In the warmer months, why not abandon energy-hog treadmills and exercise machines at the gym and use the great outdoors instead? Hiking in the wilderness can be just as good a workout, plus you get the scenic views of nature while you work up a sweat. To find a variety of trails to hike near you -- from beginner level to seriously intense ones -- use the website TrailLink (traillink.com). It has everything from biking to running to walking trails to help bring the outdoors closer to you.

Yes, your iPhone might be able to help you repel mosquitoes, naturally. The Anti Mosquito -- Sonic Repeller is a free app that produces a high-frequency sound, called Ultra Sound, that humans can't hear but mosquitoes find annoying. When you turn on the app, the theory is the Ultra Sound keeps mosquitoes away. While the jury is still out if this works as effectively as chemical sprays, what's the harm? It's free, and all you have to do is turn it on the next time you're outside.

It doesn't matter if your community has a drought problem or not: Saving water is something we should all do. On a rainy day, don't just leave your umbrella and boots by the front door to dry. Instead, roll up the umbrella and place it by a large houseplant instead. As the water drips off the umbrella, it will give the plant a slow drink. Larger houseplants like potted trees can have rubber boots placed on top to help give them a drink, too. Everything dries off, you protect your floors and your plants win.