December 23, 2004

Picture Collage on Mat BorderFor an adorable picture mat border, take the regular picture frame and then for the inner border mat cut out pictures of family or friends and glue on as a collage all the way around.

 

Energy Saving TipsTips to help you save on heating, appliances, water and electricity.

 

"Silver" Chain Outdoor Tree DecorationHave the kids or grandkids make you a chain of silver for the tree. Mine made me enough to decorate my dwarf peach tree when they were in grade school. Now they are grown and it is still used. They made a "paper chain" using foil.

 

Finding Items Dropped on the FloorWhen you drop something tiny on the floor/carpet, like a pin, screw or earring. Take a flashlight and put it level with the floor for the light to pick up the shine of the lost item.

 

Packing Peanuts for DecorationsYou can use a large needle with fishing line to string together packing peanuts for draping over trees in the yard at Christmas. It won't hurt the tree, but if you live where there is significant wind, forget it. You can also use them indoors on the Christmas tree.

 

Paperwhites Make Great Greenery During the WinterPaperwhites make great greenery during the winter and don't need a period of cold in order to bloom. They can be planted in a bowl of rocks or sand with garlands to make them look more festive. By Lynn

 

Energy Saving Tips - SummerEveryone's worried about energy costs. Start planning now, so that you'll save on electricity all summer long.

 

Second Use For Paper TowelAfter washing your hands, use a paper towel to dry. Once you're done, use that same paper towel to clean the counter and sink and faucet. You'll always have a clean sink. By Vonetta

 

Weather Strip and CaulkOne of the quickest, best ways to save money is to weather-strip, caulk, and seal all of the seams and cracks in your home. Reducing air leaks can save you 10% of more on energy costs. By Robin

 

Melanie's Greatest Ever Granola :)Great for breakfast with milk as a cereal or can use in a granola bar recipe.

 

Insulation Saves MoneyIf you have an older home, consider having it insulated. There are several programs available to help with this, but if you do not qualify for them, it is still something that can be done for a reasonable price and it is an excellent way to save energy. By Robin

 

Sweet Quirky Picture FrameTo make a quirky picture frame try varnishing favourite sweets, jelly babies or licorice, all sorts look quite colourful, then glue them to a cheap picture frame.

 

Open the ShadesUse the sunlight to light your rooms. Instead of turning on lamps, open your shades and curtains and let the sun shine in. It'll save you money and brighten your day. By Robin

 

Looking For Jar Opener That You Squeeze?I am looking for a "jar opener" that is something that you squeeze and it pries the air out of a vacuum sealed jar. Thank you, Susan from Florida

 

Drywipe (Dry Erase) Marker Disaster on Light Clothes?I'm a teacher and have this habit of popping drywipe markers in my pockets (with lid on) whilst I'm teaching. Unfortunately one managed to make it through the wash. This wasn't so bad, what WAS terrible was opening the tumble dryer to have the pen fly out at me without the top. All of the light/kaki clothes have lots of black dots and scribbles. I've washed the clothes twice with oxi clean and other stain removers but no luck. Does anyone have any ideas, I'd really appreciaate any help. Thanks Mark UK

 

Electrical Wiring Problems?Ground wire has become hot, any idea where to start looking? Problem is between the Service Panel and the first receptacle. Robnoxious SoCal

 

Hiding Gifts From Children and Other Family Members?Tips for hiding gifts from pesky and curious family members. Post your ideas.

 

Inappropriate Cat Behavior?I have never heard of this problem with cats. My niece has two neutered male cats, Sammi and Buddha. They are about 5 years old and are from the same litter.