Parents who set up a sandbox as a place for their kids to play may also unknowingly be setting up the perfect environment for insects to nest and build colonies. Instead of reaching for chemical pesticides to keep your sandbox insect-free, search your pantry. Generously sprinkle cinnamon all over the sandbox and rake it through the sand. Cinnamon is a natural insect deterrent, and it smells great. If you need a lot of cinnamon for your extra-large sandbox, look for generic brands or inexpensive bulk containers at your local warehouse club store.

If your home does not have air conditioning, there are simple ways to help keep it as cool as possible during the hot summer months. The number-one rule of thumb? Circulation, circulation, circulation. Since heat rises, put fans on the upper level of your house and open windows on the lower levels. For smaller homes or apartments, close windows near fans and open the windows that are farthest away. This simple trick will help maximize the airflow and keep the air moving as efficiently as possible. The effect will help wick away sweat from the skin and keep you cool.

Gas prices always seem to be rising, so making smart decisions about your car's maintenance can help you keep it as fuel efficient as possible. One way to save gas is to inspect your spark plugs. Most cars have four, six or eight plugs, which ignite your car and help it run. Since each plug can "spark" as many as 3 million times for every 1,000 miles, they erode quickly and should be replaced regularly. Dirty or old spark plugs can cause misfirings, which waste fuel. Ask your mechanic to inspect your spark plugs the next time you get an oil change.