Using renewable, recyclable materials is an increasing trend in building.  Both builders and consumers are more concerned about energy efficiency and leaving a smaller carbon footprint on the planet.  The new energy efficient movement is leaning toward sustainability.

Energy efficient appliances are now standard in new construction and in remodeling. The initial cost is more expensive than that of non-designated energy efficient appliances; however, over the long term the savings outweigh the slightly higher purchase price. Homeowners may qualify for a federal tax credit for making improvements or installing appliances design to boost the energy-efficiency of their home. You must purchase new energy-efficient equipment, and the equipment must be…

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Whether you are a vegetarian or not, a healthy lifestyle is essential to long and healthy life.  In general, most vegetarian diets are low in cholesterol, saturated fats, high in fiber and folate, with zero animal protein.  It has been studied that in western countries most vegetarians live longer than most non-vegetarians live. They have substantially reduced risks for heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure and reduced risks for such cancers, particularly lung cancer and colon cancer.

Not all vegetarians eat clean.  Many replace protein with high fat cheeses and junk food.   After all, there is no meat in brownies, chips and ice cream.  One can easily consume large quantities of high sugar, carbohydrates and fats. If meat proteins are not…

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The “Great Florida Reef” is the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States.  It is the third largest coral reef on the planet.  Florida is the only state that has wide-ranging shallow coral reefs along the coastline.  The Florida Reef Track expanses 358 miles.  These reefs are habitats for a multitude of plants and sea life, providing shelter, breeding grounds, and nourishment.

A natural coral reef occurs in specific environmental conditions. The favorable environmental conditions required for the growth of a natural coral reef are rather warm, clear waters, a solid configuration for attachment, low phosphate and nitrogen nutrients as well as water movement (waves).

Microsoft co-founder and marine conservationist Paul…

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Its seems the majority of the public is bound to their smartphone.  It is anticipated within the next two years a smartphone could be your only computer.  The original (mass marketed to the public) smartphones of 2011 and 2012 were not powerful enough to accomplish all our computer needs.

Consumer trends industry expert and Chief Researcher Carolina Milanesi feels we will not all need desktops. She stated, “Some of us already don’t.” Thanks to increased processing power, better battery life, vastly improved networking speeds, and larger screen sizes on mobile devices, the shift away from the desktop is accelerating. Nevertheless, battery power is not powerful enough.

Solar energy may be the solution.  An environmentally aware company based in…

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Jupiter Town Council members and Charles Modica (Love Street project developer) came to a mutually agreeable decision last week.  Both parties agreed that the Love Street Development needed to be scaled back.  The Council has rescheduled decision making until at least April 2016.

The project originally included a restaurant/fish market overlooking the Jupiter Inlet plus a 45-foot tall observation tower.  The initial plan included 20 two-story buildings featuring retail, office and restaurants. Above the offices, shops and restaurants on the second level were to be small vacation rental apartments.  Additionally, the plan included a parking garage to accommodate 200 cars.

Modica is quoted as saying “We’ll come back with a better project (for…

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Properties with "perks" have always been a stand out in the real estate market.  Architects have masterfully designed homes with al fresco kitchens, resort style pools and cascading waterfalls, wine cellars and unparalleled home theaters.  Sometimes amenities are just unusual think hydraulic lift transports in the garage to allow double level parking – exotic cars upper level and daily driving cars lower level or hi-tech home security and monitoring panels.  The luxurious amenities available are countless.  If you dream it, they can make it happen!  

Some of the most sought after homes listed feature guest cottages and outdoor living areas containing such open-air amenities as summer kitchens with sub-zero refrigerators and state of art appliances.…

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Purchasing a home is similar to looking for life partner.  You may go on many first dates and in the end, the one that has the most, but not all the characteristics that you desire, will win you heart. The same holds true when searching for your dream home.

However, first-time homebuyers and even the most experienced homebuyers can get frustrated and disappointed with how long the process can take.  Yet they may not understand how their expectations, views, and lack of action may be causing the delay in finding the right home.

One of the biggest hazards a buyer can fall into is not working with an expert buyer’s agent. Waterfront Properties and Club Communities buyer’s agents can assist buyers readily identify the best-suited properties in the…

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Jonathan Dickinson State Park has long been prized as one of the jewels of Florida. The famous park is a Florida State Park and historic site in Martin County Florida. 

Located just south of Stuart and north of Hobe Sound, this park teems with wildlife in 13 natural communities, including sand pine scrub, pine flat woods, mangroves, and river swamps. The variety and health of these natural environments at Jonathan Dickinson State Park are what make this place so special. Teeming with wildlife, the park is the perfect place to come for a hike, take photos, kayak and explore what Florida’s true ecosystems are like. 

Running throughout the park is the iconic The Loxahatchee River, Florida's first federally designated Wild and Scenic River.Ranger-guided…

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Given the fact that most homebuyers use the Internet to aid them in their search for a home, using the Internet as part of your marketing strategy is an important step toward getting your home sold. After all, the more people who are able to see your home, the more likely you are to find an interested buyer quickly.

When it comes to listing your home online, there are many websites available. The most technologically perceptive real estate agents will have websites for their own business and will list homes on directly on their sites. There are also many websites that are dedicated to helping those who are trying to sell their homes on their own. Listing a home on these sites is not free. When hiring a real estate agent, on the other hand, listing…

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With an average winter daytime temperature in Palm Beach County being 74 degrees,  now more than ever the Jupiter area has been attracting professional golfers and golfing enthusiasts for its exclusive golfing communities and secluded atmosphere.  Palm Beach County is known as the “Golf Capital of the World” with more than 150 public and private golf courses.  

Saltwater and freshwater enthusiasts enjoy some of the best fishing in North America.  Polo and equestrian events are also very popular in Palm Beach County.   Polo tournaments such such as the World Cup and Winter Equestrian Festival draw large crowds and international celebrities. Other outdoor sports are enjoyed year-round here in South Florida, making it the most desireable place in the…

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