Angie's List asked our highly rated acupuncturists, hypnotists and health and fitness experts for great tips to quit smoking and ways to successfully stay quit.

• Make a list of your motivations and keep it handy. If you’re quitting smoking because of your family, keep their picture in your pocket. If you’re afraid of cancer, carry around a photo of a cancerous lung as a reminder. If it’s to save money, calculate how much you will save in a year by quitting and write down something you want to spend that money on. Set it aside and buy it for yourself next year when you’ve achieved your goal.

• Keep substitutes handy, like gum, hard candy, carrots, celery sticks or toothpicks.

• Find a mantra and repeat it to reinforce your objective. Keep it simple, like; “I am a non-smoker.”

• Join a group therapy program to find others going through what you are who can offer support and accountability.

• Find something you enjoy and stick to it, especially when you’re feeling vulnerable. If you enjoy gardening, get out and dig. If you enjoy rollerblading, get out and skate.

• Use alternative stress relief techniques, such as meditation, yoga, guided imagery and breathing techniques.

• Replace activities that normally induce smoking. For example, go on a walk after dinner; chew a stick of gum when you get in the car after work.

• Instead of reaching or a cigarette, treat yourself to something special, like a massage, hot bath or a round of golf.

• Avoid past triggers to smoking, like hanging around certain friends. Alcohol is a common gateway.

• Take pride in every victory. If you’re like most smokers who have tried to quite, you’ll likely experience a few setbacks and bumps in the road. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Each day you don’t smoke is another day closer to kicking the habit for good.

Standing in a long line to return gifts can be quite aggravating. And, while it may never be a process you look forward to, it’s best to get yourself organized beforehand and take steps to make the experience run a little more smoothly.

With that in mind, Angie’s List offers 7 ways to help prevent frustrations and avoid “return rage:”

1. Don’t open it if you might return it: Always keep the item in its current packaging. If the item is in sellable condition, it’ll be much easier to return.
2. Check the return policy: Do your homework first to avoid any unnecessary frustration. Go online and check the retailer’s return and exchange policy. If the item is defective, the store may advise you to return it directly to the manufacturer instead of the store.
3. Hang onto the receipt: These days, most stores automatically provide a gift receipt. If you get a gift without a gift receipt, ask the retailers to help you. Most have the ability to look up transactions within the last month, if not 90 days. Some retailers may offer a store credit.
4. Don’t be a procrastinator: The key to a quick and easy return is to act fast. Store return policies may vary from two weeks to 90 days.
5. Figure out the fees: Many items carry a restocking fee. Clarify any fees before you make your initial purchase.
6. Be aware of online shipping fees: If you are a shopper who likes to avoid the stores, understand you may have to pay a shipping fee for returns made online.
7. Be positive: If you’re having a problem at the return counter, politely ask to speak to a store manager.

If you get to the front of the return line and are denied:

• Ask if the retailer uses the third-party company The Return Exchange (TRE)  to track returns data. They can provide a report explaining why you were turned down.
• Write a letter to the store manager expressing your concern and explain that you were not forewarned. If necessary, you can write a complaint to your state attorney general’s office.

Related holiday tips:

Holiday tipping hints
How to hire holiday help
Holiday travel tips
Holiday decorating safety tips

• Make a list of specific plumbing issues you want addressed. Any way you can be organized will save the plumber time and will also save you money. If you’re not sure what the problem is, have a list of symptoms.

• Getting three estimates can be difficult if the plumber charges a service call just to come out and inspect the problem. If it's possible to explain the issue over the phone and get a ballpark estimate, that will help you compare prices across a few different plumbers. Of course, if it's a plumbing emergency, you may not have time to have three different plumbers come to the house. Use consumer reviews on Angie's List to find the best local plumbers.

• Find out how long a plumber has been in business; typically choose a plumber that’s been in business at least 5 to 10 years. This will give you insight into how experienced they are and how well the company is doing.

• Licensed & insured? Different states require different plumbing licenses. If your state requires a license, check that it is current and look to see if there are any complaints against the license. Any plumber you hire should have a minimum of $500,000 liability insurance and a current workers’ compensation policy.

• Ask about rates: Plumbers either charge by the hour or job. For basic plumbing services, plumbers tell us that the average hourly service charge ranges from $70 - $160 depending on the area you live in. For weekend or after hour calls, expect to pay time and a half. If you must replace a plumbing fixture, save some dollars by buying your own plumbing equipment.

• Be aware of added costs: Plumbers may have to cut through walls or ceilings to get to a leak, adding to the cost of the job.

• Spell out the project in the contract: The quote should provide a written estimate that includes payment terms, a materials list and any additional agreements related to the project.

• You got a permit for that? Are there certain permits required to do the work? If so, check with your plumber that he/she will obtain these permits.

• Service guaranteed? If a plumber comes in to fix your toilet and then the problem returns, is the work guaranteed?

• Who’s cleaning up? Ask the plumber how he/she will leave the work area once the job is complete.

• Preventative maintenance: It’s a good idea to ask how your plumber to prevent any problems from recurring.

• Once you find a good plumber, keep him/her: In an emergency, it’s better to call someone who already knows you. Once you find a plumber you are satisfied with, keep his/her number handy.

If you have an emergency plumbing issue, it’s best to shut the water off while waiting for a plumber to arrive, to prevent further damage. Get more tips for hiring during a plumbing emergency

A nationwide Angie's List poll found 38 percent of respondents don’t tip their service providers during the holidays. Of those that skip out on tips, 15 percent say it’s because they don’t know how much to give, while 21 percent don’t have the money to tip.

Tips are meant to be rewards for good service as well as supplement a person’s income. If money is tight this year, your could still put forth an effort to let your service providers know you appreciate them. We've heard from Angie's List members tell us they'll bake a sweet treat for their service providers and add a handwritten thank you note. Another alternative to a cash tip is writing a praise-filled letter to the worker's supervisor. Superb service may prompt a raise for that individual.

Angie’s List offers the following tipping advice to help consumers get through the holiday season:

Holiday-related services

• Contractors who help hang your decorations, lights, etc.: A tip of $20 to $50 for the crew may be in order, based on the complexity of the task.
• Bag boys or others who help carry your packages to your car: A tip of $1 per package/bag may be in order, though probably no more than $5.
• Personal shoppers/concierge/errand services: A tip of 15 to 20 percent is recommended, possibly more, depending on the complexity or amount of work you have them do for you. Some of these services will do shopping, gift wrapping, mailing of gifts, etc.
• Event entertainment: A tip of 15 to 20 percent is appropriate for Santa impersonators, carolers or musicians.

Year-round services

• Yard workers, handymen, etc: A tip of $20 to $50 may be in order depending how often they visit your home.
• Housecleaners: Many suggest $25 to $50, a day’s pay, or a gift of equal value. If you use a service that sends a different housecleaner each time, this may not be necessary, unless you ask them to do some one-time tasks to help you prepare for the holidays – such as helping unpack and put up decorations, a deep cleaning before a party, etc.
• Childcare providers: For babysitters, the recommendation is a gift at the holidays from your kids, plus one or two nights’ pay. For a full-time nanny, one to four weeks’ pay plus a small gift from your kids is appropriate. For standard childcare providers, a gift at the holidays and $25 to $75 each. This may not be appropriate for some pre-Kindergarten child care/education providers. Check with the manager of the facility to see what’s appropriate, which might be a small gift from your kids.
• Mail and paper delivery:  Though the U.S. Postal Service frowns on gratuities and gifts for mail carriers, authorities request that the gift or gratuity be $20 or less.  For daily newspaper delivery, a holiday tip of $15 to $25 is appropriate 

Related holiday tips:

How to avoid gift return rage
How to hire holiday help
Holiday travel tips
Holiday decorating safety tips

We often don’t think about maintenance on our vehicles until something is wrong. But keeping your car in top running condition is vital.

Angie’s List went to highly-rated auto repair professionals for the 5 Auto Checks you shouldn’t skip out on.

• Oil Changes: Oil is the engine’s blood, and is critical to a car’s long life. Your vehicle’s oil should be changed depending on your driving habits, typically every 3,000-7,000 miles or around 3-6 months. You should check your oil about every 1,000 miles.
• Tire Maintenance: Properly maintained tires improve the steering, stopping and traction of your vehicle. Tire pressure should be set to the manufacturer’s specification. Tires that are over or under inflated wears tires out faster, affect fuel consumption, and is a safety hazard. Rotate and balance your tires every 6,000-8,000 miles and get an alignment check every year to make sure there are not suspension problems.
• Fluids: Transmission fluid, break fluid, and coolant can break down over time and lose their effectiveness. All fluids should be checked and topped off every oil change. Have your transmission fluid flushed out every 50,000 miles, depending on your driving habits.
• Brake Check: Brake inspection should be part of your vehicle’s ongoing maintenance to ensure safety and reliability. You should have your brakes inspected at least once a year; more often if you experience grinding or shaking when you break. Regardless of care, brakes will likely need to be replaced every 20,000-30,000 miles.
• Scheduled Maintenance: Failure to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule could lead to breakdowns, poor fuel economy, and a higher cost of ownership in the long run. Having a certified professional inspect your car according to these schedules is an opportunity to catch problems before they get you stuck or escalate into larger repairs. Build a relationship with a shop or mechanic. Bouncing from shop to shop may save a few dollars on particular jobs, but in the end the only one who will have any responsibility for the condition of the car will be you. A good mechanic, who is familiar with your needs, your expectations, and your car, will help you get the most from your car.

*These tips are simply guidelines and are not intended to replace or overrule your owner's manual.

One of the biggest challenges to getting in shape is sticking with the commitment to a regular routine. For some, designating space in their home is making it easier to stick with the commitment because they can workout when they want and customize their space to meet their own needs.

If a home gym is right for you, consider these 10 questions before setting your plans in motion:

1. What are my goals? This could be anything from toning up to slimming down, wanting to run a marathon or simply building up the stamina to comfortably walk a few miles. Identifying your goals in advance will help you decide which pieces of equipment you need.
   
2. What is my current level of fitness? If you haven’t worked out since high school, say so. Now is not the time to exaggerate your fitness level.
3. How much space do I have? Dumbbells take up little more than a corner, but treadmills can require several feet of space.
4. How much time do I have to work out each day? That will help determine which equipment to buy because some pieces work faster than others.
5. What do I enjoy doing? Look for something that will be fun and challenging. That way, you’ll want to keep coming back to it over time.
6. What injuries do I have? Many people suffer from knee, back and joint problems, and those can restrict which pieces of equipment you should buy. Talk to your doctor about possible restrictions before purchasing anything.
7. What have I used in the past that has worked? If you were in great shape in high school or college and really enjoyed your workouts, consider sticking with a similar routine.
8. How much money am I going to spend? Most specialty fitness dealers offer financing and layaway. High-quality equipment will last longer, break less and be easier to use.
9. How many people will be using the equipment? Maybe your spouse and kids want to join in; maybe it will just be you. Regardless, take each participant into consideration before deciding on equipment.
10. Am I really ready to make this commitment? Fitness is a lifetime commitment. If you think you’re going to workout for three weeks and then quit, the financial and emotional investment just isn’t worth it.

If you think a home gym is just what you need, here are a few tips to help you consider the benefits and potential drawbacks.

Pros to having a home gym:

• It’s convenient: You can exercise when it fits into your schedule.

• It saves time: No driving to the gym, no parking, no waiting in line to use the equipment.

• It’s private. You don’t have to worry or care about what others may think.

• It’s customized: You can design your gym to your particular style and needs, from the equipment to the colors and music choices.

• It can save you money: In the long run, you can actually save money as you’re not paying for gas or a gym membership.

Cons:

• The variety is less: Unless you spend a lot of money, the availability of equipment is smaller in your home than in a fully-stocked health club.

• Access is limited: You won’t have access to the latest equipment and advances in fitness technology.

• You must self-motivate: You don’t have the social effect, the buzz and vibe of a gym to energize you. Unless you hire someone to come to your home, you won’t have a trainer around to push and motivate you.

• Distractions are greater: It’s easier to be distracted by things at home, whether it’s a phone call or the laundry buzzer.

The law presumes that if you've signed a contract, you've read, understood and accepted everything in it, says author Evan McKenzie. If you drive through a development and don't see any RVs or basketball hoops, odds are they're not allowed, and judges aren't sympathetic. Here is some of his advice for those considering a home that comes with an association attached.

• Ask for the most recent copy of the associations covenants, conditions and regulations before you close the deal. For example, McKenzie says, You'd better find out if they've got a rule that says you cant have more than one dog and you have two.

• Insist on seeing the financial statements for an account of where your money goes. Accounting is critical, and you want some assurance that theyre doing the books correctly, McKenzie says.

• Inquire specifically whether any pricey assessments are currently pending or being contemplated for example, relining the pool or repaving all of the neighborhood streets. Owners sometimes try to sell if they know theres a special assessment coming, McKenzie warns.

• Check to see if the HOA is currently involved in or has a history of litigation. If youre in an HOA thats suing someone, it can make life miserable for everyone pretty quickly in terms of legal fees and harmony, he says.

• Find out who runs the association. Do the officers and members neighbors like and respect them or think theyre power-hungry and isolated?

• Assess the current political and social environment. For example, are neighbors harmonious or in a state of turmoil?

• Ask if there has been a recent reserve study. The association should commission this study every few years to ensure that enough money has been set aside to pay for large repairs.

• Make a point of meeting the association president. Ask him or her if theres anything you need to know about living there before you buy.

• Find out how often meetings are held. Are they open to any association member?

• Ask for a copy of meeting minutes for the past year or two. Read through them to discover the general nature of the meetings and how adversarial topics are handled.

By Angie's List Magazine Staff

Bringing decorations and plants into your home is a great way to deck the halls this season, but consider these tips if you'll have small children or pets around.

With busy holiday schedules and plenty of distractions, children may receive less supervision than normal. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, children younger than 6 accounted for 50.9 percent of poison exposures in 2006 (most recent statistics available).

• Keeping poisonous plants away from children during the holidays is essential, especially since most children don’t realize how dangerous plants could be. Make sure children know that poison can come in many different forms, shapes and sizes.

• Of the poisonous plant exposures reported to the AAPCC, two common holiday plants were in the top three: Poinsettias and holly berries.

• While poinsettias have gotten a bad reputation as a poisonous plant, they’re not toxic. If ingested, they may cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and their sap can cause skin irritation and temporary blindness if it comes into contact with the eyes.

• Holly berries are mildly toxic and, if ingested, will cause vomiting. Keep a sharp eye out for holly berries that may have fallen on the floor.

• Mistletoe and Jerusalem cherry are also poisonous holiday plants. Make sure these are kept away from children. Both cause gastrointestinal problems, and mistletoe can cause a low pulse.

  America's poison centers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-222-1222.

From adventures abroad to long distance drives, plenty of pet owners are including furry friends in their travel plans. 

Angie's List offers tips to make sure pet travel goes smoothly:

• Check it out before you check in. More hotels now accept pets, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Call ahead to see if they’ll accept your pet or charge more for a pet.
• Make the fun mutual. Never leave a dog in a hotel room unsupervised. If you’re going to New York City to take in a few Broadway shows, it’s not the trip for your pet. Find a good kennel.
• Phone first. If you’re flying, check with the airline at the time of your reservation to find out their policies for pet travel, carrier size requirements and any restrictions that may be of importance (including regarding liquids or other supplies for your pet). Most airlines charge a fee, usually $100 each way. Be sure you know how to properly ID your pet and its carrier, as well as any restrictions that may impact your pet’s travel.
• No pets allowed. If traveling to a foreign country, check into which breeds, if any, have been quarantined and find out that country’s regulations regarding certain breeds. France, for instance, doesn’t allow dogs with cropped ears or tails to enter.
• Get used to it. A month before traveling, take your dog to the airport to desensitize her to the frantic environment.
• Dry run. Dogs get car sick, too. If you’re planning a big drive, take several shorter rides before your real trip. Make the practice destination somewhere fun for your pet such as a park or a pet supply store, not the vet or the groomer.
• Creature comfort. Just as with air travel, familiarity and comfort will reduce Buddy’s stress. Bring his favorite bed, blanket or an item of clothing with your scent on it.
• Kibbles n’ trips. Bring your dog’s regular food along. This will reduce physical and mental stress, significantly reducing the chance of diarrhea, bad gas or vomiting from occurring, all of which make for a rather unpleasant road trip.
• Don’t leave him alone. It goes so much without saying that it should be said anyway: Never leave your pup alone in a locked car in extreme cold or heat. How long you’re away from him is directly related to how tragic the consequences can be. 

Taking the right steps will make pet travel easier on you, and your pet.

The holidays are an exciting and busy time, but we often don’t think about how fast a live Christmas tree can catch fire because of sparks from overloaded electrical outlets or the dangers some decorations pose for small children.

Angie’s 8 holiday tips to ensure a safe and happy holiday:

• Childproof your home. Colorful ornaments and sparkling lights can quickly create potential safety hazards for kids. Get on your hands and knees and crawl around your home to spot potential safety hazards the way a child sees them. You'll be surprised what you see from that angle.

• Keep an eye on any cut greenery or branches you bring into your home for holiday decorations, especially if you have lights or other electrical features close by. As greenery dries out, it can become a fire hazard. Keep your tree secure and sturdy so it doesn’t tip over, and keep it away from heat sources, like fireplaces and heaters. If you buy an artificial tree, check that it’s fire retardant.

• Vacuum or sweep around your tree every few days, especially later in the holiday season because needles from holiday trees can also cause painful cuts in the mouth and throat if a child swallows them.

• Take a moment to examine your attic while you dig out holiday decorations. Check that the roof and gable vents are clear of debris and insulation. Unobstructed vents allow moist air to escape, decreasing the possibility of condensation and mildew in your attic.

• Don’t overload your home’s electrical circuits with holiday lights. Check fuses or circuit breaker panels to see what your home can handle and stay within the limits. Avoid putting too many strings of lights together and plugging them into a single outlet. Surge protectors are a safer option if you need more lights. And, don’t run extension cords under rugs, around furniture legs, or across doorways.

• Practice ladder safety. If you’re going to tackle a job yourself, have someone there to help you stabilize the ladder.

• Before you hit the road for the holiday, take your car to the mechanic for a maintenance check. If you car is a little road weary, consider renting a car for the trip. The added expense may be worth peace of mind.

• Install light timers or hire a house sitter. Early winter darkness and a home left vacant over the holidays is inviting to burglars. 

Related holiday tips:

How to avoid gift return rage
How to hire holiday help
Holiday travel tips
Holiday decorating safety tips