7 Unusual Buildings that It’s Good to be Seen

There are some some architect that want or already made our world more interesting places by creating some unusual buildings. So today we narrowed down a list of 12 of those buildings. Take a look, and tell us what you think of it.

Unusual Building by Dennis Oppenheim

Graciosa – Azores, Portugal

Habitat 67, Montreal

La Maison Rose, Montmartre

Solar city tower, Rio de Janeiro

Treehouse, Norfolk, England

Villa Vals, Switzerland

The best Ways to save on your energy bill

1. Install a programmable thermostat (and use it!)

Our house has an old school thermostat- so the first thing we change out will be that! Dan really wants one like this (it has an app!) or you could go for the crazy expensive Nest. Whatever you buy, remember to program it to save you money- heating or cooling less when you are not generally home or are sleeping.

2. Replace air filters

Dan has allergies, so this is on the short list as well- not only does it save money it makes the air you breathe clean- nothing better than that.

3. LED or CFL lightbulbs

Although it is tempting to go for the nice & cheap lightbulbs- these babies will save you lots of money over time. According to one source, changing to CFL bulbs can take the lighting portion of your energy bill from $264 / year to $66 / year. If you switch to LED, the cost goes to $26 / year. Woah (remember this is for an average light user- whatever that means). 

4. Energy Star Appliances

Lucky for us, the only appliance that we need to buy is a washer & dryer. But my lovely husband washes clothing what seems like constantly, so it is definitely on the list! You may have to pay more upfront for Energy Star appliances but you will save big in the long run. Side note- any one have a washer / dryer recommendation? Or know of one not to get?

5. Caulk & Insulate

This may seem silly, but a lot of houses dont have enough insulation or properly caulked windows. Make sure to check all of your seems and add insulation where you can. It will help you be cool in the summer & cozy in the winter.

Do you have any awesome ways to save energy? Are you a LED or CFL fan? Any washer & dryer recommendations? Leave um in the comments!

Clean the Chimney from the Top Down

1

Set up the ladder and climb to the roof. Assuming you've ascertained that your roof is safe to stand on, and that you're comfortable doing so, set up your ladder right next to the house. Fill a satchel with the chimney brush and extensions, sling it over your shoulder, and climb the ladder.

• If you feel any trepidation at the thought of climbing a ladder or standing on your roof, clean your chimney from the bottom instead, using the method outlined below.
• If you're unsure about the quality of your roof, or if your roof is slanted and you're not sure you'll be able to keep your balance, use the other method.

2

Assemble the brush and one section of pipe. Attach the first piece of pipe to the brush. Insert the brush into the chimney. Using up and down motions, begin to scrub the flue clean. Add another section of pipe to enable you to extend the brush further down the chimney. Continue in this fashion until you've cleaned the length of the flue.

           

• If you are using the rope and weight method, attach the weighted rope to the brush. Hold the end of the rope and lower the brush into the chimney. Lift it up and down in a scrubbing motion along the entire length of the flue.

3

Dissemble the brush and extensions, or detach the rope. Place the supplies in your satchel and climb back down the ladder.

4

Clean the bottom of the chimney. Use the small wire brush to clean the bottom of the flue that you may have missed with the brush

    

Great Mother’s Day Gifts

OMG Mom Tea Towel

It’s her day, so go ahead and give Mom a little ego boost by validating all that wise advice she’s given you over the years. This graphic tea towel is black and white, so it will match her kitchen, no matter the color scheme.

To buy: $8, papersource.com.

Paloma Tray

The easiest way to make her Mother’s Day breakfast in bed extra-special? Serve those eggs and pancakes on the real present—an artful wooden tray. This pretty piece features a colorful hand-painted design she’ll be proud to show off at her next cocktail party.

To buy: $68, wolfum.com.

Petit Prince Pocket Ruled Notebook

Whether it houses her to-do list or notes from all those meetings, this hard cover notebook will provide a sweet and subtle nod to one of an all-time classic, The Little Prince. The book, which is filled with high-quality paper, lays flat for easy note taking but also secures shut with a bright green elastic band.

To buy: $20, moleskine.com.

Hanging Tillansia Grow Kit

Help the woman who loves to garden bring some of that pretty greenery indoors. This giftable kit comes with everything she needs—a hanging terrarium, mossy accents, decorative rocks, a coupon for a free air plant, and care instructions—to create and care for her own hanging garden.

To buy: $34, shopterrain.com.

20 Ways to Draw a Tulip and 44 Other Fabulous Flowers

If you think Mom is ready to take the adult coloring book trend to the next level, gift this instructional sketchbook. The tome features more than 900 drawings, complete with clear instructions for drawing all of her favorite flowers—tulips, daffodils, dahlias, and more.

To buy: $20, amazon.com.

Earth-In Canteen

Her office may provide plastic cups, but this ceramic version will look so much prettier atop her desk. Plus, the sleek vessel serves as a reminder to drink plenty of water every day. The bottle, available in three colors, is also a suitable holder for oil, vinegar, wine, or even flowers.
To buy: $30, thegrommet.com.

Copper French Press

For the woman who never starts her day without a freshly brewed cup of joe, give an accessory that will make her mornings more special (and feel more bearable). Worried about her storage space? This gorgeous copper press—also available in stainless steel—is attractive enough to find a permanent home on her countertop.
To buy: $50, crateandbarrel.com.

3-D Heart Art

This handcrafted, framed shadowbox will constantly remind Mom that her home is where your heart is. Recessed behind glass, the red hearts will be printed with the song lyrics of your choice, while the white ones (add up to three) can be customized with a poem, song lyrics, or a personal message.

To buy: $80, etsy.com.