This year I have been having a difficult time putting together a gift list that seems appropriate to the times. But after some careful thought, I have come up with some suggestions that will be easy on the budget, good for us, and appreciated long after the holidays.

During this holiday season show you care by giving thoughtfully, simply and responsibly. Thinking “green” during the holidays is important as we create a lot of extra waste during our celebration and merriment. The motto is: spend less, create more, and live greener.

1 Paint Painting is probably the quickest and easiest way to improve the looks of your home as well as protect it from weather conditions. There are many new colors and looks out there, and stores willing to help you with tips on decorating.

As the weather of the season continues to beckon us outdoors into mid-autumn, it is a lovely time of year to consider your outdoor spaces and furnishings. Late summer is when retailers discount their outdoor merchandise, which provides an opportunity to upgrade or simply update at generous savings. For custom looks, there has never been a better time to peruse the selection in outdoor fabrics and bedeck your exteriors with upholstered coverings, companion pillows, and even draperies.

Nevada Wildfires … Are you Aware?

In recent decades, wildfires have devastated much of Nevada. They have taken human life, destroyed homes, damaged watersheds that supply municipal drinking water, ruined wildlife habitat, and allowed for the expansion of invasive weeds.

Econet Tip: Tips to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint by 20%
by Nevada EcoNet

2009 marks Nevada EcoNet’s 20th anniversary. Why not help celebrate by reducing your energy, waste, water, and emissions by 20%? Here are 20 tips to help you get started.

PET CORNER: What’s That Smell? How to Deal With Pet Odors in Your Home
by Barbara Marquand

One of the first things visitors notice when they step inside your home probably isn’t the beautiful flower arrangement in the entryway or your art collection in the living room.

1. Books Sundance Bookstore Sundance Bookstore has a great vibe and an even better selection of DIY, home health, design and alternative craft books. I can’t think of a better gift than a carefully selected book that provides an afternoon of relaxation, a bit of know how. It isn’t difficult to find out someone’s interests and match a book to them. Plus, you’ll have a great time enjoying a small book shop!
1155 W. 4th St., Ste. 106, Reno |
(775) 786-1188

RoxiSpice is an all-naturally flavored sugar and salt rimming kit. Originally developed for commercial sales to bars and restaurants, it now comes in a residential kit, perfect for the home. The complete kit comes with one tower, one rimming syrup and the five most popular spices (Bloody Mary, Margarita Lime, Green Apple, Chocolate, and Pomegranate).

Throughout the year, gifts are exchanged for all sorts of life events, and sometimes simply because. As the holidays approach, it’s fair to expect that more attention is placed on gifting, and therefore wrapping follows suit. Here are some ideas for how to make the presentation of your present one-of-a-kind and worthy of the thought behind it.