Downsizing your home - 10 ways it will increase the quality of your life

Maybe you just downsized your home to something a little smaller than you have been used to.

In these economic times, one needs to look on the bright side.  If you look deeper, a smaller home might be a blessing in disguise.

1.     More disposable income:  It is very likely that downsizing your home grants you a smaller payment and less maintenance costs.  Just think, a smaller roof means it will cost less to re-roof, and less floor area equals less material to replace it.

2.    Less cleaning:  Nobody likes cleaning!  Well, some say they do but let’s be honest.  I can easily think of 100 things I would rather do.  A smaller house has less surface area which necessitates less time spent on chores and more time spent playing, learning and laughing with your loved ones.

3.    Less maintenance:  Should one be spending weekends checking off fix it lists or enjoying life?  A smaller house affords you a more manageable maintenance list.  Less drippy faucets to deal with equals more time for long walks.

4.    Better quality products:  Less space means less space to fill and having more disposable income allows you to fill it with better quality furnishings.  Quality products translate to less upkeep and more pride of ownership.

5.    Healthier home:  Maybe you will invest in a better quality heating system.  This will result in less energy use and maintenance cost, which is better for you and the environment.  A home is only as healthy as the products it is made of.  This includes for example, choosing materials without VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) that don’t pollute the indoor air as well as protecting your family by ensuring a healthy Building Envelope*.

6.    There is special meaning to all items:  In a smaller space there typically isn’t room for filler items, so every piece of artwork, vase or side chair is specially selected to be in that room.  Grandma’s refinished rocking chair doesn’t just sit in the corner; it now is used every day.

7.    More pride of ownership: Every detail of a small house is evaluated and reevaluated so there is a place for everything and everything is in its place.  With such care in planning and detailing, much pride is felt in the end product.

8.    Less separation:  I am speaking about families being able to interact with each other in one room.  In many of these large homes there is a separate room for child activities, teen activities and adult activities. In a smaller house all of these rooms have to be skillfully integrated into one “great room” where everyone can go about their activities and still remain together.

9.    More reason to be outdoors:  Of course a small house can translate to less room to run around and play which means getting out of the house is even more enjoyable.

10.    Less worry:  That just about sums it all up. The key to a long, happy life is less worry and stress.  Please check out this link for more on stress

These are just a few reasons why I believe owning a smaller home can improve the quality of life but I would like to hear your ideas.  Help me continue the list!!

*Building Envelope: is the separation between the interior and the exterior environments of a building. It serves as the outer shell to protect the indoor environment as well as to facilitate its climate control.

Written by Araya Jensen, CKD

Araya has been practicing interior design for over 10 years creating some of the most thoughtful home designs today.  Her vast array of experience includes lighting design, custom home furnishings and custom cabinetry for new homes and remodels. She has also gained recognition across the greater Minneapolis/St. Paul area for those seeking professional design direction.

Please visit Araya’s design portfolio at: arayajensendesigns.webs.com

Article photo by Lance McCord

Dreaming of a Green Christmas: tips for greening up your holidays

Cold weather, colorful lights, visits from family and friends, and the aroma of sweet confections in the oven. These things can only mean one inevitable yearly occurrence: skyrocketing energy bills. Oh yeah, and the holidays.

With energy prices reaching record highs this year and the environmental crisis that has everyone checking their carbon footprints, it’s impossible not to worry about what number will appear on your monthly gas and electric bills when the weather starts to get chilly.

Thankfully, there are some practical and low-cost ways to keep those bills from cutting into more important expenses, such as gifts, gingerbread and knitted sweaters.

Lights and other Decorations

- Decorative lights use a good amount of energy, but that doesn’t mean you have to scrap them altogether. Use LED Christmas lights, which are smaller and use 90% less electricity than regular Christmas lights.

- To save even more energy, be sure to wait until dark to turn on your Christmas lights; then, turn them off before you go to bed. Do you have trouble remembering to turn your lights on and off? Then set a timer, and forget about it.

- Try out a cool, fiber optic tree this year. Fiber optic trees have lights that come from a single source, piping light down through a fiber optic cable. This cuts energy use significantly, and you can still enjoy a beautifully lit tree.

Entertaining Family and Guests

- Guests can be useful, and not just to wash dishes for you. Some heater use is inevitable, but extra bodies in the house mean that you can usually lower the thermostat.

- Rather than driving through the neighborhood to see the Christmas lights, grab a coat and take a walk with your friends and family. This is a festive and fun, yet green activity that requires no gas, is good for the environment and a good way to burn off those holiday calories.

In the Kitchen

- A full refrigerator and freezer can be energy efficient because the cold items help keep the temperature inside the fridge or freezer low after the door is opened. However, an overstuffed freezer or fridge will guzzle more energy trying to keep foods cold because air is unable to circulate.

- There is no need to preheat the oven when cooking ham or turkey, since they usually cook at a snail’s pace anyway.

- Use the energy-saving cycles on dishwashers. Machines that have air power or overnight dry settings can save up to 10 percent of dishwashing energy costs.

Saving energy during the holidays is a great way to cut costs not only during the winter season, but it’s a good way to get your family to practice energy-efficient habits all year long. Keep the ball rolling and make a New Year’s resolution to save energy in 2009!

Have any other tips? Share by posting in the comments below.

Written by Tom Debin

Tom Debin is the CEO of Equity Thru Energy, an energy management firm that helps businesses save money on energy bills through innovative technology that monitors energy use and prevents energy waste.

He is a board member and past president of the California Solar Energy Industries Association (CALSEIA), and has always been passionate about the business of wise energy use. Tom has recently launched his own blog, Worth the Energy, where he hopes to share his knowledge and passion for energy savings and the environment.

Article photo by kevindoooley

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20 biographies that are must reads and must sees

There’s nothing better than learning from others’ successes and failures. Everyone has a life story, but some are just remarkable. Here are 20 biographies you should consider to read, watch, or both. These stories are about people from all walks of life and from various time periods. However their messages and experiences transcend time, race, country, and anything else that makes us different. (*Please note: No links below are affiliate links.)

1. Andrew Carnegie

Andrew’s story is the definition of rags-to-riches. He came to America with his poor family. He hit the ground running and wanted to make a name for himself. He made in fortune in steel and was said to be the second richest man of all time.

Why read it?

His story is not interesting because of the fact of him making billions of dollars, but it’s what he did with it. He became the voice of philanthropy, donating a large majority of his fortune to build schools, libraries, and other institutions that helped the public. He encouraged other wealthy individuals to use their fortune for good as well. His message still rings true today.

Andrew Carnegie – Wikipedia | The Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie and The Gospel of Wealth

2. Benjamin Franklin

“Founding Father”, entrepreneur, inventor, scientist, author, activist and politician. Who knows where America would be without him.

Why read it?

To understand that your talents aren’t limited. Everyone has multiple talents, you just need to bring them to the light and harness their power.

Benjamin Franklin – Wikipedia | The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

3. Chris Gardner

Chris was faced with many struggles when he was young and even more when he grew older. He had a son but he was poor and couldn’t support himself, let alone a child. His girlfriend left him and it looked like Chris was down, but he certainly wasn’t out. Desperation set in and well, you’ll have to read his book or watch the movie starring Will Smith to see what happens.

Why read it or watch it?

The greatest message Chris leaves readers with is actually from his mother. “The cavalry ain’t coming.” That means you can wait around for your life to get better, you have to go out there and change it yourself.

Chris Gardner – Wikipedia | His personal site | The Pursuit of Happyness (book) | The Pursuit of Happyness (film)

4. Thomas Edison

Mr. Edison is probably the most prolific inventor of all time. He invented the phonograph, the incandescent light bulb, motion pictures, and a way to distribute electricity; among countless other inventions.

Why read it?

Thomas shows that failure is a key to success and that ONE person can change the history of the planet.

Thomas Edison – Wikipedia | Amazon.com book results for “Thomas Edison”

5. Christy Brown

Christy was born with cerebral palsy which left him physically limited but not mentally. He could only control the use of his left foot. So what did he do? He harnessed the power of his left foot. He became a painter, poet, and author. His most successful work was his autobiography My Left Foot. It was made into a film starring Daniel Day Lewis. It went on to win two Oscars.

Why read it or watch it?

The most powerful message you will take away is that your limitations are set by you and kept by you.

Christy Brown – Wikipedia | My Left Foot (book) | My Left Foot (film)

6. Abraham Lincoln

Not much needs to be said about President Lincoln.

Why read it?

He shows that you MUST stand up for what you know is right, even if it doesn’t benefit you.

Abraham Lincoln – Wikipedia | Amazon.com book results for “Abraham Lincoln”

7. Randy Pausch

Randy was hit with a circumstance that everyone fears. He was diagnosed with cancer and was given only 6 months of good health left. But unlike most people who are faced with this he didn’t curl up in a ball and cry “why me?” Instead he knew he had a small window of opportunity to leave an important message to his children. He was asked to give his last lecture at his place of work, Carnegie Mellon University. Randy’s lecture “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams” was added to YouTube and became a viral hit. The nation became amazed by his message and Randy expanded it with a book of the same name.

Why read it?

Randy really does show how you can achieve your childhood dreams. He also shows that obstacles are there for a reason.

Randy Pausch – Wikipedia | The Last Lecture (book) | The Last Lecture (youtube)

8. Farrah Gray

Farrah grew up in an impoverished area of Chicago. Instead of falling victim to gangs, drugs, and crime like the statistics suggested; Farrah became an entrepreneur before he was even a teenager. When he become 14 years old, he already sold a business and became a millionaire.

Why read it?

Farrah shows that age is nothing but a number.

Farrah Gray – Wikipedia | His personal website | Reallionaire

9. Liz Murray

Liz was homeless but dreamed of attending the prestigious Harvard University. With perseverance, she found a way.

Why read it or watch it?

To cement the fact that money is not a legitimate excuse.

Liz Murray – Wikipedia | Homeless to Harvard

10. Fredrick Douglass

Fredrick was a slave, but he didn’t let his owners enslave his mind. He was illiterate and couldn’t write but he found creative ways to learn without school. When Douglass was freed, he became an author and wrote his autobiography: “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave.”

Why read it?

His story will show you that being able to read and write can change your world and everyone else’s world.

Fredrick Douglass – Wikipedia | Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave

11. Richard Branson

Richard is one of the most successful entrepreneurs ever. He has faced a number of challenges, including dyslexia but he’s worked hard to overcome them.

Why read it?

You’ll see that big risks yield big rewards.

Richard Branson – Wikipedia | Losing My Virginity

12. Barack Obama

Humble beginnings, to the White House; it’s what America is all about.

Why read it?

So that you can connect with him better and understand where his viewpoints are coming from.

Barack Obama – Wikipedia | Amazon.com book search for “Barack Obama”

13. Harvey Milk

A biopic about this politician starring Sean Penn just came out in theaters. Harvey was the first openly-gay person to be elected to public office in America.

Why read it or watch it?

Harvey’s life was threatened numerous times but he kept standing for what he knew was right.

Harvey Milk – Wikipedia | Milk

14. James Braddock

Depression era boxer struggling to support his family, James took up odd jobs in an attempt to make ends meet. He fought both mentally and physically for his family and for the destitute.

Why read it or watch it?

James showed that when the going gets tough, the tough need to get going. Another part of his story shows great character. When James became financially stable he paid back the money which the government provided to those who were penniless.

James Braddock – Wikipedia | Personal site | Cinderella Man (book) | Cinderella Man (film)

15. Bob Dylan

Bob was the voice of the 60’s. His music tackled subjects like the war and other current events.

Why read it?

Bob shows that you should harness your talents to give a voice to those who don’t have one and to initiate change in thinking and in the world.

Bob Dylan – Wikipedia | Amazon.com book results for “Bob Dylan” | I’m Not There

16. Alice Paul

Alice was a women’s suffragist leader that couldn’t be silenced. Her voice was loud enough that it resulted in the passage of the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution.

Why read it or watch it?

To understand the struggle she and the women who helped her had to endure. It’s a right that people take for granted but Alice’s story will be sure to change your view.

Alice Paul – Wikipedia | Personal site | Iron Jawed Angels

17. Helen Keller

Everyone knows her story so there’s no need for a summary it.

Why read it or watch it?

Helen shows just like Christy Brown, that limitations are what we place on ourselves, when we discover this, nothing can stop us.

Helen Keller – Wikipedia | The Story of My Life | The Miracle Worker

18. Chris Farley

It’s probably strange to include a comedian on a list like this but his life wasn’t a joke, no life is.

Why read it?

Chris’ story shows that you can have it “all,” fame and fortune, but still feel miserable.

Chris Farley – Wikipedia | The Chris Farley Show

19. Malcolm X

Malcolm was bitter towards all white people for the actions of a small group of people. But he realized that being hateful towards anyone wouldn’t result in any positive change.

Why read it or watch it?

Malcolm’s story shows that people need time to realize their errors and it also demonstrates that we often need to give people second chances.

Malcolm X – Wikipedia | The Autobiography of Malcolm X | Malcolm X

20. Rosa Parks

Why read her story?

Because Rosa demonstrates that it only takes ONE person, doing something simple to spark a revolution. You don’t need some drastic, grand plan; you just need to never give up on something your heart tells you is right.

Rosa Parks – Wikipedia | Rosa Parks: My Story

Photo by anyjazz65

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5 easy pieces to piecing together your purpose in life

In the film Five Easy Pieces starring Jack Nicholson, the main character played by him, works in an oil field for many years after failing to achieve the dream of being a pianist; a dream which his parents created for him. Throughout the film, Jack’s character Robert Dupea doesn’t really know what he’s supposed to do with his life. He keeps running from his fears, his family, and from his past.

Figuring out what you were put on this Earth to do can sometimes be like putting together a jigsaw puzzle when the pieces are spread around the world. Some people don’t complete their puzzle because they often don’t have the patience, desire, or they’re just fearful. However, the five pieces needed to complete the puzzle of your life’s purpose are actually quite easy to find.

Here are the five easy pieces to piecing together your purpose in life.

1. Recognizing your talents and passions

This is probably the easiest and most common way for people to discover their purpose in life. So we’ll start off with it.

Following you talents and passions will lead to fulfillment, happiness, and even money to pay the bills (or even a lot more). Natural born or acquired talents, it doesn’t matter; you were given them by someone or something for a reason.

To discover more about your passions and talents, think of:

- What makes you cry with joy.

- What makes you and others smile.

- What people sincerely say you’re good at.

- What makes you and others laugh.

- What keeps you up all night because you’re so fired up about it.

2. Look to your past

It’s difficult sometimes to reflect on our pasts. There are plenty of events I would like to erase from my memory, but I think it’s foolish to do so. Instead, we should use it to move us forward and to make sense of where we are now.

Looking to our pasts to get a sense of our purpose has its own puzzle pieces:

- What circumstances were born into?

Perhaps you were born into poverty. Then your purpose may be to rise above impoverished surroundings and to lead others by example.

- What major mistakes and vices did you parents battle?

Were they abusive, addicted to drugs/alcohol, or did they engage is something else destructive? Well your purpose is not to continue the cycle. You have to break free and again, lead by example.

- What have you failed at?

Failure should never be permanent. It’s only there to separate those who want something more than those who don’t. If a failure of something affected you so much that you couldn’t stop thinking about it, then your purpose is to get back in the game, approach it differently and succeed.

- Who affected you the most in a positive way?

Was it a teacher, author, actor, director, a president, or a local hero? If they changed your life, then perhaps you should carry on their mission as well.

3. There are 4 purposes that unite us all:

1. Be as happy as possible.

2. Live life the way you desire.

3. Change the lives of others. (It often doesn’t take as much as you think)

4. Leave the world a little better than when we were born into it.

And yes to all the negative Nancys and Neds: not everyone will fulfill these purposes, but everyone can.

4. Be open to multiple purposes

Many of us have multiple purposes, but often we have one main mission in life, and then other smaller reasons for existing. Perhaps someone is supposed to be a great parent, but also change the world in another way.

Other times, two different purposes can form into a larger one. I’ve been told that I was pretty good at writing and I should think about turning it into a career, but I always brushed it off. One thing I always wanted to do was change the world. So I decided one day to just combine the two and change the world through my talent of writing.

Our purposes can also vary depending on our age. Commonly it’s materialistic in nature when we’re younger, but not so much when we get older.

This leads me to the fifth piece of the puzzle…

5. Find out what your purpose in the now is

What you’re on this Earth to do today is more important than what your purpose later in life is. Today is guaranteed, tomorrow isn’t.

If you think your purpose it to share your art with the world, then start today! If you feel you’re supposed to be a social entrepreneur, then get going now! You may find something that’ll give your life meaning until the end.

We wait for the perfect moment, but it doesn’t exist. Concentrate on your purpose for today, tomorrow, next month, and for the next few years at the most. Life is now, not tomorrow.

Photo by tcp909

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