Ways to Save Money And Energy Around The House

WFMW
I will be honest, I.......am a tight wad. I will always choose Kirkland over name brand, Old Navy over Gucci, and even day old half-off donuts over fresh warm ones. I have a hard time spending more money on something that I know I can get for less. Don't get me wrong, I am willing to pay SOME money for good clothes, but there is a limit...for example. I wear Silver jeans, they are long enough for me (which is a struggle), they make my butt look great (which is near impossible), and they are in an acceptable price range. So I don't mind spending $50 on them because they cover all my jean needs. But I am also sensible enough to not spend $20 on pants that only look okay because I know I wont wear them, so I am basically flushing $20 down the toilet.

At the same time I have continued to place a pair of amazing Citizen jeans on sales now for about 3 years. Every once in a while I will find my size, drool, try them on, realize that I will never again look this good, and place them on hold. I have even gone to the extent of buying them and returning them with out even wearing them. I can never own them too long without having huge guilt that I spent THAT much on jeans. I have done this several times....I think the longest that I have ever owed a pair has been three days.

You may all be asking yourself, "If I want something this bad...why don't I just buy them and get it over with?" and I would answer, " Because they are $130-$180 DOLLAR JEANS!" I don't even enjoy wearing them, cause all I can think is, "Don't fall, don't spill, don't rip!". I have a hard time enjoying jean that cost 3 times the amount of my $50 dollar jeans that look great, have lasted, and don't give me an aneurysm from worry.

So as you can see I have already mastered my money saving skills when it comes to clothes and what not, but I have been doing some research trying to find the best ways to save money around the house....mainly with the utility bill. Maybe if I save enough, I can finally justify buying me some jeans :)

Wash in Cold Water
Up to 85% of your energy can be coming from your washer, mainly washing clothes in warm water. Simply picking cold as your choice can seriously save you some money, especially if your family does a lot of laundry. My husband and I usually don't even hook the warm water up because he never use it.
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Lint Filter
Cleaning your lint filter every time after use is not only safe, but helps your dryer to dry your clothes faster. Lint build up can actually cause fires in your home also dramatically drying clothes faster.
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A/C In Shade
Place your window A/C in the shade to help keep the temperate for the A/C accurate. The shade will keep it from working too hard and at unnecessary times. Plus, will also help your unit stay it better shape for longer.

Water Heater
Just simple limbo it.... how low can you go.... how low can you go?! It is suggested that 120* is a fine temperature. High effect to sanitize dishes for the dishwasher and for hot showers, but not high enough as too waste money maintaining its temperature.

Door Breezes
Opps....I see crack. So many doors have cracks and gaps. You can easily buy product that are meant to lay next to your door spotting the breeze from coming into your home, while allowing your door to still open with ease.

Cover Food
Covering your foods that you place in your fridge will help keep your fridge from working too hard. Also letting foods cool first will help save energy as well.


Toilet Level
Put a brick in it! If you have an old fashioned toilet, put a brick in the tank above the seat. This’ll mean you use less water every time you pull the flush handle. This will not only help you not waste water, but also electricity. One of a cities biggest use of electricity is for supply water and cleaning it up. So this will help you with both.

Outside Lights
If your family leaves a security light on overnight on your deck or door step, change the bulb to a compact fluorescent one, which cost more, but last 6 times longer and use less energy. Some compact fluorescent lamps ever come in yellow so they won't attract bugs, which is something I am ALL about!

Shower Heads
This is a tough one cause I hate a weak shower head, but you can save some money with a water saving shower head.


Blocked Vents
Move furniture away from the heater vents . Blocking the heat source forces the system to work harder because the house is not being heated like it should be.


I love these tips because most of them don't mess up my life too much, but also helps me save money. So maybe, just maybe, after a few months of bricks in toilets, lower water heaters, and florescent bug-free patios, I might be able to give myself and break and get my butt into the convented jeans. Just maybe :)

Fabric Diaper Case

I am probably not the most organized person... well, probably more like I can't even keep the word organized in order. Because of this fault I find myself a sucker for organizers, holders, pouches, and such.

Ever since I have seen those super cute diaper & wipe cases, I have been in love... no...wait... in LUST! But I just can't get myself to spend $12 on something that will hold diapers. I like to organize, but I am still cheap. So instead, I decided to make one.

Measure and cut out two squares from paper, one measureing 10 x 7.5 and the other 14 x 7.5. The smaller square will be the pattern for the front of the case and the 14 x 7.5 will be the back/tab. After this you can cut from the fabric now. Cut 2 pieces of fabric with the 10 x 7.5 square, one outter layer and one inner layer. Also cut 2 pieces of fabric with the 14 x 7.5 square, one inner and one outter.

Take your two pieces of 10 x 7.5 squares and place them face side up together. Sew the pieces together, but leave a small opening on one side (near the bottom) so you can turn the piece right side out again.

For the 14 x 7.5 squares, pin them face side up together. Take a dinner plate to use the round edge to trace a nice round smooth end. Now go ahead and sew the pieces together and on the round end you traced.... again, make sure to keep a little bit unsewn (near the bottom) so you can turn it right side out.

Now that you have both pieces sewn and turned correctly out, take the two pieces and place them again right side up together and sew the pieces. Once down, turn correct side out. Go ahead and sew your button on.

Impressed? Now you have one prettty hip AND cheap diaper and wipe case. I have posted pictures, but they aren't showing exactly what I said to do because I made these instructions up as I went. So I figured out what worked and what didn't. So, follow the instructions and take the pictures as loosly based guidelines :)

One Cool Mama

The older I get, the more I realize that I am sooooo not as cool as I use to be. I am starting to get irritated with the noisy crowds, clothes kids wear these days, and how can I keep up with their slang and lingo?! I am slowly slipping away from young, fun, hip, Melissa... and turning into home-body, quiet weekends, take my kid to the park Melissa. WHAT HAPPENED TO ME!? I use to be a social butterfly and planned parties, had fashionable clothes, and always new hot music.

It hit me that things were changing a few months ago. Curtis and I were visiting his family in Logan and we were hanging out with one of his sweet cousins. We were heading out to go snowboarding and she had brought her iPod. I was curious as to what music she liked so I asked if I could see it. She said , "Oh (insert slang I didn't know) yea, I have some pretty (insert more slang I didn't know) music on there, you will love it." So, I put on the head phones and got listening.... I was mortified! I didn't know ONE SONG! I had no idea what was on there. It then hit me.... I was out of the loop. Don't get me wrong, it isn't like I don't want to grow up. I like that I spend more weekends home with my honey curled up on the couch, but there are some things I liked and I didn't want to change.... my love of music is one of them. So, this post is for all of you moms out there that have noticed that you are finding it harder and harder to relate and connect with the young and hip. Here is a post to help give us moms back a little slice of cool. I have here a list of great bands that can help us ween ourselves out of the everyday mommyhood and out onto the edge :)

Jason Mraz - "We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things"
I liked Jason Mraz from the beginning with his fun upbeat song "The Remedy". Who can resist that fast lyricing temptation? He definitely has some fun songs, but they all kind of sound the same, until he broke his own mold when he made "We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things". It's a very different mellower version of the Mraz we loved. Songs To Look For - I'm Yours, Lucky, The Remedy.

Matchbox Twenty - "Exile On Mainstream"
With many great CDs, "Exile On Mainstream" is great because it has a few new songs, but mainly a collection of some of their greatest. This is a great CD especially if you are looking to find someone new to like. This CD will win you over. Songs To Look For - How Far We've Come, Disease, Unwell.

Jack Johnson - "Sing-A-Longs & Lullabies For The Film Curious George"
Yes, you read that right. This CD is the Curious George soundtrack. Jack Johnson is a one of a kind musician that mixes reggae like rhythms with tongue tying lyrics. He is one of my all time favorite artists. Songs To Look For - Upside Down, Flake, Taylor, Better Together, Sitting Waiting Wishing.

Coldplay - "X&Y"
Coldplay is a great band that has released several amazing CDs. Whether you like rock, country, oldies, whatever... you will find a Coldplay song that you like. I'm not sure if it is their music, lyrics, or just their persona that they give off, but Coldplay is one of my favorite bands. Songs To Look For - Fix You, Speed Of Sound, Til Kingdom Come, Vida La Vida

50 First Dates Soundtrack
Okay, I know this isn't a band, but this is a great CD. Most of the songs are remakes that now have an island mellow feel to them. This is one of Curtis and mine's favorites. Songs To Look For - Hold Me Now, Drive, Your Love, Every Breath You Take.

The All-American Rejects
With two great CDs, "Move Along"(my personal favorite) and "The All-American Rejects", this is for you out there that like a little more rock. I am a fan of rock with a little punk in it and so I do love The All-American Rejects. But even if you aren't into rock or punk, just give a couple of their songs a try. Songs To Look For - Move Along, It Ends Tonight, Dirty Little Secret, Swing Swing.

Colbie Caillat
I can't comment on her CD, because I haven't heard the whole thing. But the songs I have, I love. Her voice is gorgeous and tunes delightful. Songs To Look For - Bubbly, Realize, Lucky.

Maroon 5
They have two great CDs, "It Wont Be Soon Before Long" and "Songs About Jane". Besides the main singer having some deliciousness about him (Sorry Curtis), his voice is unlike anyone else. His unique voice just makes their songs. Songs To Look For - I Wont Go Home Without You, Wake Up Call, She Will Be Loved, Harder To Breathe.
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Nickelback
This rock band has had hit after hit. With their scratchy voices and rockin' guitars, they seem to do no wrong. From songs about remembering the good old days, making fun of rock stars, and trying to give credit to the people who try to make a difference, they are truly a unique rock band. Songs To Look For - If Everyone Cared, Photograph, Far Away, Rock Star, Savin' Me,

Mika
This strange British singer can easily be compared to singers and artists like Queen, Elton John, or Scissor Scissors. His peppy happy songs are hard not to like and get easily stuck in your head. I haven't heard his whole CD but he does have some serious winners. Songs To Look For - Grace Kelly, Love Today.
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Sara Bareilles
She is a talented singer/writer/pianist. Her songs are simple but pleasant. With her voice and piano playing leading the songs, it is hard not to resist. Songs To Look For - Love Song, Bottle It Up.

The Killers
Here is an interesting band... they definitely go to the beat of their own drum. I have both of their CDs "Sam's Town" and "Hot Fuzz" and they're good, only because the songs that are good, are FANTASTIC. This is a band where I think most people don't love all their stuff, but definitely hit up iTunes and download a good chunk. Songs To Look For - When You Were Young, Mr Brightside, Read My Mind, Somebody Told Me.

Nature Walk Box From Scribbit

Sorry for the late post and honestly... sorry for me being flaky with my blog these last few weeks. I don't know why, because we havn't been THAT busy, but I keep finding myself tired, overwhelmed, and really not following through with things. So, I decided to kind of take a break from being a good blogger. It was nice, I mean... don't get me wrong, I wasn't sitting around the house in a lush silk robe eating bon-bons all day, but it was just nice to not have to be my regular compulsive blogging self. I got time to do so many of the things I ignore when I blog... you know what I mean... laundry, dishing, vacuuming, making lunch for the kids... uh... wait.... scratch that last one! :) So, now I am back and hopefully more on the ball!

I had a fun craft I have been working on for 2 weeks now and I was allllll excited to get it posted and to show all of you how to do it (I guess you will just have to wait till next week). But instead, I saw this fun activity/craft project over at Scribbit a few weeks ago and just thought what a GREAT idea it was, plus summer is quickly slipping away, so it might be nice to get this last activity in before the season is gone. Scribbit made a fun color coded nature walk box where you simply take an empty carton of eggs and color each cup with a different color. Then send the children out (to give you some piece) to find something out in nature that is matching that color.

This I think is just so creative and fun. Besides it just being something fun to do in the backyard, it can also help keep children busy on hikes, camping trips, or park picnics if they are getting board. So, hop over to Scribbit and check out all her information on the color coded nature walk box.

Twilight & Freebies

Well, world... you wore me down and I think I am finally going to read the "Twilight" books. Everyone keeps raving about them. I poo pooed Harry Potter before I read it, so I will give this a try. :)
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On another note.... here are some free samples I have found online. You can get a free samples of Always pads, Degree deodorant for men, or even some free Nature Made liquid vitamin pills. Oh, I do love finding free samples :)

Children Play Castle Craft

How many times have you had this situation happen? Nature calls, so you walk into the bathroom. You sit down, do your... um... business, turn to grab toilet paper and NADA! NOTHING... ZILCH! Nothing but that empty toilet paper roll hanging there just staring at you, with nothing but a few scraps still stuck. I hate those stupid rolls and in this house.... we have this situation happen a lot. I have actually heard myths that if a toilet paper roll actually gets changed in this house, that it is a sign that the four horsemen of the apocalypse are coming.

But have no more hatred for those rolls, for they didn't do anything to you (it was the person before you, that you are mad at), but save those rolls and use them for something good, like a play castle for your kids. All you need is a few things like...

Some toilet paper rolls
A box
Paint
Brushes
Glue

With these few items your kids can sit down and paint/glue/cut themselves a fun castle. They can get into it as much as they want. Make a draw bridge, windows, paint brick by brick, make furniture, even a moat. This will probably only cost a whopping 4 bucks or so. Just enough to buy some paints and sponge brushes. The kids will have their afternoons busy trying to build their castles so then you will have your afternoon free for, um... lets say... blogging? :)

Potty Training

If you are getting ready to OR are in the middle of trying to potty train your child, you can sign up for a FREE potty training kit at Pamers - here. It comes with stickers, a chart, some tips, and even a Dora the Explorer or Diego trophy!

Baby Einstein DVDs

WFMW
I am a pretty anti-TV type of mom. My husband and I try not to watch too much; in fact, we don't even have cable. I mean, we do watch TV here and there, usually only for "The Office" and "Scrubs", but TV for my kid..... no no. I see so many children these days being glued to the TV set and that is something I refuse to let happen to my kids. Don't get me wrong, I am alllll up for letting them watch stuff here and there, but I have a limit. I am okay with our children (when they are old enough) to watch a Disney movie here and there, because who doesn't love watching "Aladdin" or "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang"? But since Lucy is only 9 months old TV is not really something I want on while she is in the room.... well... except for Baby Einsteins.
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I am sure most of you have seen these, but for those of you who haven't heard of them, they are shows designed for children 3 months to about 2 years old to help teach them anything from, shapes, colors, animals, Bach, Beethoven, Shakespeare, to sign language. The DVDs use puppets, actors, toys, children, and cartoons to help teach. They even will teach things is several languages. Lucy has the "Baby da Vinci" and they help show and teach body parts in English, French, and Spanish. Lucy loves it, especially when they show the cute little puppets. I just recently got her one that plays music by Bach and one that teaches sign language.

Besides feeling that they are a nice way to show baby something new, since most of the time they see the inside of the house, they are a nice break for mom. I'm not saying put baby in front of Baby Einsteins as a babysitting tool, even though they are educational, but I do save them for when Lucy is acting up. If there is a certain day where she is just fussy and I can't help the situation, then the Baby Einsteins will help to educate and to calm her down. Since they are only 20 mins long, that is just enough time to settle her down and to give me a chance to finish what I was doing, whether it be dishes, cleaning, crafts, or blogging.

And if you don't have a baby in the house right now, but small children, then you will LOOOOOVE the Little Einsteins. This show is truly amazing! It is four sweet little kids running around trying to help someone or something with SOME kind of problem, but on the way they teach art, history, and music. There is always an artist and musician of the day. They are really enjoyable to watch, even as an adult, and I even learned a few things. These are really good, they air on the Disney channel and on the Sprouts channel sometimes.

These shows are really fun for kids and infants, plus I don't feel guilty about letting my Lucy watch them either... I am actually really excited for when she is old enough to watch Little Einsteins and learn about Von Gogh, Monet, and Chopin! They are also a little pricey; new they go for $19.99, but I have found them on Craigslist, Amazon, or at second hand stores for as low as 3-5 bucks. I did buy one brand new and have not regretted it, but I wouldn't go out and buy the whole collection for the original; having just one or two is good enough until they out grow them, which takes a while.

So, help your baby learn and experience something new and let them try out a Baby Einstein. (plus what mom doesn't enjoy a nice 20 min break)

Kraft Bagel-fuls

WFMW

I find it very important that everyone eats 3 meals a day, especially breakfast, but in this house the hubby is always skipping out on breakfast and it drives me crazy. So, basically he sleeps all night, gets ready and runs out the door, then he doesn't come home till 1 in the afternoon for lunch... so great,.... he has now gone over 12 hours with no food! Seriously, how is that okay?! What I find really crazy about this, is it isn't just my husband. I see many friends, family members, and children that run out the door with no breakfast. I just want to run after them throwing scrambled eggs at them hoping that they will eat whatever sticks to them. But for every problem, there is a solution and those have been... Bagel-fuls.

Kraft is selling a fluffy bagel that's comes with Philadelphia cream cheese filling. Okay, I know what some of you are thinking, "Not another prepackaged no-bake food." That is what I thought when I first heard of these. Personally, I kind of get tired and irritated with all the no bake foods... like the cereal breakfast bar; its a bar made out of cereal bits and what claims to be a solid milk filling, um... can we all say ewwww! Lets just say, if you don't have time for a sit down breakfast, I am more of a yogurt and fruit person.
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When we first got them, I was expecting them to be alright, probably not great, and lacking in the cream cheese area, but I was surprised. They were fairly tasty and had just the RIGHT amount of cream cheese filling. With flavors coming in Original Plain, Strawberry, Cinnamon & Brown Sugar, Chive and Whole Grain, you are bound to find a flavor you like.... I was a HUGE fan of the Cinnamon, and Hubby ate his weight in Strawberry.

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So, the husband likes, which is great, because now I find him yelling from the kitchen on his way out the door, "Honey... where are the Bagel-fuls?"... he is actually searching for breakfast! Curtis can now eat a healthy quick breakfast most mornings by grabbing a Bagel-ful and a piece of fruit and he is good to go. But besides being good for a quick alternative breakfast, they are great for me because I have sworn off bagels. I know! What crazy person would swear off that heavenly-goodness? Well, ever since I have been trying to loose the baby weight I have been paying more attention to foods that might be shady in their healthly appearance.... one of them those bagels. I love bagels, but unfortunately, depending on what kind and how much cream you put on, you are looking at a bagel being any where from 500 to 800 calories and a good chunk of that is coming from fat! So, I have said good-bye to my bagels and shmear, until Bagel-fuls. Now I can have a bagel that is already proportioned so it doesn't need anymore cream cheese... I can now get my bagel fix and never eat more than 200 calories.

Whether you are looking for some proportioned snack or a fix for a quick breakfast, you might want to give these a try. They are located in the frozen breakfast aisle and can sell from anywhere to $2.40-ish to $2.89-ish. You can find more information on the Kraft website.

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P.S. I will be hosting a Bagel-ful giveaway and three lucky people will win FREE BAGEL-FULS! So check back on Friday for rules and a chance to win!