Oct 27

BRRR it’s Colorado Cold outside, but not inside thanks to the government!

100_0467The Obama Administration is dolling out $3.2 billion for energy efficiency and energy conservation projects in states and cities across the U.S., moving that portion of the economic stimulus money a bit closer to your home.

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program will fund new and existing programs in states to promote home energy audits, weatherization, energy efficiency upgrades, replacement of outdated appliances and other similar initiatives. The Department of Energy had previously estimated that the average qualifying home could benefit from $6,500 in improvements. Each program differs by state and city, so look to your local agencies or energy.gov/recovery for details. While home improvement initiatives are likely to help individuals most directly, the grants cover a broad array of potential initiatives.

You need to do your research & most installers are up to date on the lates info so If yo uneed a little help check with one of your local energyor window companies to see if you qualify. If you do jump on in now! My mom actaully qualified & they blew in insulation, replaced windows, & more all while she sipped tea on the front porch. Cost to her $0.00!

It is hard to believe but my theroy is we are  paying for it anyway, why not use it!

 

 

Jul 18
icon1 Ariel | icon2 Addicted to HGTV, Green Design | icon4 07 18th, 2009| icon3No Comments »

gh09_screen-porch_01_reveal_s4x3_smA wonderful idea for outdoor space is a screened in porch. They can be fairly inexpensive to to depending on how involved the design, and if you do it right you can enjoy them year around. Not to mention an outdoor living space adds value & appeal to your home if you are planning on selling in the future. Now is also a great time to get outdoor living accessories on sale at your local retailer! gh09_screen-porch_07_wide-alt_s4x3_sm

This one designed for the green home at HGTV is one of my favs. everything used was eco friendly and designed with green living in mind. While they were working from a larger budget than most it is always fun to check out big design for ideas. You would be surprised what you can come up with at thrift shops when you have an idea in place! gh09_screen-porch_06_detail-daybed-orchids_s4x3_sm

So enjoy your summer & consider adding an outdoor living space to your space. For more ideas check out these sites.

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http://www.outdoor-kitchens.com/?gclid=CKDkwfDN35sCFSIuagodtzb2_w

http://www.extremehowto.com/xh/article.asp?article_id=60516

http://www.hgtv.com/

Jan 18

I wanted to pass along this link to one of my favorite magazines for natural design and decorating.

If you want to live a little closer to nature, you’ll like it. It’s called NaturalHomeMagazine, and it’s filled with ideas for”living wisely and living well,” whether you want to bring a little of the outdoors in for spring…or design an entire new wing!

I just enjoy thumbing through it for inspiration, or even if I want to take a mental break to dream (wouldn’t it be great to live in that window-filled house on the side of a cliff, surrounded by nature preserves?!) . Pick up a copy and you’ll see what I mean.