One decorating trick designers love is to install dimmer switches in homes to create mood and atmosphere lighting. But dimmer switches do more than let you control how bright a room is: They can also save you money. A dimmer switch saves energy because it reduces the flow of electricity to a lightbulb, resulting in less light output. Halogen bulbs on a dimmer can actually use 20 percent less energy when dimmed. Energy-efficient LED bulbs can save even more energy when dimmed. And since there’s less stress on a bulb, the lightbulbs last longer, too.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Your once-worn bridesmaid dress, cocktail party dress or other special occasion jewelry and accessories can be given a whole new life through the nonprofit DonateMyDress.org. The first national campaign that collects lightly worn formal wear for girls organizes local drives across the United States to collect items and give them to young girls who can’t afford to purchase a dress for a special occasion like a prom or formal. It's a simple way to bring some glamour into another girl’s life!

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When packing a lunch to take to the office or for your kid to take to school, think about double-duty items to pack and keep your food chilled. Freezing a container of yogurt, for example, does two things: It transforms the yogurt into an icepack while also keeping it cold and ready for lunch. Freezing a juice container or thermos of water may work, but these liquids rarely thaw out completely in time for lunch. Dairy items like yogurt freeze hard, but thaw quickly. So by lunchtime, they’ll be the perfect creamy consistency. And remember: Yogurt containers are easily recyclable in most communities.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION