12/16/2012

If you love pistachios, then this Do Just One Thing tip is for you: Save the shells for your fireplace. Pistachio shells are high in oil and are an excellent fire starter. The curved shape of the shell keeps them from flattening, so the air pockets between the shells creates a slow-burning fire. Just collect the shells as you eat them, and when you're ready to start a fire, toss a handful into the fireplace with crumpled paper and light away.

12/15/12

Ribbon is one of those gift-wrapping items you never have enough of that can also be very expensive. Instead of buying new, crack open an old VHS and use the shiny black tape inside to create fanciful bows for your gifts. Each VHS has hundreds of yards of tape, so you really need only one to wrap lots of gifts. To make fancy curls with your ribbon, simply run the blade of a pair of sharp scissors across the tape. If you don't have an old VHS tape to spare, visit your local Goodwill or Salvation Army to buy one.

12/14/12

A popular gift for all sorts of occasions is a fresh flower arrangement. If you're someone who has received such gifts, the kitchen cabinet under your sink may be full of old vases you've collected and stashed over the years. The next time you order flowers for someone, opt to send the bouquet without a vase. The reality is that most people have a container they can use, and they won't have the dilemma of what to do when the flowers fade but the vase stays.