Make a Perfect Compost Pile

Follow these tips to make the best compost.

Do dig a shallow hole about 4' by 4' by 2' (surround with cinder blocks or chicken wire, if you like), or use a compost bin. Layer with leaves, branches, and twigs (“browns”), then with grass and plant clippings (“greens”). Water and mix so it’s moist but not soaked.

Don't include diseased foliage, as it can kill plants on which you use the fertilizer later.

Do toss in vegetable food waste (but not animal by-products, which can attract pests).

Don't add weeds. If the seeds don’t break down, you’ll plant them again next year.

Do chop up large branches and evergreen boughs, so they can break down faster.

Don't forget it. Keep compost moist and mix with a pitchfork every week as weather allows. Check its temperature with your hand or a compost thermometer. It should be warm (100 degrees). If not, add greens.

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Clutter Solution : Bathrooms - Showers and Baths

Although the shower stall and bathtub have little existing storage space, it's easy to beat clutter in this area with just a few innovative organization aids. Since everyone in the house probably takes a shower or bath daily, putting soap and bathing supplies within easy reach will automatically reduce clutter and frustration.

• Bathing and hair-care products: Organize these everyday essentials in a wire or plastic storage container; otherwise, they will just clutter up the edges of the tub or shower surround. Use one that can comfortably hold all the hair-care products you and others in your household use, along with a loofah, a washcloth, and any other personal care products you use in the shower (which may include shaving supplies for both men and women). Pick a smaller two- or three-shelf container if your needs are modest. You can select models that attach directly to the tile, either with special mounting hardware or with suction cups. Or, for a simpler option, turn to caddies with hooks that hang from the showerhead stem. Make sure you buy one with the features that match the way you shower. If you use bar soap, you'll need a unit with a soap dish. If many people use the shower, you'll probably be better served by wide corner baskets on a tension pole. The pole is secured between the ceiling and the tub lip, and usually comes with three or four triangular basket shelves. Some even include a suspended no-fog mirror for shaving in the shower. If you regularly use a washcloth, be sure any shelving units you buy have a hook, or buy a separate suction-cup hook.

• Toys: Children's bath toys are essential to happy bath times, but if left unrestrained they can become slippery hazards underfoot, not to mention irksome floor clutter. It's a simple matter to keep them contained. Just pick an organizer that is large enough for all the toys (and then some) and one that can survive being waterlogged. The container can be a plastic bucket or bin, but needs to have holes in it so toys can drain after play. Keep it on a mat under the sink. Or, if you don't mind having the toys around at all times, keep them in a mesh shower-toy bag with suction-cup mounts. These range in style from simple net bags to elaborate cartoon-character organizers. The advantage of these types of toy holders is that you can rinse the toys off in the holder after play, and then just hang it up to dry on the wall. You can also buy hanging organizers that drape over the lip of the tub and can be hung elsewhere to dry out after bath time. These are great for holding toys, children's shampoo, and grooming aids such as brushes.

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How to Clean Automatic Coffeemakers

Product: Vinegar (white).

How To Use: Use full-strength or diluted depending on use. To clean automatic drip coffeepots, fill reservoir with vinegar and water and run through a brew cycle; follow with a cycle of clear water to rinse.

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