I was on Bridge Street this morning in Syracuse to share my post holiday pointers! If you missed it, here is a link to check it out!
Enjoy!
Mrs. FIXIT's Holiday Pack Up Tips on Bridge Street!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
Mrs. FIXIT shares her tips on AOL's DIY Life!
Check out my Unusual Uses for Baby Oil on AOL's DIY Life!
Cleaning Chrome
Your sink may be spotless but what can you do about the watermarks and fingerprints on your chrome faucets? I have a few easy ways that will help you capture the original luster that the chrome once had!
1. Rub the faucets with some baking soda on a dry cloth, the very light abrasive element in the baking soda will buff away any imperfections that you see.
2. Another way to polish chrome is to rub it with some newspaper, the ink will work as a polishing agent, you won't believe how good it will look when you're done and it is so inexpensive.
3. You can also try cleaning the faucets with a dryer sheet; it will absorb the water spots and restore the original brilliance of the chrome.
4. My personal favorite, rubbing alcohol on a soft cloth to clean the fixtures. It's inexpensive and the results are so incredible you may need shades!
1. Rub the faucets with some baking soda on a dry cloth, the very light abrasive element in the baking soda will buff away any imperfections that you see.
2. Another way to polish chrome is to rub it with some newspaper, the ink will work as a polishing agent, you won't believe how good it will look when you're done and it is so inexpensive.
3. You can also try cleaning the faucets with a dryer sheet; it will absorb the water spots and restore the original brilliance of the chrome.
4. My personal favorite, rubbing alcohol on a soft cloth to clean the fixtures. It's inexpensive and the results are so incredible you may need shades!
Clutter Busters
If clutter just seems to appear around your home and you can't get a handle on it, I have some handy clutter busters to help you out!
1. When the mail comes, force yourself to sort it right away. Toss the junk mail and file mail that you need to tend to in a napkin holder. It will still be visible so you don't forget about it, but it looks nice and neat.
2. Piles of placemats? Clip them together with a large binder clip and hang them on a cup hook inside a cabinet or pantry.
3. Cup hooks can also help with the keys all over the counter. Hang a couple of hooks on the inside of your closet door. This way you can hang up your keys when you hang a jacket or handbag. They'll be out of the way and you'll always know where they are.
4. Don't want to make ten trips up and down the stairs everyday? Get a stair basket, stash things inside that need to go upstairs and bring it with you once a day!
5. If you're plain short on storage space think creatively. Store items in plastic shoeboxes. Then stash them under a bed or a skirted couch or chair. This is also a perfect spot for extra leaves from your dining table. Make sure you have carpeting or use a pad under the leaves so you don't end up scratching them.
1. When the mail comes, force yourself to sort it right away. Toss the junk mail and file mail that you need to tend to in a napkin holder. It will still be visible so you don't forget about it, but it looks nice and neat.
2. Piles of placemats? Clip them together with a large binder clip and hang them on a cup hook inside a cabinet or pantry.
3. Cup hooks can also help with the keys all over the counter. Hang a couple of hooks on the inside of your closet door. This way you can hang up your keys when you hang a jacket or handbag. They'll be out of the way and you'll always know where they are.
4. Don't want to make ten trips up and down the stairs everyday? Get a stair basket, stash things inside that need to go upstairs and bring it with you once a day!
5. If you're plain short on storage space think creatively. Store items in plastic shoeboxes. Then stash them under a bed or a skirted couch or chair. This is also a perfect spot for extra leaves from your dining table. Make sure you have carpeting or use a pad under the leaves so you don't end up scratching them.
The Christmas Clean Up Begins!!
All of the gifts have been openend, the food is gone, now the clean up begins!!! If you're looking for cleaning and decluttering tips. Check out my website! www.mrsfixit.com! It's just that simple!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Candy Stains!
Kids love candy, but let's face it; it can make a big mess! So how do you get rid of those stains?
1. Chocolate. Short of dressing your kids in chocolate brown odds are if they eat chocolate they are going to end up with stains, well, don't worry, everyone has the best stain fighter for chocolate and you probably don't even realize it! Plain old dish soap applied directly to chocolate stains will remove them in short order - even older stains. Rub it into the fabric and then launder in cold water!
2. Lollipops are a sticky mess, but luckily are water soluble. So just run hot water over the stickiness to dissolve the sugars and remove the film. If there is a colored stain left behind, rub white shaving cream onto the stain with a toothbrush and then launder. The warm water will also help loosen lollipops and hard candy that are stuck to household surfaces.
3. How about gum -the worst of the candied messes! Really the best line of defense is to dissolve the gum. Lubricating oil will dissolve the stickiness and loosen the gum. Once you've removed it, pull that dish soap back out to break up the oil residue, and then launder it as directed!
1. Chocolate. Short of dressing your kids in chocolate brown odds are if they eat chocolate they are going to end up with stains, well, don't worry, everyone has the best stain fighter for chocolate and you probably don't even realize it! Plain old dish soap applied directly to chocolate stains will remove them in short order - even older stains. Rub it into the fabric and then launder in cold water!
2. Lollipops are a sticky mess, but luckily are water soluble. So just run hot water over the stickiness to dissolve the sugars and remove the film. If there is a colored stain left behind, rub white shaving cream onto the stain with a toothbrush and then launder. The warm water will also help loosen lollipops and hard candy that are stuck to household surfaces.
3. How about gum -the worst of the candied messes! Really the best line of defense is to dissolve the gum. Lubricating oil will dissolve the stickiness and loosen the gum. Once you've removed it, pull that dish soap back out to break up the oil residue, and then launder it as directed!
Last Minute Substitutions!
You're in the middle of a recipe, and guests are coming in hours. Well, there's no time to go to the grocery store so I have some substitutions that you can use in a pinch!
1. If you need semisweet chocolate and all you have is cocoa powder you're in luck. For an equivalent of six ounces of semi-sweet chocolate mix together nine tablespoons of cocoa powder, seven tablespoons of sugar and three tablespoons of softened butter.
2. What do you do if your recipe calls for shortening and you don't have any? Replace it with butter or vice versa one cup equals one cup in baking!
3. No buttermilk? No problem! Simply stir together a cup of milk and one and three quarters tablespoons of cream of tartar. Or, one tablespoon of lemon juice for each cup of milk.
4. How about sour cream? Mix a cup of milk and a tablespoon of white vinegar and let it sit for five minutes, you're all set.
5. No evaporated milk for the pumpkin pie? Try half and half it will work just as well!
6. Here is a little tip for your cooking timetable, don't save pie making until the end. Everything about pastry needs to be cold from the ingredients to the room so if you work on pies first you'll end up with flakier and tastier pies!
1. If you need semisweet chocolate and all you have is cocoa powder you're in luck. For an equivalent of six ounces of semi-sweet chocolate mix together nine tablespoons of cocoa powder, seven tablespoons of sugar and three tablespoons of softened butter.
2. What do you do if your recipe calls for shortening and you don't have any? Replace it with butter or vice versa one cup equals one cup in baking!
3. No buttermilk? No problem! Simply stir together a cup of milk and one and three quarters tablespoons of cream of tartar. Or, one tablespoon of lemon juice for each cup of milk.
4. How about sour cream? Mix a cup of milk and a tablespoon of white vinegar and let it sit for five minutes, you're all set.
5. No evaporated milk for the pumpkin pie? Try half and half it will work just as well!
6. Here is a little tip for your cooking timetable, don't save pie making until the end. Everything about pastry needs to be cold from the ingredients to the room so if you work on pies first you'll end up with flakier and tastier pies!
Live in the Syracuse, NY area? I'm going to be on Bridge Street 12/30
I'll be sharing my ideas for packing up those Christmas Decorations on Thursday's episode of Bridge Street. 10am on WSYR TV 9!
Mrs. FIXIT's Unusual Uses for Egg Cartons on AOL's DIY Life
After all that holiday baking and eggnog-making, you may find yourself with an excess of empty egg cartons. Don't trash them – there are all sorts of ways you can use egg cartons around the house! Check out my ideas on AOL's DIY Life!
Mrs. FIXIT on Facebook!
Don't forget to friend Mrs. FIXIT on Facebook for even more interesting tips and household ideas! It's just that simple!
Flour Power
Flour's used for all sorts of recipes, but I have some uses that go beyond cookies and casseroles.
1. Store flour in a grated cheese shaker, it's perfect for dusting surfaces but it also an easy way to keep flour on hand to soak up grease spills or douse grease fires. Simply sprinkle the flour over the splatters or flames for a quick solution!
2. Mix together equal parts of flour, salt and vinegar to make a paste that will quickly clean tarnish from household brass and copper. Simply spread the mixture onto the metal and then buff it to a shine.
3. Squeeze some flour through a squirt bottle onto the back of pantry shelves, and pests won't walk through the flour, which will keep your food safe!
4. If your child is out of glue and you need to get a school project finished, bring a half a cup of flour and a cup and a half of cold water to a boil and simmer it until it's thick and smooth. Transfer to an airtight container and allow it to cool to room temperature. Use a paintbrush or cotton swab to apply the glue to the project!
5. Clean playing cards by putting them in a paper bag with some flour. Then just seal and shake. Dump them out onto a towel and they'll be grime free!
1. Store flour in a grated cheese shaker, it's perfect for dusting surfaces but it also an easy way to keep flour on hand to soak up grease spills or douse grease fires. Simply sprinkle the flour over the splatters or flames for a quick solution!
2. Mix together equal parts of flour, salt and vinegar to make a paste that will quickly clean tarnish from household brass and copper. Simply spread the mixture onto the metal and then buff it to a shine.
3. Squeeze some flour through a squirt bottle onto the back of pantry shelves, and pests won't walk through the flour, which will keep your food safe!
4. If your child is out of glue and you need to get a school project finished, bring a half a cup of flour and a cup and a half of cold water to a boil and simmer it until it's thick and smooth. Transfer to an airtight container and allow it to cool to room temperature. Use a paintbrush or cotton swab to apply the glue to the project!
5. Clean playing cards by putting them in a paper bag with some flour. Then just seal and shake. Dump them out onto a towel and they'll be grime free!
Fireplace Smarts
If you love a roaring fire, there are some fireplace smarts you should think about before you build a fire.
1. When you're building a fire start small. Some kindling and one or two logs will get smoke and drafts moving in the right direction by warming the fireplace and chimney rather than blasting them with heat. You never want to build a huge fire in a home fireplace, the bigger the fire, the more smoke and heat and the more chance you'll end up with a chimney fire.
2. Keep a fire extinguisher in the same room as your fireplace so you have easy access to it if you ever need it.
3. Don't store firewood in your house, it attracts insects! Store it outside at least twenty feet away from your house.
4. If you don't want to go through the trouble of having firewood at your house try manufactured fire logs just make sure that you read the instructions for lighting and never burn more than one at a time.
5. Finally, don't close your damper until you're sure that all of the embers have cooled completely. Closing it prematurely can cause a buildup of heat and the fire could start back up when you're not watching!
1. When you're building a fire start small. Some kindling and one or two logs will get smoke and drafts moving in the right direction by warming the fireplace and chimney rather than blasting them with heat. You never want to build a huge fire in a home fireplace, the bigger the fire, the more smoke and heat and the more chance you'll end up with a chimney fire.
2. Keep a fire extinguisher in the same room as your fireplace so you have easy access to it if you ever need it.
3. Don't store firewood in your house, it attracts insects! Store it outside at least twenty feet away from your house.
4. If you don't want to go through the trouble of having firewood at your house try manufactured fire logs just make sure that you read the instructions for lighting and never burn more than one at a time.
5. Finally, don't close your damper until you're sure that all of the embers have cooled completely. Closing it prematurely can cause a buildup of heat and the fire could start back up when you're not watching!
Last Minute Wrapping??
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 guess that about wraps it up!
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 guess that about wraps it up!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Wreaths Made from Everyday Items
Skip the store-bought Christmas wreath and go for something unexpected this season. We've got two innovative ideas that let you transform ordinary items like china and feathers into festive DIY wreaths that will wow your house guests.
Check out the whole post on AOL's DIY Life!
Check out the whole post on AOL's DIY Life!
Mrs. FIXIT on Bridge Street
Tune into WSYR Channel 9 this morning at 10:00 to see Mrs. FIXIT and her ideas for holiday hostess gifts. If you're planning some shopping - Bridge Street is airing live from the Shoppingtown Mall this month so you can stop by and say Hi!!
It's just that simple!
It's just that simple!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Cheesecloth
From cooking, to cleaning to home repairs, cheesecloth is an indispensable tool that you should have in your home.
1. You can buy cheesecloth in grocery stores and home improvement centers, it is a loose weave, lint free gauzy fabric originally used to wrap cheese!
2. Use cheesecloth and a little mineral spirits to buff away any buildup and residue on a piece of furniture.
3. In the home repair venue you can use cheesecloth to strain lumpy paint, secure it over the top of the can and pour it into a paint pan.
4. It is also a great staining pad because it doesn't absorb excess stain and doesn't leave behind any lint.
5. It's that same lint-free quality that makes this cloth great for cleaning plus it's loose weave polishes and cleans everything from furniture to windows easily.
6. Cheesecloth is also useful in the kitchen too. Drape it over a bowl before squeezing lemons or limes to keep the seeds out.
7. You can also use cheesecloth to strain yogurt or squeeze excess moisture out of frozen spinach.
8. These are only a few of the hundreds of ways that you can use cheesecloth around your home. I'm Mrs. Fixit and it's just that simple!
1. You can buy cheesecloth in grocery stores and home improvement centers, it is a loose weave, lint free gauzy fabric originally used to wrap cheese!
2. Use cheesecloth and a little mineral spirits to buff away any buildup and residue on a piece of furniture.
3. In the home repair venue you can use cheesecloth to strain lumpy paint, secure it over the top of the can and pour it into a paint pan.
4. It is also a great staining pad because it doesn't absorb excess stain and doesn't leave behind any lint.
5. It's that same lint-free quality that makes this cloth great for cleaning plus it's loose weave polishes and cleans everything from furniture to windows easily.
6. Cheesecloth is also useful in the kitchen too. Drape it over a bowl before squeezing lemons or limes to keep the seeds out.
7. You can also use cheesecloth to strain yogurt or squeeze excess moisture out of frozen spinach.
8. These are only a few of the hundreds of ways that you can use cheesecloth around your home. I'm Mrs. Fixit and it's just that simple!
Toilet Paper Tubes
Paper towel and toilet paper tubes aren't a throw away item - I can show you so many uses for them around your home.
1. If your tongs are always getting caught inside your drawer because they pop open, slip them inside a paper towel tube, it'll keep them closed and right where you want them.
2. Cut a slit along the length of a paper towel tube and slip it over the hanger to prevent creases in your pants. You can also slip them over the tops of a hanger to fill out the shoulders in a suit or jacket.
3. Stuff plastic bags inside a toilet paper tube and slip it in your purse or glove compartment, that way you'll have bags on the go for garbage, pet messes or kid clutter.
4. Cleaning your Chandelier? Slip cardboard tubes over the bulbs and sockets to protect them while you work.
5. If you have a little girl, a paper towel tube is a great way to organize all of those pretty little hair accessories.
6. How about a gift box for small items. Slip the gift inside and wrap the roll like the old fashioned Christmas crackers!
1. If your tongs are always getting caught inside your drawer because they pop open, slip them inside a paper towel tube, it'll keep them closed and right where you want them.
2. Cut a slit along the length of a paper towel tube and slip it over the hanger to prevent creases in your pants. You can also slip them over the tops of a hanger to fill out the shoulders in a suit or jacket.
3. Stuff plastic bags inside a toilet paper tube and slip it in your purse or glove compartment, that way you'll have bags on the go for garbage, pet messes or kid clutter.
4. Cleaning your Chandelier? Slip cardboard tubes over the bulbs and sockets to protect them while you work.
5. If you have a little girl, a paper towel tube is a great way to organize all of those pretty little hair accessories.
6. How about a gift box for small items. Slip the gift inside and wrap the roll like the old fashioned Christmas crackers!
Zip Tie Holiday!
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.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Zip ties are the perfect tool for securing garlands to banisters and fences. They wrap easily around the posts or spindles and hold tight.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Once you've zipped, a nail clipper is the perfect tool to clip off those little tails.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Zip ties are the perfect tool for securing garlands to banisters and fences. They wrap easily around the posts or spindles and hold tight.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Once you've zipped, a nail clipper is the perfect tool to clip off those little tails.
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!
1. 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.
2. This is also a great way to personalize Christmas cards, buy a pack of blank cards and personalize them for each person!
3. 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.
4. 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!
1. 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.
2. This is also a great way to personalize Christmas cards, buy a pack of blank cards and personalize them for each person!
3. 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.
4. 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!
Monday, December 6, 2010
Holiday Safety Tips!
Holiday decorations can add such warmth to a home. With a live Christmas tree in your house there are some precautions you should take to ensure a safe holiday season.
1. Christmas trees are easy to knock over. To prevent that from happening, just secure your tree stand to a large piece of plywood. This will give you a much sturdier base than the stand alone, and it will be covered up by your tree skirt so it won't look odd!
2. An easy way to water your tree is to string a piece of hose with a funnel at the top from your tree stand to the back of the tree. Put it at a reachable level. Then you can just pour water into the funnel.
3. When you're putting up lights, inside or out, make sure that you check the entire length of the wires for fraying and blown bulbs. This way when you string up the lights, you won't risk a fire.
4. It's also a good time of year to check your smoke detectors. This way, if there is a fire, your family will be able to get out.
1. Christmas trees are easy to knock over. To prevent that from happening, just secure your tree stand to a large piece of plywood. This will give you a much sturdier base than the stand alone, and it will be covered up by your tree skirt so it won't look odd!
2. An easy way to water your tree is to string a piece of hose with a funnel at the top from your tree stand to the back of the tree. Put it at a reachable level. Then you can just pour water into the funnel.
3. When you're putting up lights, inside or out, make sure that you check the entire length of the wires for fraying and blown bulbs. This way when you string up the lights, you won't risk a fire.
4. It's also a good time of year to check your smoke detectors. This way, if there is a fire, your family will be able to get out.
Friend Mrs. FIXIT!
Don't forget to friend Mrs. FIXIT on Facebook for more great ideas and quick tips!
Looking for more great Holiday Tips?
Check out the Holiday Category on my website at www.mrsfixit.com!
Gifts from Garbage?
I'm not suggesting that you go out and pick through your trash to find gifts to give to everyone this holiday season. But there are some great items you might have around your home that can be transformed into some great gifts.
1. A pretty old makeup compact can be turned into an oversized "locket". Cut a picture to fit in the opening where the powder used to be, and secure it with some double stick tape.
2. Old clothes can be made into lots of neat things from bears, to blankets, to pillows. If you're not handy with a sewing machine, do a quick on-line search there are a lot of talented people out there who do this kind of thing. These items can be especially thoughtful if the clothes belonged to a loved one who is passed away or for your parents from your old baby items.
3. An old jug or bottle can be easily transformed into a lamp. They sell special light kits at the hardware store with bottle stops.
4. An old picture frame can be made into a mirror. Just have a piece of mirror cut or buy an inexpensive one and then secure the mirror in the frame with glazier's points, staples or brads.
5. Teacups make the perfect holder for a custom candle. You can get wicks and wax at your local craft store. Follow the directions for melting the wax and pouring it into your container. Beautiful!
1. A pretty old makeup compact can be turned into an oversized "locket". Cut a picture to fit in the opening where the powder used to be, and secure it with some double stick tape.
2. Old clothes can be made into lots of neat things from bears, to blankets, to pillows. If you're not handy with a sewing machine, do a quick on-line search there are a lot of talented people out there who do this kind of thing. These items can be especially thoughtful if the clothes belonged to a loved one who is passed away or for your parents from your old baby items.
3. An old jug or bottle can be easily transformed into a lamp. They sell special light kits at the hardware store with bottle stops.
4. An old picture frame can be made into a mirror. Just have a piece of mirror cut or buy an inexpensive one and then secure the mirror in the frame with glazier's points, staples or brads.
5. Teacups make the perfect holder for a custom candle. You can get wicks and wax at your local craft store. Follow the directions for melting the wax and pouring it into your container. Beautiful!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Wrapping Organization
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!
1. 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.
2. 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!
3. 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!
1. 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.
2. 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!
3. 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!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Christmas Tree Time
Christmas is a great time of year with homes so wonderfully decorated and featuring beautiful Christmas trees. How do you make sure your tree will last through the holidays? When you pick your tree there are some things you should know to make sure it stays fresh for the season.
1. Shake the tree to make sure that the needles don't drop off. You can also run your hand down a branch, or reach into the trunk area and scratch the bark. If you can see green on the back side of the bark, this means it's fresh.
2. Before you put your tree up, cut a good two inches from the end of the trunk. This will ensure that the tree will be able to absorb the water in the stand and not dry out.
3. To preserve your tree, here is a great recipe. Mix together a gallon of warm water with 4 tablespoons of iron powder, (which you can pick up at most garden shops), 4 tablespoons of bleach and 2 cups of corn syrup. Once you have your tree in a stand, water with the mixture and use it until it is gone.
I hope these ideas keep your tree looking great through the holiday!
1. Shake the tree to make sure that the needles don't drop off. You can also run your hand down a branch, or reach into the trunk area and scratch the bark. If you can see green on the back side of the bark, this means it's fresh.
2. Before you put your tree up, cut a good two inches from the end of the trunk. This will ensure that the tree will be able to absorb the water in the stand and not dry out.
3. To preserve your tree, here is a great recipe. Mix together a gallon of warm water with 4 tablespoons of iron powder, (which you can pick up at most garden shops), 4 tablespoons of bleach and 2 cups of corn syrup. Once you have your tree in a stand, water with the mixture and use it until it is gone.
I hope these ideas keep your tree looking great through the holiday!
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