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Eco-Smart
Turning down the thermostat and switching to compact fluorescent bulbs are easy but common ways to make your home greener. Here are a few additional greening tips and tricks that may have never crossed your mind.
Over the top. A refrigerator with a freezer on top uses 10 percent to 25 percent less energy than one with a side-by-side or bottom-mounted freezer.
Power up. Plug appliances and electronics into a power strip rather than an outlet. Devices plugged directly into the wall leak up to 15 watts of electricity even if they’re shut off.
Dish it out. Hand-washing dishes might seem better for Mother Earth than using the dishwasher, but it’s actually more wasteful.
You’ll use up to 35 percent less water by filling up the dishwasher with dishes that aren’t pre-rinsed instead of washing by hand. You can also conserve energy by skipping the dry cycle — just open the dishwasher’s door when the cycle is done to air dry.
Don’t tank. Invest in a tank-less water heater that will heat water instantly on an as-needed basis, instead of one that must constantly keep your water warm. They can be expensive—prices range from just under $200 to more than $1,000—but it will help reduce energy costs in the long run and reduce water loss. Don’t want to buy one? Be sure to insulate your pipes for a good reduction in heat loss.
 DID YOU KNOW?
Air pollution can be up to 10 times worse inside your home than outside. Fumes from paint, cleaning products and solvents can all add to indoor pollution, even when you can’t smell them.
Source: US EPA
Last Resort
When life gets hectic, you might find yourself daydreaming of calming tropical beaches, but unfortunately, sometimes it’s just not that easy to get away. That’s why it’s important to create a no-frills retreat in the most accessible place, no passport required: your home.
About.com suggests finding a quiet corner to designate as your in-house oasis. Even if it’s not an entire room, be sure your in-house oasis has a different feel than the rest of the house. (If it’s just a section of a room, invest in a lightweight screen to separate it from the rest of the area.) Make sure it’s away from technology, including telephones, computers or the television. (And resist the urge to check work e-mail or bring your BlackBerry.)
Add to the relaxing ambiance by painting the walls a soothing color. Experts recommend pale blues and greens or neutrals such as taupe, beige or brown. Avoid jarring, energetic shades such as bright yellows or reds. If you do add color, keep it monochromatic so vivid contrasts aren’t distracting.
Next, get rid of clutter. Then set up a big, comfy armchair and a small table that’s just big enough for a steaming mug of tea, perhaps a plate of food and a lamp. Less is more when decorating for stress relief. Add serene family photos to the walls so you’ll be surrounded by the ones you love, and consider placing candles in the area. Choose scents such as lavender, sandalwood or sage, which can have a calming effect on the mind and body.
July is National Ice Cream Month.
More ice cream is sold on Sunday than any other day.
Easy Cinnamon Bread Recipe
This bread is a cross between a typical baking
powder-leavened quick bread, and a yeast bread. The result: a cinnamon
coffeecake-tasting loaf that’s wonderful served plain, and is incredible
toasted.
3 cups King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour OR
Mellow Pastry Blend
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons instant yeast
1
teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup warm milk
1/4 cup
(1/2 stick) butter, melted
1 large egg
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup cinnamon chips
cinnamon-sugar, for topping
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar,
yeast, cinnamon and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk,
butter, and egg. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, beating till
smooth. Let the batter rest at room temperature for 1 hour, covered,
then stir in the baking powder and cinnamon chips.
Spoon the
batter into a greased 8 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch loaf pan. Sprinkle the top with
the cinnamon-sugar.
Bake the bread in a preheated 350°F oven
for 35 to 40 minutes, until it tests done; a cake tester inserted into
the center will come out clean. Remove the bread from the oven, let it
rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer it from the pan to a wire
rack to cool completely. Note: Don’t slice the bread while it’s hot!
It’ll slice much better when it’s completely cool. Yield: 1 loaf.
—“Recipe courtesy of King Arthur Flour.”
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2010 AtHomeWilmington.com
Linda Mehner – 910-409-3519 – linda@justforbuyersrealty.com
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