5/12/11

If you have a bunch of dry erase markers but no dry erase board, there's no need to buy one from the office supply store. Instead, raid your basement and look for empty picture frames (the larger the better) that still have the glass cover on front. Hang it and write on the glass. The markers will still erase off and you'll turn your everyday grocery list of milk, eggs and cheese into daily works of art.

5/11/11

A sofa is a major purchase for the living room that can become so integral to TV watching and get-togethers, it almost feels like a member of the family over time. Instead of replacing a sofa when it gets stains or tears in the upholstery, think about getting a fitted slipcover. Slipcovers have come a long way from their days of being bulky and unsightly, and many now look so perfectly tailored that it's hard to tell if your sofa even has a slipcover on it! This will help extend the life of your sofa and save you the money and the hassle of replacing it.

5/10/11

If you're lucky enough to live near a body of water -- a stream, lake or river -- take advantage of it the next time you're entertaining. By placing bottles of wine, beer and soda in a sturdy wire basket and submerging it into the icy water, you're eliminating the need for extra refrigeration for your drinks. Guests can help themselves and take a stroll down to the water. Just remind folks not to leave empty bottles in the basket and to always bring bottle caps up to the house for proper disposal.