During the warmer months, most houseplants can benefit from being outdoors, as many are tropical plants that flourish in the warm weather and bright sunny days. The key for success is to make sure plants aren't immediately transported from a shady spot in the home to a bright, sunny spot outdoors. Start by moving the houseplants to a slightly shaded spot outdoors, then gradually move them to a sunnier spot over the course of a few days. This can help prevent scorching them in the sun. And be sure they have plenty of drainage; in the case of a downpour, the plants will drink up what they need and allow the rest to run off.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

While DIY beauty treatments using food-grade ingredients are on the rise, dermatologists are warning that not all pantry and produce items are safe to use on skin. According to a story by Glamour, lemon is one fruit you should avoid. The reason? "Lemon is acidic and can burn the skin," causing phytophotodermatitis, which is a bad inflammatory skin reaction. Glamour says other ingredients to avoid include raw eggs (which can cause a bacterial infection from salmonella) and spices (especially cinnamon, which can irritate the skin).

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Did you know you can wash "dry clean only" garments at home? Simple garments like wool sweaters, silk blouses or linen pants can be tossed into a mesh bag and washed in cold water in the washing machine or by hand. Lay them flat on a clean towel to dry. Leave complicated garments like leather/suede jackets, pleated pants or extremely delicate fabrics (like hand-beaded silk blouses) to the pros to handle.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION