Tag:Tips
Living in a Box!
Shipping Container Home
As the song goes, “I’m Living in a Box”. Maybe this is an answer to Culver’s Affordable Housing Crisis? I ran across this on the Viralands site. I’ve seen several different versions of Shipping Container Construction, many of them designed as affordable housing, including some that are multi-story which I showed here before. I think this is one of the more attractive ones though. There are more pictures at the site here.
Currently this would not fly under Culver’s Zoning Ordinance without a variance since the square footage would be too small. It would probably also spark a spirited discussion with the County Building Inspector since it wouldn’t fit neatly into current building codes. It is an interesting concept though and at the stated $2,000 for a used shipping container, it would be hard to beat that price for the shell of your new home. This would have to be some of the ultimate recycling as well, so it’s definitely green!
Picture Source: Viralands
Vintage Hardware Follow-up
A follow-up on our previous tips regarding Vintage Hardware. Another consideration when you are deciding on using vintage lighting is our government’s decision regarding the forced retirement of incandescent lighting… The quality of the light and the aesthetics of the fixture may be changed radically if you’re forced to replace the decorative incandescent bulbs with curly-cue CFL’s. This isn’t such a big deal with shaded fixtures, but open sconces or chandeliers will look and function differently. Even with shaded fixtures, make sure you examine the shade connection. In some old fixtures the shade attached directly to the bulb.
Both CFLs and LEDs are available in candelabra styles, but effects and aesthetics vary.
Picture Source: nolico.com
Vintage Hardware
Cast Iron Chandelier at Architectural Antiques of Indianapolis
Vintage building materials have become quite popular, inspiring online catalog stores producing new “old” materials on a large scale. We have a plethora of catalogs coming through with companies specializing in this area. Restoration Hardware is probably the best known. Other companies such as Pottery Barn are providing products in this line as well, though they are not making this niche their sole product. The advantages to these reproductions are that they are made from modern materials reducing concerns about possible lead paint and about improper wiring in older electrical fixtures.
If you truly want vintage architectural items, there are firms that specialize in that as well. Firms such as Doc’s Architectural Salvage & Reclamation Services and Architectural Antiques, both in the Indianapolis area have warehouses full of reclaimed architectural treasures. These are both large scale salvage operations where you can spend hours browsing through thousands of items. On a local level, check out the Habitat for Humanity’s Restores. Locally, there is a Restore in Plymouth in the old Plymouth Lumber building on Walnut Street just southwest of downtown. In South Bend, the Restore is on South Main Street and is set up much like an old department store. You can also find the occasional architectural focal point at local antique shops mixed in with furniture and other historic items.
Veteran’s Day 2014
Tomorrow is Veterans Day. Thank you to all our veterans that have served our country over the years. Your service is appreciated.
Here is a list from Christian Carlson and the Friday Five that includes some businesses that are doing a little extra to show their support. He suggests bringing your military ID or wearing your uniform to take advantage of these. Some offers may vary by location.
- Ameristar Casino Hotel – Free Lunch (11-2) or Dinner (5-9)
- Applebee’s – Free Thank You Meal
- Bar Louie – Free meal up to a $12 value Monday and Tuesday
- Bob Evans – All–you-can-eat hotcakes
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Barrabba’s – Free Appetizer
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Center for History and Studebaker Museum – Free admissionChili’s – Free meal from a special Veterans Day menuChuck E. Cheese’s – 20 free tokens Sunday thru Saturday the 15th
Drive & Shine Car Wash – Free Diamond Car Wash
Flags International – 21% discount for veterans through Tuesday
Golden Corral – Free buffet and beverage from 5 PM to 9 PM November 17th
Great Clips – Free haircut Tuesday thru December 31stGrissom Air Museum – Free admission, gospel country concert by Rene Jones at 10am, honor guard at 3:30pmHair Crafters – Free haircuts and root beer for veterans
Honkers – Free Polish buffet from 2 to 8pm with beverage purchaseIHOP – Free Red, White and Blue pancakes from 7am to 7pm (may also include eggs, bacon and hashed browns)Krispy Kreme – Free Doughnut & Small Coffee
Martin’s Supermarkets – Free Honor Meal (two pieces of fried chicken, a side of mashed potatoes, a side of cold salad, a roll, a hot or cold 16-ounce deli beverage, a single serving of milk, a serving of ice cream and a slice of Martin’s cake while supplies last)
Olive Garden – Free meal from Veterans Day menu
Outback Steakhouse – Free Bloomin’ Onion® and a beverage
Ponderosa – Free buffet on November 17th
Red Lobster – Free appetizer from a special menu (Monday thru Thursday)
Red Robin – Free Tavern Double Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries
Ruthmere Museum – Free admission and free flags for veterans on Tuesday
Ryan’s – Free dine-in lunch from open until 3:30pm
Sport Clips – Free Haircut – Sport Clips is also raising money for the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW) Operation Uplink program and will donate a $1 for every haircut service to the program.
Starbucks – Free tall brewed coffee (includes spouses)
Texas Roadhouse – Free special veterans lunch menu including a beverage and sides between 11am and 2pm Tuesday
TGI Fridays – Free Lunch from 11 am to 2 pm
Travel Centers of America – All CDL Drivers who are Military Veterans eat free with valid ID
Image © 2011 Frank Glick, used with permission, all rights reserved. www.liketophoto.com
