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Check House After Rain

It is a good idea to walk your property after heavy rains especially if you just moved in and are getting to know your house.  If you have lived in your house for years ~ it is still a good practice to get into.  Most leaks can be quickly and afford-ably repaired; it’s those that you don’t know about that can cause a problem over time.

ATTIC - Take a few minutes and look around in the attic to see if you see any water stains.  Pay attention to areas where vents cut through the roof and around the chimney. 

HOUSE - look in rooms/closets and places you might not always go into.    Windows and doorways are another place to check.

CRAWL SPACES & BASEMENTS  - Look in your crawl space & basements to see if you have any areas that have water in them.  If you have water in your crawl space/basements - you will want to get it out as soon as you can.  Sump pumps are affordable and easy to use solution. 

EXTERIOR PERIMETER - Walk around your house after a rain.  If you have had problems or suspect there might be a problem with water entering the crawl space/basement - you might be able to identify the problem.    Water often shows up one place but enters from another spot.   If you are having drainage problems or water pooling in your yard - you can often see the path the water is traveling right a rain - or if you are brave enough - walk the yard while it is raining and watch where the water is flowing.

Apple Raisin French Toast Casserole

I have made Apple - Raisin French Toast Casserole twice now.   It is EASY and a hit for any crowd. If you are serving a buffet - it holds up well and is even delicious the next day.  I love that it is assembled the night before and just needs to be cooked the day you are ready to serve. 

APPLE MIXTURE:

1 c. brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup butter, melted

3 to 4 apples - peeled, cored & sliced (I leave them chunky & use Braeburn Apples)

1/2 cup raisins (good without too)

1 lbs of PepperRidge Farms Cinnamon or Cinnamon raisin bread.  Cut into cubes.

EGG MIXTURE:

6 eggs

1 1/2 cups milk (2% or whole is fine)

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

~grease 9″x13″ baking dish.  In a large bowl - mix in the apples,  raisins, brown sugar & 1 teaspoon cinnamon.  Mix in the melted butter until coated.  Pour onto the greased baking dish in an even layer.  Next arrange the bread cubes in an even layer over the apple mixture.

~Whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla & 2 teaspoons of cinnamon.  Pour over the bread and make sure every slice is fully soaked.  You may need to slightly press down with a spatula to make sure the bread is soaked.  Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight.

When you are ready to cook it - pull out the casserole while preheating the oven to 375 degrees.  Bake covered for 40 minutes.  Remove foil and bake an additionally 5 minutes.  Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Federal Energy Tax Credits

Today’s post comes from my friends at Eric & Adam at  KronbergWall .  They are architects and fellow eco enthusiasts.  They can help you with your home designs and renovations. 

The recently signed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 makes federal energy efficiency tax credits available for your home renovations if you make them in 2009 and 2010.

Specific types of high efficiency furnaces, air conditioners, and tankless gas water heaters qualify. Certain energy efficient doors, windows, roofing, and insulation also qualify. You are eligible to receive a credit for these upgrades if they are installed in existing homes that are primary residences. The tax credit has been raised to 30% of cost up to a total credit of $1500.

There are even greater tax credit opportunities for solar water heaters, geothermal systems, and photovoltaic systems. You can receive a tax credit of up to 30% of the total cost of these systems, and it is not limited to the $1500 cap. In addition to existing primary residences, the credit is also available for vacation homes, rentals, and new construction.

Eric Kronberg, AIA, LEED AP
Adam Wall, AIA, LEED AP

Zoo Plant Sale

This Saturday the Zoo Atlanta is hosting a plant sale.  Zoo Horticulture experts will be on hand to offer advice and answer questions.  Native plant varieties will be offered for sale.   Sale is this Saturday, May 2nd  from 8 am to 2pm.  Click here for more information.  The sale benefit’s the Zoo’s Green Team whose goal is to maintain a sustainable workplace at the Zoo.  Thus far they achieved some amazing accomplishments - click here for details on the Zoo’s Green Team.

Lists - Recycled

I enjoy a good list.  I make them frequently to help me move through my week.  Recently I purchased a dry erase board for my office lists to help reduce my paper usage.  It has been working great and is a stand out on desk that is surrounded by lots of paper.   Container Store has really some great options like these that are made from recycled Melamine or these colorful options that can also hold a magnet.   If you want something to help you stay in the lines - here is a great option.

Botanical Gardens

October 2008 ~ Botanical Gardens, Atlanta

Do Windows!

Take some time this spring and wash your windows - inside and out.  You will be amazed at what a difference it makes in your home.  If you have windows that are hard to reach - consider hiring someone reputable to do the task for you.   If you live in a condo or a townhouse - see if you can get a discount for having the entire building done. 

If you are selling your house - this really does make a difference when you are on the market.  You will be amazed at how much brighter and lighter your rooms will feel.   Buyers all want - light and bright.  I have never had a buyer who asked me to find something darker with less natural light.   An added benefit is that prosepective buyers will see how clean and well loved your home is.    Set your self apart from the competition with the details.  

Earth-friendly  window cleaners:

Seventh Generation - Cleans without harsh chemicals, is biodegradable and no streaks. 

Method - non-toxic cleaner offering you streak-free glass with one of my favorite smells - Mint.  I might have to try this one just for the smell!

If you prefer not to have a separate cleaner for your glass - try vinegar and water.  vinegar is a great grime fighter and a product I use frequently in cleaning.  Chances are you already have some distilled white vinegar on hand.  Don’t let the smell stop you from using it - it vanishes quickly.