The Change Jar - Home Energy Audits

Texas summers are scorchers. I hate opening my electric bill from June through September. They aren't as bad since we had radiant barrier installed, but I'm sure there is more that we could do to make the house more energy efficient. Luckily, this comes with tax credits in most cases!

Oncor is working with an approved list of contractors to have free residential energy audits done along with some basic services. This is at deeply discounted rates or even free. Check it out and take a load off - energy that is. http://www.oncor.com/electricity/teem/default.aspx

Porch Know How

People ask me How To questions all of the time. I'm sure that some of you wonderful Porch Friends have a few as well. This is my invitation for you to send me your requests at nellescountry@yahoo.com I will try to respond to each one. If I'm stumped, then we'll put it out there for additional input. I can't wait to hear from you!

My Country Kitchen - Menu & Recipes July 27th

This week has flown by and I still have a long To Do list. How does that happen? Of course, grocery shopping is now at the top.

This week's menu contains a lot of meals that can be prepared without heating the kitchen up too much. Even the Pesto Chicken & Bowtie can be done without much heat - try a rotisserie chicken from the local market.

I hope you are enjoying these menues and recipes! Please feel free to send me any requests.

http://docs.google.com/View?id=dc7vbv4c_4dkmbrqd5

The Change Jar - Coupon Sites

I love saving money! It is like winning a game each time I save 40% or more on my grocery bill or gift shopping. Please make note of some of my favorite websites that help in saving.

http://promotionalcodes.com/
http://www.retailmenot.com/
http://www.dealtaker.com/
http://www.fatwallet.com/
http://www.restaurant.com/

EcoPrint - Computer Recycling

It is that time of year when we start considering new computers. Back to school is just around the corner and so much of today's assignments are computer-based. What about that old computer?

Staples and Best Buy will recycle your old computers - both laptops and desktops. There may be a $10 fee for some monitors and laptops, but Best Buy will give you a $10 Best Buy gift card in return. One last note, be sure to wipe the harddrive out before you take it in.

Be sure to schedule this trip with other errands to save gas and emissions. Just one less footprint on our environment.

My Country Kitchen - Menu for Week of July 20th

Here is the menu for this week. It contains a couple of items that are great to prepare ahead of time.

The Chicken Spaghetti can be started one night (boil the chicken) and completed within the next couple of days. The leftovers are an absolute favorite for lunches. This is also a great meal for families with older babies or toddlers on baby food. Just place the chicken spaghetti in a food processor and process until it reaches desired consistency.

The Italian Sausage Soup satisfies even my picky eater. It can be prepared ahead of time and frozen. I like prepare a double batch of this soup and freeze for future meals. It freezes well then you just thaw it out and add the orzo or rice and simmer for 30 minutes.

Enjoy! http://docs.google.com/View?id=dc7vbv4c_4dkmbrqd5

My Country Kitchen - The Ultimate Grocery List

Picture this - you have spent the day doing all those errands on your list. Last stop was the grocery store. You are putting away the groceries when you realize you forgot something. Ugh! I hate that. Another trip to the store in this Texas heat.

No more, I found the most comprehensive, pre-printed grocery list ever!!! It is even called the Ultimatest Grocery List. Want one? Just visit www.grocerylists.org/ultimatest and print one off. There is even a bonus....you can peruse grocery lists that others have left behind.