Some plants to keep bugs away

•Getting bugged by bugs? Here are some plants that are said to repel mosquitos: Citronella grass (although, this one is tropical and very large), catnip, rosemary, marigolds, horsemint and “mosquito plants.”

• Recipe Substitutions: If you need 1/2 cup tartar sauce, mix 6 tablespoons of mayonnaise with 2 tablespoons of pickle relish.

• If you go to a lot of cookouts in the summer, try this tip to avoid overeating: Keep a drink in your dominant hand. You’ll be less likely to graze on high-fat chips and other snack foods. Need a little something? Hope for a veggie platter. But whether it’s veggies or chips, grab a couple and then WALK AWAY from the table before you can hit the dip.

•”For fun pancake shapes, use a turkey baster. Fill it with pancake batter, then spell or draw on a heated and oiled pan. Just make sure your letters are backward to start with; they look better when flipped!” — E.L. in Washington

• If you make your own bread from time to time, save the bags and ties from store-bought breads. They are the perfect size, and they can be reused with ease.

• “This is my husband’s diet tip. At first I thought it was hilarious, but I can’t argue with the results: He’s lost almost 35 pounds. Before he sits down to a meal, he tightens his belt a notch. He can still breathe and everything, but it makes it uncomfortable to overeat. He eats more slowly, too.” — J.J. in Florida

• “If you are just starting to gray, here’s a great tip that came from my hairdresser that has worked for me. Instead of plucking those random grays (we all do), give it a quick shot with an appropriate color of mascara. Madam Hairdresser says that when you pluck, you create shorter strands that mix in with the longer hair, and that can give your head a messy look. Mascara works for me.” — U.T. in Texas

• “Facial cleansers are less likely to irritate your skin if you apply them to damp skin. They will lather better, too.” — E.L. in Minnesota