeping your neck and chest covered can guard against colds and flus.
  • Wear socks or slippers at home. Bare feet inside and outside can introduce cold into your body and lower your immunity.
  • Warm from the inside. Consume (and enjoy) soup, broth, tea, warm water with lemon, stew, congee, curries, etc.
  • Avoid cold treats and ice during the winter months. Drink room temperature or warm beverages when possible.
  • Alter your smoothie recipes to include room temperature or refrigerated fruits and vegetables instead of frozen. Also, add ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, or clove to bring even more warming elements to your drink.
  • Try soothing, warm, Epsom salt foot soaks at night. Especially if you have cold feet! Warm foot soaks before bed may help you sleep better as well.
  • Rest and get adequate sleep. Winter is a great time to slow down, do less, enjoy the quiet, and store up your energy for spring.
08-Din-to-kit

Boosting The Value Of Your Home With Paint

by with No Comment Blog

When homeowners begin discussing the sale of their home there are many conversations that come up and even more ideas that get passed around. Homeowners will begin looking at ways to improve their home. They will look at flooring, the health of their yards, and a multitude of other things that they believe will boost the value of their home.

One of the most popular and sensible ways to improve the value of a home is to have it repainted. Homeowners can elect to have the exteriors and/or the interiors of their homes repainted but often find themselves stuck at an impasse when the subject of colors is broached. Of course, homeowners know which colors they like but they often wrestle with trying to figure out what colors buyers might be interested in and which colors will give their home more market value.

The Right Colors
Potential home buyers don’t want to walk into a home that feels worn nor one that looks dim, dull, or faded. Home buyers will be spending a great deal of money on the home they ultimately buy and thus will shy away from any home that utilizes colors which look and feel drab and uninteresting.

In order to entice buyers and impress those whom are handling the sale of a home, homeowners are encouraged to select neutral colors. Colors such as tans, beige’s, golds, grays or a blend of gray and beige all make a home feel fresh and warm. While white is a popular color with homeowners, its often seen as too stark and plain and can turn people away from a home. In addition to the aforementioned colors, shades of taupe, olive, and other natural looking colors often boost the value of a home a great deal.

Painting Priorities
Homeowners looking to boost the value of their homes often turn a blind eye to several important aspects of repainting a home. First and foremost, not every room in a home will necessarily need to be repainted. Sometimes a room has a unique type of charm that buyers and property assessors find irresistible. Secondly, homeowners will want to talk with the professionals they’ve hired about gloss versus matte and even brand of paint. Not all brands of paint work well in all settings and the wrong one can adversely affect both end results and the value of a home. Homeowners with modest budgets will also need to discuss which rooms are most important to buyers in order to determine which rooms will receive new paint. A sound strategy will help homeowners get the most out of their new paint and greater boost the value of their home. To their surprise, many homeowners are often asked to use no more than 3 colors for both the exterior and interiors of their homes. Using too many or too few colors can devalue a home and turn buyers away. Professionals often urge homeowners to select 3 colors that will have the greatest impact.

Here To Help
Because choosing the right colors for your home and knowing which colors are popular at the moment can be difficult, Arana Craftsman Painters is here to help. Our staff is made up of not only expert painters but we are also artists with a keen eye for detail. Our passion and expertise allow us to work closely with homeowners and develop an approach that is unique to the specific needs of the home they intend to sell.

During the initial consultation we have with homeowners, Arana provides color charts, consulting for placement, and our team will apply test samples of the colors our customers select. This allows them to see what their choices will actually look like in the real world and will give them an opportunity to make alternative choices before painting begins. We want our customers to love the choices they make.

Arana Craftman Painters offers professional painting services in Oakland, Piedmont, San Leandro, Alameda, Berkeley, Albany, Kensington, San Francisco, Orinda, Lafayette, Danville, Hillsborough and Marin.