12/1/12

Installing new marble or granite countertops can be very expensive, but for resell value of your home, it’s a great investment. Here's a simple way to save money and "reuse" a mined material: Visit your local fabricator and ask to shop its yard of discards or leftovers. These are giant slabs that were either returned or are leftover from other jobs. Most stores will sell these to you at a significant discount and even cut, smooth and install it.

11/30/12

Old sponges can be given a second life as freezer packs. First, wet your sponge and disinfect it in the microwave by heating it on high for 90 seconds. When it is cool, soak it in water and place it inside a freezer bag. After it's frozen, place it in shopping bags when you grocery shop, and it will help keep frozen food cold longer. As the ice melts, the sponge will automatically reabsorb the water.

11/29/12

If you are switching cellphone carriers, you may not need to buy a whole new phone. Many cellphone companies that are courting your business will activate a deactivated phone for you if you switch to their plans. This cuts back on the electronic waste piling up in our homes. The only way to know if your new carrier will do this is to bring in your old phone and ask.