9/9/13

If you're planning a party or theme event at home, there's no need to spend money on expensive downloads or CDs you're going to use only once. When you're looking for one-time use theme music -- whether it's classical, Broadway or children's tunes -- take a trip to the public library. You can go through the selection of CDs, borrow them for free and return them when you're done. Some public libraries even offer free downloads for a limited time.

9/8/13

When sowing seed for a new lawn or repatching a brown area with new grass, remember this one simple rule: Not all grass seed is the same. First, take note of the type of climate you live in: Do you get lots of rain or very little to no rain? Does your lawn have lots of sunlight, or is it shady for most of the day? Purchase the right type of grass seed that will thrive in the type of environment you're trying to grow. And in the fall, make a habit of overseeding your lawn by spreading grass seeds on top of the lawn. This will ensure a thicker lawn that actually helps crowd out weeds, which then removes any need for chemical herbicides in the spring.

9/7/13

Your public library can be more than a free resource for books, DVDs and as a place to research new information: It can also help your home become more energy efficient. Many public libraries also offer money-saving devices you can borrow for free. One item is called a Kill A Watt monitor, an electricity usage monitor. It tells you exactly how much energy your electronics use and empowers you to make energy-saving adjustments on the spot.