Material // EcoDomo Recycled Belt Panel

Oh how I love the random internet rabbit trails that lead me to amazing products!

One such trail led me to EcoDomo and their super cool recycled belt panels which are entirely made from recycled used leather belts. Available in black, brown and multi color. Made in the USA, woot!

I'm imagining a really cool bench in an entry way. I love that each panel would be so unique. 

032: Heather Bullard - Editorial Prop Stylist

Today on the podcast I'm talking with Heather Bullard. Heather is a contributing editor for Country Living Magazine and and amazing editorial prop stylist. We talked about her path to this career, Instagram and her fantastic advice for others. 

Website  |  Instagram  |  Pinterest  |  Facebook  |  Twitter

Heather Bullard

Heather Bullard

Show Notes

.Heather’s path to becoming an editorial prop stylist and contributing editor for Country Living Magazine
.Suggestions for someone who wants to be an editorial stylist
.If Heather feels pressured to have a magazine worthy home at all times
.Using Instagram as a gratitude journal
.Mistakes made and great advice for others
.Heather’s #1 styling tip

Heather Bullard

Heather Bullard

Saving Water by Using WaterSense

This article was originally posted in September, but with the current drought in California I thought it would be worth reposting. 

Reducing Water Usage

I'm sure most have heard by now about the record lows for precipitation California is having this year and the extreme drought that we are in. We've been encouraged to conserve water in every way possible. It's difficult to do, especially with little water loving kids around. But we've been vigilant. Taking shorter or less showers, teaching the kids to not let the water run for extended periods of time while washing hands, and not filling the kitchen sink as high when washing dishes.

These work well, but there is also something that can help while the water IS running. Choosing WaterSense fixtures can help conserve water as well as helping your pocketbook (who still calls it a pocketbook?) When choosing a fixture you can look for the WaterSense label. These fixtures include bathroom faucets, showerheads, toilets and landscape irrigation valves. 

A WaterSense bathroom faucet uses a maximum of 1.5 GPM (gallons per minute). A standard faucet is 2.2 gallons per minute. Over time, this really adds up. Another option is to install a WaterSense aerator which can cost less than $5!

Pictured above are some of my favorite WaterSense bathroom faucets right now. They can in various price points and you can find information about each one below. 

American Standard Two-Lever $278.68
Moen S6700 90-Degree One Handle $270.34
Delta 35710LF Two-Handle $79.95
American Standard Gooseneck Two Handle $107.46
Moen Weymouth Two Handle Wall Mount $653.55

Other simple ways we save water in our house:

• While I wait for hot water in the shower or faucet I collect it to water outdoor plants. We have a small back patio with no built in-irrigation so this is sufficient for our watering needs. I also save the water from drinking cups, obsessive as it might be, it's easy to just collect at the end of the day and toss into the pot of a thirsty plant. 
• Only do laundry when you have a full load. If you must do a small load make sure to change the water level as well. 
• Same goes for the dishwasher, wait for a full load.

More strategies:

• Use native and drought tolerant plants in your yard, and better yet...ditch the lawn. So many good reasons for this, not just water usage. It looks beautiful, less maintenance and it reduces pests.
• Drip system
• Rain sensors on irrigation controls

Remodeling or designing a new home? 

• Replace old toilets. Look for toilets that use 1.6 gallons per flush or less. A family of four can save 14,000 to 25,000 gallons of water per year according to Energy Star. 
• Locate the hot water heater, laundry room, kitchen and bathrooms as close together as possible. 
• Don’t put in that pool, go to the community pool instead. Swim with friends, save some money!
• Energy star dishwashers and washing machines save a significant amount of water (and electricity).
• Dual flush toilets

What are some ways that you save water at home? 

031: Cohousing Part II: Tierra Nueva

Last week I interview Charles Durrett who brought cohousing to the US. So this week I wanted to do a small taste of what living in a cohousing community was like. I took a short visit to Tierra Nueva in Oceano, CA and talked with Maren Brajkovich and Susan Howe. 

Tierra Nueva  |  Facebook  |  Contact

LISTEN ON ITUNES

Show Notes

.small taste of cohousing
.benefits, benefits and more benefits!
.a few downsides
.how family and friends felt when they moved in
.everyone should have community