Spring is here… Time to clean!
Household cleaning products may contain harmful chemicals that are toxic to humans, animals, plants, and the environment. A green household should have these natural products on hand — baking soda, borax, distilled white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice, olive oil, vegetable-based liquid castille soap, and washing soda. Howdini.com demonstrates some uses of these ingredients and suggests natural substitutes for traditional cleaners. For those who don’t have the time or desire to become mixologists, environmentally friendly products are available for purchase.
What’s your home repair IQ?
Are you literate in the world of home repairs? Or would you rather enlist the help of a pro? Take the Ultimate Home Repair Quiz and discover your do-it-yourself IQ. And while some projects should be left to the professionals, others can be tackled by the homeowners. How Stuff Works lists five that often come up and entail easy solutions. Here’s what heads of households ought to know:
- Prepping and painting interior walls
- Fixing squeaking and sticking doors
- Using caulk
- Repairing a faucet washer
- Unplugging a clogged toilet
Homeowners with shallow knowledge of the basics need not be alarmed. Online help is readily available at sites like How Stuff Works, the DIY Network, HGTV, and This Old House.
Gardening in small spaces
Whether you have a plot of land or a balcony, the possibilities for planting herbs, vegetables, and flowers are unlimited. Just about any plant that grows in the earth can be cultivated in a pot. This Lowe’s video debunks the myth that small spaces constrain gardening. Think outside the box — containers, hanging baskets, raised beds, and vertical planting — and let your corner of paradise flourish this spring.
Tax Time is Here
Around this time of year, tax forms for 2011 are trickling home through the mail. If you have a more complicated return or simply want guidance, enlisting the help of a professional tax preparer can mean the difference between paying more or less to Uncle Sam. For households that run a small business, it’s important to find an accountant who stays up to date on tax laws pertaining to your specific industry. Learn more by watching the Wall Street Journal’s “Experts Explain: How To Choose a Tax Preparer.”
http://online.wsj.com/video/experts-explain-how-to-choose-a-tax-preparer/A0126021-8808-48D1-BBB9-DCCD9A56FC45.html