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 -- it can help purify the air in your home by filtering out toxins. Foolproof, hard-to-kill varieties include the spider plant and succulents.

1/27/10

Tip: Be sure to wipe the paws of our canine friends after a walk outdoors; the de-icing mix can harm them. Keep a pile of small towels by the door for easy cleanup.

1/26/10

1/25/10

Lingering winter storms mean de-iced, salt-covered sidewalks. To naturally remove salt stains from your shoes, just mix hot water with a few tablespoons of white vinegar. Use a soft rag to buff the salt right off your shoes.