Column October 28

Saving the environment can also save you money. I know how hard it can be to try to be green. I have tried planting a garden, putting out rain barrels even had my husband put a bucket in his shower to catch the water while he is waiting for the water to get warm. Saving money is a great incentive to be green, turning off the lights, unplugging electronic devices, hanging clothes outside, wearing a sweater, let the sun help heat your house, put plastic on your windows and plenty more. Learn more about being green and saving money by attending the FREE 2010 Bluegrass GreenExpo on October 30 from 10am to 6pm and October 31 from 12pm to 6pm at Heritage Center, Lexington Center. http://bluegrassgreenworks.org/bluegrass-greenexpo

Get your own GreenCard. It is a card you carry with you and present to participating businesses for special offers and discounts. Go to their website to find the closest location to pick up a card. http://bluegrassgreenworks.org/greencard

Energy Star is a program offered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. The program was created to protect the environment and promote energy efficiency. Information and money-saving tips are available for residential and business customers. Learn more at energystar.gov

In need of a new appliance, computer or other household item that uses energy? Before you buy, visit energystar.gov and click on “Rebate finder” under “Products.” The rebate finder allows you to search for special offers in your area.

Take an online energy audit that provides detail information you need to make your home more energy efficient so you can save money on your energy bills. You can access the Self-Serve Audit by logging in to your account at my.eon-us.com.

Leaks can account for, on average, more than 10,000 gallons of water wasted in the home every year. For water conservation ideas and a free leak detection kit, visit www.kentuckyamwater.com and, under the “Customer Service” menu, click “Detecting Leaks.”
Columbia Gas of Kentucky is introducing WarmWise energy efficiency programs that can determine where your home is losing energy and provide solutions to start saving energy and money.
To request a WarmWise home energy audit, call 1-800-300-8709 or visit ColumbiaGasKY.com. If your gas appliances are outdated are using too much energy, they will help you replace them. The WarmWise high-efficiency natural gas appliance rebate program will be available soon.
Insulation and other energy-saving products can help you get money back on your tax return. When you improve your existing home using eligible products, you can claim a credit of up to 30% of the cost, up to $1,500 on your 2010 tax return. Find a full list of products eligible for tax credits and local utility rebates at Lowes.com/RebateFinder.

Find out where you’re wasting energy in your home with a do it yourself audit from the U.S. Department of Energy. Enter your zip code at hes.lbl.gov, answer questions about your house and appliances, and the site will offer concrete steps to reduce your utility bills. Depending on where you live, the advice can save you as much as $900 a year.

The government’s Cash for Appliances program, which lets you score rebates for $50 to $500 swapping energy guzzling appliances for more efficient models. The incentives are administered through the states, are typically doled out first come first serve basis. To check the status of the program in your state, go to energysaver.gov/financial.

The federal tax credit for hybrid heaters and nonelectric tankless systems will soon run out, but the one for solar heaters lasts through 2016. You’ll also find state and local rebates for Energy Star storage-tank models. Go to www.dsireusa.org for a state by state list.

Facebook Freebies

Like A&W on their facebook page and receive a $3 big taste meal coupon. http://www.facebook.com/awrestaurants?v=app_131519743556141
Like Corona on their website and they will put your photo on their Times Square Billboard. http://www.facebook.com/CoronaLight?v=app_122886157759389
Like Food Should Taste Good Chips on their facebook page to receive a free bag. http://www.facebook.com/FoodShouldTasteGood?v=app_163836236969327
Like Rayovac batteries on their facebook page and print out a coupon for $9.99 on 9 volt batteries http://www.facebook.com/Rayovac#!/Rayovac?v=app_11007063052
Like Stretch Island Fruit Co. on their facebook page and receive a buy one get one free coupon http://www.facebook.com/StretchIslandFruit?v=app_152752448089660
Get a FREE cheese quesadilla with entrée purchase at Denny’s http://dennys.fbmta.com/members/ViewMailing.aspx?MailingID=27917299818&StoreCode=7977
Coupon for buy one get one free smoothies at Denny’s. http://dennys.fbmta.com/members/ViewMailing.aspx?MailingID=27917299816
Coupon for free Orange ‘n Crème Swirl Frutista Freeze from Taco Bell. http://www.tacobell.com/promo/ocfrutistacoupon
Simply purchase $25 worth of ConAgra products then mail in your receipts, and they will send you $30 in valuable coupon savings and a $5 Walmart gift card. http://www.allyou.com/static/pdf/HolidayOrderForm.pdf
Order your free 2011 Oriental Trading Calendar. It has coupons and great ideas for party planning. http://www.orientaltrading.com/ui/shared/sharedFlowController.goToHelpController.do?requestURI=link.staticContent&documentKey=calendar_request

Do you feel stressed out, burned out, and have low energy? Does your stress keep you awake at night? Andreas Schmitz, health coach for Gateways to Integral Health will discuss how a healthy diet and lifestyle can get you back on track to a satisfying life. Saturday, October 30 10am to 11:30am at the Central Library located downtown Main St. Call 231-5532 for reservations.

Free Halloween Photo special from Sears Portrait Studio. http://www.searsportrait.com/cpi/en-US/offers/halloween2010/

Get a wall calendars free from VistaPrint just pay shipping. http://www.vistaprint.com/personalized-calendars.aspx?langid=1&AFFID=CD7606&GP=10%2f25%2f2010+1%3a38%3a55+PM&GPS=1345356090

Final week of Keeneland Racetrack Fall Meet- Get in free today by presenting your Bluegrass Hospitality Group Rewards Card. This is a card that is associated with Malones, Sals, and Drakes restaurants. Saturday, October 30 Breakfast with the Works will have a special appearance from The Headless Horsemen along with the World Famous Budweiser Clydesdales. www.keeneland.com

Free Halloween events at Michael’s Craft Store-
October 25 6pm to 8pm make creepy eyes with Crayola’s Glow Explosion. Ages 3 and up are welcome, while supplies
last.
October 26 from 6pm to 8pm create a quick and easy costume to complete your Halloween look October 28 from 6pm to 8pm turn a ordinary mask into an extraordinary mask October 30 from 10am to 2pm Free Family Halloween Event. Bring the kids in their costumes for a costume parade, get their faces painted and make a free duck tape cuff. http://www.michaels.com/Store-Events/store-events,default,pg.html

1st Annual Cuts for Cancer and Massage Too! Zoe’s Salon at 366 Waller Suite 111 on Saturday, October 30 are giving chair massages and hair cuts for donations supporting Susan G. Komen for the Cure from 9am to 4pm. Call 274-5134 for more information.

Join Dillard’s at the Fayette Mall on Saturday October 30 from 10am to 8pm for Fit for the Cure Bra fit Event. Try on a Wacoal bra or be fitted by Wacoal specialists and Dillard’s will make a $2 donation to Susan G. Komen for the cure for breast cancer research.

Halloween Trail Ride, Ride-A-Thon, Used Tack Sale and other fun activities for CKRH Riding for Hope on Saturday, October 30 starting at 8am, located at The Kentucky Horse Park. Go to their website for more information. http://www.ckrh.org/htr10.html

Applebee’s is thanking all veterans and active duty military with a free entrée on November 11. http://www.applebees.com/#/vetsDay

On November 11 the Fayette County Extension Homemakers have organized a day to send care packages to troops. Go online to see a list of what can be donated. Please call the Fayette County Extension at (859) 257-5582 for more information. http://www.military-missions.org/PACKAGES/OPSEND%202010%20Donation%20List.pdf