I have been thinking about the psychology of color and interior design over the past week. There is so much power in how our homes and office effect the way we feel. As I have been thinking about this I found this great article on color by Ali Brown and wanted to share it. Enjoy!!
Colors have a powerful effect on mood, and work their magic spell by helping us get in touch with our emotions. Colors can soothe, inspire, energize, and rejuvenate, and they set the mood and atmosphere of a room. So what is your home doing for you? Is your living room a drab den or a sensational salon? What about the bedroom? Is it a run down retreat or a palace of passion? And what changes can you make to ensure that your living spaces are working for you? Understanding the rules of color and mastering the secrets of color mixing will help you create the right mood for your rooms. There are no rights and wrongs -- the most important things are to have fun and to be creative. And the simplest way to revitalize your home is with paint.
Color wheel. Do you want warm or cool, dramatic or neutral? The color wheel is an invaluable tool for choosing the hues, tints, and shades based on your personal preferences. An unlimited amount of color combinations are possible. The wheel is divided into 12 equal sections, each displaying a primary, secondary, or tertiary color. The “warm” and “hot” colors are on the right hand side of the wheel, and the “cool” and “cold” colors are on the left. Black, white, and grey are the neutral colors, and don’t appear on the color wheel.
Primary colors. These are the three key colors that cannot be formed by any combination of other colors -- red, blue, and yellow.
Secondary colors. When you mix equal amounts of two primary colors you get secondary colors -- purple, green, and orange.
Red + Blue = Purple
Red + Yellow = Orange
Blue +Yellow = Green
Tertiary colors. Mixing primary colors with secondary colors in a 2:1 ratio will produce tertiary colors -- red-orange, yellow-orange, red-purple, blue-purple, blue-green, and yellow-green.
How to use the color wheel:
Knowing the colors that harmonize and work with each other will help you create a tasteful theme and avoid making a rainbow riot. Here are some basic color schemes to get you started:
Complementary colors are found opposite each other, such as red and green or yellow and purple. They always go well together, hence the term complementary, and are easy on the eyes.
Split complementary colors can be made up of two or three colors. Select a color, and mix with the colors that are on either side of its complementary color.
Triadic colors create a harmonious theme, and are any three colors which form a triangle on the wheel.
Tetradic colors are two sets of complementary colors. If you were to place a square or rectangle within the color circle, the four colors that are touched by the corners are the tetrad colors.
The meaning of colors:
Green. Bountiful in nature, the color green is life, growth, and health -- a reassuring sign of renewal and regeneration. Situated in the center of the spectrum, green brings balance and order. The eye makes no adjustment to accommodate green striking the retina, making it a restful and soothing color.
Pink. Gentle and soft, delicate and feminine, pink quietly nurtures and soothes. It is the tender side of red, and invokes feelings of romance and enchantment. Bright pinks are energetic and youthful, while vibrant pinks are full of passion, though they are not as aggressive as reds.
Orange. Warm and sensuous, orange represents ripeness and happiness. It is a fun and exhilarating color that promotes feelings of excitement and hope. Orange is a combination of red and yellow, and shares common traits with both. It is forceful and demands attention, but is less intense than red, being mellowed by the presence of yellow.
Brown. Natural and organic, down-to-earth, and neutral. Though sometimes saddled with a reputation for being boring, brown is representative of wholesomeness and goodness, and promotes feelings of stability and order. It is simplicity in a chaotic world. Lighter shades are particularly soothing, while darker hues are confident and dependable.
Red. The color of passion, romance, love, and lust. Red is hot, fiery, and tempestuous -- a powerful and intense color that evokes a sense of urgency and excitement, and stimulates the heart to beat faster. Red demands attention and will bring out the extrovert in you. It’s not for the shrinking violets.
Blue. Cool and calming, blue symbolizes serenity, purity, and loyalty. In many cultures blue has an important role in religious belief as a bringer of peace. Darker shades project an image of power and authority -- police uniforms are blue, and a blue power suit is a favorite of the corporate world. Lighter shades are refreshing and uplifting -- they encourage creativity and stimulate the imagination.
Purple. Full of magic and mystery, purple is the color of royalty, and rep resents opulence, wealth, luxury, and magnificence. Balancing hot red and cool blue, it has the properties of both. Purple can be uplifting, and is a soothing balm to mind and nerves. It also offers a sense of spirituality, and it symbolizes intuition and imagination.
Yellow. Representing the warmth and radiance of the summer sun, yellow is energetic, vibrant, cheerful, and optimistic. It’s the good mood hue, and shines with hope, happiness, and joy. Yellow enhances the intellect, activates the memory, and aids communication and concentration.
Top tips, hints, and tricks to upgrade your living spaces:
There are plenty of other ways to bring a burst of color into your life without the use of a paintbrush.
Living room
Use these additions to make your dream living room warm, cozy, and inviting.
Decorative throw pillows and cushions -- add some fresh color and a touch of style and vitality.
A colorful painting or digital photographs -- take a few snaps in the park or around town, and frame the best images to create your own art.
Colored pillar candles, plates, and vases -- place on a sideboard or table, and think of grouping them in threes. Objects look more interesting in groups than on their own.
Flowers -- let nature enhance your living space.
Bedroom
Your decision of whether you want your bedroom to be a passion palace or a blissful oasis will determine your color choice.
Layer your room with linen -- use embroidered sheets, satin quilts, pleated cotton bed skirts, and cozy and colorful drapes.
Change the lighting -- buy colored lampshades and painted light bulbs.
Rugs -- add to your room’s rich and lush appeal.
Artwork -- buy a huge canvas or print or hang your own creations.
Bathroom
Your bathroom is a serene sanctuary, and there are some simple ways of adding sparkle to your cool, calm oasis.
Accessorize -- consider a decorative mirror, colorful containers, pictures, matching towel sets, and decorative towel bars.
A colorful rug -- freshen up the floor.
Color-changing faucet -- provide quite literally a splash of color, as the water changes color as it runs through the faucet.
Colorful tricks
To make a room appear larger -- paint all surfaces with the same color from the warm end of the color wheel. Paint the ceiling a lighter shade to make it appear higher. Large furniture appears smaller if it is the same color as the walls.
To make a room feel cozier -- use colors from the warm end of the color wheel. A warm color on the ceiling will make it feel lower, and therefore comfier and more intimate.
© 2010 Ali International, LLC
Self-made entrepreneur and Inc. 500-ranked CEO Ali Brown teaches women around the world how to start and grow profitable businesses that make a positive impact. Get her FREE weekly articles and advice at www.AliBrown.com
Freestyle Design
Michelle Branton, Owner, Designpreneur
Monday, October 25, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
All white walls????
Do you know an all white paint hold out, someone who will not budge when it comes to putting colorful paint on their walls? We are going to talk about color, and why you might want to use it in your home. We will examine the benefits of leaving white behind.
When you have only one color in a home that bucket of paint, one color, easy to find and easy to use is very… practical.
Start with one room, maybe just an accent wall. Apply color see what you think. This can be in a living room, bedroom, family room or dining room with a color to highlight the decor. After every one gets adjusted, try using other colors throughout the house and you may find the rest of the family start to get the color bug. You will find that you like the way color make the furniture and wall art look, and the way it warms up your house. Once you have introduced color into your home you will understand what the fuss is all about.
Typically color will give a much richer feeling to a room; it brings life into the environment. It can make your home feel like a more expensive home, because of color. Lack of color can give a very cold and sterile feeling while color can add life, warmth and energy.
Don't get me wrong there are definitely places for white walls. This is a wonderful look in many places. A hot new trend is black and white with a bright accent color. This goes out to those of you who are setting in stark white rooms to encourage you to take a chance, step out of your comfort zone and see what warmth color will bring to you and your home.
If you continue to struggle with color and are looking to break out, find an interior designer/decorator in your area or online. Many will be able to help with a color consultation. Michelle Branton, Designpreneur, Freestyle Design
www.freestyledesignonline.com
@michellebranton
When you have only one color in a home that bucket of paint, one color, easy to find and easy to use is very… practical.
Start with one room, maybe just an accent wall. Apply color see what you think. This can be in a living room, bedroom, family room or dining room with a color to highlight the decor. After every one gets adjusted, try using other colors throughout the house and you may find the rest of the family start to get the color bug. You will find that you like the way color make the furniture and wall art look, and the way it warms up your house. Once you have introduced color into your home you will understand what the fuss is all about.
Typically color will give a much richer feeling to a room; it brings life into the environment. It can make your home feel like a more expensive home, because of color. Lack of color can give a very cold and sterile feeling while color can add life, warmth and energy.
Don't get me wrong there are definitely places for white walls. This is a wonderful look in many places. A hot new trend is black and white with a bright accent color. This goes out to those of you who are setting in stark white rooms to encourage you to take a chance, step out of your comfort zone and see what warmth color will bring to you and your home.
If you continue to struggle with color and are looking to break out, find an interior designer/decorator in your area or online. Many will be able to help with a color consultation. Michelle Branton, Designpreneur, Freestyle Design
www.freestyledesignonline.com
@michellebranton
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
National Dog Week
Did you know that this week is National Dog Week? Man's (and woman's) best friend!! Anyone who knows me knows that I am a dog lover through and through. I have two dogs who light up my life - Max and Chica. They give me unconditional love everyday and help teach me to give love the same way. Dog play a special role in the lives of many and this would be a great time to help out. There are many programs out that need our assistance - ASPCA, local shelters or humane society, spay and neuter programs, volunteer, and donate money or supplies. There are also free options, go to The Animal Rescue Site (http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3) and just by clicking you will provide food to shelters, in addition they have wonderful products and lots of free trade items, handmade, unique items. You can also sign petitions to get laws in place and change laws to protect animals from abuse. Even if you are not a "dog person", I bet you know someone who is, so honor the loving bonds by celebrating National Dog Week and giving back to Man's Best friend! Michelle Branton, Designpreneur, Freestyle Design
www.freestyledesignonline.com
@michellebranton
www.freestyledesignonline.com
@michellebranton
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
HOTlanta
Can it get any hotter? This weather is too hot to stay out long unless we can float in a lake or run through the sprinklers. Do we still have water restrictions? Sprinklers wouldn't work then, not worth the ticket (or maybe it is?). With weather like this many people are remaining in their homes to enjoy the refreshment of the air conditioner. Along with this comes the need for air conditioner repairs. Maintenance is the solution to avoid high cost repairs. The first step is to make sure you change the filter every month, this is especially important during hot weather. To clean the drain, cap the end of the drain and vacuum from the end of the outside drain to suck out the dirt. By disconecting the power the coils can be cleaned, spray the area with a commercial air conditioner cleaner and then rinse it thoroughly. Make sure to follow the manufacturers recommendations as this can require gloves and safety glasses. In addition, an annual inspection and maintenance will ensure your system runs to its fullest potential, does not blow dirt and mold into your home and lasts longer.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Another beautiful day in the ATL, starting to feel like summer actually! I have seen a few things lately on soda products and the damage they do to our bodies so I wanted to share what happens:
When somebody drinks a Coke watch what happens…
■In The First 10 minutes: 10 teaspoons of sugar hit your system. (100% of your recommended daily intake.) You don’t immediately vomit from the overwhelming sweetness because phosphoric acid cuts the flavor allowing you to keep it down.
■20 minutes: Your blood sugar spikes, causing an insulin burst. Your liver responds to this by turning any sugar it can get its hands on into fat. (There’s plenty of that at this particular moment)
■40 minutes: Caffeine absorption is complete. Your pupils dilate, your blood pressure rises, as a response your livers dumps more sugar into your bloodstream. The adenosine receptors in your brain are now blocked preventing drowsiness.
■45 minutes: Your body ups your dopamine production stimulating the pleasure centers of your brain. This is physically the same way heroin works, by the way.
■>60 minutes: The phosphoric acid binds calcium, magnesium and zinc in your lower intestine, providing a further boost in metabolism. This is compounded by high doses of sugar and artificial sweeteners also increasing the urinary excretion of calcium.
■>60 Minutes: The caffeine’s diuretic properties come into play. (It makes you have to pee.) It is now assured that you’ll evacuate the bonded calcium, magnesium and zinc that was headed to your bones as well as sodium, electrolyte and water.
■>60 minutes: As the rave inside of you dies down you’ll start to have a sugar crash. You may become irritable and/or sluggish. You’ve also now, literally, pissed away all the water that was in the Coke. But not before infusing it with valuable nutrients your body could have used for things like even having the ability to hydrate your system or build strong bones and teeth.
So there you have it, an avalanche of destruction in a single can. Imagine drinking this day after day, week after week. Stick to water, real juice from fresh squeezed fruit, and tea without sweetener.
This is from www.nutritionresearchcenter.org. It sure scares me!!!
Happy and joyous day to you!
When somebody drinks a Coke watch what happens…
■In The First 10 minutes: 10 teaspoons of sugar hit your system. (100% of your recommended daily intake.) You don’t immediately vomit from the overwhelming sweetness because phosphoric acid cuts the flavor allowing you to keep it down.
■20 minutes: Your blood sugar spikes, causing an insulin burst. Your liver responds to this by turning any sugar it can get its hands on into fat. (There’s plenty of that at this particular moment)
■40 minutes: Caffeine absorption is complete. Your pupils dilate, your blood pressure rises, as a response your livers dumps more sugar into your bloodstream. The adenosine receptors in your brain are now blocked preventing drowsiness.
■45 minutes: Your body ups your dopamine production stimulating the pleasure centers of your brain. This is physically the same way heroin works, by the way.
■>60 minutes: The phosphoric acid binds calcium, magnesium and zinc in your lower intestine, providing a further boost in metabolism. This is compounded by high doses of sugar and artificial sweeteners also increasing the urinary excretion of calcium.
■>60 Minutes: The caffeine’s diuretic properties come into play. (It makes you have to pee.) It is now assured that you’ll evacuate the bonded calcium, magnesium and zinc that was headed to your bones as well as sodium, electrolyte and water.
■>60 minutes: As the rave inside of you dies down you’ll start to have a sugar crash. You may become irritable and/or sluggish. You’ve also now, literally, pissed away all the water that was in the Coke. But not before infusing it with valuable nutrients your body could have used for things like even having the ability to hydrate your system or build strong bones and teeth.
So there you have it, an avalanche of destruction in a single can. Imagine drinking this day after day, week after week. Stick to water, real juice from fresh squeezed fruit, and tea without sweetener.
This is from www.nutritionresearchcenter.org. It sure scares me!!!
Happy and joyous day to you!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Have you decided how you will celebrate Earth Day? I havent either.... I try to do the right things every day but what will I make a part of the new eco year??? I am plannign to plant some new tress in our yard and to start a square foot garden but I didnt get ready by today. Here are some freebies, Perks and Deals from ABC News:
If getting down and dirty in a neighborhood garden isn't your thing, merchants across the country have come up with plenty of other ways for you to celebrate Earth Day today.
In honor of the 40th anniversary of the worldwide day of environmental awareness, companies are offering a slew of perks and discounts.
"We're seeing more than we saw last year," said Luke Knowles, founder of the deal-aggregating blog Coupon Sherpa. "Companies just want to seem like they're environmentally-friendly, so they're trying to take advantage of this as much as possible. If there's an opportunity, merchants will jump on board to take part."
Knowles and his team put together a list of 40 deals to mark the occasion's 40th anniversary and save you money. Check out a few of the best deals below.
Amazon
With Amazon's help, you can read yourself to a greener world. Through the online retailer's Read, Reuse, Recycle program, you can save up to 34 percent on Earth Day books for children and adults.
For less literary shoppers, the company also offers a trade-in program, which allows customers to exchange used movies, DVDs, hard drives and other items for Amazon gift cards.
Babies 'R' Us
Reusable shopping bags make an appearance every Earth Day, but this year Babies 'R' Us is going one step further. With an online coupon that's valid through April 22, customers can get a free tote bag and 25 percent off all clothing and shoes that fit inside.
BBC's Planet Earth
The BBC wants you to celebrate the planet by watching its popular television series documenting natural wonders. To help you get started, the first episode of the "Planet Earth" series can be downloaded free on iTunes from April 12 to April 26.
Burt's Bees
If you purchase $50 worth of its goods online, Burt's Bees will throw in a free Head to Toe Starter Kit with trial-size natural clearners, lotions and creams. (Just be sure to place your orders by 11 p.m. April 30.)
Cash for Appliances
Did you know that more than 70 percent of the energy used in homes powers appliances, refrigerators, heating, cooling and water heating?
To help families save on utility bills and conserve energy, each state has created a rebate program in which families can trade in old appliances for money to buy more efficient products. Several states have chosen to launch their programs on Earth Day.
Disney
Stop by a Disney store today with six empty plastic bottles or soda cans, and if you can toss the bottles into a bin, you'll receive a free eco-friendly hat. (Disney is the parent company of ABC News.)
Hanes
If you can't spend Earth Day planting trees, let Hanes do it for you. If you buy three Hanes products, the Arbor Day Foundation will plant a tree. And you'll get a free Earth Day T-shirt in the process.
The offer is good through May 1. Visit the promotion's website for more information.
Origins
Bring your skin care product of choice to an Origins store today, and in return, it'll give you a full-size container of one of its chemical-free cleansers. Origins says it'll take a full or empty tube of your product and will recycle or responsibly convert it to energy.
Pottery Barn Kids
At 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. today, Pottery Barn Kids is celebrating Earth Day with giveaways, story time and other activities.
Walgreens
Between April 18 and April 22, Walgreens customers can get 22 percent off a variety of green items, from cleaning supplies to beauty products. From April 22-25, the company also said that it would donate 30 percent of the sales from products from its Earth Day store to the World Wildlife Fund.
If you use the coupon code $6365 on April 22, Coupon Sherpa also said you can get $1 inkjet refills at Walgreens.
Bonus: Reuse Jeans
Think it's impossible to be fashion forward and eco-friendly? Think again. REUSE jeans offer the season's trendiest styles in sustainable denim constructed from 80-percent recycled fabric. The company's motto: step into a smaller carbon footprint one leg at a time. In addition to skinny, straight and boot leg jeans, REUSE sells denim skirts and shorts on its Web site, REUSEJeans.com. In honor of Earth Day's 40th anniversary, everything on the site is half off through April 25 – punch in the promo code EARTH to refresh your closet and help the environment without hurting your wallet.
Good luck deciding how you will make a difference. I hope these help save you some green while being green!! Happy Earth Day to All!!!
Michelle
If getting down and dirty in a neighborhood garden isn't your thing, merchants across the country have come up with plenty of other ways for you to celebrate Earth Day today.
In honor of the 40th anniversary of the worldwide day of environmental awareness, companies are offering a slew of perks and discounts.
"We're seeing more than we saw last year," said Luke Knowles, founder of the deal-aggregating blog Coupon Sherpa. "Companies just want to seem like they're environmentally-friendly, so they're trying to take advantage of this as much as possible. If there's an opportunity, merchants will jump on board to take part."
Knowles and his team put together a list of 40 deals to mark the occasion's 40th anniversary and save you money. Check out a few of the best deals below.
Amazon
With Amazon's help, you can read yourself to a greener world. Through the online retailer's Read, Reuse, Recycle program, you can save up to 34 percent on Earth Day books for children and adults.
For less literary shoppers, the company also offers a trade-in program, which allows customers to exchange used movies, DVDs, hard drives and other items for Amazon gift cards.
Babies 'R' Us
Reusable shopping bags make an appearance every Earth Day, but this year Babies 'R' Us is going one step further. With an online coupon that's valid through April 22, customers can get a free tote bag and 25 percent off all clothing and shoes that fit inside.
BBC's Planet Earth
The BBC wants you to celebrate the planet by watching its popular television series documenting natural wonders. To help you get started, the first episode of the "Planet Earth" series can be downloaded free on iTunes from April 12 to April 26.
Burt's Bees
If you purchase $50 worth of its goods online, Burt's Bees will throw in a free Head to Toe Starter Kit with trial-size natural clearners, lotions and creams. (Just be sure to place your orders by 11 p.m. April 30.)
Cash for Appliances
Did you know that more than 70 percent of the energy used in homes powers appliances, refrigerators, heating, cooling and water heating?
To help families save on utility bills and conserve energy, each state has created a rebate program in which families can trade in old appliances for money to buy more efficient products. Several states have chosen to launch their programs on Earth Day.
Disney
Stop by a Disney store today with six empty plastic bottles or soda cans, and if you can toss the bottles into a bin, you'll receive a free eco-friendly hat. (Disney is the parent company of ABC News.)
Hanes
If you can't spend Earth Day planting trees, let Hanes do it for you. If you buy three Hanes products, the Arbor Day Foundation will plant a tree. And you'll get a free Earth Day T-shirt in the process.
The offer is good through May 1. Visit the promotion's website for more information.
Origins
Bring your skin care product of choice to an Origins store today, and in return, it'll give you a full-size container of one of its chemical-free cleansers. Origins says it'll take a full or empty tube of your product and will recycle or responsibly convert it to energy.
Pottery Barn Kids
At 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. today, Pottery Barn Kids is celebrating Earth Day with giveaways, story time and other activities.
Walgreens
Between April 18 and April 22, Walgreens customers can get 22 percent off a variety of green items, from cleaning supplies to beauty products. From April 22-25, the company also said that it would donate 30 percent of the sales from products from its Earth Day store to the World Wildlife Fund.
If you use the coupon code $6365 on April 22, Coupon Sherpa also said you can get $1 inkjet refills at Walgreens.
Bonus: Reuse Jeans
Think it's impossible to be fashion forward and eco-friendly? Think again. REUSE jeans offer the season's trendiest styles in sustainable denim constructed from 80-percent recycled fabric. The company's motto: step into a smaller carbon footprint one leg at a time. In addition to skinny, straight and boot leg jeans, REUSE sells denim skirts and shorts on its Web site, REUSEJeans.com. In honor of Earth Day's 40th anniversary, everything on the site is half off through April 25 – punch in the promo code EARTH to refresh your closet and help the environment without hurting your wallet.
Good luck deciding how you will make a difference. I hope these help save you some green while being green!! Happy Earth Day to All!!!
Michelle
Monday, April 12, 2010
Back from Paris and thinking how slow I am to get back in touch! Paris is wonderful, beautiful and truly inspiring! Anybody ready for some French design??? I saw alot of beautiful textures and fabrics, animals but none of them were real - made out of cardboard, paper mache, metal, wood, etc. Love them!!! Lots of rustic and vintage finds at the market. Next time I will go back ready to fill a container....
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Happy St Patricks Day and the luck of the Irish to all!!! After a wonderful taste of Spring, it is time to think about spring cleaning. Make it a family event and show kids how to share by donating clothes and toys! Living with less is amazingly easy and feels great. Try it!!!
Here are some great tips from Ideal Bite for cutting the cost of cleaning as well as reducing the toxins we use:
Make sure to use white distilled vinegar - balsamic and red wine varieties will stain.
All-purpose countertop and mildew cleaner: Mix vinegar and water 1:1 in a spray bottle.
Fabric softener: Add 1/2 cup to the rinse cycle.
Toilet bowl cleaner: Use pure vinegar to get rid of rings.
Window cleaner: Mix vinegar and water 1:4 in a spray bottle.
Weed killer: Use higher concentrations of vinegar (most household vinegar is 5%, so go for 10% or higher, available at hardware stores).
Now go clean and be green!!
Here are some great tips from Ideal Bite for cutting the cost of cleaning as well as reducing the toxins we use:
Make sure to use white distilled vinegar - balsamic and red wine varieties will stain.
All-purpose countertop and mildew cleaner: Mix vinegar and water 1:1 in a spray bottle.
Fabric softener: Add 1/2 cup to the rinse cycle.
Toilet bowl cleaner: Use pure vinegar to get rid of rings.
Window cleaner: Mix vinegar and water 1:4 in a spray bottle.
Weed killer: Use higher concentrations of vinegar (most household vinegar is 5%, so go for 10% or higher, available at hardware stores).
Now go clean and be green!!
Friday, February 26, 2010
Today has been a beautiful day..if you look out the window and dont step out it is wonderful....chilly outside though!!! I am sitting here thinking of ways to save electricity and we all know one of the easiest is to change out lightbulbs. But did you know that one LED lightbulb can save up to $700 in its lifetime???? Yes, It is expensive but the long term cost savings is amazing!!!! Here is some more information from IdealBite.com:
Can screwing lead to lower energy bills?
The Bite
It can if you're putting light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs into your lamps. Better known as the bulbs behind your laptop screen and Lite-Brite (aww...), LEDs are brighter and cheaper than ever - and just to arouse your interest even more: They're way more efficient than even compact fluorescents (CFLs).
The Benefits
Increased flow to your wallet. Although LEDs are currently a lot more expensive out of the gate, replacing an incandescent bulb with one can save you more than $700 over its lifetime.
Having a planet-gasm. LEDs use less energy than incandescents (about 1/10th) and CFLs (about half), since they produce comparatively little heat - all the energy is used for light.
Lasting longer. LEDs last about 60,000 hours, compared to 10,000 for CFLs, and 1,500 for old-school incandescents (making LEDs especially great for ceilings, since you almost never gotta change 'em).
Merc-free turn-ons. Even if the mercury CFLs contain is minimal, LEDs are even better, with none at all.
Personally Speaking
We all switched to LED Xmas lights a couple years back, and Jen just got her chance to debut them in the off-season at her Mom's 60th, which she threw in her backyard.
Wanna Try?
Lemnis Pharox Bulb - bulb that'll replace typical 40-watt incandescents ($40).
Gaiam Glow Candles - set of four "candles" that are great for dinner parties ($99).
Home LED Lamp - its remote control lets you switch between 16 colors (careful - blue light makes your skin look dead); fits over ordinary sockets ($48).
Maxxima Sensor Light - great for dark bathrooms and closets. Also: nightlights ($4-$40).
It is a good time for us all to think about saving $$$ and our planet!!!
Can screwing lead to lower energy bills?
The Bite
It can if you're putting light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs into your lamps. Better known as the bulbs behind your laptop screen and Lite-Brite (aww...), LEDs are brighter and cheaper than ever - and just to arouse your interest even more: They're way more efficient than even compact fluorescents (CFLs).
The Benefits
Increased flow to your wallet. Although LEDs are currently a lot more expensive out of the gate, replacing an incandescent bulb with one can save you more than $700 over its lifetime.
Having a planet-gasm. LEDs use less energy than incandescents (about 1/10th) and CFLs (about half), since they produce comparatively little heat - all the energy is used for light.
Lasting longer. LEDs last about 60,000 hours, compared to 10,000 for CFLs, and 1,500 for old-school incandescents (making LEDs especially great for ceilings, since you almost never gotta change 'em).
Merc-free turn-ons. Even if the mercury CFLs contain is minimal, LEDs are even better, with none at all.
Personally Speaking
We all switched to LED Xmas lights a couple years back, and Jen just got her chance to debut them in the off-season at her Mom's 60th, which she threw in her backyard.
Wanna Try?
Lemnis Pharox Bulb - bulb that'll replace typical 40-watt incandescents ($40).
Gaiam Glow Candles - set of four "candles" that are great for dinner parties ($99).
Home LED Lamp - its remote control lets you switch between 16 colors (careful - blue light makes your skin look dead); fits over ordinary sockets ($48).
Maxxima Sensor Light - great for dark bathrooms and closets. Also: nightlights ($4-$40).
It is a good time for us all to think about saving $$$ and our planet!!!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
With so many friends and friends to be snowed in and unable to leave their homes I was thinking what a great time to do something to improve the inside of your home. Look around and see what you can do to make your home more comfortable or feel better to you. Would a gallon or two of paint change the feel of a dark or bland room. Could you freshen up your bedroom with some new pillows and fresh flowers - make the perfect Valentine getaway at home! Last weekend I cleaned my office top to bottom and it feels great. I pulled out a couple of pictures still needing to be framed and will drop those at the frame shop. If you can't get out of the try moving furntiure into different rooms. It is truly amazing how pieces can change and look totally different in another room. Have fun and stay warm!!!
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