How difficult is it to switch electricity providers?

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This one is for my friends in AUS from Jesse but the last bit about saving on electricity is for all of us. TGIF & happy weekend friends!

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How hard is it to change electricity provider?

Many people ask themselves the question, why is electricity so expensive? There are general factors which contribute to electricity costs being high across the board. Even so, it could be that you can find cheaper rates with a different provider. There are also things you can do to reduce your energy costs, no matter which provider you choose.

In this article we are going to explain why electricity costs are so high generally. We are also going to look at how easy it is to switch provider if you wish to, as well as giving you some tips on how to reduce your energy costs, no matter who provides your electricity.

Why is electricity so expensive?

One of the major causes of the rise in energy costs in Australia is the country's commitment to reducing emissions. A large amount of money has been invested in renewable energy production and not all of the systems have been completely successful. Associated costs are being passed on to the customer through increased energy prices.

What if you want to change supplier?

So electricity is expensive across the board. This does not mean that you should not check if you can get a better deal elsewhere. It's worth noting that you are restricted to one provider if you live in Tasmania. The choice is also restricted in certain parts of Perth.

If you want to see if you can get your electricity elsewhere, at a more affordable rate, makeitcheaper.com.au can help. They can do the research for you and even help you when it comes to making the change, if you need them to. It certainly helps to have someone around who can help you make the right decision for you.

How to save money on electricity, no matter who provides it

Whether or not you decide to change electricity provider, there are actions you should be taking anyway. They can help you reduce the amount of energy you use, and thereby reduce your electricity bills.

•  Only use air conditioning when necessary. If the temperature is not too high you should consider using fans instead.
• Always switch electrical devices off at the socket. If you do not do this you end up wasting a significant amount of electricity, over time.
• When you use the washing machine, make sure that you always use a cool wash. You can still get your clothes clean, while also reducing energy use.

You may not think that these simple tips can save you that much money. The fact is that savings soon add up. However much your savings are; it's better for the money to be in your hands than with the provider. Do not wait to take action. If you want to save money put these processes in place as soon as possible. If you want to change provider as well then do not forget to speak to the experts, so that you have a better chance of making the right decision.

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Electric company or alternative provider? 
What steps do you take to save electricity? 

When should you start brushing your teeth and how much toothpaste should you use?

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One of my major life fears is the dentist, even though my dentist is, in actuality, awesome. Healthy gums and teeth are connected to everything else in your body, which is why I will never understand why dental is not a standard part of healthcare here in America. This all reminds me that I am way overdue for a standard cleaning.

Before I go too far into the healthcare or phobia wilds, here are some tips from Jesse Hughes on dental health (p.s. I've been using too much toothpaste):

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Taking care of your teeth is vital. You need to start paying attention to dental hygiene from a very early age. A major part of dental hygiene is dental cleaning. This is why you need to teach your child about the importance of keeping their mouth and teeth clean. You should also act as a good example by making sure you follow an effective dental hygiene routine.

Toothpaste plays an important part in oral hygiene but you may not be aware of exactly how much toothpaste you should be using. We are going to explain why using too much toothpaste is not a good idea. We are also going to take a look at when you should start using toothpaste to clean your child’s teeth and how their tooth cleaning should progress.

Using toothpaste to clean a child’s teeth

If your child is yet to get any teeth then it’s not necessary to use a toothbrush to clean their mouth; all that you need to do is use a washcloth and some water. This helps to remove bacteria from their gums.

Once your child has teeth an age appropriate toothbrush should be used. It’s only necessary to add a small smear of infant toothpaste to the brush. If you use too much toothpaste your child is more likely to swallow it.  Once your child reaches 2-3 years of age you should change the amount of toothpaste used; you should squeeze a pea sized amount onto your child’s toothbrush.

It’s important to note that until your child is around six years of age you will need to either brush their teeth or provide a high level of assistance. Once they reach the age of six most children can brush their own teeth, although you may still need to provide some supervision to make sure that the task is completed successfully.

How much toothpaste should an adult use?

It may surprise you to learn that the amount of toothpaste needed to brush your teeth does not increase from when you are a toddler; a pea sized amount is sufficient. If you use more toothpaste than this it can act as an abrasive against your teeth and gums.

It’s also worth noting that you need to brush your teeth for around two minutes if they are to be cleaned effectively. It’s very difficult to do this if you have to put up with a mouthful of toothpaste for that length of time; constantly having to spit out excess toothpaste does not make for an efficient cleaning session.

You can see how important it is for you to start cleaning your child’s mouth and teeth from an early age. You should also make sure that you explain the process to your child so that they become aware of how important a good oral hygiene routine is. This helps them to take care of their teeth effectively as they grow up, and throughout their life. 

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What about you? Any dental phobia? 
And have you been using the correct amount of toothpaste?

Uncommon gifts from Uncommon Goods

Welcome to the biggest shopping day of the year. Also known as the day I shop at small businesses and online, but typically don't step foot in a big retailer. This year will be no different.

I'm not the greatest gift giver, but I am a great admirer of unique items, and they can be found by the boatload at Uncommon Goods. I've shopped there in the past, and they were kind enough to send me a gift card to purchase some items and post about them here.

One of the things I like best about this company is their commitment to featuring items made from recycled components like these luggage tags made out of recycled bike parts. I paired it with minimalist bike lights for a solid Christmas gift under $30. Gifts for men tend to be hard for me to come up with, so this was a home run.

They have great stuff  for women too - like this super cute tea mug that holds the tea bag on the side and candles that smell like Jane Eyre. Lots of unique stuff.

Lots of unisex gifts, too of course. Like are you looking for a gift for a dog lover? I bought this for myself, which fits well with the one for you one for me style I typically shop in for Christmas. Everyone loves their dogs, and only disgusting people do not pick up after them but no one likes carrying smelly poop bags around. Turdlebag to the rescue. It not only holds the bags for easy disbursement, it also carries them after you tie them up, and it clips to the leash. Win win all around. Perfect for a dog owner.

If you're looking for a unique gift, something thoughtful and fitting, check out Uncommon Goods. They're also a B Corp, which is always a bonus in my buying.

Happy shopping!

nakd, but suitable for work. trust me. You can click.

I'm a big fan of the bars (lara, kind, etc) as they travel well and are not too bad for you, depending on which one you choose. They also feel snacky, and I like snacks. But the super processed shit food snacks like me less and less as I age.

The nice folks at Natural Balance Foods are all about the natural snacks and sent me a Nakd sampler box to try for free in exchange for telling you what I think of them.

What I thought was that I could've eaten the whole box upon opening them. I mean, MFD and I went to town on them. They have nine fruit and nut bar flavors available in the U.S. (my favorite is berry delight, but the rhubarb and custard is pretty freaking awesome too) that are just that -  raw fruit and nuts smooshed together. Good and good for you. No added sugars, syrups, or other crap ingredients that don't belong. They're also wheat, dairy, and gluten free.

Are you laughing when I say nuts? I am.

I'm going to get some of these Nakd bars for upcoming trips, and some to keep at work. You can find the sampler pack on the Natural Balance Foods site as well as on that trusty steed, Amazon.

Natural Balance Foods is a Brit company trying to make the move to whole foods easier for health-conscious snackers like me. Well, sometimes me. Sometimes I still really want some Pringles. But mostly I like the good stuff. And these are quite good, I might say similar to my lara bar loves but with more flavors and better in many cases. Give them a go!

How to Make Wild Game a Part of Your Family's Diet

Saturday in the hizzy. Non-meat eaters, this post is not for you. I'll see you back here Monday! Today Jessie Hughes is back with some words on something that's been on my mind lately since we ate our share of wild game on our wild west trip. I also have a love of wild turkey since my uncle has caught some wild turkey for our Thanksgiving table, and I enjoy venison and especially venison jerky as well. 

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It's always fun to take your palette on an adventure when you're at a restaurant that features wild game, but few of us are bold enough to take the plunge in our own kitchens. But if you hunt or have a hunter in the family, you know that you don't need a Michelin star to work wild game into your weekly meal plan and that experimenting with a new type of meat can be the perfect solution to the age old question "chicken...again?" The good news is that even if you don't have an expert marksman providing you with fresh caught meat, you can hunt down wild game from friends with excess (a sizable deer can yield over 50 pounds of meat), through specialty markets, or even buy it online. Here are a few tips and ideas on how you can stop thinking of wild game as a rare treat and start incorporating it into your family's diet.

Jerky: the Perfect Protein Punch

Making your own jerky is one of the easiest ways to begin experimenting with a range of game meats. All you need is any type of game (venison, elk, buffalo, duck, alligator, etc.), seasoning and a dehydrator and you are on your way to making a fantastic healthy snack. First, prep the meat by cutting back any excess fat. This is an important step because fat will not cure and can make you sick. Next, cut the meat into thin strips. You'll make that job much easier if you freeze the meat for a few hours before slicing. Finally, after marinating the strips in a resealable bag for three to six hours using your favorite flavor combination, simply place the meat in your dehydrator and walk away. When you come back, you'll have a protein-filled snack.

Ground Game: Spicing up Your Old Recipes

Ground meat is another way that beginners can include wild game into their repertoire with confidence. If you're not up for grinding your own meat, take it to your local butcher and have him do it for you. Ground game can generally be used in place of ground beef in any recipe. Instead of your traditional chili, try using ground moose or venison. Spice up your burger night using bison or elk instead of beef. The main thing to consider when replacing ground beef with wild game is the game meat will generally contain less fat, but with the right techniques it's easy to avoid dry or chewy meat. For example, when grilling ground game, reduce the cooking time, because the leaner meat will generally cook faster. Also, you can add additional fat, such as bacon, or use a mixture of game and beef to keep your ground meat moist.

Wild Birds: Nothing Fowl About It

If you are already cooking meals using chicken or domestic turkey, although there is a difference in flavor, the preparation of wild birds like turkey, pheasant and quail will feel familiar. In general, like most wild game, wild birds are leaner animals and their meat has a stronger, or "gamier," flavor. For a quick meal that is sure to please everyone in the family, make sliders using quail breast. For something more formal, roasting a whole wild turkey makes for an impressive, yet not labor intensive, dinner.

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Are you into the wild game?

Let's do Lunch

When you meet up with friends new or old for lunch, conversation is usually free flowing from one thing to the next. Sit down with me and Jenn from Hello Rigby and chat for a while. Do you have something to add, or something you agree or disagree with? Chime in in the comments! p.s. - if the text is colored, it's clickable!

A fashion trend I wish would die...
Jenn: Culottes. I'm really not sure who these work on, but it's definitely not me.
Steph: Male celebrities in hammer pants. It's ridiculous. Or men wearing their pants hanging off of their ass in general. 

Via pinterest & teen.com 

If I could only wear one brand of jeans forever, it would be...
Jenn: Madewell. Their skinny skinny and legging styles are my favorite. 
Steph: I hate jeans. I know this is universally considered the wrong opinion to have.

I always tell people to buy...
Jenn: Closet staples. A comfortable pair of black pumps, a classic little black dress, and a fitted black blazer. Apparently I like black.
Steph: I basically wear cardigans and pants. Not a fashionista here. I think Jenn has this one down.

My daily uniform clothes-wise is...
Jenn: Some variation of this outfit. Mostly the slip ons... I wear those with almost everything.
Steph: Oh, those are cute. For me, it's basically a cardigan. I am the cardigan queen. If the day ends in y, I'm probably wearing a cardigan.

We're here for lunch, right? My go to lunch order is...
Jenn: A sandwich of some kind. My favorites are a few blocks from my office, a tuna melt and something called the Pavo Diablo (Turkey, Avocado, Spinach, Poblano Peppers, Havarti, and Chipotle Aioli).
Steph: I am a huge fan of the BLT or turkey club. When I don't want to pick something up, I like a good salad as long as it has no fruit in it.

I take my coffee...
Jenn: Black.
Steph: With just a little bit of cream.

Wait, before I forget - three books I recommend...
Jenn: 1. The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes, 2. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell, and 3. Necessary Lies by Diane Chamberlain
Steph: 1. The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver, 2. Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler, and 3. Beach Music by Pat Conroy

What I like most about reading is...
Jenn: Being able to escape into a different world. I listen to a lot of audiobooks while doing mundane chores around the house and while driving, so it makes these activities a little more fun. :)
Steph: My response to this question can best be expressed in a montage.

Sourced on Pinterest

Oh, this nail polish color I'm wearing? It's...
Jenn: Margit from Julep!
Steph: Aphrodite's Pink Nightie by OPI.

These are not our nails. Images via Julep & OPI websites

My favorite mascara is...
Jenn: Oh that's tough! I'm always trying new ones. I've always been a fan of Covergirl's Lash Blast line as a budget-friendly but still great option. I also like Clinique's High Impact line.
Steph: I know, I feel like I have tried every mascara out there. Honestly my favorite is under $10 - L'Oreal Million Lashes. I like Clinique too.

When my lips are chapped I use...
Jenn: Malin & Goetz Mojito Lip Balm in the day and Julep Lip Luxe Lip Treatment at night. I have dry lips almost always. 
Steph: Rosebud Salve lip balm or Fresh Sugar lip stuff.

On my next vacation, I'm going to...
Jenn: Paris in June! I'm so excited.
Steph: I can't wait to read about that, we're heading there next year for a few days so I'm anxious to see where you stay, etc. Up next for us is a week at the beach with my parents, Stephen & Aubrey in Emerald Isle, North Carolina. I've never been there. I love going places I've never been.

One of the best trips I've ever taken was to...
Jenn: Disneyland! I loved it because...we went with 26 other members of my boyfriend's family, and we all stayed in one house. It was insane but also a ton of fun. I mean, how can you not have fun at Disneyland?
Steph: My Disneyworld trips always rank high too because seriously, Disney. Chicago always sticks out in my mind because I loved the city and the food and I feel like we got a lot in on that trip.

Thanks to Jenn for joining me for a virtual ladies lunch. Please visit Jenn on her blog Hello Rigby, and follow along with her on Twitter and Instagram too.

What about you? Please weigh in on some of these scintillating topics in the comments. Or the fact that it's already the last Friday in March. Birthday month, stay longer.

Egg in a Mug

Hello everyone! I'm Nicole and I blog over at Nicole Marica. Steph has graciously allowed me to take over her blog for the day and since she likes to share simple, delicious recipes with you, I figured I would do the same! Nicole Marica is more than just recipes though, I like to share books I've read, beauty products I like, and things that happen in my everyday life too!

                    

I love eggs with add ons like ham, cheese, tomatoes, or bacon. The problem is that when I'm at work making a decent breakfast isn't always an option. That's where egg in a mug comes in! 

It's super simple, all you need is egg beaters and then whatever add ins you'd like! I use 1/2 cup of egg beaters (which is the equivalent of 2 eggs) and prefer the Laughing Cow creamy Swiss cheese with some deli ham sliced up. I also highly recommend spraying the mug with some cooking spray before you put the eggs in for easier cleanup. 

Here's how you do it:

 That's all there is to it! Super easy and quick! Please come visit me at my blog, I'd love to hear from you!

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There you have it friends! A special Saturday treat from Nicole, a quick and easy recipe for you to try. Start your day off right with eggs in a mug and a visit to Nicole Marica! Another local blogger, Nicole is one of my daily reads and I hope she becomes one of yours too. 

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