My tip for today is something I discovered a few years ago. I spent many years going out in the cold to plug and unplug the little Christmas trees I have out on my porch. Then I found the timers you can buy. I got a timer that would turn on at dusk, and it allows you to leave it on for 4,6, 8 hours or until light. I set mine to turn on at dusk and then stay on for 8 hours, and I don't have to think about it again. I also bought a timer to use for my tree inside. This one has a clock, with set times to turn on and off - much nicer than crawling under the tree to plug it in!
These timers are usually available in the same area as the lights and extension cords.
For more tips, visit Kristen at We are THAT Family.
20 comments:
Oh My Gosh Mari Sweetie...
I had no idea. Guess where I am going tomorrow on my way home. I will be making a stop by Ace Hardware.
Now I know you are thinking we don't have the cold here in the desert that you have, but I am just not able to go out and plug and unplug these darn lights. A timer would solve my problems and the same with the trees in the house. Oh I am so tickled sweet friend.
Thank you for the beautiful tip of the year. Many hugs to you sweetie, and so much love, Sherry
We can't live around here without our timers. My outside lights would never get plugged in without them (it's too cold and I'm too lazy)!
Jane
Great idea to pass on! When we still lived in our house we also used the timers for vacation - putting different room's lights on, according to our normal schedule when we're home!
Great idea! I never even thought about that... oh good grief! One of those "duh" moments of why didn't I think of that. :)
GREAT tip. I didn't get the lights on last night while hubby was away cause I couldn't figure out his system. :)
Yep....they're a dream. I use 'em when we'll be gone at night also...for outdoor lighting in the landscape.
We have timers on our outside lights too, but this year the one in the front of the house is playing little tricks on us. We put the timer on for four hours. It came on for an hour, then went off. Sometime in the night, it came on again so when I got up at 4:30, the lights were on. My neighbor asked me what was going on. We never leave the lights on all night long so she was wondering.
The timer on the back yard lights is still working fine. I guess they do get old and have to be replaced so we will keep a check on that one.
Oh, and another thing, we have an animated deer in the front lawn. It is an old deer so this year Alan took all the old lights off and replaced everyone with new lines of lights. We looked out last night and the lights on the deer's neck are out! UGH! =)
Jolly, Jolly Christmas!
I think I'm going to invest in a timer. I'm the one always turning the lights off!
Thanks for the tip.
my mom has one of those for her reindeer in the front yard - said its great! :)
Timers are great. So useful!
What a great idea! Never thought of that!
We used them when we lived in town.
It was a great idea someone had.
I also hate going out when it is dark and cold.
Thanks for passing this idea along.
Hugs
My husband has always used timers. If it's a gadget that makes life easier, he's all over it. :) Great tip!
My next-door neighbor has those. So cool!!
I haven't turned mine on the last 2 nights because I didn't want to go out in the freezing cold. I need to use a timer!
Mari,
I could us one of those handy timers for my front lights right now! I use timers when I go on vacation, but never thought to use them for holiday lights.
FYI, I thought your name was pronounced Mar "e" so got a surprise when Robert called you Mary.
I also see you got a little snow your way! Take it easy driving.
Hugs, Cathy
Awesome idea!
I use timers, too!! One of my favorite things about having them is that I have my tree inside set to turn on at 6:30 in the morning. And when I walk into the living room first thing in the morning (especially on Christmas Day), the lights are already on and sparkling. It's sort of magical and heart-warming. :)
Tom likes to do all the lights and he has them all on timers. He even puts the rope light around the pool in the summer and has that on a timer too! He is awesome! You will love how easy you have it now with that little trick.
We totally need one of these! Or more. Our outside lights don't get turned off. The kids and I are too lazy and don't want to go out in the cold before we go to bed to turn them off.
Ashley is standing here and just noticed your blog is snowing!
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