I know we posted this last year, but the program is still up and running, and we thought this is such a great cause and a great way to recycle. If you are interested in sending cards, please read below for more information on how these cards will be used.

“Over thirty years ago, wishing to show our donors appreciation for making St. Jude’s Ranch for Children possible, the idea was conceived for turning the previous year’s Christmas cards into “new” cards for the coming season. The recipients were so delighted with their unique “thank you,” they requested the children sell them the special cards. And so, the St. Jude’s Ranch Recycled Card Program was born. “

St. Jude’s Ranch for Children are now accepting used card fronts from Christmas cards and any other occasion from now until February 28, 2010. In the past, St. Jude’s temporarily suspended the accepting of cards because they were overwhelmed with the response from many caring donors that they needed to take time and reorganize the program. Now, they are accepting cards again. If you happen to read this after February 28th, you can still donate, but you will need to visit the St. Jude’s website first for different instructions at http://www.stjudesranch.org/

St. Jude’s has been collecting old cards and making new ones for over 30 years, which gives the children an opportunity to make “green Christmas” cards, learn about recycling, and raise money for St. Jude’s. Recycling our old cards also gives us a chance to be “green”, offer supplies to a great organization, and be able to support a worthy cause.

If you would like to donate your used card (fronts only), please send to:
St. Jude’s Ranch for Children
Recycled Card Program
100 St. Jude’s Street
Boulder City, NV 89005

For more information and to keep updated on this program, please visit St. Jude’s website often. http://www.stjudesranch.org/

You can also purchase these “green cards” by contacting St. Jude’s Ranch:
St. Jude’s Ranch for Children
ATTN: Donor Office
P.O. Box 60100
Boulder City, NV 89006-0100
Phone: 1(877) 977-SJRC

Fires can be prevented with a little common sense. Review these important tips about fire safety.

Cooking accidents are the leading cause of house fires. Never leave cooking unattended. If you cook on a gas stove with an open flame, don’t wear loose sleeves as these can drag into the flame.

Loose clothing, dish towels, and curtains are a danger around flame sources, including candles. Use care with open flame sources.

Place fire extinguishers near ALL potential fire hazards, like stoves and fireplaces.

Keep clutter away from heaters, water heaters, furnaces, stoves, and ovens. Clean lint regularly from your clothes dryers.

Fire alarms cut the danger of being hurt or killed in a fire by 50%. Two-thirds of all fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms. Test fire alarms once a month. Replace batteries at least once a year. Install fire alarms in or near every bedroom and on each level of your home, including the basement. If you have an oil- or wood-fired heating system, also use a carbon monoxide alarm.

Devise an escape plan in case of fire. Designate two exits from every room. Practice regularly. Put fire ladders in all rooms above ground level. Teach everyone the “Stop, drop, and roll” technique.

Teach kids that matches, lighters, and candles are not toys. If you suspect that a child is playing with fire, check for telltale signs, like burned matches under beds and in closets. Store matches and lighters in a secure spot.

Winter can pose unique challenges for those trying to sell their homes. Cold weather and the hustle and bustle of the holiday season can keep would-be buyers at bay. That’s why it’s especially important to maintain strong curb appeal throughout the winter months.

Curb appeal, of course, is the first impression one gets from simply viewing the outside of the home. Just as many folks judge a book by its cover, homebuyers draw certain conclusions about a home just from what they’ve viewed outside. Here are some easy tricks to entice buyers to stop by your home and actually step inside.

First, start with the home itself. Remember that all the upgrades inside the house are useless if you can’t get buyers inside. Giving the house a fresh coat of paint or repainting/staining the front door can both make a huge impact. Also, check the condition of the roof and gutters and fix or replace them if necessary. And don’t forget to paint or clean the garage doors and windows.

Secondly, think about sprucing up the front porch. Updating lighting or sconces can really frame the entrance to the home nicely. Also, something as simple as replacing a worn-out doormat can add an element of warmth to a home. Consider placing urns or planters on either side of the front door.

In winter, it’s ideal to use evergreens or colorful poinsettias. Of course, if you’re anticipating a hard freeze, you might need to protect those potted plants by covering them with a blanket, sheet or plastic. And if your street number is located on the porch, be sure that it is easy to see from the street.

Next, address your landscaping. Keep in mind that a clean lawn can go a long way. Make sure to clean up any toys or trash you see and only set out your garbage can or recycling bin on pick-up days. Neatly rake leaves and debris and place your compost pile in the back or side yard; you don’t want anything to distract from the beauty of your home.

If you live in an area that experiences harsh winters, it’s understandable that your yard isn’t exactly going to be lush. But including certain plants into your year-round landscape can help alleviate the drabness of winter. Evergreens, pines, hemlock, spruce and vibrant holly bushes can really shine through the coldest of months. And adding bird feeders to your lawn can attract and provide shelter for wild birds.

It’s also essential to make sure that buyers can reach your front door easily and safely. Repair cracks in the sidewalks and driveway and make sure that all walkways are cleaned, edged and properly illuminated.

Lastly, make sure your prospective buyers can picture themselves living in your house. This means not going overboard on holiday decorations. You want your décor to be tasteful, but not to overpower the home itself. Give the buyer a chance to envision your home in its everyday condition.

It doesn’t require a lot of money to improve your homes curb appeal. But what it does take is careful planning, due diligence and a bit of creativity.

Written by Tara Darby as found in Craig Lilly’s newsletter at http://www.lillyteam.com

Wireless Home Security System
For about $200 you can bestow the gift of peace of mind. One of the great benefits of going with a wireless home security system is that it alleviates the issue of digging holes and drilling into walls which could be an issue if you’re planning a move in the near future. This allows a family to feel safe at home without doing any real damage to the home. The X10 Monitor Plus System offers three-way protection: a screaming siren, flashing lights, plus an emergency dialer. Maintenance of this system is minimal, including the monthly service charge of $20.00.

Keyless Home Entry
Is there someone forgetful on your list? Then you might want to consider the Keyless Pro Keyless Touchpad Lock. These locks are offered in several tarnish-free finishes, are easily installed and range in price from about $100-$280. Several codes can be accepted simultaneously and the codes can be individually deleted. This means your real estate agent or housekeeper can have a different code from your family. An added safety feature is the warning alarm which sounds after four failed entry attempts. This gift is tech-savvy, practical and very affordable.

Electronic Heater
This updated electronic heater will be as much of a conversation piece as it will be a source of warmth. The has a unique modern design which combines the look of an LCD display with the toasty heat of a space heater. The functionality and price of this product, just $242, is what really makes it nice. And the good thing about this “fireplace” is that it’s practically maintenance free and can be moved around the house as needed.

Robotic Vacuum
For the handy homemaker on your list the iRobot Roomba 510 robotic vacuum is a must-have. This little robot zips over carpets and other floor surfaces clearing them of debris and pet hair. The 510 is the newest generation of robotic vacuums offered by iRobot. There’s no need to worry about bumps to your baseboards or furniture, this rechargeable model has a very sensitive system in place to detect the proximity of walls, furniture and other obstacles. While the iRobot won’t replace your traditional upright vacuum, it’s a great value at $250 and can be used daily to help keep the home spic and span for open houses.

Robotic Lawn Mower
Its hard work to maintain great curb appeal, but you can make that task easier by giving the Automower solar-powered robotic lawn mower. The Automower is able to trim a quarter of an acre with 10 hours of charging. It even has built-in technology to avoid flower beds and potted plants, plus a feature that prevents it from harming pets and kids. For those seeking a green lawn but who are also green minded, the $3,100 price tag is worthwhile.

Jacuzzi Tub
There’s nothing wrong with a little bathroom remodel while indulging the one you love. The Jacuzzi La Scala Whirlpool tub is the ultimate in luxury and doesn’t just appeal to the ladies. In addition to the silent air induction system, adjustable directional jets and underwater mood lighting, it also features a 43″ flat-screen HDTV complete with a DVD and CD player, FM/AM radio, surround sound and a floating remote control. This is the ultimate addition to any master suite and can be purchased for about $34,000.

Smart Treadmill
If there’s a fitness fanatic in your life then you’ve got to check out the latest in home-gym technology. The Technogym Treadmill 700i isn’t your average treadmill. It’s got enough bells and whistles to keep you entertained even on the longest of runs. The 700i includes an iPod dock, touchscreen, television, radio, and software capable of automatically determining a workout regimen. The treadmill is pricey at $16,000, but it’s perfect for tackling those New Year’s resolutions.

Written by Tara Darby as found in Craig Lilly’s newsletter at http://www.lillyteam.com

You think to throw it out
But wonder what to do
When a bright idea pops up
And you recycle old to new.

Instead of throwing out the used wrapping paper, Christmas cards, and such, read below for a few tips on how to recycle or reuse your Christmas items.

Icicles
-Collect all the icicles you have left over from the tree and use them for gift bag “stuffing” throughout the year.
-Use them as ribbon when tying small bags or for rolled up notes (like a scroll).

Wrapping Paper
-You can cut paper into smaller pieces and use as a decoupage material to decorate shoe boxes, packing boxes, and not-so-pretty jars or tins.
-You can even re-use birthday paper in the same way.

Tinsel/Garland
-Old tinsel or garland can be cut into shorter lengths and used to decorate wreaths and centerpieces.
-Use to spice up a wrapped package by adorning with the tinsel instead of just using ribbons and bows.

Lights
-Cut up old strings of miniature lights and use for electricity experiments.
-Each light makes a great 1.5 volt battery tester.

Ornaments
-Spray paint & glue glitter on old ornaments to give a fresh, “new” look.
-Glue or decoupage printed pictures of your family onto an old ornament (print pictures in sephia or black & white for a cool effect), then seal with clear spray.
-Glass ornaments can be soaked in soapy water to clean, and then re-decorate how you want. You can add some lace, baby’s breath, or even make mini snow globes inside.

Christmas Cards
-Cut out three pictures from your old cards. Using a glass, trace a circle around the section of the picture you would like to use. Fold each circle in half. Glue or staple the three circles together with the pictures facing out so that it forms a triangle-like shape. Punch a hole through one of the sides; place an ornament hook through it. Hang it from the tree.
-Use the card to make small gift boxes or even Christmas crackers (tubes) out of them.
-Use cards to make origami gift boxes. The front of the card makes the top and the back makes the bottom. The boxes end up about the size of a ring box, and can be hung on the tree as an ornament, or be use to surprise someone with a diamond ring.

Election Signs
Since elections are near to Christmas time, here is one tip on how to even recycle those.
-Decorate the sign by spray painting it, and then tying a bow around it to look like Christmas presents. You can place them randomly in your front lawn.
-You can use painter’s tape to tape off a cross shape after the first paint color, then paint again with a second color to have a “ribbon” that will last a long time.
-You could even paint Merry Christmas or some holiday cheer on the sign.

Please share some of your Green Christmas ideas with us. If we receive enough, we will post a second Green Christmas article for you.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, how lovely are thy branches. But not if they go up in flames as so many Christmas Trees do each year due to frayed wires, using outdoor lights on indoor decoration, and replacing low wattage bulbs with high wattage bulbs.

According to the National Fire Prevention Association, “[d]uring the four-year period of 2003-2006, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 240 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. These fires caused an average of 16 deaths, 25 injuries, and $13.1 million in direct property damage annually.”

To keep safe this Christmas Season, please read the information below for all will not be merry and bright if these safety tips are not heeded. You must be aware that many decorations that we pull out every year has the potential to cause a fire or cause some kind of electrical injury.

Christmas Tree
The first step is to be very careful when you chose your Christmas tree. Depending on the condition of the tree affects its flammability potential. Trees that are older, brittle, and dried-out can ignite and burn much faster than trees that have been freshly cut and well hydrated. Keep the following tips in mind when choosing a live Christmas tree.
• Before taking a Christmas tree home, make sure that its needles are fresh, green, and firmly attached to the branches. Bend the needles between your fingers – if they break, the tree is too dry. Also check that the tree trunk’s cut surface is sticky to the touch. As a final precaution, pick the tree up vertically and tap the trunk against the ground; if needles fall off, move on to another tree.
• Generally, Christmas trees with thicker needles take longer to dry out, so a robust variety like the Noble Fir is a good choice.
• If buying a live tree every year is not for you, then remember this; make sure that the artificial tree you choose is flame retardant.

Setting Up Your Christmas Tree
The second step is setting up and caring for your tree, which can also have affects on how long the tree will last, how beautiful it will stay, and, how safe it will be to have in your home.
• Before setting your tree in a stand, cut a couple of inches off the bottom of the trunk to expose fresher, more absorbent wood. This may take some time in the beginning, but will have a lasting effect throughout the life of the tree. Doing this will keep the tree more hydrated by taking in more water, resulting in decreased potential of catching fire.
• Use a tree stand that can hold at least one gallon or more of water. One gallon of water is about how much water an average six foot trees consumes in a day. If you buy a taller tree, then go by a general rule: for every inch of trunk diameter, add one quart of water.
• Water your tree daily without fail.
• Place your tree in a safe location and at least three feet away from any candles, fireplaces, space heaters, radiators, heat vents, or other heat sources.

Lights and Decorations
The third step is making sure you check all electrical decorations and lights. Since almost half of all tree fires result from malfunctioning electrical equipment, ensure all electrical devices are in good condition, free from splits, frays, or damage of any kind. Do not chance using a damaged wire/cord.
• Read the labels on all electrical devices, making sure that all lights, electric decorations, and extension cords are marked with a UL-listed mark.
• For outdoor decorations, make sure that you use lights and decorations that are rated for outdoor use. Putting indoor-only products outside in the weather can result in electric shock and fire hazards.
• If you’re in doubt as to whether light strings are rated for indoor or outdoor use, just check the color-coded UL mark on the product’s package. A green holographic UL mark is for “indoors only”, while a red one indicates the product is safe for both indoor and outdoor use.
• Inspect all lights (old and new), electrical decorations, and extension cords for any signs of damage to wire insulation, plugs, and bulbs. If the damage can be repaired, do not use the item until the repair has been made. If cords and plugs are damaged, discard the entire piece, and replace with a new one.
• Always unplug lights before changing bulbs, replacing fuses, or making any other repairs.
• If you need to replace a bulb in a string of lights, make sure that the wattage rating of the replacement bulb you’re using matches that of the light strand. Using a bulb with too high a wattage can cause the light string to overheat, creating a fire hazard.

If you would like more information on keeping your holidays safe, please go to National Fire Protection Agency’s (NFPA) guide to Winter/Holiday Safety or Holiday Fire Safety suggestions from the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA).