Tuesday, October 17, 2006     Tight Spot

I'm back! Sorry about the unexpected hiatus, but I had trouble locating my file of handy tips. Well, you'll be happy to know I've found it and things will be underway shortly. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.

Tip of the Day: If you have a vase with a very small neck, one that a bottle brush won't quite go through or reach the bottom, try this: fill the vase with HOT water, drop in either a couple of Alka-Seltzers or Denture tablets. Rinse it with hot water and then cold and you're ready to stick the next bud or small bunch of flowers in it.

Link of the Day: In the mood for something offbeat to listen to instead of ROCK 101 or Super 98.4!!!! Well, Shirley & Spinoza may be just the ticket. More offbeat than offbeat, stranger than strange at times, and definitely something to distract your attention and have you scratching your head, saying "What the f&%#! was that?"

Thanks to Bonnie for her comment. I hope she keeps reading. The rest of you, get on the ball, and let me hear from you.

Wednesday, October 18, 2006     Salt Trick

I have a wealth of things you can do with salt now that we're all not putting so much of it in our food. I suspect the salt industry is propagating this information to keep their sales up.

Tip of the Day: Soak your candles for a few minutes in a solution of 2 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of salt. The candles will not drip when you burn them. Strange, but true.

Link of the Day: For more tips about using salt for other than the obvious, try The Household Tips page on the Morton Salt Company's web page. See, I told you they were behind it. I wonder if they want to pay for this free advertising?

Starting tomorrow I'll be sharing some hints on how to save money, time, and the environment. You know, an elaboration on that slogan, "Reuse, Renew, Recycle." Something we should all pay more heed to. I'll be busting a myth or two about recycling, too. Stay tuned.

Thursday, October 19, 2006     A Different Kind of Recycling

Reusing is one of my favorite ways to recycle. I use yogurt cups to mix paint when I'm doing paintings or collages. I reuse all manner of things in all manner of ways, including putting things most people would trash into collages. But today's tip is one you wouldn't necessarily think of.

Tip of the Day: I don't know about you, but whenever I have to have my hands in water, such as mopping or washing the car or doing dishes, I wear rubber gloves. When it comes time to toss the gloves, take a pair of scissors and cut the gloves into strips. This will give you some nice, heavy-duty rubber bands that are stronger and will outlast regular rubber bands.

Link of the Day: Looking for some information? A definition? An article? Well answers.com is probably the place to find it. They might not have all the answers, but the odds are that they will have what you're looking for. Many sources in one place. Check out the Movie tour while you're there.

Friday, October 20, 2006     Let There Be (cheap) Light

I know it's late. I was watching the game.

Tip of the Day: If you want to save money, there are a lot of ways you can save on your utility bills. Insulation to cut heating cost, planting shade trees to assist with the air conditioning, energy-efficient appliances, but one of the cheapest and easiest is compact fluorescent light bulbs. When your bulbs burn out, replace them with compact fluorescents. Not only do they use less electricity (13 w. for the equivalent of a 60 w.) but they last a lot longer. They cost more, but the prices have come down recently. There are even different color temperature bulbs to provide a better quality of light as well. I've almost got every replaceable bulb in the house over to fluorescents now. That bulb in the upstairs hall seems like it's never going to blow.

Link of the Day: I think there are probably a lot more reasons (I can think of over 2,700) to dump Bush, but here's a site that enumerates 525 Reasons.

Probably the last good weekend until spring starting tomorrow. I might take the weekend off and go somewhere.