1/27/09

If you don't want to use harmful de-icing solution for your slippery stairs and sidewalks, try kitty litter or sand instead. While they won't melt ice the way rock salt does, they will add traction to help prevent slips and falls. For truly slick surfaces, use rock salt at a minimum and be careful to keep it away from vegetation, because it can be corrosive and harmful to plants.

1/26/09

Did you know aluminum foil is recyclable? After you're done baking a casserole in the oven, just peel off the aluminum and crumble it up into a ball. If it's coated with last night's dinner, a quick rinse under the sink should remove any leftovers. Toss it in the curbside recycling bin for pickup.

Are your winter boots and shoes full of ice and snow? Here's a quick and simple way to dry them out: Place the shoes on top of a stack of newspapers and stuff the insides of shoes with newspaper, too. It'll absorb excess moisture and help the shoes dry quicker. Bonus! Since newspaper is designed to absorb ink, it'll absorb other things, too ... like odors! If you regularly stuff your shoes with newspaper, it'll help them keep fresher.

1/25/09