Ask Andrea

My book is finished!

Andrea — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 17:49:33 +0000

Wow, it’s been a crazy winter. I have been working on completing my book, If I Had a Hammer - Over 100 Easy Fixes and Weekend Projects. It will be available on www.Amazon.com, www.BarnesandNoble.com, and at bookstores everywhere as of May 1, 2008. Thanks to all of the hard-working staff at my publisher, Harper Collins, for seeing it through. Kudos also to my friends and family who helped and contributed time and information to the book.

My buddy, Ed del Grande, host of Ed the Plumber on the DIY Network, honored me by writing the intro. He commented that it was enjoyable to read; more like a novel than a how-to manual. I took that as a compliment. I hope that everyone enjoys “If I Had a Hammer” and that it inspires each of us to grab our hammers and have some home improvement fun.

If you’d like to read a recent article in The Washington Post Express about the book click here. Blessings! - Andrea

Movin’ to the Country

Andrea — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 16:33:30 +0000

My regular listeners know that I have recently moved to the country and am just lovin’ it. For many years, I have wanted to get back to my roots, so we recently relocated about 1 1/2 hours south of Dallas. We’ve bought a few cows and are learning how to get along with rattlesnakes, scorpions and the like. But we’re also enjoying the sweet sights, sounds and smells of a country existence as well as a more-relaxed lifestyle. Of course, Dallas is just a short drive away, so we’ll be in town quite a bit too. I’ll be posting more here soon about country living at its best! In the meantime, here’s a picture of my special cow, Faith.

A Nifty Green Product

Andrea — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 05:02:04 +0000

Here’s some info on an energy device we talked about on my Dallas show. Hank Green of Eco Geek spoke about the Power Minder Mini. It is available on www.Amazon.com.

Link to Power Minder Mini.

Earth-Kind Products

Andrea — Tue, 29 May 2007 04:36:33 +0000

Green Ideas:
Many companies are joining the movement to help preserve the earth for future generations. Here are a few products that I showcased on TV. Check out these planet-friendly alternatives…

From Current Energy on Knox in Dallas or online
www.CurrentEnergy.com

A Bright Idea
LED light bulbs from Lighting Science Group Corporation. These highly energy efficient and environmentally friendly lighting solutions look as cool as they perform. Can last up to 50,000 hours (20 years!) and are paid back in full in about 2 years.

Solar Power in the Palm of Your Hand
Solio, a universal solar charger, can power up your handheld electronic products at home or on the move, anywhere under the sun.

Solar Backpacks and Satchels
A patented line of backpacks, messenger bags, soft coolers, and other quality cases designed to charge the batteries of common handheld electronics.

Current Energy also carries books on green living and energy savings.

Earth-kind Art That You Can Wear
www.Eco-Artware.com

Typewriter Key Jewelry
Eco-Artware offers charming jewelry made from authentic vintage typewriter keys; random letters, expressions and symbols, set in sterling silver.

Record Label Coasters
Made from original, unplayable records. Coasters are laminated to protect the label from moisture and to seal the spindle hole.

Elliott’s Hardware of Texas
Maple & Motor in Dallas plus Park & Coit in Plano
www.Elliott’sHardware.com

Beautiful and Environmentally-Friendly
American Clay interior wall plasters are dirt repelling, humidity controlling and sound absorbing, plus flexible and repairable. Mold-inhibiting makes them great for asthma and allergy sufferers.

Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day
Cleaners made from naturally derived ingredients whenever possible from corn, sugar cane, coconut and palm. They DO NOT contain ammonia, chlorine or phosphates.

World of Good Handmade Bowls
Fair trade products made all over the world.

Green Living
At Lakewood Shopping Center in Dallas
www.green-living.com

Bambu Bamboo
Beautiful bowls, trays, and kitchen utensils made from 100% organically grown bamboo – a quickly renewable resource. Just ask anyone who cannot rid it from their garden.

Cotton Monkey Baby Clothes
Made right here in Texas. Organic cotton clothing, blankets, diapers, and more.

Simple Shoes Recycled Footware
Made from organic cotton, jute, recycled car tires, and water-based glues.

Recycled Flipflop Doormats
Excess flip-flop rubber is now made into colorful doormats, using galvanized metal wire.

Plus children and adult books on global warming and other green issues

Peek’s Carpets
6 locations in Dallas area
Recycled “green” carpets from Shaw are better for the environment. Plus wood flooring made from recycled, old lumber. Saves trees.
www.peekscarpet.com

Northhaven Gardens
Earth-kind roses, developed in cooperation with Texas A & M to withstand drought and Texas conditions.
www.nhg.com

Lowes
Roofing from Ondura. Environmentally friendly. 50% post-consumer recycled content.
www.ondura.com

Effficient Attic Systems
Promotes cellulose insulation from Home Depot. Made from recylcled newspaper. Ask about pre-summer specials and rebates.
www.efficientatticsystems.com

“Green” Spray Paint in 21 Colors
New water-based formula. Krylon® H2O™ Latex is 55% less polluting and super durable for wood, metal, wicker, wrought iron, drywall, Styrofoam® and more. Plus it cleans up with soap and water. At most hardware and paint stores.

Ferrier Custom Builders
Builds houses using SIP’s (Structural Insulated Panels), plus other energy-efficient materials.
www.ferrierbuilders.com