All this Warm Weather...

...has me thinking about my vegetable garden! Even as I type this, the sun is warming my face and visions of plump tomatoes dance in my head. I just love spring and all wonderful new things that come along with it. Now, I just need to create a plan of action (Thank you to the March issue of H&G eNews for the timely article on a spring planting schedule).

This year, I'm going to keep it simple - peppers, tomatoes, herbs, beans, cucumbers, spinach and lettuce.

I'll keep you posted on my progress and I'd like to hear about YOURS, too! Send your gardening stories to susan@brockpub.com and I'll include them in the H&G Blog!

Brock Publishing Announces Special Edition Magazine!

Boulder, CO-- January 2008

Brock Publishing, parent company of Boulder County Home & Garden Magazine, makes an exciting announcement! Introducing, Spring Guide by Boulder Magazine.

With a fresh look, wonderful content and targeted distribution, this new special issue is IDEAL for businesses and readers alike. Just in time for those energetic spring days when everyone is ready to renew.

Spring Guide is designed for the dynamic women of Boulder County, but there is something in it for everyone. Offering "Quick Guides" to personal health and beauty, home decor, fashion fixes and more.

Get a free issue, by subscribing here.

To advertise your business call 303-443-0600.

Supporting Local.

One of the things I've been most amazed about since landing on Planet Boulder ten years ago, from Alabama, is the passion for supporting local businesses. I, too, have become quite fond of that concept and wanted to be sure all you H&G Blog fans were aware of the organizations who are founded on that concept.

1. Boulder Independent Business Alliance (BIBA) - www.boulder-iba.org. Think grassroots, think long standing businesses that have been the backbone of our local economy.

2. Boulder County Going Local - www.bouldercountygoinglocal.com. This fairly new organization supports building community self sufficiency. Think local farmers. Local restaurants supporting these farmers. Think utilizing local energy.

3. Boulder Green Building Guild (BGBG) - www.bgbg.org. This is your green building resource. Everything from "green" lending to energy to architecture to magazines. These guys are leading the nation in green products & services available. I wouldn't be surprised if every major community taps into their business model.

4. Of course, Brock Publishing - www.brockpub.com. While not an OBVIOUS local support organization, through Boulder Magazine and Boulder County Home & Garden Magazine, Brock has managed to educate the local consumer and homeowner about all the resources available to them for over 30 years!

If you, too, know of local organizations that support local business - let me know, and I'll feature them here in the H&G Blog!

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.