Archive   |   April, 2009

we found affordable modern, floating house numbers — at home depot!


While shopping at our local Home Depot the other day, we stumbled upon these modern floating house numbers for $5.99 each! I found no info about purchasing them on the Home Depot website, but the manufacturer is Perfect Home. Other folks online have commented that they are also available at Lowe’s, and you can learn more (including SKU numbers for ordering them) in the Live Modern forums. You can choose to mount the numbers flush to the wall, or use enclosed screws for a “floating” effect that casts a shadow. The packaging also serves as a mounting template, and the instructions seem pretty straightforward — even I can install them, I’m sure. I’m really glad I found these; now I can finally take down the hideous stick-on numbers from the front door! –Megan B.

For more house number inspiration, click here.

an eco toybox with enviable style


When I was ten, I was obsessed with finding a toy box worthy of my stuffed animal collection. But everything my mother suggested was princess pink or yucky white, with flimsy plywood doors and lids. Even back then, I knew they were tacky. The Owyn Toy Box would have been just the thing. Beyond its organic style, it has two leaf-shaped lids kids can lift and place back like a puzzle. It’s separated into two compartments under the lids. And it’s made with non-toxic paints and non-toxic, low-VOC water-based polyurethene. I would totally go back in time to be a kid again to own it — heck, I’d even play dodgeball in one of those weird one-piece gym suits. But is $495 too much money for a toy box, even one this cool? –Bay A.

seventh generation giveway: congrats to our winner, and happy earth day

Congratulations to Jennifer, the winner of our Seventh Generation package of earth-friendly cleaning essentials. We’re going to have another eco- (and people-) friendly giveaway this Friday, but until then, we thought we’d share a few of our favorite Earth Day suggestions. We all want to live every day like it’s Earth Day, but a little added incentive always helps. Thanks for the great comments, everyone! And thanks again to Seventh Generation for the giveaway, and for making it so easy to go green.

Earth Day ideas from our readers:

I plan to put in a low-flow shower head and tweak my toilet to make it use less water (by putting a soda bottle in the tank… I’ve read it helps!). Water is the area of my apartment that is the least green and so it needs some sprucing up for the spring! –Elizabeth

We’re planting some tomatoes, peppers and melons for our summer garden. We just got a good composter and a rain barrel at a local event that we’ll be setting up. We regularly do other green things, but why are the food-related ones the ones I like the most?? –Laura

We are going green in our house — replacing our household & bath products with all natural and organic products that have natural ingredients. –Kris S

We regularly recycle, use energy efficient bulbs, turn off lights when not in use, and unplug devices when not in use. So, we celebrate by spending time outdoors, going to a botanical garden or enjoying other “earthly” simple pleasures. –Jennifer

I will be working, sadly, but on the plus side, I happen to work at a company that only sells products with earth-friendly benefits and part of my job is writing articles on compost bins, gardening and water preservation. So hopefully on Earth Day, I can spread a little inspiration. –Tiffany

We will be watching GREEN PORNO! –Werlemmings

I will collect old and used cell phones that will then be donated to a local woman’s shelter. –Kirstin

I live in a small mountain town and many of our “side” roads meander through undeveloped areas. On earth day, I take a very long walk with a wagon and pick up any trash that might have found its way to the sides of the road. –Deborah R

My plan is to plant a tree in honor of my recently departed cat (i hope that doesn’t sound too weird!) and go for one day without generating any inorganic garbage — harder than it sounds. –Julie
(Note to Julie: No, it doesn’t sound weird — we love our cats, too.)

My kindergarten class is having a “lights out” day where we will use no power! The kids are pumped; they’re super excited to see how we work in the dark. We also have been collecting recyclables from our lunches and we will be painting with them and making a big collage. Thank you Mother Earth for found art projects for five-year-olds! –Emily

cloud shelf has organizing looking up

Maybe it’s the fact that my all-time favorite childhood book is in the picture, but I love this Cloud Shelf spotted over at Better Living Through Design. The 6-inch-deep shelf is cut from heavy gauge metal and comes with a hook on one end. No doubt it would be great in a kids room, but I also think it would work well as a “landing strip” in an entryway. Order one for $54 at Modern Dose. –Erica P.