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• When the holidays come around, we use fresh herbs to make several family recipes, but end up with lots left over. Here is a great tip I found online to stretch the usefulness of fresh herbs: “Store fresh herbs as you would fresh flowers: in a jar of water on your countertop. Pluck off what you need, change the water daily, and they’ll last two to three times longer than they would in the fridge (from nourishedkitchen.com).” • Empty spice containers can be used to hold different hardware in the shop or in your toolbox. • “My great-nephew and his family came to visit, and his toddler son is quite into opening doors. I had babyproofed my breakables and such, but I did not think about his being able to turn a doorknob. His very smart mother pulled out a sock and slipped it over the doorknob, then secured it with a wide rubber band. Even I was unable to get a good grip on the doorknob after that!” — V.R. in North Carolina • Surprise guests? Here’s how to quick clean your living areas: First, clean the toilet, mirror and vanity in the guest bathroom and leave a fresh towel; grab a laundry basket and remove any clutter from the living room and kitchen; put away or clean dirty dishes and wipe down counters in the kitchen; finally, give carpets a quick vacuum. Then maybe light a great-smelling candle and greet your guests! • “Fireplaces are wonderful for heat and ambience, but the ashes! When cleaning up, I spritz the ashes with a rosemary water solution. This keeps them from dusting up and flying all over, and it smells great. My neighbor puts her damp loose-leaf tea in the fireplace for scent as well.” — C.W. in Iowa Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. © 2015 King Features Synd., Inc.
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