WAYS TO GO GREEN IN THE KITCHEN Start a garden. Whether you opt for a full-out vegetable garden or a small window of fresh herbs, the taste of freshness will be unmistakable! Shop locally! Visit local farmers markets or choose locally produced produce whenever possible. Bring your own bags when you visit the grocery store. Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs. Save time and energy by cooking a double portion and setting half aside in the freezer for a quick meal at a later date. Get energized and leave the appliances alone. Whenever possible, mix and beat ingredients by hand, cook multiple items at the same time, and avoid washing dishes unnecessarily. Use energy-efficient appliances such as the slow cooker or toaster oven, which can use up to 30% less energy. Be aware of energy wasters such as excessive pre-heating or simmering. Ditch the wraps (such as saran wrap or foil) and make the switch to reusable containers for lunches and leftovers. Put a lid on it! Did you know that cooking with lids could save up to three times the energy? Keep all that steam inside the pot for a more energy-efficient (and faster!) meal. Go fresh—say goodbye to excessively packaged foods, which are often produced using processes that are harmful to the environment. Cooking meals from scratch using fresh ingredients is not only healthier, it’s often less expensive and better for the environment. Decide what you are looking for before you open the fridge, and never keep the door open longer than absolutely necessary.

Water Features For Your Yard A water feature can make a major change in your yard, and there are plenty of different ways to go about adding one. From a simple and small fountain to a koi pond or waterfall, you can use water to create a peaceful sense of a real escape from life in your yard. Small Water Features For small yards or for those looking to add something simple, a basic fountain is easy to add. They come in a variety of types, shapes, and sizes and can fit into any landscaping. Your fountain can be a centerpiece for the yard or can be placed near the patio. You can even get a small tabletop fountain for the patio table. Most fountains are easy enough to install by yourself. They use a pump system that circulates the water and keeps the fountain running. Follow all of the instructions for set-up, use, and care that come with the fountain and you can enjoy the sound of trickling water for many years to come. Adding A Pond A pond is a really eye-catching and special addition to any yard. You will need some space for it, but even smaller yards can manage one. Koi ponds are a very popular choice, as the fish are lovely and create an ambience in the yard. They fit in well with any sort of Japanese or other Asian landscape design, but really extend into other styles as well. Make sure your pond has a system for keeping the water circulating and clean; standing water can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, and it can get quite dirty over time. It’s best to have a professional install the water system for your pond. Waterfalls You may not be able to have Niagara Falls in your yard to enjoy, but you can get a waterfall added as a feature of your yard. These can be falls that descend over a rock wall, a small stream that runs over consecutive drops in a sloped yard, or something in a corner where water falls down into a small pond. A waterfall adds the sound of moving water to the air all the time. Be sure you have proper drainage for the water system. Water features are a beautiful addition to any yard, and your imagination is really the only limit. Many professionals can help you to design the water feature that is right for your yard and your needs.

Tips On Saving Energy & Money At Home When you save on energy, you also save money. As a homeowner, there are a number of ways that you can do both and still have the energy to enjoy your everyday life. The Buzz On Bulbs One of the most obvious ways to save energy in your home is to turn off the television when nobody is watching or when the room is empty. Additionally, avoid leaving lights on that aren’t necessary. Speaking of lights, your choice of light bulbs may also have an impact on your energy bill as certain types require more electricity than others resulting in higher energy costs. Keep It Cool During the warm spring and summer months, it’s best to keep all appliances that give off a lot of heat away from the thermostat. Otherwise, your home may appear hotter than it actually is and the air conditioner will then be made to work harder. This, in turn, equals more energy being used and more money being spent on energy costs. Speaking of heat, it’s a good idea to avoid excessive use of the oven when it’s hot outside. During the warm weather months, the oven can quickly cause your home’s interior to heat up. This means the air conditioner will once again be working harder to cool your home’s interior, which increases your energy consumption. One popular alternative is to use the microwave. Shop Smart Whether you have outdated appliances or are simply looking to furnish a new home, it’s a good idea to keep energy efficiency in mind while shopping for new models. Although energy-efficient appliances may be more expensive, they can save you money in the long run by cutting your energy costs every month. Heating & Cooling If you want to save a substantial amount of money, take a close look at your heating and cooling costs, which often make up over 50 percent of a family’s energy bill. When it comes to heating or cooling, make sure that the thermostat is adjusted at night and when the home is empty. Otherwise, you are simply wasting energy. Make sure that filters for both heating and cooling units are replaced regularly. Sun Sense In the summer, leave your curtains and/or blinds closed in order to minimize the sun’s heat from entering your home as this could cause your air conditioner to work harder. After all, your air conditioner is designed to cool your home and the sun’s heat only makes the temperature rise. In the winter, however, open your curtains in order to get the most out of the sun’s warm rays.

Tips On Setting Up Your Outdoor Music System If you are planning to entertain outdoors, then you may also be considering the addition of an outdoor music system to help complete your theme. If this is the case, it’s a good idea to keep several tips in mind so that your party will be as smooth as your moves on the dance floor. Avoid Giving Your Neighbors An Earful Music is defined as the pleasing combination of vocal and instrumental sounds, but having too much of a good thing isn’t always a good idea. One of your most important considerations should be that of your neighbors, who may not necessarily appreciate your love of music or, at least, the volume of it. When choosing your audio equipment, keep the noise level in check so as to not disrupt everyone around you. Shop Smart Choosing the right music system for your outdoor gathering is important and, if you are like most, price is a big consideration. Audio equipment can be especially expensive, but shopping sales and comparing prices will help you to save wherever possible. If you only plan to use the music system once, you may want to consider renting the equipment instead of making such a large purchase. Don’t Take On More Than You Can Handle Music equipment can be heavy, which is why it’s important to consider the weight of the system that you are thinking of using. Make sure that you have friends on hand to help with the moving and setup if needed. In some cases, depending on your needs, portable music systems may offer an affordable and lightweight way to add some musical styling to your outdoor party. Check The Weather If you’re setting up an outdoor music system, one of your obvious considerations will be the weather. It’s a good idea to check the forecast and make sure that no rain is being predicted. Otherwise, your outdoor music system could quickly become a washed up idea—literally. We all know that the weather can change at the drop of a hat, which is why it’s important to have a backup plan in case your gathering gets rained out. Hire A Professional If you run into difficulties setting up your outdoor music system or have questions about the proper way to make your system sing, consult a professional. In some cases, you may also want to consider hiring a DJ to emcee your party with his/her own professional system that will be set up for you.

Tips To Make Your Move Easier Moving can be a stressful time, however, there are several things that you can do to make your move a smooth one. If you know that you’re moving ahead of time, it’s a good idea to start packing as early as possible. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day and, unless you have to be out in a hurry, it’s better to take your time and remember every little detail now than to find yourself with the moving blues later. A Little Goes A Long Way If at all possible, pace yourself when packing. It’s better to pack a little at a time and make sure that nothing is forgotten than to hurry and try to get everything done within a day or two. It’s easy to forget to have your address changed, turn off your phone, internet, water and/or cable service, so take the time to make sure every little detail is ironed out now so that you can enjoy your new home later. Have A Moving Sale Get rid of everything that you don’t need by having a moving sale. If you haven’t used it within a year, sell it. Otherwise, you will just end up with the same clutter in your new house as you’ve had in the one you’re leaving behind. Plus, the more you sell, the less you will have to pack and move. Not to mention, moving is expensive and there’s nothing wrong with earning a few extra bucks whenever possible. Create A Packing List It will help you to remember things much easier by writing them down on paper as they come to mind. A packing list can act as a shopping list, which will remind you of the things that you need to remember. Pack Lightly Moving day is hard enough, so don’t make it any worse by loading down your arms with too much weight. If you pack lightly, it may cost you a little more footwork, but your body will thank you at the end of the day. Pack Smart Because of their design, boxes are easier to carry and provide an effective way to keep everything stored safely in its place. Rather than just piling everything into the car or U-Haul and hoping for the best, take the time to pack everything carefully (especially breakables) inside of a box. What will not fit, such as furniture and other household essentials, should be tied down and placed in a moving truck. Furniture pads are also a good idea to prevent damage during the move. Make sure you label each box with the contents of each box along with the room it will go in at the new home. This will make unpacking more efficient and save you loads of time.

Top Five Ways To Ruin Antiques An antique is a decorative object that is valuable because of its age. These days, people collect antiques for a number of reasons, including sentimental value, their monetary worth and for the purpose of adding charm to their home. Because antiques are generally old already, they require a little more attention and care. Breakage One of the top ways to ruin your antiques is by not protecting them in a way that would prevent breakage or damage. If you have a display cabinet, use it to house your antiques. This will allow you to still enjoy a visual of your collection without having to worry about having them jumbled around during everyday activities. Weather If you want to preserve your antiques, keep them out of the weather. Extreme temperatures, including hot or cold, can damage practically anything. In addition, the moisture from rain and/or snow may cause harm to your antique collection. Therefore, make sure to store your collectibles inside, where they will be protected from the outdoor elements. Depreciation Antiques are the most valuable when in their original condition, which means that taking great care to keep your collectibles mint will go a long way in protecting their worth. Making alterations to your antiques is one way of ruining them, so try to maintain their original integrity as much as possible. Poor Condition One way to ruin anything, including antiques, is to neglect them. Think of an antique car and what makes it so valuable. Is it because the owner has cared for the car properly and done everything possible to preserve it over the years? The same is true with any antique, which means you will need to clean and maintain it from day one, including glassware, furniture or other collectibles. Out Of Reach Whether its little hands or little paws, your antique collection should not be kept in a place where children and/or pets can gain access. Not only are they curious by nature, but they could also unintentionally damage your antiques. One of the surest ways to ruin your antiques is to let wandering hands or paws come across them. Now that you know how to protect your antiques, it’s time to continue building on your collection. Yard sales, garage and estate sales, flea markets, online auctions, classifieds, antique shows and even specialty magazines are all terrific places to find the antiques of your dreams. Before buying as an investment, always look for imperfections or damage that may affect the value.

Unclutter Your Home In Ten Easy Steps Clutter, which is defined as things that lie about untidily, is often linked to creativity. So, just how much imagination will it take to tidy up your space? To be exact, you can make it happen in ten easy steps. Step # 1: Set A Schedule You are much more likely to stick to a routine, whatever it may be, if you work on a schedule. In addition, this allows you to clean when you can minimize interruptions and maximize your time. Step # 2: Set A Goal For Each Room If you can visualize what you want, you will be better able to achieve it. By setting goals for each room, you can note the things that need changing and work toward that goal one day at a time. Step # 3: Create A Timeline When do you hope to have your home completely free of clutter? One week, two weeks or even a month? Depending on your schedule and the amount of clutter that you have, it may take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks before you can kick back and relax again. Step # 4: Start Small The clutter in your home didn’t appear overnight, and it won’t disappear overnight either. If you start small, you will be less likely to get frustrated and give up midway through your cleanup. Step # 5: Categorize Your Clutter When cleaning, it’s important to categorize your items into groups. By separating the items that you want to keep, toss and donate, you will be able to move through your clutter quickly and efficiently. Step # 6: Letting Go A good rule of thumb for uncluttering your home is to get rid of anything that you haven’t used within the past year. If it’s still useful, consider donating it to a good cause. Otherwise, toss it. Step # 7: Storing Your Seasonal Apparel When storing seasonal clothing, purchase a sturdy plastic storage bin with a lid and roll your clothes instead of folding them in an effort to maximize storage capability. When full, snap the lid on and slide the unit into your closet. Step # 8: Closet Organization Did you know that your choice of clothes hangers can greatly impact the storage capacity of your closet? Wire hangers take up less space and can save your shirts from getting that annoying shoulder bump that often arises from the use of plastic hangers. Step # 9: Shoes Blues When it comes to storing shoes, many homeowners are fighting a losing battle with clutter. How many pairs of shoes do you own? How neatly are they stored? If your shoe storage has you down, try purchasing clear lidded shoe boxes. These handy creations can house each pair of shoes and can be stacked neatly in your closet. And best of all, you can see your shoe collection without having to sift through a sea of sandals. Step # 10: Read The Labels If you have medicine, food or anything else with an expiration date in the home, check to make sure that the items are still good. If the expiration date has already come and gone, throw them away.

Use Flowers To Add Color To Your Home Flowers are used for many purposes, including landscaping, weddings, gifts and even to decorate the interior of your home. Because they are colorful, beautiful and an affordable way to decorate, flowers can help bring an otherwise dull room to life. Silk Verses Real Whether or not you choose to decorate your home with real or silk flowers is a personal decision that’s based on a number of factors. Due to current manufacturing capabilities, many of today’s silk flowers are stunningly similar to the real thing. Therefore, one of the greatest concerns facing homeowners is whether or not they are allergic to real flowers. If you or someone in your family is allergic, it’s better to use silk flowers in order to avoid the sniffles. When it comes to decor, maintenance is always a concern. Many homeowners choose silk flowers because they require no maintenance and will last for many years with the proper care. Compared to real flowers, they are much more economical because they do not need replacing every week. With that being said, there are also many benefits to choosing real flowers for the purpose of adding color to your home. One of the most obvious is the scent that real flowers can offer to a room. Prints Believe it or not, you can add colorful flowers to your home without having to choose between real or silk designs. How? It’s easy. There is no shortage on full-color art prints and/or photographs featuring flower arrangements or even a single dramatic blossom. As a homeowner, you can choose a framed print that sits nicely on your desk or a poster-size print that is designed for display on a wall. Creative Color If you’re on a budget or simply have a knack for crafting, consider using your favorite floral gift wrap and turning it into a beautifully framed print. You can do this by purchasing a frame and cutting a piece of gift wrap that will fit perfectly inside. That’s all there is to it; you now have a framed print that looks exactly like a work of art. This type of floral accent is easy, affordable and a perfect way to add color to your home in a fun way. Greet Your Guests If you really want to wow your guests, add a hanging flower basket outside your front door. When someone walks up to your house, they will instantly be greeted with color. You can choose anything from flowers to strawberries, the latter of which are just as good to eat as they are to look at.

Using Bright And Bold Paint Colors Homeowners who are thinking of selling are often warned against choosing bright and bold paint colors for their walls. These colors can be difficult to cover up, usually require a number of coats to look good, and can dramatically change the feel of a room. If the color is not selected with a bit of planning and forethought, it can sometimes turn into a decorating nightmare. But with a little forethought and these helpful tips, you can create a beautiful space that reflects you and your family’s personality with no restrictions! Define The Space The colors you choose for your walls should always reflect the mood of the room. Certain colors invoke particular moods, and can produce even physical and emotional reactions. Being aware of this can really make your choice one you will be happy with for years to come. For example, red stimulates appetite and so is a great choice for kitchens, while yellow stimulates creativity and may work well in an office space. Find The Right Furnishings When using bright, bold colors in any space, knowing first how you are going to decorate the rest of the space can make the choice easy. Bold wall colors that don’t match the draperies or sofa, for example, will just draw even more attention to the mismatched feel of the room than a lighter shade would. Choose Complementary Accent Pieces The trick to using bright colors in any room is to combine it with accent pieces that complement the color, and tone it down. White is always a good choice, and black will add a lot of drama to a space if done right, and can also tie the look of a boldly decorated room together. Use The Tools Available To You Most home décor and DIY stores have great tools both in the store and online to help you coordinate colors by mood and shade. Asking a sales representative at these stores to point out the tools they have available and seeking their advice is always a good idea if you don’t know where to start. If you are really in doubt you can always consider hiring an interior designer. Home décor should always reflect the personality and lifestyle of those who live there, and whether you are a pastel kind of person, or love bright bold looks, there is always a solution that is right for you.