Happy Earth Day

Here's a bright idea.

Switch out your regular lightbulbs for energy efficient compact flourescents.

You don't have to install solar panels or wear hemp to be green. If everyone does a little something, the impact can be tremendous.

Here are ten more tips from Good Housekeeping:

1.Save money in the bathroomBuy water-efficient showerheads. With low-flow models, a family of four can cut water usage by as much as 280 gallons a month — and yet not feel much difference in water pressure. Two we like: Kohler's Master Shower Eco (kohler.com) and Niagara Conservation's Earth Massage (niagaraconservation.com).

2.Bring home superhero plants. Certain greens can help remove indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene.

Don't have the gardening gene? Golden pothos, English ivy, and peace lilies are all easy-to-grow toxin fighters.

3.Recycle rechargeables Cell phones, digital cameras, and camcorders have made these batteries more popular than ever, but in certain states — Florida, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Vermont — it's illegal to throw them away.

Wherever you live, you can find a nearby store that will recycle them for you; just go to rbrc.org.

4.Adjust fridge and freezer tempsRefrigerators eat up the most electricity in the household. Maximize efficiency by keeping the fridge at 37° F. and the freezer at 0° F.

5.Lighten up with energy savings Consider using compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs). They cost a bit more than regular bulbs, but you'll lower your electric bill and pay less in the long run — CFLs last up to 10 times longer than traditional ones.

Worried that fluorescents will fill your house with a greenish glow? That's no longer a problem. When we compared a regular bulb with a GE Energy Star Qualified CFL, testers couldn't tell the difference. You can buy CFLs at most hardware and home stores. To save more on lighting, install dimmer switches and use timers, indoors and out.

6.Recycle smart From furniture to electronics, one person's trash is another's treasure — so when you want to dispose of an old item, don't make the dump your first stop. Two sites with alternatives: freecycle.org and earth911.org.

7.Mow-ercise!Today's non-gasoline-powered reel lawn mowers are easier to push than the old models. Their eco-benefit: zero emissions (plus, you're getting great exercise). If you prefer a power mower, consider a quiet, battery-operated model from Black & Decker.

8.Warm up to solar energyYou may not be ready for a totally sun-powered home, but you can get a taste of the technology by using solar-powered lighting in your yard or on your patio. We like Malibu's Solar Floodlight (intermatic.com)

9.Go native Plant flowers and shrubs that are well suited to your climate (the staff at your local nursery can help). The benefit: You'll use less fertilizer and pesticides.

10.Get off junk mail listsRegister with the Direct Marketing Association's Mail Preference Service (dmaconsumers.org) and you'll see a significant reduction in mail after three months.

Picking the Perfect Paint

As I’ve experienced lately, painting a room can be tricky. But there’s really no better – or less expensive - way to make a dramatic change to a room.

I’ve had my share of painting follies.

I’ve had a white turn an institutional blue (As shown in the pic.on the left. Yuk!) and a beige turn a nauseating mauve – because the lighting in the room was different from the big-box-store fluorescents where I chose the color.

But when it comes to painting, I’ve learned that patience is a virtue.

Take your time in choosing the right shade.
When you visit the store to choose your color, take the source of your inspiration with you to help you stay on track. Whether it’s a painting or fabric, having it with you will help you stay true to your vision.

Don’t lose your nerve. If you like a bold color, go for it. You can always paint over it.

Then, when you get home, tape the samples to the wall, so you can see how the shade differs in various lights.

If you can’t narrow down your choices, buy a sample size. Bring it home and paint a poster board to get a truer sense for the tone.

Choose the Right Type of Paint
Latex paint is easier to clean off your hands or if there’s a spill. Oil based is harder. If you paint over an oil-based paint with latex, it will peel. You can buy a test from a big-box store to find out what paint you currently have on the walls.

Finalize with the Finish
Gloss or high-gloss is best for things that get dirty easily, like doors, furniture or cabinets. Flat is best for low-traffic areas. Egg shell or satin is your best bet for walls.

Tape Carefully
The key to getting a professional look when painting is to tape carefully around the room Use blue painters tape, to cover any area you don’t want the paint to be, such as the ceiling or molding. Make sure that it adheres to the wall well. Paint can leak in to any gap under the tape.

Use Drop Cloths
Cover the floor and any furniture in the room with an old sheet. Cover everything.

Open the Windows
Even if you buy a VOC-free paint, you should have the windows open to minimize the fumes. If you're pregnant, you should not be painting.

Use a Double Coat
One coat of paint may not do the trick. Let it dry thoroughly, then give it another coat. It’s worth it to take your time and get it right.

As for the institutional blue in the picture above, I'm in the process of redoing the room completely with charcoal gray walls and pink floral curtains and accents. I'm taking my time - this time.

Febreeze au Naturale

The list of products that were once sold to Americans as "safe" only to be found years later that they have life-threatening is long. Not the least of which are lead paint, asbestos, and cigarettes.

Do you ever wonder if some of the products you use are really "safe?"

You can't always assume that just because a product is sold that it's harmless to you, your children, or your pets.

Many mass-produced products have pleasant scents to mask the chemicals that you shouldn't be inhaling at all. You can learn more about this here.

On of my favorite products is Febreeze. But what's really in Febreeze? I have no idea. So, instead, I make my own Febreeze with a recipe I found at veria.com.

Lavender Linen Spray

• 1 cup of distilled water
• 5-10 drops of Lavender essential oil (or any essential oil of your choice)

Pour into a spray bottle, and spray on clothing, curtains, carpet, or anything you want to smell naturally delicious.

I made for my co-workers as a Christmas gift one year. I found a clear glass spray bottle at this Web site, and made my own label.

Sewing’s Not Just for Grandma

If you’re going to have a stylish life without spending too much, sewing is a necessity. Why? Because you can give your home a Horchow look on a Tuesday Morning budget.

And there are places where you can learn to make trendy things you’ll actually like. I took the Project Make class at Make in Dallas. The class is inspired by Project Runway, and it did a lot for helping to increase my confidence in taking on new projects.

I also worked from the book Sew Everything Workshop by Diana Rupp. This book is great for beginners because it starts with learning the parts of the machine and ends with patterns and projects for different skill levels. The projects are very cute, too. They include pillows, skirts, curtains, pajama pants, and more. The author, Diana Rupp is the founder of Make Workshop in NYC, which is another great place to learn.

So, channel your inner craftress and city girl resourcefulness to create something beautiful with needle and thread.