From the Better Business Bureau of Central East Texas:

Whether to save on energy costs, to go green, or both, an increasing number of consumers and businesses are considering solar panel installation. A recent report from Bloomberg Energy Finance forecasts twenty-two (22) percent annual growth in all solar PV installations, so it’s likely an increasing number of solar panel installation companies will result as well.

If you are considering this option for their home or business, BBB reminds you to comparison shop and do your homework to make sure you are working with a trustworthy company and getting the best product for your dollar.  

BBB offers the following tips for those leasing, buying or installing solar panels themselves:

Talk to your energy (electric) company.

Chocolate chip cookies are a favorite comfort food of nearly everyone. They're chewy, full of flavor, and chocolate-y...perfect in most people's book!

In celebration of Chocolate Chip Cookie Day on May 15,  here is a favorite recipe from KLTV's Mama Steph that we think you'll enjoy; just leave out the cherries if you prefer your cookies without fruit.

MamaSteph’s Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

2 cups + 2 tbsp plain flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 sticks of unsalted, melted butter (then cooled)

1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar

1 large egg

1 large egg yolk

2 tsp real vanilla extract (you know how I feel about imitation vanilla! Don’t go there!)

1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

From the Better Business Bureau of Central East Texas:

May is National Moving Month, which kicks off the busiest time of year for Americans changing residencies. Unfortunately, it also means unlicensed movers and dishonest scammers are waiting to take advantage of unwary consumers.

In 2012, BBB received over 1.4 million moving-related inquiries and more than 9,300 complaints against movers. Complaints included damaged or missing items, big price increases over originally-quoted estimates, late deliveries, and goods being “held hostage” for additional (disputed) payment.

“Almost anyone with a truck and a website can claim to be legitimate moving company”, said Mechele Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of BBB Serving Central East Texas. “If you don’t take the time to make sure a company is trustworthy, however, you may end up paying thousands of extra dollars for lost or damaged items. In some cases, your items may not get delivered at all.”