Energy|Lighten up
Compact fluorescent lightbulbs endorsed by Energy Star use at least two- thirds less energy than standard incandescent bulbs. They also generate less heat, provide the same amount of light and burn many times longer, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The bulbs are available in various sizes and shapes and can be used indoors and outdoors.
Space|Play time
Elizabeth Mayhew, a “Today” show style and design consultant, recently gave viewers these ideas for creating order out of chaos in a child’s playroom:
Tackle toy clutter first by weeding out any toys kids have outgrown, don’t like or that are falling apart.
Teach kids early to sort and label their stuff by designating boxes and bins for specific types of toys like “cars,” “dolls” or “games.”
Hang low pegs or hooks so kids can store play clothes the same way they do coats, hats and backpacks at school.
Money|Surf savings
Consumers save an average of 44 percent on home electronics when they shop online, according to the Internet comparison shopping tool dealio.com. Company execs say brick-and-mortar electronics stores capitalize on the holiday shopping crush and the gratification of an instant purchase to mark up prices beyond what shoppers will find on the web.
Time|Speed scrub
Home cooks who repeatedly wash their hands to rid them of garlic, onion or fish smells can instead get rid of lingering odors by dousing them in lemon juice or rubbing them with a couple of teaspoons of mouthwash, according to “834 Kitchen Quick Tips” (America’s Test Kitchen, $16.95).
