House: Use water wisely

We've all heard of — and hopefully purchased — EnergyStar-labeled lightbulbs and appliances. According to Karen Klages of the Chicago Tribune's Home and Garden section, "the EPA recently launched WaterSense an EnergyStar-like testing and labeling program dedicated to water efficiency and conservation." According to Klages, WaterSense-qualified products — sprinklers, toilets, faucets — will be at least 20 percent more water efficient than non-qualified products.

Visit epa.gov/watersense for more information.

Also, be sure to check out energystar.gov to learn more about the EnergyStar program.

Dishwasher tips

Yesterday's installment of Chicago Tribune's daily e-newsletter, "Daywatch" included an article with these helpful tips for using a dishwasher. We've had some problems with this in the past — smoggy glassware, for example.

Here are "do's and don'ts" from the Universal Press Syndicate's Mark Hetts:

• DO: Use less detergent than the dishwasher or detergent manufacturer recommends.
• DO NOT put aluminum pans or utensils in the dishwasher. Repeated machine washings dull, pit, and eventually ruin the finish.
• DO: If non-stick cookware and utensil makers recommend against diswasher cleaning, take their advice.
• DO: Hand wash copper items and copper-bottomed pots and pans to avoid dull and tarnish copper.
• DO: Hand wash antique glassware, china, or flatware.
• DO: Always read the instructions with dishwashing detergents and dishwashers.

Finally, avoid putting the following items in your dishwasher: wood-handled or bonded-handle utensils or flatware (whoops), cast iron, wood bowls, tin, pewter, and antique or deicate crystal or china.

To receive Daywatch, click here.

Introduction

Just found out that an empty plastic orange-juice jug works as a great toy for our 8-month-old puppy, Zooley.

I love breakthrough moments like this. The little lessons that no one teaches you, but are so effective you wonder why more dog owners don't sing the praises of the Tropicana 96-ounce jug.

Shana and I have a big year ahead of us. A month ago, we found out we're pregnant ("My boys can swim!"), and two weeks ago, we bought our first house.

Six months ago, we welcomed Zooley, a Bernese Mountain Dog, into our life — and our two-bedroom apartment continues to shrink as she grows ... and grows ... and grows.

So, here we are.

Married: Check.

Dog: Check.

House: Check

Sam's Club membership: Check

Baby: On the way.

Yup, that all adds up to adulthood. Ready or not.