9/17/12

Always Buy Organic: milk. When you buy organic, it means the cows aren't treated with synthetic hormones or antibiotics, and they have spent at least one year in open fields grazing on grass. Organic milk lasts longer than conventional milk; it is sterilized at a higher temperature than regular milk -- 280 degrees vs. 145 degrees -- so organic milk's shelf life is up to two months. Less spoiled milk means you save money in the long run.

9/16/12

Programmable thermostats help you save on energy costs since they turn your heating or cooling on only to maintain a set temperature in the house. While most of us know that placing a thermostat near a heat-generating source -- like a stove or space heater -- is bad planning, so is placing it near a television or lamp. Any electric product that generates heat can trigger the thermostat to think it's hotter than the room is, forcing units to work longer, using more energy.

9/15/12

While lemon-lime sodas like 7UP and Sprite may not be a healthy choice for refreshment, they can be a natural choice to polish silver jewelry. Simply place your silver-plated or sterling silver pieces in a cup, and pour the lemon-lime soda on top. Let the jewelry soak for about an hour, then rinse with water and dry thoroughly. The citric acid in soda, along with the bubbling carbonation, help to remove tarnish, crud, dirt and oil buildup to reveal shiny, new-looking baubles.