Lesser Known Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has been used for years as a way to preserve perishables and flavor foods.  But it is useful for many other things besides tasting great on a salad.  Here are some less well-known uses for apple cider vinegar.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.

Apple Cider Vinegar as a Cleaning Solution

Did you know that apple cider vinegar effectively cleans glass? Your grandmother likely did, and probably used it often around her house.

With the increase of chemical-based, commercial cleaning products to the market over the last century, apple cider vinegar has fallen out of favor in the cleaning game. If you’re out of Windex but have some Apple cider vinegar in your fridge, you could make use of it right now and clean things in your home just as effectively as commercial cleaning products, without the poisonous chemicals.

For an effective glass cleaning solution, mix some apple cider vinegar with water, one part each.  You can clean any window or mirror in your house using this solution.

It is also extremely effective at getting rid of stains, either in carpets or clothes.  As an example, wine stains on the carpet can be removed by pouring apple cider vinegar on the stain, letting it soak for a little while, then sponging it away.

Kitchen counters and stoves tops can also be cleaned with apple cider vinegar.  The smell may be a little strong for a half-hour or so, but as a positive side effect, ants and other insects hate the smell of vinegar and will avoid counters that have been wiped down with it. The strong odor is a small compromise for cheap, chemical-free cleaning product, and will dissipate as the vinegar dries. Apple scented candles can help to cover the smell in the meantime.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Weight Loss

Let's face it: some people love the taste of vinegar, and some people are repelled by it.  Either way, apple cider vinegar can actually help you lose weight.

Ingesting a small amount of it during the day can help suppress your appetite and curb any cravings you have.  If you can’t tolerate the taste, this trick will still work if you add a small cap-full to a glass of apple juice to make it more palatable.

Do not overdo it; as with any other method of losing weight, you should take it slowly.  Drinking too much apple cider vinegar can cause problems in the stomach due to its acidity.  A little, every once in a while will cause no harm, but if you suffer from stomach problems be sure to do some further research or check with your doctor first. There are many other health benefits to drinking vinegar as well. Just imagine; a small glass of apple juice could work as effectively as other diet aids, except with the assurance that you know exactly what’s in it.

There are many other uses for apple cider vinegar, some of which have been known for years.  Next time you are at the store and are looking at a bottle, remember that it is good for more than making your food taste great; it can also take the place of many things you use right now to clean your home or help maintain your health, without any of the bad chemicals or side-effects they bring.

Better Sleep the Natural Way

Sleep is imperative for the body, mind and soul. It allows the stresses of the day to leave your body and prepare itself for a new day. Likewise, it can be frustrating to lay awake at night when sleep just won’t come. Getting proper rest is difficult for many people. Until a proper sleep routine is developed, it can be difficult to get consistent results night after night. Here are some techniques you can try to get better sleep naturally, with no pills required.

Relaxation Techniques

Meditation and yoga are both great ways to get into a relaxed state of being quickly, as is playing soft, soothing music. A calm mind is a restful mind.

I have found that natural sounds have the highest rates of success. Water related sounds such as rain, thunder or crashing waves are very effective in producing relaxed states.  I use the Sleep Pillow app on my iPod. It's available for free from the app store and I have been very happy with it. It works in combination with a timer that shuts off your device after a specific length of time. An hour works for me, but I'm usually asleep in 15 minutes.

Though some people use the TV as a source of white noise, I recommend against having a television in the bedroom altogether. Studies show that light can interfere with melatonin production and that our bodies produce melatonin more effectively in the dark. Melatonin is available as a health supplement, sold as a sleep aid, but can have adverse side effects as the dosage is much higher than the body needs. Forget the pills and produce your melatonin the natural way.

In addition, TV shows are dramatic by nature. They center on a conflict to resolved, and conflict causes distress. Shut off the TV an hour or two before bed and allow yourself time to wind down and relax.  

Aromatherapy

An hour before bed, make use of the natural relaxation that scents like lavender and roses can bring. Draw yourself a bath, and indulge yourself with some bath oils or bath foam. If baths or flowers are not your style, try shower tablets. Shower tablets react with the water in your shower and create comforting vapors (such as eucalyptus or vanilla mint) and also help to relieve congestion. Many drug stores carry them and some even stock a generic brand. 

A candle or incense beside the bed is not recommended however; if you fall asleep before they are extinguished, they pose a fire hazard.

Exercise

Proper exercise has been proven to be beneficial to achieving deeper, better sleep.

Set up an exercise regimen every day, especially cardiovascular targeting exercises.  This is not only healthy for the body, but can improve your sleep dramatically.

Regular exercise produces a calmer state of mind all around. It helps to relieve feelings of restlessness, boredom, stress, anxiety, and even depression.

Find Your Natural Rhythm

Our sleep is governed by the circadian rhythm, which is an internal clock that controls the sleep schedule that is most natural to our body. In general, the circadian rhythm is based on a day-night cycle, with the body beginning to shut down and relax for sleep when darkness comes.

Do what you can to work with your internal rhythm.  This is not always feasible if your work calls for you to work overnights, but to achieve better sleep, this will be an important consideration. Make your home as dark as possible when it comes time to sleep. Invest in thick curtains or blinds, and shut out as much light as you can.

Many other activities can interfere with this natural cycle as well. These tips are no secret. Avoid eating close to bedtime. Sugary or heavy foods like pasta can throw off your digestion and may even lead to nightmares. Alcoholic drinks before bed may allow you to fall asleep quickly, but they also destroy the quality of rest you receive. A nightcap may have less side effects than sleeping pills, but both can be habit forming and neither is recommended. Doing what you can to relieve stress in your life is also beneficial, for obvious reasons.  

Sleep well, and prepare yourself for another beautiful day tomorrow.

Conscious action

Exercising self-awareness when reacting to negative emotions


Your life is the product of the actions you choose to take. People treat you differently based on the way they feel you will react, so it’s important to consider the implications before reacting. Self-awareness enables you to change the course of action you take, which can result in a more positive outcome.  Sometimes people overlook their own responsibility for their actions. Often this is out of fear of what their actions say about themselves. It can be challenging to acknowledge your own flaws.   Try to see your behaviour as a conditioned response and not as a part of your identity.

The obstacle for most people is that they don’t want to face their own bad behaviour. They don’t want to believe that the way they act is a part of them, because their behaviour clashes with their self-perception.   Everyone wants to believe that they are a good person. Generally, people do not see themselves as hurtful, cruel or dishonest. In truth, it’s still you reacting, even when it’s not the way you would want to react if you were in a rational state of mind. You are still responsible for your actions, even as your feelings flow through you. You are the way the world sees you, and all the goals you have, all of your good intentions don’t amount to much if you’re acting like a jackass. Consider the person you want to be. Do you want to be short tempered, spiteful or rude?  Do you ever act in a way that is short tempered, spiteful or rude? How do you think others perceive you?  Be true to yourself. Start to act like the person you want to be and you will become that person.

You don’t need to be apologetic.  Luckily, like everything else in this world, your behaviour is influenced by constant change.  Simply change your habits.

You can’t control the feelings that rise up inside you, but you can choose how to act on those feelings. Feeling spiteful, jealous or angry doesn’t make you a bad person. It’s your reaction to these feelings that determines how the world will react to you. When you feel negative emotions bubbling to the surface, identify them. For example, tell yourself “This is anger I’m feeling.”  You need to understand what’s going on inside you to be able to control it. Once you know what you are feeling, think about why. (“I’m feeling angry because my feelings are hurt.”) Once you know what you’re feeling and why, only then should you act on your emotions. Make the action you take positive rather than negative. If you’re angry, explain why to the person who upset you. If you’re jealous, remind the person you’re jealous of how lucky they are. Seize the opportunity that arises during negative mental states to change your conditioning. Instead of yelling, communicate. Turn jealousy into appreciation. When you change the way you react, you change yourself and how the world sees you. You become a better person.

It’s important to differentiate the kind of person you want to be from the person you are. Doing so will allow you to acknowledge that you are not that person yet. To become that person, you must first realize that a change is required. Reality is the sum of all perception. To live in harmony with all perception is to live in truth. Although there is no absolute truth, if you make an effort to see situations from all sides, you are more able to respond to situations in a way that benefits everyone.

After a while, your initial response to your emotions will change. Once you become conscious of the way you act, you become able to change your conditioning. Exercise discipline over your reactions, and soon your reactions will follow the pattern you have established. You will be become conditioned to act rationally rather than irrationally, to open productive dialogue rather than take destructive action.

For more on mindfulness, check out the essential writings of Thich Nhat Hanh. As a Buddhist monk, he is very encouraging of living mindfully. I have found his writings to be very inspirational.

In the book, he explains that when he feels himself getting angry, he recites this poem he composed to himself:

Feeling angry in the historical dimension,

I close my eyes and look deeply.

Three hundred years from now,

Where will you be?  Where will I be?

So if you feel yourself getting angry, ask yourself; will it matter in three hundred years?
Is it really worth making any moment in this short life unpleasant?
I find it puts a lot of issues into perspective.

 

Start Your Day On the Right Foot

Many people find themselves waking up in the morning not looking forward to the day.  As the morning progresses, it just seems to get worse. Instead of spending your day being grumpy and irate, start your day off on the right foot and make an effort to have a great day.

Have an Attitude of Gratitude

The fact is, there are many people in the world that are in a worse position than you are. No matter how badly you may feel you have it, there is always someone who is enduring more hardships than you are.

Express your gratitude by remembering that you are safe and that things are never as bad as they seem.  Look around at what you have. Don’t worry about what isn’t perfect. Life is pretty good just the way it is, warts and all.

Start Your Day by Helping Someone

There’s no question that there are many others out there that are worse off than you are, and there is always need for help.  Consider starting your day with a plan of action to be helpful to someone else.

As you’re drinking your morning coffee, or taking your morning shower, think about something you can do to make someone else’s life easier today. Why? Because helping someone is a nice thing to do. Generate some good karma, burn off some bad karma, or if you don’t believe in karma, just make an effort to be the kind of person that does nice things for no reason at all. That is, after all, the kind of person that most of us want to be.

Listen to Music

Instead of a ringing alarm clock, start your day by waking up to music.  Make sure the music is positive in nature. Upbeat music works great. Death metal does not.

Music can be used to shape your attitude. If you prefer to wake up to an alarm, you could listen to something motivating as you get dressed. Even when playing softly in the background, the rhythm and sound is received by the subconscious and will color the moment you are in.

For a really positive experience, do light exercises or stretch while listening to the music. If you’re especially ambitious, dance or sing along. Dancing is a wonderful way to celebrate the day, even when dancing alone. I won’t judge; I’ve been known to rock out to the Mighty Mighty Bosstones first thing in the morning myself.

Treat Someone to Breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Make someone feel important by sharing breakfast with them. Call a friend or loved one and take them out to breakfast, or, even better, invite them over and cook for them. Eggs, toast and orange juice can really give a positive boost to the day.

Surround Yourself with the Positives

Keep a book of inspirational and positive quotes beside your bed.  Create a habit of reading one as soon as you wake up.  Think it over as you shower, eat and get dressed. Try to see how you can apply it to your day. I use a book called Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff by Richard Carlson. The chapters are short and the messages are simple but insightful. Perfect for first thing in the morning, or just before bed.

Stay positive. Let go of any stress that you have and just know that you are alive, safe and that anything you dream is possible. Have a great day.

Natural Ways To Clear A Stuffy Nose

A stuffy nose is not only inconvenient; it can interfere with your work and make sleeping difficult. Here are a few natural solutions you can try to help relieve this common symptom of many ailments.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.

Horseradish

The potent horseradish root is one of the most effective, and easy, ways to relieve a stuffy nose.  Start out with the freshest root you can find.  A fresh root will be white in the center with a brown exterior.  It should be very firm and thick.

Cut or peel away the brown exterior, then chop the root into small slices.  If your root is fresh, you should notice immediately the effects of this herb.  Your eyes will begin to water and your nose will start flowing freely.  Avoid touching your eyes until they are thoroughly washed.

Many people simply eat the slices raw for full effect, but a few simple steps can make this a much more effective method of relieving your stuffy nose. In a blender, combine the horseradish slices with enough apple cider vinegar to make a paste, then eat a tablespoon as needed for relief.  Putting it on toast or crackers is a delicious combination.

Peppermint and Ginger Tea

A tea made from fresh peppermint leaves and ginger slices is a very soothing, effective solution for relieving a stuffy nose.

Since ginger is a root, it will take longer to steep into a tea than the peppermint.  You may also place a towel over your head and breathe in the steam as you allow the ginger and peppermint tea steep.

Adding honey to this tea will help to relieve sore throats as well.

Eucalyptus Rub

Many people can attest to the positive effects of vaporizing rubs when slathered on the chest or under the nose. You can make your own version that is not only inexpensive but also more potent and cleaner to use.

First, you will need eucalyptus essential oil, which is available at most natural food stores or online.  You will also need extra-virgin olive oil, beeswax and a large container with lid.

Using a stove set on low heat, slowly melt ½ ounce of beeswax in a small pot.  Stir often to avoid scalding the wax.

Once the wax is fully melted, add 2/3 cup of extra-virgin olive oil and 3 tablespoons eucalyptus oil.

The combination will need to re-melt, as the oils will be a cooler temperature than the wax in the pot.  Once it is all melted, pour the mixture into the large container and let it cool.  You may place it into the freezer to speed up the process.

Once cooled, it will be ready for you to use as often as you need.  The texture will be thicker than an over-the-counter petroleum jelly-based product, but will be much more potent in smell and effectiveness.  You will not have to use as much as you would otherwise.

With the many heavy side-effects that over-the-counter medications tend to produce, many people seek relief of their symptoms through more natural means.  These techniques, when used properly, can clear your stuffy nose quickly and effectively.

How to Easily Improve your Fuel Economy

Gas prices have continually been on the rise for some time.   There is, unfortunately, nothing that you can do to control the price you will pay at the pump.  There are, however, some simple things you can do to improve how far your fuel will go, no matter what vehicle you drive.

Maintenance

Having a poorly maintained vehicle has one of the biggest impacts on your fuel economy.  Changing your oil, changing the spark plugs and checking the drive-train at the proper times make a big difference. At the very least, you should get an oil, lube and filter change every spring and fall.

Make sure your tires are always properly inflated, according to the manufacturer's sticker; this is usually found on the driver side door.  During cold weather, tire pressure will generally decrease and must be checked often.

Change the Way You Drive

Research has proven that when you drive above 60 miles [equivalent to 96.5 Km] per hour, your fuel economy greatly suffers.  According to fueleconomy.gov, “each 5 mph [or 8 kph] you drive over 60 mph [96.5 kph] is like paying an additional $0.24 per gallon for gas [$0.06 per liter].”  It may take longer to get to your destination, but the impact to your gas mileage is significant.

Other things, such as coasting as much as possible, not driving aggressively, planning and combining trips, and slowly accelerating to speed instead of pressing hard on the gas pedal will shave off the fuel costs. Not braking as hard will also extend the life of your brake pads.

Using your cruise control can save gas only if you are driving on flat terrain.  If there are many hills, bumps or you are on a dirt road, keep the cruise control off.  Although cruise control is better than a human at maintaining even speeds when the ground is flat, it is woefully inefficient at acceleration.

Contrary To Popular Belief

Most people think that running the air conditioner will increase fuel usage significantly, but this is simply not true.  The difference between using the air conditioner and having an open window is about 1 mile per gallon.

Using high-octane gas will give better mileage only if the engine was made to use it.  If the manufacturer suggests using only regular unleaded, using premium gas will not help you gain a better fuel economy.

According to studies done by the Environmental Protection Agency, products which claim to increase your gas mileage by a large margin most likely will not, and could actually damage your engine.  It was found that only a few had any impact, and only slightly, at best.

Other Considerations

Studies have found that if you have a truck, leaving the bed gate down will not improve your gas mileage, but adding a cover to the bed can.

Removing as much weight and reducing drag from the vehicle as possible will also show improvement.  Remove luggage, ski and bike racks, as well as any decorative fixtures you have added that were not designed specifically to make your vehicle more aerodynamic.

One of the simplest things you can do is to idle your vehicle as little as possible. It is important to warm up your car in the wintertime, but other opportunities exist to shut of your car when it doesn’t need to be burning gas. For example, you can shut your car off while waiting at a train crossing, or instead of ordering drive-thru, stop your car and order inside the restaurant. Your wallet and mother nature will thank you.

The next time you are at the pump for a fill up, remember these simple ways to improve your fuel efficiency.  Aside from buying a new car, it’s you that makes the biggest impact on how much gas you use.

How to Prevent Dry Skin during the Winter

Heated air indoors, especially natural gas heat, and cold air outdoors make the winter season hard on your skin, drying it out and causing itching, cracking and discomfort.  There are many ways to treat dry skin when it happens, but knowing how to prevent your skin from becoming dry and scaly in the first place is the best method.

Don't Use Burning Hot Water

Very hot water in your bath or shower will cause the oils on your skin to melt away, leaving your skin unprotected from the elements.  Using warm water instead of hot will help your skin maintain a natural balance and protective layer.

Avoid Heavy Perfumes

Using heavy perfumes and scented soaps will cause your skin to dry out quickly.  When bathing or showering, use moisturizing body wash or bar soap.

All about the Oil

The oil of the skin helps to form a protective layer against the weathering effects of cold air, and doing things which increase those oils will prevent dry skin. Using moisturizing lotions will work, as will coating your skin in natural oils like olive, avocado or almond.  Though using an olive oil can feel greasy, the healthy benefits to the skin have been well documented for hundreds of years.

Vitamin E cream or lotion is very effective at preventing dry skin, as well as healing it once it occurs. Glycerin based hand creams are also highly recommended. Lotions and creams with an alcohol base will dry out your skin quickly; avoid using these when possible.  Many anti-bacterial hand lotions and gels are alcohol based.

Many dermatologists also recommend taking supplements, such as fish oil or flax-seed oil, to increase the production of natural oils on the skin.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of fluids can help keep the skin moisturized.  You should avoid drinking heavily-sweetened juices and sodas; the sugars will tend to decrease beneficial oils being created on the skin and can cause clogged pores.

Wear Plenty of Clothing

Using scarves to cover your face, gloves or mitts for your hands and layers of clothing on the rest of your body will help to protect your skin from the cold air, especially in windy conditions.  The less you expose your skin, the longer the protective oils will remain.

Applying lotions before going outside will also be beneficial.

Use a Humidifier

Extremely dry air is common in rooms heated with natural gas furnaces and heat pumps, as well as in older homes that don’t have a moisture barrier.  Having a humidifier in the main areas of your home or office will help keep moisture in the air.  If a humidifier is unavailable, boiling water on a stove or using a vaporizer will also be effective at keeping the air from being too dry.

Use Sunscreen

The bright winter sun glaring off of the snow can damage your skin.  Using at least a light sunscreen will help avoid this problem and will add a layer of protection to your skin in general.

If your skin becomes dried out and flaky, there are many things that can be done to help, but using these methods will help you keep your skin healthy and avoid damage to begin with  in the dry winter months.

Keeping Pets Safe during the Winter

Most household pets are of the furry variety, giving them some protection when the weather turns cold.  However, it can become dangerous for them if the temperatures drop too low. There are many things you can do to help keep your pets safe during the winter.

Avoid Salt

Salt should not be used in areas that your pet will frequent.  Road and sidewalk salts are not safe; if your pet gets salt on their paws, they may try to lick them clean, causing injury.

If they get salt on their bodies, wash them with warm water, making sure they are dry before being let out into the cold again.

Give Them Shelter

Make sure that you have provided shelter of some kind for your pets.  A dog house with straw or wood chips spread on the floor can provide warmth and prevent heat loss when they lay on the cold floor.  Draping a tarp over the doorway will help the shelter retain heat from their body.  A garage with a way in and out would make a safe place for dogs and cats alike.

Do not lay blankets down in the shelter.  If they get wet, they will freeze to the floor and cause a dangerous situation for your pet.

There are many heated bowls available at retail outlets that will allow them to have unfrozen water.  Avoid metal bowls; the metal can get quite cold and cause damage to the tongue when the animal drinks.

Consider dressing them in sweaters or booties, as well; many varieties of dog and cat have very short hair that will not provide enough protection from the cold.

Keep Them Dry

If an animal is wet, heat will swiftly be lost from their body in cold air.  Towel or blow-dry their fur before letting them outside.  Make sure to keep the pads of their feet dry.

Warm Engines

Cats and other small animals often crawl into engine compartments of parked vehicles to seek warmth.  Before starting your vehicle, bang on the hood a few times to scare away any animals that might be resting inside.

Fatten Up

Pets burn through a lot of calories to keep warm in the winter, and their diets should be changed to accommodate this.  Seek advice from your veterinarian to see if allowing your pet to have a higher-fat diet will be safe.

How To Know They're In Trouble

Since pets cannot tell you when they are in trouble, learning what to watch for is an important part of keeping your pet safe in the winter months.

Symptoms of hypothermia in pets can include listlessness, inability to move, soft whining or mewling, uncontrollable shivering and burrowing behaviors.  If you suspect they are suffering from hypothermia, wrap them in a warm blanket and take them to the veterinarian immediately.

Frostbite is another danger with pets, and the symptoms are hard to see through their fur.  Their skin will appear gray, white or reddish and could be peeling.  Cracked parts of their paws can also indicate frostbite.

Keeping your pets safe during winter is difficult at times, especially when the temperatures drop and the wind is blowing.  Making sure they have shelter, warmth and food is a critical part of keeping them safe, but the best way, by far, is to let them in until the weather is better.  They cannot tell you when things are wrong.

Family Outdoor Activities during the Winter Season

For most families, the winter months mean staying indoors.  There are, however, many fun outdoor activities that families can share during the winter season, some of which are out of the ordinary way of thinking.

Colored Ice Sculptures and Snow Painting

You can create colorful ice sculptures using empty milk cartons and food coloring.

Fill an empty milk carton with water and add a few drops of food coloring. Leave the colored water outside to freeze for several hours.  You may need to rip open the milk carton to remove the block of ice, so having several empty cartons saved is an excellent idea. It also allows you to make several blocks at once.

When you’re finished, you will have several colorful blocks of ice to make castles, inukshuks or other types of sculptures. 

Another option is to paint the snow itself. The only items you will need for this activity are a few squirt bottles, food coloring, water and imagination.

Fill the squirt bottles with water and a few drops of food coloring.  This will be your “paint.”  Simply spray the colored water on the snow to color it and create pictures and designs.

Creating little games out of this is easy for parents to do.  Tic-Tac-Toe, snow-hopscotch, painting summer-time scenes and more are easily accomplished with snow painting.

Make New Animal Friends

It’s not uncommon in fair weather to take a trip to the park to feed the ducks or squirrels, but animals need to eat in the winter too! Plan a trip to a local retailer that sells heated water bowls.  While you are out, pick up bird feed as well.  When you have the items, gather the family in an area that would be easily visible from inside of your home.

If there is snow on the ground, clear out a square of the area with a shovel and place the bowl in the center, after filling it with water.  Surround the area with bird seed and sticks with colorful streamers or decorated with painted flowers.

If you have a big yard or live in a secluded area, you could also set up a salt-lick for deer and other animals, as well as laying out fresh food for them.

Once it is all set up, keep an eye out for new friends to come along and enjoy your little “Spring Zone.”  Parents could set up a camera at the window that looks out on the area to photograph any animals and birds that visit.

Most children enjoy spending quality time doing activities with their parents. It’s a good opportunity to teach them to think kindly of birds and animals.

The Obvious Choices

The standard winter activities, such as skiing, sledding, hockey and ice skating, are always fun for families to do together.  No matter what activities you take part in, make sure to have plenty of drinkable water and loosely layered clothing; tight-fitting clothes do not offer as much protection from the cold and will cause you to lose body heat faster than multiple loose layers.

Winter Camping

With the proper precautions and preparations, camping in the winter time can be just as fun and rewarding as it is through the rest of the year.  Most families will use a camper for this, since tents are difficult to keep warm; however, either method will work.

Double-lined sleeping bags, extra clothing and plenty of high-protein foods are essential items when camping in the winter months.  Placing brightly-colored tags on any small items will help you find them if they are lost.  Place any items that need to stay dry in seal-able plastic bags

Make sure to have fire-starting materials and bring your own dry wood for fires; dry wood may not be readily available at the campsite if snowfall occurs.  Invest in a windscreen to help keep fire lit as well as giving some shelter when sitting outside.

Though it is tempting to stay indoors during the winter months, being outside in natural sunlight has important health benefits, such as Vitamin D production.  Outdoor activities with the family during the winter season are not only important, but can be great fun, as well.

 

Tips To Reduce Heating Bills in the Wintertime

With the rising costs of natural gas production, it continues to become more expensive to heat the home during the winter months.  There are some simple methods you can use to reduce these costs with little effort on your part.

Sealing It Up

Windows are a major source of drafts in the home; investing in some inexpensive plastic sheeting can cut these drafts dramatically, keeping the heat within your home.

One way to set up the plastic sheeting is to simply cover the window area with plastic sheeting, securing it with the tape.  The drawback to this is the residue it can leave on your walls, as well as pulling the paint or drywall apart when removed after winter.

A better way is to use specialized plastic sheeting that shrinks down and secures itself with the use of a blow-dryer.  This method is more time-consuming and the end results are not as quite as effective as using tape, but it has the advantage of not damaging your walls or wood frames.

Use a lit candle to check all around your home for potential drafts.  If you find small holes or areas that the drafts are entering in from, use caulk to seal them up.  Placing towels, rugs or blankets at the bottom of doorways, especially those leading outside, will also keep the drafts from your home.

Closing Off Rooms

If you have rooms that are not often used, such as a study or guest bedroom, shutting off the heating vent in those rooms will help reduce your heating bills.  Cover the doorways to those rooms with a large blanket to keep the colder air from seeping into the rest of the house.

Dress Warmer

Reducing the thermostat in your home by 3 degrees can shave off as much as 10 percent from your overall heating bill in cold weather.  Dress a little warmer than usual around the house – put on wool socks, wear a sweater, and put on your warmest pajamas. You can use the money you’ll save to run the air conditioner in the summer.

Consider investing in a programmable thermostat and setting it to reduce the heat while no one is home or at night.  Doing this will save a large amount of money in the end.

Use Alternate Heat Sources

There are many kerosene and electric heaters available at retail outlets.  With the proper precautions, using either of these is safe and very effective at reducing the costs of heating your home.

If you are using an electric heater, take care to remove any flammable materials from in front of it.  Blankets, clothing and other fabrics can ignite if left too close to the heating elements.  Exercise caution if small children are in the home; the outside of the heater will be quite warm and can cause burns.

If you decide to use a kerosene heater, it is a good idea to invest in a carbon monoxide detector for your home, and place it in the area with the heater.  Under normal circumstances, kerosene heaters are safe to use and very effective at heating the home, but in rooms without proper ventilation, problems can occur.  Having a carbon monoxide detector will warn you if the levels get too high.

Using any of these methods will help to significantly reduce the costs of heating your home during the winter.  Changing a few habits can have a huge impact on the amount of money spent each month.

Grilling Outdoors During The Winter

Most grills sit unused during the winter season, packed away in the corner of a garage or covered by tarps and sealants.  When it’s 30 below outside, the snow is drifting, and the thought of a juicy steak is driving you to distraction, what can you do?

It is just as easy to have your BBQ steak as it is in the summer time.  You just need to take a few extra precautions before getting started.

Gas or Charcoal
Gas grills do best during the winter, especially when the wind is blowing.  Charcoal briquettes can be used, but will take longer to heat sufficiently, and therefore take longer to cook with.  The coals will likely need stirred often to keep them burning correctly.

Whichever grill type you use, ensure that it is working properly before beginning to cook.  When putting the grill away in the fall, take the time to replace any parts that have become worn down or damaged, as well as checking the amount of gas in the tank if you are using a propane grill.

Using Salt
Using salt is important when grilling during the winter months, and not just on your food.  Any snow around the grill will melt from the radiant heat, which will then turn to an icy slush.  Lay down salt or sand to keep the areas where you will be walking safe, especially between the grill and indoors.

Dress Appropriately
Even though you will be standing by a hot grill, dressing warmly is still important.  Be cautious when wearing scarves and gloves to not get them too close to the grill; some materials can easily catch fire.

Wear clothing that is more form-fitting to keep loose clothing from being blown into the fire.

Shelter
Though tempting, avoid grilling inside of a garage or other shelter without proper ventilation, especially when cooking with gas.  Oxygen will quickly deplete in closed areas with a fire. Propane is a heavy gas; if there is a leak of any kind in the grill, the propane can pool low to the ground, creating a very dangerous situation. The air can become unbreathable or an explosion may occur.

If the wind is blowing hard when cooking, setting up a windbreaker will help keep the grill hot.

It Takes Longer
If you have only cooked during the warmer months of the year, the colder air temperatures will make grilling during the winter a longer-lasting affair than you might be used to.  Avoid checking the food too often; each time the grill is open, a great amount of heat will be lost.  Having a good cooking timer on-hand is a good idea to reducing the amount of times the food needs checked.

Depending on the air temperature outside of the grill, some foods, such as beef or pork, can take twice as long to cook properly.  If you use sauces, apply them at the very end to keep the sauces from burning.

The Results Are Worth It
It has its difficulties, but with proper planning and precautions, grilling during the winter is a rewarding and tasty experience.