Week of 6/4/2008

Great Gift Idea

There are so many times during the year when a small gift is appropriate, but what can you give that is both cheap and meaningful. The Digital Photo Frame 1.5" LCD Picture Album Keychain fills the bill. This little gizmo holds up to 79 photos.

Think of how many ways this inexpensive gift idea -- around $16 -- can be used. Great for mom and dad, grandma and grandpa, to show off their kids/grandkids. (Think Mother's Day, Father's Day.) Visiting friends or relatives in another state? Send them a keepsake of your time together. Get one for yourself to show off family, vacation highlights, stupid pet tricks, whatever your heart desires. It's easier than carrying around your laptop.

This is a true "any occasion" gift that will be enjoyed by all and leave a lasting impression whether you fill it up with photos to give or not.

 Week of 6/11/2008

Water Water Everywhere

Judging from the weather around the country, you'd think there was an over-abundance of our life's blood. Not so, say researchers. Potable water is becoming scarcer and scarcer. Ground water, the source of much of the country's drinking water, is being used up faster than it can be replenished.

With the advent of summer when water usage is at its highest, we turn to some easy ways to save the wet stuff and help the planet as well.

Run the dishwasher and washing machine only when they are full.

Don't pre-rinse dishes before you put them in the dishwasher.

Wash small loads of dishes in the sink, place soapy dishes in a rack and spray rinse.

Wash fruits and veggies in a bowl of water using a brush. Don't run them under water.

Chill drinking water in the fridge. Don't run the water until it gets cold.

Don't use your toilet as a wastebasket.

Fix leaky hoses and hose connections.

Place sprinklers so they're not watering driveways and sidewalks.

Water during the coolest part of the day. Don't water when it's windy.

Use recycled water from boiled eggs and potatoes, tea kettles, washed fruits and veggies, dehumidifier condensate, rain barrels and anyplace you might throw used water down the drain.

Week of 6/18/2008

Little Ways To Save That Add Up To Big $$

Over 70% of Americans now say that the price of gas and food is causing them financial distress. Anything you can do to help the strain on your budget is a step towards stress relief. Here are some little ways that can save you big dollars.

1. Stay at home more. When you leave the house, chances are you're going to spend money -- somewhere. Plan pot-luck meals with friends or family. Walk to a near-by park for a picnic or to let the kids play. Stay out of the car. Stay out of the stores. You won't be tempted to spend money on non-essential items. 
2. Learn to do minor plumbing and electrical repairs yourself. A book like the Complete Fix-It-Yourself Manual help you to get started. 
3. Buy only items that require as little maintenance as possible. 
4. Buy washable clothing. Dry cleaning is expensive. 
5. Learn to barter, borrow, share, switch, substitute, simplify, and conserve goods and services. 
6. Walk or bike more; drive less. Carpool to work, meetings and even shopping trips. 
7. Close the doors and turn off the heat or air conditioning to rooms you're not using. 
8. Turn off the A/C and open the windows in moderate weather. Turn down the heat in cooler weather and wear warm clothes around the house. (Keep your feet warm. If they are warm, your whole body is warm.) 

Always remember: If you don't need it, it's not a good buy at any price. 

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