4 Garden Structures That Can Revamp Your Backyard

4 Ways to Add Outdoor Appeal

From a simple trellis to an ornate gazebo, an outdoor structure can refresh your space and lend your landscape year-round appeal. Here are four popular options to consider.

Trellis -- This vertical garden accent is a basic panel of latticework that's meant to support climbing plants. Mount one against the wall of a garage or shed to add interest to a bland space. Nurseries and garden centers have many ready-made options, but a trellis is also relatively simple to build on your own.

Arbor -- This structure, which usually incorporates trellises, has two sides and an open, slatted roof. Arbors are often used to mark the entry of a patio or other outdoor space, or they can serve as dividers between sections of a garden. Build one that's a bit deeper and pair it with a bench to create a tunnel-like effect that makes for an intimate seating area. Soften the overall look by training plants like roses or clematis to climb up the sides.

Pergola -- More substantial than an arbor, a pergola has pillars and a semi-open top with beams. They're often used to cover walkways or provide shelter for tables or seating. Attach one to your house to add architectural interest or build one over a patio where you can enjoy the breeze and filtered sun. Weather-resistant cedar is a common building choice for a pergola, though alternatives like vinyl or fiberglass minimize upkeep.

Gazebo -- These freestanding structures are usually hexagons or octagons with a domed roof. Often located in spots that take advantage of the view, gazebos are normally open to the elements but can also be screened in to keep insects at bay.

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Problem viewing email? View online version. Not interested anymore? Unsubscribe from our list. Brett Mills World Famous Mortgage Broker NMLS #120484 BrettMills@CFSonline.biz Phone: (619) 644-8344 Mobile: (619) 504-7108 Look me up on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter! I look forward to connecting with you through social media! Brett Mills 4 Ways to Add Outdoor Appeal From a simple trellis to an ornate gazebo, an outdoor structure can refresh your space and lend your landscape year-round appeal. Here are four popular options to consider. Trellis -- This vertical garden accent is a basic panel of latticework that's meant to support climbing plants. Mount one against the wall of a garage or shed to add interest to a bland space. Nurseries and garden centers have many ready-made options, but a trellis is also relatively simple to build on your own. Arbor -- This structure, which usually incorporates trellises, has two sides and an open, slatted roof. Arbors are often used to mark the entry of a patio or other outdoor space, or they can serve as dividers between sections of a garden. Build one that's a bit deeper and pair it with a bench to create a tunnel-like effect that makes for an intimate seating area. Soften the overall look by training plants like roses or clematis to climb up the sides. Pergola -- More substantial than an arbor, a pergola has pillars and a semi-open top with beams. They're often used to cover walkways or provide shelter for tables or seating. Attach one to your house to add architectural interest or build one over a patio where you can enjoy the breeze and filtered sun. Weather-resistant cedar is a common building choice for a pergola, though alternatives like vinyl or fiberglass minimize upkeep. Gazebo -- These freestanding structures are usually hexagons or octagons with a domed roof. Often located in spots that take advantage of the view, gazebos are normally open to the elements but can also be screened in to keep insects at bay. Casa Financial Services, Inc NMLS #120281 9560 Cuyamaca Street #101 Santee, CA 92071 Designed and Delivered by OutboundEngine, Inc

4 Ways to Thwart Online Thieves

Protect Yourself Online

Chances are that a friend or family member has been a victim of identity theft, or perhaps you've encountered it yourself. This crime is becoming more common for a variety of reasons, but one is the overwhelming amount of information we share online. Practice these simple steps to help keep your info from those actively trying to get it.

Beware of Public Wi-Fi -- Wi-Fi is tempting when you have a little downtime at an airport or coffee shop, but there's always a risk of your information being intercepted. Make sure the network is secure before you hop on, and avoid shopping or using apps that require your personal information (like the one for your bank) while you're online.

Secure Your Devices -- Change your settings so your devices don't automatically connect to nearby Wi-Fi networks or Bluetooth devices and transmit data without you knowing it. When it comes to apps, find out what data they want to access on your phone before you download them. And do what many people fail to -- set up a password on your device.

Don't Overshare -- Divulging details about your life on social media comes with risks. Consider how easy it may be for a hacker to mine your profile for information that's often used as security and password reminder prompts for online accounts. Rethink sharing your maiden name, birth date, graduation date and other personal details, and be sure to lock down your privacy settings as well. (Here's how you can tackle that on Facebook.)

Watch Credit Reports -- Get a copy of your credit report from the three reporting agencies: Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. (Each agency is legally required to give you a free report every 12 months.) You can order all three reports at once, but spacing out your requests may help you better spot suspicious activity over time.

Of course, you can do everything right and still find that your personal information has been compromised. Know the signs of identity theft so you can quickly take steps to minimize any damage.

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Problem viewing email? View online version. Not interested anymore? Unsubscribe from our list. Brett Mills World Famous Mortgage Broker NMLS #120484 BrettMills@CFSonline.biz Phone: (619) 644-8344 Mobile: (619) 504-7108 Look me up on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter! I look forward to connecting with you through social media! Brett Mills Protect Yourself Online Chances are that a friend or family member has been a victim of identity theft, or perhaps you've encountered it yourself. This crime is becoming more common for a variety of reasons, but one is the overwhelming amount of information we share online. Practice these simple steps to help keep your info from those actively trying to get it. Beware of Public Wi-Fi -- Wi-Fi is tempting when you have a little downtime at an airport or coffee shop, but there's always a risk of your information being intercepted. Make sure the network is secure before you hop on, and avoid shopping or using apps that require your personal information (like the one for your bank) while you're online. Secure Your Devices -- Change your settings so your devices don't automatically connect to nearby Wi-Fi networks or Bluetooth devices and transmit data without you knowing it. When it comes to apps, find out what data they want to access on your phone before you download them. And do what many people fail to -- set up a password on your device. Don't Overshare -- Divulging details about your life on social media comes with risks. Consider how easy it may be for a hacker to mine your profile for information that's often used as security and password reminder prompts for online accounts. Rethink sharing your maiden name, birth date, graduation date and other personal details, and be sure to lock down your privacy settings as well. (Here's how you can tackle that on Facebook.) Watch Credit Reports -- Get a copy of your credit report from the three reporting agencies: Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. (Each agency is legally required to give you a free report every 12 months.) You can order all three reports at once, but spacing out your requests may help you better spot suspicious activity over time. Of course, you can do everything right and still find that your personal information has been compromised. Know the signs of identity theft so you can quickly take steps to minimize any damage. Casa Financial Services, Inc NMLS #120281 9560 Cuyamaca Street #101 Santee, CA 92071 Designed and Delivered by OutboundEngine, Inc