apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time


Signs of the Season Wreath by Boris Bally

11-19-2008wreath.jpgHoliday wreathes with a riveting twist! These Boris Bally wreathes offer a creative alternative to the traditional pine wreath. Handmade from salvaged traffic signs, the wreath is bright, bold and clever. Not only could these last through the years, but we also see them being used beyond the holiday season.

  • rachelw
  • November 20, 2008 04:00PM
  • StumbleUpon
  • Facebook
  • Digg
  • Reddit
  • Comments 0

Look! A Different Sort of Rain Chain

11-20-2008rainchain1.jpgJust in time for the "rainy" season here in Northern California, one of our neighbors is busy installing this gorgeous rain chain.

Get a close up after the jump.

  • stephanie
  • November 20, 2008 03:30PM
  • StumbleUpon
  • Facebook
  • Digg
  • Reddit
  • Comments 0

Recycled Bowling Alley Furniture by Counter Evolution

9-20-08counter1.jpgOriginally spotted at the Brooklyn Flea by Amy, this upcycled bowling alley furniture is as unique as it is impressive.

  • trent
  • November 20, 2008 02:30PM
  • StumbleUpon
  • Facebook
  • Digg
  • Reddit
  • Comments 0

Scavenger Roundup: DWR Sliding Sofa in SF - $2500
San Francisco, Chicago, and New York

11-20-2008scav1.jpgIf you're moving into a new space, or just in need of a new couch -- this one will make quite the statement. We have a soft spot for red couches. We'd scoop this one up quick if we had the need (and the funds).

Get this link and more after the jump.

11-20-2008scavthumbs.jpg

  • stephanie
  • November 20, 2008 02:00PM
  • StumbleUpon
  • Facebook
  • Digg
  • Reddit
  • Comments 0

Holiday Giving: Help Those in Need

11_20_08_gift.jpgEarlier this month, we offered a few suggestions on how to gear up for holiday shopping in an eco-friendly way, without breaking the bank. One reader reminded us that just because of the tough economy, we shouldn't overlook those less fortunate. We completely agree! So here are a few ways to help those in need--with an eco-twist.

  • amberb
  • November 20, 2008 01:00PM
  • StumbleUpon
  • Facebook
  • Digg
  • Reddit
  • Comments 0

Beyond the Crisper: Anti-Spoilage Refrigerators
Wall Street Journal 11.19.2008

11-20-2008refrig.jpgHow many times has this happened to you? You've decided to make a salad; so you reach into the refrigerator to grab a bag of carrots, celery, whatever -- and what you pull out looks more like a Gumby doll than a vegetable.

Refrigerator manufacturers are working on the problem -- a number of them are unveiling new models with fancy new technology aimed at keeping fruits and vegetables fresher longer. And, as you might have assumed, they're not cheap.

  • stephanie
  • November 20, 2008 12:00PM
  • StumbleUpon
  • Facebook
  • Digg
  • Reddit
  • Comments 0

Look! ReadyMade's Hanger Chandelier

chandelier2111808.jpgWe recently splurged on all wood hangers, so when we spotted this DIY project in ReadyMade magazine—it seemed like a perfect solution for what to do with our old plastic ones.

  • jend
  • November 20, 2008 11:00AM
  • StumbleUpon
  • Facebook
  • Digg
  • Reddit
  • Comments 0

Good Question: What to Do About Recycling Scavengers?

11-20-2008cans.jpg

(Note: Include a pic of your problem and your question gets posted first.
Email questions and pics
with QUESTIONS in subject line to:
green(at)apartmenttherapy(dot)com)

MH has a theoretical and somewhat controversial question for Re-nest readers:
What to do about people that scavenge recycling bins for redeemable cans & bottles? I've been thinking about this recently because a local "recycling hunter" has woken me up at 5:30am two weeks in a row as he rummages through our recycling, clanking bottles, etc. Not only is this a nuisance, but I'm actually worried about the bigger impact ...

  • stephanie
  • November 20, 2008 10:00AM
  • StumbleUpon
  • Facebook
  • Digg
  • Reddit
  • Comments 0

Good Question: How To Make DIY Instant Oatmeal?

2008_11_19-Oatmeal.jpgHere's a great question from Emily. She wants a copycat recipe for Quaker's multigrain oatmeal packets.

Hi, I've got a weak spot for Quaker's Simple Harvest Maple Brown Sugar instant oatmeal packets, but they're so expensive! I'd like to make up a big batch of dry, instant oatmeal mix, so that I can just scoop a bit into a bowl in the mornings and pop it in the microwave. Do you or the readers have an idea of how to clone the fancy Quaker stuff in bulk, while cutting out the less-necessary ingredients to keep it economical?

Thanks!
Emily

posted originally from: TheKitchn

  • Faith
  • November 20, 2008 09:30AM
  • StumbleUpon
  • Facebook
  • Digg
  • Reddit
  • Comments 0

Eco-Savvy Garage
Sunset

11-18-08-green-garage.jpg

It can be sad when someone's garage is cooler than your entire house, but the care owners Susan and Jim Sproull took to minimize the structure's impact on the environment makes up for the fact in karma points.

posted originally from: AT:San Francisco

  • danielle
  • November 20, 2008 09:00AM
  • StumbleUpon
  • Facebook
  • Digg
  • Reddit
  • Comments 0

Budget Spruce Up: New Slipcovers

bemz1111808.jpgBemz has recently launched some new slipcover lines and designs. If you have an Ikea sofa that has seen better days upholstery-wise, these are an easy on the wallet and more eco-friendly fix to get your place looking good for the holidays and beyond without replacing furniture. Here's what's new:

bemzthumbs111808.jpg

posted originally from: AT:Chicago

  • janel
  • November 20, 2008 08:30AM
  • StumbleUpon
  • Facebook
  • Digg
  • Reddit
  • Comments 0

Misprint Magazine Rack & Organizer from Viva Terra

11-19-mag-rack.jpg

There's something endearing about the Misprint Magazine Rack from Viva Terra. Made from wood that has been resurfaced with the colorful remnants of metal can misprints, this wall-hung organizer is graphic and fun. Perfect in the kitchen for cooking magazines or near the door as a place to collect mail...

posted originally from: AT:New York

  • Aaron
  • November 20, 2008 08:00AM
  • StumbleUpon
  • Facebook
  • Digg
  • Reddit
  • Comments 0

Roundup: Table Decor Ideas for Thanksgiving
Or Any Special Occasion ...

11-19-2008table1.jpgThanksgivings come in all shapes and sizes. Ours is usually intimate and unfussy. There is a lot of food on the table and not much room for anything else.

However, we have daydreams about bigger celebrations -- ones where we entertain more than just immediate family. So we're collecting natural tabletop decor ideas. Bonus: These options are generally inexpensive too!

11-19-2008tablethumbs.jpg


  • stephanie
  • November 19, 2008 05:00PM
  • StumbleUpon
  • Facebook
  • Digg
  • Reddit
  • Comments 0

Green Sawn Furniture

11-19-2008bench1.jpgWhile looking for a bench for my landing strip and extra seating for the dining table, I stumbled across Chicago based furniture company, Green Sawn. Green Sawn uses reclaimed lumber and locally sourced wood - the furniture is modern, sustainable and gorgeous.

  • rachelw
  • November 19, 2008 04:00PM
  • StumbleUpon
  • Facebook
  • Digg
  • Reddit
  • Comments 0

Good Question: Recycling in Rural Pennsylvania?

11-19-2008recycling.jpg

(Note: Include a pic of your problem and your question gets posted first.
Email questions and pics
with QUESTIONS in subject line to:
green(at)apartmenttherapy(dot)com)

A good question from Jillian:
My family lives in a pretty rural area in Pennsylvania. Our county has recycling services but you have to separate it yourself and then drive it over there. Might not be a big deal to some, but my family, for whatever reason, does not participate. So, I thought of a possible Christmas gift for my father -- a recycling service. So I'm looking for a company that would handle this just like a city recycling or the trash company, that would just come and pick it up every week and not require any sorting. Something that would be easy for them to deal with, and would get them recycling! Does anyone know of national or maybe east coast regional companies that provide this service??

  • stephanie
  • November 19, 2008 03:30PM
  • StumbleUpon
  • Facebook
  • Digg
  • Reddit
  • Comments 0