A potential new client called us almost crying because she has been without a kitchen for six months.  She hired a contractor, who was referred by a friend, who lost his license during the project and never had workers compensation insurance (thus exposing her to any claims that might have come up--none-did thank goodness).  She was now looking up the National Association of the Remodeling Industry of Silicon Valley for contractors and found us.
When we met with her, she was very upset, had spent tens of thousands of dollars on her kitchen, that would not (per our assessment) have passed final inspection and wanted to do things right.
I can not tell you how upsetting it was for Phil and myself to have to see what this "contractor" was going to leave her with--a sliding door and window installed improperly and sure to leak, new cabinet doors that are splitting and hung improperly and a water shut off valve behind the refrigerator (because it would be so easy for her to move the fridge and turn off the water if need be??!!).  It is horrible.
We are hoping to help re-build her faith that there are professional builders/remodelers who are licensed, insured and bonded and want to help owners create their dream homes.  So far, we have taken her to see our work, brought over our team to brainstorm  how to restore her kitchen properly and had her check our references as well as licensing  and insurance with the California State License Board. 
Her message to all and our message too, is this...
You are probably a professional person who is great in your area of expertise.  Remodeling and building is our area of expertise.  Please hire a professional who has been in business a while, has you see their work, gives you references to call (and call them) and check with the CSLB and other professional associations.
Let a professional help you through the process rather than wake you up from your nightmare!!! 

How about sitting in your beautiful yard, with a custom grill/refrigerator island that is solar powered while enjoying a cup of FREE Starbucks coffee today (bring your own cup)!!  Through in an outdoor screen, that is solar powered and what better way to enjoy the day!!

I am so excited to invite you all to an awesome event--April 3rd in Burlingame at the Hyatt Regency. There will be honor guard, dinner, fashion show, silent auction, a raffle with HUGE prizes ALL FOR CHARITY. I am in the fashion show and will be working for our charity Home 1st Foundation. Fifty percent of all the dinner tickets and 3/4 of every raffle ticket go to the non-profit, so you get to do good and have a great time.
Home 1st is dedicated to creating/nurturing sustainable technologies in the United States. You can find out more information about them at home1st.org.
Please if you want to help the green movement, if you want to create jobs in America for Americans--give through fashion and join us at this great event. Besides, I need some cheerleaders there to support me in my runway debut!!!

The best way to encourage teens and all kids in general to be green is by inspiring them. They learn better through osmosis than lectures--SHOW THEM DON'T TELL THEM!!

Here are some tips for parents:

1. Start Early:Take young children on eco-outings, go to a farmers market or some cities have actual working farms. Let them see how food is grown and how fun it is to shop for local foods.

2. Teach by Example:If you are wasteful your children will be wasteful. Model sustainable behaviors (composting, recycling) so they become second nature to the whole family.

3. Step Up: Find a program for your teen, some high schools have an eco club with activities like picking up litter or recycling drives. Volunteering is addictive and you can meet the coolest people and learn the newest things.

4. Dream Big: Show how everyone, your teen can make a difference. Find articles or documentaries to share and discuss them over dinner. Share examples you have heard of people taking a big step with sustainable living. For example, Brad Pitt building sustainable houses in New Orleans.

An awesome line of cleaning products, so organic, natural you can drink ( I have!!)it. It cleans and costs the same as the toxic products you are using. BELIEVE IT OR NOT---Seventh Generation and other products have what they call incidentals that are still toxic (7th generation has formaldehyde and sulfates). This product line is TRULY green and works through the dynamic interaction of enzymes!!! Let me know what you think or questions you may have or click on our WOW green symbol to learn more.

         KEEP IT SIMPLE !!!
 
In these times of economic uncertainty, depleted natural resources and global health issues it’s easy to be overwhelmed and do nothing.
 
However by taking ACTION and keeping it simple we can all affect the impact we have on the world.
 
By remembering and thinking the 3 R’S-Reduce-Reuse-Recycle-we can all save natural resources, energy and improve health and air quality.
 
Here’s how easy it can be:
 
1.      Buy foods or products with less packaging or recyclable packaging. This will reduce the energy taken for production and disposal of packaging materials and save up to 230 lbs a year of toxic carbon dioxide production.
 
2.      Have a garage sale, try Craig’s list or E-bay for those old items you don’t need anymore. Reusing products is even better than recycling because there is no energy wasted reprocessing and they can be used again and again—like cloth napkins!!

 
3.      Each month add one new material to the things you already recycle for example how about car batteries, fast food containers, yarn, clothes. Recycling and using recycled materials can cut the energy used to produce new products up to 95%.
 
These changes and other small steps like them can create jobs, save our resources and improve our health.
 
                        KEEP IT SIMPLE, IT DOESN’T TAKE MUCH!!!
 

Remodeling is like a roller coaster; one minute your up, the next your down. You’re exited that your dreams are coming true. You’re worried that the money you spend won’t be worth it. You feel energized because things are moving along on schedule. You feel weary because it’s only been a month and you’re already tired of people coming in and out of your home. AAHH!! The pain and the pleasure-the agony and the ecstasy-of remodeling.
 
Picture yourself in line at a popular amusement park waiting for a ride that comes highly recommended. You know it has twist and turns. You want to do it, but you’re anxious. Then you remember that you remember that you have already heard what the ride is like. You know what to expect, so you hop on board and when it’s over your thrilled. Remodeling is like that roller coaster ride: if you know what to expect, the experience can go from being scary to being exhilarating.
 
There are three major areas of remodeling usually associated with unrealistic expectations which can make your remodeling ride terrifying: time, cost and stress. Stay tuned next the remodeling ride-Time.

"Green” Lawns can Help the Environment And Save You Some Money!
Looking make some upgrades to your landscaping This year? Make sure you keep the environment in mind during your planning. A lot of people are already aware of how to conserve energy within their homes, but here are some tips to think about for your surrounding landscaping.
 
Incorporate Native Plants
When planning your landscape, incorporating native plants is always a good idea. They are adapted to your area and require less maintenance and water than exotic plants. You can also reduce the need for pesticides because they’re more resistant to pests and diseases. You don’t need to exclude foreign plants from your landscaping, but incorporating natives in your plan can make a big difference.
 
Conserve Energy with Solar Powered Lights
Using a few solar powered landscaping lights, as opposed to an entirely electric powered lighting system, can help to reduce your overall energy use.
 
Use NaturaI/Organic Fertilizers for Maintenance
Using just a couple natural products (fertilizer, pesticides, etc.) can help by reducing the amount of potentially harmful wastewater runoff in the environment. This can also create a healthier environment for your family and pets.

Plant Shade Trees to Reduce Energy Use
Planting deciduous trees (trees that drop their leaves in the fall) is a great way to help reduce the work load on your HVAC systems by reducing the direct sun on your home. When these trees drop their leaves, they also allow sunlight to warm a home during the winter. If possible, plant tall trees on the east and west-facing sides of the house. Planting trees on the south facing side of your home can help shade the roof, as the sun will not ht that side of the house much during the summer.