Beauty Tips: A must read for every woman

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.

For poise, walk with the knowledge that you will never walk alone.

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived,

reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anybody.

Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm.

As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.

The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.

It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows.

And the beauty of a woman, with passing years, only grows!

Reduce your home's air pollution and save energy

Your home may be your castle, but the average household can be responsible for nearly twice the greenhouse gas emissions as the average car, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Since the leading source of greenhouse gas emissions is energy production, it makes sense to ensure that your home is as energy efficient as possible.

Here are some simple steps you can take in your home to create a better environment for everyone, both inside and outside:

Make smarter HVAC choices

Heating and cooling accounts for as much as half of a home's energy use, so a good place to start is with your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Make sure it is in tip-top shape by scheduling a maintenance checkup with a certified dealer. He or she can inspect your system and make any necessary repairs to ensure the system is not wasting energy.

If your furnace is more than 10 years old, it may be time to consider replacing it with a newer, more energy-efficient model, as manufacturers now offer furnaces that can save up to 40 percent on energy consumption versus older models.

One model that meets and exceeds U.S. Department of Energy standards is the new American Standard Freedom (R) 95 Modulating Communicating Furnace. The furnace converts up to 95 percent or more of its fuel into heat. Rather than using an onagain off-again thermostat control found in less sophisticated furnaces, it uses temperature data from the thermostat to calculate its own heating cycle. It then adjusts the heat output with a fully modulating gas valve for consistent, comfortable heat and precise fuel control, significantly saving energy and keeping utility costs down.

Most models in this furnace family are among the many energy saving models that qualify for a tax credit. Thanks to the passage of the Economic Stimulus Bill, homeowners may be eligible for a tax credit if they purchase certain types of HVAC systems between Jan. 1, 2009 and Dec. 31, 2010.

Depending on the system you purchase, you could receive a tax credit of up to $1,500 on your 2009 or 2010 income tax return. For information on any tax credits you could claim, contact a tax professional.

Properly seal your home and ductwork

The EPA recommends that you seal air leaks in your home to reduce drafts and get the full performance out of your home's insulation. Sealing the ducts is also a good idea, since poorly performing ducts can leak conditioned air and reduce your system's efficiency by as much as 20 percent. Sealing leaks and insulating the ducts in attics and crawl spaces can improve energy efficiency and keep your home comfortable as well.

Take advantage of ENERGY STAR-qualified products

The EPA developed the ENERGY STAR program to reduce the nation's energy consumption. Choosing products for your home that bear the ENERGY STAR logo is an important step to consuming less energy. Qualified products are available in multiple categories including heating and cooling equipment, appliances, home electronics and lighting. Be sure to ask your dealer about local incentives that are offered by many utility companies and financial institutions for the purchase of ENERGY STAR products.

For more information on how to save energy at home or to locate a qualified independent American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning dealer, visit www.AmericanStandardAir.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Travelling with Ease

Travelling does not mean spending through your nose or always going for the costliest services. All you need to save money while traveling is good planning before the tour and taking logical decisions during the tour. For instance, if you visit Honolulu during peak season and get the lowest price at the best hotel, you still have an expensive holiday. Here are some travel advices which will definitely give you the best value for the money you spend while travelling.

1.Rent a car wherever you go instead of opting for costly means of transport. There are various levels of car rental. Be frugal and make sure that you rent a car that is reliable. Luxury, if available within the price, is an added benefit. Moreover, if you are driving to your destination, take a car for rent as this will keep your own car from getting damaged. Upgrades are also available with some agencies for certain terms and conditions. Evaluate them to find whether they suit you.

2.For meals and snacks it is advisable to find restaurants that are cheap. Check out the places haunted by children. They are bound to be cheap. It’s not necessary for you to order a full course lunch every time. Breaking it up into little snack sessions will actually save you a lot of money at the end of the day.

3.Avoid restaurants when having food at hotels. Take simple food in your room. You will save a good amount of money also on tips. If you do have to take your meals at the restaurants, avoid fancy names and try to make your day with the starters and side dishes as they often cost lower than the main dishes.

4.You should be an opportunist to travel cheap. Visit places during off seasons. They won’t lose their charm, but you’ll definitely save your bucks as you get to enjoy lower rates at hotels and a less crowded environment. Look for these off seasons to avail big bargains on everything from hotel rooms to food. Same with travel. Try to get the cheapest mode of transport or the local mode. They always cost less during off peak season.

5.Finally, browse every possible place for coupons, codes and special offers. Check magazines, newspapers and the Internet to collect as many discount codes as possible. You can get them for cars rentals, hotel stays as well as restaurants. Sometimes, there are special coupons for reduction in the entry fees to various places of tourist attractions. But be careful to read the fine print and clear any doubt with the authorities if any point is not clear to you.

Whatever you do, make sure you do not go overboard. Research is very important before selecting any travel destination and you should decide your route quite well in advance. Also be flexible and adjust accordingly when cost is a factor. Don’t just go for the cheapest if they are not according to your taste.