www.LivingOnADime.com

We received some tips from our heating article and some comments on why people don’t turn the heat down. I wanted other points of view to be represented too. I thought I would share the emails. Some of these we do or have done in the past but I thought I would save myself some typing.:-)
Tawra

we own 2 homes, and live part of the year in each location… for the inside of the house, we bought plastic drop cloth, used for painting and cut out pieces for each window, then used the putty knife to lightly seal around each window frame…. the windows we don’t use during the winter were sealed tightly… the windows we will use will be loose at the bottom, so, as to air the houses out some on sunny days…we used heavier plastic for unused doors and sealed them with putty knifes too.
also, we took flat flannel sheets, we bought at garage sales, and hung them in the doorways on expandable shower rods, to keep the draft out..

and we purchased oil filled electric portable heaters and placed them in the middle of the dining and living room, and the family room and kitchen… they keep an even temperature… we have temp gauges, we purchased to monitor each room.. we stay at 70 degrees.. the bathrooms are always heated, the hot water tank keeps the laundry room warm… we will turn on the wall electric heat when the temp outside goes under 30 degrees on low… we keep the bedroom heat on low just when we sleep.. it gets turned off in the mornings.
we sewed stuffed socks together and made door stoppers to keep the drafts out.
we use throws, sleeping bags, pillows and watch TV. and dress with layered clothes.
we have little signs on the front doors, to ring the bell and go to the side garage door where we let guests inside… this way they can remove or clean their shoes inside the garage before entering the house.
love your ideas..
been saving on dishwasher detergent for the dishwasher… I use 1 tblsp. of dishwasher detergent from the general dollar store in the holder.. and i add 1 tblsp. of baking soda in the compartment under the holder… I use vinegar in the rinse holder.. my dishwasher has never been cleaner and my dishes are super cleaned.

when I use the washer, I use 1 tblsp of laundry detergent from dollar general with 1 tblsp. baking soda… I use 1 tblsp. of vinegar for the rinse water…
for white clothes, I use 1 tblsp. of detergent with 1 tblsp. of bleach and 1 tblsp. of vinegar for rinse…
for the dryer, I use 1/4th of a dryer sheet for each large load…. when I am out of those, I use diluted fabric softener, half water, half softener.. maybe 1 tblsp. on a sock ..it works great.
we dilute our shampoo with equal parts of water…. and use 1 tblsp of conditioner on our head and distribute with our hands, then rinse it out at the end of our shower last.
thanks..
good job you’re doing for everyone.
crosse

Hi Tawra,

just a couple thoughts regarding heating - as related to personal weight loss during the winter months!! If you continue your weight loss efforts through the winter, you will probably literally feel like you lost your insulation. I find my own threshold of when to build a fire (we heat with
wood) and how many clothes it takes to stay warm is definitely different than when I was in the 200 lb. range. Plus without the extra body padding I find there are certain clothes or combinations of clothes I just can’t wear any more. It is probably about 68 out here where my computer is and I am wearing stretch jeans, cotton turtleneck, fleece vest and fuzzy sox and am still feeling a little chilly. If I were to pile on any more clothes it would physically hurt. Same with how many blankets to pile on at night.

You’ll probably need to ask for new winter clothes for Christmas

Also with our maritime climate the dampness makes everything feel colder than it is, and if we close off a room we find the mold has really exploded later. Just some tweaking we have to do with our situation.

Anyway, thanks for your work and efforts to get people to think outside the box. I see some of your and your mom’s articles are posted on the Dr. Laura website - good going!

Christy

one way we save on propane is to only turn on the water heater when we are going to shower or do dishes. Hubby was surprised to see that we used 1/2 the propane we used to when the water heater was on all the time.

I learned this in Europe. The first water heater I had, I had to put chopped wood in the hole under the furnace to warm up about 20 gallons of water. I’d supplement that by boiling water in the tea kettle and pour boiling water in the bath, that really helped. So, when we moved and got a heater that all you had to do was turn the switch, it was quite a luxury. We only turned it on 20 minutes before a shower though.

Blessings,
Amylynn

I’m not sure about the comment of everyone getting sick as stated in the email below. I have heard of several studies that say it’s not the cold but people being together so much in the winter. I thought I would post it just so some other points of view can be heard. Personally I say whatever works for your family, go for it! Tawra

I was commenting that we live in MN, I have six kids, the baby is just turned one- We live in a story and a half, four of the girls sleep upstairs, where there are no vents.
Everyone stays healthier, sleeps better, and is happier when the house is warm. The baby sleeps better, we all get to sleep faster, and I just feel like this is one place I will spend money. It is hard enough dealing with horrible weather outside and then being uncomfortable inside just doesn’t make sense to me anymore.
I budget a lot, I’ve gotten to the point I will pay for heat and utilities without worrying about it too much, daily comfort is worth it to me.
Just a thought.
Tracy

Hi Tawra,
I just read your “heater” email……….that’s crazy! We live in Wisconsin, so we also know the meaning of C-O-L-D! As a matter of fact, a few weeks ago, one day it was 85 degrees and humid, and the very next day it was 45 degrees and chilly as heck. We are now consistently having chilly weather. I also said to myself, a couple weeks ago, “I am NOT turning on that heater” but when we were sitting on the couch watching TV, all wrapped up in blankets, and the house was at 62, I felt the tip of my nose, and it was DARN COLD. I got REALLY crabby/irritated and said, “this is ridiculous, I am not going to ‘freeze’ in my own home.” So, I got up and turned that heat on to 67 to take the chill out. I now have it set at 67. In the winter, we will also go to 68.
Just thought I’d share……Jen/Wisconsin

Wow! I never knew that heating your house could be such a controversy! We received several emails from people. I thought this is mostly common sense but I was surprised.

We had a lot of people say how they thought this was a great idea and they grew up that way too.

We had a few that said we were out of our minds, that we would have all kinds of problems physically and mentally! LOL

The entire point of the article is to get people to think. My family doesn’t notice any difference except when we go into place that is 75 degrees we are “roasting”. When we go into a place with the a/c set at 68 we are freezing. (we keep ours a/c at 78)

This isn’t a new concept. Until about 20 years ago a lot of people lived with their heat turned down. If this doesn’t work for your family that’s ok. If you prefer to have the heat up and cut out something else I say go for it!

I do appreciate all the additional ideas and suggestions! I didn’t know that talking about heat could cause such a stir! LOL

Tawra
www.LivingOnADime.com

My brain momentarily left me on Sunday. Mike was working 16 hour days for 4 days and so I was worn out too. Just dealing with the kids, talking to him when he came home late and David was waking up at 5 a.m.

I really need to get this house painting finished and it was nice so I decided to do a small section.

The kids wanted to paint a cat house BJ had built so I thought “why not?” We had some paint that was bright colors that I wasn’t using. All kids want to do this at some time so I thought it would be fun. I put on ratty clothes, laid down sheets on the grass and let them go for it outside on the lawn.

I have no clue what I thinking letting a 7,6 and 2 year old do this!

I thought it would be cheap entertainment while I painted. WRONG!
They ended up with paint all over literally from head to toe! On their face in their ears, everywhere!

They were just soaked in paint.

I ended up having to carry each one into the house for a shower. In the process, I ruined a shower curtain I just loved with splattered washed off paint, ruined a hat, shirt, pants and socks that got in the mess somehow. I spent an hour cleaning them and the mess up.

Then the next day it still wasn’t dry and the neighbor kids got into it. BJ decided to move the cat house and then got paint on him, again!

Augh! Talk about loosing all common sense! My “cheap entertainment” just cost me a shower curtain and some clothes. About $20 worth!

Tawra
www.LivingOnADime.com

My kitchen is small. It’s 8×9 ft from wall to wall. There is 4 feet. of walkway in between the counters. When you go to unload the dishwasher there is 1/2 inch between the fridge door and the dishwasher door. You have to stop unloading then let someone through.

I have on my counters a toaster, electric tea kettle, my cookbook holder, canisters, cooking utensils, a griddle and stand up kitchen aid mixer. (I have about 14 ft. of counter top space)

Our toaster was a fire hazard. I went to clean it out and there was crud stuck on the bottom that I couldn’t get out. I was afraid it would catch on fire so we bought a toaster oven. We are always baking a small batch of chicken nuggets or warming up pizza. It would taste so much better toasted than warmed up in the microwave. I could also bake 6 cookies instead of an entire batch for the kids and then I’m not tempted. (If it’s there I will eat the sweets!) Was it a “need”? No, but for $10 over the price of a toaster it was worth it.

I didn’t have any room left on my counter without loosing some work space. I love my kitchen aid but only use it about every two weeks now because I am trying not to bake so much. I could not find any place to store it. I didn’t want to put it in the garage because the thing is VERY heavy and I didn’t want to lug it up the stairs when I needed to use it. I also wanted to get my griddle off the counter but I do use it several times a week.

Well I just decided that I had to find space to store them. After looking around and measuring I just had to move just a few things around in the cabinets, adjust one shelf (which was a pain but worth it) and they both fit in.

Just try to re-think everything. Usually there is almost a better way to do something than what you are doing now. Now we don’t “have” to have a larger kitchen, although I do admit it sure would be nice!

Tawra
www.LivingOnADime.com

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The link on the website for the treasure hunt doesn’t work so I thought I would pass the clues on.

This could be used for any type of treasure hunt. We make up different clues at Christmas and send the kids all over. When they get to the last one there is a really big gift under the tree. They don’t cost much but do look impressive.

Last year it was a big body pillow for my niece and nephew and a body pillow cover put on their body pillows for my kids.
This is a tradition now and they just love it.
Enjoy! Tawra

Happy Halloween To You,
Get Your Flashlights to Look For The Clues
Don’t Get Scared When the Ghosts Go Boo!!
Look Under The Rocking Chair for Clue #2!!

Jump for Glee
When You Find Clue #3
Under the Couch
It Will Be!!

Are You Ready To Go,
Outside the Front Door,
Sitting On The Chair is Clue #4

To The Back Yard We Go,
Inside On the Shed Door,
Let’s All Look Alive
As We Find Clue #5

Clue #6 Is Under the Picnic Table In The Front Yard
Don’ t Worry About Finding It,
It Really Won’t Be Hard!
Are You Getting Tired Yet?

Clue #7 is Under The Bench By the Shed
Be Careful When You Look,
So You Don’t Bonk Your Head!

Ellys Treasure Is Sure To Be Bound
Under the Slide Is Where It Is Found!

Alex Is Next
Let’s All Go and See
In The Mail Box
Where It Is Sure To Be!!

Next To The House There Is A Tree
BJ’s Treasure Is There
And Now We Have Found Three!!

Cody’s Is Last
Did You All Have A Blast?
Out By The Well Is Where His Treasure Is At Last!!
Happy Halloween!!!!

www.LivingOnADime.com

We finally got our first freeze last night. In a way I’m relived
because I’m tired of seeing my plants half dead but there was still
some life left so I hated to just let them go and allergies and bugs
will be gone. On the other hand that means winter is on the way. I
love winter but in Kansas we have about 2 weeks of fall and 2 weeks
of spring and that’s about it. Fall is my favorite season so I hate
to see it go by so fast!

Last night it was cold. We still haven’t turned our heat on yet.
There is just something in me that can’t turn it on when the a/c was
on about 10 days - 2 weeks ago!

The house was down to 58. Was it cold, yes, but really not that bad.
When the kids got up they got dressed right away instead of staying
in their pj’s for a little bit while they fully wake up.

I turned on the stove and made biscuits for breakfast. It added
some heat to house. They were yummy! I took a regular biscuit recipe
and added about 2 Tbsp. sugar and then dipped them in cinnamon and
sugar before putting them in a 9×13 pan instead of on a cookie sheet.

Anyway, back to the point. I put on a sweater and we kept our socks
on. Was it uncomfortable? A little, but really not that bad. We
keep a comforter and throw in the living room to keep us warm at
night while watching TV so that we can keep our heat at 68 in the
winter. By doing this our heat bill doesn’t go over -$100 -$125 in
the worst months of Dec., Jan. and Feb. Yes, I know that may change
this year with the increase in prices.

Growing up we had a huge 2600 Sq. ft Victorian house that mom paid
off before we got sick. It was a pain to heat and air condition. The
kitchen, family room, bathroom and a small room were in the back
part of the house so we could close a door and just live in there
for the worst 6- 8 weeks of winter and summer. We slept on the
couch and floor in the family room. We just used our wood stove then
to heat that part of the house. The rest of the house was down to
around 40-50 most of the time. Most mornings there was ice on the
windows in that part of the house.

It’s funny because even though we had to “rough it” it really wasn’t
that bad. I do appreciate and feel we are very blessed to be able
to pay for and heat our entire house now.

Make it a game to see how long you can wait to turn on the heat.
~Do your baking on these kinds of days or dinners that bake in the
oven.
~Keep socks and sweaters on.
~Drink warm drinks like cocoa, tea and coffee.
~Wrap up in a blanket while watching TV.

It’s kind of fun in a way to see how far you can push the limit. For
us this is about the limit but it’s fun to see how long it will
last. Especially since I know we can pay for other things with the
money!

Tawra
www.LivingOnADime.com

I was just thinking about the wood chip post below.

It occurred to me that the reason most people don’t save money is because they don’t ask. Start asking and you will start seeing some great bargains. If someone says “no” so what? Most the time you won’t see that person anyway again.

Here’s some examples of what we have asked people to come down on the price for.

Asked tree company to dump wood chips at our house, free wood chips.

Wal-Mart had some half dead plants that could be received. I asked if they would come down and they went from $5.00 a plant to $1.00. Same thing at K-mart. Dead flats (or they thought) of annuals from $12 to $2.

Yard sales. I almost always ask for them to come down unless it’s a really good deal. More times than not it’s “yes”

Tell people you are looking for something. Sometimes they will hear of somebody getting rid of something, like a crib and just give it to you.

Ask to borrow the neighbors tools. We have borrowed everything from chainsaws to paint brush extensions. Of course we don’t just ask and never give. We try to always help out with anything we can or let them borrow our stuff too.

The sink was chipped at the home improvement store but it was small and could be fixed with a $5 repair kit. Saved over $50!

If paying cash at the dentist, doctor or hospital ask for a cash discount.

Always ask! It never hurts!

Tawra
www.LivingOnADime.com

WE decided to go ahead and get one.

They are $90 at the humane society already fixed. I about choked at the price! I didn’t know they would be that much but it’s the same cost as taking it to the vets to fix it.

I really appreciate all the input. I think it will be a great pet and I know it will be well loved, even by me!

Tawra

www.LivingOnADime.com

We have been wanting to get some wood chips to mulch the yard. We have a large area to do under 13 trees that we trimmed this spring. We found some that the city piled up from the ice storm in Jan. and were going to borrow my brother’s truck to haul them. We would need about 10-15 loads at a minimum!

Well, we have been putting it off because it was so hot. Today I went outside and heard the wonderful purr of a chipper shredder and chainsaw. (it’s only wonderful when you need something. LOL!)

Anyway, the tree trimming company was on the next street over working on some trees. I went over and asked if they would dump them at our house and they said “sure”!

We will need two loads (4 tons) and the driveway is full. We saved several hundred dollars buy not having to buy it at the store or by the truckload at the wood recycling place. We wouldn’t buy them of course, but even getting them free from the city we saved about 10 hours of work at least by not having to load them in the truck.

Call and ask the tree trimming places if they are dumping mulch. If one says “no” ask the next. They are usually happy to do it since they don’t have to pay to dump them.

Tawra (who knows what the next project will be after the painting.)

www.LivingOnADime.com

P.S.
After I posted this I had a concern from a reader about using these. I wanted to post her message of concern and my response.
Of course, use your own judgment but as I said below, I have been doing this for over 10 years and went to school for horticulture and have never seen a problem.
Tawra

“Be cautious and careful of fresh wood chips around your plants and
trees.. They can carry diseases and pests that can kill your plants,
create unwanted heat and either way, can totally mess up the “freebie”
aspect of getting the wood chips…It is recommended to let the chips
sit for 6 months to a year before using them.”

My response:
Thanks for the info. Yes, I did know about those concerns. I had forgot, I was going to put a disclaimer in there.

I’ve been doing this for over 10 years and have yet to have a problem. Yes, some nitrogen could be leached but most people add fertilizer or compost on the plants anyway so that really isn’t a problem.

The heat. I’ve never seen a problem with that.
Pests, yes they could spread but you could just spray with an insecticide. The cost of those things is still much smaller than the cost of that many wood chips and most people do those things anyway.

If a person is an organic gardener then it would be best to let them sit. I’m not so I haven’t had to worry too much about that.

I am a master gardener and went to school for horticulture and in all of my classes this topic was always brought up. In the end they all said that the benefits way out weigh the potential problems. If you have a particular expensive or special plant then I would recommend buying the mulch.

I should have known better than to put in the disclaimer so thank you for reminding me. I am going to go post it now!
Tawra

Well, we finally got started on painting the house.

Even though it’s blue I think I like it better than the gray that was on there. It really makes the bricks looks nice.

Mike and I killed ourselves Monday painting all day (I was a dead person!) but we got 2 sides done. Yeah! They were the hardest part too. Mike had to get on the roof and do some of it and that was a pain! We set records here this week around 89 and it was HOT! Especially on the roof. It’s just not right being in the high 80’s in October and having to turn on the a/c!

Is it worth it? Yes! We will spend about 30-40 hours total working on it and it will save us $2,000. Mike makes $500 a week so he will not have to work month to pay for it.

Tawra
www.LivingOnADime.com