<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?>
<rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom">
  <channel>
   <title>On The Level</title>
   <link>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/</link>
   <atom:link href="http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/onthelevel.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
   <description>Bob Vila has long been a trusted expert in home renovations and upgrades. Our home improvement blog On the Level keeps you informed on the products and trends that we see in the field. At On the Level, staff from BobVila.com post their views on what's new and newsworthy in home gadgets, tools, and trends.</description>
   <language>en-us</language>
   <pubDate>Sun, 22 Nov 2009 10:07:58 GMT</pubDate>
   <lastBuildDate>Sun, 22 Nov 2009 10:07:58 GMT</lastBuildDate>
   <copyright>Copyright BobVila.com 2006</copyright>
   <ttl>5</ttl>

   <image>
    <title>On The Level</title> 
    <link>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/</link> 
    <url>http://www.bobvila.com/images/OnTheLevel/OnTheLevel_Complete300.gif</url> 
    <width>144</width>
    <height>41</height> 
   </image>

      <item>
    <title>You Can't Catch Me...</title>
    <link>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/You-Can-t-Catch-Me--4210.html</link>
    <guid>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/You-Can-t-Catch-Me--4210.html</guid>
    <description>
     <![CDATA[...I'm the Gingerbread Man! But everyone knows where the Gingerbread Man hides out. That's right: his Gingerbread House.     

Yes, folks, it's Gingerbread House-making Season. It's time to pre-heat those ovens, mix up some icing, and start building!    

Like any good new home construction project, the building of a Gingerbread house must start with a floor plan. Check out this guide to building an abode fit for Sweet Street. You'll find floor plans, building tips and construction ...]]>
    </description>
    <author>blogs@bobvila.com (Ben)</author>
	 <comments>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/You-Can-t-Catch-Me--4210.html</comments>
    <pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
   </item>
      <item>
    <title>Dancing with the Stars in your Living Room </title>
    <link>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/Dancing-with-the-Stars-in-your-Living-Room--4209.html</link>
    <guid>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/Dancing-with-the-Stars-in-your-Living-Room--4209.html</guid>
    <description>
     <![CDATA[Ever wonder what it would take to have your own dance floor?      

I created this "Dance Experience" in my daughter's room for just a few hundred dollars, including materials. Luckily we already had a hardwood floor and very solid walls. The ballet bar can hold me up and I weigh five times as much as my five year old so it should be pretty safe.     

If you have the room you can create a small or large home dance studio. I found this great reference online if you do not have suitable ...]]>
    </description>
    <author>blogs@bobvila.com (Greg)</author>
	 <comments>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/Dancing-with-the-Stars-in-your-Living-Room--4209.html</comments>
    <pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:45:00 -0500</pubDate>
   </item>
      <item>
    <title>Smart Outlets: Putting a Plug In for Energy Savings</title>
    <link>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/Smart-Outlets-Putting-a-Plug-In-for-Energy-Savings-4201.html</link>
    <guid>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/Smart-Outlets-Putting-a-Plug-In-for-Energy-Savings-4201.html</guid>
    <description>
     <![CDATA[What do Smart Homes running off a Smart Energy Grid need to be complete? Why, Smart Plugs, of course!    

The energy conservationists at Zerofootprint are adding IQ points to each outlet in the home with their new carbon emission-reducing socket supplements, called "TalkingPlugs®." Designed to fit right on top of an existing outlet, each TalkingPlug® comes equipped with technology that enables control of a plugged-in appliance across a network as well as real-time measuring of energy ...]]>
    </description>
    <author>blogs@bobvila.com (Ben)</author>
	 <comments>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/Smart-Outlets-Putting-a-Plug-In-for-Energy-Savings-4201.html</comments>
    <pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
   </item>
      <item>
    <title>Star Trek DVD is OUT: Is your home prepared or OVER-prepared? </title>
    <link>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/Star-Trek-DVD-is-OUT-Is-your-home-prepared-or-OVER-prepared--4208.html</link>
    <guid>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/Star-Trek-DVD-is-OUT-Is-your-home-prepared-or-OVER-prepared--4208.html</guid>
    <description>
     <![CDATA[We have blogged about Star Trek it in the past. Twice in fact. Once for a complete Star Trek remodel and then again when the Star Trek apartment sold in 2007. I am a fan of the series and I plan on buying the Star Trek DVD, but this Star Trek themed apartment was a bit over the top. 

You will not find my wife and I ever living in a Star Trek-themed abode, unless of course we are frozen until the 24th century. By then I'm sure everyone will be saying "Captain at the helm" when they sit ...]]>
    </description>
    <author>blogs@bobvila.com (Greg)</author>
	 <comments>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/Star-Trek-DVD-is-OUT-Is-your-home-prepared-or-OVER-prepared--4208.html</comments>
    <pubDate>Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:12:00 -0500</pubDate>
   </item>
      <item>
    <title>GreenBuild Blog 3: How LEED Certified Homes Impact Homeowners </title>
    <link>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/GreenBuild-Blog-3-How-LEED-Certified-Homes-Impact-Homeowners--4181.html</link>
    <guid>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/GreenBuild-Blog-3-How-LEED-Certified-Homes-Impact-Homeowners--4181.html</guid>
    <description>
     <![CDATA[Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a green building certification program developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to help identify and implement practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions.

To qualify as LEED certified, homes must earn a minimum of 45 points in eight categories including: Innovative Design Process (ID), Location and Linkages (LL), Sustainable Sites (SS), Water Efficiency (WE), Energy ...]]>
    </description>
    <author>blogs@bobvila.com (BobVila.com)</author>
	 <comments>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/GreenBuild-Blog-3-How-LEED-Certified-Homes-Impact-Homeowners--4181.html</comments>
    <pubDate>Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:48:00 -0500</pubDate>
   </item>
      <item>
    <title>Nation-wide Food Drive is Underway</title>
    <link>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/Nation-wide-Food-Drive-is-Underway-4205.html</link>
    <guid>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/Nation-wide-Food-Drive-is-Underway-4205.html</guid>
    <description>
     <![CDATA[Looking for a small way to give this holiday season? We have a great idea: Sears Hometown Stores has launched their Food Drive, which will run until the end of 2009. At each of the 950 stores located across the country, customers will have a chance to donate non-perishable canned and boxed foods and other needed items, like diapers, power towels and so on. Customers can drop donations off at donation boxes located at their nearby Sears Hometown Store.         

Donations will be ...]]>
    </description>
    <author>blogs@bobvila.com (Ben)</author>
	 <comments>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/Nation-wide-Food-Drive-is-Underway-4205.html</comments>
    <pubDate>Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
   </item>
      <item>
    <title>GreenBuild Blog 2: What Are You Breathing?</title>
    <link>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/GreenBuild-Blog-2-What-Are-You-Breathing--4206.html</link>
    <guid>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/GreenBuild-Blog-2-What-Are-You-Breathing--4206.html</guid>
    <description>
     <![CDATA[Indoor air quality continues to remain a popular topic among today's homeowners as it has been linked to a variety of health concerns and issues including asthma, respiratory ailments, cancer and even death. Poor indoor air quality stems from inadequate ventilation, high temperature and humidity, which can all cause indoor air pollution and damage to your home's structure by a variety of volatile organic compounds and airborne pollutants including mold, radon, carbon monoxide and toxic ...]]>
    </description>
    <author>blogs@bobvila.com (BobVila.com)</author>
	 <comments>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/GreenBuild-Blog-2-What-Are-You-Breathing--4206.html</comments>
    <pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:27:00 -0500</pubDate>
   </item>
      <item>
    <title>First-Time Homeowner Tax Credit Is Extended and Expanded</title>
    <link>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/First-Time-Homeowner-Tax-Credit-Is-Extended-and-Expanded-4200.html</link>
    <guid>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/First-Time-Homeowner-Tax-Credit-Is-Extended-and-Expanded-4200.html</guid>
    <description>
     <![CDATA[As anticipated, the $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers has been extended. Set to expire November 30 of this year, first-time homebuyers now have until May 1, 2010 to sign a sales contract on a new home. Income eligibility limits have also been increased from $75,000 to $125,000 for singles and from $150,00 to $225,000 for married couples.     

Also, current homeowners may be eligible for a $6,500 tax credit when they purchase a new home, as long as they've lived in their current ...]]>
    </description>
    <author>blogs@bobvila.com (Ben)</author>
	 <comments>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/First-Time-Homeowner-Tax-Credit-Is-Extended-and-Expanded-4200.html</comments>
    <pubDate>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 07:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
   </item>
      <item>
    <title>GreenBuild Blog 1: Recycled Building Materials Used for Decor</title>
    <link>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/GreenBuild-Blog-1-Recycled-Building-Materials-Used-for-Decor-4202.html</link>
    <guid>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/GreenBuild-Blog-1-Recycled-Building-Materials-Used-for-Decor-4202.html</guid>
    <description>
     <![CDATA[From funky furniture made from recycled plastic bags to gorgeous countertops manufactured from the glass of old traffic light lenses, this year's GreenBuild Conference &amp; Expo is home to a plethora of innovative manufacturers using recycled materials in a variety of different products for the home. 

What does this mean for everyday homeowners? With the advancements in companies' manufacturing and product development processes, today's homeowners have more opportunities now than ever ...]]>
    </description>
    <author>blogs@bobvila.com (BobVila.com)</author>
	 <comments>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/GreenBuild-Blog-1-Recycled-Building-Materials-Used-for-Decor-4202.html</comments>
    <pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
   </item>
      <item>
    <title>Virus-Killing Vacuum Cleaner</title>
    <link>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/Virus-Killing-Vacuum-Cleaner-4195.html</link>
    <guid>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/Virus-Killing-Vacuum-Cleaner-4195.html</guid>
    <description>
     <![CDATA[What does the H1N1 virus fear the most? If you guessed "a vaccine," "the World Health Organization" or "Purell," you are wrong. No, the unfortunately-named Swine Flu's greatest enemy is a hand-held vacuum-cleaner.     

The new Raycop is no ordinary Dust-buster (it retails for about $199). This stingray-shaped sucker of soot has a built-in UV-C sterilizing lamp that allegedly kills 99.9% of the H1N1 virus, as well as other germs, dust mites and bacteria. It also has a vibrating pad that ...]]>
    </description>
    <author>blogs@bobvila.com (Ben)</author>
	 <comments>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/Virus-Killing-Vacuum-Cleaner-4195.html</comments>
    <pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
   </item>
      <item>
    <title>Tear Da Roof Off...</title>
    <link>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/Tear-Da-Roof-Off--4198.html</link>
    <guid>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/Tear-Da-Roof-Off--4198.html</guid>
    <description>
     <![CDATA[...and then recycle it, please! So could go the hip hop theme song for Owens Corning's recently launched shingle recycling program. The nation-wide program will have Owen's Corning Preferred Roofers pledging to recycle asphalt shingle tear-off and Heritage Environmental Services promising dedicated and convenient tear-off drop-off centers for the contractors.    

So shingles are kept out of landfills and contractors get to set a good example to homeowners by employing sustainable building ...]]>
    </description>
    <author>blogs@bobvila.com (Ben)</author>
	 <comments>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/Tear-Da-Roof-Off--4198.html</comments>
    <pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
   </item>
      <item>
    <title>A New Green Blog Worth Reading</title>
    <link>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/A-New-Green-Blog-Worth-Reading-4199.html</link>
    <guid>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/A-New-Green-Blog-Worth-Reading-4199.html</guid>
    <description>
     <![CDATA[We were recently thrilled to discover a new green blog that covers everything from eco-couture to sustainable building. EcoNewsNetwork.org knows we recognize the importance of buying sustainably and taking care of the Earth. They seem to understand that we go green when we can and have the desire to be greener and gentler, but sometimes just need more guidance to propel us on our way.

That's why they arm us with small bursts of info and cool products and advice so we can start living more ...]]>
    </description>
    <author>blogs@bobvila.com (BobVila.com)</author>
	 <comments>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/A-New-Green-Blog-Worth-Reading-4199.html</comments>
    <pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:15:00 -0500</pubDate>
   </item>
      <item>
    <title>Fannie Mae Announces Deed For Lease® Program</title>
    <link>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/Fannie-Mae-Announces-Deed-For-Lease-Program-4197.html</link>
    <guid>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/Fannie-Mae-Announces-Deed-For-Lease-Program-4197.html</guid>
    <description>
     <![CDATA[Homeowners staring down the barrel of the foreclosure gun now have a stay of execution option that will keep them in their homes. Fannie Mae's recently announced Deed for Lease Program® permits homeowners facing foreclosure to sign a lease to stay in their home in exchange for...the deed to their home. What was it they said about "desperate times?"    

The program is aimed at those homeowners who don't qualify for a loan modification or other loan-workout solutions. In order to qualify, ...]]>
    </description>
    <author>blogs@bobvila.com (Ben)</author>
	 <comments>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/Fannie-Mae-Announces-Deed-For-Lease-Program-4197.html</comments>
    <pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
   </item>
      <item>
    <title>How to Test Your Home for Chinese Drywall</title>
    <link>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/How-to-Test-Your-Home-for-Chinese-Drywall-4196.html</link>
    <guid>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/How-to-Test-Your-Home-for-Chinese-Drywall-4196.html</guid>
    <description>
     <![CDATA[Does your home contain contaminated Chinese Drywall? This testing advice from the New York Times can help a homeowner determine if he or she is one of the thousands in over 30 states with the poisonous plasterboard.     

Some ways to tell if you have Chinese Drywall in your home:    

- Sulfuric smell. (Also a sign that you have descended into the less-favorable Afterworld. It's best to inspect for fire, brimstone and the tortured souls of the eternally damned to eliminate this ...]]>
    </description>
    <author>blogs@bobvila.com (Ben)</author>
	 <comments>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/How-to-Test-Your-Home-for-Chinese-Drywall-4196.html</comments>
    <pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
   </item>
      <item>
    <title>Two New Great Causes Help Military Families and the Hungry</title>
    <link>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/Two-New-Great-Causes-Help-Military-Families-and-the-Hungry-4191.html</link>
    <guid>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/Two-New-Great-Causes-Help-Military-Families-and-the-Hungry-4191.html</guid>
    <description>
     <![CDATA[We just want to applaud Sears Holding for launching its "Heroes at Home" Wish Registry, a program that gives support to military service members, veterans and family members. Sears customers can use the Heroes at Home website to make donations and buy gift cards for the more than 20,000 registered servicemen and women, military family members and veterans. Donations can also be made at Sears Hometown Stores retail locations across the country. Donation methods include converting Citi Reward ...]]>
    </description>
    <author>blogs@bobvila.com (Ben)</author>
	 <comments>http://www.bobvila.com/OnTheLevel/Two-New-Great-Causes-Help-Military-Families-and-the-Hungry-4191.html</comments>
    <pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
   </item>
   
  </channel>
</rss>