Time to water the plants? As your morning shower heats up, fill a watering can with the cold water before it goes down the drain. Let the water come to room temperature and give your thirsty plants a soaking (plants prefer tepid water to bone-chilling cold H2O). What's that, you don't have a houseplant? Then go pick one up, because it can help purify the air in your home by filtering out toxins. Foolproof, hard-to-kill varieties include the spider plant and succulents.

1/24/09

An oil furnace should be cleaned and serviced by a licensed technician annually; a gas furnace every two years. A check-up and inspection will not only make sure your furnace is running as efficiently as possible, but will also reveal any dangerous leaks, including carbon monoxide. Set up an appointment today.

1/23/09

Since we're all becoming a more digital society, leaving messages for your family at home should be as well. Instead of jotting down notes on paper, send a text message or an e-mail to the recipient. This way, you'll cut down on paper use and also be more assured that they'll get the message directly, too.

1/22/09