Day 6 Still Finding Ways to Save Money on the Electric Bill

Okay, I have to admit that I am a huge fan of hanging the clothes on the line to dry, but as winter sets in I can get a bit lazy. During the winter the items don't dry quite as fast. That means I must plan ahead for laundry.

To combat winter laundry I'm getting in the habit of popping it in the washing machine first thing in the morning and then handing it on the line soon after getting ready for my day. i think I like the idea of accomplishing something before I ever get to work!

By dinnertime the clothes are dry or almost dry. Even if I have to put them in the dryer for a few minutes, I've still saved a ton of money.

While we are on the subject: did you know there is a International Clothesline Week? go to http://www.hangtodry.com/ and mark your calendars for the first full week of June.

And did you know that the folks at EnergyStar don't rate clothes dryers because there is little difference between them and they all use huge amounts of power.

I just love that clothes last longer, smell fresher, and are not filled with extra chemicals from dryer sheets and fabric softeners. A big plus is also that I don't have to iron. I pop my hubby's shirts on a hanger and let them dry--they go straight to the closet in perfect shape every time.

Don’t forget that we are giving away prizes at the end of December. To be eligible simply register for our monthly newsletter on the right. We don’t spam and we NEVER share your email address. One of our lovely prizes is a Kill-A-Watt meter to help identify what gadgets really draw in current. Pass it along. More prizes coming.I will also be sending out tweets that go along with the challenge www.twitter.com/BeautyWriter saving electricity is truly a beautiful thing.

Black Friday Strategies

The dishes are barely cleared from the Thanksgiving table and shoppers are already in high gear for Christmas shopping. Shoppers will likely shed a few calories in the chaos as well as their hard-earned dollars.

One thing keeps reverberating in my mind. Spending doesn't mean you are saving--if it's something you don't really need or want.
So the big question is: Do you really need it and/or do you really want it?

Advertisers are good at making us think we want something. They make us think that we will be happier, prettier, thinner, more loved, more popular, etc. if we just use a certain product/brand. The truth is that you just might be happier if you passed on that offer. The happiness of financial security may just outweigh what you will spend. And don't even get me started on what happens if we put that want on a credit card. I'll simply say that your savings disappear!

So, what am I doing on Black Friday? I'm staying home. You see, my shopping is almost done. I made a simple list of my gift giving needs. I chose smaller, more local (more on this in future posts), and consumable items that I know people will use. It may be a pound of favorite coffee, kitty treats, or a pampering item from my salon line of beauty care products.

Having the shopping stuff mostly behind me, I was free to enjoy sleeping in. I didn't have to get up and brave the clod to stand in line at 3am. If this brings you joy, then go for it! My husband and I went through some clothes to donate to a local charity (our favorite is Children's Hospital of The Kings Daughters), Raked some leaves and tended our organic garden, and hung freshly washed clothes on the line.

Enjoying time together as a couple also saves money. Couples who accomplish things together establish a foundation that prevents having to spend money on marriage counseling. I know you are laughing and may even think me a little un- American.

I'm not saving to stop buying gifts or stay home. I'm just saying to think and make a conscious choice before opening your wallet. If it brings true great joy, then go ahead. But only if you can afford to do it without going into debt.