3/14/09

When baking, don't preheat the oven too soon when making a batch of cookies. Ovens can be energy hogs, so it pays to prep first, then heat. Also, if your oven needs a good cleaning, use the self-cleaning function AFTER you've baked something. It's already heated up and will take less time for the function to run its course.

3/13/09

Got a spare change jar? Bring your change to any Coinstar machine (www.coinstar.com), and you can donate your change instantly to a variety of nonprofit organizations, including the World Wildlife Fund and the American Red Cross. You'll also receive a receipt for tax-deduction purposes for your spare change gift.

3/12/09

Instead of buying all new clothes when updating your wardrobe, consider hiring a tailor to update some pieces instead. A good seamstress can alter pants, skirts, shirts and jackets to be transformed from boxy to a more modern, form-fitting silhouette instead. Tailoring can be a great way to rescue expensive clothes, especially if you've recently lost weight, too.