My Phone Bill is How Much???

I recently received a phone bill, and although I knew it would be a little more than my typical bill due to making some changes, I was shocked to see that it was double the usual amount. Wait just a minute! I began looking it over, thinking that maybe my previous “bundle” hadn’t been removed when the changes were made. I had a package that included several features, including my dial up internet connection as well as a lot of stuff I didn’t need, but it was cheaper than separately purchasing the things I did need. Then, DSL finally became … Continue reading →

Three Tips for Selecting a Down Comforter

If you have ever owned a down comforter, you know how wonderful it feels. Ultra soft and warm as toast don’t begin to describe it. As soon as the wind picks up a chill, I’m asking, “Is it time to get the comforter out?” If you haven’t ever owned a luxurious down comforter, you don’t know what you’re missing. Maybe you have always wanted one but just didn’t really know how to go about choosing one. Try these tips: Have a Fit Make sure the comforter you choose is a good fit for your bed. Because it is thicker than … Continue reading →

How Do You Fold Towels?

Are you particular when it comes to folding towels? Do you do halves, thirds, squares, or just roll them up? Maybe your mom had a special method and she taught it to you. My mom does, but I don’t really do it the same as she does. I do use the tri-fold thing on bath towels, and I fold hand towels the same way as my mom, but I do bath sheets, beach towels, and washcloths differently. Sometimes, I like to roll the towels. I like the way they look, so I usually do it if company is coming. I … Continue reading →

You Might Not Need to Turn up the Heat Yet

Have you ever walked into someone’s home and felt like you stepped into an oven? It happens a lot with people who get cold easily. It also happens quite often when the weather first begins to change, because we are not used to the chill. However, there are better ways to get warm than cranking up the thermostat. Instead of immediately reaching to turn up the heat, try slipping into a warm sweater or robe. Grab a cozy throw. Colder weather is a great reason to squeeze in some extra snuggling, too. It also makes sense to put something on … Continue reading →

Warning!

Of the many products used in our homes, most come with warning labels that advise consumers how to -and how not to- use each product. Warning labels on various items can offer some good advice. However, one has to wonder what prompted some of the following warnings. I realize manufacturers have to protect against lawsuits, but some of these are pretty common sense. Apparently, common sense is quite lacking if these warnings are really necessary. Household Items: 1. Hairdryer: Do not use while bathing. Okay, do people really do this? 2. Iron: Never iron clothing while wearing it. Are you … Continue reading →

Can’t Pay Your Bills?

Are you behind on your bills? It happens to most families at some point. What you do about it can make a big difference in not only your stress level, but also your future financial condition. Instead of fretting about the water bill and hoping you’ll magically come up with enough money in the nick of time, call the water company and ask for an extension. You obviously don’t want to make this a habit, but if you hit a particularly rough period, it’s good to know that most utility companies are willing to work with you a bit. You … Continue reading →

More Tips for Using Laundry Baskets

I loved Michele’s article, Five Reasons To Buy Extra Laundry Baskets, which offered some great ideas. I’m big on using them for more than laundry myself. They are affordable, convenient, and easy to handle, so they are great for getting organized and keeping things handy. So, here are a few more reasons to pick up extra laundry baskets on your next trip to the home improvement store, supercenter, or discount store: Baby Gear Laundry baskets are perfect for storing baby gear. You can toss in a couple of diapers, wipes, disposable changing pads, lotions or powders, an extra outfit or … Continue reading →

Your Home: Moving with PODS

Moving is a big job. There are many tasks and details to attend to, so wouldn’t it be nice if there were a simpler way? There is. You can hire a company called PODS to give you a helping hand. PODS stands for Personal On Demand Storage. PODS look similar to mini storage units that people rent out, but they are individual containers. You can use them in a variety of ways to make moving a more organized, less stressful experience. Take Your Time You can have a PODS delivered to your home and simply take your time packing up … Continue reading →

Heat Wave Over? Now, What about the Bills?

Apparently, the heat wave is over for most of the country. Unfortunately, there are still people who don’t have electricity, so my thoughts are with them that it will be restored soon. For those of us who do have power, next month’s bill may be the greatest concern for some. After running air conditioners and fans 24/7, the electric bill isn’t going to be pretty for most people. So, what can you do about it? If your bill is extreme, and you cannot afford to pay it without doing without something else, find out what kind or arrangements you can … Continue reading →

Can You Help Prevent Home Power Outages?

We can all help prevent temporary home power outages during extreme heat, by limiting our use of electricity during prime hours. Of course, you need to run your air conditioner in high temperatures, and you will also need to use other items throughout the day. However, it is important to limit your consumption of electricity wherever possible, especially in outage prone areas. Try to avoid turning on lights each time you enter a room if you don’t really need the light. It’s usually just a force of habit as is leaving lights on when not in use. We can condition … Continue reading →