If you often play tennis, you know that once a tennis ball loses its bounce, it's either ditch it or give it to the dog to play fetch with. One way to upcycle a deflated tennis ball is to simply cut it in half (poke it with the sharp point of a scissor or knife and snip away). Then use the half ball around the house. A stuck jar lid? Use the rubbery inside of the ball to grip the lid and twist away. Even whole tennis balls can help you save money; toss a few into the dryer when you're drying towels. The balls will fluff the towels, so they'll dry faster.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you take vitamins, it's important to make sure they are stored properly so they maintain their potency. Avoid high heat, bright light and fluctuating temperatures; bathrooms are the worst place to store them. And while a refrigerator may sound like a perfect place (it's cool and dark), it's also humid inside. Only truly airtight containers will protect your vitamins in the refrigerator. The best place is a cabinet that's dry, high and away from heat sources. It's also a safe place to keep them out of small hands.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Around this time of year, carpenter ants invade homes and can be a nuisance. While they don't bite, they are busily looking for food sources in your home. To naturally repel these ants, first remove all sugary items from surfaces and secure them in a safe place, like a refrigerator. Then make a mixture of boric acid and white powdered sugar and leave it where they tend to gather. The ants will feast on the mixture and take it back to their colony. The boric acid is a natural insecticide and will do in the entire colony. In no time, no ants.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION