Consumer Information for Today’s Homeowner in the greater Portland, Oregon area

This monthly newsletter offers articles on real estate, decorating, landscaping, and more

 Seven Activities for Cold or Rainy Winter Days

When the weather outside is unpleasant spend some time in the "great indoors." There are plenty of things you can do at home, or not too far from home, to have fun on winter days. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Make it a baking day: it's great to have a freezer full of goodies. Get the whole family involved. Start by combing through your cookbooks, and then head to the supermarket for the ingredients you're missing. Fire up hte oven and back away.

2. Build jigsaw puzzles: if you don't have any, head to a flea market where you'll find tons. then turn on some music, make some hot chocolate, and tackle a puzzle or two. The time will fly.

3. Play board games: families never seem to have enough time to play games thogether, so dig those board games out of your cupboards and have fun.

4. Head to an indoor swimming pool: if it has a spa or hot tub, even better.

5. Visit a museum, science center or art gallery: people don't visit the attractions in thteir own cities and towns. A chilly winter day is a great time to do it.

6. Work on a craft or hobby: This might also be a good time to try a new one. Head to a craft store and pick up a kit or a "learn-how-to" booklet for something you've never tried before.

7. Make a visit to the library: pick up some books and DVDs. Many libraries have free events like storytimes, puppet shows and even teen and adult activities. Pick up the schedule while you're there, so you'll be ready for the next event.

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 Home Improvement Trends for 2010

Most homeowners are unlikely to be building, remodeling or decorating with abandon in 2010, given the slow recovery from the recession. But if you do plan to update your home or garden, here are some trends to keep in mind.

Home Decor: the trend is toward sleek, sophisticated, comfortable, soft contemporary.

Furniture: increasing desire for natural-fiber fabrics, recycled metals and sustainable woods.

Color: red will be the trendiest accent color, or bright bursts of color, blended with classic neutrals

Landscaping: huge increase in planting organic vegetable gardens, either at home or in a community garden.

Remodeling: low cost minor improvements will continue to be the trend - a steel entry door, fiber-cement siding, wood decks will get you a better return on costs if you choose to resell in the near future.

 

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How Green Are We?

What percentage of Americans participated in energy-saving activities within the past year?

Installed more energy-efficient light bulbs:            63%

Purchased energy-efficient appliances:                  36%

Started paying bills online:                                   46%

Switched to paperless financial statements:           40%

Installed a low-flow showerhead:                          17%

Installed a low-flow toilet:                                    16%

Made home improvement (e.g., windows, solar

panels or insultation) that provided government

tax credits:                                                         14%

Bought a more fuel-efficient car:                           13%

None of these:                                                     13%