Do you do a lot of baking or stock up on dry goods like grains, rice and beans? One of the best things you can do to ensure your pantry staples stay fresh is to invest in small packets called "oxygen absorbers." These little pillows go right into your dry foods and are designed to absorb oxygen inside airtight sealed food storage containers. They stop oxidation and prolong the freshness and shelf life of your foods.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Did you know you can make your own reusable disinfectant wipes? Just tear some old cotton T-shirts into rags and fill a plastic container (a food storage container with a tight-fitting lid works best) with 3 parts white vinegar, 1 1/2 parts rubbing alcohol, a few drops of castile soap and a splash of water. Let the rags soak in the mixture, then whenever you need to disinfect a surface, just grab a rag, gently squeeze out the excess and wipe away.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Used coffee grounds are a gardener's best friend, especially if you're planting acid-loving plants like rhododendrons, hydrangeas and azaleas in your backyard. One of the easiest ways to incorporate used coffee grounds is to simply spread them on top of the ground and rake them into the soil. Then give the area a nice soak so the grounds can saturate and begin to release their acidity into the soil. Even if you aren't a coffee drinker, you can ask your local coffee shop to save their used grounds for you to use.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION