Dishwasher Energy Diet

In order to be "green" you might be curious to know if washing dishes by hand or in the dishwasher is better. Here are the helpful hints:

• Dishwashers made before 1994 use 12 or more gallons of water, those after 1994 use between 7-10 gallons.
• Wash only full loads.
• do not use the temperature boost setting: heating water is about 80% of the energy used
• fill the soap dispenser about 2/3 full for best performance
• air dry the dishes, or use the "no-heat" dry setting
• don't rinse the dishes before loading, just scrape them
• use shortest possible cycle
• keep filter clear of food particles

A study conducted in Germany reports an average of 27 gallons of water to wash a 12 piece place setting by hand. The automatic dishwasher using the same number of equally dirty dishes used only 4 gallons. Looks like the automatic dishwasher wins!

Easy Summer Decorating Tips

This month, try to:

Relax and read a decorating book or magazine outdoors. It's summertime after all.

Clean your fans so you don't blow dirt around your home. Remove screens from portable fans and wipe with a damp cloth. Just wipe down the ceiling fans.

Update window coverings: go sheer and simple, not heavy or fussy.

Change lampshades to ivory or white silk or linen. Colored shades distort or block the light.

Take up area rugs and let wood floors breathe. Just for the summer.

Easy Organizing Step by Step

Organizing an entire house is too much to think about at one time. One a piece of paper, map out the activities and "stuff" you need for those activities. Spend a day getting all the "stuff" in the right room. Forget about what it looks like for now. Choose the function of the room first before concerning yourself about it looking nice.

After you have everything in its general location, take an inventory. See what you have multiples of, what is broken beyond repair, and what you still need storage containers for. I'll guide you through the rest of the system next week.

Thursday's Thrifty Tips

Everyone is looking to save money in today's economy. Here's a few tips on how to redecorate you home using your own stuff!

1. Take a good look at your artwork. Is it hanging in a great location? You might think about shifting pictures around to keep the room fresh.

2. Hang artwork over a piece of furniture to anchor it. About 3-6 inches above a table top and 8 inches above a sofa or chair looks best.

3. Most people hang their artwork too low--if yours is scooting near the ceiling, hang about 6 inches lower than it currently hangs. You'll be amazed at the difference!