Spring may be on its way, but we’re only in mid-February: plenty of time for winter’s last icy gasp. To help you out, we’ve assembled a few wintry things you can do in your own backyard. These may take some work, but think of the neighborhood bragging rights!

How to Build Your Own Backyard Luge
Popular Mechanics
A detailed guide picturing every step of the luge-building process. You’ll be ready for the Olympics in no time.

How to Make a Backyard Ice Skating Rink
eHow.com
Ready to play some hockey but don’t want to pay for ice time? Play under the stars in your own backyard! This guide covers materials needed as well as the how-to.

How to build an igloo
Boy’s Life
Who needs a treehouse when you have an igloo (Marvin window optional)?

In one of the 30 states hard hit by the monster storm? We hope you are safe, warm and at home! With Punxsutawney Phil failing to see his shadow yesterday on Groundhog Day, we are supposedly due for an early (and much-needed) spring! If you’re going stir crazy, we’ve gathered up some links around the blogosphere to warm you up.

Remove Snow (Without The Backache) With The Wovel
Charles  and Hudson
“The Wovel has been independently tested by the University of Massachusetts and shown to perform at equal or better than your standard snowblower. Also, the Wovel has been shown to need no more force than you would normally exert walking, which is great for those of us unable to chuck that heavy wet stuff about like powdered sugar.”

Hunt, Gather and Host: Winter Picnic
Design*Sponge
If you feel like some ambitious winter entertaining, this beautifully photographed post will give you some ideas!

All About Gas Fireplaces
This Old House
“There’s only one thing better than a roaring fire on a wintry night: a roaring fire that needs no tending, requires minimal cleanup, and doesn’t leave the rest of the house freezing cold. That’s what you get with today’s gas fireplaces.”

10 Things to Do Around the House When You’re Snowed In
Apartment Therapy
Stay busy around the house with these tips from Apartment Therapy.

What do you really need a permit for?
Home Construction and Improvement
A confusing, troubling issue for some homeowners as they start out on a remodeling project. “Though permit requirements vary from city to city (and by the size and scope of your plan) generally you’ll need a permit for major structural or electrical projects. Here are some of the projects you really need a permit for, though you are still encouraged to double-check with your individual city board.”

12 top remodeling trends for 2011
Moneywatch
“The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) conducted an exclusive poll of their top builders and developers for us and found that while most people are not starting major renovation projects due to the economy, now is the time to take care of the smaller jobs around your home. Call it the over-arching remodeling trend for 2011: Tackling small projects while you wait to do the really big remodeling project that’s on your list.”

Recapping the 2011 International Builders’ Show
Marvin Windows Media Room
Yes, we’re linking to ourselves here. This post is our round-up of news and information from the homebuilding industry’s largest convention. It features the new products Marvin unveiled, new products from other leading home product manufacturers, some great interviews, and more.

How to prepare your home and household for a remodel
Charles & Hudson
“Even if you aren’t doing the job yourself, you should take steps to prepare your home and household before a major renovation begins. Once contractors start running around your home and the demo starts, it’s often too late to lay the groundwork for an efficient remodel. Here are some steps you can take to prepare your home & household for a remodel.”

Get the lighting right: 8 mistakes to avoid
Houzz.com
“Interior designers are often called upon to give input about lighting in residential environments. In trying to tackle a lighting dilemma, many fixtures get specified in living areas, kitchens and baths that waste energy and do not get light where it is needed most. These ineffective specifications are often repeated as homeowners are unsure of lighting solutions and tricks of the trade. But sometimes, knowing what not to do can help make you look like a pro. Below I list 8 common lighting mistakes to avoid, and how to do it right, as demonstrated by Houzz designers.”

TopTen Helps You Find the Most Energy-Efficient Products
Re-Nest
“This week TopTen USA, a new non-profit organization, launched its free, web-based rankings of the 10 most energy-efficient household products in a wide range of categories, from televisions to refrigerators and washers.”

15 ways remodeling equals a better life
Remodeling Guy
“Why remodel? I used to think the answer was as much resale value as anything else. I’m older and wiser now and that’s a good thing because resale value is, at least for now, not the best reason to remodel. So why? Of course we both know that there are lots and lots and lots of reasons, but they all boil down to the same thing. A better life. How can remodeling equal a better life?”

Steal This Look: Simple San Francisco kitchen
Remodelista
“First spotted on Desire to Inspire: the simple kitchen of San Francisco-based photographer Heidi Lender. Recreate the streamlined look with a few reasonably priced elements from Ikea and other sources.”

Winterizing your windows with class
Houzz.com
“Winterizing your windows for the cold weather can not only create a season-appropriate beauty for your dwelling, but can, according to the US Department of Energy, also reduce your heating cost as much as 30 percent. … But don’t think that you have to undergo a major renovation project to help winterize your windows and keep out the cold this winter. And don’t think that creating a winter home means laboriously creating an entirely new home. Though structural changes can improve efficiency the most, small changes can also do wonders. From small things you can do to the actual windows, to ways to shielding from the cold, these examples show how to keep out the cold with class.”

L.A. designer Alison Blumenfeld on effortless un-decorating
Cococozy
“Lately I am hearing the same thing from clients, they all want houses that don’t feel “decorated”. This does not mean they don’t want to use a decorator, or that they don’t want to decorate their homes, it’s that they are striving for a new aesthetic. One that feels less mass produced, more personal. Perhaps it’s a reaction to the pillow littered, tassel trimmed, overstuffed houses they grew up in, or since we as a society are more casual they are striving for an environment to mirror that, perhaps it’s nothing more than wanting to define themselves in a new way. With social networks and magazines encouraging us to define ourselves through our acquisitions, associations, and interests it makes sense that the home is responding in kind.”

DIY Project: Handmade Gift Wrap
Design*Sponge
Ever wanted to add an extra personal touch to your gift giving? Try making your own gift wrap. This how-to takes you through the process.

Which is Greener, a Real of Fake Christmas Tree?
The Daily Green
“For many families, the centerpiece of Christmas celebrations is the luminous, awe-inspiring tree set up with care in the living room. But with all the options now available, how do you know which Christmas tree is the greenest choice for the environment?”

Foodie Holiday Gift Ideas for Kids of All Ages
The Epi-Log
Wondering what to get your young gourmand? Here are some ideas from the editors at Epicurious.com.

Design & Decor Books: The Best of 2010
Apartment Therapy
“Even the most die-hard design blog addict will admit there is something special about flipping through the pages of a real, tangible book on home design. Throughout the year we have posted on a host of books about the home — from inspirational (and “aspirational”) glossy tomes to instructional and downright technical guidebooks.”

5 Last-Minute Green Gift Ideas
Re-nest
“‘Twas the weekend before Christmas, and just like this blogger, you’re scrambling to find some good green gift fodder. You forgot someone important (how’d that happen!?) or a few extra folks are coming to celebrate, and you don’t want to resort to some plastic crap that the giftee will end up sending to Goodwill anyway. What to do? We have some ideas.”

Thanksgiving Centerpiece Ideas: Poppies and Posies
Design*Sponge
If you are looking for a beautiful DIY autumn centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table, check out this step-by-step guide and prepare to wow your guests.

Consider This! A Multi-Course Plated Thanksgiving Dinner
The Kitchn
“Sure, it’s traditional to pass huge platters around the table in one merry food frenzy at Thanksgiving. And, yes, we’ll be busy enough just getting all the food prepared, so why throw in the extra step of multiple courses and plating food individually? We’ll give you two big reasons why we’re thinking about doing this.”

Thanksgiving Specials Across the U.S.
Open Table
If you’d like to be giving thanks for not having to cook, check out Open Table’s guide for where to eat on Thanksgiving Day.

101 Head Starts on the Day
New York Times
“For cooks, most Thanksgiving problems are brought about by the sheer number of dishes competing for the stove: It’s not easy to roast a turkey and sweet potatoes for 20 at the same time. The best solution is to make food in advance, like one of the dishes that follow.”

It’s Thanksgiving; We’re Doomed
City Room Blog (New York Times)
If you feel like Turkey Day might make you crazy, you’ll like these Thanksgiving stories from psychiatrists. Don’t forget to check out the numerous comments for tales of Thanksgiving disasters, which might make you give thanks for a relatively normal celebration.

10 fanciest home upgrades
Charles and Hudson
“While these upgrades may be much higher budget than the average homeowner’s desire or ability, they still are pretty to look at and dream about.”

2010-2011 Cost vs. Value Report just released
Kathy’s Remodeling Blog
“Will you get your money back on that bathroom remodel when you sell your house? How about that new deck? How much will that increase the value of your house? For hard numbers on how much you’ll get back from your remodel, you can’t do better than the Cost vs. Value Report put out each year by Remodeling Magazine. The 2010-2011 Report has just been released.”

Federal Energy Tax Credit: Use It before You Lose It
Old House Web
“Several weeks ago I wrote about the federal energy tax credit that expires December 31; but it wasn’t until this week that I realized what a really great deal it is, and it’s not likely to be extended. The tax credit will cover 30 percent up to a maximum of $1,500 …”

Homes that were once churches
Curbly
This round-up post from Curbly’s DIY Maven includes some gorgeous photos of places of worship converted in fancy homes.

The boldness of neon in the home
Houzz
“Neon colors have impact but can be harsh on the eyes. Still, it’s a popular option for home accessories and interior paint. So how do you make neon work in your space? First, select your shades of neon carefully. Second, choose the rooms where you want the lively feel of neon. Then make sure you balance the neon with black, white and neutral colors.”

For no particular reason, today’s link love round-up features all sorts of ideas about kitchen design. Have at it!

4 Most Popular Kitchen Countertop Materials
CalFinder Blog
A great overview of popular materials for kitchen countertops and what each offers. Be smart before making your decision.

5 Artistic and Colorful Kitchen Countertops
CalFinder Blog
If going with one of the tried-and-true most popular options isn’t your thing, check out these funky alternatives — like the crystal swirl countertop shown in the photo.

5 Tips for Designing a Green Kitchen
Re-Nest
This post shares a great video full of tips from Dwell about making a nice, useful, environmentally friendly kitchen.

24 Smart Organizing Ideas for Your Kitchen
Real Simple
A great set of photo-based tips for getting organized in the kitchen — the room in which organization is arguably the most important.

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Getting your home ready for winter
Home Renovation Guide
“Turning on that furnace for the first time after months of inactivity is often a shock. It can literally be a shock to your heating system, or it might be a shocking experience when you get your first heating bill! But there are common sense things you can do to get your heating system ready for winter. And, take it from a technician who visits a variety of homes every day, most people do not adequately prepare their home for the peak winter months. Here is some advice to consider before the next big chill.”

Just how important is a home energy audit?
CalFinder Blog
“Everyone wants to make their home more energy efficient, but most have no idea where to start. That’s where home energy audits come in handy. By completing a DIY audit or hiring a professional home energy auditor, you can begin cutting your energy dependence and lowering utility bills at the same time.”

Squeezing the most out of a small space
This Old House
“Karen Shen and Kevin Costello loved the extraordinary craftsmanship of their four-story 1904 Renaissance Revival brownstone in Brooklyn, New York, site of the current This Old House TV project. But to save money, the couple is renting out one and a half floors of the house, leaving about 1,500 square feet of narrow living space for them and their three boys. … Squeezing a family of five into a two-floor apartment posed several logistical challenges, but they managed to make a compact space feel like a roomy home. Here are a few of their best solutions for making a small house feel bigger.”

Design dilemma: 10 simple ways to save energy
Home Design Find
“When it comes to saving energy at home, a lot of us think we need to undertake major renovations or completely replace inefficient appliances to really make a difference. Costly measures like buying new windows or new energy-efficient refrigerators come to mind. Actually, though, there are a number of very small steps you can take to help reduce your energy and water use while helping you save money, too. None of these steps require that you buy a new appliance or invest thousands in home renovations.”

It’s Gonna Get Ugly
This Old House
Desiring a room makeover? Just be grateful you don’t have one of these rooms in your house! You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll cringe.

Bathroom Sinks Made from Recycled Rubber Tires
Calfinder
It’s not beyond the prototype stage yet, but some clever designers have found a way to take old tires and turn them into sinks. They look cool and unusual, while being green. An idea whose time has come?

Green Remodeling Tips from Sarah Susanka
Charles and Hudson
We love Sarah Susanka and her vision for remodeling. Here, she shares her tips for green remodeling with Charles and Hudson.

How To Choose A Good Window
Re-Nest
Interesting article about windows from an (relative) “outsiders” perspective. We agree: “One of the first things people look to when designing or renovating a home is good, energy efficient windows.”