Savings for You! - Blog

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Mon, 02 Jan 2012 12:19:38 -0600

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New Efficiency Standards on Light Bulbs

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 11:52:51 -0600

A new standard for light bulbs aims to bring Thomas Edison's 131-year-old creation into the 21st century through increased energy efficiency. As of January 1, 2011, the standard, passed by Congress and signed by President George W. Bush, light bulb manufacturers are required to meet new efficiency standards in California to save consumers money and energy. California has enacted the federal standards one year earlier to avoid the sale of 10.5 million inefficient 100-watt bulbs in 2011 which would cost consumers $35.6 million in unnecessarily higher electricity bills. By reducing energy consumption the standard will reduce air pollution from the burning of fossil fuels in power plants while producing the same quality of light as traditional incandescent bulbs

Types of bulbs

Incandescent

» Cost: About $1.50 for one 100-watt bulb

» Lifespan: 750 to 1,500 hours

Compact fluorescent lamp, or CFL

» Cost: About $6.50 for one 26-watt bulb (comparable to a 100-watt incandescent bulb)

» Lifespan: 8,000 hours for a 26-watt bulb

CFLs are simply curly versions of the long-tube fluorescent lights you already might have in a kitchen or garage. Because they use less electricity than traditional incandescent, typical CFLs can pay for themselves in less than nine months.

GE CFL Light Bulb: 20 Watt (75W Equivalent), 6-Pk

Light - emitting diode or LED

» Cost: About $40 for one 5-watt bulb

» Lifespan: 50 times longer than traditional incandescent and 10 times longer than CFLs

LED uses the same technology as the little indicator light on your cell phone, but it is designed to light your home. ENERGY STAR-qualified LEDs use only 20 percent to 25 percent of the energy and last up to 25 times longer than the traditional incandescent bulbs they replace.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

light bulbs by the numbers

Savings*

» $27 to $32: Annual electricity bill savings per bulb with a 13W to 17W compact fluorescent bulb compared to 60W incandescent bulb

» $38 to $43: Annual savings per 18W to 20W compact fluorescent bulb compared to 75W incandescent bulb

» $49 to $54: Annual savings per 23W to 26W compact fluorescent bulb compared to 100W incandescent bulb

* Savings based on 6,000-hour bulb lifetime, burning three hours per day at 0.12 cents per kilowatt hour.

Impact

» 438 kilowatt hours: The amount of energy consumed annually by five 60W incandescent bulbs

» 131 kilowatt hours: The amount of energy consumed annually by five 18W compact fluorescent bulbs

» 680: Pounds of carbon dioxide saved annually by using five 18W compact fluorescents compared to five 60W incandescent bulbs

Source: Wisconsin Focus on Energy

Sunmia 120V AC Round Frosted LED Bulb

Building a website has never been easier!

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 02:00:56 -0600

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Quickest way to cure a hangover?

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 02:00:29 -0600

Research has proven that two bananas provide enough energy
for a 90 minute strenuous workout. For that reason, the banana
is considered the number one fruit with most world athletes.

But energy isn't the only thing a banana can assist with.

Here are more reasons to keep bananas in your daily diet:

*** Snacking on a banana between meals helps to keep blood
sugar levels up and avoids morning sickness.

*** It is rumored that the quickest way to cure a hangover is to
make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey.

Why? The banana calms the stomach and, honey helps build
up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and
re-hydrates your system. (If anyone ever tried this, did it work? )
I will have to remember this if the time comes.

ID Theft Tips

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 02:00:00 -0600

As part of the ongoing campaign to elevate awareness about the growing threat of identity theft, uni-ball® is working help stop identity thieves in their tracks. uni-ball asks consumers to be on high alert for these identity theft scams as identified by the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC):

Professional thieves and targeted attacks The ITRC is anticipating an increase in more sophisticated ways to "mine" information, sometimes by organized crime groups. Cybercrime, which includes transporting or selling large amounts of personal information from one group both nationally and internationally, will continue and expand. Part of this trend includes "skimming" (duplicate scanning of credit cards or debit cards), and fake fronts on payment scanners and ATM machines.

Check Fraud
As it becomes more difficult to get new lines of credit, identity thieves may be drawn more to commit check fraud. These crimes may take the form of stolen checks, using checks thrown into the trash by unknowing consumers, or a type of identity theft known as "check washing." Check washing occurs when checks or other tax-related documents are stolen from the mail or by other means and the ink is erased using common household chemicals, allowing thieves to endorse checks to themselves. This is where something as simple and inexpensive as a select uni-ball pen can help. Select uni-ball pens contain specially formulated gel ink (trademarked Uni-Super Ink) that is absorbed into the paper's fibers and can never be washed out.

Late Payment Scam
As people fall behind on their utilities or taxes, lists are created and available either internally or as public record. These lists can fall into the wrong hands and thieves call unassuming people to collect.

Text Messaging Scams: Phexting
Criminal hackers have access to everything these days, including the technology that generates cell phone numbers, as well as access to mass text messaging services. Once the data is secured, they are able to send text messages that install keyloggers (a method of capturing and recording user keystrokes) or direct you to web sites that steal personal data.

Internet Scams: Phishing
Phony e-mails that try to trick customers into giving out personal information are the hottest, and most disturbing, new scam on the Internet. "Phishing" frauds attempt to make Internet users believe that they are receiving email from a specific, trusted source, or that they are securely connected to a trusted Web site, when that is not the case. This scam is generally used as a means to convince individuals to provide personal or financial information that enables the perpetrators to commit credit card/bank fraud or other forms of identity theft.

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How to Organize Around Your Daily Plan

Sun, 05 Jun 2011 15:16:10 -0600

Here's a tip for always having the papers you need when you need them, no matter how chaotic your day may become. Use your daily plan to organize your paperwork.

How to:

Set up a desktop filing system using time elements instead of subjects as your categorization.
- Start with an expanding file with at least 7 dividers or a daily desk sorter or a desk file with 8-10 folders
- Label the categories for each hour (or as needed for your typical schedule)

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Review your calendar for appointments or meetings for the day.
- Print the agendas for each meeting and file in the appointed hour
- Collect any paperwork you need to take to the meeting and file in the appointed hour

AT-A-GLANCE(R) QuickNotes(R) 30% Recycled Special Edition Breast Cancer Awareness Planner, 4 7/8in. x 8in., Black, January-December 2011

Review and prioritize your to do list for the day
- Estimate how much time your first task will take and identify unscheduled time on your calendar. Mark your calendar to occupy that time with the assigned task
- Pull the paperwork that you will need to work on that task and file in the first unscheduled time in your file.
- Continue reviewing your to do list until you fill 75% of your available time for the day.

An hour before your workday ends, recycle or toss any papers that you do not need for
documentation and that have been acted on. Replace any papers to their original files that need to be kept for documentation or future reference.

By organizing your paperwork to align with your calendar and your to do list, even if an urgent issue arises just before a scheduled meeting, your paperwork will be ready for you in your daily file.

Keep everything organized and within easy reach and shop for low prices on binders today.

Get Grocery Coupons and FREE Stuff

Sun, 05 Jun 2011 14:29:51 -0600

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As if that weren’t enough, it’s free to join, and it always will be. You never have to pay CoolSavings in order to get exclusive access to its printable coupons, grocery coupons, and online coupon codes. Plus, we add new coupons and deals to the mix every single day, so the savings never run out.

After sign up, take a moment to browse around our CoolSavings community. It’s our very own social network, right here on the CoolSavings site. There, you can get in touch with CoolSavings members and swap stories, tips, advice, and recipes. CoolSavings isn’t just your average savings site—it’s your savings family.

Introduciong PUMA's New bodytrain Toning Shoes

Mon, 30 May 2011 02:00:00 -0600

Walk light walk sexy walk tight
Get the most out of every step with BodyTrain PUMA's unique take on the toning shoe. These slim lightweight toning shoes activate both front and back leg muscles to enhance natural movement and your overall look. BodyTrain combines PUMA's BioRide technology – which provides increased stability and flexibility. With an attractive lower-profile design and muscle-activating properties wearing BodyTrain toning shoes means you'll be walking sexy everywhere you go.

Features:
* BodyTrain activates leg muscles an average of 11% more than traditional walking shoes.
* Weighing in at 7.2 ounces (205 grams) one of the lightest toning shoes on the market.
* Beveled heel: Maximizes leg extension in each stride. Your heel is immediately compressed creating resistance and increased activation in hamstring and calf muscles.
* IdCell technology continues through the front of the sole to create resistance and increased muscle activation in the front of your legs and calves.
* Groove running the length of the sole counteracts pronation and increases stability.

Click here to go to Puma's Official Website

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Easy Ways to Reduce Salt in Your Diet

Sun, 08 May 2011 02:00:00 -0600

The best way to reduce your salt intake is by eating more fresh and whole foods. Here are some tips to help reduce your salt in your diet.

Canned meat and soups, cold cuts, frozen dinners, and pizza all have very high sodium. Eat these foods sparingly. Avoid meats that have been marinated or injected with salty basting solutions or broths.
Check for food that has no more than 140 mg of sodium per serving, the amount that's considered "low sodium" by the Food and Drug Administration, also, be sure you follow the recommended serving size
Rinse canned tuna and beans. This will help the sodium levels in these foods.
Buy fresh vegetables or frozen or canned "no salt added" ones.
Avoid using salt in the water when cooking pasta, potatoes, or vegetables.
Use herbs, spices, and salt-free seasonings, such as garlic or onion powder.
Try lemon or lime juice, or balsamic, cider, or wine vinegar on salads and vegetables.
Limit the use of condiments like reduced-sodium soy or barbecue sauce; they still have lots of sodium.
Look at labels for ingredients such as monosodium glutamate (MSG) and sodium benzoate, which contain sodium.
Watch out for certain medications, too, notably antacids that contain sodium bicarbonate, such as Alka-Seltzer Effervescent Tablets and Bromo Seltzer.

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Where the Nastiest Germs Hangout

Sun, 09 Jan 2011 02:00:00 -0600

Viruses, Bacteria and Germs...Oh My!

When you think of the dirtiest place around you that you come in contact daily, do you automatically think it’s your toilet? I know that’s always been my thought, especially being the mother of three boys who are not the best at “aiming”. But guess what? It's not the toilet. According to the Wall Street Journal, the average office desk may harbor 400 times more germs than the average toilet seat. Check out these other germ hotbeds…

Your Office Desk

Your desk at your office is loaded with germs. You can touch more than 30 bacteria-ridden surfaces in under a minute, says CNN.com. Some viruses and bacteria can live and potentially infect a person for two hours or longer, the flu virus can last up to eight hours, after being deposited on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs and desks. Cleansing your keyboard, mouse, phone and desk with disinfectant wipes once a week can help keep ward off viruses and bacteria and help keep you from getting sick.

Your Bathroom

So the toilet HAS to be the dirtiest spot on the bathroom, right? WRONG! The most germs in the bathroom are found in the bathtub, shower curtain, sink and toothbrush and toothbrush holders. To keep germs at bay, disinfect your entire bathroom weekly with an antibacterial cleaner or a bleach solution. Also, change your shower curtain liner regularly or wash it in your bathtub with a mixture of bleach and water. Use a shower cleaner to spray the bathtub and shower walls daily and replace your toothbrush at least once a month (or every time after you have been sick).

Your Kitchen

According to the University of Arizona, the kitchen sponges and dishrags you are using for washing dishes and countertops are teeming with bacteria, such as Salmonella, Staphylococcus and E. coli. You can help kill these harmful bacteria by microwave sponges or by running them through the dishwasher. Microwaving sponges for one minute kills 99.99999 percent of bacteria present on them, while dishwashing with a dry cycle kills 99.9998 percent of bacteria, according to a study done by microbiologists at the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Food Technology and Safety Laboratory in Beltsville, Maryland.

A great alternative to wiping down counters with sponges or dishrags is using Clorox(R) Disinfecting Wipes to easily clean and disinfect hard surfaces. Clorox(R) Disinfecting Wipesare ready to use and disposable after one use, killing 99.9 percent of germs including viruses that cause colds and flu (Rhinovirus and Influenza A2). Effective against common bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus (Staph.), Salmonella enterica, and E.coli.

Your Cell Phone

The average cell phone harbors 18 times more bacteria than a flush handle in a typical men’s restroom. If there is a virus or bacteria on your phones touch screen 30 percent of that bacteria will then be transmitted to your hands and elsewhere on your body. So the next time you borrow your friends phone to view their pictures remember what could be lurking on their screen Disease-causing pathogens can thrive for weeks on your phone, so it is a good idea to get in the habit of cleansing it with a disinfecting wipe daily.

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Gym Equipment

We all know how important it is to exercise and stay in shape, but touching the communal machines at the gym can lead to harmful health issues. According to the National Athletic Trainers' Association, gym equipment provides the perfect living environment for many different types of fungi, viruses and bacteria that cause painful skin diseases. To prevent infection, fully bandage any open wounds before using equipment, use a disinfecting wipe whenever you can and make sure to take a shower after your workout.

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Communal Showers

This is where your pair of flip flops becomes your best friend! There is an extremely contagious form of ringworm, otherwise known as athlete's foot, lurking around the tiles of public showers everywhere. When picked up by bare feet, the athlete's foot fungus can infect the skin under your toenails, between your toes and on the soles of your feet, according to Medicinenet.com. Wearing flip flops will serve as a barrier between the nasty floor and your bare feet.

Money

Research suggests that money can buy you more than material objects; it can buy you sick days, too. Paper currency is commonly contaminated with bacteria, such as Staphylococcus and pneumonia, according to the Southern Medical Journal, while SmartMoney.com has proven that several strains of the flu virus can live on bank notes for 10 to 17 days. Because paper money is traded between hands at a high exchange rate, keep bills inside your wallet to keep bacteria from spreading to your clothes or other objects in your purse. And wash your hands or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after each transaction.

Fight Back!

Fighting germs, viruses and bacteria is a year round fight. By taking a few simple steps in the course of our day, we can greatly reduce our exposure to these germs.

1. Wash your hands! Frequent hand washing is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick and spreading illness. Try using an antimicrobial soap like Lysol(R) Antimicrobial Soap or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer like Purell Instant Hand Sanitizer - a cleanser that doesn't require water. Always wash your hands after going to the bathroom, sneezing, before and after preparing food,touching sick people, playing with pets or dealing with wounds.
2. Disinfect your desk and work space. The average office desk has more germs on it than a toilet seat. Believe it or not, it's true! Between the phone, the desk and the keyboard, there are hundreds more bacteria than a toilet seat. Keep disinfectant wipes or a disinfectant spray such as ABC Compounding Aerosol Hospital Surface Disinfectant in your desk. Use them to kill the germs and bacteria. Wipe down your desk, and everything on it on a regular basis.
3. Always make sure you have sanitizer wipes or gel available. These three things will greatly reduce your chances from getting sick.