8/19/12

A good, sharp knife is key to preparing any meal at home, but even the best knives can dull over time. If you don't have a knife sharpener, reach for this DIY version instead: a ceramic coffee mug or terra-cotta pot. Unfinished bottoms on both surfaces are the perfect roughness for sharpening. Run your knife blade against it at a 45-degree angle. Do this for several swipes, and you'll have razor-sharp knives.

8/18/12

During the summer months, our electrical grid is often strained during the hours of 3 to 7 p.m., when air conditioners are running at their peak. You can help relieve the strain on the grid by not running household appliances during that time. If you run your dishwasher, washing machine or dryer early in the morning or late at night, you'll also save money: Peak-hour electricity costs more since the electric companies pass the extra costs onto you.

8/17/12

Fluffy towels can, over time, become a breeding ground for smelly mildew that is impossible to remove. No matter how much you launder your towels, they will still have a not-so-fresh scent. Before reaching for chlorine bleach, head to your bar instead. Spraying a little vodka on dingy towels will kill the bacteria causing the smell, won't discolor towels and will help them stay fresher longer.