Finally it's spring, which means it's time to start thinking of home renovation projects. I already have a huge list of things I want to change in my home to make it more functional and beautiful, but I get stuck when it comes to making green home renovation choices.
As much as I love the pretty, the reality is I need to focus on lowering utility bills, increasing my property value, and making our home a healthier and safe environment for my children.
Speaking of pretty (sorry, I couldn't resist), Jonathan and Drew Scott, of W Network's Property Brothers, have teamed up with Scotiabank to help us transform our homes to be more eco-friendly. If you own a home, you need to check out #GREENYOURROOM, a contest that will award one Canadian with $20,000 toward an eco-renovation and, wait for it, a one-hour consultation with the brothers!
I was invited for a one-on-one with the brothers to chat about design with a practical bent. Part of our chat focused on a recent Scotiabank survey which discovered that most Canadians are interested in doing an eco-renovation, but are intimidated by the perceived price tag.
The brothers suggested many budget-friendly ways to make changes, such as using low VOC paint and investing in a high efficiency washer and dryer. They also pointed out that if you want to see a return on your eco-renovation investment, you have to educate yourself.
As a part of the #GREENYOURROOM collaboration with Scotiabank, Jonathan and Drew are hosting a series of social media chats to offer tips on ways you can green your home. While some of the dates have yet to be released, based on the first Twitter chat and brief conversation I had with them, they’re really informative and useful!
Thursday May 8, 2014 - "First-timer Primer: Tips for the first-time homebuyer"
Thursday June 26, 2014 - This chat will cover tips for homeowners deciding whether to renovate or relocate
Date TBD - This chat will discuss how to find and keep current in the “forever” home
Date TBD - This chat will discuss downsizing and multisizing
Are you ready to get make your home more eco-friendly (and save money)? Check out Scotiabank's EcoLiving site for useful tips to get you started on your own green reno.
Here are some of the rooms that were submitted:
I'll be updating you during all stages of the contest from the start all the way to the very end! So stay tuned for more eco-friendly design wisdom from Jonathan and Drew, contest entry photos, and the announcement of the $20,000 eco-renovation winner!
Scotiabank and The W Network's Property Brothers partnered up to give one lucky winner a one-hour consultation with Drew and Jonathan Scott, and $20,000 to be used towards their own eco-renovation! Do your home and the environment a favour and join Sarah Gunn as she takes you through the Scotiabank EcoLiving Property Brothers Contest from start to finish.
Not sure about what's involved in an eco-friendly renovation? The Scotiabank EcoLiving website has tips on how you can renovate or upgrade your home in a way that reduces your impact on the environment and saves you money in the process. Because when you save a watt, you save a lot.
This is proudly sponsored by our friends at Scotiabank EcoLiving.
www.scotiabank.com/ecoliving
This winter has put me in a funk and I know from chatting with friends, and from Facebook and Twitter, so many of you feel the same way.
I am looking for some inspiration as I prepare to take the next step professionally.
To be honest, I have been questioning my path, comparing myself to others and feeling, I don't know, like I need to do more, like I want to do more. Many of my opportunites have come my way, which I am forever grateful for, but I now know that I need to be better at getting out there and actively seeking out new opportunities. Time to get off the scenic route and on the highway.
On that note, I am choosing to look ahead and believe that I can achieve my dreams. I've come to realize that, although we are ultimately the ones that make our dreams come true, we don't have to do it alone. I have always been inspired by the achievements of others; now I want to learn from them. That's why I am so excited to be attending The Art of Leadership for Women Conference. As soon as I saw the line up of women speaking, I knew I had to go.
Martha Stewart has been an inspiration to me forever. As in, I may need to be restrained from rushing the stage to profess my love for her. She has been a role model for me in my passion for DIY. I love her for that. The networking opportunities with the other attendees is always a good thing. How can you not learn and grow when connecting with 1500 amazing women?
I'd love for you to join me {and my soon to be BFF, Martha} and work towards creating your dreams at the conference on May 29th. We can learn innovative strategies and practical tips to take our businesses to the next level—together. And maybe, just maybe, get a selfie with Martha.
Discover how you can close the gap to achieve the career you want and deserve at The 2014 Art of Leadership for Women Conference: One Day, Six Inspiring Women.
YMC Members receive a special discount of up to $100 off admission by simply using promo code YMC32.
This is proudly sponsored by our friends at The Art Of.
www.theartof.com
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