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Natural Cleaning Solutions

Natural Cleaning Solutions  |  I started using cleaners like vinegar and lemons because the chemicals in cleaners would leave me feeling hung over throughout the day when I used them.   A side benefit is the natural cleaners are often less expensive and probably already in your pantry! Real Simple has a great article on Natural Cleaning Solutions and it was one of the most comprehensive guides I've seen.

Atlanta’s Neighborhoods Were Made for Walking!

Atlanta's Neighborhoods Were Made for Walking!   More and more buyers are looking for homes where they can walk to restaurants, shopping, grocery stores and parks.   Certainly there are numerous benefits to parking your car for the weekend and walking your errands or walking to your favorite eats and drinks.   Atlanta is presently ranked 22 in the City Rankings of Walk-ability.  Specifically - the neighborhoods  Five Points, Ponce-Highland & Sweet Auburn are mentioned. If you are wondering how your Atlanta Neighborhood stacks up to walking, here is a quick test for you - WalkScore can give you some insight.

Energy Tax Credits

Thinking of a new furnace or air conditioner?  Or maybe you have been in need of a water heater or new windows?  Not only will you benefit from the immediate comfort of installing and upgrading your current systems - you will save money in the long run by using less energy and reducing your electric/gas bills.  AND you may find your improvement qualifies you for a tax credit.  The Energy Star website  has details on the qualifying improvements and upgrades and explains how the tax works.  Check it out.  You still have 5 months to complete the work.  The deadline is 12.31.2010.

Inman Park Festival

We are in the countdown mode to the 39th annual Inman Park Festival!   If you haven't been to the festival - you have been missing out and you need to make the change this year and GO!     Parade is on Saturday but there is plenty for everyone on both days - including art, food, music, playground for kids and beer. The Festival is Saturday April 24th & Sunday April 25th.   The Tour of Homes does begin on the Friday the 23rd (not every house on the tour is open on this day though) and goes through the festival.  For more details - Inman Park Festival Information. There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer for the Festival as well.  Inman Park Festival Volunteer information.

Decatur Old House Fair

  Decatur Old House Fair - Is for you if you have an old house and want to ideas, insight and advice from the pros.   There are hands on sessions as well as speakers including how a Historic Wood Window Restoration workshop, Greening your old house, and much more.   For more information visit the Decatur Old House Fair site for directions and ticket information.   March 6, 2010  - from 9 am to 5pm at the Holiday Inn on Clairemont Ave.

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.

Recycling Carts – City of Atlanta

Recycling occurs every other week now in the City of Atlanta.   If you are having trouble fitting all of your recyclables into the small bins - here is some good news:   you can purchase a 95 gallons rolling recycle cart from the City of Atlanta for $70.   The advantage to buying the recycle cart from the City is that it meets the specs to fit on their mechanical lift on the trucks.  The smaller version (50 gallons) at Home Depot is the same price.     Looking for more information?  Click here  to visit the city's website.   Instructions on buying the bin are on web site!

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.

Rug Cleaning

If you are thinking of selling your home and you have animals - cleaning your rugs & carpet can make a huge difference.  Often you don't notice that odors are trapped in your rugs & carpet but prospective buyers - especially if they are sensitive to smells - will tell you differently.   In some cases it may be worthwhile to hire a professional to do it for you.  They are often able to remove smells and stains more efficiently and effectively than you can do with some of the home equipment. I have found great success with taking my rugs to Sharian.  Sharian has a pick up/drop off service if you need it or you can deliver to the Decatur store.  And maybe your dog has chewed on the fringe of your rug?  Well they can repair that as well.   Visit Sharian Rugs.   Be warned - they also sell rugs.  Even if you are not selling your house - consider having your rugs cleaned from time to time.  On most rugs regular and professional cleanings will extend their life.   Right now Sharian has a nice discount - 10% off of pickup/delivery orders or 20% off if you drop rugs off with them!   For you folks with carpet - Sharian also rents Host® Dry Extraction Carpet Cleaner equipment.   picture - July 2008 - Gus 4 months

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

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