9/3/12

Have you removed yourself from as many mailing lists as possible but still get junk mail? Your perfectionism may be to blame. When you file a permanent change-of-address form at the post office, your name gets put onto a new mailing list. That list identifies you as a new resident at your address, and the process of getting inundated with junk mail begins again. When you move, don't file a change of address; instead, notify individual companies about your move.

9/2/12

If you haven't played that violin, clarinet or drum set in a long time, dust it off and recycle it! Many high schools will accept good-quality musical instruments for their music programs. The school will give the instrument to a student to use for the school year. Why give? Children with music education perform better in math and develop better problem-solving skills. Now that's something to sing about!

9/1/12

When cooking on electric stovetops, be sure to use the right size burners for the right size pans. If you're frying an egg in a small pan, use the smaller burner; use the larger ones for stockpots or large skillets. Using a large burner to heat up a small pan or pot can use up to 40 percent too much energy.