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I’m a Mac.

October 6, 2011 RH 4 Comments

Once in a while I veer away from this blog’s topic to post on an unrelated subject. I may not have ever had a blog and you may not have been sitting there reading this if it was not for Steve Jobs.

As a college freshman in 1984, I took a computer course. Hated it!! Do you kids know how scary computers were before Jobs developed a user friendly interface? Some C Drive/DOS crap. WTF?

I’ve been a Mac person ever since I saw that smiley disk face on a neighbor’s computer. Didn’t realize computers could be fun. I’ve belonged to the Cult of Apple for over 20 years now. I was disappointed that the iPhone 5 was not announced earlier this week and even more disappointed that it was not Jobs making the announcement.

Take a moment to stop and think how different your life would be without Steve Jobs. No, he did not invent the first computer, the first smart phone, tablet or digital music download. But he perfected each and every one of them so we can all use them. Chances are you have an iPod, iPhone, iPad or Mac that gets a massive amount of use. Or are you downloading iTunes on your PC? Are you using equipment that is based on Apple technology? Pretty sure you are whether you realize it or not.

Without the visionaries of the world, we would still be writing on the walls of the caves we live in. So, thank you Steve Jobs and those who have come before you. Hopefully .0001% of your genius has rubbed off on the rest of us.

To infinity and beyond, Mr. Jobs.

Fun DIY Projects with Wood

October 5, 2011 RH

Yesterday we covered some plastic DIY projects you can do around the house. Today it’s wood! Inspirations from the Solar Decathlon.

Isn’t that inscription on the deck a lovely idea? It can be done on decks, siding or just about any old piece of wood you have around your house.

There are a couple of ways to go about the writing. You can burn it in. Remember those wood burning instruments we all had as kids? (If you’re over the age of say, 35?) Well, that technique is called pyrography. Thing is…do you really want to go out and buy that tool now? Perhaps you have a Dremel or router around the house. If so, then you can carve the letters out then stain them any color you want.

First you’ll want to line it up properly with a straight edge. Tape a stencil down and trace the outline. No, you don’t want to leave the plastic stencil there to be burnt or cut. The rest of it ain’t rocket science. You can figure it out.

Check out that cool shower base. You know what? I’m not even telling you to make it yourself. You can probably buy shit like that at Ikea and plop it right down. I just like it, is all.

I’m not quite sure if this is recycled shipping pallets or a piece made from scratch. Either way, it gave me the idea to do it with shipping pallets. A while back, I thought I’d be really cool and build a bunch of stuff made from the reclaimed wood of pallets. Well, it was crazy trying to take all the slats apart. So why bother? Just cut them down and build stuff out of them that way.

I’m feeling the love towards the bark! Ok, so bark siding is pretty pricey to purchase if you can’t find a tree that it’s coming off of. But I’m not talking about residing your whole home with it. Perhaps a 4×4 framed square to use as a cork board? Or as a backsplash in the your kitchen? An entire wall behind the bathroom sink? A line of bark shingles instead of chair railing? The possibilities are endless.

Green Day Today, NYC

October 5, 2011 RH

Green Day in Union Square today! Psyched? Start lining up now for the time of your life!

GrowNYC presents NEW GREEN CITY in Union Square Park for NYC’s largest annual green event. (Sorry, Green Day fans. I know that was mean.)

2011’s family-friendly event features government agencies, non-profits, entrepreneurs and community & corporate partners at the forefront of environmental stewardship, education and awareness.

10am-6pm. Go learn about recycling, rainwater harvesting and more! Hello, there’s a scavenger hunnnttt!

DIY Fun with Plastic

October 4, 2011 RH

Yes, I’m a ho for Plastics Make it Possible. Those dudes along with Ogilvy PR sent me down to the Solar Decathlon and the inspiration I got from these kids in the competition is the gift that keeps on giving.

Ok, so check out the light fixture used in the Purdue University home, which BTW, took second place. Not too shabby. I don’t know how much they did from scratch, but if they started with 4 pendants and built the lucite shade, then they would have built the frame and drilled holes in the lucite to attach the bolts. I’ll bet you can find something similar with a clear shade. The beauty of this is the sand. Yes, that’s just sand.

All you have to do to make one of these babies is tape the edges and find a clear, non yellowing adhesive. I’m guessing a spray adhesive would work brilliantly. But here’s the thing. Why stick with beige? You can do any color sand. Make it a red light, Roxanne. Or!! You don’t even have to stick with sand. What about recycled glass? Recycled multi-colored plastic bottles and such on the outside of the lucite? Or recycled crazy straws? That’s crazy fun! Use heavier glue for these. Are you getting the picture?

The LED backlit panels used by Appalachian’s Solar Homestead rocked my world. They weren’t the only ones to use these acrylic sheets to set mood lighting, but they were the only ones I got a picture of. Seems an easy enough project. Run your lights and cover them with translucent plastic sheets. Get creative with it by framing and hanging “light boxes” instead of covering the entire wall.

The back splash above was in the City College of New York Solar Roof Pod. (Woot! Woot!) To be honest, I didn’t catch what the materials are. I’m going to guess that it’s Corian or another acrylic solid surface material with glass inlays. Easier and less expensive than buying a sheet of Corian would be to make a resin backdrop and set in the accents instead of cutting into the piece. Remember that you can work on a horizontal surface and hang it once dry. If you’re going with resin, the possibilities are endless. I happen to love the clean look of this one, but remember my resin countertop? It could easily be a backsplash.

So, there ya go. Tomorrow I’ll show you some fun wood projects. But just one more word on plastic. I could not have made it through the rainy weekend without the following two items keeping my feet and pants dry. So, thank you again, plastics, for making it possible to stay comfortable on the nastiest of nasty days.

Solar Decath Part I

Solar Decathlon. And the Winner Is…

October 3, 2011 RH 1 Comment

It’s not often I get a fun AND informative expense paid weekend. Once again, thanks to the Plastics Make it Possible campaign for inviting me along to the Solar Decathlon in DC. I was honored to be included among such bloggers of awesomeness as Jetson Green, Dwell, Shawna Coronado and Ugly Duckling House .

The weather wasn’t exactly cooperative, but we struggled through it like troopers. The first home we toured with Brooks Utley was the Caltech Compact Hyper Insulated Prototype or CHIP. I’m not gonna lie. The interior was nice, but this house was alllll about the exterior for me. Anything that looks like a space ship is fabnificent in my book. The CHIP does not have any insulation, not because they are from sunny California and don’t need it. It’s because that funky puffy “siding” acts as the outsulation, a word they are trying to get into the dictionary. CHIP’s skin is made of heavy-weight (24oz/yrd) recycled white vinyl. White was used to reflect as much of solar radiation as possible, reducing cooling load. The “siding” is highly durable and waterproof.

Florida International University also had an impressive exterior. Their perFORM[D]ance House has layered walls designed to protect the house from undesired elements. Check out their website for energy performance on the walls and windows. It’s the louver system I want to discuss. The PVC and aluminum panels shade and protect the house as well as provide hurricane protection. Looks a bit nicer than the plywood or duct tape people were using here for Irene, no?

The winner of the 2011 Solar Decathlon was the University of Maryland with their Watershed project. They best utilized sustainable design for running the entire house.

Check out the home’s control panel with an easy button thrown in for good measure.

The dehumidifier is a work of art. The Innovative Liquid Desiccant Waterfall (LDW) system was developed by Maryland’s 2007 LEAFHouse team. A high-saline solution absorbs humidity from the air as it falls through back lit plastic “jellyfish”. It’s beautiful AND smart.

My personal favorite was New York’s Parsons School of Design. Not because I’m partial to NY (I am). Not even because I thought the house had the best overall design. It’s the story behind it that I fell in love with. The EmpowerHouse is a Habitat for Humanity home and of all the houses we toured, this one felt like a HOME. It’s probably because the lucky family who are inheriting the house were there on hand. Their photos were on display. This was actually someone’s home and I got a little verklempt when I met them.

My own honorable mention and the winner of the People’s Choice Award is Appalachian State’s Solar Homestead. Whereas some of the entries felt a bit cramped, this home had space and style. Once again, it was the exterior that blew me away.

The modular porch with outbuildings is kept dry by a bifacial PV canopy that acts as a net zero energy source for the home. The technology allows each 195 watt panel to collect sunlight bounced from below as well as above.

But honestly, the had me at the bark siding. Yes, this is durable and water resistant as long as it’s not sitting in a flood zone. The bad news is that it’s expensive.

Tomorrow I’ll fill you in on some other innovations I saw and easy DIY techniques we can steal for you kids to try at home. The bark included. Yum!

One Word. Plastics.

September 30, 2011 RH

The 2011 Solar Decathlon is THE big green deal going down in DC at the moment. Reclaimed Home will be heading down there in….oh, a few hours…to check out the green scene. Thanks to Ogilivy Public Relations and their client, The American Chemistry Council aka Plastics Make it Possible for sending us (Yeah, I’m dragging the hubby) all expenses paid! Carfare, hotel, *swanky cocktails and dinner….the works.

Oh, but the best part of course, is we get to cover the Decathlon. Not only that, but we’ll have our very own celebrity tour guide. Brooks Utley, that smiley carpenter from HGTV’s “The $250,000 Challenge” and “Designed to Sell” will be on hand to show us how plastics make it possible (How do you like how I incorporated that?) to make our homes more energy efficient.

The U.S. Department of Energy is the force behind the Solar Decathlon, which has been a biennial event since 2002. Collegiate teams compete to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and visually appealing. The winner is the team that blends all of these principles together in the best way.

There will be loads to report once I actually go to the event, but in anticipation, I’m gonna guess how these showcase homes will use plastics.

1. Solar Panels. Hello! This IS the Solar Decathlon after all!

2. Decking. Composite material made from recycled plastic is a favorite durable deck “lumber” used in place of wood.

3. Carpeting. Yes, there are manufacturers who make carpets out of recycled plastic!

4. Insulation. Ah-a! Foam instead of fiberglass. A lot less itchy to install. KnowwhatImsayin??

5. Piping. PVC is to code in many parts of the country now. Easier to work with than cast iron.

6. Small Appliances. Try finding an electric can opener or coffee maker without some plastic on it.

Ok, I listed the obvious stuff. I’m looking forward to seeing some real live recycled plastic innovations tomorrow! Will report back next week.

* I made up the swanky part. Could be a 40 of Colt for all I know.

Tennis for the Youths! Bed Stuy

September 29, 2011 RH

Forgive me for the cut and paste I’m about to commit….

2^nd Annual Bed-Stuy Open Free Youth Tennis Jamboree

On October 1, 2011 the Kings County Tennis League (KCTL) will hold their Second Annual Bed-Stuy Open Tennis Jamboree in the Marcy Playground on the corner of Myrtle Ave. and Nostrand Ave. in Brooklyn. The Jamboree is completely free for youth and parents residing in Bedford Stuyvesant. Students from the organization’s two local teams, Marcy and Tompkins Tennis Clubs will also be completing in their new team jerseys. Every participant will receive an award. The event includes trophies, donated prizes, barbeque, and live music. There will also be a voter registration table and outreach by Black Life study.

KCTL is a registered 501c3 non-profit located in Bed-Stuy whose mission is to use tennis as a vehicle for positive mentorship and community building. They literally bring tennis to the children of Marcy and Tompkins Houses using portable tennis nets, donated equipment, and young inspired volunteers.

Over 60 youth are planned to participant along with 20 volunteers. More information may be found at Marcy Tennis Club and on Facebook. Jamboree will be held on Saturday October 1^st. Registration begins at 12:30. Jamboree runs from 1:00-3:00.

Buy American. Kitchen Appliances

September 29, 2011 RH

Our economy is dragging it’s arse, so let’s all try to pitch in. Remember when we had…like….factories and manufacturers in this country? When everything was built here and not in China? Hey, remember when stuff was made to last and not to be disposed of within 5 years?

I know what you’re saying. “But it’s too expensive to buy American.” Not quite. Add up the replacement costs of all of those crappy items you’ve been buying at the cheap stores and tell me it’s worth it. Not worth it financially. Not worth the hassle. And certainly not worth the jobs hemorrhage.

This week we’ll find some American made large appliances and follow up with other red, white and blue items. The column will be limited as, sadly, there isn’t really too much manufacturing left in this country.

So yeah….Appliances.

BSH. As in Bosch and Siemens Home Appliances Group. The German company has a headquarters in CA with multiple regional offices across the US and manufacturing facilities in NC and TN. Most of the appliances are made from recycled materials. Thermador and Gaggenau are also under the BSH umbrella.

Dacor is an American made AND family owned business that is committed to sustainability. It’s a high end appliance with some semi affordable lines.

Premier makes budget friendly as well as professional ranges, so that’s great news for folks who can’t afford top dollar. The company is American owned and all appliances are made here.

Sub Zero and Wolf. Well, if you can afford it, you’re probably buying it already. Manufactured in WI and AZ. Good stuff. Good stuff.

Viking. Again, a high end appliance, but worth the price. Made in MS with energy efficiency and sustainability in mind.

Crown Heights North House Tour

September 28, 2011 RH

What’s better than looking at internet house porn? Participating in house porn! Yes, all you house whores, it’s time for the 5th Annual Crown Heights North House Tour!

When? Saturday, October 1. 11am-4pm

Where? The kick off ceremony and breakfast starts at 10:45 at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church. Brooklyn Avenue and St. John’s Place.

What? A self guided tour of nine homes, one church, one community garden and a nonprofit location.

Tix? $20 in advance, available at Barbara’s Flowers, 615 Nostrand Avenue and Yanatiba,714 Washington Avenue or on-line from Crown Heights North Association. Tickets can be purchased for $25 at door on October 1st.

Building Stairs

September 27, 2011 RH

After six years of procrastination, we finally replaced our dangerous basement steps that were about to collapse.

Pre-cut stair stringers can be purchased in many lumber shops. This video kicks off after hubby measured and cut his own stringers. Project is for an intermediate skill level DIYer. Beginners can do it if they’re good at math. I suck at math, therefore, I would not be able to install stairs.

9/11 Memorial Visit

September 26, 2011 RH

We visited the 9/11 Memorial on a rainy Friday evening. After going through security that makes the airports look like a breeze (not complaining!) and walking around a maze to get inside the actual site, we were there.

My first time on the grounds since the towers stood tall.

I broke down and cried like I was John Boehner. And I was the only one because the tourists were too busy taking pictures of their friggin kids smiling in front on the fountains.

We paid our respects to the two people we knew who left us that day. My husband’s firefighter buddy and a wedding photography client of mine. I saw on the computer search that they used what I think was one of my images. It’s good to know they’re getting some use. He died a few days short of their first anniversary.

The fountains are beautiful and the layout is well done. It’s still a work in progress but it’s going to be a peaceful spot to sit and reflect. There were probably more security guards than visitors there, so it’s creating jobs for the city.

During construction, you need to get tickets to visit. They’re available online and they are free.

Dining Out For A Good Cause

September 25, 2011 RH

Hey NYC, still feeling guilty about kvetching about how lame Hurricane Irene was only to find out that upstate was devastated? Well, here’s your chance to redeem yourselves. And don’t worry, it doesn’t involve donating your favorite pair of shoes or picking up a hammer. It’s something we all love to do….dine out!

Dine Out Irene means that this Sunday (yeah, today) participating restaurants will donate 10% of sales to aid local farmers who were hit hard a few weeks ago. Not enough notice? Check the list. Some restaurants are running it tomorrow as well. Annnndddd….there are a few joints outside of the city, so if you’ve got some spare change in your pocket, you really don’t have an excuse not to do this now, do you?

Weekend Events

September 23, 2011 RH

The Dumbo Arts Festival starts Friday night and goes all weekend long. Visual art, video and performances take place indoors and out allll around the waterfront neighborhood.

The 7th Annual Vendy Awards are taking place on Governors Island this Saturday. Come with an empty stomach because this event honors the street food vendors. General admission has sold out, so hurry up and buy your tickets now. They ain’t cheap, but the splurge VIP could be worth the $165 price tag. Table service, no lines.

While you’re on Governors Island, check out the awesome art fair that runs every weekend in September. Go early. There are about 4 four story buildings to get through and you don’t want to miss any of these talented artists.

Here’s an estate sale in Weston, CT that looks worth the trip. It goes the entire weekend starting this morning (quick!). Artwork, furniture and decoratives! But the best part is the “barn full of antiques”.

DIY Concrete Mix and Pour

September 22, 2011 RH

Isn’t this exciting, boys and girls? Today we learn how to mix concrete and pour it into a mold. Now you can and make counter tops and concrete floors! Maybe not quite yet, but it’s a start.

DIY: Concrete Slab Form

September 21, 2011 RH

This may be boring for you more designy/less handy folks, but it’s what we’re working on at the moment. In this case, we happen to be creating the slab to use as the bottom step of the basement stairs.

Check out this video if you want to learn how to set up the form for a concrete slab pour. If you’re working on an entire floor, you would do something like this on a larger scale. The room can be broken down into smaller slabs and joints can be filled in later.

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