This week has shown us a tragedy beyond recent compare. With the death toll rising and supplies becoming scarce, if not already depleted, thousands more might perish. For time is of the essence for these helpless folks.

With the outpour of relief available to make donations, I went on-line to see what programs were out there to help in getting aid to this desperate country.

Here are just a few:

Doctors without Borders
www.doctorswithoutborders.org

Catholic Relief Services
www.crs.org

Samaritan’s Purse
www.samaritanspurse.org

The American Red Cross
You can make a $10 donation that will be added to your mobile phone bill by texting the word HAITI to the number 90999. Once your text has been sent you will receive a verification text, free of charge, asking you to confirm your donation.

Please copy and paste this info to an email if you like to send to your family and friends.

God bless those in Haiti and anyone who is suffering today.

Thanks,
Jodi

Click HERE to read my latest article on ways to make your home more energy efficient this winter using plastic. Plus, find some great tips on recycling as well as other helpful articles.

Happy New Year everyone! I am excited that another year is upon us. It is, for obvious reasons, the best time to set goals, clean out closets and drawers and get ready for a great 2010.

I truly believe 2010 is going to be a great year. Why? Because it has to be. We all have been through a tough year. Wages are low, I have had to tighten my belt. Prices aren’t reflective of what’s going on in our wallets…yet, there’s just something about 2010 that has me thinking it’s going to be different. Nothing that I’ve heard on TV, nothing that I’ve read on-line or in print. I just have a feeling. And I have learned over the years to just trust my feelings. Here’s to a fantastic 2010!

Now, I have a Honey-Do list for my house a mile long. Things I need to repair, replace, throw out or give away. I’ve made my list and now it’s my time to check it twice and get on the ball! The book came out in third quarter of last year and sales seem to be doing well…it went into its second printing right before the holidays. For that I am thankful. So, with the help of my publisher, I have a clip from the DVD that accompany’s the book. It’s on how to install a lighting fixture. I want to share with you. May it inspire you to take on your honey-do list and get some of those projects under your belt this year. I’ve got to get crackin’ or I’ll be buried by all the do’s and not that many dones!

Click Jodi Marks, New Light Fixture to view the clip.

Happy New Year, Happy Home Improving, Happy Days Are Here Again!

I was recently asked to take a look at a neat, new holiday product that is taking Christmas tree decorating to a whole new level. It’s called Trim-It-Quick. And with this tree lighting system, you can do just that! Everything you need is in the box, ready to go.

Here’s some pictures Steve took of me putting my Trim-It-Quick lights on our tree.

Since we have an artificial tree, I wanted to make sure all the limbs were spread out to have that fuller tree look.

Pulling out all the parts to the lighting system, you first want to run the extension cord along the trunk of the tree.

Starting with the “topper” section, attach the hook around the tree trunk at the top of the tree.

Once it’s hooked into place, plug it into the extension cord and spread the lighting strands out on the limbs working your way down and around. I plugged my extension cord into the outlet so I could see the lights better as I worked them around on the tree.

Keep attaching each bundle of lights (small, medium, and large sizes) to the trunk and spread them evenly out on the limbs.

Because the kits are designed to fit trees from 4′, 7′-9′ and taller there are plenty of lights to fill in and give your tree that festive glow.

Ta Da! Now that all the lights are in place I got Steve to put on all the ornaments! I got the better end of the stick!

Orvis, our new Irish Jack Russell, had to get in on the act, so we let him put the angel on top! He’s tired now, so we’re going to sit by the fire and look at our beautifully lit Christmas tree. Thanks Trim-It-Quick!  To watch the video of how to install the lighting system and to purchase your own lighting system, just click HERE.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Wow! This month has been a whirlwind! With it being Energy Awareness Month, I got the great opportunity to help spread the word on how home owners can save energy for their homes and save money in the process…and who doesn’t want to save money!!

On October 15th, I traveled to Washington DC to take part in a panel discussion for the American Chemistry Council. Their campaign, Plastics Make It Possible, highlighted some of the technological advances in building products that really help the consumer reduce their energy use. Products like PEX piping, SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels), house wraps, and spray foams can dramatically reduce outside air infiltration into your home…and what stops air getting in will stop air from leaking out! Check out the panel discussion and coverage of the Solar Decathlon by clicking on the Plastics Make It Possible link above.

I also traveled to Nashville this month to promote the Cash for Clunkers 2 program being offered by the Federal government. In this program, homeowners are offered a tax credit if they implement certain types of building materials and products in their homes to make them more energy efficient. Products like certain types of insulated windows, roofing shingles, and insulation can qualify your home for the tax credit. In fact there are certain types of appliance systems that qualify as well…an upgraded water heating system or a more energy efficient HVAC system can earn you up to a $1500 tax credit from the Feds.

Also, your particular state may also be offering rebates on certain appliances that you purchase for more energy efficiency…things like washers and dryers, water heaters, dish washers, certain types of stoves…go to energystar.gov and find your state to see what rebates are available. You may even qualify for an additional rebate from the manufacturer or the retailer where you purchase your new appliance. This is all part of a $300 million dollar stimulus package offered to help stimulate the economy, aid in the reduction of green house gases and give consumers a break if they were thinking of upgrading some things around their homes. So, it’s a win-win-win for everyone!