Let there be Light! Saving Energy (& Money) with Lighting & Ceiling Fans

     One of the easiest, most affordable ways to cut your electric bill is by switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) throughout your home.
     Even if you only replace the bulbs in your five most-used light fixtures with CFLs, you can save more than $65 each year in electricity costs.  That's right - $65!  Plus, you'll spend less time and money replacing bulbs since CFLs last up to 10 times longer than traditional bulbs.



      CFLs come in just about every shape and size imaginable The most recognizable model is the curly-cue, but other designs are available for chandeliers, floodlights and more.
     Some CFLs even work with dimmer switches.  And if you are concerned about the harsh light given off by the first generation CFLs of years past, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the soft, natural light of today's CFLs.  Look for the words "soft white" or "warm white" on bulb packaging.

Saving with Ceiling Fans

     WHile you are changing the bulbs in your light fixtures, it's also a good time to make sure your ceiling fan is set up to keep you cool during the upcoming warmer months.



    Every time the seasons change, you need to switch the direction of your ceiling fan blades.  This can be done by simply flipping a switch located on your fan (usually on the portion close to the ceiling). 

     A properly used ceiling fan will allow you to adjust your thermostat setting about four degrees with no reduction in comfort.

     Here's how you can tell whether your fan is in heating or cooling mode.  Turn your fan on and stand (or sit) directly underneath it.  For summer and spring months, you'll want to make sure your ceiling fan is pushing air downward to help you feel cooler.  In the winter, change the fan's direction to make sure the fan is pulling air upward.  This upward flow of air will push the warm air near the ceiling down.

Stay cool, and remember to call me with any of your real estate questions!

Opa! Lemons are not just for Cooking!



As someone who's been married to a Greek for 17 years, I've grown accustomed to using a great deal of lemons in cooking. I've been very firmly instructed that lemons are a must for any kind of meat, poultry, fish, and of course, the famous Avgolemono soup.  Friends often give me bags of lemons, and when I tell them I only need a few, they say, "Don't worry - you'll use these up in no time!" (they are usually right!)

I have discovered that in addition to cooking, this versatile little sour yellow fruit has a lot more potential:

Freshen Bad Breath: Gargle with lemon juice and water to kill odor-causing bacteria, or suck on the lemon wedge served with your water.

Soften Skin: Combine lemon zest with sugar and soak the mixture with olive oil (OPA!)for 30 minutes for a homemade body scrub.

Add Sunny Highlights: (Especially useful for men!) Want to lighten your tresses a notch or two? Mix lemon juice with your favorite conditioner and apply to damp locks before heading out to catch some rays.

Fix a streaky tan: To lighten a botched self-tanning job, rub a halved lemon over the area.

Whiten yellow nails:  Soak fingers in lemon juice for 5 minutes.  To prevent stains in the future, apply a clear protective base coat before nail polish.

Zap Zits: Try lemon juice on blackheads at night to clar up skin.



In addition, the acid in lemons has antiseptic properties and a fresh scent, making it a natural solution for household chores.  Save money by using this citrus fruit to replace costly cleaning products:

Kill microwave Smells: Fill a heat resistant bowl with water and half a lemon and zap for 5 minutes

Bust Dust Particles: Mix 10 drops lemon oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice & a few drops olive oil (OPA!)in a spray bottle.  Spray onto surfaces, and wipe with a cotton flannel cloth.

Attack a stain: Add 1/2 cup lemon juice to a load of white laundry, then let dry in the sun.

Clean the bathroom:  Put lemon juice on a sponge and wipe shoewr doors to remove soap scum.

Sparkle & Shine: This natural bleach & disinfectant cleans brass & copper.  Sprinkle salt over half a lemon,rub it over the metal and wash clean!

So.....the next time someone offers you a bag of lemons - TAKE IT & enjoy!

 

15 Household Products You Don't Need to Buy

Save money by using items you already have on hand

that will do the same job - for less!

Substitute and save

There's no need to buy costly household products that will strain your budget and clutter your cupboards. For your home improvement and cleaning projects, use items you already own as easy alternatives, and save big in the process!



Wall filler  

You can use white toothpaste to fill in errant holes in your walls. As long as the walls are painted white, the toothpaste will blend right in.

Scuff remover

To get rid of scuff marks, rub the inside of a banana peel over silverware, leather shoes and leather furniture.

Wipe with a soft cloth. Be sure to test on a small, inconspicuous section first.

Wallpaper cleaner

Soft chunks of crustless white bread will get smudges off wallpaper and wipe away fingerprints and other grime.

Hardwater stain remover

To get rid of lime buildup, make a paste of 1 teaspoon vinegar and 2 tablespoons salt.

Apply to sink fixtures and rub with a cloth.

Drain cleaner

Sprinkle 1/4 cup baking soda in the drain, followed by 1 cup vinegar.

Let sit for 15 minutes, then flush with a pot of boilng water.

Stovetop protectant

Rub a thin veneer of car wax on your stovetop, then wipe it off. The wax allows future cooking spills

to lift off more easily.

Enamel repair paint

Use correction fluid (like White-Out) to cover nicks & chips on white enamel kitchen appliances

 like ranges & mixers.

Stainless steel polish

A staple in most garages, WD-40 also works wonders on stainless steel.

Just spray and rub with a cloth for a spotless shine.

.

Mirror Cleaner

 

Clean a bathroom mirror with shaving cream (the old-fashioned white kind, not a gel variety),

then wipe with a soft cloth. This tip also helps keep the mirror fog-free after showers.  

.

Silver jewelry polish

Using a soft toothbrush, scrub pieces of silver jewelry with a bit of toothpaste containing baking soda.

Rinse with warm water to restore sparkle.

 

Drawer lubricant

Unstick drawers and keep them sliding smoothly by rubbing the runners with a candle or bar of soap. 

  

Vase cleaner

To get glass vases sparkling clean, fill three-quarters with hot water, add a teaspoon of baking soda and shake. Let stand overnight; rinse.

 

Plant duster

Clean and shine the leaves of houseplants by wiping them down with the inside of a banana peel.

 Weed killer

Instead of using harsh chemicals, spray vinegar in the cracks of your walkway to get rid of weeds.

Grill degreaser

To maintain a clean barbecue grill, sprinkle dry baking soda on a damp brush, scrub, then rinse.

Hope these tips are useful!  Remember, I LOVE REFERRALS!