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peppermint bark

This Christmas, Save on Energy!

December 20, 2018 By Lena 3 Comments

There’s no doubt about it: the most wonderful time of year is usually the most expensive, too.

I originally started this blog post by listing all of my usual holiday expenses, but quickly abandoned the effort when I realized the list would be longer than my children’s combined holiday wish lists (and, trust me, they go on forever). However, while brainstorming some of the things I inevitably spend money on, I realized there are so many items I don’t normally budget for at the start of the season, like gift bags, impulse décor purchases, matching holiday pjs, etc. It made me all the more motivated to save money where I can, and that includes reducing my energy bill!

There are simply ways to save on energy costs over the holidays; you may already be employing some of the techniques without even realizing! Here are my top four tips for using less energy:

1. Switch to LED Christmas lights. LED Christmas lights use up to 90% less electricity than regular Christmas lights, and they usually retail for less than $10 a strand. There’s no better win-win!

2. Use the smallest appliance to get the job done. No need to use the main oven when a toaster oven or microwave will do – especially for cooking appetizers or reheating dishes.

3. Look for ENERGY STAR certified appliances and electronics. They use up to 60% less electricity than their non-certified counterparts, and during the busy holiday season, this can amount to significant savings!

4. Consider using no-bake recipes or baking in batches. Holiday baking is a tradition in most families, but there are smarter strategies, such as being mindful of off-peak hours or inviting your friends over for a Christmas cookie exchange.

I’ve been experimenting with no-bake treats this holiday season and am happy to share this simple recipe for Candy Cane Fudge!
It’s a little ambitious to call this a “recipe” because it only includes six ingredients and can be assembled in a jiffy. In fact, the first time I made this fudge, it was with my girlfriend relaying instructions to me over the phone! Yes, it’s that simple! …

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Filed Under: Food Tagged With: no bake candy cane fudge, peppermint bark, reducing energy costs, Save on Energy

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Lena Almeida

Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

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