Water Conversation

North Haven Gardens will be hosting a four-part lecture series on conservation, starting with a presentation on saving water. The series, which begins on August 20, also includes lectures on trees and turf. With many of the Northern suburbs already rationing water, it's time for all us to take a look at how much money and wet stuff we waste keeping our yards green.

If you can't wait until August to find a solution for your wilting grass and yellowing flowers, peep some outdoor water-saving tips at savedallaswater.org.

I'd venture a guess that low-water landscapes will be all the rage next year.

Great New Product - Duo Curtain Rod

Those who've tried to hang a towel to dry in a small bathroom, there is now an alternative to tossing it over a wet shower curtain. In a nod to this dilemma, the Duo curtain rod was created with one rod for the curtain and one to hang your towel on. It's more efficient and more sanitary, and the product is one of the 108 2006 IDEA award winners.

Duo Curtain Rod, $49.99 at Home Focus.

More Art on the Cheap

Here are a few more options for finding affordable art. I picked these up from a post on Apartment Therapy, but I've screened them for actual affordability for real people (i.e. $30 - $300).

Etsy - Check out the art section of this site which specializes in hand-made goods.

Tiny Showcase - Postcard sized prints of original art. There's a new piece each week.

ebay Art - All sorts of art up for sale to the highest bidder.

Art Prostitute - Original art and prints for sale.

Pixel Girl Shop - Another site selling handmade goods, original art, and prints.