5 Things You'll Find on our Website

1. 3 Ways to Cut Your Energy Bill
2. 7 Home Filters You Probably Didn't Know Should Be Changed
3. Portion Control: The Key to Weight Loss
4. Top 5 Healthy Habits for Pets and Their Owners
5. Three Helpful Tips for Renting Out Your Home

3 Ways to Cut Your Energy Bill

During hotter days, the wonderful coolness of our air-conditioned homes is comforting until the whopping energy bill arrives. The American Lighting Association (ALA) offers the following easy ways to use less energy and save money.

Replace bulbs with CFLs

Switch out incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent versions.

"A compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) can provide the same amount of light as an incandescent by using only one-quarter of the electricity," explains Joe Rey-Barreau, education consultant for the ALA and an associate professor at the University of Kentucky's School of Interior Design.

"One of the great myths regarding lighting today is that the federal government is 'banning' incandescent lighting," Rey-Barreau says. "This is false. Incandescent lighting is not being banned. The new legislation is only affecting the standard 100-watt incandescent bulb, which will no longer be sold beginning in 2012. However, an incandescent bulb that uses only 72 watts will replace it. This new bulb uses halogen incandescent technology to produce a more efficient incandescent bulb."

Install ceiling fans

Install a ceiling fan in frequently occupied rooms. Ceiling fans use a fraction of the electricity of an AC unit. Therefore, the thermostat can be raised six degrees -- say, to 78 degrees -- and make a room feel as comfortable as if the ambient temperature were really 72 degrees.

Utilize lighting controls

Lighting controls are an excellent option for saving energy. It is not necessary to invest in a comprehensive control system where the entire house is rewired. There are simple and less-expensive methods for controlling light to save energy, such as motion sensors, photocells that operate according to light levels, timers and dimmers.

Thanks to breaking technology, lighting has become more efficient than ever before. Visit an ALA-member lighting showroom to receive professional tips on energy-saving. To find a local ALA-member showroom, go to www.americanlightingassoc.com.

7 Home Filters You Probably Didn't Know Should Be Changed

Home cleaning is a catch-all phrase for the general de-clutter and organizational projects that abound when messiness trumps neatness. But in addition to clearing out the garage, don't forget to change those oft-neglected filters that can harm your health if left unclean.

"Humidifier filters, for example, are designed to wick the water and make it easier to evaporate in the air to increase humidity. But, if not changed they can become oversaturated and susceptible to mold, mildew, and bacteria growth that can make you sick," says Alex Hertzog, a water specialist with Filters Fast who is certified by the Water Quality Association.

Most of us eventually remember to change the obvious filters, like those on our stove vents or the PUR filter on our tap. But what about changing filters you don't even know you have?

According to the experts, there are seven filters you probably don't know you should be changing.

1. Microwave filter. The filter traps grease and odors from the air, thus protecting the appliance and also preventing odors from recirculating and affecting the taste and smell of your food. The microwave filter should be replaced every 6-12 months.

2. Showerhead filter. The filter reduces harmful chemicals that can dry out your hair and skin, leading to other negative effects on the body. It should be replaced every 3-6 months.

3. Humidifier. Most people know humidifiers have a filter that should be changed, but what they don't realize is that many humidifiers actually have up to three filters. It's important to change all three filters.

4. Coffee maker filter. A filter is used in most coffee makers, and it should be replaced approximately every 60 brews.

"They're designed to remove the disinfection chemicals from tap water. If the filters aren't changed, they cause more exposure to ingesting chlorine," says Hertzog.

5. Furnace filter. To reduce allergens like pollen, dust, pet dander, mold spores and dust mites from leaking into the air, it should be changed every 3-6 months.

6. Dryer lint filter screen. The lint filter screen should be replaced as needed, if it has build-up or tears in the screen. Changing the filter can prevent fire hazards, extend the life of your dryer and reduce energy bills.

7. Refrigerator filter. The filter on a fridge keeps ice fresh and cleans the water dispensed from the refrigerator.

Get more filter-related advice at www.filtersfast.com.

Portion Control: The Key to Weight Loss

The rigors of appearing on the reality TV show The Biggest Loser led Lisa Mosley to the emotional breakthrough that empowered her to lose almost 100 pounds. But it was portion control that kept her losing weight when she returned home from the set.

"I live on the motto "Moderation not deprivation," she says. "As soon as I got home from the ranch, I started using a small plate instead of big dinner plates. It has been extremely successful for me."

Mosley didn't start gaining weight until she was about 20, when she began taking medication for a chronic anxiety disorder. The medication made her feel like a new person, but within six months she began to gain weight. Over the next 10 years she gained about 120 pounds.

By 2010, Lisa had suffered several personal setbacks. She had been laid off from her job, had lost her home and had no prospects to find work. The defining moment in her struggle to lose weight came when she discovered that her daughter had stopped eating and drinking because she didn't want to be heavy like her mom.

That spurred Lisa to take action, including her willingness to bare her soul on The Biggest Loser.

When Lisa left the show, she had dropped 60 pounds. But she continued to lose weight, dropping another 37 pounds at home after she learned to control the size of her portions.

She recently became the national spokeswoman for Yum Yum Dishes, sets of hand-painted 4-ounce ceramic bowls. Tracy Adler, mother of two and former restaurant owner, created the bowls to help parents and kids control the size of their snacks.

"The idea for these dishes is what got me through this," Mosley says. "A lot of times when I have entered into diets in the past, I went into it thinking I am never going to get a cookie, ice cream, or a piece of cake again. I was never successful with that," she adds. "These dishes remind you that your life isn't over and you are not going to be missing out."

Today Mosley works as a fitness boot camp instructor and personal trainer. She weighs about 190 pounds, wears a size 12 and is happy with herself.

"I am literally a different person," she says, "not just in how I feel physically but also how I feel mentally and emotionally."

For more information, visit www.yumyumdishes.com.

Top 5 Healthy Habits for Pets and Their Owners

Pets are the lights of their owners' lives. And keeping pets healthy is key to extending the warmth and love for years.

Dr. Ernie Ward, nationally renowned veterinarian, pet author and founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, offers his 'Top 5 Healthy Habits' for pet owners to help ensure pets stay happy and healthy throughout the year:

1. Healthy Eats and Treats. The most important decision you make each day regarding your pet's health is what you feed it. When choosing pet food, look for meat as one of the first few ingredients, and avoid by-products, artificial flavors, colors and preservatives whenever possible. When it comes to treats, look for low-cal options that confer some health benefit. Treats that help maintain healthy joints, clean teeth or ensure pills are taken are recommended. The Greenies Brand specializes in great-tasting treats individually formulated to deliver these benefits. If you're going to give treats, make them count!

2. Brain Boosters. Most people love puzzles -- and so does your pet! One of the best ways to feed and treat pets is with a food puzzle. These clever devices hide your pet's food or treats until they unlock the secret and get their goodies. These tools engage your pet's brain and bust boredom while you're away. Forget peanut butter-stuffed toys; these toys stimulate thought and don't pack on the pounds!

3. Power Play. Walking your dog and playing with your cat each day keeps them trim, healthy and mentally alert. Pets that don't receive enough physical activity ("lap potatoes") have the highest rates of weight-related diseases such as arthritis and diabetes and suffer from behavioral problems. For dogs, 20 to 30 minutes of brisk walking each day benefits both ends of the leash. For cats, two or three five-minute play periods are plenty. And don't worry! Walking with your pet can be fun! Try programs like Greenies Wag & Walk 4 Life, and get active with your pet.

4. Paws Together. It's more fun to play with other dogs! Socialized dogs are simply better behaved and more fun. Visit a dog park, enroll in training classes or become active in serving your community. There are endless ways to get you and your dog to interact with other pet lovers. Share the fun and join a new pack!

5. Pets and Vets. Somehow pet owners started believing that the only time you need a vet is when something is wrong with your pet. The secret to a long and healthy life is vet visits when everything appears fine. A pet owner's primary goal should be to prevent disease, not only treat it. Changes in diet or lifestyle, giving nutritional supplements and exercising more are straight forward solutions. Sometimes you just need a prod; other times a push. Your veterinarian is your pet's voice; let them speak for your pet by visiting once a year for young pets and twice yearly for those over age seven.

For more best-care tips for pets, visit www.greenies.com and www.drernieward.com.

Three Helpful Tips for Renting Out Your Home

Home ownership has always been a part of the American dream, but that may be changing. Uncertainty in the housing market has led many would-be buyers to believe that renting's the better option.

According to a May 2010 online survey commissioned by the National Apartment Association, 76 percent of consumers think that renting is preferable to owning a home in today's market.

Likewise, some homeowners believe it's better to rent out their home than to sell it for less than its worth, if they can sell it all. Those considering renting out their property shouldn't make a hasty decision. Neglecting to weigh the costs and potential risks could put first-time landlords in a poor situation. Moco, Inc., a company that provides screening services to property owners, managers and employers throughout the United States, offers the following tips:

* Look at the numbers. Renting might not be the best option. If you're going to lose money each month, it might make more sense to sell, even if you won't get your asking price. Consider all potential costs, including property taxes, income taxes on your tenants' rent, maintenance, and the normal wear and tear your property will experience. Remember that you won't be able to pocket all of the rent money; you will have to put a portion of it back into the property.

* Find quality tenants. Nightmare tenants can be, well, a nightmare. Prepare for a careful screening process. Many private landlords can't access the quality screening products available to larger businesses without going through a lengthy certification process. However, you can avoid time and expense by asking your applicants to visit MyScreeningReport.com. The report includes a consumer credit report, SSN verification, comprehensive criminal search, eviction search, national sex offender registry search and an OFAC (federal terrorism database) search -- everything you need to determine whether a potential tenant meets your standards.

* Use an all-encompassing lease. Whether you use a template or hire an attorney to write your lease, make sure that the lease clearly states your expectations. The lease should state who is responsible for what, when you expect rent to be paid and what penalties you will impose if it is late.

For more information, visit www.MyScreeningReport.com.