Jazz up those flip-flops

“For the past three summers, my daughters and I have made our own flip-flop sandals. We purchase a plain pair and jazz them up with silk flowers, beads and other items, which we hot-glue to the straps. It has proven to be a fun tradition, one that we will continue to do.” — E.B. in Jupiter, Fla.

“We just got back from a family vacation, and I had to share what was a lovely experience. We traveled by train, and it was such an improvement for our two young children. All the games in the world sometimes can’t make a child feel better about being strapped into a car for hours and hours. Not so on the train. We were able to move around and get a good look out the windows, and we spent the time interacting as a family. It was great.” — Train Lover in Virginia

“As a way to track how many snacks I eat during the day, I save the wrappers or write down what I have eaten on a slip of paper and tuck it in a plastic bag in my pocketbook. I save them for the week, and toward the end of the week, I just have to look at the plastic bag before I say, ‘No, you don’t need that chocolate bar/bag of chips/etc.’” — D.T. in Milwaukee

• Dental health is so important. Remember to replace your toothbrush every three months, or earlier if it shows signs of wear on the bristles. Always keep a new one on hand to replace your toothbrush after you’ve been sick, regardless of how long it has been since you last replaced it.

•Keep clutter from overtaking your bathroom. Mount a wall-hanging file basket next to the commode.

•Check with your electric company to see if it offers discounts or incentives for energy-saving appliances or upgrades. Some companies offer a rebate for insulation upgrades or installing more energy-efficient windows.