Tuesday's Tip

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Today is a tip that has to do with laundry and dryer sheets.  How many of you use them?  Or do you use vinegar in the rinse to get rid of static cling?

I found a new idea from somewhere on Pinterest (I forgot to pin it so credit to whoever first thought of it) and have started using it.  WOW ..... it works oh so very well.  It is ......

Cheap aluminum foil!!!  

Did you notice how cheap mine was ..... the cashier explained that it was because it was expired .... EXPIRED?!!!  Seriously?!  I did not know that aluminum foil could become expired.  Oh well, I stocked up .. expired or not!

Tear off a piece about 6 inches long.  

Crumple it loosely and that's it!

Throw it in the dryer with you load of wet clothes and when they are dry there is no static cling.  

This is what it looks like when removed.  You can keep re-using the same piece of foil until it starts to flake.  Then replace it with a new piece.  You will never have static cling in your clothes again.  

Remember to give your loved ones a hug!

Tuesday's Tip

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Doing some painting around the house before the holiday guests arrive?

A tip from This Old House.  

via

Soak old, nylon paint brushes in HOT vinegar for 30 minutes and then wash them in hot, soapy water.  The old paint will come right off and they will be as good as new. 

and

If you are needing to stop painting for the night but will be starting up again in the morning, tightly wrap your latex paint, filled brush in a plastic bag or with plastic wrap and throw in the freezer.  In the morning remove the brush and let thaw.  The paintbrush will be ready to use once again.

Remember to give your loved ones a hug!

Tuesday's Tip

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'Tis the season to have a roaring fire burning in the fireplace.  Keeping your toes toasty warm with a puppy or kitty by you while sipping a cup of hot chocolate is such a lovely time but fireplaces can also be dangerous.  
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So to keep your chimney clean, throw a handful of salt on the fire.  This does not replace the yearly chimney cleaning that is recommended but it does cut down on the length of cleaning that will need to be done each time.

Enjoy your fire and remember to give your loved ones a hug!

Tuesday's Tip

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Christmas is only a few weeks away.  Are all your gifts bought?  Is all your holiday baking done?  Are the decorations and lights all up?  What is left to do?  Wrap presents?

Wrapping presents is one of my most loved and most hated jobs that needs to be done.  The first couple of gifts are fun, exciting and the anticipation of the recipient opening the gift on Christmas morning makes me want the gift to look perfect....especially when I have either handmade the gift with love and care or found a present that I just know they are going to love.  BUT after a few are wrapped to perfection, then wrapping becomes a chore.  It isn't exciting and fun anymore....now I just want everything wrapped so I can move on to the next job that needs to be done and my wrapping can become hurried and less than so called perfect.

So to help keep the wrapping fun and exciting as it is with the first few gifts, I have found the following tips really keep me humming those Christmas carols as I finish up the wrapping....

1. I have a tote box filled with all the wrapping supplies I need.  In this box I keep scissors, tape, tags, ribbons, bows, flat wrap, pens, tissue paper, little ornaments (that I sometimes like to add to the top of a gift), mini candy canes (again for the top of presents) and any other little items I might need.  I never have to stop wrapping to go and hunt down a pen or a pair of scissors which takes up valuable time as I tend to get easily side-tracked.
2. Invest in a one-handed tape dispenser.  Mine is old but works oh so perfectly when I am attempting to hold down paper on a less than easy to wrap gift while trying to get that single piece of tape I need to get the paper to stick.
3. When you can, use boxes.  I save all my little boxes throughout the year so I have many shapes and sizes available at Christmas.  Wrapping that stuffed teddy bear is oh so much easier in a box.
4. Tags.  Make your own! If you do, make them well in advance.  Using last year's Christmas cards, cut them so they are visually pleasing and the recipient's name can be written on them.  Punch a hole in the top and add a ribbon.  Frugal and earth friendly.
5. Don't buy cheap, poor quality paper.  You will end up using more as it tears easily or worse, the gift can be seen right through it!
6. Ribbons are your best bet.  Ribbons are, in the long run, cheaper than the regular gift bows, can be dressed up with some sprigs of holly, pine cones or bits of pine boughs.  They can be dressed up or kept plain.  They also will not fall off the gift as bows always seem to do.  If you must use bows, tape them on!
7. Use gift bags if you cannot find a proper sized box.  By adding festive tissue paper and streamer ribbons, any gift will be festive!
8. Don't waste wrapping paper!  Make sure you measure the paper properly before cutting so no paper is wasted.  If you do need to cut some off the edge to ensure a proper fit, save the strips....they can be used to wrap stocking stuffers or other small gifts.
9. Put that Christmas CD in the stereo or tune into a Christmas radio station if you are planning a long wrapping session.  Listening to music helps to set the mood and make wrapping less of a chore.
10. Last but not least....do not wait until the last days before Christmas to start wrapping.  If you wrap three gifts a day starting December 1st, you will have 60 gifts wrapped by the 20th of December!  I can wrap three gifts while waiting for dinner to cook and this is where the wrapping tote comes in handy as it is easy to grab and put away quickly.

Wrapping can be a chore but when having a plan, it becomes less of one.  Have fun wrapping...it only comes once a year!  Here are some fabulous wrapping ideas I found on the web.

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Remember to give your loved ones a hug.

Tuesday's Tip

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This week ... the day after Thanksgiving is BLACK FRIDAY.  I don't usually shop on this day.  I do not like crowds of people and I certainly do NOT go to the cities on this day but since I am waaaaay behind on my Christmas shopping this year ... well I need to hit our local big box store for some of the sale items as they are on my list.

I started talking to some of the ladies at work and there is a whole "science" to this day and how shopping is done.  WOW!  I never would have guessed that it is such a big deal.  I have seen news footage of stampedes at some centers in large cities in the past that might be offering a dynamite deal but here?  In our small area?  The cities are an hour and a half away and apparently many, many people make the trip to pick up the deals ... who would have thunk?

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Talking with these ladies, I have picked up some hints and tips on 'how' to shop on this day so if you are planning on heading out, maybe some of these tips will help.

1. Eat a big breakfast.  Your body needs fuel to shop.  You don't want to be stuck in a line for hours, only to pick up junk food at the cash register because you are starving.
2. Carry a water bottle in your bag/purse.  Being thirsty is not fun and the mall's environment tends to be drier this time of the year.
3. Head to the washrooms for a break when you see one.  Don't wait until you have to go ... the line ups can be extremely long.
4. Do your research.  Buy locally made, quality made items when possible.  It will pay off in the long run.
5. Browse the deals before you go.  You want to head to the store that offers the best price to help stay within the budget.
6. Bring ads with you.  Being in a store that is crammed with shoppers grabbing items, it can be confusing when similar products are side by side.  If you have the ad with you, you will be certain to have the correct sale item before you get to the register.  Some stores also offer 'lowest price guarantee'.  You will need the ad to prove a competitor is priced lower to receive price difference.
7. Early Bird and Night Owl specials.  These are intended to draw people in at different times of the day, hoping to alleviate congestion at the most popular early afternoon hours.  The deals can be worth setting the alarm earlier or staying up later!
8. Know the store policies on returns and exchanges.  Familiarizing yourself on the store's policy will ensure a happy recipient if the gift needs to be taken back.
9. Don't forget the gift receipt.  Many stores will do this automatically but watch out as cashiers can be forgetful too.  
10. Last but not least .... have fun!  Enjoy the ambiance and know that you will be sipping on an     eggnog come Christmas Eve with your gifts all wrapped and under the tree because you finished shopping early in the season.  

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Let me know how your shopping went if you venture out and remember to give your loved ones a hug!

Tuesday's Tip and Happy Birthday to my Sister-in-Law!

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHELLY!

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I hope you have a great day.  Love ya!

Now onto today's tip!

Hauling groceries.  That is the topic of the day.  How many of you use cloth bags?  How many of you still have not gotten into the habit of using cloth bags and still rely on the plastic ones from the store?  I have noticed on my travels that some areas are strictly cloth-bag-user-people.  They carry them the same as they do their wallets and identification...it has become second nature to them.  Others continue to use the plastic bags that the stores provide...even if they have to pay that nickel or dime.  I am on the fence .... some days I use cloth bags, other days I do not.  The reason I don't is because my stash of plastic bags has apparently dwindled and I need to restock on them as well.  The store plastic bags come in handy for many things around the house and since our local supermarkets have not jumped on the 'charge by the bag' bandwagon, it is still cost effective for us to use them once in a while.

Whatever you prefer, there is always the problem of loading and unloading the bags once you reach home after a large grocery shopping day.  I normally shop once a week.  My weekly shopping trip consists of fresh produce, dairy and items to restock the pantry or are on sale for the week.  Since plastic bags do not hold as much as cloth do, some weeks I can have as many as 15 to 20 plastic bags.....that is a lot of unloading so I came up with a solution.

Clothes baskets. 

Leave the baskets in the trunk, load them up with bags of groceries and carry the whole thing into the house.  Soooo much easier and less trips!  Once you have hauled the basket in the house and removed all the groceries, then throw the cloth bags back in the basket (if you use cloth bags) and put the basket back in the trunk. 

You will always have them with you and they won't be forgotten next time you are out shopping.  This makes my life simpler and oh so much easier.

Remember to give your loved ones a hug!

Tuesday's Tip

Pin It Today's Tip .....

VOTE

Happy Elections Day!

Tuesday's Tip

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Halloween is fun but it can be some cause for concern so the best way to enjoy the night is to play it safe.  Here are some tips that I found which will ensure a great night for you and your little ones.

• Have adult supervision. Accompany your kids if you don’t think they’re old enough to trick-or-treat on their own.
• There is safety in numbers. If they’re old enough to trick-or-treat without an adult, tell your kids to stay in a group.
• Map out your plan. Designate a route before your kids begin trick-or-treating, and make sure they stick to it.
• Take the long way 'round. Have your kids trick-or-treat in areas where there are a lot of people around. They should also avoid taking short-cuts through alleys and parking lots.
• Try tick-or-treat-friendly homes. Ensure your kids only visit houses with lights on. And, you might also suggest the houses they visit have some sort of Halloween decoration on the porch.
• Stay outside. Make sure your kids don’t go inside someone’s house. They can get their candy from the porch.
• Remain visible. Dress your kids in a bright costume so others can see them. If their costume is dark, have your kids wear reflective strips or carry a glow stick or flashlight.
• Remember, shorter = safer.Goes without saying but just in case you forget, ensure your kids’ costumes aren’t so long that they can trip over them.
• Don't cover the face. Instead of masks, have your kids wear make-up so they can see better.
• Quality-check treats. Check your kids’ candy before they eat it. Throw out any candy that is not in its original wrapper or looks like it has been tampered with.
• Say "no" to strangers.Tell your kids to never accept a ride or go anywhere with a stranger.
• Obey the law. Encourage your kids to follow all the regular rules for walking around. That includes looking both ways before crossing, obeying all traffic laws and using cross walks and crossing lights where available.
• Have a great time! Finally, make sure your kids have tons of fun and get lots and lots of candy.

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Have a great time and remember to give your loved ones a hug!

Tuesday's Tip

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Some of us use coffee grinders.  Sometimes not only to grind coffee!  After a while the blades in the coffee grinders can get dull and can be difficult to sharpen.  Instead of giving up and selling it at a yard sale, donating it to Goodwill or *gasp* tossing it out .... give this a try.

RICE

Sharpen the blades by running a cup of rice through it!  Your blades will be sharp, the grinder saved from the landfill and fresh coffee will be brewed in no time.  

Now what to do with the ground up rice?...hmmmm.  Remember to give your loved ones a hug!

Tuesday's Tip

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This week's tip has to do with Christmas.... *gasp*, yep Christmas.  It is time to organize and look through the gift closet (if you have one) or under the bed or in the basement...wherever you have been stashing those gifts that have been picked up at sales over the year.  Perhaps you went shopping on the 26th last year and purchased a few items on sale or threw a few of those sweaters that went on clearance in the spring into your cart.  Whatever you did, it is the month to get organized so the big day doesn't sneak up on you. 

Now is the time to make a list and check it twice.  

I picked up this little notebook many years ago and it has served me well ever since.  Each year I write down the names of those I give gifts to and will fill their page as I purchase or make them their presents.  It is a system that has worked well for me.  The notebook is small and conveniently fits into my purse or bag.  I never leave home without it.  I can tell at a glance if I already have a gift for someone or if there is one more thing that needs to be added to their gift package......or even if I have nothing for them yet! 

What system do you have for keeping track of those who you will give gifts to?  Do you have a gift closet or are you one who waits until the 24th of December to start shopping?  I am sure we could all learn some new tricks or tips from each other for this holiday season!  Remember to give your loved ones a hug!

Tuesday's Tip

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A beauty tip today ...... 

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Apply odorless castor oil around eyes nightly ... plastic surgeons use this on their patients after surgery!

Remember to give your loved ones a hug!

Tuesday's Tip

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Now that autumn has officially arrived, it is time to think of those cold months that will soon be upon us and what that means to our budgets ...... higher bills due to heating costs.

There are a few things we should be doing now to help keep those costs as low as possible.  Who wants to throw good money out the window .... or to the gas/propane man?  I sure don't!!  Routine maintenance is key to preventing problems in the future.

Here are a few things we make sure to take care of before the snow flies....OUTSIDE JOBS....

1.  Inspect the chimney.  We do not have a wood stove or fireplace (if you do then this step is VERY important) but we do like to check for any cracks, leaks or flashing problems while the weather is still nice.  

2.  Remove debris, gardening tools and yard decorations.  This is extremely important for us as we use an big, old plow truck to clear the yard and driveway.  I don't know how many times items were ruined and had to be replaced due to them being buried in snow and were unnoticeable when hubby ran over them.  Also remove hoses and store them away.  They can easily crack if there is any water remaining in them and purchasing new ones in the spring can be costly.

3.  Clean the gutters.  Grab a ladder and a pair of gloves, get up there and clean out all the old leaves, branches, twigs and gunk that clogs them up.  Maintaining gutters ensures dry basements and prevents foundation problems .... both of which can run into huge amounts of money to repair.

4.  Check all windows and doors.  Checking windows and doors to make sure the close tightly will help keep energy costs down and prevent ice build up.  If you still have the old storm windows ... now is the time to put them up.  Check all chalking to ensure tight seals around doors and windows.  If you have a door that is not used in the winter, now is the time to make a homemade door drafter.  Window quilts are also making a comeback, especially in colder climates.

5.  Check driveways and sidewalks.  In areas where temperatures dip regularly below freezing...like here in Minnesota, it is important to make sure all cracks are sealed and repaired.  Otherwise you might just lose your car or Fido in the black abyss when those cracks get bigger due to the frost!

and now for the....INSIDE JOBS....

1. Replace the furnace filters and get the furnace inspected.  Getting the furnace inspected once a year is a great preventative maintenance tip.  If you or your hubby are not comfortable doing your own inspection then it is worth calling in a professional.  A poorly running furnace can add up to hundreds of dollars lost in fuel costs.  Changing out the filters in the fall is another great money saving tip.  Using a sharpie marker, I write the date on my filter so I know when it will need to be changed again.

2.  Clean out the dryer vent.  If you use a dryer, make sure you clean out and inspect the vent that is between the dryer and the outside wall.  Lint can easily get trapped and standing out in below freezing temperatures, digging lint out of the hose is not my idea of fun so I make sure it is taken care of now.

3.  Inspecting the hot water tank.  Routine maintenance of checking for hose wear and damage is critical for a properly working hot water tank.  Flushing out the tank once a year is another great way to ensure it is running as efficiently as possible.  Flushing the tank is simple as hooking up a hose to the bottom valve and letting the water either run outside or into the tub...whichever is more convenient.  Wrapping foam insulation to all water pipes can help to save quite a bit of money during the course of a winter.

4.  Test all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.  All alarms should be checked monthly but making a point of changing all batteries on the first day of autumn will protect your property and family when candles and wood fires are more likely to be used.

5.  Are there any other energy leaks that you could be missing?  Take the time to look around your home to see if there are any other ways to help you and your family save energy.  Could the attic use more insulation?  Is it feasible to change that one, old window you have been meaning to replace?  Adding a programmable thermostat can also help to save those dollars.

Now that the house and property are all set for the cold winter, it is time to get outside and enjoy what autumn has to offer!  Taking a hike while watching the leaves fall, going on a hayride, perusing the pick-your-own-pumpkin patches, gathering up apples and attending the fall fairs are just a few activities that can be savored.

Remember to give your loved ones a hug!

Tuesday's Tip

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Rings from pop cans and closet organization....what do the two have in common?

They open your pop and open up your closet by doubling your hanging space ....... now that's a cool idea!

Remember to give your loved ones a hug!

Tuesday's Tip

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The tip today comes from Frugal Village, a site that I am a member of and visit daily.  If you enjoy saving money, check it out! The people are warm and friendly and have so many money saving ideas, it will blow your mind.

If I purchase garments on sale at the store, sometimes the cashier will toss the hanger and garment in the bag.  These hangers can be useful for certain items but I have found they don't last very long....must be cheap plastic.

When I saw this tip, I stopped throwing the broken hangers out and started using the clips.....for this,

and this,

or this.....

So many possibilities!  Thanks to Contrary Housewife...the member who posted this tip on the site.

Have a great day and remember to give your loved ones a hug!

Tuesday's Tip

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I was gifted a spider plant a while back so I did some research (Tipnut) to ensure it lives a long, happy life and gives me lots of little plantlets so I can propagate and multiply it into many so I can share with friends.

So if you have one of these, here are some tips to help it along that you might not have known about.

Water - spider plants like moist, well drained soil.  It does like the top of the soil to dry a bit between watering and it doesn't like fluoride found in tap water so ensure the water has sat for at least 24 hours before giving it a drink.

Humidity - these houseplants thrive in both humid and dry environments but if your home tends to be on the dry side, place it in the bathroom once in a while when you are showering....it will love you for it.

Lighting - An ideal location is somewhere in your home where it will receive lots of natural light but not be placed in direct sunlight.  Plantlets will thrive in these conditions.

Fertilize - do not fertilize when the plant is dormant...late Fall and Winter.  Otherwise gently fertilize every couple of months during Spring and Summer.

Final tip - rotate the pot occasionally so the plant doesn't grow lopsided.

Spider plants are known to improve indoor air quality and originate from South Africa.  These are one of the easiest houseplants to grow so enjoy!

I hope these tips help if you decide to grow some spider plants or if you already have one!  Remember to give your loved ones a hug!