Happy National Coffee Day!

                                                                       Source: zazzle.co.uk via Amber on Pinterest

Fresh Storage Idea

Not only would using Tic Tac containers work for taking spices with you when you travel, they can be used for kitchen storage. When you don't want to keep a small quantity of spices in the original large container, transfer them to one of these.

                                                               Source: thekitchn.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Cornbread Crostini

This is a new one on me; I'm going to make them. I doubt that a boxed cornbread mix would make a dense enough crostini, so I'll try the cornbread recipe from Southern Living.

photo and recipe on SouthernLiving.com

Compare and Contrast

What a striking contrast of rustic and modern: a repurposed butcher block as countertop and a stainless steel backsplash.

photo via Domino Magazine on Facebook

Dressed-up Kitchen

Repurpose this dresser and make it a kitchen island. Add a countertop and maybe some hooks. The drawers give extra storage space.

                   

                              Source: smallplacestyle.blogspot.com via Kim on Pinterest

Buying Compact Fluorescent Lighting

Taking us up on the 16 Easy Ways to Go Green? Start at the beginning.  Energy Star's CFL Buying Guide helps you choose the right bulb and gives buying tips.

Foward Backsplash

The backsplash is not in the background here. Small glass tiles were used to create this unique design, and rather than enclose it with cabinets on either side, the owner chose open stainless steel shelving so that the backsplash design continues up the wall and is highlighted.

photo via DIYNetwork.com

The Glamorous Life

This dining area is dripping with glitz and bling. If this is too much for every day, pull out all the fabulous stops for Girls Night Out or New Years Eve.

                                                                             Source: homegoods.com via HomeGoods on Pinterest

Reuse, Recycle, Redundant

I love it! A washtub can be reused as... a washtub.

                                    

                                                     Source: greenwellies.tumblr.com via ServiceMagic on Pinterest

16 Easy Ways to Go Green

Here are ways to promote energy efficiency and sustainability at home without spending a lot of money: 

1. When changing a burned-out light bulb, replace it with a compact fluorescent bulb (CFL).

2. Stop drafts by applying or replacing caulk and weather stripping.

3. Close vents in unused rooms

4. Walk or ride a bike.

5. Recycle plastic grocery bags at stores or use them as trash bags.

6. Carry your own reusable tote to the store for groceries and other light items.

7. Shut down (completely turn off) computers and printers when not in use.

8. Unplug electric appliances, devices and chargers when not being used.

9. Buy locally grown produce.

10. Fill a reusable bottle with filtered tap water rather than purchasing bottled water.

11. Wash clothes in cold water when possible.

12. Air dry clothing, using a drying rack or clothesline, when possible.

13. Borrow books, movies and music from libraries.

14. Sell gently used clothing, furniture, and appliances rather than throwing them away.

15. Donate old cell phones, computers and monitors.

16. Filter indoor air naturally with potted plants.

(via Building Industry Resources)

LEED Platinum Certified Renovation

The Bindley Home in Holderness, NH is 

"a super efficient, net-zero energy, Leadership in Efficiency and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certified home that was designed as an experiment to stretch the bounds of energy efficiency and green design." - Garland Mill Timberframes

                   

                                                       Source: garlandmill.smugmug.com via U.S. Green Building on Pinterest