1/28/13

After experiencing so many recent natural disasters -- like hurricanes, floods and earthquakes -- many of us are creating emergency kits to prepare for when the worst strikes. When you're making them, don't forget your companion animals. The Humane Society of the United States recommends creating an emergency kit for your pets that includes food and water for at least five days; medications and medical records; garbage bags; litter boxes for feline friends; and current photos with descriptions of your pet in case you get separated. You can learn more at hsus.org.

1/27/13

Save the skins of fresh lemons the next time you cook, and use them to help preserve your perishable foods. Olive oil, which can be expensive, has a shelf life of around six months. Inserting a lemon rind into the bottle can extend that time. It will also help the oil taste fresher. Also, to help keep brown sugar from turning hard, insert one or two peels into the bag to keep it fresh and soft.

1/26/13

Many of us place our trash cans on the curb the night before its picked up, but what we may not realize is that many wild animals like foxes, raccoons and pigeons feed off our trash. Many wild animals look for scraps like chicken bones and pieces of meat for dinner. This leads to strewn trash, and, more importantly, it can kill wild animals. Save non-recyclable containers whenever you get takeout to store leftover food inside, and seal it shut before throwing it in the trash. If it's impenetrable to animals, it will help to prevent scavenging.