Hot Tips for a Cooler Kitchen

The warm kitchen that felt so snug when there was snow on the ground can rapidly become a sweltering oven in Edmonton's summer. The saving grace is that many of the tricks to keeping a kitchen comfortable in warm weather are also energy efficient and benefit the environment too. Sometimes you can kill two birds with one stone.

• Energy saving kitchen appliances such as electric skillets, slo-cookers, and toaster ovens can be used to make meals instead of firing up your large range top or broiler.
• Microwave ovens and pressure cookers can cook an item quickly, using less energy and saving a significant amount of time as well. Use them in place of your large oven.
• Foods cook more quickly when they are chopped into smaller pieces. Reduced cooking time results in less energy use and a more comfortable kitchen.
• Foods will cook in less time and save energy if you put lids on the pans and make sure that the burner size matches.
• The kitchen will remain cooler if you preheat the oven only when the recipe calls for it.
• Heating a second item in the oven at the same time also saves energy.
• Opening the oven door unnecessarily can cause an oven's temperature to fall by 50F (25C) or more. It is better to look through the oven window.
• Use the dishwasher only when packed with a full load and allow the contents to air-dry the old-fashioned way.

The Biggest First-Time Buying Errors

According to one advisor the six biggest mistakes made by many first time home buyers are:

1. Not taking care of their credit score. This can make a very significant difference to the interest rate a borrower is charged.
2. Making a big purchase just before or during a mortgage application. This will almost certainly be reflected in your credit score.
3. Not having a proper inspection done before the purchase. Missing a serious problem with the house can cost thousands - if not now, then when you go to sell the house.
4. Not having an experienced real estate attorney on your side. An attorney is objective. Everyone else wants to push the deal through as quickly as possible.
5. Not including the proper escape clauses in the initial contract. If you are not careful you could lose your deposit when things go wrong.
6. Not budgeting enough for insurance. In some cases special insurance such as flood insurance can cost thousands more than just basic insurance.

Source: CNNMoney.com

Uplifting & Encouraging Ideas

"A lot of little things can make a big difference". - Think of this in every aspect of life and it will go a long way.

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