Things I learned from Martha Stewart

Every girl needs an electric drill. My house purchase coincided with the closing of all Sears Hardware stores. For $99 I got a battery-operated kit with a drill, screwdriver, reciprocating saw, and two other things I probably should investigate. Martha's also the reason I bought a drillbit for ceramics. I didn't use it for 3 years but it's the only way to drill holes in ceramic pots for plants or lamps.

Fill your hibiscus vase with ice. They're notorious for lasting 1 day even on the shrub but if you fill your container with crushed ice and water they'll be perky for hours and hours after cutting. Hint: it WILL need a coaster under it and will need to be replenished with ice.

Water radishes every day. Makes them sweeter and the leaves are really hydrated and excellent sauteed.

Fold bedspreads down to the end of the bed. It's so inviting and doesn't really look like an unmade bed. If you have a white dog it doubles the time between washings. Always a Good Thing.