1. There are lots of things to do with an unused fireplace. Will Knot writes: “Something I’ve seen done for summer fireplaces is to pack the opening with chopped fire wood. The ends of the wood would match tour stone work, and it has the advantage of preventing small children and babies doing anything with the fireplace (until they are old enough to pull all the wood out). You also have a working fireplace and fuel for when the heating bills get too high. For more fireplace ideas, see this post.

2. Six hours is too long to wait for a blueberry pie to cool. Carrie writes about last week’s Real Life Test Kitchen: “Wow. I just made this recipe too! And I didn’t let the pie cool that long. I made it after work, it probably came out of the oven at 6:30, and I served it around 10. I love a still-warm pie!” To see her pie click here and check out our recipe post here.

3. It’s still growing! We can’t get enough of your favorite movie and tv decor lists. Mercedes gives her top six: “Beach house of Something Gottagive. Father of the Bride. History of Us ( Art and crafts house). Disclosure (a few seconds of M Douglas’s house at the beginning). Hope and Michael’s house in thirtysomething and in Fatal Attraction M Douglas’s country house.” What are your favorite movie/tv houses? Tell us here.

4. We are still hoping to help our scratchy pets. Rachel shares: “I never knew lavender was a natural flea repellent. I’ve been looking for something to use since we stopped Advantaging.” Check out this green woof sachet.

5. Twin beds are fun in the spare room — if you can do it on the cheap. Our own Mary T confesses: “I have a real thing for twin beds lately. I really wanted to get twin beds for our guest room, but it was more economical for us to just get one full-size bed. ” Click here for fun and inexpensive headboard idea.