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Save on Energy

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

This Thanksgiving, Save Time AND Energy!

October 4, 2018 By Lena 24 Comments

A few days ago, I came across a hilarious tweet in a list of “Dad Memes”. (Why I was looking at Dad Memes, I cannot fathom. The internet is a strange place!)

Anyways, giggling with glee, I showed it to my husband:
“My God!” my husband exclaimed, laughing. “You’ve turned into your dad!”

Yes, I replied. Yes I have.

It’s actually pretty simple: As an adult, a homeowner, and of course, a person who pays bills, I care about saving energy and saving money. And truthfully, it probably took all three for me to realize the importance of managing my electricity use. Not only can I monitor my energy consumption in an effort to reduce long-term energy costs, I can also increase the comfort, usability and market value of my home. …

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Filed Under: Food Tagged With: energy efficiency, no bake pumpkin squares, Save on Energy

Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot? Here’s How to Stay Cool

August 20, 2016 By Lena 49 Comments

Ah, summer. The season of popsicles and patios, sunscreen and sno-cones. And for many Canadians, forget the Beach Boys – the soundtrack of summer sounds a little like this:

Hummmm.

That’s the sound of an air conditioner, running around the clock.

If you’re like me, summer in Ontario can often be about trying to stay comfortable and keeping your energy use in check.  After all, the less energy used, the less we pay, so it’s important to be aware of the many things we can do to form good usage habits.
fanOf course, the most obvious way is to set our thermostats a few degrees warmer, which will instantly reduce stress on our air conditioners (and energy bills!). However, there’s much more you can do, and it’s actually easier than you think! I watched an interesting animation on the new Save on Energy website about a family who was finding it hard to keep their home cool during these hot summer months. Since our current heat wave looks like it’s here to stay – for at least a little longer –  I wanted share some tips for keeping your house cool:

– Open your windows and enjoy the fresh summer air while you cool off without air conditioning. This is particularly effective early morning and late night when summer breezes can really help reduce the home’s temperature. …

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Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: #PowerWhatsNext, energy saving tips, 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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