More On Multi-Meal Preparation...

Here are links to websites, blogs and forums that may be useful anyone interested in learning more about this topic...

Frozen Assets

Recipe Zaar

Make Ahead Meals

Friendly Freezer

I hope these are helpful!  Until next time...

                                                                Kathy

A Simpler Life

I hope you had a wonderful holiday season!  My family and I had a very thoughtful, meaningful Christmas this year.  Our holiday was filled with extended family and friends, good food and relaxing times. 

This year we concentrated on "the reason for the season"...There was less  "keeping up with the Jones" or "shopping until we dropped".  We participated in less activities, visited with friends and family, and gave gifts that were meant to provide a feeling of love and friendship.  We decided not to rush through December trying to "beat the clock" before the 25th arrived, rather we slowed down a bit and just enjoyed the moment.

After it was all over, my family has decided that we like this new, slower and more deliberate way of life.  So, we are going to try to keep the feeling going by living a simpler life in 2010. 

What is your primary goal for 2010?

Energy Audits & Savings For Homeowners

        Last winter, the Pacific Northwest was covered in snow, which is really unusual for this region.  The snow was at its peak right during the winter holiday season, making for a beautiful, white Christmas.  Lots of people were unable to drive and the local bus system was almost inoperable for a time...So, many families got to spend real quality time together.  That's the good news...

        The bad news is that many households were left in the cold, either due to electrical outages, or because the heat generated by furnaces and wood stoves was lost through inadequate insulation.

        What can you do to prepare for the winter cold this year?   You might consider an energy audit of your home.  If you live in a new home, there is probably an Energy Audit report that is included in your purchase documents. If you live in an existing home, you can do an audit yourself or hire a professional to do it for you.

        If you want to hire a professional and live in Seattle, you can apply to be one of 5,000 households who will receive a professional energy audit, valued at approximately $600.00, for $95.00. They began in August and are scheduled to continue until all 5,000 are completed. Details about this program can be found at the Seattle City Light website.

If you prefer to do the audit yourself, there are a few major focus areas to evaluate:

1. Air Leaks,
2. Insulation,
3. Heating & Cooling Equipment, and
4. Lighting.  The US Department of Energy has a basic checklist for a Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Audit that's pretty comprehensive. 

        Acting on your audit results can result in lower utility expenses immediately.  Also, federal tax credits are available for certain home improvements.  For more information about the specifics of new tax credits, a helpful link is the Federal Tax Credit page of U.S. Dept. of Energy website.

What a great idea! Just a few activities can help folks save money right away, stay warm this winter, AND receive a tax credit next spring.

Until next time!
                                          Kathy