I came across this company called Zixxi via Facebook. They create contemporary digital wall art.

Check it out: http://zixxi.com/index.html

This colourful Easter/Spring themed centerpiece is the perfect inspiration piece
for your decor this season.

• Re-duce, re-use, re-cycle. Re-duce the decorations in your home this year – less is more, re-use items that you love but are not looking the way you want (add a fresh coat of paint to revive that antique dresser) and re-cycle the items in your home you no longer need.

• Visit your local craft or dollar store to find spring themed decorations and silk flowers. Add a centerpiece to your kitchen table, a spring wreath to your front door or some potted plants along the walkway to your door.

• Revitalize a dull couch with colourful and patterned pillows or throws – what colours? Try greens, pinks, violets or golds.

• Add fresh flowers. Remember to choose a colour scheme that will coordinate or compliment the decorations you already have.

Have some fun and be creative!

Since the beautiful warm weather has greeted us this spring, I’ve become a little more motivated to do some spring cleaning. With the environment becoming a bigger issue, this year I’ve decided to replace my usual cleaners with some eco-friendly home remedies. Searching online for tips and recipes here are some of the highlights of what I’ve found and what I’ll be using:

Eco Cycle: Working to Build Zero Waste Communities
Besides providing many home-made eco-friendly cleaning supplies, Eco Cycle has many tips on recycling, composting, recycled products for purchase and how to reduce waste. Here are two of my favourite cleaning recipes:

Window Cleaner
Mix together:
2 tsp. vinegar
1 qt. warm water
OR
2 tbsp. borax
3 c. water
Rub dry with newspaper to avoid streaking.

Air Fresheners
Simmer: Cinnamon sticks
Orange peel, cloves
Water
To absorb odors, place 2 to 4 tbsp. baking soda or vinegar in small bowls in refrigerator and around the house and pour ½ cup baking soda in the bottom of trash cans.

Less Toxic Guide
The Less Toxic Guide is produced by the Environmental Health Association of Nova Scotia (which is still applicable to all of Canada). They have many helpful tips on consumer advice, personal and baby care, household cleaners and pest control. The advice on this site that made an impression on me was their article on Green Washing. Many manufacturers of hazardous products know of our wishes to become more green and they market their products with images of flowers, fruit and the words “green”. They may may promote healthy sounding ingredients like goat’s milk or vitamin e, while the other main ingredients are not healthy at all. I encourage you to read the link.

What earth-friendly tips and tricks to you implement? I’d love for you to share them.

References: Eco Cycle, Alternative Cleaners and Recipes (Mar 31, 2010), Guide to Less Toxic Products, Beware of Greenwashing (Mar 31, 2010)

Maritz posted in 2005 that 63% of home buyers polled would spend more money for a home that was move-in ready. So what is a move in ready home? One that is spacious, with a good layout for their living style and doesn’t require any work. So what are the top 3 features they are willing to pay a premium for? Freshly painted walls, updated flooring and organized storage space.

How do you get your home move in ready for your potential buyers? Contact a
professional home stager for a consultation. They will have access to general
contractors, safe colour pallets to sooth the eye and the knowledge to put it all
together to make your home ready for your potential buyers to move in. You’ll be
suprised on how a little investment can give you a huge return.