Pretty Your Plants

Potted plants look prettier with a layer of glass marbles covering the dirt. (GH)

Packing Tape Tip

Don't let the cut end of a roll of packaging tape get loss. After each use, place a paperclip under the loose end. The next time you need it, you will be good to go. (GH)

Concise and to the Point

Keep your written correspondence concise and to the point with the following tips:

• Scroll not: aim to keep email to no more than one screen length
• Handle important details first: opening sentences should answer what, who, when questions.
• Omit extra words: pull out redundant, needlessly descriptive words
• Read the item out loud--slowly: this will help you see/hear errors
• Take time: write a draft and if possible, walk away for awhile, particularly if you are dealing with a sensitive or potentially tense subject