Monday, December 29, 2008

EAT TO BEAT PMS

If you're among the three out of four women who experience PMS, you may find relief by improving your daily nutrition. Get healthier though foods, supplements and a multivitamin.
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If Your Experiencing
Bloating

Get More
Calcium
your daily intake goal should be 1200 mg
&
Magnesium
your daily intake goal should be 400-800 mg

Eat
Yogurt & Milk will help you get your calcium
Black Beans will help you get your magnesium

You will feel better because
Calcium and magnesium help reduce cell inflammation, and have been shown to decrease both bloating and abdominal discomfort by 30%.
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If Your Experiencing
Cramps

Get More
Vitamin D
your daily intake goal should be 1,000 IU

Eat
Instant Oatmeal

You Will Feel Better Because
studies reveal that women with high levels of vitamin D, another nutrient that reduces cell inflammation, are 40% less likely to get cramps.
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If Your Experiencing
Breast Tenderness

Get More
Vitamin E
your daily intake goal should be 400 IU

Eat
Sunflower seeds

You Will Feel Better Because
new research says breast tenderness is reduced by increasing your intake of antioxidant rich vitamin E
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If Your Experiencing
Moodiness

Get More
Omega - fatty acids
your daily intake goal should be 1,000 to 1,500 mg

Eat
Salmon and swordfish

You Will Feel Better Because
Omega 3 fatty acids increase fee good serotionin levels in the brain, accoring to recent research!

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Fundraisers You Can Feel Good About (SACRAMENTO BALLET)

The Sacramento Ballet needs your help.

Like many nonprofit organizations, we operate on a very tight budget. Even a slight variation can make a huge difference in our financial situation. The Ballet is feeling the impact of this difficult economic climate. We need your support to continue to provide quality educational programs and to produce performances with a high standard of artistic excellence.

Our friends at CHEVRON have recognized Sacramento Ballet’s importance as a cultural resource in our community. Not only did they underwrite The Nutcracker Student Matinee’s and Nutcracker Sweet Sunday, but they also have pledged a $50,000 challenge grant.

For every dollar donated to The Sacramento Ballet by a business or individual, CHEVRON will match that gift dollar for dollar up to $50,000. If you have never contributed before, now is the time, if you are already a donor, we appreciate your additional support!

Please join CHEVRON and our family of supporters and make a difference in the cultural life of the Sacramento community.

Contributions may be made by check or credit card and sent to:
Sacramento Ballet, 1631 K Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.
Please send care of Kerri Warner and indicate Chevron Challenge Donation.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

Want to know what your "Carbon Footprint" is. Find out in less than 3 minutes.
Go to

www.smud.org/footprint

Save Today. Save Tomorrow!

Friday, November 28, 2008

Make It A GREEN Christmas This Year, PLEASE!

An estimated 25 million extra tons of trash is generated between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. All the wrapping paper, plastic cups, tinsel and other throwaways add up quickly, not to mention the gas spent on countless trips to stores. Some small changes in the ways you give, get, decorate and entertain can ensure a great green holiday.
Decorating
A Christmas without a tree is unthinkable. You can still have a tree, deck the halls and be green with planning.
1. Look for a farm in your area that grows its trees using organic methods. Most live trees aren’t from forests but farms, where they’re raised like any other crop, so having a live tree doesn’t mean cutting down a venerable old evergreen.
2. Purchase a tree with the roots attached or in a pot, then plant it in your yard— without the tinsel of course—after the holidays. In a few years, you’ll have your own fir forest.
3. Decorate a pine tree already growing in your yard instead of buying a tree. It’s a lovely old tradition the whole neighborhood can enjoy.
4. Keep and use your fake plastic tree if you already have one. While they’re made using petroleum, a nonrenewable resource, the resources have already been used, the money’s been spent, and pitching it will just mean more junk for the landfill.
5. Choose super-efficient LED lights. They’re more expensive than traditional twinkle lights, but they burn 80 to 90percent less energy and are cool to the touch. (Swapping LED lights for regular lights on the 80-foot tree in Rockefeller Center saved as much energy in a day as a family uses in a month.)
6. Use pinecones, handmade paper snowflakes or vintage decorations rather than buying new ornaments. Popcorn and cranberry garlands are fun to make, and the birds will appreciate them afterward.
7. Use holly, ivy and other natural greenery, maybe even from your own yard or garden, to decorate.
8. Recycle your tree. Many cities pick up discarded Christmas trees on a specific day, then have them turned into mulch to be used in local parks. (Contact your local sanitation department or check www.earth911.org).
Entertaining
Gathering with the people you care about is the best part of the holiday season. This year, rather than exchanging gifts, invite friends over for a big party.
1. Use real plates, napkins and flatware, not plastic or paper that gets thrown away when the party’s over. If you don’t have enough plates, rent them or buy inexpensive ones. You’ll get your money back in just a few years of use.
2. Plan your menu around foods that are in season where you live. Lots of gas is burned shipping fruits and vegetables from warm climates every winter. Think pumpkin pie, not strawberry tart.
3. Burn candles made of beeswax or soy instead of candles made of petroleum products.
4. Fill a bowl with pomegranates or your favorite citrus fruit for a beautiful, edible centerpiece.
Giving & Receiving
Do you get a sinking feeling in your stomach, and a light feeling in your wallet, looking at your list of presents to buy? Shortening your list can save money and reduce waste.
1. Try drawing names or giving only to the children, rather than exchanging gifts with everyone.
2. Give experiences instead of stuff: Gift certificates for a massage, music downloads or a favorite restaurant; tickets to a sporting event, play or concert are all good choices. Another option: donations to a favorite charity.
3. Buy as much as you can from local stores and artisans, or order gifts online to save gas-guzzling trips to the mall.
4. Use recycled or reusable materials for wrapping. Old newspapers, fabric, maps, even brown paper bags can look festive with a pretty bow. Make the wrapping part of the gift by presenting it in a pretty scarf, bag or basket.
5. Nix the faux-peanut packing materials and use shredded junk mail instead. Real peanuts in the shell, stuffing from old pillows or dry pasta can also cushion presents for shipping.
6. Send holiday greetings electronically. Create an e-card or post an online photo slide show at your family Web site.
7. Start a new tradition. In the Middle Ages, Boxing Day, the day after Christmas, was a time for local landowners to give gifts to those less fortunate, or so the legend goes. Make that tradition your own by setting aside December 26 to package up clothes, toys and household goods to be donated to local charities.
8. Don’t throw away holiday cards after you’ve read them. Cut the decorated fronts into squares to make gift tags for next year’s presents.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

5 Things To Do With...Vinegar

1. CLEAN A COFFEEMAKER
Get rid of stains and mineral deposits by filling the reservoir with 1 part white vinegar, 2 parts water, and brewing. Repeat every three weeks.

2. PREVENT COLORS FROM RUNNINGS
To keep new clothes or towels from losing color, soak them in 1 part vinegar, 1 part cold water for 15 minutes before washing.

3. KILL GRASS AND WEEDS
Pour vinegar on upshoots between bricks and flagstones. The acidic component kills young weeks in one dousing.

4. FRESHEN WILTEN VEGETABLES
Perk up soggy leafy vegetables by soaking them in 2 cups cold water mixed with 1 Tbsp vinegar for 10 minutes. Rince, dry and serve.

5. AVOID MOLDY CHEESE
Soak a cloth in vinegar, wrap it around hard cheese, and seal in an airtight container or ziptop bag. Done! The vinegar prevents mold spores.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

SWAP TILL YOU DROP

Is your son/daughter hooked on the video game Guitar hero one month but over it the next? These websites help you get your hands on what you want, and get rid of what you don't. They allow you to trade all sorts of stuff with other families, and you pay only for the shipping.

1.
http://www.zwaggle.com/
Swap a wide range of products, including clothing and furniture. The site also lets members donate items to charity.

2.
http://www.shaptree.com/
Rate other members on the condition of their books, video games and CDs -- and their trade etiquette.

3.
http://www.switchplanet.com/
Features a blog where staff members post DVD and CD reciews.

4.
http://www.swap-it-now.com/

Don't have anything to swap? Users can choose to pay for products using a cash option.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

5 MINUTE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING RECIPE (PLUS)

1 lb. box of C & H pure cane powdered sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 stick salted butter (softened)

Beat the electric mixer 2 minutes, scraping bowl often. For thinner consistency add milk a little at a time.

Frosts one 8 inch layer cake.

Try these fun FLAVOR variations on this frosting recipe!

Chocolate: add 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder and beat an extra minute.
Lemon Lover: replace milk with 1/4 cup lemon juice, add 1 tsp. finely grated lemon rind.

Oragne: replace milk with 1/4 cup orange juice, add 1 tsp. finely grated orange rind.

Sour Cream Tang: add 3 tbsp. sour cream and beat an extra minue.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Healthy Food Swaps (Dinner)

Instead of chicken cutlets sauteed in corn oil with a side of roasted potatoes TRY chicken cutlets sauteed in canola oil with roated cauliflower
Canola oil provides more omega 3s than most other cooking oils, and cauliflower is loaded with phytochemicals that protect against carcinogens

Instead of Steak fajitas with flour tortillas TRY shrimp fajitas with corn tortillas
You'll save 400 calories and 22 fat grams, and trade saturated fat for heart smart omega 3s

Instead of meat lasagna TRY cheese ravioli
Compared with the lasagna, the ravioli is downright skinny--it has roughly half as much total and saturated fat

Instead of hot dog with a small serving of fries TRY veggie burger with 1/2 cup vegetarian baked beans
You'll cut 22 fat grams and gain 7 grams of fiber

Instead of spaghetti with broccoli, garlic and olive oil TRY udon noodles with broccoli, garlic and sesame oil
A bowl of udon noodles (japanese noodles made from whole wheat) has 40 percent more fiber

Instead of meat loaf made from 85 percent lean ground beef TRY meat loaf made with white meat ground turkey
In addition to trimming 100 calories, you'll save a whopping 13 grams of fat per slice

Instead of sichuan beef TRY moo shu pork
You'll lose 300 calories and gain 20 grams of fiber

Instead of chicken stir fry TRY tandoori chicken
The tandoori has turmeric, an antioxidant spice in curry ppowder that may help ward off Alzheimer's disease.

REMINDER:
You can still eat things like Lasagna, just give yourself a break, and switch them out for the healtier variations from time to time!

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Healthy Food Swaps (Lunch)

Here Are Some Smart (LUNCH) Substitutions That Will Help You Look Better, Feel Better And Slim Down, Too!

The trick is to make suble changes that'll give you more of the good stuff (like calcium, fiber and antioxidants) while cutting back on the bad (like excessive amounts of fat and calories)

You can do this, and still LOVE every single bite!

Instead of Smoked turkey and chedder on a baguette TRY natural sliced turkey with roasted peppers on a whole wheat baguette
You'll banish cancer causing compounds foun in smoked foods and add protective antioxidants

Instead of chicken salad sanseich made with regular mayo TRY tuna salad sandwich made with canola oil mayonnaise
You'll get a double dose of heart healthy omega 3 fats

Instead of grilled veggie burrito TRY chicken burrito bowl
Your'll lose 160 calories and 26 grams of fat and add 4 grams of fiber

Instead of cheese calzone TRY slice of stuffed crust pizza
The pizza has 410 fewer calories and 12 fewer grams of fat

Instead of corned beef sandwich TRY ham sandwich
You'll eat 55 percent less fat

Instead of crispy chicken wrap TRY kid sized hamburger
You'll save 90 calories and 8 grams of fat

Instead of grilled chicken sandwich with mayon on white bread TRY grilled chicken sandwich with avocado on whole wheat bread
Avocado has tons of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals, plus cholesterol lowering plant sterols. Whole wheat bread adds fiber and 30 percent more protein than white bread.

Instead of falafel pita TRY pita with hummus
The fried falafel has 203 more calories and 11 more grams of fat than hummus

(Tomorrow I Will Have Dinner Swaps)

Friday, November 7, 2008

Healthy Food Swaps (Breakfast)

BREAKFAST HEALTHY SWAPS!

Here are some smart substitutions that will help you look better, feel better and slim down, too!
Healthy eating doesn't have to mean overhauling your diet. Try this easy, healthy swaps!

Instead of Cinnamon raisin bagel TRY 2 mini-cinnamom raisin bagels
Trading volume for quantity makes you feel like you're eating more, so you'll never even notice that you've nixed 181 calories!

Instead of Nonfat strawberry yogurt TRY nonfast greek yogurt with sliced fresh strawberries
Creamy greek style yogurt has nearly twice the protein of traditional yogurt; fresh berries add antioxidants

Instead of breakfast quesadilla with eggs, black beans, cheddar and bacon TRY egg, cheese and bacon on an english muffin
You'll zap 290 calories and 17 fat grams

Instead of 4 french toast sticks TRY whole grain waffles
Choosing the light, airy waffles will save you 202 calories and add fiber

Instead of apple cinnamon instant oatmeal TRY steel cut oats with 1/4 cup fresh chopped apples and a dash of cinnamon
You'll still get that apple cinnamon taste, but you'll feel full longer---less processed oats take longer to digest

Instead of cottage cheese (1% fat) with sliced bananas TRY part skim ricotta cheese with sliced bananas
You'll get two and a half times more calcium

Instead of english muffin with 1 Tbsp lowfat cream cheese TRY whole wheat english muffin with 1 Tbsp natural peanut butter
Yes you'll gain a few calories and some fat, but the fat is the "good" kind and you'll eat less in the long run. The combo of complex carbs and a little healthy fat keeps your blood sugar on an even keel so you'll stay fuller longer.

Instead of corn flake cereal TRY bran flake cereal with raisins
Just 1 cup provides you with about a quarter of the fiber you need in a day. (corn flake cereal, on the other hand, has hardly any)


I will have lunch swaps tomorrow!

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

HAVE ANY USED CLOTHES, TOYS OR CHRISTMAS ITEMS?

Once Upon A Child

In November Once Upon A Child is making room for the holidays.

Take In Your Items For Some Quick Holiday Money!

They are looking for...

TOYS
Large and Small Toys
Little Tikes
Step 2
Fisher Price
Playskool
LeapFrog
Vtech

WINTER ITEMS
Holiday Dresswear
Holiday Accessories
Winter Coats
Snow Boots
Ski Pants

Sacramento Store
3186 Arden Way
916-488-8861

Roseville Store
384 Roseville Sq
916-774-0852

Citrus Heights Store
7937 Greenback Ln
916-725-2525

Elk Grove Store
9163 E. Stockton
916-686-1666

Modesto Store
3440 McHenry Ave #A4
209-575-3554

Vacaville Store
2041-B Harrison Dr
707-448-1212

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

VOTER DAY "FREEBIES" FOR US VOTERS!

FIND OUT WHAT GOODIES YOU CAN GET FOR FREE IF YOU VOTE!

Feel free to share any tips on what might be free in your area.

Visit www.lifehacker.com for a complete list of election day freebies!

Some highlights:
Free Scoop of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream!
Hit up Krispy Kreme for a free yummy treat!
Free coffee at Starbucks!

Check out www.slickdeals.net for a more complete list of what might be free in your neck of the woods.

Enjoy!

Blogging For Dollars!

There are millions of them on the Internet and they come in all shapes and sizes. You can write about nearly anything. From what it's like to be a mom to politics. It's free to set one up. Visit http://www.blogger.com/, and once you do, you can place ads, using an easy program like Google AdSense (www.google.com/adsense)

Each time a visitor to your blog clicks on an ad, you earn money.
Once you've earned $100 you'll get a check in the mail for the money you've earned.

You can even look at your AdSense account online to see how much money you've earned Daily!

THIS WOULD BE A GOOD TIME TO CLICK ON MY AD'S...LOL

You probably won't replace your paycheck by blogging, at least not at first, but it's a good way to make extra money.

Good luck!

Monday, November 3, 2008

IS YOUR FRESH CUT CHRISTMAS TREE A FIRE HAZZARD?

If Your Buying A Fresh Pre-Cut Tree!

Make sure To Check A Tree's Freshness!

1. Tug on the needles (they shouldn't break and should be hard to pull back from the brances)

2. Make sure the trunk IS sticky.

3. Bounce the tree on the ground and if a lot of needles fall off, the tree was cut too long ago and is a FIRE HAZZARD!

4. On to the next tree, if needed!

Sunday, November 2, 2008

TWO MUST HAVE "GREEN" PRODUCTS

1. Disposable Plates

This Thanksgiving, skip the paper and plastic plates (they're not recyclable).

Sugarcane plates and bowls are sturdy enough for second helpings, and are microwave safe.

They can be composted or tossed in the trash. Try the ones at www.greenfeet.com (3.95 for 15 plates)

2. Twist Euro Sponge Cloth
Since bacteria live in kitchen sponges, I switched to washable clothes. But I missed sponges since they absorved better. Now, I found the TWIST EURO SPONGE CLOTH, a sponge/towel that soaks up spills and washes dishes, then twists dry. You can boil it clean or drop it in the dishwasher to get rid of germs. OH, It's also BIODEGRADABLE!
$4 for 3 : www.peacefulcompany.com

Friday, October 31, 2008

5 GREEN WAYS TO FIGHT THE FLU & BOOST IMMUNITY

Did you know that everyday exposure to toxic chemicals can weaken your immune system, leaving you vulnerable during cold and flu season? In fact, those "cold" symptoms you suffered last year (runny nose, sneezing, water eyes...) might actually have been your body's reaction to toxic chemicals in your home.

Here are five simple steps to detoxify your home, boost your family's immunity and protect your health all winter long.


1. OPEN A WINDOW
While the tendency is to keep the windows closed during the winter due to the cold, it's a good idea to open one every now and then to let out any toxic fumes from heaters and let fresh air in.

2. AVOID DISINFECTANTS
It's natural to reach for a can of aerosol disinfectant spray to protect against colds and flu. But disiinfectants contain many toxic chemicals, so while they may kill germs, they also hurt the body's ability to fight off infection. Better to strengthen the immune system and kill germs with non-toxic methods (like hot water or tea tree oil)

3. ELIMINATE NONSTICK COOKWARE
A study from the Environmental Working Group thought West Virginia University found that subjects with a higher level in their blood of a chemical found in Teflon had lower levels of a key protein that helps keep the immune system strong. For better health, try cast irion, clay, porcelain enamel, glass or one of the new PFOA-free "green pans"

4. REMOVE PERMANENT MARKERS
Permanent markers contain solvents like cresol, toluene and xylene - all poerful immunotoxicants. Choose water-based markers instead. (available in the stationary aisle of drug stores, at supermarkets and discount stores), soy crayons or colored pencils.

5. SLEEP ON UNTREATED COTTON OR LINEN SHEETS.
All polyester/cotton and permanent-press cotton sheets are treated with a formaldehyde finish that can't be removed and that can cause runny noses, itchy eyes and other cold or flu-like symptoms.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

HOW TO SAVE ON THOSE ENERGY BILLS

Heat
This is the biggest chunk of our energy costs (42%!). Make your home as airtight as possible and you can reduce that cost by at least 10%.

Apply weatherstripping
There’s an easy way to find air leaks: Hold a lighted candle around each door and window on one side as a helper points a blowing hairdryer at that spot from the other side. If the flame flickers, you’ve got a draft.

Insulate outlets and light switches
Two unexpected sources of leaks. Seal them with a foam gasket specially made to fix the problem.

Turn down the thermostat
The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) says that for every degree you set back your thermostat for 8 hours each day, you can save about 2% on your bill. Going from 70°F to 65°F, for example, saves about 10% (or $100 saved for every $1,000 of heating cost).

Haul out extra blankets so you can turn it down to 60°F at night and save even more. Install a programmable thermostat, which automatically turns down the heat at night and when you’re not home.

Nix exhaust fans
In just one hour, a bathroom or kitchen exhaust fan can expel a houseful of warm air, according to Habitat for Humanity. If you really have to use one, make it quick.

Lights About
20% of your electricity bill typically goes for lighting, but only one-tenth of that amount is required to produce light. The rest is wasted on the heat that incandescent lightbulbs produce.
Switch to CFLs. It costs about a dollar a month to light a regular 100-watt bulb for three hours a day. Switch to a compact fluorescent bulb (CFL) and watch that cost plummet to just 25¢ a month. The DOE estimates that changing only a quarter of your home’s bulbs can cut your lighting bill in half. Lesson learned: CFLs are more expensive (about $5 each), but look at what they save you in the long run. Turn ’em off. If you’ll be gone for more than five minutes, turn off the lights.

Hot Water
Keeping 20 to 80 gallons of water constantly hot is getting more and more expensive—in fact, some energy pros believe the big, monstrous tank is just about extinct. Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, heat only the water you need as you need it. These heaters may seem pricey to purchase and install (about 2½ times as much as a standard water heater), but they cost about 40% less to operate than an electric water heater, or 30% less than a natural gas model. If you’re not in the market to upgrade:

Install aerating, low-flow showerheads
Engineered to create the feel of a full-flow shower, the showerhead actually restricts the amount of water coming through the nozzle to just 2½ or fewer gallons a minute. Compare that with an old showerhead, which delivers about 5 gallons a minute. Switch to low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators to reduce water consumption as much as 50%. And while you’re at it, stop taking baths. They use an average of 15 to 25 gallons of hot water.

Lower the thermostat
Water heaters sometimes come set at 150°F, but 120°F is fine for most uses—including killing most bacteria and germs in the laundry. You’ll save 3% to 5% of the cost for every 10 degrees you lower the temperature. So at $40 a month for an 80-gallon electric water heater, lowering the temperature from 130°F to 120°F will knock about $24 a year off your water heating costs.
Insulate your hot-water storage tank. You’ll cut standby heat losses by 25% to 45%, which saves around 4% to 9% in water heating costs. (Be careful not to cover the thermostat; with gas water heaters, be extra-careful not to block the air intake opening and to keep the insulation from touching the flue.)

Change the laundry temperature
Switch from hot to warm water in the washer and cut that load’s energy use in half. Wash clothes in cold water using cold-water detergents and save even more.
AppliancesIf you’re ready for new ones, look for Energy Star–rated appliances, an EPA designation that indicates the most energy-efficient products. But you can also do the following:

Fully load the dishwasher
Whenever you can avoid running your dishwasher, it’s like saving a dollar—the rough cost of energy, water and detergent to run one cycle.
Air-dry dishes. Most dishwashers have two drying options: heat-dry and air-dry. Choose air-dry and cut your dishwasher’s energy use by anywhere from 15% to 50%. If your dishwasher doesn’t have that option, open the door to let everything dry after it rinses.

Think small
Whether you’re reheating pizza or preparing a big meal, use the smallest appliance possible. A slow-cooker uses less energy (another reason to love it); the microwave costs less to operate than the stove or oven. If you do use the stove, match the burner to the pan. Don’t waste energy heating the air around a small pan!

Clean out the fridge
Your refrigerator is one of the biggest energy drains. If it’s overpacked, the air can’t circulate, so the fridge eats up even more electricity trying to keep things cool.

Standby Power
Tonight when your house is dark, take a stroll through all the rooms. Notice the little green or red lights staring at you from TVs, cable boxes, sound systems, the coffeemaker and all your other gizmos? This is the “phantom loads”—electricity that’s squandered just to keep your electronics in “instant-on” mode. Six to 30% of the average U.S. home’s electricity bill can be traced to phantom loads—a total waste of electricity and money. You can save $40 to $50 a month by doing this.

Kill your watts
Use Kill A Watt (see “6 Money-Saving Gadgets” below) to find out just how much power your electronics are sucking up when they’re not being used. Once you stop the power drain, you just might recoup the device’s purchase price in the first month.

Unplug it
Diligently unplugging devices with standby power lops a big chunk off your electricity bill. Not everything needs to be unplugged, though: A toaster with no clock or other electronic display doesn’t pull power when it’s not in use. But leaving your computer with all those peripherals (monitor, printer, etc.) running 24/7 is just crazy. A typical PC can use up to 250 watts—so if you only use it four hours a day but it’s always plugged in, you’re spending an extra $212 a year.

6 Money-Saving Gadgets

1. Outlet and switch sealers Foam gaskets are simple to install behind outlet and switchplate covers to stop air from escaping. (10¢ each; at home improvement centers or blackenergy.com)

2. Refrigerator thermometer Settings that are too cold waste electricity, so use a thermometer to double-check the temp. (about $6; amazon.com)

3. Smart Strip Power Strip It has a brain! Plug your computer into the main outlet on the strip, peripherals into the other ones. When you power up your computer, the strip turns on the peripherals; turn off your computer and they’ll turn off too. ($39.95; smarthomeusa.com)

4. Kill A Watt EZ energy meter An electricity cost calculator that tells you the operating cost of any household appliance—in the same measurement units that your utility company charges you (kilowatt/hour), and in real cost per week, month or year. ($37.59; amazon.com)

5. Low-flow showerhead The Niagara Conservation N2915 Earth Massage uses only 1½ gallons of water per minute. ($14.88; watercheck.biz)

6. Programmable thermostat Install one and set the temperature you want at different times of day. The Honeywell 5/2 Programmable Thermostat is priced right and easy to use. ($44.99; shop.com)

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

GET A GOOD REWARDS CREDIT CARD

If you, like millions, use a debit card to pay for your day to day expenses like food, gas and other routine purchases, switch to a credit card that has a great rewards program. And (this is VERY important) be sure that you pay your statement balance on time each month.

You may want to put a reminder of the due date on your calendar. Rewards cards carry much higher interest, so if you let a balance roll over from month to month, the interest you pay will eat up any rewards cash you earn.

Because the cards vary, look for one that gives cash back on gas and food purchases, and read the FINE PRINT.

Go to http://www.indexcreditcards.com/ for a current listing of cash back rewards cards.

If the card you get, gives back 6% on gas and grocery purchases, plus 1% on everything else, that adds up, and will be reflected as a credit on your statement. If you buy 40 gallons of gas each month at $4 a gallon, 6% cash back is $9.60. A family of four that spends $400 in groceries for the month could expect $24 cash back!

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

DO IT YOURSELF (THIS MONTH)

Pick one thing that your normally purchase for yourself each month, or a service you hire someone to do, and DO IT YOURSELF.

A good example would be to clean and detail your car YOURSELF.

And

Make your own winder cleaner.

Have you checked out the price of window cleaner lately?
We pay about 10 cents per ounce if we bought it, compared to only 1 cent per ounce if we brew our own batch.

Window Cleaner

Ingredients:1/2 cup non-sudsing household ammonia 1/2 cup white vinegar2 tablespoons cornstarch2 drops blue food coloring (optional)warm water

Directions:Pour ingredients into a gallon-size container that has a tight-fitting lid. Fill with warm water. Shake to incorporate.

The food coloring, while not necessary, will alert you that the contents are not water.

Label and keep out of the reach of children.

Monday, October 13, 2008

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ONLINE REBATES

Everyone should check out Microsoft's new Live Search Cashback program.

Customers who make an online purchase after using Live Search (Microsoft's version of Google or Yahoo!) are eligible for a cash-back rebate from Microsoft.

Once you have accumulated at least $5, you can request a payout by check or have the money deposited into your bank of PayPal account.

Go to www.live.com/cashback to learn more!

The amount of cash back varies from one retailer to the next. At presstime, a purchase from Zappos will net you 9% cash back. Buy from PetSmart and get 12% cast back.

Go to www.live.com/cashback to learn more and to discover all the online retailers who are currently participating.

KEEP SAVING MONEY!

Sunday, October 12, 2008

GATHER YOUR BOOKS (PUT MONEY IN YOUR POCKET!)

Do you have books in good condition?
Go to http://cash4books.net/index.php?ref=84839 , type in the books' ISBN numbers and see if you can get cash for them.
All you have to do is complete the transaction online, print out a prepaid mailing label, pack the books and send them in.
In just a few days you will either receive a check in the mail or a deposit to your PayPal account.
You won't pay a cent...not even for postage!


You can find the ISBN numbers on the back of the cover or on the copyright page in the front of the book.

GOOD LUCK!

Saturday, October 11, 2008

LAUNDRY DETERGENT FOR 2 CENTS A LOAD!

Good Morning All,

Why Spend .25 A Load On Laundry, When You Can Spend .02? That's right, TWO CENTS A LOAD.

It's Not Difficult. It Works Extremely Well, And Man, Will You Ever SAVE!

The Cost To Make The Laundry Detergent Is About 2 Cents A Load, Versus .25 Cents A Load If You Used A Commercial Detergent.

So, If You Make Your Own, Everytime You Do A Load Of Laundry, You Might As Well Drop About .23 Cents Into Your Piggy Bank!

If You Washed 2 Times A Day, You Would Save 14.26 A Month Or 171.12 A Year.
If You Washed 5 Times A Day. You Would Save 35.65 A Month Or 439.80 A Year!
If You Washed 10 Times A Day You Would Save 71.30 A Month Or 855.60 A Year!

What Are You Going To Do With Your Money?
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Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent (courtesy of SoapsGoneBuy.com)
Ingredients:3 pints water 1/3 bar Fels Naptha Soap, grated 1/2 cup Washing Soda (not baking soda, please!) 1/2 cup 20 Mule Team Borax2-gallon bucket to mix it inAdditional hot water
Directions:Mix Fels Naptha soap in a saucepan with 3 pints hot water and heat on low until dissolved. Stir in washing soda and borax. Stir until thickened, and remove from heat. Add 1 quart hot water to a two-gallon bucket. Add soap mixture, and mix well. Fill bucket to about 3 inches from the top with additional hot water, and mix well. Set aside for 24 hours, or until mixture thickens. Use 1/2 cup of mixture per load. Note: This detergent will not make suds, which makes it perfect for front-loading HE washers. If you cannot find the ingredients at your supermarket, all of the ingredients are available online at SoapsGoneBuy.com
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