tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70769946273311564112024-03-14T01:17:25.289-04:00HomelifeUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076994627331156411.post-86668762693246958882015-02-19T17:10:00.000-05:002015-02-19T17:10:15.119-05:00Flowers, red banners and lanterns signal Lunar New Year's arrival<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JH53sW4FXZE/VOZb4gA-wPI/AAAAAAAAB7I/WSJexS5LB9U/s1600/IMG_peonies.jpg_3_1_OQ2S5C2V.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JH53sW4FXZE/VOZb4gA-wPI/AAAAAAAAB7I/WSJexS5LB9U/s1600/IMG_peonies.jpg_3_1_OQ2S5C2V.JPG" height="270" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Last week we were buried in roses. This week, keep your eyes open for
peonies, branches of flowering plum trees and lucky bamboo. These will decorate
homes around the world as more than 1 billion people celebrate Lunar New
Year.<br />
"The Chinese new year is almost like a combination of Christmas, Thanksgiving
and New Year's," said John Chen, a Charlotte resident who was born in China’s
Sichuan province. "You visit friends and relatives and you eat. It's almost a
nonstop thing."<br />
The 15-day spring festival to kick off the year of the goat (or sheep,
depending who you ask) began Thursday.<br />
While Christians bring pine-scented trees home to celebrate their big winter
event, Asians choose flowers for the spring festival as a symbol of renewal.<br />
Families also hang garlands and red banners painted with good wishes. They
eat special foods and follow other traditions to bring a year of health,
prosperity and good fortune. <br />
Yet the sentiment that keeps coming up when Chen talks about the festivities
is reunion. “You socialize with family and friends – that’s the priority,” he
said.<br />
You eat noodles for longevity during those gatherings as well as soft, sweet
dumplings. The round shape is a symbol for a smooth, satisfying year.<br />
After time with your family, the community celebrates the final day together
with a lantern festival, this year on March 5. You’ll see the red lanterns
hanging outside near doorways or elsewhere.<br />
“We are brightening up the evening,” he said. “Instead of fizzling it out,
you celebrate going into the new year.”<br />
<br />
<i>Karen’s blog: <a href="http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com/">http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com</a>; on
Twitter @sullivan_kms</i><br />
<br />
<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076994627331156411.post-61452692731448436822015-02-12T18:08:00.005-05:002015-02-12T18:08:58.733-05:00Even Cupid is going high-tech for Valentine's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tju7ubkbYgM/VN0xkUyp-fI/AAAAAAAAB6k/A8XooPxHPZ0/s1600/7903182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tju7ubkbYgM/VN0xkUyp-fI/AAAAAAAAB6k/A8XooPxHPZ0/s1600/7903182.JPG" height="238" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Every Valentine's Day, my grade school teachers would give us a few minutes
to pass out little red and pink greeting cards. Candy hearts with messages like
'Be Mine" were also a part of these swaps. <br />
We'd end up with a pile of loot on our desks – a happy diversion from
classwork. And now, it seems, that's changing. <br />
Now we're more likely to have animated characters – with blinking eyes and
beating hearts – delivered to our phones or in boxes. <a href="http://www.americangreetings.com/ecards/valentines-day/just-a-little-valentine/pn/3168312">Some
of them even sing to you</a>.<br />
Technology is redesigning our biggest commercial “holidays.”<br />
If we get candy hearts, they could very easily have come from a transaction
on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Original-Classic-Flavor-Conversation-Hearts/dp/B0035QGIR0">Amazon</a>.<br />
Ninety-seven percent of the people in a recent survey said they would use
smartphones or other devices to find gifts for Valentine’s Day this year,
according to Verizon Wireless, which conducted the study. Eighty-two percent
said they would also use those devices to get restaurant recommendations or
reservations.<br />
“It shows that people are continuing to embrace technology,” said Michael
Swearingen, spokesman for Verizon.<br />
E-cards and bouquets from eflowers.com may not be the best examples of ways
that technology is connecting us with others. But when we’re separated from
those we care about, dialing up with Facetime, Skype or <a href="http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/">Google Hangouts</a> for an
on-screen visit can be better than anything bought.<br />
That’s because, even in grade school, half the fun of making your friends
smile is being able to see it.<br />
<br />
<i>Karen’s blog: <a href="http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com/">http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com</a>; on
Twitter @sullivan_kms</i>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076994627331156411.post-38932701778333032762015-02-05T17:38:00.001-05:002015-02-05T17:38:44.488-05:00Consumers are weighing the benefits of 'smart' homes<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CqXaE3h-Phc/VNPwUAOt1pI/AAAAAAAAB54/-6VrKJR61z0/s1600/IMG_NORWOOD_0625_03.JPG_1_1_LN2SM9O5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CqXaE3h-Phc/VNPwUAOt1pI/AAAAAAAAB54/-6VrKJR61z0/s1600/IMG_NORWOOD_0625_03.JPG_1_1_LN2SM9O5.JPG" height="320" width="188" /></a></div>
There are all kinds of gadgets on store shelves now for automating your home.
Using a smartphone, you can adjust the thermostat, turn up the heat and turn on
the lights before you get out of bed.<br />
With all those choices – and more – it seems we're most impressed with just
one part of the “smart” home product catalogs: security systems.<br />
That detail comes from a report by <span class="misspelled" id="misspelledMooresville-based" name="spellmarker150" style="border-bottom: red 2px dotted;">Mooresville-based</span> Lowe’s home
improvement store, which collected opinions from more than 2,000 people last
year for its Smart Home Survey. <br />
Sixty-two percent of those surveyed ranked security and home monitoring as
the top benefit of smart-home technology. <br />
Half of the respondents said their homes would be more secure with access to
features such as locks that can be set remotely. Forty-six percent said they
would want to monitor their property when they are away from home.<br />
So while retailers are pushing to get technology onto their shelves to give
us more conveniences and energy savings, many consumers are still deciding.<br />
You probably can guess why there might be cautious excitement for the broader
range of products. Cost is one reason.<br />
For home monitoring, these consumers are less excited about systems that call
for a monthly fee, according to the survey. <br />
I’ve got to agree. I’ve been looking for a new security system for months to
get around the bills that just keep going up. I just want a reliable, basic
setup, maybe the type you install yourself. <br />
I’ll keep trolling the aisles to find something that works. I’m sure I’ll
have plenty of company as I do.<br />
<br />
<i>Karen’s blog: <a href="http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com/"><span class="misspelled" id="misspelledhttp://homelifeclt.blogspot.com" name="spellmarker151" style="border-bottom: red 2px dotted;">http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com</span></a>; on Twitter
@<span class="misspelled" id="misspelledsullivan" name="spellmarker152" style="border-bottom: red 2px dotted;">sullivan</span>_<span class="misspelled" id="misspelledkms" name="spellmarker153" style="border-bottom: red 2px dotted;">kms</span></i>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076994627331156411.post-40838795742611990082015-01-29T17:42:00.000-05:002015-01-29T17:42:28.003-05:00Smaller houses will be in the spotlight this year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1yiESY_iDJI/VMq12YqjfYI/AAAAAAAAB48/e3bR3e3u0Oo/s1600/IMG_KyleSchuneman2.jpg_13_1_2D6PI0E0.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1yiESY_iDJI/VMq12YqjfYI/AAAAAAAAB48/e3bR3e3u0Oo/s1600/IMG_KyleSchuneman2.jpg_13_1_2D6PI0E0.JPG" height="400" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This probably won't be the last time you hear about smaller living spaces
this year. The fact is, there's a portion of the population that wants or needs
less. That's especially true for millennials, according to a report from the
National Association of Home Builders.<br />
Income, housing costs, busy schedules, retirement and concern for the
environment are factors pushing this trend forward, so it’s not just limited to
people who became adults at the turn of the century.<br />
So if you’re moving to a smaller space or considering it, you might
appreciate these online resources:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Becoming Minimalist: The author of
this blog, Joshua Becker, says the best things in life aren’t things. Becker
writes about his family’s effort to change their focus from materialism. <a href="http://www.becomingminimalist.com/">www.becomingminimalist.com</a></li>
<li>National Association of Realtors:
The association’s “Field Guide to the Small House Movement” is a compilation of
links for those considering miniature homes. The association included a reminder
that New Yorkers in Manhattan have lived in tiny spaces for decades. <a href="http://www.realtor.org/">www.realtor.org</a></li>
<li>Rightsizingyourlife.com: Topics
range from housing to decorating, recycling, storage and moving. <a href="http://rightsizingyourlife.com/">rightsizingyourlife.com</a></li>
<li>Forbes: Its article called
“Downsizing The Family Home: What To Do With All The Stuff?” gives practical
advice that might be helpful as you plan and make a move. <a href="http://onforb.es/1z96Gyu">http://onforb.es/1z96Gyu</a></li>
<li>Kyle Schuneman's "The First Apartment Book: Cool Design for Small Spaces" includes examples of decor for small spaces. One of his makeovers is shown in the picture above. (Photo by Joe Schmelzer) </li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<i>Karen’s blog: <a href="http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com/">http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com</a>; on
Twitter @sullivan_kms</i>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076994627331156411.post-22544512972085537332015-01-22T17:50:00.001-05:002015-01-26T10:49:30.045-05:00To look after Earth, start in your backyard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7YQmylGfQb4/VMF91DLjLCI/AAAAAAAAB4U/zeR51LWr6fQ/s1600/IMG_matthews2.JPG_1_1_3E70IS7B.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7YQmylGfQb4/VMF91DLjLCI/AAAAAAAAB4U/zeR51LWr6fQ/s1600/IMG_matthews2.JPG_1_1_3E70IS7B.JPG" height="242" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Make your backyard a better home for wildlife this year. That's one of the
things we all can do for the environment, says Earnie McLaney. Planting trees is
another.<br />
But that's not enough, says McLaney, president of Charlotte Reconnecting
Ourselves With Nature, or CROWN. We also need to make sure to look after the
other natural resources that are special to us, including farms, waterways and
parks. <br />
McLaney sent out an email blast last week asking people to get involved in
protecting the places we would want our grandchildren to enjoy one day.<br />
His letter is a response to two bills on EPA policy that are moving through
Congress. <br />
McLaney’s views on those proposals – H.R.1422 and H.R.4012 – are not the
subject here. He does want to remind us that we need a healthy ecosystem for our
survival, just like the creatures outside. That means we need to pay attention
as changes take place in the agencies we’ve put in charge of protecting it. <br />
So devote some time to making your backyard more welcoming to wildlife. But
save some time for working with your neighbors through environmental groups in
our area.<br />
He suggests the <a href="http://www.ncconservationnetwork.org/">N.C.
Conservation Network</a>, <a href="http://nc.audubon.org/">N.C. Audubon</a>, <a href="http://www.catawbariverkeeper.org/">Catawba Riverkeeper</a> and <a href="http://catawbalands.org/">Catawba Land Conservancy</a>. <a href="http://crown-clt.weebly.com/we-the-people.html">CROWN</a>, the
organization McLaney leads, is a local chapter for the N.C. Wildlife
Federation.<br />
<i>Karen’s blog: <a href="http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com/">http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com</a>; on Twitter @sullivan_kms.</i>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076994627331156411.post-55984108490981909602015-01-15T17:45:00.001-05:002015-01-15T17:45:32.075-05:00These apps help you stop junk mail, live "greener"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jwFr7bT9HAM/VLhCpPc8muI/AAAAAAAAB3g/j7UVEyJQ_ps/s1600/screenshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jwFr7bT9HAM/VLhCpPc8muI/AAAAAAAAB3g/j7UVEyJQ_ps/s1600/screenshot.jpg" height="320" width="225" /></a></div>
Your smartphone or tablet can become a tool for cutting household waste and
making choices that are better for the environment and perhaps your health.<br />
Apps for “green” living are becoming more popular and useful. These are worth
a try:<br />
<strong><span class="misspelled" id="misspelledPaperKarma" name="spellmarker2676" style="border-bottom: red 2px dotted;">PaperKarma</span></strong> makes it
easier to stop junk mail from filling your mailbox, your home and ultimately the
landfill. Take a photo of the pesky mailer you want to stop. <span class="misspelled" id="misspelledPaperKarma" name="spellmarker2677" style="border-bottom: red 2px dotted;">PaperKarma</span> goes to work to remove you from the
mailing list.<br />
<strong>Good Guide</strong> gives you ratings on <span class="misspelled" id="misspelledeco-friendly" name="spellmarker2678" style="border-bottom: red 2px dotted;">eco-friendly</span> products, including shampoos,
cosmetics and cleaning products. Scan the bar code to see pros and cons for the
contents.<br />
<strong><span class="misspelled" id="misspellediRecycle" name="spellmarker2679" style="border-bottom: red 2px dotted;">iRecycle</span></strong> helps you find
places and ways to recycle more than 350 materials. Batteries, construction
waste, household items, and garden and hazardous waste are some of the items it
can help with.<br />
<strong>Go Green</strong>, shown at left, offers tips for a greener lifestyle, with a new
idea popping up each time you open the app. Also get a “green” rating for
yourself, based on your habits. <br />
<strong>Sierra Club Trail Explorer</strong> has information on more than
40,000 trails in North America. Use the app to compile trail lists and write
reviews. With an account on <span class="misspelled" id="misspelledAllTrails.com" name="spellmarker2680" style="border-bottom: red 2px dotted;">AllTrails.com</span>, you can also sync to GPS.<br />
<br />
<b>Mark your calendar</b><br />
The Greater Charlotte Home & Landscape Show will be Jan. 23-25 at
Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, 4751 N.C. 49, Concord. Jason Cameron, host for DIY Network’s
“Sledgehammer,” and “Desperate Landscapes,” will host free seminars. <a href="http://www.charlottehomeandlandscapeshow.com/"><span class="misspelled" id="misspelledwww.charlottehomeand" name="spellmarker2684" style="border-bottom: red 2px dotted;">www.charlottehomeand</span><span class="misspelled" id="misspelledlandscapeshow.com" name="spellmarker2686" style="border-bottom: red 2px dotted;">landscapeshow.com</span></a>.<br />
<i>Karen’s blog: <a href="http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com/"><span class="misspelled" id="misspelledhttp://homelifeclt.blogspot.com" name="spellmarker2681" style="border-bottom: red 2px dotted;">http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com</span></a>; on Twitter: @<span class="misspelled" id="misspelledsullivan" name="spellmarker2682" style="border-bottom-color: red; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 2px;">sullivan</span>_<span class="misspelled" id="misspelledkms" name="spellmarker2683" style="border-bottom-color: red; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 2px;">kms</span></i>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076994627331156411.post-1136857263759390642015-01-09T10:22:00.001-05:002015-01-09T10:22:20.625-05:00This school is for learning about honeybees<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Zd6M0Fq1pk/VK_whDl43lI/AAAAAAAAB28/ug3zeYHwkoE/s1600/cul142%2Band%2Bbee%2Byard%2B032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Zd6M0Fq1pk/VK_whDl43lI/AAAAAAAAB28/ug3zeYHwkoE/s1600/cul142%2Band%2Bbee%2Byard%2B032.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The school run by the Mecklenburg County Beekeepers Association has been around
at least 12 years, and Jodie Rierson is Bee School principal. <br />
It takes a special person to aspire to that position. Rierson, who’ll welcome
a new class of students Jan. 13, has been fascinated with honeybees since
childhood. The honey she now harvests from her four backyard hives is one reason
she continues to enjoy them. And she finds much more to admire about these
communal creatures.<br />
“It’s how smart they are,” said Rierson, 51, an association member for three
years. “It’s incredible to me that they take the nectar from flowers and they
cure the honey, they fan and evaporate the water out of it, they ripen it and
cap it. How do they do all of that?” <br />
Honeybees also pollinate plants that produce our food. Colonies have been
declining, so Rierson was pleased to welcome more than 100 people –
grade-schoolers to seniors – to the school last year to learn how to care for
bees and manage hives of their own. <br />
The class costs $70 and will take place 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 13-March 17, at Providence Baptist Church, 4921 Randolph Road. To sign up, register online at <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><u>www.meckbees.org.</u></a><br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><b>Build, Remodel and Landscape Expo has returned </b></a><br />
The 16th annual Build, Remodel and Landscape Expo continues Jan. 10 and 11
<span class="CCI-NOTE" style="background-color: #ffee79; color: #c1272d; text-decoration: underline;">Saturday and Sunday </span>at the Charlotte Convention Center,
501 S. College St. More than 10,000 people are expected to attend the show,
which started Friday.<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null">
</a>
The show includes hundreds of exhibitors (remodelers, designers and
landscapers), along with seminars and demonstrations. For more information,
visit <a href="http://www.homeshowcenter.com/">www.HomeShowCenter.com</a>.<br />
<br />
<i>Karen’s blog: <a href="http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com/">http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com</a>;
Twitter: @sullivan_kms</i>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076994627331156411.post-15026568766850669002014-12-31T17:52:00.000-05:002014-12-31T17:52:17.284-05:002014's top podcasts on design and architecture<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rcnglyfppQc/VKR9kkN-8KI/AAAAAAAAB2M/6dS0JmLHgF8/s1600/460119102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rcnglyfppQc/VKR9kkN-8KI/AAAAAAAAB2M/6dS0JmLHgF8/s1600/460119102.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Usually we find conversations about interior design in visual spaces –
television and blogs, for example. The art of building and decorating compelling
settings is also a topic to explore in your car or while wearing headphones,
thanks to the podcast.<br />
The top design and architecture podcasts, as ranked recently by Interior
Design magazine, explore 3D modeling, marketing and the business side of design.
The next time you’ve got some downtime, download an episode, most of which are
available on iTunes:<br />
<strong>99% Invisible:</strong> Hear discussions about design, architecture
and “the 99% invisible activity that shapes our world.” Fast Company listed
creator Roman Mars among its 100 Most Creative People of 2013. <a href="http://99percentinvisible.org/">99percentinvisible.org</a>.<br />
<strong>Archispeak:</strong> Listen to architects and those in related fields
discuss life in the profession. Recent episodes looked at the challenge with
recruiting younger talent and critiques of building projects. <a href="http://archispeakpodcast.com/">archispeakpodcast.com</a>.<br />
<strong>The Chaise Lounge:</strong> Successful interior designers share
business and design tips. Guests include Malibu, Calif., designer Barrie
Livingstone; Berkeley, Calif., designer Fu-Tung Cheng and Sue Moss, who works in
Hawaii. <a href="http://www.thechaiseloungepodcast.com/">www.thechaiseloungepodcast.com</a>.<br />
<strong>Design Pro Success Stories with Jeff Wortham:</strong> A forum for
tips on building a business in interior design, architecture or landscape
architecture. <a href="http://designprosuccessstories.com/">designprosuccessstories.com</a>.<br />
<strong>Spotlight on Design:</strong> Podcasts are from the lecture series
presented by the National Building Museum. The series presents international
architects and designers of distinction. <a href="http://www.nbm.org/">www.nbm.org</a>.<br />
<br />
<i>Karen’s blog: <a href="http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com/">http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com</a>; on
Twitter @sullivan_kms</i>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076994627331156411.post-50373719335223985942014-12-24T15:30:00.000-05:002014-12-29T11:13:48.916-05:00There's a market for home automation that can multitask<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k1VYB1gATHU/VJshMf2rgTI/AAAAAAAAB14/ztO-HfKvkYc/s1600/Connect_BE469_CAM%2B619_BW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k1VYB1gATHU/VJshMf2rgTI/AAAAAAAAB14/ztO-HfKvkYc/s1600/Connect_BE469_CAM%2B619_BW.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
One of my good friends does plenty of things well, but she has trouble
keeping up with her keys. Apparently, that happens to a lot of us.<br />
Twenty-five percent of the people in a recent survey said they spend three
minutes or more each day looking for their keys. And 62 percent of those same
people said they believe we ultimately will live in a <span class="misspelled" id="misspelledkeyless" name="spellmarker221" style="border-bottom: red 2px dotted;">keyless</span> society, thanks to home automation
technology such as electronic locks.<br />
Technology is a wonderful thing, but I’m worried. I’m not sure I can afford
automation for the long list of issues that are hacking off chunks of my
time. <br />
I’ll need a system to find my comb every morning. My husband could use some
help locating his glasses whenever we’re ready to walk out the door. Will there
be an app for that?<br />
When I do find digital workarounds for these and other setbacks, I would
rather not end up with a longer list of passwords and security codes that need
to be changed every 90 days. If I did, I might need to figure out a way to keep
up with that, too.<br />
So I’m ready to make a prediction now that we’re becoming more open to having
home automation in our lives: <br />
Once we’ve collected a few of these gadgets, I think we will begin to judge
them much like we rate kitchen gadgets. Ultimately, tools that are versatile,
multifunctional and durable are likely to be favorites. Single-use items can be harder to
justify in many of our homes.<br />
<br />
<i>Karen’s blog: <a href="http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com/"><span class="misspelled" id="misspelledhttp://homelifeclt.blogspot.com" name="spellmarker222" style="border-bottom: red 2px dotted;">http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com</span></a>; on Twitter
@<span class="misspelled" id="misspelledsullivan" name="spellmarker223" style="border-bottom: red 2px dotted;">sullivan</span>_<span class="misspelled" id="misspelledkms" name="spellmarker224" style="border-bottom: red 2px dotted;">kms</span></i>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076994627331156411.post-3015217580580809122014-12-18T16:07:00.000-05:002014-12-18T16:07:12.813-05:00Holiday waste is not a memory we want to live with<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GOByLliAKSY/VJNA33FnwjI/AAAAAAAAB1g/zDD_sjfuJ-Y/s1600/IMG_santasbag.jpg_4_1_RC6BK1NN.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GOByLliAKSY/VJNA33FnwjI/AAAAAAAAB1g/zDD_sjfuJ-Y/s1600/IMG_santasbag.jpg_4_1_RC6BK1NN.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
Maybe we should call it the season of misgivings. Certainly, this is not the
holiday memory we intended.<br />
We’re throwing away 25 percent more trash during the holidays in this country
and 33 percent more food, by one estimate. That’s about 25 million extra tons of
garbage. <br />
You’re probably too focused on wrapping gifts to consider where all the paper
and cardboard will end up. But this is the right time to think about it – and to
look for alternatives.<br />
“A lot of that waste can be prevented by thinking ahead,” said Meg Fencil,
education and outreach director for Sustain Charlotte, a nonprofit focused on
sustainable living.<br />
Reconsider the wrapping paper and cardboard boxes, Fencil said. Gift bags are
a smart choice because you don’t need a box and you can – and should – reuse
them.<br />
Pinecones and other natural decorations can substitute for ribbons and
bows.<br />
Hide smaller gifts inside larger ones. Pinterest is a good online resource for
other ideas.<br />
In the kitchen, try not to buy more than you will need, and compost kitchen
scraps.<br />
Fencil has taken up a tradition started by her grandmother: a
holiday treasure hunt. Gifts don’t have to be wrapped for this game.<br />
The younger children go first and get five clues that led them to their toys.
The older children can help, and then they get clues of their own.<br />
“I think it was even more fun” than finding gifts under a tree, Fencil
recalled. “There was a challenge to it.”<br />
Find more tips for reducing holiday waste at <a href="http://www.epa.gov/">www.epa.gov</a>. Type “reduce holiday waste” in the
search field.<br />
<br />
<i>Karen’s blog: <a href="http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com/">http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com</a>; on
Twitter @sullivan_kms</i>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076994627331156411.post-62610148722484266052014-12-11T17:48:00.002-05:002014-12-11T18:00:24.114-05:00Grow a little extra to help Charlotte's hungry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nhs4yeZ-xwg/VIodreYCMGI/AAAAAAAAB0E/Iag_zScJ47k/s1600/IMG_nancyjuly20_2_1_D77LQUDS.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nhs4yeZ-xwg/VIodreYCMGI/AAAAAAAAB0E/Iag_zScJ47k/s1600/IMG_nancyjuly20_2_1_D77LQUDS.JPG" height="320" width="210" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
As you flip through seed catalogs and map out plans for spring and summer
vegetable gardens, scale up and dream bigger. Plant more than you need, and then
use the extras to help feed the hungry. <br />
About 30 local gardeners have done that for Backyard Friendship Gardens (<a href="http://friendship-gardens.org/">friendship-gardens.org</a>), which uses
food donations to add fresh produce to plates for Friendship Trays, a meal
delivery program for people in need.<br />
With such modest numbers, there's plenty of room for growth in the 2-year-old
program, said Henry Owen, one of the program's founders and program director of
Friendship Gardens.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7NeeZMlBX4Y/VIofAGl7MEI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/fcmEohDwEBo/s1600/headshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7NeeZMlBX4Y/VIofAGl7MEI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/fcmEohDwEBo/s1600/headshot.jpg" height="200" width="148" /></a></div>
“There are so many more people that grow food in Charlotte and the
surrounding areas that we could easily have hundreds of people involved,” he
added.<br />
Owen won’t be here to see that growth happen, though. He’s leaving to become
executive director of the Nature Discovery Center in Houston. He starts there
Jan. 12.<br />
A bigger accomplishment for Owen, 31, was setting up 74 partner gardens
hosted by local schools, churches and other nonprofits. Through all of its
programs, Friendship Gardens collected almost 9 tons of fresh food so far in
2014.<br />
Thom Duncan, a board member for Friendship Trays, will replace Owen, who
believes these and other programs will reach even more gardeners and more of the
hungry in the years ahead.<br />
“I learned that gardeners are people who live in abundance,” Owen said. “They
are giving and want to build their community, share with their neighbors, and
they believe there is enough for everyone.” <br />
<br />
<i>Karen’s blog: <a href="http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com/">http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com</a>; on
Twitter @sullivan_kms</i>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076994627331156411.post-34146659663547931702014-12-04T18:07:00.004-05:002014-12-04T18:07:50.054-05:00Artist has tips for decorating with artwork<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VsIy-s1krqI/VIDnqDLPAnI/AAAAAAAABzk/mu99xJTewQs/s1600/sing8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VsIy-s1krqI/VIDnqDLPAnI/AAAAAAAABzk/mu99xJTewQs/s1600/sing8.jpeg" height="266" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When I see a breathtaking work of art, I often wonder how the artist would
use it in a home.</div>
Many decorators follow a rule of uneven numbers, grouping things in threes,
fives or sevens. But would the artist who created a piece display it that
way?<br />
I got the chance to ask that question when talking with Liz Saintsing, a
south Charlotte silk screen artist who has been chosen by national home decor
retailer West Elm (located at the Metropolitan development) to be a featured
local artist.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jWsalUDrowU/VIDnh_1O4oI/AAAAAAAABzc/LncbR6COcEU/s1600/Saintsing1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jWsalUDrowU/VIDnh_1O4oI/AAAAAAAABzc/LncbR6COcEU/s1600/Saintsing1.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>Saintsing, who is thrilled about being chosen, will present her pillows, wall
art, Christmas stockings, table runners and other items during a special pop-up
market, 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, at 1100 Metropolitan Ave.<br />
Nature is a common theme in Saintsing’s designs, which she says are
functional and have a cohesive color palette, which is important for creating
visual unity in a room.<br />
As for displaying her work, she prefers to keep things of similar size
together – 7-by-10-inch wall panels in a group, and the same for her 21-by-21s. She keeps
clusters small.<br />
“I like things in threes,” she said. “I don’t like a lot of symmetry. Nature
doesn’t have a lot of symmetry.”<br />
Muted gray or off-white walls can make artwork look more dramatic, especially
with boldly colored pieces. Wallpaper will probably compete with your art. <br />
Pick one of the secondary colors in a painting and find a matching rug for
texture in the room. Most of all, Saintsing recommends doing something
unexpected.<br />
“I don’t like things too matchy-matchy,” she said.<br />
<i>Karen’s blog: <a href="http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com/">http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com</a>; on
Twitter @sullivan_kms</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076994627331156411.post-24015262827396399522014-11-26T16:43:00.002-05:002014-11-26T16:44:13.154-05:00Give warmth to families in need of it<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uh3RkozisYU/VHZJIRUc0qI/AAAAAAAAByg/kHHz6ZJVG0M/s1600/IMG_BLANKETS_01.JPG_2_1_0A25CLVI.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uh3RkozisYU/VHZJIRUc0qI/AAAAAAAAByg/kHHz6ZJVG0M/s1600/IMG_BLANKETS_01.JPG_2_1_0A25CLVI.JPG" height="272" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Winter can be a cold and desperate time in some households in our city. A
donation of new and gently used blankets and coats is a small gesture that may
offer a little comfort to families in our region during the holiday season.<br />
Charlotte’s chapter of the National Kitchen & Bath Association will be
collecting blankets and coats for Crisis Assistance Ministry through Dec.
11. In the picture above, workers and volunteers are sorting through donations to the agency.<br />
“The giving of the coats is something that we’ve done for the past couple of
years,” said Tommy Hooker, a spokesman for the association, which has about 150
members locally. “If you provide a coat, you provide warmth.”<br />
Drop off your donations at The Majestic Bath, 621 S. Sharon Amity Road, or at
Hughes Supply locations in Charlotte, Huntersville, Pineville or elsewhere.<br />
You can also bring donations to the kitchens at Electrolux from 5:30 to 8:30
p.m. on Dec. 11, when the appliance maker will host a holiday event for the
association’s members as well as guests. The event will be at Electrolux’s North
American headquarters, 10200 David Taylor Drive. <br />
During the holiday party, guests can see the Electrolux kitchen showrooms and
cooking demonstrations, enjoy music and food, and possibly win door prizes.
Tickets are $15. RSVP by Dec. 4 to <a href="http://bit.ly/1tjrsov">http://bit.ly/1tjrsov</a>.<br />
<br />
<i>Karen’s blog: <a href="http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com/">http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com</a>; on
Twitter @sullivan_kms</i>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076994627331156411.post-27325010235839444912014-11-20T18:00:00.001-05:002014-11-20T18:08:57.918-05:00Local man makes bedding for education<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DiVfxKoa7Jo/VG5xJj3HUnI/AAAAAAAABx8/HFoZh8CwIqw/s1600/family-checkers-ken%2B(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DiVfxKoa7Jo/VG5xJj3HUnI/AAAAAAAABx8/HFoZh8CwIqw/s1600/family-checkers-ken%2B(1).jpg" height="288" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Kevin <span class="misspelled" id="misspelledGatlin" name="spellmarker420" style="border-bottom: red 2px dotted;">Gatlin</span> is uncomfortable when he
sees his two children parked in front of the television. The south Charlotte man
would rather see them playing with their sheets and pillowcases. <br />
<span class="misspelled" id="misspelledGatlin" name="spellmarker421" style="border-bottom: red 2px dotted;">Gatlin</span> created a four-piece twin
bedding set that has a board game for checkers or chess printed on a fitted
sheet. <br />
The children can also draw and color on their flat sheets using Crayola
Washable Crayons, which come with each set. <br />
Now <span class="misspelled" id="misspelledGatlin" name="spellmarker422" style="border-bottom: red 2px dotted;">Gatlin</span> is selling his <span class="misspelled" id="misspelledPlaytimes" name="spellmarker423" style="border-bottom: red 2px dotted;">Playtime</span> <span class="misspelled" id="misspelledEdventure" name="spellmarker424" style="border-bottom: red 2px dotted;">Edventures</span> sheet sets ($40), hopeful that other
parents might want sheets that are colorful and useful.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D-R3H1HJJKE/VG5xxg_i0YI/AAAAAAAAByE/BA0cDl4hXCI/s1600/flat-wBkgd%2B(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D-R3H1HJJKE/VG5xxg_i0YI/AAAAAAAAByE/BA0cDl4hXCI/s1600/flat-wBkgd%2B(1).jpg" height="320" width="219" /></a>“I watched my wife interact with my sons,” <span class="misspelled" id="misspelledGatlin" name="spellmarker425" style="border-bottom: red 2px dotted;">Gatlin</span> said this week from his display at the
Southern Christmas Show. “They always used his bed for homework, arts and crafts
or board games.”<br />
<br />
<span class="misspelled" id="misspelledGatlin" name="spellmarker426" style="border-bottom: red 2px dotted;">Gatlin</span>, son of a retired
grade-school teacher, says his 10- and 2-year-old have adjusted to his way of
thinking, which includes limiting their use of technology. He now works
full-time with the business, which offers 30 games and Playtime activities,
developed by local teachers, at the company’s website (<a href="http://playtimeedventures.com/"><span class="misspelled" id="misspelledplaytimeedventures.com" name="spellmarker427" style="border-bottom: red 2px dotted;">playtimeedventures.com</span></a>). <br />
The children may not know it, but they are probably learning school curricula
and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) as they play.<br />
At least that’s what <span class="misspelled" id="misspelledGatlin" name="spellmarker428" style="border-bottom: red 2px dotted;">Gatlin</span> hopes
for.<br />
<br />
<i>Karen’s blog: <a href="http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com/"><span class="misspelled" id="misspelledhttp://homelifeclt.blogspot.com" name="spellmarker429" style="border-bottom: red 2px dotted;">http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com</span></a>; on Twitter
@<span class="misspelled" id="misspelledsullivan" name="spellmarker430" style="border-bottom: red 2px dotted;">sullivan</span>_<span class="misspelled" id="misspelledkms" name="spellmarker431" style="border-bottom: red 2px dotted;">kms</span></i><br />
<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076994627331156411.post-73779639582799742632014-11-13T17:55:00.002-05:002014-11-13T17:55:14.077-05:00Class starts in January to train next master gardeners<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A9ZY2DqjHaQ/VGU2DdzIQXI/AAAAAAAABxE/ml8hlOTkcwU/s1600/IMG_1938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A9ZY2DqjHaQ/VGU2DdzIQXI/AAAAAAAABxE/ml8hlOTkcwU/s400/IMG_1938.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
If you are a gardener and interested in community service, there is an
opportunity ahead.<br />
Twenty-four seats are available for Mecklenburg County residents who want to
train to become master gardeners. Twice-weekly classes start in January and
continue through March. Tuition is $160.<br />
Volunteers give 40 hours the first year and 30 after that. Working initially
with a mentor, master gardeners share what they know on the master gardener
hotline and at events and speaking engagements. They also create gardens, such as the veggie patches near Independence Park that's shown here.<br />
“They have to be a lifelong learner, and they should be interested in
research-based gardening information,” said Cathe Hawley, president of
Mecklenburg Extension Master Gardener Volunteers, an association that now has
110 certified volunteers.<br />
Hawley’s description of an ideal candidate might sound lofty, but being a
master gardener is mostly connecting with other gardeners in the organization
and the community. I still see members of my class (1998) at events all over
town.<br />
It is important to be interested in learning, as Hawley said. There’s always
so much more to discover about the world of plants and what we can do to help it
grow. <br />
Apply by Nov. 24. Visit <a href="http://www.mastergardenersmecklenburg.org/">www.mastergardenersmecklenburg.org</a> to download an application or
call <a href="tel:704-336-4011">704-336-4011</a>.<br />
<br />
<i>Karen’s blog: <a href="http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com/">homelifeclt.blogspot.com</a>; on Twitter
@sullivan_kms</i>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076994627331156411.post-14084016262184941102014-11-06T16:06:00.001-05:002014-11-06T16:06:09.556-05:00Charlotte pop-up market to bring handmade and vintage decor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ruJ5A73J0pY/VFvhahYuDNI/AAAAAAAABwg/964syR71oII/s1600/_MG_5505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ruJ5A73J0pY/VFvhahYuDNI/AAAAAAAABwg/964syR71oII/s1600/_MG_5505.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
There are dozens of micro-business owners who sell interesting handmade and
vintage furniture and accessories right here in the Charlotte
area.<br />
But finding these local businesses can be tricky. Many don’t have a showroom
or public space. They may sell through online markets such as Etsy and promote
their brands through social media.<br />
Here’s a chance to visit some of these operations. Vintage Charlotte’s winter
pop-up market returns to The Fillmore at the NC Music Factory on Nov. 15.
Sixty-three local and regional vendors will exhibit, and three to four times as
many applied.<br />
“I don’t think you can find this type of variety ... anywhere else in
Charlotte,” said Amy Herman, one of the organizers. “It’s a very unique
mix.”<br />
At least half of the vendors sell home decor. Jewelry, clothing, stationery
and other items also will be available. Luce Antica will sell lighting made from recycled industrial pieces, such as the ones above. About 2,500 people are expected, and
vendors are always eager to meet local shoppers face-to-face.<br />
“There’s kind of a new model of business where you start online because it’s
easier and it’s smaller and there is less startup,” Herman said. “But it’s
lonely out there.” <br />
<br />
<i>Karen’s blog: <a href="http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com/">http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com</a>; on
Twitter @sullivan_kms</i>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076994627331156411.post-673624930196605092014-10-31T10:22:00.003-04:002014-10-31T11:17:12.737-04:00Use that extra hour to get prepared for the holidays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pzxOLYWSV0A/VFOaJSGzZtI/AAAAAAAABvs/f4DsotCoWRA/s1600/IMG_Harvest_table.jpg_2_1_A3774FUG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pzxOLYWSV0A/VFOaJSGzZtI/AAAAAAAABvs/f4DsotCoWRA/s1600/IMG_Harvest_table.jpg_2_1_A3774FUG.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
That extra hour you'll get from turning back the clocks before you go to bed
Saturday night is not an invitation to stay in bed longer, the way Anna Osborne
sees it. <br />
Precious time like that can be used to take care of jobs you've neglected,
said Osborne, office manager for The Maids in Concord, which also serves north
Charlotte.<br />
“This is the time of year when we recommend deep cleaning,” Osborne said.<br />
With the holidays right around the corner, you could get the hardwood floors
polished, shampoo the carpet, or clean the oven and refrigerator. Better now
than when guests are days away from arriving.<br />
Some of the items on The Maids' semiannual cleaning checklist also might help
you keep a healthier home. Wiping dust from heat registers and ceiling fans is
among those jobs. See The Maids' list at <a href="http://www.maids.com/cleaningtips">www.maids.com/cleaningtips</a>. <br />
<strong>Design event</strong><br />
Hughes Kitchen & Bath Collection will host a Lunch and Learn event
featuring Kallista products, as well as inspiration from designers sucUse that extra hour to do a little cleaningh as
Barbara Barry and Michael S. Smith, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Nov. 6, 16235
Northcross Drive, Huntersville. RSVP by Nov. 4 to Cassie Abernethy, cassie.abernethy@hajoca.com or 704-309-0725.<br />
<b>Share your renovation story</b><br />
Tell us in 500 words or less what problems you've had at home, how a building
or renovation project addressed those problems, and what advice you have for
others who may be considering a similar project. Send your story and pictures to
home@charlotteobserver.com. We'll
choose one of those stories and send the brave survivor a $25 gift card.<br />
<i>Karen’s blog: <a href="http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com/">http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com</a>; on
Twitter @sullivan_kms</i>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076994627331156411.post-40078084235270679202014-10-23T16:41:00.000-04:002014-10-23T16:41:00.860-04:00Your renovation story could help someone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v_9bnM6k_QI/VElnUunF2UI/AAAAAAAABvA/_J-9fy7u2BE/s1600/IMG_LIFE_HOME-COLORS_KC._2_1_FN75TRL3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v_9bnM6k_QI/VElnUunF2UI/AAAAAAAABvA/_J-9fy7u2BE/s1600/IMG_LIFE_HOME-COLORS_KC._2_1_FN75TRL3.JPG" height="315" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Maybe you've seen home-construction crews in your neighborhood, building
bigger homes where older, smaller ones once stood. <br />
We know many of you are investing time and money to rebuild or renovate homes
in our area, or to do smaller, meaningful upgrades. And we know you're often
better off once the old tub is gone, the windows enlarged or the kitchen gutted
and opened up to the surrounding rooms.<br />
What did you learn along the way? Now that you’re wiser, share what you've
learned with us. We want to publish your renovation story and pictures on our
website under a banner called Problem Solved. <br />
You made all sorts of checklists, found the right fixtures and finishes,
negotiated with contractors and maybe even corrected a misstep or two along the
way. How did you keep it moving and get through it? <br />
Three-course dinners made with a toaster oven while your kitchen was out of
order? Did you wade through an inch or two of water before the roof went on? And
how did the pets make out? We’ve heard all sorts of stories, but not yours.<br />
Tell us in 500 words or less what problems you had at home, how your building
or renovation project addressed those problems and what advice you have for
others who may be considering a similar project. Send your story and pictures to
<a href="http://home@charlotteobserver.com/">home@charlotteobserver.com</a>.<br />
We’ll choose one of those stories and send the brave survivor a $25 gift
card. <br />
<br />
Karen’s blog: <a href="http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com/">http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com</a>; on Twitter @sullivan_kmsAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076994627331156411.post-1902987862373545012014-10-18T10:00:00.000-04:002014-10-18T10:00:05.157-04:00Riverkeeper has tips for controlling soil erosion <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s_Xx79BHO7Q/VEAuM5nKZnI/AAAAAAAABug/FXAXCwC84DI/s1600/IMG_new_severe_weather_0_2_1_NQ7FM0SQ.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s_Xx79BHO7Q/VEAuM5nKZnI/AAAAAAAABug/FXAXCwC84DI/s1600/IMG_new_severe_weather_0_2_1_NQ7FM0SQ.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Sam Perkins was driving along Park Road in south Charlotte when he spotted a
stretch of red clay opened up in someone’s yard. It was a fall landscaping
project, a common thing at this time of year. <br />
Perkins, Riverkeeper for the Catawba
Riverkeeper Foundation, was concerned. The <span class="misspelled" id="misspelledRiverkeeper’s" name="spellmarker1007" style="border-bottom: red 2px dotted;">Riverkeeper’s</span> job is to protect
our waterways. Uncovering earth creates a vulnerability.<br />
“If it rains, there is going to be an awful lot of sediment making its way to
Little Sugar Creek,” he said of the unfinished project.<br />
Sediment is tough on the fish, turtles and other wildlife living in creeks
and streams. Nutrients and chemicals travel into waterways with soil, boosting
algae growth and pollution.<br />
Perkins understands the importance of tackling landscaping jobs while the
temperatures are cooling. He’s thinking about what he can do to renew the
landscape at his home in Madison Park, where plants have to compete with
decades-old trees that gobble nutrients and moisture. <br />
Here’s what he suggests if you’re planning a landscape overhaul this
fall:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Design your landscape so it keeps
rainwater on the property as much as possible. Slopes, planting beds and other
barriers on and at the edges of a property can accomplish that. A temporary
sediment fence is also an option. The fence is made of fabric that is dug into
the soil at the bottom end to filter out sediment as water passes through.</li>
<li>Finish the job as quickly as
possible once the soil is exposed, especially when rain is expected. Plants and
mulch can help control erosion.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<i>Karen’s blog: <span class="misspelled" id="misspelledhttp://homelifeclt.blogspot.com;" name="spellmarker1008" style="border-bottom: red 2px dotted;"><a href="http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com/">http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com</a>;</span> on Twitter @<span class="misspelled" id="misspelledsullivan" name="spellmarker1009" style="border-bottom: red 2px dotted;">sullivan</span>_<span class="misspelled" id="misspelledkms" name="spellmarker1010" style="border-bottom: red 2px dotted;">kms</span></i>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076994627331156411.post-34848859968230780642014-10-09T17:29:00.000-04:002014-10-09T17:33:27.611-04:00Eco-friendly home decor is trend to watch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eyreiI_u4k0/VDb7_aXuXqI/AAAAAAAABtg/e-JbMcTPZCc/s1600/Tronk%2BDesign_Williams%2BOval%2BDining%2BTable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eyreiI_u4k0/VDb7_aXuXqI/AAAAAAAABtg/e-JbMcTPZCc/s1600/Tronk%2BDesign_Williams%2BOval%2BDining%2BTable.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I'm already getting a sense of what designers and others in the trade will
see when they arrive for the fall furniture market in High Point next week. <br />
A folder in my email account is stacked with announcements and images that
are a preview for what's ahead.<br />
It's so easy to focus on the visual brilliance in the home decor industry,
but breathtaking design may come at a price to the environment.<br />
I was reminded of that this week when talking with Fernanda Vergara at Tronk
Design, a fairly new boutique furniture company that will bring its designs to
the trade show for the first time.<br />
Tronk uses solid walnut for many of its designs, which combine an industrial
look with influences of midcentury modern style. But Tronk's new Williams dining
table is not solid walnut. It’s made with walnut plywood, an alternative that
has LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.<br />
“Walnut is everywhere right now,” Vergara said, explaining that its
popularity is causing Tronk’s suppliers to be concerned about availability in
the future.<br />
Meanwhile, some of Tronk's clients are asking for ecology-friendly furniture.
The Williams dining table is a step toward answering both concerns. <br />
So now I've got a better sense of what to look for next week when I visit
showrooms to get a sense of trends that are coming for spring. Environmentally
thoughtful design is on the list.<br />
<br />
<i>Karen’s blog: <a href="http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com/">http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com</a>; on Twitter @sullivan_kms</i>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076994627331156411.post-42619772360118483302014-10-02T16:51:00.000-04:002014-10-02T16:51:13.675-04:00Earn rewards for donating old furniture to ReStores<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OM9-8EDe-KE/VC25tG10grI/AAAAAAAABsw/-WcbaRbdtpo/s1600/furniture_landfill2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OM9-8EDe-KE/VC25tG10grI/AAAAAAAABsw/-WcbaRbdtpo/s1600/furniture_landfill2.jpg" height="245" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
If you're planning to make a donation of furniture to a Habitat <span class="misspelled" id="misspelledReStore" name="spellmarker1079" style="border-bottom: red 2px dotted;">ReStore</span> in the Charlotte area, take time first to
learn about a new donor rewards program.<br />
On the second Saturday of each month, <span class="misspelled" id="misspelledReStore" name="spellmarker1080" style="border-bottom: red 2px dotted;">ReStore</span> furniture donors can earn credits, called
Positive Impact Points, for making sure their items did not go to a
landfill. <br />
The PIP Rewards program is open to <span class="misspelled" id="misspelledReStore" name="spellmarker1081" style="border-bottom: red 2px dotted;">ReStore</span> customers through the <span class="misspelled" id="misspelledEdenton-based" name="spellmarker1082" style="border-bottom: red 2px dotted;">Edenton-based</span> Sustainable
Furnishings Council's new Sustainable Saturdays program. <br />
The council has a goal of diverting 10 tons of furniture from landfills in
2014. Those nearly 10 million tons of furniture are dumped at landfills each
year, the council reports, citing EPA data. <br />
Formed in High Point in 2006, the council is an education and marketing
organization that promotes “green” practices and products in the furniture
industry.<br />
Donors can use PIP rewards points for “positive impact” goods and
services.<br />
This might include products that are considered healthy or responsibly
produced. The points also can be used to support projects aimed at protecting
the environment, fighting poverty or doing good in other areas. <br />
The rewards program is the first of many Sustainable Saturday programs the
council expects to launch, says executive director Susan <span class="misspelled" id="misspelledInglis" name="spellmarker1083" style="border-bottom: red 2px dotted;">Inglis</span>. <br />
Sign up for PIP rewards at <span class="misspelled" id="misspelledhttps://pipsrewards.com." name="spellmarker1084" style="border-bottom: red 2px dotted;"><a href="https://pipsrewards.com/">https://pipsrewards.com</a>.</span> Get updates on Twitter
using the <span class="misspelled" id="misspelledhashtag" name="spellmarker1085" style="border-bottom: red 2px dotted;">hashtag</span> #<span class="misspelled" id="misspelledSustainableSaturdays" name="spellmarker1086" style="border-bottom: red 2px dotted;">SustainableSaturdays</span>.<br />
<br />
<i>Karen’s blog: <span class="misspelled" id="misspelledhttp://homelifeclt.blogspot.com;" name="spellmarker1087" style="border-bottom: red 2px dotted;">http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com;</span> on Twitter @<span class="misspelled" id="misspelledsullivan" name="spellmarker1088" style="border-bottom: red 2px dotted;">sullivan</span>_<span class="misspelled" id="misspelledkms" name="spellmarker1089" style="border-bottom: red 2px dotted;">kms</span></i>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076994627331156411.post-86450052881787465292014-09-25T16:53:00.002-04:002014-09-25T16:53:20.276-04:00Update saves old treasure in Pineville<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sOg17kyQPS8/VCSAEFHSy2I/AAAAAAAABr4/pnxwUsevs08/s1600/Pineville_Mill_House.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sOg17kyQPS8/VCSAEFHSy2I/AAAAAAAABr4/pnxwUsevs08/s1600/Pineville_Mill_House.png" height="281" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Many of us sigh when we see a historic property in our
neighborhood being demolished. Others may visit a home that has the charm of a
past era and dream of someday finding a special one of their own.<br />
Thomas White has a different story. He renovated a historic home in
Pineville's Cone Mills Village and saved a second from demolition. That
1,100-square-foot 1911 house is being featured by Historic Charlotte as part of
its Blast from the Past annual fundraising event, on Oct. 15.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J3PpX6cL-oo/VCSAICBTJYI/AAAAAAAABsA/oToZtafuN0o/s1600/Pineville%2BMill%2BHouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J3PpX6cL-oo/VCSAICBTJYI/AAAAAAAABsA/oToZtafuN0o/s1600/Pineville%2BMill%2BHouse.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
A complete update of a historic property, White says, takes vision, a
willingness to wrangle through codes and permits, as well as tremendous diligence to manage costs. But these older
homes can be worth the effort, if not always a quick return on investment. <br />
“The unexpected result was the appreciation I developed for historical
properties,” said White, a land surveyor who is planning a move to a third
historic property in Pineville. “We will live in a very unique time capsule.
Without that appreciation, you are just living in four walls.”<br />
<br />
Learn about other preservation projects nominated this year at <a href="http://www.historiccharlotte.org/events">www.historiccharlotte.org/events</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="factbox_head" style="background-color: #e0ebf6; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 21pt;">
Blast from the Past</div>
The after-work event with entertainment and food by Heist Brewery will take
place from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 15 at the Charlotte Museum of History, 3500
Shamrock Drive. Tickets are $25 online and $35 at the door. Details: <a href="http://www.historiccharlotte.org/">www.historiccharlotte.org</a>.<br />
<br />
<i>Karen’s blog: http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com; on Twitter @sullivan_kms</i>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076994627331156411.post-13345339478438000802014-09-22T11:34:00.002-04:002014-09-22T11:35:28.556-04:00Be careful: poisonings on the rise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Here's a way to help keep your family safe at home: Be careful what products
you bring into the house.<br />
Many of the cans, bottles and bags in your cupboards and closets can lead to
poisoning or emergency room visits. It's important to mention this because the
number of deaths in North Carolina has more than tripled, from 279 in 1999 to 947
in 2010, according to the Carolinas Poison Center.<br />
More than 80,000 calls were related to animals.<br />
A poison is anything that can cause harm if used improperly. Food, paint and
even mothballs can be lethal. (Yes, mothballs. Avoid brands that include
naphthalene, which can be absorbed through the skin.) But these are not the
biggest problems.<br />
Calls about children ages 5 and younger usually involve cosmetics and
personal care products.<sup> </sup>Pain medicines led to the greatest number of
calls. Nearly 50,000 people contacted the state’s poison center in 2010 and
2011. <br />
One of the best ways to lower the risk for poisoning is by choosing products
that are nontoxic or less toxic. Use vinegar or baking soda for cleaning instead
of household chemicals. <br />
Pay attention to packaging, too. If a potentially toxic product comes in a
container that looks similar to a soft drink that you buy, stay clear of it,
especially if the liquid inside the container is also the same color. While
you’re at it, give a second thought to any cleaning product that resembles a
beverage. <br />
<br />
<i>Karen’s blog: <a href="http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com/">http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com</a>; on Twitter @sullivan_kms</i>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076994627331156411.post-90998862080844771632014-09-11T18:07:00.000-04:002014-09-11T18:24:15.559-04:00How can we get people to recycle more?<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u65oKDkubhU/VBIcV-nDGlI/AAAAAAAABqY/vKTUFIyvs_I/s1600/recycling-300x261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u65oKDkubhU/VBIcV-nDGlI/AAAAAAAABqY/vKTUFIyvs_I/s1600/recycling-300x261.jpg" height="348" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
There were plenty of interesting comments on the Observer's Facebook page for
the story that said Charlotteans toss an estimated 40 million cardboard tubes
annually from bathroom tissue rolls.<br />
One commenter suggested reusable tubes that we could use with the new
tubeless toilet paper rolls that have hit the market. Great idea, but it turns
out our recycling problem is much bigger. I learned that from an email that
arrived after last week’s column was published.<br />
Recycling at single-family homes declined locally in 2013 (to about 147
pounds per person annually) compared to 1999 (155 pounds), according to Sustain
Charlotte’s 2014 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Sustainability Report Card.<br />
Residents of apartments and condominiums hardly recycle at all, said Shannon
Binns, executive director of Sustain Charlotte.<br />
So we’re spending more than $10 million a year to send about 364,000 tons of
residential waste to a landfill. “That doesn’t include the much larger costs – collection
and transportation,” Binns said.<br />
About half of that waste could be recycled for savings of $29 per ton in
landfill fees, Binns said. Recycling the waste could generate almost $20 per
ton.<br />
Sustain Charlotte has offered two suggestions for boosting recycling: Make it
a requirement and impose fines for those who don’t. Or we could adopt a
pay-as-you-throw system. Either would surely be better than throwing money
away.<br />
<br />
<div class="endnote_contact" style="background-color: #e0ebf6; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 21pt;">
Karen’s blog: <a href="http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com/">http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com</a>; on
Twitter @sullivan_kms</div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076994627331156411.post-75774096577535012072014-09-04T17:20:00.001-04:002014-09-04T17:59:52.278-04:00Charlotteans toss out 40 million bathroom tissue tubes yearly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nqSTn56pQVE/VAjWjoOTQMI/AAAAAAAABpg/dPDwuSUFxp0/s1600/tube%2Bvs.%2Btube-free.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nqSTn56pQVE/VAjWjoOTQMI/AAAAAAAABpg/dPDwuSUFxp0/s1600/tube%2Bvs.%2Btube-free.jpg" height="201" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We're pretty disciplined about recycling at my house, but now I realize we've
ignored one item. The cardboard tube inside each roll of bathroom tissue gets
tossed every time.<br />
That happens in a lot of homes – more than 40 million tubes get tossed every
year, according to one estimate. That's just in Charlotte. <br />
The national toll is more than 17 billion tubes yearly, with more than 150
tubes per household being thrown out on average. Imagine the amount of waste
we’ve created over 100 years, which is how long the tubes have been around,
according to a rep for Scott-brand products, which is now making tubeless
rolls.<br />
Yes, that’s how we’ve come by all of this information. The data arrived at my
desk with samples of the tubeless swirls. (The centers aren’t open as much as in
the picture above.)<br />
It will take time to find out whether consumers see these as an acceptable
alternative to what they’re buying now, but it’s a start. The tissue is not made
from recycled material, which could make it less appealing in some households.
Comments on the Scott website are mixed and it sounds like the paper hangs
awkwardly when you reach the end of the roll. <br />
Prices might be a factor. A four-pack of Scott Naturals Tube-Free sells for
$2.97 at Walmart stores, according to the rep. She offered a comparison price
that was less exacting: $3.40 “average retail price” for Scott Extra Soft, a
premium product. Store location unknown.<br />
<br />
<i>Karen’s blog: <a href="http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com/">http://homelifeclt.blogspot.com</a>; on Twitter @sullivan_kms</i>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0