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Join the #1 Coldwell Banker Gundaker Office in the State of Missouri

Call today for your reservation:  636-394-9300

Five Green Things We Love – Green Bathroom!

Depending on whether you have kids and how old they are, your bathroom is either a sanctuary or a stage. (I have heard urban legends of mothers who are able to shower, primp or do their business without an audience of tiny faces peeking through the door crack – or just busting right on in – but that has not been my experience.) Either way, there’s no reason your space can’t be green, clean, and pretty as well! Here are 5 Green Things We Love right now for the bathroom.

• Bamboo accessories – We’ve said before that bamboo is a renewable resource that is not only trendy but more widely available than ever. From chic wastebaskets to cool toothbrush holders, it’s all available in eco-friendly bamboo. Check out some great pieces here.

• Organic cotton towels – If you want to make a simple, impactful change, get some organic towels. Organic cotton is grown without pesticides, making it safer for the earth it is grown on and the people who harvest it. And let’s face it, your towels are probably looking pretty raggedy anyway, right? (Come on, I know it’s not just me…) Organic cotton is becoming more widely available and affordable so look for them next time you need to stock up.

• Cork bath mat – Instead of a germ filled, funky bath mat (you know you aren’t washing that thing enough, right?) you can get a cork bath mat that is naturally antifungal because it won’t hold moisture. Cork is also sustainably harvested so it’s one of those materials you can feel good and green about.

• Soy candles – If you do get a private moment in the bathroom (let’s say at about 10pm when everyone is asleep… or should be… or better be) you can make it more spa-like and relaxing with some candles. However, traditional paraffin candles are made from petroleum and can put off carcinogens when burned. Try soy candles, which are made from soybeans, are biodegradable and renewable. Using candles (instead of harsh overhead light) is also a great party trick if you don’t have time to do a thorough clean. I love this one from Target.

• Natural fabric shower curtains – Plastic shower curtains can contain PVC which is known to “off gas” chemicals into the air. Cotton, hemp, canvas and nylon are safe and  eco-friendly alternatives that come in a variety of colors and patterns to fit any style.

Another bonus idea? Fresh plants. I’ve talked about getting houseplants for the home and the bathroom is a great place to start. It will make the air fresh and add an inexpensive punch of color to your happy place.

Got any ideas for greening up your bathroom? Share in the comments please!

Source:  Green Works Cleaners http://www.greenworkscleaners.com/blog/2012/01/27/green-love-green-bathroom/

Laura MacDonald is a top St. Louis REALTOR serving the St. Louis Metropolitan area from the #1 Coldwell Banker Gundaker office in the State of Missouri.  Laura ranked 3^rd in her office for 2010 and 2011 and was #1 in sales units taken and closed in 2010 and 2011.  The Laura MacDonald team specializes in marketing and selling homes in the St. Louis, Chesterfield, Ballwin, and Town & Country areas with Integrity, Resources and Results.  Contact MacDonald for a complimentary, no obligation, Comparative Market Analysis of your home at 314-605-2896, or info@thelauramacdonaldteam.com

 

 

Make This Easy Ribbon Wreath!

Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a wreath from foam and ribbons.

Source:  HGTV.com

Laura MacDonald is a top St. Louis REALTOR serving the St. Louis Metropolitan area from the #1 Coldwell Banker Gundaker office in the State of Missouri.  Laura ranked 3^rd in her office for 2010 and was #1 in sales units taken and closed in 2010.  The Laura MacDonald team specializes in marketing and selling homes in the St. Louis, Chesterfield, Ballwin, and Town & Country areas with Integrity, Resources and Results.  Contact MacDonald for a complimentary, no obligation, Comparative Market Analysis of your home at 314-605-2896, or info@thelauramacdonaldteam.com

 

 

Halloween – No-Sew Spider Costume!

Make Halloween dress-up a dream by using this great costume idea…compliments of HGTV.com! ENJOY!

Laura  MacDonald is a top St. Louis REALTOR serving the St. Louis Metropolitan area  from the #1 Coldwell Banker Gundaker office in the State of Missouri.  Laura ranked 3^rd in her office for  2010 and was #1 in sales units taken and closed in 2010.  The Laura MacDonald team specializes in  marketing and selling homes in the St. Louis, Chesterfield, Ballwin, and Town  & Country areas with Integrity, Resources and Results.  Contact MacDonald for a complimentary, no  obligation, Comparative Market Analysis of your home at 314-605-2896, or info@thelauramacdonaldteam.com

Coldwell Banker Gundaker Town & Country Fall Festival Planned

Call TODAY and make reservations to join us on Saturday, October 1, 2011 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Town & Country office (1100 Town & Country Crossing – Target/Whole Foods Shopping Center) of Coldwell Banker Gundaker for our 2011 Fall Festival.  636-394-9300 – Bring the entire family and enjoy:

• FREE Pumpkins
• Face Painting
• Big Top Clowns
• Balloon Animals
• Bounce House

Visit our website for more at www.cbgundakerhomes.com, call 636-394-9300, or click on the link for our event flyer.

Fall Festival 2011

Kids helping Kids: Local Children Pitch In to Get Coats to Kids for 2011 Back to School! Store

Last Wednesday morning, camp kids from the West County Day School helped adult volunteers form a “Coat Chain” to move over a thousand coats in preparation for the upcoming 2011 Back-To-School! Store™ (BTSS) community service project of the National Council of Jewish Women – St. Louis Section (NCJW).

In addition to the mountain of children’s coats collected and stored for the July 24th Back-To-School! Store™, NCJW also collected school supplies, backpacks and much more in preparation for the event.    When it came time to move the coats into service, an enthusiastic troop of helpers rallied into action from West County Day School camp.  “We are proud of the kids and their willingness to make friends and be a friend to others,” says Stephanie Owen, Director of the West County Day School in Chesterfield, “they have inspired the school to work  together to sponsor a child for the Back-To-School! Store™ next year.”

“The plan was to make a human chain with enough adults and kids to get the coats from the basement, up the stairs out the door and into vans,” said Amy Fenster Brown, an NCJW volunteer who organized the coat chain event.  The idea worked as dozens of volunteer adult and kids sprang into action on a hot July 13th so that by 10:30AM the donated van from The Laura MacDonald Real Estate Team was full of coats and ready to roll.

“Kids helping kids is such a great lesson,” says Farilyn Hale, president of NCJW St. Louis “and these kids really stepped up this morning.”  After the coats were loaded, volunteers and kids had an opportunity to sit outside with popsicles and talk about the project and how they helped other children in the community.  “The kids were so enthusiastic and excited to help!”

Staffed completely by volunteers, the BTSS event provides a chance for children ages 4 to 10 to obtain a complete back-to-school outfit along with a backpack full of important school supplies.  Everything is new and free to registered children due to generous donations from individuals and businesses.

NCJW continues to seek individual donations in any amount to the annual Back-To-School! Store™ community service program.  A contribution of $150 completely outfits one child at the store. For more information, contact Nancy Weigley at the NCJW offices at 314-993-5181 or nweigley@ncjwstl.org or visit the BTSS website at http://ncjwbtss.org/.

The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.

Kids from West County Day School Camp formed a “Coat Chain” to help NCJW move over 1000 donated coats destined for the for the Back-To-School! Store™. Pictured (left to right): Davis Brown, Ellie Sullivan and Nathan Sewell.

Some of the Coat Chain crew of volunteers and kids from the West County Day School Camp relax outside after loading over 1000 donated coats for the 2011NCJW Back-To-School! Store™.

Simple Tips to Prevent House Fires!

Every year home electrical problems cause more than 28,000 house fires and massive property damage. Electrical wiring is the root cause of many of these fires, of which countless could have been prevented.  MXenergy, an independent energy provider, is encouraging everyone to review key electrical safety tips.

“Quite frankly, electrical safety is a key home safety component that is often overlooked,” says Marjorie Kass, MXenergy Managing Director. “Yet the truth is, it is an essential element of any home safety plan. Proper education, awareness and action can go a long way in preventing tragedy.”

Faulty or fixed wiring or improper use of electrical cords and other electrical items cause most home fires.

MXenergy Electrical Safety Tips

• Pay Attention: Flickering lights, buzzing noises, and faceplates that are warm to the touch are all signs that a circuit may be overloaded or wiring may be wearing thin. Each one of those signs is cause for immediate attention from a licensed professional electrician.

• Listen to Your Breaker: If you are continually tripping a switch and having to reset your breaker box, your house is trying to tell you something. There may be a fixture with faulty wiring or too high an electrical load on the breaker. Again, seek professional help.

• Review and Replace: Frayed electrical cords, wobbly ceiling fans, and loose faceplates are more than mere annoyances. You should routinely inspect your home and replace or repair items in need of attention.

• Safety First: Even the best preparation and newest equipment is not a guaranteed protection against fire. Working smoke detectors on all levels of your home is an absolute must. Make sure you have a working fire extinguisher and you know the proper way to use it.

“The good news is many of these fires are avoidable,” continues Kass. “In the case of electrical safety just a little awareness and preparation can make an enormous difference.”

The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) sponsors Electrical Safety Month each May. More information and safety tips, including a home safety calendar, can be found at www.esfi.org.

Source:  RISMedia.com

Laura MacDonald is a top St. Louis REALTOR serving the St. Louis Metropolitan area from the #1 Coldwell Banker Gundaker office in the State of Missouri.  Laura ranked 3^rd in her office for 2010 and was #1 in sales units taken and closed in 2010.  The Laura MacDonald team specializes in marketing and selling homes in the St. Louis, Chesterfield, Ballwin, and Town & Country areas with Integrity, Resources and Results.  Contact MacDonald for a complimentary, no obligation, Comparative Market Analysis of your home at 314-605-2896, or info@thelauramacdonaldteam.com

 

 

Housing Starts Increased 3.5% in May

Compliments of Joseph Griffard of J.P. Griffard and Associates

By Brian S. Wesbury – Chief Economist
 and Robert Stein, CFA – Senior Economist

Housing starts increased 3.5% in May to 560,000 units at an annual rate. They were also revised up in March and April, but are still down 3.4% versus a year ago.

The rise in May was mostly due to a 3.7% increase in single-family starts. Multi-family starts (which can be volatile from month to month) also increased 2.9% and are up 17.5% versus a year ago.

Starts rose in the West and South, but declined in the Northeast and Midwest. 

New building permits increased 8.7% in May to a 612,000 annual rate. Compared to a year ago, permits for multi-unit homes are up 40.8% while permits for single-family units are down 6.9%.

Implications:  Housing starts bounced back in May, coming in well above consensus expectations.  Last month we said the drop in starts in April was due to an unusually violent tornado season because, on net, the entire decline happened in the South. Outside of that one region, starts were up. In other words, last month’s report did not signal a future downward trend. And, as we anticipated, starts rebounded in May. We believe home building has finally hit a long-term inflection point and will be riding a substantial upward trend over the next several years, just to get back to a “normal” pace of new residential construction. Right now, the number of homes under construction is at the lowest levels on record (dating back to 1970). As excess inventories continue to be worked off, home building will need to increase substantially.  In fact, the pace of home building is so low that inventory reductions will continue at a robust pace even as home building begins its long-term recovery.  The charts to the right show that the upward trend has already begun for multi-unit homes. In other news this morning, initial claims for unemployment insurance fell 16,000 last week to 414,000.  Continuing claims for regular state benefits declined 21,000 to 3.68 million. Also, in other news, the Philadelphia Fed index, a measure of manufacturing activity in that region, fell to -7.7 in June from 3.9 in May. The index has dropped steeply since hitting a 25-year high back in March. We think this is due to supply-chain disruptions from Japan and that the manufacturing sector will rebound sharply in the months ahead.

New single-family home sales rose 7.3% in April

Brian S. Wesbury – Chief Economist
Robert Stein, CFA – Senior Economist

Compliments of Joseph Grifard of J.P. Griffard & Associates 

New single-family home sales rose 7.3% in April, coming in at a 323,000 annual rate, beating the consensus expected pace of 300,000.

Sales were up in all major regions of the country.

At the current sales pace, the months’ supply of new homes (how long it would take to sell the homes in inventory) fell to 6.5 in April from 7.2 in March. The decline in the months’ supply was due to both the faster pace of sales and lower inventories, which fell 5,000 from last month, hitting the lowest level on record, since at least 1963.

The median price of new homes sold was $217,900 in April, up 4.6% from a year ago. The average price of new homes sold was $268,900, down 0.6% versus last year.

Implications:  New home sales rose 7.3% in April, beating consensus expectations for the second straight month.  And for the first time since August 2007, sales increased in all four major regions of the country, showing that the gain in sales was widespread and not confined to one area. On top of that, the level of new homes in inventory fell to the lowest level on record, since at least 1963. While this is all very good news, it does not necessarily signal the start of a consistent upward trend. Sales remain in the range we have seen since last May, and the new home market still faces two major challenges. With such a large number of existing homes on the market, many of which are like new or are in foreclosure and steeply discounted, the new home market isn’t as attractive to buyers. Credit conditions also remain very tight, despite low mortgage rates, particularly for buyers who don’t have very good credit scores and a 20% down-payment. So while housing is clearly beginning to recover, these issues will keep the pace of recovery subdued for the time being. We expect new home sales to eventually increase substantially, but it will take several years to fully recover. In other news this morning, the Richmond Fed index, a measure of manufacturing activity in the mid-Atlantic, dropped to -6 in May from +10 in April. While this number was a disappointment, it is not consistent with other manufacturing indicators that show continued growth in manufacturing.

Laura MacDonald is a top St. Louis REALTOR serving the St. Louis Metropolitan area from the #1 Coldwell Banker Gundaker office in the State of Missouri.  Laura ranked 3^rd in her office for 2010 and was #1 in sales units taken and closed in 2010.  The Laura MacDonald team specializes in marketing and selling homes in the St. Louis, Chesterfield, Ballwin, and Town & Country areas with Integrity, Resources and Results.  Contact MacDonald for a complimentary, no obligation, Comparative Market Analysis of your home at 314-605-2896, or info@thelauramacdonaldteam.com

FREE Seminar – High Performance Homes-A new way of thinking inside the box. RESCHEDULED FOR MARCH 2ND!

RESCHEDULED FROM FEBRUARY!

JOIN US MARCH 2, 2011 AT THE LODGE

Join me for my next FREE seminar at the Lodge at Des Peres!

A rare opportunity to talk with the experts in luxury home building and interior design. Participate in a personal interactive presentation dispelling the myths of “Green” Homes and discussing how to design your home to perform for your lifestyle.

Presenters:
Jeff Bogard-REA Homes: Expert Builder of luxury high performance homes
Kris Keller, President, The Design Source Ltd

Date: March 2, 2011
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 PM
Place: Lodge at Des Peres

Seating is limited!  Please RSVP to Mary Ann at:  314-852-8773

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