Consistently ranked as one of the happiest countries on earth as well as one of the greenest, Costa Rica is a world leader in sustainability and conservation. Many richer nations could learn a thing or two from this innovative country; I certainly did. This is what Costa Rica taught me about sustainability.

You may be daydreaming about a complete kitchen renovation or buying a new couch. Too bad we have to wait for things like paychecks…gosh…to come around before we can make the big changes to our homes. Just because you’re not in a position to do a complete remodel or buy an expensive piece of furniture at the moment, doesn’t mean that you can’t update your home. Simple, small changes can refresh your home, too. Here are five ideas. Most of them are even free, and all are low-cost.

Don't get me wrong. I love pretty much every dog I meet. I have a soft spot for geriatric cats. I've even met a few snakes that I've bonded with in unexpectedly profound ways. But lately, my pet curiosity keeps wandering to an unusual choice: pigs. And, apparently, I'm not alone. The number of urban pigs has skyrocketed in recent years. What's with all the pet pigs? Would you raise one?

Calling all winos! There's now more you can do with wine than just imbibing it. Whether it's a newly opened bottle or an already opened one that is becoming increasingly bitter neglected in the depths of the fridge, there are many ways besides drinking wine to get the most bang per ounce. From a buzz-worthy bath to removing carpet stains, wine is your newest household essential.

The cooped up nature of the winter months can make anyone’s home smell kind of yucky. Sealing up the house to combat bone-chilling temperatures, mixed with well-worn winter coats and accessories, and daily-cooking endeavors can create a cocktail of funk. Although it’s too cold in most places to open windows and doors, you can make a few homemade air fresheners to spruce up your abode.

Perhaps you automatically click on the TV when you come home from work for company. Maybe you get addicted to reality shows and indulge in mindless entertainment more than you should. You could be a news junkie, a movie buff or a cooking show fanatic. Whatever the case, if you watch too much TV you can reduce your  watching time – try the following tips to find what works best for you.

These days, our smart phones are our lives, but just like the rest of your life, things can get a little... messy. Here are seven apps that will help you get organized—and stay organized—in a flash.

Isn't olive oil amazing? It's heart-heathy, you can use it for baking and frying, salad dressings, and even drizzle some to add richness to a soup. But olive oil has lots of uses beyond food. From cleaning the house to moisturizing skin to even washing your face, olive oil is as versatile around the rest of the house as it is in the kitchen.

Check out these seven ways that you can use olive oil around the house as a natural alternative to chemical products.

Unpleasant fact ahead: As much as half of the energy used in your home goes to heating (and cooling), according to Energy Star. And, as you well know, that energy use translates straight to your bill each month. So, head on over to the thermostat and turn it down a few notches. Before you start grumbling, don’t worry. You won’t have to shiver through the season. Turning up the thermostat isn’t the only way to keep the chill off. Use these seven simple ways to stay warm this winter—and keep your bill low.

It's not too late to get going on a clean sweep for the new year.  Here are eight simple actions you can take now—no, not tomorrow, right now—to help you clean up your life and stress less in 2013.