Sunday, September 6, 2009

Don't forget to SAVE ENERGY even in September...

I know it seems like fall is fast approaching, but it is imperative to remember to keep up the good work to reduce your energy bills.

Unplug all unused appliances like toasters, coffee makers, blenders, etc.

ALWAYS UNPLUG YOUR CELL PHONE CHARGER WHEN NOT IN USE!!!

Try to turn off any excess indoor and outdoor lights and stay in one or two rooms of your home with only a few electronics max in use simultaneously.

Change the temperature to a lower heat on your water heater if it is too high, most people can stand to lose 10 to 20 degrees without noticing much difference.

WASH CLOTHES AND ANYTHING NOT SUPER SOILED IN COLD WATER ONLY...use hot for only really gross loads like rags from cleaning or towels and whites if needed; keep in mind that hot water breaks down fabric fibers much more quickly so your fave jeans won't last if you don't use cold water regularly.

Try a night of candle light for a fun date night or a celebration of the olden days when we didn't have the luxury of electric lights, and truly appreciate the glow of a soy or other natural, lead free wick candle set. Find fun containers , especially with cutouts that cast lovely patterns, and place at least one candle in each room so that your night is lit until bedtime.

Call for energy rebates on any new appliances that may apply for credits and make sure to take advantage of any store mail in rebates...every penny counts in this economy!

And LAST BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, MAKE SURE TO CARE FOR FURRY FRIENDS WITH PROPER DIET, EXERCISE, FLEA/TICK/HEARTWORM CONTROL, SUPPLEMENTS, AND HEALTHY TREATS FOR MAKING IT THROUGH ANOTHER WONDERFUL SUMMER! Take the time on a sunny day for an outdoor doggie wash with some all natural shampoo and a good brushing to get rid of that residual summer shedding...it is a great time to bond and enjoy the summer coming to a close.

XOXO
Chi

Friday, September 4, 2009

Back to the Grindstone!!! Summer is coming to a close...

Apologies for being off the radar for a bit longer than expected...but the famous Chi is back with a ton of great advice to help you get organized and be environmentally friendly!

Summer is quickly coming to a close and we all have much to be grateful for as well as upcoming seasons to plan. I celebrated my 5th birthday and am so happy to wake up each day and be a dog.

September is my mom's fave time to organize because it is a bit cooler for working and it is a wonderful time to purge excess items or put things in a designated GIFT DRAWER/BOX/AREA, so when you need that quick Bday or hostess gift, you have choices at the ready!

Storage tip: Take out old or unused suitcases, even ones with broken zippers, to be reused to store your seasonal wardrobe items. Fold summer wear neatly and pack away with a contents tag on the luggage so you can drag out an item in a pinch from the cases if needed. Put some cedar or dryer sheets in with clothes to help keep fresh. If you want to be eco friendly and smell lovely, try a lavender sachet or a cloth with some essential oil on it and folded into a corner of the drawer.

Also, fleas and ticks are at their prime in these summer months here in CA and it is imperative to stay on top of controlling them. I like lots of baths from Mom and also a combo of natural and chemical meds to kill the fleas, larvae, and eggs. Don't forget to put it on your calendar and keep a stocked supply. 1.800.PETMEDS is a great way to order fast without a vet visit and get what you need with discounts. Try them if you haven't yet, my mom loves the easy customer service online or on phone.

DON'T FORGET!!! Keep up with filtered water for pets if possible as it really helps eliminate excess chlorine, etc from poor quality tap water without breaking the bank. High quality kibble and raw food diets plus proper supplementation can extend the life of your furry friend as it has mine and my sister Sapphire's life, as she is going on 14+ now.

Many more eco topics to discuss and post so thanks for keeping up as Chi has time to address them!

xoxo Chi