Merry Christmas :)

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Changing the Way We See Architecture -- It's Not Kansas Anymore

Rachel Armstrong discusses the need to outgrow architecture made of inert materials and, well, make architecture that grows itself. She proposes a not-quite-alive material that does its own repairs and sequesters carbon, too.

 http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/rachel_armstrong_architecture_that_repairs_itself.html

 

 

Homegrown Revolution - Urban Agriculture

Have you ever wanted to do something more with your yard or outdoor space??

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Using Design & Staging of Your Home As Affirmation - The Life You Love!

An affirmation is a thought or any judgment we pass. Affirmations directly influences our sub consciousness which then directs it into a certain direction either leading to a positive or negative change in our lives.  To create & affirm the life you love, creating a home you love is a very important step.  Your home is a large "vision board" and statement of who you are & what you love. Getting to know the family via interview and consult session is necessary so to best understand which & how affirmation symbols, colors, and flow should happen in the home! 
 
Examples: 
  • Paint Colors and Design
  • Textures of fabric
  • Which rooms serve which purpose in the home? What do those rooms say...what is the main focus of the room....does that link to what positive attributes the family offers each other?
  • Books w/ powerful titles as simple reminders of goals
  • Artwork and Photos in appropriate locations
  • Greening the home - Bringing health and life into the space
  • Using various symbols to affirm power, ability, success, love, compassion, traditions, rituals, community and abundance
 
To join in on the fun of affirmations & our community of homeowners as well as home related professionals, check out the site http://rejuvestate.org
 
Here is a web store were you can purchase 'power of affirmation' items: 
And if you live in Chicago, I recommend contacting Ruth Delf at the Susan Fredman Design and their home in the city:  http://bit.ly/4rOuZG
Ruth Delf and Lynn Reidl offer a one hour complimentary design and affirmation session to 3 clients per month, so contact us and rsvp !  lynn.reidl@reallivinghelios.com
 

 

Global Philanthropy - You Are the Future

We are acting our way into a new way of thinking!  We are reorganzing ourselves!  Our team thought you'd enjoy this TED.com video.  It discusses the way various innovators are engaging people to contribute to the goal.  

"It's the giver and the organization at the center vs putting the problem at the center." 

Our team found one we liked via Twitter and @womenontheverge.   Check it out.  http://www.citizeneffect.org/index

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Eco-Solutions: Grey Water

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The Nature of Cities -- Great Ideas for Urban Design

The benefits of green spaces were measured in terms of improved air quality, lower noise levels, economic gain and quality of life. Evaluations were carried out at both a micro (park, gardens, etc.) and intermediate (whole urban area and urban/rural interaction) scale. 
 
There is a need for innovative strategies for the design and management of green spaces within cities, taking account of the complex interactions between nature, economy and social systems in urban environments
http://bit.ly/7iqW0R