If you’re replacing your roof or building a new home, it’s an excellent time to consider having your home analyzed for solar power. As solar panels and solar roofing tiles become more aesthetically pleasing and affordable, upgrading your home to accept solar panels is an easy step to modernize it. When building a new home or replacing the roof, you can add flashable mounting brackets, which provide the highest level of protection for your roof and the panels, even if you’re not ready for panels. When it comes time to sell your home, knowing your home is solar-ready can be a big added value for buyers.

There are myriad wonderful uses for unrefined coconut oil, but have you thought about using it for your dog? Coconut oil is unlike other oils, because when it’s applied to hair -- or in this case, fur -- it doesn’t just coat the follicles, it actually deep moisturizes. So a little coconut oil rubbed into your pup's fur can help moisturize and prevent flaking. It smells good, too! And there’s no worry if he licks up a little oil off his fur; it’s totally safe to eat and actually good for your pooch.

One of the easiest ways to tidy up your yard and save water is to use mulch around your landscaping. Mulch locks in moisture and also blocks light, which helps prevent weeds from germinating. But buying bags of mulch at the home-improvement store can be expensive. One way to get free mulch is to contact your local municipality about yard waste centers. These centers collect yard waste from residents and turn it into mulch and compost. Throughout the year, they often give away mulch and compost to residents. Just bring your own tools, and load it up for free.