By now, most people building a new home know enough about green building to know they want their home to be energy efficient for several reasons. Energy efficient homes are better for the ecosystem, eliminate toxins and allergens creating a healthy environment for your family, and reduce costs (energy costs, health care expenses, maintenance and repairs). Energy Efficient Mortgage
By now, most people building a new home know enough about green building to know they want their home to be energy efficient for several reasons. Energy efficient homes are better for the ecosystem, eliminate toxins and allergens creating a healthy environment for your family, and reduce costs (energy costs, health care expenses, maintenance and repairs). Stephen Knollenberg

I just can't get over that window & view (above)!!!! Browsing around the internet I came across the work of Stephen Knollenberg. He has a firm with offices in both DC & South Carolina & I'm loving everything I'm seeing. I've got a crazy day ahead of me & have to run but here's some eye candy...


The weather vanes below remind me of one my grandparents have in their family room...

He uses lots of neutrals which (surprise surprise!) I love...

Below is another amazing window, I'm guessing in the same house...
My Favorite Weeds

One of my favorite flowers (if not favorite ) is Queen Anne's Lace. It was named after Queen Anne, who was adept at lacemaking. Many of the flowers have reddish/ purple blooms in the center and it's said that it's a drop of Queen Anne's blood from pricking her finger while making lace.


(image from here)Anyway, if you haven't glanced at the roadsides lately, take a look. There are so many beautiful "weeds." The best part is, we're going to Illinois in August for a couple of weeks and just as the flowers start to fade here in Virginia, they'll be in full bloom there. Can't wait!!

xoxo,
lauren
Bringing Smart Energy Home
Bringing Smart Energy Home: Wireless energy dashboards to monitor usage are coming to many U.S. homes starting this year, fueled by the stimulus package, by Katie Fehrenbacher
Thanks to funds from the stimulus package and renewed attention to energy savings, 2009 is the year companies are planning to launch wireless energy dashboards that will sit in your home, monitor energy data from your electricity meter, and let you know if you're being an energy hog. While tech firms have been trying to sell you on the "digital home" for years—complete with wireless networks that can do everything from control your entertainment equipment to operate high-tech security systems and roast a chicken—the new energy-management companies are keeping it simple by using low-cost hardware and open standards to monitor energy data.
This year is particularly important to these mostly young companies, as President Barack Obama has pledged to help utilities install 40 million smart meters, which are basically digital meters that create a two-way connection with the power grid and the utility. Smart meters installed in homes can unleash data about the fluctuating price of electricity throughout the day, enabling consumers that have energy-management tools to shift energy consumption to the time of day when power is cheapest. For utilities, that can mean better management of the power grid, eliminating the need to build out expensive power generating systems. 
In the U.S., 6% have smart meters
A half-dozen companies are launching their first energy dashboards this year and a few others are starting to gain traction with already available online tools. One of the biggest differences between these firms is whether companies will sell directly to the consumer or to utility partners for upcoming smart meter rollouts. Several of the already available options for consumers bypass smart meters and utilities and just help the interested consumer with a standard electricity meter. They're cheap and available online, but they provide less detailed data.
The utility-focused tools use smart meter information to provide deeper energy analysis and can even control smart appliances, enabling utilities to implement demand-response events. But the drawback of such tools is that you'll need a lot of patience and a little luck. To get hooked up via one, you'll need to be in the footprint of a utility that's rolling out smart meters. At this point fewer than 6% of the U.S. population has a smart meter. 4th of July & Giveway Winner!!
And the plaster of paris flag holders my grandmother made:
And how cute is Christian's mini wheelbarrow-turned-bar? (We used our big wheelbarrow too for the rest of the drinks but this pic is so much better :)
And finally, we have a winner for the rug giveway!! It's Kristen Foster from falls Village, CT. She has her own fabric workroom & makes everything from curtains to bedding. Kristin, I sent you an email, so as soon as you get the chance, can you send me your mailing address at lauren@thepurestyle.com?
I hope everyone had a great weekend & thank so much for participating in the giveaway & for joining Pure Style Home!! :) I had SO MUCH FUN reading everyone's favorite smells & wanted to change my favorites a million times!!!Happy Birday Ke-che!
I hope everyone has a happy 4th of July!!!
xoxo,
lauren
ps- if you haven't already, check out the rug giveaway. Winner will be chosen Sunday night!
Indoor/ Outdoor Rug Giveaway!!
How pretty is this indoor/outdoor area rug from CSN Rugs?! I was thrilled when I was contacted by CSN to do a giveaway for the blog. They have such a huge selection of rugs at all price points, so definitely check them out if you're in the market for a new rug. I think this rug would be perfect outside or in an entryway.To enter to win this rug above (in 3'9" x 5'5") all you have to do is:
1) leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite smell.
2) click to become a follower of Pure Style Home (on the right sidebar)
I'll pick a random winner by Sunday night! The winner can email me his/ her mailing address & CSN will ship the rug directly.
xoxo,
lauren
ps- my favorite smell might be lily of the valley or honeysuckle... (although i have so many it's hard to decide!!! :).. WAIT!!! more comments came in and I HAVE to add gardenia!! hahahha











