IN Murrysville Spring 2019 | Page 20

fireplaces not only add physical warmth and beauty, but emotional warmth as well. Contemporary homeowners are opting for very modern linear gas fireplaces, with smooth, clean lines to mirror the style of their home. “For those homeowners who don’t have the space for a traditional fireplace, fire pits make a great feature, creating a beautiful flame that glows through crystal rock,” says Buckiso. And they’re available in three different heights, with a lower coffee-table height, dining table and bar height. The homeowner also has the option of selecting wood- or gas-burning fire pits. We’re in this together OUTDOOR KITCHEN SPLENDOR Just like a loyal teammate, we’ll always have your back. Debie Remaley, CIC, CRM, CPIA, LUTC Remaley Insurance Inc 4130 Monroeville Blvd Monroeville, PA 15146-2608 [email protected] 412-374-0900 Erie Insurance Exchange, Erie Insurance Co., Erie Insurance Property & Casualty Co., Flagship City Insurance Co. and Erie Family Life Insurance Co. (Erie, PA) or Erie Insurance Co. of New York (Rochester, NY). Go to erieinsurance.com for company licensure and product details. CMS149_sports1 2/18 carpet • ceramic tile • luxury vinyl tile • laminate • wood Celebrating 32 Years When the summer heats up, the prospect of slow-cooking a roast or searing some ribs is just not as appealing when you know it’s going to heat up your house and drive up your air-conditioning bill. Take a tip from our pioneer ancestors who baked their bread and cooked their meats outdoors in the summer to maintain a cool house. This simple idea can really help keep your home cool during the dog days of summer, while saving you money on energy costs. With an outdoor oven and grill, barbeques can be a spontaneous dinner idea, rather than a major event that must be planned days in advance. The grilling process gives steaks, chicken, fish and pork a wonderful smoked flavor, while reducing the overall fat content. And it’s not just meats that can benefit from grilling. Bell peppers, onions, zucchini and tons of other vegetables take on a wonderful flavor when tossed lightly with olive oil, wrapped in foil and cooked on a grill. With an outdoor kitchen, grilling is not just for summer either. With a covering for rainy days and outdoor heating available, it can be used virtually year- round. Although just a simple oven and grill can change the way you live, a sink with running water and an added fridge can really make cooking outdoors convenient. For entertaining, the outdoor kitchen offers a way to spend time with your guests while preparing the meal. There’s also an entire line of in-ground sound equipment and specially made outdoor TVs. The televisions are completely waterproof and three times as bright as a normal TV, so they can be viewed even in strong direct sunlight. IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME OFFICE free in-home services • no subcontractors family owned & operated by Chuck & Kelly Mazon www.familyfloorsllc.com • 412-856-1987 All work is done by our AMILY for your AMILY. Lic # PA031731 18 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE ❘ icmags.com Are you one of those lucky individuals able to work from home? The world just seems like a nicer place when you’re dressed in your pajamas, doesn’t it? But work is still work. You need a place that’s organized, designed well, and in which you feel comfortable. Chances are, you may also need a degree of privacy to do your best work. One of the most overlooked factors in productivity is lighting. Many studies demonstrate that natural lighting is best whenever possible, and results in more productivity among workers and a more positive attitude toward the work itself. Lighting can have a profound effect on your mood and can even influence your hormones. A good overview of this subject is provided by Andrew Jensen, a business growth, efficiency and marketing consultant, at AndrewJensen.net.