Recycling Candles

I got lucky this year. My sister-in-law gave me a Scentsy candle warmer for Christmas. (I didn't even know what a Scentsy candle warmer was until November, but that's beside the point.) I was/am super excited!

But at the same time, I was a little sad because Scentsy doesn't have my all-time favorite candle sent: Grapefruit Vanilla. And what was I supposed to do with my precious candle? Throw it in the garbage?

Umm. No.

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First, I melted it down using a candle warmer. (Yeah - it took forever; one of the reasons I'm super excited to make the switch to my Scentsy warmer.)

Then I poured it into an ice cube tray, and set it in the freezer for about 20 minutes for it to harden. To remove the wax, I just wrung the tray over a paper towel and the cubes popped right out. (If you'd like to do the same, don't skip the freezer; it's the key to removing the cubes with ease.)

I got excited, and did the same to every candle in the house! Let's just say Justin is happy I've settled on one scent for a while...

***ETA:  Apparently, I've upset some people. When I posted this DIY idea I had no idea of the amount of traffic that it would generate, and I had zero intentions of hurting sales of any company or self employed persons, and I apologize!

For the record, I am a Scentsy customer. I really love their wax and this idea was just a way for me to use up some of my favorite scents already on hand. Unfortunately, I didn't know about the lifetime warranty of my Scentsy warmer, or the fact that using any wax other than from their company voids that warranty.

Also, for those of you who own other warmers or (taking the above into consideration) still want to try this trick, I haven't had any issues with the couple of Salt City candles I "converted." They have melted fine at the low heat, smelled great, and wiped out of my warmer just as easily as the Scentsy wax I regularly use. 

Daily Docket - Printable!

Okay. I made up a general version of my Daily Docket.

Here's a preview:

Here is an alternate link to download the file: Daily Docket

Daily Docket

About a year ago, I stumbled across the amazing concept of a daily docket on SimpleMom.net. At first, I started implementing her system, but it has evolved over time. (If you want to see the actual printouts SimpleMom uses, check out her Downloads section.)

First off, I didn't like having to print an entire page out every day. I felt that it was a little wasteful. I wanted something smaller that I could reuse over and over. Plus, I really liked her weekly checklist, but realistically, there was no way I could get all of that done in just one week.  Here's how I solved those problems:

I divided it up. I made up a monthly checklist:

Of everything that needs to "get done" around here at least once per month. I laminated it, and taped it to the outside of one of my kitchen cabinets.

I also made a weekly checklist with the things that need to be done more often:

And a daily one, with a very flexible "schedule" (with only 5 spots, because I really don't have more than that each day), and with lots of to-do spaces. I like to add things as I think of them, but don't really expect myself to accomplish all 15 in one day:

I put those two back-to-back and laminated them as well.

I started out using a dry erase marker, but a dry erase marker doesn't like filling in the bubbles. It starts to erase itself when you go over the same spot twice. Plus I would accidentally bump it and it would erase something important.

So then I moved on to a wet erase marker. And it proved to be much more "temporarily" permanent. But if I had it in the kitchen and it got wet, or Harvey drooled on it, or I didn't dry my hands all the way after washing.... it would smear all over the place. And when I would spray it down and wipe it off at the end of the day, inevitably it would get on my hands and take a few washes before it would come off.

Then my sister-in-law told me I could use a permanent marker, and it would come off with Expo Dry Erase Cleaner. It is the perfect solution. I use a fine tip Sharpie, and all my information stays put. Plus, I tried plain 'ol rubbing alcohol to remove it , and it works great too.

My lists are kind of specific to me, but if there's enough interest in a more generalized version I could make one up for download. Leave a comment! What do you do to stay organized day-to-day?

**EDIT: I've now made up a .pdf with the more specific-to-me-items omitted.**


To download, click on the little arrow in the bottom right hand corner, or click on the little printer to print without saving. Enjoy!

"Notes" Plate

Every year at our Christmas Eve party with the Keetch side of the family, we do a little gift exchange. The kids all draw names, and the adults buy (or make - in my case) a simple little gift, identical for each family.

One year I made magnet boards. The next year I gave photo blocks with each family's children on each side. Last year I made up perpetual calendars with everyone's birthdays and anniversaries already added in. This year.. I was stumped.

I mean, I love giving things that are useful or personal. And I just couldn't think of anything good. Then my good friend, Kim, got an early Christmas gift: a Silhouette craft cutter. I think I was just as excited as she was for that UPS guy to deliver her package!

We got together, figured out how to use that thing, and I whipped up these adorable plates (inspired by this plate):

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The black is just vinyl that we cut out using the Silhouette. I got the plates at Tai Pan, and I forgot to get self adhesive velcro, so I hot glued it on to the plate and the marker (literally like 20 minutes before the Christmas Eve Party...).

I love how they turned out!! (Kim - thanks for your help!)

Mini Watering Can

Use an old soy sauce bottle as a watering can. It it perfect for delicate plants like herbs or small houseplants. I used it when watering my wheat grass. Try it!

Done it lately? (December To Do)

 (image via here)

The get-it-done list for December... straight out of the "gentle reminders" section of my 5 years of Martha Stewart Living magazines. Started late? Check out the other months here.

• Wrap gifts as you bring them home. If you have the space, create a wrapping station stocked with paper, ribbons, tags, tape, and other supplies, and leave it in place throughout the shopping season.
• Stock your stain-fighting kit. This time of year is particularly perilous for tablecloths and other household fabrics; saving them from spilled hot chocolate, wine, gravy, and candle wax, to name a few, is a matter of having the right solvent, detergent, or other product on hand. For a printable chart of common stains and what you need to remove them, visit marthastewart.com/gentlereminders.
• Write cards early in the month, and mail them before the last-minute rush.
• Revamp your vacuum. This cleaning workhorse needs regular maintenance. If the rollers are tightly wound with threads or hair, unplug the machine, and use a seam ripper to cut through the threads. When suction power diminishes, you may need to replace the motor belt. Once every year or two, take your vacuum to a reliable shop for a professional cleaning and any necessary repairs.
• Get tips for tipping. Confused about the appropriate gift of amount of money to give to your mail carrier, hairstylist, babysitter, or pet groomer? Consult her guide at http://marthastewart.com/holiday-tipping.
• Organize paperwork. Store instructions for toys and appliances, warranty cards, and receipts in one place. Ask for gift receipts at the register, and tape them inside each package you give. (It's also a nice touch to include batteries with any electronic gift.)
• Avoid drafts. Plug air leaks with caulk or weather stripping to limit heat loss in your home. Hold a lit candle or incense stick near vents, mail slots, and window frames; if the smoke changes direction, there's a leak.
• Feel the heat. Save energy and keep your furnace running efficiently by cleaning or replacing the filters about once a month. Humidifiers can also reduce heating costs, because moist air feels warmer than dry air, even when the thermostat is set at a lower temperature.

Done it lately? (November To Do)

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The get-it-done list for November... straight out of the "gentle reminders" section of my 5 years of Martha Stewart Living magazines. Started late? Check out the other months here.

• Update your address book and holiday mailing list so you won't be dashing around looking for the information when it's time to mail your cards. If you like to send e-mail greetings, make sure your electronic address book is current as well.
• Have your snow blower serviced. You may need it at a moment's notice in the months to come.
• Iron table linens a few days in advance to save time on Thanksgiving. Place the smooth cloth and napkins right on the table, or if that's inconvenient, wrap them around cardboard tubes. use a large poster tube or wrapping paper roll for a tablecloth (fold the cloth lengthwise before rolling) and a smaller tube (like the one from paper towels) for napkins. Line up edges as you go, then cover the roll in acid-free tissue.
• Take stock of spices. With Thanksgiving around the corner, it's time to get your herbs and spices in order. Smell each one, and discard those that no longer have an aroma. And be sure you have essentials such as pumpkin-spice blend, cinnamon, and nutmeg on hand..
• Before you begin your holiday baking, clean your stand mixer. Wipe the base with a damp cloth. To clean the vent, loosen dust with a toothpick, then vacuum. How you wash the beaters will depend on the material: Stainless steel ones can go in the dishwasher, while those made of plastic-coated aluminum must be hand-washed.
• Plant pansies in early November and they'll add welcome bursts of color to your garden when spring arrives. Set seedlings four to six inches apart, then cover them with a blanket of mulch (no more than two inches). This will insulate and protect them on even the coldest winter days.
• Clean your oven in preparation for holiday cooking. Self-cleaning units, which work with very high heat, require little effort. Remove racks before using this setting, and wipe up residue afterward. For conventional ovens, try this: Use aluminum foil to plug holes leading to the broiler. Make a past of 1/4 cup salt, 3/4 cup baking soda, and 1/4 cup water. Spread it on dirty areas, avoiding non-enameled parts, and leave overnight. Use a putty knife or a spatula to remove the paste. Then rinse and wipe clean with a damp cloth. Hand-wash racks.
• Clean out the pantry and the refrigerator. You'll need space to store bulky items, such as large platters and the turkey.
• Save recyclable plastic containers. They'll be handy when you're distributing leftovers.
• Fall back. When you set your clocks back for daylight saving time, test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and change the batteries in each. Schedule a fire drill for your family. Also be sure exterior lights are working and no bulbs are burned out. This is important for security - and for greeting your guests on Halloween night.
• Clean the refrigerator and freezer. Soak removable pieces in warm, slightly soapy water; loosen hardened spills on fixed parts by covering them with a damp sponge or cloth. Don't use bleach or ammonia, as these can damage some materials. To eliminate odors, wipe down all interior surfaces with a baking soda-warm water solution (one or two tablespoons soda per quart of water)

Done it lately? (October To Do)

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The get-it-done list for October... straight out of the "gentle reminders" section of my 5 years of Martha Stewart Living magazines. Started late? Check out the other months here.

• Go apple-picking. A crisp, early-fall afternoon is ideal for visiting a pick-your-own orchard. Take along a picnic basket, and spend the day among the trees, gathering fruit. Then bring your harvest home, and make pies, applesauce, and more.
• Change the direction of your ceiling fans. While the standard counterclockwise direction provides a pleasant breeze during warm months, you should run the fan clockwise in cold weather. This creates an upward draft, redistributing the warm air hovering near the ceiling throughout the room, thus heating your home more efficiently. Most fans have a switch on the base to adjust the rotation.
• Fine-tune plans for Halloween costumes and decorations; carve pumpkins just before the holiday. Don't forget to toast the seeds when you're done. They're delicious seasoned with salt, but even better when spiced up a little.
• As leaves fall, rake regularly to keep the lawn healthy; then shred the leaves and add them to your compost pile. Also have gutters cleaned of leaves and other debris, which can lead to clogs and water damage under the eaves and in your walls.
• Don't wait until cold and flu season to get the medicine you'll need when you're feeling under the weather - stock up on these items now. Go through your medicine cabinet, and throw out any expired medications. Make sure you have basic first aid items, such as bandages and pain relievers, on hand, too.
• Prevent your drains from clogging by flushing them out once a week. Boil a gallon of water, then pour half of it down the drain. Wait several minutes, then repeat with the rest of the water. Should you have a drain that is already stopped up, try this eco-friendly remedy: Pour a half cup of baking soda, followed by a half cup of white vinegar, down the drain. Cover tightly with a plug or wet rag. After five minutes, flush with boiling water.
• October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month. Take this opportunity to schedule a mammogram if you're due. Women age 40 and over should have one each year - it's the most effective way of detecting the disease, which is diagnosed in more than 200,000 Americans annually.
• Fine green tomatoes. Before the first frost, harvest any tomatoes that remain in your garden. Let mature green tomatoes ripen indoors; place them in a paper bad with a ripe tomato to speed up the process.
• Change your sheets. Launder and store warm-weather bedding. Before use, refresh winter linens, such as flannel sheets and down comforters, by airing them on an outdoor clothesline.
• The bright side. As the days get shorter, you'll want to maximize the natural light in your home. Set aside an afternoon to make your light fixtures and mirrors gleam. Also clean your windows with a solution of warm water and mild dishwashing liquid, then use a squeegee to wipe them dry.

Auto Organizer

Sometimes it's hard to keep track of all the "car stuff". I mean, sure, there's a glove compartment for that kind of stuff, but let's face it: us women have plenty of other things to put in there as well.

I found a solution for keeping all the car information organized and easily accessible (while still leaving room for all that other stuff). Check it out!

Now when you get pulled over... you can pull out your registration and proof of insurance and impress that officer so much - he won't give you a ticket! (Okay, maybe not, but at least you'll know where all of it is!)

My tabs include:

• Registration
• Insurance
• Tune Ups
• Oil Changes
• Warranties
• Tires
• Maps
• Safety/Inspection

Happy organizing!

How to Fold a Fitted Sheet

In my spare time, I'm a massage therapist. Now, I've cut back quite a bit on my hours because of tending my nieces and staying home with my son, but just imagine how many sheets I've folded in the last six years. I've gotten pretty good at folding flat and fitted sheets alike.

Plus.. I'm sort of a perfectionist, and there is nothing like looking at your linen closet when all the sheets and towels look like the inside of a catalog. So, here's the technique (I'm folding a crib sheet here for ease of taking photos, but any size sheet works exactly the same).

1. Find the two seams on one end of a fitted sheet, and match them up - wrong side together.

2. While holding these two seams with your left hand, glide your right hand along the right edge (my thumb is touching it in the photo above) of the sheet until you find another seam and match it with the others. Do the same thing - pinch the three seams together with your left hand and use your right hand to glide along the edge until you find the last seam. Match it with the 3rd seam - wrong sides together. You should now have the two ends of your sheet as two "loops" with all of the seams matching up.

3. While pinching the seams together, glide your other hand with one finger between seams 2 and 3 along the edges until it comes to the loop where the sheet is folded in half. Straighten out the edges and shake it a bit and it should fall into a nice quarter fold.

4. Lay your sheet on a table or bed in a rectangle shape with the elastic curving around on the top.

5. Fold the sheet lengthwise in thirds bringing each side toward the center. (I only folded the crib sheet in half).

6. Fold your sheet width-wise 3 or 4 times depending on the depth of your linen shelves, bringing the top and bottom toward the center.

And you're done! Happy linen closets everyone! It's so much easier to do it than it is to explain it - so hopefully I made sense. If you're confused, leave a comment.

Done it lately? (September To Do)

 

 (image via here)

The get-it-done list for September... straight out of the "gentle reminders" section of my 5 years of Martha Stewart Living magazines. Started late? Check out the other months here.

• Clean radiators or heating vents before cold weather sets in. It's also a good idea to have your furnace inspected by a professional. He can check for leakage, replace filters, and condition the system so it runs at its best all season.
• Start sorting and washing summer clothes and organizing closets. Discard worn items, give any that no longer fit, and pack the rest for storage. Bring out winter clothes and inspect them. Check for evidence of moths; if you find any, immediately wash all items stored in that spot. You can stitch small holes closed in knit garments, but large holes may require professional reweaving.
• Have your cholesterol level checked. You should do so at least every five years; many people should be checked more often. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors. The American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association have designated September as National Cholesterol Awareness Month. For more information and helpful tips about maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, visit www.americanheart.org.
• For even wear, rotate your mattress four times a year. Alternate between flipping it end-over-end and side-over-side. This is also a good time to launder the mattress cover and, while the cover is removed, vacuum the mattress itself thoroughly. Air out the mattress twice a year (in fall and spring) by taking it outdoors on a sunny day and letting it sit in the sun for at least three hours. It this is not possible, open windows on a breezy day and leave the mattress uncovered for several hours.
• Dust ceilings, walls, baseboards, and woodwork at least once a season. This is especially important now, because dust that collects during summer is often laden with allergy-inducing pollen. A vacuum cleaner's long brush attachment is the best tool for this job. You also may use a dry sponge, but you'll need a sturdy ladder to reach high spots. Clean ceilings first, then work your way down.
• Will you be traveling during the holidays? Don't wait until the last minute to make arrangements. Research hotels and prices for plane, bus, and train tickets or car rentals online. If your dates are flexible, keep in mind that Tuesdays and Thursdays are often the least expensive days to fly.
• Organize medical records. Before your annual physical exam, compile your treatment history. This should detail any allergies and include your emergency contacts.
• Prepare your car for winter. Remove picnic items, beach chairs, and any other warm-weather essentials from the trunk, and vacuum all the traces of sand from the interior. Wax the exterior to protect against erosion from salt, and replace windshield-washer fluid with a formula that won't freeze. Update your first-aid-kit, and put jumper cables, a collapsible shovel, a flashlight, cotton work gloves, a heavy blanket, and an ice scraper in your trunk.

Babysitter's Handbook

I used to babysit - a lot. And I remember showing up, following the parents around listening to a mouthful of instructions, rules, and suggestions of what I needed to do that night. Then they would leave and I would forget half of it. It would have been so helpful to have a little handbook to refer to if I wasn't sure I remembered what they told me. So I decided when I was a parent, I'd make one for my babysitters.

Justin and I left Harvey with my mom for 4 days while we went to Bear Lake with his family. I printed up my handbook just in time for our trip. I have a tendency is to kind of overdo things. But I figure for something like this, I'd rather have too much info than not enough, you know??

Here are the things I included:

Emergency Info:
- our cell numbers & work numbers
- our home address with directions from the nearest intersection
- info about Harvey: age, height, weight, SSN, allergies, birth date
- Emergency Contacts
- poison control phone number
- doctor and dentist names, numbers and addresses
- where to find the first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, and a flashlight
- a copy of our insurance card (front and back)

Schedule:
- just a sample of how our day usually runs

Resources:
- a phonetic guide to words Harvey says. For example: "dee-uh wah" = drink of water. I can understand him, but it would be super frustrating for a babysitter and for Harvey if he couldn't communicate with him/her!
- Potty Time: where everything is located, as well as extra diapers/wipes, and where to put the dirty diapers
- Food/Eating: how to open/close the highchair, where to find foods, ideas for different meals, and where to find plates, cups and silverware.
- Nap Routine
- Bedtime Routine
- Discipline: how we do time outs, and other examples of how we do things

Let's Play!:
- a list and explanation of things to do outside
- where to find other things to do inside
- how to turn on recorded shows on our DVR

Rules:
- things that are off limits to Harvey
- tips on getting him to follow the rules

And finally, a Babysitter's Emergency Contact Form.

Camera Protector

I love to keep my little point and shoot camera in my diaper bag ready and available for those everyday shots. But I had a little problem: traditional camera cases took up valuable space with their bulky design, but no cover resulted in unwanted scratches on my camera LCD.

My solution? An old baby sock. Yeah - it offers the right amount of protection from the unwanted scratches, and doesn't take up any extra space!

Kool-Aid = Cleaner??

Yeah. I was skeptical too. But I paid 10 cents for a packet and tried it out.. and now, I'm a believer. Seriously, the citric acid in the Lemonade flavor (the only one that works) is great at wiping out stains. So, buy a little packet, pour the contents in your soap dispenser, and run a cycle with no dishes.

You'll have a stain-free, non-smelly dishwasher! Trust me. I tried it.

Done it lately? (August To Do)

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The get-it-done list for August... straight out of the "gentle reminders" section of my 5 years of Martha Stewart Living magazines. Started late? Check out the other months here.

• Preserve fresh corn. Slice kernels from cobs, and freeze in resealable bags for up to three months. When ready to use, boil until tender.
• Healthy snacks. Granola and trail mix make great portable energy boosters. Have plenty on hand for hikes and other outdoor activities.
• Beware of poisonous leaves. Most people who brush up against poison ivy, oak, or sumac will develop a nasty rash called rhus dermatitis, which is caused by oils in the plants. Learn to identify them so you can avoid contact. If exposed to one of the plants, immediately wash your skin with soap and cold water.
• Dress in layers. When outdoors in fluctuating weather, choose fabrics that wick away moisture. These materials dry quickly, keeping you cool in the heat and warm when the sun goes down.
• Canine comfort. It's not necessarily the noise and lightning flashes that scare dogs as a storm approaches; the buildup of static electricity in their fur causes anxiety. To prevent a static charge, rub an unscented fabric softener sheet over their coats at the earliest signs of a storm.
• Finish fertilizing. Be sure to stop fertilizing lawns, perennials, and woody plants by the middle of August. Any new growth that is encouraged late in the season won't be sturdy enough to survive impending cold weather.
• Refrigerate salad plates for an hour before setting the table. The chilled dishes will keep greens and vegetables crisp.
• Cover windows to shut out heat. Awnings our outdoor shutters provide the best shade. Indoors, draw blinds and close curtains on windows that are facing the sun.
• Before buying fresh flowers, gently squeeze the bases of a few buds, which should feel firm, and inspect the stems for mold. When you get home, hold the tips of the stems under water and recut them at an angle with a sharp knife. Place the flowers in a vase of three parts warm water - it is more readily absorbed than cold - and one part lemon-lime soda. The sugar in the drink will feed the flowers; the acid will slow the growth of bacteria.
• Clean sports equipment to keep it in good condition. You might find that you have items you haven't used all summer (or for several summers). Consider donating unwanted goods to charity. For instance, Boys and Girls Clubs across the country accept gently used sports equipment.
• Keep bathroom mildew in check. Use an old terry-cloth towel to wipe down the tiles in tubs and shower stalls after each use to minimize moisture.

Done it lately? (July To Do)

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The get-it-done list for July... straight out of the "gentle reminders" section of my 5 years of Martha Stewart Living magazines. Started late? Check out the other months here.

• Before you leave for a vacation, make arrangements for someone to mow your lawn (if you'll be away more than a week) and tend to pets and houseplants. Stow valuables in a safe. Ask the post office to hold your mail; it will stop delivery for up to thirty days. Also have newspapers held. Lock doors and windows, and dispose of perishable foods. And be sure you have enough nonperishables on hand for the night of your return.
• Dust blinds weekly to avoid a more difficult cleaning job later. Flatten the slats and go over each side with a soft cloth or feather duster. Once or twice a year, wipe wooden blinds with a few drops of gentile wood cleaner on a nearly dry sponge. Aluminum blinds can be washed outdoors: Place them on an old sheet on a slanted surface, and scrub with water and a noncorrosive cleaner. Use a hose to rinse well, then dry the blinds thoroughly with a towel to prevent rust.
• Raise the lawn mower blade height 1/2 inch in hot, dry weather. This encourages turf grass to root deeper and shades the soil, protecting the crown (where the stem and root meet) from heat stress.
• Just in case. Additional time spent outdoors can mean more scrapes and bruises. Prepare for minor injuries by assembling a first aid kit that includes assorted bandages, sterile gauze pads, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, and pain relievers.
• Vacation photos. During your summer travels, photograph things that could provide ideas for future decorating projects. You may find inspiration in an interesting piece of furniture you see in a hotel lobby, or a color you discover in a seashell or other natural object.
• Make sure your house number is clearly visibly from the street, especially if there are first-time visitors on your guest list. A colorful bow fastened to the address plate is often enough to draw the eye.
• Keep cool. The best way to cool your house is to create cross ventilation. Open windows on opposite sides of a room or floor, and, to increase air speed, make sure that one window is open at the top and the other cracked at the bottom.
• Lights out. When entertaining outdoors at night, turn off interior lights. You'll not only save energy but also discourage insects from lingering around doors, where they can easily enter as guests come and go.

Tutorial: Grand Ol' Banner

Every year we get together on the 4th of July with my hubby's family, and since it's one of my favorite holidays, I told them all I want to host the festivities at our house each year. I wanted to make a cute banner to display for the party.

Here's what you need:

• Fat quarters (18 x 22) of your choice in fabric (I had 6 different patterns)
• 3 feet of matching bias tape

1. First, I cut my fabric into triangles. If you fold your fat quarters in half and cut them this way, you can get 7 flags out of each piece of fabric. The two pieces on the fold can be put together to form one flag.

2. I didn't want frayed edges, so I sewed two triangles together on the wrong side, then turned them right-side out. They looked kind of small, but after ironing the seams flat they look just right.

3. Sew the bias tape onto one side of your flags. Open your bias tape up and sew your flags on with a straight stitch just to the side of the fold. I didn't pin (I hate pinning) I just added the flags as I was going along. If you're confused or you're a visual learner, check out this fabulous (and funny) video tutorial from Angry Chicken.

4. Fold the bias tape over and sew a zig zag stitch along the edge to secure it.

And there ya go... an adorable banner for any holiday or celebration - just customize the fabric to your occasion!

Done it lately? (June To Do)

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The get-it-done list for June... straight out of the "gentle reminders" section of my 5 years of Martha Stewart Living magazines. Started late? Check out the other months here.

• Open the windows and air out the house. Do this while you can take advantage of breezy days this month, before the hottest summer weather sets in. proper ventilation improves indoor air quality and makes the house more comfortable.
• Rinse swimwear in cold water after each use. This will extend the life of the suit (especially when you're using a swimming pool, as chlorinated water can cause fabric to fade and lose elasticity). Gently squeeze excess water from the rinsed suit - do not wring- and hang to dry.
• Brush up on sun care basics. Choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, which blocks out 93 percent of the sun's burning ultraviolet rays. Apply generously thirty minutes before going outside; reapply every two hours (if you are swimming or perspiring, every forty to eighty minutes). If possible, stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the hours of the day when UV rays are strongest.
• Go from room to room, cleaning ceiling fans and light fixtures. Bring a cup to hold loose hardware if you'll have to remove pieces, such as domes. Turn off light fixtures, and stand on a ladder or sturdy chair. Use a soft cloth to apply surface-appropriate cleaners (household cleaner or oil soap for wood blades, glass cleaner for light bulb covers, and so on); dust cool light bulbs with a soft, dry cloth.
• Organize a tag sale. Clean out your closets, basement, and garage. Sort and price items you no longer need. Choose a weekend to hold the sale, and post signs. (Check local ordinances to see if a permit is required for the sale.) Invite neighbors to join in, as larger inventories attract more customers.
• Purchase passes. Don't wait till the last minute to buy permits for the beach, the pool, parks, and tennis courts, and remember to inquire about parking. If you plan to take instructional classes, sign up now.
• Car Care. Have the air-conditioning, cooling system, tires, and brakes of your automobile inspected before any extended road trips. Then vacuum, wash and wax it. Stash extra coolant in the trunk in case the car overheats. When you hit the highway, prevent engine strain - and save gas - by observing the speed limit.

French Tipped Nails Made Easy

Want to know a secret to make painting a french tip on your nails much easier?

The key is using a nail brush. Okay, I know most of you don't have a spare one of those lying around the house... but I bet you have an old make up brush! The bristles should be kind of stiff.

Here is mine:

Start by painting white polish straight out (just like you would paint any other color) just on the tip. Don't worry about making it a bit messy because you'll clean it up with the brush.

Dip your brush into nail polish remover and run it right under where you want the white to stop. It will take off the extra polish and leave you with a nice, clean line. If one swipe doesn't get it all off, just dip it in again and brush a second time. I usually dip my brush and wipe it on the edge of the remover bottle as I'm pulling it out.

It's up to you how thick you like it. A real french tip is traditionally made with a curved line - starting lower on the sides of the nail and curving up in the center. It just takes a little practice to get the hang of doing the curve, but it's not hard!

Once you've done all the white, just paint over the whole nail with the light pink color and you're done.

Try it out! You'll save yourself 20-30 bucks, although I do admit the polish job is only a part of the reason I get a pedicure. There's nothing like having someone massage your feet!

Done it lately? (May To Do)

 (image via here)

The get-it-done list for May... straight out of the "gentle reminders" section of my 5 years of Martha Stewart Living magazines. Started late? Check out the other months here.

• Give your bathroom a makeover. Bring out light-colored towels, and have a while shower curtain in linen or canvas to give the room a cool look. Was or replace the curtain liner, if necessary. 
• Clean out your medicine cabinet every 6 months. Restock supplies, discard old medications, refill prescriptions, and replace any cosmetics that are aging (eye makeup, for example, lasts only three to six months). Make sure you have basic first aid items, such as bandages and pain relievers, on hand, too.
• Organize the pantry. Dispose of expiring items, replace spices and cooking staples, and stock up on nuts, olives, crackers, and other nibbles for entertaining unexpected guests.
• Clean the filter on your air conditioner once a month when you are using it frequently. This prevents dust and other allergens from accumulating. Turn off the unit, and remove the filter (refer to the manufacturer's instructions if necessary). Wash the filter with warm water and mild detergent. Let it dry completely before replacing. Also, vacuum vents of window units at the same time, to cut down on the dust that can clog its interior. If you have a central-air system, get it serviced professionally.
• Update your emergency phone list. It should include contact information for local police and fire departments, the poison control center, doctors and veterinarians, family and neighbors. Laminate the list, and post it near the phone. You should also program the numbers into your cell phone.
• Clean the refrigerator and freezer. Soak removable pieces in warm, slightly soapy water; loosen hardened spills on fixed parts by covering them with a damp sponge or cloth. Don't use bleach or ammonia, as these can damage some materials. To eliminate odors, wipe down all interior surfaces with a baking soda-warm water solution (one or two tablespoons soda per quart of water). Vacuum the coils of your refrigerator to remove dust and buildup. In older models, the coils are located in the back; in newer ones, look for them at the bottom, behind the front grill.
• Save energy in the kitchen. For the most economical use of electricity, make sure your freezer is fully stocked, but leave some space in the fridge for air to circulate and keep things cold. Check the refrigerator and freezer temperatures, using an appliance thermometer. The refrigerator should be forty degrees; the freezer, zero.