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Paper Towel Tally Sheet – Reduce Paper Towel Usage

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In a recent post I gave tips for how to reduce your usage of paper towels. I’ve begun to think about this topic more since I am definitely a person who overuses them. I’ve learned that many people get by just fine in their kitchens without paper towels, ever. They use real towels and other items to get the job done.

So I got an idea for how to regulate my paper towel use and encourage myself to think twice before tearing off a sheet. It’s called “The Paper Towel Tally.” It’s a PDF printout that you can post on your kitchen cabinet or another place near your roll of paper towel. Every time you tear off a sheet, you have to mark a line under the reason. Check it out below (and download the PDF version here).

Paper Towel Tally by LovingOurHome.com

Just keep a pen near the paper and draw a “scratch mark” under each reason each time you take a sheet (you know, like |||| is five marks). At the end of the month do a tally and find out what you’re using most of your paper towels on. Then you can find a different solution, like the ones I recommended in this post.

Feel free to share this Paper Towel Tally sheet with other people who need it. Hope it helps you to reduce your usage of paper towels over time!

Posted by Jasmine

How to Take Power Naps

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Power naps (quick naps during the daytime) are magical. Experts say that short naps during the day can give you a boost of energy and more memory power. They also help you to make better decisions throughout the day. The “power” in a power nap is that you get just enough rest to re-energize yourself for the rest of your day, yet you get that energy in a minimal amount of time that doesn’t disrupt your day. A good daytime nap is also better for you than drinking a cup of caffeinated coffee. Here are a few quick tips for how to take a power nap.

  1. Limit your power nap to 40 minutes.

It can be tempting to keep hitting the snooze button when you’re napping (just 10 minutes more), but for a power nap to work while not disrupting your daily schedule it shouldn’t last for more than 20-40 minutes. During that time frame, you’re in what is called “slow wave sleep,” which boosts your decision making skills and memory. If you sleep longer than that, you may find it more difficult to wake up in time to resume your day. So schedule your alarm to wake you up in exactly 40 minutes. Get right up and get back to work.

  1. Turn off the television during your nap.

When you close your eyes to take a power nap, you shouldn’t be distracted by things that could make you want to open your eyes again. You need to be completely relaxed. So if you’re taking your power nap at home, turn off the television. If you decide to take a power nap in your car, turn off the radio when it’s playing loud music or news shows.

  1. Listen to a motivation tape while you nap.

If you do choose to keep something on in the background while you’re taking a power nap, it should be a motivational tape or audiobook. Not only does the sound of your favorite author soothe you to sleep, it also helps implant positive messages in your mind that you can carry with you for the rest of the day. If you decide to wear earphones when listening to the audiobook, just make sure that the same device you’re using (such as a cellphone or iPad) has an alarm set to wake you up in 40 minutes, and that the sound is set at a safe, optimal hearing level.

  1. Keep the light on, but dimmed.

If you are taking a nap in a dark room, you may find it more difficult to get up after just 40 minutes. So when you’re taking a power nap, do so in a room with a dimmed light on or with a bit of fresh sunlight shining into the room.

  1. Don’t get TOO comfortable.

This goes with the last point, but don’t get too comfortable when you’re trying to take a power nap. Just lay back somewhere quiet and relax, whether it’s a reclining chair or a futon couch. Avoid getting snuggled up under the comfy comforter in your bedroom where you might feel as if you’re going to sleep for a full eight hours.

  1. Press pause on the stresses of the day.

This is possibly the most difficult part of successfully taking a power nap. You have to clear your mind and release stressful thoughts in order to fall asleep quickly. If you don’t, you’ll find yourself thinking for 40 minutes instead of slow-wave sleeping. When you need help relaxing, try this breathing technique for falling asleep in 60 seconds. Here are some meditation exercises you can try as well.

If you’re having a problem with staying focused or you’re lacking energy, try taking a power nap. It might become your go-to solution for being more productive and attentive as you navigate your day.

 

How to Save Money on Paper Towels

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Confession: I am a habitual hand washer. Yes, I admit it. I wash my hands at least 15-20 times per day—especially when I’m cooking or cleaning the kitchen. And because of this, I use a whole lot of paper towels. I could go through a whole roll of towels in a day if I spend enough time in the kitchen. This can become a very expensive habit being that a multi-pack of paper towels at BJs or Costco costs well over $20.

So I decided it was time to figure out how to save money on paper towels. Here is a simple 9-point plan to reduce your usage of paper towels.

  1. Place a large hand towel near your sink to dry your hands.

This should be a towel that’s bigger than a standard hand towel and extra fluffy, so invest in a good one. Hang it from a towel rack over your sink so that you have easy access. Throw the towel in the laundry every week or so.

 

  1. Place another absorbent small towel in a convenient place that’s only for drying dishes.

Dedicate this towel just to drying your dishes—no hand drying or wiping the counter tops with it. Hang it on your stove or dishwasher. Keep a pile of clean, dry ones handy.

 

  1. Reserve a few large old towels to do big clean ups.

For those big messes, keep an old or tattered large towel or two under your sink. Wipe up the mess and throw the towel in the laundry pile (preferably with similar dirty cloths that come into contact with the floor or your pets).

 

  1. Purchase only rolls of paper towels that have half-perforated sheets.

When you’re shopping for paper towels, choose select-a-size rolls that allow you to take a half a sheet instead of a whole one. You may find that in most cases, a half of a sheet is more than enough.

 

  1. Place a basket next to your paper towel holder for sheets that can be used again.

There are some instances where you might use a sheet of paper towel for a quick, clean job, and it can be used again for wiping something down. Put a small basket near your roll of paper towels to hold these re-usable sheets.

 

  1. Get a bottle of hand sanitizer to use whenever you feel the urge to wash your hands.

When you’re cooking, cleaning up, and handling raw meats, use the hand sanitizer to quickly disinfect your hands. Shake them out a little and let them hand dry instead of using a sheet of paper towel.

 

  1. Keep a $1 box of tissues in your kitchen for sneezing.

When you need to blow your nose or sneeze, a sheet of paper towel really isn’t necessary. Just go to the dollar store and get a $1 box of tissue for those moments.

 

  1. Use paper bags to drain excess oil out of fried foods.

Instead of using a bunch of paper towels to sop up excess oil from fried foods, use leftover paper bags. You might not want to put your food directly on the bag, so just lay one or two paper towels on top of the paper bag as a buffer and then put the food on top. (Reducing or eliminating fried foods from your family’s diet is also a great idea!)

 

  1. Use disinfectant wipes to clean off your countertops and surfaces.

Chances are, you use disinfectant wipes (like the Lysol brand) a lot less often than you reach for paper towels. Use one wipe each day to disinfect your countertops in the morning before you start cooking—that way, you can feel more confident that your surfaces are clean throughout the day. Resist the urge to use a paper towel or another disinfecting wipe unless you accidentally spill meat juice on your counter top.

 

You may find that there aren’t many good reasons for buying and using paper towels on a regular basis if you take these simple steps to save money on paper towels. Simple solutions!

Posted by Jasmine

Staying Cool this Summer without an Air Conditioner

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Many people find it difficult to imagine staying inside in the summer heat without an air conditioner running on full blast. However, there are ways to keep you and your home at a tolerable temperature without the use of an air conditioner for much of the summer (in certain regions). Even if you do choose to use central air or a window AC unit, these tips will help you save some money on your monthly electric bill.

Keep the Blinds Closed

First, if you have large windows in your home and have gotten into the habit of opening your blinds and curtains in the morning, DON’T. Opening the blinds and curtains allows the sun to penetrate and heat up your home. You definitely don’t want to do that with or without an AC running. Keep all blinds drawn shut at the hottest times of the day. Doing this will help lower the temperature inside. Also, consider purchasing room darkening shades or heavy opaque blinds to help block out even more of the sun’s rays. If you want sun rays to enter the home, only open the blinds on small windows.

Shut off Unneeded Electronics

All electronic devices emit heat. This includes your TV, refrigerator, computer, laptop, computer monitor, gaming devices and even your light bulbs. Obviously, you must keep the fridge plugged in, but what about everything else? For example, if your computer is in “sleep mode” it will still emit heat. Try shutting off ALL unnecessary electronic devices in every room in your house. Use low-watt energy efficient light bulbs (the ones that are spiraled). You can even go as far as unplugging the devices from the wall. FYI, your electric company, may in fact charge you for having items simply plugged into the wall, even when off. It’s a minimal fee, yet, it adds up to money wasted.

Cover Your Seats With Cool Material

Cover your favorite sofa and seats with a 100% cotton cover or throw to keep things cool. Think about it — if you have leather or cloth furniture, your natural body heat will warm the seat and in turn raise your body temperature. The cotton fibers allow your body to remain at an more even temperature. It also helps tremendously if you take a cold shower before relaxing in your favorite seat.

More Simple Tips to Stay Cool this Summer

Staying Cool without an Air Conditioner
Ceiling fans are very cooling and help distribute air throughout the room.

Here are a few more simple tips for staying cool this summer without an air conditioner:

1- Have plenty of ice cold water around you at all times.
2- Move at a much slower pace when home (what’s the rush?)
3- Place floor fans facing the ceiling at the center of each room and turn on ceiling fans. Open the window (while keeping the blinds drawn).

Fans will keep the air circulating throughout your home and it will create a flow of air from room to room.

An air conditioning unit is a modern day luxury, but it isn’t always necessary. Use these tips to enjoy your time indoors during the summer and not feel like your house is a sauna.

Stay Cool!!!

Posted by Eve

How to Protect Food from Insects at Outdoor Barbecues and Picnics

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The more warm and sunny it gets outside, the more you, your family and friends are going to get excited about firing up the grill and barbecuing up a storm. But as exciting as it sounds in theory, bringing food outside can be a challenge due to the wide variety of bugs and flying insects that also want to party with you and have some of your delicious food. Here are some simple ideas for how to protect your food (and guests) from annoying insects.

Table Tent for Flies

As soon as the food hits the table outside, you’re probably going to have to start contending with flies who want to try some. Flies are mostly harmless, but they are very unsanitary insects—they sit and feed on feces, dirt and dead carcasses—so you don’t want them near your food. The best way to shield your food from flies is to get a couple of Pop-Up Mesh Screen Food Cover Tents. They’re made of a light mesh material that the average fly can’t penetrate and are super affordable (2 for about $10). Flies might still fly around the area, but you won’t have to worry about them sitting on your fried chicken and potato salad.Barbecue Outdoor Grilling

Citronella Candles for Mosquitoes

There’s another type of fly that come to your barbecue to “feed” but not on the chicken. Mosquitoes are looking to make a meal out of your guests. One of the best ways to keep mosquitoes and other flying insects out of the area is to surround your guests with citronella candles. Citronella is a very fragrant oil that is extracted from a plant that mosquitoes don’t like. There are a number of styles of citronella candles that you can buy that will make your party look and smell great while protecting you from mosquito bites. It’s also a good idea to keep a mosquito repellent spray handy for your guests.

Keeping Ants Away

If you’re planning on having a picnic or barbecue in the park, ants are going to be competing for your lunch. If you want to keep ants away from your picnic here are a few ideas:

  • Create a mixture of borax and regular sugar to sprinkle around the perimeter of your picnic of barbecue area. The ants will be attracted to the smell of sugar before they even have a chance to reach your table. The borax gets rid of ant colonies.
  • If you just want to keep the ants away, draw a line around your picnic area with a big piece of sidewalk chalk or sprinkle flour. They will be repelled by either substance.
  • If your foot is on top of a picnic table, put all four legs in a bucket of water. Ants can’t cross water.

Wasp or Yellowjacket Trap

One of the most annoying parts of eating and grilling outside is dodging wasps, hornets and similar flying insects who think they are invited to your party! One way to manage this problem is to set a wasp and yellowjacket trap a short distance from the area where you’re gathering. The wasps go there instead of your picnic area—once they enter the bag they can’t get out. Make sure you get a wasp trap that doesn’t attract beneficial honeybees. There are also similarly designed outdoor fly traps if you don’t want them bothering you while you eat.

Bee Repellent Sprays

For the most part, bees are our friends. They pollinate our plants and give us delicious honey. But they aren’t always welcome at outdoor barbecues and picnics. Experts say that the best way to repel bees is to spray the area with a bee repellent spray. Citronella candles are also helpful in keeping them at bay.

When you’re grilling this spring and summer, use these simple tips to protect your food from annoying insects who don’t want to leave you and your guests alone. Once you eliminate this problem, you can relax knowing that everyone is having a relaxed and enjoyable time eating outdoors.

How to Clean & Freshen Your Carpet Naturally Without a Rug Shampooer

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If you have pets or just prefer natural solutions, you probably want a non-toxic cleaner for your carpets. Many people don’t understand the effects that harsh chemicals can have on your indoor air quality and overall environment. Thankfully, there are a plethora of products available that are made with all natural ingredients and are safe for both humans and pets. Here are a few of the best products to safely clean and freshen your carpet naturally without having to use a rug shampooer.
 
 

Eco-Me Carpet Freshener

 
Sometimes you just want a product that you can shake over the carpet to freshen and clean, then vacuum. This Eco-me carpet freshener is made with 100% all natural products and is safe for pets as well as humans.  The blend of citrus and sage provides a pleasing, calming scent to add to the air in your home.
 
 
 

 

Out! Stain and Odor Remover

 
Out! Stain and Odor Remover is a popular and highly rated product that you’re definitely going to want to have on hand if you have a pet that sprays or has accidents on your carpet or upholstery. Just spray the area liberally, and the smell seems to evaporate. It’s made with a natural beneficial bacterial enzyme formula that attacks the pet odor and freshens the area in the process. You could also spray your carpets with it every week for a quick cleaning/freshening before you vacuum.
 
 
 

 

Tweetmint All Purpose Non-Toxic Disinfecting Enzyme Cleaner

 
A lot of people like Tweetmint cleaner because it can be used to both clean carpets and eliminate pests, like spiders and ants. It can also be used for cleaning more than just carpets in your home. It comes in a concentrated bottle, so while it’s a bit costly, it will last for months. Just add a few capfuls to your spray bottle and add a few coats to your carpet.
 

 

 

Simply Green Naturals Cleaner

Natural CleanerThis product comes in a convenient spray bottle.  It is also made from 100% naturally sourced ingredients. Simple Green Naturals Carpet Cleaner a spot-cleaner, so this product will work for you if you have children or pets that soil your carpets.

 
 
 
 
Remember why you chose carpets for your home: so that your family and pets can feel comfortable playing, sitting or even laying on the floor. These products will help you to clean and freshen your carpet naturally and eliminate the need to rent an expensive rug shampooer.
 
Posted by Eve
Image courtesy Flickr; advaits