6/29/09

Mosquitoes bugging you? Stop them at their source: Any standing water in your yard can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes to lay eggs. Drill drainage holes on the bottom of trash cans and recycling bins. Check bird baths, pet bowls and overturn unused flower pots. Mosquitoes need very little water to lay eggs, so be vigilant.

6/28/09

Take a look in the trunk of your car and de-clutter. Excess weight in the car -- boxes of old books, chains for your tires, sporting equipment -- not only takes away storage space, but also makes your car less fuel efficient. On average, if you remove about 50 pounds of excess weight, you'll gain about 1 percent in fuel efficiency. And with fluctuating gas prices, every little bit helps.

6/27/09

This morning, when you're sipping your coffee, do the dollar test with your fridge: Close the fridge's door onto a dollar bill and see how much effort it takes for you to pull it out. If it comes out easily, the seal isn't tight enough; it's leaking cold air and needs to be fixed. Another test: Open the fridge door and let go. If it doesn't shut by itself, it needs to be re-stabilized. Shift the whole fridge until it's level and try it again.