Sadly, it's not uncommon to see a landscaping sprinkler system running at full power during a rainstorm. However, it's not the mark of a wasteful homeowner; it's because the sprinkler system is on an automatic timer. To fix this problem (and save water and money), have a rain sensor installed to your sprinkler system. The sensor determines whether enough rainfall has occurred to skip an irrigation cycle. If the sensor detects enough rain, it breaks the electrical connection to your sprinkler system so it won't turn on. It's easy to install and makes your sprinkler system more efficient.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Instead of using harsh paint stripper to remove paint from your hands or a nonporous surface, try this natural method instead: Use olive oil and salt to loosen dried paint and gently lift it away. Start by dabbing the area with a small amount of olive oil, then sprinkle salt on top and use it as a gentle exfoliant. Add more oil and wipe away, then use a little soap and water to wash the oil mixture off. The oil helps "lift" the paint away from the surface and the salt speeds up the process.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Did you know one of the fastest ways to ruin a smartphone is exposure to natural elements? When your phone is exposed to the hot rays of the sun for too long, it can overheat, degrading the performance of the battery and even melting the internal components, potentially ruining the phone for good. The easiest way to avoid this is to keep your phone out of the sun and especially to never leave it inside a hot car (even the glove box gets very hot). And when charging a phone on a hot day, take off the protective case; it can hold in heat and cause the phone to overheat, too.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION