Easy Inventory

Whenever you get a new expensive item, it is a good idea to take a picture of two of it.

Once you get the prints made write the name and model number of the item on the back and drop it off into a safety deposit box or with your insurance agent for your file.

Now you have a physical picture to show proof of the item in case of loss.

Moving Madness

You are getting ready to move so here are a few tips to help make it a bit easier.

When getting ready to move furniture that has doors, drawers, or anything that can slide or pop open, do not use tape. Tape will leave marks or unwanted residue especially if it is hot outside. Instead invest in a few rolls of Plastic Wrap that comes on a roller that you can get from a moving supply store or some home stores. It will stick to itself, but not to your furniture.

As you are packing boxes, note if they have holes for handles. If not, using a box cutter, cut an inverted triangle on each side so that it will be easier to pick up and move the boxes.

When you start packing your boxes make a note on a piece of notebook paper what all you are putting into the box. When you are done packing, tape the list very well to the top of the box, then write on all 4 sides the basics of what are in the box. That way no matter which way you stack the box you will be able to tell what is in it.

When packing pictures, mirrors or most anything with a glass front make sure that you put a large cross of tape from corner to corner. This will not prevent the glass from breaking, but it should cut down on the shock and hold the glass in the frame should it be accidentally be dropped.

Searching for Problems

You are having issues with (fill in the blank) and you can't find your owners manual, or can't get to a repair shop right away. We have all of the means right at our finger tips to figure out most problems.

Grab the item that is giving you fits and sit in front of your computer. Go to your favorite search engine and enter the name of the product and any id numbers (if you have them) and a one or two word description on the problem that you are having and see what comes up.

i have found quick resolutions to several problems from small appliances and electronics to problems with my car. It give you a great starting point and in some cases a quick fix for the problem that you are having.

Soap Supply

Your family goes through about a gallon of liquid soap a week, or so it seems...

Try this hint to keep your family in bubbles for quite a while!

Pick up a soap dispenser that attaches to your counter top like in public restrooms.

Take the small tube off the pump and head off to the hardware store and pick up 3-4 feet of tubing the same size.

Attach this tubing to your soap dispenser and place the end of it into a LARGE container of liquid soap.

Pump until primed and now you are ready to go. Keep an eye on the container under your sink and when you notice it getting low, refill it or replace it.

Sharpening Needles

You are sewing a new outfit, and just as you are about to finish you hit a pin and your needle now has a barb on it and seems to be catching on everything.

You don’t have another needle and you don’t have time to go out and get a new one, what can you do??

The answer is simple, simply grab an emery board and gently file down the barb at a bit of an angle.

Now you should be able to finish with out any more pulls.

Extending the Life of Pantyhose

You have to wear pantyhose/nylons to work every day, but you are constantly getting runs. There is a way that you can prolong the life of your pantyhose.

Before you put them on spray the toes with aeresol hairspray and let dry. This will reinforce the toes more helping to prevent runs.

Handwash your nylons, while they are still damp place them into a plastic bag and toss in the freezer. Once they have frozen, remove them from the bag and place them on a towel to completely dry.

Store them in your drawer in a zip lock bag to help prevent snags from bra clips or other items that might snag.

Courtesy:Mail and News Carriers

We have become so busy in the current age that we have forgotton some of the basic courtesies that we need to extend to others.

Mail/News carriers are doing a job, just like you do a job. They deserve to be treated with respect as they are just trying to earn a living.

Please take a moment each day to make sure that your pets are secured either on a leash or behind a fence. We all know that our pets temperment, but it is not fair for a stranger to become distressed wondering if the dog will attack. Even a dog that is charging in friendlyness can be mistaken for aggression by a stranger.

Try to keep the path clear to the mailbox or newsbox. Don't make them run the obstacle course between the bicycles, yard tools, or clutter.

On trash day, try not to pile trash bags near the mail or news box.

On Snowy days, try to clear around the mailbox and do not shovel snow into piles around the box. I have even had to go out and clear the snow that the street plow piled up.

Leave an occasional note or treat for them. They have a hard job and it is appreciated. I also try to learn my carrier's name. They know mine already and it is great to get to know new people.

Easy Opening Cellophane

You just got a new DVD/Game/CD and you got it home and you are trying to open it. The battle rages on, you cannot get anything underneath the cellophane to get it open.

Go to the sewing basket and grab a seam ripper.

Gently insert the sharp tip under the wrapper and it should easily tear right off.

Courtesy:Garbage & Recycling

We have become so busy in the current age that we have forgotton some of the basic courtesies that we need to extend to others.

Take a few minutes to check out the local website for you trash collection. If they don't have a website, stop by their office and pick up a list of the rules for collection. This information will be life easier for you and them!

Make sure that all trash that goes inside the can is tightly sealed in a bag. Loose trash can get blown out either during the time that it is sitting on the curb or in the process of throwing it into the truck.

Check your recycling laws and make sure that you don't throw recyclable items into the trash. This may be illegal in some area's. If food was inside the containers to be recyled, take a moment to rinse it out first so that it does not attract animals that might spread it around.

Try not to block fire hydrants or sidewalks with trash bins.

Courtesy:Pizza Deliver

We have become so busy in the current age that we have forgotton some of the basic courtesies that we need to extend to others.

You just ordered a pizza, but are you really ready to receive it?

Take a moment and make sure that you turn on an outside light if it is night time. It will make it easier for the delivery person to find your house.

Have your payment ready and next to the door. That way you can grab it when they reach the door.

Keep pets out of the way. Your dogs may be friendly, but I know that ours makes a lot of noise and can scare the willies out of anyone coming up to the door.

When you have a friend over to visit, do you stay at the door until they are safely in the car and driving off? You do it for your friends, why not for a delivery person. After all they did just bring your dinner.

Try not to leave the house or get out of range of the door bell. Even a short trip can become longer if unexpected events arise.

Courtesy:Transportation Drivers

We have become so busy in the current age that we have forgotton some of the basic courtesies that we need to extend to others.

Transportation drivers can be Taxi/Bus/Train/Subway operators. The basic rule of thumb that I have is this: If they didn't stop for you, you wouldn't be getting there. There is not a need to be rude, even if you are rushed. They are doing a job, and not really getting paid enough for it to be honest. Really, would you want to do what they do all day long?

Try to make their job a bit easier by being prepared. Be ready to get in the vehicle as soon as it stops. If you take too long, and others take too long also it will add a lot of time onto everyone's commute.

It is good to say hello and sit down, but please do to chat to the driver for long periods of time as they need their full attention on the road ahead.

Please remember that the driver is most cases does not make the rules. The rules are in place by the owner of the company and they are usually in place to keep everyone safe.

Picky Tape

You are getting a box ready to ship and you grab your roll of shipping tape. An hour later you are still trying to find the end of the tape and get it pulled up to use. A simple solution is in your kitchen.

Grab a toothpick from your supply. Once you find the end of the tape and get it pulled up, place the toothpick just under the end of the tape. Now the next time that you are ready to use it simply pull up on the toothpick and the end of the tape will be released.