If you invest in one type of plant for your landscaping, invest in a tree. The environmental benefits are clear: Trees provide shade for your home, they provide habitat for wildlife and they absorb CO2 emissions. But they also have value; a mature tree can add $1,000 to $10,000 to the valuation of your home. An early investment in a young tree on your property can mature and grow into almost a literal Money Tree!

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When it comes to landscaping around the house, there are more than just environmental benefits in choosing native plants for your yard. Much like an exotic houseplant that needs a lot of TLC to stay alive, non-native plants for your yard can require lots of maintenance. Native plants are tolerant and adaptable to your region’s climate, so they won’t need regular watering and can survive a drought. Plus, they don’t need fertilizer and are often naturally disease- and pest-resistant.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

It happens -- if you do enough laundry, you end up with orphan socks. When you’re stuck with just one lonely sock, why not upcycle it into something soothing to help sore muscles and aches and pains? Just fill the sock with dried beans or dry rice and tie a knot at the end. The choice of ingredient will depend on how tightly woven your sock is. You can also add dried lavender inside for extra aromatherapy. Then toss the sock into the microwave for about 30 seconds. Voila! Instant heat pad that molds around the neck, or anywhere you need a little TLC.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION