Many people keep sticks of butter at room temperature, so the butter is easily spreadable at a moment’s notice. But over time, the oils in butter can go rancid. If you keep butter refrigerated, it should last at least two weeks past the expiration date after you open it. And to extend the life of butter even longer, freeze it: It’ll last almost nine months. To soften butter to room temperature, microwave it for 15 seconds at 30 percent power. It’ll be soft and spreadable in seconds.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

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