We Found a Fix

9 Tricks to Improve Your Life*

1 Scrub Skunk Spray Off Your Dog

PETS Your pooch got sprayed by a skunk—now what? Luckily, you probably have the solution in your medicine cabinet and kitchen. Mix 1 quart of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, ¼ cup of baking soda, and 1 or 2 teaspoons of liquid soap. Scrub your dog with the mixture, then rinse him off with warm water. If he still stinks, wash him again—and try not to get too cross with the poor guy.

2 Find the Poison Ivy Fix in Your Pantry

HEALTH Oatmeal is a proven anti-inflammatory that can soothe the rash. Grind about a cup of uncooked oats into a fine flour in the blender, then dissolve it in a lukewarm bath and soak your itchy skin. (Hot water can make the itch worse.)

3 Cut Your Tax Bill