Just a reminder for your pets

This summer is shaping up to start to be a warm one here in Chicago, IL. In an attempt to save money in my household, we aren’t using the AC as much. One important thing to remember when you have pets and you are doing something like this, most of the warm blooded pets have fur. Putting Ice in their water dish is a great way for them to cool off. Which is easy if you have a dog or a cat. Not so much if you have a bunny who drinks out of a bottle. Thankfully,  my mother has ice cube trays that are long narrow shapes, for putting in bottles. Some parts were a little thick, I just ran some cold water over them when they got stuck, and now I have a very happy bunny.

del.icio.us Tags: rabbits,bunnies,pets. keeping cool,hot weather,ice,water

Summer Savings: Save on charcoal

Lump charcoal, which is made from hard wood burned in high heat and low oxygen until only pure charcoal remains. Lump charcoal lights faster, burns hotter, and leaves very little ash compared to briquettes.

However briquettes (which are compressed wood by-products) burn longer, are easier to maintain a consistent temperature and most importantly are almost always a lot cheaper!

OMG it's hot in Chicago!

I know, I know. I've been saying I wish it'd warm up for months now. This summer had gotten of to a very cool start, but the last week or so we've gone from Cool to sweltering hot.

Things to consider in the hot summer Days.

When Cooking if you have a door to your Kitchen, keep the door closed. Prepare all the items you will need for cooking before you turn on the stove or oven. Group things together in your fridge, so you don't have to open the door as much to get items. Try doing heat intensive tasks early in the day or late at night when it's cooler. Also limit the time ovens and other high-heat appliances are open You may even want to save baking and other major culinary undertakings for cooler times, such as mornings and evenings. Don't open the doors on them unless you have to. Cook multiple things at once.

Crock Pots, Toaster Ovens, and Bread Machines can be your best friends in the summer as well as changing your menu to a more summer menu. Lots of salads and other items that can be served cold/room temperature are great.