Cozy up next to the fire with a nice read...

Even as I type this, I can "see" the chill in the air. I'll not be fooled by a brightly shining sun floating high above our Flatirons. If it's warmth I seek, I'll have to find it inside, next to the fireplace.

Armed with a hot cocoa, tuned to my favorite station, with the nice pops of a fire in the background, I can think of no better setting to dive into my favorite read - Boulder County Home & Garden Magazine. Sure, I may be a part of this fantastic publication and see its progress from idea to print, but I STILL get excited when the latest issue gets dropped off at our office.




The Winter 07/08 issue is bursting with exciting articles and vivid imagery. I loved the Sleeper House feature, the kitchen remodel story and the Kids Craft ideas. I'm looking forward to finishing the contemporary loft article and learning more about rooftop lawns.

I can't wait to share this issue with my in-laws who are planning on moving here, I see several real estate ads that are highlighting the types of properties they're interested in.

Articles, photos and ads aside, the sense of pride that wells up in me is priceless. I am thrilled to be a part of a community - however small it is - that has the creativity, the passion and the willingness to bring this magazine to life.

If you happen to use one of the businesses you found in the pages of BCHG Mag, be sure to say "thank you" - we couldn't bring these fantastic articles without their support.

Enjoy!

One Step Closer to Saving the World

The Center for Resource Conservation here in Boulder is heading up the Residential Energy Audit Program (REAP) for area homeowners. It's an inexpensive way - $100 to $350 - to give your home a check up and help you start saving some cash along the way.

The process is quite simple. First you call the CRC, 303-441-3278 ext. 24, and set up an appointment. They'll ask you a few questions over the phone and have you collect the last years worth of energy bills.

Next, someone comes out and collects a bit more information from you (pre-audit) and a few of the items around your house (hot water heater, air conditioner, etc) and records data from your energy bills. They'll show you a breakdown of how much energy you're using compared to other homes the same size in Colorado and in the nation.

After that, you'll set up an appointment with a home inspection service (technical audit). They'll do the following:

* Blower Door Test (see pic below): the auditor installs a blower door to evaluate and pinpoint areas that may be leaking heated or cooled air through gaps or cracks in your home.
* Building Envelope/Shell: the home's exterior walls, windows, doors, attic, and basement or crawlspace are inspected to identify air leakage points.
* Insulation assessment: the auditor checks insulation levels in attic, walls and crawlspace.
* Heating, Cooling & Hot Water Assessment: the auditor inspects and tests the efficiency and settings of the furnace, boiler, air conditioning and hot water equipment, ducts and pipes.
* Appliance check: the auditor evaluates the efficiency of lighting, refrigerator, clothes dryer, freezer, and other major appliances.


Blower Door Test

And lastly, you'll get a detailed report - along with recommendations.

It's a simple process that puts you one step closer to saving the world (and some cash, too!).

For more info on the REAP program, click here.

Manage your Holiday Hangover Before it Happens

The holidays are traditionally the time of year when, for some reason, people feel alright about overindulging. They come but once a year, and gosh darn it, we're going to enjoy ourselves. For the entire month of December it's easy to justify eating a handful of Hershey's kisses or an extra cookie after lunch, and we're more compelled to buy that dancing bear/singing toilet seat/rubber chicken. Come January, however, it's hard not to feel just plain gross - credit card bills are piling up and that extra ten pound can drag one down.

If eleven months of the year you think before you open my mouth and wallet, but slide in December, then follow these simple tips to help make it through to the new year.

1. Starting a diet on December 1st instead of January 1st. Backwards logic? I think not! Thinking about what you're eating is actually more satisfying in the long run. Say no to the office fruitcake, but yes to an after dinner piece of chocolate, instead of doing both.

2. Putting money normally used for to-go coffee towards gift purchases. This strategy should satisfy BOTH goals - less calories and more money.

3. Eating BEFORE going to holiday parties. This will help cut back on snacking on tempting treats.

4. Give cash to nieces and nephews. Instead of giving cutsy, expensive toys, put $10 in a card for them to spend however they decided.

5. Make a list and a budget and stick to it. Wait on a good price for the things on your list and don't be afraid to buy used - Craigslist can be your friend.

6. Sell, sell, sell. Craigslist continues to be your friend. Clean out that junk closet and post unwanted, unused, impulse purchases from last year on the free online classifieds site. It's genius!

7. Shop with cash. Consumers tend to spend an average of 12% to 18% more when they use a credit card. Not this year!

8. Pare down holiday decorations. One tree, one set of lights. Turn on some holiday music and voila it's time to celebrate.

9. Co-host a holiday party. Share the time and expense of the holiday party with a friend or family member. Another cost cutting measure is to serve appetizers instead of a meal.

10. Plan ahead for next year. Hit the sale racks and stock up for next year. There are certain things you already know you'll need - like more holiday lights!

Let's start off 2008 right!

The Holidays Make Me Feel All Mushy Inside...

There's just something about the holidays that make me feel all mushy inside. Normally, when I'm approached by five different panhandlers asking for money, I huff and murmur to myself, "get a job!" (especially those young able-bodied types who are doing it to get back at their parents). But, these days, as the air crisps up, and the holiday lights are a twinkle, I gladly hand over my dollar and wish them a Happy Hanukwanzamas.

So, when my friend emailed me about her new website and non-profit organization for animal rescue, I immediately felt my heart muscle tighten and eyes well up. Having rescued our little love muffin, Ella, from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, I couldn't resist trying to do my part to help out these kind souls.

For over thirty years, Tom & Betsy have opened up their home, heart and pocketbook to house unwanted, juvenile, geriatric and disabled cats and dogs. Located on the Gulf Coast, the facilities have been pounded by many a hurricane over time (including Katrina), and are in dire need of repair. Maxed out at 85 animals, Tom & Betsy have put out a call for help through their new website, aideforanimals.org

If you're feeling generous this holiday season and haven't over committed to the retiree from the Denver Rescue Mission, then please contribute to these animal loving, philanthropists (all donations are tax deductible).

Any and all donations are incredibly appreciated, just go to their website for more info.

Got Guests Coming for Thanksgiving? Start here....

1. Invite your guests well in advance. Since many families have multiple options, you want to be sure your party gets on their radar.
2. Determine the decor and buy your supplies about a week ahead of time. Even traditional holidays can follow a certain theme. Ideas for Thanksgiving themes are: Fall Harvest, Sparkle & Shine, mild weather may lend to an outdoor celebration, or keep it simple with fine linens, autumn flowers and candles.
3. Plan your menu. Will you be cooking a traditional meal of turkey, sweet potatoes, and green beans or will you mix it up with a gumbo, baked brie and tangerine pie?
4. If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't hesitate to delegate out tasks or have certain guests pitch in a dish, dessert or wine.
5. Decide what your post-eating festivities will be; watching or playing football, playing games, etc. Be sure to have enough supplies on hand to keep the kids happy.
6. Don't forgot the reason for the holiday. Take some time to give thanks to all the people in your life. If loved ones can't be there, have everyone jot down a quick note telling them they're thinking of them.
7. Most importantly though, is to relax, savor your time with friends and family. Enjoy this holiday celebration, it only comes around once a year!

And the gift ideas are a flowin'!

Thank you Mary Hartnett, Ph. D., for this creative gift idea!

Give someone a Feng Shui Gift Certificate. These are good for people you know who would love to have a Feng Shui consultation, but will probably not take the step themselves to set it up. They are great for people you know who are going through significant transitions, such as buying a new house, moving, changing their careers in some way, or in need of a personal boost. Prices for the gift certificates are 50% off the cost of the hourly rate. You can give someone an hour’s worth of consultation, $100 value, by buying a gift certificate for $50. Contact Mary Hartnett, Ph.D., Feng Shui consultant, at 303-546-0707, or DrHartnett@MSN.com.

Beat the rush and call Dr Hartnett today!

'Tis the Season for shopping!

Now that Halloween is upon us (Happy Halloween, by the way!) it's time to hunker down with my mounting gift list and hit the retailers in my "off time" (hah!). I'm looking for some cool, trendy, inexpensive gift ideas so I'm opening up a CALL FOR IDEAS to all those out there in cyber land. Please send over your gift ideas (and maybe they'll make it into next months version of HG eNews) to marketing@brockpub.com.

In the meantime, I'll be hitting all the local stores - McGuckin, DecorAsian, Indochine, Invironments, etc. I'd like to encourage YOU to shop local, too!

Don't forget to send over your ideas!!

Here's a teaser, silk scarves at DecorAsian:

The World is Coming to an End ....

Or at least it feels that way, right? With the mounting fears of the housing burst, and the Rockies losing the first two games in the World Series, it's hard to get out of bed in the morning.

Seriously though, all this uneasiness is weighing heavy on my heart and I thought it may be worthwhile to regroup and think about all the positive things in my life. Halloween is right around the corner, Thanksgiving just a few weeks later, Christmas and New Years directly after that. With all the traditions and family time, this time of year is a wonderful reminder of what's most important.... home and all that is associated with it.



If you haven't had a chance yet, read this months HG eNews to learn more about how to inexpensively create all the sights, smells and sounds that will help entrench you into the season. If you have time, send over your favorite holiday decorating ideas and traditions and I'll include them in next months eNews. (Email them to marketing@brockpub.com)

We'll make it past the housing downfall, the Rockies will win and all will be as it should be - so let's take a step back and enjoy what the season has to offer!

Whether you're interested in straw bale houses or curious about rock gardens - this issue of is sure to engage. The fall issue of Boulder County Home & Garden Magazine hits stands this week!



Guarantee a copy direct to your door when you subscribe here.

Fall is Coming ... yay!

I LOVE the change of season, and Fall is my favorite! I can't help but think about all the projects I'm ready to take on now that the weather is cooling down.

In no particular order, here are the projects I find are best done in the fall.

1. Pull out all the cold weather outerwear and gear, clean, replace, and repair - snow will be here before I know it!
2. Plant trees, shrubs and fall flowers.
3. Replace sheer curtains with heavier drapes to minimize draftiness.
4. Buy ski passes!
5. Clean out the gutters (ahem, a job reserved for my dear husband!)
6. Steam clean carpets and upholstery.
7. Gather new craft ideas to keep the little one happy when it's too cold to go outside.

I hope I've inspired you to tackle your to-do list, too! If you need any other creative home ideas, please log on to www.homeandgardenmag.com to check out the latest how-to and inspiration articles!

Part Three of my Organic Gardening Adventure- by Susan Tucker

Gardening is one of the most rewarding experiences I can think of. And, the biggest reward of MY garden is the bounty of squash! (Especially since not much else has survived). I never even knew that I liked it ....until now. If your garden is anything like my garden, than you're most certainly looking for some summer squash recipes. Here is a recipe help you along the way.

Squash & Spaghetti Summer Surprise
2 freshly picked summer squash
10 or so cherry tomatoes, halved
any other veggies you'd like to toss in
1/2 yellow onion
olive oil
garlic
1 cup fat free chicken broth
fresh basil
1 lb fresh pasta (in the refrigerator section)


Saute onion and garlic in large sauce pan, add squash. Pour in about a cup of broth. Cook for about 8 minutes. In the meantime, cook pasta by package directions (takes 2 min), toss with olive oil and basil. Add squash mixture and serve.

Look for more recipes in the September version of HG eNews. Sign up online at www.homeandgardenmag.com

Late Summer Organizing

I'd like to thank our Guest Blogger, Terri Lynn Mabbit of Chaos2Calm for contributing to today's post. This will be the first of three in a series on organizing.

First day of class is just around the corner, and with that comes the mounting pile of paperwork that goes along with it. I asked Teri Lynn a few questions on tips for managing the mess and here's what she had to say:



When is it ok to destroy important papers (7 years, 3 years, 1 year?)?
The answer is all three! The amount of time you hold on to papers depends on the type of paper you have. For anything related to the IRS and your tax filing, refer to http://www.irs.gov/individuals/index.html for specific IRS guidelines. Of course the document retention guidelines for individuals versus business owners will be completely different so be sure to look in the appropriate section. Better yet, If you own a business or have a more complicated tax situation, ask your CPA for a "retention schedule" that will list out all the documents that you should retain. For ALL the other documents here are some questions to ask yourself in order to determine what you need to keep and what you can shred.

Examples:
Checking deposit slips- toss after you double check the monthly statement
Paycheck stub- only keep the December stub, toss the rest after you confirm all is correct, toss the December version long enough to verify the W-2 is correct
Documents to keep indefinitely- Marriage/birth/death/divorce papers, SS cards and numbers, estates, trusts etc.

What do you recommend for home bill and all the frivolous snail mail management?
There are only three types of paper that come into our life:
*Paper that needs to be tossed
*Paper that needs to be filed
*Paper that requires some action on our part ("to do")

Although Junk mail is a problem from an environmental standpoint it's not the cause of our paper disorganization! The real issue is that most of us have a breakdown in our paper management systems. We don't know what to file or how to file it, we don't know how to properly manage our "to-do's" and we mismanage our time. This is the true cause of the paper backlog on our desks, not the junk mail. A proper paper "flow" with a working file system, project management or "to-do" system and big trash can will take away our junk mail woes. This doesn't solve the environmental impact of course but that is another discussion!

Thanks Teri Lynn for this intro into paper organzation! Stay tuned for more tips!

Liven Up Your Life with COLOR!

Fuchsia, Aubergine, Hot Spice; Venetian plaster, Gilding, Faux Marble .... words from my journey into the world of a Manhattan Interior Designer.

Prior to a recent weekend trip to visit my aunt and uncle in NYC, I was very comfortable living in my earthen oasis of browns, reds and blues. In the past, bright, "loud" colors have always made me think of flashy, old women that retire in Florida and put pink flamingos in the front lawn. I've spent the better half of my adult life sprinting from anything remotely similar.

Needless to say, when my dear aunt Trisha - who is an Interior Designer- started telling me about her new house we were about to visit and began rambling off all these crazy, unfamiliar colors and finishes, I checked out faster than a Vegas dealer flips cards. That is, until I had the first-hand opportunity to experience life from her gilded walls.

Colors have long been known to have an effect on our body's energy. In the early 1900's Max Luscher created standard method of diagnosis based on emotional reactions to color and in India, Ayurvedic healers have used color therapy for thousands of years. It's no wonder that Trisha has boundless energy. Could it possibly be from her enthusiastic application of pink? (Was I starting to feel more lively, too?)

From the dining room (plastered fuchsia) to the living room (layered greens) to the master bedroom (gilded gold), not one inch was overlooked and every vignette had a story. More than a showpiece, her townhouse is a living work of art brimming with complimentary hues, shapes and history.

Since visiting, my pink Flamingo lady image is starting to fade and I am whole-heartedly excited to incorporate a little va-voom into my subdued, earthy life. My first project is the master bedroom, next stop, family room. Thanks for the inspiration!

To help you get color inspired, look out for the fall issue of Boulder County Home & Garden Magazine coming Oct 1st.

Enter to Win FREE Energy!

Who says the officials of Boulder don't care? This just in ... Xcel Energy has teamed up with the City of Boulder (and various other caring businesses) to give away a FREE energy makeover! How cool - or hot - is that?

The contest doesn't start until Friday (7/13) so link up your Blackberry (or simply mark your calendar) then log on to the Smart Energy Living website to put your name in the pot.

Click here for more info.

Stay tuned for results!

Part Two of My Organic Gardening Adventure - by Susan Tucker

After a slow start, the vegetables in the garden are starting to grow. The cilantro and mint are exploding, the lettuce lush and the green onion shooting up to the clouds. I think I'm on the road to success, then slowly a brown patch begins to take over the our sweet innocent green tomatoes. What is it? Tomato blight.

Thanks goodness for the nice, informative fellas at McGuckin. They directed me to a copper formula that seems pretty easy to use and will most certainly cure our problem. While there, I was sure to get some new, very cute, gardening gloves and pruning shears. I love McGuckin!

I'll deal with our blight issue, and in the meantime, I'll be sure to NOT overwater, and finally get to the weeding. For I am DETERMINED to upload photos of the luscious fruits of my labor come fall!

Making a GREAT First Impression in this Tough Real Estate Market

With real estate "season" firmly upon us, I thought it would be beneficial to investigate ways in which seller could get a leg up on the competition. My answer miraculously appeared by way of Macky Bennett, owner of Re-Arrangements & More, a local home staging company.

Macky suggests using this simple checklist to set your property apart:

1. Create Curb Appeal: A clean mail box, fresh paint, updated lighting, a manicured lawn, a driveway and walk way cleared of snow, and seasonal flowers are all signs that home is well maintained.

2. Clean: Shampoo or replace worn and stained carpets. Polish hardwood floors, professionally clean entire home. Replace dirty light switches, freshly paint worn walls, replace burned out light bulbs. Wash all windows and replace or remove worn or dated window treatments. Use new slip covers and fresh bedding as needed. Keep bathrooms spotless. Add clean fresh towels. Vacuum pet hair daily, and keep pet areas fresh and clean.

3. De-clutter: Buyers need to see architectural features and space not stuff! Pre-pack or store off-site extra clothing, books, toys, sporting goods, tools, dishes etc. Clean and organize closets, drawers, and pantries. Clear kitchen counters.

4.De-personalize and neutralize: Remove the seller’s imprint, (family photos, collections, and religious items) so the perspective buyers can picture how they will live in the space.

A Staged Home will stand out from other properties in the same price range.

To fast track your home sale, call Macky today!

Macky Bennett, owner of Re-Arrangements, LLC. is a Professional Real Estate Stager. She consults with sellers and Realtors and is a member of IRIS, BGBG, and a BARA Affliate. Her projects have been featured in the Denver Post and Boulder Daily Camera. Visit her website at www.rearrangementsandmore.com for more information on her services.

Part One of My Organic Gardening Adventure- by Susan Tucker

This year, with new baby in tow, my family and I decided to start an organic garden. I don't consider myself an environmentalist, just a concerned mom. There is nothing like feeding a growing tot to make you aware of the things we are putting in our bodies.

After picking a sunny spot in the corner of the backyard - making sure the sprinklers reached it (I'm not a good waterer, but I'll save that for another post) - we marked off the size (11 x 16) and set off to find a tiller (Home Depot - $35).

I remembered that Lee Hill Peat offered 10% off when you mentioned Boulder County Home & Garden Magazine, so we took the topper off the truck and headed that way. The fella there was quite helpful in assisting us on how much compost to get and promptly loaded up the back of the truck. Total needed 1 truck full ($31).

Thank goodness the weather was nice that day, because I have to tell you, loading up a wheel barrel and transfering dirt to the farthest corner of the yard is hard work! My husband, brother and I all rotated job duties between tilling, filling and dumping. Several hours in we had a nicely plowed plot, plumped with delectable soil. How satisfying!

We have discussed which herbs and vegetables we'd like to eat and since the official last frost date of May 15th is just now upon us we have set some time for later in the week to buy them (next year we'll start from seeds). I've laid out the plans and just can't wait to get the plants into the ground.

In the meantime, I've detailed a plan of action for the remainder of the summer:

1. Research organic pest control; I've read that garlic spray, soap bars, human hair, natural predators such as ladybugs and wasps can all be effective methods.
2. Concoct organic fertilizer; apparently my compost pile could work as a natural fertilzer, as well as manure and even companion planting.
3. Weed, weed, weed.
4. Water
5. And, EAT. This of course, will require researching lots of recipes to insure we don't tire of eating tomatoes (again).

I know this is only the beginning of what I hope to be an annual treat. I'm prepared to learn all I can about gardening organically and am sure it's just a figure-it-out-as-you-go kind of thing. I'll keep you posted on the progress!

Frugal Living in Boulder County

Living in Boulder County has it's perks; quick access to the mountain, the Farmer's Market, bike paths to just about anywhere you need to go and of course, amazing weather (this week in particular!). Life is grand here in the Boulder Valley, but luxury has a price. My question is how can you have your cake and eat it, too?

Here is my top ten list for saving money in Boulder County:

1. Craigslist; you can buy AND sell just about everything.
2. Eco-Inspection; Get one and save bundles on your energy bill.
3. Farmer's Market; show up at the end of the day, it's amazing how much $5 can get you.
4. ReSource; For any remodeling project - inexpensive AND you're recycling.
5. Boulder Theater; Tues night is movie night, it's cheap and has a full bar.
6. Pearl Street Mall; for people watching and sidewalk sales, too.
7. Costco; for bulk purchases.
8. Bike Paths; cut back on gas consumption and take the bike path to work instead.
9. Hiking Trails; drop the gym membership and get your butt kicked by Mt. Sanitas.
10.Happy Hour; opting for a early dinner during happy hour will save you a bundle.

If you have any frugal living tips to share, be sure to email us:
marketing@brockpub.com

Sharing Space with My Feathered Friends- by Susan Tucker

"Those damn birds!" That's what I woke up to exactly three years ago this spring - the first spring we spent in our new house.

I couldn't blame my husband for voicing his frustrations. I had also watched as a couple of birds (or was it just one frantic one?) built up a nest in the rafters of our deck roof. At first we thought nothing of it, but as time went by, they (he) would come in and out and in and out, constantly sending the dogs off into a barking rampage. It finally became such a nuisance we resorted to hooking up a power washer to our hose and drowned them out of their home.

Yeah, I know, that was pretty cruel. I still lose sleep over it

Then came the spring of 05, the year we decided to start a family of our own. The little things in life are suddenly viewed from a new perspective. We didn't have the heart to evict them that year. That was the year we experienced life anew as papa and mama built their home in eager anticipation of babies (who came surprisingly sooner than we expected). We sat back in fascination as sweet little bird parents worked hard to bring food to the littlest ones. We got used to their cute little chirping noises - even the dogs had gotten used to it. Then, sadly, after a few weeks they were gone. Our deck felt so empty.

Spring is back again and so are the birds. I told my son the story of the birds this morning and look forward to watching and sharing as the cycle starts again. Right now they're still acquiring the bits and pieces of twigs that will eventually be home to babies. I'll explain how mama and papa want things to be just right, because when their little babies arrive, they'll spend their time finding food for babies to grow and eventually fly out on their own.

If there is one thing that I've learned from the birds, it's that life is short. Pretty soon, my own baby bird will be grown up and out on his own, too. I just want to be sure and experience all the joys that life has to offer while I still have him here to share them with me ... including sharing space with my feathered friends.

Interested in learning more about local bird watching? Click here!

The Spring issue of BCHG is HERE!

Give me a drumroll please .....
The spring issue of Boulder County Home & Garden Magazine has just been published!

It's another beautiful, informative issue that's chock full of inspiration! I particularly like the Container Gardening, How to Decorate Your Garden and Spring Chickens articles. As usual, being a part of this magazine has done nothing to wane my desire for a beautiful lawn.

Be sure to pick up your copy at any of the areas King Soopers, many of the local coffee shops or real estate offices!

If you have a project you need help on log on to our online Resource Directory for a list of local home and garden professionals!

How to Keep Your Budget Intact When Your Kitchen is Being Torn Apart- By Susan Tucker

After living in our new (1968 model) home for a mere 2 days, 48 hours, my husband and I decided we couldn’t cook one more meal in the disgusting, dated kitchen. It was then that our dream kitchen plans were underway.

We began the process just as any couple would: tearing out magazine articles, scouring the Internet, asking around. We had NO CLUE what it entailed or how to get started. Eventually, we consulted a kitchen designer and from there it was just taking it one step at a time.

By hiring a designer, we were able to save quite a bit of money. She connected us with someone interested in recycling their maple cabinets and she coached us on the best places to shop for the best prices. She had a great sense of space and it showed in the design plans she created for us.

We set a goal start date for Memorial Day – my husband is on a school schedule, so we knew we had to get it completed during his nine-week break. In the months leading up to “The Big Day”, we diligently prepared; buying/borrowing equipment and supplies, moving the essentials to our laundry room, building our bank account as well as our friendship “accounts”, and getting mentally geared up.

Clad in old clothes, masks and goggles, demolition day was underway. Two days of demo lead to a vigorous regimen of waking, completing a long list of tasks, eating dinner out (or off the grill) and falling into bed late every night. It was much like climbing a 14’er, just one step at a time.

Thanks to the help of friends and family (my electrician brother flew out from Alabama to rewire and our good friend who hangs cabinets did the obvious) the process wasn’t so bad and we -THANK GOD- got it all finished on time, if not slightly off budget. It didn’t take too much of a toll on our relationship and now we have a gorgeous custom kitchen!


Things I learned along the way:
1) Hire a consultant, designer or anyone that can guide you along the way. Be sure you know UP FRONT what services will be provided and how much it will be (one flat fee or a la carte). Insist upon a written agreement.
2) Get a permit. It’s easy to do through the city.
3) Plan WELL ahead of time – the best way we saved money was by knowing what we wanted and waiting until there was a sale to buy it (you’ll need access to a storage area).
4) Be unabashed in asking for help. Your friends and family will be happy to do so, especially when you throw in things like free dog walks for a year, homemade meals, or anything else you can barter.
5) Think outside the box. Our best purchase were maple cabinets from someone else’s kitchen. They were happy to recycle and we were happy to save $10K.
6) Use local artisans. Our custom hand-blown glass pendant lights are gorgeous and they always generate a response.
7) Go to http://homeandgardenmag.com/resource_directory.html It’s a great resource that’ll help you figure out who to use for what and where to buy.

Until our next project, I’m happily content to search for inspiration while I sit at my new concrete countertop bar!

The countdown begins....

Only ONE month until the Farmer's Market opens!

Get your updates at: www.boulderfarmers.org

I Want a New Yard

My goal this year is to redo my landscaping and I need help. For the life of me, I just can't fathom how some of these brilliant landscapers and gardeners keep track of what to plant when and how far apart and how much water goes where and part sun or part shade .... it boggles my mind!

So, I'm putting a call out there to anyone who might be interested in giving me some advice!

Here is the lowdown: My backyard is a little less than a 1/4 acre and a square. I want a fairly large garden, a space for a kids play area with swingset, and an outdoor "relaxation" area. I have two dogs, a toddler and very little money.

Please email your thoughts or advice to susan@brockpub.com

Brock Pub + BGBG!

I'm happy to announce that Brock Publishing has just finalized a sponsorship deal with the Boulder Green Building Guild. In case you're not familiar with the BGBG, check out their website: www.bgbg.org.

The BGBG is chock full of talented, incredibly responsible business owners who practice sustainability. Many of the members are leading the nation in green & sustainable building. I'm excited to see the growth of this fantastic organization.

Boulder County Home & Garden Magazine offers consumers an in-depth look at the latest in "green" by a member contributed section called Green Builders Corner. Available in print or online. Look for the spring version coming in early April.

For more on green building, sustainable living and more, check out our sister publication, Green Mag. Go online to www.greenmagonline.com

Black Gold: Converting Banana Peels into Spring’s Delightful Soil - by Susan Tucker

I am a consumer … no, really, a CONSUMER. I am truly amazed at how much waste we produce in our household. I’ve been feeling pretty guilty about it, but without taking drastic measures I wasn’t sure what we could do to minimize our footprint. It wasn’t until I stumbled upon the ReSource booth at the Sustainable Resources Fair in Ft. Collins last fall that I found the answer - by way of a beautiful, plastic, black bin.

Ah-ha, composting! Don’t get me wrong, I have heard of composting, and all the glories of it, but figured my thumb was too black to even try it out. However, after a quick chat with the ReSource guy, coupled with an inexpensive price tag, I knew I HAD to get started, and right away!

I set up our newest addition at the back of the house in its own cute little compact spot. I poured over the instructions and promptly got started collecting leaves, twigs and kitchen scraps. As with my million other projects, my husband just stood by – shaking his head, mind you - as I gushed and gushed about how wonderful it’s going to be and how I’m going to take good care of it and how it’s going to be the “best soil ever!”

I’m proud to say that four months and several hundred banana peels into the process my hard work is paying off and I can’t wait for spring! Upon last rotation, I was amazed to see fluffy, beautiful soil beginning to form. What an incredible feeling. And, best of all, our waste is down and my husband is finally seeing an end result to one of my many projects!

If you’re interested in starting a compost pile, please do your homework – there is an art to making black gold. Here are some things I’ve learned:

1) No need for fancy equipment. A large plastic container with holes and a lid will work just fine.
2) Place your bin in the sun so your ingredients can “cook.”
3) There are many materials you can include in your pile (do your research!), but the most important ratio to remember is 3:1 – three parts “brown” to one part “green.”
4) Turn it once a week. I use an old shovel and just get in there and flip it all around like batter.
5) Don’t let it get too dry or too wet. A nice mix of materials can prevent that from happening.
6) And, most importantly, have fun. You’re recycling in the best way you can!

Find out more about composting in the Fall 2006 issue of Boulder County Home & Garden Magazine or at www.compostguide.com.

Home Remodeling Options in 2006: “You have a WHAT kind of room?” - By Susan Tucker

According to the Census Bureau, the average home size has increased by 47% since 1970, yet the average family has decreased from 3.1 to 2.6 people per household. This begs the question: What are we doing with all that space?

I started out my research by contacting several of my clients who advertise in Boulder County Home & Garden Magazine. Our county was recently named the seventh wealthiest in the nation, so I figure if anyone knows what’s happening to that “luxury” space, my clients do.

Their responses were amazing. Guess what people? These aren’t our childhood homes! In the age of HGTV and Cribs, it’s not surprising.

With rooms such as media rooms, wine cellars, libraries, sewing rooms and craft rooms the norm. Homeowners are upping the ante by adding ballet studios, beauty salons, massage suites and lets not forget about the indoor pool (or better yet, the “spool”).

The action doesn’t stop here. My research indicates that our furry family members are getting their fair share of the space, too. For our beloved companions we’re adding customized Pet Suites that can include: a doggy wash- room, automatic pet feeder, treat dispenser, and of course the pint size door so they can come and go as they please. We can’t leave out mans best friend when we remodel, can we?

It looks like the lady of the house wins with her spa room and beauty salon – but, oh no – the man of the house has found a room customize however he likes, too. The garage! You fellas are spending $2.8 billion (according to the National Association of Homeowners) a year to drive home your very own space. Designer workbenches, hard wood cabinets, custom painted flooring … the options are endless.

In the land of the free, I’m happy to know that I can make my house my own. I look forward to a day when, I too, can add a spool or a massage room. At least when I do, I’ll know where to turn to, Boulder County certainly is chock full of experienced home remodelors who will understand that no request is too silly, no job too hard. Until then, though, I’ll be happy in my very average house that has no specialty rooms … just yet!