If you have a brick home, here's a one-time green thumb fix that will have a long-term effect on your air conditioning bills: Plant some ivy at the base of your house. Ivy vines that are allowed to crawl up the brick walls of your house provide a natural buffer between your home and the hot sun. The ivy plant absorbs heat and feeds on the sun's rays, and it thrives with almost no upkeep after you plant it. Just make sure your brick is well-mortared and in good condition; ivy’s roots can further deteriorate old or damaged brick.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When buying seafood -- fresh, frozen or canned -- keep a few things in mind so you can choose the most sustainably caught option. Look for fish that has been caught using traditional "pole or troll" methods. This is basically a method that uses a single fishing pole with bait to catch fish. Avoid fish caught by way of "purse seining"; this method employs giant nets that collect large amounts of fish in a single swoop but also can ensnare "bycatch" like dolphins, turtles and other marine wildlife.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Yes, houseplants need light to survive and thrive inside your home, but think twice about placing your plants near windows. While placing a plant by a window with lots of sunlight seems like a good idea, it also can trick birds into thinking there's a place to perch. As the birds fly to inspect your houseplant, the inevitable will happen: They'll fly right into the window. To prevent collisions, keep plants slightly away from windows; this will help give needed light to plants and keep our feathered friends from hurting themselves.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION