The Santa Cruz is our most popular surface mount sink. This rectangular copper sink is hand hammered from recycled copper by master artisans. Through years of skill and experience passed down from previous generations, the end result is a one-of-a-kind work of art. Made from 16 gauge copper, the beautiful Santa Cruz has a warm antique finish with an apron allowing for quick drop-in installation. Copper is amazingly easy to maintain. Fingerprints do not show as they will on stainless steel and other metals. For basic cleaning, simply use soap and water. Laboratory testing has shown that, when cleaned regularly, a copper surface continuously kills disease-causing bacteria, achieving 99.9% reduction within two hours of exposure. Copper has a "living finish" and its patina will continue to develop character over time, meaning it will become a richer, darker color. The patina creates a unique look of light and dark tones complementing each other. Made with the highest standards of quality and creative design, Novatto sinks add art and function to any bath or powder room.

Rachael Black
Inspiration for a cottage kitchen remodel in Nashville

ZeroEnergy Design (ZED) created this modern home for a progressive family in the desirable community of Lexington. Thoughtful Land Connection. The residence is carefully sited on the infill lot so as to create privacy from the road and neighbors, while cultivating a side yard that captures the southern sun. The terraced grade rises to meet the house, allowing for it to maintain a structured connection with the ground while also sitting above the high water table. The elevated outdoor living space maintains a strong connection with the indoor living space, while the stepped edge ties it back to the true ground plane. Siting and outdoor connections were completed by ZED in collaboration with landscape designer Soren Deniord Design Studio. Exterior Finishes and Solar. The exterior finish materials include a palette of shiplapped wood siding, through-colored fiber cement panels and stucco. A rooftop parapet hides the solar panels above, while a gutter and site drainage system directs rainwater into an irrigation cistern and dry wells that recharge the groundwater. Cooking, Dining, Living. Inside, the kitchen, fabricated by Henrybuilt, is located between the indoor and outdoor dining areas. The expansive south-facing sliding door opens to seamlessly connect the spaces, using a retractable awning to provide shade during the summer while still admitting the warming winter sun. The indoor living space continues from the dining areas across to the sunken living area, with a view that returns again to the outside through the corner wall of glass. Accessible Guest Suite. The design of the first level guest suite provides for both aging in place and guests who regularly visit for extended stays. The patio off the north side of the house affords guests their own private outdoor space, and privacy from the neighbor. Similarly, the second level master suite opens to an outdoor private roof deck. Light and Access. The wide open interior stair with a glass panel rail leads from the top level down to the well insulated basement. The design of the basement, used as an away/play space, addresses the need for both natural light and easy access. In addition to the open stairwell, light is admitted to the north side of the area with a high performance, Passive House (PHI) certified skylight, covering a six by sixteen foot area. On the south side, a unique roof hatch set flush with the deck opens to reveal a glass door at the base of the stairwell which provides additional light and access from the deck above down to the play space. Energy. Energy consumption is reduced by the high performance building envelope, high efficiency mechanical systems, and then offset with renewable energy. All windows and doors are made of high performance triple paned glass with thermally broken aluminum frames. The exterior wall assembly employs dense pack cellulose in the stud cavity, a continuous air barrier, and four inches exterior rigid foam insulation. The 10kW rooftop solar electric system provides clean energy production. The final air leakage testing yielded 0.6 ACH 50 - an extremely air tight house, a testament to the well-designed details, progress testing and quality construction. When compared to a new house built to code requirements, this home consumes only 19% of the energy. Architecture & Energy Consulting: ZeroEnergy Design Landscape Design: Soren Deniord Design Paintings: Bernd Haussmann Studio Photos: Eric Roth Photography

A tree has many parts, all of which contribute to its overall health. Just like the human body, each part of the tree works together to ensure the tree’s survival. There are a few important elements that trees and other plants need to live; these include carbon dioxide, water, sunlight, and food. A tree that has been planted in a nourishing environment and that has quality soil for its roots will grow tall, strong, and healthy. Trees that are planted in an urban environment such as on someone’s personal property need regular maintenance to thrive. The arborists here at Five Star Tree Services are happy to provide residential and commercial tree care services, including pruning and removal. We help trees stay healthy by getting rid of dead branches, trimming overgrown leaves to prevent them from infringing on power lines and much more. Aside from regular care, homeowners should pay particular attention to the roots of the tree, and here’s why. Why Trees Have Roots The roots are what hold the tree in place as well as used to absorb essential nutrients from the surrounding soil. Furthermore, water is also absorbed by the roots, which is critical for the tree’s survival. The majority of the roots of a tree are located between six inches and one foot underground. While they may be shallow going down, they extend very far horizontally, even surpassing the canopy of the tree. If a tree didn’t have roots, then it would not be able to stand or withstand harsh weather. Allow The Roots to Breathe The roots of your tree need to be protected, but they also need plenty of oxygen in order for your tree to thrive. Drying out the soil under your tree will allow oxygen to reach the area. Instead of watering your tree on a daily basis, choose a schedule that keeps the tree hydrated but allows the soil to rest. Packing the soil around the tree too tight will also limit the airflow which may suffocate surface roots. Watering Trees constantly require water regardless of their age. Trees need to be watered on a regular schedule, especially during dry seasons or drought. Ample watering will boost tree growth and maintain tree health. Don’t Cut Them Cutting the roots of a tree not only limits its ability to nourish itself, but it can also leave it open to attacks. Bacteria, insects, and viruses are more prone to strike a tree with a weak root system than one with a sturdy one. Cutting will also place stress on the tree which may stunt its growth for several years. Depending on the severity of the cut, severed roots may even cause the death of your tree. Invest in Mulch Mulch is a material placed around the bottom of a tree. It is fully organic and is intended to give the roots extra protection while also providing nutrients for your tree. Mulch should be placed around the base of a tree in the spring in order to promote new growth. An additional layer should be added in the winter to provide a buffer from the cold. Tree Care by Five Star Tree Services If you are worried about the health of your tree Five Star Tree Services is here to help. We offer Toronto Tree Care Services, storm damage, regular maintenance, affordable tree removal, pruning and planting services all over the metro area. If you are interested in boosting the aesthetic value of your property, or just maintaining your tree’s health, give us a call at (416) 990-3355 today.

ZeroEnergy Design (ZED) created this modern home for a progressive family in the desirable community of Lexington. Thoughtful Land Connection. The residence is carefully sited on the infill lot so as to create privacy from the road and neighbors, while cultivating a side yard that captures the southern sun. The terraced grade rises to meet the house, allowing for it to maintain a structured connection with the ground while also sitting above the high water table. The elevated outdoor living space maintains a strong connection with the indoor living space, while the stepped edge ties it back to the true ground plane. Siting and outdoor connections were completed by ZED in collaboration with landscape designer Soren Deniord Design Studio. Exterior Finishes and Solar. The exterior finish materials include a palette of shiplapped wood siding, through-colored fiber cement panels and stucco. A rooftop parapet hides the solar panels above, while a gutter and site drainage system directs rainwater into an irrigation cistern and dry wells that recharge the groundwater. Cooking, Dining, Living. Inside, the kitchen, fabricated by Henrybuilt, is located between the indoor and outdoor dining areas. The expansive south-facing sliding door opens to seamlessly connect the spaces, using a retractable awning to provide shade during the summer while still admitting the warming winter sun. The indoor living space continues from the dining areas across to the sunken living area, with a view that returns again to the outside through the corner wall of glass. Accessible Guest Suite. The design of the first level guest suite provides for both aging in place and guests who regularly visit for extended stays. The patio off the north side of the house affords guests their own private outdoor space, and privacy from the neighbor. Similarly, the second level master suite opens to an outdoor private roof deck. Light and Access. The wide open interior stair with a glass panel rail leads from the top level down to the well insulated basement. The design of the basement, used as an away/play space, addresses the need for both natural light and easy access. In addition to the open stairwell, light is admitted to the north side of the area with a high performance, Passive House (PHI) certified skylight, covering a six by sixteen foot area. On the south side, a unique roof hatch set flush with the deck opens to reveal a glass door at the base of the stairwell which provides additional light and access from the deck above down to the play space. Energy. Energy consumption is reduced by the high performance building envelope, high efficiency mechanical systems, and then offset with renewable energy. All windows and doors are made of high performance triple paned glass with thermally broken aluminum frames. The exterior wall assembly employs dense pack cellulose in the stud cavity, a continuous air barrier, and four inches exterior rigid foam insulation. The 10kW rooftop solar electric system provides clean energy production. The final air leakage testing yielded 0.6 ACH 50 - an extremely air tight house, a testament to the well-designed details, progress testing and quality construction. When compared to a new house built to code requirements, this home consumes only 19% of the energy. Architecture & Energy Consulting: ZeroEnergy Design Landscape Design: Soren Deniord Design Paintings: Bernd Haussmann Studio Photos: Eric Roth Photography

This classic open undermount sink is hand hammered from recycled copper by master artisans. Through years of skill and experience passed down from previous generations, the end result is a one-of-a-kind work of art. Made from 16 gauge copper, the TCK-002AN has a warm antique finish and allows either for drop-in or undermount installation. Copper is amazingly easy to maintain. Fingerprints do not show as they will on stainless steel and other metals. For basic cleaning, simply use soap and water. Laboratory testing has shown that, when cleaned regularly, a copper surface continuously kills disease-causing bacteria, achieving 99.9% reduction within two hours of exposure. Copper has a "living finish" and its patina will continue to develop character over time, meaning it will become a richer, darker color. The patina creates a unique look of light and dark tones complementing each other. Made with the highest standards of quality and creative design, Novatto sinks add art and function to any kitchen area.

Dark purple flowers with nearly black calyx bloom constantly from early spring until frost. Amistad is more compact and has a fuller habit then other guaranitica types. Flowers are a magnet for butterflies and hummingbirds. FEATURES Bloom/Feature Deep purple flowers spring to frost. Plant Type Perennials Evergreen or Deciduous Herbaceous USDA Zones 8,9,10,11 Zone Detail Hardy to 23°F USDA Zones 8-11 Key Features Drought tolerant, heat tolerant and attracts birds/butterflies. Use accent, container, mass planting Exposure Full sun to part shade Bloom Season Spring until frost Dimension 3-4’ H x 3' W Growth Rate Fast in spring and summer CARE Water Moderate to regular watering Soil Type Well-drained garden soil Fertilizer Apply a balanced slow release each spring. Pruning Cut back to 3" in early spring to maintain shape. PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS • water before planting • plant in full sun to part shade • dig hole 2X the width of pot, • backfill and plant 1”-2” above soil level • water and add more soil if needed • mulch around plants

Trendy patio photo in Seattle

Imagine this stunning 19” x 18” undermount single bowl stainless steel sink as the focal point of your kitchen. Its modern style and rectangular shape adapts into any kitchen style. Not only will this sink add luxury to your space, it is also very functional and easy to maintain. This single bowl undermount kitchen sink is deep and spacious. Extra-deep basins contain splashing and easily accommodate your largest kitchenware, like baking sheets, skillets, and stockpots. A practical choice for a busy kitchen. It is engineered for optimal drainage with channel grooves to prevent water pooling in the bottom of the kitchen sink basin. This stainless steel sink is fully padded and has a noise undercoating sprayed over the extra thick rubber pads, to create a noticeable lower - tone and quieter sink. Handmade of heavy-duty 16 Gauge T-304 Stainless Steel, this kitchen sink is durable and dent-resistant. The commercial grade brushed satin finish is scratch resistant and specially chosen to help hide water spots and maintain a uniform patina finish as the sink ages. For added functionality, this single bowl undermount kitchen sink come with a luxury basket drain strainer, which is deeper and much more functional for catching food scraps than the regular strainers. The sink comes with a drain opening towards the rear, for better utilization of the space under the sink cabinet. Also included with the sink is the cutting template, mounting brackets and a perfect fit stainless steel bottom grid to protect the sink frim dents and scratches. This stainless steel kitchen sink is Canadian designed and meets the highest plumbing standards for North America.

Example of a minimalist deck design in Dallas

  Phoenix's food scene is vibrant and thriving, but also one of the most closely watched in the country. Health inspectors in Maricopa County are strict, and customers expect spotless dining spaces.  To stay competitive, restaurant owners and food vendors must stay on top of evolving health codes, sanitation protocols, and food safety benchmarks. That starts with a firm grip on restaurant cleaning safety standards. Ignoring sanitation rules risks more than bad reviews. It invites citations, customer complaints, and operational shutdowns. Whether you're operating a food truck or a restaurant, following these Phoenix cleaning standards helps you stay compliant, pass health inspections, and build customer trust. Importance of a Clean Phoenix Restaurant that Follows Food Health and Safety Standards The restaurant industry in Phoenix operates under strict oversight. The Maricopa County Environmental Services Department conducts regular inspections, and violations can result in fines or closures. In this climate, restaurant cleaning is not just a hygiene standard. It is a business-critical measure. Proper food handling and establishment cleaning protocols reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses, control pests, protect equipment, and keep your staff safe. Inconsistent practices, on the other hand, can quickly become liabilities. Start With the Food Code Phoenix food vendors must comply with the 2017 FDA Food Code as adopted by Maricopa County. This includes rules on:

• Sanitizing food-contact surfaces after each use
• Maintaining proper water temperatures for dishwashing
• Cleaning restrooms frequently and keeping them stocked
• Storing cleaning chemicals away from prep areas

Each violation tier, from Priority to Core, has consequences. Priority violations (like improper sanitization) trigger repeat inspections and possible permit suspensions. Establish a Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Cleaning Routine for Phoenix Restaurants and Commercial Kitchens High-performing food vendors operate with cleaning checklists categorized by frequency:

• Daily: Wipe prep tables, mop floors, clean grills, sanitize cutting boards
• Weekly: Deep clean kitchen hoods, polish cooking equipment, disinfect drains
• Monthly: Check pest control measures, clean freezer coils, and inspect HVAC filters

Your routines should align with the facility’s risk level and menu complexity. A meat-heavy kitchen faces a higher risk of contamination than a coffee cart. Build your cleaning schedule accordingly. Train Staff on Cleaning Protocols Staff must be trained to clean as effectively as they cook and do food preparation. This includes:

• Using the right sanitizers and PPE
• Logging cleaning times and who performed the task
• Identifying signs of mold, grease buildup, or rodent activity
• Conducting thorough surface cleaning to ensure all food-contact surfaces are sanitized regularly

Training is not one-time. Update it quarterly and post protocols in shared areas. Use EPA-Approved  Cleaning Products for Arizona Food Business Phoenix regulations call for cleaning products that meet EPA standards. These should be:

• Food-safe and non-corrosive
• Effective against norovirus, salmonella, and E. coli
• Clearly labeled and stored in original containers

Over-the-counter products won’t always meet the grade. Confirm that all cleaning products meet EPA standards by checking them against the official List N for food-contact disinfectants. Maintain Clean Air and Water Systems Your HVAC system can be a hidden contamination source. Dirty filters affect air quality and can lead to dust settling on surfaces. Water lines used in ice machines and beverage dispensers must also be sanitized. Schedule routine inspections with licensed technicians and keep maintenance logs. Phoenix’s dry climate compounds dust issues, making this step even more essential. Waste Management Is Part of Cleaning Waste bins should be emptied multiple times a day and sanitized regularly. Grease traps, in particular, require strict oversight. Phoenix plumbing codes demand regular removal of grease buildup to prevent clogs and contamination. Document waste pickup schedules and trap cleanings to show inspectors you take this seriously. Be Pest-Prevention Oriented Phoenix’s warm climate creates a year-round pest risk. From roaches to rodents, pest sightings during inspections can instantly tank your sanitation score. To avoid this:

• Seal gaps around doors and pipes
• Store dry goods in sealed, elevated containers
• Keep outdoor waste bins locked and distanced from entry points

Implement a pest control plan that follows local best practices. Proactive prevention will save your operation from reputational damage. Comply With Local Licensing and Inspections Food establishments and vendors must display current food permits and be ready for unannounced inspections. In Phoenix, inspectors from Maricopa County use a digital scoring system, and all inspection results are publicly available online. That means your customers can see your cleaning track record before ever placing an order. If you want to access your past inspection scores or understand local codes better, refer to the official Maricopa County site. The Role of Digital Logs and Compliance Software Many Phoenix-based vendors now use cleaning log apps or digital food safety checklists. These tools:

• Record cleaning completion in real time
• Alert managers when tasks are missed
• Keep a historical record for inspections

Adopting digital systems minimizes human error and provides credibility when auditors review your procedures. Monitor Cleaning Performance Through Internal Audits Routine cleaning is only effective when verified. Conduct regular internal audits to identify missed steps, correct improper practices, and maintain accountability. Assign a team member to perform weekly sanitation checks using a standardized checklist. Focus on key areas like surface residue, properly labeled chemicals, and temperature logs. Document each audit and review the results with your team during pre-shift meetings. This ensures your staff stays inspection-ready and fosters a culture of vigilance. In Phoenix’s competitive food market, consistent self-checks help prevent issues before inspectors arrive. When to Hire Restaurant Cleaning Services in Phoenix Some cleaning jobs go beyond what your in-house team can handle. Tasks like vent hood cleaning, ceiling dusting, or chemical deep cleaning are best left to commercial cleaning services. Choose a cleaning vendor who:

• Is certified and understands the Arizona food codes
• Provides documented service reports
• Offers customized cleaning plans
• Offers flexible scheduling around your operating hours

Outsourcing specialized cleaning ensures your facility stays compliant without interrupting your business flow. Cleaning Practices for Food Prep Areas In Phoenix, with its dry climate and year-round warmth, food prep areas are especially vulnerable to contamination. To comply with restaurant cleaning safety standards, these areas require focused cleaning efforts to prevent cross-contamination and maintain food safety. Here’s how to integrate cleaning into your food prep protocols:

• Cross-contamination prevention: Regularly clean food prep surfaces and tools, and use separate equipment for raw meats, vegetables, and ready-to-eat foods. Proper cleaning prevents any contact with food that could lead to cross-contamination and affects food quality.
• Temperature monitoring: While not directly related to cleaning, maintaining proper food temperature is essential. Hot foods should be stored above 140°F, and cold foods below 40°F. Regularly monitor temperatures and clean temperature gauges to ensure accuracy.
• Proper storage: Use clean storage containers and shelving for food storage, keeping items off the floor. Ensure all food is sealed and labeled to avoid contamination risks and comply with food safety standards.

Food Safety Starts With What Customers Can’t See In Phoenix's food service industry, cleanliness is essential to your success. But cleanliness goes deeper than shiny tables and spotless floors. It’s the behind-the-scenes work: the sanitizing, logging, and double-checking that keep your kitchen safe and your customers confident. When you take both sides seriously, your business doesn’t just stay open; it thrives. Meta Title: Restaurant Cleaning Safety Standards for Phoenix Food Vendors Meta Description: Explore Phoenix-specific restaurant cleaning safety standards so your food business stays compliant, avoids fines, passes inspections, and earns customer trust.  

The picturesque Wapiti Valley provides a stunning backdrop for this unique home addition. Situated along the North Fork of the Shoshone River and just a stones-throw from the Eastern Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, this home is located within a few miles of the town of Cody, Wyoming, which is regularly ranked as the number one best place to live in the state. The A5f series of windows with double pane glazing was selected for the project for the clean and modern aesthetic, the durability of all-aluminum frames, and the ease of installation with integrated nail flange. High-performance spacers, low iron glass, larger continuous thermal breaks, and multiple air seals all contribute to better performance than is seen in traditional aluminum windows. This means that larger expanses of glazing provide the feeling of indoor-outdoor integration while also maintaining comfort and protection from the weather year-round.

Entryway - transitional entryway idea in DC Metro

What stone countertop is easiest to maintain? The easiest natural stone to take care of is quartz countertops because it man made from ground stone and resin and doesn’t require regular sealing like granite or marble countertops do. Since the quartz countertops are non-porous, they don’t easily stain or etch. The Architecture Stones shop has it’s production warehouse on site where the cutting and fabrication of quartz countertops, granite countertops, porcelain countertops, quartzite countertops along with marble countertops etc. takes place and if one wants to buy a natural stone shelf, a stone slab, a stone sink, a shower bench, kitchen shelves, a stone table top, order a fire place mantel or a fireplace tile, a kitchen backsplash, stone tile, or a vanity top we are happy to help our customers from the DC Metro Area.

Edible garden in rich soil amended with compost. Falon Mihalic

After Image
Inspiration for a contemporary kitchen remodel in San Francisco

This view highlights the layered materials and custom details of the transformed Harrisburg kitchen. Rift-cut white oak on the oversized island brings warmth to the soft painted cabinetry, while the extended island provides generous prep space and integrated seating for everyday dining. White engineered quartz countertops continue 18 inches up the cooking wall for a clean, durable backsplash, with white porcelain tile extending above to the ceiling. Floating wood shelves with integrated LED lighting add warmth and display space. The cooking wall includes an induction cooktop, pot filler and concealed ventilation, while integrated white appliances help maintain the kitchen's clean, tailored appearance.

Image provided by 'Ancient Surfaces' Product name: Antique Biblical Stone Flooring. Contacts:(212) 461-0245 Email: Sales@ancientsurfaces.com Website: www.AncientSurfaces.com

Deep Purple flowers cover these tough plants from early spring to frost. Like her cousin Wendy’s Wish Salvia, this Salvia will form a ball of color in your yard, with no pruning or deadheading. A portion of plant proceeds go to Make-A-Wish® AU. FEATURES Bloom/Feature Dark purple flowers bloom year-round in frost-free climates, or until frost Plant Type Perennials Evergreen or Deciduous Herbaceous USDA Zones 9b, 10 Zone Detail Hardy to 25°F USDA zones 9b-10 Key Features Blooms won't fade in the heat; forming a ball of color with no pruning or deadheading Use Perennial, borders, garden beds, containers Exposure Full sun to part shade Bloom Season Year-round in frost-free climates, or until frost Dimension 3-4’ H x 3' W Growth Rate Fast in spring and summer CARE Water Moderate to regular water Soil Type Well-drained garden soil Fertilizer Apply a balanced slow release each spring Pruning Cut back to 3" in early spring to maintain shape PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS • water before planting • plant in full sun to part shade • dig hole 2X the width of pot, • backfill and plant 1”-2” above soil level • water and add more soil if needed • mulch around plants