Hibbs Homes: Quality Homes for a Quality Life

St. Louis Celebrates French Heritage with Mardi Gras 2010

The historic Soulard neighborhood in downtown St. Louis is alive like never before. Bursting with locally owned shops and restaurants, the area has become on of the casually hip neighborhoods that breeds a close-knit sense of community and loyal residents.

The historic brownstones that line the cobblestone streets have gotten a new lease on life with residents completely rehabbing old homes, and the new abodes that have popped up in between pay homage to the area's history with such meticulous care that new and old commingle with ease.

St. Louis is known for it's strong French ancestry, and no where is it more apparent than in the Soulard and Lafayette Square neighborhoods. While Lafayette Square and Soulard may boast an nearly equal number mansard roofs and Napoleonic namesakes, Soulard keeps an upper hand in terms of paying dues to our French heritage because of the outrageous, annual Mardi Gras celebration that takes over the streets once a year.

Resplendent with beads, floats, parades and plenty of hurricanes, the Soulard Mardi Gras celebration is rumored to be one of the largest in the United States. And, indeed, there are quite a few traveling revelers that pass up Bourbon Street for our city's Russell Street party. The Mardi Gras party kicks off each year two Saturdays before Fat Tuesday with the annual Pet Parade and Weiner Dog Derby (this year it is scheduled for February 6), and the big guns come out the following Saturday (February 13 is the date this year) with the grand parade, party tents, stages, and of the usual Mardi Gras celebration accouterments.

Mardi Gras in Soulard kicks off this weekend, Ferbruary 6 and goes until Fat Tuesday, February 16. For more information about the festivities check out mardigrasinc.com. To learn more about the Soulard neighborhood and history, check out Soulard.org.

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Make The Grade When It Comes To Green

You frequently hear the term "green," but do you know how to make it part of your life? Jefferson College in Hillsboro, Missouri is offering four new "Green" courses geared toward homeowners and businesses as part of its Community Education program.

Green Your Business for Profitability - Discover how to find the hidden green in your business. Whether you own or rent your building, paying less on your utility bills and creating a healthier working environment offers real paybacks for your business. Set goals, priorities, and actions to address energy and/or green improvements in your business. Learn what a sustainability plan is and why you may want one for your business.

Using Green to Differentiate Your Business - Understand why a business would want to share green and sustainability efforts with customers, clients, vendors, suppliers and partners. By tying green and sustainability efforts into the mission of your business you may be able to better attract and retain eco-conscious market segments. Build the foundation of your own "green marketing" plan and tips on sharing it with your audience.

Green Your Home for Energy Efficiency - Discover how to find the hidden green in your home by learning how and where energy is used. Learn how to prioritize, set goals, and develop an action plan to address energy and/or green improvements in your home. For those looking to remodeling or build a new home, learning about the next steps to make them green and energy efficient.

Green Landscaping for Energy Efficiency - Learn the basics of how energy flows in and out of your house or building and how to use landscaping to help reduce energy waste. Learn how to identify energy consumption and develop solutions for your exterior systems, including lights, to save more energy and money. Also, learn about how water use may be impacting your bills and what you can do about it, including storm water management and consideration of rain gardens and/or rain barrels.

The instructor is a friend and colleague who knows and understands "Green." Marla Esser is a LEED AP and NAHB Certified Green Professional. Marla is owner and principal of Sustaining Spaces which offers green and sustainability services, specializing in green and energy-efficient marketing, consulting, and education for the home building industry and consumers.

"I am a believer in the "pebble in the pond theory," Esser says. "You drop the pebble in a pond and the ripples reach far. I feel where we are with green, people want to get stared but don't know how and this training will teach you. You'll understand the little things to do."

For more information or to register for the courses, visit - www.jeffco.edu or www.sustainingspaces.com

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Celebrate With St. Louis' Family-Friendly Valentine's Events

A candlelit dinner with pretty baubles to open over desert are Valentine's Day gestures that are sure to please your spouse, but what about the other special someone's in your life? The roses, candy and romance that are traditionally the focus of Valentine's Day tend to leave the kiddos out in the cold.

Luckily there are a few family-friendly events around the metro-area to warm the hearts of St. Louis' sweethearts this year:

Daddy & Daughter Valentine Dance: Dads of all types are invited to dance the evening away with their little Valentines on Friday, February 12 at the Mid County YMCA from 6pm until 9pm. In addition to the open dance floor, there will be a princess dress-up station, crafts and games. The cost is $30 (only $25 for program members, and $20 for full members) and $5 for each additional daughter or family member. For more information you can check out ymcastlouis.org.
Storytelling in the Galleries: Puppy Love To celebrate the holiday, on February 12 and 13 the Missouri History Museum's storytelling series will focus on stories about man's best friend, and will wrap up the afternoon by showing Disney's Lady and the Tramp. The event is free to the public, and will start at 1pm on both days. For more information check out mohistory.org.
Valentines for the Birds: Powder Valley Nature Center will be hosting a special celebration for kids ages 3-6 and our feathered friends on February 12 from 10:30am until 11:15am. The event is free, and kiddos will not only pick up some info on backyard birds, but they will also be making a special Valentine for the birds. You must register in advance by contacting the Nature Center at 314-301-1500.

The dates and times for these kid-friendly cupid's day activities don't completely rule out a romantic dinner with your sweetheart (i.e. you aren't completely off the hook), and they are a great way to show the little ones in your family they are special, too.

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Five Minutes with the St. Louis Mommy Who Knows All The Deals

She is quickly becoming one of the most popular Mommy blogs in St. Louis, and it all started because she simply wanted to start tightening her family's purse strings, and wanted to help other local families do the same. Kim Julian, owner of the wildly popular stlmommy.com and mycitymommy.com, has been "paying it forward" by sharing deals, freebies and coupons since leaving her career in social work after the birth of her second son and starting the website in 2008.

Kim said that when she started the site, "I noticed that there weren't any bloggers in the Saint Louis area that provided coupon match-ups and realized that this was something that our community needed, especially since the only options that were available to us we would have to pay for. I started STL Mommy as a way to give back to the community and to continue helping others as I did as a Social Worker." To date, more than 9,000 people subscribe to her site to get the daily savings scoop; that adds up to a lot of pennies saved.

At first this labor of love was just that - a lot of labor. Kim spent a lot of time seeking out the deals she shared with her readers, but as the site grew people started contacting her with their big deals and she was signed up for so many savings websites and newsletters that her inbox became a virtual gold mine for the frugal. But she isn't stopping with just writing up the deals she finds, "I am working to provide a coupon database where readers can easily find the coupons that they are looking for, along with a forum which will make the community or readers stronger."

Kim's favorite part about running the site? "Definitely the readers. The readers are so gracious and thankful for the help that they have received. They send words of encouragement, especially when they are excited about a deal that they found or a free item that they received in their mailbox. They make everyday special."

You can check out all the deals Kim and her readers have mined from the deepest, darkest depths of retail savings by going to www.stlmommy.com, or www.mycitymommy.com. From there you can check out the hot deals, sign up to get new ones delivered to your inbox, or sign-in to chat with other readers and Kim herself.

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Ten Must-Haves If You're Building or Remodeling

By Kim Hibbs, Hibbs Homes, LLC - Chesterfield, MO

If you are building or remodeling a home, would you know what "must haves" to include? Builder Magazine recently published an article on that very topic. As a new home builder in St. Louis, I read the article with great interest. As it turns out, my company has installed all of the featured products at one time or another. Here's a link to the Builder Magazine article, but come back after reading it for our thoughts, advice and helpful tips on each product.

Radiant-heated bathroom floors - there's nothing better than warm tile on a cold morning. You don't need a custom mat to fit the entire floor, it's much less expensive to go with smaller standard size mats which will quickly radiate heat throughout the entire floor.

Butcher block counter tops - they are tough, durable and look great, however germs and bacteria can gather and live in surface cuts and gouges. Make sure you thoroughly clean the counter top after each use. The wood also requires maintenance to keep that great look.

Glass tiles - aside from the cost, there is no down-side. The look is new and fresh. Many of our clients decided the extra cost is worth it, but consider using it as an accent (mix it with less expensive tile) to save money.

Dual flush toilet - they can definitely help save water, but sometimes solid waste takes more than one flush which diminishes the efficiency.

Low-flow shower heads - another water saving product, but some shower lovers say the water flow isn't strong enough. It does vary between manufacturers, so do your homework.

On-demand water heater - another product we've installed several times. In theory, tankless heaters are great. Hot water when you want it, for as long as you want it. Make sure you have enough gas pressure at the meter, realize they do require regular home owner maintenance, and beware they can be rather noisy.

Water re-circulator - tremendous product and not very expensive. If you're going to install one, consider adding a motion sensor that activates the pump automatically as you enter the bathroom.

Folding patio-door - what a great look. Make sure they are installed perfectly level and square or the doors can cause nothing but headaches. Also, keep the track free of debris or the doors will not operate properly.

Central vacuum - one of the best investments one can make. A central vacuum is affordable, does a great job and helps promote better indoor air quality. We recommend installing a toe-kick inlet in the kitchen so you can sweep dirt, dust and debris directly into it without having to drag the hose out of the closet. Also, install the inlets near electrical outlets so you can power the carpet attachment without an extension cord.

Excellent insulation - one of the best investments you can make. We prefer BIBS insulation (blown-in fiberglass), cellulose or Icynene. Typical fiberglass batts are good, if installed after all exterior walls, doors and windows are thoroughly caulked/sealed to prevent air infiltration. If you're using fiberglass batts, consider 2x6 framing lumber which allows for more insulation.

Builder Magazine came up with a great list. Our clients are definitely asking for the products. We hope our added insight was helpful as you decide what's on your "must have" list.

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St. Louis' First "Green" Animal Shelter Is On It's Way

Animal shelters all over the US, from Middleton, RI to Los Angeles, CA, are working to not only improve the lives of the four-legged friends in their communities, but also the two-legged folks around them. The last few years have seen the ribbons cut on LEED-certified animal shelters across the US, and St. Louis City will not be far behind.

The Animal House Fund, a non-profit organization founded by local philanthropist Ed Throop, is getting closer to breaking ground on the city's first green animal shelter, and they anticipate putting the shovel to the dirt to start building before Fall 2010. The facility, which was designed by St. Louis' HOK architects, will be built in the newly dubbed Francis R. Slay Park at the intersections of Arsenal and McCausland. Kate Ewing, a spokesperson and driving force behind the non-profit said, "We are using as many sustainable materials throughout the structure as we can, installing a green roof and focusing on green merchandise. The new facility will also use environmentally friendly watering and washing systems- this means fewer chemicals on [a] daily basis for a cleaner, healthier building."

There is still a ways to go before the shelter can replace the run-down, 65+ year old building that is currently serving as the city's main animal shelter, and there are many opportunities to volunteer and get involved with the organization. The organization's website and blog has information about volunteering time, and the fundraising events that are being held to help build a shelter that is good for all the city's residents - furry or not.

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Water - Our Forgotten Resource?

By Kim Hibbs, Hibbs Homes, Certified Green Professional

Say the word efficiency and most people think - energy. While it's vitally important to conserve energy, we can't forget about water.

Our growing population is putting stress on available water supplies all across the country. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's website - between 1950 and 2000, the U.S. population nearly doubled while the public demand for water more than tripled. Americans now use an average of 100 gallons of water each day—enough to fill 1,600 drinking glasses. This increased demand has put additional stress on water supplies and distribution systems, threatening human health and the environment. Shortages are so bad that in certain parts of the country, local authorities are reducing pressure at off-peak hours and home owners are being encouraged to water their lawns or wash their cars on certain days of the week. At the present rate of consumption, nearly three dozen states are anticipating water shortages within 5-years.

We're taught at an early age that water is vital to the survival of everything on the planet. It may seem like there is plenty of water, but the fact it, less than 1% of the water on earth is available for human use. The rest is either salt water found in oceans, fresh water frozen in the polar ice caps, or not accessible. By using water more efficiently, we can help preserve water supplies for future generations, save money, and protect the environment.

As a new home builder specializing in custom green homes, we look for products that improve water efficiency, and we build homes to conserve water. Some of our practices include:

- Installing high-efficiency clothes washers and dishwashers

- Installing low-flow shower heads, faucets and toilets

- Using weather based irrigation controllers

- Landscape using native plans and grasses

- Installing rain water collection systems

Homes are even being built to collect and recycle gray water - water that has been used in the home, except from toilets. Dish, shower, sink, and laundry water can be captured, treated and reused for other purposes, especially landscape irrigation.

Some feel that small changes really can't make a difference. That simply isn't true. An enormous amount of water is wasted each day. Simple changes in your daily habits will have long-lasting effects on this precious resource -

- Shorten showers

- Use dishwasher and washing machines when absolutely full

- Turn off water when brushing your teeth

- Turn off water while shaving. Fill bottom of the sink

- Fix leaky faucets and toilets

- Don't run the hose while washing your car

- Water the lawn during the cool parts of the day

There is a lot of information available online about water conservation, one of the best resources is the EPA's website which talks about its WaterSense program. Take action - you CAN make a difference.

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In The Heart of St. Louis: The City of Richmond Heights

"I'll be there in 15 minutes." Never is this truer in St. Louis than if you are living smack in the middle of it the St. Louis metro-area in Richmond Heights. Just enough suburb to know the neighbors, and just enough city to keep residents as busy as they care to be, the city of Richmond Heights is snugly bordered by St. Louis City, Clayton, Maplewood and Brentwood.

The city's towering trees and established homes sit side-by-side with new developments like The Boulevard and businesses, and they are all surrounded by a vibrant sense of community that makes it a great place to call home. Alongside all of the shopping and great restaurants, is one of the community anchors - a large recreation complex that the city shares with neighbors Brentwood and Maplewood called The Heights. This top-of-the-line recreation center offers residents and members access to indoor water slides, a full running track, meeting rooms, basketball courts, a snack bar, a complete fitness center and a library. Run by a parks and recreation cooperative between the three cities, residents and businesses can take advantage of hundreds of land and water based fitness classes, seminars on healthy eating, family fun nights, art classes, free computer classes and seasonal family and kids activities throughout the year. The community center is one of only a few in the St. Louis region, and it is one of the perks of living in the area since membership is substantially lower than at the Y or at a private gym and the diversity of free and cheap programs appeal to so many different interests.

Maplewood, Brentwood and Richmond Heights residents will have the chance this weekend, January 9 and 10, to experience all that The Heights has to offer with a free, Grand Reopening Weekend. All fitness classes offered during the weekend will be free, there will be fitness goody bags given away at the door, there will be family programs running both days, and there will be healthy snacks and area fitness pros on hand. It's a great way to test out some of those healthy and fit resolutions, as well as to get a taste of what the center the heart of such a thriving community is like.

Image Credit: RichmondHeights.org by Tim Halle

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Warm Your Winter And Save Money Too

With bitter cold temperatures blanketing much of the country, it's always good to be reminded of simple DIY (do-it-yourself) projects that can make your home more comfortable and save you money on your utility bills. You don't have to do them all. Accomplish just a few and you'll notice the difference.

1. Locate air leaks by using a lit incense stick around electrical outlets, recessed can lights, between floor joists, windows, doors and any penetration coming into the house. Use caulk, spray foam, foam gaskets or plastic plugs to block the leaks.

2. Adhere fiberglass batt insulation or foam board to your attic hatch.

3. Add insulation to your attic. R30 minimum, R38 recommended.

4. Seal heating/cooling duct connections with mastic or metal backed tape.

5. Change worn door sweeps on exterior doors.

6. Add storm doors.

7. Install Energy Star rated programmable thermostats.

8. Keep water lines from freezing and help efficiency by wrapping with foam insulation.

9. Wrap your water-heater in special blanket.

10. Make sure your fireplace flue or damper is tightly shut and install tempered glass doors.

11. Consider ceiling fans operated in reverse direction to move warm air down from the ceiling.

Building new homes in the St Louis area, these practices have become second nature to our crews, and our custom clients benefit from the care we take during construction. You don't have to be a pro to tackle these jobs, you just have to care about making your home more comfortable and saving money on your utility bills! Good luck.

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Four Easy Ways for St. Louis to Go Green in 2010

There is a line for the elliptical machine at the gym, drug stores can't keep nicotine gum in stock and more credit cards are being shred than the machines can keep up with. It's the start of a New Year, and that also means it is resolution time. While many folks focus on self-improvement as a goal for the coming year, helping to improve the world around you is a noble goal that isn't quite as hard as people may think. Here are four quick changes that St. Louisans can make to go green in 2010:

Paper, plastic OR canvas. Reusing shopping bags doesn't necessarily mean you have to run out and buy a fancy insulated bag emblazoned with a grocer's logo. Bringing paper, plastic or canvas bags with you helps save the environment and reusing those bags can save you some change at it. Whole Foods (with locations in Brentwood and Town and Country) gives you ten cents off for each bag you bring with you, or Trader Joe's (with locations in Brentwood, Chesterfield, Creve Couer and Des Peres) enters you into a free grocery drawing.
Check it before you pitch it. While more and more communities are offering free recycling programs for their residents (you can checkout OurEarth.org to see if your neighborhood offers one), more and more items are also becoming recyclable. Amassed a collection of the take-a-long containers over the holidays? Flip those babies over - yep they're recyclable. Give yourself a refresher course on what can and can't be put into those bins - you may be surprised at what is recyclable these days.
Burn some calories, not gas. This is a resolution triple-whammy. How many five-minute car trips do you take in a day? Three or four? Think about those short-distance errands, bundle up and make the trip by foot. Not only will you be burning calories, you will save gas costs and reduce your carbon footprint. St. Louis' cycle and walkability is steadily on the rise. Many neighborhoods are adding more sidewalks, and with the addition of all the new business strips comes better foot access for errands.
Offset your energy use with renewable power. You can't put a windmill in your backyard, but St. Louis power utility, Ameren UE, allows customers and small businesses to sign up for their Pure Power program; for a nominal fee (only $.0015/kw hour) you can offset your energy usage by purchasing renewable energy credits. All you need to do is locate your 10-digit account number and head to the Pure Power section of Ameren's website to sign up.

Going green is getting easier every day, and the good news is that it is definitely a New Year's resolution that a chocolate cake binge can't ruin.

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