8 Simple Ways To Make Your Home Green Friendly and Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

                                                                      Source:  Google

Making your home green friendly and reducing your carbon footprint is not at all complicated and just takes a few simple quick fixes that can be done in a short period of time. Living green is not only good for the environment, but it reduces waste, and is good for your health and the health of future generations.

Reducing your carbon footprint means reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions you produce by reducing the amount of electricity, and heating used by heavy appliances such as dryers and refrigerators.

8 green friendly and carbon reducing footprint tips:

1.  Use front loading washer and dryers as they are energy efficient and use less water and electricity.
2. Dry your clothes on a clothesline and cut down on using the dryer all together.
3. Install green flooring in your home such as linoleum, cork, wood and bamboo. These green floors are affordable and long lasting and keeps indoor air healthy.
4. Keep refrigerator back/bottom coils clean and make sure to leave enough space between the wall and the condenser coils so air can circulate. This will allow your refrigerator to operate more efficiently.
5. Re-use furniture. Shop at Habitat for Humanity's Restores for used furniture such as fireplace mantels and used appliances at bargain prices.
6. Reduce the amount of water used when watering your garden by installing a drip system. The drip system has tiny pinholes that will go directly to the plant roots which will eliminate water waste.
7. Install energy efficient double-pane windows that are filled with inert gas and make sure frames are made from recycled wood fiber.
8. Recycle your old carpeting by giving it to a manufacturer so they can reuse it for new carpeting otherwise, it will end up in a landfill.

Have  an eco-friendly weekend!

How to easily transform your home office on a tight budget

Is your home office feeling dull and uninspiring lately? Then consider updating it, to keep you inspired and motivated throughout the day.

Whether you spend your day writing, blogging or just paying bills, etc., your mental outlook can be greatly improved simply by refreshing and updating your home office.

The first thing to consider is changing the paint color. If you need to lessen your stress levels go with cool colors such as greens, blues and purple. These color choices calm the spirit and will help you to concentrate on your task as they do not overwhelm the space.

The color green in particular is a wise choice as it promotes creativity, balance and harmony. To keep you energized choose vibrant colors such as oranges, reds and yellows. These colors are in the warm color family and are vibrant, lively and will keep you alert.

Next, choose a rug that complements your new paint color. This will ground the space and make it feel more comfortable.

Make sure your home office is ergonomically correct by placing your computer, printer and fax in easy access of use. Invest in a good quality/comfortable office chair. Place meaningful artwork on walls to inspire you and keep you motivated. Add plants and/or fresh flowers to give life to your space. Use wicker baskets and colorful trays to keep supplies organized. Place scented candles, picture frames, and unique stationary on your desk.

Transform your old bulletin board into an eye catching piece by placing fabric or wallpaper over the cork. Replace drab curtains with modern and sophisticated draperies.

See photos below:

                                                                 
                                                      Source:  HGTV
Which home  office is your  style?  I would  love  to  hear  your  thoughts.                           Comment  below.  
                                     

Paint Your Front Door Red To Attract A Positive Curb Appeal

A red front door creates welcoming energy and positive vibes.

In Feng Shui, it is believed that painting your front door red invites a welcoming flow of energy, as the front door is known as the "Mouth of Chi", where energy enters.

If your house is on the market and you want it to stand out, choosing a red color for your entry door will boost your curb appeal, as a potential buyer will always remember the house with the red front door. A bold front door color like red makes a great first impression and reveals a lot about the homeowner.

Below are some interesting facts worth considering before choosing to paint your front door red:

The color red symbolizes passion, vibrancy and excitement.In Ancient times it was believed that a red front door wards off evil spirits and ghosts.According to Scottish tradition, to celebrate a mortgage-free home, the homeowner would paint their front door red.In Chinese culture red represents abundance, happiness and good fortune.In India the color red symbolizes newlyweds, love and marriage.

Decor Tip:

When selecting the perfect red for your door choose a tone that complements the style and color of your home. Always test out paint samples on the door first (a few inches apart) and see what the color looks like from a distance.

                           
           This red front door exudes positive energy!
                                                             
                                                         Source:  Google

How To Update Your Existing Kitchen On A Budget

To update your existing kitchen on a budget can easily be done by updating fabric and accessories, replacing outdated appliances with modern stainless steel appliances, and updating countertops with granite or quartz.

If your budget allows, update fixtures such as faucets, sinks and lighting.

The following steps will help you to update your kitchen without blowing your budget:

• Make a wish list of the things that you want to update
• Create a sample board of fabrics, accessories, and paint colors that you love
• Choose a color scheme
• Develop a budget and stick to it
• Research the decorating style you want to implement by using design resources
• Use washable paint and wallpaper
• Purchase quality, energy efficient appliances
• Add designer details such as a tiled mural 
• Install new decorative light fixtures such as wall scones 
• Coordinate your new kitchen with the rest of your home so it is visibly pleasing.

Below are some beautiful updated kitchens, I hope  they will inspire you to create the kitchen  you've always  wanted.

                                                     Source:  House Beautiful

Modern Shabby Chic Decorating Ideas

One of my favorite styles of home decorating is the modern shabby chic style of decor.

This style of decorating started in Great Britain predominantly in grand country houses.  Shabby chic decor has evolved since then due to influences from the Swedish and French decorating culture.

Modern shabby chic is comprised of vintage and antique furniture (usually painted white), recycled old furniture and fabrics, particularly cotton and French linen with a feminine influence. Decorative items/accessories used in this style of decorating are vintage chandeliers, chenile bedspreads, patchwork quilts, floral printed tablecloths, old vases painted with roses and flea market finds such as jelly jars, milk jugs, and pie plates.

To achieve the shabby chic look in your home is easy just follow these ideas:

Bring in furniture pieces that are distressed but not damaged, good quality and preferably family heirlooms. Try painting or slipcovering your existing furniture a neutral color so the look is blended. Choose colors that are in the pastel family such as whites and creams. Curtains should have an airy breezy feeling so a gauzy type fabric is best. Flooring is left simple, usually hardwood flooring or white painted floors with a persian rug.

To complete your look add romantic accents such as roses, candlesticks, and antique picture frames.

Modern Shabby Chic Photos:

                                                 

                                   

                         Source:  House Beautiful 

Room Ideas For The Traditional Style Of Decorating

Traditional decor is classic and enduring, combining luxurious rich fabrics with polished woods and beautiful leather furnishings.

The kind of furniture used in Traditional decor is Renaissance, Louis the IV, Queen Anne, and Chippendale. These furnishings are usually elegant pieces lavished with opulent carvings and rich dark woods.

The color palette for a Traditional style is mostly neutral. Use creams, taupes, ivory, golds, deep reds and browns and keep the floors dark and the walls a light color

Accessories play an important part of the Traditional style of decor as they help to soften the sometimes rigid lines of this style. Use accessories such as large floral arrangements, vases, mirrors, crystal chandeliers, oriental rugs and luxurious neutral color draperies to compliment this scheme.

Fabric choices are usually silk, velvet, soft plaids, and subdued floral patterns. Look for fabrics that are richly textured with tufted buttons and pleats to get that sophisticated look. Bring a little Traditional style into your home its simple, uncomplicated and time-tested.

These rooms  below represent  the Traditional  Style  of  Decor:

                                           

                                                                 Source  :  HGTV

                       

How To Organize And Modernize A Laundry Room

The laundry room is probably the last place to come to mind when updating or organizing our interior space. The laundry room is probably one of the most used rooms in the house, especially if you have an infant or toddlers whose clothes are changed frequently.

Next to the kitchen, the laundry area/room is the hub of the house and gets a lot of traffic. Keeping this area organized and updated is a task most of us would rather not think about. But, having a laundry space that is functional and attractive will make the mundane task of doing laundry more appealing.

Here are some tips to get you started on your way to a wonderful and modern laundry room.

• Paint or wallpaper a feature wall of the room
• Add draperies - if your laundry room is in your  basement adding draperies will soften the space and  make it feel brighter.
• Turn an old bookcase into a shelving unit for your  laundry supplies
• Add a folding station or counter top to fold clothes
• Install several coat hooks or a curtain rod to hang up  laundry from the dryer
• Keep laundry pre-sorted into hampers to make laundry  day easier
• Utilize baskets and colorful containers for organization
• Update ceiling lights and add a task light
• Add house plants and paintings to personalize your  space
• Place a sign on your laundry room door to give it  character

See photos  below:

           
                                               Source  :  HGTV

Five Easy Ideas On How To Update A Patio Or Courtyard

Creating an updated patio or courtyard need not be costly or time-consuming.

The same decorating principles of indoor decorating apply to the outdoor as well. Choose colors, fabrics and furniture that are suitable for your lifestyle, your personal preference and budget.

Your patio should be an extension of your home.

Here are five easy ideas  to update  your  patio:

1. Clean windows and doors - pressure clean if possible. Cleaning the windows/doors will help to show off your beautiful and sparkling outdoor retreat and provides a great first impression when guests arrive.
2. Update your old outdoor furniture by spray painting it. First clean it thoroughly, sand it, give it a coat of acrylic primer and then spray paint it with an outdoor latex paint. If you plan on buying new furniture select outdoor furniture that will withstand weather conditions such as heavy rainfall, harsh sunlight and gusts of wind. Wicker and wrought iron patio furniture are a good choice.
3. Adding patio accessories such as seat cushions, pillows, umbrellas, and an outdoor rug helps to pull your look together. Go bold with fabrics and coordinate your colors with your indoor space so there is a flow and continuity.
4. Lighting - whether you choose lanterns, string lights, or Chinese lanterns, lighting provides a warm glow, illuminates your surroundings and enhances your security. 
5. Container gardening - place potted succulents, and annuals in corners that are bare and need a little lift. Potted plants will instantly take a patio from boring to remarkable and they can easily be moved from one corner of the patio to the other to accommodate sun/shade.

                                  Container  gardening, and weather
                                    resistant outdoor furniture

         
                                        Wrought-iron  patio  furniture
                                       
                                       

   
                                            Flameless candles

                                     Brightly colored patio umbrella
                                         and striped cushions
                                     
         
                        All photos  courtesy  of  BHG

     

Review: Nate's Meatless Meatballs

Nate's Meatless Meatballs are simply scrumptious!

If you are thinking about eating healthier and don't want to sacrifice taste for nutrition, Nate's Meatless Meatballs is for you. They taste just like the real thing, but a whole lot healthier as they have less calories and fat than a traditional meatball.

Nate's Meatballs are all natural, contain high vegetable protein and soy with no cholesterol. With only 90 calories per serving (three meatballs) this dish is perfect for anyone watching their waistline, and for the vegan connoisseur.

Their delicious meatless meatballs come in three varieties: Zesty Italian, Savory mushroom, and Classic Flavor. Each variety is blended with the right amount of spices to complement any meal. The packaging is well thought out as it has a re-closable seal for portion control/single servings.

They come fully cooked, so all you have to do is heat in an oven for about 10 minutes, serve with your favorite sauce and enjoy.

Nate's Meatless Meatballs is a winner!

Decorate Your Abode With Timeless Chandeliers

No other light fixture is as beautiful as a chandelier. Chandeliers refract light and contain numerous crystal and glass prisms that subtly brighten a room by giving it a warm ambience and enhancing its sculptural beauty.

Incorporating a chandelier in your home will give it elegance, glamour and change the overall mood of the room it's featured in. Just choose the style of chandelier that compliments your decor. Chandeliers can be placed in the entryway, in a dining room, bedroom or bathroom.

Types of Chandeliers:

Crystal

This type of chandelier is classic and timeless, made from Swarovski crystals and glass.

Teacup 

Made from real china teacups and saucers for the shabby chic/cottage style decor.

Modern/Contemporary

Made from shiny steel or wrought iron for the chic modern home.

Mini Chandeliers  

Mainly used in small intimate spaces or as wall scones. Measuring approx. 9-12 inches.

Chandelier Design Tips:

Pick the right size of chandelier for your room.

Tall ceilings require larger chandeliers.

Foyer - bottom of the chandelier should not hang more than 7 feet from the floor.

Dining rooms - bottom of chandelier should sit about 30-32 inches from the table top.

                                                   
                                                 All photos courtesy of Pinterest

 Chandeliers  are a timeless, beautiful and functional and a  great lighting choice to decorate your abode.
                                                   

How To Make Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers

                                                                   
                                            Quinoa  Stuffed  Bell  Peppers
                                                       Source:  Google

If you are trying to go meatless this week why not opt for a savory gluten-free alternative such as quinoa stuffed peppers, rich in vitamin C, fiber, iron and magnesium.

Quinoa provides a complete source of protein, is gluten-free, and is a great substitute for
beef or chicken.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 red onion, chopped

1/2 pound sliced mushrooms

1 cup chopped carrots

7 bell peppers, 1 cored, seeded and chopped; tops removed and reserved from remaining 6 then cored and seeded

1/2 cup chopped parsley

1/4 pound baby spinach

1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

3/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed and cooked

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally until transparent, approx. 10 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook until softened, 4 to 5 minutes more. Add carrots and chopped peppers, cook until just softened, then add parsley and spinach. Let spinach wilt then stir in cinnamon, cumin and cooked quinoa and toss gently to combine. Add salt, pepper and cook 1 to 2 minutes more. Set aside to let filling cool until just warm.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly oil a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.

Divide quinoa mixture evenly among remaining 6 bell peppers, gently packing it down and making sure to fully fill each pepper. Top each pepper with its reserved top then arrange them upright in pan. Cover tightly with foil and bake, checking halfway through, until peppers are tender and juicy and filling is hot throughout, approx.1 hour. Transfer to plates and serve.

Visit http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com for more meatless recipes.