In grocery stores, when certain items like beans, pasta and rice are in high demand, try to do one thing: Avoid food items that are marked as "WIC" eligible. If you can afford to purchase non-WIC items, you're leaving available items that are eligible for purchase by people who are on federal assistance. If WIC items are sold out, people on nutritional assistance might have to go home empty-handed.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When buying whole grains and flour, the general rule of thumb is this: Choose inventory that has a good "sell by" date and has no smell or odor whatsoever. If it smells musty or oily, it's likely rancid and should not be purchased or used. When storing, keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Or, if you want to store it for long-term use, place it in the freezer. A freezer will double the shelf life of the grain or flour (oats, for example, last four months in a pantry and eight months in a freezer) and also keep it away from small insects.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

While rubbing alcohol is a smart way to disinfect surfaces, it's one thing you should never use on porous materials like wood and leather. The rubbing alcohol can easily dissolve coatings and finishes on the leather and wood surfaces of furniture, which can lead to deterioration. In fact, rubbing alcohol is so powerful, using too much on leather can "burn" a hole through it. Use all-purpose cleansers or formulas meant for these surfaces to keep these furniture items clean.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION