As I was bumbling around my first time in Blender, I found this site that had a few tips to reduce render times based on CPU or GPU rendering. I changed some settings, and my render time went from an hour to just 15 minutes. >_>;;;

Here's the post:
http://www.blenderguru.com/articles/4-easy-ways-to-speed-up-cycles/

Here's a post on how to reduce noise in general:
http://www.blenderguru.com/articles/7-ways-get-rid-fireflies/

I followed most of the tips on both websites, and it seems I really can't avoid making noise using small glowy objects. (small flat plane, emission, around 50 strength)

Is there any way to make small glowy things without making so much noise?