Spring, 2011 LEAFmail

March, 2011 LEAFmail

February, 2011 LEAFmail

January, 2011 LEAFmail

December, 2010 LEAFmail

November, 2010 LEAFmail

October, 2010 LEAFmail

September, 2010 LEAFmail

August, 2010 LEAFmail

July, 2010   As we celebrate our Independence Day, we look at ways to be green at home AND work. Here are some useful ways to make a difference:

* Recycle! Don’t just throw away aluminum cans and plastic water bottles. It’s very easy to separate these containers for recycling.

* Use fluorescent bulbs instead of incandescent.

* When you’re not using your computer, turn it off, or program it to go into sleep mode.

*Instead of printing things out, try reading them “on-screen.” Ask your utility companies for paperless billing.

* When cooking out, use washable dishes, silverware and glasses, rather than disposable paper and plastic.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PURR-FECTLY FOR PETS  A survey by the American Animal Hospital Association says nearly 84 percent of homeowners say their pets make their home life healthier. Considering your pets’ needs and demands that go along with them seems a foregone conclusion. With careful planning, your new home or remodel project can incorporate features specifically for your pets.

* Dog showers with low-level, hand sprayers are often located in mud rooms or garages. These spaces, often tiled and custom painted to suit your pet’s personality, make bathing and rinsing off muddy paws easy.

* Feeding stations can be built into a kitchen or mud room. Wall build-outs accommodate feeding bowls and can include adequate space for the storage of food and other pet-related items, such as toys and medications. Some spaces even feature an installed water line that automatically refills the water bowl as needed.

* Litter boxes can be discreetly located in custom cabinetry with whimsical, cat-shaped cutout entryways to help contain a kitty’s litter box area.

* Pet doors have become elaborate with options including French doors, screen door panels and infrared and magnetic key door options.

* Hideaways and sleeping areas can be built into laundry or foyer areas, creating peaceful and private spaces for pets to retreat.

* Windows can be designed to be located lower so pets have outdoor views, complete with personalized seating for your four-legged family to enjoy.
 

 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT...

The Fan says… 
 … “Be cool.”

The Roof says…
 … “Aim high.”

The Window says…
     … “See the world.”

The Clock says…
    ...“Every minute is
          precious.”

The Mirror says…
…”Reflect before you
          act.”

The Calendar says…
      … “Be up-to-date.”

The Door says…
… “Push hard for your
           goals.”

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLOSET CASE  Don't allow the closets in your home to be an after thought! Many of us design our homes going from room to room, making sure we have included just the right combination of cabinets, floor space, access and storage. Somehow, we manage to overlook one of the most important areas in the house: The Closet.

Designing a home, whether it is new or remodel, requires looking at all aspects of your life. How do you live? Where do you spend most of your time? Questions are then directed to each area, including the closet. How many dresses do you have? How many pairs of shoes? How many folded items? What type of storage is appealing for jewelry, lingerie, socks?

You will need to envision your closet: Is it for storage only? Do you want to fold and iron laundry there? How about putting your make-up on in a dressing area in the closet?

Closet systems have come a long way since white melamine and white wire shelves. Closets now can look like pieces of furniture with adjustible drawers and shelves, as well as having clothes hampers for sorting laundry.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

USELESS TRIVIA  The first three persons to email the correct answer to this month's trivia question will each receive a Distinctive Kitchens & Baths aluminum water bottle.

July's Trivia Question: This modern day food condiment was once sold as medicine in the 1830s.   Click here to send in your answer. 

Last month's question and answer: This "pioneer" of the U.S.A. traveled the Eastern U.S., and despite being portrayed as frequently wearing a coon skin cap, actually despised coon skin and fur. - Daniel Boone

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RECIPE  Grilled Summer Corn and Chipotle Chowder

6 ears corn
Drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil
4 slices smoked bacon, finely chopped
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 potatoes, such as yukon gold, cut into small cubes
2 ribs celery from the heart with leafy tops, finely chopped
2 large cloves garlic, grated or finely chopped
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons fresh thyme
Salt and pepper
2 canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
One 32-ounce container (4 cups) vegetable or chicken broth
2 cups heavy cream
Lime wedges, chopped flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped scallions and  your favorite cheese for garnish

Preheat a grill or broiler. Grill or broil the ears of corn until charred, 7 to 8 minutes (cover the grill to give the corn a smoky flavor). Scrape the kernels from the cob.   While the corn is charring, in a soup pot, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook until crisp, 3 to 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a plate. Add the onion, potatoes, celery and garlic to the pot. Add the bay leaf and thyme, season with salt and pepper, cover the pot and cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.   Using a food processor, puree the chipotle chiles. Stir into the vegetables, then stir in the broth and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and keep warm. Rinse the food processor bowl. Add one-third of the corn kernels to the food processor, pour in 2 cups of the soup and puree. Pour the mixture into the remaining soup and lower the heat to a simmer. Stir in the remaining corn kernels, the cream and reserved bacon and cook until thickened, about 2 minutes. Serve the chowder in bowls with the lime wedges, parsley, scallions and lots of cheese.

Click here for more LEAFmail, your monthly newsletter about custom cabinets in North Carolina!