Many of us like to buy suet balls or bird food that is encapsulated in mesh bags (which helps keep the birdseed together when you hang it outside). While for the most part our feathered friends can get a healthy meal or snack from these, there is a chance they can get entangled in the mesh bags. When the suet or bird food gets low, it creates air pockets in the mesh bag. This can cause birds to dig deeper into the bag for food, which can lead to their legs and beaks getting trapped and entangled. It's best to avoid feeding birds with mesh bags and to stick with traditional methods that involve loose feed instead.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you bought a bag of baking flour more than a year ago, there's a good chance that flour has gone bad. Pull it out of the pantry and give it a whiff. Does it smell rancid? If so, it's a good idea to toss it away. But before you do, go grab any decks of playing cards you have around the house. Throw the cards into a bag and cover them with the old flour. Seal and then shake. The flour will coat the cards and take away the dirt, grime, odors and oils to make the cards fresh and clean again. Then sprinkle the remaining old flour in the yard: It's biodegradable, and your lawn will love it.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Buying in bulk is a good way to cut back on waste and save money, but be careful what you purchase. Items like nuts, coffee and flour shouldn't be purchased in large quantities, because their quality quickly deteriorates and they can go rancid or taste stale. Instead, opt for shelf-stable, long-lasting staples like oats and dried beans, which will last for over a year if stored in cool, dry places in your kitchen. If you do have excess items that spoil quickly, store them in your freezer to extend their shelf life.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION