Five tips to help around house

•Use a coffee can to spread grass seed. Just punch some holes in the cover with an awl, fill the container with grass seed, replace the cover and tape it on with duct tape. Make as many holes as needed to lay down the desired amount of grass seed. Then all you have to do is invert the can and shake it. This also will work for fertilizer and other granule type pest control. Make sure you always label the can with its contents so there is no confusion when using chemicals.

•No more static shock! “I learned my lesson this winter, and thought I would share with others for next year. As dry as it’s been, I shocked myself again and again in my house after walking across the carpets. I have finally found a solution that works: diluted fabric softener. I filled a spray bottle with a couple of capfuls of liquid fabric softener and filled it up with water. Then I would periodically spray the carpets. It’s great!” — L.L.O. in West Virginia

•“If you are peeling garlic, try putting it in the microwave for 10 seconds. The skin will slip right off!” — O.I. in Nebraska

•“Here’s a senior hint that I have used for years: If you are having trouble opening a jar, try slipping on a pair of latex dishwashing gloves for extra traction. You can try banging a little on the edges of a metal lid to disturb the vacuum seal. This has worked for me many times. Just be careful not to bang it so hard that you break the glass jar!” — A.L. in Texas

•Recipe Substitutions: If you need 1 cup of whole milk, use 1/2 cup evaporated milk plus 1/2 cup water.