4/3/11

When shipping a medium- to large-size gift, it can be hard to find a sturdy gift box that looks good and will protect the item. Instead of buying something from a gift store, visit a local wine shop instead. Often, imported wines come in durable, good-looking wooden crates (especially from Europe), and the number of crates can overwhelm the store. You may find a local store owner willing to give you a few crates for free, especially if you frequent the store.

4/2/11

One way to upcycle the perfume advertisements found in magazines is to use them to line the inside of a drawer. Try to find several strips from the same perfume advertisement and line drawers with the strips open. This will leave a pleasant scent inside the drawers and on your clothes. When the strips lose their scent, toss them into the paper-recycling bin.

4/1/11

Spring means it will be several months before you'll need to light a fire in the fireplace to warm up the house. Take the time to double-check that the flue to the fireplace is properly closed. Keeping it open is like having a small window open in the house; it can also be an unwelcome invitation to wildlife to accidentally enter your home.