7/5/12

Don't preheat your oven too soon when you make your next batch of cookies. Ovens can be energy hogs, so it pays to prep first, then heat. If your oven needs a good cleaning, use the self-cleaning function after you've baked something. The oven's already heated up, and it will take less time for the function to run its course.

7/4/12

A backyard deck is a great place to entertain. You can extend the life of real wood decks with just a little simple maintenance. Traditionally, wood stains are oil-based products that simply coat the wood with a waxy, paraffin-based ingredient. Choosing a water-based stain will help it to saturate the wood for longer protection. It is a much greener choice since it allows the wood to breathe while it's being protected. Water-based stains contain a lower amount of volatile organic compounds, which means there are less chemicals contributing to smog and ozone depletion.

7/3/12

If you want to save time and money next time you do yard work, try grasscycling. When you mow your lawn, leave the clippings behind on the grass -- they’ll break down naturally and turn into fertilizer for the lawn. This can reduce your fertilizer needs by as much as 50 percent. The best parts? No bagging grass clippings, and no hauling those bags to the trash.