Thinking about making a New Year’s resolution to continue to live a greener lifestyle? In addition to using energy-efficient appliances, carrying reusable shopping totes or recycling, consider reducing your dependency on one of the most precious resources – water.
When making your child’s holiday gift list this year, check it twice to make sure the toys you buy provide exceptional play value. Nothing offers a child better playtime than a toy that’s age appropriate, fans an interest and provides endless opportunities for imaginative play.
There’s no question that the majority of Americans want to make green purchases and do their part to help preserve the environment. But even as the economy starts to turn around, more than two thirds of U.S. consumers say price is the biggest obstacle preventing them from buying green goods or services this year. Fortunately, there are several easy adjustments you can make to your weekly routine which can help you do your part to preserve the environment and your paycheck.
Water may not be the renewable resource you think it is. In fact, 36 states anticipate shortages by 2013, according to U.S. government estimates. But the good news is you can do a lot to reduce the amount of water you use in the home, which helps save the environment and also save you money on your water bill.
The holiday shopping marathon is off to a great start with stores offering discounts to entice shoppers with some great bargains and deals on holiday gifts for the season.
When you sit back to relax in the tub, or take time to preen in front of the bathroom vanity, do you often feel that the setting just isn’t giving you the comforting and spa-like experience you wish you could feel at home? Maybe it’s time you gave your bathroom a refreshing change – one that not only gives you the luxurious feeling of comfort and elegance, but also that benefits your wallet and the environment.
Long gone are the days of a holiday wish list filled with toys and board games. Nowadays, the best gifts are those that incorporate the latest in technology and innovation. With such amazing items available, like tablet PCs, e-readers or even digital showers, it’s time to bring your wish list into the 21st century. Instead of asking for standard stocking stuffers, spice up your holiday with all that the digital world has to offer.
If you’re like many Americans, you have recently made home improvements to lessen your impact on the environment. While you’ve already taken big strides toward saving energy – and money – you can conserve even more by making sure your new systems are running at peak efficiency.
If you’re gift-shopping for a do-it-yourselfer this Valentine’s Day – whether a seasoned pro, or someone learning to become handy around the house – tools are always appreciated gifts.
For some folks, dressing up isn’t just limited to finding the right Halloween costumes year after year. Dress-up parties are becoming more and more popular these days, as folks find that the fun of Halloween doesn’t have to be contained to one day a year.
If you’re looking to purchase or remodel a home, you likely are building a long list of “must-haves,” “must-dos” and “must-includes” for your new space. An aging population and a tough job market are influencing how people are living today and possibly into the future. If you’re like most home seekers and remodelers, you may find that your requirements fall in line with these five growing trends.
Smart phones, music players, e-readers, netbooks, remotes, pedometers – many popular technology gadgets make excellent holiday gifts. But each item separately takes up space in your purse, your briefcase and on your family room table. A smart gift giver this holiday season is one who consolidates the electronic gadgets – instead of adding to the pile.
Natural gas has become a major source of fuel in the United States today, in part because of a controversial drilling practice that is earning a great deal of attention in the news: hydraulic fracturing, better know as “fracking.” But as fracking has expanded, so too have concerns about its potential impact on American’s clean drinking water supplies.
Technology gadgets are big holiday gift items this year – as are all the accessories that can accompany them. Three out of four adults say they or someone in their household own a mobile phone or smart phone, 64 percent own a laptop computer and 49 percent own an MP3 player or iPod, according to a recent Ipsos survey – which shows just how popular these items are.
There’s a little secret to green living: While it might seem like something that is strictly altruistic, it can also be good for your wallet. As you make the switch to a more energy-conscious lifestyle, it might seem like things cost a bit more. However, over the long term, you’ll end up saving money as you make adjustments that are more environmentally friendly.
The holiday season is traditionally a time to show appreciation for the people who make your life easier throughout the year by giving a gift or tip. It can be daunting to identify all the people to thank and then find the time and money to get the right expression of appreciation for each. Here are some ideas to help you make sure that the important people in your life feel appreciated this holiday season.
Prices have dropped dramatically on high-definition flat screens in the past few years, and with retailers still competing fiercely for your dollar, chances are you’ll be able to score a good deal before the holidays arrive. But before you buy, you should know a few basics about flat screens, including the different types (plasma and LCD), sizes, advantages, disadvantages and mounting options. Here is the 411 on flat screens.
While many of us like to enjoy a batch of steamed fresh blue mussels on a chilly winter evening, few of us know the lengths that Atlantic Canadian mussel farmers go to in bringing them to market. From the spring until fall, farmers harvest mussels by pulling up ropes that have been suspended in the ocean. But in the winter, it’s not quite as straightforward.
Whatever the occasion – birthday, anniversary, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day or “just because” – you want to make sure you are sending a beautiful floral arrangement. Here’s some expert advice for giving flowers.
This holiday season, tech gifts are not just popular, they’re expected. Whether you’re buying for your husband, your children or even your parents, new technologies are available to suit their needs. A far cry from Tickle Me Elmo, this year’s hot gadgets offer the latest in connectivity and speed, which consumers have come to expect. Whether shopping online or in-store, be sure to check out this holiday season’s hottest tech gifts.
Fat is the enemy – that’s the philosophy of many Americans who are trying to lose excess weight. While plenty of proven health risks can be tied to carrying extra pounds, not all fat is bad, experts say. In fact dietary fat is considered an essential nutrient, and some “good” types of fat actually deliver a myriad of health benefits – including aiding in weight control.
When you’re looking for a gift that’s intimate and thoughtful, one that shows a personal touch and is also universally enjoyed, it’s hard to top the appeal of food.
As you cross the days off your 2010 calendar, have you noticed that you haven’t yet crossed many names off your holiday shopping list? It’s been a busy holiday season, and you can be forgiven for putting your gift shopping at the bottom of your to-do list. Finding an eleventh-hour gift doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated. Get your list checked off quickly.
The convenience of the Internet in providing access to a diverse inventory of products right at shoppers’ fingertips may account for the rise in online shopping. In addition, consumers can use the Web for product reviews and price comparisons, which enable them to make better purchasing decisions.
Floor-to-ceiling racks of premium wines housed in a brick-lined subterranean oasis tucked beneath your Italian villa may be your fantasy as a wine lover. But if your reality is more like a corner in the basement of your split-level – or even some empty floor space in the kitchen – having a dream-quality wine cellar is still well within your reach.
This holiday season, there will be lots of tech toys under the tree. According to a recent survey, 91 percent of moms will purchase battery-operated toys and gadgets this year. In fact, they plan to buy more tech toys than traditional toys.
Last year, when she was giddy over the anniversary of the day you both met, were you clueless? Did you fail to notice when she completely changed her hair style? Or – even worse – did you forget her birthday? Valentine’s Day is your opportunity to make up for it all – with gifts and experiences that will leave her breathless and delighted with your love for her.
Another new year and another round of resolutions are upon us. If you’re like most people, you reflect back on the last year, or years before, and think of the resolutions that somehow you didn’t quite achieve. If your resolutions involve health and nutrition, try planning your meals a week at a time.
Holiday shopping has changed a lot in the last few years. With more consumers doing their buying online each year, heading to the Web for gifts is the new norm. While the Web is an infinitely valuable resource for shopping, allowing you to get your checklist finished off without leaving your home, you can find smarter ways to approach buying holiday gifts on the Web.
Saving money is a big deal these days, but you don’t want to skimp on those Valentine’s Day gifts you plan to give to your special someone.
