Your Ultimate Guide to becoming a DOER

February 13th, 2012

Sometimes we spend an inordinate amount of time talking about our ideas, dreams, and aspirations. It is easy to content ourselves with simply having lofty ideas, not realizing their sheer abundance.

Anyone who has taken a breath has likely had an idea that could have literally changed the course of his or her life in a revolutionary way. Unfortunately, such ideas rarely get implemented. According to Mark Twain, “the secret to getting ahead is getting started.”

If you are tired of inactivity robbing you of your potential, then here are 15 ways to be a doer.

Dreams and Mental Preparedness

  1. Cultivate Your Dream
    What would you attempt to do if you knew that you could not fail? In so many cases, your answer will account for a mere fraction of your potential. This is important because in order for one to unlock such potential, often they must move past mental barriers. Accordingly, meditate on what winning will feel like for the next 30 days. Saturate your mind with the next level, but don’t stop there. Write the vision. Make it plain. Unlock your dormant dreamer and doer!We tend to move in the direction of our most dominant thought. Don’t be contained by limited thinking. Your dreams should inspire you to move beyond your comfort zone and into action. Your dreams should also inspire awe from observers. Whether your dream is prosperity and wealth, helping thousands of people, fitness, or a phenomenal career, cultivate your dream. Remember, the dream is the fuel, and your plan is the map!
  2. Relinquish Regret
    Regret is usually a waste of time – Thomas Crown. Languishing in regret and despair over past mistakes is counterproductive and will rob you of your joy. The energy expended on regret could be put to much better use realizing your dreams. Everyone makes mistakes or missteps occasionally, but the key is extracting the lessons from the mistakes and minimizing or even evading future losses. To err is human, but to forgive is divine.Forgive yourself today.
  3. Let Go of the Stigma of Failure
    Similarly, you should not let the fear of failure stop you from attempting your goals. John F. Kennedy said those who dare to fail miserably can achieve greatly. Dave Ramsey, Robert Kiyosaki, Suze Orman, and many others have tasted what many would characterize as failure, only to later achieve extraordinary success. The key lesson is that there is another act to your life’s play.In How to Appreciate the Pain of Financial Problems, I discuss how failure can be instructive, is often temporal, is a matter of opinion, and can unleash your creativity. Don’t let the stigma of failure stop you from attempting your goals, even if you experience an initial setback. If you made a mistake, you are in great company.
  4. Know Yourself
    Knowing yourself is so important to getting the maximum return on your efforts. You are unique and have tremendous value. Sometimes, we begrudge our differences from others rather than embracing them.For example, when I was in pharmacy school, I discovered how I preferred to learn; sometimes this differed from others in my classes. However, knowing my learning preferences ended up being a great benefit to me because I began to cater to them. Had I not understood and embraced my individuality, content that I now devoured readily would have continued to take me a long time to understand, analyze, or evaluate. It is important to every doer to honor his differences and use them to his competitive advantage.
    Goals and Planning
  5. Plan to Win
    To Type-A personalities, it may seem intuitive that making a plan dramatically increases the odds of achieving. However, so many of us fail to systematically plan our finances, careers, health, and our relationships. Failure to plan is planning to fail. What’s your success plan? Often, what is lacking is a plan of action specifying precisely what we want our lives to look like in the next three years and what 6 steps we will take to achieve our goals. A goal without a plan of implementation is a pipe dream. Decide on a course of action today.
  6. Prioritize
    Attempting too much is just as dangerous as not attempting anything. Focus is blinding. By focusing on your priorities, you can block out distractions. Sometimes that means putting down something that is important for a passion that must happen.Thomas Edison said that he has more respect for the guy with a single idea who
    develops it than the person with 1,000 ideas but does nothing. We shouldn’t unnecessarily dichotomize everything into “good” or “bad” when it comes to goals. Sometimes it’s simply a matter of “now” versus “later.” Harness the power of focus to unleash a determination and passion for your dreams that will make you unstoppable.
  7. Start Small
    Don’t despise small beginnings. How do you eat an elephant? The answer is one bite at a time. Just because your goal is to lose 40 pounds this year doesn’t mean you are a failure for losing 10 pounds in the first three months. In fact, even if you only loss five pounds but have improved your cardiovascular conditioning, diet, and
    muscularity while decreasing your percent body fat, you have made significant progress.Don’t be discouraged by the need to tweak your plan to account for life. Instead,
    acknowledge your progress and continue moving in the right direction. Remember, people
    cannot always be what they are not, but they can become what they are not.
  8. Set a Time Limit on Preparation
    I love preparation as much as anyone, but doers often set a limit on preparation time. The downside with spending too much time preparing is that you may never get started. In Poke the Box, Seth Godin argues that it is easy to fall so in love with starting that we never start. If you truly are progressively moving towards your goals via preparation, go for it.There are some things (and even certain professions) that require years of preparation before they are achieved. However, make sure that you are not using preparation as an excuse to avoid action. Setting realistic expectations on how much time should be allotted for laying groundwork is a great way to keep preparation time reasonable.
  9. Admit the Joylessness of Over-reaching
    While I love setting audacious goals, I also have to caution you regarding goal-setting fatigue. If you are constantly over-reaching, then you risk burnout. You can still stretch yourself and have phenomenal goals without being perpetually miserable because your goals are so huge that they require miracles to accomplish.Don’t allow your motivation to wane because you set yourself up for disappointment. Treat such stretch goals as just that: goals designed to push you out of your comfort zone. Know that they are a part of your overall success plan, but don’t despair if your plans sometimes take longer or go in a different direction than you initially expected. By pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone, you are often still better off than the alternatives, provided that your ambitions don’t rob you from experiencing any contentment in the process.
    Relationships
  10. Banish Eeyore
    Dream-killers, aka “Eeyores,” are some of the most dangerous people that you know. They function as saboteurs to productivity. Regardless of whether they act with the intent of maliciousness, banish (or limit) such disastrous relationships if you plan to be a significant doer. People providing constructive criticism are fine, such as
    those providing advice on being objective with your projections. However, those who
    primarily hinder your progress due to their limited vision need not be included in your elite team.
  11. Network With Achievers
    If you want to move beyond your comfort zone, one of the fastest ways is to network with achievers. In fact, while I’m writing this, I have just returned from spending a week with people in my industry who are rock stars. Being immersed in that environment compelled me to take my game to the next level faster and grander than I had initially planned. When you network and become accustomed to interacting with the next level, this serves to make you uncomfortable with where you are currently at. Strategically, place yourself in situations that stretch you.
  12. Get an Accountability Partner
    While “head knowledge” is good, part of the secret to successful transformations, such as those seen by popular diet programs, is accountability. Your relationship with partners is powerful in achieving your goals because good partners have already gone through the same journey, can see through the lame excuses, and will encourage you during the down times. Everyone is not suitable to be your accountability partner, which is fine. Find the person who will empower you to push past the common to achieve the impossible.
  13. Delegate
    Not everything requires your core competencies, so it is not always advantageous to do everything yourself. The ubiquity of businesses such as Elance, Angie’s List, and Fiverr makes finding reasonably-priced freelancers and contractors to delegate to much easier. It’s one thing to do tasks that are not central to your focus because you enjoy them or lack the finances to hire help, but it is another issue entirely if you are stuck doing something you hate simply because you haven’t inventoried the resources available to you.Delegation can be a powerful practice that allows you to develop in your strongest areas while relinquishing distractions and increasing your overall productivity.Deal With Barriers to Motivation
  14. Create an Action Environment
    Your environment matters to your productivity, often more than you realize. It’s important that when you sit down to work that you are not bombarded with distractions. It is sometimes difficult to get motivated to do anything productive in the first place. Thus, the last thing one needs is to get started only to have
    his or her time wasted on something that’s unimportant.Creating an action environment may mean shutting off the automatic email notification feature (on your phone or Outlook account) or turning off your phone’s ringer at certain times during the day. It could mean removing the candy jar from your desk or logging off of Facebook, GASP!Regardless, create an environment that encourages you to get things done.
  15. Record and Celebrate Your Progress
    Acknowledging and celebrating your triumphs can serve as tremendous motivation to continue in your endeavors. Achievers don’t just work hard; achievers play hard too. When I became debt free, I threw a huge party, just as I would have celebrated a milestone birthday or a graduation. Big hairy audacious goals require time, so when you are victorious, why not celebrate your successes?The law of recognition says that what you fail to recognize will not be properly
    acknowledged, and what you continually fail to acknowledge will eventually leave your
    life. If you value your successes, celebrate them!

Posted in Do It Your Self, Healthy Tips, Home Blog, Rants & Raves | 8 Comments »

How to Lose Weight…….By Snacking

December 16th, 2011

Many people make this mistake of thinking that they can’t snack at all if they’re trying to eat healthily or lose weight. But it’s not only okay to snack – it’s beneficial.

Snacking keeps the cravings down. You don’t get over-hungry – so you don’t eat as much at mealtimes. If you snack a little during the day, you’ll consume fewer calories during meals: aim to eat a light meal or snack every three hours.

Of course, you need to eat the right things. Snacking on candy bars and chips won’t help you lose weight.

Here are some healthy snacks to try:
  • Healthy Snacking: Nuts
    Almonds make a great snack: your portion should be about 12 – 15 individual almonds. They’re a great source of calcium – which makes them especially good for those of us who don’t like milk. They’re also heart-healthy.

    For the chocoholics (like me!) out there, combine almonds with about an ounce of good-quality dark chocolate – 70% or more cocoa. Avoid milk chocolate, as it usually has a lot of sugar. Dark chocolate has been proven to lower your blood pressure.

    Nuts in general are good for snacking. Peanuts have gained a bad reputation – they’re actually healthy, as you don’t eat too many. Walnuts are a great choice as they contain Omega 3 fatty acids – particularly useful if you dislike fish.

  • Healthy Snacking: Fruits
    It’s important to include fruits in your diet: they’re high in fiber and vitamins. Bananas are often a good choice, unless you’re diabetic (they have a high sugar content, especially when very ripe). They contain a lot of potassium so they’re good for people with high blood pressure.

    Many fruits are easy to grab and eat straight away – like grapes (freeze them if you like) or berries. The dark-colored berries like blueberries, raspberries and blackberries are all packed with anti-oxidants.

  • Snacking While You’re Out
    It can be tough to eat healthily when you’re on the move – traveling or shopping, for instance. You may need to plan ahead and take some healthy snacks with you.
    Although popcorn makes a good snack while at home, the type you buy at the movies is often covered in butter, sugar or salt. Whole wheat pretzels are a better option.
    Other good snacks on the move include fruit, and small containers of yogurt (look out for the sugar content, though).

    Don’t just think about what you eat while out and about – think about what you’re drinking, too. “Liquid calories” can add up to a surprising amount. Your favorite latte could contain up to 500 calories, which is equal to a cheeseburger. While the occasional special coffee will not ruin your diet, having one every day may add on the pounds.

You can – and should – snack while you’re trying to lose weight. Sensible snacks are a vital part of a healthy diet.

Have you got a favorite healthy snack? Share your suggestions in the comments.

Posted in Do It Your Self, Healthy Tips, Home Blog | 12 Comments »

How to Plant a Container Garden

September 17th, 2011

Choosing the Best Soil

To create a successful container garden, the most important ingredient is good potting soil. Choose a mixture that provides a good combination of excellent drainage and aeration.

“Look for ‘professional’ on the label,” suggests Dr. Susan Hamilton, who oversees the University of Tennessee Gardens. “That word puts the potting soil in a whole different category. You’ll be paying a little bit more, but it will be high quality.”

Many growers like to mix their own and prefer particular blends. “Every greenhouse manager has his or her favorite potting soil recipe, and each thinks theirs is the one to use,” she says. Here, says Hamilton, are three great recipes:

Mix #1
2 parts peat: 1 part perlite: 1 part builder’s sand

Mix #2
2 parts peat: 1 part builder’s sand

Mix #3
1 part peat: 1 part builder’s sand: 1 part pine-bark mulch

Is it really worth it to mix your own if you’re a typical backyard gardener? “No,” Hamilton says. “When you look at price and volume versus what you really need, you usually have a lot of material left over. Besides, bagged soils are pretty cost-effective because all the guesswork has been taken out of it. Professional blends have already been charged with starter nutrients and pH adjusted.”

Selecting Plants

Select plants that are compatible in terms of light, water, growth and the conditions in the chosen site. Don’t mix a shade- and water-lover like impatiens with a dry-and-sunny plant like thyme. Some plants like mint are such aggressive growers they need a pot of their own.

Watering Your Container Garden

Pay close attention to watering. For containers in sunny, hot or windy areas, watering twice a day may be necessary. A plant that has outgrown its pot will also need more frequent watering.

Consider using a water-absorbing polymer; it will improve the moisture retention of the potting soil. Follow the directions on the package.

Dressing Your Plants

Top-dress your plants with mulch and a slow-release fertilizer. You’ll be reducing the evaporation rate and eliminating regular feedings.

Posted in Do It Your Self, Home Blog | 1 Comment »

Prune Your Landscaping Costs

April 28th, 2011

Here are the steps you can take to help get the best value from your landscaping pros.

Schedule Events: Not every homeowner is an expert on lawn, yard and tree care, so it helps to get several pros out to your property to advise you on what needs to be done and what the options are. It’s a free education about your property.

“The most important advice is to talk with several firms,” said Robert Krughoff, president of Consumers’ Checkbook, which offers ratings of local service companies to subscribers in seven U.S. markets. “Use them as your consultants.”

To get names of companies for your initial visit, you can use the usual method of asking for referrals from neighbors and local friends and family. You can also go online to service-review websites. Good paid sites include Angie’s List and Consumers’ Checkbook at checkbook.org. You might get reviews and comments on some companies from such free sites as Yelp.com, Kudzu.com or even the firm’s own Facebook fan page.

You can cross-check names of any finalists with the Better Business Bureau, bbb.org; pay attention to the number of complaints lodged against the companies.

If all you need is simple mowing, raking or weeding, you might not need a professional at all. A hard-working, entrepreneurial teenager up the street might yield the best deal, Krughoff suggests.

Get Price Bids: Once you know what you want, request apples-to-apples estimates from at least three companies.

“You’ll find big price differences on these things,” Krughoff says.

Checkbook used one major metropolitan area as an example and found that the same tree-removal job could cost from $1,935 to $6,300, depending on the company. Prices on a smaller tree job ranged from $375 to $1,100. For lawn care, Consumers’ Checkbook found one case in which the same promise for the lawn brought prices ranging from $229 to $805.

But pricey firms do a better job, right?

Not really, Krughoff says. His publication found virtually no correlation between price and quality in lawn care and tree services, meaning you don’t necessarily get what you pay for. But that’s not true in all cases. Pricier garden nurseries were found to generally offer a higher quality, Consumers’ Checkbook found.

Get it in Writing: Especially for bigger jobs, be very clear—in writing—about what a firm is expected to do. In the tree-removal example, will they haul away debris? Will they cut up wood into firewood length and leave it? Will they remove a stump? If so, how? By cutting it to grade level or grinding it?

“A lot of times, people just don’t get specific,” Krughoff comments.

For lawn care, do you expect a green lawn quickly or can you be patient for a care program that will strengthen root systems and be healthier in the long run?

If you’re hiring a company to install plants, note the replacement policy. Angie’s List suggests not hiring a company if it won’t promise to replace and replant any plants that die despite proper care. Read the rest of this entry »

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How to Complete Home Renovations on a Budget

April 19th, 2011

As the interest in home renovations continues to grow, homeowners are constantly looking for ways to get the job done without depleting their bank account. With numerous steps and details involved in the process, it is easy for homeowners to become overwhelmed and spend more money than is truly necessary.

The following tips from the April 2011 Issue of HOLMES: The Magazine To Make It Right provides useful information that will keep homeowners from going over budget as they take on renovation projects this spring.

1. Work in the off-season. Some jobs like pouring concrete and applying stucco, are best done in good weather, but if your job doesn’t require it, postpone it until the off-season to save on labor costs.

2. Avoid structural changes. Moving walls and adding foundations also raise the bill. If you must have more space, steal it instead of adding on; grab it from an adjoining closet or room, or even the hollow between studs.

3. Work with what you’ve got. Unless you’re dealing with structural issues or water damage, it’s likely that not everything needs to be replaced. If you’ve got a good set of cabinets, why trash the boxes when just replacing the cabinet doors will do?

4. Leave appliances, fixtures and outlets in the same locations. Running new lines drives up costs. Only when you’ve planned for such changes is it the right time to go to the trouble of rewiring and plumbing so that a range can sit where the fridge once stood.

5. Value-engineer. Your architect and contractor are trained to know all types of materials. Ask them to make recommendations for thrifty alternatives.

6. Buy all appliances or fixtures at one time and on sale, if you have a place to store them. Purchasing items in bulk can often garner you a discount from the retailer.

7. Stick with normal colors. By that we mean choose standard color wheel options or neutrals, which are manufactured in the greatest numbers, and the efficiency is passed on in the price.

8. Opt for factory finishing. Cabinets, floors and even entire houses are now available factory finished, allowing for faster installation.

9. Make decisions based on quality, not just price. It’s still cheaper to have the same item over a longer period than to replace it a few years later—and pay for labor again, too.

10. Plan for energy efficiency. This can be as simple as buying Energy Star appliances that draw less energy over their operating lifetime, or installing a Solatube that uses reflective materials to capture and amplify natural light, negating the need for an electric light in a windowless room. Investigate these options before you complete a contract. Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Do It Your Self, Home Blog, Latest Realty News, Saving Money & Energy | 1 Comment »

5 Updates for your Kitchen By Not Breaking the Bank

March 25th, 2011

More often than not, the kitchen is more than a place to prep and enjoy meals. It also doubles as a home office, homework station, and family gathering spot. And everyone knows it’s the prime hangout during social events. With all this traffic, it’s no wonder it’s one of the first places in the home where wear and tear really begins to show.

How do you breathe new life into your kitchen? Despite what most people expect, making kitchen improvements doesn’t have to cost thousands of dollars, or involve granite counter tops. Here are five ways to upgrade a tired kitchen without blowing your budget:

1. Update the cabinets. Cabinets are one of the most prominent features in a kitchen and if you want the biggest change, updating your cabinetry is the way to go. There are several ways to do this on a budget:

  • Paint the cabinets. Painted cabinets are by far the most affordable and cheapest way to update. Make sure to sand, prime, and remove hardware as well as tape off any areas you don’t want painted before you begin.
  • Reface the cabinets. Refacing involves replacing the cabinet and drawer fronts with a wood veneer or plywood. Or, you can even replace the doors with glass for a modern look. You can also install crown molding to the top of cabinets for added punch. Most home-improvement stores have several refacing options ranging in price and can give you tips to help you do it yourself.
  • Replace the hardware. Think of hardware as the jewelry for the cabinets — the style, shape and color of cabinet pulls and knobs can make your kitchen appear dated or modern. First, decide on a cohesive style for your kitchen (modern, traditional, country) and find knobs to match. Whether you paint or reface your cabinets, replacing the hardware is one of the easiest ways to update a kitchen. Check out the hardware section of any home improvement store for a variety of prices and options.

2.  Paint the walls. You want your kitchen to look fresh and clean. Short of spending hours scrubbing every food splatter off the walls, nothing says clean like new paint. Depending on the size of your kitchen, you can tackle this project in an afternoon or weekend.

3. Lighting. Lighting can say a lot about your kitchen. There are many different lighting options available, and again it depends on the aesthetic or overall style of the room. Do you have stainless steel appliances and sleek drawer pulls? Try modern track lighting or recessed can lights. If you have more of a country feel to your kitchen, try a small decorative lamp on a counter to make the room feel more inviting. Or, brighten your work space by placing halogen or florescent lights under the cabinets. More and more modern kitchens are including this amenity

4. New faucet. The faucet is often the most-used item in the kitchen and an old faucet can immediately date the overall look. While you can purchase a new spout for over a grand, there are more affordable and aesthetic options ranging in the $40 to $100 price bracket. With some help from your home improvement store, replacing a faucet can be something that you do yourself.
5. Back splash: The kitchen’s back splash might not be the first thing people notice, but adding tile or other detail to this area is an easy way to upgrade. You don’t have to skilled tile mason to tackle this project; most home improvement stores now have adhesive strips of tile that can be cut to fit any area.

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The Contractor Agreement: 7 Steps to an Iron-Clad Contract

March 13th, 2011

Follow these seven tips to make sure your contractor agreement works in your favor—not your builder’s.

A solidly crafted contractor agreement should clearly define all project plans and specifications, including necessary permits and materials that will be used.

To protect yourself and your home improvement project, make sure your contractor agreement is based on these seven common-sense principles:

Step 1: Hire a lawyer

Contractors use their own forms, which are drafted for their benefit, not yours. You’ll benefit from hiring an attorney to review your contractor agreement or draft one that’s you-friendly. Even though this may cost around $250 to $500, it can save thousands of dollars later if there’s a dispute.

Step 2: Take the home court advantage

Add a “choice of law” or “forum selection” provision, which says that disputes will be litigated on your turf. This provides protection against out-of-town contractors or suppliers—you don’t want to have to drag yourself across multiple state lines for a lawsuit.

Step 3: Create an incentive to finish

Define when the contactor will deliver on his promises, and when he’ll get his money. Within the contractor agreement, create a payment schedule in your favor by holding money back until the work is fully completed and you’ve verified the final payments to subcontractors. Maintain control by holding the purse strings. Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Do It Your Self, Home Blog, Latest Realty News, Rants & Raves | 1 Comment »

First-Time Buyers Demand Move-In Ready Starter Homes

March 8th, 2011

The term “starter home” seemingly refers to an entry-level property—one that is affordable yet needs tender love and care. But amidst the many homes available in today’s market, current first-time buyers want places with a little less room for improvement. In a survey of 300 consumers who purchased their first home in the last year, 87% said finding a move-in ready home is important to them.

This survey from Coldwell Banker Real Estate explored what was most important to new buyers to provide insight for those looking to buy or sell in 2011.

According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), first-time home buyers accounted for half of the market in 2010.

What Surprised First-Time Home Buyers
Several consumers experienced unexpected benefits after buying their first home:
-67% said the market afforded them the opportunity to buy a home sooner than expected
-Half said they found a home in a more desirable neighborhood than expected
-61% were able to get the home at a better price than expected
-40% got more space than expected
-43% locked in a lower interest rate than expected

“There’s a real ‘a-ha’ moment for sellers revealed by this survey that the condition and quality of their home matters a great deal to first-time home buyers,” said Diann Patton, consumer real estate specialist, Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. “On top of that, our agents have reported that on average, first-time home buyers now look at more than 11 homes before making a decision, which is higher than in the past. They can be choosy about what appeals to them and are recognizing the benefits of the low prices and wide selection of homes in many areas.”

What They Want
In addition to move-in conditions, first-time buyer results revealed the old adage “location, location, location” still holds true:
-78% of respondents said the home had to be in an area convenient to shops and services
-Three-quarters of buyers said it was important to be close to their place of work♦
-Nearly two-thirds said it was important to be near “highly-rated” schools

Posted in Home Blog, Latest Realty News | 1 Comment »

Low costs and Spring Fever Expected to Spur Homebuyers

February 27th, 2011

The spring real estate market is approaching, and this year there is no federal tax credit to get wary buyers off the fence. A recent survey of 3,500 U.S. homeowners and renters conducted for the National Association of REALTORS® by Harris Interactive found that 60% of those who would like to own a house worry about job security and creditworthiness.

That said, some real estate agents say they think the market may be rebounding because prospective buyers fear interest rates are permanently back on the upward trajectory and they need to get in the game.

B. John Duffy, president of Philadelphia-area brokerage Duffy Real Estate, said that sense “may have been fueled by the slight rise in mortgage interest rates,” now 4.74% from a record low 4.17% in November.

In a market where financial motivation is canceled out by financial apprehension, the state of each house for sale becomes even more important to getting a deal done.

Buyers are still looking for “perfection, with comfort,” said John B. Badalamenti, an associate broker at Prudential Fox & Roach Realtors in Wayne, P.A. “As a result of the staging craze, buyers have become a bit spoiled,” Badalamenti said. “Homes are almost being put on the market as museum pieces. You can bounce a dime off a bed.” Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Home Blog, Latest Realty News | 2 Comments »

Motion Sensor Lighting: Safety and Security Indoors and Out

February 18th, 2011

Adding motion sensor lighting in and around your house provides an automated, hands-free way to turn on lights when you need them, and off when you don’t.

Motion sensor lights are eager helpers and good little guardians. They illuminate the way to your front door when you pull into your driveway, light hallways when you get up in the middle of the night, and turn on lamps when you enter a room.

They also provide safety and home security, powering up exterior floodlights should someone attempt to trespass when it’s dark outside.

In addition, they watch over your budget, dutifully turning themselves off after you’ve entered your home or left a room—saving you money on energy bills. Light-sensing diodes prevent them from switching on during daylight hours.

Plug-and-play lighting solutions

Many motion sensor lights don’t require elaborate setups or wiring; they simply plug into any wall outlet. Battery-operated types can be mounted onto your walls using adhesives, magnets, or screws.

Sylvania’s LED Motion Sensor Light runs off batteries, is easy to install in any room, and is especially handy for small spaces, such as closets. Cost: $13.

Put a sensor on anything

Have a lamp in your living room you want to turn on automatically when you walk in? The SensorPlug Motion Sensor Outlet Plug from Andev plugs into any standard wall outlet. In addition to lamps, you can use it with equipment that doesn’t exceed 500 watts, such as fans and radios.

The SensorPlug Motion Sensor Outlet Plug costs between $10 and $20. Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Home Blog, Latest Realty News, Saving Money & Energy | 4 Comments »

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