Save water, save money

While shopping at McLendon Hardware recently, I happened upon the product pictured here. Very easy installation and only $17.99 (on sale), it converts your toilet to a dual-flush setup that uses less water for non-solid waste flushes. I'm no plumber, but I was able to install it myself in about 20 minutes!

I thought I was going to have to replace my old water-guzzling toilet, but now I don't! How cool is that?

If you'd like more info about how to make small (or large) changes in your home to make it more energy efficient, here's a website you will want to check out. www.GreenHomeAdvisor.org/alice-kuder

Saturday morning Open House

Yes, I know it's Labor Day Weekend, but Open House events are even more fun on holidays, so here's where I will be today (Saturday) and Sunday from 10AM-1PM (note the non-traditional hours). 2741 Belvidere Ave SW in the Admiral District of West Seattle.

3 bedroom, 2.5 baths, 2,580 sq. ft. of Contemporary bliss! This home really has a style all its own. Here's the link where you can go to see more photos: www.SingleMindedRealEstate.com/264506. Listed at $595K by my Prudential colleague Rebecca Mitsui Graves.

When you drop by, ask for your coupon for a complimentary ice cream cone from West Seattle's own Husky Deli!

McLendon's offers free clinics

Although I can not often be found salivating in the aisles of hardware stores, I confess, I love McLendon Hardware.  I dread going into the "big box"  hardware stores, but at McLendon's I know I will find employees who obviously care, obviously know what they are talking about and sincerely want to be of service.

Today I got an e-mail announcing that McLendon's is offering free "how to" clinics on Saturdays on various topics, so I thought I'd help them spread the word. I haven't yet attended one myself, but I feel pretty confident that they will be worthwhile.

If you've been to one, or plan on going, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Tomorrow, the clinics take place at their Renton and Puyallup stores.
9A -- Weatherize Your Home
10A -- Care for Fall Lawns
11A -- Install Stove Pipe

For more information, go to www.mclendons.com

A very special fundraiser

This is not normally the kind of thing I post on this blog, but a colleague of mine has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and those of us who love and support her are trying to help her keep ahead of the medical bills by hosting a fundraiser. In tune with her fabulous sense of humor, the event is called "My Big Fat Purple Benefit." It takes place on Oct. 7th, but we need to sell enough tickets before Sept. 7th to pay for the deposit on the facility, etc.

Please consider buying tickets, whether or not you can attend. It will be held in Tacoma, which I realize is not ultra-convenient for Seattleites, and tickets are $50/ea,  but it includes dinner, entertainment, a silent auction and more. Need a ride? Call me! 206-708-9800.

Get more info and purchase tickets at www.CancerDiva.com

If you're going to blow $50 on a Saturday night out, why not spend it where you'll have a lot of fun and benefit a great cause?

Open, Open, Open!

What a beautiful day to visit an Open House! Today and tomorrow I will be holding open my Westwood listing at 8814 30th Ave SW, MLS# 252561. This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath brick rambler with finished basement has been totally remodeled with a combination of comfort and style. Priced at $380,000.

Ordinarily, the home is available for viewing on an appointment-only basis, so take advantage of this open house to tour it on your own. Today (Sat. Aug. 27) from 2-5P and tomorrow (Sun. Aug. 28) from 10A-1P.

As usual, I will be giving away coupons for Husky Deli ice cream cones. Plus, when you sign up to receive my monthly e-newsletter, you will be entered into my monthly drawing for a bottle of wine :)