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Do Programmable Thermostats Really Save You Money?

If you are in the market for new ways to save energy in your home, you have probably heard of Programmable Thermostats. Programmable thermostats are marketed as saving energy, cutting costs, and increasing ease of use. Are they worth the hype? The following is a breakdown of Programmable Thermostats’ key features and how they live up to these marketing claims.

Automatic AdjustmentsWith a traditional thermostat, you manually adjust the temperature in your home. You have a couple specific ways that you can adjust what is happening. You can choose to heat or cool your home to a specific temperature. You can also choose to set your fan to run continuously or automatically. As long as your heating and cooling units are properly maintained, a traditional thermostat will help keep your home at the temperature that you set.

Programmable Thermostats differ from traditional thermostats in that you can set them to adjust the temperature automatically based on the t…

How to Keep Fresh Cut Flowers Longer

You’ve probably heard a few anecdotal tips for keeping cut flowers looking beautiful, but could a weird trick like adding a penny or an aspirin to the vase really work? There are a few proven ideas for keeping homegrown and store-bought bouquets looking great.

Preparation

When a plant is cut, the stem absorbs air. This embolism or air pocket prevents water from being absorbed. That’s why it’s so important to cut the stems before arranging the bouquet. Remove at least one inch, and cut on an angle to increase the surface area and to prevent the bottom from resting directly against the vase. Changing the water and recutting the stems every few days will also help your bouquets last longer.

Flower Food

Sometimes, the packet of flower food doesn’t last as long as the bouquet, especially if you change the water several times. However, you can make your own. University researchers recommend adding a tablespoon or two of sugar and lemon juic…

Best Golabki Recipe for National Cabbage Day

National Cabbage day is a day to celebrate a delicious vegetable that crosses cultural and culinary lines. Many people think of cabbage as being a distinctly Irish vegetable, but the Irish actually got it from Asia around 600 BCE. It’s one of the easiest vegetables to grow, growing wild and very cool climates and resulting in large harvests. It also store extremely well during the winter.

Types of Cabbage

Many people would be surprised to realize that there are several different types of vegetables in the Cabbage family. We’re talking about broccoli Kohlrabi, cauliflower, and brussel sprouts. All of these delicious vegetables owe their linked heritage to the cabbage.

Interesting Information About Cabbage• Cabbage only takes three months to grow, making it an exceptionally use food in areas where crops need to be turned over quickly.• Cabbage is the national food of Russia, the citizens there eating as much as seven times as much cabbage in a year as a…

Fun Ways to Celebrate Galentine’s Day

Galentine’s Day is just around the corner, and there are so many ways to celebrate the true loves of your lives: your girlfriends. Whether you decide to stay in and celebrate in low-key fashion or go out and tear up the town, you want to make sure this year’s Galentine’s Day is one to remember!

Nail Party

This one is perfect because it works for those girls who want to stay in, but it’s also a great reason to go out, as well! Pamper yourself from your fingers to your toes with a poppin’ pink or red polish, after soaking your fingers and toes in a luxurious lavender bath. If you’re staying in, consider adding some libations to make the time spent together extra fun.

Wine Tasting Wednesday

This year’s Galentine’s Day falls on a Wednesday, which is the perfect excuse to indulge in a wine tasting. Book a winery tour and cruise around your favorite town, having your chauffer stop at the most lavish wineries around. Consider staying in and making a wine …

Dating on a Deadline: Last Minute Ideas for Your Valentine’s Day Date

No matter what your schedule looks like this February 14th, there are ways to make the time you have to spend with your loved one a little more special. Here are a few simple ideas to get you started.

Going Ham on Hearts

Kick off an absolutely epic Valentine’s Stay date by absolutely hearting the place up. Whether you’re bending paperclips into functional expressions of affection or turning a giant heart into a folded envelope, handmade hearts are sure to kick start the night. For an extra special touch, consider making a giant heart out of your beau’s favorite flowers.

Making a Mix Tape

If you’re a playlist person create a special music mashup. Why not sit down with the person you love and plan out a playlist together? Bonus points: come up with your dream playlist for some event the two of you want to attend!

Build Your Own Bouquet

How much do you know about floriography, the language of flowers? Cozy up with your plus one and a guid…

Ways to Celebrate Black History Month

Ever since 1976, our nation has officially recognized the month of February as Black History Month. This celebration originally started as a week given to enlighten the world about the history and the incredible achievements of black people. Over time, Black History Month has become a time for exploring the arts, the culture, and the contributions of African-Americans the world over. You don’t have to break the bank or spend forever planning an excursion to enjoy and celebrate this month. With just a little creativity and effort, you can have a month you will never forget. Here are some great ways to celebrate an amazing people this February.

Book of the Month

African Americans have given us much in the way of great literature. There is no better time to settle in with friends and pick up a good book by a person of color, than the month of February. It makes the perfect theme for your book club. Cold weather, a good book, and a nice cup of coffee always go toge…

15 Tips for Great Wine and Food Pairings

For those who love wine and love food, you understand that the right pairings can enhance a meal. A simple dinner can be completely transformed into a great experience with a simple selection of the right wine. There are many great wine and food pairings out there with even more being discovered every day. To get you started on choosing the right pairings for your wine and meals, consider these 15 tips.

1. Pair Champagne with Salty Foods

You’ll find that dry sparkling wines go well with salty foods. Champagne and Spanish cava, for example, are best paired with foods that have a bit of salt to them. One such food is pizza nibbles. These are small bites of pizza that have been torn off from a regular pizza. The nibbles make them easy to eat for snacks, dinner, or even just a savory treat. Enhance that salty flavor with champagne or Spanish cava to turn the quick treat into a fancier meal.

2. Mix Tart Dressings with Sauvignon Blanc

For those who love …

Best Spanish Paella Recipe

Paella is a Spanish dish made with rice, meat, and seafood that is healthy, vibrant, and full of flavor. If you want to make your own paella, gather all the ingredients and follow the instructions below for the best Spanish Paella.

Ingredients

• 4 links chorizo sausages, fried and sliced into 1-inch pieces• 2 to 4 lbs rabbit• 15 large shrimp (you can add mussels, prawns, calamari, and clams)• 4 oz tomato paste• 4 diced plum tomatoes• 15 flat green beans• 1 diced large bell pepper• 3 minced garlic cloves• 1 diced large onion• 8 cups chicken stock• 3 cups bomba or calasparra rice (or Arborio risotto as a substitute)• 3 quartered lemons• 1 pinch saffron• ½ tablespoon paprika• 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh thyme• ½ cup fresh parsley

Cooking Directions

1. Before you start cooking, make sure you have already prepared and gathered all the ingredients2. Prepare the rabbit first. Separate …

Get Luscious Lashes with These Tips & Tricks

Do you look in the mirror and feel that your eyelashes aren’t quite as long as you would like them? Does it seem like other people have the luscious lashes that you desire and that nothing you try gives you the same results? Fortunately, there are a few tips and tricks that you can use to get the beautiful lashes that you want.

Use Makeup

Use makeup to your advantage to create an optical illusion of longer lashes. Gently create a line with eyeliner along the corner of your eye. You can apply a thin coat of powder that will usually create the illusion that you have longer lashes without doing a lot of work.

Primer & Serum

Get the proper tools for your lashes to give them a luscious look. A primer prepares your lashes to receive the mascara that you’re going to use. You’ll want to invest in a mascara that adds volume to your lashes instead of a typical makeup if you want to get a full and longer appearance. Once the mascara is on your lashes, you…

Easy Ways To Save Money On Your Wedding

You are getting married and want the wedding of your dreams, but you also need it to fit your budget. Here are some things that can save money on your wedding without sacrificing your vision.

Minimize The Guest List

You might be tempted to invite everyone you know to your wedding, but it is not the best idea. Keeping your guest list to your closest family and friends. This will make the ceremony more intimate and cut the costs of the ceremony.

Invitations

Make your own wedding invitations by designing and printing them yourself. You can also handwrite invitations or opt to send out digital ones.

Location, Location, Location

The venue you select will effect on the price. Keep in mind any extra costs and ask what is included in the price of renting the venue. Make sure the venue is large enough to accommodate the wedding guests and members of the wedding without overcrowding them or excess space. You can even have the wedding at home or …