3/3/09

Change the color of your home's walls. Choose items from nature with a vibrant appeal, such as a leaf, branch or a flower petal, and have it color-matched at your local hardware or paint store. Make sure to choose a paint that has a low amount of volatile organic compounds, which, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, can cause adverse health effects. Low-VOC paints are easy to find and also are low-odor.

3/2/09

Stash your winter gear -- mittens, scarves, children's snowsuits -- by reusing the heavy-duty zippered plastic packaging your comforter came in. The waterproof packaging will keep everything protected. Add a bundle of chalk to help absorb excess moisture, and store your winter gear away for near year's annual snowball fight.

Pick up a bottle of essential oils, available in health food stores and some beauty supply shops, and place a few drops of the oil into the sink when washing dishes. As the warm sudsy water hits the oils, it'll diffuse into the air. Choose scents you love. Lavender is a good option to help soothe the soul. Who would've thought washing dishes could be spa-like, too?

3/1/09