Putting Away all of the Holiday Decorations

As we move into a new year, it's time to pack away the holidays. But, packing away the holiday decorations isn't nearly as enjoyable as putting them up, but it has to be done so I have some tips to help you. Store small fragile ornaments in egg cartons. They have individual compartments, they stack easily on top of each other and they were made to cushion fragile items. Decorative bows can get crushed in storage. Use some tissue paper to stuff each loop of your bows. This will help them keep their shape and look great year after year. You can organize all of your wrapping and mailing supplies with a tall kitchen garbage can and clear hanging shoe bag. Stand all of your rolls of paper up on end in the garbage can. This will keep them organized and they won't get squashed. Then use the shoe bag to store your tape, scissors, ribbon, labels, and any other supplies you need. This makes a handy wrapping station whenever you need it, not just around the holidays. I hope this will help you move into 2010 stress free!

Packing for Next Holiday

If you're smart about packing up for the holidays, you can make this year's unpacking a whole lot easier for yourself next year. If there is an area in your home like a mantel or a staircase that you decorate with special items each year, pack all of those pieces in their own bin and label it accordingly. You won't have to dig around through tons of boxes next year! Use plastic food storage bags to separate strings of lights, baubles and bangles! This step will keep everything untangled and neat in the bin. If you use ribbon to decorate with, you know how it can get crushed. Coil it carefully and slip it in a coffee can or a deli container to keep it safe in storage. It's just that simple!

Post Holiday Pointers

From packing up the decorations to preparing for next year's holiday, I have some tips to help you get it all done and save you time and money. If you have a small artificial Christmas tree and you have the space, store it with the decorations and just cover with a large sheet or plastic bag. This will save you time and effort from year to year. If you have a larger artificial tree, or just don't have the space, I still have some tips to make the job go smoothly. Most trees come with colored tips that designate which layer of the tree they belong on, but they can get chipped over time. When you pull the tree apart group the different layers together and wrap a bungee cord loosely around the group to keep them together. For light strings, coil them loosely and slip them inside a large plastic zipper bag. This way you won't be pulling out a tangled mess next year. This is a great time of year to buy holiday cards, wrapping paper and supplies. Store your stock-ups with the rest of your Christmas decorations and you'll be all set for next year! It's just that simple!!

Picture Perfect Holiday

Sure, a picture in a frame is a lovely gift, but I have some ways to personalize those gifts that won't break the bank! Use old pictures and scrap booking paper to personalize a plain gift bag. The plain bags are less expensive, you can use them beyond the holidays and the recipient will love the personal touch. This is also a great way to personalize Christmas cards, buy a pack of blank cards and personalize them for each person! Use your computer to create a calendar for a loved one. You can buy calendar kits at your local office supply store, or simply buy a ream of heavy paper and print them yourself. You can have them bound at a local office supply store for a couple of dollars. Speaking of the computer, use it to blow up pictures to a full sheet, print them out and use them to wrap small gifts. They're really festive! Hope this helps you have a picture perfect holiday!

More ideas for wrapping it up!

If you have a pile of gifts that need to be wrapped, this is the place to be. I have some easy and unique gift-wrapping ideas that are inexpensive. Gift bags are a great alternative to boxing and wrapping but they can get really expensive. So forget the fancy bags and think embellishments! Buy a plain white or brown paper gift bag and use scraps of paper or even last years Christmas cards to decorate the front.Want an even less expensive alternative? Check out a local restaurant supply store for white bakery bags, you can get them in a bundle and they can be altered to fit any holiday! Use a paper shredder to cut strips of brightly colored construction paper for stuffing the bags! Or simply fold them over, punch a couple of holes and thread some ribbon to seal the bag. You could also check the restaurant supply store for butcher's paper. You get a huge roll of white paper that can easily be dressed up with ribbons, raffia or even rubber stamps! Looking for a cute alternative to expensive gift tags that you can't even fit your name on; enlist the help of your computer. Use a business card template to design the cards, and simply print a full sheet of the cards. Cute and custom!

Time to wrap it up!!!

The key to any task is organization. Well I have easy ways to keep your wrapping supplies organized so you can get through the chore of wrapping those holiday gifts in no time! If you're always combing the house to find scissors and pens and tape and tags, buy two sets, one for the house and one for wrapping. Keep the wrapping set corralled in a see through make-up bag for easy, portable access. If your wrapping paper rolls are always unrolling and falling to the floor, try this: cut a paper towel or toilet paper tube along its length. Then slip it around the paper, it will keep it rolled up and it won't rip the paper like tape can! Now for storage, a clear hanging garment bag is the perfect spot to store all of your wrapping paper. Slip the rolls upright in the bag. Put your ribbon spools in the bottom along with your tape and scissors kit, and then stash the whole kit in a closet, always together and right where you need it! I hope this helps!!!

Tree Time

It's time to put up the Christmas tree and decorate the house. If you're feeling a little bit overwhelmed, I have some tips to get you back in the Christmas spirit.
When you get your tree home, you need to let it settle. To give it a good start, cut a couple of inches off of the tree trunk, so that it can easily absorb water.
Fill a bucket with cool water and pour a cup of maple syrup into it. Then put your tree in the water and let it sit for a couple of days. The sugar in the syrup will help preserve it. Make sure that you keep that tree sheltered from the sun and the wind. Then, when you're ready to bring it inside, make sure to make a fresh cut in the trunk. If your lights were put away in a big ball last year, don't worry. unplug the strings from each other . Then you can plug them into the wall one at a time. Follow the lights to loosen the mess. A little safety tip: if you have small children or pets that seem fascinated by the tree, hang decorative bells on the lower branches. This way if anyone is too close to the tree, you'll be able to hear them. Merry To You!

Zipping through Holiday Frustrations

Forget the wires, string and tape.this holiday season all you need are zip ties to help you decorate. Zip ties are strong and they hold securely without damaging so that they're the perfect temporary fix. Thread a zip tie through the back of a bow and secure it around a wreath, this will keep the bow in place through all sorts of wind and weather. A zip tie also makes a great hanger zip it into a loop on the back of even the heaviest wreaths for a safe and sturdy hanger. Zip ties are the perfect tool for securing garlands to banisters and fences. They wrap easily around the posts or spindles and hold tight. They will also secure ornaments or other decorations easily to a wreath or garland. If your zip tie isn't long enough just attach a few together and make them the size you need. Use zip ties to secure light strands to your wreaths or garland, you can also use them to organize and hold together all of your wires for your holiday lights so they blend easily and aren't a tripping hazard. Once you've zipped, a nail clipper is the perfect tool to clip off those little tails. Happy Holidays!

After Holiday Laundry Mess??

The holidays bring wonderful memories and tons of company, I have some tips to plow through these not so welcome holiday leftovers! Pre-treat ring around the collar stains on dress shirts with shampoo. It's the oils in your hair and skin that cause that stain, so the shampoo will break it up. Dish Liquid is also a gentle and inexpensive pre-treater for all sorts of stains on all sorts of fabrics - just squirt it on and work it in. The stain will launder out without a problem. If there's a chance you won't be doing laundry for a few days, use a clear dish soap so the colorant won't transfer to the fabric. Adding a cup of white vinegar to your wash cycle will remove the sour smell from towels that they sometimes get when they're piled up. A great substitute fabric softener is a half a cup of baking soda added to the wash cycle. Your clothes will come out soft and fresh. As an added bonus, baking soda is a milder than fabric softeners so it won't irritate sensitive skin. Finally, when you're folding laundry, an easy way to keep sheet sets together is to slip the sheets inside the pillowcase. Now that we've gotten through that Thanksgiving laundry - lets start gearing up for those December holidays!

Celebration Stains

I love celebrations, but when the parties are over, sometimes there are stains left behind on my carpets. I have some stain removers to help if you find yourself in the same situation. Always use white cloths when you're cleaning stains. A colored cloth could transfer dye onto the carpet, creating a bigger stain. Chocolate can be removed from your carpets and upholstery with a little white shaving cream (not the gel!) . Spray some of the foam onto the spot and work it in with a cloth. When you see the chocolate coming up, switch to cool water to lift the shaving cream. For alcohol stains such as wine, sponge the area with some cool water. Then mix a half of a teaspoon of dish detergent and a tablespoon of white vinegar into a quart of warm water. Use a cloth to blot the stain with the mixture. This will remove the stain and smell in one step. Then layer the area with some white towels and heavy books to absorb moisture. (You can also blot wine stains with club soda.) For a beer stain, mix equal parts of white vinegar and detergent. Sponge it onto the stain and then blot it out. Hope this helps ease out those celebration stains!

Have you noticed the changing trend in breath mints these days? They all come in a cute little tin. Well don't throw away the tin when the mints are gone, I have some uses for them! Put together a little mending kit to keep in your handbag, your glove compartment or your desk. Stock the tin with a small pair of scissors, some thread, a couple of needles and some extra buttons! You'll be ready for a loose hem or a popped button anytime! How about a little first aid kit. A tin is the perfect size to hold a couple of anti-bacterial wipes, some ointment and a few plastic bandages.
Or a maybe a diaper bag caddy. Fill it with pins, diaper rash ointment, and a little pair of nail clippers. Keep a tin in your travel bag; they are the perfect fit for cotton swabs, jewelry or hair accessories! If you wear eyeglasses, these tins are the right size for an eyeglass repair kit as well as a cleansing cloth. Use tins to organize your toolbox, they're the perfect fit for small hardware like picture hanging supplies, nails, screws, nuts and bolts. Clever uses for recyling mint tins.

Gotta Have a Glue Gun!

Do you have a glue gun in your toolbox? No, well you might want to consider it; because it's a super versatile tool! There are three basic types of glue guns, high melt, low melt and dual temperature. High melt guns are for more heavy-duty applications. A low melt is more for craft and floral projects, and the dual temp - you guessed it, for both. The only trick is to make sure that you use the right type of glue stick for your gun! If you do a lot of projects on your own a glue gun can be an extra set of hands. Run it along wood or trim pieces and put them in place, it will set up in about five seconds and free up your hands to add a more permanent fastener while keeping your work in place. A glue gun is the perfect tool for reattaching loose trim on upholstery and lampshades, or use it to add embellishments to a plain item. I like to keep my glue gun on a cookie sheet or another metal tray. This way if it leaks or tips over you don't have to worry about something getting burned. Another tip, if your glue sets up too fast and you need to reposition, aim your hairdryer at it for a few seconds. It will soften it up enough to move it where you need to!

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With cooking and cleaning and getting ready, are we really thankful this holiday? With these simple tips you will be! How many times have you been working on so many things at once your double boiler ran dry? Put a few marbles in the bottom of the pan and then fill it with water. When the water level gets too low, you'll hear the marbles banging around and know it's time to add more water. Running out of something while you're baking is frustrating. Here are easy substitutions. Mix together one and a half teaspoons of both ground cloves and ground cinnamon, and you'll have a tablespoon of allspice. You can get two tablespoons of baking powder by combining a teaspoon of cream of tartar with a half a teaspoon of baking soda. Three tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa and a tablespoon of shortening is equal to a square of chocolate. Keep a few ceramic tiles in the kitchen. When you're getting ready to serve dinner, heat them in the oven for a few minutes. They make great warmers in the bottom of bread and roll baskets. Easy ideas for a Happy and relaxing Thanksgiving.

To paint or not to paint...

If you're nervous about painting - don't be - it's just paint. It costs less than $20 a gallon and it can be changed easily if you don't like your results! Painting is the fastest, cheapest, most dramatic way to update your home. If you wear contact lenses, opt for your glasses instead; the fumes in paint can cause your contacts to irritate your eyes. Whether you're cutting in or painting trim, brushwork is part of the job. To get the best results, dip your brush into the paint no more than two inches and then tap the brush against the sides of your bucket. This allows for the extra paint and drips to fall off the brush without making the paint on the brush uneven, which allows for better coverage. If you're painting stripes or any other two color treatment that requires taping off some areas after the base coat, try this: paint a thin coat of the base color over the tape inside the lines. It will seal the tape and if any seeps underneath the tape it will have been the base color leaving a clean line. If you're painting a window frame, overlap the paint onto the glass slightly, this ensures that you seal the seam between the glass and the wood. Clean-up time? Wrap a rag around your painter's tool and run it around the rim of your paint can. This will ensure a tight seal when you close the can.

Alternative Uses for Mouthwash??

Antiseptic mouthwash is designed to kill germs in your mouth and keep your teeth clean, so why not use it to clean and disinfect other things like your bathroom? To clean the toilet a half a cup of mouthwash in the toilet is all you need. Just pour it in, swish it around and flush! It'll kill the germs!! A toothbrush dipped in mouthwash will help clean grout and inhibit mold growth. It's also strong enough to cut easily through hard water stains and build-up. Just make sure you label that toothbrush for cleaning only! Use a little on a lint free cloth to shine up mirrors and disinfect medicine cabinet handles, faucets and flush levers. Use a little on a lint free cloth to shine up mirrors and disinfect medicine cabinet handles, faucets and flush levers. Have a blemish? Use a cotton swab to dab some mouthwash on the area, it'll kill the bacteria and clear up the blemish. You can use the same principle if you have a cut or a scrape and no antiseptic cream or wipes. The mouthwash will clean and disinfect in one quick step!

Baby Talk

If you have a new baby in the house you know how much work it can be. Well, I have some easy ideas to help you out! Forget expensive changing table covers, buy a set of king size pillowcases. They fit perfectly over the changing pad and you get two so you can have one on the table and one in the wash! A standing silverware caddy is the perfect place to stash baby bath items. It will easily organize soaps, lotions and washcloths and it is portable so you can take everything you need with you wherever you are. A pasta pot is a great tool for sterilizing all of those bottles and pacifiers. Just boil the water and pop in all of the baby stuff. Just pull the strainer insert out to drain water away. It's a lot faster than using tongs to pull out piece by piece. In addition to all of your baby items, keep your favorite stain pre-treater in your diaper bag. This way, if you're baby gets messy while you're out you don't have to worry about those stains setting on those precious clothes. A box of zip top plastic bags is also great to keep in the diaper bag, from messy clothes to dirty diapers to clean pacifiers the bags are indispensable. Just be sure to keep plastic bags away from the baby!

Outdoor Fall Chore Checklist!

You've worked hard to make your garden look beautiful this past summer and fall; well now is the time to prep it for next spring. I have some tips. First weed your gardens; you don't want the weeds to seed in your garden and make extra work for you in the spring. You also want to remove any dead foliage from plants and pull dead limbs from the lawn. Pull any spent annual plants from window boxes and planters, clean planters to ready them for next year. Rake the lawn to remove any leaves and debris, so they don't rot and damage your lawn over the winter. Also fertilize your lawn in the fall. It has been through a lot over the summer and needs some TLC. Make sure that you pick up a fertilizer for fall use and spread it evenly over the lawn. If you have small trees or shrubs that need to be protected from driving winds and rain or snow and ice, I have a few things you can try. Use sticks to build a teepee shelter or buy one, and wrap burlap around the structure to block winds. You could also hinge together a couple pieces of wood into a sandwich board tent to protect plants. Easy Ways to ready your garden for the off season!

Cleaning Baskets

If you have baskets around your house, you know that they can get dusty and dirty. Here are some easy ways to clean them up! Use a paintbrush to dust your baskets regularly. Its stiff bristles will get into all the crevices. Or, try the small brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Don't be afraid to wash your baskets; it's good to wet them down once in a while to keep the reeds from cracking! Wash baskets by putting it into the sink and wetting it down with your sprayer attachment. Dip a nail brush into some soapy water and lightly scrub the reeds. When you've finished scrubbing, use the sprayer to rinse it. Then put it on a towel in a sunny window to dry. Make sure that the basket dries all the way; too much water can cause it to rot! For a basket with dyed reeds, you need to check before you wash it to make sure the color is not going to run. Just rub a wet cloth on the colored area. If the color comes off on the cloth, don't wet it. If your basket is painted you should just wipe it with a soft cloth. Hope these tips help you clean and enjoy your basket collection.

If you have a big trip planned this travel season, I have some ideas that will help you get ready so you can relax and enjoy.

Keep medications, your identification, your valuables and a toothbrush in your carry-on bag. Then, if your luggage gets lost, the important items are with you.

Pack your toiletries in plastic zipper bags. They will be neat and organized, and if something leaks, it will be sealed inside and not all over your clothes.

When you're packing clothes, roll them up rather than fold them. This will do two things: the rolls will take up less room in your bag and they'll come out with less wrinkles.

Slip a business card in the identification pouch on your luggage. That way, you won't have to worry about someone seeing your home address on the card, and taking advantage of the fact that nobody is home.

So many suitcases today look exactly the same, so it's hard to pick yours out at the baggage claim. If you tie a brightly colored ribbon to each bag, it will be easier for you to spot.

Care of China and Crystal Just in Time for the Upcoming Holidays!

Fine china and crystal require special care and storage, well I have some easy ideas to help you with yours. Extreme temperatures will weaken china and crystal. Don't put china in the microwave or fridge. If you need to store or heat something, transfer it to everyday dishes.

As for crystal, never fill with ice and then add water, always pour water and add ice if needed. This will temper the crystal to the temperature change. Never let food sit on china for a long period of time the acid in foods will eat away at the glazing.

Even if you think its dishwasher safe, always hand wash your china and crystal. Use warm soapy water in a sink lined with a towel or placemat. For faster drying, and a streak free shine, add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse water.

When storing, always place crystal upright sitting on their stems so you don't chip the rims. As for china, put a piece of padding between pieces to prevent scratching. Use a paper towel, a piece of felt or a coffee filter. Don't be tempted to stack your china too high, a good rule of thumb is no more than five plates or two cups high. Stacked higher the weight of the upper pieces will damage those on the bottom.

Easy care tips for your china and crystal!

Bi-Fold Door Tune Up

Bi-fold doors are a common choice for many closets, but you can run into some problems. Generally it's one of three things. They don't meet in the center, they press too closely together and won't close, or they're uneven. All three are easy to fix!Remove the door by lifting it up and out of the bottom pivot, swinging it away from the bottom bracket and then pulling the top pivot out of it's bracket. Once the door is removed you can easily loosen the adjusting screw and slide the bracket into the position you want. If the doors don't meet, move the top and bottom brackets toward center. If the doors press together too hard and won't close at all, move the brackets away from center. As for the door that is uneven and looks like it's sagging towards center, move only the top bracket slightly away from the center. Bi-fold doors have a liner down the inside to help hold them closed where normal wear & tear can bend them. If this is the case, gently bend them back into shape with a pair of pliers. That's all there is to an easy bi-fold door tune-up!

Beautiful Stains

Beauty products are a part of life, but they can also cause spills and stains, I have some tips to get rid of these "beautiful" stains. If you think hair dye stains are permanent, think again. If you act quickly you can get rid of them. Spritz liberally with hairspray and allow it to dry for a couple of minutes. Then rub the area with some shampoo and wash it in cold water. For make-up stains from foundation to mascara grab a bar of soap. Put the stain face down on an absorbent white cloth, an old diaper works great for this. Dampen the soap and rub it into the back side of the stain. This will push the make-up out of the fabric rather than sending deeper into the fibers. Move the stain to different parts of the diaper so it doesn't re-absorb them. Wash it in cool water. For greasy stains like lotions and baby oil, blot as much as you can with a cloth and sprinkle with some cornstarch. Let it sit for ten minutes, shake it out and dab with white vinegar to break up the grease. Then launder. For hairspray build-up on walls, floors and mirrors dip an old washcloth into some rubbing alcohol and wipe it away. Remember the two primary rules of stain removal: Always test for colorfastness in a hidden area first, and never put your item in the dryer until you're sure the stain is gone.

Choosing Paint Colors

Painting a room can be a big project if you don't know where to begin. I have some advice. Colors are only limited by your imagination. A good paint store can match just about any shade. As a rule of thumb, light colors will make a room appear bigger and cooler, where dark colors will bring the walls in and give it a cozy feeling. If you're not sure what paint type you need, flat paints give a smooth, uniform finish to a wall. It is best for ceilings, living rooms, halls and bedrooms, and it can be washed gently. An eggshell finish looks like a flat paint straight on, but has a texture if you look at it from an angle. It is more washable than flat paint and stands up well in a child's room. Finally, try a semi-gloss paint in bathrooms, kitchens and on cabinets and woodwork. It is very durable and will stand up to repeated washings and some mild scrubbing.

Great Shelf for Any Window!

Installing a shelf above your window will give you a great display area and it can be a place to install curtains. Buy the shelves ready made at a craft store or home improvement center. Measure the width of your window and buy a shelf that will extend a few inches beyond that on both sides. Or build the shelf with a piece of wood and two triangular supports.(It is best to finish the shelf before hanging it so paint or stain it to complement the woodwork around the window.) If you also want to hang curtains from this shelf, before you hang it, drill a hole through each of the side supports big enough to hold a dowel. Hang the shelf and insert one end of the dowel through the support. Pull the curtain over the rod and slip it through the second support. When the shelf is ready to install, screw it into the studs on either side of your window so that the side supports sit flush against the window casing, and the top is level with the top of the window. You may also want to screw the shelf itself into the top of the window casing to give it extra support.

Candy Free Halloween?

I was at the store to get my Halloween Candy and found a ton of cute alternatives. They have pencils and stickers and stamps and little coloring books. All in big bulk sizes just like the candy - Genius!

Keeping Kids Safe this Halloween

Trick or treat! It's that time of the year and I have some tips to keep kids safe for coming and going.

First your house. Check the yard and walkways. Make sure that you pick up any branches and debris so that your home is safe for visitors to walk up to. Use holiday lights to give extra illumination to walkways and steps so that everybody can see where they're going. The rope variety is great because you don't have to worry about the little bulbs being broken. Just make sure that the rope is secured in place so that no one trips.

Put your pets in a basement or bedroom before trick or treaters begin to arrive. Normally friendly pets can become very nervous with all the company.

If you're getting ready to go out with little ones, feed them before you go so they won't be as tempted to eat a lot of candy before you can check it. If you have big kids and some little ones and your splitting into two groups, use walkie-talkies or cell phones to keep in touch throughout the night.

And finally, make sure that your kids costume fits him well and they can move easily so they don't trip and fall.

Have a happy halloween!

Some Goulishly Good Ideas for Halloween Costumes!

It's Halloween! Do you have a costume for your little one. Well, I have some easy and simple ideas that all start with their regular clothes.

A green sweat suit is the perfect start for a frog. Trace frog hands and feet onto some green felt and then cut them out. Stitch the hands to a pair of gloves and then slit holes for the feet to pull over their shoes. Top it off with a matching cap with some eyes made from a styrofoam ball cut in half.

If you have a baby, try a puppy dog costume. put on some sweats or jammies in black, brown or white. Make some ears and spots from felt, find a little cap in a matching color, or make a little hood from some of the felt and then just attach the ears. Cut a bone shape out of craft sheet foam and tape it to a pacifier.

For a bat, start with a black outfit and cut some ears and wings from black felt. for the wings, you're basically making a cape so it should measure across Attach it to their shirt and then make hand loops so that they can hold the cape and "spread their wings," then just attach the ears to a hood or headband.

Important tip: If your kids are wearing dark colors, make sure that they have reflective tape on their costumes.

Getting ready to sell your house??

Selling your home is a big deal; I have some ideas to consider before you put your house on the market so you can actually get more money and sell it faster.

1. Potential buyers will walk through your house and take off points for things that they need to do, like repairs and updates. Your goal is to make your home as warm and inviting and as turnkey as possible!

2. Consider hiring a home inspector. The last thing you want is for a potential buyer to back out based on a problem that their home inspector finds. They'll check your home from foundation to rafters to alert you to any problems!

3. Look at your homes exterior with a critical eye. If your home needs to be painted - do it, a crisp clean exterior will attract buyers. Can't afford a whole paint job? Try repainting the shutters and trim.

4. If any major systems like your furnace or hot water heater need to be replaced now time to do it. You'll recoup the cost and buyers appreciate the updates!

5. De-clutter and pare down! Weed out closets, toy areas and maybe even move some things into storage away from the house. Make sure that your home has ample space and that buyers can see that space, not your stuff.

Vacuum Odors

My vacuum has been smelling stale the last several times I've used it, so when I'm done cleaning it doesn't smell good. So today I changed the filter and then sprinkled the carpets with baking soda and vacuumed it up. The baking soda not only absorbed odors from the carpet but is now in the filter and dust cup of my vacuum working constantly until the next time I change it. Gotta love how much a 59 cent box of baking soda can do for you - for more great baking soda tips, check out my website http://www.mrsfixit.com/Fixits/FixitDetails.asp?id=1007

Chandelier

My chandelier fell from the ceiling - this is the second ceiling fixture I've heard about falling within the past week. Thank goodness no one was hurt, but it was a big foyer chandelier, so I feel fortunate that no one was near it. So, in light of recent events I have decided to check all of the ceiling fixtures. My friend's fixture that fell was caused by the mounting screw slowly turning as she walked around in her closet over the past 5 years (the fixture that fell was directly under her closet door). So take a minute and go around and check your ceiling fixtures, you could prevent a broken fixture or worse yet someone getting hurt. While you're at it, run a test on your smoke detectors to make sure that they're running properly.

Halloween Article

Hey, I've published a couple of Halloween Articles on Associated Content, Check them out!

Halloween Safety Tips
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2228895/halloween_safety_tips.html?cat=74

Low Cost Halloween Costumes
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2172835/low_cost_halloween_costumes.html?cat=74

Some Furnace Facts

The heating season definitely taxes your furnace and your finances. Well, I have some tips to help keep you running efficiently to save money and keep you comfortable throughout the season.

Keep the area around your furnace clear of clutter and vacuum the room frequently to keep the unit running at its peak.

Turn the unit off before you start the clean up. Each month or so, vacuum the furnace grille and fans. This will increase efficiency and airflow. When all the dust is gone wipe down dirty surfaces with a damp cloth.

If you do nothing else with your furnace, change the filter every month. If anyone in your house has allergies, try folded filters to cut down on allergens circulating through your house. You can also get filters that fit in the grates in each room to cut down on the dust.

Another tip, if you would like to spread fresh scents throughout your house, pick up a scented insert to use with your filter.

Mudding, drying, sanding....

We are drywalling and taping the second floor. The drywall went up fast...but the taping takes more time. You need to make sure those seams are patched well. So now it's mudding, drying, sanding, mudding, drying, sanding, mudding, drying, sanding...until the walls are smooth as a baby's butt! The last thing you want to do is paint and see that seam look like a horizon, without the sun, around the room! Just started looking at paint colors...I love a punch of color! A tip...when you visit the paint department grab several sample chips...tape them together to make a larger swatch of color and place it in the room near the molding. You'll be able to get a good idea if that's the right color before you spend the money on paint! Don't be afraid to use color, it's only paint...it's the easiest way to change the look of a room! What's the worst that can happen...you can just paint it again! Go for it...it's just that simple!

BiFold Door Woes!

Bi-fold doors are a common choice for many closets, but you can run into some problems, I was having a problem with my laundry closet doors, so I thought I would share the solutions. Generally it's one of three things. They don't meet in the center, they press too closely together and won't close, or they're uneven. All three are easy to fix! 1. Remove the door by lifting it up and out of the bottom pivot, swinging it away from the bottom bracket and then pulling the top pivot out of it's bracket. 2. Once the door is removed you can easily loosen the adjusting screw and slide the bracket into the position you want. If the doors don't meet, move the top and bottom brackets toward center. If the doors press together too hard and won't close at all, move the brackets away from center. As for the door that is uneven and looks like it's sagging towards center, move only the top bracket slightly away from the center. 3. Bi-fold doors have a liner down the inside to help hold them closed where normal wear & tear can bend them. If this is the case, gently bend them back into shape with a pair of pliers.

Next Step: BATHROOM RENOVATION!

The new Mrs. FIXIT studio house is coming along! The week has been spent planning for the bathroom remodels. Working on layout, fixtures, faucets, etc. Research, research, research! The whole idea is to get that high end look for less! You can do it...but, it takes hours of on line research, visiting local suppliers and working with people that know their product so they can answer your questions. Don't be afraid to ask questions and make sure you are aware of any internal parts you may need to make those fixtures work. Don't forget the valves, supply lines, shut offs, drain stoppers, etc. By the time your done planning....you'll have plumbing 101 under your belt!!!! And speaking of plumbing...if your working with a plumber make sure you explain exactly what your looking for in as much detail as possible....it will save you money in the long run...the last thing you want is a redo! So don't be afraid to spend the time researching and planning before you order! It's just that simple!

Halloween Safety on Associated Content

I just published a new article on Associated Content, it has some great tips for keeping you and yours safer during this upcoming Halloween season! http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2228895/halloween_safety_tips.html?cat=74

Falling into a New Season

Fall has hit here in upstate New York and the leaves are changing colors and the air is getting cooler - and it's reminding me that I have a big to do list to get ready for the winter that's just around the corner. I have some reminders and tips to get you through your fall to do!

Clean and put away your gardening tools, wash them with warm soapy water making sure to get all of the surfaces clean. When the tools are clean and dry coat them with a thin layer of oil or petroleum jelly to prevent the formation of rust while they're not in use.

Make sure your patio furniture is clean so that when you pull it out in the spring you won't have as much work to do.

Vacuum any dirt and leaves off of your patio umbrella. Close it up and grab a pair of old nylon stockings; slip one of the legs over the length of the umbrella. This will let air circulate so the umbrella won't get musty and mildewy, plus dust and cobwebs get caught on the nylons, not the umbrella.

Vacuum your chair cushions too, then put them in a case that you can make easily from some old sheets. Cut the sheets to the size you need, and then use some iron on velcro to seal up the sides for an easy no-sew case that you can use year after year.

Wash terra cotta planters down with hot soapy water and a nylon scrubber. Don't leave them outside in the cold winter months; they will crack. Once they're clean, soak them in a mild bleach and water mixture for a little while. Doing this will kill any mold and mildew. Let them dry in the sun and store them in a cool dry place.

Next job, the gutters, before you start put together a gutter cleaning kit. You'll need a bucket, a pair of heavy duty gloves, a small trowel, a pair of tongs, and a plastic soda bottle with the bottom cut off.

Place a ladder against the side of the house. Make sure it's secure, but not resting against the gutters - that can cause damage.

Lay a big tarp out under the area that you're going to be working on. This way you can throw leaves and gunk onto the tarp.

Use the soda bottle to clean out the debris. The bottle is the perfect size for the job and the top makes a nice handle. Leaves and muck should be scooped out and put into the bucket. If it is really gross, the tongs will come in handy, because they can reach into more compact places.

You can use a hose to flush out the area. Slip the leg of a nylon stocking over the end of the downspout. This way as debris is flushed down it won't make a mess.
The water pressure should clear away any messes that have been left behind.

If you’d like some more easy hints and tips check out my books, ‘Pantry Power’ published by Meredith Books and ‘Mrs. FIXIT’s Easy Home Repair’ published by Simon and Schuster Pocket Books both on-line at www.mrsfixit.com. If you have any questions, or a tip you’d like to share, please contact me at www.mrsfixit.com.

If you just shut the door on your yard and garden equipment without prepping it for the off-season you could be in for some costly repairs and replacements next spring. Any equipment with a gas engine should either be drained or run out of gas; IF you leave gas in the tank it can clog the carburetor in storage. So do a last run around the yard and run that gas out. This is especially important if you store the equipment in a basement over the winter. Another option is to fill the tank and add a fuel stabilizer to the tank. This additive will keep the gas and carburetor clean. Just make sure that once you add it you run the machine for several minutes to work it into the engine. If your machine has a two-cycle engine that uses a gas oil mixture you can also use a stabilzer. These additives are a good idea all year long – they will keep the machine running well and the engine cleaner. You should also check or change the oil and be sure oil is at the correct level. Use a stiff bristled brush to clean dirt, dust and grass from the outside decks, intakes and blades of blowers, trimmers and mowers. Then lubricate moving parts with a spray lubricant to protect them from freezing.

Building the Mrs. FIXIT home!

In the midst of a major Mrs. FIXIT home renovation! This will be our new home studio when it's finished! Since the renovation is more than we can show you in our television news segments, I'll keep you up to date on my blog and walk you through some of the trials and tribulations of renovating! First the research, planning and hiring of the right people to get the job done. It's never to early to start a file of ideas for future home renovations and decorating desires. Collecting ideas and pictures that you like is the best way to convey to an architect and builder what your vision is for the project. I've finally finished up with layout and have the vision ...now it's just a matter of getting it done! I've set a budget and I'm determined to keep within it. If you're doing the same, try and anticipate as much as possible before you start and always leave some room in the budget for the unexpected...because those items will show up! Later...'It's just that simple!'

Don't forget to follow me on Twitter

http://twitter.com/MrsFIXIT

Need invitations for a party? Go to your local office supply or craft store and buy a wedding invitation kit. These kits come with really pretty printable invitations and response cards plus the envelopes. Use the invites for the party and the responses for thank you cards! It's totally personalized and custom looking without the big price tag.

Need a one of a kind gift? For a friends wedding I found an antique postcard of the hotel where they are getting married. I took the postcard to a print shop and had them blow it up. Then had it matted and framed. It turned out beautifully. I love it, I hope they do! This would be a great gift for a friend you used to vacation with when you were kids, or an anniversary, or graduation.

Production today, always a fun day. Coming up on Mrs. FIXIT you'll get some great alternative uses for laundry baskets and muffin tins, an important safety check on your dryer and some holiday ideas. If Mrs. FIXIT isn't on in your local market, call your favorite television station and tell them you'd like to see it. They can check us out at http://www.mrsfixit.com/! It's just that simple!

I chipped my favorite coffee mug this morning. I didn’t want to toss it, it was a gift and I do love it, so I stuck it on my desk for pens and pencils. As I was looking at it, I got thinking about the rest of the set. So I ran downstairs and grabbed the sugar and creamer set and the napkin holder. I lined them all up on the desk and now I the mug for pens and pencils, the cream pitcher has all of my paperclips, the sugar bowl has a roll of stamps and the napkin holder has the bills, my checkbook and outgoing mail! Love it – although I don’t know what I’ll do the next time I need the creamer and sugar….

The faucet in my son’s bathroom is getting erratic. If this happens in your house, the fix is super simple! Pull up the stopper so nothing can slip down the drain, and then unscrew the aerator, the piece that water comes out of. Flip it over and rinse it out. The erratic water flow is caused by sediment buildup in the screen on this piece. Clean it out – put it back and you’re set to go!

Bed Bench

Have you ever seen those bed benches? You know you take the head and footboards from an old bench and turn them into a bench for the porch or entryway. I have one I’m working on, I think it’s going to be really cute – check back for pictures! I wonder if a body pillow would be a good size for the seat cushion?

Antibacterial Wipes Saving $$$

Antibacterial hand wipes are way less expensive than antibacterial cleaning wipes and you get more in a package – why is that? I’m now using the hand wipes for car handles, steering wheels, doorknobs and phones. Saving $$ - gotta love it!

A friend of mine had a great idea for remembering birthdays and anniversaries. She put the month as the heading and then all important dates under it for each month. She printed the list and hung it next to the calendar. This way you don’t have to write the dates into the calendar every year and you not only have a reference for each month, you can see what’s coming up in the next month!

I wanted to do a slideshow for my son’s graduation but the thought of scanning all of those old pictures was throwing me…..so I set up a little easel with a black background and propped the actual pics up against it and took a digital picture of the old prints – it worked great. Obviously it wouldn’t be a great resolution for new prints, but for the slide show it’s a great timesaver. I whipped through 18 years of pictures in a couple of hours – and that included gathering them up!

If you’re having a backyard picnic and the table cloth keeps flying off. Grab some clip on curtain rings. You can clip them to the tablecloth and they’ll weigh it down just enough to hold it in place!

For more great household tips, check out my website, www.mrsfixit.com or follow me on Twitter, www.twitter.com/Mrsfixit

The next time you need to squeeze some lemons for something, don’t just toss the rinds in the trash. Dip one of the rinds in salt and use it to clean copper bottom pots or brass candlesticks or cutting boards. Then toss the rinds down the disposal with a handful of ice cubes and run it, the lemons and ice will scrub the blades clean. Who says lemons are sour – I think these are some sweet ideas!

Looking for a great tool to pull gunk out from crevices in the kitchen like around the burners or the rim of the sink? A rotating toothbrush. You can pick up these brushes pretty inexpensively these days, just make sure you label it as a cleaning tool so no one moves it to the bathroom. You wouldn’t believe how well this works!

Dog hair…seriously how can she have any hair left with all the hair I’ve cleaned up today? If you’re feeling the same way, grab two things and your life will be much easier…rubber gloves and a squeegee! Pull on the rubber gloves and you can run your hand along furniture and curtains and it will kind of gather the hair up so that you can easily pick up the clumps and clean them away. The squeegee is for carpets. Run the squeegee over the carpet and it will loosen the hair so that it’s easier for the vacuum to pick up!

I’ve been potting plants this week; I thought I’d pass along one of my favorite potting tips. Use diapers! Pick up an inexpensive package of disposable diapers (you can find them at the dollar store), cut the diapers into circles and slip them into the bottom of your pots, then put the dirt on top. This is a double duty tip (no pun intended!) The diaper will keep the dirt from running out of the hole whenever you water the plant and the little crystals in the diaper will absorb water and then release it as the plant needs it so you don’t have to water as often. Gives new meaning to dirty diaper huh!

Bridging the View!

So, Colleen had a cute idea I thought I’d pass along. She has this thing for vintage linens, sheets, tablecloths, napkins, and pillowcases. (She calls it crispy cotton). They are beautiful. So she had this great hemstitched bridge set (a smaller card table sized cloth and four napkins). She wanted a change in her downstairs powder room, which has one window, so she folded the tablecloth in half and tacked it up as a valance and then pressed the napkin into thirds to use as fingertip towels. The cool matched set adds some nice character to the room! Way to go Colleen!

Grandmother's Know Best!

Did you know that the sun can bleach stains out of clothes? I have an old tablecloth that had an old stain on it that I had just about given up on it. I hung some clothes out in the sun and low and behold the stain is gone! I’ll have to try this on some other things that can’t be bleached! On a side note – is there anything that smells better than fresh linens dried in the sun – it brings me back to overnights at my grandmother’s when I was little…..miss ya Mil

For more great household tips, check out my website, www.mrsfixit.com or follow me on Twitter, www.twitter.com/Mrsfixit

I’ve been potting plants this week; I thought I’d pass along one of my favorite potting tips. Use diapers! Pick up an inexpensive package of disposable diapers (you can find them at the dollar store), cut the diapers into circles and slip them into the bottom of your pots, then put the dirt on top. This is a double duty tip (no pun intended!) The diaper will keep the dirt from running out of the hole whenever you water the plant and the little crystals in the diaper will absorb water and then release it as the plant needs it so you don’t have to water as often. Gives new meaning to dirty diaper huh!

Have you ever glopped up a patch job on a wall because you tried to sand it before the spackle was dry? There are some cool new spackles out there that go on pink and dry to white so they’re no question about when it’s time to sand – what will they think of next.

A tip: for a nice, smooth patch job make sure that your putty knife is wider than the repair that you’re making, otherwise you’ll end up with a bunch of overlap lines that you then have to sand down and you’ll be more likely to have to reapply!

You can get some great deals on furniture at yard sales, if a piece is structurally sound but the finish looks a little grimy and time worn don't pass it up, I'll tell you how you can revive it.

1. The first step is to clean the piece. Use a slightly damp cloth to remove any surface dust.

2. Grab a soft cloth, some mineral spirits and a pair of gloves. Pour a little mineral spirits onto your cloth and then rub the surface of the furniture working with the grain of the wood. Turn the cloth to a clean area and rub some more. Repeat the process until the cloth doesn't pick up any more dirt. Then switch to a clean cloth and give the piece a final buffing.

3. If there are still some imperfections in the surface of the wood try some superfine steel wool to lightly buff them out and follow it up with another application of mineral spirits.

4. For stubborn watermarks try spreading a thin layer of petroleum jelly or mayonnaise into the area and let it sit overnight. The oil will work out the moisture that is causing the ring. Then simply buff it clean in the morning.

For more great ideas - check out my website, www.mrsfixit.com!

I’m loving my new storage bags, Colleen turned me onto them! They’re big plastic bags that you load with your off season blankets and pillows and coats and then you vacuum the air out. At first I thought she was crazy but they shrink down to nothing and are airtight so you don’t have to worry about everything getting musty and damp in storage! Love it! She said there are travel ones too, what a great way to pack for my next trip. No need to check bags if I can pack everything in a carry on! I’ll bet they’ll be great for getting my son to college in the fall too.

I’m loving my new storage bags, Colleen turned me onto them! They’re big plastic bags that you load with your off season blankets and pillows and coats and then you vacuum the air out. At first I thought she was crazy but they shrink down to nothing and are airtight so you don’t have to worry about everything getting musty and damp in storage! Love it! She said there are travel ones too, what a great way to pack for my next trip. No need to check bags if I can pack everything in a carry on! I’ll bet they’ll be great for getting my son to college in the fall too. Cool!

Time to clean the screens on my porch. Always a fun job, but last year I figured out a secret that cut my work time by half. Mix a tablespoon of white vinegar, a teaspoon of dish soap and warm water in a spray bottle. Spray the screens and then use a nylon shower puff to gently wash the screens (you don’t want to stretch them out). The vinegar will cut through buildup and the soap will clean it away, the shower puff it’s gentle and yet works amazingly well for the job!

If you'd love to have a garden but don't really have a yard, try containers. The key to a container garden, the potting soil. There are so many brands on the market, but you can also mix your own by combining two parts of peat moss with one part of builder's sand. Think outside the box or pot when you're choosing your container, as long as you provide good drainage there are so many things that can become plant containers. From baskets to old shoes or even pottery can find new life in your garden. Choose your plants carefully. Plants with like temperaments in the same pot, so group sun and water lovers together in one spot and shade lovers in another.
Don't forget to put some drainage material in the bottom of your container, broken pots, packing peanuts or pebbles are all good choices. Add some potting soil, arrange your plants and then fill with additional soil around the perimeter. Once your container is finished, water it well. I like to dissolve an envelope of unflavored gelatin in a quart of water. It makes a nitrogen rich plant food that helps the plant retain water! For more ideas on gardening, check out the plants and flowers category on my website http://www.mrsfixit.com/Fixits/FixitCategoryList.asp?id=14!

TIME FOR A MOVE??

Selling your home is a big deal; especially in todays market, well I have some ideas to consider before you put your house on the market so you can actually get more money and sell it faster.

1. Potential buyers will walk through your house and take off points for things that they need to do, like repairs and updates. Your goal is to make your home as warm and inviting and as turnkey as possible!

2. Consider hiring a home inspector. The last thing you want is for a potential buyer to back out based on a problem that their home inspector finds. They'll check your home from foundation to rafters to alert you to any problems!

3. Look at your homes exterior with a critical eye. If your home needs to be painted - do it, a crisp clean exterior will attract buyers. Can't afford a whole paint job? Try repainting the shutters and trim.

4. If any major systems like your furnace or hot water heater need to be replaced now is the time to do it. You'll recoup the cost and buyers appreciate the updates!

5. De-clutter and pare down! Weed out closets, toy areas and maybe even move some things into storage away from the house. Make sure that your home has ample space and that buyers can see that space, not your stuff.

Zippy Garden Solution

I have a bittersweet vine in my backyard that has taken on a life of it’s own, it just goes anywhere it wants rather than curling around the nice trellis I have there! I’ve tried thread and dental floss and twist ties in the past all of which work great on my other vine plants – this thing is too strong. I’m thinking zip ties. I’ll get some of the dollar store ones, they’re a little more flexible and zip tie it to the trellis before it really gets going this year. Then hopefully the new growth will follow its lead.

Fun little project for kids, the last time I made eggs I carefully cracked the eggs in half and saved the shells. I gently washed the shells and then let them dry. In the meantime I cut the egg carton down the length so it was a row of six and put the shells in the carton. I had the kids fill them with some potting soil and lay a couple of oregano and thyme seeds and added a little water. Then we put them in a sunny windowsill. Now the kids can watch them sprout, and when we transplant them we can just crush the shells around them because they release nutrients into the soil and help the plants thrive!

SHREDDER TO THE RESCUE!!

With all you hear about identity theft these days a household shredder is a great purchase. Billing, credit card offers, you name it, run it through the shredder before it goes in the recycling bin. I have a compact little cross cut shredder that only cost about $25. Beyond protecting your identity, use it for packing! The little shreds that the crosscut makes kind of make a puffy pillow of paper that is great for putting in and around little gifts or other fragile items that you need to pack up. Free filler – you’ve gotta love it!

Time to open all those storm windows – it’s getting to be consistently nice weather! My house is a historic old house – lots of charm but lots of quirks! Sticky windows are one of them. So each spring when I open the storms, I “grease” the tracks. A bar of white soap is the perfect size. Just run the soap up and down the tracks on each side of the window and then open and close a few times, it keeps them sliding smooth until the fall when I have to close it all back up again!

OooooLala!

Cute project. I found this old footstool at a local tag sale – it’s a mess. But, I think it has a lot of potential. I’ve got to look for some needlepoint or an old rug remnant. Check back in a few days and you can see what I figure out! Also, Colleen is redoing her daughter Audrey’s room, she wants it pink (Candy Coated is the name of the paint she chose, I’m sure you can imagine!) I’ve got to come up with some cute ideas to help Colleen tone down the pink. Maybe white and black – make it Parisian. Oooo la la! Ok, I’ve got lots on my plate – check back soon!

Grass stains – my son’s lacrosse gear is covered with grass stains and mud, I'm sure a lot of people out there are in the same situation right now. First the mud... let it dry. You may think you’re letting stains set in but remember mud is dirt that got wet. Let it dry and then use a stiff bristled brush to brush it out of the fabric (be prepared, you’ll probably have to vacuum). Once the mud is gone, treat the grass stains with a paste of unflavored meat tenderizer and warm water. Let it sit a half hour or so and then launder. The stains should all come right out!!! Just make sure you don’t dry them until you’re sure the stains are gone!

Ok, I think this one will have to be a segment – I just had an epiphany. I know that I’ve touted the zillions of uses for hanging shoe bags over the years, but this may be my favorite. Colleen (FIXIT’s exec producer and a dear friend) was complaining that her kids have so much stuff that’s needed on different days that it’s hard to keep track of everything without it cluttering up the kitchen and half the time someone forgets something. So, find a shoe organizer that has between five and seven rows on it. Then label the rows with the days of the week. In the other direction, label the rows with each family member’s name. Now hang the bag in an easily accessible spot. In Colleen’s house I’m thinking the back of the door to the basement. It’s in the kitchen but kind of out of the way. Now she can stick lunch money, permission slips, baseball gloves, dance shoes or whatever the kids need for each day in the pockets. If there are reminders for any day they can be clipped to the front of that day’s pocket. Then have the kids check the bags for that day when they’re grabbing their backpacks in the morning. Do you suppose the kids will cooperate? Here’s hoping, I have to call Colleen….

Dust be gone!!!

I’ve decided that dust has it in for me. Seriously do you feel like you dust and the next day it’s right back where it started? For soft surfaces like lampshades, drapes and upholstery try a sticky lint roller. It is amazing how much dust and link this little sucker ca grab; I love it! Any for hard surfaces – socks! Pull a couple on your hands like some gloves – (yes, you’ll look ridiculous, but the time you’ll save it well worth it!) then you can dust with both hands and get through dusting chores twice as fast!

Did you know that your medicine cabinet holds some great tools for cleaning up in the bathroom? Rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball are the perfect team for disinfecting and shining bathrooms. From mirrors, to faucets to doorknobs it works great and seriously for fifty-nine cents a bottle, why would you need some fancy bathroom cleaner! You know what else works great for polishing chrome fixtures? White toothpaste, a little on a washcloth will buff those fixtures to a shine!

Party Planning

I'm helping a friend get ready for a party this weekend. Great tip for this time of year, rather than buying cut flowers and spending a fortune most garden centers have beautiful blooming plants in stock. My local shop is selling them 2 for $3 and they're a beautiful spring accent for the party. Plus - as an added bonus she can plant them in the yard and window boxes after the party!

Production Day

I'm getting ready for a production shoot, should be fun we're tackling some cute projects today. There's this great one where I'll show people how to apply these neat vinyl lettering quotes to their wall - super cute and pretty inexpensive! We're also making a great activity table for kids! Make sure you check www.mrsfixit.com often to find the how to sheets on my various projects. Busy day - better get moving!

I just finished a really cute and super simple project. I was going through some stuff in the attic - you know “practice what you preach” – I came across some white ruffled valances from ages ago. As I was folding them for goodwill I noticed they looked like those old 1950’s aprons. So, I cut one in half and pressed the raw seam into place with iron fusible tape. Then I ran some wide ribbon through the rod pockets and Voila! Two adorable little aprons that my little friends Audrey and Emily can wear the next time they come over to make cookies! (I’ll take pictures) I can’t wait – too cute!

Jumping Off!

You asked for it – so here it is, Mrs. FIXIT’s blog – the day to day life of a domestic diva (just kidding, diva sounded good with day to day!) Anyway, I think this will be a lot of fun. I’ll give you a sneak peek into upcoming projects, daily dilemmas here at home and special tips that you can use to tackle projects and problems around the house! Let me know about your projects too and feel free to share your favorite tips too!!