Fall Makes Me Happy!

Ahhhh...nothing makes me happier than knowing Fall is almost here. What's better than cool days and nights, the orange and red leaves falling from the trees, and summer clearance!?  Whether it's summer clothes or that patio set you've been eyeing for the past 3 months (I KNOW WHO YOU ARE) now is the time to buy. Just a couple weeks ago I went to Target and all of their sandals were marked down to $6 to make room for the new fall/winter line. Also, at JCPenny all of the men's summer clothes were marked down at least 75% off...hubby got several shirts for under $2! So be sure to go to your favorite stores and check out what's on sale...I know I will!

Electricity Blues

Well it's the heat of summer, and your electric bills are climbing...or are they? Year after year I would cringe at the thought of paying summer electric bills, so this year I fought back! It's amazing how the slightest changes can save you so much money. Here are just a few easy ways to save bucks on your bills.

Climate control - Programmable thermostats can reduce energy wasted cooling a house when no one is home or everyone's asleep. Programmable thermostats can save as much as 20% to 30% on your cooling costs by allowing for multiple daily settings and automatically adjusting when the outside temperature changes. If you turn the thermostat up just two degrees, you’ll save about 4% on your energy bill!


Compact fluorescent lamps - CFL's use up to 75% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. This is good, because they're also more expensive initially. Start by replacing those everyday used areas.


Water heater temp - Not only can you adjust the temperature on your thermostat, you can also lower the temperature of the hot water heater. Many water heaters actually heat water too high so that it has to be balanced with cold water for comfortable bath and shower temperatures. This is wasteful. Lowering the temperature below 140° F or even just a couple of degrees can mean big savings. Also be sure to invest in a hot water jacket to help insulate your hot water heater. You can purchase a hot water jacket for around $10-15 at your local hardware store.


Seal the cracks - A little DIY draft-proofing works wonders. How? Close all your windows and doors, and light a candle or a stick of incense. Wander around your place, taking note of where the smoke drifts. These are your problem areas. For doorways, a simple door sweep should do the trick. Caulk and weather-strip problem areas around doors and windows. Windows can account for 10 to 20 percent of your heating and air conditioning bill due to air leaks.


Block the sun - Close your curtains and shades during the hottest part of the day and when you are not home. Beaming sunlight can cause your air conditioner to run when not needed.


Turn off lights and tv when not in a room - I don't think this one needs an explanation!

Budget Bistro?

Want to dine at a big fancy restaurant but don't have a lot of money? No problem! Most people don't realize how many restaurants have online discounts. Dine at the hottest places like Texas de Brazil, Genghis Grill, Abuelos, TGI Fridays, and many more for half the price. Here are a few links to check out that offer discounts, whether it's your birthday or everyday dining.

Bon appetit!

• Texas de Brazil
• Genghis Grill
• Abuelos
• T.G.I. Friday's
• Sweet Tomatoes
• Souper Salad
• Rafain Brazilian Steakhouse
• Chili's Grill & Bar
• Humperdinks
• Joe's Crab Shack
• Pollo Salsa
• Kobe Japanese Steakhouse
• TinStar

Cute and Crafty

Sitting at the dentist office yesterday I picked up a magazine and realized all the cute yard decorations you can make with little to no money! Here are a couple items that are cute, crafty, and easy to make.

Use an inexpensive grapevine wreath and a flowerpot saucer to create a refreshing spot for feathered friends. A snap to assemble, this project is perfect for any child who thinks that bathing is for the birds!

CRAFT MATERIALS:
3/8-inch manila rope
15-inch grapevine wreath
10-inch terra-cotta saucer
Artificial grape leaves (optional; available at craft stores)

Time needed: 30 Minutes or Less

1. Cut three (5-foot) lengths of rope and knot them together at both ends. Nestle the wreath inside the ropes, as shown.

2. Place the saucer inside the wreath. If you like, tuck grape leaves into the wreath and wind them around the ropes.
3. Use more rope for hanging the birdbath, if needed.

This friendly mama owl and her baby bring a bit of cheer to your yard with their oversize basket bodies and bright faux-flower eyes.

CRAFT MATERIALS:
4 large artificial flowers
Floral wire
2 large baskets (we used grapevine baskets, 4 by 11 inches and 4 1/2 by 9 inches)
Yellow craft foam
Stapler
Paintbrush
Yellow acrylic paint
2 sturdy forked sticks (ours were about 15 inches long)
2 whisk brooms

Wooden stake or another stick

Time needed: About 2 to 3 Hours

1. Remove the stems from the flowers. For each eye, loosely fold an 18-inch length of floral wire in half and twist the loop end tightly around the flower. Position the flower on the bottom of the basket, threading the ends of the wire through to the other side, then twist the ends to hold the eye in place.

2. To make each beak, cut a kite shape from the craft foam. Fold a 14-inch length of floral wire in half and twist it to form a small loop (a). Fold the foam over the loop and staple it as shown (b). Attach the beak as you did the eyes.
3. For the mama owl's feet, paint the sticks and allow them to dry. Place the sticks in the ground and set the larger basket on the legs, securing it with floral wire if necessary.
4. To make the owlet, place the smaller basket on the whisk-broom feet and prop up the basket with the wooden stake or stick.