Many dogs and cats in shelters are in need of homes. One way you can help is to sign up as a “friend” on your local shelter’s Facebook page and learn about animals that are close to being put down. By posting the animal’s photo and profile on your Facebook wall, you’ll help advertise a loving animal to all of your friends (who can also re-post it on their walls) and help an animal find a home quickly.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Keep frozen food cold longer by doing this simple trick: Line the inside of your reusable bag with bubble wrap. Simply cut sheets of bubble wrap the size of the inside of the tote bag and safety pin them in place. The bubble wrap will help insulate the inside of the bag, keeping it cooler. When the bubble wrap deflates over time, unpin it and replace with a fresh sheet.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Reed diffusers are an easy way to add natural scent to a room without burning candles or spraying artificial fragrances. But buying new diffusers -- the vial of oil, the container and reeds, and all the packaging -- can be wasteful and expensive. Instead, buy a refill oil and use it in an old waterproof vase with a handful of Chinese takeout bamboo chopsticks as the reeds. You’ll save a lot of money and get the same effect.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION