This information is courtesy of the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC)
10 Ways To Be A Green Homeowner
1.Conserve Energy – Homeowners can conserve energy and reduce water usage in a variety of ways:
a. Select Energy Star-rated products when purchasing or replacing household appliances or fixtures.
b. Contact your energy provider about incentives and rebate programs
c. Conduct an energy audit. The Kansas City Home Performance Network helps homeowners identify ways to lower energy bills and make their existing homes more comfortable. Learn more by contacting the Metropolitain Energy Center
2.Build and Maintain Green – Whether you’re just painting a room or remodeling your house, do it the green way. Ask for environmentally friendly products at your local home supply store. Several organizations and resources in the area can help you make the right choices.
a. Green Remodeling Idea Book
b. Habitat ReStore locations – Sell used and surplus building supplies - MO & KS
c. United States Green Building Council Kansas City Chapter: A nonprofit community of leaders working to make green buildings available to everyone within a generation.
3. Properly Dispose of Hazardous Materials - Metro area residents have access to household hazardous waste (HHW) programs that accept paint, lawn chemicals, automotive fluids, batteries, and cleaners. These programs are free for most residents.
4. Recycle
5. Protect Outdoor Air Quality - Many everyday activities pollute the air we breathe: driving a car, moving the lawn, using hazardous chemicals, etc. For simple steps you can take to improve air quality, contact the MARC Air Quality Program.
6. Protect the Air You Breathe Indoors - Mold, pet dander, chemical fumes and radon can all negatively affect your indoor air quality and your health. For ways to prevent these and other indoor environmental problems, contact the Healthy Indoor Environments Coalition of the Heartland.
7. Grow A Native Yard - Growing native trees, plants and gardens will save money, time and the environment. Native species require less moving and lawn chemicals. Planting trees can reduce your energy bills.
8. Eat Local, Eat Organic - Eating organically produced local foods positively impacts your health and the environment. Consider planting a home garden to grow your own vegetables and herbs. Visit your local farmers market and patronize local restaurants that utilize locally grown good.
9. Give Your Vehicle A Break - Carpool or take the bus to work. Ride a bike or walk to the store or school You'll get to know your neighbors and your neighborhood better by driving less - and you'll help keep the air clean. to explore your transportation options, contact MARC's RideShare program.
10. Get Involved - Once you've settled in and have begun practicing some of these green behaviors, take these next steps:
a. Volunteer - You and your family can find many great ways to volunteer to help the environment. For more information, contact Bridging The Gap.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Staycation 2009 - Starlight
Well, I had so much fun on my Staycation 2008 that I decided I need to continue it this summer. I have not been as good but I have had a few firsts! (recall previous posts about the new Royals Stadium and the Wizards game!) I had another first last week. I went with my friend Jen & Chris Nelson to Starlight Theatre to see Legally Blonde the musical. It was awesome!! I had a great time and it was a great night!
Monday, July 6, 2009
This will make you smile!
A friend posted one of the songs from the PS 22 Chorus on his facebook page...and it was awesome. Someone else posted a different song so of course I had to go to their website. They are great. It's sure to make you smile!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Cute Lessons
I got this as a forward and thought it was cute enough to send out!
Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio
"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 44 lessons life taught me.
It is the most-requested column I've ever written."
My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and
parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their
journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye.. But don't worry; God
never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger..
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is
up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no
for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie.
Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
23. The most important sex organ is the brain.
24. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will
this matter?
26. Always choose life.
27. Forgive everyone everything.
28. What other people think of you is none of your business.
29. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
31. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
32 Believe in miracles.
33. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did
or didn't do.
34. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
35. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
36. Your children get only one childhood.
37. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
38. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
39. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd
grab ours back.
40. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
41. The best is yet to come.
42. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
43. Yield.
44. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.
Its estimated 93% won't forward this. If you are one of the 7% who will,
forward this with the title '7%'.
I'm in the 7%.
Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio
"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 44 lessons life taught me.
It is the most-requested column I've ever written."
My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and
parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their
journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye.. But don't worry; God
never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger..
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is
up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no
for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie.
Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
23. The most important sex organ is the brain.
24. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will
this matter?
26. Always choose life.
27. Forgive everyone everything.
28. What other people think of you is none of your business.
29. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
31. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
32 Believe in miracles.
33. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did
or didn't do.
34. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
35. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
36. Your children get only one childhood.
37. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
38. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
39. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd
grab ours back.
40. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
41. The best is yet to come.
42. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
43. Yield.
44. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.
Its estimated 93% won't forward this. If you are one of the 7% who will,
forward this with the title '7%'.
I'm in the 7%.
Stupid People
Well, since Jay Leno isn't on the air right now, I thought I'd do a little "shout out" to him and what he for sure would have talked about in the last few nights! I don't if anyone else has seen how many news stories have been on stupid people lately, but it's funny and sad all at the same time.
So a few days ago, there was a story about a guy who called 911 b/c he got a burger at McDonalds and they owed him $8. When 911 told him that wasn't an emergency, he continued to call back. Needless to say, he was arrest for the misuse of 911 (or being stupid!)
Then yesterday (I believe) it was on the news that ANOTHER guy had called 911 wanting a ride. He was sick and wanted to get to a rap concert. They said they don't give rides and he asked for helicopter transportation. They said they don't give that either. He later confessed to having smoked pot (duh) and he too was arrested for the misuse of 911.
And our third (idiot) person was a lady who was at the police station about a crime. She was talking to police and he noticed a squirrel coming out of her shirt!!! She acted like nothing was wrong so he did as well. (I would not have been able to keep a straight face!!!)
Hope you enjoy these as much as I did. I miss Jay Leno!!!
So a few days ago, there was a story about a guy who called 911 b/c he got a burger at McDonalds and they owed him $8. When 911 told him that wasn't an emergency, he continued to call back. Needless to say, he was arrest for the misuse of 911 (or being stupid!)
Then yesterday (I believe) it was on the news that ANOTHER guy had called 911 wanting a ride. He was sick and wanted to get to a rap concert. They said they don't give rides and he asked for helicopter transportation. They said they don't give that either. He later confessed to having smoked pot (duh) and he too was arrested for the misuse of 911.
And our third (idiot) person was a lady who was at the police station about a crime. She was talking to police and he noticed a squirrel coming out of her shirt!!! She acted like nothing was wrong so he did as well. (I would not have been able to keep a straight face!!!)
Hope you enjoy these as much as I did. I miss Jay Leno!!!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Wizards Game, Royals....
Wow, it's been a long time since I've blogged!!! I keep thinking about this blog, but of course I'm not by the computer! Go figure.
So, a few weeks ago I went to my very first Wizard's Soccer game! It was "Dog's Night Out" at the Wizards, so the girls got to go too!! They had a great time - though Maddie ate one too many treats!
I've also been able to go see the Royals play twice and enjoy the new stadium. If you haven't been, I would highly suggest going!! They did a bunch of great updates!!
This past weekend we went home (St Louis) to see the family, go to a bridal shower and see some "old" friends. I also took a new addition home, a westie puppy named Dixie!! My parents had to put their 15 year old wesite, Muffie to sleep a few weeks ago and were missing her and wanting another companion for Teri (9 yr old Westie). Teri isn't quite sure what to think, but i'm sure she'll grow to love her!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Tax Credit Can Be Used For Down Payment
This is from The Kansas Association of Realtors (KAR):
Shaun Donovan, secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, on Tuesday said that the Federal Housing Administration is going to permit its lenders to allow home buyers to use the $8,000 tax credit as a down payment.
Previously, most buyers wouldn't receive the funds until after they filed their tax return, and that deterred some people from using the credit. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® has been calling for the change.
"We all want to enable FHA consumers to access the home buyer tax credit funds when they close on their home loans so that the cash can be used as a down payment," Donovan says. His remarks came in an address to several thousand REALTORS® gathered Tuesday morning at "The Real Estate Summit: Advancing the U.S. Economy," at the 2009 REALTORS® Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo in Washington, D.C..
He says FHA's approved lenders will be permitted to "monetize" the tax credit through short-term bridge loans. This will allow eligible home buyers to access the funds immediately at the closing table.
Other Solutions for Today's Market
During his address at the summit, Donovan went on to say that the Obama administration plans to further stabilize the housing market. "I do think we have some early signs that the market overall is stabilizing," Donovan says. "Since January we've seen both home sales moving up and down around a relatively stable number and we are seeing the first signs that the rapid decline in home prices is starting to abate."
The morning session included a panel discussion that was moderated by CNBC's Ron Insana. Panelists examined cutting-edge solutions necessary to promote and preserve homeownership and real estate development, stimulate the economy, and protect the nation's taxpayers. They also shared their ideas on what the role and responsibility of the federal government is in the revitalization effort.
"Right now the Federal Reserve is the market," said panelist Jay Brinkman, chief economist for the Mortgage Bankers Association. "What will be the effect when the Fed stops buying?" Brinkman explained that an exit strategy must be planned for the long-term; the federal government cannot continue to support the mortgage markets indefinitely.
"We are thrilled that so many high-caliber individuals were able to join us today at this important meeting to promote stability in the housing market and the U.S. economy," said NAR President Charles McMillan. "We look forward to an ongoing dialogue and action toward this goal, during our midyear meetings this week and beyond."
The real estate summit is part of the 2009 REALTORS® Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo. During the week ending May 16, more than 8,500 REALTORS® will attend meetings, visit lawmakers and inspire action on Capitol Hill.
Shaun Donovan, secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, on Tuesday said that the Federal Housing Administration is going to permit its lenders to allow home buyers to use the $8,000 tax credit as a down payment.
Previously, most buyers wouldn't receive the funds until after they filed their tax return, and that deterred some people from using the credit. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® has been calling for the change.
"We all want to enable FHA consumers to access the home buyer tax credit funds when they close on their home loans so that the cash can be used as a down payment," Donovan says. His remarks came in an address to several thousand REALTORS® gathered Tuesday morning at "The Real Estate Summit: Advancing the U.S. Economy," at the 2009 REALTORS® Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo in Washington, D.C..
He says FHA's approved lenders will be permitted to "monetize" the tax credit through short-term bridge loans. This will allow eligible home buyers to access the funds immediately at the closing table.
Other Solutions for Today's Market
During his address at the summit, Donovan went on to say that the Obama administration plans to further stabilize the housing market. "I do think we have some early signs that the market overall is stabilizing," Donovan says. "Since January we've seen both home sales moving up and down around a relatively stable number and we are seeing the first signs that the rapid decline in home prices is starting to abate."
The morning session included a panel discussion that was moderated by CNBC's Ron Insana. Panelists examined cutting-edge solutions necessary to promote and preserve homeownership and real estate development, stimulate the economy, and protect the nation's taxpayers. They also shared their ideas on what the role and responsibility of the federal government is in the revitalization effort.
"Right now the Federal Reserve is the market," said panelist Jay Brinkman, chief economist for the Mortgage Bankers Association. "What will be the effect when the Fed stops buying?" Brinkman explained that an exit strategy must be planned for the long-term; the federal government cannot continue to support the mortgage markets indefinitely.
"We are thrilled that so many high-caliber individuals were able to join us today at this important meeting to promote stability in the housing market and the U.S. economy," said NAR President Charles McMillan. "We look forward to an ongoing dialogue and action toward this goal, during our midyear meetings this week and beyond."
The real estate summit is part of the 2009 REALTORS® Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo. During the week ending May 16, more than 8,500 REALTORS® will attend meetings, visit lawmakers and inspire action on Capitol Hill.
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