7/6/12

Pillows filled with down feathers can clump up over time. Here's a simple way to revive your bed pillows while refreshing them, too: Place your pillow in the dryer, and tumble dry it on high for several minutes. The high heat will kill dust mites and odors that may be lingering inside, and the tumbling action will redistribute the feathers. After a few minutes, your clumpy pillow will feel, smell and look as good as new.

7/5/12

Don't preheat your oven too soon when you make your next batch of cookies. Ovens can be energy hogs, so it pays to prep first, then heat. If your oven needs a good cleaning, use the self-cleaning function after you've baked something. The oven's already heated up, and it will take less time for the function to run its course.

7/4/12

A backyard deck is a great place to entertain. You can extend the life of real wood decks with just a little simple maintenance. Traditionally, wood stains are oil-based products that simply coat the wood with a waxy, paraffin-based ingredient. Choosing a water-based stain will help it to saturate the wood for longer protection. It is a much greener choice since it allows the wood to breathe while it's being protected. Water-based stains contain a lower amount of volatile organic compounds, which means there are less chemicals contributing to smog and ozone depletion.