If you're planning a home renovation project and are getting rid of items you think a charity like Habitat for Humanity or the Salvation Army might be able to use, don't load up your truck with them and drop them off; instead, give the charities a call. Many charities will come out to your home, see what items they can find a use for and take only what they really need. It saves you time, helps a good cause and you can get a tax deduction for the value of the donation.

8/14/10

Many people love to put out bird seed for our feathered friends to see them up close. In the warm summer months, it's a good idea to put out significantly less seed in feeders -- approximately just one day's worth -- since the hot summer sun can "cook" the seed, releasing oils and quickly turning the seed rancid. To keep the birds healthy, use less seed in the summer months and more seed in the cold winter months.

8/13/10

Also, never allow a baby to play with your keys; many keys have lead in them to make them pliable. Since babies will likely put the keys in their mouth, they are susceptible to lead poisoning.

8/12/10