After letting the log home magazines that I subscribe to (3 different ones) pile up for months, I decided to dive in and catch up on my log home reading the other night.

I knew it was coming... I mean, this is a feeling I've had for awhile... a feeling of dissatisfaction with log home magazines in general. I've just never verbalized it before.

The fact is, here we are 2 years into the process of designing and building our log home. We still haven't exactly broken ground yet (due to the fact that banks aren't really in the business of loaning money these days). And I'm already tired of seeing the same stories about the same things and the same pictures in the same log home magazines. Yet, I still want to be a well-informed log home owner.

Of course I realize (and can appreciate the fact that) the log home magazines are going to cater to those who are "potential" log home owners, future log home wannabees, newbies, and those considering building their own log cabin retreat. Especially since the advertisers are eager to reach those exact same people.

But at what point are the log home magazine publishers (and advertisers) going to realize there's more to be said about log homes than how to plan, design, and build 'em?

What about all of us who are past all that? I'm not even officially an "owner" yet, and I'm already craving information about the many ways that you can jazz up your log home and make it uniquely yours -- inside and out. I'm already thinking beyond just building it. I'm much more interested in other aspects of log home living at this point.

(Just wait, this gets better...)

Your log home is built and now it’s time to spruce up your outdoor surroundings.  

A tip before you start the landscaping around your log home: pay attention to the trees! (We learned the hard way.)

Following are some reasons why it’s important to survey your lot for trees that need to be removed, as well as a few tips for determining where you should plant any new trees, shrubs and flowers around your log home. 

Finalists for the "Green Log Awards" were recently announced.

The GREEN LOG Home & Lifestyle Awards™ were created in response to the growing demand for green building solutions.

The goal of the awards is to locate and shine a spotlight on those companies and individuals who are enabling healthier homes and lifestyles. -- GREEN LOG Home & Lifestyle Awards

What this means for people like you and me is... a great list of environmentally-friendly log home products and suppliers!

So, if you're trying to make your currently log home more "green" or you'll soon be building your very own green log home, here are some companies that will make your life easier!

Log home owners with dogs may be interested in incorporating some "log" features into your dog's lifestyle too. For example, outdoor dog houses, porches, barns, and beds for dogs.

Check 'em out...

If log homes are your thing and 'rustic' is your game, then you're going to love these pictures of real tree accents and the use of rustic looking logs (or heavy timber) inside a log home.

You'll also see photos of fun ways to incorporate trees and heavy timber logs into the exterior characteristics of your log home.

Check it out...

People have been asking if we made a decision yet about using composite decking on our new log home. Here are some of the questions we've received from Jim, from Jeffrey, and from Ron.

Well, we've actually decided against composite decking at this time. Here's why...

Got an e-mail the other day from Michael M.

He's looking for tips & advice regarding staggered shake shingle vinyl siding.

Anyone have experience with this?...