However, if you don't want to spend hours surfing through site after site with no side-by side rate comparison, best source of information is through a rate calculator site. these sites often allow you to enter first 6 digits of your phone number, or your state, and your calling habits. They then compares rates and service from as many as 50+ phone companies offering service in your area.

Be aware of scams and fine print. Among these are “slamming," where a person's phone service is switched to another carrier without permission. It is also important to understand fine print. If you are at all uncertain about a plan being offered via a telemarketer, ask to have information outlining plan sent to you, or ask for a web address that you can look at on your own time. If sales representative is hesitant to give you more information, you should probably thank salesperson for their time and promptly hang up.

Offers of free phone cards or limited-time, super-low rates should also ring a warning signal. There is nothing illegal about these kinds of offers; they can just be confusing to a consumer who does not read carefully or fully understand details.

Finally, remember that phone companies are out there to serve you. You are, after all, customer. If you are being a good customer and paying your bills on time (and giving your repair person a hug, or a beer/coke/iced tea whenever they fix your lines), then company should be providing you with a high level of service and support, as well as affordable and competitive rates. If company is not, then you should let them know by switching your phone service.

Even if you think that you are receiving good service, you should keep yourself educated on rates and services available to you, because part of a company offering good service is a company that offers a competitive rate.

There are many other ideas for keeping your phone bills low, but really, best way to know if you are getting best rate is just to check regularly on a rate comparison site. As mentioned at beginning of this article, many people are ignorant of their own ability to search for less expensive phone service.

Bake at 350 degrees for 5-10 minutes. Stir several times during baking. Watch closely so it doesn't burn.

Store in airtight container.

>Apricot Nectar

Soak 1/2 cup dried apricots in 2 cups of pineapple juice for about 1 hour. Process in blender till smooth.

>Fruity Soda Drink

Combine equal amounts of carbonated water with fruit juice. Sweeten with honey, if desired.

>Banana Smoothie

1 1/4 cups milk 1 banana 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Process in blender till smooth. This is a good way to use up bananas.

With summer coming up, frozen snacks will be on our grocery lists. Why not try these alternatives?

>Homemade Frozen Pops

1 6-oz. can frozen juice concentrate, softened try orange, grape, or fruit punch 1 juice can water 2 containers of plain yogurt popsicle sticks and cups

Process in blender. Pour into cups and insert sticks. Freeze.

Small paper cups work pretty well as molds for these recipes.

>Make Your Own Pudding Pops

1 small pkg. instant pudding mix--any flavor 1 3/4 cup lowfat milk

Mix as directed on package. Once again, pour into molds and add sticks. Freeze.

These ideas should help feed those hungry kids on these warm spring and summer days!

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Could it be a mistake that "STRESSED" is "DESSERTS" spelled backwards?