11/26/11

Here's a shocking way how your name ends up on junk mail lists: your credit card companies. These companies are big sellers of mailing lists to direct mail marketers. An easy way to stop your name from being sold is to call each of your credit card companies, including store cards, and ask them to not include you on any mailing lists.

11/25/11

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a leaky household fixture or irrigation system can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water per year, which is enough to fill a backyard swimming pool. In the cooler months, take the time to inspect your outdoor faucets for any leaks. Better yet, turn off the water valves to the outdoor faucets and unhook the garden hose so there's no water whatsoever in those pipes. This will also help prevent them from bursting in case they freeze, saving you from having a costly repair bill.

11/24/11

Keep drafts at bay by using a pair of old jeans. Simply cut off the legs of the jeans and fill them with loose, clean pebbles or dried beans. (Kids' jeans and slim jeans work best.) Stitch the ends with a needle and thread and place these denim draft dodgers along the edges of doors and windows to keep cold air out.