3/17/13

Here's an easy upcycling idea to keep the small cords for your cellphone, digital camera and other devices neatly organized and ready to go: use an old eyeglass case. Coil your cords and stash them inside the case. They'll be neatly organized and can be stashed in your bag or suitcase when you travel, too. If you don't have an old eyeglass case, try using old pencil cases.

3/16/13

Bed bugs have become such a health epidemic that the phrase "don't let the bed bugs bite" is literal for many people. One way to help curtail the risk of bed bugs at home is to make cleaning your mattress a regular part of making your bed. To clean your bed, simply strip it to the bare mattress and generously sprinkle baking powder and kosher salt on top. The baking powder will deodorize the bed, and the salt will dehydrate any potential bugs or bed bug eggs that may be lurking in corners. Then vacuum, making sure to pay special attention to crevices and tufted areas where critters may be lurking.

3/15/13

Ginger root is fast becoming a kitchen staple for its healthy digestive properties and delicious taste. If you find yourself with a leftover chunk of ginger root, don't toss it in the trash -- grow a ginger plant from it. Fill a small pot with organic potting mix, place the ginger root in the soil and water it. In a few days, you'll see new growth coming out of the soil, and in a few weeks, you'll have a regenerated ginger root that you can harvest and use at home. If you do this right, you'll never have to purchase ginger root again!