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When you save energy, you save money. Check back here each month for new ways to make your home or business more energy-efficient.

for 20 minutes. Add the drained and rinsed beans and continue to simmer, uncovered, for 30-35 minutes more, or until the rice breaks open.

Using a liquid measuring cup, carefully remove 2 cups of the hot soup, including broth, veggies and rice, and put it in a blender, along with 1 cup of water. Drain the cashews, then add them and the dried sage to the blender. Blend on high for about 1 minute, until creamy. Pour the creamy mixture back into the soup. Add the soy sauce. Taste and, if needed, add the remaining 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Adjust seasonings as desired. Garnish with freshly ground pepper. 

If you want to save money on your monthly energy bill, the sun is a great source of free heat. By opening your blinds during the day, you can take advantage of the sun’s rays to naturally heat your home. However, windows can also be a source for heat loss, so you should close your curtains and blinds when the sun goes down to prevent heat loss. A great way to ensure you get your curtains closed in the evening is to purchase smart curtains. These will allow you to schedule when the curtains open and close 

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