Make Reusable Shopping Bags

Are you ready to see just how easy it is to make your own reusable shopping bags (while recycling clothing and other items at the same time)? It only requires a little sewing and it’s nearly all straight lines. If you don’t sew, you may be able to ask someone to teach you how or to stitch up some bags for you. Reusable Shopping Bags from Linens Do you still have a few bath towels left from when one of your bathrooms was a different color? Many of us do because towels are just something most people don’t get rid … Continue reading →

Go Green: Reusable Shopping Bags

Okay, so you’re being extra conscious of the things you use and trying not to waste resources or pollute. That’s great. If we all do just a little we can help make our planet a better place for the generations that follow us. While I’m still not convinced that “the debate is over” when it comes to global warming, I am glad that the discussion has led to less wastefulness. Improvement is always a good thing. With that in mind, you may regularly come across things that you can do without. What about “paper or plastic?” at your favorite store? … Continue reading →

Household Germs: Try this Hand-washing Test

You would probably be amazed to find out how many germs remain on our hands even after washing them. It’s not something we like to think about but the truth is many people rinse rather than wash, or only wash quickly and inefficiently. We also know that there are people who don’t wash up regularly, as we’ve seen them leave public restrooms without coming close to the sink. Running water helps to remove germs, so it’s good to keep your hands under running water for several seconds, rubbing them together. Even if soap is not available, the motion along with … Continue reading →

Handy Household Products and Gadgets

Some household items that are meant to make life easier do just that. I love a good gadget and the ones that work are just the best thing since sliced bread. Speaking of sliced bread, have you actually seen those little boxes invented for that purpose? My grandmother used to bake bread from scratch and refused to eat “store bought” bread. However, she could not cut an even slice for any amount of money. My aunt bought her a handmade, antique bread slicing guide (as they are known today). It was a simple wooden box with evenly spaced slots cut … Continue reading →

Black Friday Comes Early

Retailers intend to kick off the Christmas shopping season early this year. In fact, some will begin today, three weeks before the typical Black Friday shopping extravaganzas. With high fuel costs, and other prices (including heating fuel) rising, people may be more cautious in their holiday spending. Numerous recalls of products from pet food and ground beef to toys and even toothpaste, have also left consumers with a bad taste in their mouths. All of these issues have retailers worried, so they are trying to give consumers a little nudge with earlier sales. As unsettling as all these issues may … Continue reading →

Shopping Online or Ordering through Catalogs

Well, wouldn’t you know it? I’m here to brag about catalog shopping and Mary Ann’s showing us how to Tame Catalog Clutter. Those catalogs can pile up! I just hate getting rid of them. The good news is her system is simple, so we can all have less mess but still have fun shopping. The catalogs I do keep are quite handy. I think Mary Ann will be proud of me though, since I decided last year to cancel all the catalogs I don’t really need. I had the catalog clutter blues. They wouldn’t stop coming! Now, I only receive … Continue reading →

Is it Time for a Check Up?

This has nothing to do with going to the doctor or the dentist, so you don’t have to dread this kind of check up. This is just a discussion of routine maintenance for a few important home items as the weather changes and we move closer to the end of the year. Safety Equipment Check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Many have built in testers to see if they are working properly. Also, be sure to check the batteries, even in detectors that are wired to an electric power source. If the power goes out, it does no … Continue reading →

Make Lunch-making Easier

Don’t you just hate it when you’re about to walk out the door and suddenly you remember that one or all of your kids need lunch? While we usually try to handle this kind of stuff ahead of time, sometimes the time just gets away from us. As we’re signing papers and putting up ponytails, finding jackets and zipping backpacks, we realize that lunches need to be made and the bus will arrive (or we need to be in the car) in a matter of minutes. Of course, making lunches the night before is a great strategy when you have … Continue reading →

Do You still have a Landline at Home?

If you still have a “real” phone or a landline, you’re still like the majority of homeowners, but that may change before long. Many people are doing away with landlines to go wireless. Between cell phones and VOIP (voice over Internet phone) service, fewer consumers are utilizing traditional phone companies. In many cases, they are able to save a decent amount of money, since there are great packages some Internet and wireless phone companies offer. The plans tend be quite competitive with typical phone bills. In some areas, it’s simpler to keep regular phone service, especially if your Internet Service … Continue reading →

Extension Cord Safety Tips

There are nearly 5,000 home fires each year related to extension cord usage, according to estimates by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. While extension cords are a convenient tool, it just isn’t worth the risk of fire or injury to use one. To help avoid such risks, follow these tips as well as those offered in, “Home Safety: Extension Cords.” First, it’s wise to only purchase extension cords that have been tested by a reputable testing laboratory. The most well recognized is Underwriter’s Laboratory, so check for the UI on the label or look for other indications of appropriate … Continue reading →