8/14/12

The average home uses about $1,900 a year in energy, and the kitchen is an obvious place to look to when trying to cut back. One of the easiest ways to lower energy costs is to use your microwave oven instead of the stovetop. Skip boiling water in a kettle and, instead, heat water in a mug in the microwave. You can still have hot tea and use two-thirds less energy in the process.

8/13/12

It can be nearly impossible to remove an ink stain from clothing when a ballpoint pen explodes. Here's a resourceful way to treat the stain and make your clothes look as good as new: Cover the stain in hand sanitizer. Clear, gel-based hand sanitizers are loaded with alcohol, which help lift the stain from the fibers of clothes. Saturating the stain makes it easy for the stain to be removed when washed. Just allow the hand sanitizer to saturate for at least 10 minutes before washing.

8/12/12

The summer months are a great time to stock up on seasonal produce when it is at its peak, abundant and cheap. But did you know that you can stock up on avocados and freeze them? Simply cut the avocado in half and remove the pit; place the halved avocados (with the skin still on) inside a plastic freezer bag, and squeeze as much air out as possible. The fruit will freeze well and be good to use for up to three months.