If you use your dryer for laundry, do these two things to cut down on energy costs. First, clean the lint filter after each use; a dirty filter will force the dryer to work harder, and it's also a fire hazard. Second, dry heavier items like blankets, towels and jeans separately from lighter items that dry more quickly; most dryers have a moisture sensor setting that can default if there is still one wet item inside the dryer. Hang heavier items when they are still slightly damp coming out of the dryer; they’ll dry more quickly, and air-drying helps keeps items like towels and jeans looking better over time.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you’re sipping a beer on a hot summer day, be sure to keep your can or bottle far away from your dog. The hops used to make beer may give it flavor, but they also can raise the body temperature of your dog to as high as 108 degrees. If your dog drinks a lot of beer, this rise in body temperature can lead to seizures and organ failure. Keep beer far away and always warn guests that giving a dog a sip of beer isn’t cute; it’s dangerous.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When a recipe calls for an unusual flour made from almonds, rice or oats, running to the store or looking for another recipe aren’t your only options. You can make these flours in your own home. All you need are raw almonds, white rice or uncooked oats. Toss the ingredient into your food processor and put it to work. As the blades process the ingredient, they’ll transform it into a fluffy flour in just seconds. The tougher the ingredient, the longer it’ll take to make, but no ingredient should take more than a minute to transform into flour.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION