Old Court Giant

Have you been inside Giant lately? It's entirely confusing and my shopping trips are taking much longer then expected. In case you didn't know, you can get a sheet of where everything is located, but it won't be good tomorrow, since they are still figuring things out.

Another tip to save you money while you are there. Use the Scanner while you are going through the supermarket. It will save you time because you can bag as you are going. Also there are special deals under savings for just using the scanner.

During my last trip to Giant I was able to save even more money because as I was scanning, I noticed the scanner pulled up a higher price then what was listed on the shelf. I put the items to the side and then when I got to the self checkout I asked for help. They were able to correct the price for me. I probably wouldn't have noticed the price at the end of my shopping trip.

Saving Energy

A friend suggested a month ago that we have a competition amongst our friends for saving energy. The issue we quickly realized was how do you do such a thing when everyone has a different system. Some of us are fortunate to have gas heat and others have to pay the high costs of electricity for their heating. My suggestion is that we compare how much energy we used last year and see how much we can reduce this year. Clearly the weather outside can play a big part of things and this summer is already a much cooler summer, but trying to do things one step at a time is very important. The second thing, is start a conversation and share tips on saving energy.

Here are some of the things we are doing?
If you live in Baltimore, I would suggest getting a BGE Energy Check-up. They installed CFLs, covers for our pipes to help absorb some of the heat that is lost, water aerators, and a new shower head (good thing, since I had to replace it anyway).

• I also learned that there are three-way energy efficient lightbulbs:
  Earthmate 3-Way Spiral CFL Bulb (6 pack)

The next thing we have done is shopped for a new electricity provider. Many states have deregulated so it's up to the consumer to find the best deal. And the realty is I have been too lazy to look it up. And then when I did go through the vendors most of them wanted me to call. I don't really have time to do that. So we decided on Clean Currents for our electricity provide. Washington Gas & Electric is actually providing the electricity, but the funny thing is that they were cheaper.

I have to say moving into a house with a gas water heater was amazing. I saved at least $100 on my bill this month. What other ideas are there to save money, cut my energy uses?

Eco-conscious Pregnancy

There are so many resources about being eco-conscious with a new baby that I thought I would share a few just to get you started. 

I would say one of the best books I read was:
Raising Baby Green, by Dr. Greene. It is informative and gives you information about your house and thinking about things you might not have thought of.

Buying used stuff is a great way to not fill landfills.
Sign-up for Freecycle (they are constantly giving away Baby Stuff)
Baltimore Specific:

• Wee Cycle (Get in Free and early for new Moms or Sellers) http://www.wee-cyclemart.com/ 
• Tot Swap http://totswap.net/
  

Check Craigs List and Ebay.
Things to be cautious about used is a car seat and not to get one manufactured more than five years ago. Also they say not to reuse a breast pump. Be sure to check safety recalls before purchasing anything.

There's also a eco-friendly registry system where you ask people to not buy new things, but I didn't look too much into it.

Websites 

http://safemama.com/ Good about staying current on what awful chemicals are out there.
http://greenbabyguide.com/
http://greenmomhappymom.com/
http://www.naturemoms.com/
BPA http://www.greentogrow.com/bisphenol.aspx
http://www.thegreenparent.com/

Shopping Websites
http://www.alittleelegant.com/
http://organicgreenmommy.com/
http://www.greenbabybargains.com/Default.asp?Redirected=Y

Umami, New Kosher Restaurant in Baltimore

Last night we went out to Umami in Baltimore. It's located in the same shopping center as Goldberg Bagels. It's great that their is another Asian food place in Baltimore. The food was good. My issue was the service. It took at least an hour before they took our order and then I think they forgot about us because it took a while before our food came out. I don't think they expected the amount of people so it is like other kosher restaurants in the area, too many people in too tight of a space. I might suggest take out.