Localhost: XAMPP
Language: PHP
Database: Sequel Pro
Editor: Coda
OS: Snow Leopard

I usually set up my sites in the Default ~/Sites folder on my Mac, just to keep things in one area mainly and for this demo we'll be using stardup.com (a domain I own and have never really done anything with due to time restraints).

I found this tutorial online a while back by Arron Wolf and it was a really good way to keep my logical file structure instead of duping directories back and forth from XAMPP's native htdocs folder. This is not super intense a process even though some people may shy away from Command Line. Follow along with the instructions on that site if you want to get it set up for your latest project. Go ahead, I'll wait…

…Okay great, you're back! Now let's begin with one really dead easy trick to keep your configuration files working on both sides, without having to change them every time you commit many site changes.

This can be done in any other programming language, however the if/else syntax changes a bit. I've also begun taking this a little further, including other bits in my code like $header and $footer stuff that will help me visually determine which one I may be looking at (as I'm often too lazy to look at the address bar).

So my next tip is related to running a lightweight version of XAMPP (because you really don't need all of the features for local development). I write a very simple Applescript that launches XAMPP with options, and then placed it in my System Preferences > Accounts > My Account > Login Items

Now I know a lot of the more hardcore programmers are probably wondering why I have to do the username/pass with administrator privileges twice, the answer is because I know only as much Applescript as I need to, and nothing more.

Devaluing the Boob Tube

There was a day, when you may not have had cable or satellite television. Now you rely on this luxury as the main form of entertainment in your home. Have you forgotten you could be just as happy playing a game of cards with friends and family or by dusting off those old board games? Stage a fun scavenger hunt or a mystery for your family to solve (think fun, not suspense). Many have forgotten the joy of reading a book. If you still want to get a fix for reality, create your own show with that miniDV you bought a few years back and haven't used!

Saving the Planet While Saving Money

When I was a kid, you could drink water from a hose in the backyard or even the kitchen sink, but for years people have been brainwashed into believing that bottled water is really better for them. Now I don't want to start an eco-rant about plastic bottles, but it does bear mentioning that people do not think about the benefits of slight impurities in our water. Germs can actually be beneficial in helping us keep and build a stronger immune system. If you're like me, you can always fill an old milk jug with water and keep it in the refrigerator; the illusion of cold water may help you believe that it's better just because it's colder! Speaking of temperature, growing up it was like a holiday at my house when dad turned on the air conditioner. Now we do it when the temperature gets up around 75 degrees. Today too many people go from heating to cooling with the changing seasons and neglect to open their windows to let fresh air indoors.

Reducing Trips to Increase Cash

Gone are the days of the gas-guzzlers. Of course commuting is a big deal with the high cost of petroleum in the world market. Some common sense could be planning your daily route to include other activities and stops so you aren't making needless trips. Let's say that tomorrow you have to go to the office and the grocery store, oh and pick up a gift for the Jones' anniversary. That used to be three separate trips before the gas prices went completely haywire. Now it's basically heading into the office and on the ride home pick up that DVD boxed set for the Jones' before your trip to the grocery store, finally you're heading to your doorstep with your hands full and a feeling that you may have saved a few bucks. Instead of driving down the block to grab that candy bar you've been craving, take a walk or ride a bike. This of course has a two-pronged set of results, you're saving some money on gas and burning a couple calories to help burn off that candy bar you just picked up.

Technically Speaking

So what about our technical devices, can we save money while keeping our home office running smoothly? A lot of my friends have beefed up home offices, from the laptop to multiple displays to printers and backup drives, and don't forget that desk lamp. I try to follow simple logic in my home office, if I'm on the computer, I should be doing something productive that leads to profit. When I'm not, the Powermac is asleep and monitors are not only off, but unplugged along with my printer. A few years ago I started reading up on how to live more green and I was astonished to learn that even if my devices were turned off, they were still drawing a slight current. Now day-to-day or week-to-week these tricks may not appear to put a dent in costs, but if worked up on the yearly budget it can make a difference.

Home Office Can Be Less Taxing

In addition to these changes, take advantage of tax write-offs that can net in a slightly better return at tax time. If you check your work email or have to get those copy changes to your PM, you can write off a portion of your broadband or even some of that electrical bill. You just have to remember not to get greedy about it, or your friendly representative of the Internal Revenue Service may pay you a visit. Other logical write-offs can come in form of printing supplies, and that new MacBook or whatnot you've had your eye on.

With that said, this is still a very small tip of the iceberg. I'm hoping to open a dialog for people to share ideas so that we all might live a little better. Be sure to comment and see what others may have shared.