Did you know that honey does not have an expiration date? That’s because the acid in honey makes it naturally antibacterial, so it is impossible for microorganisms and bacteria to grow in it. In fact, scientists have found honey in Egyptian tombs that is thousands of years old, and it was still perfectly edible. Honey can naturally crystalize and change color, which can impact the taste and aroma, but it’s still perfectly fine to eat.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Organic cotton linens are not only more attainable today than they were years ago, they can have other benefits, too. Buying organic cotton bedding helps support farmers who grow organic cotton, and it also helps eliminate unnecessary chemicals from your life. Conventional cotton bedding is often bleached and then dyed using heavy-metal dyes that can have formaldehyde resins. And if you choose sheets that are labeled “wrinkle-free,” they are treated with a chemical substance that is a suspected carcinogen. If you can’t find organic cotton sheets, light-colored bedding that is not wrinkle-free is the next best (healthy) thing.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 14% of total air infiltration in a home enters through a fireplace chimney -- even if the damper is pulled shut --which can make your home less energy efficient in the winter months. Chimney balloons, which are nearly indestructible balloons you place inside the chimney to block drafts, can work to stop the cold, but they can be expensive. One DIY solution? Rip open a cardboard box and tape it inside the chimney as a draft stopper to help save up to 30% on your heating bill. Just remember to remove the box first if you want to use the fireplace.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION