Just pouring water into your house plants' pots isn't enough — they need showers, too, according to the housekeeping mavens at MarthaStewart .com. A faux drizzle can clean off dusty leaves.

Here's what you should do: Use a showerhead attachment to lightly spray large plants with tepid water. For small, delicate plants, wrap the pots in paper towels (secured with a clip), then turn plants upside down, gently swishing the leaves in a pot of water.

— Zenaida Serrano

FINAL WORD

"To fit our dreams into our lives, we must first commit to the idea that they are necessary and important. Then we need to pick a day to start."

suzanne Falter-Barns | author of "Living Your Joy: A Practical Guide to Happiness"

SAVE THE PLANET

MAKE STATIONERY, NOT TRASH

Why trash your old calendars and used wrapping papers when you can turn them into art? Learn how at a workshop Saturday 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Green House in Pauoa Valley.

Organizers will teach participants how to use would-be rubbish to create personalized stationery and cards.

Cost is $10; $5 for students and those 65 and older. To register: thehawaiigreenhouse@verizon.net or 524-8427.

— Zenaida Serrano