#veneers in pacific beach

[altrockfabb]

Altrock and Fabb Dental in Pacific Beach redefine convenience and excellence in dental care with their cutting-edge same-day dental crown services. The process of getting a dental crown has never been more efficient and patient-friendly. Leveraging state-of-the-art technology, Altrock and Fabb Dental offer same-day crowns, eliminating the need for multiple appointments and temporary crowns. Their skilled team ensures a precise fit and aesthetic match, providing patients with durable and natural-looking crowns in just one visit. Whether it's restoring a damaged tooth or enhancing the appearance of a smile, Altrock and Fabb Dental in Pacific Beach deliver prompt and high-quality dental crown solutions tailored to individual needs. Experience the epitome of modern dentistry with same-day crowns at Altrock and Fabb Dental, where efficiency meets excellence in Pacific Beach.

[mr-huntington-beach]

2023 Cost vs. Value Report: 5 Best and 5 Worst Home Renovations ROI in the Los Angeles area

When it comes to home renovations, it's important to consider not only the immediate benefits of the project but also its potential resale value. The annual Cost vs. Value Report by Remodeling magazine analyzes the average cost of various renovation projects and estimates their potential return on investment (ROI) in the current housing market. In the Pacific region of the US, Los Angeles is a particularly popular area for home renovations. Let's take a look at the top 5 home renovation projects with the highest recuperation rate and the bottom 5 with the lowest recoup rate in the Los Angeles, CA area according to the 2023 Report. Some of these projects may be confirmation of what you know and some may shock you. If you have questions about a Huntington Beach home renovation call me.

Top 5 renovation projects with the highest recoup rate:

Manufactured stone veneer: The project involves replacing the existing vinyl siding on the bottom third of the street-facing facade of the house with manufactured stone veneer. The average cost of the project is $12,989, and it has an estimated ROI of 109.8%.

garage door replacement: This project involves replacing an existing garage door with a new four-section garage door with heavy-duty galvanized steel tracks. The average cost of the project is $3,776, and it has an estimated ROI of 107.3%.

Entry door replacement (steel): this project involves replacing an existing entry door with a new 20-gauge steel entry door with clear dual-pane half-glass panel, jambs, and an aluminum threshold with composite stop. The average cost of the project is $1,981, and it has an estimated ROI of 94.5%.

Minor kitchen remodel: This project involves replacing cabinet fronts with shaker-style wood panels and drawer fronts, installing new hardware, replacing laminate countertops with new ones, and installing a new stainless steel sink and faucet. The average cost of the project is $27,772, and it has an estimated ROI of 88.4%.

Siding replacement (vinyl): this project involves replacing the existing siding with new foam-backed insulated vinyl siding, including all trim. The average cost of the project is $18,929, and it has an estimated ROI of 84.9%.

Bottom 5 renovation projects with the lowest recoup rate:

Backup Power Generator: This project involves installing a new standby generator to provide backup power during outages. The average cost of the project is $17,500, and it has an estimated ROI of 41.6%.

Home office remodel: This project involves converting a spare bedroom into a home office with custom cabinets, a laminate desktop, and recessed overhead lighting. The average cost of the project is $38,582, and it has an estimated ROI of 43.5%.

Sunroom Addition: This project involves adding a 200-square-foot sunroom with a new foundation and footings, vinyl windows with insulated glass, and a sliding door. The average cost of the project is $113,238, and it has an estimated ROI of 47.4%.

Major kitchen remodel: This project involves gutting the kitchen and replacing everything, including cabinets, countertops, appliances, flooring, and lighting. The average cost of the project is $81,700, and it has an estimated ROI of 47.5%.

Bathroom Addition: This project involves adding a new 6-by-8-foot bathroom to an existing space, including a fiberglass shower with a glass enclosure, a toilet, and a vanity with a solid-surface countertop. The average cost of the project is $49,782, and it has an estimated ROI of 52.4%.

When planning a home renovation project in the Los Angeles, CA area, it's important to consider not only your personal preferences and needs but also the potential resale value of the project. As seen in the 2023 Cost vs. Value Report, certain projects tend to recoup a higher percentage of their cost than others. This doesn't mean that you should always choose the highest recoup rate projects, as personal preference, location, and other factors may also come into play.

However, it's always a good idea to weigh the potential return on investment against the upfront cost when deciding on a renovation project. It's also important to keep in mind that the cost and ROI estimates provided in the report are just averages, and your actual cost and ROI may vary depending on factors such as the size of your home, the quality of materials used, and the contractor you hire.

Therefore, it's always a good idea to get multiple quotes from licensed and experienced contractors and to do your research before making a decision. With careful planning and execution, a home renovation project can not only improve your living space but also add value to your home.

Also don't forget to call me for what your Huntington Beach home value is to see if it makes sense to sell now with these upgrades and remodels.

Mr. Huntington Beach Real Estate

315 7th St D Huntington Beach, CA 92648

949-310-4110

[the-12i-times-jerome-reporting]

A Paradise Lost: The Plight of the Marshall Islands in the Wake of Nuclear Testing and Climate Change

The Marshall Islands, a picturesque archipelago in the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, evokes images of idyllic beaches, swaying palm trees, and vibrant coral reefs. Yet, beneath this veneer of paradise lies a tragic history and an uncertain future, shaped by the devastating forces of nuclear testing and climate change. This article delves into the plight of the Marshallese people, exploring the enduring legacy of nuclear contamination and the looming threat of environmental catastrophe.

Nuclear Shadows: A Legacy of Testing

Between 1946 and 1958, the United States conducted 67 nuclear tests in the Marshall Islands, transforming these once-pristine atolls into ground zero for the most powerful weapons ever created. Bikini and Enewetak Atolls bore the brunt of these tests, with devastating consequences for the environment and the health of the Marshallese people.

The most infamous test, "Castle Bravo" in 1954, was a thermonuclear explosion a thousand times more powerful than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima. The detonation vaporized entire islands, leaving behind a crater two kilometers wide and 73 meters deep. The radioactive fallout spread across the Pacific, contaminating islands hundreds of kilometers away and exposing unsuspecting populations to harmful radiation.

The Marshallese people were forcibly displaced from their ancestral lands, their traditional way of life disrupted, and their cultural heritage irrevocably damaged. Many suffered from acute radiation sickness, with symptoms ranging from burns and nausea to hair loss and internal bleeding. The long-term effects of radiation exposure continue to plague the Marshallese, with increased rates of cancer, birth defects, and other health problems.

Environmental Catastrophe: Rising Seas and a Toxic Legacy

Today, the Marshall Islands face a new existential threat: climate change. Rising sea levels, a consequence of global warming, are slowly inundating these low-lying islands, threatening to submerge entire communities and erase their cultural heritage.

The rising tides are not only eroding the coastline but also exacerbating the problem of nuclear contamination. The Runit Dome on Enewetak Atoll, a concrete structure hastily built to contain radioactive waste from the nuclear tests, is cracking and leaking. As sea levels rise, the dome is at risk of being breached, releasing its toxic contents into the surrounding environment.

The combination of rising seas and nuclear contamination poses a grave threat to the Marshallese people. Their food security is compromised as saltwater intrusion contaminates freshwater sources and agricultural land. Their health is at risk from exposure to radiation and the spread of waterborne diseases. Their very existence is threatened as their land disappears beneath the waves.

Resilience and Resistance: The Marshallese Spirit

Despite the immense challenges they face, the Marshallese people have demonstrated remarkable resilience and a deep commitment to preserving their culture and fighting for their future. They have been vocal advocates for nuclear disarmament and climate action, demanding accountability from the international community and seeking justice for the wrongs they have suffered.

The Marshallese government has taken a leading role in international climate negotiations, pushing for ambitious emissions reduction targets and urging developed nations to fulfill their commitments to climate finance. Marshallese activists have also been at the forefront of efforts to raise awareness about the impacts of nuclear testing and to seek redress for the victims.

The Road Ahead: A Call for Justice and Support

The plight of the Marshall Islands is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of nuclear weapons and the urgent need to address the climate crisis. The international community has a moral obligation to support the Marshallese people in their struggle for survival and to ensure that their voices are heard on the global stage.

This includes providing adequate compensation for the damages caused by nuclear testing, investing in climate adaptation and resilience measures, and supporting the Marshallese government's efforts to secure a sustainable future for its people. It also means acknowledging the historical injustices suffered by the Marshallese and honoring their resilience in the face of adversity.

The Marshall Islands may be a small nation, but their story is a powerful testament to the human spirit's ability to endure and overcome even the most daunting challenges. Their fight for survival is a fight for all of us, a reminder that we are all interconnected and that our actions have far-reaching consequences. As the Marshallese people navigate an uncertain future, their resilience and determination serve as an inspiration to the world.

[pebblegalaxy]

Fiji Islands and Sikhs: A Tale of Cultural Resilience and Unity

Amidst the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, where the cerulean waters meet the horizon, lies a cluster of paradisiacal jewels known as the Fiji Islands. This tropical haven, with its palm-fringed beaches and turquoise lagoons, has long captivated the hearts of wanderers seeking a slice of earthly paradise. But beneath the veneer of pristine beauty lies a story that intertwines with the rich…

[healthnwellnessmlt]

Tooth Contouring Pacific Beach, CA Are you looking to ameliorate the appearance of your teeth and achieve a  further beautiful smile? Tooth contouring may be the solution you're looking for. Tooth contouring is a cosmetic dental procedure that involves reshaping and polishing teeth to improve their appearance. This procedure is simple, painless, and can be done in a single visit to a tooth contouring dentist Pacific Beach, CA.

Tooth contouring Pacific Beach, CA is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that can offer a wide range of benefits. Some of the benefits of tooth contouring include:

1. Improved Appearance: Tooth contouring dentist Pacific Beach, CA can help reshape teeth that are misshapen, chipped, or uneven, giving them a more symmetrical and balanced appearance.  2. Increased Confidence: When you have a beautiful smile, you're more likely to feel confident and  tone- assured.  3. Pain-Free Procedure: Tooth contouring Pacific Beach, CA is a minimally invasive and painless procedure that can be completed in a single visit to your dentist.  4. Quick Results: Unlike other  ornamental dental procedures that may take weeks or months to complete, tooth contouring can be completed in a single visit to your dentist.  5. Cost-Effective: Tooth contouring is a cost-effective alternative to other cosmetic dental procedures like veneers or braces. 

Watch Video Here

If you're looking for the best cosmetic dentist Pacific Beach, CA to perform your tooth contouring procedure, look no further than Pacific Beach Cosmetic Dentistry. Our team of  professed and  educated dental professionals is  devoted to helping you achieve the beautiful smile you've always wanted. 

Looking for an experienced dental team to give you the confident smile of your dreams in Pacific Beach, CA? Pacific Beach Cosmetic Dentistry has got you covered! Give us a call at (619) 658-6199 or head over to www.pacificbeachcosmeticdentist.com today — let's transform that smile and watch those confidence levels soar!

[healthandwellnessreviewtips]

Tooth Contouring Pacific Beach, CA Are you looking to ameliorate the appearance of your teeth and achieve a  further beautiful smile? Tooth contouring may be the solution you're looking for. Tooth contouring is a cosmetic dental procedure that involves reshaping and polishing teeth to improve their appearance. This procedure is simple, painless, and can be done in a single visit to a tooth contouring dentist Pacific Beach, CA.

Tooth contouring Pacific Beach, CA is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that can offer a wide range of benefits. Some of the benefits of tooth contouring include:

1. Improved Appearance: Tooth contouring dentist Pacific Beach, CA can help reshape teeth that are misshapen, chipped, or uneven, giving them a more symmetrical and balanced appearance.  2. Increased Confidence: When you have a beautiful smile, you're more likely to feel confident and  tone- assured.  3. Pain-Free Procedure: Tooth contouring Pacific Beach, CA is a minimally invasive and painless procedure that can be completed in a single visit to your dentist.  4. Quick Results: Unlike other  ornamental dental procedures that may take weeks or months to complete, tooth contouring can be completed in a single visit to your dentist.  5. Cost-Effective: Tooth contouring is a cost-effective alternative to other cosmetic dental procedures like veneers or braces. 

Watch Video Here

If you're looking for the best cosmetic dentist Pacific Beach, CA to perform your tooth contouring procedure, look no further than Pacific Beach Cosmetic Dentistry. Our team of  professed and  educated dental professionals is  devoted to helping you achieve the beautiful smile you've always wanted. 

Looking for an experienced dental team to give you the confident smile of your dreams in Pacific Beach, CA? Pacific Beach Cosmetic Dentistry has got you covered! Give us a call at (619) 658-6199 or head over to www.pacificbeachcosmeticdentist.com today — let's transform that smile and watch those confidence levels soar!

[localbizreview]

Tooth Contouring Pacific Beach, CA Are you looking to ameliorate the appearance of your teeth and achieve a  further beautiful smile? Tooth contouring may be the solution you're looking for. Tooth contouring is a cosmetic dental procedure that involves reshaping and polishing teeth to improve their appearance. This procedure is simple, painless, and can be done in a single visit to a tooth contouring dentist Pacific Beach, CA.

Tooth contouring Pacific Beach, CA is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that can offer a wide range of benefits. Some of the benefits of tooth contouring include:

1. Improved Appearance: Tooth contouring dentist Pacific Beach, CA can help reshape teeth that are misshapen, chipped, or uneven, giving them a more symmetrical and balanced appearance.  2. Increased Confidence: When you have a beautiful smile, you're more likely to feel confident and  tone- assured.  3. Pain-Free Procedure: Tooth contouring Pacific Beach, CA is a minimally invasive and painless procedure that can be completed in a single visit to your dentist.  4. Quick Results: Unlike other  ornamental dental procedures that may take weeks or months to complete, tooth contouring can be completed in a single visit to your dentist.  5. Cost-Effective: Tooth contouring is a cost-effective alternative to other cosmetic dental procedures like veneers or braces. 

Watch Video Here

If you're looking for the best cosmetic dentist Pacific Beach, CA to perform your tooth contouring procedure, look no further than Pacific Beach Cosmetic Dentistry. Our team of  professed and  educated dental professionals is  devoted to helping you achieve the beautiful smile you've always wanted. 

Looking for an experienced dental team to give you the confident smile of your dreams in Pacific Beach, CA? Pacific Beach Cosmetic Dentistry has got you covered! Give us a call at (619) 658-6199 or head over to www.pacificbeachcosmeticdentist.com today — let's transform that smile and watch those confidence levels soar!

[reviewinglocalbusinesses]

Tooth Contouring Pacific Beach, CA Are you looking to ameliorate the appearance of your teeth and achieve a  further beautiful smile? Tooth contouring may be the solution you're looking for. Tooth contouring is a cosmetic dental procedure that involves reshaping and polishing teeth to improve their appearance. This procedure is simple, painless, and can be done in a single visit to a tooth contouring dentist Pacific Beach, CA.

Tooth contouring Pacific Beach, CA is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that can offer a wide range of benefits. Some of the benefits of tooth contouring include:

1. Improved Appearance: Tooth contouring dentist Pacific Beach, CA can help reshape teeth that are misshapen, chipped, or uneven, giving them a more symmetrical and balanced appearance.  2. Increased Confidence: When you have a beautiful smile, you're more likely to feel confident and  tone- assured.  3. Pain-Free Procedure: Tooth contouring Pacific Beach, CA is a minimally invasive and painless procedure that can be completed in a single visit to your dentist.  4. Quick Results: Unlike other  ornamental dental procedures that may take weeks or months to complete, tooth contouring can be completed in a single visit to your dentist.  5. Cost-Effective: Tooth contouring is a cost-effective alternative to other cosmetic dental procedures like veneers or braces. 

Watch Video Here

If you're looking for the best cosmetic dentist Pacific Beach, CA to perform your tooth contouring procedure, look no further than Pacific Beach Cosmetic Dentistry. Our team of  professed and  educated dental professionals is  devoted to helping you achieve the beautiful smile you've always wanted. 

Looking for an experienced dental team to give you the confident smile of your dreams in Pacific Beach, CA? Pacific Beach Cosmetic Dentistry has got you covered! Give us a call at (619) 658-6199 or head over to www.pacificbeachcosmeticdentist.com today — let's transform that smile and watch those confidence levels soar!

[the-invisible-self]

100 Days of Invisible Selves

Last Wednesday, I stood outside @netflix headquarters and asked people if I could turn them into angels. One by one, strangers laid down on the sidewalk, arms and legs spread out, and as I stood over their vulnerable postures, tracing their outlines in chalk on the hard ground, I gave each person the same invitation: “Tell me about your invisible self.”

Each confession became the basis I used for illustrating a snippet of each person’s soul, the final touch on each portrait being a pair of wings.

I thought: the LA sun is so persistent, these chalk angels will be here for weeks... but by the next morning, Netflix had scrubbed the sidewalk clean.

😂 Who knew a little bit of art could get under their skin so much?

I’m no longer in LA. Even though my heart is still there... even though, in my heart, I want to pack up my girls and drive to California, spending each morning drawing on the sidewalk and each evening splashing on the beach, that is not the path for me. I am here, in my little corner of the Pacific Northwest. But there is something I know:

Nobody can ever take our invisible selves away.

So, in the spirit of sowing seeds for angels... in the spirit of looking past the veneer of every day propaganda and charm... in the spirit of making something that nobody can wash away... I am starting a series of portraits of the invisible self, and I’ll (try to) make a new one each day for 100 days.

If you guys want to share your invisibles selves with me (publicly or privately) I might use your descriptions as inspiration for some of the paintings.

[robo-cryptid]

I have a million other things I need to be working on, some of them with deadlines, but my brain wouldn’t let me focus on anything else until this was finally expelled. Caveat: I have no solid plans to continue this any time soon, not with my many WIPs and Reverse Bang fic, but it is pretty self-contained and so I present: a tiny not-quite-sequel to Not That I’m Complaining, set in roughly canon present. M-rated-ish? (Sorry).

If you’d asked Jesse what sorta future he’d pictured for himself, he probably wouldn’t have come up with this one. He’d half expected to die young -- younger, he supposed, since Hanzo kept growling at him that 36 was hardly old -- to go out blaze of glory style, or maybe, when he was feeling morbid, bleeding out in a ditch somewhere.

Either way, a lavish vacation had never really seemed like something he’d get to have. He sure as shit hadn’t ever expected to wind up like this: on a private beach in the South Pacific, lounging in the sun and daydreaming about where his life might have led. Vacation might’ve been bought with blood on his hands, but it wasn’t like respectable employment came easy with any kinda background check. 

Fareeha had tried, a few years back. Helix had a few former Overwatch folks on their payroll, but they’d all been Overwatch proper. One glance at Jesse’s past -- no matter that those records were supposed to be locked, no matter that he’d been a minor -- and they’d turned him away. He figured they’d guessed about Blackwatch and didn’t want another scandal. He might as well have gotten it tattooed on him just like Deadlock, because anybody with half a brain could put two and two together anyway. 

Besides, even if an employer could be sweet-talked into letting one shady applicant slide, no way they were gonna allow for two. And no way was Jesse taking on any kinda dangerous job without Hanzo to watch his back; last time he’d tried, Hanzo’d threatened to kill him himself. So the options were to set up somewhere nobody knew either of them, take on some false identities and settle into something normal people did, or do the jobs they were good at. Bounty hunting was an easy decision, all things considered, and they were careful to only pick up bounties for folks who deserved it.

It was almost a game: find the nastiest types, the ugliest souls, the ones who bent the law but didn’t always break it, hid behind money and a thin veneer of respectability to cover all manner of sins. The ones who’d offer a fat check just to be left alone. Find those bounties, take the money they thought would let them escape justice once again, then tell them no anyway. There was something about the work that satisfied both parts of Jesse: the bloodthirsty side that felt like a second skin, worn and comfortable and almost as old as he was, and the part of him that wanted to do real good in the world, cultivated by too much time spent with Overwatch. 

He’d never figured he could have both, just like he’d never planned on a life where he hit thirty and kept going, never planned to have vacations, never planned to wind up happily monogamous with the finest specimen this world had to offer. 

“You’re going to burn,” said a voice behind him, just before Hanzo’s face popped into his field of view, upside down and no less handsome for it. Hanzo had always been devastating from any angle. Jesse tipped his head up and back, almost on instinct, and Hanzo gave him a quick kiss, amusingly chaste in contrast to the way his thumb stroked down the side of Jesse’s throat. “Are you brooding on our vacation?” 

“Never,” Jesse insisted. “Daydreaming. Was just thinkin’ ’bout how gorgeous you are, then you appeared outta nowhere. Must be fate.”

“Must be,” Hanzo said with a smile, running a hand from Jesse’s bare shoulder to his chest, to let it rest just over his heart. Jesse was well past any reaction like shame or embarrassment; instead he felt only idle amusement that even something so small could still make it beat faster. “And what were the daydreams about?”

Jesse grinned wide and shameless. “Get down here and I’ll show you.”

Hanzo snorted out a laugh at that. “I’m not sure your lounger will hold both of us.”

“I’m sure you can’t be sure if we don’t test it.” Jesse grinned wider, and he caught one of Hanzo’s wrists, trailed fingers up his forearm just to feel his sun-warmed skin. Hanzo laughed again, but he did it anyway, circled around from behind him and sank down onto the low wooden chaise with Jesse, legs tangling with legs and fingers tangling with hair. Hanzo kissed him slow and lazy and smiling, and Jesse ran his hands down every inch of skin he could reach -- which was of course a ridiculous amount, given Hanzo’s tendency for wearing the tiniest possible swimwear. 

Jesse was curling his hand lazily over the curve of Hanzo’s ass, trying to tuck their hips closer, when the wooden lounger gave an ominous creak. Jesse was tempted to ignore it -- he’d suffered worse on this vacation, namely sand in places he didn’t feel like revisiting -- but Hanzo was out of his grasp and on his feet in the blink of an eye, just in time for the braces that propped up the recliner to give out behind Jesse. He landed with a wince on his back, but all told, the damage could’ve been worse; at least the thing was still holding on all four legs.

Hanzo, of course, only laughed and laughed, at least until Jesse managed to get to his feet and wrestle him back inside, where there was a perfectly comfortable, perfectly sturdy bed to put to use.

[bodiesoflightyogaandastrology]

THE ARIES FULL MOON LANDS ON OCTOBER 9 at 1:55 pm Pacific🌟The flavor is Deep Intensity as Pluto has just stationed direct at 26•Capricorn positively aspected by Mercury the Messenger in Virgo🌟We are deeply in touch and affected by the Collective Trauma and thankfully able to communicate about it, not hide it🌟Mercury is the only Planetary god (a Psychopomp) allowed by Pluto into the Shadowy Realms of the Underworld, and his forte is Communication🌟He is coming back from his Retrograde convos with Pluto now, and as we can see Much is Being Revealed in the the Body Politic🌟The Aries Full Moon is conjunct Chiron where we are stepping into our Healing Powers with humility and enthusiasm🌟The pair opposes the Libra Sun conjunct Venus to crack any remaining superficial veneers wide open🌟Beauty is not enough; justice,fairness and balance must prevail🌟There are multiple other storylines playing out in the Full Moon chart as well as the pre-Eclipse Shadow for the Scorpio New Moon Solar Eclipse happening on October 25🌟A stabilizing Grand Air Trine between Saturn in Aquarius, Mars in Gemini and the Sun/Venus in Libra wants to talk things out and come to an innovative working agreement for all involved🌟Take life one day at a time🌟Flow with dignity and grace 🌟Meditate and Talk things through with your Higher Power/Spirit Guides in the 5D before bringing it down to the 3D convos with family, friends and business dealings🌟Aries initiates forward movement, yet always takes care of number one first🌟Give from a well that’s is running over with inner strength, courage, wisdom and Joy🌟DM me for readings🌟Link in my profile🌟#astrology #fullmoon (at China Cove Beach) https://www.instagram.com/p/CjfB3D0u9N7/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[altrockfabb]

Enhancing Your Confidence with Dental Implants in Pacific Beach

A confident smile can make a world of difference in your day-to-day interactions. You may feel self-conscious about your smile if you’re missing one or more teeth. At Altrock Fabb Dental, we believe everyone deserves to smile confidently. One of the ways we can help restore your radiant smile is through dental implants. In this article, we’ll explore what dental implants are, their benefits, and how they can enhance your confidence.

[vacationsoup]

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/beautiful-hardwood-trees-of-costa-rica/

Beautiful Hardwood Trees of Costa Rica

Costa Rica is divided into seven provinces, or states. Casa Las Brisas is located on the NW Pacific coast in the province of Guanacaste, which is named for the national tree of Costa Rica. The Guanacaste, or Elephant Ear tree (pictured above), is majestic and immense, characterized by it's spherical crown. Cows, goats and sheep will often be seen lying under it's shade during the hot, sunny afternoons. History says it was chosen in part to symbolize the protection that the people of Costa Rica receive from their government! The wood's stunning natural color and grain make it ideal for furniture but it is illegal to cut it without permits. We are proud to have designed a custom front door crafted from this beautiful hardwood as a welcoming entrance to our home.

The Pochote tree is distinguishable by a trunk that is covered in sharp spines that project

Pochote Tree

an inch or more, keeping hungry predators from climbing up its trunk. This native tree is cultivated for use as lumber as it grows straight and tall. The wood of the pochote is white as opposed to the dark grains of teak (see below). It is used to make furniture, cabinets and veneers.

The very popular Teak tree is not native to Costa Rica but grows very well

Teak Plantation

there, so it is frequently grown on commercial plantations. It is in high demand around the world, so it has become a major export for Costa Rica, attracting a lot of investors. One of the first things I fell in love with when we first looked at Casa Las Brisas was the soaring, beamed teak ceilings in the main room and the main floor Master Suite.

Bamboo

Costa Rica is the country with the largest woody bamboo diversity in Central America. Bamboo is known as the plant of thousand uses. It is versatile, flexible and very strong. It is mostly used in construction, gardening, fishing, furniture and utensils. We found it is ideal as a cane ceiling material. It is harvested, cut, soaked to kill insects, and then dried and treated. The outdoor cane ceilings on the upper terrace and around the pool are all bamboo.

Although mainly used for it's timber, the Cortez Amarillo, or

Cortez Amarillo Tree

Golden Trumpet tree, is found all around the grounds of the house and is a spectacular flowering tree in the dry season. It drops it's leaves and the entire tree turns bright yellow until the flowers fall to the ground, creating a bright yellow glow.

A giant in the rainforest and one of the more unique trees is actually distinguished by it's

Kapok Tree

unusual trunk. The Kapok can grow as much as 13 feet per year and tops out around 200 feet. It has multiple buttresses that sometimes extend 10 feet around its base. It's wood is lightweight and porous; good for making carvings and canoes. Soaps can be made from it's oils and other parts of it are used as medicines. Common in Costa Rica, we have also seen it in Brazil, and for indigenous tribes this tree was holy.

There are countless other interesting and beautiful trees but these are a few favorites because many of them are a part of Casa Las Brisas and contribute to the unique beauty of the beach house.

[aphroditestummyrolls]

Okay— Farmer’s Market AU. Based on this post right here.

Steve was drifting after high school graduation. He drifted right out of the halls of Hawkins High and into a desk job at his dad’s office. If he was being honest, he’d been drifting since the Gate closed— maybe even since Nancy broke it off.

He wasn’t mad. She was his best friend. He and Jonathan were even friends now. No, he hadn’t been mad for a long time— but he was lost. The kids were going to high school. Dustin would be getting his license one of these days, and Steve’s last function to his little gaggle of brats would be useless.

The idea of not serving a purpose left the bitter tang of anxiety in his throat. Once the kids didn’t need him— and Joyce and Hopper and even Nancy— Steve would be left behind. Again.

Getting the courage to make a change in his life was one of the hardest things Steve had ever done. It involved a lot of long nights staring at the ceiling of his childhood bedroom and feeling like a failure. It took a bit of covert research with the family banker and the travel agent that booked all of his mom’s “Spa Weekends”.

It took quietly packing up the beemer with only the things he loved and needed, and making phone calls to his Dad’s buddy out on the coast.

Steve drove out of Hawkins on a sunny morning, the bite of winter still hanging in the spring air. He thought that maybe it was stupid. Maybe he’d made a mistake.

But, his resignation was already on Dad’s desk. There was no turning back now.

California was just as beautiful as it looked in the pictures. The palm trees, the balmy breeze, the sound of the waves— Steve was parking the beemer at the beach before he even went to meet his new landlord.

He grinned out at the endless expanse of deep water and spent the afternoon watching the insane variety of incredible, bizarre people that called LA home. He had drifted and drifted and now he was finally out to sea.

The freedom was addictive at first. It felt like a vacation as spring became summer. Steve started his new job, made a couple aquaintances that he wouldn’t dare call friends, and walked the beach every day.

No parents, no one to judge him, no one to leave him behind or ignore him. Steve loved it.

But, the veneer wore off pretty quick. The loneliness set in. He had a job, an apartment, and all the freedom in the world, but he didn’t have an anchor.

He stopped walking the beach. He was climbing the ranks at work, but he didn’t really care. He barely talked to anyone at all.

Steve didn’t know what possessed him— he fucking missed home all of a sudden. It came in waves, and one was just strong enough that he picked up the phone.

Nancy gave him an earful that turned to pleas to “Come home, Steve! Please!” and he was sorely tempted.

But, after an hour, Nance came through with her usual wisdom. The advice Steve needed— “Get out of the house— for something that isn’t work. Go to a club, walk on the beach, go on a date. Just do something new every day. One day, it might feel like home.”

Which was how he ended up back on the beach— a new part, north of the city where the air was cleaner. Steve parked the car and rolled up his jeans, determined to actually enjoy his Saturday.

The sand was already hot under the June sunshine, and Steve soaked in the rays as he walked along. He was still sleepy— he’d never been a morning person— but the cold pacific lapped at his ankles and kept him on his track.

The little bay was the last thing he expected.

Steve had reached the end of the strip of sand, nearly tripping onto the asphalt suddenly under him. It was the dead end of a street, nestled in some beachside town. The hot road was lined with trucks and stalls, just setting up for the day.

Steve could have just kept walking. He really could have.

He had never been the type for open air markets and idyllic early morning strolls. But, maybe he’d never really known who he was— beyond the King of Hawkins High, or a damn good babysitter.

Steve slipped on his sandals and started into the small crowd already gathering around one particular stand— the side of the truck said “Hargrove’s Honey” and Steve didn’t get what the big deal was.

Until he saw him.

The boy was about Steve’s age, a soft, tanned blonde with curls pulled away from his face, falling in a thick ponytail of spun fucking gold. Bees hovered lazily around as he bent over in his tight jeans, stocking the stand with jars and jars of sweet amber honey.

And Steve got it. He understood the appeal of the honey stand at the farmers market immediately.

He floated to the front of the crowd as the other customers hurried away with their purchases, in a trance, bees buzzing around his head.

“Can I help you, dude? You look a little lost?” the guy said, and he smiled— he fucking smiled and Steve had never been more found in his entire life.

“I- Uh, hey. Yeah.” He replied dumbly. The only thing between him and golden honey boy was a card table stacked with jars. His eyes were so blue. Absently, he swatted a bee away from his head, trying in vain to play it cool, but it had the opposite reaction.

The boy frowned, his hand out like a shot to grab Steve by the wrist to keep him from swatting.

“Hey man— they won’t hurt you. Just let ‘em be.” Both of them seemed to realize simultaneously that they were touching— that the boy had his warm, strong hand tight on Steve’s wrist. His tanned cheeks went the prettiest pink, and he let him go like he was on fire.

“Sorry— um, I get kinda protective of the bees. They recognize the truck and like to come around. Sometimes my anger still gets the better of me.” He was smiling again, and Steve needed to get it together before he blew his chance.

“I’m Steve.”

“Billy Hargrove.”

“Of Hargrove’s Honey?” Steve tried to make this less awkward, missing the feeling of Billy’s hand on his skin.

“The very same. I run this place with my mom— She’s somewhere around here.”

The bees still buzzed distractingly around Steve’s head, and he flinched away. Billy chuckled.

“They’re not gonna hurt you— bees get a bad rap, but they’re just like us.”

“Just like us how?”

The boy cleared his throat, smirking “Look at this.” He said, uncapping a sample jar and taking Steve’s hand. He smeared some sticky honey on Steve’s palm. Before Steve could think beyond his heart beating in his ears, there were three or four little honey bees resting on the nectar in his hand. Steve fought the urge to tug away, if only to stay here with Billy Hargrove, watching the golden boy who smiled at bees.

He glanced up and met Steve’s eye, shining with mischief.

“See? They’re just lookin’ for something sweet.”

And he winked. Billy fucking winked at Steve and his cheeks got so hot Steve thought he might explode.

Maybe California could be home after all.

Great. Now I want to write a Farmers Market AU. What a fucking random spark of inspiration.

[healthnwellnessmlt]

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1. Teeth Whitening Teeth whitening is any process that makes the teeth appear whiter. Teeth whitening can be done at home or in a dentist's office. To whiten your teeth, your dentist applies a gel-like substance to your teeth. He will then shine an intense light on the gel until it dries. The substance helps to remove stains from the surface of your teeth and make them look whiter.

2. Teeth Contouring Teeth contouring is a process that involves reshaping the surface of a tooth in order to make it appear more natural-looking and symmetrical by removing small amounts of enamel from both sides. This method is often used along with veneers or bonding to correct minor imperfections in teeth. 

3. Teeth Straightening Teeth Straightening is typically not considered a cosmetic procedure by most people, but it can have a profound impact on how you feel about your smile. There are two types of teeth straightening procedures: Invisalign and traditional braces. Both treatments work by using pressure to move your teeth into the proper position over time so that they appear more aligned. 

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If you do notice problems with your teeth, such as gum recession, discoloration, or chips, consider consulting the top cosmetic dentist Pacific Beach. These professionals can repair the damage and make your teeth look their best. In the end, it's worth getting in touch with a cosmetic dentist to find out more about whether they can help you—so what are you waiting for? Looking for teeth straightening cost and cosmetic dentistry in Pacific Beach? Call us today at (619) 658-6199 or visit us at www.pacificbeachcosmeticdentist.com.

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Teeth need a lot of care and attention to stay healthy. Tooth decay and gum disease are caused by plaque, a sticky combination of bacteria and food. Plaque begins to build up on teeth within a few minutes after eating. If teeth are not cleaned well each day, plaque will lead to tooth decay or gum disease.

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  Good oral hygiene is essential to maintaining good dental health. If you want to keep your teeth healthy and strong, it's important to brush your teeth regularly, floss daily and see your top cosmetic dentist San Diego regularly.

Brush properly Brushing your teeth at least twice a day helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush that's small enough to reach all areas of your mouth.  Check with your cosmetic dentist San Diego about how often you should replace your toothbrush.

Floss daily Flossing removes food particles and plaque from between the teeth where a toothbrush can't reach. 

See your top orthodontist San Diego regularly. 

Your top cosmetic dentist San Diego is the best source of advice on how often you should visit, but it's generally recommended that you schedule a checkup every six months. During these visits, your dentist will examine your mouth and teeth, and may perform X-rays or other tests if they believe additional work is needed. In addition to checking for cavities and gum disease, your top orthodontist San Diego can also provide advice on how often to brush and floss as well as what foods are better for your teeth than others.

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