Using Time Wisely

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2012 Second Quick Tip Week: Change Your Air Filters

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Photograph Credit: Flickr (Alex Wiebe)

In finishing this Quick Tip Week, our temperatures have risen to 100 degrees. The heat is bearing down and in this segment on stretching your dollars, I focus on a quick way to lower your energy bill during the summer heat.

Quick Tip #7: Change Your Air Filters

The air filters in ventilation systems get quite dirty from sucking in dust. As the dust builds up, the air has to fight through the dirt on the filter to circulate. The harder your system has to pull in the air, the longer your fan has to run which costs you money.

With a clean air filter, the air slips through the filter and circulates without needing to keep the fan running.

Most technicians recommend changing the standard air filter once a month. In stretching our dollars, I wait for ACE Hardware to run a sale on their air filters. I then stock up to keep our home cool without using extra energy.

As you seek options for stretching your dollars, remember to change your air filters. In using time wisely to complete this maintenance on your home, you can see the savings on your energy bill. Happy savings!

Question: How often do you change your air filters? 

2012 Second Quick Tip Week: Wash the Car

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In winding down our Second Quick Tip Week of 2012 and the heat of summer in full force, I love to combine a family activity with productivity.

My favorite summer outside activities combine water and work resulting in a nice refreshment while completing the task at hand.

Quick Tip #6: Wash the Car

My children love to play in the water. In fact, you cannot keep them out of it. Yeah, that one puddle in the entire parking lot beckons my children to visit. (I see you’ve been there, too.)

With our white van and our busy schedule, our vehicle remains dirty. So, we combine our water fun with a bucket and micro-fiber cloths.

I pull the car into the driveway and turn on the hose. Besides the fun had with spraying the car (and each other), we emerge from our fun with a clean vehicle. If Daddy arrives home before the fun ends, we finish with two clean vehicles. 😉

In using time wisely with your family and staying cool this summer, enjoy a refreshing activity of washing the car. Happy playing or working (or both)!

Question: How are you staying cool this summer? 

2012 Second Quick Tip Week: Delicious Fruit Dip Recipe

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Photograph Credit: Flickr (Fishhawk)

Our Quick Tip Week is in full swing. Today, we land in the food category for a 2-ingredient fruit dip to save you energy and time.

Quick Tip #5: Delicious Fruit Dip Recipe

With all the vast assortment of fruits in season, my kids love dipping their fruit during our meal and snack times. In keeping up with my growing kids, this quick and delicious fruit dip saves the day.

Ingredients:

    • 8 oz. block of cream cheese
    • 7 oz. container of marshmallow crème

Directions:

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, place the unwrapped cream cheese block and soften in the microwave.

2. Add container of marshmallow crème.

3. Stir and refrigerate until cold.

This light and refreshing dip is a family favorite that is often served at parties with fruit platters. As our family continues to eat our fruits and vegetables, this delicious fruit dip encourages my children to eat more.

As you seek options for your family and event planning, try this delicious fruit dip recipe. Berries and melon are our favorites. Enjoy!

Question: How do you serve your fruit?

2012 Second Quick Tip Week: Step Away from the Problem

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Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

We are already halfway through our Quick Tip Week. In taking a break in the middle of the week to refresh and rest, I plug along this journey with a stop in the miscellaneous category.

Quick Tip #4: Step Away from the Problem

In planning and organizing, I get stumped all the time. From trying to fit items into a container to choosing menu items for the week, I could waste a lot of time trying to come up with answers.

Knowing that problems will arise, I work towards a solution. When the solution does not come after a few attempts, I step away from the problem. During these times, I might do the following:

    • Take a walk
    • Clean or pickup a room

By replacing my time with something profitable, I give my creative juices a rest, work on another task, and return with a fresh perspective.

In using time wisely, take a step away from the problem and come back when you can focus without distractions. Happy solving!

Question: How do you handle problems?

2012 Second Quick Tip Week: Budget-Friendly Event Times

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Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

Moving on to our event planning category, Quick Tip Week continues.

Having planned and organized a surprise birthday bash this weekend, I enjoy celebrating while saving money, energy, and time.

Quick Tip #3: Budget-Friendly Event Times

Since food costs can eat up a big chuck of your event budget, choose event times between meals to stay within your budget.

    • 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. – brunch options
    • 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. – snack and appetizer assortments
    • 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. – dessert or snack choices

In planning a special event, you can serve refreshments without breaking the bank by choosing budget-friendly event times. In using time wisely, continuing celebration those special moments while saving money, energy, and time. Happy planning!

Question: In which time frame do you typical schedule parties?