You're looking for ways to save money. Okay, great.
Straight to the point, here's what you need to know.
1.) Tune In & Turn Off
Make it a habit to turn off televisions (unless your party is centered around a televised sport) and lights; especially the light fixtures that you normally use. Why? Aside from saving on your energy bill, why not create a some party ambiance?
Use candles galore.
Rule of thumb: candles not only create a sexy and mellow party mood, they make everyone looks good in candlelight. If you simply must have "lights", throw up as many strings of tiny white lights as you need. When the weather's warm, electric lights at night will just make you feel hotter. Save kilowatts. Lower your bill.
2.) Light The Fireplace
Save energy. Turn your furnace down or off. And when it's too warm to use a fireplace, be sure the damper is closed. Place a piece of plywood across the opening, and it will help your home to not be drafty.
3.) Uh Huh... Your House (Or Apartment) "Does To" Have Solar Heat
When you raise window blinds and shades during daylight hours, you've just acquired FREE solar powered heat. So, since that's the case... when the sun starts to set, lower them.
4.) Intensify the Heat In Your Home
It can get really cold during the wintertime, and of course that includes the holiday season too, which spells dry indoor air. You certainly don't want your party guests scratching themselves to death because the dryness aggravates their skin, right? The remedy? Add moisture to the air by adding a pot of steaming hot cinnamon-nutmeg water. Doing so will raise the temperature in the room and the spices will add a nice homey, sweet fragrance. Static electricity will cease to exist too. Because when you raise the humidity above 40%, static electricity can't develop.
5.) Commit To A Air Conditioning Temperature & Stick With It
You've probably heard the ideal is to keep your air conditioning temperature in your home at 78 degrees Farenheit, right? To keep your home nice, cool, and cozy before your guests arrive for your party, keep your draperies continually closed on the sunnier side of your house and keep all doors and windows tightly closed too. and when you're planned to be away for more than 24 hours, turn your air conditioner off.
6.) When The Temperature Drops, Keep The Heat Flowing Strong
Make sure all heat vents are clear of all obstructions. Move your sofa's and chairs away from drafty windows and doors. Party guest satisfaction should be top priority.
7.) Exhaust Fans Could Be The Problem
The last thing you want to do is pull cool indoor air out into the hot summertime heat. So when you're experiencing hot weather, use your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans sparingly. It's not just that you'll send your cool air outdoors when you run exhaust fans, but you;ll also draw the hot air from outside indoors via windows and cracks and any other openings where air can seep in. This is vice versa during the cold seasons; heated indoor air can be exchanged for outdoor cold air. In other words, not good.
8.) Choose Fans Over Air Conditioning
Fans are the practical, money saving way to go. Did you know that window air conditioners use 10 times the amount of electricity a window fan would use? It's true. Take heed.
9.) Conserving Hot Water Can Do Wonders To Cut Energy Costs
Running hot water throughout the process of shaving, washing party dishes - for example, and any other time you allow hot water to run can cost you plenty. Turn your hot water heater thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, repair leaking faucets, and wash load of laundry in cold water. Conserving hot water is an important key to lowering your bills.
10.) What You Use In Your Oven Is Important
I bet you didn't know this. When you use metal pans in your oven they use a 25 degree Fahrenheit higher temperature than ceramic and glass dishware. Making an adjustment in what type of dishes you use can lower your energy bill, which is the whole point. Right? Knowing this can especailly help those who often cook and bake.
11.) Cook In Bulk Ahead Of Schedule
Plan food menus ahead of schedule and prepare a bunch of food at one time; make double and triple quantities of food, use it for a second meal or freeze it to use for another time. This one is just that simple.
12.) Are You Using The Right Stove Burners?
You get this one right when you choose a stove burner that is the same size or smaller than the bottom of the pot or pan you use on the stove. Also, don't use higher heat than necessary and don't cook food longer than needed.
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I do this... I write to help to create to opportunities for all who choose to pursue their passion to have parties almost irregardless regard to economic constraints.
I think if we keep talking about the cost of parties (I write blog posts, you write comments), together, maybe we can break down some of the party industry's price barriers and shame some of the people who've taken your money and delivered a poor quality product right into growing a conscious and treating you right (nice thought, huh?).
Opportunities to be inspired about parties are everywhere. Yet, people looking out for your wallet are few and far between. My goal is to inspire you, causing you to question the way things are that have been the status quo for too long. When we stand together and speak up, we can be a powerful force.
Let's keep the conversation of change going. Because in the sea of everyone talking, one voice is a whisper... several voices are a scream.
Leave a comment and share your thoughts, ideas and suggestions below. Remember to be as specific as possible because what you have to say helps us all.
Always... be encouraged and encourage others too,
