6/15/11

When watering outdoor plants, do so early in the morning or late at night when there's less risk of evaporation from the sun's hot rays. Also, water at the base of the plant, where water will soak into the ground and into the plant's roots. By spraying water into the air or using a sprinkler, too much evaporates, never making it to the plant itself.

6/14/11

Citronella oil is a natural and effective way to keep mosquitoes at bay. The next time you're burning citronella candles, use some of the melted wax inside the container to fill a locket with the fragrant wax. The next time you wear the locket, the cooled wax inside will act a natural deterrent for those pesky bugs.

6/13/11

The six-pack carrying cases many carbonated beverages and beer come in can be upcycled into a handy carrying case for summer entertaining. Cover the cardboard with shelf liner contact paper -- available at the hardware store -- to make it more decorative and to reinforce it. Then fill it with condiments like ketchup and mustard bottles, extra napkins, utensils and whatever else you need for your barbecue bash.