9/22/09

As the leaves change color, clip a few branches and put them in a bucket of water. Add a small bottle of glycerin (from the drugstore) and let the branches soak up the solution in a cool, dark place for a few days (a closet works great). The glycerin mixture will preserve the leaves. Display the branches or use the leaves as instant, nature-inspired gift tags all fall and winter long.

9/21/09

If guests are coming over for dinner and there's a lingering smell in the air that you just don't have time to get rid of, let a fashion magazine come to the rescue. Rip out a few of the scent strip advertisements and place them on a warm surface, like a radiator. The heat will release the scent into the air, covering whatever odor there might be.

9/20/09

If you love gold or silver jewelry, think recycled the next time you shop. Metal is often mined deep from within the Earth, marring it and ruining natural habitats. While most new silver and gold jewelry is still made from freshly mined metals, you can shop for recycled jewelry from Web sites like www.greenkarat.com or make your own. Many jewelry makers will take your old gold jewelry, melt it down, and make you your own custom-made piece of bling.