You may not realize it, but a wrapper that once held a chocolate bar or a piece of candy can be all too tempting to your family pet. And while a small wrapper may get eaten and easily pass through the digestive system, there is still the chance a wrapper could attach itself to the lining of your pet's stomach. If this happens, call your veterinarian; the situation is even more emergent if the candy was chocolate or made with the sugar substitute xylitol (which can be fatal). Generally, treat wrappers as if they are dangerous items: Discard them so your pet can never, ever find them.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Beauty products can be of service in new and different ways well after they've been used up or expired. A clean mascara brush, for example, can be used to scrub away dirt and debris between stones in jewelry or watch links. Unwanted nail polish (a color not to your liking, say) can be used to "paint" the stems of wineglasses to give them personality and color. And lipstick that broke can be melted in a microwave-safe dish for 20 seconds then poured into a clean tin (like a small mint tin) and applied to the lips with a brush or fingertips.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Did you know that metal bottle caps are recyclable, but they are often tossed into the trash at recycling facilities? It's because they are too small and often end up as waste as the larger recyclables get sorted. So, what to do? Open and save a steel can (like a soup can) and an aluminum can (from a soda). Fill each with bottle caps made from their respective metals. Not sure how to tell the difference? If a cap sticks to a magnet, it's steel; if not, it's aluminum. When the cans are full, crimp them closed so nothing falls out and recycle in your curbside recycling bin.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION