HOUSEHOLD/GARDENING TIPS
BY SUZANNE
CANDLE WITH CARE
If you love candles as much as I do, you probably have them all over your house, but keeping those decorative candles looking great can be tricky. Here are some ideas.
1. If you have a candle holder with a spike, you've probably cracked a candle or two. An easy way to prevent that is to heat up a pointed nail. Hold it with some pliers over a flame for a minute or so. Then use the hot nail to push a pilot hole into the bottom of the candle. This way when you put the candle on the spike it is less likely to crack!
2. If you drop a candle and it breaks, try submerging it in hot water just long enough to soften up the wax. Push the pieces back together and use your finger to smooth out the seam. This will also help you straighten out candles that have become warped in the sun or the heat.
3. If your decorative candles are dusty, try wiping them off with a cloth dipped in some rubbing alcohol. It takes off dust and dirt so your candles look like new.
CLEAN ELECTRONICS
From the Phone to the computer keeping your electronic equipment clean will help it work properly and last longer!
1. Dust and dirt can settle in the keyboard of your computer. Use a small paintbrush or a clean make-up brush to loosen the dust and then use a soft brush attachment on your vacuum to remove it.
2. Use a baby wipe to clean surface dirt from the housing of your computer and monitor.
3. The television? Spritz a little window cleaner on a soft, lint-free cloth and use it to clean the screen. Never spray a cleanser directly onto your TV screen.
4. For flat panel television and computer screens gently wipe with a soft, lint-free, cotton cloth. If you still have some dirt, use a tiny amount of rubbing alcohol on your cloth.
5. Dirt and oils from your skin can make a CD skip. Wearing cotton gloves, hold the CD by the center hole and the rim, and use a soft, clean, lint-free cloth to wipe in straight lines from the center outward. If it is still skipping, dip your cloth in a mild soap and water solution.
6. To clean dirt and grime from your phone, wipe it down with a soft cloth and a little rubbing alcohol. Use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to get into the tiny crevices.
7. If your cordless phone isn't charging, use a clean pencil eraser to clean the metal contacts on the base unit.
HOUSEHOLD ODORS
No matter how clean your house is, everyone ends up with odors from time to time. I have some easy fighters that should freshen your air in no time.
1. A really easy way to fight household odors is to have plants in each room. They combat airborne pollutants and they release oxygen back into your house.
2. Another easy way to fight airborne odors is simply to light a match. It will burn off the smell in no time. While you have that match, why not light a couple of scented candles to spread pleasant scents throughout your room.
3. Each time you change the bag in your garbage can, sprinkle in a half of a cup of borax. It will keep odors to a minimum and it helps repel insects.
4. If you burned some food in the kitchen, leave a dish of lemon juice, vinegar or baking soda on the counter overnight. These items will absorb the burned odor.
5. For closed up closets and drawers that don't get a lot of circulation, put an unwrapped bar of soap inside. It will keep the area nice and fresh.
GARDENING TIPS
Working in the garden can be a relaxing way to spend your day. Here are a couple of easy ways to make the job even more enjoyable!
1. When you're heading out to the garden, grab your child's sled. Load the tools and plants on board and slide them easily around the yard. This is also a great way to gather weeds. Load them on and pull them around. No more carrying heavy bags with you!
2. If your trowel is too big for your small plantings, try a shoehorn instead. It's the perfect size for those tiny jobs!
3. Paint a bright stripe around the handle of each tool and they'll be easy to spot in the yard when you need them!
4. Cushion your knees with a swimming kickboard or a sheet of packing styrofoam.
For those of you celebrating Halloween please remember:
PLAY IT SAFE: Check candy before allowing children to enjoy their treat!!!
Have a safe and enjoyable Halloween