Daisy - I have had one problem only with my CFLs, which was that my loungeroom has this weird lighting set up where 6 bulbs are needed. When all 6 were CFLS, I got buzzing and some of the blinking you describe. I replaced a single one with an incandescent, and the problem disappeared. I think its just shonky wiring, which I can't do much about but its a bizarre problem, considering the much lower CFL wattage. Still, a single incandescent won't hurt. Similarly, my bedroom light fitting has trouble (alarming popping noises) with all three spots taken by CFLs - here I solved it by just using only two - I don't need that much light in the bedroom! I think CFLs have come a really long way in the past few years. The type I got are 'soft white' which are wonderful, and have none of the 'harsh' light that people have complained about tube flourescents for. My mother is one of the haters, but when she came to stay, became a total convert to the new bulbs. I've also heard people say that a good way to solve the light quality thing is to put them behind slightly yellow shades or glass - while I'm not sure this is necessary with the new ones, many of mine are behind that type of glass - in the kitchen and hallway particuarly, and if you're sensitive, it might be a good solution. Oh, you can't 'dim' them - but I really don't mind that!
Leezichka - thank you so much! I was just about to ask about worm farms here!
Another good idea for vegie scraps, prior to their placement in a worm farm, is to put the scraps in a container and freeze. Once you have two large containers (I use the gladware ones), put them in a pot, cover with water, bring to boil, then simmer for a couple hours. Strain, reserve liquid, and freeze - you now have home-made vegie stock, for use in risottos, soups, etc. Saves you buying stock and gets the most out of your vegies.
I also love the Thrift store shopping ideas, but am terrible at ever finding anything I like at these places, or even finding good thrift stores at all. Does anyone have recommendations for places to go??
I know someone mentioned a community garden in Astoria a while back, but when I went to check it out I was very disappointed. It'd be nice to have a community vegetable-growing garden, which could use donated compost.