Ten Ways to Save Money on Your Utilities

Every year I end up going through the same shock and awe when I see my summer utility bills coming in!  That first bill comes in with a substantial difference and I'm an energy ninja.  You would think that having spent most of my life in SC that I would be used to this!  =)
Anywayyyy, here are some quick things you can do to instantly cool down AND start seeing a savings on your bill.
1. Set your thermostat higher.  Most people can handle temps between 73 and 80 degrees.  Raise it as far as you can stand it.  Which leads to step #2....
2. Use your fans.  Most of us here in the south have ceilings fans for a reason.
3. Menu plan.  Yep, here we go again with menu planning.  Take it up a notch and do your "big" cooking once a week.  Preferably one early morning before it starts getting hot outside.  That way you don't have to heat up one end of your home cooking for an hour every evening.  Use your microwave ( we all have them) and quickly reheat your meal.
4. Speaking of cooking, ever notice when you see or tour old homes that the kitchen is always separate from the house?  Not only did this decrease the chance of fires, but our ancestors here in the south knew it kept the home cooler!  I'm not saying build an outdoor kitchen, but how about grilling out?  Everyone loves a good BBQ!
5. As soon as you wake in the morning make sure all windows, curtains and blinds are shut.  I love natural light so this is a hard one for me, but it makes a huge difference.
6. Leave lights off!  Unplug appliances you are not using.
7. Dress appropriately.  I could live in a sundress and flip flops so this one is easy!
8. Remember your mom fussing at you when you were a kid for keeping the fridge door wide open while you pondered what you were having for a snack?  All kids do it.  Keep snacks easily available on the counter within reach.
9.  Implement your solar powered apparel drying device.  Use a clothesline!!
10. Plant trees around your home.  They benefit everyone!  Trees provide an incredible amount of shade which means they are blocking that sun from cooking your home.

DIY Candles and Garden Markers

 These projects are super simple to make, and take less than thirty minutes each! They're also kid-friendly, and cost-effective, as both deal with recycling.

 These candles are made from old tealights, broken candles and seashells.

Before the wax can be melted down and shaped, you must first remove the wick from your tealights. Flip your tealight over and remove the metal backing, and (VERY) gently pull on the small, metal circle. This will remove your wick. Set aside for now.

 Once you have removed your wick and designated your amount of candles, place the wax into a double boiler, or a tin can inside of a pot filled with boiling water. (Personally, I do this fairly often. If you are working with children, I suggest intervening at this part due to the heat.) Keep an eye on the wax, as it will begin to melt fairly quickly. Continuously stir until fully melted.

 

 After your wax has melted, position your wick in your seashell. Try to keep it from moving, and away the inside of the shell. Once positioned, gradually pour your wax into the shell. Before using your new candles, remember to let them cool a few hours in advance. :-)

 These lovely garden markers are made from wine corks and bamboo skewers, however chopsticks or old paintbrush handles would be perfectly fine, too. Obviously this isn't much of a tutorial since it's just sticking a cork onto a stick...But ta-dah!