Around the house

* Buff windows to a shine. A clean blackboard eraser rubbed over a dry, clean window will remove any lingering smudges.

* Cover a picnic table with a brightly colored fitted sheet. Top tables with a single rosebud or daisy in a bud vase.

* Remove ball-point ink stains with hairspray and a dab of liquid dish detergent. Rinse with cold water and launder.

In the garden

* Spray poison ivy plants with a mix of 2 gallons of soapy water and 3 pounds salt. Repeat a few times until plants die.