Don't Charge That Phone Overnight!

Here's an idea to help you save a little energy: Don't charge your cell phone overnight!

With today's technology, cell phones are usually fully charged in an hour and a half, or less, depending on how much battery life you have left.

If you are plugging your phone into an outlet before you go to bed, and pulling it off the charger just before you leave for work, you are probably wasting about 6 1/2 hours or more of energy on that phone.

Try plugging your phone into the outlet while you are cooking and eating dinner with your family.  Make this a rule in your household, and see how much more conversation you have during dinner.  You might actually get to enjoy your kids and dinner a bit more.

If that's not enough time, how about charging it while you are having breakfast and in the shower as well?

These three times may not be enough on their own to charge the phone, but the three combined should be well enough to keep your phone charged, and you in charge of your life.....instead of your phone!

Prepare for Power Outage

Storm season is upon us.  In preparation for power outages, one of my utility companies has sent me this list of "Items to have ready in the event of a prolonged power outage".  So, I thought I would share them with you.

• Water - one gallon of water per person per day (for at least three days)
• Food - at least a three-day supply of non-perishable foods
• Manual can opener
• Battery-powered radio
• NOAA Weather Radio with extra batteries
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Candles with containers
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in waterproof container
• First Aid Kit, prescription medication
• Moist towelettes, trash bags and ties for personal sanitation
• Cell phone chargers that plug into car (or solar charger)
• Cash or traveler's checks
• Important family documents in a waterproof container (insurance policies, identification, bank account info)
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each family member
• Change of clothing and personal hygiene supplies
• Paper cups, plates, towels and plastic utensils
• For baby: formula, diapers, bottles, powdered milk, medications

Hopefully you won't need this list, but it is a good idea to have these items handy, just in case.

Ideas from My Friends

I want to thank all of my friends for helping me come up with some new ideas this week. Here are some money saving or frugal ideas, that we came up with.

When you finish the end of a jar of jelly, peanut butter, etc., instead of throwing the jar away right away, save it. The next time you go for a snack, take a slice of bread and dip it in the jar to get that last little bit out instead of tossing it!

Again, at the end of a bag of pretzels. Don't toss that extra salt with the pretzel bag. Put it in a little container, maybe even a grinder, and save it for your popcorn or other snacks.

What about sunscreen? It will probably be expired if you save it from year to year. How about using the rest of the tube for shaving instead of tossing it? It will probably even help to soften your skin!

Another good idea....When you are getting the temperature set in your shower and the water is running before you get in, catch that water in a bucket. Use the water for your outdoor plants. This will especially be helpful in the summer.

Hope you have enjoyed these household tips from me and my friends!