Category Archives: For Your Home


#Eco-Monday: Energy Savings for Summer

Summer is here and temperatures are sky rocketing! It’s easy to just turn on your air conditioner to keep cool, but is that your best option? The air conditioner uses a great deal of energy, especially when trying to keep up with climbing temperatures. Check out this list from energy.gov for ways to save energy during the summer. Install energy-efficient window treatments and coverings to … Read More…


National Lemon Chiffon Cake Day!

Today is National Lemon Chiffon Cake Day! In honor of this sweet holiday, try this delicious recipe for Lemon Chiffon Cake: What you’ll need: 1 3/4 cups cake flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup white sugar 1/2 cup vegetable oil 6 egg yolks 3/4 cup water 1 tablespoon lemon zest 6 egg whites 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar 3/4 cup white sugar 1 cup heavy whipping cream 2 1/2 cups lemon pie filling 8 … Read More…


Green Pet-Keeping Tips

If you’re an animal lover, you’re probably torn about which game to watch this weekend—the one between the Ravens and the 49ers, or the battle to the finish between fluffy, adorable puppies. It’s a tough decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. This annual competition between Man’s Best Friends got us thinking—what are the most nature-friendly ways to care for your pets? We’ve searched the Internet … Read More…


#Eco-Monday: Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency

It’s time to start prepping for our favorite time of year—tax season! Last week we talked about the importance of energy-efficient products and ENERGY STAR ratings. To encourage Americans to conserve energy and promote efficiency, the government has created incentives for the purchase of certain ENERGY STAR-rated products via tax credits. Did you purchase an ENERGY STAR-rated product in 2012? Find out if you qualify! … Read More…


Holiday Leftover Ideas, Part II

For Holiday Leftovers Part I, click here. With the holiday celebration complete, are you left with more food than you had wished? While leftovers can be a treat, after a couple days it can become difficult to polish off yet another plate of ham and sweet potatoes. Add some pizzazz to your leftovers with these great recipes! For your ham leftovers: Ham Stuffed Manicotti Wild … Read More…


#EcoMonday: Green Fall Decorating

Fall is in the air! Now that you’ve spruced up your garden with eco-friendly fall harvests, it’s time to decorate! Being eco-friendly means recycling and repurposing materials. Instead of buying items at discount stores, try some eco-friendly DIY ideas. Not only will you be helping Mother Nature, you’ll be helping your wallet! Pumpkin Garland A native plant to Texas, pumpkins are essential when decorating for … Read More…


#EcoMonday: Saving Money on Your Electric Bill: Step #7

Happy Monday, Bill Slimmers! It’s time to take the seventh step toward reducing your electric bill—getting some fans (and using them correctly)! Step 7: Get Some Fans Installing a ceiling fan can save electricity by making the room feel around 10°F cooler while using far less energy than your air conditioner. Most ceiling fans actually have two settings—a summer setting that creates that cool breeze, … Read More…


Cool Off With The Perfect Lemonade

You can open a frozen can or scoop out some yellowish powder and still call it lemonade—but nothing beats a pitcher of fresh-squeezed, ice-cold lemonade that you make yourself. It tastes just as good with a plate of spicy BBQ as it does with a plate of chocolate chip cookies. There are hundreds of lemonade recipes out there claiming to be the ultimate version. Best … Read More…


#EcoMonday: Save Electricity While You’re Away

With summer in full swing, many of us are thinking about vacations to visit family, friends and exotic new places. But before you pack your bags, don’t forget to get your house ready for your absence. Even if you’ve got the neighbor kid lined up to feed the dogs and get the mail, there are still some steps you can take to save electricity in … Read More…


Time to Think about Water Restrictions Again – The Texas Drought Isn’t Over!

The drought of 2011 was bad, but guess what – two-thirds of Texas is still experiencing extreme or exceptional drought. What will you do if your water utility prohibits outdoor watering this year? A few days or even weeks of rain isn’t enough to fill reservoirs and recharge aquifers. On May 21, the drought emergency was extended for 172 of our 254 Texas counties. To … Read More…