You’d be surprised to know how many different styles you can choose from in the world of windows. From picture and bay to casement, double-hung, and awning, there’s a type of window that fits your home-style. So where do you start on this journey to finding the perfect windows? You start with learning more about the different styles and weighing the pros and cons of each.

Let’s take a look at five popular window styles so you can get a better idea of how they might fit your home.

Picture Windows

If you are fortunate to live in an area that comes with an amazing view or you just really enjoy watching your kids play with the dog in the backyard, then this style of window is for you.

Pros: The picture window gives you an unrestricted view with the intention of capturing the outside canvas as if you were framing a picture – hence, the name picture window. For a long time, the downside of owning this style fell on the fact that it couldn’t open, but now there are a few manufacturers stepping out and removing that hang-up. That’s right. You can enjoy the view and a breeze too.

Cons: Be aware of the amount of light you are letting into your home. Picture windows can cause rooms to get extremely hot and stuffy, which may cause an increase in your energy bill because you’ll have to use the air conditioner to cool it off.

Bay Windows

A bay window may be a great addition to your home. There are many variations beyond the usual inside angles of 90, 135, or 150 degrees, which opens the window of possibility on where you can install it.

Pros: A great feature of the bay is that it may actually increase the square footage in your home due to the fact that it projects outwardly. With the extra space, you could build a reading nook or maybe an arts and crafts area for the kids. However you decide to use the space, you’re allowed to add your personality to the room with something that speaks to who you are.

Cons: A disadvantage of the bay is usually found when trying to add window treatments. With the bay being a unique frame, you want to avoid damaging it or compromising the style when trying to add window treatments, so hiring a professional is highly recommended. Due to the uniqueness in this style, replacement windows could cost upwards of several hundred dollars.

Casement Windows

If the view isn’t the reason you’re getting a window, then chances are you’re a fan of the cool summer breeze. If this is the case, then the casement window is the window for you.

Pros: Built almost like a door, using vertical hinges, the casement opens outwardly, which allows you to receive more ventilation than most styles. There is even a crank used to open and shut the window, making it very easy to maneuver.

Cons: Even though the window is easy to maneuver, some consumers find the appearance of the crank a little unpleasant. Other reasons casement windows are often passed over are due to the lack of functionality in the style. Storm screens aren’t able to be placed on the outside of the window because it opens outwardly (the screen would have to be installed on the inside of the window). This also makes installing an air conditioner challenging as you would be required to purchase a special mounting system to make sure your air conditioner is secure within the window.

Double Hung Windows

A double hung window is one of the more popular styles on the market and one of the easiest to identify.

Pros: A double hung window has two sashes that slide up and down. They come in a variety of sizes and are compatible with many home styles. This window is air conditioner and storm screen friendly, easy to clean, as well as energy efficient. However, the efficiency is usually only found in higher quality styles because they have the ability of quadruple weather stripping, which makes it virtually impossible for heat to escape or cool air to enter.

Cons: On the flip side, if you’re not purchasing a higher quality style then you run the risk of having a window that does the complete opposite. Also, double hung windows only have the ability of opening half of the entire structure so you aren’t receiving the amount of air you would with another style such as the casement.

Awning Windows

Awning windows have many benefits aside from providing natural light and breezes.

Pros: What separates this window from others is the ability you have to place it higher than most. This design allows you to obtain the light and ventilation you want, but also maintain a level of privacy. A typical awning style window remains intact at the top and opens outwardly from the bottom. Making this the perfect window for those, like me, who enjoy keeping the window open during a rain storm and catching the nice, cool breeze.

Cons: If you live near a public walkway, awning windows may not be permitted by your city’s local-council. Also, the height and design may make it hard for you to keep clean or escape in the event of an emergency. These are definitely concerns that should be taken into consideration before making a decision.

These are just five of the many style windows available on the market. But before making a final decision, it’s important to talk to a professional window consultant who can recommend the right type of window for your home, climate and desired functionality. Have you recently purchased new windows? Which style did you choose?

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I read some astounding statistics the other day during my foray into Google News. According to an article on Kare11.com, American families with teenagers will spend an average of $1,139 each on prom this year. I don’t know about you, but I think that’s a bit excessive; it could buy you about four credit hours of in-state college tuition instead!

Truth be told, I was a prom-zilla my senior year of high school, demanding that my parents foot the bill for the whole shebang. I expected a brand-new dress, shoes, accessories and top-notch beauty treatments for my big night. I also felt that a princess like me deserved a limo ride, and I didn’t exactly want to help pay for the expensive tickets to the dance.

All girls want to feel like royalty on prom night, but it IS possible to do it without busting your budget! Here are some tips for reigning in the prom spending so that you can spend your money on slightly more important things – like college, for instance!

Save on the Dress

Every girl should love her prom dress, but you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars to look and feel beautiful. Whether you shop at vintage stores, borrow from a friend, bid on eBay or try a budget beauty store, this article from About.com has great ideas for finding your prom dress cheaper. Believe me, it can be done!

Visit a Makeup Counter

Visit your local department store makeup counter for a free makeup application. You might have to buy a product or two to be polite, but makeup counters are a wonderful, cheap way to get your makeup done by professionals without spending a ton of money.

Check Out a Cosmetology School

Salons are expensive! A blowout or up-do at a salon usually costs about $45 – plus tip. Consider visiting a local cosmetology school instead. Admittedly, it can seem a bit scary to trust your hair to an inexperienced student on the most important night of your life (so far), but I can personally vouch that cosmetology schools are a great place to get your hair done. Every time I’ve visited one, the students were very careful and closely supervised. This can cut the cost of your hairstyle in half – or more.

Ditch the Limo

Yes, rolling up to prom in a limo would be cool. But when you look back on this event, you won’t remember how you got there or how you left – you’ll just remember the good times you had while you were there. Skip the limo; carpooling is just as much fun!

Shop Thrift Stores for Jewelry

Consider the “vintage” look for your prom accessories. If you visit Salvation Army or any other thrift store, you’ll find display cases full of old costume jewelry for just a few bucks a piece. If you’re lucky, some of your older relatives might even have vintage jewelry you can borrow!

Budget

It’s important to learn financial responsibility, and prom shouldn’t be an exception. Part of the financial responsibility for prom should fall on the teenager. Parents: If your child has to pay for part of the big night, you can be guaranteed they’ll spend less money! Set a budget, and let your soon-to-be-grad know that they’ll be paying the difference if the expenses exceed your target amount.

The moral of the story is that you can have a good time and feel fabulous without spending $1,100. If you spend enough time bargain-hunting, you’ll be sure to snag a good deal.

How are you saving money on your prom? Share your frugal tips with other parents and teens in the comments below!

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Before making an expensive purchase, I spend a lot of time researching my options. Whether the purchase is a new TV or a set of golf clubs, it’s important to see what different brands offer and how customers have reviewed said product.

The same research method should be applied when purchasing a car. There are many factors to consider, such as buying new or used. Buying new may cost more up front, although you won’t have to worry about car repairs for an extended period of time.

With that in mind, buying a used car is also an option. While you could save some cash up front, is it really worth it for all the repairs you would have to pay for in the not-so-distant future? Say you buy a three-year-old car that has 50,000 miles on it. Depending on how well the previous owner took care of the car, you may need to get a new battery, along with new tires.

Buying a car seems like a nightmare. With so many things to consider, you’ll want to take a look at the checklist below of things to think about before you buy a car.

Budget

Do you have money to use for a down payment on a new car? Can you afford the monthly car payments of a new car? Your budget will determine the type of car you can afford. If you need to take out a loan, you’ll also want to shop around to find the best rate. If you’re willing to sell your old car, you can trade it in or sell it for money to put toward a new car. In most cases, you’re better off selling it on your own than through a dealership.

Buy New, Used or Lease?

If you want to modify your car, buying is the way to go. With a car you own, you can make any changes you want and not have to worry about getting penalized. If you don’t have enough money to pay off the high monthly fees of a new car, a used car may be right for you. While you may end up spending more on repairs, you’ll spend less up front. If you like getting a new car every two or three years, a lease might be right for you. Your monthly payments will also be less, although you have to be careful about the miles you put on your car, as there are penalties for going over the agreed upon amount.

Car Insurance

If you decide on a leased car, you have to get full-coverage insurance. If you purchase a new car, you wouldn’t want to get anything but full-coverage. However, if you go with a cheap, used car and are willing to risk it, you could opt to go with PLPD, which would save you a lot of money.

Extra Fees

After picking out a car, you’ll have extra costs to consider besides insurance. Be sure to take into consideration the sales tax and registry fees. These can add onto the total cost substantially. For an estimate of fees, check out Edmunds’ Monthly Loan Payment Calculator.

Vehicle History

If you’re buying a used car, it’s important to find out the history of the car. How many people have owned the car and has it ever been involved in any major accidents are good questions to start with. To get the full history report, check out CARFAX.

As you can see, there’s a lot to consider when purchasing a car. Does anyone have any other tips? Let us know in the comments below!

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It’s that time of year again. Warmer temperatures, extended daylight and spring showers mark a very significant date on the calendar. Yes, I’m talking about Friday, April 12, otherwise known as Look Up at the Sky Day! While this date may not be universally observed, it brings up an important issue; eye protection.

The Wrath of the Sun

The sun’s rays can cause serious damage to your eyes, so it’s important to protect them, even on days not dedicated to looking towards the sky.  Ultraviolet radiation can not only damage your skin, but also harm your eyes. According to the American Optometric Association, short-term exposure to UV rays can lead to an effect called photokeratitis, which causes symptoms such as redness, sensitivity to light, excessive tearing and a gritty feeling in your eyes. These symptoms usually result in temporary discomfort. Long-term exposure to UV rays is far more serious, as it can cause cataracts, macular degeneration and damaged retinas. The longer you’re exposed to harmful UV rays, the higher the risk for any of those conditions to develop.

Block Those UV Rays

These harmful effects don’t have to keep you boarded up inside with the lights off and the shades drawn. Investing in a pair of sunglasses specifically designed to protect your eyes will allow you enjoy the great outdoors without harming your vision. The most important feature to look for in a pair of shades is the amount of UV protection they provide. The lenses should block out 99 to 100% of both UV-A and UV-B radiation and screen out 75 to 90% of visible light. The most effective styles have larger lenses that are fitted close you your face. For maximum protection, wraparound sunglasses are ideal. Another great feature to have is polarized lenses, which eliminate glare that causes eye fatigue, headaches and migraines. While these sunglasses may be pricier than your average gas station frames, they are well worth it in the long run.

Take Care of Your Eyewear

Once you select a pair of sunglasses, proper care will help to ensure they last you a long time. Keep them in mint condition by cleaning them on a regular basis.  Instead of just grabbing the nearest napkin and hastily spit-shining them, try moistening the lenses with warm water and rubbing soap on them. Rinse dry with a cloth instead of using a napkin, tissue or paper towel. This helps to prevent scratches from paper-based products which are made from trees (mini-slivers!). This also helps keep dirt and oils from building up on the lenses. Purchasing a solid case will also prevent damage to both the lenses and frames. Finally, tossing your shades on your car’s dashboard during a 95 degree day can damage the lens coating and even melt the frames into a puddle of hot plastic. Keep them out of extreme temperatures and you won’t have to explain to your passengers why a pair of sunglasses is permanently fused to your car.

Protecting your eyes is extremely important, and purchasing the proper sunglasses can go a long way. Remember, it doesn’t even have to be sunny for the sun’s UV rays to damage your eyes, so don’t forget to grab those shades before you head outside for the day. Happy Look Up at the Sky Day!

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We’re officially into April. By now, hopefully, the cold temperatures and snow are behind us. One of my favorite sports – baseball – is already underway, which brings me to another favorite sport of mine: golf. Depending on where you live, golf season may be year round. However, if you live in a northern state (like I do), golf season doesn’t start until April at the earliest.

If you enjoy golfing as much as me, your clubs have been ready to hit the links for quite some time now. A new golf season brings along many new questions. “Will I shoot my career low this year?” or “Am I going to get my first ace?” are just a few. Perhaps before you think about what you’re going to achieve on the course, another question comes up. “Is it time to buy new clubs?”

I ask myself this question every year. No matter how new my clubs are, I go through a phase at the beginning of every new golf season where I talk myself into buying new clubs. This year is no different. I bought all new clubs last season, yet I’m about 95 percent sure I’m going to buy new irons this year. Maybe if I had better irons I’d have a better chance to shoot my career low and get my first ace, right?

While it’s nice to put new clubs in the bag, you can’t do so without shelling out some cash. This is where you have a decision to make. Do you need to play the newest clubs on the market (which also happen to be the most expensive) or are you OK with buying a set of clubs that came out last season that you can find for half the price in some instances? Keep in mind, purchasing a set of clubs that came out last season doesn’t have to mean you’re buying a used set. In this week’s version of Save vs. Splurge, golf clubs are the topic.

Golf clubs are expensive. If you choose to buy the newest-model clubs, you can expect to pay top dollar. For a set of irons, that can mean anywhere from $700 – $1,500. For a driver, your starting price is typically $299. Let’s take a look at the price of this year’s newest clubs.

• TaylorMade RocketBladez Irons – $899.99
• PING 2013 Anser Forged Irons – $1,499.99
• Callaway X Hot Pro Irons – $799.95
• Cobra AMP Cell Driver – $299.00
• NIKE VR S Convert Tour Driver – $399.95
• Mizuno JPX-825 Driver – $299.99

Now let’s take a look at what you’ll spend if you decide to purchase clubs that came out within the last two seasons.

• Cobra AMP-D Irons – $399.00
• TaylorMade Burner 2.0 HP Irons – $349.98
• Callaway RAZR X Irons – $399.95
• Adams Speedline Tech Driver – $149.99
• Cobra AMP Driver – $149.99
• NIKE VR S Driver – $179.98

As you can see, you’ll spend hundreds of dollars more if you decide to buy brand new clubs as opposed to buying clubs that were released in previous years. For example, the Cobra AMP Driver that you can now purchase for $149.99 cost me $299.99 less than a year ago. Even the TaylorMade Burner 2.0 HP Irons that I bought for $449.99 last year have come down in price.

The point I’m making is that if you wait a year, the clubs you’re looking at will come down in price the majority of the time. Golf clubs are like iPhones. You think you’re upgrading your phone to the newest technology only to find out six months later that a better iPhone is getting released. In return, the cost of the phone that you just paid a minimum of $199.99 for will fall to $149.99, then $99.99 before eventually being offered for free with a new two-year agreement.

What do you think? Is it worth it to save $300-$600 for a set of irons and $100 or more for a driver by purchasing an older model? Let us know in the comments below!

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Saturday is International Pillow Fight Day! In order to celebrate this monumental occasion, pillow ownership is an absolute necessity. But pillows also have another, more important use; sleep. Buying a new pillow might seem as easy as grabbing the nearest fluffy object in the bedding section, but it really should involve much more thought. Here is your guide to the right pillow and a great night’s sleep.

Is Your Pillow Too Old?

Pillows don’t last forever. If you can fold your pillow in half and it stays in that position, it’s time to get a new one. Sleeping on an old pillow can not only cause neck and back pain, but also increases the chances of bacteria and dust mites making a home inside the stuffing, rent free. You should replace your pillow about once every year.

Know Your Sleep Style

How you sleep at night is the first area to consider when choosing a new pillow. If you sleep on your side, look for a pillow that contours around your neck and keeps it in line with your spine to ensure a comfortable sleep. Choose a firm to medium pillow in order to maintain a straight spine. If you sleep on your back, buy a pillow with medium firmness that fully supports your head, keeping it from rolling side to side or tilting too far forward or backward. Finally, if you sleep on your stomach, find a thinner pillow with a soft density. The pillow should keep your head just above the bed, but not too high, in order to prevent neck pain.

Look Inward

Now that you know which type of pillow best fits your sleeping style, it’s time to select what goes in the inside of your head cushion. Here are a few options:

• Synthetic pillows are usually filled with polyester, which helps to combat allergies caused by feathers. They’re also machine washable, making care and cleaning a breeze.
• A natural-fill pillow contains feathers. They conform better to your head, as the feathers act as a natural spring. However, they’re not usually machine washable.
• Down pillows are filled with high-quality goose down. They keep their shape for a long time and conform to the neck, but aren’t as dense as most pillows.
• Memory foam pillows are filled with dense foam that conforms exactly to your head and then returns to its original shape when you’re done sleeping. They come in different pre-made shapes designed to give you a customized fit.

Pillow Care

Once you select a pillow, there are a few steps you can take to extend its life and keep it clean. Before your head hits that soft cloud of fabric, purchase a pillow protector, which acts as a barrier against dirt, moisture, oils and tiny critters. To clean your pillows, check the tags and packaging for washing instructions. Pillows that are washing machine friendly can be cleaned with a gentle wash cycle and then spin dried. Be careful with detergents and soaps, which can damage the pillow and leave chemicals behind.  If your pillows are not made for a washing machine, you can hand-wash in cold water, then put it in the dryer and use the air cycle or air dry it outside.

A good pillow can be the difference between a refreshing sleep and a restless night of neck pain, so choose carefully. Sweet dreams!

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Easter is just a few days away, and the last-minute scramble for Easter basket gifts is upon us! The big bunny has been making his list and checking it twice, categorizing your kids as naughty or nice…oh wait – wrong holiday. But either way, you’d better get ready, because the holiday is just around the corner. You might’ve already stocked up on sugary snacks and plastic eggs, but if you haven’t, here are a few more creative ways to stuff those baskets and delight your preschooler…on a budget!

Outdoor Play

Warmer weather is almost here (we hope!), and with higher temperatures come more opportunities for outdoor play. Prepare for summer fun with these budget-friendly Easter gifts.

• Mesmerize your toddler (and the rest of your family) with Touchabubbles, available on Amazon for $6 per tube. Touchabubbles are bubbles that don’t pop when you touch them. You can catch them, stack them and even build bubble towers; one might even call them…incredibubble! (Ha!)
• Dream of warm summer days with a 3D Beach Ball, $4.99 from Toys “R” Us. Whether you take it to the pool or use it in the tub, the colorful 3D clownfish is sure to hold your toddler’s interest for hours.
• For warm summer days spent in the backyard, you can pick up a ring pool for just six bucks at Toys “R” Us. The ring pool is an inflatable soft pool that holds just a few inches of water. It’s a great idea for non-walkers because your little guy or gal will be able to crawl in or out with ease.

Healthy Snacks

Milk chocolate Easter bunnies and sugary Marshmallow Peeps are delicious, but your preschooler certainly won’t complain if you fill his or her basket with healthier (and equally delicious) snacks instead.

• Try Little Duck Organics Tiny Fruits for wholesome snack perfection. Tiny Fruits are dried fruit bits that are 100% organic, gluten-free and contain no added sugar. You can get them online at Amazon or at retailers like Whole Foods. They cost about $4 per pack.
• My little man loves Gerber Graduates Grabbers; I’m pretty sure he even prefers them to ice cream. Grabbers are a squeezable fruit pouch that you can throw in the diaper bag for an easy, healthy, on-the-go snack.
• Here’s the perfect substitute for a chocolate rabbit: Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies. Baked with organic wheat flour and real cheddar cheese, they’re perfectly cheesy, bunny-shaped snack crackers that have no artificial flavors or preservatives. You can snap ‘em up at most major retailers for just over three dollars a box.

Arts and Crafts

Think brain food instead of junk food. Power up your children’s creativity with these cheap Easter presents.

• For less than $9 on Amazon, you can snag 15 miniature containers of Play-Doh. As long as your toddler doesn’t attempt to eat it or smash it into the carpet, Play-Doh can be a fun playtime treat for both of you. The colorful containers will make for an even prettier basket than plastic Easter eggs!
• Head to your local dollar store and pick up an assortment of cheap coloring books. Coloring is the perfect rainy-spring-day entertainment, and great for developing fine motor skills.
• For those first precious paintings, pick up a four-pack of Crayola Washable Fingerpaints (about six dollars at most major retailers). Spread out some newspaper and let your little one make a mess!

Special Note

It may be tempting to gift a real bunny or chick instead of the chocolate or marshmallow variety, but please remember that millions of companion animals enter shelters each year because their owners can’t or don’t want to take care of them. Don’t contribute to the problem; gifting a pet is almost never a good idea.

What is the Easter bunny bringing your children this Sunday? Any brilliant ideas to share with other parents? Leave us a comment and let us know!

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Whether it’s at a fast food joint or a nice restaurant, eating out is expensive enough for one person. For a family of four, the cost soars to…well…four times the amount. Do you have any idea what this can do to your monthly budget?

Last week, I compared the cost of taking a family of four to the movie theater and the cost of watching a movie from home. As you can guess, it’s much cheaper to stay at home as opposed to going out. When it comes to eating out vs. cooking from home, what do you think is better for your wallet?

Let’s start by looking at the cost of eating out for a family of four. To take a family of four to a fast food restaurant such as McDonalds, you’re looking at a total bill of $20. Not bad, right? Well, say you eat fast food three times a week; your total comes out to $60 a week and $240 a month spent on only fast food. Keep in mind, this only accounts for one meal at a time. For instance, if you eat fast food for breakfast, you still have lunch and dinner you need to pay for.

The cost increases drastically when you move up from fast food to a restaurant such as Applebees. At the very least, your cost for one meal will double, especially when you throw in a tip for the waitress. Depending on if anyone orders drinks or desert, your bill could come out to $60. Say you do this three times per week, your total comes out to $180 for the week and $720 for the month. Again, this only accounts for one meal for the day.

Now let’s mix and match the two. Say you eat fast food for lunch with a cost of $20. For dinner, you go out to eat and spend $60. If you do that three times per week, you’re looking at $240 for the week and $960 for the month. Remember, this only includes two meals per day for three days during the week. There’s still one other meal you need to account for per day plus an additional four days. You see where this is going, right?

In a world where people are always on the go, the whole concept of cooking at home may be foreign to some of us. I know it is for me. Let’s take a look at how much you can save by cooking instead of going out to eat.

Let’s say you start off the day with a bowl of cereal. You can get a box of cereal for around $4 and a gallon of milk for close to the same price. That’s $8 you spent that can last for a few meals depending on serving size as opposed to the $20 you spent on fast food for breakfast.

A few hours later, it’s time for lunch. Instead of going to a restaurant and spending anywhere from $40-$60, you opt to make sandwiches. Whether it’s peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or turkey and swiss, your costs are decreased substantially. A loaf of bread doesn’t cost any more than $3. Both peanut butter and jelly are sold for less than $10 combined. Throw in a bag of chips for close to $4 and a 2-liter of pop for no more than $2 and you’ve got a complete lunch for a family of four for less than $20.

Now it’s dinner time. Instead of spending another $40-$60 at a restaurant, you can cut your cost in half by making spaghetti from home. Don’t worry, I’m not talking about making anything from scratch. You can get a box of noodles for $3, a couple cans of spaghetti sauce for less than $10 and a loaf of garlic bread for $4. Throw in four glasses of water and your total cost is $17.

Do you see how much money you can potentially save? Going out to eat is nice because it takes away all the work of having to cook and clean up. However, it comes with a very expensive price tag over time.

You be the judge. Is the extra cost of eating at a restaurant worth it? Let us know in the comments below!

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In the age of electronic slow cookers and fancy pots and pans, the cast iron skillet has fallen out of style. Honestly, when I first thought of cast iron skillets years ago, images of the Wild West or pioneer life popped into my head. It was old fashion. Why do I need an old-fashioned skillet in this day and age?

I bought a cast iron skillet some years ago for camping because I needed something that could withstand an open flame. I learned that it’s a great all-purpose pan that holds and distributes heat evenly. It made sense to have a cast iron skillet in my camping kit, so I bought one. All it did was sit in my pack when I didn’t use it.  A few weeks ago that changed.

I don’t know why, but I had the ambition to learn how to make homemade pizza. After doing some research, I learned that a cast iron pan was the perfect vessel to cook a pizza in, and this totally makes sense. Its even heat distribution and tolerance for high heat browns the dough on the outside and cooks it perfectly on the inside.

Added research yielded even more benefits to cast iron skillets. Here are just a few highlights:

Cast iron pans are versatile
From stovetop to oven or even a campfire, a cast iron skillet can handle pretty much any heat source you throw at it. This makes it an excellent pan to make perfectly seared meats and vegetables that you can finish evenly in the oven.

They’re affordable
I have a 12-inch and a 14-inch cast iron pan. Each one cost me about $25. Compare that to other pans, which can cost anywhere from about the same price to hundreds of dollars.

Cast iron is healthier to use
A well-seasoned cast iron skillet is slick as a skating rink, meaning you won’t need as much oil when cooking. My regular nonstick pan still requires a significant amount of oil to keep food from sticking. Yes, a nonstick pan is suppose to not need a ton of oil, but after a while the coating wears off. Unless you want half of your dinner to stay on the pan, you need to add quite a bit of oil.

Also, as a nonstick surface wears, the chemicals from it seep into your food. Eating Well notes that “The repellent coating that keeps food from sticking to nonstick pots and pans contains PFCs (perfluorocarbons), a chemical that’s linked to liver damage, cancer, developmental problems….” Cast iron skillets are void of these dangerous substances.

Experts also note that preparing food in cast iron pans fortifies it with additional iron, which is good for your health – especially if you’re a woman.

They’re easy to clean
The reason I love cast iron for camping is because it doesn’t need to be washed. Simply pour on a bunch of salt, use it as an abrasive to scrub off the food particles and then wipe out with a towel. Some people suggest washing them, but if you want a slick-seasoned pan, avoid washing it with soap and water.

Cast iron almost lasts forever
Nonstick coating wears off pans. Copper corrodes or turns funky colors. Cast iron just gets darker and slicker as you use it. Generations have used cast iron skillets long before fancy nonstick pans with no problems.

I love my cast iron skillet and definitely plan to use it more often now that I know more. Next time you’re in the market for a pan, skip the expensive nonstick or steel pans and get a cast iron one. You’ll definitely get you’re monies worth.

Do you have a cast iron skillet at home? What do you use it for? Share your experience with other Zing readers!

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The music industry has changed. Gone are the days of massive record collections, cassette mixtapes and mixed CDs.  Today’s music world is comprised of digital downloads, streaming websites and the sound of washing machines colliding at 100 MPH, also known as dubstep.

However, you don’t have to break the bank on iTunes or Amazon when building your library; there are many options that let you enjoy your favorite tunes without paying a premium for individual songs. Streaming services allow you to play songs without physically downloading them to your computer or mobile device. They also offer large libraries with numerous options and features. Here’s a sampling of the best.

Pandora: This has been one of the most popular music streaming sites for the past few years. Pandora allows you to create radio stations based on an artist or song and further customize the station by giving each song thumbs up or down.  There is also a robust mobile app available for Android and iOS.  However, you are only allowed to skip a few songs per hour and advertisements will periodically play during each session. For $3.99 a month or $36 a year, you can get the service in the form of a desktop application, with higher quality audio and without ads.

Spotify: This service comes in the form of a desktop application or mobile app only; no web interface, which can limit use to your personal computer. However, you can search the large music database to find songs, play them on demand and pause and skip without any time limits. For $4.99 a month, you can listen to the music without ads, add your own songs and gain unlimited travel access. For $9.99 per month, you can listen to Spotify’s entire library on a mobile device, enjoy enhanced sound quality and listen to tracks in offline mode.

Last.fm: Similar to Pandora, Last.fm allows users to select up to three artists to create customized stations. The service has a feature called “scrobbling” which keeps track of your listens within Last.fm, your iPod or your iTunes. This helps Last.fm organize and recommend more music for your listening pleasure. You can only skip six tracks per hour, and there are advertisements, but for $3 a month, you can get mobile access and ad-free listening.

Grooveshark: This site’s large library, free unlimited listening and radio feature makes it one of the top streaming sites out there. You can also upload your own music, just in case you wanted to add those Taylor Swift deep tracks to your listening experience. For $9 per month and $90 per year, you can get access to a mobile app, remove all advertisements and gain unlimited space in your library and favorites list.

Rdio: This service allows you to stream a limited amount of music for free right in your web browser. For $5, you can steam as much as you like and for $10 you can get the mobile app. The library is not as extensive as other options, but social media integration and an easy-to-use interface makes Rdio a great option.

Slacker: Much like Pandora, Slacker lets you create stations based on artists, songs or genres, and features an hourly skip limit. For $4 a month, you can skip as many songs as you like and stream from the entire library on demand, even those rare Kenny G songs.

Whether you decide to use a free service or opt into a monthly fee, there are many great options. Your wallet will appreciate the plethora of music available at a low cost, and your ears can appreciate all the Justin Timberlake tunes they can handle, if that’s your cup of tea.

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