Barbara Ballinger
Barbara's Articles
Rooms with a View Outdoors
Photo courtesy of Marvin Windows and Doors Home owners love seeing and being more connected with nature, from the sheer pleasure of viewing landscapes to the healthful benefits that are said to result from more sunshine and the sight of greenery. Not surprisingly, this trend is a factor influencing the look and size of windows.....
Big Chill
The past & future come together on kitchen products Combine vintage styling with progressive thinking such as sustainability and energy efficiency and you have Big Chill, the Boulder, Colorado-based kitchen products firm Orion Creamer founded in 2003. The idea for it came about by happenstance. Creamer, who had studied product design in college, was asked.....
What’s Selling, What’s Not: Coast to Coast
The general buzz is that the nation’s real estate market is slowing and statistics across the country back that up. Yet, at the same time, not all segments of the market are declining. In many cases where properties are priced realistically and in move-in condition, they sell; in some instances they even elicit multiple bids.....
Outdoor Living Trends Feature Indoor Comforts
As outdoor living has become a priority for more home owners, many find that in addition to landscaping, they crave some of the creature comforts enjoyed indoors. Today, there are a variety of unique additions to ratchet up your enjoyment of outdoor areas at your home place. Following are eight product or concept options you.....
Retire Affordably, 6 Destinations to Consider
Not everybody wants to downsize and stay in their city or town when they retire. This begs the question, where do retirees resettle that offers affordability and the preferred climate, as well as nearby shopping options, entertainment, restaurants, volunteer possibilities, public transportation, walkability, quality healthcare and the chance to make new friends. We understand the.....
Cohousing, Shared-Living Offers Viable Alternative
Loneliness is said to have an enormous negative impact on our health. "We know clearly that sitting, smoking and obesity are linked to chronic disease," says Dr. Amy Sullivan, PsyD. "But I think of loneliness as another risk factor for chronic health conditions." Even for those without family—a spouse, partner or children, there are ways.....