Windows, doors, and mores

Sorry things haven't been more exciting. Updates this week have included having lots of long conversations with Darren my new BFF in the Lowe's construction department. Darren is a sweet guy, in fact everyone in the store has been so awesome and great at answering my plethora of questions... but Darren and I talked about 30 times in the last few days and not once did he get annoyed!

We talked both about windows and siding. I got an estimate from a great contractor Darren suggested that is an installer Lowe's uses and we are looking at a few different products. When I look at windows I want the most energy efficient I can get for the price. But I also want them to look pretty spiffy too. There are a few options but I think I'm going to go with the middle of the road on efficiency. They are a tiny bit more, but my estimations gave me about $200 per window and with PaPa's discount doing that middle of the road gets us right there. The lower end is $160 so if we want to save we can always go with that... but I really want to do the right thing here. This can save us so much in the end.

They are the Thermastar double hung by Pella

The pic to the upper right is the style our neighbors chose - which I kind of like.. Its a little bit Craftsman style, but I probably wouldn't put the grid thing on the bottom. The cost actually also includes screens, which is awesome, since all of the screens on the south side of the house are shredded. No... seriously... I will have to post pics of that.

I don't think I'm going to have much room in our budget but I REALLY want a new back door. The one we have is literally falling off, its a miracle we haven't gotten broken into because I think someone could probably break it down if they really wanted to. The one I want is white, has a nice window, but the blinds are ... get this... BUILT IN! EEEE!!!

And a normal storm door. My grandfather thinks we're already at an upgrade because the door we have now isn't made of wood and doesn't go SMACK when you let it close. Its actually metal and every hail storm it still stands... somehow.

So... here's my question to you, dear readers... On the south side of the house we have this two windows that are exposed to a huge amount of sunlight. And they've been pretty well taken out via hail damage, rain, time, and other such things. Someone suggested putting an awning over them. Something like what's on the left - which is super cute. Is it practical? Is it effective and efficient? Does it help protect against full sunlight and the elements?

What are some other options or alternatives?

Ideas? Thoughts? Recipes?