GreenKristine

Challenge yourself and your family and see how you stack up against the rest of the world! http://360energydiet.com/about-the-diet/ Read Full Story

Here is the quiz: Good luck! http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/energy/great-energy-challenge/home-heating-quiz/ Read Full Story

When planning an in ground pool, the big question is whether to go vinyl or gunite. Here are a few things to consider when making your big decision. First, where are you putting the pool? Is it your primary residence or a second home? A pool in a beach community has more intrinsic value than one in your regular neighborhood yard. For the most part, buyers and renters at the "beach" want a pool. The same cannot be said for a pool in your primary residence and many end up being filled in. In... Read Full Story

After years of tackling interior renovations, I was fortunate to start my first full fledged outdoor design project. And it was a doozy. The challenge was this: turn an overgrown, weed strewn jungle into a backyard paradise. The yard hadn't been cared for in several years. Approximately 1/2 of the yard consisted of a large sand dune, so in effect there was little usable space. That needed to change. Also present under a second floor deck was a dark, creepy looking stone patio with 3 massive... Read Full Story

I'm not sure about the rest of the country, but here in the Northeast, summer has been fully upon us for a few weeks now. Things are so hot and dry that if I don't water the garden and flower pots for a few days, they will likely be up in smoke. Quite literally I'm afraid. One challenge I have is watering the plants and garden on a regular schedule. Half the time, I end up watering them when they are half dried up and I am hoping that simple water will miraculously revive them. But when I do... Read Full Story

If you are planning a kitchen renovation project or are considering replacing your old appliances, your timing is perfect. The New York State Energy Research & Development Authority, through the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act is providing millions of dollars in rebates for replacing and recycling old appliances with Energy Star models. All US states are involved with this program, however, many have exhausted their rebate allotment. New York State still has plenty of rebate dollars... Read Full Story

Last week, I was able to pay a visit to the very popular Green Product Expo in New York City. It is usually chock full of interesting products and this year was not disappointing. Venetian Plaster is a beautiful, upscale look but it can be expensive. A green alternative? Variance Acrylic Finishes is a product that goes on like venetian plaster but is a high performance acrylic polymer based finish system that is low voc, dust free, crack resistant, easy to repair, it's super durable and it... Read Full Story

OK so after 1 1/2 years of regular blog posts on IDOG, I got a little sidetracked. I mean, this blogging stuff takes a lot of your time, and with a thriving business and busy family schedule, something's gotta give. So I've been on a little hiatus and now I'm making a come back. With a face lift. Yes I know, the whole world and my cult-like following is breathing a great sigh of relief on this news. And no, I personally did not get a face lift although it did cross my mind. Here's the kicker... Read Full Story

OK so after 1 1/2 years of regular blog posts on IDOG, I got a little sidetracked. I mean, this blogging stuff takes a lot of your time, and with a thriving business and busy family schedule, something's gotta give. So I've been on a little hiatus and now I'm making a come back. With a face lift. Yes I know, the whole world and my cult-like following is breathing a great sigh of relief on this news. And no, I personally did not get a face lift although it did cross my mind. Here's the kicker... Read Full Story

The cellular telephone has to be one of the best inventions in history. Not only can we place wireless calls, but we can take photos, listen to music, connect to the internet, get direction s via GPS, email and text our friends, to name just a few of the functions. It is a vital part of the lives of most Americans and its use doesn't seem to be waning in popularity. The questions is, does all this convenience have a cost? After a day of heavy cell phone use, do you ever wonder about how it... Read Full Story