Monday, February 11, 2013

Savers Unite!

It seems like the 'green' trend is in full force these days, causing celebrations for some, and eye-rolling for others.  While 'eco' and 'anti-eco' citizens tend to but heads when it comes to lifestyle - they really don't have to be that different.  So whether you are looking to save some serious cash, or save the planet - I have some something excellent for you!
Today I present:
3 Awesome Tips for super-savers!
Written for cash-$avers and eco-savers - simply read which ever description best fits you and your lifestyle.
$AVERS:
Whole 'green' movement not to your taste?  No problem - save you own hard-earned 'green' (cash) with these easy and fun tips!
ECO-SAVERS:
Is 'going green' your thing?  Try these tips to further reduce your impact in a fun and easy way!


#1: Unplug Baby!
$AVERS:
Did you know when you leave your laptop plugged into the charger all day and night it is costing you $77.76 dollars of wasted energy per year?  Not to mention it's bad for the battery, and can even shorten your laptop's life.  The Quick fix?  Only plug in when you run below 20% and unplug the entire charger from the wall when finished.  Chargers suck up your money and raise your electricity bill even with out a computer plugged in on the other end.  Apply this to cellphone chargers too, and just think of all the money you could save annually!

ECO-SAVERS:
Leaving your laptop, cellphone and other electronics plugged into their chargers is causing you to admit an additional 650 lbs. of CO2 emissions per year?  No sweat, by simply unplugging the charger from the wall, you cut off the power completely!  Better yet - try an alternative, non-electric way to relax or veg after work or school.

#2: Hang it all out!
$AVERS:
Using your electric clothes dryer cost you about $193 dollars annually.  Want to spend that money on an unbeatable night out instead?  Get some rope, or folding drying racks and try letting your clothes air dry.  All you have to do is hand them up and walk away.  The next day your clothes will be 100% dry - no effort required!

ECO-SAVERS:
You all know about just one spin the the dryer using 1.8kg of CO2 right?  If not, now you do!  Not to mention releasing toxic exhaust.  Instead, slash your output, and get outside for some good old fashioned laundry hanging!  Can't do it outside?  Invest in some quality folding drying racks that can be tucked away when not in use.  

#3: Bike!
$AVERS:
Have you seen gas prices recently?  Not pretty on your pocketbook, and not pretty on your health either!  With more cities putting in bike lanes, you can save yourself some serious cash by biking to work, school, or the store.  Not to mention get a little movement into your limbs, and get those feel-good endorphins kicking in!  Going to work?  Many workplaces offer benefits and free prizes to bike-commuters, so get a helmet, and get winning and saving!

ECO-SAVERS:
Chugging along in a gas dependent box doesn't sound like a very positive, forward-thinking way to get around does it?  Get the legs pedaling, along with that sense that you're doing your part for the planet and trade the seatbelt for a helmet!  After all, doesn't apple pie sound like better fuel than gasoline?

So regardless of whether you are a super cash, or super planet saver, I hope these tips can help everyone, and introduce a little more fun into your daily lives!
Got more tips?
Want more tips?
Leave a comment below:
check the facts - sources I used:
http://20somethingfinance.com/how-much-electricity-costs-appliances-and-how-to-cut-your-usage/
http://michaelbluejay.com/electricity/dryers.html
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/ethicallivingblog/2008/may/02/treadlightlyswitchofftumbl

Monday, February 4, 2013

Dork pants and high ponies

I present to you a wonderful pair of "dorky pants" passed along down to me from the illustrious fashion headquarters: Davenport's own House of G-ma.


yay bad photoshopping!
While I was introduced to them as "dorky pants" all those I met today who chose to speak their minds about these fine trousers thought they were anything but!  
I'm telling you, corduroy+ florals + high waisted pants = one wonderful combo!
 
Every time I look at these pants I can't help but feel they came whizzing straight out of the 90s to smack me in the face.  A pleasant smack in the face, mind you.  
I felt they would be best accompanied with the top-of-the-head-ponytail.  But of course there is always one problem with wearing a high ponytail...
It's tendency to migrate down the side of your head as the day wears on!
But keep a spring in your step never-the-less,
and do a jig like a wee leprechaun!
(also don't get the flu.  None is allowed to get the flu.)

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Addiction

Alright, here it goes.  The world finally needs to hear my addiction confession.
The truth is:
I'm addicted to color
Seriously, color is just about the most amazing thing to grace this planet - and I am absolutely in love.  
I mean just look at this:
and this!
and so on, and so forth.
I'm sure to some I may get border line clownish with some of my outfits, but I like to hope I keep my color to a tastefully outrageous level at all times.
The other night, zee roommate introduced me to a most glorious site-web:
Pretty much what goes down at this website is as follows:
- genius lady finds or takes (unknown) gorgeous pictures
- genius lady creates color schemes from pictures
- my eyes are very happy.

And there are over 300 pages of these...
Honestly, if you ever feel like you're out of color combinations, take a look outside.  I think you'll change your mind quite quickly.
I really like the idea of getting color schemes from photographs you love.  I never really thought about the option, but it would really be quite simple.  
- open up a photo in photoshop or similar program
- use the little eyedropper tool to suck up colors
- create palate of beautiful colores!

So after spending a good 20 minuets staring in awe at all the wonderful colors, we decided it was time to take action ourselves.  H had been collecting paint chips over the summer, partially for inspiration for the family living room, partially because they were really pretty, partially because she thought they might make good tiny canvases to paint on.
Splaying them out of the floor, it didn't look like we had a very smooth spectrum going on.  There seemed to be loads of one color, few of another, and very stark transitions.  Still, we set our minds on and end goal, and got sorting...
some hours later, we had almost completed a project that makes me just that much happier ever time I walk into the room:
it began on the floor...
then migrated to the wall,
crawled up a little more,
more complete than it was before,
 until finally...
IT WAS COMPLETE!

Personally, I love the energy it brings to the room - and inspiration for that matter!
 It's like a big, glowing, power-circle of radiance and majesty...
well, maybe that's taking it a little too far.
~ what says the general public? ~
bum-shot!
(sorry)