5/12/10

Worn bath and beach towels that need to be replaced can have a second life. Use them to dry off the dog after a bath or to wipe off his paws after a run through the mud. Leave a folded towel by the front door and rest dirty shoes on top; they'll absorb the excess toxins and dirt. Or cover the cargo space in your car with towels when transporting something that may spill or leave dirt behind.

5/11/10

Wilted celery that has lost its crispness can be revived in minutes with this simple trick: Cut 1 inch off the bottom of the stem and soak the celery in a large cup of ice cold water with two tablespoons of white vinegar. Let it soak for a few minutes, and it should be nice and crisp.

5/10/10

While container gardening is popular for people with limited backyard space, large pots filled with organic soil can also mean ultra-heavy lifting. To lighten the load, save Styrofoam packing peanuts and fill half the container with them. This will not only make it easier to move the pots, but it helps prevent root rot and mildew growth inside the pot.