How to Recycle Anything...

Right before you throw anything away to you ever wonder, 'Could I recycle this?'. Real Simple gave us some answers. In the September issue they gave an alphabetical list from letters A to M (N to Z in the October issue) of how to recycle almost anything, from deodorant sticks to cars/boats/trailers/motorcycles to crayons to ipods to makeup. Check the list before you toss something away. According to Real Simple, "America is recycling nearly 33% of its waste"; that is great, but we can do a lot better! As stated, "While it's good not to waste, it's even better to have waste that doesn't go to waste".

On the Market...

Is your home on the market or about to be? A good issue from Real Simple September issue was 'Upgrades that pay off'. They gave 10 around-the-house improvements that they consider are well worth the investment.

1. Painting

2. Adding Siding

3. Building a Deck

4. Updating the Kitchen

5. Replacing the Windows

6. Modifying Bathroom(s)

7. Landscaping

8. Installing Central AC

9. Fixing up the Basement

10. Putting in a Swimming Pool

(depending on your location)

How do you feel about the list?

Is there anything you would add or take away?

Any upgrades that you know of that helped pay off?

Mid-Century Modern...

courtesy: elle decor

Unforgettable...

God Bless America!

courtesy: allposters

Gorgeous Grays...

More shades of gray. The owners of this modernist version of a barn, gave design direction in one word; gray. The owners love gray and the designer followed through with the monochromatic color scheme for the urbane, earthy abode.

courtesy: house beautiful

Image of the Day...

Alluring.

courtesy: jennifer worts design

Foster House...

The homes on the property with the summer pavilion. All white washed interiors with country chic decor.

This house showcases a white weather boarded exterior, tongue and groove walls, an open fireplace, a modern style kitchen, an inglenook fireplace and wood burning stove. The floors downstairs are dark stained fumed oak boards. Upstairs offers pale grey painted floorboards and maple strip floorboards.

This barn-like building has now been converted. It has spectacular views across fields and farmland. It comprises 2 large double height spaces with pitched ceilings, danish white soaped floorboards and huge antique french doors opening onto lawn and fields beyond. The other space makes up a kitchen/dining room with a cream enameled range cooker, white painted concrete floor and massive double barn doors opening onto a granite brick courtyard and the lane beyond.