One way to extend the life of your home appliances is to regularly inspect them for broken seals, food particle buildup and hard water scale. But did you know that not regularly using your appliances can also decrease their lifespan? It sounds odd, but appliances are designed to be used on a regular basis. If you have something that isn't used (especially one with a sealed system like a dishwasher or washing machine), it can deactivate and dry out over time. Appliance repair technicians recommend you use all appliances at least once a week. An inactive appliance that hasn't been used for months can actually fall apart when you do get around to using it.

Sure, we know that smoking cigarettes is bad for our health, harmful for the environment and a public nuisance. But did you know that the average smoker also spends about $1,825 a year on cigarettes? According to Smoke Free Oregon, that's the cost of one pack a day. If you smoke more, you know what that means: more money going up in flames. For your health, your family's health and for your wallet, maybe today's the day to give up smoking and use the savings for something better: A vacation to celebrate life.

You want to take home that seriously good eggplant Parmesan from the restaurant, but you don't want the wasteful Styrofoam containers. What do you do? New reusable plastic containers from GET Enterprises marry the convenience of disposable containers with the durability of commercial-strength reusable plastic. Called Eco-Takeouts, the containers have the shape and look of disposables (with individual compartments, clamshell shapes and even Chinese food cartons) with the sustainability of being dishwasher safe and reusable. Take the containers with you whenever you eat out so you can bring home leftovers without the guilt. Find them at webstaurantstore.com.