Tag Archives: energy

Parental Motivation

Recently a relatively new parent shared with me that she was having a “motivation problem”—you would think that an old crusty mom like me would have heard it all, but for some reason, this was the first time I’d chatted with someone who was having a hard time getting up and getting going at all in the mornings or doing any of the parental tasks at hand. Most people I’ve known might complain that they don’t know where the time goes and they feel as if they are spinning their wheels all day—but motivation and “oomph” are not the problem. … Continue reading →

Surviving a Low Thermostat (3)

We have been talking about ways to make it easier to feel comfortable while keeping the thermostat low to save on heating costs. I have found that we have been saving a lot by putting up with a cooler home this during this winter. Along the way, I’ve learned a few things that has helped us feel more comfortable. And as an added bonus, I find that our bodies more adjusted to the outdoors, so we can spend more time going for walks, playing in the backyard and exploring a local botanical garden (Yes there is still plenty to do … Continue reading →

Surviving a Low Thermostat

With heating costs being higher than ever, many of us are inching the thermostat lower and lower to save some money. There are plenty of strategies to save money on heating, such as installing a programmable thermostat, using zones heating, sealing up cracks, etc. But this blog isn’t about all of that. Instead, I’ll share some ways that you can be more comfortable in your home, even if you turn the temperature down. Just one little disclaimer. If you have anyone in your household who is elderly, sick or an infant, I wouldn’t try keeping a low thermostat. Conserve in … Continue reading →

Cool Green Gadgets

If you want to see what might be in store in the future for your home, you might not need to look any where but the most recent Electrolux Design Lab competition. Here are some of the innovative inventions that won prizes. who knows, you may be seeing these products for your home in a few years. The top prize in the competition went to a student from Hungary who designed the E-Wash. This is a compact washing machine that uses soap nuts instead of detergent. Soap nuts are a natural product that can be grown and harvested, so it … Continue reading →

Why High Energy Isn’t All Bad

I think high energy kids get a bad rap. We’ve come to expect quite a bit from our children in terms of the ability to sit still, be sedate, and settle down to school work and small group activities from a much earlier age. Kids who run, jump, “act crazy” and “bounce off the walls” are seen as needing medication and therapy. As any parent of a high energy kid can tell you, however, all that abundant energy is not necessarily a bad thing. Some kids have high octane energy levels hard-wired from conception. They are often more active in … Continue reading →

Why a Little Horseplay is a Good Thing

Sure, we want our children to behave. As a matter of fact, this time of year, we often require them to be “on their best behavior” more than usual—there are visiting relatives and holiday parties, church and school pageants, as well as other special occasions. For our kids this can mean a lot of time indoors and a lot of time wearing uncomfortable clothes! Not to mention, plenty of high expectations when it comes to their behavior. Our kids need a bit of release, though, even big kids. A little horseplay and getting out and blowing off some steam can … Continue reading →

FREE Extreme Energy 6-Hour Shot at CVS

I love the new CVS extra value book for December 2007 (which you can pick up in store). I just posted about the FREE Oasis moisturizing mouthwash. Right next to that great deal, on the very back page, is another fun deal for Extreme Energy 6-Hour Shot. It’s a 2-pack, each bottle holding 4 oz. No, I’ve never heard of Extreme Energy 6-Hour Shot. But, it’s free. So am I going to buy it? OF COURSE! This new drink boasts: “World’s most extreme energy shot!” “Works blazing fast!” “No crashing” “Zero sugar” and “Feel the Rush!” Well, I already get … Continue reading →

Seven Ways to Save Energy in Your Home

You can make a real difference in your energy bill by making at least one of these seven different smart changes in your home. Do all seven, and your energy bill will be reduced to record lows. The great part about the following changes is that they are all inexpensive, they can be readily purchased at any home improvement store, such as Home Depot or Lowes, and they can be applied or installed very easily. Most of these changes will also improve the value of your home as well. 1. Weather stripping Add weather stripping to doors and windows to … Continue reading →

Pace Yourself

We are coming up on the end of the year, and for me, an incredibly busy time of year. As a single parent of three, I know that I only have two hands and two legs and one brain to get myself through this season or any other and one of the things I have had to learn over the years is how to pace myself. Since there is only one of me, I cannot afford to get run down or ragged, or let myself get put out of commission. As single parents, without the consistent back-up, it is important … Continue reading →

How Long Has it Been Since You Examined Your Home Environment?

Have you ever been in one of those houses (maybe it is the house you grew up in) that seem to be stuck in a time warp. The carpeting hasn’t been updated, the photos are thirty years old, and the colors and furniture look obviously and sorely dated. Even if you think your home environment is hip and well-decorated, there are other ways the environment can get stale and not change as the family that lives within the environment changes and grows and develops. How long has it been since you looked over your home environment to see if it … Continue reading →