Essential oils can be an easy way to add a pleasant scent to a room or to make homeopathic remedies at home. But know what you're buying the next time you're perusing the health food aisle. Labels that say "naturally derived" don't mean the oils actually came from plants or flowers; instead, it means the molecular structure of whatever flower or plant they are inspired by is replicated as a synthetic in a lab using the plant's actual DNA structure. In other words, it's artificial. Look for United States Department of Agriculture-certified organic essential oils to be sure you're getting the real thing.

If you have a collection of lightly used stuffed animals, consider donating them to help kids in need who can find comfort from them. The charity Stuffed Animals for Emergencies (S.A.F.E.) has a network of volunteers nationwide who accept stuffed animals and prepare them to be donated to homeless shelters, hospitals and other emergency aid organizations to comfort children. Visit the website stuffedanimalsforemergencies.org to find a local chapter near you to donate your collection. Many chapters also accept blankets and books -- note that none of them will accept battery-operated plush toys for safety reasons.

The most common culprits for fresh fruit and vegetable spoilage are natural bacteria and microbes that are all around us. The United States Department of Agriculture says when fruits and vegetables are exposed to moisture, these bacteria and microbes rapidly multiply and ruin fresh produce. One way to help preserve produce and to prevent food waste is to keep everything as dry as possible. A loose crisper drawer allows air to circulate around fruit and veggies, so don't overpack it. And wash the fruit only when you're ready to use it. Just a trace amount of moisture left can be enough to speed up the spoilage process.