Ever had a good idea that just dissipated because you couldn't write it down? Keep one of these handy, and it'll never happen again. Moleskine journals are pocket-sized, acid-free, and just plain cool-looking. Hey, even if you don't become the next Hemingway, at least you can have fun writing down your grocery list.
Entertaining kids on cold winter days can be quite a challenge, but this home decorating tip could banish the boredom. Amanda Armstrong and Sarah Newell in Real Simple magazine suggest creating a wall mural with chalkboard paint. Paint simple shapes on the wall, let it dry, and then the kids can go crazy with chalk filling in the details. No more winter blues!
Araks Yeramyan, lingerie designer, reveals a good lingerie-washing tip in Lucky magazine. Fill a jar (similar to the one pictured) three-quarters full of warm water, add a half capful of gentle detergent. Throw in about 5 pieces of undergarments, and shake, shake, shake! Rinse until water runs clear, and hang to dry. Try it for hosiery, sweaters and blouses, too.
Visine can do more than just get the red out! According to makeup artist Charles Douglas in Ladies Home Journal, "Visine Eye Drops doubles as an eyeliner sealer. Apply a few drops to a powder eyeshadow, then pick up the dampened shadow with a fine eyeliner brush and stroke it next to upper lashes. The liner lasts for hours -- a better result than you'd get with water". What better way to make use of all those forgotten eye shadow colors at the bottom of your makeup bag?
I ditched my landline a couple of years ago, signed up with Vonage, and never looked back. It just keeps getting better. This Vonage V-Phone plugs into any USB port and turns any PC or laptop into a fully functional Vonage telephone, for $39.99. I'm adding this to my keychain!
For anyone living in or traveling to NYC with kids, this event is not to be missed. Carnegie Hall has a series of interactive family-oriented concerts aimed at kids between 5 and 12 years. At only $8.00 per ticket, it is a fantastic way to introduce young people to music. My husband took our 3 1/2 year old daughter and she had a blast meeting the musicians and seeing the instruments up close. She behaved like a real big girl, and came home talking about the timpani drum, her favourite instrument. Can't beat that for a cultural experience!
Did you know that you are entitled to receive one free credit report every 12 months? This website, AnnualCreditReport.com, sponsored by Experian, TransUnion and Equifax, is the place to do it. A good reality check for every busy consumer!
Celebrate the Year of the Boar with this noodle-filled Chinese New Year Chocolate Candy by Sammeiy on allrecipes.com. It's quick and easy, perfect as a party treat:
Chrys Solomon of The Homemaking Cottage offers up a simple concoction you can whip up from things in your fridge/pantry. Here it goes:
I'm always game to try natural remedies, so when my Dad suggested I try this Tropical Traditions organic virgin coconut oil as a moisturizer, I gave it a shot. With it's velvety texture and natural antibacterial properties, it sinks right into your skin. Perfect for soothing winter-damaged skin, hair and nails. (By the way, it tastes great in your oatmeal too!) Thanks, Dad.
My 3 year-old daughter refuses to wear anything but tights and dresses (since princesses don't wear denim, she says). Luckily, our reader Janet M. has turned me onto the perfect solution to keep her warm -- BabyLegs! They've got great colours and patterns and fit infants through size 10, so there's no chance they'll outgrow them too soon. Fashion with function! Thanks for the tip, Janet.
