Bales of straw are a desirable ground cover, mulch or soil amendment for many gardeners, but they can be expensive to purchase during the warmer months. Wait until Nov. 1 to get the best deal on bales of straw. The reason? They’re also used as Halloween decorations and sold at stores and farm centers solely for that purpose. Much like how pumpkins are steeply discounted after Halloween, so are straw bales. Grab ‘em then and use them around your yard or garden and to amend your compost.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When you have a grimy oven that is begging for a deep clean, skip the toxic oven spray cleaners and reach for nontoxic items you already have. Make a thick paste of baking soda and water and generously spread it inside the oven. Let it sit there for several hours or overnight to break down the greasy, baked-on mess, then spray it all with white vinegar to create a bubbly chemical reaction. Wipe down with a sponge to reveal a clean surface inside your oven.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

In just about any home, you’ll likely find lightly used eyeglasses tucked away in the back of the junk drawer. The Lion’s Club International wants your old eyeglasses to help give the gift of sight to those in need. Collection boxes can be found in your own community, or you can send the Lion’s Club your eyeglasses directly. The glasses are cleaned, repaired and sorted by prescription strength by volunteers. To learn how to give, visit lionsclubs.org.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION