Life Skills

9 Easy Ways to Go Green

Simple Solutions to Live Greener (& Save a Little Money While Doing It!)
April 23, 2016
Story By: Mandy Kellogg Rye
Filed Under > Life Skills

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Yesterday was Earth Day (just in case you missed the memo).  Earth Day, to me, always serves as a great reminder to think of ways I can go green.  And yes, not just for a day, but every day.  It’s that gentle kick in the behind to consider better habits during my normal routine. 

In the slideshow above, I’ve rounded up nine easy ways to go green, and believe me…they’re super simple.  But if you’re like me, sometimes you forget and/or get lazy about these little steps to a greener community (it’s okay, let’s just work on it!).  What would you add to the list?  Cheers, Kat

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Use Dish Towels

Use Dish Towels

Stop buying paper towels and instead use dish towels to dry hands, clean up messes and keep things tidy. It's amazing how many paper towels we go through without realizing it!

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VIA WAITING ON MARTHA, PHOTO BY RUSTIC WHITE
Turn the Water Off While You Brush

Turn the Water Off While You Brush

It's all too easy to keep the water on while you brush your teeth, but it's also just as easy to turn it off! Train yourself to flip the knob and brush without the waste.

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VIA BLISS AT HOME
Recycle & Compost

Recycle & Compost

The U.S. is the # 1 trash producing country in the world (!) and that's just gross. Designate a recycling bin at home, and consider composting when growing your own plants and veggies.

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VIA BONFIRE HEARTS
Use Reusable Containers

Use Reusable Containers

Decrease waste by opting for reusable jars and containers for food instead of plastic bags.

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VIA FROM THE LAND WE LIVE ON
Wash Clothes in Cold Water

Wash Clothes in Cold Water

Washing your clothes in cold water keeps your utility bill down, takes better care of your clothes, AND is better for the planet. About 90 percent of energy used when washing your clothes is just to heat the water (costing you $100 or more every year).

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VIA WAITING ON MARTHA, PHOTO BY RUSTIC WHITE
Run the Dishwasher

Run the Dishwasher

Running the dishwasher actually uses a lot less water than washing dishes by hand (like HALF less). The continuous stream of running water adds up, so consider the dishwasher your friend for this household chore.

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VIA NICOLE DAVIS INTERIORS, BY MANDY OLIVER
Buy Local

Buy Local

Think about ways you can enjoy seasonal fruits and vegetables, and always consider if you can buy local. Not only will you be supporting small business farmers, you will be using little to no plastic packaging.

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VIA WAITING ON MARTHA
Switch Your Lightbulbs

Switch Your Lightbulbs

An easy switch, but convenient to ignore too...changing out your lightbulbs for more energy-efficient options will lower your bill and help you live greener every day.

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VIA JENNIFER BARRON INTERIORS
Use Your Own Bags

Use Your Own Bags

Whether you're bringing groceries home, shopping or making a run to the florist, use your own bags to eliminate plastic waste.

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VIA GLITTER GUIDE TUMBLR

Featured image, Bonfire Hearts

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5 Smart Ways to Save Money Online Shopping

Easy Tips to Get the Most Bang for Your Buck When Buying Online
March 31, 2016
Story By: Mandy Kellogg Rye
Filed Under > Everyday

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Let’s just say that I consider myself a pro at online shopping thanks to my job working for a blog. (I’ve also become well-versed at selling clothes online.) While surfing the web daily, I’ve picked up a few tricks and I have learned several smart ways to save money while scoring great clothing finds.

Granted, the buy-more-save-more sales still always get my attention, but I’ve learned to implement a bit of strategy and self-restraint in order to save money online shopping. These five simple tips go beyond the spend-more-to-save mentality, and instead help gauge how much you really do need those distressed boyfriend jeans (I say always), as well as if they’re going to be a true wardrobe staple for years to come. You know I’m big on wardrobe staples (discussed here, here and most importantly here). Click through the slideshow to read more. Cheers, Kat

Join the conversation: how do you save money online shopping?  If you have any tricks of the trade, shoot them off in the comments below! 

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Featured image, Krystal Schlegel by Mary Summers

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Is The Magical Art of Tidying Up Really Magic?

The Points I Actually Took Away from Reading the New York Times Best Seller
March 18, 2016
Story By: Mandy Kellogg Rye
Filed Under > Everyday

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I set out to tackle The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up in February as part of our new #WOMBookClub. Written by Marie Kondo, this uber-popular NY Times Best Seller has gotten rave reviews by practically everyone who can read, and as I delved into it, I saw it was all for good reason.  Regardless of one or two points I did disagree with, I found all of her nuggets of wisdom to be great food for thought as I resolve to be better about tidying.

While reading the book, I realized how it really IS life-changing with how much anxiety it takes off of me when everything is in its place.  I can sleep better, wake up happier and be more productive throughout my day. Granted, the folding thing was WAY over my head (I’ve tried it so many times, and still bought her follow-up book to attempt to memorize the diagrams). 

I’ll be wrapping my head around takeaways from The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up for awhile longer I’m sure, but for now, I’m sharing my top five thoughts today.  Simply click on the image to click through the slideshow. And FYI: while you’re reading the book, you may think Marie is a bit of a nut at some points (I did), but there is a lot of basis of truth in what she says.  My overall verdict?  It’s definitely worth a read.  Tell me friends, what was your take on The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up? Will you be implementing any new habits? Truly, MKR

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Photography, Haley Sheffield for Waiting on Martha | The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up 

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