7/27/11

If you'd like a free marble or granite chopping block for your kitchen, become friendly with your local countertop installers. When new kitchen or bathroom countertops are installed in homes, a fabricator has to cut out a large piece of stone to accommodate the sink in the counter. These slabs are often discarded, but could easily be a durable work surface in your kitchen to knead bread, cut food or even use as a pretty serving piece.

7/26/11

For serious home cooks, sometimes you want restaurant-quality equipment to whip up your favorite meals. Restaurant supply stores aren't just for the trade; they are also open to the public. Stainless steel worktables, cutting boards, mixing bowls and other restaurant staples are designed for long-term wear and tear and can be bought at bargain-basement prices. Consider putting them on your shopping list when planning your dream green kitchen.

7/25/11

Before donating toys to charity, make sure to give them a good cleaning. Most children's toys will go through the washer and dryer quite easily. If you're not sure that the toys are safe to use in your appliances (such as toys and dolls with fuzzy, acrylic fur), air-dry them on a hot, sunny day to avoid the possibility of the fur melting in the dryer.