October 2009 archives

As seen on CBC News Ottawa on Thursday, October 22nd.

Guest: Rebecca Page

Owner, Concierge Home Services

RECIPES

For glass, mirrors, wooden floors, and all-purpose.

-One part water

-One part vinegar

The smell of vinegar will disappear in seconds. Use a clean, dry microfibre cloth for best results.

For stainless steel appliances.

-Can of club soda in spray bottle

The ingredients in club soda dissolve grease left by grimy hands. Use a clean, dry microfibre cloth for best results.

Air freshener spray.

-1/4 cup baking soda

-4 cups warm water

-1 tsp vanilla extract

-4 drops peppermint oil

Start with the water, add the baking soda, stir/shake until dissolved, then add scents (vanilla and peppermint oil). Put everything into a spray bottle and store in the fridge when done using. Heat up in the microwave for a few seconds when needed again...shake up...and spray!

You can hear other frugal home solutions by listening to Mish Mash featured on CBC's Ottawa Morning.

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Useful Links:

Raymond Belisle

Infinity Home Inspection Service Ottawa

NRCan's EcoEnergy Retrofit Program

Details

It's $350 for a home energy audit. You get $150 back from the provincial governement. So...is $200 worth it? I think yes, if you want to discover the sneaky leaks throughout your home. Once you patch them up you could save that $200 on your hydro bill in just one season!

Many of you have written in asking how to save on utilities and I think this could be one step in the right direction. You can also follow these common tips.

(1) Replace your incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.

(2) Get a programmable thremostat.

(3) Put a brick sealed jar or jug of water in your toilet tank.

(4) Install low-flow shower heads.

(5) Install aerator screens on all of your faucets.

(6) Get a separate water meter for your exterior hose bibbs and/or irrigation system.

(7) Balance your vents to achieve an even, comfortable temperature throughout your house.

(8) Weather strip your doors and windows.

(9) Insulate your garage door.

(10) Plant trees in strategic locations around your house.

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Big thanks to Krystal Taylor from the Somerset West Community Health Centre. It was fun shopping with her and I did learn a few new tricks to keep my grocery bill in check. The Centre offers a whole slew of classes geared towards people on a shoestring budget.

Also, the City of Ottawa has a long list of frugal tips to follow when grocery shopping. Check it out! Find out the best buys in grain, veggies, and more.

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Useful Links:

Ottawa Flyers at Flyerland

Supermarket Specials by Ron Eade

ASHTON NATURALS Organic chicken, turkey and veg 613-253-0421 info@ashtonnaturals.ca

Happy Thanksgiving! I want to thank all the random strangers who stopped to talk to me about their turkey plans over the weekend. FYI. The farm in Ashton is run by Jo'Anne Cassidy -- if you're looking for a locally raised, organic, free-range bird, she has five available that have to be picked up this Wednesday after 5 PM. Another shout-out to Alan McKay. He gave me lots of ideas for this story and also wanted to share his brining technique with anyone who's interested in spicing up their turkey. You can find instructions here.

Just for fun...look at these retro Jello Salads! They could win awards! Look at the height and colour!

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