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Archive: April 2008
Mother's Day
Posted by etipton – April 30, 2008 11:01 AM
Mother's Day is right around the corner. You need to be thinking of a gift for mom. I am going to spend the next few weeks giving you some ideas. My first suggestion is rain chains. Rain chains are a unique gift mom may not already have. Originating centuries ago in Japan, rain chains are a beautiful and decorative alternative to a traditional down spout on your home. As the water collects at the top of the rain chain, it gracefully cascades down the segments, resulting in a soothing sight and sound experience. A basin or barrel may also be added to collect rainwater for garden use. This lovely copper chain features a series of five sculpted lilies, designed to funnel the water from your gutters in a unique and interesting manner. A mounting attachment slips securely into your gutter outlet to make replacing your downspout a quick and simple affair. Segments may be easily removed to adjust to custom lengths, accommodating any size home. Over time, the copper construction will also patina to a beautiful green tone, for more interest. Add a dynamic accent to the side of your home with this Copper Lily Rain Chain. Prices start at $90.
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A dog's best friend.
Posted by etipton – April 30, 2008 10:35 AM
Depending on the size of your dog, they outgrow collars all the time while growing up. This makes it hard to keep a collar on your dog that fits. Petnique, Inc. has created a cinch-it pet collar that is adjustable, and can be used over the lifetime of your pet. It was made utilizing the materials and technology from the snowboard industry. It is made of thermoplastic elastomers, a material that Petnique claims is much easier on dogs’ skin than nylon collars and it does not absorb odors. The collar adjusts in two-millimeter increments, allowing for a more customized fit than traditional collars, which adjust by the inch. The collar locks into place in one motion, using the ratchet-and-pawl technology from the skiing and snowboard industry. A one-button, quick-release mechanism is held secure by a safety lock. The excess strap fits under the collar, leaving no loose ends. It's 100% waterproof, so if your dog spends as much time in water as on land, no more gross, wet collars. Priced under $20.
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Barking mad.
Posted by etipton – April 30, 2008 10:15 AM
I recently learned about a whole new line of products that can keep the peace in your neighborhood. They are bark stoppers. Bark stoppers use an ultrasonic tone that is triggered by dog's barking. If the dog is not barking, it doesn't make a sound. It may not work with all dogs, but your neighborly relationship is worth trying it. Priced around $60.
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Yellow Snow?
Posted by etipton – April 25, 2008 4:16 PM
Today when I looked out my front window, I thought it was snowing until I realized it was almost 80 degrees and yellow. Yes, it is that time of year again. The time when my driveway, car, toys, patio and everything else is covered in oak tree pollen. It is awful. We had plans outside today, but with my allergy-prone child we decided to stay inside. It would be so nice if I knew this in advance. It really wasn't this bad yesterday. I should have gotten this 7-day weather forecaster with pollen index. It displays current weather data and real-time forecasts anytime. It also includes pollen alerts, wind speed and direction, UV index, and storm warnings. What makes this weather forecaster even better is that the information is updated throughout the day via satellite digital radio signals. That means this innovative gadget does not require outdoor sensors, an Internet connection, or any subscription. I am always glad to get something that is ready-to-go out of the box. Priced less than $200.
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Hook, line and sinker
Posted by etipton – April 24, 2008 7:16 AM
Have you seen the Vapor colors from Kohler? According to their website, the Vapour colors, depending on the light and the surrounding materials and finishes, change from light to dark in color intensity. Vapour colors look like the blue of earth from space, the oranges and pinks of the sunrise or sunset, the purple of dusk, or greens and blues of the shallows in the Caribbean and change colors like how they blend and how they transform when a cloud passes overhead.
The Vapour Green Cape Dory tile-in kitchen sink is priced around $400. 
You can see all the other Vapour products from Kohler by clicking here. Continue reading »
Get your dog involved.
Posted by etipton – April 23, 2008 7:15 AM
I was unaware that you could buy environmentally-friendly toys for you dog, but you can. One product is the Planet Dog Orbe Tuff RecycleBall. It is made out of leftover material and lots of love. Planet Dog's recycleToys are made from regrind, which is first-quality material that would otherwise be thrown away. It is extremely durable, so if your dog destroys every toy you buy immediately, this one should last a few months. Orbee-Tuff is a “thermo plastic elastimer” that is engineered specifically to become one of the most durable, pliable, buoyant and bouncy dog toys on the market. To ensure dogs love the smell as much as the feel, each Orbee-Tuff toy has an appealing mint scent. The ball is made from all non-toxic ingredients and the compound is recyclable. The company Planet Dog has an internal mantra of "think globally, act doggedly." They also have a ball that glows in the dark.
Priced under $10.
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Green Jewelry
Posted by etipton – April 22, 2008 7:13 AM
There are so many creative artisans today. I am amazed with all the beautiful work that comes from recycled material. Artist Kathleen Plate makes these necklaces and earrings from beer, coke, wine and water glass bottles. She cuts the bottles and fires the glass, and then adds sterling silver accents leaving us with a fashionable piece of stylish jewelry. The colors are:teal (wine), clear (coke), green (water), or brown (beer). Prices start at $45
.
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Take me out to the ballgame.
Posted by etipton – April 21, 2008 6:08 AM
A word of caution to my male readers: just because you love the Saint Louis Cardinals doesn't mean the women in your life love the Cardinals. To my female readers: if your significant other is a die-hard fan of any major league baseball team, check out these necklaces. They are made of material salvaged from the seats of famous ballparks. They feature a sterling silver ball chain and the name of each stadium engraved on the back. Each item comes with a certificate of stadium-material authenticity. You can choose from: Yankee Stadium (royal blue), RFK Stadium (orange), Shea Stadium (orange - plastic seats as opposed to wood), Dodger Stadium (blue), Fenway Park (dark blue), Comiskey Park (light green), Wrigley Field (dark green), Tiger Stadium (dark green), Baltimore Memorial Stadium (grey), Busch Stadium (grey), Boston Gardens (dark orange), or Polo Grounds (dark green). Prices start at $80.
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Reduce, reuse, recycle
Posted by etipton – April 18, 2008 3:34 PM
Celebrate Earth Day with these beer glasses made from old car windshields. The glasses are sturdy and strong, and have a fun slight green tint due to the dye added to the original windshield glass to lessen sun's glare. These glasses will be a fun conversation starter. Each is one of a kind and will vary. Priced at $20 for the set of two.
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Happy Anniversary!
Posted by etipton – April 16, 2008 10:12 AM
I am excited to let you know that today is the one year anniversary of my first post. Thank you for a fabulous first year.
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Unique uses of recycled glass.
Posted by etipton – April 15, 2008 5:56 PM
There are some new ways to used recycled glass in building projects. One is EnviroPLANK. EnviroPLANK is a unique floor tile made of recycled glass. For those who are trying to lessen our environmental footprint, this is a great flooring option. The company EnviroGLASS started in 2002. Plano, Texas had a glut of old glass bottles, mirrors and windows that became the source for this chic, green twist to the classic flooring concept. The creative solution of combining the multi-colored crystals with epoxy resin to create recycled glass Terrazzo was born. Now you can have it in your home. Prices start at $20/square foot.
Get more ideas and information at their website- www.enviroglasproducts.com. Continue reading »
Winter Whine.
Posted by etipton – April 14, 2008 12:06 PM
Why have a boring coat rack when you can have this one? This work of art uses used wine bottles instead of hooks. It can hold four heavy coats, but make sure you read all the installation instructions before hanging it on your wall. This is so much better than boring, traditional coat racks, and can make winter a little less dreary.
Priced around $75.
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Silly Twists.
Posted by etipton – April 14, 2008 9:07 AM
I like these reusable, silicone-coated Sili Twists. They were designed to tie up vegetables and meats. Sili Twists are made of silicone coated steel wire, and that keeps them safely tied around your asparagus or stuffed pork tenderloin. They are heat resistant up to 570 degrees Farenheit. Great for the oven, but not for the grill. You can also use them around the house for other improvement projects. Priced around $15 for six.
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Energy bills.
Posted by etipton – April 13, 2008 4:20 PM
I always wonder why my energy bills are so high. I have a few older appliances, and I've wondered if it would save money to replace them. The Kill A Watt meter allows you to connect your appliance in to the meter and know how efficient it is. This meter will let you know how much leaving that extra TV, printer, alarm clock or stereo plugged in all the time costs. It displays usage in volts, amps, watts, Hz, or VA. Priced less than $35.
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Green Picnic
Posted by etipton – April 11, 2008 8:26 PM
Many people are not willing to give up convenience when they go green. With Preserve products from Reycline, you don't have to. Their products are environmentally-friendly ,compared to most disposable cups. They are made from recycled plastics, and are recyclable in communities with #5 plastics recycling. This is great news, but you don't have to recycle them immediately. They can withstand the dishwasher to be used over and over again. Choose from tumblers, salad plates, dinner plates, or cutlery. Priced less than $10.
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Kitchen Wars
Posted by etipton – April 9, 2008 10:09 PM
Of all the dangerous things in the kitchen, I never worried about cans of food. That is until I got into a nasty altercation with one, and ended up in the emergency room. This never would have happened if I had stayed out of the kitchen to begin with. I asked for some worker's comp or disability leave, but my family will not allow me to give up dinner duty. For the good of everyone at my house, this year I have put this OXO can opener on my Mother's Day wish list. The OXO Smooth Edge Can Opener can open any sized can while eliminating sharp edges. It cuts the side of the can, below the can edge, leaving no sharp edges on the can or lid. Priced around $20 (which is much less expensive than my emergency room visit.)
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A new black light.
Posted by etipton – April 9, 2008 10:42 AM
The folks at blackandlightco have probably given up on me reviewing the candles they sent. They generously sent me a few candle samples back in February and wanted my honest opinion of them.
First of all, I love their company story. Holly Eve was an elementary school teacher for twenty-five years. She couldn't find candles she wanted, so she was inspired to start her own line of candles. The second thing I love is that their candles are unscented. This allows you to really enjoy candles as an accent like other things you have carefully chosen to go in your room. There are times that I want pretty candle light, but most of my candles are scented. A variety of scents really overwhelms the mood, and often I am allergic to the scents that go with the colors I like. The third thing I like is the product. I went to their website, and all the candles are super-cute. There are dots and swirls and other precious, but stylish, designs. Blackandlightco really understands using candles as decoration or a focal point.
It is always disappointing when you receive something you ordered online and it doesn't live up to your expectations. This will not happen with blackandlightco. products. They come in a very nice shipping box, wrapped in tissue paper with shredded paper to protect the candles. Each candle comes in its own stylish box with easy-to-peel-off logo stickers. They encourage you to find another use for the box and recycle it.
I understand why the company sent out samples. It is hard to explain to anyone the quality without having the product in hand. The candles should give you up to 15 hours of burn time per inch, and beautiful with detailed design and patterns. Candles start around $40.
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Get on the bandwagon.
Posted by etipton – April 4, 2008 10:20 AM
Brenda Lee Feldman, inventor of BumpyName Orbit Labels, is offering my readers a 15% discount on any label order during the month of April. Use the coupon code "HGTV408".
When my daughter was small, she delighted in pulling the labels off sippy cups and toys. Even today, if I label a cup or school supplies, she has got the label on her shirt before I turn around. I have pretty much given up. I use Sharpies and paint pens to label her stuff. Her preschool requires everything that is brought to school has to be labeled. After a few weeks, her name is scratched off and we start over.
This must be a common problem because a mom designed these BumpyName Orbit Labels. They were designed for 4 ounce baby bottles, and stretch to work on sippy cups, adult drinks, snack bowls and pretty much everything in between. They are also dishwasher and microwave safe. Your child may not be able to read yet, but she knows her drink has the pink band and her baby sister has the purple band regardless of which cup each is using today. That might lead to less spreading of germs. I'm always for that.
A package of three pre-printed common names sells for $8, or select a custom project. Select your color, name and a sassy icon. Packages of four are priced around $12. While these drink bands are marketed towards kids, Continue reading »
The bold new look...
Posted by etipton – April 4, 2008 8:54 AM
When I think of the Kohler brand, I only think about faucets and bathroom toilets. They have some neat offerings for the Green House. This Archer petite vanity looks like a piece of nice furniture, but still offers all your bathroom needs. It is constructed of Maple solids and veneers with a catalyzed, polyurethane finish. A vanity like this would really change the feel of a bathroom quickly. Priced around $400.
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Stray Dog Designs.
Posted by etipton – April 4, 2008 8:48 AM
Usually a stray dog is a bad thing, but I will gladly offer my home to any of the items from Stray Dog Designs. Checking out the products from the Green Home this week, I noticed time after time, a lot of my favorites were from Stray Dog Designs.
I loved the crab, and I may redecorate my den around this adorable lamp.
The Stray Dog Design story began with newlyweds fleeing to Mexico, who found a stray dog and a new career importing Mexican pottery. Eventually they came back to Lookout Mountain, Tennessee and opened up shop once again. Their items are handmade with careful construction from quality and recycled materials. You can view all of their contributions to the house here.
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More than a fire pit, it's a piece of history.
Posted by etipton – April 1, 2008 7:59 AM
The Green Home fire pit is from Carolina Kettles. While it looks similar to other fire pits, their website shares a little more history. "In the 19th century, a syrup kettle or sugar kettle was more or less a tool that had several applications around the farm. It was used as a syrup cooking pot, used to scald hogs at slaughter time, used to render lard, and also as a water bath at canning time." I hope you don't need to scald hogs or render lard, but you can still enjoy one as a fire pit. Carolina Kettles produces exact replicas of the original syrup kettles. If you have the money, that seems a little neater to me than picking one up at a chain store. Priced around $1,000.
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- Mother's Day
- A dog's best friend.
- Barking mad.
- Yellow Snow?
- Hook, line and sinker
- Get your dog involved.
- Green Jewelry
- Take me out to the ballgame.
- Reduce, reuse, recycle
- Happy Anniversary!
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