April 12, 2019

Hey Everyone!

Adding a plant or a bouquet of fresh flowers is an easy way to instantly make any room feel more well cared-for. That's why it's a common staging trick used by real estate agents and a styling trick for magazine photo shoots.

Plus, some plants don't just make the room look clean, but certain varieties actually purify the air.

Fresh flowers also help make a room appear more polished. Plus, the light floral scent will give your home a wonderful aroma.

Handy Hints Holly
Email your favorite hints
Visit the NEW and IMPROVED archives

Hint 1:

Unless you are baking cakes and cookies, there really is no need to wait for the oven to preheat and come to temperature.

Casseroles, meatloaves and like that need an hour or more of cooking time can be popped right in, saving you time and energy. And turn off the oven 10 minutes before the food is finished--the residual heat will get the job done!


Turn your yard into a tropical paradise with Solar Dancing Flame Lights

Hint 2:

Studies show that most people pre-rinse dishes before loading them into the dishwasher.

Modern dishwashers-certainly those purchased within the last 5 to 10 years-do a superb job of cleaning even heavily soiled dishes. Don't be tempted to pre-rinse dishes before loading; simply scrape off any food and empty liquids and let the dishwasher do the rest.

This will save you time as well as water and energy. If you find you must rinse dishes first, get in the habit of using cold water.

New Year: New Garden! (Keep those Rodents Out!)

'Go Green' Hint: Save on Gas

Ride your bike or walk when possible. If you are using your car, combine errands to save on gas.

If you are heading to an appointment or the grocery store, think what other stops you could make while heading in that direction.

It's amazing how those little changes can add up to big savings!