Jam on down to the blog where you’ll find everything that rocks and a few things that roll. Everything from 1963 – 1975 fits in the blog that covers any amp that’s ever roared. Other than that we have some sub-pages to cover the kangaroos from down under that kepts rocking for a few years and never left much room for Silver Chair or new wave rock to really fill the enormous school boy shoes. The things that really rock these days are a lot more tame like small business growth and investment opportunities. No longer can you rage from dusk till dusk without a drop of water – you’ve got to look out for local deals in spinal wellness and financial stability. Orange County is a pretty gnarly place if you are comfortable being fiscally responsible and patient waiting for the right real estate agent to show your home. These things are part of growing up in a competitive market, however aging rockers will never let something cover their amp. They’ll turn the new life leaf over and smash a double fat strat on the stupid leaf.

Home Improvement and Design Ideas While We Have Nowhere Else to Go

Home Improvement and Design Ideas While We Have Nowhere Else to Go

I don’t know if it’s because I’m getting older, but lately I have been listening to my wife more. She’s asked me to pause my old rock and roll habits and to do some more “family man” shenanigans. She asked me if we could spend this pandemic lockdown time period making our home more snazzy. I researched some design ideas and methods and I wanted to share what I learned. 

No matter what decor theme or design ideas you have followed, every home is in need of some additional space. Whether you live in a small apartment or a large detached home, it is always important to maximize space and create a welcoming and spacious feel. Your ideas should not be limited to any one room, instead, it is necessary to think creatively about almost every part of your home. There are many creative strategies that you can try for enhanced home improvement.

Create a more open entryway

The entryway is the most important area of your home where you come home after a long day and welcome your guests for parties and weekends. Therefore, the foyer of your home must be functional and efficient. You can maximize space by arranging storage vertically. For example, you can hang shoes on the shoe rack and use wall-mounted hooks to hang clothing. Consider adding a large mirror, as this naturally creates visual space expansion.

Add functionality to your cooking and dining space

In most homes, the kitchen is the busiest space. Cooking can be stressful, but you can make cooking breakfast, lunch, and dinner easier by adding functionality. Try to maximize space by using vertical storage arrangements and use drawers or cabinets to store food items. In addition, add shelves for pots, pans, and cooking appliances.

Expand your bathroom

This is the space that most see first in the morning and last at night. Getting ready for work in the mornings can be a nightmare if your bathroom is cluttered and tight. It is possible to maximize the space in the bathroom so that you can get ready each day in peace. For instance, shared bathrooms may require more shelves and drawers to store items in a more organized manner. Consider adding drawer organizers and dividers to keep makeup, skincare, medicine, and other self-care accessories organized.

White Bathtub Near Brown Wooden Table
Photo by alleksana from Pexels

Elevate your living room

There is no doubt that sometimes your living room may be the messiest room in your house. As the living room is usually where most of the activity happens, this is the space that people like to focus their home improvement efforts. If you are in need of more storage options, you can maximize space by adding multifunctional furniture such as a coffee table with drawers and open shelves. You can also get creative with sofa arrangement to add more space.

Revive your bedroom

Sleep and rest are critical. Your bedroom should create a relaxing and rejuvenated feeling. After all, this is the room where you come to sleep after a long tiring day. It is best to treat your bedroom as a sanctuary. As the adage goes: “out of mind, out of sight.”  If you don’t have one already, consider building a walk-in closet. A painting or mirror on the wall adds luxury instantly. 

Read Johnny B.‘s review of Inspired Remodels on Yelp

For the best design ideas and construction, I highly recommend that you give Inspired Remodels a call today.

Inspired Remodels
21098 Bake Pkwy Suite 102, Lake Forest, CA 92630, United States

Importance of Termite Inspections for Protecting Real Estate Investments

Importance of Termite Inspections for Protecting Real Estate Investments

Hey y’all! I hope you are all staying safe. I haven’t been in the best mood as the stay at home orders mean that I can’t get together with the band for jam sessions. No concerts or gatherings either. So this is a guest post from my real estate expert friend!

As of this year, the CDC has confirmed almost one million cases of Americans infected with the COVID-19 virus. Unfortunately, tens of thousands of Americans have died as a result of this pandemic virus. No matter where we look, we see that we are in the middle of a crisis that will be recorded in history. What does this suggest for those wishing to sell or buy a home in the middle of a pandemic?

This article discusses some real market estate trends to look out for in this new decade.

Some cities will notice an increase in home prices. The median home value has gone beyond pre-recession peaks. It is now greater it has ever been within the last decade. Hence, major cities may be out of the price range of today’s millennial buyer segment, which is is a substantial part of the makeup. Most will forgo the expensive options of living in major cities and opt for more affordable options in the suburbs.

Interest rates are projected to stay low. Economic improvements remain to be seen. However, if so, the federal government may raise interest rates to meet inflation, as they have in recent years. Therefore, prices for consumer goods may also increase. The national rate of appreciation is anticipated to increase along with home valuations over the following twelve months. We may see that homes will appreciate at a rate that is a bit more reasonable than in previous years. However, the economics of supply and demand will inevitably test the market and apply pressure.

When it comes to buying a house, homeowners should definitely consider a termite and pest inspection. 

Close-up of Wooden Plank
Photo by Pixabay from Pexels

Importance of Conducting a Termite Inspection before Buying a Home

A termite inspection can determine if there is any structural damage from termites or other pests. The inspector will disclose any problems they discover. The future homeowner will then know what type of maintenance they may need as the home’s future owner.

Moving to a new home can feel like a beautiful dream, and that’s why it is crucial to ensure that it doesn’t turn out to be an unexpected nightmare. Without a termite inspection, a homeowner may overlook serious structural damage and issues, which will cost them more down the road.

Read Stephanie T.‘s review of Grand Oaks Termite Control on Yelp

A termite inspection can take anywhere between thirty minutes to hours depending on the home’s size and crawl space, basement, or additional areas. The inspector will check the home’s exterior and interior surfaces for any signs of infestation, damage, or other areas that might be prone to termites. 

The termite inspector may suggest frequent termite control to keep the critters at bay, especially if they were discovered during a termite inspection. You can give Grand Oaks Termite Control a call today.

Grand Oaks Termite Control
110 S Worthy Dr, Glendora, CA 91741, United States

Man’s Best Friend

Man’s Best Friend

What’s up, cool cats! It’s been a while since my last post, but some recent events have pushed me to write up about something that’s a little bit of a downer, but stick with me.

When I was growing up, my family owned a couple dogs that I basically knew from the time of my birth through my earliest memories. This isn’t strange by itself, but let me tell you, I loved one of these pups like it was my own brother. I took him everywhere with me, and if I couldn’t, good Lord would I make my displeasure known to the world.

Well, unfortunately for both me and my little buddy, my parents were not particularly good pet owners. More to the point, they were also not great cooks or health buffs, which meant that dinner a lot of the time was either frozen pre-packaged meals or an unholy amount of pasta.

My mom, as my dad would say while chuckling, made spaghetti like the president and his retinue were joining us for dinner. She would make multiple boxes at once, leading to huge bowls of the stuff that would just sit in the fridge for weeks, wasting away.

Because we hated food going to waste, my father decided to start supplementing the normal dog food with the leftovers. This went on for years, and soon enough my furry friends were becoming so fat and unhealthy that they could barely walk.

As I said, my parents were neither good pet owners or very health-conscious, which meant they just kept on feeding the dogs spaghetti up until the older one suddenly died while I was trying to take him on a walk. Just yelped and fell over, then he was gone for good.

The younger dog, my little girl, lasted a short while longer. I begged my parents to take her to the vet so that she wouldn’t meet a similar fate, but by then it was too late. Her poor health and the heartbreak from her brother dying suddenly and away from her caused her heart to give out too, and we had a burial for her just a few short months after his.

Why am I telling you this? Well, obviously, this was a rather traumatic experience for me. I’ve gone through most of my life totally incapable of owning another dog, all because my parents were stubborn as mules and ignorant about how to keep their pets healthy and happy.

We all love dogs, but most of us aren’t exactly veterinarians, so it’s up to us to make sure that they are taken to the vet regularly to make sure they aren’t getting too fat or unhealthy because of our questionable decisions. For those of us worried about whether or not our pets are already suffering from a heart disease because of symptoms that have popped up, I recommend you enlist the help of southern California-based Cardiac Vet and her veterinary diagnostics support to help determine the severity and treatment course for your pet.

Even now I live in constant paranoia that my beautiful pups will just drop over dead, despite the fact that no expense is spared on getting them the best food available. Carly at Cardiac Vet has been indispensable in calming my fears and, if trouble does appear, I have complete confidence in her ability to give me the correct course of treatment.

Cardiac Vet

+13233930616

Beware of Termites Before It’s Too Late

Beware of Termites Before It’s Too Late

Many of you who know me through reading my blog know that us rock ‘n’ roll dudes don’t mince words. We like to scream our discontents into a mic and smash everything on stage.

So allow me to get morbid today and tell you the scary truth about your home. It’s my way of showing you tough love and potentially saving you from a disaster…

Group of Men Playing Guitar in Concert in Grayscale Photo
Photo by Pixabay from Pexels

Most people are not aware that termite colonies can chew through the flooring, wood, and even wallpaper undetected. The sneaky behavior of termites has given them the nickname silent destroyers. That’s because homeowners do not often realize there is a problem until it’s too late. Just like the current coronavirus pandemic, it can spread even without people knowing it. It is a silent killer.

What is a termite?

Termites cause over five billion dollars in property damages in the United States that are usually not covered by homeowner’s insurance.

Termites are considered social insects, which means they live in clusters. A home’s structure becomes infested when these pests settle. However, different types of termites need different things.

Once termites are inside, they are a significant threat. Their munching can compromise the structural integrity of a home from the inside and out. 

For instance, subterranean termites seek the flourishing of a moisture source. They will either use moisture they find from condensation or leaks or go into the ground and carry the moisture back. 

On the other hand, dry wood termites don’t need any extra moisture and will attack solid wood. They can build colonies with little or no connection to the ground. These termites are often seen in Hawaii, southern California, Arizona, the southern parts of Gulf Coast states, and south Florida. 

How does termite infestation happen?

Winter weather can leave many homes prone to moisture accumulation and damage. Termites are pros at locating and capitalizing on such opportunities.

Termites need food, as all living creatures do. Many termites in North America feed on drywall coverings, furniture, boxes, books, and wood. They continuously forage and have been seen to travel over one hundred feet away from their colony.

Infestation can happen in two ways. Healthy colonies fly and reproduce to begin new colonies. They also start a colony when they find the right area to feast. Subterranean termites begin their infestation by looking for food and finding their way into a structure. 

Protect your home from termites

Many individuals treat their house as a home and investment. As such, termite infestation and damage can be extremely devastating. Likewise, termite infestation in a commercial establishment can be just as terrible.

Unfortunately, homeowner’s insurance habitually excludes termite damage, as insurance will not pay for repairs or treatment. That’s why many infestations may go unreported. Often, these infestations go unnoticed until massive damage is done to a structure. Hence, proactive termite inspection and termite extermination treatments are the best ways to safeguard property and lower the possibility of costly repairs. 

If a termite infestation is detected, it is crucial to call licensed pest control specialist Natural Science Exterminating in Garden Grove, Orange County. You can give them a call to assess the damage and book an appointment for them to provide the best treatment plan. 

Natural Science Exterminating
11642 Knott Ave, Garden Grove, CA 92841, United States

Revamping The Architecture Of Outdoor Living Spaces

Revamping The Architecture Of Outdoor Living Spaces

I’ve got so much pent up energy and nowhere to go. Unfortunately, backyard concerts are out of the question as we all maintain social distancing to stay safe from the pandemic. I decided that it would be best to focus my energy on doing something productive that would allow me to get outside but still stay in a safe space.

A wide range of homeowners are building sheds, personal gyms, or home offices within their backyard. People around the world need to abide by work from home protocol and are now ready to set up a well-designed home office in their premises. In addition, people are looking for personal gyms in their backyards in order to maintain social distancing without compromising their health. Detached and self-contained spaces provide a practical and affordable solution. Companies that sell different backyard services and products started gaining more popularity in the United States. 

The modern shed suppliers are even ready to design premium arrangements depending upon the unique needs of the buyers. You can find a variety of materials to design these structures. Price ranges vary with size and other options.

That said, I haven’t been thinking about building an office or gym in my backyard. What I really wanted was a landscape overhaul. If you’ve got the same idea on your mind, I highly recommend this resource on landscaping mistakes and solutions. Composting is one of the most important and nourishing practices you can do to maintain a beautiful and healthy backyard. When it comes to adding plants, consider the climate of where you live, and give yourself a realistic estimate of how much time you can spend on a weekly basis to maintain. Many people don’t understand how much goes into the architecture of outdoor living spaces. It doesn’t just happen overnight, and you can’t simply dig a hole, fit it with a plant, and leave it there. It needs to be fertilized, watered and nourished on a regular basis.

Now I’m more of a breaker than a builder. I’d rather tear things down than design and build something new. That’s why I did my research and found a Coronado company that offers professional landscape design and build services. Torrey Pines Landscape Company has been around for decades. If you check out their portfolio on their website, you will be blown away like I was. The company takes a site from any old backyard and transforms it into an oasis. They have the most innovative and creative designs—it’s pretty spectacular.

Garden Near Stone House

If you’re like me, I would leave a landscaping overhaul to the professionals. They have decades of craftsmanship and expertise in designing and bringing their clients’ dreams into the perfect Del Mar Landscape. The entire process requires a ton of communication, and the landscapers with the best reputations will be the ones who are always keeping their clients in the loop. They will also need to check out the site to take measurements and photographs so as to plan and design accordingly. Masonry, planting, hardscape, and softscape are just a few of the different facets of one entire landscaping project.

Used Goods

Used Goods

I really hate the ‘humble beginnings’ stories that you get from every single rock star or famous person in general; it’s cliché as heck. Seems like every VH1 ‘Behind the Music’ episode starts with some somber ballad playing over baby pictures of filthy kids that would eventually turn into superstars.

I’ve recently been doing some business that does make me think a little bit about my start as a musician, though. I was a lower-middle class kid whose parents made enough to keep us comfortable, but didn’t have a ton of extra cash that would give us all the expensive toys the other kids at school seemed to bring every day.

I worked a paper route from the time I was about 8 years old all the way until I was about 17 (with no car, no wonder I didn’t get a date until I was 20…). I never really spent any of the money outside of getting the occasional soda and burger when my friends and I went out to the mall on the weekends.

When I got into high school, on a whim I decided to attend a concert the school’s jazz band was putting on. Oddly enough, that concert altered the entire course of my life, as the guitarist was really killer (and I saw him kissing one of the hottest girls in the school after the concert was done).

So the fix was in – I was going to learn to shred on the guitar, and that was going to land me a really hot girlfriend the next day. Step one of the plan was to buy my first guitar.

Taking stock of my funds from about 5 years of slinging newspapers, I went to the music shop that weekend to see what I could afford. What I could afford was absolutely nothing, but man did I love the look and feel of that place and the cool older dudes who ran it.

So the next stop was asking my dad to drive me over to the local pawn shop where one of the guys at the shop tipped me off as a place to look. When we got there, we found one beaten up old Fender that had half the strings missing, and I bought it without a second thought.

So began my musical journey, one that would take me to a whole lot of highs and many, many lows. Now that that journey is over (in the professional sense), I’ve moved on to others with oddly similar beginnings.

Used items often are seen as lesser, but what they can represent is the humble beginnings of something far grander than anyone anticipated. That goes for anything from musical instruments to something as boring-sounding as office furniture.

Starting off your business using used cubicles, desks and everything else might seem like a pretty shabby way of operating, but it can give you the cash reserve you need to really kick off your business and put it into overdrive. Companies like Creative Office Design out of L.A., the guys who’ve been doing amazing work both selling me the office equipment I needed to start things off and designing the office to get the best use of them possible, can really help get things off the ground.

So, this isn’t really a humble beginnings story, just a helpful example of not worrying too much about where the stuff you start off with comes from. That may be humble, but it is just a beginning.

Creative Office Design

+17143287627

5230 Pacific Concourse Dr #105, Los Angeles, CA 90045, United States

The Battle Between Synthetic Grass and Natural Grass

The Battle Between Synthetic Grass and Natural Grass

Hey everyone, I hope you’re doing great! Many of you might know that I have had many issues with my house—well, I guess I should say that my rock and roll lifestyle has caused many issues. It sure goes through a lot of wear thanks to my chaotic nights, jam sessions, and backyard performances with my band. But as you know, every now and then I opt for a more tame lifestyle. I have had synthetic grass installed, and so I have some information to share about the benefits of choosing it over natural grass. I hope you find this helpful. 

Different home trends are on the rise these days. Most of these trends are decorative in nature, whether to the home’s exterior or interior. However, one of these is in the places least expected. Specifically, synthetic grass is an up-and-coming home improvement installation that can boost curb appeal for most commercial and residential properties. That said, this might raise the question of how it compares to real grass. 

Any homeowner should understand why artificial grass is better than real grass, especially if they reside in dry regions and overspend on professional care and chemicals for their lawn’s regular maintenance.

Maintenance

Artificial turf does not need any intensive upkeep. Unlike natural grass, It does not require pesticides, fertilizer, or mowing. One doesn’t even need to water synthetic lawns on a regular basis, as one would for grass. The only maintenance these synthetic turf needs are a timely wash and sweep. The upkeep is relatively minimal; once you install it, you can forget about the hassle of lawn care!

Safety

People might be a bit doubtful about this one. How can artificial turf be safe? Artificial grass is made from quality synthetic fibers, hazard-free and safe for pets and kids. 

Meanwhile, real grass can be an allergen, and it may require chemicals from fertilizers and pesticides for lawn care. In this way, natural grass may even be riskier than artificial grass. 

Versatility

Artificial grass is both pet-friendly and child-friendly. Those with grass or pollen allergies can safely play on this turf without irritation. Dogs also love artificial grass texture, not to mention that the material makes waste cleanup simple for pet owners. 

Weather Conditions

The synthetic lawn is resilient to any seasonal changes in weather. While natural grass is susceptible to nutrient loss, artificial grass will stay green and beautiful throughout the entire year. It does not need any chemicals such as fertilizers or pesticides to be sustained. Homeowners do not need to mow or weed it. Meanwhile, when it comes to natural grass, this is required and can be time consuming and expensive. 

Grass with Drops of Water
Photo by Marta Dzedyshko from Pexels

If you are looking to transform your law with artificial grass, the installation is best left to the professionals. For quality turf that looks as seamless and real as possible, hire the best company in your area.

Read Dennis Z.‘s review of NoMow Turf on Yelp

Cost

Nothing is worse than getting the water bill monthly and realizing that half of it went to the lawn. Fortunately, an artificial lawn needs far less watering to maintain; this ensures savings on the water bill all year long, allowing homeowners to spend their money on more essential areas of their life Artificial grass requires little to no pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers; it is low maintenance, as it does not attract weeds or pests. 

Rock Star Lifestyle – The Family

Rock Star Lifestyle – The Family

Welcome back to the blog, folks! It feels like it’s been quite a while since I managed to get enough time to post something here, but some recent events with the family spurned me into a contemplative, writing-sort of mood.

I’ve been having some pretty significant family issues recently that involved the visitation hours and custody rights allotted to me with my kids. I know this subject has been done to death with things like VH1’s Behind The Music and pretty much every biography done on the great stars of popular music since the 50’s, but this is important to me, and you are my reader, not theirs!

Years of reflection have made me recognize that the underlying issues that were the root of my family problems started in high school. A late bloomer and rather nebbish for my first years of serious interactions with women, I did not have a proper ‘girlfriend’ until well into my 20’s when my music was starting to take off.

This late start, with its corresponding years of anguish over unrequited love and watching friends, enemies, and everyone else either shack up with a girl or tear through them lead to a lot of odd ideas about what love looked like and what was proper in relationships. It also lead to a significant amount of resentment towards the fairer sex that was not fair or correct, and this in large part bled into my relationship with the woman who I eventually married, had children with, and subsequently divorced after a number of immature and, frankly, stupid mistakes.

Despite loving my ex wife and being absolutely enamored with my children, the voice at the back of my head always called for me to seek new things, new experiences to ‘make up for lost time’. Well, that would come back to bite me, as I have spent years looking to make up for the time lost with my children thanks to the divorce.

After a long time of resentments bubbling over and competing ideas about how to raise them, my kids have recently begun requesting that they be allowed to stay with me more often, and my ex wife’s stance on the subject has began to soften. My kids want primary custody to be switched over to me, but however much her stance has shifted, that would be a little much for her.

So, we once again have begun the arduous process of working with the family court system to determine a more fair and equitable system of sharing the kids that would leave her, the kids, and I in a better position where everyone can be…if not satisfied, then something closer to it.

For this newest round of court drama, I of course contacted my friends over at Shuff Law, one of the finest family law firms in Santa Ana and all of southern California. They gave a great rundown of everything I’d need to do and have prepared by the court date.

Hopefully, this new state of affairs will let me make up for the time I’ve lost with my children as they’ve grown up, as I can’t stand to think of what life would be like without them. If you’re like me, and need the expert help of the premier family law attorneys in southern California, give the Shuffs a call: you may get the same second chance at a life with your kids that I’m getting now.

Shuff Law Firm

(714) 834-0175

2107 North Broadway Ste 301, Santa Ana, CA 92706

The Show Must Go On: How To Treat A Termite Infested Music Recording Studio

The Show Must Go On: How To Treat A Termite Infested Music Recording Studio

If there is one thing I have been missing recently, it is the feel of a guitar and the beautiful music that comes from it once I am in the zone and in my flow. I recently realized that I wanted to tap into that feeling again, so I decided to renovate my office into a music recording studio to spend more time doing what I love. I may have retired from the rock and roll lifestyle and business, but I very much enjoy going into the studio to jam.

Person Playing Brown Guitar

However, as we got into the demolition, I discovered something that horrified me. It had turned out that my office had been infested with termites. 

If you have followed me for some time, you know that this wasn’t my first rodeo. As soon as I realized what was going on, I immediately called a termite inspector and exterminator to resolve the issue. It wasn’t an easy situation to resolve. For those who are dealing with the same issue, I thought I would share my experience with the termite inspection and removal process.

What You Need To Know About Termite Inspection And Treatment

A termite inspection will take place before the termite treatment, in order to assess the extent of the infestation and decide the best course of action. Now, this may vary among termite experts, but I was told to prep before my appointment by clearing out all items from the area so that inspection could be properly done without obstruction.

During the inspection, they looked at both the exterior and the interior and noticed a few red flags, including discarded wings and mud tubes. I hired a company in Pasadena for my termite treatment. You will need to ensure that when the inspector comes, they will have access to all the areas of the house. With the size of my property, it took them forty-five minutes to inspect. Your inspection may take more or less time, depending on your house.

There are various ways to deal with termites.

Bait Systems

This is an extreme measure, however, it needs to be taken when one has colonies of termites within and surrounding their house. This is done by installing bait stations throughout the space. The baits are then monitored to detect future termite infestations as they enter into your house. 

Soil Treatment

This is usually done when the house is infested with subterranean termites. A trench is dug around the foundation of the house and the soil is treated with a substance that kills termites. The trench is then filled, and the insecticide remains in the soil to effectively kill all termites. 

Wood Treatment

There are many types of termite treatments for wood, however, foams are especially useful for areas that are difficult to reach. Termite treatment foams can be used indoors and outdoors.

If you also have an infestation and are looking for termite treatment, then you should prepare yourself—be armed and ready with information and expertise. You can give Grand Oaks Termite Control a call today for consultation and inspection.

Grand Oaks Termite Control
110 S Worthy Dr, Glendora, CA 91741

How To Keep Your Dog Healthy

How To Keep Your Dog Healthy

I had a long jam session last night, so this article is a guest post by our neighborhood dog walker. Enjoy!

Every dog-owner will agree that their pets are an integral part of their families and that they cannot imagine their lives without them. These animals are so adorable and affectionate, that their wellbeing becomes such a priority that cannot be compromised at any cost. Needless to say, a pet dog has nobody else to rely on apart from its owner to take care of its health. A balanced diet, regular grooming and exercise, and routine checkups at the veterinarian are necessary to ensure that your dog’s physical and mental health is taken care of.

Keeping your dog’s heart healthy can make your heart healthy too. According to a study titled Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, owning a dog is linked to better human well-being and longevity. That said, if you notice that your dog is suddenly having difficulty breathing or experiencing fatigue, they may have a heart problem. You should schedule an appointment immediately with a Cardiac Veterinarian.  

Furthermore, it is very important for you to carefully analyze your doggy best friend’s habits in terms of their activities, such as play, eating, drinking, and sleeping. Variations in these patterns are the clearest sign that their health may be in questionable condition.

Record their weight 

A dog’s weight, much like a human being, is dependent on a balance between nutrition and physical activity. For instance, if your dog has been fed nutritious meals and is yet underweight or overweight, then you wouldn’t be entirely wrong to suspect that they might be struggling with health issues. Overfeeding a dog to keep him strong and healthy is a common mistake, as obese dogs are more vulnerable to developing serious health issues. According to experts, the best way to tell whether or not you are feeding your dog more than you should is by feeling the area around its rib cage. If you can feel their ribs under their skin without much padding, then they are likely in good shape.

Wash your dog regularly 

There is no better feeling than petting the soft coat of your dog after a long, hard day. That said, you should check your dog’s skin frequently, as it can explain a lot about their health. Common causes for concern include scabs, white flakes, and red patches. As an owner, you should check your dog’s skin for fleas, lice, ticks, and any other such external pests that are capable of wreaking havoc. Spotted early, it can be controlled before it is too late. If there is a spot that looks like black dirt clumping their coat against their skin, it could be flea droppings. Therefore, in order to steer away from the possibility of your dog developing any such condition, they should be washed often.

Closeup Photography of Adult Short-coated Tan and White Dog Sleeping on Gray Textile at Daytime

Schedule routine veterinarian appointments 

Vaccinations can prevent the dog from contracting serious illnesses that might be irrevocable or even fatal. Getting your dog shielded from ailments like hepatitis and rabies through vaccination will give you peace of mind, sparing you of the headache that comes with constantly worrying about their health.

The Accident

The Accident

This story comes as I was taking a hot tub soak in my San Diego abode overlooking the sea, deep in contemplation over the many scars I’ve accrued over the years. Not from any fights, mind you, or any feats of valor, but from the incredibly dumb escapades I’ve had with my good friend ‘Al’ (cohol). Hands wrecked from punching through walls, TV screens, and windows, burns from late night belligerent cooking, and all manner of scrapes and slashes from falling from various heights.

Then my eyes landed on one set of criss-crossing scars I got from before my music career took off – the one from the accident I had as a young kid just out of high school. The one that almost ended my music career before it got off the ground.

There isn’t some great story behind it – some moron who was drunk at noon decided to do some donuts in a cul-de-sac as I was passing by. Once a neighbor yelled about calling the cops, he burned rubber in an escape attempt, losing control and clipping me in the process. I was sent flying, my leg now bent in a direction it was very much not supposed to be in.

I landed, dazed, and remember only the sounds of yelling before waking back up in a hospital the next day. My knee was absolutely shredded, the bones broken and the ligaments torn to the point that they didn’t know if I was going to ever be able to walk without a crutch.

I decided that this was not an acceptable state of affairs, so I began many months of grueling rehabilitation and physical therapy, all at my and my family’s expense. The guy in the truck was thrown in the can for reckless endangerment, but walked away no worse for wear, while I was stuck on my butt for the better part of a year.

Lucky for me I had my music to keep me comfortable, but my family was in dire straights for a long time while I was getting back on my feet. If we had access to a good personal injury lawyer at the time way out in our corner of nowhere, we’d have avoided a lot of heartache.

So, while ruminating on all of this, I decided I’d help my local San Diego readers find an auto accident attorney if they find themselves in a similar situation. A local guy who comes very highly recommended by some friends is Chris Villasenor and his office, Villasenor Law offices.

There’s a ton to like from what I’ve heard about the firm. Patient, conscientious, and highly communicative, they have everything you want in a PI lawyer. Checking out their Yelp page, Jonathon S. testifies to this in writing:

Great attorney in all respects. Chris and his staff are very helpful and communicative, contributing to a fluid experience from the onset. Moreover, with his expertise and thoroughness, Chris was able to secure an excellent resolution for my personal injury case. I highly recommend his services.

Villasenor’s offices also do a bang-up job with contract law. A peek at their Google reviews has a number of good things to say about their work in the field:

“Over the last 10 years, Chris Villasenor has created several contracts for my company that protect me in case a dispute with a client or contractor crops up. He has also reviewed contracts from my potential clients or partners and made recommendations on ways they needed to be revised in order to protect my best interest. Chris was also very helpful and informative when my husband & I were faced with a real estate dispute while purchasing our current home. Chris is trustworthy, professional and a great legal resource in times of need AND he’s become my attorney of choice!”

So, if you’re in the Mira Mesa, Poway, or the greater San Diego area and need a personal injury lawyer or business attorney, these are your guys. Don’t get stuck with a bill that might crush your dreams and do the smart thing – sue the pants off the guy who had the temerity to crash into you.

Villasenor Law Offices

(858) 707-7771

12396 World Trade Dr Ste 211, San Diego, CA 92128

An Unwanted House Party

An Unwanted House Party

Through my years as a wannabe and then fully fledged rock star, I’ve attended a number of disastrous parties. Things getting thrown out windows, hit with blunt objects, and not a few buildings getting burnt to the ground in some particularly boisterous affairs. If I’m being honest, the disastrous parties were often times the ones that were the most fun, though my lawyer would probably advise against me saying so.

While I was mostly partied out by the time my time in the limelight came to an end, that wasn’t the end of the parties. Not only did my band mates continue their youthful shenanigans, I had some rather unwanted guests in a number of the properties I had bought over the years stage some parties of their own.

Who are these uninvited guests, you ask? Not hippies, not grungy punks, not even star-sucking sycophants looking to lap up any crumbs of clout they could steal from my plate. These guests were of an even more invasive species I’ve had to deal with.

Termites! The little critters invaded not one, not two, but three of my residences and establishments over the years, including my favorite home in southern California. This presented a pretty big problem for me, as at the time I was going through a bit of a health kick and believed most pesticides were basically evil.

One major thing I wish we had at the time was an environmentally- and health-conscious movement in society at large and pest control in particular, like we do now. As it stands, when it comes to natural removal of termites and other creepy-crawlies for my Southern California enterprises, I always call the same guys: Natural Science Exterminating.

The Garden Grove-based company prides itself on its use of natural remedies to not only remove pests once they’ve infested a building through tenting and spot removal, but also preventing infestations from occurring in the first place. They use a number of naturally derived and plant-based chemicals that the plants use to ward off pests themselves to give your home a reprieve from damaging insects, so you don’t have to worry about your pets getting poisoned or gigantic swarms of bugs coming crashing through your roof as you sleep.

When my homes were host to such unwelcome house parties, I had to just clench my teeth and allow the smelly exterminator to tent them up for a week. Once they took the tent off, I couldn’t go into the houses without my skin crawling from the thought of all the chemicals that were pumped into the walls and how every time I touched something I was now doomed to a painful cancerous death.

You don’t have to go through the mental torture I put myself through (I am a bit of a hypochondriac, admittedly, so you might not do it regardless). Natural Science Exterminating offers free termite inspections in Garden Grove and its surrounding areas, so if you’re like me and can’t stand the thought of every chemical monstrosity known to man being sprayed all over your possessions, give them a call.

Natural Science Exterminating

(800) 246-7378

11642 Knott Ave, Garden Grove, CA 92841

An Artist’s Desire To Start Over

An Artist’s Desire To Start Over

Have you ever looked at your life and wanted to start over?

Because…I have. Like most artists, I am never quite satisfied with reality as it is. I have always believed in the possibilities of creating something new, impactful, and amazing. I believe that this creative drive is innate within every artist. Sometimes it leads me into chaos, like not sleeping for 3 days in a row, and other times, it leads to a masterpiece—like my second critically acclaimed studio album. There is no way to predict where your ideas will lead you.

I believe that life is far too short for it to stay the same for too long. We are, after all, human, and that means our tastes and preferences change over time. Some of us will come to despise what we once loved, or we will come to find that that which we once could not get enough of, is now boring. In these cases, I don’t think of it an inconvenience to change things up and get to work—I see it as an opportunity. Tearing down the old and familiar can be messy, yet exhilarating.

I’ve been wanting to remodel our house for the past year. The architecture and style of my home had been largely influenced by my grunge rock days. I was into that. It’d be typical for me to wake up in the evening and not be able to tell if it was morning or evening. The house had a bit of a dark, mysterious feel to it, no matter the time of day.

Black Frame Under Red Pendant Lamp

But I started thinking that maybe I wasn’t getting the most out of life, living this way. I thought about moving to a new home, but I simply love Orange County too much. That’s when I thought about renovating my home, transforming it into a brighter and more open space.

I knew I needed to find the best team of designers, painters, carpenters, and architects. I googled “home remodeling orange county” and was delighted to find Inspired Remodels, a design and build contractor! I checked out their website and discovered that they can do it all: bathrooms, kitchens, full interiors, and custom carpentry. I knew I had to give them a call to see if they could take on the remodel I had in mind.

Sure enough, they assured me that my project could be completed by their team “from floor to ceiling.” That was relieving. I certainly wanted to have no part in the process; if it were left to me, I’d create a disaster. I will always just stick to making music, not renovating homes. I also looked up their reviews on Yelp—and they are fantastic. Moreover, their online portfolio had exactly what I was looking for.

The renovations were complete a few weeks ago, and I couldn’t be happier with my new home. I find myself waking up a lot earlier. Hello, productivity!

If you have an idea for your home renovation, you can give them a call.

Inspired Remodels
21098 Bake Pkwy Suite 102, Lake Forest, CA 92630, United States

A Quick Note Of Appreciation

A Quick Note Of Appreciation

Hey guys! Just stopping by for a quick post today because I’m shoving off for yet another sailing adventure. I’ve almost perfected my sailing skills to the point that I can take the thing out of the marina, but we’re taking it one day at a time.

Today, I was ruminating on how much my life has changed since the divorce, and how incredible the family law attorneys I used were to leave me with as much of my shirt on as they did, considering the water-tight case my wife had when we separated. The firm (Shuff Law Firm) comes with two thumbs up from me.

Since I’m running short on time today, I’ll let some other clients of their speak their piece about them:

Laura K.:

Shuff Law Firm was recommended to me by a dear friend and I highly recommend them to you!

Joe, Tamara and their entire team work with the utmost professionalism coupled with a genuine care for their clients needs. This Father- Daughter team brings many many years of experience to the table! They’ll represent you with integrity, honesty, and a great energy, yet will not be steamrollered by opposing counsel.

Most recently, Tamara held my hand during an incredibly tough situation while believing in me and the justice to prevail. Her kind heart keeps her honest and her experience keeps her strong!

I can’t recommend Shuff Law Firm enough!

Kelly G.:

My highest respect and regards for this law firm, in which I am extremely thankful for the level of professional care, support, advice and representation I received during a most difficult divorce. Tamara is the first lawyer that actually understood the complexity of my situation AND took action.  Her support staff were caring and timely.  I highly recommend this law firm to all my friends and anyone who is need of understanding and intelligent help. I am forever grateful

Finally, Jeff H., the guy who convinced me to use the firm:

If you want results?  This is the firm and people that will get your Family/Divorce situation/case solved effectively, efficiently, and the best.  I used 2 other lawyers prior to coming to Tamara and her father and they completed what I needed to be done in a short period of time and without the BS associated with family courts.  Could I have been lucky with my situation? Maybe – BUT what I have learned in business is over communication, being straight forward (hearing the GOOD and the BAD), and relentless (like TAMARA was and is) is the best medicine to quell the sickness of this not so fun process of divorce.  I would AND have recommended this firm to EVERYONE on the planet.  Seriously the best people in the business and I would be more than happy to give you a personalized reference about how ecstatic I am that I was referred and used Shuff Law Firm to CLOSE my case swiftly.  Thank you Tamara for everything you did for me and my family – words cannot express to you how impressed and overly satisfied i am with all you did.  I know you will do the EXACT same for all of your clients in the future! JEFF

Quite a mouthful, Jeff, but he certainly gets the point across. Regardless, if you are in Orange County, I would most certainly recommend the Shuff divorce attorneys, based in Santa Ana.

You can find them here:

Shuff Law Firm

(714) 834-0175

2107 North BroadwaySte 301Santa AnaCA 92706

Cultivating a Legacy

Cultivating a Legacy

As I travelled the world as a young man, the one thing that always really got to me was the feeling that America was…lacking something that almost every other country had. A rock-solid connection to a shared history, perhaps you could call it.

In other words, a culture! Hah!

It’s a pretty common observation, I know, but whenever you’d walk out into a city like Budapest or Prague, you could see thousands of years of history built straight into the very essence of the town around you. With each block came structures that were built hundreds of years ago by people who knew that they’d never get to use them, but knew that future generations would.

There’s something to that concept that got lost in translation as people packed their bags and moved here. It may be because we got all the poor buggers of Europe moving over here in the early days whose idea of adequate shelter is a thatched roof on a pile of rotten logs, but whatever the case may be, I feel we got short-shifted in the exchange. Their houses and the landscaping surrounding their dwellings captured a feeling, a spirit, a people! Ours are…pragmatic. The frontier spirit, I guess.

Since our first tours out to Europe and then my own personal travels to places like North Africa, India, China, Southeast Asia, and Japan, I’ve been determined to grab a little of that time-transcendent energy and put it into a home that my family can use for generations to come. If you’ve read this blog for any length of time, you know the family aspect of my life can definitely use some work, but I do believe I have the house and its landscaping worked out perfectly.

The perfect generational house has to have the permanent, opulent yard to match, and for that I found an incredible company to help me get my plans worked out just to my liking, Torrey Pines Landscaping in La Jolla. Those guys have made some genuinely incredible landscapes over the years, and they’ve helped me on more than one occasion work up some landscaping plans that would be fit for a minor Asiatic prince, harem and all.

For the real major jobs, the company provides a full CAD (computer aided design) mockup of what the yard is going to look like, and as changes are made or requested, you get real time updates on how those changes are going to affect your landscaping without the need to just visualize it in your head. This leads to you being less stressed during construction and makes it way easier for everyone since you’re way more likely to fall in love with the design instead of making last minute adjustments.

So, if you’re looking to reclaim a little of that Old World spirit in your abode to pass on to future generations through some landscaping in your La Jolla home, I can’t recommend Torrey Pines Landscaping enough.

Torrey Pines Landscaping Company

(858) 454-1433

5560 Eastgate Mall, San Diego, CA 92121

The American Dream Becomes Reality

The American Dream Becomes Reality

I would like to speak about something near and dear to my heart to hopefully inspire all of you dreamers out there. I guess this will probably sound a bit more serious than usual, but here we go…

Who was the first person to give you one big chance at making your dreams come to life? For me, it was an executive in Los Angelos who gave me my first record deal. I was a young kid with no money and sky-high dreams. If it weren’t for that record deal, I probably would have ended up homeless in LA or back on my mom’s couch in Minnesota.

Every artist dreams of their lucky break. But for many of us who were born in the United States, we tend to take the American dream for granted. Success stories like Kenyan musician J.S. Ondara remind us of the transformative impact immigration has on the lives of artists around the world. In 2013, Ondara received his United States green card, and today his album “Tales of America (The Second Coming)” has been nominated to receive a Grammy Award.

Stories like Ondara’s remind us to persevere no matter our circumstances, and to appreciate how lucky we are to live in the United States. Moreover, my point is this: no matter how hard it seems for you to create your art, you must push yourself to do it anyway. You should unleash your creativity against all odds, because every day is an opportunity to make something beautiful even if it seems unlikely to make it big. You never know how many people are working harder than you while having fewer opportunities and resources. I truly believe that each one of us got to where we are today because someone decided to give us a chance. That person saw something in you that reminded them of themselves, and it was your determination and drive that convinced them to take a bet on you. And it’s up to you to pass on the good deed.

While on tour in Portugal, I met with an up-and-coming band out of Lisbon. They opened for one of our shows, and I was very impressed with their talent. After the show, their lead guitarist Adriano stopped by backstage for some advice on immigrating to the United States. I was caught off guard and I didn’t have all of the answers. I promised Adriano I would ask a lawyer in the United States and get back to him with answers.

Having dealt with a previous issue with my bandmate George (he almost got deported back to Canada), I reached out to the best immigration lawyer I knew of based in Orange County, Kiran Nair of K Nair Law Group. I knew that I could trust her expertise. Ms. Nair has represented cases in Los Angeles and San Diego, in front of the California Superior and Immigration Courts.

Kiran Nair Esq.

The next day, I met with Adriano and his band at one of Lisbon’s best coffee shops and shared some good news: I would fund their legal expenses to immigrate to the United States, and I knew exactly who to refer them as their immigration lawyer.

Keep on dreaming and never give up! And if you need an immigration lawyer, I recommend you give Ms. Nair a call.

K Nair Law Group, P.C.
31897 Del Obispo St #225, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, United States

Glitz, Glamour, and Eyebrows

Glitz, Glamour, and Eyebrows

I know that this sounds crazy, but I promise you that I am speaking the truth: my daughter asks me, not her mom, for makeup advice. Back in my rock and roll days, our band was too broke to hire professional make up artists for our performances. So I picked up a brush, taught myself how to use it, and somehow, I became quite the Picasso on my own face. Back then, the popular “look” was heavy eyeliner and black eyeshadow, so that’s what we wore. My band also had its own signature: red, orange, and yellow flames painted on with face paint. Don’t ask us how we came up with that.

Last month, I was jamming away in my studio when my daughter walked in looking VERY upset. Was she upset because I sounded terrible? I sure don’t sound as good as I did was younger, but I can’t imagine sounding so bad to the point of making my daughter cry.

“Dad, I need to talk to you,” she said. Uh oh – I’m pretty sure no father wants to hear their daughter start off a conversation like this. You never know what to expect.

“I hate my eyebrows.”

Phew. I was relieved to hear that this wasn’t one of those conversations.

Before I could ask her “What do you mean?” she broke down in tears. “I hate my eyebrows! One is too thick and the other is too thin! I spend so much time obsessing about them!”

Oh my. Now I know I had mentioned that I was somewhat of a makeup expert back in the day, but that was only with eyeliner, eyeshadow, and face paint. I knew nothing about eyebrows, so I was at a loss for words.

Later that night, I went online to see what could be done about my daughter’s eyebrow catastrophe. As it turns out, eyebrows are an extremely important feature of the face, and many women are dissatisfied with the shape of their natural brows. I came across a solution that combines technology with permanent makeup to give people the perfect eyebrows: microblading.

Microblading is a form of permanent makeup. The client’s face is mapped out, and a new set of brows is traced on accordingly. Then, the technician uses a fine blade to tattoo highly realistic brow hairs, creating the ideal shape.

I came across a permanent makeup service that offers microblading in San Clemente. My daughter was skeptical at first when I told her about the service, but when I showed her the pictures, she was instantly floored and asked if we could book her an appointment the very next day. She became even more excited when she found out that the owner used to be an interior designer and understood the importance of symmetry.

Once microblading is done, the eyebrows required a few weeks to heal and for the ink to fully set in. My daughter now has a new set of stunning eyebrows, and as usual, I helped her solve yet another makeup problem!

Lift Permanent Makeup
24452 Del Prado Ave #A, Dana Point, CA 92629, United States

The Rock Star’s Gambit

One addiction I got into while on tour (don’t worry about the many others) was an obsession with gambling. Every night in the bus we’d get a poker game going with the boys in the band and the roadies, with the driver and security joining in once we reached the hotel for the night. I can still remember the thrill of victory during a night drive from San Francisco to Tucson as I finally took the pot, only to realize a split second later that we had played up until we were a half hour away from the venue and I hadn’t slept in 32 hours.

That night’s show was frantic, to say the least.

As my other addictions were, ahem, taken care of over the years and I got older, the desire to gamble has always stayed with me, lurking beneath the shadows, ready to raise its pernicious head whenever the opportunity presented itself. Instead of kicking it with more yoga like everything else, however, I realized I could use this particular impulse for some constructive use in my post-retirement life.

That constructive use? Buying businesses for cheap, turning them around, and then selling them again for a healthy profit. Don’t worry, I’m not one of those skeevy dudes who buys otherwise healthy businesses, guts them to improve accounting profits then sells them to a competitor. I’m way too vain to not leave the company way better than when I found it.

That being said, even at a discount, a lot of these businesses don’t come cheap, and every single one of them is a major gamble I take with what income I get from the residuals from my touring days. The thrill of making the purchase, seeing what mess I’ve brought upon myself, and laying out a plan to turn the company around scratches the same itch I get from playing the tables at Morongo or Caesar’s. I just have the added benefit of really helping some of the employees I inherit.

There is one risk I never, ever take when buying one of these enterprises, however – not buying business insurance. I have very little stomach for lawyers, and even less for the litigious morons our society seems to spit out at an ever-increasing rate, so ensuring every company I take on is one of the primary first steps I take once I’m in control.

During a search for insurance providers for my most recent acquisition, I came into contact with a local star who really put the other agents I’ve worked with to shame with his attentiveness and solid workmanlike spirit – Byron Galindo. His Venice Beach-based insurance firm knocked it out of the park during our initial discussions about the nature of the business and how they could serve our specific needs.

As a natural gambler, if there’s any risk I would advise any young man never to entertain, its going through life without some insurance where you can get it. So much of life is random happenstance, and if you voluntarily invite greater risk than normal, its best to have a way to mitigate it at least on some fronts.

For that, I recommend insurance. If you’re in the Venice Beach area, I’d further recommend looking into Galindo Insurance.

Byron Galindo Insurance

(310) 823-5073

214 Pier Avenue Santa Monica, CA 90405-5423

I’m Sailing Away…To Balboa

I think one of the reasons for my success as a creative force has been to some inherent restlessness in my soul, the ever-present desire for new experiences and novelty. I know for a fact this is why I’ve had so many ex-wives, ex-girlfriends, and ex-everythings. I get restless and bored without some new interest driving me to learn or experience something totally foreign to me.

So, I recently read a wild book about a guy in the mid-1800s who decided to ditch his studies and head out on a ship to experience the life of a sailor (Two Years Before the Mast, great read, totally recommend), and it got me thinking – hey, the ocean is this crazy, mercurial thing that can’t be tamed. I’m a crazy, mercurial thing that can’t be tamed. There’s probably a sort of kinship I can form with this thing.

Long story short, I’ve decided to take up sailing. As I age and I watch the other guys around me descend into drinking and golfing, in that order, I figure at least the unpredictability of life on the waves will keep my wits sharp and my liver semi-functional.

Once I set my mind on picking up the art of sailing, all that was left was to relocate to a new house that would complete this impulsive pursuit and make it easy to get from boat to home. I’ve travelled around the world and lived all over, and one place I’ve wanted to come back to is the beach cities in Orange County – there’s not a more beautiful place in the world with more gorgeous divorcees per square foot.

Also, there’s some great marinas.

With real estate in the county looking as erratic as it is, I decided to just dive in and go for it. My penchant for custom housing is well documented in this blog; what I like in the look of my home changes about as often as my hobbies. So, as I searched up and down the OC coast, Balboa immediately stuck out with its amazing beachfront and the variety in how people designed their properties over the years.

As I walked down the road, one particular custom home on Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach caught my attention. The things I look for in a house can be boiled down to: if it fits my lifestyle, if the location is right, and if it has character. This house checked all my boxes: a breezy beachy character with a ton of open space for bringing the boys back after a hard day on the open water or a yacht club party with plenty of modern accoutrements that say, “yes, I am a wealthy person who owns a boat.”

The house was constructed by Sailhouse Construction, a native Newport Beach company that has been building incredible homes that are peppered all over the peninsula and the larger Newport Beach area. The name alone was enough to convince me that it’s probably fated for me to own one of their properties, so we’re already in the process of trying to close a deal.

Images of myself with a captain’s hat, a big blue peacoat and a corncob pipe stuck in my bearded face staring steely at a rough sea are already playing in my head, so you can imagine how excited I am to get moved in and start on the next adventure. I’m also pretty excited not to be living in the boat I bought last week that’s languishing in the Balboa Marina, which in hindsight may have been jumping the gun a bit.

If you’ve looked at these photos and said, ‘Man, I want to look into some of these shiny digs’, give the construction company a look. They’ve done some pretty incredible work.

Sailhouse Construction

(949) 281-6044

170 Newport Center Dr Suite 220, Newport Beach, CA 92660

I Might Have Saved My Bandmate’s Life

I’ll never be part of the crowd, because I was born to rock on stage. I live a bizarre life, and that’s my choice. But what is really bizarre are the coincidences that life seems to throw at me. What can I say? I guess some of us are simply chosen by the universe to play along.

After my last two termite infestations caused my stage to collapse both times while my band I were performing, I decided that the universe was sending me a sign. I have always known my life purpose to be to inspire people with music, but as I get older, I can’t help but think that the universe wants me to do something greater. After my second stage disaster, I knew that the divine was telling me something.

I figured that this was some type of mystical executive order, that I needed to tell everyone I knew about how my termite problem almost killed us on stage. Made sense to me. After all, what would be the point of live performances if we all ended up dead or injured on a broken stage? I kept having nightmares about this happening again. I couldn’t bear the thought of it happening to anyone else.

Last week, I sat down in my studio and pulled out my phone. I called each of my bandmates and said “Listen, I know this sounds crazy, but I can’t stop thinking about those times when the stage broke while we were performing live. When was the last time you had a termite inspection? I know this sounds paranoid, but I’m calling everyone I know to warn them about the dangers of termites.”

My bass guitarist Adam said that he had noticed that his wooden floors were creaky as of late, and that there seemed to be musty smell to them. I freaked out and told him “Adam! You need to get inspected right now. They could be eating at your floors as we speak!”

I have learned about the termite warning signs the hard way. If you’ve got floors that sound hollow or squeaky, you might have a termite problem – definitely not music to anyone’s ears. It’s possible that you’ve got dry-wood or subterranean termites.

Brown Wooden Panel Beside Concrete Board

“Buddy, you need a termite inspector to get in there and possibly save your life,” I told him. Adam immediately found a service for termite inspection in Pasadena, and booked an appointment with them.

Sure enough, they found termites! They had been feasting on his house and Adam didn’t even know. Boy, it would have been a nightmare if his floors collapsed like our stage did!

Did I save his life? Maybe. Did I save him from injury? Probably. Did I save his house being destroyed by termites? Definitely.

I was no angel in my hayday, but I must say that this moment in my life felt quite holy. I’m starting to think that educating people on termites must be an opportunity I’ve been given to restore my karma. How divine!

A Better Lawn to Party On

I don’t mean to brag, but I throw the best parties. My daughter keeps telling me that I’m trying to relive the old glory days and feel young again, but I tell her that I’m just young soul trapped in an old body who can never have too much fun!

I can always count on my best friends to turn on the good times and tear it up. Unfortunately, they also tear up my lawn. Every time we’re finished partying, it looks like a storm passed through and ripped the ground up from underneath! What a nightmare. I have to pay someone to come in every time and fix my lawn after every party because of how bad it looks. It’s been a massive chore to deal with and I’m starting to dread waking up in the morning after to see the damage. It isn’t pretty.

My daughter keeps telling me to stop drinking, dancing, and stomping around with friends at our house, but we all know that I’m not slowing down any time soon. Especially not when I throw the best parties in town – even the paparazzi take note!

I figured that if I wasn’t going to be taking my parties down a notch, that I’d have to take my grass up a notch. Sounds weird, I know. What I mean by that is I needed tougher grass. That’s basically what an artificial lawn is; the look and feel of grass, but tougher and more durable.

I started thinking about how great my life would be if I could preserve the beauty of my backyard with artificial turf. But I still wasn’t entirely sure about it after thinking about it. I had a hard time figuring out if the artificial grass would even look good. After all, I didn’t spend all the time and money on a gorgeous backyard patio and hood just to ruin the scenery with some ugly looking grass!

I pulled out my laptop and typed into Google: artificial grass installation Orange County. I came across NoMow Turf. “Interesting!” I thought to myself. The company name made a good point I hadn’t even thought about before. Artificial turf isn’t just longer lasting, it also doesn’t require time and money to be mowed! 

Anyways, right away I see photos on their site. I’m thinking “This is cool. This looks pretty good.” Then I’m thinking “This is pretty impressive.”

I called them and ask for a quote. They were very professional at answering my questions and setting up an appointment.

Once the new lawn was installed, I couldn’t believe how amazing it looked! Even my daughter said, “Dad, you made the right choice. This was a good call.” 

The very next weekend we had the gang over to tear it up again. However, this time they didn’t tear up my lawn! For the first time in many parties, my backyard didn’t look like the aftermath of a disaster. Boy, was I relieved! Also, the backyard looks better than ever.

If you’re tired of your beat up old lawn, give NoMow Turf a call and see what they can do for you.

NoMow Turf
26774 Vista Terrace, Lake Forest, CA 92630, USA

Heartbreak Comes with the Territory

Heartbreak Comes with the Territory

I don’t mean for my ex-wives and ex-girlfriends to be such a big deal on this page. The bad parts of being a rock star aren’t super fun, are they? But hey, you’ve got to accept the bad with the good sometimes. And, when you rock ‘n rolled as hard as I did, you’ve got to expect that I was a pretty busy guy. I played hard and fast with my heart. I don’t regret all of it, you see, I’ve got beautiful kids from it, including my wonderful daughter.

But, I also wasn’t completely out of it, I knew I’d need a pretty badass family law attorney to make sure that my ex-wives didn’t get more than they deserved or take me for all I’ve got. Of course, I wanted to make sure my kids never wanted for anything—and they didn’t! Shuff Law had my back.

At the time, I needed the best family law attorney in Santa Ana. See, with so many of them, it’s hard to know who to go with. So, I did a little digging and talked to a few of my resources. They all said that Shuff Law Firm was the best divorce attorney in Santa Ana. So, I went with them. After my first divorce went smoothly, I knew that they were going to be my go-to attorney in the future.

Now, I never planned on getting a divorce. I wanted them all to work out. But, I’m actually a practical kind of guy and I could tell when splitting up would be for the best, but that keeping in contact with them would be the best thing for my pocketbook and my kids. And they were. 

Over the years, I’ve kept in contact with all of my exes to make sure everything was as it’s supposed to be. Shuff helped to make sure my exes didn’t try anything with me, and when they did, they were on top of it before I even had to worry.

Located in Santa Ana, Shuff Law Firm is just a phone call away, even when I am out touring with the band. I know I’m not that special either because they have a 100% response rate on Yelp with a less an hour response time. That’s really good for a divorce attorney that’s in high demand. 

Now, my own daughter is having marriage troubles. At first, she kind of laughed when I suggested Shuff Law Firm to her. She said she didn’t want to use the same attorney as her dear ol’ Dad, but I managed to persuade her eventually. I showed her all of the cases that Shuff won for me, and how they were fair to my wives and not just myself. I think that’s what convinced her.

She’s gone off for her consultation, and I know that she’ll be represented by the best. I wouldn’t send my daughter to anyone but the best. She was emotional about the whole ordeal, and Shuff Law are experts at navigating the harsh waters of divorce while remaining compassionate and sensitive to the issues. My hat goes off to them. They’re good people. 

Shuff Law Firm

2107 N Broadway #301, Santa Ana, CA 92706

(714) 834-0175

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