If you're a fan of household remedies, from nontoxic insect repellents to homemade soaps and shampoos, you might try these two books: "Storey's Basic Country Skills: A Practical Guide to Self-Reliance" (Storey Publishing, $24.95) and "Better Basics for the Home" (Three Rivers Press, $18).

Learn how to use simple ingredients like vinegar, salt or flour to create less-toxic cleaners. For details or to purchase these books, see www.storeybooks .com or www.betterbasics.com.

DO SOME GOOD IN WAIMEA VALLEY

Are you a nature lover with some time to spare?

Consider becoming a volunteer for the Waimea Valley Audubon Center, which aims to protect and enhance Waimea Valley's cultural, botanical and ecological resources.

The center needs volunteers to staff its information kiosk for 2 1/2 hours, one day a week. Training is provided. For more information, call 638-9199.

FINAL WORD

"Success in life comes from one thing: deciding exactly what you want to accomplish and then deliberately choosing to invest the minutes and hours of your life doing only those things that move you in the direction of your goals. It's simple."

Tommy Newberry | author of "Success is Not an Accident: Change your Choices, Change Your Life"