5/26/13

In warmer months, many of us open windows in our home to flush out airborne toxins. It's called cross ventilation, and a breezy day will help to keep indoor air quality cleaner. But think about your home-away-from-home: your car. Park your car outside and open all the windows to flush out the odors and toxins building up inside. Remove floor mats and vacuum them well; leave them out so the sun's rays deodorize them naturally. And pop the trunk while you're at it: De-clutter to lighten the load and improve your car's mpg.

5/25/13

Have a drawer full of mustard, ketchup, lemon juice or mayo packets and not sure what to do with them? Toss a few into the freezer. The next time you need a small cold compress to soothe an insect bite or bee sting, or de-puff the bags under your eyes, place the frozen packets right on top. You can reuse them over and over, too, as a quick homemade first-aid remedy.

5/24/13

Smart planning for your flower beds can lead to significant water and time savings. According to National Geographic, consider "companion planting" by grouping certain plants together to help them grow mutually. By planting taller, sun-loving plants in the front with shorter, shade-loving plants in back, they help each other thrive. The taller plants block the sun's rays and help reduce evaporation of water on the shorter plants. The symbiotic planting will help your flower beds thrive.