Sunday, November 16, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
If you can't beat 'em, join 'em
For individuals who want to see all of the new posts at the new blog location, please do so by going to Blulow.com. If you prefer to stay here, that's okay too because if you'll notice on the right side of the blog, there is a synopsis of the latest posts from the new location. While I won't be updating this blog directly, it will automatically display any new content.
The great thing about the internet is that it's all about choices.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Moving to a New Host
The Blulow Blog is in the process of moving. I haven't quite figured out a graceful way to make the transition, so, while I'm in the process of figuring it out, you may visit the new location at www.blulow.com.
All of the posts that you see here, are over there.
See ya there!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
The Trials and Errors of Composting
I don't know if it's just me, but I've got to warm up to this composting process. Don't get me wrong, I am 100% for composting, but it's the logistics that I seem to have some issue with.
Last year I purchased a composting bin
I was very excited about composting (and still am). I put the composting bin together and placed in an area in my yard. I read the little brochure and started composting.
I added yard clippings and household wastes, mixed, stirred and added the appropriate amount of water. I was so thrilled that I was doing my part to help the environment. Everything was going swimmingly until my 8-legged friends started to spend more time at my bin than I did. Additionally, I realized that I placed the bin in an inconvenient area of the yard.
Then there was the issue of accumulating household waste in an indoor container to save for the composting bin (that stuff packs a mean punch when you take the lid off). I guess I had not thought out the process long enough, or maybe I wasn't a dedicated as I thought I was. Composting is not for the feint of heart. You've got to have the right mindset.
Ashamed and upset up with my allowing my 8-legged friends to scare me away from my composting efforts, I decided to find out how could I get around it. Not wanting to give in to my immediate gratification upbringing and toss everything in the trash, I decided to analyze my logistical problems, which included but were not limited to:
- Educating my family on what is compostable (steak bones are not)
- Moving the compost bin to a more convenient location (I prefer the kitchen, but hubby nixed that idea).
- Accumulating household recyclable trash
- Those darned 8-legged friends.
As of this post, I have not resolved all of my issues. I did, however, move the composting bin a little closer to the house and now that winter is over, I've started to accumulate household waste 
again (I'm still trying to determine which container is best). As far as the spiders go, I put diatomaceous earth all around the bin to kill those that are brave enough to challenge me. I'm having another go at it.
I thought about using a worm-composting bin, but I'm not totally sold on that idea as yet (although the thought of indoor composting is sounding better each day). I'll keep at this for a while. Who knows, maybe it's like learning to write with your left hand (if you're right-handed), the more you do it, the better you get.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Recycling Furniture
Well here's a new one on me. I came across a site that has
Almost Free Furniture.
Apparently you can buy and/or sell all types of gently used furniture for a fraction of the original cost.
In today's economy where prices are rising (especially gas) and salaries are not, it makes sense to look for alternative ways to furnish your home, apartment, college dorm, etc. By the same token, instead of throwing away your gently used furniture, why not sell it? Someone else could probably use it.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
White Vinegar - A Natural Weed Be Gone!
Yet another use for white vinegar. Pour some on your pesky weeds, give them about a week and watch them dry up, turn brown and whither away.
I poured white vinegar on some of the weeds that always grow in-between the bricks on my patio. A few days later, look at the difference. The one with vinegar is drying up. Once they're dry, they're easy to pull up.
 Untreated Weed |  4 Days after Vinegar |
I'm hesitant to use this method on weeds that are mixed in with viable grass. It might kill the surrounding grass as does the chemical products sold in home supply stores. Who knows, maybe I'll try it on an inconspicuous portion of the lawn and report my findings.
In the meanwhile, I'm thrilled to be able to use a natural product to remove the weeds from the patio.
One word of advice…use a funnel or something that will aim the vinegar to just the right spot. I attempted to pour it straight from the bottle into the cracks of the patio and got more on the bricks than the cracks.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Money and Energy Saving Tips
I came across this neat little pamphlet from the US Department of Energy called Energy Savers, Tips for Saving Energy and Money at Home.
It gives great practical tips on how to make your dollar stretch further and save on energy costs.
Did you know that draining a quart of water from your water heater every three months helps to get rid of sediment and thus improve your water heater's efficiency? Check out page 17.
If you use a natural gas stove and the flames are yellow, did you know that means that your stove isn't burning efficiently and my need an adjustment? See page 25.
There are tons of neat little money saving tips. It's worth a read.
