I am a big fan of wood burning appliances in the home—for lots of reasons. The main reason is that there’s just something about it. Call me a cave-man (I’ve been called worse), but I love providing heat for my home and my family with wood that I cut and split (or at least haul [...]
FunFix: Build a Backyard Compost Bin
August 16, 2011 By 2 Comments
Watch Mark & Theresa build a backyard compost bin using Western Red Cedar.
FixitUpFinds: Solar-powered RainPerfect Pump
August 7, 2011 By 3 Comments
The RainPerfect Pump looks like a great solution primarily because it’s solar powered and secondarily because it’s inexpensive. The water pressure is enough to run most low pressure sprinklers, wash a car or water just about anything around your home according to the company. You also don’t need to run an outlet (or cord) anywhere, [...]
Green Building Insight
June 7, 2011 By 4 Comments
As universal a topic as home and shelter are, we writers and editors tend to cover it at a more hyper-local level—in other words, parts of the house, tools, elements of a particular style. You could call it ‘brass tacks coverage.’ Something so hugely encompassing needs to be covered that way so you can tease [...]
Attic Insulation and Pest Control
May 20, 2011 By 8 Comments
I’d say TAP Insulation’s blow-in attic insulation is a triple threat, but that’s not doing it justice. First, it serves its main master—insulating your house’s hottest spot efficiently. According to the company, TAP is 32% more energy efficient than traditional insulation. Second, the natural borates in the material serve as an insect repellent, notably the [...]
MyFixitUpLife talk show: Ed Begley Jr.
April 29, 2011 By 62 Comments
We’re shifting into neutral—carbon neutral, that is—and riding the wind to where dreams come true. Windmill owning, cycle-to-work enviro-actor-vist Ed Begley Jr. gives up the go-juice for pedal-powered planet-saving. And we’re heading to the Green Mountains to meet the winner of HGTV’s Dream Home in Stowe, Vermont. Theresa talks about a chair made from candy [...]
MyFixitUpLife talk show: Mike Holmes face-to-face
March 8, 2011 By 27 Comments
Mark & Theresa are sitting down face-to-face and getting real with Mike Holmes from the popular HGTV hits Holmes on Homes and Holmes Inspection. Mike is sharing his views on ‘Green’ building, what he likes to do when he’s not building, if there’s anything about building that ‘throws’ him, and what he’d be doing if [...]
MyFixitUpLife talk show: Healthy House w/ CertainTeed
February 28, 2011 By 4 Comments
On this edition of MyFixitUpLife, Mark and Theresa are sharing what’s new from inside the world of CertainTeed from the International Builders’ Show. Join Mark and Theresa as they share news about solar power roofing, sustainable insulation and a product from CertainTeed that can save you 10% or more in heating costs. Dr. Anna Marie, [...]
MyFixitUpLife talk show: Inside Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
February 6, 2011 By 22 Comments
Mark & Theresa are taking you on a behind-the-scenes VIP tour from the jobsite of ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition in Florida’s space coast community. Mark & Theresa take you on a tour inside the home, on the porch, and in the backyard where Mark is tempted to jump inside the 6-foot deep hole that’s [...]
Interview w/CertainTeed: More attractive solar for your home
January 25, 2011 By 4 Comments
Mark and Theresa are sharing what’s new from inside the world of CertainTeed from the International Builders’ Show. CertainTeed’s ground-breaking gypsum board AirRenew actively removes volatile organic compounds (VOC), specifically formaldehyde and aldehydes, circulating indoors for 75 years, contributing to a healthy indoor air quality. Their Sustainable Insulation is made with recycled and renewable content [...]
