(BPT) - Outdoor living spaces cry out for an eco-friendly touch. Whether you’re adding a patio, updating a deck or livening up your landscaping, the last thing you want to do is harm the environment. Greener decorating and building practices can help you protect and pay homage to Mother Nature while creating a space where you’ll enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.

Although they lost two of their own this school year, the message of Wednesday’s Liberty Ranch High School graduation was to live.

Bigger isn't always better in the real estate world, and what's more, it's not always possible. With more baby boomers downsizing from McMansions to smaller, more manageable houses, and a growing number of people opting to rent rather than buy, many families are looking for new ways to decorate, design and work with smaller spaces.

Whether you've signed a lease agreement or purchased a house, moving into your first home is an exciting time. For many people, it's their first opportunity to express their personal style by decorating their own space.

"Go big or go home." It's a popular sports chant that's found its way into numerous other aspects of American life. But when it comes to home decor, going big at home may not seem like an option, especially if your budget is less than grand.

STOCKTON - About two months ago, McKinley Elementary art teacher Bridget Gallagher envisioned a mural that would send a message to the south Stockton school's community.

The Lodi Grape Festival returns on Sept. 12 and runs through Sept. 15, offering animal shows, winetastings, a midway and much more.

Overview: Between the various eateries, cinema, olive oil, cheese and wine tasting, shopping and more, Downtown Lodi is the place to be. You can grab a bite with friends at one of the various restaurants that serve delicacies ranging from sushi to burgers, sample some sweets at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory or sip Zin at one of the many tasting rooms. Then enjoy some shopping before ending your day.

Lodi is known for its zinfandels, glistening lake and beautiful setting between the mountains and the sea. But did you know that Lodi is a hub for public art created by local artists?

Welcome to Lodi. Please relax and sip some wine. You’ll find wines here are generally excellent, affordable — and often poured for you by the vintner who made them.

Patti Wallace stood on a busy street corner at Pine Street and Cherokee Lane, a brush dripping with brown paint in her hand. She hemmed and hawed, looking for the right angle to apply a nose to the face she was creating on the side of a traffic control signal box on the sidewalk. A dropcloth taped around the base of the box protected the sidewalk, and a line sketch of her design was lightly penciled in on its surface.

Roy Yates leases property on four ranches, where he takes care of 105 cows and several calves. Not only that, but he also makes business decisions, prepares paperwork and watches the livestock market so he can decide when to sell his cattle.

What’s the attraction: A walk through urban communities, where alleyways are filled with colorful murals painted by local groups and artists. The Precita Eyes Muralist Association strives to beautify inner city environments and celebrate the Mission District’s heritage and arts.

(BPT) - Appearances count, especially when you’re trying to sell a home. Even though the housing industry experts predict this spring will be a seller’s market, it’s important to grab every advantage when you’re trying to sell your home. Staging – decorating a house to appeal to the broadest possible range of buyers – can make the difference between a quick sale or a long, painful linger on the market.

(NAPSI)—For enhanced curb appeal of your home, nothing beats a front door with beautiful doorglass.

The following is a list of public meetings in the Lodi and Galt areas this week: