New Uses for Old Things

I love a useful tip just like the rest of 'em.  So here's a handful that hopefully you'll find useful too.

• Repurpose an old frame for a vanity tray that’s pretty as a picture. Place a piece of colored paper or fabric inside as a finishing touch. (Very shabby chic!)
• A Twister game mat makes a spot-on tablecloth for a child’s birthday party: Sticky spills and icing wash right off.
• At a party, stash ice in a colander set on top of a bucket or a bowl. Water will drain out, and guests will get only the solid stuff.
• Stop searching high and low for hair clips and elastics: Store them tidily on an empty TP tube.
• Pick up interesting cardboard coasters at restaurants and bars you visit along your travels. Punch a hole near the edge, thread some ribbon through, and voilà: homemade gift tag.
• Chalk is a moisture absorber: Tie up a few pieces in cheesecloth and store them with your good silver to slow any tarnishing.
• Vegetable oil will put a shine on leather shoes. Use a damp cloth to remove any dirt, then run a soft cloth with a drop of oil over the surface to (literally) add polish.
• Transform a six-pack holder into a condiment tote that’s ideal for summer picnics.
• Forget unruly plastic bags that seemingly regenerate under your sink. An empty tissue box keeps them neatly corralled and ready for use.
• A giveaway shower cap becomes the perfect wrapper for shoes when traveling, preventing them from dirtying clothes packed in your suitcase.
• Brand anything as yours―books, binders, Tupperware, a stapler―with a return-address sticker. (Use all those free ones you get in the mail!)
• A clever way to keep straight whose drink is whose: Mark each glass with removable window decals.
• A supermarket bag, tightly secured with a rubber band, will keep a brush (or roller) moist for a day or two in between painting sessions: the end of dried-out bristles.
• No more worries of camisoles and sundresses slipping off hangers when you wrap the ends with rubber bands.
• A binder clip serves as a key chain/money holder you can clamp to your waistband for a purse-free morning walk.
• Save a countertop with an old mouse pad turned trivet. (Make sure it has a nonplastic coating.)
• No more oops! moments when painting, if you cover doorknobs and hardware with aluminum foil. (This would have been good to know when I was painting antique doorknobs 2 years ago!)
• That straightening iron works on more than rambunctious hair: Use it to press between buttons, where a regular iron won’t fit.
• When traveling, eliminate clunky bottles for nonprescription meds from your purse by popping the pills into a contact-lens case. (Good idea!  I have about 15 spare contact cases floating around.)
• Who says a towel rack has to be the dedicated realm of, well, towels? Mounted over (or under) the kitchen sink, it can also hold a collection of cleansers.
• A clear hair elastic binds blooms together for a better arrangement in a wide-mouth vase. Stretch the elastic around the stems, then let the flowers fall naturally.
• Make no-mess pancakes with the help of a ketchup bottle: Pour in batter, then squeeze out precise portions.
• Why pack with Styrofoam peanuts when you can pack with popcorn (plain and air-popped). No air popper? Be sure to cover the item with a plastic bag. (Safe for the environment too!)
• Warehouse your shoes in an empty wine-bottle carton wrapped in pretty paper. (An excuse to buy more wine? OK!)
• An unused glasses case makes a convenient storage spot for beauty items on the go.
• A lemon works to remove tough food stains from a plastic or light-colored wood cutting board. Squeeze on the juice of one half, rub it in, and let sit for 20 minutes before rinsing.
• Slide bobby pins onto a hem to hold pleats in place as you iron them. (If only I ironed...)
• Change dirty water in a flower vase by using a turkey baster to suction up the liquid without disturbing your arrangement. Add fresh water directly from the tap.
• Silence cabinet doors that slam with cork sliced into thin disks and glued onto the inside corners.
• Give Easter eggs a year-round use (and save on resealable bags) by filling them with snacks like crackers or Cheerios. (I love fishes 'cause they're so delicious...)
• Cut down on the amount of potting soil needed by crumpling plastic bags to fill the bottom of a deep pot (just be sure that you don’t cover the drainage hole, if there is one).
• Organize bills―arranged in the order in which they need to be paid off―in an unused napkin holder.
• A paint chip strip makes a dandy place card: Cut off a length of two colors, then fold.
• Bridge the gap between too-short stems and too-deep vase by sliding on trimmed clear plastic straws.
• Shower-curtain hooks provide sturdy storage for heavier items, like purses.
• Attach a magnet to the inside of a metal medicine cabinet, and you can promptly pluck tweezers (or nail clippers) when needed. (Oh!  Good idea!  I'm always losing my tweezers.)

Got any good tips to share too?

Tips from Real Simple.

Surprising Uses for Your Dishwasher

I have a dishwasher.  Unfortunately, as one person, sometimes it takes a week to fill it full without running it half empty.  So I wanna know how else I can use my dishwasher.  Here's what I found...

Things you can put in the dishwasher:
Baseball caps get bent in the washing machine, but not in the dishwasher!  And use one of those ball cap washing contraptions.  But don't wash them with dishes unless you want food caught in the fibers.
Action figures and other small toys, that is, if you have children.
Shoes like flip flops and rain boots (remove liner, lay horizontally).  Not crocs though.  Good thing I don't own any.
Tools with plastic or metal handles.  Just remember to hand dry to avoid rusting.
Ceramic cabinet knobs do well in the silverware tray.
Hair brushes and combs made of plastic.  Not wooden or natural bristle brushes.  Remove hair first so you don't plug up the drain.
Fan grills, switch plates, and vent covers made of plastic, aluminum or steel.  Enamel, painted, or plated should stay out.
Shin guards, mouth guards, and knee pad can go on the top rack.
Garden tools, but if they were used with pesticides wash without dishes.  Also, they're a no go if they have a wooden handle.
Light-fixture covers are good to go on the top rack.  Use caution if they're antiques, painted or enameled.
Potatoes can get nice and clean on the top rack on the rinse cycle (without detergent). 

Things that really shouldn't go in the dishwasher:
Cast-iron, enameled-cast-iron, and cooper pots and pans are on the no no list.  Cast-iron rusts, enameled-cast-iron chips, and cooper dents.
Formal dishes and nice flatware can get worn with repeat washing.  Here's a rule of thumb, if it's something you'll cry over harming or losing, don't do it.
Crystal glasses because food particles can etch them and heat causes cracks.  And hand dry with a towel that wasn't laundered with a fabric softener, which can leave a film.
Wooden spoons can warp and crack.
Brass items because hot water can remove the protective layer that forms on brass.
Good kitchen knives and steak knives because they'll dull faster.
Wooden cutting boards can swell and contract leaving them unlevel. 
Insulated mugs and containers have vacuum seals which will be ruined if water seeps in.

Technically acceptable in the dishwasher, but too questionable to try:
Computer keyboard - Place the keyboard facedown on the top rack, don’t use detergent, and skip the drying cycle. Afterward, unscrew the back, if possible, or pop off the keys (take a picture beforehand so you remember where they go). Air-dry two to five days. Pray the Computer Fairy is looking down on you, then reassemble.
Broom ends (and dust pans, scrub brushes, and vacuum attachments) - Shake off the loose dust into the trash first.  Stick brushes and attachments in the silverware basket and broom ends and dust pans on top.

Salmon, but prepared for your dishwasher to smell like fish for awhile.

Real Simple

So what are you going to try...?

How to Save on...

We're all in a place right now where we're trying to cut corners and save whereever possible, without completely changing what we're used to, our quality of life.  So how about some tips!

Bulk up on the basics...
Purchase oranges, potatoes, and onions in bags instead of individually.  They're staple items that you'll eat before they go bad.  Plus, you'll pay about 1/2 the price. 
Don't buy nongrocery items at the supermarket.  Health and beauty goods are normally cheaper at mass-market retailers, like Target (I love Target). 
Opt for frozen seafood over fresh. Vacuum-packaged salmon, flounder, and tilapia fillets and bags of frozen shrimp cost 20-40% less than their counterparts at the fish counter. (If that sounds unappetizing, consider that most “fresh” fish has been previously frozen during transport.)
Buy ground beef and chicken breasts in bulk or family size packages.  You'll save about 20% per pound on ground beef and 50% per pound on chicken.
Find out an item’s cost per unit (CPU).  It’s generally listed on the shelf sticker next to the price. It'll tell you what an item’s cost per pound or ounce is, which can keep you from getting hoodwinked by packaging.

How to save on garden supplies...
Shop early, supply and demand rules at garden centers, and the selection is greatest early in the season.
Purchase cell packs. Buying one large marigold plant for $8 can give your garden a head start, but a four-pack of smaller ones costs half the price and each of the tiny plants will grow to the size of the large one in just a few weeks.
Plant tough varieties. Daylilies, asters, and hostas are all vigorous and low-maintenance, which means you won’t have to make another trip to the nursery for replacements. (Or if you have a brown thumb like me they plant may live longer than the others.)
Attach a timer to the spigot. A sprinkler or a soaker hose left running wastes a lot of water. Spend $15 now on a mechanical water timer and save on tomorrow’s water bills.

How to save on a cell phone...
If you send or receive more than one text a day, sign up for a texting plan and you’ll avoid the average 20-cents-per-text charge.
If your phone usage spikes after dinnee, ask about extended calling hours. For an additional $5 to $9 a month, some carriers, such as Sprint and AT&T, offer packages that allow you unlimited calls after 6 P.M. or 7 P.M., compared with 9 P.M. for most typical plans.
If you talk for fewer than 200 minutes monthly then a prepaid plan is for you.
If you signed up for phone insurance, slash this cost immediately, even if you’re clumsy. That $5 to $8 monthly charge adds up, and you’ll still have to pay a $50 deductible if you need to replace a broken phone. The replacement, which is often just a refurbished used phone, will cost about the same as a new one.

How to save on car expenses...
Forget that "every 3,000 miles" rule.  A survey by AAA found that 95% of drivers had oil changes too frequently. Only heavily used cars, such as taxis, need one after 3,000 miles. Normal usage typically requires an oil change every 7,500 miles.  (I knew the every 3,000 rule was bogus!)
Shop around.  For out-of-pocket repairs that could cost several hundred dollars, get three estimates. Tell each company that you're shopping around so it will quote you au competitive price, and feel free to haggle.
Stick with the dealership for tricky repairs. They sees the same makes and models, so it can be better than an independent auto shop at fixing, for instance, a mysterious rattle.
Fix windshield chips immediately because a small chip can lead to a full crack. A repair can be done in your driveway for less that $100 (search "mobile glass-repair service" and your ZIP code online to find a company). The cost of replacing a windshield: $500 to $1, 200.  (uh oh, I better get those chips fixed...)
Skip the extra warranty. Car dealerships make big profits from them. Standard warranties generally cover you for three years or 30,000 miles (whichever comes first), and some car are covered for their lifetime, 10 years, or 1000,000 miles, which demonstrates their reliability.
Review your insurance annually. Monitor the value of your vehicle as it ages, and drop collision coverage when the annual premium approaches the car's worth.

How to save on home repairs...
Get free DIY advice online.
Be flexible.  Ask a tradesman if he has a hole in his schedule, then inquire about a discount if you book during that time.
Learn the lingo.  Before calling a contractor, you’ll be better informed-and less likely to get taken-if you can speak his language.

How to save on medical bills...
Ask for freebies or discount coupons. Your doctor may distribute samples of everything from over-the-counter cold medicines to asthma inhalers or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder medicines.
Request a three-month prescription. This option can reduce costs up to 33%t. 
Consider generics.
Enroll in your company’s flexible-spending account. Yes, it’s a bit of work, but you can pay for out-of-pocket expenses with pretax dollars. (I just did this starting beginning of January.  I've heard good things about signing for for FSA.  Check with your employer though, many times there is an open enrollment period.)
Try mail-order pharmacies. Those affiliated with your insurance company save you time and gas and cost about a third less than retail pharmacies.  (I do this, and I do save 33%)
Avoid a no-show penalty.  Many doctors’ offices charge this fee, which can run around $25 (about the price of an insurance copay). So if you don’t plan to attend, make sure you cancel your appointment in advance.
Stay healthy. Some employers and insurers offer wellness incentives that can save a few hundred dollars for employees who visit the gym regularly, eat healthily, or enroll in smoking-cessation classes.
How to save on pet expenses...
Groom midweek. Friday through Monday is the busiest time at pet salons. Many charge 20 percent less for midweek appointments.  (Luckily, Riley doesn't require grooming...)
Pay attention to changes in routine. Pets are creatures of habit, so take any changes seriously. Excessive panting can indicate a heart condition; increased water consumption could be a sign of kidney disease. The early fix is usually a change in diet. Later the condition might require hospitalization and result in a big bill.
Don’t skimp on food. Cheaper brands have possibly harmful preservatives, such as BHT, and fillers, like corn, which may cause allergies.  The first two ingredients on the label should be animal proteins, not by-products, grains, or vegetables. The cost can run to $1 a pound, versus 50 cents a pound for lesser-quality food, but you’ll save in the end.
Adopt. Enough said.
Consider pet insurance. Starting at $22 for a dog, policies at sites like petinsurance.com will cover annual checkups, vaccinations, accidental injuries, and some illnesses. This can translate into major savings, since some ailments cost thousands of dollars to treat.  (I've actually been thinking of looking into this, what, with Riley on meds and frequent check ups now.)

Lord have mercy this list is getting long...

How to save on clothes buying...
Search clearance sections. Type “clearance” into the search field of a retailer’s website.
Register with shopittome.com. Check off your size, favorite brands, and clothing preferences (dresses, denim) and you’ll receive a weekly or daily e-mail alerting you to online sales.
Get a store credit card. Certain big retailers give special discounts to cardholders. Kohl’s sends out 30 percent off coupons four times a year, Gap cardholders get 10 percent off the first Tuesday of the month, and American Eagle gives 20 percent off on your birthday. (I don't agree unless you do a lot of shopping at one particular store.)
Time shopping to coincide with sales. Gap and Banana Republic, for instance, both mark down midweek. Shop on Wednesday and you’ll find a large selection of sale items. Ask favorite stores about their policies.

How to save on your dry-cleaning bill...
Apply makeup, hair spray, and perfume before getting dressed. They can all stain fabrics. Allow these products to set for at least five minutes before pulling on your clothes.
Abate odors at home. If your sweaters are a bit stale (but not stained), use heat-activated dryer sheets, to freshen them up.
Spot-clean. If you get a small stain, treat it immediately with a product like OxiClean Spray-A-Way and save yourself an emergency trip.
Check your local newspaper for coupons and deals.
Practice moderation. Overcleaning can decrease clothing’s longevity, so dry-clean only when necessary.

How to save on holiday...
Mail flat rate for heavier items. Choose this two to three day shipping option (for domestic destinations) from the U.S. Postal Service and pay the same amount regardless of box weight.
Send out holiday postcards. If you choose the standard 4 1/4-by-6-inch size, you’ll save 15 cents a card (using a 27 cent stamp instead of a 42 cent one).
Say so long to expensive wrapping paper. Cover your gifts with butcher paper instead of “designer” paper.
Stock up on wine by the case to present as hostess gifts. Most retailers offer a 10% discount on larger orders. Some will even let you mix different brands in one box.
Top gifts with yarn.
Stick with serving a signature punch or cocktail.  Stocking a full bar can be quite costly.
Ditch disposable stemware. It may seem cheap, but the price of plastic can really add up, since you’ll have to buy it for each party. Instead, visit a restaurant-supply store (check your Yellow Pages to find the nearest one). You’ll find reusable glass stemware for around $1 a glass.

How to save on winter gear...
For parkas, fleece, and other clothing: Shop large chain stores, like Dick’s Sporting Goods, to find the best deals.
For ski equipment: Check out a ski swap.
For snow shovels: Seek out holiday sales.
For firewood: Check local newspapers for firewood suppliers, then cut and split your own or hire a neighborhood kid to do it.

How to save on Halloween...
Steer clear of the costume aisle. Try some of these homegrown options instead.
Sweeten the deal. Drugstore “fun size” candy assortments average about 14 cents apiece. Oriental Trading Company offers lesser-known brands, like Wonka’s Laffy Taffy, at 7 cents a pop.
Head straight to local farms. You’ll save $5 to $10 per gourd, since grocery stores mark them up at this time of year.
Liven up your home with glow-in-the-dark paint. Decorative lights can cost $26 per string, so use the water-based paint ($5.50 for one ounce, glonation.com) to personalize pumpkins.

Real Simple

Wow!  There are a lot of good tips in there.  Did you see any that you think you could use?  Or do you have any tips of your own that you'd like to share?

How to Throw an Awesome Party (that people still talk about weeks later)

My bloggy buddy, Jill, made a simple request, she asked if I could dedicate a post on "'tips for throwing a party people will still be talking about weeks later' (or something along those lines)".  Jill, of course we can work something out!

Maybe I have an advantage to this party planning/throwing business.  My parents own a catering business, so I've got lots of experience with food.  And they also love to entertain.  Any reason for a party and they were planning!

So here are some tips for those that want to throw a party that will be talked about weeks later:

1. Pick a "theme" for your party, or something to "build" the party around.  The theme will help determine many other aspects of the party, such as the type of food, decorations, invitations, etc.  Example:  For my Christmas party, the idea was to have a wine and cheese party, which to me means something a little nicer, something a little more elegant.
2. Now that you have a theme or idea, now it's time to plan a menu.  Wine and cheese to me, meant having a variety of wines for people to try/drink, a variety of cheeses that pair well with those wines (besides cheddar and jack), and finger food appetizers.  I admit, I didn't branch out too much from what I already know how to make.  But I also knew that what I do know others like. 
3. Decorate accordingly.  I was lucky, when you throw a Christmas party at Christmas time (orwhen you decorate for any holiday) you're about done!  I rearranged some of my furniture to allow for more standing/talking room.  I got a bulk pack of candy canes to use all over (and they doubled as a treat!).  I got 2 bunches of flowers from Costco (inexpensive) that I mixed and arranged.  Oh, and I lit candles.  Candles add nice mood lighting and just add that much more.  You have to watch out though, there is a fine line of over and under doing it.
4. Send out invitations.  And I don't mean text, e-mail or evite people.  I mean like go to Staples, or you local office supply store, and get some invitation paper or templates or whatever.  Mailing the invites is that much more personal and inviting.  By the way, for RSVPing, I like "regrets only".  I find that if you say RSVP, people that are planning on coming don't RSVP, but if you say regrets only those that can't attend will let you know.  Plus then you don't get a bunch of phone calls saying "I'm coming."
5. Plan ahead.  I'm a planner.  I like a plan and I like following a plan.  So here's my advice, don't throw it together at the last minute.  Make a budget.  Make a shopping list so you're organized when you go to the grocery store.  Prep as much food as you can ahead of time, this way you'll be able to interact more with your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen, and you'll be less likely to stress.  People will be able to tell if you're stressed and not having a good time because of it.  When you're relaxed, your guests can relax and everyone has a good time.  In order for me to feel less stress and more ahead of the game, I took the day before off from work.  That way I didn't have to do all my grocery shopping late after work, as well as cleaning, and decorating, and prepping.  And it was perfect!
6. As far as during the party, unless it's a dinner party, or a baby or bridal shower, don't have an agenda.  I don't know about you, but when I get together with friends in a fun, casual atmosphere, I just like to visit and socialize.  I don't want to have to watch a clock and rush guests.  I'm not much of a game person, so I don't want to have to coordinate and organize those.  Plus it I don't want to disrupt conversations that are going on.  And honestly, unless I'm falling asleep standing up, I'm not gonna kick anybody out.  Hence why a few guys stayed until after 1am.
7. It's the little things.  People will notice the little extra touches you do.  Like the 3,000 candy canes I had scattered around my house, people noticed.  If you have music playing, keep it the volume high enough to be heard, but low enough that you don't have to yell over it.  I even put a massive jar full of M&Ms out (4 bags fit in the jar...), it was fun to see people eat the M&Ms and others tell him that it was a guess how many are in the jar game and that he just threw it off.
8. If all else fails, have fun!  And don't sweat the small stuff.  If something doesn't happen according to plan, don't worry about it.  Half the time your guests won't even know.  Just relax and enjoy yourself and enjoy your guests.

I didn't think I did anything out of the ordinary, but people thought it was extraordinary.  How does that sound? 

How about some pictures?  Pictures are worth a thousand words, right?

Are you inspired yet...?

Disclaimer, I'm no Martha Stewart, or Sandra Lee, or any other food/party planner person guru. I'm just a simple person who has ideas and ideals and follows through.

The Dos and Don'ts of Text Message Flirting

We live in a texting world. So let's see what the web says about says about texting and flirting.

• Do say text me when you give out your number.
• Don't text just saying "hi".
• Don't purposely send him a "mis-text."
  
• Do text him back within 24 hours.
• Do ask him out over text. Wha???
• Don't kid yourself. If his texts are only after 10pm he's lookin' for booty.
• Don't TUI (text under the influence).
  
• Do use the phone on certain occasions.
• Don't go overboard with the abbreviations and acronyms.
• Don't send a sexy message before you are in an exclusive relationship.
• Do learn how to throw him into the friend zone.
  
• Don't text your ex.
• Do send a thank-you text post date, but if it was a great fireworks kinda date call him the next day to thank him.

And there you have it!

Go forth and properly text-flirt.

5 Types of Women that Men Avoid

Oh dang! Am I one of these loonies? Coleman read the title of the article on my computer and said that it's easy. The kind of women that men avoid are the crazy, crazy, and more crazy.

As I'm on this pursuit of finding my Mr. Right, I stumble across articles that I think might be helpful. And well, to be quite honest I want to know if I'm one of the types of women that men avoid.

Eek! What if I am?

So let's find out these types, shall we...

The Flirty-Bird - Basically this gal is great! At first... then it becomes apparent that she suffers from low self-esteem and gets the bulk of her confidence from flirting. And she flirts with everyone! Her boss, random people, the guy's brother...everyone. The guy will probably realize that it's too hard to get her to give him the time needed to date.

The Commitment-Phile - Girls, note to self, don't start talking about your wedding and the future you're going to have with your dude until after a few dates. Ok, more like many months of dating. The quickest way to scare a guy off is to talk about your future together, or not together, either way it's all planned out.

The Cling-On - No, she's not a trekker. The guy is her everything in terms of a social life. Wanting to know where her guy is always, calls him numerous times a day, relying on him for her entertainment. Girls, you're gonna drain your guy of all his energy by being clingy.

The Party Girl - Can this gal have fun without alcohol? Or without being the social butterfly at every party? If your entire life is a party you may want to re-evaluate.

The Windbag - Basically, this one talks to much. About herself. Never about her date. Shut up for once and ask questions drawing him in. For Miss Chatty Cathy there is no such thing as a two sided conversation. Silence is golden...

So there you have it!

I would say if I had to categorize myself, I'm a minor case of cling-on (like, really minnute) and a silent (it's all planned out in my head) commitment-phile.

So, what would you say you are?

14 Shortcuts to Everyday Tasks

If you know me, you know I'm a shortcut taker. When driving I take shortcuts. In day to day activities I take shortcuts where I can. Now, this isn't meaning that I don't get the job done or even that I do a half ass job, I just look for ways to be more efficient. So let's see what Real Simple says about shortcuts...

1. Running Errands - Plan your stops in order of a clockwise direction, then you won't have to make any time consuming left hand turns.
2. Dry your Tears - After cutting an onion, stick your head in the freezer. The cold air will stop the tears and reduce redness and puffiness. Not near a freezer? Dab, don't wipe away the wetness.
   
3. Keep a Journal - Who here keeps a journal or diary of some sort? If yes, who here lags in writing in their journal? But who here sends updates of your life via email to friends and family (or in a blog)? Print 'em up and glue 'em down! Tada, now you're caught up with your journal.
   
4. Turn Day Wear into Evening Wear - Work is over and you're ready to go out for cocktails. Keep in your car an extra pair of earrings, a lightweight shawl, a fancy pair of shoes, some black eyeliner (for smoky look) and some peach blush. You've just transformed your outfit in a matter of minutes.
5. Get Cut Flowers to Bloom - Cut stems at an angle, then place in a vase of warm water.
   
6. Speak a Foreign Language - Instead of taking a course, just get a little pocket language book. Instead of learning the entire language, just learn a few key phrases.
   
7. Get Your Daily Vitamins - Eat cereal, like Total, that's fortified with loads of vitamins and minerals. And if you drink the milk it counts as a serving of dairy!
8. Buy Clothes without Trying them On - Make a mental note of how your favorite clothes "look on you" when you hold them up to your body. Then when you're out shopping you can hold up your options and avoid having to try them on.
9. Catch up on Current Events - Scan sites like cnn.com for headlines. Have a station like C Span on in the background while you pay bills.
   
10. Duck out of a Party - If you know you need to be somewhere and will have to leave early, tell the host once you get there. If the party is a complete doozy, skip out and call (of send a thank you note) the host the next day thanking for a great time and apologizing for leaving early.
11. Do Your Math After Spicy Food - When you find you've eaten something a bit too spicy for your taste buds, don't run for water. Eat bread or rice. Or try dairy products. You can't handle the spice?
12. Thaw Meat - Whatever you do, don't zap it in the microwave. That will just start the cooking process, from the inside out. Instead, soak your meat (in a water tight bag) in cold water for about 2 hours before needing to cook it.
    
13. Feed and Water Plants - Cut your watering time in half by adding some Osmocote and Soil Moist to the soil when you pot your plants. Osmocote, a slow releasing fertilizer, feeds the plants each watering and Soil Moist, a water retaining polymer, maintains moisture.
14. Get to Know Someone - The quickest way to get to know someone is to be quiet. Just let them do the talking.
    

So there you have it. 14 easy shortcuts.

Did you learn anything new? Do you have any tips to add?

9 Signs You've Met "The One"

I'm a hopeless romantic. And unfortunately, I also think that every guy that I get close to is "the one". And, well, so far my record isn't that hot. What 0 and ??? I really need to change the way I think, look, feel, and rely more on God.

But in the meantime, let's see what eharmony.com says about how you know you've met "the one". 9 steps, eh? Hummm...

1. You're not chasing the relationship's potential - Relationships are full of obstacles. The way of thinking that once on problem is fixed everything will be hunky-dory is not true, because soon after something else will come up. If it's meant to be, there shouldn't be any chasing to make it right or work, it'll just be.
   
2. Who you are is good enough - You know you've met "the one" when that person loves you for you, for who you are. You don't have to try to impress "the one" because that person is already impressed by you for being you.
   
3. You manage conflict well - Arguments happen. It's natural. What's not natural is when they don't happen. That's when you should worry a bit. When you manage conflict well you communicate. Communication is huge in relationships of all kinds. Communication is healthy and it shows a level of respect, which in turn will make your relationship stronger in the long run.
   
4. The mundane is suddenly interesting - If this person is truly "the one", then every little thing about their life will interest you, work stories, childhood memories, even their hopes and dreams for the future.
   
5. There's minimal drama-or none at all - Drama does not equal fighting. But when you do argue you're both mature about it and admit when you're wrong or apologize when lines are crossed. But if one is trying to use high emotions and manipulate the other...watch out and be careful to commit.
   
6. You're friends and family see what you see - This just goes to show that your friends and family have you as their best interest. And they are good judges of character. They'll tell you if they think the person is not right for you, or on the flip side they'll sing his/her praises telling you how great the person is. This doesn't mean that they are always right, they may try to push you into a relationship that you just don't see happening. But if you're falling for someone that the people in your life want you to be with, then chances are it's the real deal.
   
7. You know how to make them happy - Ask yourself, "Do you know what it takes to make this person happy?" If there is a deep connection, then you probably know the other's needs and wants. It could be something as smalls as making what they want for dinner. But you also should know other things like how to relieve stress, or can you talk to him/her about their hopes and dreams for the future. Does your partner do the same for you?
   
8. You have the same life priorities - Compatibility is key when creating a deep and long, lasting connection. Having your priorities match up gives you a better chance of long-term happiness.
   
9. You respect the person deeply - Respect is key in any relationship. Without respect there is no way to create a secure foundation. But when you respect each other, there is a stronger chance at thriving. Trust multiples and communication deepens.

So there you have it. A list to help you figure out if you've found "the one". It definitely doesn't hurt to have an idea of the basics and develop them from there.

Now to just work on finding "the one"...

A Pinch of Salt...

The best way to kill snails.

Or you can do like Emeril... BAM!

Although I don't have a garden overflowing with flowers, I still have snails. They congregate and hide along the fence line. But I took care of them tonight.

Muahahahahahahaha!

How to Fake a Clean House

Who here has ever read Real Simple? Subscribed to the magazine? Checked out their website? Maybe gets weekly e-mails?

ME!

I love Real Simple. Mainly because their stuff and ideas are... ready for it?... real simple. HA!

Some weeks ago I got my weekly tip... How to Fake a Clean House. Yes please! I would love to know how to do that.

So here are a couple ideas. You can also click the link below for more ideas.

1. Reserve one side of sofa cushions to be shown to guests. Before company arrives, flip over the cushions to reveal good-as-new fabric. When guests are gone, flip them back.
   Hi, I have a dark blue couch and a dog with white fur. This will serve as a great tip.
2. Cover up the lingering aroma of last night’s supper by boiling nutmeg, cloves, or cinnamon and orange peels in a sauce-pan on the stove.
   I bet that smells good. Sounds like it will smell like Christmas doesn't it?
3. Glide a sticky lint roller over the bath mat to pick up hair.
   "Hello, I'm a girl and I shed." "Hi shedding girl." I shed most while blow drying my hair. Gonna have to try this one too!
4. Rearrange crooked books so that all spines are facing the same direction and the titles all read from top to bottom.
   I think it's just time for me to clean out my book shelf of books I don't need to keep or don't plan on reading again. Amazon anyone...?
5. Stow pajamas under the pillow. This way, they’re off the floor and ready for later.
   Aha! This is one I already do! Go me!
6. Drape a scorched ironing board with a clean white sheet, tuck in the edges to fashion a make-shift cover, and place the board in the far corner of the room or behind the door.
   Although, in order for the ironing board to be scorched it would need to be used. I think only one person has ever used my ironing board, and it wasn't me. But we're not talking about him right now.

So there you have it. Some ideas on how to fake clean. I love the idea of faking clean and never having to clean.

Hummm... maybe that will be another article another week.

Real Simple

How to cut back...

...or just save some moola.

After my last doctor appointment about a month ago, one of the receptionists asked if I've ever ordered my prescription by mail. She had asked because I commented on how my pills keep getting more and more expensive, even just my co-pay. Well, I honestly thought only old people got their meds by mail.

Well, as it turns out, ordering them that way could save you money. But just how much? So I finally spent the time to do the research the last couple days. And you know what, it does save you/me money!

A one month supply via my normal pharmacy costs me $40. Do the math, that's over a buck a day. Ridiculous! Ordering a 3 month supply via the mail order place will be $80. That's like buy 2 get 1 free! I love free! Annually, that will be a $160 savings!

And that's one way that I'll be cutting my costs during this economic ickiness.

Looking for Additional Work...

MSN Money compiled a list of 52 ways to make extra money. And hey, right now, I'm sure just about everyone could use a secondary, or a primary, income source. I know I can. So take a look at the article and see if anything suits your fancy.

Personally, these are my favorites:

• Bartending - How awesome would that be?!? Not only get paid hourly and with tips, but also learn how to make some killer drinks. Downside, there go your weekend evenings...
• Blogging - Maybe I should see what that one is all about... I've already got the bloggy blog going...
• Rewrite poorly written ads - Doesn't sound too hard...
• Sell your body - Not what you're thinking!!! Although... JUST KIDDING!
  
• Sell your baked goods - Downside, gaining weight from having to sample all baked goods before selling. Upside, getting to sample all baked goods before selling.
• Walk dogs - Paid to exercise? There's a concept!
• Collect aluminum cans - Recycle, reduce, reuse folks! Go green and earn a little extra "green" at the same time.

There you have it, a sampling of extra ways to make some extra dough. We're all hurting one way or another.

So go out and earn!

Solutions

Have you ever wondered what random things you can do with random items. Well, here's a few ideas from Real Simple's January 2009 magazine.

Rubber Bands

1. Open jars with ease.
2. Decorate Easter eggs.
3. Bring order to your dishwasher.
4. Wrap a gift (in place of ribbon).

Toothpicks

1. Label meat.
2. Find the end of the roll.
3. Glue beads and sequins.
4. Sew a button better.
5. Press a gadget's reset button.

Salt

1. Clean up a cracked egg.
2. Dust a wreath.
3. Remove tea stains.
4. Shine brass and copper.

Post-it Notes

1. Clean a keyboard.
2. Navigate the roads.
3. Mark containers.
4. File away.
5. Play tic-tac-toe.

Felt Circles

1. Secure slinky garments.
2. Anchor a cutting board.
3. Prevent tabletop scratches.
4. Keep your kitchen quiet.
5. Protect the walls.

Clear Nail Polish

1. Keep an eyeglass screw in place.
2. Secure buttons.
3. Avoid rust stains in the bathroom.
4. Seal an envelope.
5. Extend the life of jewelry.

There you go. For more info on the tips, just google.

I can't give away all the details now, can I...

I heart Yapta!

Who here travels? Wants to travel? Wants to save money on airfare while traveling?

ME, ME, ME!

Some time ago I stumbled upon the website Yapta.

You see, what Yapta does is track airfare. So you can go in, put in your to and from, dates, etc. It'll find airfare for different airlines, for many combinations of departure and return times. Then you can click to "track it". OR, you can track tickets you already purchased.

Here's the cool thing, Yapta will let you know when prices have dropped for your flights per your confirmation code. Depending on the airline you bought your ticket from, yapta will tell you how much of a voucher or a credit you are eligible for, and how to redeem it.

Today, I received 3, that's right, 3 e-mails regarding my flight to Alaska in 2 weeks. The first e-mail told me the price dropped by $25, the second told me it was down $44 from what I bought it at, and the last one told me it was down $106. That's right, $106 dollars less. Well, I jumped on that one. So I went through the process, and Alaska Airlines will be e-mailing me a voucher for $125 (rounded up to the nearest $25).

How sweet is that?!? You know it'll be used!

And, from the new flight price, Yapta will continue to track it and let me know if it goes down any more. And if it does... that's right, another voucher could be coming my way!

I heart Yapta.