NatGeo's Great Energy Challenge

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

NatGeo's Home Heating Quiz

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

Vinyl vs. Gunite Pool

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 fact, appraisers actually take off value if your home has a pool.

Second is cost. Gunite is more expensive than a vinyl pool, from 50-75% higher in some areas. If you are budget conscious and only have so much to spend, then vinyl might do the trick. On the other hand, gunite might cost more but dollar for dollar, may enhance value of your property more than vinyl can.

Third is maintenance. A vinyl pool will need it's liner replaced every 5-7 years and a liner can be punctured with something as small as a sharp toenail. Gunite needs to be re-marble dusted every 10+ years depending on calcium build up. (Side note: Use a reputable pool company to maintain your pool during summer months. Inexperienced pool guys can destroy the marble dust coating and require re-marble dust within 1-2 years.)

Lastly, focus on your vision of your pool and your likes. If you want a bluestone surround, then a vinyl pool might look a little cheesy. If pavers are your cup of tea, you could go either way. Spend the time to plan the design of your pool to come up with your dream pool and backyard landscape!

In our situation, although we were "gung-ho" for the vinyl for budget reasons, we ended up going with the gunite and I am really glad we did. Photos: Above, a Vinyl Pool. Lower, Our finished Gunite Product. Read more!

Planning our Hamptons Pool & Landscape Design

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 beach stone "steps" leading out of the house. These steps were so large that the patio was unusable - there was no area for a table and chairs or anything else for that matter. We wanted less hills, more grassy yard and a proper patio/lounging area. A saline gunite pool, rock walls, ample patio space and privacy screening were the main features we would be adding. BEFORE.


The budget was moderate but we needed to keep it as low as humanly possible while still getting the results we were looking for. And we wanted to use and reuse as many materials and plants as possible.


First things first, I had to take into account the sun's exposure, the allowable buildable footprint based on town code, and which trees to save or cut (ugh). Only one tree would be affected.

Now that we know where the pool was going, I had to design the rest of the yard. The existing mammoth staircase needed to be modified smaller. Currently, it was L shaped and it ended almost in the middle of the yard. Because the size of the yard, we only had 2 options. Ideally, the staircase could come half way down and then switch back in the opposite direction, empting on the deck or patio. Several supporting columns would need to be moved in order to do this, so that was out. The second option was to direct it straight downwards - a rather long set of stairs for sure - but it did work within the building set back requirements. That would work.

The stone wall needed to be moved WAY back to accomodate the new plan. Currently, it meandered through the yard randomly, ending in the opposite corner of where it started. We need to push it back, with the dune, to accomodate the new staircase and the pool and stepping stone path we planned. And we wanted to reuse the old bluestone patio and use it in our new expanded wall.

The existing patio was grade level and made from broken bits of bluestone, really stone that was probably left over from the wall. Replacing it with pavers or bluestone would look beautiful but we ran into another problem. That same blue stone patio was also a 50 foot walk way from our driveway to our backyard. All that would have to be replaced as well. After crunching the numbers, we realized that this option was hugely expensive and out of budget. I decided on building a new raised deck directly under the 2nd story deck. Not only was this cost effective, but it increased our outdoor patio space by about 50% to boot. We could build it right over the existing beachstone stairs and gain all that extra square footage. Plus our existing bluestone footpaths could lead right into it and look great.

For the pool design, we really wanted to go with something simple. A blue stone perimeter known as coping and then grass - no patio. I was concerned that grass would get in the pool a lot and I can tell you that 3 months later, it is a non-issue; everyone walks on the coping around the pool anyway. TIP: Upgrade to the widest, thickest coping you can afford- ours in 16 inches. In the high traffic areas, I decided on strategically placing a few blue stone slabs as stepping stones between the staircase and pool and between the deck and pool.

In order to begin this project, the existing yard was going to be completely bulldozed and trampled on. That meant that one of our beautiful flower beds would be destroyed. I could not stand by and watch all our iris, montauk daisies, hosta, day lilies and so much more simply die. Over the course of 3 weekends, we successfully transplanted countless bushes, flowers and plants to other locations on the other side of the property, ultimately beautifying another neglected location. Those plants were worth hundreds, possibly thousand of dollars! And they are all native and deer resistant.

Now that we had a plan of action and the permits, we had to schedule this and get it started! We only had about 30 days to complete the entire process in order to swim by Memorial Day!

To be continued.....

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Save Precious Water with Sprinkler Timers

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 remember, I sometimes turn on the hose and leave it on too long as I tend to move onto another project and completely forget the sprinkler. Oops. Maybe it's a total lack of the a green thumb but probably just poor organizational skills. But good news for me as I found a solution!

A viable AND affordable solution. A sprinkler timer. It's so simple. If you visit your local home store, you will find a large variety to choose from. Some features include rain sensors, several zones, automatic shut off and even remote control. After purchasing the model that best suited my needs, I set it up in about 10 minutes. Now my lawn gets watered at 5:30am for about 6 minutes every other day, and only when dry. I save water, keeps my bills regular, and my garden never looked better! Read more!

Energy Star Appliance Rebates

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 available for consumers.

Visit the New York Appliance Swap Out website to learn more and get the forms you'll need. Consumers are eligible for up to $105.00 rebate per appliance, so act quickly. Read more!

GREEN EXPO NYC 2010

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 looks gorgeous. Plus it's 1/2 the price of Venetian plaster and it qualifies for LEED points.


Recycled tile is not just about glass anymore. I saw a bounty of recycled tile materials that were absolutely gorgeous, such as recycled leather tile, recycled aluminum tiles, recycled ceramic and more! The adjacent photo is recycled leather in a snake finish. Another new type of tile they features was a tile made from recycled MONEY! That's right - US dollars destroyed by banks are shredded and then used to create a recycled content tile in a lovely shade of green. Chelsea Arts Tile & Stone in NYC had an impressive display. Now that's a full life cycle!


Another trend I noticed (and loved!) at the adjacent Architectural Digest Designer Home Show was the use of natural forms and natural wood slabs for furnishings. Furnishings of all shapes and sizes were on display from many different vendors, including tables, chairs, art work, and even wood slab countertops.

A furniture design/maker for over 21 years, Jeff Soderbergh creates his custom pieces from all re-claimed materials, many of which are very old and historically significant. His designs are perfect for antique lovers and greenies alike! Shown: One of a kind Brooklyn coffee table made from floorboards of a Brooklyn Home; circa 1800s.



For more information on green furnishings, home products and interior design choices, contact us at www.greenkristine.com to learn more. Read more!

I Dream of Greenie BLOG Update

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: I Dream of Greenie blog is officially changing names to Green Kristine's Fab Green Homes and Interiors. After all, I am Green Kristine and that is my business. So after 1 1/2 years of preaching of every way possible of going green, I have fine tuned my calling and it all boils down to green spaces.

I know this might seems a little bananas considering my full blown green lifestyle and my cult following and all...but truthfully, how the hell did I managed all these topics? Now that's bananas.

As a home schooled interior designer and kick ass real estate guru (that's called confidence not arrogance, check it out!) for the past 10 years, I have learned by trial and error in both clients homes and my own, which areas to focus on in order to minimize energy usage and maximize human health benefits. Or gerbil, dogs, reptiles, whatever. All while making it fabu!

Now these tips can be yours on this blog and of course Twitter - like duh - everyone's on Twitter, even Alex Trebek... BTW I've gotten more crass in the past 6 months so get over it.
TTYL
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Hot New Solar Technology

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The Stimulus: What's In It For You?

There's been a lot of talk and build up of this stimulus package. What is it exactly? A combination of tax breaks, direct aid to the needy, and spending on various projects that will hopefully spawn job creation. In total, $787 Billion dollars will be signed into law today by President Obama. All tax breaks and benefits become effective immediately.

What's it in for the American people? Here's a quick breakdown of how you may benefit.


1. The unemployed may continue to see their benefits continue.
2. An extension or improvement in COBRA benefits, allowing for the continuation of health coverage after a layoff.
3. A Tax credit to individuals of $400, or $800 for couples filing jointly for 2009-2010.
4. AMT relief, with the exemption raised to $46,700 for individuals and $70,950 for couples.
5. First time home buyers receive a 10% tax credit on the purchase of a new home in 2009, up to $8000.
6. Plug in hybrid vehicle buyers will receive a $7500 tax credit.
7. Financial incentive to weatherize your home ( details coming soon).

Good news for power programs and the environment: there is lots of spending and tax breaks for energy investments and the promotion of energy efficiency and renewable energy sources. Finally, a nod towards green!

All in all, a nice big package that hopefully has enough punch to jump start progress towards the future. Take full advantage of all these benefits and support the promotion of clean green technologies! Read more!