Chill Out

Want to keep your electric bills from going through the roof this summer? Here are a few environmentally friendly steps you can take to keep things cool.

• Open windows and use portable or ceiling fans instead of operating your air conditioner. Even mild air movement can make you feel three or four degrees cooler.
• Without blocking air flow, shade your outside compressor. Change air filters monthly during the summer.
• Use a programmable thermostat with your airconditioner to adjust the setting at night or when no one is home.
• Don’t place lamps or TVs near your air conditioning thermostat. The heat from these appliances will cause the air conditioner to run longer.
• Install white window shades, drapes or blinds to reflect heat away from the house. Close curtains on south- and west-facing windows during the day.
• Caulking and weather stripping will keep cool air in during the summer.
• Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use.

This months joke:

Question:What did the left hand say to the right hand?

How to have Counter ¬Intelligence

Concrete, glass and stone are gaining ground as popular materials for countertops. Concrete’s biggest advantage is that it can take any shape, and it’s not as pricey as some other natural stone materials. Because it is cast in molds, it can include subtle texturing and decorative objects such as pieces of metal, fossils or glass. If you are using concrete in the kitchen, consider placing raised strips of metal cast into countertops to support pots and pans near the sink and cooking area.
For those who crave ultra-modern design, another option is glass, which comes in nearly limitless colors, shapes, thicknesses and textures. And because it is nonporous, it is stain-proof and hygienic and can handle hot pots without cracking. Since it’s translucent, it can be combined with other design elements, such as glass over aluminum or decorative tile embedded into the slab. Installing lighting under the counter creates added drama and elegance.
Finally, consider engineered stone, which is slightly cheaper than granite. It’s made from quartz crystals and polymer resin, so it’s nearly maintenance-free. Plus, it’s heat- and cold-resistant, mildew-free, stain-resistant and harder than most things you put on it, so it won’t scratch. Finally, it comes in dozens of colors — some mimic the real thing while others are made to match a designer’s palette.

DID YOU KNOW?

Tired of Losing Your Gardening Tools?

Because the handles become weathered with wear, gardening tools can be camouflaged when lying in the dirt. To eliminate this problem, paint tool handles a bright color! First, sand off dirt, oil, and varnish from the tool handles. Then paint the handle bright yellow, red, or orange - these colors will be almost impossible to “lose” in the dirt. Use three coats of paint, letting the paint dry fully between coats and sanding lightly before adding each new coat. This creates a hard, bright finish that will stand up to wear and tear.
Eliminate rust on the blades by rubbing with sandpaper and steel wool. Finally, condition the blades by applying a little motor oil using a cotton cloth.

Have questions? email Risa at questions@risa.net or call her at 407-699-4901

August favorite links:

Top Orlando Festivals and Events for August

Use This Moving Truck for FREE      

RE/MAX Town & Country Realty has a moving truck (pictured above) that our clients can use FREE for their local (inside the Metro-Orlando area) moves. When Risa helps you buy or sell a home, just let her know that you would like to use the RE/MAX Moving Truck. Then Ray, the Moving Truck Coordinator, will coordinate your reservation to use the truck for a 24 hour period and outline all of the details for the truck’s use. Tell Risa early on in your transaction that you’d like to use the truck to make sure that you can reserve the best time for your move! We’re glad to be able to offer this additional service to our clients. Risa Saltman wants to help make your moving process as smooth, enjoyable and efficient as possible.

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