When the sun’s rays are at their peak, be sure to water your plants at the ground and not by spraying water all over their leaves. For one thing, it’s less efficient to water with a sprayer or sprinkler; less water gets to the actual roots where the plants need the most hydration. But there’s one more reason: Water droplets on the leaves of certain plants work like magnifying glasses, causing the leaves to fry in the sun’s hot rays. Rather than spraying the leaves, take a hose and soak your plants at the base.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Tired of junk mail sent to your home and unsolicited emails clogging up your inbox? Turns out the No. 1 seller of your name and personal information is your credit card company. They make money by selling our information to direct mail marketers and other solicitors. If you want to put an end to the barrage of offers, call your credit card company and ask them to stop selling your name and information in mailing lists. You should also contact retailers where you have store cards. It’s worth the time to see a significant reduction in solicitations.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

It’s believed that 130 million Americans receive at least one unwanted gift every year, eventually throwing it into the trash. These are perfectly good, perfectly new presents people simply never wanted. If you want to give a gift that is guaranteed not to get tossed, think about experiential over material gifts. Consider everything from edible (dinner or a nice bottle of wine) to events (concert or movie tickets). Even paying off a parking ticket could be a much more appreciated gesture than any wrapped gift.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION