Houston Consumer Blog

Power to choose

One way to save on electricity is to switch providers if they offer a better rate.

Before you switch, check out a companies complaint history with the PUC.

You can find both the rates and complaint history at the PUC's power to choose web site.

http://www.powertochoose.org/

Airfare Travel Deals

Promo codes can help you save big bucks on airfare.

There are a couple of web sites that have great promo code information.

Check them out:

http://www.airfarewatchdog.com/

http://www.farecompare.com/

Dry shampoo

Below are dry shampoo brands and prices from Patricia Lopez's Stretch Your Dollar report on Thursday.

Bumble and Bumble  Hair Powder $35

 

OSiS Dust It - Mattifying Powder  $18

 

KMS Hairplay Makeover Spray $20

 

Pssst Instant Spray Shampoo  $6

Resale Shops inside the Loop

Taxi Taxi 

1657 Westheimer Road

Houston, TX  77006

713-528-5500

 

Buffalo Exchange

1618 Westheimer

Houston, TX 77006

(713) 523-8701

 

Buffalo Exchange

Houston Heights

249 W. 19th Street

Houston, TX 77008

(713) 868-2400

 

Blackbird Trading Co. 1628 Westheimer Road Houston, TX 77006 (713) 524-9100

Fashion Recycler 1629 Westheimer Rd Houston, TX 77006

 

Salons that currently have Shellac

From Patricia Lopez's Stretch You Dollar report on Thursday, May 13, the following salons have Shellac:

 

 

Unique Tips & Toes 

 7805 Louetta Road Suite 144  

Spring, TX 77379

Salon Phone: 281-851-0635

 

Isle Pedi Spa

5819 Kirby Dr.   

Houston, TX 77005

Salon Phone 713-528-8802

Learn more about the Shellac nail polish system

Cell Phone Bill Shock

Cell phone bills can get out of hand in a hurry if you go over your allotted minutes.

The cell phone companies have easy ways for you to check your minutes and account balances but the FCC thinks more can be done to limit cell phone bill shock.

The agency is considering a plan that would require cell phone carriers to send you a text message that would let you know when you are nearing the end of your monthly minutes.

Some cell phone customers we spoke with like the idea and others thought it would be unnecessary.

Tell the FCC what you think by logging on to the agencies comment section.

You can find the FCC comment page here:

http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs/upload/display?z=83q26

Meanwhile the wireless carrier's have their own account management plans and you can find them all right here:

http://www.ctia.org/blog/index.cfm/2010/5/12/Consumer-Tip-How-to-Manage-Your-Wireless-Account

Summer Youth Job Program

Young people looking for work may be able to catch a break when it comes to finding a job.

Workforce Solutions has a program specifically for teens and young adults.

There are income requirements, but they are not overly restrictive.  For instance if you live in a family of four, the limit is $64,286.

There are about 4000 jobs available through the program, to find out more, go to the following link and click on the "Summer Jobs for Youth" tab.

http://www.wrksolutions.com/

Lawn and garden strategies for Houston's heat

As Houston's summer weather heats up, your lawn and garden strategy needs to adapt to stay green and healthy.

Flowering plants:

• Vincas
• Begonias
• Lantana
• Hibiscus
• Plumbago
• Esperanza
• Knockout roses

Non-flowering plants that have color and can withstand summer temperatures:

• Caladiums
• Coleus
• Copper leaf plants

Nitrogen fertilizer to 'green up' your yard

• 16-0-0

For more information, visit Gardenline Guru Randy Lemmon's Facebook page