With rising food costs and fluctuating gas and energy prices, many of us feel the pinch in our wallets and bank accounts.

How can we stay warm without breaking the bank? According to the Alliance to Save Energy organization, lowering your thermostat one degree saves you 4 percent in heating costs. If every household in the U.S. turned their thermostat down just 2 degrees, each home could save 8 percent in heating costs. America would save more than $11.3 billion each year.

Good home design feels effortless. When inhabitants style rooms to reflect their personalities, rather than the latest design trends, they create thoughtful, comfortable homes. Rather than design "themed" homes, many homeowners blend modern and rustic elements.

But there's an art to eclectic design. Some Americans focus entire rooms on a single, prized possession, while others design more neutral spaces. Either way, mix-and-match types must contrast styles to create balanced looks.

Have you heard about the growing explosion of obesity in American homes?

You’ve seen the studies. The problem of how to deal with bulging basements, attics and garages has reached national epidemic proportions. This has happened despite the fact that the average square footage of new American homes has increased by almost 40 percent in the last three decades. Meanwhile, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average family size has shrunk by eight percent.

Decker Homes Inc. recently received an Energy Star/Building America HER’S rating of 35 or 65% more efficient than code for their High Performance Low Energy Home. This rating is unheard of for a conventional 2” X 4” stick-built home. They have proved it is not difficult or expensive to greatly reduce the household energy cost by incorporating advanced framing techniques, with aggressive sealing and insulation procedures. They were able to achieve this low rating with R-15 fiberglass wall and basement insulation, R-42 fiberglass ceiling insulation with the exterior covered with R-3 foam sheathing.

Maintenance costs are up, home values are falling and states are seeing more foreclosures than sales. But terrible times for homeowners make for terrific investment opportunities.

Why? The market sees constant ups and downs. Buying when the market's high means greater upfront costs. And because the market cannot rise indefinitely, property investors must constantly watch for the bubble to pop.

Due to recent increases in gas, food and home energy costs, efficiency has become a major concern for many homeowners. In addition, homeowners are demanding products that help them become more environmentally responsible.

Homeowners can protect both their pocketbook and the environment by ensuring they have proper insulation in their homes. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners can save up to 30 percent on heating and cooling costs with sufficient insulation, which, for the average homeowner, equates to more than $500 a year.