May 2010 Keep-It-Together Checklist

Switch to a liquid hand soap or a glycerin-based bar soap, which will help eliminate clogged drains. Binders in regular soaps are the primary cause of the build-up.

Dermatologists now recommend using a moisturizer with SPF 30 (or more) every morning. Apply dime-sized dollops to your chin, forehead, nose, and cheeks. It might seem like a lot, but it will absorb quickly and ensure that you have full sun protection

You know it’s spring when asparagus shows up at the farmers’ market. Want to pick up the best of the bunch? Look for bright green spears with closed compact tips.

Download the ShopSavvy app free from iTunes to easily compare prices. Use your iPhone camera to “scan” the bar code of an item, and the app will show competitors’ prices, both at stores near you and online.

Use a foam swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean the hard surfaces of your (unplugged) computer. Then dab with a dry foam swab to absorb any moisture.

Ease the sneeze by changing your furnace filter. Look for a replacement that has a MERV rating of 12, which measures how effective it is at catching allergens (12 is the highest).

When you’re ready to banish those pesky dandelions and dreaded crab grass, opt for a concentrate, which costs less than $4 a gallon, instead of a ready-to-use spray, which can cost more than $23 a gallon.

Next time you’re at the store, make sure you have all the outdoor dining essentials (single use plates, cups, and silverware, etc.). That way you won’t be stuck scrambling on that perfect Saturday afternoon.